Edge Davao Vol. 15 Issue 242 | Saturday, Jan. 28, 2023

Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Cristina Frasco chats with the weavers of native products at the booth of the province of Davao Occidental during the opening of the 1st Mindanao Tourism Expo held at SMX Convention Center in Lanang, Davao City on Friday. Lean Daval Jr.

IT AIN’T OVER YET

Rigo calls on Dabawenyos to get vaxxed as Covid-19 is still around

By MAYA M. PADILLO

Rodrigo “Rigo” Duterte II reiterated his call to Dabawenyos to get vaccinated to prevent them from getting infected with severe Covid-19 as the virus is still around.

Rigo, grandson, and namesake of former president Rodrigo Duterte and son of Davao City First District Representative Paolo “Pulong” Duterte, said that even though the restrictions have been lifted, everyone still needs to be protected

through vaccination.

“Ang pagpabakuna against Covid-19 is a safer, more reliable way para ma-protektahan ta labi na ang atong pamilya ug mga anak nga magkasakit ug Covid-19,” he said.

Rigo urged Dabawen-

yos as vaccination resumes at People’s Park.

The Davao City Covid-19 Task Force announced that Dabawenyos may now avail of their Covid-19 vaccinations at the People’s Park from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. from Monday to Friday.

Davao City Covid-19 Task Force spokesperson Dr. Michelle Schlosser announced over Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR) the Covid-19 vaccination teams at People’s Park cater to the primary

Davao City inks MOU with PRA for Davao City Reclamation Project

two-dose series, booster shots, and missed doses for the pediatric population five to 17 years old and adults 18 and above.

Schlosser reiterated that vaccination is the only way to prevent acquiring the severity of the disease that may result in a Covid-19 death.

She reported that from January 16 to 22, 2023, Davao City logged a total of 67 active cases with four deaths, who were mostly unvaccinated.

DavNor to declare state of calamity after P50.3-million flood damage

incurred in agriculture and infrastructure due to the widespread flooding in six areas due to heavy rains this week.

Glenda Delideli, head of Davao del Norte Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), said the affected local government units are Asuncion, Kapalong,

Santo Tomas, New Corella, Carmen and Tagum City.

“The declaration was made to mobilize necessary resources and assist affected communities,” she said.

Davao City officials and representatives from the Philippine Reclamation Authority on Wednesday, January 25, 2023, signed a Memorandum of Understanding - in line with the application of the city to reclaim and develop more or less 57 hectares along the reclaimable areas enclosed by the Davao City Coastal Road Project in Davao City.

The signing was led by Davao City Mayor Baste Duterte, Acting City Administrator, Atty. Francis Mark Layog, Atty Janilo. E. Rubiato General Manager and CEO and PRA member of the Board, and two more PRA members of the board, Mr. Dioscorro E. Esteban Jr. and Mr. Nolasco K. Bathan.

Davao City Planning and Development Coordinator

Engr. Ivan C. Cortez, in a message during the MOU signing, said that the application stems from the strategy of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in avoiding structures along the Davao City Coastal Road.

“The city government deemed it necessary to secure the spaces between the coastline and the coastal road with the Philippine

Reclamation Authority as one of the first steps in ensuring we can develop the space properly as warranted by socioeconomic and environmental demands of the city,” he said.

Cortez said that on March 18, 2018, a letter of intent was officially sent by the City Mayor’s Office to the PRA. From then on, the city worked with various offices concerned and processed the documentary requirements, including the financial requirements.

Among the requirement is the Sangguniang Panlungsod Resolution and Ordinance authorizing the City Mayor to enter and sign, on behalf of the City of Davao, the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City and PRA relative to the application for reclamation along Davao City Coastal Road Project in Davao City.

Davao City Mayor Baste Duterte said that the initial plan is for the reclaimed to become an open space for people to enjoy leisure activities.

Rubiato said that their office has determined that the city is pre-qualified for the reclamation. He said that the MOU basically outlines the requirements and the deadlines for submission.

Rodrigo “Rigo” Duterte II encourages Dabawenyos to get vaccinated to prevent them from getting infected with severe Covid-19 as the city government of Davao resumed the vaccinations at People’s Park. Lean Daval Jr.

Life style diseases on the rise

By MAYA M. PADILLO

The cases of Covid-19 in Davao City have decreased but cases of lifestyle diseases have gone up, according to an official of the City Health Office (CHO).

Dr. Marjorie Culas, OIC of CHO, reported on Friday that the increasing cases of lifestyle diseases are the effect of the sedentary lifestyle brought by the pan-

demic.

“Ang atong nutrition wala kaayo nato nabantayan, wala nata nag exercise. Ang atong lifestyle nahimo nang sedentary

dili na mubaktas, naa lang sa balay, so nanagko na. Naa na epekto nagtaas ang sugar, walay maintenance kay wala nakapa-check-up, nibug-at na ang timbang,” Culas said over Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR) on Friday.

Lifestyle diseases include heart disease, obesity, Type 2 diabetes, stroke,

hypertension, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases (COPD), and asthma.

“Lifestyle diseases are like wala na nagpa konsulta, wala na nag-atiman sa health kay sa panahon sa Covid kaon ta ug gikan gi-deliver, gikan sa fastfood, mga mantikaon, ang uban kusog na muinum during Covid kay mao man daw

kini ang ilang destressing activities,” she said.

Culas added that based on her talks with the doctors and specialists at the Southern Philippine Medical Center (SPMC) as early as 7-year-old or 8-year-old patients undergo dialysis.

“Nag-istorya ko sa mga specialists sa SPMC daghan daw bata karon as early

as 7 or 8 years old na dialysis kay tungod sa sakit dugay na panahon kay wala ma-monitor ug wala ma-eksamin,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Davao City Covid-19 Task Force reported that from January 16 to 22, 2023, Davao City logged a total of 67 active cases with four deaths, who were mostly unvaccinated.

Frasco leads opening of Mindanao Tourism Expo

Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco led the opening of the first Mindanao Tourism Expo (MTE) on Friday at SM Lanang Premier’s SMX Convention Center in Davao City.

MTE 2023 is a project of the Department of Tourism 11 in partnership with the Davao Visitors Destination Hub, Inc, DOT Mindanao Regional Offices, DOT - Office of Product and Market Development, DOT - Office of the Undersecretary for Tourism Regulation Coordination and Resource Generation.

The three-day event will showcase sites in the exposition and exhibits, exchange

knowledge through business-to-business meetings and learning sessions, and network with partners from various sectors and allied industries.

