Edge Davao Vol. 15 Issue 239 | Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2023

NO EXTENSION

No talks of registration extension says Comelec

By MAYA M. PADILLO

Lawyer Gay Enumerables, assistant director of the Commission on Election-Davao (Comelec-Davao), reminded Dabawenyos of the deadline of registration for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE) on January 31, 2023.

Enumerables also said that they have not yet received a memo from the

Comelec central office extending the registration.

“We heard nga naay

mga gusto mag extend but as of now January 31 ang among deadline,” she said over Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR) on Tuesday.

She said several have registered already in Davao City since January this year.

She also said Davao City’s Third District has the highest number of registrants.

“Usahay maabot sila ug

VP Sara visits kid, woman with medical conditions

Vice President Sara Duterte visited and gave aid to a oneyear-old boy with a cleft palate and a woman with brain complications in Negros Occidental and Bacolod City, respectively.

In a statement on Monday night, Duterte said the mother of the kid first met her team during the campaign period.

1,000 registrants in a day,” she said.

She urged those 15 years old to 18 years old to go to the satellite offices and register. ComelecDavao has opened special satellite registration at selected schools and the malls.

“Gi -remind nako ang uban na pag register namo

FNO , P10

2 MILF members slain, 4 hurt in Maguindanao Sur ambush

Two Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) members were killed while four others were injured in an ambush by outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Mamasapano, Maguindanao del Sur, the Army said

Tuesday.

Maj. Saber Balogan, spokesperson of the Army’s 601st Infantry Brigade, said elements of the MILF 10th and 118th base command under Commander Tikaw were ambushed by the BIFF led by

Abdulkarim Lumbaton at around 9 p.m. Monday in Barangay Tukanalipao.

Balogan said the BIFF used improvised explosive devices they planted along the route of MILF fighters.

A 30-minute firefight erupted left MILF person-

nel Muhidin Kasanudin and Mackboy Mama dead.

Balogan identified the four injured MILF members as Mistah Miguel Bukong, Baser Bukong, Badz Haron and Usman Tawab, all Maguindanao residents

F2 MILF, P10

“Si Girlie (Ramirez) ay nakilala ko noong kampanya dito sa Talisay City. Dala-dala niya noon ang kanyang anak na si Acezequel na may cleft palate at nangangailangan ng operasyon (I met Girlie during our campaign here in Talisay City. She brought her son Acezequel back then, with a cleft palate needing operation),” she said.

“Aside from a cleft palate, Acezequel also needs to undergo a colostomy,” the Office of the Vice President (OVP) said.

Duterte talked to the child’s mother to get an update on the status of his health condition since their first interaction before the polls.

“Dinalaw natin sila upang makita ang kanilang mga kalagayan at matingnan kung anong tulong ang pwede nating maiabot para sa kanilang medikasyon (We visited them to check their situation and see whatever aid they need so we can extend help for their

medication),” she added.

Girlie thanked Duterte during their meeting.

“Nagpapasalamat po ako nang sobra-sobra dahil araw-araw po akong nag pray na sana may isang tao na tumulong sa aking problema para sa baby ko pero hindi ko inaasahan na dahil sa caravan nila, siya mismo, si Vice (President) Sara Duterte, yung taong ipinadala ni God para tumulong sa amin (I am very thankful because I have been praying daily for a person to help us in the problem of my baby. But I did not expect that because of their caravan, the Vice President Sara Duterte, herself, is the one sent by God to help us),” Ramirez said.

Another 40-year-old resident of Bacolod City was elated after receiving aid from the OVP.

“I am very honored that despite her busy schedule, she made sure to find the time to visit me. And my family is glad that she honored our home with her presence,” April Bangero said.

“Si April ay mayroong komplikasyon sa utak at nangagailangan ng ating pagdarasal at tulong (April has a brain complication and she needs our prayers and aid),” Duterte said. Included in her complications is a brain aneurysm, which she earlier disclosed to the OVP through email.

Environmental group Interfacing Development Interventions for Sustainability (IDIS) executive director lawyer Mark Peñalver says during this week’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Davao that the implementation of solid waste segregation or the Republic Act 9003 in Davao City is weak and needs more push to really address the solid waste problems. Lean Daval Jr.

Bulk water system could take off early in some areas

Comelec achieves 1.5M target voter registrants

The Commission on Elections (Comelec)

on Tuesday said it has already achieved its target of at least 1.5 million voter registrants, with over a week before the registration deadline.

Based on its latest figures as of Jan. 22, the poll body said a total of 1,537,872 applications have been filed in all registration sites in connection with the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) set this October.

Earlier, the Comelec projected that some 1.5 million to 2 million applicants will register during the period which started on Dec. 12, 2022 and will run until Jan. 31, 2023.

The number of new registrants include 442,330 voters aged 15 to 17 years old; 397,323 voters aged 18 to 30 years old; and 86,818 voters aged 31 years old and above.

On the other hand, a

total of 7,555 applications have been filed in the Register Anywhere Project (RAP) booths in malls, universities and government offices.

Registered Filipino voters aged 15 to 17 years old may participate in the youth polls, 18 to 30 years old voters for both the barangay and youth polls, and 31 years old and above for the barangay elections.

There were also 4,525 who applied for transfer from other city/ municipality; while 2,167 applied for transfer within the same city/municipality, among SK applicants.

For barangay voter applicants, there were 325,999 who applied for transfer from other city/ municipality; while 82,513 applied for transfer within the same city/municipality.

A total of 14,092 are seeking for transfer with reactivation; 4,853 are looking to transfer with reactivation and correction

By MAYA M. PADILLO

An official of the Davao City Water District (DCWD) disclosed on Monday that the Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project (DCBWSP) may deliver water in some off take points prior to its full completion this year.

