By MAYA M. PADILLO
Public Safety and Security Office head Angel Sumagaysay said on Tuesday that generating awareness among Dabawenyos on the “Culture of Security” is a continuing campaign.
“Kining pag inculcate nga ingon ani sa mind sa mga Dabawenyos dili madali dayon pero mao na ang reason ngano sige tag propagate aning Culture of Security sa tanang sector
ug iapil pa nato sa exercises kay at least ang ilang participation and awareness maingon nato na nidulot na everytime naa tay activities,” Sumagaysay told Edge Davao.
Launched in 2020 by the city government of Davao and Task Force Davao, ‘Culture of Security’ is a people-centered campaign that encourages Dabawenyos to adopt vigilance into their way of life through the campaign “May Nakita? Dapat Magsalita!”
“Pero as to the level kay ang response ani nila kung nagpakabana ni sila through sumbong o tawag
dili pa ta kasulti kung hangtod asa unless kung makapag-meeting nami with TF, Davao City Police Office, and 911 kung nagpakabana ba,” Sumagaysay added.
In January this year, Task Force Davao Commander Col. Darren Comia announced over Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR) that TF Davao’s success in maintaining the city’s peace, security, and order in 2022
The Davao del Norte provincial government has secured PHP58.5 million in funding from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for the implementation of its resiliency program this year.
The cash-for-work in climate change adaptation and mitigation initiative aims to provide opportunities for impoverished
and vulnerable families affected by natural disasters by offering 10 days of work.
“By implementing this program, we are providing additional income for our fellow Dabaonons and contributing to the preservation of our environment and protection of the community,” Governor Edwin Jubahib said in a statement Monday.
Starting next month, an estimated 15,000 beneficiaries are expected to receive a daily wage of PHP438 for a total of PHP4,380 for their 10-day work.
“We thank the DSWD for the assistance and this cash-for-work program that would greatly help the various communities’ economic stability and disaster resiliency,” Jubahib
said. He said the beneficiaries are tasked with cleaning coastal areas, reforestation, infrastructure repair, and maintenance. The cash-for-work program will also include monitoring and sustainability measures, according to the provincial environment and natural resources office. (PNA)
Adelegation from the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) arrived in Davao City on Monday to begin the five-day assessment of the traffic situation in the city and consequently provide technical assistance to the Davao City Traffic and Transport Management Office (CTTMO).
The assessment will be the basis in the formulation of a traffic management plan and a capacity-building training course for CTTMO personnel.
The training course aims to strengthen the traffic management system in the city and improve the day-to-day traffic conditions in metropolitan Davao.
A team of 15 personnel from three MMDA divisions (Traffic Planning and Design Division, Traffic Signal Operation and Maintenance Division, and Traffic Education Division), headed by MMDA Traffic Engineering Center Director Engr. Neomie Recio, will be conducting a study on the city’s traffic and transportation schemes to determine the gaps in design, technology, policy,
and other aspects of traffic management.
From February 20-25, the MMDA team will gather data via traffic count, road inventory survey, ocular inspection of existing traffic signal facilities as well as focus group discussions on the formulation of capacity-building training course which they intend to craft and propose to the local government by March.
Recio said that as Davao City continues to grow, its traffic system is bound to get more complex and will require an effective traffic management plan. She added a thorough study of the current traffic situation in Davao City is vital in determining whether the current traffic management system enforced by the CTTMO requires a complete overhaul or simply needs recalibration in policy, technology or design.
“May mga areas talaga na congested, especially sa mga signal light intersections so sabi ko nga na kapag ang isang lugar ay nagkakaroon ng traffic congestion, ibig sabihin umunlad siya kasi kaakibat yan ng development (Some
Senator Robinhood
“Robin” C. Padilla on Monday filed a resolution seeking to defend former President Rodrigo Duterte from investigation by the International Criminal Court (ICC) saying the Philippines has its own functioning and independent judicial system.
In filing Senate Resolution 488, Padilla asked his colleagues to support his resolution seeking “to declare unequivocal defense of former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, the 16th President of the Republic of the Philippines, in any investigation or prosecution by the ICC.”
The lower house on Monday approved a similar resolution filed by former President and now Senior Deputy Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
House Resolution 780 highlighted Duterte’s “remarkable accomplishments brought about by his relentless campaign against illegal drugs, insurgency, separatism and terrorism, corruption in government and criminality,” making the life of Fili-
pinos “better, comfortable and peaceful.”
