Edge Davao Vol. 15 Issue 250 | Tuesday, February 7, 2023

E-vehicle owner Margot Mata charges her car at the EV charging station of SM Lanang Premier in Davao City on Monday. The EV charging station at SM Lanang Premier is the first in-mall of its kind in the city. Lean Daval Jr.

RIGHT DIRECTION

VP Sara lauds tourism regional offices for Mindanao campaign

By MAYA M. PADILLO

Vice President Sara Duterte lauded the tourism regional offices for taking proactive steps to convene counterparts and partners and forge collective steps for a safe, fun, and enticing tourism destinations in Mindanao.

“Tourism is a highly dynamic sector that brims with opportunities. Yet, its development must be taken as it does not work alone but in alliance with other sectors, particularly development plans, infra-

structure, connectivity, and most of all, safety and security. Now that the economy has fully opened, our local tourism stakeholders can seize the opportunity to recover the rebuild, adopting innovative and creative

business models that can help them withstand future disruptions,” she said in her congratulatory message shared on social media on Monday following the three-day first Mindanao Tourism Expo held at SM Lanang Premier’s SMX Convention Center.

Duterte praised the DOT regional offices for coming together and enjoining the participation of all tourism stakeholders to promote the various lei-

Davao City celebrates civil registration month

The city government of Davao, through the City Civil Registrar’s Office, is celebrating the 33rd Civil Registration Month with activities that aim to strengthen the civil registration system in the city.

The month-long celebration kicked off with a motorcade with the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) on Monday, February 6.

sure and tourism destinations of the island region.

“More than the exotic delicacies, colorful fiestas, and rich ethnic and cultural diversity that continues to be enriched and preserved to this day, Mindanao is positioning itself as a destination for both leisure and business with its meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) sector actively developing FRIGHT, P10

On February 11-12, the office will be deploying a mobile registration program at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology in Maa (Davao City Jail). This will be followed by a mall tour on February 1319 at the SM City Davao and SM Lanang Premier.

To highlight the office’s efforts to enhance the civil registration system in far-flung barangays and IP communities, a schoolbased registration will be conducted at the Alon Ele-

mentary School in Barangay Malabog, Paquibato District on February 28.

Civil Registrar’s Office Head Atty. Leo Anthony Braceros, during the I-Speak media forum on February 2, said these activities are geared at promoting the civil registration system in city. The activities also aim to clear misconceptions about the registration system and the issuance of certificates.

“Just to correct the misconceptions-- sometimes if there are errors found on certificates, they blame the local civil registrar but under the law, we are not the ones mandated to prepare your certificates,” Braceros said.

Birth certificates, for instance, are usually prepared by hospital personnel while most death certificates are prepared by the funeral homes.

“That is why we feel the

Low enrollment, graduation rates hound BARMM schools

Aproposed Senate inquiry wants to look into the state of education in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and address low enrollment, improve learner outcomes and improve access to quality basic education.

Decades of armed conflict and civil unrest have

greatly affected the quality of basic education, based on the performance of BARMM in several education indicators, according to Senator Sherwin Gatchalian.

In a news release on Monday, Gatchalian said he filed Proposed Senate Resolution No. 455 to review the status of the implementation of the education pro-

visions of the Organic Law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Republic Act 11054) and the Bangsamoro Education Code (BEC) of 2021.

Gatchalian cited that historical Net Enrollment Rate (NER) has been a persistent problem in BARMM, with the problem being more pronounced in junior

high school (JHS) and senior high school (SHS).

While the national NER is 97 percent, only about 36 percent of individuals aged 12 to 15 are enrolled in JHS, and 10 percent of individuals aged 16 to 17 are enrolled in SHS.

According to the 2020 Philippine Statistics Authority’s Annual Poverty Indicators Survey, among

the top reasons for non-attendance in schools are the high cost of education (21 percent), accessibility of schools (17 percent), and lack of personal interest (16 percent).

Gatchalian also pointed to the latest Cohort Survival data for BARMM, where for every 100 children who enrolled in Grade 1 in School Year (SY) 2010-2011, only

17 were able to graduate Grade 12 in 2021-2022.

It was substantially lower than the national average of 57 Grade 12 graduates in SY 2021-2022 out of every 100 Grade 1 enrollees in SY 2010-2011.

He said he is further alarmed by the results of the last seven National Achievement Tests (NAT)

Councilor Louie John Bonguyan (right), chair of the City Council’s Committee on Energy and Water, and SM Supermalls assistant vice president for Operations - Mindanao 2 Engr. Jonathan Nick Santos look at the e-vehicle charging connector closely during the launching of SM Lanang Premier’s EV charging station on Monday. Lean Daval Jr

Anti-scam unit warns people against buying raw lots online

7 ASG bandits killed, 2 captured in Sulu clash

Seven Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) extremists were killed while two others were captured following a firefight in the hinterlands of Sulu province, a top police official said Monday.

Col. Richard Verceles, operations chief of the Area Police Command-Western Mindanao, said the clash broke out around 1:21 a.m. Sunday on the border of Barangays Labah and Kapuk in the towns of Maimbung and Parang, respectively.

Verceles identified the slain ASG members as Juko Dahim, Aldimar Kanih, Gamil Halik, Norhan Pasi, Malik Iron, Jimming Akjal and his son, only known as alias Iron.

He said they were taken to the hospital but were declared dead on arrival by the attending physician.

Those captured were identified as Julmin Amdan and Rogir Mukatrir.

Wounded in the crossfire were Crismalyn Hail

Tajid, 22, and a child who were both taken to a hospital in Jolo, the capital town of Sulu.

Verceles said the firefight broke out when the policemen led by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) were fired upon by the group of Juko and Alganer while they were about to serve a warrant of arrest for murder against the former.

A 30-minute firefight ensued as the policemen fired back, resulting in the death of Juko and six of his companions. Alganer managed to escape.

