Edge Davao Vol. 15 Issue 235 | Friday, January 20, 2023

Rodrigo “Rigo” Duterte II is welcomed by Chinese Consul General Li Lin during the celebration of Chinese Spring Festival 2023 at the Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao on Saturday. Edge Davao

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Rigo joins FPRRD in Davao’s Spring Festival celebration

By MAYA M. PADILLO

Former president Rodrigo Roa Duterte was joined by grandson and namesake Rodrigo “Rigo” Duterte II in the 2023 Chinese Spring Festival or Chinese New Year (CNY) celebration hosted by the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Davao at the Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao last Saturday.

Also with the party of FPRRD and Rigo were Honeylet Avancena, Senator Bong Go, Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte, and Vice Mayor Melchor Quitain Jr.

Consul Hong Ming and DOT 11 regional director Tanya Rabat-Tan also graced the celebration hosted by Consul General

“I would like to thank the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Davao for giving me the chance to celebrate this meaningful celebration with them. I have knowledge about the deep FSPECIAL, P6

The military is shifting its focus on community-based peace-building programs to sustain its gains against armed rebels and maintain the insurgency-free status of Davao City and its neighboring regions.

Davao City marks the first year since the complete surrender of the leadership of the Sub-Regional Committee Five of the New People’s Army (NPA-SRC5) to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the 1003rd Infantry Brigade, which has jurisdiction over the territories of Davao City and most of Davao del Norte.

The leadership of NPASRC5 surrendered to authorities on January 13 last year. Davao City was declared insurgency-free shortly after on March 25, followed by Davao del Norte on June 22, 2022.

taining an insurgency-free area where our efforts are focused on peace-building activities),” Yecla said.

The first of these activities is the re-integration of former rebels. Yecla said this has already been done for former rebels in Davao City with help from the local government.

The Davao City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) has intensified its information dissemination program on proper waste disposal in the barangays at the start of the new year.

Orly Limpangog, of the CENRO Information Education Campaign Unit Envi-

ronmental Waste Management Division, said their team visited barangays 8-A, 31-D, and Baracatan in Toril.

Limpangog, during the Go Clean, Go Green sa DCDR program of 87.5 FM Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR) Tuesday, January 18, said they conducted a

house-to-house campaign in Barangay 8-A.

“Nag-conduct gyud ta’g balay-balay, gitudluan kung asa ilabay ang mga basura, nga dili lang diha magtapok sa mga kanal. Kung dili designated collection point, dili lang itapok ang mga basura. Dapat kung naa’y basura ang isa ka house-

hold, dapat ilabay gyud na nila sa designated collection point (We conducted a house-to-house campaign, taught residents on where to throw their garbage, and not just pile them up in the canals. If it’s not a designated collection point, the garbage should not be

1003rd Infantry Brig. General Consolito Yecla, during the Madayaw Davao program aired over the Davao City Disaster Radio on Tuesday, said maintaining Davao City’s insurgency-free status is a lot more complicated than clearing the territories of armed rebels and will require extensive investment on peace-building initiatives.

“Ang nakahanay na mga programa nating magkasunod ay ‘yong pag-sustain ng isang insurgency-free area na kung saan ang ating mga efforts ay naka-focus sa mga peace-building activities (Our programs in the pipeline are those geared at sus-

“Na-accomplish natin ito di lang dahil sa (We accomplished this not just because of the) armed forces but also because of the help of the local government, lalo na ang Davao City. In fact, noong nag-surrender sila ng (when they surrendered last) January to Feburary, by March—during the declaration of Davao City as insurgency-free ang Davao City ay nagbigay ng suporta sa nag-surrender na NPA (the city government of Davao gave support to the NPA members who surrendered) in the amount of P2.5 million,” he said.

Assisting former rebels re-assimilate into society must extend until they are once again contributing to the community. Yecla said some surrenderees have actually started using the skills they learned in training provided by government.

Reconciliation programs for the families of slain rebels are also being carried out by the 1003rd Infantry. According to Yecla, families of slain rebels must be compensated for their loss to prevent them from being exploited by entities that want to fuel the cycle of violence.

Dancers perform the dragon dance inside a business establishment in Davao City’s Chinatown on Wednesday (18 January 2023). The local Filipino-Chinese community is preparing to celebrate the Lunar New Year on January 22. MindaNews photo

Li Lin and Madam Aiping Chiu.

AFP: Community-based programs needed to maintain Davao’s insurgency-free status

Covid-19 RNA found in Davao City wastewater

Ticket sales at prov’l eco-parks, museum surpass taget in 2022

Despite the recent pandemic, arrivals to the province’s premier tourist destinations continue to soar as more visitors are being beguiled by Davao Oriental’s exquisite beauty and charm.

Based on the data from the Provincial Tourism Office for 2022, ticket sales in the provincial government-run eco-parks and museum have exceeded the target sales.

