Edge Davao Vol. 15 Issue 230 | Saturday, January 14, 2023

DENNIS ‘MR. SPORTS COMPLEX’ LAZO’S NEWEST ADVOCACY

INTERNET SAFEGUARDS

City gov’t intensifies drive vs online sexual abuse of children

By MAYA M. PADILLO

The Special Office for Children’s Concerns (SOCC) under the City Mayor’s Office (CMO) is intensifying its monitoring against alleged online sexual abuse and exploitation.

SOCC’e campaign is aimed at ensuring that children have no access to pornography when using the technology through internet cafes and “Pisonets.”

A “Pisonet” is an internet hub for internet users including children who only have a small amount of money to surf the internet and play online games.

Consorcia Ronquillo, head of SOCC, cited Republic Act 11930, known as the “Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials Act” which prohibits sexual exploitation among children.

“Mao na ang among ginasulong karon ang awareness campaign on

OSAEC to end this problem kasi silent na kalaban nato karon sa mga kabataan lalo na ang ilang pag eskwela didto na mag research online and then ang mga pornograpiya ang atong tutukan kay problema kini pag abot sa online abuse and exploitation for children,” Ronquillo told media

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BIR seizes P22.5-M smuggled cigarettes in Digos warehouse

An operation led by the Bureau of Internal Revenue in Davao Region (BIR-11) in Digos City on Thursday resulted in the confiscation of 820 master cases of various brands of cigarettes amounting to PHP22.5 million, a BIR special investigator re-

ported.

The cigarettes, recovered from a local warehouse registered to a person later found to be deceased, could have come from Malaysia, the investigator said. He asked not to be named due to “some operational procedures.”

He said the warehouse, located in Barangay Tres de Mayo, has been used as a “front” for smuggling activities for some time, and that the son of the deceased owner may bear legal responsibility over the seized illicit goods.

BIR officers who took

part in the operation said they will release Friday all information relating to the raid, including the identities of the suspects.

Earlier, Digos City Mayor Josef Cagas challenged the police and other law enforcement agencies to get rid of cigarette

SC’s decision

on

plebiscite ceding Cotabato City to BARMM hailed

The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) has welcomed a Supreme Court (SC) decision that dismissed a petition questioning the result of the 2019 plebiscite that included Cotabato City into the region.

“We are elated to receive the decision of the SC affirming the inclusion of Cotabato City in the BARMM according to the 2019 plebiscite,” Naguib Sinarimbo, the BARMM’s interior minister and spokesperson, said Friday.

“As we have been saying, the people have spoken. And now the SC has affirmed that popular voice of our people. In the end, it will always be our people who will win,” Sinarimbo, a lawyer, added.

In its Jan. 10, 2023 ruling, the SC upheld the inclusion of Cotabato City in BARMM after the Jan. 21, 2019 plebiscite showed 38,682 individuals voted in favor of the inclusion, while 24,994 individuals were against it.

“Subsequently, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) declared the ratification of the Organic

Law and the incorporation of Cotabato City in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region,” the SC said in a press statement released Thursday.

The SC said Amil P. Sula, Gaspar S. Asi, and Hussein K. Malik, Sr. filed a Petition for Certiorari, Prohibition, and Mandamus, with an Application for a Temporary Restraining Order and/or Writ of Preliminary Injunction on Feb. 28, 2019 before the SC against the Comelec, in its official capacity as the National Plebiscite Board of Canvassers.

The petition questioned the conduct of the plebiscite, the inclusion of Cotabato City in the BARMM, and the ratification of the organic law.

In dismissing the petition, the SC ruled that the poll body complied with the requirements of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) in conducting a plebiscite.

The decision emphasized the constitutional mandate of the Comelec to guarantee the proper exercise of the right of suffrage which the SC will not

A craftsman prepares a new costume for Sto. Niño at his shop beside San Pedro Cathedral in Davao City on Wednesday (11 January 2023). Devotees prepare for the feast of the religious icon on Sunday (January 15). MindaNews Photo

MinDA chief eyes to make Mindanao energy-sufficient

Parents encouraged to have their kids immunized at health centers

The City Government of Davao, through the City Health Office, is urging all parents to have their children, especially newborns, vaccinated in any of the district and barangay health centers in the city.

Parents are also encouraged to follow the vaccination schedule specified in the Philippine National Immunization Program (NIP) of the Department of Health (DOH). Following the NIP’s vaccination schedule ensures maximum protection of a child against diseases while assuring their bodies can properly handle the antigens in the vaccines.

Under the NIP, a newborn must be administered with the BCG Vaccine (Bacillus Calmette – Guérin or Tuberculosis vaccine) and the Hepa B Vaccine at birth.

At six weeks old, an infant can be given the PENTA vaccine which fights Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Hepatitis B, and Haemophilus influenzae type b diseases. They can also be vaccinated against polio

with the Oral Polio Vaccine which is given in three doses as well as the Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV). Vaccines given in partial are administered in intervals.

A child must be given two doses of the MMR Vaccine (Measles – Mumps-Rubella) at 9 and 12 months.

According to the World Health Organization, a child must be administered with all of the mentioned vaccines at the age of 1, to be considered a ‘fully immunized child’ (FIC) while one given all mentioned vaccines past 12 months are dubbed a ‘completely immunized child’ (CIC).

In 2022, Davao City immunized 74.4 percent of its target population of children. Of these, 56.4 percent are FIC while 18 percent are CIC.

CHO District Health Office A (Tomas Claudio) Head Vilma Gonzaga said that although the people’s opinion on vaccines is generally favorable, there are still several skeptic parents who need further encour-

By MAYA M. PADILLO

The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) announced that it is eyeing to make the entire island energy sufficient and sustainable.

MinDa chair Secretary Maria Belen Sunga Acosta told media that the agency wants Mindanao to become energy sufficient and sustainable by reversing its dependency from the current 70 percent fossil fuels and 30 percent renewable energy (RE)

into 70 percent RE and 30 percent fossil fuels or at least 50 percent fossil fuels and 50 percent RE.