Verceles said Juko was involved in the ambush-slay of Col. Julasirim Kasim, the police director of Sulu, in 2009 in Barangay Bato Ugis, Maimbung, Sulu.

He said the slain ASG members were followers of Majan Sahidjuan operating in the towns of Indanan, Parang and Maimbung.

Sahidjuan was killed in

By MAYA M. PADILLO

The Davao City Anti-Scam Unit (CASU) warned Dabawenyos not to fall on raw lots scheme that is reportedly rampant online.

Simplicio Sagarino, head of CASU, announced on Monday that 30 complainants came to their office after being victimized due to purchasing raw lots that are being sold online.

“Ang amoang ginabantayan karon kaning klase klase ang naga adto sa ofis, kanang raw lots. Ubay

ubay na ang nag adto sa opisina kay nabiktima sa pagpamaligya ug yuta. Naa na sa 30 ka tao pero dili bulto ang muadto. Ug lahi lahi nga area ni nga napalit nila nga yuta ug lahi lahi nga individual ang nag-ilad sa ilaha,” Sagarino said over Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR) on

Monday.

The selling of raw lots is profusely widespread on social media and many are attracted as these are being advertised as lots that can be paid monthly or on an easy payment scheme.

“Mostly, nakontak nato (buyers and sellers) ug nagsabot sila nga mag refund sila (buyers) sa ilang (sellers) gibayad,” Sagarino said.

In order not to be scammed, he advised the

public to ask for papers or documents from the sellers. He said buyers should be guaranteed that the lot bought must be categorized as a residential property because Davao City has a zoning ordinance wherein not all areas are for residential use.

“Kanang mga wala silay papeles na gipakita sa members ug musulti lang sila didto nga kana nga lote dinha atoa nang gipalit pero wala silay gi-

Cotabato bans planting materials from pestaloptiopsis-hit areas

The provincial government of Cotabato has ordered a temporary ban on all rubber planting materials from the province of Basilan and Zamboanga Peninsula due to cases of “pestaloptiopsis” or leaf fall disease. Through Executive Order 11 series of 2023, which was signed by Governor Emmylou “Lala” J.

Talino-Mendoza on February 3, 2023 and took effect immediately, the temporary ban aims to prevent the entry of said disease into the province and to protect the rubber industry which is recognized as one of the main livelihoods of the Cotabateños.

The order covers the areas of Zamboanga del

Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, and Zamboanga Sibugay and five cities of Isabela, Dapitan, Dipolog, Pagadian, and Zamboanga City.

Mendoza issued the order following the request of the Department of Agriculture 12 to prevent the said disease to enter the province which may result in a decrease in resin and rubber pro-

duction. She also stated in her order that the said disease can affect other plant species and trees in the province.

Mendoza directed the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist to conduct a strict inspection and monitoring and prevent

Department of Social Welfare and Development 11 (DSWD 11) KALAHI CIDSS/BP2P focal Lee Mecris Berdos gives updates of the agency’s Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-Asa program during Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Davao on Monday. Lean Daval Jr.

FANTI-SCAM, P10

PH’s econ team to hold series of briefings in Mideast, Asia, Europe

Toattract more foreign investments, the country’s economic team will hold a series of briefings to market the Philippines in the business community in the Middle East, Asia and Europe in the first half of the year.

One of the members of the country’s economic team, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, revealed this Saturday night in a prerecorded interview with SMNI News Channel.

“It’s basically to showcase the Philippines, just to show them that we’re open for business and we have a lot of investment opportunities in the country,” Pangandaman said.

A couple of roadshows will be conducted between February to June of this

year in the Middle East, then Asia and Europe.

“So, we’re out maybe most of the time for the first semester of the year,” she said.

The economic team of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has so far conducted three Philippine Economic Briefings (PEB).

In January, the PEB in Europe, covering Frankfurt in Germany and London in the United Kingdom, was held to present the economic situation and invest-

ment opportunities in the Philippines.

The previous PEBs were held in Singapore and the United States (US) in 2022.

Pangandaman said the next economic briefing will be in Japan where Marcos will be embarking on a working visit from Feb. 8 to 12.

She expressed optimism that the meetings would open more opportunities in various sectors of the country, including tourism and infrastructure.

Pangandaman noted that while there are a “lot” of business leaders and investors who have expressed intent to invest in the Philippines, their concern is the ease of doing

business in the country.

She, nevertheless, said the Marcos administration’s bid for digital transformation keeps the potential investors optimistic.

“They are also happy to note that we’re into digitalization,” Pangandaman said. “We asked all the agencies to make sure that they digitalize their processes, not just their documents but their processes.”

For the second half of 2023, the economic briefings will be conducted in the Philippines, Pangandaman said.

Marcos earlier stressed the importance of attracting more investments to sustain the growth momentum of the Philippine economy.

PH debt not a cause for concern

Meanwhile, the Budget secretary said the country’s PHP13.420-trillion outstanding debt in end-2022, should not be a cause for concern.

This statement came as she vouched for the compe-

tence of Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno. “If you look at it, it’s only 10 percent of the budget, the payments that we do,” Pangandaman said.

“We have a very competent secretary of Finance. It’s not a problem.”

Pangandaman added that the proposed creation of the country’s first-ever sovereign wealth fund, or the so-called Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF) is a welcome development.

“Any reform or effort of the national government or

SIM registration at 28M as of Feb. 5, DICT says

Some 28 million Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards have been registered as of Sunday, February 5, Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Ivan John Uy said.

“So far, as of today, may 28 million nang nakarehistro (there are 28 million

[SIM cards] already registered,” Uy said in an interview.