“When I was installed as DOT secretary, one of the first remarks I made as plans for Philippine tourism is we need to reopen Mindanao to tourism. We are joined by our officials both from the public and private sectors, the entire officials of tourism whom upon my insistence have to be here if only to emphasize the seriousness, which we would like to reopen Mindanao to tourism,” Frasco said in her message.

She said with events

like Mindanao Tourism Expo, highlight the regions of Mindanao and tells the world how beautiful the regions are, how diverse that culture is, and how ready it is to receive tourists from the Philippines and all over the world.

“Mindanao is vital and essential in terms of tourism development because it is a hidden gem,” she said in an interview.

Initiated by the Department of Tourism 11 (DOT 11) under director Tanya Rabat-Tan, the activity, which is participated by over 200 participants, aims to support the national government’s reopening of the economy post-pandemic.

Tan said the Mindanao Tourism Expo is part of the program of Tourism Regulation, Coordination, and Resource Generation in support of Frasco’s direction to restart tourism by upholding our stakeholders following the mandate of the DOT.

“With everything all set and in place, we are now ready to present Davao and the rest of Mindanao as a destination primed to bounce back and welcome again our tourists, new partnerships, and brighter opportunities,” Tan said in her message.

Carrying the theme “Sustaining the Colors of Mindanao”, Tan said it

is also DOT’s hope that through the Mindanao Tourism Expo, it will be able to recoup the gains that the tourism industry has achieved pre-pandemic, to ensure simultaneous and safe reopening along the value chain, engage our stakeholders through our various activities, and continue to bolster domestic tourism by promoting Mindanao as a safe and fun destination.

“The time has finally come for Mindanao destinations to be back to the fore. For years, the ever-passionate stakeholders of Mindanao’s tourism industry have painstakingly worked hard not just to bring out the best in their respec-

tive regions but also to persuade visitors to go and visit them,” she said.

Tan also cited that Mindanao is home to a wide range of attractions, from stunning beaches and waterfalls, and lush forests to our vibrant cultures, friendly communities, and rich history. We also have a diverse assortment of accommodations, from world-class hotels and resorts to charming, locally managed inns and homestays.

“Today, with the first Mindanao Tourism Expo, we will endeavor to give these Mindanao gems the appreciation and recognition they truly deserve,” she said. By Maya M.

Padillo

Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Cristina Frasco, Presidential Assistant II for Eastern Mindanao Secretary Leo Tereso Magno, Davao

Oriental Governor Corazon Malanyaon, DOT Undersecretaries Ferdinand Jumapao and Shahlimar Tamano, Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS) Mayor Al David Uy, DOT 11 director Tanya Rabat-Tan and other government officials lead the cutting of the ribbon to mark the opening of the first Mindanao Tourism Expo at SMX Convention Center in Davao City on Friday. Lean Daval Jr.

In emphasizing the thrust to boost Mindanao tourism during the opening of the first Mindanao Tourism Expo (MTE):

“When I was installed as DOT secretary, one of the first remarks I made as plans for Philippine tourism is we need to reopen Mindanao to tourism. We are joined by our officials both from the public and private sectors, the entire officials of tourism whom upon my insistence have to be here if only to emphasize the seriousness, which we would like to reopen Mindanao to tourism.”

JASPER V. BACSAL General Manager / VP Operations

S. PANES Director of Sales

GREGORIO GARAY DELIGERO Editorial Consultant

MAYA M. PADILLO Senior Reporter

MOSES BILLACURA Sports Editor

The three-day event will showcase sites in the exposition and exhibits, exchange knowledge through businessto-business meetings and learning sessions, and network with partners from various sectors and allied industries.

Tourism Secretary

CHRISTINA FRASCO

In 2018, in time for the centenary of Freemasonry in Davao, we made a twoday docu-mentation of the ‘who’s who’ in the Wireless graveyard, the Davao Veterans and Masonic Cemetery (DVAMC), which was established in 1915. The boneyard was built as a burial place for American Protestant believers but was later expanded to include Masons who, un-der Catholic rites, are not allowed to find rest in diocesan cemeteries.

Most of those who were originally buried at the Masonic graveyard, were chiefly military servicemen and their families, who were later repatriated to the United States. Those still bur-ied at Wireless are soldiers who married locally, requested to be interred in Davao, or without claimants. Most of those who are buried at DVAMC today are second

ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA FAST BACKWARD

and third-generation scions of American soldiers, educators, and public servants, including soldiers that once were enlisted in the muster roll of the Thirty-First Michigan Volunteers.

Among the Americans, Freemason or not, honored at the DVAMC are David Jacobson (1876-1970), an American Jew benefactor of Brokenshire Hospital; Jerry N. Roscom (1880-1969), owner of the first horsedrawn carriage in Davao; US veterans George K. Pahl (1885-1963); J. Lindsey (died 1940); (Henrick Calhoun (died 1935); Adam Weison (died 1922); A.P. Bradley (died 1939); and Rufus Scott (died 1937); Henry W. Pahl (1876-1950), a planter in Don Marcelino, Davao Occidental; and Leslie Stevens (1888-1956).

More of the foreigners interred at the DVAMC are Ed-

ward D. Christensen (18751953), a Padada planter; Harry B. Hughes, Sr. (188257), a Malalag planter and great-grandfather of actress Vina Morales; Clarence P. Bumpus (died 1923), British-American soldier; Frank A. Crowhurst (died 1911), a British journalist and Mabini planter; and Hildegard K. Doring: (1923-015), mother of the honorary consul, journalist, and Davao resident Klaus Doring.

Some prominent Davao politicians are also buried at the DVAMC, among them are Pan-taleon A. Pelayo (190163), former 1934 Constitutional Convention delegate, Davao City mayor, and the wartime ‘Free Davao’ governor, and his wife Luz Valderrosa (1900-82); Protestant pastor Rev. Crispin Fajardo Faune; former Davao City councilors Federico Osias Opada (1938-41), Tiburcio

Cervantes (1948-51) and Desiderio Dalisay, Sr. (195054) and his wife Regina L. Dalisay (1909-75); and former city assessor Telesforo Oca (1953-60). Opada was also a former councilor of the municipality of Monkayo, Davao de Oro.

