Edge Davao Vol. 15 Issue 233 | Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2023

Young entrepreneur and artist Genevieve Dago-oc shows an Amigurumi keychain she made, which is part of her Genthusiart Crochet Collection, during PEP Talks at SM Lanang Premier in Davao City on Tuesday. Lean Daval Jr.

MADAYAW DAVAO

Davao City broadens delivery of service through new program

By MAYA M. PADILLO

The city government of Davao is expanding its delivery of services through its local new program “Madayaw Davao” on Wednesday.

City Information Office head Harvey Lanticse said over Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR) on Tuesday that the new program, which will pilot on January 18, 2023, will strengthen and broaden the city’s delivery of information and services to the Dabawenyos an-

chored on the 12-point agenda of Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte.

Duterte’s 12-key priority areas are poverty alleviation; infrastructure development; sustainable environment; health; education and human resource development; agriculture and

agribusiness; business and industrial support development; transportation planning and traffic management; peace and order; disaster risk reduction and mitigation; good governance through innovative ICT; and tourism and development and support services.

“Kinahanglan nato ug platform para mas mapakusgan ug mapalapdan ang pagpaabot sa mga impormasyon sa mga Dabawenyos ba-

hin sa mga programa sa LGU labi na kining atong 12-Point agenda sa administrasyon ni Mayor Baste Duterte,” Lanticse said.

Dabawenyos can watch the pilot program live, 7 a.m. to 8 a.m., through the city government of Davao’s Facebook Page and the Madayaw Davao FB Page.

Lanticse emphasized that the program will not only highlight informaFMADAYAW, P8

Davao City celebrates Nat’l Autism Consciousness Week

The City Government of Davao, through the Special Office for Children’s Concerns (SOCC), celebrates this year’s National Autism Consciousness Week.

Held every third week of January, the event aims to raise awareness on autism spectrum disorders, their various signs and symptoms, and the interventions that may be provided to persons under the autism spectrum to help them overcome any impediments to their development.

A person with a condition under the autism spectrum disorders (ASD) struggle to some extent with social engagement and communication, which is one of their defining traits. Other traits include unique patterns of behavior and activity, such as trouble switching from one activity to another, an exceptional attention to detail, and unexpected re-

sponses to senses.

SOCC head Consorcia Ronquillo said all persons with autism whose cognitive and social development remain very limited no matter what their age, will be considered a child in need of protection by the SOCC.

Ronquillo added that it is important for both public and private groups to work together in protecting the rights of persons with autism and remove the erroneous assumptions surrounding ASD. She said aside from an ongoing information and education campaign on autism, their office is also consolidating data from various agencies in the city to determine the number of autistic children that are in need of protection or any form of aid.

Meanwhile, in celebration of the event, the Brokenshire Medical Center, through its Child and

DOH logs 88% fully vaxxed in Region 11

At least 88.2 percent of the targeted population for coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccination in Davao Region are fully immunized, the regional Department of Health (DOH11) office said Tuesday.

As of Monday, DOH-11

said the figure tallies to some 3,348,331 vaccinated individuals in the region, or some 7,491,242 vaccine doses have been administered in the region.

Some 94.9 percent or 3,602,170 individuals have received their first dose of the vaccine that

included the single shot Johnson and Johnson jabs, the agency said.

Of the fully vaccinated, at least 18 percent or 684,397 individuals got their first booster shots, while 3.6 percent, or 136,295 individuals were administered second

booster shots.

“Covid-19 vaccination efforts are continuing throughout the region. Let’s get vaccinated, get your booster shots now,” DOH-11 said in a statement.

Meanwhile, some 104 new Covid-19 cases were

recorded from Jan. 9 to 15 in the region.

The DOH-11, however, said the latest figure is lower by 11.9 percent than the Covid-19 cases reported from Jan. 2 to 8, at 118.

Only 29 admissions of 264 Covid-19 cases

were severe and critical. At least one Covid-19 patient died. The health care utilization showed a capacity of 25.6 percent for non-intensive care unit (ICU) bed use and 49.2 percent for ICU bed use. (PNA)

A man unhusks young coconuts at a roadside store along Torres St, Davao City on Monday, January 16, 2023. Mindanews Photo

BOQ-Davao warns int’l travelers against fake e-travel websites

Tagum to come up with bible of ordinances, Rellon says

The City Council of Tagum will soon share to the public the city’s “bible” of ordinances and resolutions.

Guesting in the latest episode of Sayron Ta! Pakigsayod radio program, City of Tagum Vice Mayor Allan L. Rellon revealed plans of enhancing the transparency of the Sangguniang Panlungsod operation by compiling all approved legislations.

Aside from providing timely legislative support to the executive branch of the City Government of Tagum, Rellon shared his moves to make the legislative department “more effective and efficient, and more relevant.”

“The other mandato sa amua na paano kami directly ka-connect sa mga katawhan is the feedbacking mechanism and proper recording. So atu nang ipadayon tung gihimo sauna, katung atung mga ordinances atung i-complact gyud (Out other mandate is on how to directly connect with the people and that is thru feedbacking

mechanism and proper recording. So we will now continue what was started before, to come up with a compact of ordinances) to have the book of ordinances,” he said.

Recalling his previous stint as the City Vice Mayor of Tagum, he said his legislative team then came up with a compilation of ordinances retrieved since 2004 to 2013, and he intended to continue such initiative in his current stint as the vice mayor.

However, he wanted it expanded to cover the legislations long before his string of years serving as the vce mayor of Tagum.

Presented to him last week was the initial draft of the compilation of ordinances drawn from 1970s to 2013, though Tagum long existed in 1940s.