The historic Cape San Agustin Eco-Park in Governor Generoso town earned the highest sales at P1.5 million. It was followed by the Subangan Museum in the City of Mati, Pintatagan Welcome Park in Banaybanay town, Mount Hamiguitan EcoPark in San Isidro town, and Pusan Point in Caraga town, respectively.

Currently, the Mount Hamiguitan Eco-Park and Pusan Point Eco-park are closed for rehabilitation and renovation in preparation for the massive tourism relaunch this year.

For 2022, the overall ticket sales reached P3.8

million, while income from other sources such as room accommodations, venue rentals, and shares from souvenir shops have reached P4.4 million, bringing the overall revenue to P8.3 million, exceeding the target of P1.5 million.

This year, under Governor Corazon N. Malanyaon’s leadership, the provincial government has shifted its focus toward tourism programs to boost the industry as one of the province’s main economic drivers.

Governor Malanyaon said that while the country and the province are reeling from the economic crisis and budget cuts from its share in the national government, the province is now even more compelled to look for possible income sources to support its development programs.

The Governor, who has already laid the foundation for the province’s tourism industry in her previous stint as the local chief executive, believes

By MAYA M. PADILLO

Researchers of the University of the Philippines- Marine Science Institute (UP-MSI) have found SARS-CoV-2 RNA or Covid-19 in the community wastewater of Davao City.

This is just one among several findings from the institute’s research on wastewater from pharmaceuticals and personal care products and the Wastewater-Based Epidemiolo-

gy (WBE) of SARS-CoV-2 started in November 2019.

WBE uses chemicals or biological markers that are sourced from wastewater and provides information on the overall health of the

community.

Shyrill Mae Mariano, research assistant at UP-MSI, shared through in-depth discussion of these findings and their impacts and repercussions via Zoom on Thursday.

In her presentation titled “Detection of Untreated Wastewater in Davao River and Davao Gulf” presented the collection of water samples and pharma-

ceuticals and personal care products in the Davao River channel and the coast of the Davao Gulf during the duration of the USAID Peer Peoples Project conducted during the early time of the pandemic.

“During the duration of the USAID project we aimed to collect representative water samples along the Davao River channel

Fewer cases of Covid-19 in Davao City: Task Force

Dr. Michelle Schlosser, spokesperson of the Davao City Covid-19 Task Force, reported on Wednesday that Davao City continues to record low number of Covid-19 cases.

According to Schlosser, as of January 15, 2023 there were 72 active cases recorded, and majority of these cases are individuals

where isolation is ongoing or cases being monitored.

“We continue to have few cases in the past week as of January 15. Gamay lang na siya and most of the cases are asymptomatic and mild cases. Nagkagamay ang atong weekly cases kay naga-gamay ang atong daily cases pero naa gihapon tay deaths,” she

said over Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR).

She reported that only death recorded is that of an unvaccinated individual.

“So, again and again it still very prominent and obvious sa atong data na kasagaran mamatay are unvaccinated individuals.

Ang atong deaths are either unvaccinated

individuals or vaccinated pero wala ka receive ug booster doses,” Schlosser said.

Meanwhile, Schlosser reiterated that wearing of face masks specially inside the jeepneys is still mandatory. She said she has observed that there are drivers and some passengers that no longer

A passenger ferry cruises through the Davao River from S.I.R. Subdivision to Magallanes. The Marine Science Institute of the University of the Philippines - Diliman reported that it has found SARS-CoV-2 RNA in community wastewaters in Davao City. Lean Daval Jr.

“The

Going by the books, Rural Electrification Corporation (REC), then based in Hagonoy, Da-vao del Sur, has earned an enviable distinction as one of only few companies honored with two different franchises under separate statutes issued by Congress on June 19, 1965.

Under Republic Act (RA) 4545, it was granted ‘a franchise to establish, maintain and operate radio broadcasting and television stations in the island of Mindanao,’ and by virtue of RA 4550, it was licensed ‘to construct, maintain and operate an ice plant and cold storage in the munici-pality of Hagonoy.’

Under the first franchise, the REC’s 25-year license to operate a radio and television outfit in Mindanao was governed by Act 3846, the regulation of radio stations and radio communi-cations in the country; Act 3097, the Radio Broadcasting

ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA FAST

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RURAL ELECTRIFICATION CORPORATION

Law; and Commonwealth Act 146, the Public Service Act. On the strength of this license, the company opened radio station DXML (1044 AM), with studio and transmitter located in Digos City.

Central to the franchise is the upholding of press freedom which states that any speech, play, act or scene that violates the law or infringement of a private right shall not make the grantee liable, civilly or criminally. Any broadcast that proposes or incites treason, rebellion or sedition, or the language used is indecent or immoral were subject to prompt censorship.

In 1981, six years after Davao del Sur Electric Cooperative (DASURECO) acquired REC, the station management shifted to Associated Labor Unions (ALU).

