Edge Davao Vol. 15 Issue 249 | Sunday-Monday, Feb. 5-6, 2023

EDGE

Rep. Pulong pushes for P2,000 monthly support for parents of kids with disabilities

SUBSIDY

Rep. Pulong pushes for P2,000 monthly support for parents of kids with disabilities

By MAYA M. PADILLO

Davao City First Congressional District Representative Paolo “Pulong” Duterte led lawmakers in pushing for the swift approval of a measure to grant parents of children with disabilities (CWDs) a P2,000 monthly subsidy from the government.

Duterte along with Benguet Rep. Eric Yap, and ACT-CIS Partylist Reps. Edvic Yap and Jeffrey Soriano filed House Bill 6743 which

explains the requirements for parents of disabled children to qualify for the subsidy and mandates the creation of a database of all

Former national police chief Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa said Saturday that cases related to the deadly drug war of the Duterte administration should be filed in Philippine courts, not before the International Criminal Court.

Dela Rosa, the first to implement former President Rodrigo Duterte’s anti-narcotics campaign, made the statement after forensic pathologist Raquel Fortun said she is ready to present her fresh findings on drug war victims to the ICC, which is

CWDs to be able to effectively implement this proposed law.

The bill refers to a CWD below 21 years old with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of an individual’s functions or activities. It also refers to a child with a record of such an impairment or being regarded as having such an impairment.

In a statement, the au-

now resuming its probe into the drug war.

“Kung totoo ‘yang findings ni Fortun, ipa-file. May NBI naman tayo nag-conduct ng investigation. I-file ‘yan. Kaya nga nag-imbestiga siya para makakuha tayo ng ebidensiya. I-file niya dito sa ating korte,

Gov’t agencies, LGUs unite to aid farmers in Sarangani, GenSan

Seven government agencies and nine local government units (LGUs) have joined hands to craft a plan that would benefit agrarian reform beneficiary (ARB) members belonging to 113 agrarian reform beneficiaries’ organizations (ARBOs) in Sarangani province and General Santos City.

of General Santos.

Thursday’s convergence is in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to DAR Secretary Conrado Estrella III to improve the livelihood of the farmers nationwide.

thors stated that this proposed measure seeks to provide the [government] support and assistance needed by children with disabilities through a provision of a monthly subsidy to their parents to help alleviate the challenges they continuously face amid the rising costs of living.

All biological parents and court-appointed guardians of CWD as veriFSUBSIDY, P6

hindi doon sa ICC. Wala silang jurisdiction sa atin,” Dela Rosa said.

“Puwede n’yo akong bitayin any time ‘pag naprove n’yo diyan na ako’y nagkakasala. You can hang me in front of the Filipino people. You can hang me through the decision of

Mariannie Lauban-Baunto, the Department of Agrarian Reform - Soccsksargen (DAR-12) director, said they partnered with the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for the initiative.

The LGU partners, on the other hand, consisted of the Sarangani provincial government and its municipalities of Alabel, Glan, Kiamba, Maasim, Malapatan, Maitum and Malungon; and the city

Baunto said this is achieved by providing farmers with support services such as farm machinery, farm inputs, agricultural technologies, and training, among others.

“These agencies have committed to sharing their resources to help uplift the lives of our farmers and promote sustainable development in the countryside,” she said in a statement Friday.

Those who joined the meeting included CDA– 12 Director Doreen Ancheta, PCA– 12 Director Elisa Gabi, DA– 12 Director Jocelyn Misterio, DOST– 12 Acting Director Nabil Hadji Yassin, DENR Ecosystems Management Specialist Karen Cariga, and DTI Development Specialist Hazel Daze Flores.

drug war deaths

the Filipino courts. But my god, not by a foreigner,” he added.

According to the ICC, Manila’s efforts to investigate and prosecute the alleged crimes against humanity in the Philippines were not satisfactory.

“Bakit? Nag-file ba si

Fortun doon sa ICC? Kung doon ka sa ICC, para mong sinampal ‘yung ating kasarinlan ‘yung ating soberenya,” the senator said.

“Bakit? Di ba gumagana ang ating korte?”

On Jan. 26, the ICC resumed its investigation

Davao City First Congressional District Representative Paolo Duterte leads the pushing for the swift approval of a bill that aims to grant parents of children with disabilities (CWDs) a P2,000 monthly subsidy from the government. Lean Daval Jr

‘You can hang me,’ Sen. Bato says if proven guilty over

Prov’l gov’t buys river dredger to motigate floods in DavNor

Saying that dredging of rivers is a crucial measure to prevent future floods, the provincial government of Davao del Norte led by Governor Edwin Jubahib purchased a watermaster, a mobile amphibious multipurpose dredger for dredging, piling, raking, and desilting the Libuganon River.

“Flooding is a persistent problem in our province, and we must take proactive measures to mitigate its effects. The Watermaster is a crucial step towards achieving this goal,” Jubahib said Friday during the launch of the watermaster at Barangay Pagsabangan in Tagum City.

With its advanced technology, the watermaster will effectively remove silt,

sediment, and other impurities from the river, according to Jubahib.

Dredging refers to removing silt, sediment, and other impurities from river beds, which can cause blockages and increase water levels. By dredging the rivers, he said, there would be an improved flow of water and prevent flooding.

“Investing in the watermaster is an investment in our province’s future. The Watermaster is a proactive solution that will help us prevent flooding and ensure the long-term sustainability of our river systems,” Jubahib stressed.

The provincial government has implemented several initiatives to address the impact of flood-

FPROV’L, P6

New Zealand opens full scholarships to IP, Muslim applicants from Mindanao

Local groups voice concern on JICA’s integrity, accountability

Several local organizations wrote an open letter to the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) expressing their concerns over the agency’s integrity and lack of accountability concerning waste management in Davao City.

In the letter shared to Edge Davao, environmentalists and youth groups expressed deeply concerned about the integrity of the statements recently released by JICA regarding the Waste-to-Energy (WTE) project and for its lack of accountability on past and present efforts in promoting and investing in false solutions to waste management and climate in Davao City.

“In the articles, it has disclaimed its support for the WTE incinerator project as it impedes the rights of affected communities to receive adequate information, to be heard, to seek redress and file complaints to accountable institutions,” it said.

The groups are referring to the statement issued recently by JICA reported by some local media outlets stating that it has not been supporting the WTE project in Davao City.

In 2019, a broadsheet reported that “the city government (Davao) has already signed a memorandum of agreement with the Department of Finance (DoF) for the implementation of the project. The report even quoted former vice mayor Bernie Al-ag that “it will be funded by the national government through Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) with a grant from the

Japanese government.”

The groups stated that since 2010, JICA has been instrumental in the entry of WTE incinerators in Davao City. The development assistance which began as a collaboration program with the private sector for disseminating Japanese technology commenced in March 2018 with the signing of the Japanese Government and the Republic of the Philippines a grant agreement worth P2.052 billion to fund the construction and operation of FLOCAL, P6

By MAYA M. PADILLO

The government of New Zealand is offering full scholarships to indigenous people and Muslim applicants in Mindanao.