Padilla also noted that after a panel of judges at the ICC in The Hague authorized the Office of the Prosecutor to resume its investigation into alleged crimes against humanity in the Philippines which Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla declared as “totally unacceptable.”
The Duterte presidency, according to Padilla ushered “remarkable accomplishments” brought about by relentless campaign against illegal drugs, insurgency, separatism and terrorism, corruption and criminality; while the peace and order situation considerably improved.
Padilla’s resolution likewise pointed out that the former president believed that widespread serious and rampant illegal drug problem “is an existential threat to the country’s social fabric,” thus the fight against illegal drugs, corruption and other crimes “is a prerequisite for achieving genuine growth and prosperity.” (PNA)
By MAYA M. PADILLOPrivate port operator Globalport Terminals is expected to present its plans for the modernization of the Sasa Wharf to the Regional Development Council (RDC 11) in March this year.
National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Regional Director Maria Lourdes Lim announced on Friday that NEDA 11 already communicated with Globalport concerning the modernization plans for Sasa Port.
Considered the most important container terminal and port in Mindanao, Davao Sasa Port serves the needs of the Davao Region and neighboring provinces.
“The Sasa Modernization Project is now operated by a private port opera-
tor, the Globalport. We have yet to be presented with the plans of the Globalport. We have gotten in touch with them with the Philippine Ports Authority so they are expected to present to the Regional Development Council with the infrastructure committee sometime in March,” Lim said.
Globalport bagged the contract for the management, operation, and maintenance of the Port of Sasa in Davao City. Its plans include berthing manage-
ment, container terminal management, passenger terminal management, stevedoring services, and reefer facilities and services.
The largest government-owned seaport in the Davao Region, the project includes upgrading the general cargo berths and building a backup area to accommodate rising cargo volumes.
Based on Resolution No. 11 of the Regional Development Council (RDC),
FGLOBALPORT, P8
The Vice Mayor’s Office (VMO) is providing free milk packs to undernourished children in various barangays in Davao City through its “Makulay ang Buhay: Supplementary Feeding Program.”
Now in its third month of implementation, the
program aims to help 360 undernourished children aged 3 to 6 years old children of barangays Crossing Bayabas, Lubogan, Binugao, Daliao, Dalag, Talomo River, Bago Gallera, Mapula, Ilang, Buhangin Proper, and Leon Garcia.
“We are giving milk
packs that will be consumed daily by our beneficiaries aged 3 to 6 years old undernourished children. As per specific day of giving nourishing milk packs, our Barangay Nutritionist Scholars (BNS) deliver the supply of milk packs to the parents of the children,” Vice Mayor
J. Melchor Quitain Jr. told Edge Davao.
The BNS will also conduct monthly monitoring of their weight to oversee the development of the said children.
“Together with our Barangay Nutritionist Scholars (BNS), I will conduct FVMO,
Small businesses now have greater chances to securing funding from banks once they become part of a cooperative accredited by the Credit Surety Fund (CSF).
Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) senior cooperative development specialist and head of CSF Section of CDA National Capital Region (NCR) Sergio Herrero Jr. cited the importance of CSF cooperative during the Laging Handa public briefing on Monday.
Herrero said CSF cooperative was created by virtue of Republic Act (RA) 10744 to aid micro, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), small cooperatives and non-government organizations (NGOs) secure financing through a surety cover to be provided by pooled
funds from the banks, local government units (LGUs) and large and well-managed cooperatives.
He said CDA is now conducting a series of events to educate LGUs and other stakeholders on how the CDA will accredit cooperatives per locality that will help small businesses in their respective areas.
Herrero said this measure will help small businesses recover from the impact of the pandemic
since it will allow them to have cover for the loans that they will secure from the banks for capital.
“Ang ibig sabihin, parang kolateral ito sa bangko para mapahiram po sila kaagad ng kaagarang puhunan na kakailanganin nila. Pero kailangan muna siyang pumasa sa qualification (This will serve as a collateral to the bank so that they can immediately get the funds they need. But they need to pass the qualifications
National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA)
Secretary Arsenio Balisacan refutes claims that the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) will allow the influx of agricultural imports in the country.