Obviously, the transfer of management did not include

the change of ownership unless there was a corresponding statute enacted for the purpose. The shift in radio station admin-istration follows Section 11 of RA 4545, which states:

‘The grantee shall not lease, transfer, grant the usufruct of, sell or assign this franchise nor the rights and privileges acquired thereunder to any person, firm, company, corporation or other commercial or legal entity, nor merge with any other company or corporation orga-nized for the same purpose, without the approval of the Congress… Any corporation to which this franchise may be sold, transferred or assigned shall be subject to the corporation laws of the Philippines now existing or hereafter enacted, and any person, firm, company, corporation or other commercial or legal entity to which this franchise is sold, transferred or

assigned shall be subject to all conditions, terms, restrictions and limitations of this franchise as fully and completely and to the same extent as if the franchise had been originally granted to the said person, firm, company, corporation or other commercial or legal entity.’

On the other hand, REC’s second franchise under RA 4550, also with a 25-year lifespan, was governed by the 1935 Constitution and Commonwealth Act 146, the Public Service Commission. Initially, its coverage was only in Hagonoy town but on August 4, 1969, the li-cense was amended by RA 6024, expanding the company’s coverage to ‘any municipality within the province.’

Moreover, the grantee, allowed only a single ice plant under the original franchise, was now approved to own more plants. The new law also

amended Section 7 of RA 4550, initial-ly requiring only the grantee five percent of the firm’s gross earnings as franchise fee, to pay-ing ‘business, real estate, buildings and personal property, exclusive of this franchise, as other persons or corporations are now or hereafter may be required by law to pay,’ except when exempted.

REC’s lucrative ice plant business meant the acquisition of bigger engines for its plants due to expanding consumer base. These generating sets, following the formation of DASURECO in 1975, were leased to the coop as initial sources of power supply. Eventually though, the machineries were sold to DASURECO under a deal that would absorb the com-pany’s experienced personnel to form the coop’s organizational structure and to handle cru-cial supervisory roles.

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At the rate things are so swiftly happening at the doorsteps of the Department of Agriculture, no longer does it make us wonder if or should a permanent DA chief be appointed by Pres.BongBong Marcos.

It is no longer a surprise that many of the executives below the hierarchy are unable to make definitive actions and arrive at a most rational decision because they are scared stiff of committing a mistake and lose their jobs.

They become tentative - like the skyrocketing price of onions and the scarcity of supply - until and unless the DA chief, who is currently the Malacanang tenant, is physically present to give them the greenlight.

PBBM however has more than just one department to focus his time and attention on. Which is why there are under-

FRED C. LUMBA SPECKS OF LIFE

APPOINT A PERMANENT DA SECRETARY

secretaries who will sub for him and chart the appropriate ways and means to treat and resolve issues and concerns.

The onion thing has become a hot topic and the oppositionespecially those who hate (to the bone) the elder Marcos whose name PBBM carries proudlyare exploiting the failure of the DA to solve the matter with resoluteness and clarity.

If you notice the eyebags swelling underneath the President’s eyes, everyone will assume that the Chief Executive had not been resting the medically prescribed eight hour sleep routine.

Which means PBBM is spending more and much of his time reading, discussing and comparing notes with those around him to come up with a presidential decision when the new day greets him the next morning.

His trip to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland has been the object of

ridicule, tirades and assault from “wise” men and women of the other side of the political fence as they continue to underestimate PBBM’s capacity to govern effectively.

Whether these smart alecks are faultfinding or not, the unsolved skyrocketing price of onion has become a grave national issue which the President’s men at the DA could not take care of because of a “leadership” vacuum.

Onion growers and farmers, particularly from the island province of Occidental Mindoro, are of the collective opinion that a cartel is manipulating the supply of this spice because there is no fresh supply of the item in the market.

Price tags in the public markets and supermarkets in the Mindanao area are in the range of P400 upwards while in Luzon and Metro Manila, the selling price is P700 plus.

The great need of the hour is a decisive presidential action

as regards the timing of importation orders which is in conflict with the harvest season that would render inutile the efforts of onion farmers to earn a decent profit.

It is unbelievable how an ordinary ingredient in cooking has suddenly become as pricey as it is today. Its price has soared dramatically to the consternation of the Filipino household, and the public in general.

Could the President satisfy the yearnings of his constituents to see economic smugglers and saboteurs publicly identified, subpoenaed, tried and jailed?

There is a legal process to follow and because the wheels of justice grind so exceedingly slow, the courts litigating this matter may not find resolution as quickly as generally expected.

Ideally, the President should prioritize the issues that matter most.

Appointing an experienced man at the helm of the DA will lessen PBBM’s load so that he

can focus on the most relevant matters which are basic to the needs of the people he has sworn to serve.