“Ang gustong mangyari ng MinDA dito sa Mindanao yes umunlad tayo pero ang pag-unlad natin ay dapat sustainable at mag gear towards kasi sa ngayon

dependent tayo sa fossil fuels, which is about 70 percent fossil fuels and 30 percent renewable energy. Pero nakapa volatile niyan when it comes to fossil fuels kasi hindi naman tayo oil producing country so maho-hostage tayo nag-exportation at saka inflation. Ang gustong mangyari ng MinDA ay ang Mindanao na maging energy sufficient and sustainable. Gumagawa

tayo ng paraan na mabaliktad natin sana 70 percent RE and 30 percent fossil fuels. But the tall order kahit 50 percent fossil fuels and 50 percent RE. Baka mas workable yun,” she said during Wednesdays at Habi at Kape media forum.

Acosta is optimistic that the success of this 50/50 (RE and fossil fuels) goal is for Mindanao to not to rely on one source of energy

Anti-Bullying Ordinance undergoing revisions

Davao City Third District Councilor Lorenzo Benjamin “Enzo” Villafuerte disclosed that the proposed Anti-Bullying Ordinance is undergoing revisions by members of the City Council.

Villafuerte, the measure’s author, is hopeful

that the ordinance will be approved on second reading during the fourth regular session of the City Council on January 31, 2023.

Villafuerte reported on Friday that the said ordinance was not able to get the nod of the City Council last month, however, his

committee report and resolution were approved on second reading.

“Napasar na atong December 2022 ang committee report and resolution for second reading. Ang ordinance wala pa nakapasar kay naa pa’y mga corrections ang atong mga kau-

ban sa konseho,” he said over Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR) on Friday.

In July last year, Villafuerte, chair of the Committee on Civil, Political, and Human Rights for the 20th City Council, proposed an anti-bullying ordinance. In

Secretary Maria Belen Sunga-Acosta, chair of Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), says during this week’s Wednesdays at Habi at Kape at Abreeza mall that the agency is eyeing to make Mindanao to be energy sufficient and sustainable. Lean Daval Jr.

NTC warns against buying pre-registered SIM cards

The National Telecommunications Commission warned the public against purchasing pre-registered SIM cards being sold in the black market.

NTC Deputy Commissioner Jon Paulo Salvahan explained that the person under whose name a SIM is registered will be held responsible for any actions the SIM card will be used for.

“Kanino po yan nakarehistro ‘yung SIM po na yun at kung gamitin sa hindi maganda ang pre-regis-

tered SIM na ‘yan, kung sino po ‘yung nakapangalan nung nakarehistro ‘yun,” he added.

NTC said over 17 million or 10.47 percent of all 168 million active SIM cards have so far been registered as of January 11.

The commission also said it will be coordinating with other agencies to

bring SIM card registration to remote areas with limited communication and internet services.

Just recently the NTC, together with the telcos, went to an island in Masantol, Pampanga, one of the identified remote areas and conducted a sim registration activity there.

“Nagpunta po ang NTC kasama mga telcos sa isang remote area na qualified as remote area at sinubukan natin mag facilitate ng SIM regis-

tration doon nag-set ng booth ang mga PTEs (Public Telecommunication Entities) kung saan ang mga tao po nila personnel empleyado hg PTEs tinulungan magparehistro mga kababayan natin,” Salvahan said.

The NTC plans to consolidate the list of remote areas by Monday.

The SIM registration program will run only until April 26. SIMs not registered by this date will be deactivated.

45 farmer-coops get agri supplies, equipment from Bangsamoro gov’t

The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) government has extended tools, supplies, and equipment to 45 farmers’ cooperatives and five associations in the region.

“This to help the farmers boost their productivity and profit,” to boost their productivity and profit,” Mohammad Asnur Pendatun, livelihood unit head of BARMM’s Project

TABANG (Tulong Alay sa Bangsamorong Nangangailangan), said Thursday.

Project Tabang, which functions under the office of BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim, seeks to improve the economic activities of the region’s constituency, including farmers.

Pendatun said the supplies and equipment were distributed to farmer-recipients in Lanao del Sur and Lanao del Norte

from Jan. 10–12, while those in the provinces of Maguindanao del Sur and del Norte received theirs on Jan. 5–6.

The farmer coops are based in the towns of Butig, Piagapo, Masiu, Ganassi, Mulondo, Malabang, Madaya, and Bubong in Lanao del Sur province; and in Upi, Datu Blah Sinsuat, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Mamasapano, Datu Paglas, Shariff Saydona, Datu Abdullah

Sangki, Shariff Aguak, Pagalungan and General Salipada K. Pendatun in Maguindanao province.

Among the distributed supplies were rice, corn, vegetable seeds, knapsack sprayer, herbicide, pesticide, fungicide, foliar, fertilizers, farming boots, hats, and plow.

The distribution was made under the Project TABANG livelihood program, dubbed Oplan

IMF says financial tightening yet to ‘bite’ unemployment

Countries have yet to see the full impact of tightening financial conditions, IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva said, warning that central banks have some way to go in their inflation battle.

Global growth is expected to slow further this year, as central banks including the US Federal Reserve have raised interest rates to cool surging prices.

While sectors like housing have been reeling in the United States for example, the labor market remains strong with low joblessness.

“As long as people are employed, even if prices are high, consumers spend.... But we all know that the impact of tightening financial conditions is yet to bite, in terms of unemployment,” Georgieva told reporters in a briefing on the world economy.

“Inflation remains stubborn, and in that sense, the job of central banks is not yet done,” she said.

This suggests central banks may need to con-

tinue hiking interest rates, walking a fine line between easing demand and avoiding tipping economies into recession.

Doing so comes with risks, and Georgieva stressed the need to watch how tightening conditions hit the labor market and possibly translate into “more tensions between employers and workers.”

Governments have been quick to provide policy support thus far, adding a buffer between consumers and surging food and energy costs, but this policy space is “shrinking,” she cautioned.

The International Monetary Fund also expects the global slowdown to “bottom out” towards year-end, and for the world economy to trend towards a higher growth trajectory in 2024, Georgieva said.