Those local profiles interred in the Masonic graveyard also include Philippine News Agency (PNA) writer Bebe L. Berlanas (1931-86); Danilo C. Tesoro (1948-2014), owner of Image-world, a printing firm; and Augusto C. Tesoro (1931-84) co-owner of Tesoro’s Printing Press; Casimiro V. Arkoncel, Jr. (1933-91), Mindanao Daily Mirror columnist; Casimiro F. Arkoncel (1900-76), founder-owner of Panorama Homes; and Felipe F. Caburian (18981938), Davao branch manager of H.E. Heacock, a company owned by Tagum planter

Samuel Gaches, an American. Aside from the fourth-generation Freemasons buried at the DVAMC, some of those who were interred have been moved by their families to memorial parks. The vacated slots, as a result, are rented out to contemporary Masons wanting to be entombed at the site in the fu-ture.

The DVAMC was originally owned by David Jacobson, who also owned the Tagdangua Plantation in Pantukan, Davao de Oro; he donated the lot in 1915. Originally from Pitts-burgh, Pennsylvania, USA, he was a member of the 44th U.S. Volunteers that arrived in Da-vao in 1901. After the war, he was appointed as one of the land administrators of former Japanese lands sequestered and later distributed to Filipino war veterans and their families.

Before 2022 came to a close, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed into law the Republic Act 11934 or the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) Card Registration Act which mandates mobile owners to register their sim cards within a certain time frame, or face deactivation.

The new law, which was one of the first enacted measures under the administration, aims to promote responsibility in the use of SIM and provide law enforcement agencies the tools to resolve crimes involving its use. It also punishes fraudulent registration and allows law enforcement to pull up a user’s data to investigate any crimes committed involving the use of phones.

Under the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the National Telecommunications Commission, registration period will be until April 26, 2023, and may be extended for 120 days.

As of this writing, NTC reported that 21 million subscribers have already regis-

tered, representing roughly 12.5 percent of the 169 million SIM cards nationwide.

The agency said that despite the initial glitches, this was “on track” with their expectations.

Wireless communications provider Smart Communications Inc., a unit of PLDT Inc., said it has so far registered 10 million Smart and TNT customers across the country, the highest among all telco operators.

Smart and TNT also put forward their efforts to accelerate SIM registration across the country, with a recent online event called “Sulong SIM Registration,” touted as the first ever local government cascade on SIM Registration among Philippine telcos, which drew close to a thousand LGU executives from provincial governments to barangay officials in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

Additionally, Smart was also reported to be the first telco to set up assisted SIM Registration booths and touchpoints all over the country. This is parallel to its

mission of helping Smart and TNT customers needing information on how to register their SIM, as well as provide physical assistance to customers with special circumstances—seniors, persons with disabilities and those still using basic phones.

These booths will be part of the simultaneous roll-out of SIM registration activities in geographically isolated and disadvantaged and conflict-affected areas (GIDCA) identified by the Philippine government. NTC has already identified 45 remote areas across 15 regions.

Truly a pioneering move by Smart, if I may say, on top of the continued efforts to encourage subscribers from all parts of the country to adhere to the new law, as part of its consumer protection initiatives.

Smart already came up with quite a number of programs geared towards this - some of which I was made aware of since I too, along with millions of Filipinos, have fallen prey and received

text scams. The telco stated that some of their efforts include blocking SIMs that send ‘smishing’ messages and Uniform Resource Locators (URL) or links that lead to illegal activities, to help safeguard the public against emerging cyberthreats, vulnerabilities, and other online criminal activities. There were also numerous reminders on how we can protect ourselves from scams- posted on Smart sites and other channels.

First, is to be aware of how scammers victimize people. This can be through SMS phishing or voice phishingwherein attackers attempt to get OTPs or passwords via different strategies. Block numbers that send spam or call asking for personal information. This puts our mobile numbers out of attackers’ range.

Never share your password or one-time pin (OTP) as a reply to a random message. Be very suspicious of calls, e-mails, SMS, or social media messages asking for

this information. Moreover, only input your password or OTP in official and legitimate websites and platforms.

Also, don’t click links that are suspicious. Always be wary of links that you receive via text from unknown numbers.

Once the law comes into full effect, the SIM Registration Act will enable authorities to more easily identify a mobile user engaged in online fraud in the country, thus will effectively curtail scam activities that have since been a problem in the Philippines. Efficient implementation of the law and its provisions are essential, especially as there were privacy concerns raised.

Both the government and the private telcos who have access to personal information, must guarantee security and proper use. As for us mobile users, let us do our part and ensure that we register, while remaining vigilant and hopeful that this new law brings about a safer connected space for all of us.

SIM REGISTRATION BRINGS SAFER SPACE TO PH MOBILE USERS

‘WHO’S WHO’ IN MASONIC NECROPOLIS

PH economy expands to 7.6 percent in 2022

The Philippine economy expanded by 7.2 percent in the last quarter of 2022, bringing full-year growth to 7.6 percent, driven by increased economic activity mainly from pent-up demand as it fully reopened amid elevated inflation rate.

National Economic and Development Authority

(NEDA) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said among the major emerging economies in the region that have released their fourth-quarter gross domestic product (GDP) growth, the Philippines grew the fastest, followed by Vietnam at 5.9 percent and China at 2.9 percent.

“Our improved Covid-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) risk management and the easing of mobility restrictions have created a positive economic outlook, boosting economic activity and creating more jobs despite exter-

nal headwinds,” he said in a briefing on Thursday.

Balisacan said measures being implemented by the government to further buoy the economy’s recovery are working.

“Our strong economic growth performance for 2022 proves that our calibrated policies and strategies have helped put us on the path to recovery and on track to achieving our aspiration for an inclusive, prosperous, and resilient society by 2028,” he said.

Balisacan said pent-up demand drove growth in the fourth quarter as the economy was fully reopened

during the period, with household consumption accounting for around threefourths of domestic output, and investments contributing around a fifth.

“The improvements in labor market conditions, increased tourism, revenge and holiday spending, and resumption of face-to-face classes supported growth in the quarter, further reflecting a solid rebound in consumer and investor confidence in the economy,” he said.

Balisacan said had it not been for the elevated inflation rate, which rose to its highest since November 2008 last December when it accelerated to 8.1 percent, “growth could have been higher by another perhaps 1 to 2 percentage points.”

“It shows how overall demand is sensitive to inflation,” he added.

In terms of the volume

Europeans invited to invest in PH

of economic activities, Balisacan said domestic growth has recovered for many sectors, except for others such as tourism.

“(But) in so far as per capital income… we haven’t fully recovered yet,” he said.