Dyan Mabunga Rodriguez, New Zealand aid manager, told media on Friday that the scholarship is open to all applicants particularly those from indigenous people and Muslim communities to study courses that can contribute to the Mindanao agenda such as good governance specifically on peace and conflict studies, indigenous studies, climate change, agriculture, and renewable energy.

Rodriguez added that they have 16 allocations

for masters and PhD scholarships that would be fully funded by the government of New Zealand.

“We are happy to announce that we have this scholarship program. This is not the first time New Zealand is offering scholarships to Filipinos. We have over a thousand scholars in the past years. However, there is a firm resolve to encourage applications from indigenous people and Bangsamoro Muslim practitioners and scholars,” she said during the Kapihan sa

PIA at NCCC-Victoria Plaza on Friday.

She said currently, three scholars from the Bangsamoro community have availed on the said scholarships.

“We hardly have any representation from the indigenous community. As a tri-people of Mindanao, we encourage representation. We are providing a platform for representation and to champion inclusion and diversity,” Rodriguez said.

New Zealand Ambassador Peter Kell said the scholarship will provide young Mindanaoans an opportunity to study and experience

life in New Zealand.

“This is not just about studying in New Zealand but also learning how New Zealand and New Zealanders see the world. We are trying to open New Zealand to all Mindanaoans, particularly those who are from indigenous and Moro communities,” he said.

The application started on February 1, 2023 and will end on February 28 (New Zealand time). Interested applicants are encouraged to apply online. All the information can be found on the New Zealand Embassy Facebook Page.

Muslims flock to the Grand Mosque in barangay Kalangan II in Cotabato City for the Friday prayer on Feb. 3, 2023. It is officially known as the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mosque, as its construction is aided by the Sultan. It is the second largest mosque in the BARMM. MindaNews photo by JULES L. BENITEZ

In securing an additional budget of PHP150 million for the second phase of its new fish port complex and PHP2 billion for the 2.25-kilometer road access and coastal highway:

“The Department of Public Works and Highways in Davao Region will be in coordination with the mayor’s office as to the final details, prioritization, location and other logistical support for the realization of this mega project.”

MUSSOLINI LIDASAN BANGSAMORO SPEAKS

CHALLENGES FACED BY FORMER REBELS TURNED GOVERNMENT LEADERS

As we move forward in this time of transition in the Bangsamoro, let’s look at world leaders who are former rebels turned politicians and learn from the challenges that they encountered.. By looking at their life experiences in the revolution and in terms of governance, the Bangsamoro Transition Authority may learn some lessons and ways of uniting our people.

Nelson Mandela (1918-2013) was a South African anti-apartheid revolutionary, political leader and philanthropist who served as the country’s first black president from 1994 to 1999. He was a key figure in the struggle against apartheid, a system of racial segregation and discrimination in South Africa, and was imprisoned for 27 years for his activism. Upon his release from prison in 1990, Mandela worked to peacefully negotiate an end to apartheid and was elected as president in South Africa’s first fully democratic elections in 1994. He is widely regarded as a symbol of reconciliation and is remembered for his commitment to forgiveness, human rights, and social justice. After leading the anti-apartheid movement, Mandela faced the challenge of unifying a divided nation and implementing policies to address racial inequalities.

Aung San Suu Kyi (born 1945) is a Burmese politician, diplomat, and Nobel Peace Prize laureate who served as the State Counsellor and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Myanmar (formerly known as Burma) from 2016 to 2021. She is best known for her pro-democracy activism and her leadership of the National League for Democracy (NLD) party. Suu Kyi rose to international prominence during the 1988 pro-democracy uprising in Myanmar, where she became a symbol of resistance against the country’s military dictatorship. She was placed under house ar-

rest for much of the 1990s and early 2000s, but was eventually released and went on to win the 2015 general election, becoming the country’s first female head of government. Despite her reputation as a champion of human rights, Suu Kyi has faced criticism for her handling of the Rohingya crisis, in which the Myanmar military has been accused of widespread human rights violations against the Rohingya Muslim minority. Thus, after leading the pro-democracy movement, Suu Kyi faced challenges in balancing her commitment to human rights and democracy with the need to maintain stability and improve relations with the military.

Fidel Castro (1926-2016) was a Cuban communist revolutionary and politician who served as the Prime Minister of Cuba from 1959 to 1976 and as the President of the Council of State and President of the Council of Ministers from 1976 to 2008. He was a key figure in the Cuban Revolution, leading a guerrilla movement that overthrew the U.S.backed dictatorship of Fulgencio Batista in 1959. Castro established a communist state in Cuba, and the country became closely aligned with the Soviet Union during the Cold War. Despite facing opposition and numerous attempts to overthrow him, including the Bay of Pigs invasion in 1961 and the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, Castro remained in power until 2008, when he stepped down due to poor health. He was a controversial figure, revered by some as a charismatic leader and symbol of resistance against U.S. imperialism, while criticized by others as a repressive dictator who violated human rights and stifled political dissent.

Muammar Gaddafi (19422011) was a Libyan politician and revolutionary who served as the country’s head of state from 1969 until his overthrow and death in

2011. He seized power in a bloodless military coup in 1969 and ruled Libya as an authoritarian dictator for 42 years. Gaddafi pursued a mix of socialist and pan-Arab policies, and became known for his eccentric and controversial behavior. He was a major player on the international stage, and was both praised and criticized for his leadership and his role in supporting various revolutionary and militant groups around the world. During the Arab Spring of 2011, Gaddafi faced a popular uprising that quickly escalated into a full-scale civil war, and he was eventually overthrown and killed by opposition forces with the assistance of NATO-led airstrikes.

Yasser Arafat (1929-2004) was a Palestinian political leader who served as the Chairman of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) from 1969 until his death in 2004. He was a key figure in the struggle for Palestinian independence and the recognition of a Palestinian state. Arafat co-founded the Fatah political party in the late 1950s and played a major role in the Palestine resistance movement against Israeli occupation. He was instrumental in establishing the PLO as the main representative of the Palestinian people and in securing international recognition for the Palestinian cause. In 1994, Arafat was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize along with Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and Foreign Minister Shimon Peres for their efforts to reach a peace agreement between Israelis and Palestinians. Despite this, the peace process broke down and negotiations between the two sides were difficult throughout his life. Arafat’s leadership and commitment to the Palestinian cause made him a symbol of resistance for many Palestinians, but also led to criticism and accusations of corruption and terrorism.

These examples of political

ATTY. GILBERTO LAUENGCO, J.D. OBLIQUE OBSERVATION

“Instead of taking the pants off the taxpayer, it might be better to take the vest off the vested interests”

-- Mark Twain

Last Monday, Albay 2nd District Rep. Joey Salceda filed a bill which can be argued as another “tax the rich more measure”. House Bill 6993 “seeks to increase the tax rate of non-essential goods to 25 percent. At present, Section 150 of the National Internal Revenue Code imposes on jewelry, perfumes and yachts a 20 percent tax rate based on wholesale price or the value of importation. The bill not only seeks to increase the rate but, expand the list of so- called non- essential or luxury goods. This tax will be on top of all other taxes.