Uy said some 150 million SIM cards were issued by telecommunications companies. However, there are buyers of prepaid SIM cards, such as scammers, who used such cards only once and threw them away

FSIM, P10

Grab PH says partnership with GCash to boost cashless drive

even the legislators for that matter that will help us have enough fiscal space is good news for the Department of Budget and management. That’s why we’re happy when we introduced the Maharlika Fund,” she said. (PNA)

Grab Philippines partnered with mobile wallet GCash to boost its drive to promote a cashless economy, Grab Financial Group Philippines President Martha Borja said on Monday. With the partnership, GCash users will soon be able to pay using their e-wallets when availing of Grab services on the app.

Borja said the part-

nership would drive the growth of its Go Cashless campaign.

“To date, about half of the total users on the Grab platform transact via cashless modes and this is a notable improvement to pre-pandemic records. It is very much an indication for an opportunity for us and that is why we want to be more aggressive in ac-

FGRAB, P10

A telco sales outlet staff member assists a subscriber register her subscriber identity module (SIM) card at a registration counter at SM City Davao. Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has announced that around 28 million SIM) cards have been registered as of Sunday. Lean Daval Jr.

Mindanao power spot market to boost investments in the region, says Marcos

Globe, Skytowers sign tower lease agreement

Globe said on Monday it partnered with Skytowers Infra Inc, the Philippine subsidiary of Thai firm Sky Tower Plc, for a lease agreement covering several towers in Southern Luzon.

The deal signed on Feb. 6 is a testament to the strong relationship between Philippines and

Thailand, Globe said in a statement.

“This partnership represents an important step in improving digital infrastructure in the Philippines, and we are excited to work with Skytowers to bring sustainable solutions to the market,” said Ernest Cu, president and CEO of

FGLOBE, P10

President

Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. expects the launching of the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) in Mindanao to boost investments in the region.

At the ceremonial launching of the WESM in Malacañang Monday, Marcos underscored that the presence of WESM would “not only ensure a level playing field in the competitive energy market but will also provide assurance to investors.”

“In the long run, WESM will help in sustaining pow-

GSIS records P6.8-B non-life insurance premiums in 2022

The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) has recorded a P6.8 billion gross premiums written (GPW) in its non-life insurance business for 2022.

According to the GSIS on Monday, this was the highest recorded by the agency. It was 15% higher from the P5.9 billion in 2021.

“I commend the men and women of GSIS who made this achievement possible. During my oathtaking as head of GSIS in July 2022, one of the marching orders that President (Ferdinand) Marcos (Jr.) gave me was to provide insurance cover to all government properties. And we have been making headways in com-

plying with the president’s directive,” GSIS president and general manager Wick Veloso said in a press release.

The GSIS also recorded a 33% or P1 billion increase in its net premium written in 2022 or P4 billion from the P3 billion in 2021.

It noted that GSIS is the

er generation investments to meet the ever-growing electricity demand,” Marcos said.

The WESM is a centralized venue for trading electricity for large-scale buyers and sellers, which aims to establish a competitive and reliable market for electricity, according to the Presidential Communica-

tions Office (PCO).

The PCO said Mindanao has an electrification rate of 87% and “WESM in Mindanao will have a crucial role in the successful operation of the Mindanao-Visayas Interconnection Project (MVIP) as WESM allows efficient transmission and settlement of electricity exchanges.”

At present, Mindanao has 4,321 megawatts of registered capacity, while its peak demand is only at around 2,167 megawatts.

The PCO also said that with the establishment

of WESM in Mindanao, around 2,000 megawatts of uncontracted capacities can now be sold in the WESM and be dispatched at any given time, providing supply to distribution utilities, electric cooperatives, and other end-users when their contracted power plants are not available. Meanwhile, Marcos also expressed hope that the drop in fuel prices in the world market would lead to lower power costs not only for industrial users but also for household consumers.

PH gov’t urged to ramp up infra maintenance, rehab

The Philippines must ramp up the maintenance and rehabilitation of existing infrastructure projects and not just focus on new construction to be at par with its peers, American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Inc (AMCHAM) Infrastructure and Logistics Committee

Co-Chair Engr. Rynor Jamandre said on Monday.

In order to keep infrastructure in top shape, Jamandre said the Philippines must welcome private and foreign investors.

“There should be a well coordinated construction, maintenance and rehab of projects. It’s

not enough that we build.

Construction is good but maintenance and rehab is lagging,” he said. Transport and other major projects are beneficial since they are seen to generate jobs. But Jamandre stressed there should also be equitable use of capital.

Alamada town in North Cotabato is fast becoming a weekend getaway for tourists and travelers. Added to the number of camp sites in the area is Salukot Mountain View and Resort in barangay Rangayen, which offers swimming pool, overnight cottages, and selfie spots. Entrance fee is P50 and use of the pool is at P100 per person. MindaNews photos taken on February 4, 2023 by JULES L. BENITEZ.

On the effforts of the tourism regional offices in taking proactive steps to convene counterparts and partners and forge collective steps for a safe, fun, and enticing tourism destinations in Mindanao:

“Tourism is a highly dynamic sector that brims with opportunities. Yet, its development must be taken as it does not work alone but in alliance with other sectors, particularly development plans, infrastructure, connectivity, and most of all, safety and security. Now that the economy has fully opened, our local tourism stakeholders can seize the opportunity to recover the rebuild, adopting innovative and creative business models that can help them withstand future disruptions.”

Vice President SARA DUTERTE

Reporter

BILLACURA Sports Editor

GREGORIO GARAY DELIGERO Editorial Consultant

MAYA M. PADILLO Senior

MOSES

Outside the areas named after trees, birds, fish, and bats, a good number of Davao locations trace their appellations to common plants like root crops and staples, though these can also refer to common names of animals. There are also sites named after native rice varieties, sweet potatoes (kamote), taro (gabi), corn, adlay (Job’s tears, scientific name Coix lacryma-jobi), sugar cane (tubo), yam (ubi), cassava (balanghoy or kamoteng-kahoy), and bananas (wild and cultivated).

Ticulon, a barangay of Malita, Davao Occidental, is named after an upland, glutinous colored rice (tikoloon). Anibong, a village in Maco, Davao de Oro, is a rice variety though its most likely provenance belongs to a tree with the same name (Oncosperma filamentosum Blume.).