Jovana Cresta Duhaylungsod, spokesperson of DCWD, said there is a talk wherein the bulk water project can already deliver water in some off take points prior

to the full completion of the project granting that the weir, raw water pipeline, water treatment plant and the treated water pipeline going towards the off take point are already

completed.

“Between now and until the full operation there were some talks na possible that we will not wait para makapaandar na si Apo Agua as we are also adding the possibility na katong mga off take points na puwede na mahaturan ni Apo Agua even before sa full operation sa project, that can be a welcome development. There might be some off-take points or

water supply system nga makauna ug gamit sa bulk water supply before the full operation of the project. But we are not seeing that anytime soon in the first quarter (this year),” said Duhaylungsod.

Apo Agua Infrastructura, Inc. is taking the lead role in the construction of DCBWSP that will provide 300 million liters of safe water

FBULK, P10

Implementation of waste segregation in Davao City needs more push: IDIS

Environmental group Interfacing Development Interventions for Sustainability (IDIS) said on Monday that the implementation of solid waste segregation or the Republic Act 9003 in Davao City remains weak and needs more push to really address the city’s solid waste problems.

The Republic Act (RA)

9003, otherwise known as the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, provides the necessary policy framework, institutional mechanisms, and mandate to the local government units (LGUs) to achieve 25 percent waste reduction through establishment an integrated solid waste management plans based on 3Rs (re-

duce, reuse and recycling).

IDIS executive director lawyer Mark Peñalver said in Davao City, out of 182 barangays, less than 30 percent have Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs), yet, less than 20 percent of these barangays have functional MRFs.

“Kung makita nato in barangay level naa gyud weak implementation

with regards to segregation. Under RA 9003 naay ginaingon didto na all barangays are mandated to construct their own MRFs meaning didto sa barangay dapat segregated na ang atong basura. Kung tan awon nato ang implementation sa RA 9003 kay weak sa Davao City. Every year naga increase

Davao City Second District residents flock at the cinema area of SM Lanang Premier during the first day of the Commission on Elections 11 (Comelec 11) satellite registration for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections. The satellite registration will run from January 24 to 31. Lean Daval Jr.

P260-M fund earmarked for Caraga rice production

SomePHP260.8 million has been earmarked to boost rice production in the Caraga Region this year.

The strengthening of rice production is also in line with the directives of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on the stability of rice supply and increased farm household income among rice farmers, Emmylou Presilda, DA-13 information officer, said in an interview on Monday.

“Production support services program involves the provision of high-yielding rice seed varieties and fertilizer as-

sistance to our rice farmers,” Presilda said.

Of the total allocation, some PHP178.9 million will be apportioned for the production support services program in the rice sector in the region.

A total of PHP54.4 million will also be allocated for the extension support, education, and training services of the rice program in the region, she added.

Presilda said that education and training ser-

vices will not only benefit the rice farmers and their leaders but also the rice extension workers in the provinces and municipalities in the region.

The other allocations in the rice program include PHP13.7 million for irrigation network services, PHP6.9 million for facilities and support services, and PHP6.7 million for research and development.

Presilda said a dialogue with the stakeholders and partners in the rice industry was already facilitated last Jan. 20, led by DA-13 Regional Ex-

ecutive Director Ricardo Oñate Jr.

The dialogue was focused on the issues and concerns that affect the rice sector in the region, particularly on farm mechanization and the formation of cooperatives and associations among the rice farmers through clustering, she said.

The gathering also discussed the sustainability of the operations of the Rice Processing Centers in the region, as well as the development of multiple-income opportunities for rice stakeholders in the area. (PNA)

2.72B spam, scam SMS blocked in 2022: Globe

Globe Telecom said on Tuesday it blocked a record high 2.72 billion scam and spam messages in 2022, more than double the 2021 total of 1.15 billion.

In a statement, Globe said as a result of intensified crackdown it was also able to block 83.4 million bank-related spam messages in 2022.

“Our customers are

our top priority so we do our best to ensure that they are protected from scammers and fraudsters.

We will continue to invest in cybersecurity systems and work tirelessly to provide them with a safe and enjoyable online experience as we also take part in the full implementation of the SIM Registration Act,” said Anton Bonifacio, Globe Chief Information

BSP hikes ceiling for credit card fees to 3%

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said it has approved the increase in the monthly ceiling of fees imposed on unpaid credit card outstanding balance by 100 basis points to 3 percent from the previous 2 percent.

The existing ceiling on the month add-on rate that issuers can charge on installment loans, meanwhile, was maintained at a maximum rate of 1 percent, the central bank said in a statement.

Security Officer.

“With our relentless proactive blocking efforts and implementation of the new law, we are taking great strides in our campaign to end text fraud,” he said.

Globe said it has spent about $20 million to upgrade its spam and scam SMS detection and blocking system. It earlier blocked person-to-person SMS with

clickable URLs from all networks.

SMS-linked spam and scams proliferated in the Philippines last year, prompting the government to enact the SIM Registration Act. All SIM holders are required to register their SIM until April. The measure is meant to eradicate SIM-related illegal activities.

Similarly, the maximum processing fee on the availment of credit card cash advances remains at P200 per transaction, it added.

“The policy aligns the credit card interest rate ceiling with developments in the macro economy and cushions the impact of inflationary pressure on banks’/credit card issuers’ ability to provide quality credit card services to their clients,” BSP Gover-

nor Felipe Medalla said. Medalla earlier said the Monetary Board would review the cap on credit card fees and charges after the recent interest rate hikes that brought the benchmark policy rate to 5.5 percent from 2.5 percent.

The 2 percent cap was placed by the BSP in 2020 as a “temporary relief measure” to ease the financial burden of the COVID-19 pandemic, it said.

The upward adjustment considers higher inflation and that it would help banks and credit card issuers cover higher costs related to handling of consumer transactions, the BSP said.

ING Bank Manila’s Senior economist Nicholas Mapa said higher rates could dampen consumption.