The bill seeks to add several items to the so- said list such as:

-- wristwatches, bags, wallets and belts worth more than PHP50,000; -- sale of real property worth more than PHP100,000 per square meter; -- beverages above PHP20,000; -- paintings above

PHP1 million sold by those other than the artist; -- antiques worth more than PHP100,000; -- automobiles, brand new or second hand, worth more than PHP10 million.

Essentially, since these items are beyond the reach of the majority of Filipinos, this bill clearly wants to increase the taxes on our more affluent or wealthy citizens.

This is actually a milder version of a bill filed in 2021 by the Makabayan bloc which proposed a wealth tax for people with taxable assets worth over PHP1 billion. This bill proposed that people with over PHP1 billion in assets should be required to pay 1 percent of the total amount in additional taxes while those with over PHP2 billion pay 2 percent and those with PHP3 billion, 3 percent.

The authors of the bill said that “the tax would help shift the burden away from regressive tax measures such as consumption taxes toward the handful of the wealthiest who are capable of contributing more to our public coffers. A regressive tax

leaders illustrate that former rebels turned politicians often face significant challenges in transitioning from a revolutionary movement to leading the government, including the need to balance competing interests, manage a complex political landscape, and uphold the principles that drove the revolution in the first place.

Moreover, some may apply the principle of “weather-weather lang yan” which means leadership in the government is just seasonal. Before it was the time of the traditional politicians, then the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), and now the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). Thus some of them may be corrupted by the internal cultural dynamics that the institution has been deeply embedded with. Therefore, we can see that there are several factors that revolutionary groups may become corrupt when they hold power.

The following are red flags that we need to see if they are present in the current regional government in the Bangsamoro. The principle that “power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely” may be present if there can no longer be checks and balances. This means that holding power can bring temptations and lead to abuse of power and corruption.

In terms of decommissioning of combatants, we also need to look at the system in place. If proper systems of transparency, proper monitoring, and evaluation are not in place then this may lead to lack of accountability. Thus, revolutionary groups may lack established systems of checks and balances to hold leaders accountable in programs and activities that are spent from the taxes collected from the people.

There may also be instances when those who lead the revolution may have broken idealism, which means that the ideals and values that

drove the revolution may be forgotten or disregarded as leaders focus on maintaining power.

And lastly, when the system of conflict and violence became a cycle, the problems now become systemic. Corruption may be deeply ingrained in the political and economic systems, making it difficult to eradicate.

As a former member of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority, I know how hard it is to work in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao where there are several matters and concerns that are urgent and need to be addressed properly. But if those mentioned are not properly addressed by the Government of the Day with the help of all stakeholders, then we need to ask ourselves, “what are we transitioning for?”

If you ask me, we should move forward in transitioning to set proper institutions that will put in place the rule of law and justice mechanisms. Oftentimes justice is very much neglected by peacebuilders. Most people in the government think that you have to forgive the various violent actors because that is the only way to agree to peace if they know they will not be put in prison or tried and face the consequences of their previous acts.

We need to have a strong national government that will be able to deal with the violations of human rights, and criminal acts (such as graft and corruption). Otherwise we will never solve the problem. (MindaViews is the opinion section of MindaNews. Mussolini Sinsuat Lidasan is Executive Director of the Al Qalam Institute of the Ateneo de Davao University. He was a member of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission from 2017 to 2019, Member of Parliament of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority from 2019 to 2022)

scheme like the VAT is one that is usually applied uniformly and thus takes a larger percentage of income from the low-income earners rather than the high-income earners. Progressive taxes take a larger percentage from high income earners.

Many analysts believe that an actual straight wealth tax or a pure progressive tax would be better than a higher tax rate on luxury goods. A wealth tax, they say, would generate more revenues for the government and it would be more equitable.

Progressive factions in the country have been increasingly vocal lately on the call for a wealth tax. For these factions, a wealth tax is a potent tool for equality and justice. These factions call attention to the widening gap between the rich and poor and the need for a more equitable tax system.

Wealth taxes and straight progressive taxes seems to be a popular way to generate more funds and alleviate the suffering of the poorer sectors of society. A business ana-

lyst once opined that wealth taxes

“allow the engine of capitalism to roar and then have the winners compensate the losers. By taking care of those who lose out in the capitalist system, the winner ensures that the losers won’t want destroy the system completely.”

Unfortunately, no nation has successfully managed to get enough money out of progressive taxation to properly fund a system of social programs. Even so-called progressive European nations fund social programs such as medical care for everyone and welfare fund the same by making everyone pay a portion of their income not just the rich. Their tax programs feel like insurance rather than wealth redistribution.

Opponents of wealth or pure progressive taxes point out that most wealthy people are the ones with the talent and ability to take the lead in business development in a country. They are the trailblazers and the driving force that create new businesses that in turn create

more jobs. Higher taxes targeted specifically at these people will be a disincentive for them to stay in the country. They will just go and find other countries with lower taxes and set up businesses there.

Also, countries with higher progressive tax rates are actually a deterrent for investment. Let’s face it, investors invest to make money and keep as much as it that they reasonably can. Less investors means less jobs.

Higher taxes on non-essential items often just alter spending habits. It does not guarantee higher revenues.

Clearly, higher taxes for the wealthy may not be the magic bullet that some of its proponents claim it to be.

This is my oblique observation.

Editor’s note: The opinions expressed in the foregoing article are solely the author’s and do not reflect the opinions and beliefs of the Philippine News Agency (PNA) or any other office under the Presidential Communications Office.

TAX THE RICH MORE?

Pag-IBIG Fund members save record-high P79.9B in 2022

Pag-IBIG

Fund members collectively saved nearly PHP80 billion in 2022, setting yet another record for the highest amount saved by members with the agency in a single year, its top officials said.

Last year, the amount collectively saved by PagIBIG members totaled PHP79.9 billion -- the highest in the agency’s 42year history.

The total savings collected last year increased by 25 percent, or PHP16.2 billion, from the PHP63.7 billion collected in 2021.

Forming part of the total savings is the agency’s Pag-IBIG Regular Savings, which also increased by 6 percent from PHP37.71 billion in 2021

to PHP40.06 billion in 2022.

“The sustained growth in Pag-IBIG members’ savings collections has been truly remarkable. It denotes our members’ trust and confidence in our programs, and our capacity to manage each hard-earned peso they have saved with us,” Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar, head of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) and the 11-member Pag-

IBIG Fund Board of Trustees, said in a statement.

“And, as our collections remain strong, we remain able to finance and maintain the low interest rates of our loan programs. These are among our many efforts in adhering to the call of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. towards advancing the welfare of our fellow Filipinos,” he said.

Pag-IBIG Fund chief executive officer Marilene Acosta said the agency’s popular MP2 Savings continues to drive the growth of its members’ savings.

The voluntary savings program maintained its growth in 2022, as mem-

bers saved a record-high PHP39.84 billion in the program, an increase of 53 percent, or PHP13.89 billion from the PHP25.95 billion collected in 2021.

“We are happy that we continue to gain the trust of our members, as shown by the record-high amounts that they have saved with us in 2022, as well as in the past years. This shows their growing appreciation of the value in saving with Pag-IBIG Fund. That is why we remain committed in responsibly and prudently managing their savings, so that we can provide them the best possible returns,” Acosta said. (PR)

Global food prices drop for 10th straight month in Jan.