The IMF maintains that a “global recession can be avoided” even if some countries see downturns.

But this is subject to an absence of negative shocks

Newly made cotton candies are displayed and sold outside a multipurpose building in the Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS) where a large number of residents attend a gathering on Friday. Lean Daval Jr.

PH-US trade relations to benefit from opening of USTDA office

Large investment opportunities expected to increase trading between the Philippines and the United States have been cited as the reason for the opening of a United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) office here within this quarter.

“To meet the demands of the Philippine market and in recognition of the potential in the Philippine economy, USTDA is opening an office in Manila,” US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson said during the Indo-Pacific Business Forum (IPBF) event in Makati City on Thursday.

She said the agency will conduct feasibility studies that “will focus on supply chains, clean energy, infrastructure and telecommunications.”

In an interview with journalists, Carlson said results of the feasibility

studies can be used both by the government and the private sector to help them determine where the interests of US investors are in the Philippines and where matches can be made.

She said not all US Embassies around the world have USTDA offices and the one to be opened in the Philippines “is really based on what we see as great promise between the investment opportunities and trade opportunities between the United States and the Philippines.”

The US is one of the Philippines’ top three trading partners while the country is the US’ 31st largest goods trading partner.

Carlson is optimistic regarding the increase in investment opportunities between the US and the Philippines within the Indo-Pacific area due also to the people-to-people ties.

NEDA 11 RD now heads MDDCC

The Regional Director of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) 11 now chairs the Metropolitan Davao Development Coordinating Committee (MDDCC) as the interim body to the Metropolitan Davao Development Council (MDDC).

The MDDC is created based on Republic Act No. 11708 known as the Metropolitan Davao Development Authority (MDDA).

The RDC XI made the decision through passing the RDC XI Resolution No. 165 series of 2022 which

Global oil price remains volatile but downward easing seen: stakeholder

Global crude oil prices are seen to ease this year, Phoenix Petroleum Philippines Inc President and CEO Bong Fadullon said on Friday while also warning that volatility remains a risk. Dubai crude, which is the benchmark used by the Philippines, is hovering around $78 to $79 per barrel, down from a peak of over $100 in early 2022.

Factors behind the downward trajectory include the US inflation seen to be slowly easing, which means the US Federal Reserve will likely implement lower interest rate hikes, as well as the peso strengthening against the US dollar, Fadullon said.

However, the prices can also be affected by the looming US recession, and the geopolitical tension between Russia and

Ukraine, he added.

“The market outlook for 2023, by and large, is on a downward trend but again there will be volatility... With uncertainty comes volatility. I guess the prudent way to manage is to be very careful in taking long positions… You don’t want to get caught in prices falling when you have so much inventory,” Fadullon said.

GLOBAL, P10

was taken up during the RDC XI full council meeting on Dec. 13, 2022.

Duly signed by RDC XI Chairperson Corazon N. Malanyaon, provincial governor of Davao Oriental, the resolution cites the need for NEDA XI Regional

Director (Maria Lourdes D. Lim) to continue “shepherding” the MDDCC which formerly was headed by now Vice President Sara Z. Duterte during the term 2019 to 2022.

With Duterte’s end term as the RDC XI lead on June 30, 2022, the MDDCC chairperson seat was rendered vacant. The RDC XI is duty-bound to run the MDDCC as it is a special body of RDC XI created thru RDC XI Resolution No. 72, series of 2017.

The MDDCC is the transitory structure for

Inter-LGU cooperation that serves as a mechanism for coordinated planning, investment programming, project facilitation, and monitoring of the Metropolitan Davao development initiatives.

The RDC XI Resolution 165 further cites the crucial work that NEDA XI Regional Director (Lim) rendered for the MDDCC being the vice chairperson of the RDC XI, at the transition period of 2022 National and Local Elections elected officials.

PH to expand durian production following $260-M export deal with Chinese firms

The Department of Agriculture (DA) will expand the country’s production of durian after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. secured a fruit export deal in China during his state visit earlier this month.

In a statement, the DA said Chinese companies including the Dole (Shanghai) Fruits and Vegetables Trading Co., Ltd./Dole China, Prestige International Co., Ltd.,

Shanghai Goodfarmer Group, and the Dashang Group made purchase commitments worth $260 million for 2023.

“One of the focal points of the discussion is the durian imports by China all over the world.

We are pinpointed as one of the sources that China would like to avail from, and they have allocated $260 million initially to start off the project from the Philippines,” said DA

“We hope and anticipate that this will be a major breakthrough that we should avail of, and [we] hope that we should be able to maintain a good relationship with China in the long run,” he added.

Panganiban directed the Regional Executive Directors (REDs) and the Bureau of Plant Industry

A vendor cracks open a durian fruit for a customer in Bangkal, Davao City. The Department of Agriculture (DA) said it will expand the country’s production of durian after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. secured a fruit export deal in China during his state visit earlier this month. Lean Daval Jr.

Senior Undersecretary Domingo Panganiban.

On the plan of the Mindanao Development Authority to make Mindanao energy-sufficient:

“Ang gustong mangyari ng MinDA dito sa Mindanao yes umunlad tayo pero ang pag-unlad natin ay dapat sustainable at mag gear towards kasi sa ngayon dependent tayo sa fossil fuels, which is about 70 percent fossil fuels and 30 percent renewable energy. Pero nakapa volatile niyan when it comes to fossil fuels kasi hindi naman tayo oil producing country so mahohostage tayo nag-exportation at saka inflation. Ang gustong mangyari ng MinDA ay ang Mindanao na maging energy sufficient and sustainable. Gumagawa tayo ng paraan na mabaliktad natin sana 70 percent RE and 30 percent fossil fuels. But the tall order kahit 50 percent fossil fuels and 50 percent RE. Baka mas workable yun.”