Balisacan said the government is firm on ensuring that quality jobs will be available to Filipinos to lessen their need to work abroad.

“Inclusive growth across the archipelago will be our vehicle for reducing poverty incidence from 18 percent of the population in 2021 to a single-digit level by 2028,” he said.

National Statistician Dennis Mapa said 2022 full year GDP growth of 7.6 percent exceeded the government’s 6.5 to 7.5 percent growth assumption for the year and the highest after the 8.8 percent in 1976.

Credit card interest rate adjustment to boost local PH banks’ profitability — Fitch Ratings

Global credit watch-

er Fitch Ratings said Thursday that the Philippine central bank’s decision to adjust the interest rate cap on credit card transactions will boost local banks’ profitability.

In its commentary, Fitch Ratings said the decision of the Bangko Sentral ng

Pilipinas (BSP) to raise the interest rate ceiling on credit cardholders’ unpaid balances to 3% from 2% per month “will buoy banks’ net interest margins.”

“We estimate that the newly announced rate ceiling could add about P30 billion to P40 billion in interest income for the banking sec-

tor,” the credit watcher said.

“This benefit may be partly offset by the rise in credit costs if banks relax their standards or expand their credit card portfolios more aggressively, though we do not expect any increase to be material, provided there is no new shock in the economy, which sug-

gests that the sector’s profitability could marginally surpass our base case,” it added.

The 2% cap on credit card transactions’ monthly interest rate was implemented by the BSP in November 2020 to ease borrowers’ debt burden during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Philippines is “on track” to achieve economic prosperity, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said on Thursday, as she encouraged more European investors in the country.

In her opening remarks during the 2023 Philippine Economic Briefing (PEB) in London, England, Pangandaman touted the country’s robust economic performance despite global headwinds and challenges.

“The time to invest in the Philippines is now. We have a hardworking administration. We have high economic growth,” the Budget chief said.

“As you can see, the Philippines is now not just open for business, but we mean business. We not only meet but surpass economic targets,” she added.

The Marcos administration, Pangandaman said, is focused on realizing its bid for an “inclusive and sustainable” economic transformation.

Pangandaman noted that the Philippine government’s priority expenditures for 2023 support its eight-point socioeconomic agenda and the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028.

To sustain economic growth, around PHP2 trillion or 38 percent of the PHP5.268 trillion national budget for this year will go to the social services sector, Pangandaman said.

She added that the government is putting a premium on education, in-

frastructure development, health, agriculture and social protection.

“To make the Philippines an investment destination, we need to create an environment that enables economic growth. Hence, we are keen on building not just public and social infrastructure but also digital infrastructure,” Pangandaman said.

Pangandaman said the Marcos administration has also invested “heavily” in renewable energy infrastructure and alternative resources that will contribute to the country’s sustainable development.

She said the 2023 budget for climate change adaptation and mitigation is higher by 56.4 percent from the previous year’s allocation.

She added that the government is also pursuing a green public procurement roadmap and striving to build an “agile, efficient, and more responsive government workforce.”

“We are on track with our economic prosperity and I am confident that as long as we stay on the path, we will also achieve our target of single-digit poverty levels and upper-middle income class as planned,” Pangandaman said.

Pangandaman, along with other Philippine economic managers, flew to Europe to conduct the 2023 PEB, which serves as a platform to present the economic situation and investment opportunities in the Philippines.

A group of men on a customized motorcycle with carrier traverses along Palma Gil Street in Davao City on Friday to deliver mineral water in large containers. Lean Daval Jr.

ADB approves $500M loan to support PH agri sector

PH on track to achieve singledigit poverty rate: DBM chief

The administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is “on track” with its goal of reaching a single-digit poverty rate by 2028 after the Philippines’ gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 7.2 percent in the fourth quarter of 2022, resulting in a 7.6 percent full-year growth.

In a press statement, Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah Pangandaman welcomed the country’s high-growth performance last year, which beats economic managers’ target range of 6.5 to 7.5 percent GDP for the whole of 2022.

“The report validates our country’s economic strategies, and it rightfully shows that this government, headed by our President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., is on track with our Agenda for Prosperity,” she said, referring to a roadmap that would address the immediate and pressing concerns of Filipinos in the near- and medium-term.

Pangandaman said the GDP growth also augurs well for the Philippines, which remains one of the fastest-growing economies

in the region according to international financial institutions and private sector forecasts.

“As long as we continue to follow our economic blueprint, we are optimistic that we will achieve single-digit poverty levels and upper middle income status according to plan,” she added.

Meanwhile, she also assured that the PHP5.268-trillion national budget for 2023 will continue to provide the necessary funding requirements to support the Marcos administration’s goal of economic and social transformation.

On Dec. 16 last year, Marcos signed into law the 2023 national budget that is geared towards achieving post-pandemic economic recovery.

He said the 2023 national budget will provide the government with a tool to transform the economy and carry out the needed structural changes toward realizing the administration’s goals.

Pangandaman said protecting the purchasing power of average Filipinos and ensuring food security remain “top government priorities.”

TheAsian Development Bank on Friday said it has approved a $500 million (P27.2 billion) policy-based loan to help the Philippines expand opportunities in agriculture while ensuring near to long-term food security.

In a statement, the ADB said the loan would support the Subprogram 2 of the Competitive and Inclusive Agriculture Development Program, which aims to develop the sector through trade policy and regulatory framework reforms.

It also aims to enhance public services and finance for the sector as well as social protection for rural families, the Manila-based multilateral lender said.

“Extreme climate events and economic shocks are exacerbating the struggles of the agriculture sector to raise their productivity,” said ADB Principal Natural Resources and Agriculture Economist for Southeast Asia Takeshi Ueda.

“This new loan aims to support the Philippines’ efforts to attain food security by building a competitive and inclusive agriculture sector that is characterized

by improved efficiency, enhanced diversity, strengthened climate resilience, and higher farm incomes.”

The ADB said the new loan promotes new government initiatives, including the provision of unconditional cash transfers to rice farmers and loans to small agriculture and fishery-based small firms, farmers and fisherfolks who are recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The subprogram will also support the government in enhancing the planning and management of land use and water resources, it added.

The ADB said policy-based loans are provided by ADB as devel-

opment financing in the national budget in support of the government’s policy reform agenda.

National Economic and Development Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said there are a lot of opportunities for improvement in the agriculture sector. He said boosting production is among the priorities as supply constraints, such as in select food items and vegetables, pushed inflation to 8.1 percent in December 2022.