“Several consultations
with concerned stakeholders and studies on the subject affirm that joining RCEP would unlikely lead to a surge in agricultural imports. In any case, with or without RCEP, the government strives for a competitive and resilient agriculture sector,” Balisacan said in a statement Monday.
Citing data from the International Trade Center, the NEDA said only 15 agricultural commodity groups out of 33 tariff lines will have tariff reduction under RCEP compared to the existing ASEAN+1 free trade agreements (FTA), the multilateral trade deal which the Philippines is currently
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is one of the stakeholders of New Zealand’s Uplifting the IP Women in Davao City project.
the quality of products, accelerate their production, and enable them to digitize both their products and services.
implementing.
“This is equivalent to only 1.9 percent of the total 1,718 agricultural lines and only 0.8 percent of the total agricultural imports. Of these 33 tariff lines, 17 are raw materials, eight are intermediate products while only eight are final goods,”
The NZ Embassy in the Philippines is funding the initiative, which is being spearheaded by the Go Negosyo in partnership with the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (DCCCII), DTI 11, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) 11, and Zeald. It targets the indigenous people (IP), particularly recognizing the potential of the Matigsalug tribe’s women in Marilog District in basketry and accessory-making.
The project which officially started in the 2nd quarter of 2022, has capacitated 106 IP women from four groups of the Matigsalug community. They were introduced to business development training which aims to increase
DTI-Davao City Director Rachel S. Remitio said that the beneficiaries actively participated during the product development sessions and they were happy to see an improved version of their products.
She also added that part of DTI’s commitment is to help these beneficiaries bring their products to a bigger market, such as participation in trade fairs and the use of social media platforms to sell and meet potential buyers.
Bae Mercy Laglagan, one of the beneficiaries and the president of the IP women’s group in Barangay Salumay, thanked the New Zealand Embassy for funding their project and DTI-Davao City Field Office for helping them improve their products.
“Dako akong pasalamat
Fitch Solutions sees another 50 basis points increase in the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) key rates this May, noting projection for continued acceleration of domestic inflation and forecasts rate adjustments pause until end-2023.
Last week, the BSP policy-making Monetary Board (MB) hiked by 50 basis points the central bank’s key rates after citing further rise in the January 2023 inflation rate to 8.7 percent, a new 14-year high, which is a “surprise” that exceeded expectations of likely peak last December.
“Given still persistently high inflation, we now expect the BSP to continue raising interest rates to a peak of 6.50 percent in H123 (first half 2023),” Fitch Solutions said in a report sent to journalists on Monday.
It expects additional hike in the central bank’s key rate, saying this will be made “to tame inflationary pressures.”
“Beyond that however,
a stabilization in global monetary conditions and headwinds to economic growth will give the BSP enough reason to leave rates on hold throughout the remainder of 2023,” it added.
The projection that BSP will keep its key rates steady in the second half of the year has been attributed to the eventual stabilization of global monetary conditions and the shift in the central bank’s priorities to again support the economy, which is expected to be negatively impacted by the persistent elevated inflation rate.
The report said core inflation, which excludes volatile food and oil items, also accelerated last January to 7.4 percent from month-ago’s 6.9 percent.
It traced the increase to a rise in utility prices as a result of electricity price hikes and the implementation of the water rate rebasing.
The report further said second-round effects, or the resulting effects of
The implementation of the Shared Service Facility (SSF) is dedicated to continuously aid in the development, design innovation, and overall competitiveness of the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Further, the program is seen to help them increase their productivity and maximize the marketability of their products.
Since the launch of its first project in June 2013, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) 11 has been consistently improving the productivity of 1,370 local entrepreneurs throughout the region, as
of December 2022. DTI 11 was given additional funds amounting to Php3 million for the capital outlay during the latter part of 2022, of which six projects have been approved.
These six projects are scheduled for launch this year. With this, two have already been formally launched in Davao de Oro on January 24, through the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) and Usufruct Agreement between DTIDavao de Oro and the two SSF cooperators, the Callawan Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative (CALFAMCO) in New Bataan and Barangay Baylo CoCoPal Farmers Association (BABACOFA) in Monkayo. The former has received an additional set of ma-
chinery for garments production, while the latter’s equipment is for its cacao processing. Meanwhile, the one project in Davao City will be launched in March. This is the One Town, One Product (OTOP) packaging and labeling facility with the Food Processing Innovation Center (FPIC) as the host of the service hub located within the vicinity of the Philippine Women’s College of Davao (PWC).