“So if we come up with the second edition, more or less, kana na gyud among pinaka-bible (that would become our bible),” he said referring to the compiled voluminous ordinances.

By MAYA M. PADILLO

The Bureau of Quarantine-Davao (BOQ-Davao) warned international travelers, who are planning to travel in the country particularly in Davao City to be wary of fake e-travel websites.

Dr. Noreen Espero of BOQ-Davao said on Monday that a number of international passengers who arrived in Davao City were victimized by fake e-travel websites.

In response to the InterAgency Task Force (IATF) directive, the One Health Pass is officially replaced

with the Electronic Travel (eTravel).

“Meron na nabiktima (fake websites), although, ngayon kumukonti na siya salamat sa information dissemination. Before in a flight meron passengers, nakakita kami ng tatlo. May family na hiningian ng pera in dollars. May

100 dollars, may 50 dollars and usually credit card ang gusto. Delikado kasi aside from nakuhaan na ng money yung important information pa regarding sa kanilang credit nakukuha na rin. Of course, we cannot refund that wala naman sa atin ang pera na yun. Mga family usually ang nabiktima,” Espero said during Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Davao on Monday.

She said a uy ju legit eTravel website does not ask for credit cards or

payment.

“Fake website really appears legit at ngayon nag-e-evolve na rin sila as they can also generate QR code and if ever you come to a website that asks for your credit card and ask you to pay, hindi na yun legit,” she said.

Espero reminded international arriving passengers in Davao City to always get a travel pass at etravel.gov.ph.

“For arriving international passengers,

10ID vows to wipe out remaining NPA rebel fronts in Davao Region

Major General Nolasco A. Mempin, commander of the 10th Infantry (Agila) Division ordered brigade and battalion commanders of the 10th Infantry Division (10ID) on Monday to finish “as soon as possible” the remaining rebel groups in Southern Mindanao.

Mempin issued his or-

der during the 1st 10ID Command Conference for Calendar Year 2023 held at Balunto Hall, Camp General Manuel T. Yan Sr., Mawab, Davao De Oro on January 16, 2023 stressing the total eradication of the remaining so-called Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs).

In a statement, Mempin urged members of the Task

Force Agila (10ID) to remain vigorous and resolute in all their efforts in establishing a Culture of Security, and deliver a strong message to all forms of threats that they have no place in the entire area of responsibility of the task force.

Mempin also emphasized through guidance the importance of intelli-

gence-driven operations in hunting down the remaining CTG; and sustaining the collaboration with the Local Chief Executives through the respective Task Forces in Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (TF-ELCAC) and other established mechanisms to prevent CTG resurgence

Bureau of Quarantine-Davao (BOQ-Davao) chief Dr. Noreen Espero warns international passengers, who are planning to travel in the Philippines and in Davao City, to be cautious against fake e-travel websites as many travelers who arrived in Davao City were already felt victim to this illegal scheme. Lean Daval Jr.

PBBM’s attendance at WEF an opportunity to lure investments

The participation of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2023 gives him the opportunity to attract foreign investors to do business in the Philippines, an economist said.

At the Laging Handa public briefing Monday, Michael Batu, an economist and assistant professor of Economics at the University of the Fraser Valley in British Columbia, said the WEF is an “appropriate venue” for the Marcos administration to strengthen its foreign relations.

Batu said Marcos’ participation at the WEF is an opportunity for the Chief Executive to put forward the country’s economic interest.

“The President can promote that our economy is being managed well--there are indicators such as our strong economic funda-

mentals, and we have a decent credit rating,” Batu said in mixed English and Filipino.

He added that the WEF is also a good platform for Marcos to promote the Philippines as an investment and tourist destination, and also to soft launch his administration’s sovereign wealth fund.

Batu said the Philippine business delegation attending the WEF also have the chance to meet their foreign counterparts and can explore partnerships through the networking

events at the Forum.

“The attendance at events like the World Economic Forum is an opportunity for our own business leaders to talk and network with the world leaders--the prime ministers, presidents of other countries--and other businessmen from different countries for them to expand their businesses,” he said.

Marcos arrived in Switzerland on Sunday for the annual WEF meeting in Davos from Jan. 16 to 20. (PNA)

Transparent procurement yields gov’t P681-M savings in 2022

The government’s total savings in 2022 reached over PHP681 million in 2022 as a result of transparent procurement, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said on Tuesday.

In a statement, the DBM said the government generated around PHP681,198,056 in savings in 2022, the “highest” figure registered

compared to PHP661.775 million reported in 2020 and PHP559.094 million posted in 2021.

“The savings are computed from the difference between the total market selling price and the PS (Procurement Service) - DBM’s selling price for each common-use supplies and equipment (CSE) item,” the DBM said.

“The total market selling price is based on the

lowest price gathered in the conduct of price analysis or verification by PSDBM prior to the conduct of procurement for each CSE item,” it added.

The DBM noted that for the past three years, the government has attained significant cost savings through bulk procurement and market price monitoring and validation.

PS-DBM executive di-

rector Dennis Santiago attributed high savings in 2022 to the government’s “competitive, transparent, and efficient” procurement system.

Santiago also gave the PS-DBM personnel credit for their hard work and sacrifice in ensuring competition, transparency and efficiency in the public procurement process.

“Under one PS-DBM,

TRANSPARENT, P8

AMRO revises PH growth outlook for 2022, 2023

The ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO) has revised its economic growth outlook for the Philippines for the full year of 2022 and 2023.

In a press conference Tuesday, AMRO chief economist Hoe Ee Khor said the Philippines recorded strong gross domestic product (GDP) growth in the third quarter of 2022

and robust economic activity in the fourth quarter.