OLIVIA D. VELASCO President

SOLANI D. MARATAS Finance

JASPER V. BACSAL General Manager / VP Operations

JOCELYN S. PANES Director of Sales

PHILIPPINE

GREGORIO GARAY DELIGERO Editorial Consultant

MAYA M. PADILLO Senior Reporter

MOSES BILLACURA Sports Editor

Secretary MARIA BELEN SUNGA-ACOSTA MinDa chairperson

ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA

BACKWARD

In the annals of the undivided province of Davao, there was only one business (i.e., Davao Telephone Company) that could lay claim to being the first prewar firm authorized to operate a telephone system (as opposed to radiotelephony or radiotelegraphy) in the region. After the war, two other Davao-based, privately-owned enterprises, including Mati Tele-phone Corporatiom, were issued congressional franchises.

In Davao del Sur, the recipient of a statutory franchise was Enrique M. Reyes. He was granted a license by virtue of Republic Act 6097, approved by President Ferdinand E. Marcos on August 4, 1969. Subject to the 1935 Constitution and Commonwealth Act 146, the 25-year franchise carried ‘the right, privilege and authority to construct, maintain and operate a tele-phone system’ was

limited to the town of Digos, and the municipalities in and between the province.’

The franchise had many stipulations, among them to (i) convey electrical transmission of messages, conversations, impressions and signals in and between the towns; (ii) transmit messages and signals by means of electricity; (iii) construct, maintain, and operate and use apparatuses, conduits, appliances, receivers, transmitters, antennas, and equipment needed in the electrical transmission of messages, conversations and signals; and (iv) erect poles, structures, string wires, build conduits, lay cables, and use means of electrical conduction in, on, over or under public roads, rights-of-way, highways, lands, bridges, rivers, waters, streets, lanes, and sidewalks, and overhead or underground lines or on the

surface of the ground.

Even in erecting poles and constructing conduits, the franchisee needed the approval of the provincial board in determining which places were designated for the purpose. He was also required to see to it that the poles do not disfigure the streets, and the wires and cables carried by the poles and those cables buried underground cables follow the professional standards set by the Public Service Commission (PSC).

In case the poles, cables, and other conductors affect, deface, or alter the landscape, Sec-tion 3 stipulates the guidelines on how to remedy or address the situation:

‘That any public place, highway, street, alley, avenue, sidewalk, or bridge disturbed, al-tered or changed by reason of the erection of poles or other supports, or the laying un-

JOE ZALDARRIAGA ESPRESSO MORNINGS

der-ground of wires or other conductors, or of conduits, shall be repaired and restored to the sat-isfaction of the engineer of the province, removing from the same all rubbish, dirt, refuse, or other materials which may have been placed there or taken up on the erection of said poles or the laying of said underground conduits, leaving them in a good condition as they were before the work was done.’

In the event that somebody has obtained a permission to use a town street for building purposes and this affects the telephone system, the franchisee is notified at least forty-eight hours before the removal of wires or conduits, and the party prosecuting the work is required to pay half of the actual cost of replacing the poles or raising the wires and conductors or structures.

Moreover, the franchise

strictly requires that all the devices and gadgets used in the in-stallation of the telephone system are ‘modern and first class in every respect, and all tele-phone lines or installations used, maintained and operated in connection with this franchise by the grantee, its successors or assigns, shall be kept and maintained at all times in a satisfac-tory manner, so as to render an efficient and adequate telephone service.’

Compared to later telephone, electric, and cable systems, the issue of putting order in the way wires and conduits are placed between poles has greatly deteriorated, looking more like jumbled spaghetti strips and lumps. With the advent of companies involved in wireless telcos, efforts to bury knotty cables and wires underground have been adopted as the best solution.

Earlier this month, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) announced that inflation in December soared to 8.1 percent, the highest data since November 2008. The pickup was mainly brought about by the acceleration of costs in food, restaurants and accommodation services and housing.

This means that consumers will be paying more for the same goods and services previously afforded at a lower cost. Often, the rise in income does not keep pace with inflation, consequently becoming a budget problem as it minimizes our power to purchase.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), however, said that last month’s inflation rate could have already reached its peak, consis-

MANAGING INFLATION

tent with the BSP’s target, “before decelerating in the succeeding months due to easing global oil and non-oil prices, negative base effects, and as the impact of BSP’s cumulative policy rate adjustments work its way to the economy.”

The central bank said that risks remain on the upside this year due to elevated global food prices caused by higher fertilizer prices and supply chain constraints, as well as trade restrictions in the domestic front. Although this is the case, the BSP believes that these “are seen to be broadly balanced in 2024.”

The government, through the BSP, is already on top of the inflation situation. In the coming weeks, economists are expecting the BSP

to deliver more rate hikes to bring the benchmark rate to at least 6 percent and help temper inflation. Reportedly, the Marcos administration has extended the temporary tariff cuts on commodities including pork, rice, corn and coal, which would effectively augment supply and help lower costs.

As consumers, we too should empower ourselves with ways and means to survive the surge in inflation.

This includes basic habits such as budgeting wisely, pulling back from unnecessary expenditures, and if capable, investing in high-yielding assets such as bonds, stocks and real estate which offer far better yields than banks.

Looking for other streams of income could also help in-

crease our purchasing capability.

If in case it is inevitable to spend on goods, be mindful of the budget, and stick to it.

The bottom line is, inflation makes basic costs on housing, energy, food and transportation, among others, more expensive for everyone. If the daily budget is limited, it is crucial to create a strategy, cut costs on the things that we can live without.

On the part of the public and private sector, there is a huge opportunity to join forces and ramp up education and financial literacy to help Filipinos manage their own finances. Understanding the basics will lead to a better and more strategic decision-making when it comes to finances. In fact,

early childhood education can provide individuals with a strong foundation on money management.

During the pandemic, those who were financially knowledgeable and prepared for any eventualities were able to survive and thrive. The same can be said in this situation. Through an effective financial literacy program, Filipinos will be able to make sound financial decisions, avoid incurring debt, and most importantly, achieve financial goals.

(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 Presidential Communications Office.)

CHEERS TO MORE MEMORIES IN 2023

“Revenge travel” became a popular term after the world resumed its love affair with globetrotting.

Travel-hungry citizens’ appetite for jet setting is intense than ever as everyone is trying to make up for lost time. To the extent of splurging on extras.