Interest rate was raised to 5.5 percent in the last 6 months to tame inflation that hit 8.1 percent in December, or the highest since November 2008.

Department of Agriculture 11 (DA 11) regional executive director Abel James Monteagudo, together with DA 11 regional disaster risk reduction focal Joedel Leliza, shares the updates on the agreement between the DA and the Chinese government for the export of fresh durian to China during Agribiz media forum at SM Lanang Premier on Tuesday. Lean Daval Jr.

PH on its way towards inflation rate target path, says Medalla

Jollibee brands cited among favorite resto chains in US: Newsweek survey

Jollibee, Chowking, Smashburger and The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf (CBTL) made it to the list of America’s Favorite Restaurant Chains for 2023, according to news magazine Newsweek and data firm Statista.

In a statement, Jollibee Foods Corp said the 2023 ranking was determined based on the result of an independent survey among over 4,000 customers and employees in the United States. Respondents were asked to choose which restaurants they would recommend among 3 cuisines and 13 dish categories.

The 3 ethnic cuisines are Chinese, Italian and Tex-Mex while the 13 dish categories include BBQ, burgers, chicken, coffee/tea/baked goods, ice cream/frozen yogurt, juice and smoothies, noodles and ramen, pizza, sandwiches, seafood, soup, steak, and Sushi, JFC said.

Jollibee was cited in the chicken category, Smashburger for burgers, CBTL for tea and coffee, and Chowking

for the Chinese cuisine category.

Criteria for the rating include taste, cleanliness, hygiene and COVID-19 measures, transparency about ingredients, location, dealing with environmental issues, accessibility, service quality, and treatment of employees, according to Statista.

“We are honored that our brands are included in this list of most favorite restaurant chains in the United States. We thank our customers for their continued support, resulting in this citation that inspires us even more in our mission of serving great-tasting food, bringing the joy of eating to everyone,” said Ernesto Tanmantiong, Jollibee Group President and CEO.

The 4 brands are all under the Jollibee Group umbrella. JFC acquired CBTL in 2018.

In August 2022, the fried chicken known as Chickenjoy of the homegrown brand was also cited as the “best fried chicken chain in America” by food website Eater.

Bangko

Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Felipe Medalla on Monday told foreign investors the Philippines’ inflation rate is on its way back within target in the second half of 2023.

During the Philippine economic briefing held in Frankfurt, Germany that was streamed live through the Facebook page of various government agencies, Medalla told business leaders that the inflation rate in the country is now driven by supply-side factors from an initial impact of global-related issues.

He said the government has been doing its best to address the issue, and among the solutions include speeding up the

importation of several agricultural products such as rice, sugar and meat.

Medalla said there are already signs that inflation is normalizing, with month-on-month level already decelerating.

“Unless there is a large shock again that’s associated with the weather, we do not see the shocks propagating into a self-fulfilling prophecy because of our very aggressive monetary policy,” he said.

BSP’s policy-making

Monetary Board (MB) hiked the central bank’s key policy rate by a total of 350 basis points last year after rate of price increases breached the government’s 2-4 percent inflation target band starting April last year.

Last December, inflation hit 8.1 percent, the highest since November 2008, which Medalla earlier said could likely be the peak.

“We expect that by the end of the third quarter or by the fourth quarter, we will already be below four percent,” he said.

Medalla said their inflation models show that inflation level may even be

below 2 percent by early 2024.

In the past, he said the Philippines’ longest period of experiencing inflation of around 4 percent is 15 months, with three to four shocks coming within around four months.

He said base effects is seen to dissipate after around 16 months, with the current run the longest so far and unexpected due to several factors that started with global issues and then turned into domestic supply-side factors.

“We are well into a target-consistent path of inflation …We are not there yet but we will be there,” Medalla said. (PNA)

Commodity prices seen to ease by mid-2023

Go Negosyo founder Joey Concepcion, also Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) jobs group lead, said commodity prices are seen to ease by middle of this year and inflation rate will slow down towards the end of 2023.

During the Laging Handa public briefing Monday, Concepcion said

supply chain disruptions in the global market remains a factor that affect commodity prices not only in the country but also other markets.

“I expect by middle of this year, we see lower prices, hopefully, lower— we’re seeing oil prices go down, We’re seeing wheat prices go down. Hopefully, sugar and the rest will all

go down,” he said.

He added that the interest rate hikes of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has helped in taming the further acceleration of inflation rate.

Concepcion said slowing down the inflation rate will also support economic growth this year.

Inflation in 2022 stood

at 5.8 percent, still within the government’s target, but December 2022 inflation recorded its 14-year high at 8.1 percent.

Despite the high inflation rate, Concepcion said domestic demand remains robust that support the economy.

“We can see demand coming back, growth coming back,” he added. (PNA)

Some Jollibee brands are chosen as among America’s Favorite Restaurant Chains for 2023, according to news magazine Newsweek and data firm Statista. Jollibee Foods Corp said the 2023 ranking was determined based on the result of an independent survey among over 4,000 customers and employees in the United States. Lean Daval Jr.

“I am confident that this is only the beginning of our renewed commitment to investing more in education and prioritizing the development of a future-ready workforce… With more than 13 million young people, the largest in our country’s history, we are poised to benefit from this demographic dividend.”

On proper investment and prioritization of the youth’s education and capacity-building:

Vice President

Education Secretary

SARA DUTERTE

The inclusion of an escrow provision in the pending Magna Carta for Filipino seafarers will adversely affect the legal battle for labor claims.

The employers and manning agencies again proposed the provision which in essence aimed to amend the Labor Code that will have significant impact on the “ immediately final and executory” nature of decisions issued by National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) and the National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB).

They stressed that such move is necessary to ensure the restitution of monetary awards in case the appropriate appellate court annuls or partially or totally reverses the monetary judgment award. The proceeds shall remain in escrow until such time the finality of the decision issued by the appropriate appellate court is obtained.