Global food prices fell for the 10th consecutive month in January, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reported on Friday.

The FAO Food Price Index averaged 131.2 points in January, down 0.8 percent from the previous month. The decline in the main reading was led by decreases in the price indices of vegetable oils, dairy, and sugar, while

those for cereals and meat remained largely stable last month.

The FAO food price index is a trade-weighted index that tracks international market prices of five major food commodity groups.

The vegetable oil price index fell 2.9 percent month-on-month in January, due to lower world prices of palm, soy, sunflower seed, and rapeseed oils.

Driven by lower international prices of butter and milk powders, the diary price index was down 1.4 percent from December to a 12-month low in January.

The sugar price index was 1.1 percent lower, marking the first decline after sharp rises in the previous two months.

“Strong harvest progress in Thailand and favorable weather conditions in Brazil outweighed

Sy Jr.’s data firm to speed up Starlink’s entry to PH within Q1

Data Lake, a data company led by tycoon Henry Sy Jr., is expediting the entry of Starlink to the Philippines within the first three months of 2023.

Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Assistant Secretary Philip Varilla earlier said that the launch of Starlink in the country would be moved to the middle of 2023.

In July last year, it was announced that Starlink Internet Services Philippines, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Elon Musk’s SpaceX, would launch its Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite internet services in the Philippines by December 2022.

In a statement, Data Lake said delays in the production and deployment of LEO satellites pushed back Starlink’s initial December 2022 entry to the first quarter of 2023.

first Starlink integrator in the country.

Data Lake chairman Sy and Almeda recently met with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to discuss the expedited entry of Starlink as a satellite internet provider.

Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez, DICT Secretary Ivan John Uy, and Starlink representative Nick Galano were present to support the talks, in response to the US government’s direction to hasten its expansion.

The move will also open exploration opportunities for other US telco players, according to Data Lake.

the impact on prices due to concerns over lower crop yields in India, higher gasoline prices in Brazil, which support demand for ethanol, as well as the Brazilian real’s appreciation against the US dollar,” the FAO said.

The meat price index dropped marginally by 0.1 percent in January, its seventh consecutive monthly decline, while the cereal price index was up 0.1 percent. (PNA)

“We are excited to finally introduce Starlink to the Philippine market by Q1 2023. The high speed, low latency broadband internet service through the use of satellites will be game changing in connecting our 7,640 islands to the rest of the world. This will also be in line with President Marcos’ push for greater digitization,” said Data Lake vice chairman and CEO Anthony Almeda.

Data Lake said it is the

Once established in the country, Starlink will be able to provide highspeed broadband internet to end-users, including remote areas, as it uses satellites positioned in lowEarth orbit (LEO) than the conventional and more costly underground fiber optic cables, the data company said.

Starlink plans to offer its service to Philippine customers at an initial $599 per satellite unit and connectivity service at $99 per month, with a download speed of 200 Mbps.

The Department of Trade and Industry earlier said the Philippines would be the first country in Southeast Asia to avail of the Starlink technology.

Cebu Pacific announces it is offering a one-way base fare promo for as low as P88 for select international and domestic destinations.

DOE to achieve renewable energy goals via reforms

The Department of Energy (DOE) is optimistic that the country will be able to achieve its long-term renewable energy (RE) goals through the policy reforms of the Marcos administration.

During the Laging Handa public briefing Friday, DOE Undersecretary Rowena Guevara said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has been keen on implementing policy reforms that would help the country to increase the share of renewable energy in the energy mix to 35 percent by 2030 and to 50 percent by 2040.

Among the initial reforms of the administration on renewable energy is allowing the full ownership for RE projects.

“Dahil po dito sa ating full, 100 percent foreign

ownership for renewable energy, sa taya ng Department of Energy, makakaya nating ma-fulfill iyong target natin na by 2040 ay 50 percent na tayong renewable energy (Because of our (policy) for a full, 100 percent foreign ownership for renewable energy, the Department of Energy projects that we can fulfill our target of 50 percent renewable energy by 2040),” Guevara said.

She said the share of RE in the energy mix was at 22.8 percent in 2022.

Aside from allowing 100 percent foreign ownership in RE projects, the DOE is pushing for policies that will attract more investments in offshore wind projects.

It added that an executive order would lure offshore wind investments into the country.

PH debt-to-GDP ratio not at alarming level

Theshare of the country’s total liabilities to gross domestic product (GDP) has declined to 60.9 percent by end2022 but it is not considered to be an alarming level given the strong economic fundamentals, Deputy Treasurer Erwin Sta. Ana said.

In an interview during the Laging Handa public briefing, Sta. Ana said the country’s debt-to-GDP ratio has improved from the 17-year high 63.7 percent at the end of the third quarter of 2022, which is above the 60 percent international threshold.

He attributed the improvement to the recovery of the domestic econo-

my, higher government’s revenue collections and payment of some of the government’s liabilities, among others.

Sta. Ana said the domestic economy expanded by 7.6 percent in 2022, higher than the government’s 6.5 to 7.5 percent growth assumption for last year, as more economic activities resumed.

Sta. Ana said the debtto-GDP ratio rose significantly during the pandemic given the need to finance the heath crisis-related spending.

In end-2019, the country’s debt-to-GDP ratio was at 39.6 percent.

“Iyong 60 percent (debt-to-GDP ratio) po ngayon, at this time, and because of the pandemic, is not really seen as something that’s very alarming, especially when the fundamentals of the economy are really strong (The 60 percent debt-to-GDP ratio now, as a result of the pandemic, is not really seen as something that’s

very alarming, especially when the fundamentals of the economy are really strong),” he said.

Sta. Ana said debt-toGDP of Thailand is similar to that of the Philippines but those of Malaysia and Singapore’s are higher.

“So ang tingin po naming, since and debt-to-GDP is a measure of your ability to service your debt or yong debt sustainability, nasa magandang posisyon po ang Pilipinas (We think that since debt-to-GDP is a measure of your ability to service your debt or what you call debt sustainability, the Philippines is in a good position,” he added.

Diokno not in favor of GOCCs’ dividends as MIF fund source

Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno expressed opposition on Friday to the proposal to make the dividends from government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) the initial funding source of the Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF).

“Meron lang akong objection (I just have an objection). There’s a proposal to tap dividends from [state]

corporations, but this would require changing their charters. Mas madugo ‘yon eh, diba? (That’s more tedious, right?)” Diokno told reporters on the sidelines of a forum organized by the Makati Business Club.

The finance chief was referring to the latest version of the House of Representatives-approved MIF bill.

Last month, Albay Representative Joey Salceda, who

chairs the chamber’s ways and means panel, disclosed that the MIF bill underwent revision during the Christmas break.

In particular, dividends from GOCCs will initially support the MIF, removing dividends from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and state-run banks from the pool of fund sources.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has clarified that

he had no hand in the revision of the MIF bill.

“We have already identified steady and sizable sources for the Maharlika Fund,” Diokno said.

“[BSP] Gov. [Felipe] Medalla was willing, right? He’s willing to give up 100% for two years. To me that is easily P100 billion,” he added.