Thanks to the easing of travel restrictions, tour operators’ bookings and sales are skyrocketing.

The holidays maybe the peak time for travel agencies but the members of the Davao Travel Agencies Association (DTAA) squeezed in their hectic schedules to gather for a Boho-themed Yearend Party at The Mangroves last month.

Every one came in their best Bohemian-inspired attire, including me, who was invited as guest.

The event was highlighted with the oath-taking of new DTAA officers administered by director Tanya Rabat-Tan of the Department of Tourism 11 (DOT 11).

And speeches from distinguished guests were full of hopes and expectations for continued rebound and recovery after a tumultuous ride.

“With the restart of

tourism, the tour operators are expected to be busy with different conventions and groups coming in. A number of Tour

Operators have expressed that their businesses have started to recover as early as the 2nd Quarter of 2022 and we expect that we will have more business this year,” said Pia Partoza Montano, vice president of DTAA.

To all the adventurous and the jet setters this month of January is a great time to start looking for your next big adventure and DTAA is waiting and ready to help you pick the perfect destinations to make more great memories in 2023.

Diagnosed more than three decades ago with diabetes, singer-actor Gary Valenciano injects himself with insulin, watches what he eats, and checks the sugar level in his system.

“I’ve had many close calls,” he told a news magazine.

During one recent attack, his wife Angeli was roused from sleep by his spasms. He was unconscious and minutes away from going into a coma. Instant glucose she carries with her saves him.

“Diabetics should never be alone,” he advises.

Used to be a disease of industrialized countries, diabetes is now rampant even in developing nations. In the Philippines, the prevalence of diabetes is approximately 4.6% to 7.2%, according to a study nursinganswers.net, which reviewed related literature on the subject.

“This figure expands to 17.8% after adding those who have pre-diabetes (impaired fasting glucose or impaired glucose tolerance or both) which has a prevalence of 10.6%,” it said. “Therefore, one out of every 5 Filipinos could potentially have diabetes or pre-diabetes.”

Unfortunately, diabetes awareness among Filipinos is very low, according to Dr. Roy Ferrer, an internist/diabetologist and former assistant secretary of the Department of Health (DOH).

Normal people have several misconceptions about the disease, he said. For instance, they believe that only adults develop diabetes and that the fatter children, the healthier they are. The reverse is

true.

“Most think that when a child is fat, he is healthy,” Dr. Ferrer explained.

“That’s a myth. Children who are fat have a higher possibility of acquiring the disease because they eat a lot of food that has large amounts of sugar, which increases the sugar level in their blood.”

A lot of Filipinos still don’t know they have it.

“There’s a potential time bomb here in the number of people who are going to develop the complications of diabetes,” points out an official of Novo Nordisk, a diabetes care company. “Only a few are diagnosed and treated due to inaccessibility to health care and medication, lack of government spending on health care, meaning patients have to provide for their own medication and education.”

Diabetes mellitus (its complete name) is a chronic, debilitating and often deadly disease that affects how the body turns food into energy. Normally, the food we eat is converted into glucose and used or stored by the body with little problems. Circulating insulin hormone stimulates the uptake of sugar by the body’s cells. But with diabetes something goes awry. The pancreas, which is the organ responsible for producing insulin, becomes irresponsible.

Actually, there are two main types of diabetes –Type 1 and Type 2. In the less common Type 1, the body produces little to no insulin. In Type 2, which affects 90 to 95 percent of people with the disease,

THIS SILENT KILLER CALLED DIABETES

can be a general feeling of weakness and tiredness.

· Skin problems. The skin, especially around the genitals, may be itchy. Skin infections are more likely, and cuts or wounds may be slow to heal.

Other symptoms include nausea and vomiting, blurred vision, drowsiness, cramps or numbness in the toes and fingers, and abdominal pain.

it possible to suggest that, after 15 years of diabetes, approximately two percent of people become blind while about 10 percent develop severe visual handicaps.

the cells begin to resist insulin and the body stops producing enough of it.

Unlike certain crippling diseases, which attack without warning, diabetes sends out warnings by displaying symptoms. Health authorities lists the following:

· Frequent urination and great thirst. When excess sugar in the bloodstream overflows through the kidneys, much water goes along with it, causing a person to urinate more often.

· Weight loss and extreme hunger. When much sugar is lost through the urine, it is not converted to energy. The body then has to get its energy from its fat and protein tissues. This causes loss of weight and increased hunger. The weight loss continues even if hunger has been satisfied.

· Weakness and tiredness. When glucose (like those found in fruit juices) is not properly used for energy and the body has to “feed on itself,” the result

Up through early adulthood, both males and females have about the same chances of getting diabetes. Recent studies, however, have shown that by age 30, women are more likely to get it than men; and between the ages of 45 and 65, women are twice as likely to develop diabetes as men.

If not managed properly, diabetes can lead to many other complications. Among these are coronary heart disease, kidney failure, eye problems including blindness, neuropathy and impaired circulation of the feet which could lead to gangrene development and amputation of the leg.

Findings, consistent from study to study, make

The Geneva-based World Health Organization (WHO) says diabetics are twice more prone to heart attacks and cardiovascular diseases. “Heart disease accounts for 75 percent of all deaths among people with diabetes in industrialized countries,” it points out.

Diabetes in pregnancy may give rise to several adverse outcomes, including congenital malformations, increased birth weight and an elevated risk of prenatal mortality.

Recent studies also showed diabetics are 17 times more at greater risk in developing kidney diseases, and for men, 50 percent more at risk of becoming impotent.

“Diabetes is a very expensive disease,” said Dr. Alberto Romualdez when he was the health secretary. “It affects all tissues and organs of the body. There is no known cure.

A cross section of prostate cancer (cancer.org)

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

Watch

Dr. Roy Ferrer, a diabetologist

INTERNET...

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during I-Speak media forum on Thursday.