They proposed said provision while misleadingly blaming the dwindling numbers of deployed seafarers on the increasing number of litigated cases involving monetary claims for disability and death benefits, as well as il-

ATTY. DENNIS R. GORECHO PINOY MARINO RIGHTS

PROPOSED ESCROW PROVISION IN THE MAGNA CARTA PREJUDICIAL FOR SEAFARERS

legal dismissal, unpaid or underpayment of salaries and wages.

Described as “ambulance chasers”, they have deliberately and sweepingly depicted seafarers’ lawyers as “unscrupulous” in an attempt to deflect the real issues why cases are being filed. They criticized most lawyers who go to lengths to push seafarers to file labor cases against their foreign employers.

They consistently used the phrase “balancing the interest of the seafarer and the company” on the premise that their proposals will ensure employment of Filipinos on board foreign ocean-going vessels.

Employers are throwing off-balance the already imbalanced legal battle on seafarers’ claims as every labor dispute is a David and Goliath situation.

In essence, they utilize the phrase that seafarers seek “benefits even beyond the claims they are actually entitled” to sanitize the problematic legal battle for seafarer’s compensation.

Valid claims, employers argue, necessarily must follow what the POEA contract dictates:

a contract that contains terms and conditions formulated more favorable to his employer and is littered with ambiguous provisions, generalizations, technicalities that he does not understand.

Under the 1996 POEA contract, for disability or death to be compensable, it was sufficient that the seafarer suffered injury or illness during the term of his employment. The cause of illness or death is immaterial.

However, the restrictive clause “work-related” was added under Section 20 (B) of the 2000 POEA contract to limit the employer’s liabilities.

The 2000 POEA SEC defined “work-related injury” as “injury resulting in disability or death arising out of and in the course of employment” and “work-related illness” as “any sickness resulting to disability or death as a result of an occupational disease listed under Section 32-A of the contract”.

Two elements must concur for compensability: first, that the injury or illness must be work-related; and second, it must have existed during the term of the seafarer’s employment contract. The first requirement appeared

FRED C. LUMBA SPECKS OF LIFE

“Be sure you put your feet in the right place, then stand firm.”ABRAHAM LINCOLN.

*******

Calm, cool and collected, PBBM faced his “grillers” from members of the mainstream broadcast media recently and revealed his savvy, a facet of his persona that many of his detractors would not have believed.

The inquirers zeroed in on the frequent presidential travels, the agri sector and the rising costs of commodities, the China state visit and he meeting with Xi Jin Ping, the irritating issues at the West Philippine Sea involving Pinoy fishermen and their “near” collision with Chinese coast guards shooing them away, the Maharlika wealth fund, and some other.

The ‘dialogue’ would have been far more “colorful” had the time been extended because I thought there were still follow up questions that needed to be raised and clarified.

Judging from the manner he premised his response, PBBM did

not attempt to hide - or was not hiding - something from the journalists as sometimes - even White House spokespersons do - interviewees are wont to evade.

(Expect a possible meeting with the print journalists to balance the media interview so that none is considered a favorite or friendlier with the powers that be. Don’t you think so?)

Of course, viewers would have preferred Jessica Soho’s (GMA7) presence because Karen Davila of ABS CBN was there. Soho’s absence is very intriguing as she is known to be a feisty anti-Marcos observer since way back.

Was she not invited or she preferred that somebody else be sent in her stead?

Anyway, the proceedings went casually fluid and smooth as the Chief Executive explained in layman’s language his responses.

There was a vacuum that I noticed as the broadcasters were given pre-assigned numbers so that the order of asking questions is not muddled.

Only a pair of questions were granted to each interviewer although a few managed to make

in the 2000 and 2010 POEA contract but is absent in the 1996 version.

Through such restrictive provisions of the POEA contract, claims for disability and death compensation became a legal battleground which is partly attributable to the fact that employers do not hesitate to harness their immense resources to limit their liability.

Data from the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) indicated that from 2015 to 2019, it took 7.2 years on average for an OFW money claims case to go through the entire judicial process from the date of filing of the complaint in the NLRC up to the time the Supreme Court decides on it.

The seafarer will wait for longer years before they receive the NLRC/NCMB award if the proposed escrow provision will be included.

Without any leverage in prosecuting his monetary claims, chances are, the seafarer bows to the demand of his employer to either drop his claim or accept a small settlement.

In cases of seafarers with medical conditions, some incur

MEDIA SAVVY

more than one follow up question.

The chap who asked about Zandro Marcos’ being a member of the RP delegation that flew to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland was quite a damper.

The young third generation Marcos, being the author of the Maharlika Wealth Fund in the House of Representatives which PBBM proudly presented to the august audience and to prominent businessmen there, was tasked by the President to elaborate on the concept.

But the thing that floored me was the query if the young Marcos was being prepared by the President and his family to follow his political footsteps and someday run for the presidency when the time is ripe.

That question was sophomoric.

No, the Chief Executive softly uttered, although he seemed to have been taken aback and then he recovered.

In so many words, PBBM responded that all politicians

journey where their political directions bring them. A politician prepares himself for the tough task ahead and if he carefully plots his way intelligently, he will reach his political destination.

Meaning, it is up to the young Marcos to chart his own political fate.

But for the sake of argument, that already is a given. Why pursue it?

This is especially true for scions of old but prominent political clans and families that have produced presidents - like the Macapagals, the Aquinos, the Marcoses and presumably, the Dutertes.

(Unfortunately, the Osmenas, the Roxases, the Magsaysays have yet to produce one from their ranks.)

PBBM said this year his foreign travels will be limited except for summits that require his executive attendance like the APEC and the ASEAN.

He said as a “new kid on the block,” it was necessary for him to introduce himself and get to know the “right” people whom he can personally call and dialogue with.

huge debts to sustain their medication while others die before the decision by the Supreme Court is released.