Because he is the best salesman who can make the best credible sales pitch, the President should not be deterred from traveling even by the harshest criticisms thrown at him by the opposition and insatiable critics.

He cannot please everyone.

But when an issue such as the puny onion is not resolved by his underlings, then PBBM is allowing himself to be held hostage by people in whom he has reposed his trust.

The inappropriate comparison between him and his dad may be discomforting but it cannot be avoided because the incumbent Malacanang resident is the same boy who wanted to be President when his father was Chief Executive decades ago. (Email feedback to fredlumba@ yahoo.com.) GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!

“Opinion is the medium between knowledge and ignorance.” - PLATO.

PBBM meets with int’l CEOs for potential business deals

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday met with the international chief executive officers (CEOs) to discuss potential business opportunities in the Philippines.

A breakfast meeting was held between Marcos and the world’s top CEOs in Davos, Switzerland to enable the President to present the investment climate in the Philippines, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Cheloy Garafil said in a statement.

Marcos, Garafil said, was accompanied by the official Philippine delegation which include his Cabinet and top Philippine business leaders.

“Top international CEOs gathered for a breakfast meeting with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., his Cabinet, official delegation and the 7 top Philippine CEOs to discuss the investment climate in the Philippines and to find ways to facilitate their business operations in the country,” she said.

Marcos also had the chance to meet with Gokul Laroia, chairperson of investment banking powerhouse Morgan Stanley for

Asia Pacific, on the sidelines of his participation in the World Economic Forum (WEF), Garafil said.

Garafil said Laroia, during the meeting with Marcos, discussed Morgan Stanley’s plan to have an office in Manila.

“Mr. Laroia informed President Marcos that the top global investment bank will set up office in Manila,” she said.

Marcos is currently in Davos to present the current state of the Philippine economy and woo more investors.

On Tuesday (Zurich time), Marcos also had a series of business meetings on the WEF sidelines, including a meeting with

officials of mining and commodities training giant Glencore.

Marcos and Glencore officials led by its CEO, Gary Nagle, discussed the Swiss multinational firm’s intent to expand its business operations in the Philippines, Garafil said.

“On the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF) organized sessions, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual met with Mr. Gary Nagle, Chief Executive Officer of Glencore, on Tuesday to discuss the company’s interest to expand mining and processing operations in the Philippines,” she said.

PAL announces system ‘slowdown’ January 21 to 22 due to upgrade

Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) on Wednesday announced a “system slowdown” that passengers may experience this weekend due to the airline’s scheduled website upgrade.

In an advisory, PAL said that from 11 p.m. of

Jan. 21 until 7 a.m. of Jan. 22, its website may respond “very slowly” and may also be unavailable for one to two hours for those trying to gain access.

The website upgrade is part of PAL’s efforts to improve the passengers’ online experience, it said.

Passengers are urged

to reach out to PAL through various channels during the eight-hour website upgrade -- Viber, Messenger, WhatsApp (998951459) and myPAL web chat.

“We are seeking your patience and understanding. This system downtime is something we carry out

periodically to enable the portal to serve our customers better,” said PAL spokesperson Cielo Villaluna when sought for a comment.

She reiterated that the system upgrade is a necessary step to improve the total online experience.

(PNA)

Sustainability reporting in PEZA zones targeted

The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) will launch sustainability reporting among registered business enterprises (RBEs) in economic zones this year.

In a statement Wednesday, PEZA said integrating sustainability reporting in the reporting requirements for the RBEs is part of its updated memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI).

PEZA and GRI are strengthening their cooperation in accelerating Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by updating the March 2022 MOU in Switzerland last week.

PEZA officer-in-charge Tereso Panga joined trade officials in Bern, Switzerland on Jan. 12 for the 5th Joint Economic Commission meeting between the Philippines and Switzerland.

“This MOU aims to contribute to the acceleration and achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals and the advancement of sustainability reporting in the Philippines especially within the ecosystem of

export-oriented locators in PEZA,” Panga said.

With the updated MOU, PEZA will hold roundtable discussion with RBEs in the first quarter of the year to get recommendations from its locators as it targets to issue a memorandum circular on sustainable trade and investments guidelines.

PEZA and GRI will also establish a Technical Working Group (TWG) composed of various locators and industries. The TWG aims to encourage the observance of sustainability actions and reports among businesses in the ecozones.

“Voluntary compliance to the GRI’s Sustainability Action and Reporting and the UN (United Nations) SDGs can be a source of competitiveness for the country in attracting FDIs (foreign direct investments) and in enhancing regulatory compliance. Many advance and developing economies subscribe to these principles to be able to measure the impact of FDIs on the host countries toward inclusive, resilient, and sustainable development,” Panga added.

Gene Bangayan, co-chair and deputy of private sector for MICE Convention 2023, says during this week’s Wednesdays at Habi at Kape at Abreeza Mall that 600 participants are expected to attend the convention and half of them will be coming from different parts of the country. Lean Daval Jr.