According to the law, child sexual abuse is “any form of communication through any platform or format, or any physical interaction between a child and any person when the child is being used for any act or activity inducing sexual stimulation or for the purpose of sexual gratification or in pursuit of the desire to have carnal knowledge of the child, regardless of the gender of the perpetrator or the victim, or the consent of the victim.”

Ronquillo said one of the targets of their intensified monitoring are internet cafes and “pisonets” in Davao City, particularly those do not have business permits through the help of the barangay captains.

“And with the help of the revitalized police sa barangay gipakusgan

namo ang monitoring aning mga internet cafes apil ang mga “pisonet” kay naa ta’y balaod nga dili pasudlon ang mga bata labi na kung oras sa eskwela.

Halos tanan barangays including Paquibato District ongoing ang among monitoring kay bisan sa Paquibato daghan na ug pisonet. Kasagaran sa mga pisonet walay business permits ug dali lang i-install. Even some of the internet cafes wala’y business permit,” she said.

She said they also seek the help of the Internet Café Association of Davao (ICAD) and Internet Café Accrediting Board of Davao City (ICAB) in curbing online sexual exploitation among children in the city.

“Nag come up nata ug series of meetings with partner agencies kung unsaon ni siya kay kani ang pinaka bug-at na problema karon,” she said.

ANTI-BULLYING...

a privileged speech, he said “the fact that bullying exists not just in the traditional school setting but has extended itself in the workplace and even in cyberspace suggests that there is nothing normal about it.”

The ordinance also aims to strengthen the already

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existing national law known as Republic Act 10627, or the Anti-Bullying Act, which aims to protect children enrolled in kindergarten, elementary, and secondary schools and learning centers (collectively, “Schools”) from being bullied. By Maya M. Padillo

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agement to have their children immunized.

“Naay pipila na mahadlok na sa sugod pa lang, dili na gyud magpabakuna pero gamay lang gyud kayo na porsyento; siguro sa usa ka barangay naay isa or duha pero gina-follow up na namo sila from time to time to try to change their minds (There are some who are afraid and they refuse the vaccines but there are only very few of them; maybe in a barangay there are one or two but we monitor them from time to time to try to change their minds),” Gonzaga said in an interview with the City Information Office.

“Gina-awhag namo tanang mga parents, labi na naay mga anak na 12 months old pababa, na ipabakuna gyud ninyo inyong mga anak sa mga health centers. Kani siya libre ug accessible gyud na sa

NEDA...

tanang health center. Kahit asa sila na health center naa gyud ang immunization kay isa gyud na maka-prepare laban sa mga sakit-sakit sa atong mga anak gyud (We are urging all parents, especially those with children 12 months old and younger, to have their kids vaccinated in the health centers. This is free and accessible in all health centers. All health centers offer immunization because this will prepare our kids against the most common diseases),” she added.

All health centers conduct immunization on Wednesdays as specified in the NIP which designates every Wednesday as National Immunization Day. Health center personnel in the city also conduct houseto-house vaccinations to track down on those who missed their vaccination schedule. CIO

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She “shepherded the Committee and presided over its regular meetings beginning the second semester of 2022, as well as, acted on its day-to-day operations,” necessary to continue the initiative of the MDDCC for the Metropolitan Davao development.

The Key components of such development are the formulation of the Comprehensive and Sustainable Urban Development Master Plan pursued through a grant from the

Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the implementation of the Metropolitan Davao Development Authority MDDA.

The RDC XI hence has found value to the recommendation of the MDDCC, while citing the designation of NEDA XI Regional Director (Lim) as Chairperson of the MDDCC as “necessary for the continuity of efforts for the development of Metropolitan Davao.” (PIA XI, Jean Duron-Abangan)

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smuggling in the city.

Responding to reports that smuggling became rampant in the last few months of 2022, Cagas also called on the village chiefs of coastal baran-

DECISION...

gays to keep a tight watch in their respective areas.

The mayor noted that some smugglers are using motorized boats to deliver their contraband. (PNA)

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interfere with if there is no grave abuse of discretion.

The high tribunal also said the petitioners failed to substantiate with the necessary evidence their allegations of fraud in the conduct of the plebiscite.

“The mere allegation

MINDA...

alone.

that the inclusion of Cotabato City in the newly-formed BARMM was not the true intention of the voters of Cotabato City will not persuade this court to overturn the actions of the Comelec,” the SC ruling stated. (PNA)

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“For example, fossil fuels yan ang gusto nating ma-overturn but ang gusto nating ibala doon sa fossil fuel is marami, halimbawa hydro from waterfalls, solar from the energy of the sun, merong biomass, yung mga waste products ng agriculture ay puwede nating gawing fuel,” she said.

MinDA also wants to harness is Blue Energy, which is a power of the ocean or any water body that has the capability of making the turbines work and translate their movements to energy.

She also cited the research study of the group

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like growing social unrest and spillovers between countries, climate events, or a worsening in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

“We are now in a more shock-prone world,” she said.

While tighter financial conditions will have a “dramatic” impact on countries with high debt levels, Georgieva said the IMF does not see a “systemic debt crisis on the horizon.”

She added that a new global sovereign debt roundtable is set to meet for the first time in February, on the sidelines of a Group of 20 finance officials meeting, bringing key creditors and private finance together.

‘Stay the course’

Weighing in on specific countries, Georgieva noted that China needs to “stay the course” in reopening from nearly three years of a strict zero-Covid policy that has battered business activity.

China’s rebound from its latest surge in coronavirus cases since recently

PH-US...

led by Dr. Michael Abundo, CEO of OceanPixel based in Singapore.

Abundo’s Harnessing Marine Renewable energy (MRE) is a necessary step towards decarbonization and the growth of the Blue Economy.

“Meron na tayong mga research studies na ginawa the group headed by Dr. Mike Abundo, CEO ng Ocean Pixel that is based in Singapore. Natutuwa naman tayo na yung mga OFWs at experts natin pagdating sa kanilang kaalaman at expertise bumabalik sila kung saan sila lumaki. In this case of Dr. Abundo taga Davao siya,” Acosta said.

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Once a person is diagnosed a diabetic, he or she will be on medications for the rest of his or her life and will die a diabetic.”