DTI 11 Regional Director Maria Belenda Q.
The Philippines booked a $3.1 billion balance of payments (BOP) surplus in January 2023, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said on Monday.
The BSP said this was a reversal of the $102 million BOP deficit recorded in the same month last
year.
“The BOP surplus in January 2023 reflected inflows arising mainly from the National Government’s (NG) net foreign currency deposits with the BSP, which include proceeds from its issuance of ROP Global Bonds, and net income from
the BSP’s investments abroad,” the central bank said.
Following the BOP surplus, the country’s gross international reserves climbed to $100.7 billion as of end-January 2023 from $96.1 billion as of end-December 2022, the BSP said.
The latest GIR level is equivalent to 7.6 months’ worth of imports of goods and payments of services and primary income. It is also about 6.2 times the country’s short-term external debt based on original maturity and 4.1 times based on residual maturity, the BSP said.
On the implementation “Makulay ang Buhay: Supplementary
Program” to combat malnutrition:
“We
“It is a mistake to look too far ahead. Only one link in the chain of destiny can be handled at a time.” - WINSTON CHURCHILL.
*******
It has been - what - 37 years to this date that the 1986 constitution remains as it was.
No amendments, no reforms and untouched.
Although several past administrations attempted to introduce constitutional changes, they resulted in futile exercises and all came up short of their respective targets.
The 2007 People’s Initiative of the GMA regime almost made it through but failed with just one affirmative vote short to lose 7-8 in the Supreme Court.
Today, public discussions and intelligent debate in the committee on constitutional changes chaired by former law dean and now Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez are gaining ground.
I am inclined to think that our lawmakers are beginning to realize that the pandemic
and the disastrous two-year lockdowns have brought economic collapse that needed immediate resolution.
Sure, the administration of PBBM has opened up our doors but the slow flow of foreign direct investments and other domestic issues appear to dampen our vision and impede progress.
(That is why PBBM continues to travel around the globe to make sales pitches for our country.)
We are fortunate to know that former (ret.) Chief Justice Reynato Puno is one of the most active voices taking part in the committee hearings.
I suppose more legal minds, business and economic experts should participate and contribute their two cents worth considering that the central pointif I may - of the charter changes focuses on the economy.
The heartening development is that Rodriguez has made assurance that the committee hearings will pass the Cha-Cha proposal that will decide on whether the conduct of the amendments will be through a Con-Con (constitu-
tional convention) or Con-Ass (constituent assembly).
There are sectors who are more concerned about the billions of taxpayers’ money that will be spent for the exercise than the quality of finished work.
Why should that be an issue if the main objective is to craft a fundamental law that will benefit the country and its people as well as endure the test of time?
Shouldn’t this exercise to amend the constitution be the work of professional minds, expert hands and adept economists so that the country will not go through another rambunctious period where politics always rears its ugly head to derail it?
Every nation on this planet has suffered accordingly due to the pandemic. There is a war dragging on thousands of miles away from our shores but the conflict has affected us in a sort of way.
Global inflation and soaring of prices of commodities are difficult to manage and handle when the hands of the administration are tied.
Reports of atrocities, some of them part propaganda, have found space in numerous for-eign publications during World War II. In the Philippines, the exchange of verbal and printed rhubarbs was intense between the Japanese profile-raising apparatuses and the Allied public-ity machine. Knowing which paper carries the story exposes the identity of the publication.
One of the most active publications during the war was the Syonan Shimbun (Shonan Times), dubbed as ‘Singapore’s wartime newspaper’ (1942-45). Not only did the periodical carry fantastic narratives of wartime abuses, it also published stories with indisputable Japa-nese intent.
For instance, in its September 30, 1942, issue, it carried an article (‘Nippon intern-
ees Mas-sacred In Davao’) about an incident that took place nine months earlier in Davao. The source was Saburo Ogawa, vice president of the Davao Japanese Association and the story was written by a correspondent for Domei, a Japanese wire agency.
The highlight of the story is the supposed butcher of nearly 60 Japanese nationals by U.S. forces. No mention, however, of the place where the incident took place. The report went on to claim the Filipinos were unharmed while twenty Japanese ‘returnees,’ including women and kids, were massacred on December 19, 1941, a day before the Imperial troops set foot in Davao.