In its quarterly update ASEAN+3 Regional Economic Outlook (AERO), AMRO upgraded the Philippine GDP growth forecast to 7.3 percent from 6.9 percent in the previous report in October 2022.

Khor noted that the Philippine economy is one of the strongest in the ASE-

LPG prices to rise in February

As China opens up its economy and with Chinese new year just around the corner, demand for liquified petroleum gas (LPG) has soared, pushing its contract price up.

This early, the LPG Marketers Association has alerted consumers of a looming price hike in

February.

In the Philippines, as a matter of practice, LPG manufacturers adjust prices at the start of every month.

LPGMA president Arnel Ty said there is no estimate yet but prices for February are likely to go up due to a drastic in-

A delivery rider of liquified petroleum gas (LPG) traverses in Lanang, Davao City. The LPG Marketers Association has alerted consumers of a looming price hike in February as a result of soaring demand. Lean Daval Jr.

DavNor positioned as “ultimate island to highland destination”

Diokno hopes WEF opens doors ‘more intensive’ partnerships

Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno on Monday expressed optimism that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s participation in the World Economic Forum (WEF) will open doors for “more intensive” partnerships that will help revitalize the Philippine economy.

Diokno touted that the Marcos administration has created a “more competitive and enabling environment” in the Philippines.

“May the next few days bring forth more intensive collaboration and cooperation towards genuine economic transformation,” Diokno said during the luncheon hosted for Marcos and Philippine chief executive officers in Davos, Switzerland.

The Philippine government is expecting a “strong” full-year gross domestic product (GDP) growth for 2022, most likely much faster than its growth target of 6.5 to 7.5 percent.

Citing the expected slowdown of the global economy, Diokno added that the Philippine economy is forecast to grow by around 6.5 percent in 2023.

“And that’s still one of

the highest if not the highest growth projection in the Asia-Pacific Region,” Diokno said, noting that the GDP growth for 2022 will be formally announced late this month.

The Philippines’ “bustling manufacturing sector, record-low unemployment, and stable and resilient banking system” can alleviate buffers against external headwinds, Diokno said, adding that these indicate that the country has a “resilient economy.”

Diokno said opening economic sectors to foreign equity, improving the ease of doing business and allowing the development of modern transformative industries will further boost the Philippine economy.

He also noted that the public-private partnership (PPP) will expand the “Build, Better, More” infrastructure agenda of the Marcos administration and yield more investments on top of the government’s goal to spend at least 5 to 6 percent of GDP on infrastructure.

Such initiatives, Diokno said, serve as “the backbone for the rapid and sustained growth for the Phil-

Nowhere

else in Davao Region can we find a place where tourists can enjoy highland to Island destinations. It’s only in Davao del Norte which has found its fitting position as “The Ultimate Island to Highland destination” in Davao Region.

Guesting in the Kapihan sa DavNor, Davao del Norte Tourism Officer Noel Daquioag was referring to the Island Garden City of Samal as a complete circuit of island destination by itself, and the Municipality of Talaingod which has been positioned as a tribal and cultural destination.

Alongside this “Ultimate Island to Highland destination” tagline, Daquio-

ag is also drum-beating the branding of Davao del Norte, which says “DavNor Experience Adventure and More”, capitalizing on its endowments of nature destinations such as caves, mountains, rivers and falls.

“Base makaingon gyud ta na adventurte jud ang Davao del Norte, but, dili lang man gud siya adventure daghan pa. We have also culture and traditions;

we also have agri tourism. (You might have viewed Davao del Norte as mainly an adventure destination but there is more to it. We have culture and tradition, we also have agri-tourism),” he said.

On top of the Filipino brand of service innate in all Philippine destinations, Daquiaog views the sustained peace and order situation as a “bedrock” on which is built the promotion of the province as the ultimate Island to highland destination.

“The declaration of Davao Region specifically Davao del Norte as a tourism and investment area,

is a very welcome development, pero ang capital nato ana (but our capital here) is we have also been declared as insurgency free. Dako kaayo ug kalambigitan ang peace and order sa pag anhi diri sa atung mga turista (Peace and Order is really a crucial factor of having tourists come into our place),” he explained.

Davao del Norte was the first province in Davao Region to have been declared as “insurgency-free” as a result of the intensive implementation of the Presidential Executive Order 70 on ending local communist armed conflict

PH growth likely exceeded target in 2022: DOF chief

Philippine economic growth likely exceeded the target of 6.5 to 7.5 percent in 2022, the Presidential Communications Office said on Tuesday, citing remarks made by Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno.

For 2023, the economy is estimated to grow

by 6.5 percent due to the expected slowdown in the global economy, Diokno said during a luncheon with President Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Jr in Davos, Switzerland.

“And that’s still one of the highest if not the highest growth projection in the Asia-Pacific Region,”

the Finance Secretary said.

Marcos, his economic team and several of the country’s businessmen are in Davos for the World Economic Forum.

Dioko said external headwinds could be buffered by the country’s bustling manufacturing

sector, record-low unemployment and stable banking system.

During his speech, Diokno also said the Philippines is “taking the first steps” in launching the Maharlika Investment Fund to support the goals set under the Philippine

oyce Cesar of the Department of Tourism 11 (DOT 11) promotes during PEP Talks at SM Lanang Premier on Tuesday the upcoming Mindanao Tourism Expo 2023 on January 27 to 29 at SMX Convention Center in Davao City. Lean Daval Jr.

OLIVIA

JOCELYN

GREGORIO

MAYA

MOSES

“The implications of a global health emergency or the public health emergency definitely will be in our borders and we have seen and that slowly we have eased our restrictions across our borders also and until now we are managing our cases.”