About 40% of diabetes sufferers require oral agents for satisfactory blood glucose control, and some 40% need insulin injections. This hormone was isolated by Frederic Banting and Charles Best in 1921 in Canada. It revolutionized the treatment of diabetes and prevention of its complications, transforming Type 1 diabetes from a fatal disease to one in which long-term survival became achievable.

People with Type 1 diabetes are usually totally dependent on insulin injections for survival. Such people require daily administration of insulin. The majority of people suffering from diabetes have the Type 2 form. Although they do not depend on insulin for survival, about one-third of sufferers need insulin for reducing their blood glucose levels.

Despite medical advances with new drugs and insulin formulations, diet remains “the cornerstone of diabetes treatment,” to quote the words of Dr. Cynthia Chua-Ho of the Far Eastern University Hospital.

For many diabetics, a regular exercise program may be recommended. Exercise, after all, has a two-fold benefit for diabetics. First, exercise can take some glucose out of the blood to use for energy during and after exercise, which lowers blood glucose levels. Second, it helps delay or stop large blood vessels and heart disease.

“Your first steps toward a more active lifestyle should start with a thorough medical examination,” reminds the American Diabetes Association. “This is the only way to make sure your exercise program meets your individual needs.”

Those in Davao City can visit Dr. Ferrer at the New Central Lab Tower located in Quirino Street (second floor) from 9 am to 12 noon every Monday to Friday. You can also reach him at Ricardo Limso Medical Center Clinic at Room 112 in V. Ilustre Street from 1 to 4 pm, every Monday to Friday.

lifting lockdowns, quarantines and mass testing would have significant implications globally, she said.

The world’s second biggest economy used to deliver up to 40 percent of world growth.

“What is most important is for China to stay the course, not to back off from that reopening,” Georgieva said.

If so, it could turn into a “positive contributor” to average global growth by mid-year or thereabouts, she added.

Meanwhile, Georgieva expressed optimism over “remarkable” market resilience in the United states, with Covid-era support helping consumer demand in the world’s biggest economy.

“It gives some... expectation that the US would avoid falling into a recession,” she said, adding that a potential downturn will likely be very mild.

“For now, the dynamic seems to be more indicative for a soft landing,” she said.

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“People-to-people ties are really a strong foundation and a springboard for those types of investments and trade opportunities not just to recover from the pandemic but as I’ve heard President (Ferdinand R.) Marcos said to really accelerate and go beyond simple recovery, to revitalize and accelerate in 2023 and beyond,”

she said.

Carlson disclosed that USTDA has signed with Bell Labs, Nokia USA, and NOW Telecom a USD1.5-million letter of intent for the Philippines on Thursday.

She said the letter of intent, signed during the ongoing 5th IPBF, aims “to support clean and trusted 5G communications networks.” (PNA)

In general, “the nutritional requirements of patients with diabetes are the same as those of non-diabetic individuals,” she said. “A diabetic can probably continue to eat almost all the foods he likes with just a few changes.”

Before going to the clinics mentioned above, please make an appointment first with his secretary through the following numbers: 0967-988-6047 (Globe) and 0922-3298133 (Smart). You can also message him through Facebook messenger: Diabetes Care and Adult Diseases Clinic.

For tele-consultation, go to the Facebook search engine and type @diabetologistph. Follow steps therein and set an appointment

FARMER-COOPS...

Bangsamoro Rapid Assistance (OBRA), which prioritizes helping farmers, fisher folks, and other

GLOBAL...

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Phoenix Petroleum, Fadullon said, tries to limit new activities in terms of capital expenditures but instead focused on making the most out of its

PH TO... FROM 5

(BPI) to immediately identify the potential areas for expansion and formulate the necessary work and financial plans to sustain the durian export.

The DA said that its Regional Field Offices (RFOs) will also conduct capacity-building activities, ensure the production of market-preferred varieties, develop packing houses, and assist in marketing in coordination with the BPI and the High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP).

The Agriculture Department said that on

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vulnerable sectors in the region who have suffered the brunt of the two-year pandemic. (PNA)

current investments. Global oil price movements directly affect local pump prices as the country is an importer of the commodity.

January 4, 2023, the Philippines and China signed the “Protocol of the Phytosanitary Requirements for Export of Fresh Durians from the Philippines to China,” which opens up the Chinese market for 50,000 metric tons of fresh durian.

Initially, the DA said, the durian will be exported from the list of registered farms in the major durian production areas of Davao City, Davao del Sur, and North Cotabato.

Moreover, the project is expected to generate at least 10,000 direct and indirect jobs.

CHITO MALABANAN JABONG!

SENIOR GOLF MOMENTS.

tirement.

As I inched my way to the long line of golfers signing up for registration one September morning, I can’t help but notice the perfect weather that pervade in the lush fairways of Rancho Palos Verdes. It was the first day of the 12th Eagle Master’s Golf Cup.

“The sun is up, the sky is blue, its beautiful and so are you” says Lennon in his song, Dear Prudence. It’s a perfect day for golf.

I took my scorecard and slowly I eased my way out of the table but I was stopped by the clerk.

“Sir Chito, you took the wrong scorecard. Here, the one for you. The Senior’s . Ugh!!

It dawned on me. This is my first tournament as a Senior and

for the first time I felt that funny tingling sensation in my spine when I heard the word “Senior” bluntly and direct,,hahaha.

Welcome to the Seniors golf.

Actually, I have been playing seniors golf for a while, way past the age group mark but haven’t competed formally as a Senior in a tournament.

In layman’s term, the common stereo type description of older people, or shall we diplomatically say Senior Citizen connotes negativism; suffering from poor health, loneliness, physical and cognitive incompetency, unattractive and unproductive.

In the twilight years so they say. In the last years of a person’s life especially those spent in re-

It is so unlike in the golf world

In golf, once players hit the fifty five years old mark, they are considered already as Senior golfers But don’t get deceived by the description since just like wine, golf life gets better with age. Age is just a number and I can attest to that. Cheers!

The older they get, the more positive they are with aging and more adaptive to their limitations.