“Tapos meron pa tayong proceeds from privatization (We also have proceeds from

privatization efforts). That’s easily another P100 billion… so we don’t have to amend the charters of existing corporations to be able to fund the Maharlika Fund.”

The House version of the MIF bill provides that this would be funded by the investible resources of the Landbank of the Philippines (P50 billion), the Development Bank of the Philippines (P25 billion), and the divi-

dends/profits of the BSP. MIF authors originally planned for the investible funds of the Government Service Insurance System and the Social Security System to be included as sources for the proposed sovereign wealth fund’s capital as well, an idea they later dropped, said co-author Marikina City Representative Stella Quimbo, after pensioners expressed their concerns.

Mati gets additional funds for fish port complex

Mati City in Davao Oriental has secured an additional budget of PHP150 million for the second phase of its new fish port complex and PHP2 billion for the 2.25-kilometer road access and coastal highway that would connect the Mati Park and baywalk to the fishport all

the way to Sitio Bilawan.

In a statement on Friday, Mayor Michelle Rabat said the additional fund for the fish port’s Phase 2 construction would complete the envisioned five-hectare modern complex.

The first phase was allocated with PHP75 million by the Philippine Fisheries

Development Authority and is expected to be finished by March.

“The Department of Public Works and Highways in Davao Region will be in coordination with the mayor’s office as to the final details, prioritization, location and other logistical support for the realization of this

mega project,” she said.

Rabat expressed her gratitude to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Special Assistant to the President Antonio Lagdameo Jr., among others, for the realization of the budget.

The fish port was built

in the early 1980s during the time of the mayor’s late father, then Davao Oriental governor Francisco Rabat.

Chinese nationals led by Donny Yeung of the Yeung Marine Holdings Inc., expressed interested in agri-fishery and renewable

energy.

They visited rice farms, a fish pond owned by a local official and the Mati fish port.

They also discussed with local farmers their operations and investment bids. (PNA)

Learning beyond the classroom with EdTech

As we continue to work toward a better post pandemic world, different industries face the challenge of adapting to the demands of the new normal. For the education sector, schools are tasked to adopt new systems to cater to the demands of online learning. In the new normal, even as students make their way back into the classroom, hybrid learning will continue to shape our reality in the coming years. Driven by uncertainty about emerging COVID-19 variants and the changing attitudes of students, what was originally viewed as peripheral to education has become mainstream.

In this new era, educators must get students ready for an increasingly complex, digital, and hyper-connected future. In order for the next generation

of learners to succeed in the future, they must be equipped with essential skills outside the conventional curriculum. Soft skills such as flexibility, adaptability, and digital citizenship must become an important part of learning and educators are at the forefront of this charge.

To bring learning beyond the classroom in a safe, secure environment, schools need to take a holistic approach filled with multi-layered solutions, integration with business systems, new hardware, paired with technological ability and a can-do attitude.

Equip students with the right infrastructure

With digitization quickly and continuously accelerating, it is fundamental that students are well equipped with solu-

tions that facilitate learning, no matter where they may be. Beyond devices, students also need robust technical support and managed services to ensure the product runs smoothly across its lifecycle while delivering productivity, security, and collaboration.

Research by the McKinsey Global Institute identified three digital skill groups that will be foundational for the future of work – digital fluency and citizenship, software use and development, and an understanding of digital systems. To help students develop these skills, they must be supported with the right infrastructure. For example, students can learn digital fluency and citizenship through their interactions with online communities, like their school mates. It is the

role of educators to encourage civic engagement, teaching them how to be proficient, responsible, and respectful in their use of digital technology.

Training programs to develop digital competency

In an ever-evolving world, technology will continue to advance. Educators are then faced with the challenge of developing competencies that will cater to the evolving needs of digital learners. Schools must prioritise digital literacy training, which cover topics such as core digital skills, how to use hardware and software solutions, and the latest trends in the tech industry.

In Lenovo’s commitment to creating Smarter Technology for all, the Lenovo EdVision program was established with the aim to hone technological literacy and digital skills among students while providing resources and support for teachers to prepare them for a more digital educational landscape.

With the plight of the education sector and the new demands of digital learners, Lenovo EdVision held webinars designed to help both learners and their teachers navigate the new normal. Among the topics covered were mental wellness in the digital age and effective e-learning. Each incorporated how Lenovo devices, built for the virtual classrooms, truly enhance learning experiences for all.

In addition, EdVision Summit 2.0 has been updated with the theme of “Learning Pedagogy andTechnology to Embrace Change” from the first summit in March 2021. With an updated set of discussion points, the summit aimed to deepen our understanding of

e-learning and provide a holistic approach for a seamless hybrid classroom experience. The EdVision Summit 2.0 also featured a plenary about learning pedagogies to help educators embrace technology in their classrooms. Participants and speakers were also able to interact at a panel discussion about furthering digital technologies and literacy, workshops that combine play and pedagogy, and how to cultivate positive learner attributes in online distance learning.

Build smart classrooms for the hybrid future Classrooms will also have to evolve for the future. Educators must expand the learning space beyond physical classrooms and blend the best from in-person classes with digital teaching methods to encompass classroom activities, homework and learning reports. Meanwhile, students will need to remain adaptable and accustomed to interacting, collaborating, and sharing both in a classroom and digitally.

With classroom and learning management software, schools can support a seamless transition and prevent disruptions to learning.

“Empowering better learning experiences and outcomes, as well as building digital skills to enhance employability are critical priorities of Microsoft--both globally and here in the Philippines. We’re privileged to work with partners like Lenovo, who share our commitment to enabling that future for Filipinos across the country.” Peter Maquera, Microsoft Philippines General Manager said.

Last year, Lenovo surveyed over 3,400 students and educators on their experiences

with remote schooling and explored how technology can further engage students. This has resulted in the launch of new programs and solutions, such as Lenovo EdVision’s collaboration with Microsoft. Both parties intend to combine classroom technology upgrades with free training for educators to improve their digital literacy and expertise, allowing schools to reap the full benefits of educational technology.

With its efforts to bring forward its advocacy of Smarter Technology for all, Lenovo was named as one of the finalists for the Marketing Excellence Awards 2022 under CSR category. This reaffirmed the brand’s commitment to providing educational technology and opportunities to communities.

Now that the new year has begun, the brand continues to stand by its commitment as we believe that both innovation and education are catalysts for change. The next era of education must be collaborative and technology can bring people together and ultimately, enhance the potential of both students and their communities. Digital transformation is about more than just the technology that powers it. Its success is also driven by a robust ecosystem of collaboration between educators, parents, school administrators, IT teams and technology partners. Ultimately, what students need more than anything is a human touch in an increasingly digitised world.

(By Michael Ngan, President and General Manager of Lenovo Philippines)

MODERN. Artist’s perspective of the new fish port complex in Barangay Centro, Mati City, Davao Oriental province. It will also have a 2.25-kilometer road access and coastal highway that would connect the Mati Park and baywalk to the fishport all the way to Sitio Bilawan. (Courtesy of City of Mati)showcase investment potentials.