Molanbolan (origin of Manambulan, a village of Tug-

ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA FAST BACKWARD

ETYMOLOGY AND PLANT NAMES

bok District, Davao City) is an upland, non-glutinous, white rice variety. Bungbong (provenance of Bongbong, Pantukan, Davao de Oro) and babag (a barangay of Monkayo, Davao de Oro) are upland rice varieties of the glutinous kind.

Dumagat (also a tribal name), kagayan (as in Cagayan de Oro) and kalauag (Calauag, a town in Quezon Province) are rice and corn varieties while komagingking (likely origin of Kingking, Pantukan, Davao de Oro) and buaya (also a common name of a crocodile) are rice varieties.

Dauis (Dawis), a village in Digos City is named after Dauis, Bohol, which is turn was named after a sweet potato variety with the same name. The same etymology goes to Misamis (name of two provinces) which comes from another camote species with similar distinctiveness. And one must not

forget that Mintal (a district of Davao City) is also another kind of sweet potato.

How about bananas? Well, names like Bonguyan (surname for former Davao City vice mayor and councilor), Calibo (a town in Aklan Province), Daliao (a district of Davao City), and Candaba (a town in the province of Pampanga) are banana and plantain varieties found in the archipelago.

Meanwhile, binuaya (provenance of the placename Cabuaya, a village of Mati City) and Malinao (a village of Laak, Davao de Oro) are actually ubi (yam) varieties. Mt. Busao (in Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental) and Mambusao (a mountain in Compostela, Davao de Oro) could have provenance from busao, a gabi variety that grows in upland, moist areas. Papañga (possibly the origin of Pampanga, a village of Davao City) refers to

another taro species.

Kaputian (former town of the Island Garden City of Samal) likely comes from potian (a rattan species) or putian (a kind of banana). Poliquit, a familiar surname, is a morphology of poriquit or porikit, another banana variety. Still speaking of bananas, the most common among Visayans are cardaba, tundan, tindok, moko, sab-a, morado, binangay, and agutay.

Elsewhere, there are also numerous Davao places named after fish, birds, and trees.

Binuang (a barangay of Maco, Davao de Oro) and Cabinuangan (earliest name of New Bataan, Davao de Oro) trace their names to binuang (Octomeles sumatrana), while cuambog (indigenous name of Mabini, Davao de Oro) is from a tree (Dillenia philippinensis).

HERMAN TIU LAUREL, PNA PHIL-CHINA WATCH

ANTI-WAR LUFTBALLONS

Reuters Fact Check on Feb. 4, 2023 headlined on its news side the very important and clarificatory news, “Fact Check – HBAL617 balloon tracker online is from US company Aerostar, not China” which shoots down the sensationalized false story of US mainstream media that it was a Chinese “spy balloon”. Despite this Reuters fact check being issued on Feb. 3, the false narrative of the “Chinese balloon” has continued to this day.

Another important news that shoots down the US narrative about the “Chinese “spy balloon” is the absolute nonsense is the comment of ex-Pentagon analyst Chuck Spinney who said, “It is hard to imagine why the Chinese would risk sending military-grade surveillance equipment in a vulnerable, uncontrollable balloon that cannot even be directed to a specific target,... These high altitude balloons basically go with the wind-flows.”

Of course, China itself was

confused for a moment since it, as many nations do, have many high-altitude balloons floating around the atmosphere for many purposes from meteorological, atmospheric and climate research, pollution monitoring, telecommunications and imaging, educational and submillimetre astronomy. China, being invariably straightforward in its official communications provided honest information at hand at that time.

The Global Times in the early hours of Feb. 3, headline China’s response: “China rejects US’ spy balloon accusation, says civilian airship deviated from planned course caused by force majeure.” On Feb. 4, Global Times issued its second report, “China blasts ‘spy balloon’ hype, urges communication to avoid misjudgment” and stressed that the postponed Blinken visit to China anti-China elements were linking to the incident was never as formally scheduled event yet.

Some believe that the false “China spy balloon” hype was instigated by the Deep State to abort the Blinken meet in China agreed upon between Biden and Xi to help iron out difference between the two sides that erupted from the Pelosi visit in 2022 and China cut major bilateral talks over vital issues with the US – hence Blinken’s statement that the timing at the moment is “not conducive” due to the “Luftballon” incident. I use the German term for “air balloons” to transition to our next point.

“99 Luftballons” is a popular 1980s Cold War period anti-war 1983 song by the German band “Nena” which had been a huge hit in Europe and Japan, but I would also say it was a big hit in the Philippines. I am playing the song from You Tube as I write this piece, enjoying the popular beat and wonderful guttural German when put into songs -- but the important thing is the story of the song which I will use the Wiki summation

to facilitate:

“99 balloons are mistaken for UFOs, causing a general to send pilots to investigate. Finding nothing but balloons, the pilots put on a large show of fire power. The display of force worries the nations along the borders and the war ministers on each side encourage conflict to grab power for themselves. In the end, a cataclysmic war results from the otherwise harmless flight of balloons and causes devastation on all sides without a victor, as indicated in the denouement of the song: ‘99 Jahre Krieg ließen keinen Platz für Sieger’, which means ‘99 years of war left no room for victors’.”

From my perspective, there were three critical periods in the past three-quarters of a century that the danger of a nuclear war was imminent, the period of the Cuban Missile Crisis 1962, the period of leading to the Fall of the Berlin War in 1989 and today when the US is threat-

Hagonoy (a town of Davao del Sur; a common weed, Chromolaena odorata), piapi (a district of Davao City; a tropical mangrove, Avicennia rumphiana), agdao (a Tagakaulo tree, Premna odorata Blanco), and padada (a town in Davao del Sur; Sonneratia alba J. Smith) are generally plant names. If labeled after the birds, places like Callawa, a barangay of Davao City (from Manobo kilyawa, black-naped oriole known as Oriolus chinensis) Bacaca, another city area (indigenous name of kingfisher or Halcyon leucocephala) come to mind.