Unless their definition of “valid claims” is changed, through the deletion of the “work-related” clause, and through the reversion to the old 1996 POEA Contract , the denials of seafarers’ claims will continue that will result to increasing legal cases. The compensation scheme should be less restrictive and more realistic. If the provision that aims to delay in execution will be included, the proposed Magna Carta becomes a tool of oppression and inequity to the prejudice of the seafarer.

In the end, the “balance of scale” will tilt more to capital as this will protect the business interest of the manning agencies and their principal rather than the seafarers themselves.

(Atty. Dennis R. Gorecho heads the seafarers’ division of the Sapalo Velez Bundang Bulilan law offices. For comments, email info@sapalovelez. com, or call 09175025808 or 09088665786)

He brings along a retinue of Cabinet members and their staff to ensure that the necessary paperwork and documents for presentation are available when they meet and engage foreign counterparts.

“What is important is the R-O-I ( return on investment) that will be realized as the exchange value for the expenses,” PBBM told his interviewers at the Palace.

Definitely, no President of any country would waste his time and taxpayers’ money traveling to a foreign country without bringing back positive results of his sales pitching.

The R-O-I may not exactly come soonest but as the president’s men begin to review and make follow ups of their engagements and meetings, something concrete and solid results will emerge.

Our country may not be like Singapore as of now but our potentials - unlike our neighbors - are huge and unlimited. (Email feedback to fredlumba@yahoo. com.) GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!

Pèche seals a lease contract with ALPI

Aeon Luxe Properties Incorporated welcomes Pèche (Nails, Gluta, & Aesthetic Lounge), the new tenant to the commercial space at 2nd Floor, Aeon Towers, J.P. Laurel, Bajada, Davao City. The contract signing took place at 2nd Floor Lobby, Aeon Towers last January 22, 2023.

Present during the signing were Pèche (Nails, Gluta, & Aesthetic Lounge) owner Alpechy Albao and Mr. Jester F. Hospital, Vice President for Sales & Marketing.

Pèche aims to give a luxurious yet affordable experience for their clients.

“Gusto namin ‘yung… ano parang luxury na ma feel nang mga tao– and na relax talaga sila,” Alpechy said in an interview.

(We want to provide a luxurious experience to the people, a place where they can truly relax)

Pèche (Nails, Gluta, & Aesthetic Lounge) pampers guests with beauty and wellness services such as nail extension designs, gluta drip, facial slimming, and micro blading, among others.

They also offer exclusive services for private parties such as birthdays, bridal showers, and other get-togethers with family and friends.

Pèche (Nails, Gluta, & Aesthetic Lounge) is situated next to Aeon Luxe Showroom on the second floor of Aeon Towers Commercial Arcade. It is open from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Mondays through Sundays.

Clients can message their Facebook page Lés Beauté Loungeor contact them directly at 09618044578 for reservations and more information.

Equipping PH youths with digital skills

SAP helps bridge skills gaps for the next generation of leaders through its University Alliances Program

In today’s digital world, organizations have been continuously embracing and adopting modern technologies in their business practices to stay competitive.

With this reality, businesses require digital skills not only from their current workforce but from the next generation of IT professionals.

According to a recent study by Asian Development Bank (ADB) and LinkedIn, basic computer knowledge and skills are required from eight out of 10 hired applicants, and four out of 10 with extensive digital literacy in Asia and the Pacific. This situation is also the same in the Philippines. Simple digital skills were needed from six out of 10 hired Filipino jobseekers and two out of 10 with advanced skills.

Meanwhile, with the plans laid by the current administration, promoting digital literacy through upskilling young Filipinos, particularly their digital skills, is also deemed critical since the country continues to strengthen its digital transformation initiatives.

“As the demand for digital skills increases, we believe that education is the key to achieving the country’s digital transformation goals. Educational institutions must be able to equip their students with the right knowledge and digital skills before they enter the workforce. Not only will it help them have more opportunities in the professional world, but it will also give them the ability to help public or private organizations innovate for business success,” said Rudy

Abrahams, Managing Director of SAP Philippines.

To assist in bridging the gap and build the next generation’s digital skills for more opportunities in the professional world, SAP SE (NYSE: SAP) continues its mission to help the world run better and improve people’s lives by helping strengthen the future IT workforce through its University Alliances Program (UAP) in the country. With more than 160 university members across the Asia Pacific and Japan (APJ), this initiative aims to enable faculty and teachers to hone the youths' digital skills by introducing the latest technologies and methodologies with SAP solutions. Membership in this program grants access to SAP software. It also aims to help partners to learn best

practices for integrating program resources into teaching and be inspired to partner with the SAP ecosystem of customers and partners.

In the Philippines, there are now at least 23 universities that are part of the program. Among these institutions is the Mapua University, one of the top IT schools in the country.

“Mapua University has been a member of the SAP UA Program since 2010. Our membership to this program allows us to equip our students with necessary digital skills that they can use to jumpstart their career and thrive as IT professionals,”

said Ariel Kelly Balan, Dean of the School of Information Technology Mapua University.

Empower faculty members’ skills and knowledge with Train-the-Trainer workshops

For universities to educate students with modern digital skills, faculty members are provided with Trainthe-Trainer workshops conducted by members of SAP Next-Gen Chapters. These are lighthouse educational institutions selected to be multipliers of the University Competence Centers (UCCs) and Academic Competence Centers (ACCs). These uni-

versities mentor educators of other institutions with the best practices for teaching students when it comes to educating SAP software and curriculum.

Train-the-Trainer workshops include a wide array of courses, such as ideal training, planning, and preparation, successful training start, professional rhetoric and presentation, effective media use and visualization, helpful activation methods for participants, and constructive and positive handling of critical situations.

Visit the SAP News Center. Follow SAP on Twitter at @SAPNews.

Contract Signing of PÊCHE and Aeon Luxe Properties as new tenant at Aeon Towers. Signing the contract are Pèche (Nails, Gluta, & Aesthetic Lounge) owner Alpechy Albao and Jester F. Hospital, Vice President for Sales & Marketing.