DREAM PROJECT. Site of the modern fish port complex in Mati City, Davao Oriental province. The local government said on Friday (Feb. 3, 2023) that it has secured an additional budget of PHP150 million for the second phase of the complex and PHP2 billion for the 2.25-kilometer road access and coastal highway. (Courtesy of City

AboitizPower, MOELCI I medical mission benefits 120 MisOr children

Aboitiz Power Corporation (AboitizPower) and Misamis Occidental I Electric Cooperative, Inc (MOELCI I) capped 2022 with a medical mission benefiting 120 children from Barangay Macamiguing in Calamba, Misamis Oriental.

The two companies sponsored the physical examination of the children and provided them with vitamins and medicines to help ensure their proper development.

“While we have made great strides to adapt to the complexities of an ongoing health crisis, we must never lose sight of how COVID-19 has affected our children’s well-being,” Macamiguing Barangay Captain Emelie Macoto said. “This medical mission shows the commitment of AboitizPower and MOELCI I in protecting children’s welfare by nourishing them with the proper resources that can keep them healthy.”

“We are happy to be the recipient of such a beneficial project” he added.

“We are grateful to AboitizPower and MOELCI for gifting our com-

munity with this health project as we face a new year,” Macamiguing Barangay Captain Emelie Macoot said. “As businesses and schools have opened again amidst the on-going COVID-19 threats, it is important that we continue to be vigilant and proactive when it comes to our well-being, especially those of our children.”

MOELCI I General Manager Ruben Bonalos also cited the value of looking after children’s health.

“It is important to protect the children from various diseases and illnesses so they are able to maximize face-toface learning,” he added.

“We are grateful to AboitizPower for being our partner in contributing to health security in the communities we serve.”

According to AboitizPower Senior Vice President for Commercial Operations Sandro Aboitiz, the company’s health-related programs are in pursuit of their purpose of transforming the world by advancing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“Through this med-

BingoPlus amps up Sinulog Festival 2023

BingoPlus amped up the celebration of the Sinulog Festival 2023 by joining the Sinulog Grand

Parade and co-presenting the concert of Asia’s Phoenix and Cebu songbird Morisette Amon at

the Waterfront Hotel and Casino on January 14.

The first and only live-streaming Bingo in

the Philippines threw its support behind one of the country’s most popular and colorful festivals that

brings millions of tourists yearly to the Queen City of the South. The festival and Bingo Plus’ contributions were hailed by revelers as a fitting revival of the liveliness and vigor of the Festival that had to be momentarily sidelined due to the pandemic. BingoPlus provided buses at multiple flash points in the city to ferry merrymakers from their localities to the center of the Sinulog celebrations.

Out to fulfill its mission of providing joy and positive vibes by providing worthwhile and profitable leisure entertainment to Filipinos, the brand went all out to support the festivities this year which was like a coming-out party for the City of Cebu.

“Fiestas are part of the Filipino culture and BingoPlus has consistently supported the various local festivals in different parts of the country. The Sinulog is a special day of

celebration and an outpouring of thanksgiving to the Santo Niño for His protection and abundant blessings. It is a day for food, parade, dance and party,” said Jasper Vicencio, AB Leisure Exponent Inc. president.

“BingoPlus is a champion of local talents, thus who best to entertain fellow Cebuanos at this Festival but their most admired performer, Morisette? Rest assured BingoPlus will continue to honor Philippine tradition and culture through music, sports, camaraderie, and festivities. As a promoter of entertainment we will continue to be present in major leisure events and activities nationwide,” Vicencio added.

BingoPlus is licensed by Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) and the flagship brand of Leisure & Resorts World Corporation (LRWC)’s subsidi-

Dr. Liannica Aurora Lood, a volunteer physician, attends to one of the beneficiaries of the medical mission organized by AboitizPower and MOELCI I.

ical mission, we aim to advance SDG 3 by ensuring the good health and

well-being of the citizens residing in Barangay Macamiguing,” Aboitiz

shared. “We look forward to organizing more events like these with

our partners to benefit more communities, families, and children.”

SUBSIDY... FROM 2

fied and certified by the DSWD and the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) are also covered by the measure.

To qualify for the said subsidy, the beneficiary must be a holder of an authentic person with disabilities (PWD) identification card as a requirement.

The P2,000 monthly aid will be released by the Department of Social and Welfare Development (DSWD). The aid shall also automatically cease when the child reaches 21 years of age.

Moreover, HB 6743 includes provisions to penalize persons found committing any fraudulent act or misrepresenting themselves or themselves as a parent of a CWD to be able to deceive the government into receiving the cash aid.

For first-time violators, the bill provides for a fine of not less than P25,000 but not ex-

into the bloody drug war and Davao Death Squad killings in the Philippines, saying Manila’s efforts to investigate and prosecute the alleged crimes against humanity in the Philippines were not satisfactory.

More than 6,000 drug suspects were killed in police operations in the country during Duterte’s term from 2016 to 2022, authorities said, citing official tallies.

Rights groups, however,

LOCAL... FROM 3

ceeding P50,000. Subsequent violations are punishable with a fine of not less than P50,000 but not exceeding P100,000.

Any other person, corporation, or organization, whether natural or juridical, found violating the provisions of the measure will be fined not less than P100,000 but not exceeding P200,000.

Under the bill, a CWD database shall also be created and updated annually by the DSWD, National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA), Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), and the National Privacy Commission (NPC) in coordination with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to effectively plan, implement, monitor and evaluate the grant of the subsidy.

The bill sets an initial allocation of P2 billion for the first year of implementing the program.

estimate the figure could go as high as 30,000, including those who were killed by vigilantes and unknown perpetrators.

Duterte pulled the Philippines out of the ICC in 2019 after the Hague-based court began a preliminary investigation into the drug crackdown.

The ICC said it has jurisdiction over incidents in the Philippines during the period of the country’s membership in the tribunal.

EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE WITH WAIVER

Pursuant to Sec. 1 Rule 74 of the Revised Rules of Court of the Philippines, NOTICE is hereby given that the late JOAQUIN H. GUMBAN, SR., and VALERIA SANDOVAL GUMBAN who died intestate in Barangay Obrero, Davao City on March 27, 1997 and July 11, 2019 respectively, leaving the following properties to wit:

1. A parcel of land situated in Barangay Obrero, City of Davao, Island of Mindanao, covered by Transfer Certificate of Title No. T-196043, containing an area of EIGHTY EIGHT (88) square meters more or less, and

2. A parcel of land (lot 6, Block 2 of the subdivision plan Psd-26482, being a portion of lot 1191-C-D), described on plan Psd-22583, G.L.R.O. Cad. Record No. 317) situated in Davao City, covered by Transfer Certificate of Title No. T-24438, containing an area of THREE HUNDRED TWENTY SQUARE METERS (320) more or less.

That the above-mentioned properties has been the subject of an EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT WITH WAIVER OF RIGHTS executed among their heirs. Per Doc. 86; Page No. 19; Book No. 27; Series of 2023 of the Notary Public Atty. PORFIRIO S. DACLAN.