On the other hand, Darong (a barangay of Santa Cruz, Davao del Sur) and Indangan (a barangay of Tibungko Dsitrict, Davao City) are named after the yellow tang, a saltwater fish also known as labahita and scientifically classified as Zebrasoma flavescens.

ened by three conditions: the continuing explosion of inflation and the US debt, plus the global de-dollarization that will lead to the collapse of the US dollar in the immediate years ahead.

The US needs to disrupt the global geo-economics conditions but short of triggering a final nuclear showdown, exactly like what the US is doing on the European continent is its proxy war with Russia pushing the crisis only to the edge of Ukraine’s border, and in Asia beginning with the present pressure on Taiwan, Japan, South Korea and the Philippines to intensify militarization with surprise US military-political sources predicting a US-China war over Taiwan by 2025 and NATO expansion to Asia. Join us online at: (search) Global Talk News Radio and Asian Century Philippines on FB, Global Talk News Radio on YouTube; raise your quesitns and type our comments online.

COMPETITIVE EDGE

Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort delivers stronger connections with PLDT Enterprise

PLDT Enterprise, the B2B arm of largest fully integrated telco in the country, recently partnered with one of the most premiere resorts in Cebu, the Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort, to deliver robust and reliable connections for their customers and their hotel experience.

“At PLDT and Smart, we are all about providing customer-focused digital innovations. That is why we are honored to provide world-class Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort with unparalleled connectivity that is at par with their mission of giving a luxurious experience to its guests,” says PLDT Customer Relationship Management Head, Kent De La Calzada.

“One of the highlights of the partnership is that the resort is now powered by PLDT’s Dedicated Internet Access service, or iGate–a service that provides businesses with guaranteed bandwidth as well as reliable and managed connectivity to the Internet.” This will positively impact

the resort’s operations in terms of easier and faster transactions and communication for staff, and better service and connectivity for guests, especially for business travelers.

Other connectivity solutions that are in place at Sheraton Cebu Mactan are the PLDT SIP Trunks, powered by fiber technology, which will provide quality and stable incoming and outgoing voice calls, and SMART Postpaid, powered by the latest Smart 5G network, for the mobile communication of the employees.

There is also Smart Broadband which will be provided for guests traveling from the airport to the hotel and vice versa. All these efforts align with Sheraton’s vision of being the best welcoming resort destination in the Philippines.

“We value the time our guests spend with us at Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort, and indeed, part of that guest experience is connectivity,” says Dottie Wurgler-Cronin, General Manager at Sheraton

Cebu Mactan Resort.

“We want them to feel connected while staying with us–be it at the hotel and the world-class services we provide or simply to each other and

their loved ones back at home.”

“With our partnership with PLDT, we are confident that we can bring that deep sense of togetherness and that

unique Cebuano hospitality we are known for to all our guests,” adds Ray. G. Manigsaca, President and CEO of AppleOne Properties, Inc. Sheraton Cebu Mac-

tan Resort is a 261room premium resort property at Mactan Island in Lapu-Lapu City, a 30-minute drive from Mactan International Airport.

Japan-affiliated Telco - InfiniVAN, Inc., Joint-Build Partners now on Phase 2 of PDSCN Project

The Philippine Domestic Submarine Cable Network (PDSCN) project initiated by Japanese-affiliated telco InfiniVAN Inc. that has successfully laid and landed 15 segments of the soon-to-be longest and largest capacity domestic subsea cable system in the coun-

try entered its Phase 2 during kickoff ceremonies held on January 20, 2023 at the NSD Compound, Subic Bay Freeport, Olongapo.

Joint-build partners Eastern Telecom and Globe Telecom joined Infinivan representatives at the event.

An “Express Route’’

was fittingly completed by end 2022 that successfully landed system segments in Subic, Cebu, Siargao, Boracay and other far-flung islands. This first phase of the P150 million project laid down the foundation of the longest and largest submarine fiber optic ca-

ble network that would distribute internet connectivity to wholesale, enterprise and residential customers nationwide when completed. Phase 2 will interconnect these landing points terrestrial fiber routes.

After a successful engagement with KCS, a

subsidiary of Japanese telco KDDI, in Phase 1, the PDSCN project welcomed NTT-WE Marine (NTTWEM), a subsidiary of NTT, Japan’s largest telco, as its new partner for Phase 2. NTTWEM’s Subaru vessel is the ship to be used for the submarine cable implementation of

Phase 2 of the project. InfiniVAN and partners are eyeing April 2023 as the completion date of the submarine cable laying phase. The route design of the system means that it will have easy connectivity with present and future international submarine cable landing stations, thus enabling the project proponents to extend those international submarine cable capacities for distribution to the rest of the country.

“We see this as an opportunity to fulfill our objective of providing connectivity to far flung areas and hope that the good communications infrastructure will also pumpprime local economies in those areas,” InfiniVAN’s Chief Technology Officer (CTO), Engr. Alberto “Abet” Espedido said,

From left to right: Oamar B. Tabiliran, PLDT Enteprirse Business Head CRB 1 Visayas; Arnold Dosdos, PLDT Enterprise Relationship Manager; Kent C. De La Calzada, PLDT Enterprise AVP & Head, Corporate Relationship Management - Visayas; Marvin Villaruz, AppleOne Mactan Inc. Director of Sales and Marketing; Leif Bajarias, AppleOne Properties Inc. Chief Financial Officer; Danish Khan, AppleOne Mactan Inc. Director of Operations; Dottie Wurglercronin, AppleOne Mactan Inc. General Manager

ASUS celebrates 2.2 no. 1 OLED Festival with up to 10% OFF on Vivobook and Zenbook devices

Kickstart your year and enjoy big discounts this upcoming 2.2 no. 1 OLED Festival sale from the leading laptop brand in the Philippines, ASUS. Enjoy free shipping nationwide and get a chance to win a Vivobook laptop when you purchase any ASUS OLED laptops through the ASUS Official Store on Shopee and Lazada from January 28 to February 5, 2023 only. The lucky winner will be announced on February 10 through the official Facebook page of ASUS Philippines.