In

MARIA

ROSARIO VERGEIRE Department of Health officer-in-charge

Filipino Catholics are known for having sincere, enormous, and extreme expressions of piety considering that the country is the third-largest Catholic population in the world.

The colorful culture of the Philippines is best seen through the vibrant festivals which are essentially fusions of Catholic and secular beliefs and practices.

Festivals are prime manifestations of the Filipino’s fervent devotion and faith characterized by history, artistry, creativity, and passion

Processions and street-parades are organized, showcasing themed floats, dancing groups wearing colorful costumes, marching bands, and people sporting face and body paints which attract millions of devotees and tourists.

Historian Xiao Chua explained in an interview that Filipinos are “visual” people when it comes to faith and history who like to tell stories by acting them out in the form of mass gatherings like processions.

The month of January is the best month for festival hopping in honor of Jesus Christ, either

ATTY. DENNIS R. GORECHO KUWENTONG PEYUPS

FESTIVAL HOPPING IN HONOR OF THE BLACK NAZARENE AND STO.NIÑO

as the young Santo Niño or as an adult Black Nazarene.

After the Traslacion of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo in Manila every January 9, the main religious festivals in the succeeding weeks in honor of the child Jesus are Ati-Atihan of Kalibo in Aklan and Sinulog of Cebu (second weekend), Dinagyang of Iloilo (third weekend) and Dinagsa of Cadiz City (last weekend).

The Traslación is a reenactment of the transfer of the Black Nazarene’s replica image from Intramuros to Quiapo Church in 1787.

I remember my father attending the annual Traslacion until he stopped when he was diagnosed with diabetes. It will be dangerous form him to walk barefooted like the other devotees due to the possibility of wounds. He said that it is a symbolic gesture that emulates Christ’s suffering while carrying the cross to Golgotha.

Xiao noted that the “simulated choreographed craze” and the hardships of the devotees - the trouble and being pushed around during the procession - “is like showing God that one is making sacrifices,

atoning for his sins and making him reflect. ”

Large crowds donned in maroon and yellow shirts wave white towels in the air as they forcefully gathered towards the carriage as it crawled through the generally narrow roads of Quiapo.

It is part of their panata (vow) which is usually carried out as a plea to God or as thanksgiving for healing, blessing or granted wish.

They believe that walking barefoot, wiping the image with the towels, holding and pulling the rope of the andas, and even climbing the carriage, will get them closer to achieving their prayers.

Even if the Santo Niño statue is a diminutive figure, Jesus is depicted as a small king with royal regalia: crown, red cloak of intricate embroidery, with its left hand holding a cross-bearing orb (a symbol of Christian authority), while its other hand is in a priestly blessing gesture.

In Cebu, Sinulog is the ritual prayer-dance honoring the Santo Niño, which was the baptismal gift the Portuguese conquistador Ferdinand Magellan gave to Raha Humabon in April

1521.

The word Sinulog came from the Cebuano adverb “sulog” roughly meaning “like water current movement” describing the forward-backward dance movements. The dance consists of two steps forward and one step backward, done to the sound of drums.

In Iloilo, the word Dinagyang came from a Hiligaynon word “dágyang” meaning “merrymaking.” It was traced to the pact between the Datus and the locals after the arrival of Malay settlers and the legendary barter of Panay Island from the natives called Ati.

The main part of the festival is the Ati tribe competition which consists of a number of “warrior” dancers (who hold a shield in one hand and a spear in another) in a tribe (locally called “tribu”) dancing in a choreographed formation and patterns as well as chanting to the sound of loud drum beats and improvised percussion instruments innovated by the respective tribes.

In Aklan, Ati-atihan means “ to imitate like the Atis,” that is, pretending to be like the aboriginal natives that once

inhabited Aklan. The street parade is known as Sadsad, a form of dancing where the foot is momentarily dragged along the ground in tune to the beat played by the marching bands.

In Cadiz City’s Dinagsa, the participants of the street merrymaking are smudged with latex paint on their face while dancing with rhythmic beating of drums in honor of Señor Santo Niño de Cadiz.

Xiao noted that festivals reflected the faith that most Filipinos already had before the Spanish contact in 1521.

“We saw anitos in the saints, we saw anting-antings (charms) in our rosaries and crosses, we saw our dead in the Santo Entierros and Nazarenos and wipe them with hankies to get their power to heal. We sing the Pasiong Mahal like we chant the old epics”, he said.

(Peyups is the monicker of Philippine Collegian. Atty. Dennis R. Gorecho heads the seafarers’ division of the Sapalo Velez Bundang Bulilan law offices. For comments, e-mail info@sapalovelez. com, or call 09175025808 or 09088665786.)

Excluding Davao Light and Power Company, Inc. (DLPC), a pre-Commonwealth enter-prise, all the other franchises issued by Congress to allow the operation of an electric light, heat and power system anywhere in Davao region were issued after World War II.

Early in the postwar period, to get a municipal franchise to operate an electric light, heat and power system, the interested party must first get the accord of the municipal council through a resolution that required a concurrence of the provincial legislative board. Romulo V. Ramos, presumably a resident of Santa Cruz, Davao del Sur, went through the process before he got a legislative franchise in 1952 under Republic Act (RA) 788.

The rash to get a congressional franchise to open com-

ANTONIO

V. FIGUEROA FAST BACKWARD

mercial power lines in towns is a postwar trend. Most of those who were eventually granted legislative license with an author-ity issued by the Public Service Commission (PSC) commenced operating high-powered gen-erators for distribution of power to a few hundred residential households.