DEED

of

EXTRAJUDICIAL

SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE

Pursuant to Sec. 1 Rule 74 of the Revised Rules of Court of the Philippines, NOTICE is hereby given that the estate of the late JAIME M. CAUSING who died intestate on November 9, 2022 at New Jersey, USA, leaving the following bank accounts to wit:

1. Bank account maintained with Land Bank of the Philippines branch of Bajada, Davao City, with Savings Account Number 00002561088082 in the amount of Six Hundred Sixty Three Thousand Three Hundred Seventy Six Point Eighty Four Cents (₱663,376.84) plus interest accruing;

2. Bank account maintained with Banco de Oro (BDO) branch of Lizada, Davao City, with Savings Account Number 003750013831 in the amount of Five Hundred Eighty Thousand One Hundred Seven Point Fifty Three Cents (₱ 580,107.53) plus interest accruing.

That the above-mentioned properties has been the subject of an EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE WITH executed among his heirs. Per Doc. 44; Page No. 10; Book No. I; Series of 2023 of the Notary Public Atty. MICHAEL KEVIN EDGAR B. MANGAO.

a P5.23 billion WTE project in the city.

The groups also mentioned that the remaining project cost of around P3 billion will be covered by the Philippine government, which was already requested for release through a resolution by the Davao City Council in August 2022, an amount equivalent to more than 60 percent of the entire annual budget of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

They also cited a feasibility report of the WTE project in Davao stressing that the absence of prior experience in managing and operating WTE facilities is a big hurdle in the Philippines and that the limited capacity of the municipality to cover the cost of waste treatment with WTE technology.

The letter also said that proper legal and regulatory schemes are all required to implement the first project of a full-scale WTE facility.

“These statements indicate a recognition of the legal barriers put in place by the Filipino people through our Congress to safeguard our health and the environment as stated in the Clean Air Act and the Solid Waste Management Act. Yet, JICA has continued promoting its Japanese technology despite a standing legal ban

PROV’L... FROM 3

ing and preserve the province’s natural resources.

One of these initiatives is Oplan Kanal program which regularly conducts a desiltation in major rivers in the province to address the impact of flooding.

on incinerators now being defended by environmental advocates in the Supreme Court and the midst of city-wide opposition to the project,” it said.

The groups stressed that JICA’s assistance flowed to systematically undermine the policy barriers to the entry of this Japanese technology into our waste management system and that it has directly engaged in the development of waste management guidelines, supported interagency meetings to discuss implementation arrangements for its project, and facilitated learning tours of government officials and waste regulators to WTE incinerator sites in Kitakyushu City, Japan.

It can be recalled that in November 2017, former Mayor Sara Duterte along with city officials and two representatives from an environment watchdog traveled to Japan upon the invitation of the Japanese firm in the City of Kitakyushu to observe its WTE operation.

The mayor wanted to replicate the WTE project considering that the city’s landfill site was already in a critical stage that year.

“This cooperation continued without access to information and meaningful consultations that city residents have continued to oppose,” the

The call for the dredging of rivers has been met with support from the local community of Barangay Pagsabangan, who see it as an essential step toward preventing floods in the province.

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11TH JUDICIAL REGION OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT-SHERIFF Davao City

BDO UNIBANK, INC. EJF-REM CASE NO. 18,759-23

Mortgagee, - versus -

ANNA L. BONSUBRE, Mortgagor/s. X-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------X

NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL FORECLOSURE SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

Upon extra-judicial petition for sale under Act 3135, as amended filed by BDO UNIBANK, INC., against ANNA L. BONSUBRE with postal address at (1) DR. 1 ARLENE DEPARTMENT, TORRES ST., OBRERO, DAVAO CITY; and (2) UNIT 1-D and 1-E, BUILDING 4, AREZZO PLACE DAVAO, DOÑA PILAR AVE., BRGY PAMPANGA, BUHANGIN DISTRICT, DAVAO CITY, to satisfy the indebtedness which the mortgagors failed and refused to pay as of NOVEMBER 18, 2022 in the sum of Php=2,941,544.25, Philippine Curreny, the undersigned Sheriff IV of the Regional Trial Court, Davao City, will sell at public auction on February 24, 2023 at 10:00 A.M., or soon thereafter, at the main entrance of the Hall of Justice, Ecoland, Davao City, to the highest bidder for CASH or MANAGER’S CHECK and in Philippine Currency, the following real properties mentioned and described below together with all the improvements found thereon, to wit:

CONDOMINIUM CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. 146-2021002374

UNIT NO. : 1-D

BUILDING : 4 FLOOR : 1ST FLOOR AREA : 32.50 SQUARE METERS in the diagrammatic floor plan appended to the enabling or master deed of the condominium project annotated on TRANSFER CRTIFICATE OF TITLE 2014002408; 2014002412; 2014002413; 2014074321 which embraces and describes the land located at BARANGAY OF PAMPANGA CITY OF DAVAO ISLAND OF MINDANAO XXX

CONDOMINIUM CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. 146-2021002375

UNIT NO. : 1-E

BUILDING : 4 FLOOR : 1ST FLOOR AREA : 32.50 SQUARE METERS

in the diagrammatic floor plan appended to the enabling or master deed of the condominium project annotated on TRANSFER CRTIFICATE OF TITLE 2014002408; 2014002412; 2014002413; 2014074321 which embraces and describes the land located at BARANGAY OF PAMPANGA CITY OF DAVAO ISLAND OF MINDANAO XXX

All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above-stated time and date.

That in the event the public auction should not take place on the said date, it shall be held on MARCH 24, 2023 without further notice.

Prospective buyers are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the title of the herein- above described real property and encumbrances thereon, if any there be.

Davao

groups said.

The groups mentioned that “in the feasibility study, 50 percent of the area is an afforested or tropical forest of which 43 percent is used for agriculture where bananas, pineapples, coffee, and coconuts cover most of these agricultural areas.”

“When operationalized, the WTE incinerator will produce globally known harmful byproducts such as dioxins, furans, mercury that will have dire implications to crop and soil health, air quality, the ecosystems, health, and food security,” the letter said.

The groups maintained that the WTE incinerator is not the answer to the city’s limited capacity for collection and segregation that was identified in the project feasibility.

“We would hope that de-

velopment institutions like JICA see their support to capacitate our local governments to fully implement the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act and the provision of financing for existing Zero Waste systems and innovations that are deemed to be a just and more appropriate option for managing our waste. We respectfully urge JICA to withdraw its support for Waste-to-Energy in Davao City and elsewhere in the country concerning our ban on incinerators,” it said.

The groups also encouraged JICA to ensure transparency and accountability in their development projects.

“To ensure that the benefits of the development vision are equitably shared with and for disadvantaged groups,” the groups said. By Maya M. Padillo

ERRATUM

In the January 16, 23 & 30, 2023 issues of Edge Davao, the figure in the consolidation-subdivision plan, Pcs402-005669 should be Pcs-11240205669 in the Notice of Extra-Judicial Sale of Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF)/Pag-IBIG Fund versus MARY ANN GOMEZ SACAY married to CLAYDEE CARSANO SACAY.

Our apologies.

EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE

Pursuant to Sec. 1 Rule 74 of the Revised Rules of Court of the Philippines, NOTICE is hereby given that the late Spouses MARIANO PARTOL RUBIO and ENCARNACION DELA PEÑA RUBIO who died intestate on September 13, 2021 and September 16, 2021 respectively, leaving the following properties to wit:

1. An agricultural public land located in the Barrio Malungon, Municipality of Malalag, province of Davao del Sur, containing an area of FOURTEEN THOUSAND AND NINETY-THREE (14,093) square meters, covered by Original Certificate of Title No. P-7417 (previously OCT P-9898), and

2. A tract of residential public land located in the Barrio of Sta. Ana, Davao City with an area subject for correction, covered by Original Certificate of Title No. P-13263.