Ogawa added that the next morning the US troops were again on a rampage, killing nine men at the manager’s residence of the Osaka Trad-
However resilient Pinoys can be, thirty seven years of stagnant existence and under-development are far too much and too long for Filipinos to endure.
We need creative, intelligent minds. Listen to CJ Puno’s suggestions.
He said a hybrid of a Concon or a Con-ass with a mixture of participation from the executive branch, legislature, business and economics should compose the body tasked to amend the charter.
The form of government should be parliamentary.
I am not sure if I heard him include the judicial branch of which i am in favor.
Retired and able justices of the Supreme Court should be appointed as participants in the task of constitutional reforms.
In a sense, I see Puno’s point of view. And that is to lessen and minimize politicking within.
Rodriguez opines that within this year, the HoR (House of Representatives) and the Senate may be able to come to an agreement whether it will be a
Con-con or a Con-ass. Well and good.
At least, there is now a timetable to keep watch on.
This is developing even if PBBM did not make charter change an integral part of his 2022 presidential campaign.
I guess the good congressman from CDO has himself realized a felt great need for the country.
The oppositors to the constitutional amendments belong to the Cory Aquino group and the yellow party who strongly believe the ‘86 Charter need no amendments.
My feeling is that they are scared stiff to lose political clout if their roots are shaken to the ground.
This motive is selfish and the attitude is negative.
Puno is unselfishly lending his expertise in a nationalistic manner. If others in his capacity don’t care about the country’s welfare, he is ready to give himself and his time.
Indeed, it is a tough job separating the chaff from the grain. (Email feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.) GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!
ing Company. That same day, two more Nippon-zin were supposedly ‘murdered’ inside a US military barracks. Again, no mention of where exactly the twin atrocities were consummated—and how.
Further embellishing his narratives, Ogawa said that on December 23, 1941, twelve Nip-pon-zin were killed in the mountain of Malita, Davao Occidental, while several others met the same fate in the American hands in Digos City.
Another hoopla story (‘Davao Internment Camp Atrocity, Hero Remembered’) from the same paper is dated May 3, 1943, and relates of an incident that took place nearly six months earlier in an internment camp in Davao. It involved the supposed scalding of a Japanese by US soldiers. The report, filed on April 23, 1943, goes:
“Memorial services were held at Honganji Temple here this afternoon for Shigemi Nakajima who was scalded to death by American soldiers at Davao internment camp on Dec. 20, 1942, when he frustrated the American plans to poison 16,000 Nippon internees there.
“The American soldiers on guard duty upon learning that Nippon forces had landed on the Philippines were driven mad and planned to poison the Nippon internees in the camp.
“How Nakajima learned of the devilish plan of the Americans is not yet known but he immediately warned the internees, just in time.
“Afterwards he was seized by the American soldiers and scalded to death together with other Nippon residents.
“The memorial services
were attended by many people including Nakajima’s parents who came from Nara Prefecture.
“It will be recalled, atrocities committed against Nippon residents in Davao were admit-ted by Major-General William Prechter, former commander-in-chief of the American and Fil-ipino forces in Visayas and Mindanao districts.”
The narrative, to a seasoned scribe, is shot with holes, particularly the camp’s location and the implausible reason for committing the assumed atrocity. As for the abuses done by Allied troops, it was a suitable coverup for the widespread brutality pulled by the Japanese against the civilians.
Finally, the report was aimed at the global readers, not the Filipinos.
will need further augmentation to be successfully replicated this year by expanding its Culture of Security campaign with the help of the education sector, as well as strengthening the city’s border control by adding more detachments and checkpoints.
Comia said that this year, the city’s security culture will target students in grade school and high school to teach them how important it is to have engaged citizens to keep the city’s peace and order.
Meanwhile, Sumagaysay said that the best thing to look at is the response units like the DCPO and the TF Davao through the conduct of simulation exercises.
An unannounced simulation exercise was conducted on February 20, 2023 aiming to bolster Davao City’s Culture of Security “May Nakita, Dapat Magsalita” campaign.
The simulation exercise, which was held at the Roxas Night Market and Nova Food Park in Nova Tierra, also aims to determine the readiness of the city’s security cluster, the city government of Davao, and the Dabawenyos.