Amazing true-to-life

ASUS OLED colors

OLED technology is now available across ASUS’ Vivobook and Zenbook series. It lets you enjoy an incredible viewing experience, whether at home, work, or traveling. It will

give users an immersive laptop experience because it produces accurate and cinema-grade colors and extreme contrast with high color volume compared to regular LCD laptops. ASUS OLED laptops also guarantee motion clarity and faster response time which means users can enjoy fast-paced motion pictures without experiencing motion lags. It also produces 70% less blue light reduction that protects the eye health of the user. ASUS Fans can enjoy these industry-leading features from the no. 1 OLED laptop brand in the Philippines, ASUS. To know more about the benefits of OLED display, you may check it here WHY ASUS OLED.

Your no. 1 Zenbook OLED technology

Starting January 28,

12 midnight, ASUS fans can get the Zenbook 14 Flip OLED (UP5401) for only PHP 83,695.00 from its original price of Php 87,995.00. This versatile ultra-slim Zenbook boasts a powerful 12th Gen Intel Core Processor with Intel Iris Xe Graphics for a seamless and smooth laptop experience for work and entertainment. The Zenbook 14 Flip OLED also features ASUS’ 360-degree ErgoLift Hinge technology that lets you convert the device into whatever laptop mode you wish – laptop, stand, tent, or anything in between.

The Zenbook 14 Flip OLED is designed to accompany you anytime and anywhere with its 14-inch 2.8K OLED display and large screen, perfect for users looking for a versa-

tile and lightweight device while traveling. Aside from the Zenbook 14 Flip OLED (UP5401), other thin and light Zenbook devices like the Zenbook 13 OLED (UX325) and Zenbook 14 OLED (UM3402) are also part of the ASUS 2.2 no. 1 OLED Festival sale.

Wow The World with OLED and Performance

Both the Vivobook S 14X OLED (S5402) and Vivobook S 14 Flip OLED (TP3402) are perfect for your leisure time, whether for movies or for social media browsing with their 14.5-inch and 14-inch 2.8K OLED display. These devices are designed to keep you entertained at your most convenient time. When it comes to performance, both laptops are equipped with up to 12th Gen Intel

i7 Core Processor, making your daily laptop experience easier and faster.

Designed to improve the modern workflow, the Vivobook S 14X OLED features Intel Evo certification for fast-charging technology, all-day battery life, blazing-fast connectivity, instant wake, and incredible performance. Both of these laptops produce true-to-life colors because it is Pantone Validated. For added protection, the Vivobook S 14 Flip OLED has the ASUS Anti-bacterial Guard technology that kills 99% of bacterial inhibition in the laptop

The Vivobook S 14X OLED (S5402) and Vivobook S 14 Flip OLED (TP3402) have a pre-installed Microsoft Office for Home & Student. You may also enjoy a 1-month

free Adobe Creative Cloud upon purchase. The Vivobook S 14X OLED and Vivobook S 14 OLED will have a discounted price of PHP 71,295.00 and PHP PHP 71,245.00, respectively. You may check out other discounted Vivobook laptops like the Vivobook 13 Slate OLED (T3300), Vivobook Pro 15 OLED (K6500), and Vivobook 15X OLED (M1503) during the 2.2 no. 1 OLED Festival sale on Shopee and Lazada.

In addition to these amazing deals from ASUS, enjoy sitewide nationwide free shipping for both Shopee and Lazada, capped at Php 100.00. To know more about the details, please check out ASUS Shopee, ROG Shopee, and ASUS Lazada for these exclusive deals and discounts.

P&G Philippines certified as Great Place To Work

Procter & Gamble (P&G) Philippines, the multinational trusted consumer goods company with a diverse range of superior health care, home care, beauty, and grooming products, was Certified™ as a great workplace by Great Place To Work® (GPTW), the global authority that sets benchmarks, standards, and executive advisory that allows organizations to be recognized for their outstanding workplace culture.

This is P&G Philippines’ first GPTW Certification™, earning an average employee satisfaction rating of 94% among surveyed employees. The survey showed that 97% of P&G employees consider the company a great place to work overall, and 98% are proud to tell others they

work for P&G. 100% of the respondents also said that they are treated fairly regardless of their race, gender, and sexual orientation.

As one of the country’s sought-after multinationals, P&G is known to highly invest in their talent and leadership development. The company stands apart with its ‘grow from within’ culture, meaningful careers leading billion-dollar global brands, providing international exposure and assignments, and coupling these with hands-on mentorship from the best business leaders locally, regionally, and globally.

“We are honored and proud to be GPTW-Certified™ as it validates our company’s best-in-class workplace culture, human resource practices, and employee engagement,”

shares Vince Dizon, Country Human Resources Leader of P&G Philippines.

The Great Place to Work® Certification™ uses Trust Index, a research-backed employee survey that aims to see whether employees trust the people that they work for, have pride in their work, and experience camaraderie with their fellow colleagues. Companies with at least 65% in the survey can obtain the certification.

Alongside the GPTW Certification, P&G Philippines also bagged a triple win at the recent 2022 Asia CEO Awards, among the awards they took home was the “Top Employer of the Year” Grand Winner trophy. The company was also recognized as “2022 Best Companies to Work for in Asia” by HR Asia.

2022 Top Employer of the Year and 2022 Best Companies to Work for awardee P&G Philippines was recently recognized as a great workplace by Great Place To Work®

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The three-day expo

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need to regularly conduct enhancement training for those responsible for the preparation so that we can also give updates on changes in policies with respect to civil registration,” Braceros added.