That the above-mentioned properties have been the subject of an EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT of ESTATE executed among their heirs. Per Doc. 442; Page No. 90; Book No. IV; Series of 2022 of the Notary Public Atty. KRISTINE O. JAVIER.

EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE OF THE ESTATE OF ADELAIDA CASTRO

Pursuant to Sec. 1 Rule 74 of the Revised Rules of Court of the Philippines, NOTICE is hereby given that the estate of the late ADELAIDA CASTRO who died intestate on September 10, 2009, leaving a parcel of land situated at Consolacion, Panabo, Davao del Norte, consisting a 20,031-square meter parcel of land particularly embraced and covered by Transfer Certificate of Title (TCT) No. T-28808 has been the subject of an EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE executed among her heirs. Per Doc. 216; Page No. 45; Book No. 200; Series of 2022 of the Notary Public Atty. FATIMA IRENE T. ADIN

“YOU... FROM 2

Kyrie asks for trade from Nets

MIAMI

-- Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving has asked the team to be traded, according to a report in The Athletic, citing league sources.

The report said Irving has told the team he would like to move before Thursday’s trade deadline or he will leave as a free agent in July.

Irving was selected

as an NBA All Star for the eighth time this season after averaging 27.1 points, 5.1 rebounds and 5.2 assists during the regular season so far.

The 30-year-old, who

made his name with the Cleveland Cavaliers, is in his fourth year with the Nets after joining them from the Boston Celtics.

In November, Irving served an eight-game suspension after a social media post linking to a movie condemned as anti-semitic sparked a furore.

FRED C. LUMBA

SPORTS KEN

The report said Irving had recently turned down a contract extension offer from the Nets and that the Los Angeles Lakers, Phoenix Suns and Dallas Mavericks could be possible destinations for him in any move.

The Nets are fourth in the Eastern Conference with a 31-20 record.

SUB-STANDARD OFFICIATING HAUNTS PBA?

After a much-talked Com’s Cup where thousands of basketball fanatics witnessed crowd favorite Brgy. Ginebra smashed the visiting Bay Area Dragons 4-3 in the best of seven finals, the ugly head of bad officiating emerged anew in the on-going 3rd conference Gov’s Cup.

Outspoken Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao raised the issue after his team lost to Converge, 98-112 Thursday.

The defeat was the third straight for the Elasto Painters and the fourth consecutive win for

the FiberXers. Guiao was ejected from the game after being slapped with his second technical in the third quarter following a foul committed by Santillan.

He felt frustrated by unfair calls against ROS when they were trying to build a momentum to catch up as the lead was not that insurmountable at 69-80.

“Hindi kami makabwelo sa mga questionable calls against us,” media reports quoted Guiao as saying.

It appears that Guiao’s senti-

ments versus bad calls are somewhat parallel to the frustration expressed by Dragons mentor Brian Goorjian during the series against Ginebra in the Com’s Cup.

“I’m not saying we could have won. But we deserve better officiating,” the multi-titled bench tactician said.

Coaches’ woes about officiating have been the regular menu since the PBA’s inception in 1975.

All Commissioners during their respective stints tried their very best to improve and elevate officiating standards. Respected

NBA refs were even brought to Manila and conducted clinics.

Not only that. The NBA refs were even tasked to officiate in a couple of actual PBA games.

(This scribbler attended those NBA clinics and was promptly educated. I think a high basketball IQ - not just an average mind - is the reason why an ocean of difference separates the NBA from the PBA as far as refereeing is concerned.)

At any rate, Guiao’s tirades against very low officiating standards will not fall on deaf ears.

Com. Alex Marcial is not a

stranger to these lapses. He has been around so long in the league that even with eyes closed, he will be able to determine who should be summoned to his office.

Penalizing the guilty refs is not actually the correct response.

Lapses will occur over and over again.

Com. Marcial should send them regularly to a Referees Academy to undergo education where the goal is to elevate their mental and cognitive skills. (Email feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.)

FIRST WIN. 10ID point guard Capt. Mark Anthony Tito scores in an uncontested layup during the AFP-PNP Invitational Basketball Cup held at the Davao City Recreation Center in Davao City, Saturday. The 10ID Agila Troopers sank Philippine Navy 86-61. Photo courtesy of Macky Lim

Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving reacts with Ben Simmons during the first half of their NBA game against the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, 28 December 2022. File photo. Erik S. Lesser, EPA-EFE.

On this special day, I just want to wish myself pure endless happiness. Happy birthday to me. I certainly consider myself to be one of the luckiest people on earth for having reached this milestone. I don’t want to ask God for anything but thank Him for all the good things He has blessed me with over the years.

As I mature every year ( hopefully) , I keep on realizing one great truth. Legends don’t come on this earth in great numbers. They are rare, just like me. (Don’t laugh, just grin wide)

Growing up is the best journey I’ve ever embarked on. I enjoyed my life and I enjoyed being alive and for this I thank my Lord. Some people complain about aging, but there’s a lot to be said about the wisdom we gain from living in this world for many years.

I’m glad and fortunate that at this stage I was blessed to find time for my passion , for the things that I really care about, like exploring the beauty

of photography, getting back the flow of my old golf swing ,and given the opportunity to write about sports and life.

Anni, amori e bicchieri di vino, nun se contano mai.”’

‘“Years, lovers and glasses of wine ; these things must not be counted.” ( Age of Adaline ).

I’m not afraid of being old ; although there are some things I miss about of being young.

Instead of counting the candles, or tallying the years, I will contemplate on the blessings and the trials that come my way. The lessons learned and the wisdom it brought in such a way that I grew each day.

I am celebrating my special day TODAY with an overwhelming sense of satisfaction knowing that I was so blessed to have you people around me ,showering me with your love and thoughts, with your wishes and greetings.

I give praise and thanks for this life, for all the love I got but most of all I am very grateful for this most wonderful gift I got today..the gift of friendship from

Birthday Thoughts

all of you.

As I become officially a Senior Citizen today , I take comfort in the fact that there is no such thing as going downhill if we think positive. Instead, I am looking forward in conquering the next level, whatever that may be. In the game of life, we should always strive to be the winner.

I’m proud of being a Senior. I’m proud that I’ve survived this planet for as long as I have, and should I end up withered, wrinkled but with a lifetime of great wisdom, I won’t trade it even for a few years of youth and sophistication. One thing though ,I wish that time hadn’t gone that fast and sometimes I wish I’d enjoyed it more on the way and worried about it less.”

In this simple way I found joy; in my thoughts and in my words came the certainty of faith; and from this day added wisdom for tomorrow. And to everyone I want to share with you the goodness that God has so graciously filled my life with.

I am at peace knowing that my day ends just as it started with the first breaking of dawn: with thanksgiving in my heart and a prayer of worship on my lips to our awesome and mighty God who reigns supreme in our lives.