Coaches in the Workplace: Cultivating a culture of peer learning and mentoring

Last quarter marked World Teachers Day, and it merits mentioning that the concept of teachers ought to be considered beyond the classroom. Mentors in the workplace are teachers too. Thanks to them, starting and experienced technology professionals at TELUS International Digital Solutions Philippines— the technology division of TELUS International Philippines—keep growing, adapting, and transforming. Multiple paths enable these, from peer learning to on-the-job coaching to

training enrollment.

“Our Digital Solutions roles in TELUS International Digital Solutions currently need Filipino tech talents who eventually immerse in the Software Engineering, Information Technology, and Financial services industries. Because TELUS International Digital Solutions methodologies cover the Info-Tech lifecycle, from design and construction to delivery, operation, and optimization—including intelligent automation for digital transformation—

those who potentially join TELUS International Digital Solutions’ over 3,000 team members in the Philippines can expect exposure to real-world challenges and resolutions that cultivate seasoned tech professionals,” said TELUS International Digital Solutions Philippines, Vice-President, Nalakumar “Nala” RS.

Because of this, employee preparation can range from further specialization in areas such as Cloud Computing, Structured Query Language, Py-

thon, and React to technical training in a self-paced format by externally accredited institutions. “Even as developing one’s core skills to be the best, at TELUS International Digital Solutions we offer multiple tracks in tech. This way, anyone with the passion to learn can change paths to the next level of specialization as professional interest evolves in pursuit of a robust tech career,” added Nala.

Multiple paths to professional growth Service Delivery Project Manager John Emmanuelle E. Maunes said that part of why he joined TELUS International Digital Solutions 14 years ago, was because of his impression that “those who get accepted by TELUS International Digital Solutions are top-notch.” True to his experience, the culture and friendships built over time with colleagues were a great support through professional transitions, personal adjustments and real-time problem solving. “I benefited from mentoring alongside ‘learning on the job’ and I particularly appreciate two mentors who enabled and equipped me with the necessary knowhow to deliver on my daily tasks,” John said.

Colleague Cris Advincula acknowledges that joining TELUS International Digital Solutions for him came with the built-in expectation of professional growth. “TELUS International Digital Solutions’ unique learning environ-

ment gives us the freedom to choose from many offerings–perfect for those keen to deepen and expand their IT careers. I have had the opportunity to study at my own pace, and have availed of peer learning, OJT, apprenticeship, shadowing, UDEMY, TIU/iAspire, iExcel, 6Sigma, and more.” These have fueled his 13-year journey within the company, where he transitioned and gathered expertise through various roles such as Customer Service Representative, Tech Support Representative, Quality Analyst, Trainer, Service Desk Manager, Team Lead, Team Supervisor, Operations Manager, Service Desk Project Manager–the latter being where he currently drives the management of projects. “Along the way, team members have also sought mentoring from me, so I hope that means I have become an inspiration to others to give back,” said Cris.

Cris elaborated that his early role as Customer Service Representative started in TELUS Assure, a frontliner for TELUS ISP (TELUS Internet). “I was inspired by the Filipinos working onshore as network support. When they mentioned that the Network File System was going to operate in Manila, I applied and fortunately became part of the pioneer batch.Then Single Point of Contact opened its doors, which became my opportunity to join TELUS Inter-

national Digital Solutions.”

Workplace learning as continuing journey

For John, “The starting point was opening myself to possibilities and mulling over what I really want to be in the future. From there, I sought guidance from my supervisors and senior leaders, and the rest, as they say, is history. Staying in the ‘learning-in-position’ phase remains key for me.”

Workplace learning being lifelong, and teaching moments being everywhere, Cris and John consider themselves both mentees and mentors. Cris said, “My field of specialization is IT on the technical side and networking, but also videography and photography which I can mentor on as well. The freedom to choose opportunities is also enabled by leaders supportive of career growth.”

John added, “I am also a mentee and I continue to learn from my immediate supervisors. The beautiful thing about this is that I am able to share the lessons with my team members, and advise them on their career goals. TELUS International Digital Solutions has various learning avenues and platforms for team members, from Udemy to personal mentoring, the important thing is to be committed to learning. Learning depends on the learner and at TELUS International Digital Solutions, we are always evolving our platforms for all types of learners.”

HONOR raises the bar for superior display experiences

Surendra Menon turning over the role of Chief Executive Officer to Karen Custodia during BPI AIA’s recent Sales Kick Off event

Top bancassurance firm BPI AIA today announced the appointment of Karen Custodia as the new Chief Executive Officer of BPI AIA, which took effect on January 9, 2023. At the helm, Custodia takes on the responsibility of overseeing BPI AIA’s growing Partnership Distribution Channel and managing its strategic relationship with BPI while providing leadership to support a wide range of initiatives.

“I am both proud and humbled to take on this new role at BPI AIA as we continue to provide Filipinos with the financial protection they need and encourage them to live longer, healthier, and better lives. We understand our consumers’ changing needs and we will continue to invest in innovations to fulfill our strong commitment to making insurance accessible, affordable, and personalized for every Filipino.,” said Karen Custodia, BPI AIA CEO.

Prior to her appointment, she held the role of Head of Partnership Distri-

bution Sales Channels at BPI

AIA since 2014. Bringing in more than a decade of rich experience in sales, Custodia has a proven track record of driving impactful change in the company. In her previous role, she led a team of over 1,500 employees from the In-Branch Corporate Sales, Direct Sales, Private Banking, and Telesales teams.

Under her leadership, BPI AIA successfully implemented a new distribution model aligned with BPI’s customer and channel strategy. This feat has strengthened partner engagement and consequently increased the sales force productivity.