In the May 8, 1952, edition of the Senate Congressional Record, three of the legislative ini-tiatives submitted to the Committee on Banks, Corporations and Franchises chaired by Sen. Lorenzo M. Tañada, were from Davao, namely: House Bill (HB) 1899 was a proposed fran-chise of Miguel de Castro for an electric light, heat and power system in Miral (now Bans-alan, Davao del Sur); HB 1929, a franchise for Benigno Dalugdug to handle a similar project in Malita, Davao Occiden-

tal; and HB 1944, a license for Mrs. Rebecca Torres to operate in Padada, Davao del Sur.

Between 1951 and 1969, roughly a dozen franchises for Davao region were enacted into law. On May 15, 1951, RA 619 was approved; it granted to the Lumanlan Brothers Company a 25-year license ‘the right, privilege and authority to construct, maintain and operate an electric light, heat and power system’ in Panabo City.

On June 12, 1954, two franchises were issued, namely: RA 1016, granting a license to Andres Caballero to run an electric light, heat and power system in the municipality of Pantukan, Davao de Oro, and RA 1017, in favor of Alfredo L. Noel, in the town of Compo-stela, Davao de Oro.

A year later, on June 18, 1955, Congress passed RA 1351, granting a power sup-

ply license to Monkayo Electric Com¬pany, in the town of Monkayo, Davao de Oro. Four years later, an-other legislative franchise was issued to the municipality of Nabunturan, Davao de Oro, un-der RA 2328, approved on June 19, 1959.

On June 15, 1954, under RA 1112, a franchise for an electric light, heat and power system in the town of Lupon, Davao Oriental was issued to Mariano Nasser. Three years later, on June 22, 1957, a congressional license was issued to the municipal government of Samal ‘to construct, operate and maintain an electric light, heat and power system.’ On June 19, 1959, by virtue of RA 2322, the municipality of Babak (now part of Samal city) also got a congres-sional permit.

On June 18, 1961, under RA 3402, which was enacted without executive approval, an-other franchise was grant-

ed to Jose S. Magallanes; it was a 50-year license in the town of Tagum. This was repealed by RA 3402, signed into law on June 20, 1964, with the Tagum Electric Company, Inc. (TAGELCO), owned by the Ebro family of Davao City, as recipient. And, on June 21, 1969, under RA 5684, another congressional franchise was enacted, this time in favor of Mati Light and Power, Inc., in Davao Oriental; it lapsed into law without ex-ecutive approval.

On the part of DLPC, its franchise was extended on September 7, 2000, by virtue of RA 8960, and later given another extension on December 26, 2020, under RA 11515, which Pres-ident Rodrigo Roa Duterte signed into law. Its bid to expand its coverage in Davao del Norte, however, was vetoed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. on June 27, 2022.

POSTWAR ELECTRIC LIGHT FRANCHISES

MADAYAW...

tion but the delivery of service to the Dabawenyos.

He added that the long-term plan is to make the program daily.

“Ang tumong ani kay naa nay bag-ong atangan ang mga Dabawenyos ug LGU aron mapaabot sa atong mga kaigsoonan ang programa ug serbisyo. Kita sa CIO uban ang City Mayor’s Office

DAVAO...

FROM 2

ug kinatibuk-an sa city government of Davao ugma puhon aduna tay bag-ong programa nga idalit sa Dabawenyos ang pinaka bag-ong morning show na ihatod sa CIO. Sa pila ka tuig giubanan ninyo ang Byaheng Do30 ug kita naghinaut nga ubanan ninyo ang bag-og programa nga ginatawag na Madayaw Davao,” Lanticse said.

BOQ-DAVAO...

FROM 2

Adolescent Neurodevelopment Center (CANDEV), is holding a two-day (January 16-17) art exhibit showcasing the artworks of their autistic patients.

CANDEV head Dr. Ferriza Maria A. Isaguirre said that although children with autism “maybe having difficulties in certain areas of development” their artworks are “proof of their skills and talents” that also show their potential to contribute greatly to society.

Isaguiree said raising the general public’s consciousness of autism will enable parents to recognize symptoms of ASDs, adding that early detection is essential in finding the most appropriate intervention methods to aid the child’s development.

“The first step for them to reach their maximum potential is to be aware and to recognize and have a diagnosis kung ano ba talaga ang condition ng anak nila,” Isaguirre said. CIO

TRANSPARENT...

we look forward to achieving ‘procurement transformation,’ not only in processes, procedures and products that we procure, but the over-all transformation of PSDBM relative to its structure, system and human resources. I want a solid and over-all transformation of PS-DBM,” Santiago said.

Santiago also thanked DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman for her full support and belief in the potential of PS-DBM.

He ensured that the PS-DBM would continue procurement reforms and elevate its level of service to “greater heights.”

Pangandaman expressed optimism that the PS-DBM’s reform initiatives would help the agency restore its good

DIOKNO...

FROM 5 ippines.”

Diokno, however, acknowledged that the country is facing several challenges, hence, the need for the Philippine government to introduce its proposed sovereign wealth fund at the WEF.

He said the proposed sovereign wealth fund, or the so-called Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF), will support the goals set by the Marcos administration in the Philippine Development Plan 20232028.

“The fund, which will be established in keeping with the highest standards of accountability and sound fiscal management, aims to diversify the country’s financial portfolio,” Diokno said.

Support from Filipino business tycoons

Marcos is currently in Davos, along with the official Philippine delega-

FROM 4

name.

“Continue to foster hard work, integrity and service to our people, and ensure that the Filipino people get the most of every peso entrusted to the government,” Pangandaman said.

The PS-DBM, established by virtue of Letter of Instructions No. 755 issued on Oct. 18, 1978, serves as an integrated procurement system for the national government and its instrumentalities.

The agency is mandated to serve as the central procurement arm for the common use of government supplies.