PH to import 450,000 MT of sugar for 2023

The Sugar Regulatory Administration is preparing to import 450,000 metric tons of sugar for this year, officials said Wednesday.

SRA Board Member Pablo Luis Azcona said that despite higher levels of local sugar production, the output is still not enough to meet local demand.

“Yung sinasabi naming record high, it’s a month to month comparison. If we base it (on) month-tomonth comparison, talaga ahead tayo ngayon compared to last year. However, yung final production surveys and final production projections, we feel we will be at around 1.8 million more or less. So we might be ahead now. But come

end of milling, kapos pa rin tayo,” he said.

The volume that will be imported is higher than the total imports for 2022, during which the country imported a total of 350,000 metric tons under two sugar orders.

The SRA said that the government wants to have buffer stock good for two months.

Azcona said a portion of the supply to be imported this year will be shipped immediately for retail.

“There is a suggestion to make part industrial, part retail. There are also suggestions to make it open for everybody na lang, wala ng actual percentages. They want to temper retail price,” he said.

home loans released in 2022

The Home Development Mutual Fund or Pag-IBIG on Wednesday announced it released a record-high of P117.85 billion in home loans last year.

In a statement, PagIBIG said the total amount released in 2022 financed housing units for 105,212 members.

The amount of home loans released by the agency last year also grew by 21% or P20.57 billion compared to the P97.28 billion released in 2021.

With the amount, PagIBIG said it financed the acquisition and construction of 105,212 homes for

its members, up 11% from the 94,533 homes financed in 2021.

“We are happy to report that Pag-IBIG Fund has once again set a new record-high in home loan releases in 2022. This is very good news because as the amount of home loans we release increases, so does the number of Filipinos who now have homes of their own,” said Secretary Jose Rizalino L. Acuzar, who heads the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) and the 11-member Pag- IBIG Fund Board of Trustees.

DTI in Davao Region exceeds 2022 target

TheDepartment of Trade and Industry (DTI) in the Davao Region has already exceeded its annual target indicators for the year 2022, its planning unit revealed.

A total of 26,108 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) have been assisted during the said period, according to its latest accomplishment report. This is 104 percent of its target of 25,200 MSMEs for the year.

The agency has continued to provide livelihood seeding assistance through the Negosyo Serbisyo sa Barangay (NSB) and Pangkabuhay sa Pagbangon at Ginhawa (PPG). Its provincial offices have successful-

ly conducted their caravans to 269 barangays and provided 5,177 business and livelihood kits worth Php 8,000 to Php 10,000 each regionwide to the selected MSMEs who were hardly hit by the pandemic.

Meanwhile, its implementation of the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship-Go Negosyo’s mentorship program has continued as well through the Kapatid Mentor Micro Enterprise-Money Market Encounter (KMME-MME) Online, with 99 graduates

in 2022. This brings to a total of 746 graduates regionwide since its implementation in 2016.

The DTI 11 regional and provincial offices have likewise extended their assistance to 180 investors in the priority industries. These include cacao, coffee, banana, coconut, rubber, information and communication technology (ICT), seaweed, rubber, wearables and homestyle, and processed fruits and nuts. It is worth noting that the majority of these investors belong to the agribusiness sector.

Under the exports and investments development program, the agency has fa-

cilitated the participation of 762 MSMEs in two international, seven national, eight regional, two provincial, and three municipal trade fairs. This has resulted in Php 13.48 million worth of cash sales, Php 23.22 million of booked sales, and Php 3.2 billion of sales that are still under negotiation.

On consumer protection, it has consistently conducted workplace monitoring as part of its commitment to protecting consumers and the general public against the spread of the COVID-19 virus. A total of 311 workplaces and 53 barbershops and salons were monitored for the year.

Air traffic needs systems upgrade to avoid another flight fiasco: CAAP

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines said on Wednesday that an upgrade and new backup are needed in the country’s air traffic system to avoid a repeat of the New Year’s Day flight fiasco.

CAAP said improvements are needed in the Communication, Navigation and Surveillance/Air Traffic Management (CNS/

ATM) to prevent another technical glitch.

Hundreds of flights and thousands of passengers were affected by a technical issue on New Year’s Day due to a power supply glitch in the system that monitor’s the country’s entire airspace.

In a hearing with the Houe Committee on Transportation, CAAP Director

General Manuel Antonio Tamayo said they have identified several needed improvements to the CNS/ ATM.

“To avoid this kind of circumstance recurring, we recommend the following plans for the CNS/ATM: restore and enhance to its original design before the incident, procurement of the multi-mode fallback

system which is considered a systems upgrade,” Tamayo said.

“We are also looking at] the construction of an independent backup for CNS/ ATM, and hiring of a third party contractor to provide oversight,” he added.

CAAP earlier said its system was already lagging when it was first used in 2019.