“Our partnership with BPI has grown stronger every year, we push on every day to protect our customers letting them love the lives they live. We look forward to working alongside them towards our common goal of building a better Philippines, one family, one community at a time,” added Custodia.

Custodia previously led the distribution channels to shift from physical to hybrid interaction at the height of the pandemic. The shift helped curb the pandemic’s impact and achieve faster

recovery while staying true to the BPI AIA mission of making insurance easy to get and easy to have for every Filipino.

Custodia replaced Surendra Menon, who served six years as BPI AIA CEO and was recently appointed as Director of Partnership Distri-

bution of AIA Indonesia. Custodia will work closely with and will be directly reporting to Kelvin Ang, Chief Executive Officer of AIA Philippines.

“I am honored to pass on the chief executive role to Karen. Through the course of her career, she has demonstrated her expertise and

knowledge, which have been key parts of many of the organization’s innovations and developments. With her spearheading BPI AIA, I am certain that she will drive the company toward new heights of success,” said Surendra Menon, outgoing and former CEO of BPI AIA.

BPI AIA is a joint venture between two icons of the financial industry, AIA Philippines (formerly AIA Philam Life) and the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI). To learn more about the leading bancassurance company, visit https://www.bpi-aia.com. ph/.

NO... FROM 2

dili na magparehistro ug utro like kung nagparehistro sa SK for 18 years old dili namo magoarehustro ug utro because ma-extract na namo ang 28 years old so regular voters na sila. ex-

2 MILF... FROM 2

and belonging to the MILF 105th base command.

Balogan could not say if the BIFF also suffered casualties, but noted the presence of bloodstains along the BIFF’s escape routes.

Lt. Col. Benjamin Cadiente, commander of the Army’s 33rd Infantry (Makabayan) Battalion,

COMELEC... FROM 3 BULK ... FROM 3

act 30 years old and below on the day of the elections ang makaboto for SK,” she said.

Requirements for firsttime voters is school ID or library card.

said a reinforcement sent to the clash site rushed the injured to the hospital for treatment and brought the fatalities to their families for decent burial according to Islamic rites.

Pursuit operations against the BIFF are continuing as of posting time, Cadiente said. (PNA)

LAKERS... FROM 11

points, three rebounds and two steals during his encouraging return to the hardwood.

“It felt fantastic, just to touch the floor -– I feel so grateful,” Isaac said afterwards. “I feel good, I’m grateful to be with the Magic, plus to get a win –- I couldn’t be happier.”

Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown led the Boston scoring with 26 points each, while Derrick White added 11 and Sam Hauser 13 off the bench.

- ‘Good to be out there’ -

In other games on

Monday, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton returned from injury with a vengeance as the Milwaukee Bucks arrested their current slump in form with a ruthless 150-130 pounding of the Detroit Pistons.

Antetokounmpo had missed the last five Bucks games with a lingering knee injury, a spell that saw Milwaukee lose three games. Middleton meanwhile had not played since mid-December.

But Antetokounmpo showed no sign of ring-rust

daily to over one million Davaoeños.

“Since last year and until now padayon ang atong mga preparations for the interfacing para by the time na mag full blast na si bulk water project smooth na ang pagdawat nato sa tubig coming from their system. Just to manage the expectations of the public by the time na mag full blast si Apo Agua that would be the first time na musulod ug mabati sa atong pipeline storage system ang tubig coming from them, on our end, it would be a lot of adjustments in our operations kay para atoang maseguro na ang tubig na

atoang madawat it would be fully maximized and maka benefit ang mga areas specially ang District 2 nga ga low water pressure to no water,” Duhaylungsod said.

The DCBWSP of Davao City Water District (DCWD) is the first of its kind in the country. It is designed to follow the water-energy nexus concept, where renewable energy will be generated through an integrated hydroelectric power plant. With this state-of-the-art landmark project, Davao City will now have access to both surface water from the Tamugan river, and its current ground well sources.

VP SARA... FROM 2

The OVP earlier initiated nationwide programs through the opening of its satellite offices in various areas of the country.

These programs cover basic services such as medical and burial assistance, free rides program, aid to children and learners, and legal and employment assistance through part-

as he led a comprehensive rout, scoring 29 points with 12 rebounds and four assists.

nerships with other government agencies, among others.

The OVP said it will launch livelihood and training programs for women and members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and asexual plus (LGBTQIA+) community. (PNA)

Brook Lopez added 21 points while Middleton added eight points on his return.

of entries; and 16,718 that applied for transfer with correction of entries. There were also 59,203 who are seeking to reactivate their registration, and 16,019 that sought reactivation with correction of entries.

A total of 72,067 applied

for correction of entries; 93 for inclusion of record in the book of voters; and 35 for reinstatement of name in the list of voters. There are 6,137 applicants who applied for transfer from being an overseas voter to a local voter. (PNA)

IMPLEMENTATION...

FROM 3 ang atoang basura nga nagaadto sa atoang landfill. Based on data starting 2017 to 2022 increasing ang atoang gina generate na waste,” he said during the Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Davao on Monday.

He said that what should be done is to find sustainable solutions and invest in reducing waste generation.

“Mag start gyud na siya if the city government of Davao will recognize that there is a problem sa implementation sa atoang solid waste management and policies and as long as dili na i-recognize sa city dili gyud nato na ma-address and we should find solutions na sustainable. Karon man gud ang gina-propose is unsustainable project and that is the Waste-to-Energy,” he said.

He said reducing the city’s waste generation will have an impact on the waste that goes to the landfill as most of the waste in the landfill are combustibles.

“If kato (plastics) mabilin sa barangays residuals ra gyud ang malabay sa landfill ug ang life span sa atong landfill mas mag extend pa kay ang atong landfill karon is operating beyond its life span, which is a reflection sa weak implementation sa balaod on solid waste management sa city,” he said.