Although the Philippine economy grew faster than anticipated at 7.6 percent in 2022, Balisacan said it could have been higher if inflation wasn’t elevated.

Globe: Over 50K fraud-linked SIMs deactivated, blacklisted in 2022

Globe Telecom said Thursday it deactivated and blacklisted over 50,000 SIMs in 2022.

In a statement, the telco said it has deactivated 20,225 SIMs and blacklisted 35,333 involved in scam and spam messages as part of its intensified campaign

for internet safety. Earlier, Globe said it blocked a record 2.72 billion scams and scam messages last year.

“Globe recognizes the growing threat posed by scammers, who use various tactics, including text messages, to deceive in-

nocent victims into giving up personal information that could be used to compromise their financial accounts,” aid Anton Bonifacio, Globe Chief Information Security Officer.

“We will continue to invest in our cybersecurity program to protect our

customers from these unscrupulous individuals,” he added.

Regulators and telecommunications providers in the Philippines are implementing mandatory SIM registration to help eradicate SMS-linked illegal activities.

Bakers prepare the bread dough at a bakery inside a mall along J.P. Laurel Avenue in Davao City on Friday. As the war in Ukraine pushes up wheat prices and the cost of imported edible oil, many Philippine bakers are shrinking the size of their breads to cope with higher inflation. Lean Daval Jr.

ALPI BUNNY-HOPS TO 2023

The year of the Rabbit could see homegrown prime property developer Aeon Luxe Properties Incorporated (ALPI) hopping to new heights.

For good measure, ALPI kicked off its regular Open House events with the Chinese New Year celebration on January 22, 2023 at the iconic Aeon Towers.

The event drew sizeable attendance from interested clients wishing to land the good deals offered by ALPI on its two signaure projects Aeon Towers and Aeon Bleu.

Massive discounts for Aeon Towers and Aeon Bleu’s were offered for the two-day Open House events. Buyers entitled to the raffle draw won exciting prizes like Reveal Rejuvenating Skincare

Kit, Premiere Samgyup gift certificates, and Aeon Towers Staycation gift certificates.

A traditional Dragon and Lion dance believed to ward off misfortune and usher in prosperity, set the tone for the well-attended celebration. The performance started on the 6th floor of Aeon Towers, where most visitors have gathered to celebrate the grand occasion.

Aside from the Dragon and Lion dance, Aeon Luxe Properties Incorporated also brought in a tarot card reader who attracted a long line of curious guests. Of course, it

came free.

Tarot card reading has a huge following as believe in its validity, finding that it gives them a powerful sense of manifestation and inspires them to look forward with optimism.

And then, there’s the Tikoy which was the certified blockbuster treat in the house. The sticky consistency of this Chinese delicacy represents a strong bond among family members and other relationships.

The crowd turnout and the turnover of sales were overwhelming for the first Open House of the year and by all indications, it should roll over to the rest of the year. Awesome job indeed for ALPI’s sales team.

LeBron, Giannis named NBA All-Star captains

Lebron James is closing in on Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s NBA career scoring record. And now, he has caught Abdul-Jabbar on another page of the All-Star record book.

James was announced Thursday (Friday, Manila time) as an NBA All-Star for the 19th time, the Los Angeles Lakers’ star tying Abdul-Jabbar for the most selections in league history. James — the leading overall vote-getter — will be the captain of one of the teams

for the Feb. 19 All-Star Game in Salt Lake City, while Eastern Conference voting leader Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks will captain the other side.

This is the sixth year the NBA has used the captain format for the All-Star Game; James has been a captain ev-

ery time and has never lost, taking a 5-0 record into this year. Antetokounmpo is a captain for the third time, after also earning that right in 2019 and 2020.

James and Antetokounmpo will pick their teams shortly before the game in Salt Lake City, a newly announced twist and a departure from past years in which the captains picked a week or two in advance of All-Star weekend.

The other eight starters they’ll be choosing from,

FRED C. LUMBA SPORTS KEN

As players come and go, so do coaches.

The replacement of Leo Austria as mentor of San Miguel Beer raised many eyebrows and some are questioning the wisdom of such a management action.

The native son of Sariaya, Quezon was just coming off fresh from a title victory in the PBA Philippine Cup, the last of his nine championships Austria won for SMB.

Former PBA MVP and SanMig stalwart Arwin Santos, now with NorthPort, was one of the many astounded souls who thought his

barring any changes because of injury beforehand, are: Denver’s two-time reigning NBA MVP Nikola Jokic, NBA scoring leader Luka Doncic of Dallas, Golden State’s Stephen Curry, Boston’s Jayson Tatum, Brooklyn teammates Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, Cleveland’s Donovan Mitchell and New Orleans’ Zion Williamson.

“I’m definitely blessed and humbled to be a part of this,” Mitchell said during the televised starters’ announcement on TNT. “To be

a part of my fourth All-Star and now to be a starter, I couldn’t be happier.”

The big intrigue was the third East frontcourt spot, where Philadelphia’s Joel Embiid — No. 2 in the NBA’s scoring race entering Thursday at 33.4 points per game — was the odd man out after Antetokounmpo, Durant and Tatum were the top three in the balloting.

Starters — three frontcourt players and two guards from each conference — were selected by a

TOPEX, AUSTRIA: TALE OF TWO COACHES

former coach was the best ever who handled the Beermen in the pro league.

In so many words, Santos, who achieved his legendary pro success under Austria, said in a news report that he could not understand why coach Leo was being replaced when the Beermen did not come up dry this season..

Austria formed the “Death Five,” SanMig’s dreaded quintet of JunMar Fajardo, Marcio Lassiter, Chris Ross, Alex Cabagnot and Santos, himself, which became instrumental in capturing one conference championship after another.

Austria is not making any comments following George Gallent’s designation as the Beermen’s new head coach. Relegated to team consultant, he is tightlipped and said to be on sabbatical leave. Whatever that means.

In the case of Topex Robinson, he was blessed to have been officially named as the new college coach of De LaSalle University among many touted candidates, ending speculations after DLSU management decided not to renew Derrick Pumaren’s contract.

Topex is not wanting in coaching capability. Despite his

not having won any PBA crown during his 5-year stint at the helm of the Fuel Masters, Phoenix management reportedly offered the former a new contract extension.

In short, Phoenix wanted Topex to stay.

A shifty and smart point guard during his PBA playing days, Topex is said to be an excellent motivator - a quality that brainy bench strategists must possess to spark inspiration and confidence among his players.