With this, government agency employees, school registrars, hospital and clinic personnel, funer-

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administered in the region, which revealed low performance in English, Science and Mathematics.

NAT results showed that Grade 6 learners exhibit near proficiency in English (52.4 percent) and Mathematics (52 percent), and low proficiency in Science (46 percent).

“Mahalagang masuri natin ang mga hamong kinakaharap ng ating mga kababayan sa BARMM pag-

showcased sites in the exposition and exhibits, exchanged knowledge through business-to-business meetings and learning sessions, and network with partners from various sectors and allied industries.

al homes personnel, and other stakeholders are invited to attend the office’s orientation on Civil Registration Laws on February 23 and 24. The City Civil Registrar’s Office is also set to conduct enhancement training on Civil Registration Laws with its own ranks on February 25. CIO

dating sa edukasyon. Nais nating tiyakin na pagdating sa dekalidad na edukasyon at mga oportunidad sa magandang kinabukasan, hindi maiiwan ang ating mga kababayan sa rehiyon (We must scrutinize the challenges in education of our countrymen in the BARMM. We must ensure the quality of education and that they are not left behind),” said Gatchalian. (PNA)

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pakita nga papeles. Kana pud namaligya dapat klaruhon nila kung legitimate ba gyud na. Naa ba

siya permit to sell ug kung gitahasan siya na ibaligya na nga propeyidad,” he said.

a clash with government troops in March 2021 in Kalupag Island, Languyan, Tawi-Tawi.

Verceles said the po-

licemen recovered nine high-powered firearms, assorted ammunition and war materiel from the clash site. (PNA)

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the possible entry of rubber planting materials from the abovementioned areas in the Province of Cotabato as well as alert the city and municipal agriculturist to closely monitor the possible infection of pestaloptiopsis in rubber plantation and nurseries within their respective areas.

She also instructee the provincial agriculturist to coordinate with the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Plant Industry, municipal, and city agriculturist offices, and Cotabato Police Provincial Office in the implementation of the EO.

Before the release of the EO, Mendoza met the rubber stakeholders of the province with some experts on January 31,

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the Globe Group.

“We look forward to further strengthening our relationship with Thailand in this venture and other areas of collaboration,” he added.

Globe said the partners are exploring the possibili-

2023 to discuss the efforts of the province concerning the said disease.

The Province of Cotabato envisions being one of the country’s top producers and exporters of natural rubber-based products and encourages farmers to maintain as well as develop more rubber areas.

“Rubber farming helps boost the lives of our farmers,” Mendoza said.

Farmers harvest rubber by drawing out liquid latex, which can be done by making a spiral cut in a rubber tree. This will undergo a process called “tapping” to turn it into latex. Some of the products that use latex as raw material are tires, balls and heels, and soles of shoes.

By Maya M. Padillo

afterwards, he added.

4 more spaces for tourism, education, food, business, real estate, and property development, agri-business, and professional conventions, expos, and conferences,” she said.

“Hindi natin currently alam kung ilan sa 150 million [SIM cards] ang ganu’ng klase. More or less 120 million SIM cards ang matitira na kailangang marehistro,” he said.

(We currently do not know how many SIM cards out of the 150 million were thrown away after being used once. More or less 120 million SIM cards would be left that would have to be registered.)

The IRR of the SIM Card Registration Act took effect on December 27, after the measure was signed into law by President Ferdinand

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celerating the adoption of cashless payments through strategic partnerships,” she said.

Grab, which operates its

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“biggest non-life insurer” in the country given its net worth of P41 billion.

ty of expanding the tower lease in the Visayas and Mindanao.

Globe said Thailand’s Ambassador to the Philippines Tull Traisorat hosted a dinner to celebrate the partnership.

Veloso, as well as the concerned teams, had launched a nationwide aggressive campaign and “tripled GSIS’s efforts in marketing its non-life insurance products.”

He has also been meeting with local government officials to convince them to insure their properties with GSIS.

“Bongbong” Marcos Jr. last October. The law mandates all public telecommunications entities (PTEs) to establish their registration platforms where they will onboard users who present valid identification cards. Users are given 180 days to register their SIM cards, or else face the risk of having these deactivated.

Uy reminded the public that there is no limit to the number of SIM cards a subscriber can register, as it is possible that an individual has more than one SIM card and cellphone.

own platform for cashless payments called GrabPay, aims to grow digital payments to 60 percent of users this year, Borja said.

The GSIS is mandated to insure all properties, assets, and interests of the government against any insurable risk.

It offers insurance coverage such as fire, engineering, marine hull, marine cargo, aviation, bonds, motor car, personal accident, contractor’s all risks, and comprehensive general liability insurance.

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“Make sure that choice of infrastructure are creating long term jobs and reduce poverty,” he said. Developments should also be brought to the provinces to decongest Metro Manila, he added.

“A lot of the infrastructure should go to the country side because the only way to decongest Metro Manila is to actually get those infrastructure available in the provinces so we don’t have to pull in those human resources in Metro Manila,” Jamandre said.

Although surging inflation has caused a slowdown in the construction sector, Jamandre said there are some advantages.

“The inflation in material costs slowed down construction. But I will preach that doing construction during recession year has its own advantages. Construction can sustain a portion of the demand to get the supply chain growing,” he said.

“A lot of contractors are out of jobs, so you can negotiate better construction contract,” he added.

Quiamco, Miranda-Fann rule 7-Eleven Run

Internationalist Bryan Quiamco of Iligan City and veteran Judelyn Mirada-Fann of Tagum City shared top honors by ruling the 7-Eleven Run 42-kilometer marathon on Sunday at the SM City Davao.

Quiamco, who recently won the 2022 Ho Chi Minh City International Marathon, ruled the men’s category in convincing fashion. Jerald Zabala came in second while Richeel Languido was third.