Meanwhile, Davao City First District Councilor Temujin “Tek” Ocampo announced last Wednesday that Davao City’s WTE is just awaiting the approval from the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). By Maya

M. Padillo

Lakers trade for Japan star Rui Hachimura

LOS ANGELES -- The Los Angeles Lakers have signed Japanese international Rui Hachimura in a deal that sends guard Kendrick Nunn and multiple draft picks to the Washington Wizards, the Lakers said Monday.

The 6ft 8in (2.0m) Hachimura has made 30 appearances for the Wizards this season, averaging 13 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.2 assists.

In his four seasons in the NBA, the 24-year-old has averaged 13.0 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.4 as-

sists.

“We are excited to welcome Rui and his family to the Los Angeles Lakers,” Los Angeles general manager Rob Pelinka said in a statement.

“Adding both size and depth to the wing position has been a goal, and the

chance to accomplish that by acquiring a player with Rui’s two-way skills and upside was an opportunity that doesn’t present itself often,” Pelinka added.

Hachimura was chosen as the ninth overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft after a three-year collegiate career with Gonzaga University.

Hachimura’s move to California comes with the Lakers struggling to make an impression in the Western Conference.

The NBA giants are 12th in the standings with a losing 22-25 record.

Meantime, number one draft pick Paolo Banche-

ro scored 23 points as the Orlando Magic ended the injury-depleted Boston Celtics’ nine-game winning streak with an upset 11398 victory on Monday.

Orlando, languishing three places off the bottom of the Eastern Conference with a 17-29 record prior to Monday’s game, took full advantage of Boston’s injury crisis to complete a deserved win at the Amway Center in Florida.

The league-leading Celtics were missing key defensive figures Marcus Smart and Robert Williams due to injury and their absence proved crucial as a

fired-up Orlando stormed to victory.

The 20-year-old Banchero showed a maturity beyond his tender years to orchestrate Orlando’s win, which saw five Magic players reach double-digit totals, with Wendell Carter Jr. posting 21 points and Germany’s Franz Wagner 15.

“Anytime you get to play a championship-level team, a team that’s been to the finals, and has been where you want to be, you want to put out your best effort and get the win,” Banchero said afterwards.

“That’s my mentality, and that’s our team’s men-

tality, and we were able to do that.

“I just wanted to be decisive with my moves, when I decided to attack, when I decided to shoot -– not force anything and let the game come to me. Be aggressive and decisive, and live with the results.”

Arguably the most impressive contribution came in the form of a 10-minute cameo from Jonathan Isaac, making his first appearance in an NBA game since August 2020 following more than two years dominated by injuries.

Isaac finished with 10

PH named among stops of FIFA WWC trophy tour

Filipino football fans will get a glimpse of the FIFA Women’s World Cup (WWC) championship trophy as the Philippines has been named one of the stops of the FIFA WWC Trophy Tour.

Philippine Football Federation secretary general Ed Gastanes announced the development on Tuesday during the Philippine

Sportswriters Association Forum at the PSC conference room at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

However, he kept mum on when the trophy will arrive in the Philippines.

“I cannot announce the dates yet because it will be FIFA that will announce it,” said Gastanes, but added the tro-

phy will be displayed in an undisclosed place for two days.

The event is already historic as the Philippines booked a spot in the 2023 edition of the WWC, the first time a Filipino squad has made it to any FIFA World Cup main tournament.

The Philippine women’s football team, also

known as the Filipinas, qualified after making the semifinals of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup, beating Chinese Taipei on penalties in the quarterfinals.

The Filipinas have since become a rising force not just in Southeast Asia—by virtue of capturing the bronze in the Southeast Asian Games in Hanoi and rul-

ing the AFF Women’s Championship also at Rizal Memorial—but in the whole world as evidenced by their blowout wins and gallant stands throughout 2022.

The significant buildup for the FIFA WWC begins next month as the Filipinas will face Iceland, Scotland and Wales in the Pinatar Cup at the Pinatar Arena in

San Pedro Del Pinatar, Spain.

The Filipinas will also seek to improve their third-place finish last year in Hanoi in the Phnom Penh SEA Games this May before they travel to New Zealand to face the home squad, Norway and Switzerland in the group stages of the FIFA WWC in late July. (PNA)

Japanese star Rui Hachimura will now play alongside Lebron James in a Lakers uniform.

FLAKERS, P10

STILL FIGHTING

WBC orders Donaire-Moloney bout for vacant bantamweight title

Don’t count out Nonito Donaire Jr. just yet.

The Filipino Flash will get another shot at the world title after the World Boxing Council ordered a bout between him and number 1-ranked Jason Moloney for the vacant WBC bantamweight crown, according to Boxingscene

Naoya Inoue vacated the throne this month, and based on their agreement during the WBC convention last November, the two will dispute for the title should the Japanese superstar relinquish his crown.

The WBC has given the two boxers until February 17 to negotiate and avoid a purse bid hearing.

Moloney fights under the banner of Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum’s Top Rank, while Donaire is promoted by Richard Schaefer and managed by his wife, Rachel.

The 40-year-old Donaire, the oldest bantamweight to win a world title, lost the WBC crown during a rematch versus Inoue in June last year.

He ranked behind Moloney

based on his legendary standing as a former 4-division titlist.

Meantime, former world champion Jerwin Ancajas will fly to the United States to resume training in Las Vegas, his trainer/ promoter Joven Jimenez said.

The resumption of training is upon the agreement made with MP Promotions president Sean Gibbons.

The Davao del Norte pride bowed to Argentina’s Fernando Martinez anew by unanimous decision, failing to regain the IBF junior bantamweight title on Saturday in Carson, California.

Martinez defended the crown he took from Ancajas in February by judges’ scores of 119-109, 118-110 and 118-110 in the championship rematch.

Four-division champion Nonito Donaire will get another shot at the world title after the World Boxing Council ordered a bout between him and number 1-ranked Jason Moloney for the vacant WBC bantamweight crown, according to Boxingscene.