The activity was executed with two scenarios: an abandoned motorcycle in Roxas Night Market and an explosion in Nova Tierra.
“Didto sa Roxas Night
nga natagaan og pagtagad ang mga kababayen-an sa among tribo nga mapili ani nga proyekto. Pinaagi sa mga trainings nga gihatag sa DTI-DCFO kami makapadayon na makahimo og produkto nga may kalidad ug makahatag og panginabuhi para sa among pamilya (Immense gratitude for giv-
Market kunuhay adunay unattended na motorsiklo nga gibiyaan but na cordon ni siya kay na report sa atong authorities ug na secure ang area. Sa Nova Tierra ang scenario kunuhay adunay explosion,” said Harvey Lanticse, officer-in-charge of the City Information Office (CIO) over Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR) on Monday.
Lanticse reiterated that the simex is part of the city’s Culture of Security campaign in case untoward incidents will happen in the city.
“We test the capabilities of the security cluster at the same time ang atoang LGU ug atong mga katawhan.
Kani siya nga simex was unannounced. Ngano dili gina-announce? Kay para murag realistic ang atong exercise. Dili man pud gyud nato ni mahibaw-an kung gani mahitabo ni puhon ang atong ingon ani nga insidente,” he said.
Last year, the city government of Davao and TF Davao conducted a series of unannounced Culture of Security simex.
Comia described the simulation exercises as successful.
He also said that with the said simulation exercises, he believed that the city can address the situation at hand with coordination and collaboration with all agencies.
ing the women of our tribe the attention and for choosing us to be part of this project. Through the training interventions of DTI-DCFO, we will be able to make high-quality products and provide livelihood to our families),” Laglagan said.
New Zealand Ambassador Peter Kell hopes that
areas are really congested, especially in signal light intersections so, as I have said if there is traffic congestion in a place it means that place is progressing because that is linked to development),” Recio said.
“Kaya kailangan na nating gumuwa ng paraan so gawan natin ng traffic management plan itong Davao City para hindi siya matulad sa Manila na kumbaga ngayon pa tayo kikilos eh andiyan na (That is why we need to find a way so we will craft a traffic management plan for Davao City so it will not become just like Manila where the problems are already there but we’re trying to solve them just now),” she added.
Traffic engineering, traffic enforcement and traffic education are the three central disciplines in traffic management that will be assessed in the five-day program.
it said.
While RCEP reduces tariff of some goods, it also increased the tariff on sensitive products or even excluded from the concessions.
“Joining RCEP will enhance our market access for key agri-based exports, as partner countries agreed to lower tariff rates on Philippine exports. Non-participation or delayed RCEP ratification may result in foregone opportunities. We aim to promote great-
this project, which is in its final phase, will continue even after it ends in March this year.
Aside from the capacity-building seminars, the NZ Embassy in the Phil-
“As of now, we need help from other advanced cities, just like in Metro Manila, considering we need a traffic management plan. I requested the MMDA to help us na makita kung unsa ang kailangan sa Davao. So with that, kung unsa ilang data og ilang recommendation, i-adopt nato (I requested MMDA to help us figure out what we have to do in Davao. So with that, whatever they find in their studies and their recommendations, we will adopt),” said CTTMO head Dionisio Abude.
The CTTMO chief added that their office has recommended 10 areas with the most traffic congestion to be subject for the MMDA-led study: Matina Crossing, Catalunan Grande, C.P. Garcia, Sandawa intersection, Quirino-Pichon, Quirino-Ponciano, San Pedro-Quirino, McArthur Highway—Maa, Panacan and Malagamot. CIO
er openness, create a business-friendly environment, and provide a more stable and predictable system of trade,” Balisacan added.
The Philippines is one of the 15 countries that signed the RCEP in 2020, but it is the only nation that has yet to concur RCEP’s ratification.
Its concurrence is still being discussed in the Senate. The trade deal has entered into force since Jan. 1, 2021. (PNA)
ippines also provided the beneficiaries with laptops, wi-fi devices, and other resources, including raw materials to ensure the sustainability of the project.