The Green Archers missed the bus to the Final Four last UAAP season, beaten by Adamson U in

combination of three different votes: fan balloting counted for 50%, media balloting was worth 25% and voting by the NBA’s players made up the final 25%.

The reserves, which are chosen by votes from the league’s coaches, will be announced Feb. 2. Among the players certain to merit strong consideration: Portland’s Damian Lillard, Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Boston’s Jaylen Brown and Miami’s Bam Adebayo.

the playoff for the last slot.

Topex is excited to win one UAAP tiara for DLSU in the coming competition. At the outset, the challenge may seem overwhelming but with proven generous backing from the alumni and management, the road towards that journey is already well-paved.

Thus, may Austria and Topex be classified as victim and beneficiary, respectively?

In a competitive sport like basketball, you either win or lose. (Email feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.) GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!

LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo lead their respective All-Star sides.

PHOTO: AP

Republic of the Philippines City of Davao Office of the Sangguniang Panlungsod

20th City Council 21st Regular Session Series of 2022

PRESENT:

Councilor Edgar P. Ibuyan Jr.

Councilor Marissa S. Abella

Councilor Nilo M. Abellera Jr.

Councilor Luna Maria Dominique S. Acosta

Councilor Bernard E. Al-ag

Councilor Wilberto E. Al-ag

Councilor Al Ryan S. Alejandre

Councilor Dante L. Apostol Sr.

Councilor Conrado C. Baluran

Councilor Jessica M. Bonguyan

Councilor Louie John J. Bonguyan

Councilor Pilar C. Braga

Councilor Jonard C. Dayap

Councilor Edgar R. Ibuyan Sr.

Councilor Richlyn N. Justol-Baguilod

Councilor Diosdado Angelo Junior R. Mahipus

Councilor Rodolfo M. Mande

Councilor Jaffar U. Marohomsalic

Councilor Bonz Andre A. Militar

Councilor Temujin B. Ocampo

Councilor Myrna G. L’Dalodo-Ortiz

Councilor Alberto T. Ungab

Councilor Lorenzo Benjamin D. Villafuerte

Councilor Trisha Ann J. Villafuerte

Councilor Jesus Joseph P. Zozobrado III

ABSENT:

Vice Mayor J. Melchor B. Quitain Jr.

- Presiding Officer

Failure to pay the tax within the time fixed herein above shall render those concerned liable to a surcharge of twenty-five percent (25%) of the original amount plus an interest of two percent (2%) per month on the amount due until the tax is fully paid but in no case shall the total interest on the unpaid amount or a portion thereof exceed thirty-six (36) months.

1. Admission Tickets – Admission Tickets will be used as one of the bases for collecting the amusement tax imposed in this Section. Cockpit operators must develop a unified application system, to be turned over to the City Government of Davao, that will allow sabungeros/ players to purchase admission tickets. Admission tickets must be dispensed accordingly. Operators of cockpits shall keep a notice in big legible letters or numbers posted in a conspicuous place in front of the ticket booths showing the total admission price, which will include as a part thereof the city amusement taxes corresponding to each or kind of ticket.

1. Form of tickets, their registration – Every proprietor, lessee, operator, or promoter of cockpit shall provide admission tickets which shall be serially numbered, indicating therein the name of the amusement place, the price per ticket, and the kind of event—whether regular, derby or special event. The admission tickets must be embedded with a QR Code which will be subject for validation by the Office of the City Treasurer, upon entry to the cockpit. Whenever there is a change in the admission fee after registration, a notice to that effect shall be registered with the City Treasurer and must be conspicuously posted in a place of business for the information of the public.

Sub-numbering of such tickets is strictly prohibited and the use of slugs and other substitutes for admission tickets is strictly prohibited. Upon entry to the gate, the admission ticket must be presented to the representative of the City Treasurer’s Office for QR verification. The gatekeeper shall then drop the admission ticket in a locked box or receptacle. The box or receptacle shall only be opened by the representative of the Office of the City Treasurer.

1. Verification and Inspection of Cockpits – The City Treasurer shall post an employee at the gate of cockpits for the purpose of verifying all tickets being sold thereat.

Likewise, another CTO personnel shall also be designated at the area as may be provided by the operator, for the purpose of monitoring the winning bets garnered by the operator per fight.

- OB-Acting City Mayor

Councilor Bai Hundra Cassandra Dominique N. Advincula - OB- Administered the oath of the new Punong Barangay of Barangay Ula, Tugbok District

Councilor Augusto Javier G. Campos III

- OB-Represented the City Mayor in the turnover of the Balay ng Pagbabago in Barangay Lasang

ORDINANCE NO. 0114-22

Series of 2022

AN ORDINANCE FURTHER AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 5003, SERIES OF 1997, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS “THE COCKFIGHTING CODE OF DAVAO CITY,” AS AMENDED BY ORDINANCE NO. 0632-21, SERIES OF 2021

Be it ordained by the Honorable Sangguniang Panlungsod of Davao City, in session assembled, that:

SECTION 1. TITLE – This Ordinance shall be known as the “AN ORDINANCE FURTHER AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 5003, SERIES OF 1997, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS “THE COCKFIGHTING CODE OF DAVAO CITY,” AS AMENDED BY ORDINANCE NO. 0632-21, SERIES OF 2021”.

SECTION 2. AMENDMENTS – Section 5, and Section 6 paragraphs (a), (c), and (d), of Ordinance No. 5003, Series of 1997, as amended by Ordinance No. 0632-21 Series of 2021, is hereby amended, to read as follows:

SECTION 5. LICENSE FEES FOR COCKPITS – There shall be collected the following Mayor’s Permit Fees from cockpit operators/owners/licensees and cockpit personnel:

of the cockpit:

2. Additional Guidelines/Requirements to be observed by Cockpit Operators – The following guidelines must be adopted by cockpit operators for the conduct of cockfighting operations in the City of Davao:

“NO TICKET, NO ENTRY” policy must be strictly observed in cockpits. No person must be allowed to enter the cockpit without presenting an admission ticket.

Cockpit operators must provide the personnel of the City Treasurer’s Office access to an area where monitoring of amusement tickets and winning center bets are possible.

Cockpit operators must declare with the City Treasurer’s Office the number of admission tickets considered part of the privileges granted to owners of fighting cocks, upon payment of the Entry Fee. Only a maximum of three (3) individuals can be admitted per paid Entry Fee.