Its creation is consistent with the adoption of a policy of economic and efficient manner in purchasing government materials. (PNA)

inform namin kayo na they are required upon their arrival to present to us that you accomplished the etravel. We would like to remind everybody that the registration is free kasi may mga websites that if you type etravel sa Google you will be directed to the sites that look legitimate and will ask you to pay in dollars. Whenever you are directed to a website that asks for your credit card at payment hindi yan ang legitimate na website of the country. We do not ask for anything,” she added.

Meanwhile, Espero informed arriving international passengers that BOQ-Davao is still implementing the IATF Resolution No. 2 on the entry, testing, and quarantine guidelines for all arriving passengers that took effect in October last year for Filipinos

10ID VOWS...

and further sustain the gains.

In an interview earlier this month, Captain Mark Anthony Tito, spokesperson of 10ID, reported that from January 1 to December 31, 2022, 10ID dismantled four guerilla fronts (GF Alip, GF 2, GF 3 & GF 18); four sub-regional committees (SRC 1, SRC 2, SRC 4 & SRC 5); and three NPA verti-

LPG...

FROM 3

and foreign nationals who are fully vaccinated, unvaccinated, partially vaccinated or whose vaccination status cannot be independently validated.

“In summary, kapag fully vaccinated ang dumating, Filipino o foreigner, wala na kailangan na required test from us but kung ang darating ay partially vaccinated and unvaccinated or we cannot verify ang kanyang status of vaccination hahanapan namin siya ng rapid antigen test that could be done within 24 hours. If ever wala pa rin siyang mapresent na rapid antigen test (RAT), magka-conduct ng RAT sa kanyang arrival. Test upon arrival ang ginagawa. Wala na tayong mandatory quarantine period basta they can present a negative rapid antigen test within 24 hours,” Espero said.

FROM 3

cal units (Sub-Regional Guerilla Unit of SRC 2, SRGU of SRC 5 & Regional Sentro De Grabidad of the Regional Operations Command).

He added that during the said period, 34 encounters were recorded and neutralized 445 Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs), wherein 19 were killed, 27 captured, and 399 surrendered. By Maya M. Padillo

LEBRON...

FROM 11

matter,” Kerr added. “Everybody’s got excuses, everyone’s got injuries with guys in and out of the rotation. We just got to do better.”

The Western Conference leading Denver Nuggets beat the Orlando Magic 119-116 with Nikola Jokic getting the deciding three-pointer with 1.2 seconds left.

Jokic produced his 12th triple double of the season with 17 points, ten rebounds and 14 assists.

Julius Randle scored a season-high 42 points

TAGUM...

FROM 4

crease in demand from China as it revives its economy despite rising COVID cases.

Ty also divulged that suppliers have advised them that shipments will be delayed for 2-3 weeks due to the spike in demand but the situation is manageable.

Meanwhile, oil firms have announced price increase for diesel and gasoline Tuesday.

Diesel prices will be higher by P0.50 and gasoline by P0.95. Kerosene, meanwhile will have a rollback of P0.15/L.

FROM

Rellon shared his excitement of this project as the compilation of ordinances would not be only produced in hard-bound copies but would also be digitized.

“So mao na ang purpose namo na maging more transparent mi, more easy to access. You will know kung unsay mga balaod, and will also guide pud sa atuang legislator kung i- upgrade, i-update, i-amend and come up with new legislations,” he ex-

AMRO...

as the New York Knicks bagged their third straight victory with a 117-104 defeat of Detroit.

Randle also hauled in 15 rebounds while teammate Jalen Brunson finished with 27 points in a comfortable victory for the Knicks, who are sixth in the Eastern Conference table.

Damian Lillard scored 40 points for the Portland Trail Blazers as they beat the Dallas Mavericks 140123. Mavericks’ Slovenian star Luka Doncic was rested for the game

3

plained.

Through the local area network (LAN), the Sangguniang Panglungsod will provide access to various city government offices in the executive branch of the city government.

Researchers and students who would want to browse through and pick up references from this compilation of legislations shall also be provided access to the document, Rellon said. (Jean Duron-Abangan, PIA XI)

FROM 4

AN+3 (China, Japan, South Korea) region in 2022, only behind Malaysia with GDP outlook of 8.4 percent and Vietnam at 8 percent.

On the other hand, AMRO revised its GDP forecast for the Philippines in 2023 downward to 6.2 percent from 6.3 percent in its October 2022 report.

Khor said despite the downgrade in GDP outlook this year, the Philippines is still seen as one of the top performing economies in the region.

downside risk for the Philippine economy this 2023.

“Inflation is relatively high that’s because unlike other countries, the Philippines has no rice subsidies,” Khor said.

He added that the AMRO supports the monetary policy of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to counter inflation.

tion, to highlight the Philippines’ economic gains and bring home more investment pledges.

Seven of the Philippines’ biggest business leaders joined the Philippine delegation in Davos to show support for Marcos’ inaugural participation in WEF.

Business tycoons who flew to Switzerland were Sabin Aboitiz (Aboitiz), Kevin Andrew Tan (Alliance Global), Jaime Zobel de Ayala (Ayala Group), Lance Gokongwei (JG Summit Holdings), Ramon Ang (San Miguel Corp.), Teresita Sy-Coson (SM Investments), and Enrique Razon (International Container Terminal), Communications Secretary Cheloy Garafil said.

“Seven of the country’s biggest businessmen are in Davos to support President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s inaugural par-

“Probably because of the demand nagkakaroon ng maraming loading sa kanilang facilities that causes delay,” Ty said. “We need lang proper management over the inventory ginagawa na namin this early kaya no need to worry.”

Under the law, LPG manufacturers are required to maintain at least 7 days of inventory.