Pia Montano, head of Davao Visitors Destination Hub (DVDH), says during this week’s Wednesdays at Habi at Kape at Abreeza Mall that Mindanao Tourism Expo 2023 is a good opportunity to showcase the different destinations of the Davao Region and the entire Mindanao after the pandemic. MTE is set on January 27 to 29 at SMX Convention Center in Davao City. Lean Daval Jr.

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friendship between Davao City and China and how the Chinese people helped and continue helping the government. I wish everyone’s happiness, good fortune and prosperity in Davao City. Happy Chinese New Year,” Rigo said.

The event was co-organized by the Philippine-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. - Davao Chapter.

Meanwhile, Mayor Baste also extended his greetings to the whole Chinese community in celebration of the Chinese Spring Festival.

“The special relationship between China and Davao City has long been in existence even before the western conquerors landed on our shores. Ours has al-

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ways been a mutually beneficial and peaceful trading of products and eventually a sharing of cultures. May we be able to maintain this healthy relationship as we try to understand further and continue to share our different cultures and traditions as well as celebrate our respective uniqueness,” the mayor said in his message.

He also urged the Chinese government to strengthen cooperation to further the development of both countries in the coming years.

Also present during the celebrarion were Chinese business community leaders, officials from the Davao business sector, and representatives from the city government of Davao.

and the coast of Davao Gulf, analyze the samples, target pharmaceuticals, and personal care products, and determine the presence of the fecal coliform from the samples,” Mariano said.

The sampling sites are Suawan River 1, Suawan R2, Suawan R3, Tamugan River, and a river in Barangay Lamanan. The farms and hospitals were also highlighted in the map she presented.

“We have sites that are closer to the headwaters with less infrastructure and population. Downstream we see an increase in population and establishments. For sample collection, a water sample from the pharmaceuticals and personal care products analysis was collected using ethanol sanitized stainless bucket,” she said.

for quantification. For additional confirmation, we looked at the detected pharmaceuticals and the sampling points which are caffeine and acetaminophen or paracetamol. These two compounds are often used as environmental traces for untreated wastewater since they’re only sourced from human consumption, caffeine-bearing food, beverages, washing up dishes containing caffeine-related products, and intake of paracetamols,” she said.

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dumped there. If a household has garbage, they should throw it at the designated collection point),” the CENRO representative said.

Limpangog showed photos of a trash-filled Barangay 8-A open canal, which covers the area going to Brokenshire Hospital, Wireless Cemetery, and Balay Pasilungan.

He said it would be alarming if heavy rainfall washes away the litter to the Davao River.

The CENRO team, according to him, already talked with the barangay captain about conducting a cleanup drive in their open canals. He assured that CENRO will extend whatever assistance it can in helping the barangays get rid of the garbage in their waterways.

“Hangyo ta mo nga makipagtambayayong sa among opisina kung mag-conduct man mo og cleanup aron ang inyong basurang malimpyo, malabay namo sa sanitary landfill (We ask you to cooperate with our office if you conduct a cleanup so that your garbage can be col-

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lected, and we can throw it in the sanitary landfill),” Limpangog added.

He also cited Barangay 31-D for recently conducting its cleanup drive, showing photos of the activity during the radio program. During the cleanup, CENRO workers collected almost two trucks of waste materials from the barangay’s waterways.

Accompanied by barangay officials, the CENRO team distributed flyers as reminders for proper garbage disposal.

Limpangog said households caught violating the proper waste management law by CENRO’s Anti-Littering Unit will be issued citation tickets.

Meanwhile, his team also visited Barangay Baracatan and met with the barangay chair. The barangay, he said, has its own garbage truck, but they will have yet to start implementing the solid waste management ordinance in their area.

Baracatan also has a Materials Recovery Facility, which Limpangog hopes to be put to good use this year.

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in the tourism industry’s potential to counter poverty and help the province’s economic recovery. Given the province’s massive potential in tourism and agriculture, the provincial government is exhausting all efforts to explore these competitive advantages.

Aside from attracting investors to infuse investment in the province, the provincial government, together with the City Government of Mati, had initial talks with the national flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) for possible flights to the province. Currently, the province and the city are complying with the PAL’s basic flight requirements.

Moreover, the provincial government is currently renovating the province’s eco-parks and building additional amenities in the province’s key destinations.

Governor Malanyaon

said the province has been expediting these interventions to be able to relaunch the province’s massive tourism campaign early this year. She expressed her delight at the Local Government Units in the city and the municipalities who are all doing their fair share for the cause of boosting the province’s tourism industry.

She hopes that private businesses will also join the province in elevating the province’s hospitality services and tourism sector to attract more tourists to come and visit Davao Oriental.