Fann was also virtually unchallenged in beating Noime Fernandez who came in second and Nelsa Pilapi who bagged third.

Fann grabbed the lead in the last 10 kilometers and never looked back.

“I thanked the 7Eleven because we athletes have a chance to play in other countries and it’s good,” said Fann.

The winners in the other categories are:

32K – Men – 1. Arlan Arbois 2. Ramil Neri 3. Joerge Andrade; Women – 1. Rosalyn Tadlas 2. Lalaine Patricio 3. Alona Jungco; 21K – Men – 1. Jimboy Lugay 2. Marlon Pabillaran 3. Bobby Tadlas; Women – 1. Christine Hallasgo

2. CJoanna Marie Cruz 3. CJanette Mendoza; 16K – Men – 1. Dhem

Aj Monton 2. Christian Jude Sandinao 3. Lloyd Prado; Women – 1. Diana

Mae Memoracion 2. Lyka Catubig

3. Angelie Panilagao; 10K Buddy – All-Men – 1. Mark Carlo Canale 2. William Lumindas 3. Kenjay Moreto; All-Women –

1. Aliyah Dianne Gregorio

2. Aira Danara Gregorio 3. Leedy Erika Villamonte; Mixed – 1. Aaliyah Jade Sandinao 2. Ryan King Salinay 3. Andrea De Guia

10K – Men – 1. Cronie Melliza 2. Fritz Clarence Lantaco 3. Elbren Neri; Women – 1. Darie Mae Daban 2. Khate Mcdowell

3. Julie Mae Jaylo; 5K Buddy – Men - 1. Kyle Ryoichi Cayog 2. Kyle Vielchi Cayog 3. Eliezer Cariñosa; Women – 1. Julia Laranjo 2. Jessa Ayop 3. Loreza Masgit; Mixed – 1. Sophia Psalm Belican 2. Alfred Sajulga 3. Ella Ano; 5K – Men – 1. Nathaniel Morales 2. Louie Niala

3. Daryl Rodemio; Women – 1. Shiekhy Heart Supremo 2. Afjeel Clampiano 3. Krysthyl Heart Mallorca; 3K – Men – 1. Mark Rennel Hubag 2. Joseff Miguel Quirino 3. Lordy Salpid; Women – 1. Mary Jane Pagayon 2. Janel Cabiles 3. Muerphy Dale Nanggan. (Contributed story)

FRED C. LUMBA SPORTS KEN

MABUHAY! PH PWD CHESS TEAM

Cash and plaques of recognition from Congress are what I think should be ideally rewarded the Ph PWD chess team that won the bronze in the recently-concluded 1st FIDE Olympiad for Persons with Disabilities held in Belgrade, Serbia.

The Philippine Sports Commission, which helped finance the national team’s trip, should appropriately honor the members of the PWD chess team which made surprisingly better than good debut in an event usually dominated by Western and European counterparts.

This is the biggest surprise

for 2023 that greeted me, aside from the medal-winning ways of pole vaulter EJ Obiena in the current European indoor meets.

NM Darry Bernardo, 21 and half blind, made the Philippine podium finish more emphatic with a gold medal triumph in board three.

The Philippines edged India and Serbia Team 1 in a dramatic tiebreak after the conclusion of the 6-round Swiss system.

On the way to the bronze medal performance, the Pinoy chessers routed Uzbekistan, 3.5 – 0.5; sneaked past Czech

Republic, 2.5-1.5; thrashed Serbia 2, 3.5 – 0.5’ lost to Poland, 1.5 – 2.5 and tied with Israel, 2-2.

Composing the triumphant Ph chess platoon are NMs Sander Severino Board 1), Henry Lopez (board 2), playing captain NM James Infuesto and Cheyzer Crystal Mendoza (board 4).

This victory is not only huge. It is historic and monumental that should spur the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) to relentlessly continue working harder, promptly implement its

grassroots program despite the odds, particularly the Palarong Pambansa.

Beating the tough Western and East European bets in their own backyard is not an ordinary grind especially in our case where tournaments for PWDs are quite rare.

Because of this very impressive result, private commercial sponsors may find it auspicious to fund the next PWD national team to wherever they might compete.

If they were able to beat counterparts from nations that have a very strong, solid chess

program and infrastructure, I think Pinoy PWDs have a fair chance of getting to the top of the FIDE hierarchy in future events.

Consider India. It has an estimated 1.3 billion population. Even if only 10 percent play chess (130M) and just 1percent is PWD, that’s still 130K.

Indians are inspired and motivated by two-time world champion Viswanathan Anand. Wow, I am truly euphoric about this. Pinoys are truly world class. (Email feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.) GOD

Women’s winner Judelyn Mirada-Fann of Tagum City in this file photo.

TWO IN A ROW

10ID mauls PCG

102-49, leads

AFP-PNP cagefest

10th Infantry Agila Division (10ID) fashioned out a one-sided 102-49 victory over the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in the AFP-PNP Invitational Basketball Cup held at the Davao City Recreation Center on Monday.

Imploring an effective lockdown zone defense from the get go, 10ID forced the PCG to miss from the perimeter while 10ID’s Capt. Lawrence Dagdag and Sgt. Neil Sabejon drained multiple top-of-the-key jumpers to put 10ID ahead 54-20 at the the end of first half.

The third quarter was no different as PCG continued to struggle, committing turn-

overs and missing several attempts from beyond the arc. With their fast break plays and transition offense, 10ID closed out the quarter with a 76-35 lead.

10ID continued its fastpaced offense in the fourth en route to clinching their second straight win. Capt. Dagdag was named the player of the game with 14 points,2 steals,1 assist, and a block.

Captain Lawrence Dagdag of Philippine Army’s 10ID drives for a layup during the 4th quarter of the AFP-PNP Invitational Basketball Cup in Davao City Recreation Center, Monday, February 6, 2023. Photo courtesy of Macky Lim of 10ID