DOE Assistant Director Rodela Romero said international prices went up due to the increase in demand from China despite the announcement of the International Monetary Fund of a looming global recession.

“Malaki ang tsansa na magtutuloy-tuloy kung ang China ay aggressive ang kanilang movemement para itaas ang kanilang o pagbalik ng kanilang fuel demand,” Romero said.

Development Plan 2023 to 2028, the OPS said.

“The fund, which will be established in keeping with the highest standards of accountability and sound fiscal management, aims to diversify the country’s financial

ticipation in the 2023 Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum,” Garafil said in a statement.

Marcos, in an interview with the media en route to Switzerland, said he was looking forward to “expanding and expounding” the significant strides achieved by

portfolio,” the DOF chief said.

“May the next few days bring forth more intensive collaboration and cooperation towards genuine economic transformation,” the DOF secretary said.

his administration in the question-and-answer event at the WEF.

Aside from the question-and-answer with the audience, Marcos also hoped to have “pullaside” or “pull-away” meetings on the sidelines of the WEF annual meeting.

He added that the slight revision in the economic outlook for the Philippines tracks the adjustments in most of the economies in the ASEAN+3 region, except for Cambodia with a maintained outlook and Vietnam with higher GDP projection.

“We see a normalization of growth this year from a very high growth last year,” he said.

The AMRO chief economist said the faster increase in prices of goods and services remains a

DAVNOR...

For 2022, AMRO projected inflation rate for the Philippines at 5.8 percent, a 0.7 percentage point increase from its previous forecast of 5.1 percent, before it eases to 4.3 percent this year.

The latest, AERO noted that the spike in energy prices is becoming a risk to inflation and GDP growth for the ASEAN+3.

Other headwinds for the region in the short term include a more virulent Covid-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) variant, slower-than-expected recovery in China, and sharper slowdown in the United States.

(PNA)

FROM 5

(ELCAC) with which Provincial Governor Edwin I. Jubahib had been actively involved.

Meanwhile, Daquioag guaranteed the readiness of Davao del Norte to host the visits of local and foreign tourists. He cited the 10 completed tourist destination projects developed through the P200 million funds that the provincial government distributed to each component LGUs at the height of the pandemic period.

While tourism got slumped due to restricted travels, the Provincial Government through the

provincial tourism office planned a way forward for tourism that was fully supported by Governor Jubahib, Daquioag said.

“When pandemic started we also started to plan more, that’s why we came up with the provincial tourism development plan. …Ang atuang halangdon Governornador niingon na mas maayo siguro nga ang atung paninduton ang mga tourism sites and existing tourism sites ug atung i-develop ang emerging and potential sites,” Daquioag revealed. (Jean Duron Abangan, PIA XI)

LeBron James passes historic 38K mark but Lakers lose again

LOS

ANGELES -- LeBron James became only the second player in NBA history to score more than 38,000 career points on Sunday but his Los Angeles Lakers fell to a third straight defeat with a 113112 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers.

James is now second only to fellow Laker Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s record of 38,387 points on the NBA’s all-time career scoring list and he is expected to surpass that total in the coming weeks.

James put up 35 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds for the Lakers, passing the 38,000-mark in the first quarter, and his

achievement was acknowledged by the crowd and players.

But after the game ended in defeat for the Lakers, with Joel Embiid getting 35 points and 11 rebounds for the 76ers, James was in no mood to reflect on his personal milestone.

Asked whether he had thoughts on the achievement he replied simply in

the negative and chose to reflect on his team’s disappointing form.

“It’s just frustrating to get into those positions and not come out with a victory,” said James.

Russell Westbrook was unable to make a play in the final seconds of the game for the Lakers.

“We got a stop, gave ourselves a chance to win the game and didn’t,” he said.

Nikola Vucevic produced a 43-point masterpiece as the Chicago Bulls overpowered the slumping NBA champion Golden State Warriors 132-118 on

Sunday Montenegrin star Vucevic bagged his ninth straight double-double after stepping up in the absence of injured DeMar DeRozan to help the Bulls snap a three-game losing streak at Chicago’s United Center.

Vucevic’s performance was the centerpiece of a balanced all-round offensive display by Chicago, who saw six players finish with double-digit points tallies.

Zach LaVine added 27 points while Alex Caruso and Ayo Dosunmu had 12 points apiece. Coby White

added 15 from the bench.

“I got going really early,” said Vucevic after going 18for-31 from the field with five three-pointers. “It’s hard to explain. You just get this feeling within yourself that it’s kinda gonna be your night and you just play.

“We really moved the ball. We really played aggressively offensively and I was able to get into my spots.”

The victory was the perfect tonic for the Bulls (20-24) as they now head to Paris next week for a regular season fixture against the Detroit Pistons

on Thursday.

- Alarm bellBut the loss was another alarm bell for the struggling Warriors, the reigning NBA champions who are in eighth place in the Western Conference standings with a 21-22 record.

Klay Thompson led the Golden State scoring with 26 points but the Warriors were left counting the cost of 23 turnovers.

“We’re having trouble stacking good decision upon good decision,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said.

“You can make all kinds of excuses but it doesn’t

FLEBRON,

PFL 2022-23 season to resume in Feb.

Kaya

FC-Iloilo will try to keep its winning form when the Philippines Football League (PFL) 2022-2023 season presented by Qatar Airways resumes next month.

Kaya FC-Iloilo, sporting a 10-2 (win-loss) record, will host Dynamic Herb Cebu FC in the tournament’s first out-of-town match at the Iloilo Sports Complex on Feb. 19.

Mendiola FC 1991 will be up against United City FC and Maharlika Manila FC will battle Stallion Laguna FC on Feb. 18. The

kickoff schedule will be announced soon.