“Davao Oriental has what it takes to be a premier tourist destination. We only need more preparation, and I hope everybody pitches into this shared vision for our province’s benefit,” said Governor Malanyaon. ʙʏ ᴋᴀʀᴇɴ

Mariano explained that water samples for bacteriological analysis were also collected and transferred to 100ml sterilized bottles. For the quantification of fecal coliforms, the researchers used the IDEXX method, which is the standard procedure for handling E.coli, also known as Escherichia coli.

For the results of their study in November 2019 sampling using the IDEXX method to enumerate enterococci and E.coli as these are specific indicators for sewage and animal waste contamination, Mariano reported that enterococci bacteria are mostly within 10 to 50 mpn (most probable number) per 100ml in the upstream sites through sites in Suawan and Tamugan reached to 50 to 100 mpn per 100ml.

E.coli on the other hand reached 500 up to 1,500 mpn per 100ml range.

Looking further downstream and see an even higher value for enterococci and E.coli with maximum detection at the Bankerohan site and also at the river mouth site wherein the values for enterococci reached between 1,500 to 3,500 mpn per 100ml while for E.coli it reached between 3,500 to 5,500 mpn.

For the analysis of pharmaceuticals and skin care products and antibiotics, water samples were filtered, added with a standard, and then underwent solid phase extraction where the target analyzer was concentrated in the cartridges.

“We send these cartridges to the collaborators and processed them

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wear face masks.

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“Reminder sa mga jeepney, taxi, and bus drivers nato pati mga commuters nga kinahanglan gihapon mag-wear og face masks sulod sa public utility vehicles. Ubay-ubay na pud atong nakita nga wala gamask. Nakalimot na ang mga drivers and commuters

In conclusion of the study, the researchers concluded the presence of bacteriological and pharmaceutical indicators of untreated wastewater within the Davao River basin; the presence of population is attributed to the detection values for both bacteriological and pharmaceutical indicators; and the widespread detection of untreated wastewater indicators highlights the urgent need to establish a stringent municipal wastewater management system.

Mariano also presented recommendations such as sites with high fecal coliform values can be target sampling sites for WBE studies; and in the long run, targeted treatment of wastewater at locations more specific to its type, such as agricultural, industrial, domestic, medical, before mixing may offer more opportunities of getting rid of persistent and emerging pollutants than a large catch-all treatment before discharging to the coastal areas.

Mariano cited a study in 2015, which showed that Davao City lacked a proper wastewater management system.

“During the conception of the USAID Peer Peoples Project, Davao City still didn’t have this municipal sewerage treatment, however, in October 2022 the city government of Davao announced that it will be launching a septage management program this 2023 to address the rising coliform levels in the city,” she said.

In October last year, the city government of Davao, in partnership with the Davao City Water District (DCWD), announced that it going to launch the Davao City Septage Management Program next year, in a bid to establish an institutionalized wastewater management system in the city aiming to address the rising coliform levels in the city’s bodies of water.

“Since 1903, Harley-Davidson has pioneered American motorcycle design, technology, and performance, and today marks the beginning of a year-long celebration of Harley-Davidson’s 120th Anniversary.” said Jochen Zeitz, Chairman, President and CEO of Harley-Davidson. “We’re excited to share the first release of 2023 Harley-Davidson motorcycles, with more to come later in the year. 2023 is going to be an unforgettable milestone for the Company, celebrating the history, culture and community of Harley-Davidson – we hope you can join us.”

120th Anniversary Models

The very limited-edition, super-premium CVOTM Road Glide® Limited Anniversary model celebrates 120 years of craftsmanship with one of the most intricate paint schemes ever offered by Harley-Davidson. Panels of Heirloom Red are applied over a base coat of Anniversary Black, each outlined with a bright red

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Magno, James Morente, Vince Arcenas and Mikey Hao. The Seniors Team is made of Noe Taojo, Abe Dizon, Randy Cadiogan, Jun Serado, Lito Dublan, Jumbo Sotto, Joe Tesado and Boy Arriba.

On the same breath RPVGCC’s Tommy Inigo announced that the Pomelo Cup of the Rancho Palos Verdes golf will be back this coming April 2023 after it’s long absence. “This will be one of our biggest tournament for this 2023 and we want to present it with a bang. Abangan” he concluded.

On a telephone interview meanwhile, Toto Mabaquiao Apo Golf’s General Manager advised that they are still ironing out some kinks before they release the final line up for its Regular Men’s and Senior’s team. “ We have undergone a qualifier during the last quarter of 2022 and our line up is

pinstripe and a hand-applied gold paint scallop. Subtle details added within the panels portray the head and wings of a soaring eagle. The gold-plated tank medallion depicts an Art Deco rendition of the eagle, an iconic HarleyDavidson design element. Additional details include luxurious Alcantara seat surfaces with gold and red contrast stitching accents, gold-tone powertrain inserts and bright red rocker boxes and pushrod tube collars. Only 1,500 examples of this fabulous motorcycle will be produced for global distribution, each serialized with a laser-etched panel on the fuel tank console.