DTI-DCFO/LTC/jmm
118 Series of 2014, the Davao (Sasa) Port Modernization Project is expected to provide a dedicated containerized port, facilitating trade with Mindanao and the Philippines; support the developing agro-modern area; through the creation of a financially sound PPP scheme, contribute to the creation of an environment that is conducive to and serves as a model for private sector participation in port infrastructure; and
monthly monitoring of weight for our children and distribution of milk packs for them to drink every week,” Quitain said.
Launched in November last year, the program will run for 180 days or until April 2023 and this is to ensure that the children’s weight has im-
Ambi said that the SSF team visited the facility on January 26 during the training for the equipment’s operation. This was conducted together with the machine operator and representatives from PWC and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).
“This facility is meant to address the MSMEs’ problem with poor packaging and labeling,” the regional trade chief explained.
The DTI officials, as well as the FPIC and PWC heads, are expected to gather for the launching and signing of agreements.
On the other hand, the three remaining projects to be launched this year are the addendum to the cacao processing projects of the Kapalong Cooperative and Sambayon Small Coconut Farmers Associ-
first),” he added. Under the law, Herrero said a small business can secure up to 10 times the amount it has shared in the cooperative.
But if it is not able to secure an endorsement, the CSF will provide up to five times cover so that a bank will extend a loan to a small business, he said.
Aside from securing a sure financing, Herrero
higher inflation such as increases in utility prices and wages, “will remain a key source of upside price pressure.”
It said food inflation is also expected to register further hikes given the impact of weather-related disturbances on supplies.
Fitch Solutions thus revised up its average inflation projection for this year from 5.4 percent to 6.5 percent and expects
boost economic activity in Mindanao and the region. The Sasa Port project is one of Mindanao’s most important infrastructure projects, according to the RDC. Both the main gateways in the region — Sasa Port and the Davao International Airport — need significant upgrades. These upgrades are anticipated to boost the economic development of the region as well as the physical connectivity of the region.
proved. This is in partnership with Unilever Philippines and Kabisig ng Kalahi. VMO also teamed up with the City Health Office (CHO), City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), and the City Mayor’s Office (CMO). By Maya
M. Padilloation in Davao del Norte, and the addendum to the garment enhancement project of Nagkahiusang Mananahi sa Camucaan Association (NMCA) in Davao del Sur.
“With all the successes achieved by the MSMEs in the region, we at DTI 11 are committed to assisting them. Thus, the SSF team is set to do periodic monitoring of the existing projects in Davao City and in the five provinces in February and March,” she said, adding that this measure is to evaluate project implementation including the development of their respective database, validate the cooperators’ reports, and monitor the facilities’ condition facilities to identify the potential problems so that appropriate actions may be undertaken immediately.
DTI11/MVB/jmm
said a cooperative accredited by the CDA for the CSF will have tax exemption, which will then benefit its members.
He said there are two qualifications that cooperatives must have to become part of CSF cooperative –well capitalized and well-managed.
Herrero said cooperatives must have certificate of compliance. (PNA)
monthly inflation figure to remain at around 4 percent throughout the year.
It said this projection is in line with that of the BSP, which sees the average inflation this year at 6.1 percent.
This is way above the government’s 2 to 4 percent target but it is expected to decelerate to within-target levels by 2024 with an average of 3.1 percent. (PNA)
LOS ANGELES — Russell Westbrook was waived by the Utah Jazz on Monday (Tuesday, Manila time) and the nine-time All-Star is expected to sign with the Los Angeles Clippers, according to a published report.
The 34-year-old guard was acquired by the Jazz from the Los Angeles Lakers on Feb. 10. He averaged 15.9 points, 7.4 rebounds and 7.1 assists in 28.7 minutes per game in a rocky tenure with the Lakers. ESPN reported that Westbrook’s agent, Jeff Schwartz of Excel Sports,
told the outlet he will sign with the Clippers after completing a contract buyout on the remaining $47 million he’s owed on his expiring deal.
Schwartz did not immediately respond to messages from The Associated Press. The Clippers had no comment.
The move would reunite Westbrook with Paul George, his former teammate in Oklahoma City. It also allows Westbrook to stay in Los Angeles. He is from the area and starred at UCLA.
George had lobbied recently for the Clippers to land Westbrook, who won the MVP in 2017 with the Thunder.
“I’m a big believer and a fan of what Russ’ work is, having one of my best seasons in my career alongside of him. I’ve seen what he can do night in and night out,” George
After taming Brgy. Ginebra the previous PBA schedule, San Miguel Beer suffered a very sorry loss to arch-rival TNT, 105-103, in what I might call “somewhat of a fluke” even if it was not.