Thanks to the recent development in golf technology. As it evolved with time, it has become the great equalizer.

New designs were made for golf equipment, ball types, shoes and gadgets. Some were even customized according to the needs of

a golfer.

Age is no longer a factor. Stamina ,maybe? But golf courses are no longer designed for walking. They were now made for golf carts. Some purists still insist on walking including myself but the trend is heading towards the other direction. The distance from the green to the next tee box is getting further and rolling fairways and hills are becoming the norm.

How about the length? It still matters but as the old adage says, It’s not the drive but the arrive. Short game still is the thing and they say , senior golfers always have that veterans move.

The battle shifts now on the adaptability to the chosen equip-

ment as you hit those shots, on your mental toughness basing on the wisdom you learn from the mistakes of yesteryears and lastly on how to conserve your energy. Golf is hard but it applies to everyone.

It doesn’t follow anymore that young golfers have that advantage over the Seniors. Golf was invented to level the playing field ; make it equal for everyone. That’s why the handicap. That’s why the blue and the white tee.

There’s this phenomenon they call the paradox of aging, that even though physical health and functions may decline when golfers enter into Senior stage, their happiness does not necessarily. Fooooore.

FRED C. LUMBA SPORTS KEN

GAME 7 IS EPIC WAR

I don’t believe rumors that Myles Powell faked his injury to enable the heftier and taller import Andrew Nicholson to replace him enroute to the best of seven final series.

Brgy. Ginebra can stand on its own.

This much Pinoy PBA fanatics have witnessed in the Com’s Cup where the Kings led 3-2 at one point only to be tripped in Game 6.

This is where Powell came in to sub for the injured Nicholson who hurt his ankle in Game 3 and missed matches 4 and 5.

But these past developments are already a thing of the past.

Whether you like it or not, Game 7 becomes an “epic war” between the Trojans (Ginebra) and the attacking Greeks (Bay Area Dragons) at the 50,000 seat capacity of the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan..

The Trojans have nobody but Hector to defend the fort but the Greeks have the “invincible” Achilles on their side.

Still, the invaders failed to crack open the Torjans’ massive castle fortifications despite Achilles’ slaying of Hector in a hand to hand combat.

The historical parallelism may not be to your liking but I kinda look at the situation like the Drag-

ons brought with them a “Trojan horse” in the person of Powell.

The way he performed in Game 6 where his team leveled the series and extended it to a do-ordie match on Sunday, Powell did reflect the abilities of an Achilles, escaping against the tight leechlike defense of Ginebra guards.

Tim Cone - in a sense - lost the momentum he enjoyed in Game 5 and was temporarily shaken by the loss. The Kings almost but not quite did the Dragons in.

I reckon Goorjian wil field Powell again tomorrow because he attracts a double teaming defense where one of his boys is left open. This much happened sever-

al times and Powell, though unable to take his shot, was able to issue assist passes and how!

Therefore, plugging the loopholes must be in the drawing board for Cone and his deputies.

With LA Tennorio enduring a pain in the groin, Nards Pinto was resurrected and to stalk the hot shooting Powell throughout. Maybe Cone should tandem Jereniah Gray with Pinto to harass the bearded Dragon sniper.

How about Pringle? Stanley played sparingly and did not prominently figure out in Game 6. He could create some problems - as he did previously - for Goorjian if Cone gives him more playing

time.

Thompson might have over-extended his workload to overcome Tenorio’s limited playing time.

As usual, JB, Japeth Aguilar and Christian Standhardinger will man the boards against the hulking 7 foot five Liu who can terrorize anyone by just staring down on his opponents.

By and large, it is a fifty-fifty chance.

If any, the breaks in the last quarter and the dying minutes will help determine who brings home the bacon. (Email feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.) GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!

Dennis ‘Mr. Sports Complex’ Lazo’s newest advocacy

vocacy that Davao City should have its own sports complex.

I remember that year, Mayor Digong instructed his sports consultant Butch Ramirez to find a land where the future sports center can be built.

I believe there were around 16 areas that were identified.

As you all know, it took many years for Davao City to finally have a sports complex.

UP-Mindanao has vast tracts of land and eventually the sports facilities were built there and the hosting of a national sports event took place.

Dennis, whose radio program airs via dxUM Radyo Ukay, has now for days been calling the attention of City Hall’s sports development division personnel, specifically asking if there is an existing sports program for the City of Davao.

It looks like Dennis’ call for information has fallen on deaf ears.

The sports division has been supporting events organized by the local sports association heads and that’s laudable because local sports leaders need it. They need it because they are from the private sector and have been serving the sports community as volunteers. Wala man tawon na silay suweldo oi.

I understand Dennis’ concern because the sports complex if not used on a regular basis can eventually turn to a “white elephant”.

This has been a predicament of cities hosting major sports events because after that you’ll be facing the situation of how

to properly maintain the track oval, swimming pool and gyms.

I heard that the swimming pool, daghan nag lumot.

If that is true, then you’ll understand why Dennis Lazo has been asking for a sports program from City Hall.

Dennis is happy that the sports complex has been built for the use of Dabawenyos, now, he is asking City Sports Development Division personnel how to maintain it properly by implementing a sports program.

Kung sa radyo pa ni, walay dead air ba, kanunay on air ang programa like what Dennis is regularly doing.

With the absence of a sports project or program, that Davao City Sports Complex will be on its way to totally becoming a white elephant.

The Cambridge dictionary defines white elephant as “something that is expensive, or that costs a lot of money to keep in good condition, but that has no useful purpose and is no longer wanted”.

This can be prevented by discussing a plan with UP Mindanao sports officials, City Hall sports development division, local NSA leaders and the sports media.

Why not do it sports development division OIC Mikey Aportadera? I’m sure Mayor Baste Duterte will be supportive of a good sports plan.

You can do it!

* * * For comments, email mpb_ sports@yahoo.com.

The Davao City Sports Complex inside the UP Mindanao campus.

After our Palarong Pambansa’s coverage in Marbel, South Cotabato in 1996, radio reporter Dennis Lazo made it his ad-