Cockpit Operators must develop or establish a unified application system, to be turned over to the City Government of Davao, which must be able to meet the following specifications:

d.1 IT Requirements

Set-up IT infrastructure that is secure, efficient, and effective;

Set-up back-up for equipment and power to provide sufficient support to the operation of the Event; Cockpits must have internet connectivity. To prevent any issues, cockpit operators must set up a redundant internet connection; and,

All cockpit operators in the City of Davao must adopt the unified system for their cockpit operations to hasten the monitoring of gross receipts subject to tax.

SECTION 6. AMUSEMENT TAX ON ADMISSION

Imposition of Tax – There is being levied and imposed upon the proprietor, lessee, operator, or promoter of cockpits that charge admission or entrance fees within the territorial jurisdiction of the City of Davao, a tax on admission fee in addition to the taxes and fees imposed under Sections 5 and 9 hereof at the rate herein prescribed based on the gross receipts from admission fees, to wit:

i. Regular hackfight - 10%

ii. Derby - 30%

xxx xxx xxx

Time of Payment – The taxes herein imposed shall be collected as part and not in addition to the price of admission tickets at the time patrons or customers are admitted to the amusement places or establishments.

The taxes herein above imposed shall be due and payable within the first ten (10) days of the month next following that for which they are due, by the proprietor, lessee, operator, and promoter, and such taxes to be determined on the basis of a true and complete return of the number of gross receipts from admission derived during the preceding month. If the tax is not paid within the time fixed above, the taxpayer shall be subject to such surcharges, interest, and penalties as prescribed by this Ordinance.

(d) Administrative Provisions.

Remittance of Tax Surcharge for late remittance. – The proprietor, lessee, operator, or promoter of cockpits shall withhold the amusement tax on admission.

The amusement tax withheld shall be remitted to the City Treasurer’s Office within the first ten (10) days of the month next following that for which they are due. The proprietor, lessee, operator, or promoter concerned shall make a complete return of the gross receipts derived during the preceding month which shall be the basis for determining the tax due.

d.2.

System Features

Bettors must be able to purchase system-generated admission tickets; Admission tickets must be serially numbered and must be embedded with a QR Code for easier verification. Said tickets must reflect the minimum details, including the price per ticket and kind of event;

Allow registration of game participants before sultadas can begin; and, Generate reports on the total number of fights/sultadas, total winning bets garnered by the cockpit operator, and total gross receipts on admissions.

The City Treasurer’s Office must be given real-time full access to the detailed record entry for audit purposes.

d.3. Ownership and Maintenance of System

Ownership of the unified application system, to be adopted by all cockpit operators within theCity of Davao, must be turned over to the City Government, upon deployment for use by all cockpits, to ensure the integrity of the system.

The City Government of Davao shall exercise full control over the system, including its database. The cockpit operators shall only be granted permission to input data or entries necessary for the conduct of the event.

In case there is a need to troubleshoot the system due to technical issues, the City Government of Davao reserves the right to demand technical support from the cockpit operators to address the same. A Service Maintenance Agreement must be executed by the cockpit operators and the City Government of Davao to provide the details thereof.

Section 9 of Ordinance No. 5003, Series of 1997, as amended by Ordinance No. 0632-21, Series of 2021, shall be re-numbered to Section 11 and amended, to read as follows:

SECTION 11. FEES – In addition to the taxes, fees, and other levies imposed by the City under Sections 5, 6, 7 and 8 hereof, the following fees shall be paid to the City Treasurer, pursuant to the provisions of the Local Government Code of 1991 (R.A. No. 7160) before any operation or activity can be conducted.

SPECIAL PERMIT FEE FOR COCKFIGHTING

(a) Special Cockfights (Pintakasi)

First three (3) days

(b) Special Derby Assessment from Promoters of:

Section 13 of Ordinance No. 5003, Series of 1997, as amended by Ordinance No. 0632-21, Series of 2021, shall be re-numbered to Section 15 and amended, to read as follows:

SECTION 15. PENAL CLAUSE – The penalty of fine not exceeding P5,000 or an imprisonment of not more than one (1) year or both at the discretion of the Court, shall be imposed upon

any individual found falsifying the admission ticket and/or manipulating or compromising the security and integrity of the unified application system.

Any individual who enters the cockpit arena without presenting an admission ticket shall be fined not exceeding P3,000 or imprisonment of not more than one (1) year or both at the discretion of the Court, and the violator's cock, hens, and eggs, and all bets involved in the unlawful activity shall be confiscated in favor of the City Government, to be turned over to the City Agriculturist and shall be disposed of by the City Mayor in the manner provided by law, rules, and regulations.

SECTION 3. ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS – The following provisions shall be included in Ordinance No. 5003, Series of 1997, otherwise known as “THE NEW COCKFIGHTING CODE OF DAVAO CITY”, as amended by Ordinance No. 0632-21 of 2021, to wit:

SECTION 7. PLASADA TAX – There shall be imposed upon the proprietor/operator of the cockpit a tax on the plasada amounting to 1% of the total winning center bet.

The plasada tax shall be due and payable within the first ten (10) days of the month next following that for which they are due and the same shall be remitted to the City Treasurer within the said period.

Failure to pay the tax within the time fixed herein above shall render those concerned liable to a surcharge of twenty-five percent (25%) of the original amount plus interest of two percent (2%) per month on the amount due until the tax is fully paid but in no case shall the total interest on the unpaid amount or a portion thereof exceed thirty-six (36) months.

SECTION 8. SULTADA FEE – There shall be imposed upon the proprietor/operator of the cockpit fee per sultada amounting to the following:

Regular Hackfight - 200.00

Derby and Special Events - 500.00

Cancelled cockfights and cockfights with no winner (draw) shall not be subject to a sultada fee.

The sultada fee shall be due and payable within the first ten (10) days of the month next following that for which they are due and the same shall be remitted to the City Treasurer within the said period.

Failure to pay the tax within the time fixed herein above shall render those concerned liable to a surcharge of twenty-five percent (25%) of the original amount plus an interest of two percent (2%) per month on the amount due until the tax is fully paid but in no case shall the total interest on the unpaid amount or a portion thereof exceed thirty-six (36) months.

SECTION 16. CITATION TICKET – A citation ticket shall be issued to any individual who enters the cockpit arena without presenting an admission ticket. The Citation Ticket shall state, among others, the name and address of the violator, the specific violation committed and the corresponding administrative penalty.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) and such other appropriate enforcers as commissioned by the City Mayor shall have the power to apprehend violators of this Ordinance and issue citation tickets.