Special 120th Anniversary paint in a different scheme will be offered on six additional limited- production Harley-Davidson® models, with color and design combinations inspired by early Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Each features a classic paneled paint scheme with gleaming Heirloom Red as the base color. Panels are outlined with a bright-red pinstripe and filled with a darker Midnight Crimson fade. Additional details include an Art Deco eagle tank medallion, seat covers with red side panels and gold embroidered Harley-Davidson logo, and red fade powertrain inserts.

already complete but we will release it officially in due time” says Toto Mabaquiao.

Both managers ( Perono and Inigo ) extends their reciprocity to both RPVGCC and SPG teams. They can practice for free anytime at the two courses prior to their departure to compete in the PAL Interclub which will be held from February 22,2023 until March 5,2023 in three golf courses in Cebu City.

Alta Vista Golf and Country Club and Club Filipino de Cebu will be the venue for the Seniors from February 22 to 26 while the Regular men’s will compete in Cebu Golf and Country Club and Club Filipino de Cebu from March 1 to 4, 2023. A side event , the MEDIA golf tournament will be held from February 26 and 27,2023 in which venue are still to be announced.

nato nga mandatory for them to use face masks in public transportation whether on land, air, or sea,” she said.

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr.’s Executive Order No. 7, Series of 2022 mandates the wearing of face masks in indoor and outdoor

settings is voluntary except for healthcare facilities, including, but not limited to clinics, hospitals, laboratories, nursing homes and dialysis clinics; medical transport vehicles (ambulance and paramedic response vehicles); and public transportation by land, air, or sea.

The EO encourages the wearing of face masks specially among the elderly, individuals with comorbidities, immunocompromised individuals, pregnant women, unvaccinated individuals, and symptomatic individuals.

By Maya M. Padillo

HARLEY-DAVIDSON BARES 120TH ANNIVERSARY MOTORCYCLES

Ayear-long celebration of 120 years of Harley- Davidson pride and craftsmanship was launched today with the introduction of the first release of new models in the 2023 Harley-Davidson® motorcycle lineup, including the CVOTM Road Glide® Limited Anniversary model and six additional limited-edition motorcycles featuring exclusive 120th Anniversary commemorative paint, finishes and details. The 2023 offering from the world’s most desirable motorcycle brand includes a refreshed Harley- Davidson Breakout® performance cruiser model, the exciting Road Glide® 3 trike model, the new Nightster® Special middleweight sport motorcycle, and a restyled and blacked-out Freewheeler® trike model.

FHARLEY, P6

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Davao clubs bare line ups for 74th PAL Interclub Golf

BY CHITO MALABANAN

“It’s nice to be back once again at this venue after three years of hiatus due to pandemic” say’s RPVGCC Tommy Inigo.

The much-awaited 74th Philippine Airlines (PAL) Interclub will be held at Alta Vista Golf & Country Club and Club Filipino de Cebu and Cebu Country Club on February 20 to March 5, 2023 in Cebu City.

After RPVGCC’s strong second runner up finish both in the Aviator’s and Sportswriter’s Division in the 73rd edition of the PAL Interclub held in Bacolod City, the RPVGCC’s main resolve this year is to get the top plum by sending their strongest teams both in the Regular and Senior’s division.

“We practically assembled the strongest Team 2 ( Regular ) and we will release later the final composition of another strong Team 1 after its final acceptance by the PAL Interclub organizers. We will also be fielding a solid Seniors team composed of veteran players to represent the club “ Inigo added.

Meanwhile, Mariel Perono of South Pacific Golf bared the final line up for the Regular Men’s team but are still awaiting

acceptance of the PAL Interclub organizers for the inclusion of it’s team for the Seniors Division.

“This year’s South Pac team will be composed mainly of the Team Recovery 5:30 group headed by Ludwig Van Ledesma and they have been practicing almost daily in SPG and RPVGCC courses” Perono said.

PAL points system will be applied for the Regular Men’s Division meaning players need to pick up after Bogey while the Senior’s will apply the Molave Sytem in which players should pick up after Double Bogey.

The South Pacific Team ( Regular ) is composed of Team Captain Randy Ceniza, Ludwig Van Ledesma, Eugene Chiong, Elvie Naranjo, Wendel Adlao, Ace Salazar, Robert Lim, Alejandro So, Jeffrey Ramirez and Alro Paglinawan. The Senior’s team will be represented by the Maldives Group.

Tommy Inigo bared the final line up for the RPVGCC team 2 composed of Roderick Lo, Tope Tan, Ninot Galicia, EJ Casintahan, Leo Yap, Jorge Martinez, Enzo

Edge Davao columnist Chito Malabanan fields questions to Mariel Perono of South Pacific Golf and Tommy Inigo of Rancho Palos Verdes during Wednesday’s DSA Forum at SM City Davao.