The first half of the season featured 39 matches, including two which are under deliberation by the tournament committee.

Kaya FC-Iloilo is on top of the standings with 30 points. United City is in second place with 24 points while Dynamic Herb Cebu is third with 21 points.

The Azkals Development Team and Stallion Laguna have identical 15 points followed by Mendiola (6 points) and Ma-

harlika Manila (1 point).

For the first time since 2019, games were played out of town with Kaya nipping United City, 2-1, at the Iloilo Sports Complex on Nov. 12 last year. Dynamic Herb Cebu battled Kaya and United City at the Dynamic HERB Sports Complex in Talisay, Cebu, while United City FC debuted at the New Clark City Athletics Stadium against Azkals Development Team and Stallion Laguna.

“The Philippines Football League has already made its return to the do-

mestic football scene last year and we are delighted to have witnessed league matches already played in front of capacity crowds in Iloilo and in Cebu. We hope that this trend reinvigorates fan support when the second half of league action kicks off next month,” said Philippine Football Federation (PFF) President Mariano Araneta in a news release on Monday.

The second half of the PFL will run from Feb. 18 to June 11 with 43 matches.

“We have a tight season ahead of us in the second half of the league season. We have seen clubs host their league matches in their respective nominated home venues, and this will result in increased visibility and fan support this season,” remarked PFF general secretary Atty. Edwin Gastanes.

The PFF has announced last December the staging of the Copa Paulino Alcantara to be participated by 16 teams, with 60 matches scheduled from June to Septem-

ber.

In preparation for the tournament, the PFF will invite qualified and interested clubs/teams in the coming weeks. There will also be a workshop to discuss match organizational matters.

“The expansion of the upcoming Copa Paulino Alcantara is a much-needed shot in the arm to elevate the domestic club football scene. More teams mean more matches and football experience,” said PFL Commissioner Mikhail Torre.

LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers makes his way past James Harden #1 and Georges Niang #20 of the Philadelphia 76ers to dispute a call during the second half of a game at Crypto.com Arena on January 15, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. Sean M. Haffey, Getty Images/ AFP

BOOST FOR SPORTS

Bong Go reaffirms more initiatives to boost the grassroots sports development

Go helped push for sufficient funding for the said infrastructure. Citing that the said facility will have its own tennis court, among others, Go lauded the local government of Bustos, led by Mayor Francis Albert “Iskul” Juan, for the said initiative and further expressed his confidence that the construction of the said sports facility can encourage and support more athletes who aspire to excel in their chosen sports field.

As Chair of the Senate Committee on Sports, Go reaffirmed his commitment to strengthen efforts to create more opportunities for Filipino athletes. Thus, he continues to push for several initiatives that would benefit athletes nationwide.

“Bilang inyong Chair ng Committee on Sports sa Senado, nakakatuwa talaga kapag may ganitong mga inisyatibo na may layuning palakasin pa ang sports sector ng bansa. Excited po ako na makumpleto ito at magamit ng ating mga minamahal na Bulakeños,” expressed Go.

“Alam naman po natin na kailangan talaga ng suporta ng ating mga atletang Pilipino. Kaya sana ay ipagpatuloy lang natin ang ganitong mga proyekto at programa na makakapagbigay ng malawakang access sa maayos na sports facilities para mahasa pa sila lalo. Karamihan sa kanila, naipapatuloy lang ang kanilang pangarap sa pamamagitan ng paglalaro sa mga pribadong koponan,” he added.

A known advocate of sports development in the grassroots, Go has always underscored the importance of sports in nation-building. According to him, aside from honing the skills of budding Filipino athletes, sports will teach values like discipline and hard-work while guiding them to stay away from illegal drugs and criminality.

The senator then noted that it would be significantly beneficial for aspiring athletes if the government remains focused on giving them equal access and opportunities for a promising future.

For this reason, Go was

instrumental in the passage of Republic Act No. 11470, which established the National Academy of Sports System and Main Campus at the New Clark City Sports Complex in Capas, Tarlac.

The NAS is a government-run academy aimed at developing the country’s future athletes by offering quality secondary education with a special curriculum on sports for gifted young Filipinos who want to enhance their physical and mental capabilities in sports.

Moreover, Go also filed Senate Bill No. 423, or the proposed Philippine National Games (PNG) Act, which seeks to ensure a more inclusive system of honing promising and potential Filipino athletes in various fields of sport, giving an equal opportunity of becoming future contenders in international sporting competitions.

Not to be confused with Palarong Pambansa, the PNG is a national multi-sport tournament that aims to widen the base talent identification and efficiently constitute the national pool to be trained for international sports competitions.

“This will not only help the country become one of the sports powerhouses in Asia but also encourage our young people to stay away from illegal drugs and criminality by getting into sports,” Go reiterated.

Previously, Go joined former president Rodrigo Duterte during the groundbreaking of the Philippine Sports Training Center last year in Bagac, Bataan. Go was instrumental in pushing for the funding of the site development and preparation of the Master Development Plan of the center.

The PSTC aims to promote sports in the country, achieve excellence in international sports, and promote international goodwill among nations. It shall cater to athletes in various sports, including swimming, basketball and volleyball, among others.

Later that day, Go also personally attended the groundbreaking of the new Bustos Hospital.

Ginebra captured the PBA Commissioner’s Cup title after beating Bay Area, 114-99, in the final game of the bestof-seven finals in front of a new league record 54,589 fans at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.

After attending the Minasa Festival alongside Vice President Sara Duterte, Senator Imee Marcos and other officials, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go made time to personally conduct a site inspection of the ongoing construction of the Bustos Multipurpose Sports Facility in Bulacan on Monday, January 9.