The City Mayor may deputize Barangay Officials or representatives of the private sector, non-government organizations, and government organizations in the strict implementation of this Ordinance, as the need arises.

SECTION 17. NO CONTEST PROVISION – Any individual who is apprehended or cited for violation of entering the cockpit arena without an admission ticket and who does not wish to contest the violation and is willing to pay voluntarily the administrative penalty imposed upon him/her prior to the filing of formal charges with the proper court shall be allowed to pay a penalty of One Thousand Pesos (P1,000.00) with the City Treasurer's Office to avoid being criminally prosecuted within three (3) days from apprehension. Otherwise, the case shall be prosecuted in court. The No Contest Provision can only be availed once. All proceeds from the payment of the herein penalty imposed shall accrue to the City's General Fund.

SECTION 4. RE-NUMBERING – The following Sections in Ordinance No. 5003, Series of 1997, as amended by Ordinance No. 0632-21, Series of 2021, shall be renumbered as follows:

1. Section 7 (Cockfighting Officials) shall be renumbered to Section 9;

2. Section 8 (Licensing of Cockfighting Officials) shall be renumbered to Section 10;

3. Section 9 (Fees) shall be renumbered to Section 11;

4. Section 10 (Anti-Fraud Measures) shall be renumbered to Section 12;

5. Section 11 (Complaints and Protests) shall be renumbered to Section 13;

6. Section 12 (Suppletory Rules) shall be renumbered to Section 14;

7. Section 14 (Penal Clause) shall be renumbered to Section 15.

SECTION 5. SEPARABILITY CLAUSE – If for any reason, any section or provision of this Ordinance shall be held to be unconstitutional or invalid by competent authority, such judgment or action shall not affect or impair the other sections or provisions hereof.

SECTION 6. REPEALING CLAUSE – All other city ordinances, Executive Orders and Rules and Regulations, which are inconsistent with this Ordinance are hereby deemed amended, repealed or modified accordingly.

SECTION 7. EFFECTIVITY CLAUSE – This Ordinance shall take effect upon approval hereof.

ENACTED, on the 5 th day of December 2022, by a unanimous vote of all the Members of the Sanggunian, there being a quorum.

CERTIFIED CORRECT:

CHARITO N. SANTOS Secretary to the Sangguniang Panlungsod (City Government Department Head II)

ATTESTED:

EDGAR P. IBUYAN JR.

DEC. 23

President Pro Tempore APPROVED: ______________, 2022 Temporary Presiding Officer cns/kjtq

SEBASTIAN Z. DUTERTE

ATTESTED:

ATTY. FRANCIS MARK H. LAYOG

Acting City Administrator

Brilliant suggestion for Philippine sports development

ern Luzon and PSC Southern Luzon satellite offices.

Aside from the regular number of PSC Board of Commissioners, he said that an addition of four regional commissioners as part of the board may be better.

This premise was an offshoot of the statement of PSC commissioner Edward Hayco, the sportsman from Cebu, who has thought of us Mindanaoans after commissioners were appointed by Malacanang without a Mindanaoan in the list.

Commissioner Hayco was willing to take care of the island of Mindanao should there be no Mindanaoan appointed to the Board. As of today, there is no commissioner appointed who is a native of Mindanao.

In the past, depending on who is the Chairman of the Board of Commissioners, there were actually PSC regional directors appointed. But I find the suggestion of Prof. Daut to be better.

Personally, I would like Mindanao to have two regional commissioners. That is for Eastern Mindanao, who can work closely with sportsman and Presidential Assistant for Eastern Mindanao Leo A. Magno, and for Western Mindanao, who can be based in Zamboanga or Jolo and can have plenty of time to reach farflung areas in the Sulu Islands.

You see sports friends, there is already a program in place established during the time of two-time PSC chairman William “Butch” Ramirez for Mindanao, and what is needed is just a continuation of that program. I am referring to the Sports for Peace Program.

While I understand that the PSC needs to take care of our national athletes and sports associations in Manila, let us not forget that Mindanao is very much part of this country. It has long been neglected and we can only get lucky if we have a President of the Republic elected who is sympathetic to the sports development efforts of Mindanaoans. Ug wala gani, kalimtan gyud. As in, dili gyud matagad.

Senator Bong Go has worked tirelessly for the creation of the National Academy of Sports (NAS) which was signed into law by Mayor Digong, the former President, and that Academy should also find its

way to Mindanao.

For this reason, it is important that the sports development work in Mindanao like the Sports for Peace should continue, and the NAS should be included.

Mindanao is blessed with hard-working sports leaders and talented athletes and what is needed is continued support. Funding should pour in to Mindanao. And that reminds me, that the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) under chair Secretary Mabel Sunga-Acosta can also be a great partner for this endeavor. For the record, Sec.Mabel, when she was still Davao City Councilor, is the No.1 supporter of women’s football development in Davao. So, sayon kaayo maka coordinate kay dunay pag pangga si Sec.Mabel daan sa sports.

If the new PSC chairman appointed recently by President Bongbong Marcos can also take a look at Prof.Daut’s suggestion, this would definitely enchance his being the new leader in sports development.

While the PSC can take care of our national athletes and presidents of the sports associations in Manila, he must not forget that Mindanao should never be ignored because it is expecting a continued support from the PSC.

While we laud the support of the private sector for holding sports events in Davao, it would be meaningful for the PSC to keep the Sports for Peace Program supported because this has so far been the only sports development program that has truly supported the youth in their road to becoming future sportsmen and sportswomen in this country.

Sure, we can be proud of the medals won by our national athletes abroad but if you would like to find meaning of how it is to be a true sports leader, helping those in the grassroots level, planting the seeds of peace and nurturing the young athletes in Mindanao, is the most gratifying and fulfilling. It is the best investment you can give to our young Mindanaoans.

I hope Prof.Daut’s suggestion will reach the ears of the members of the new PSC Board of Commissioners.

* * * For comments, please email mpb_sports@yahoo.com.

Phoenix import Du Vaughn Maxwell goes up for a dunk in this bit of action during the Phoenix Fuelmasters and Blackwater Bossing in the PBA Governor’s Cup at the Ynares Center. PBA

There was actually a brilliant suggestion in fast tracking sports development in the country.

Professor Henry C. Daut suggested that the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) should have a PSC Mindanao, PSC Visayas, PSC North-