Calvin Oftana battled for the offensive rebound after a Rondae Hollis Jefferson lay up miss.
He got the spheroid and released a follow up shot a split second before the buzzer - this despite defensive SMB hands trying to stop him..
Lo and behold, it went in and the crowd went wild at the PhilSports Arena Sunday as if in a fiesta celebration.
It was almost a fluke because San Miguel’s tower of power, Jun-
Mar Fajardo wasn’t anywhere to contest the rebound play.
That was the fluke I referred to - a coaching fluke. With the score tied at 103 and just 13 ticks left after SMB import Cameron Clark completed a three-point play, coach Jojo Lastimosa called for time to design the last action.
Pardon me but when his boys were defending why did coach Gallent forget to field in Fajardo as a safety to ensure his tallest guy could intimidate TNT penetration and secure the defensive board?
Many pro TNT watchers called Oftana’s buzzer beater a lucky shot and what a lucky man Oftana was - to be there at the right place at the right time.
said. “I really think he can improve the team. He’s such a big talent. He rebounds, he finds guys, he makes the game easy for everyone. I think he will come in, he will mesh and he’ll figure out how we play and he’ll adjust to it.”
Westbrook would join a Clippers team that is fourth in the Western Conference at 33-28 coming out of the All-Star break.
The Lakers traded Westbrook and a 2027 first-round draft pick to the Jazz as part of a threeteam deal.
But you know - when you have a talented ex-NBA import who knows how to read situations, TNT is lucky RHJ ably penetrated the defense.
And though he missed, he could not be faulted for trying to beat the time and score or be fouled in the process.
The victory ensured the Tropang Giga a quarterfinals slot and a twice to beat privilege, aside from grabbing the solo lead in the team standings with 8-1 win loss card.
At 7-2, the Beermen need to snatch one more victory to give TNT company at the quarters.
This TNT-SanMig match up is the kind that attracts fanatics
to the PBA because they get their money’s worth.
I love the see-sawing duel, the kind that brings back joyful memories of the legendary Yco-Ysmael MICAA saga in the late fifties and sixties. The non-stop action also elevated the game into a championship level somewhat as the very thrilling exchange of fire and defensive strategies did not fail to elicit oohs and aahs.
Well, you saw how Ginebra masacred Blackwater in the first game. No wonder Brgy. Ginebra legions weren’t there.
What an eyesore.
But the TNT-San Mig tussle was of a special flavor. Up till the dying seconds, I was already in
agreement that the ballgame would go into extension, what with only a few ticks remaining.
The two imports -laden conferences without doubt spike interest and increase team following and fan support.
THE SCORES:
TNT (105) - Castro 21, Hollis Jefferson 19,, K. Williams 16, Oftana 14, M. williams 11, Chua 8, Khobuntin 8, Varilla 4, Montalbo 4. San Miguel (103) - Clark 30, Perez 25, Fajardo 12, Creuz 10, Manuel 8, Tautuaa 6, Enciso 5,Lassiter 4, Bulanadi 3, Brondial, Ross 0. Quarterscores: - 24-20; 4948;83-77; 105-103. (Email feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.)
GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!
CEBU—The big guns are keeping their cards close to their chests with defending champion Canlubang shooting “just to keep it close” after the first day of skirmishes Wednesday in the 74th Philippine Airlines Interclub Seniors championship here.
The opening round will be at well-manicured Alta Vista and Cangolf mainstay Tommy Manotoc refused to bare their opening four even as Luisita is having its practice round late Tuesday with non-playing skipper Jeric Hechanova deciding hours after.
“We just want to keep it close after the first round,” Manotoc said when asked of the type of lineup that will get Cangolf’s title defense under way. “What I can tell you is that we can’t afford to fall behind big early, because Luisita is very, very strong.”
Hechanova, meanwhile, said that players who play well in the team’s practice round under heavy rain on the eve of the event will get the call as he emphasized his belief that there won’t be one course that will decide this year’s edition.
“We have to play well all four days,” Hechanova explained. “Our players know that wer can’t wait for the other teams to play bad. If they (opponents) play well, we need to play great.”
Manila Southwoods and Del Monte are the other teams in the Championship division, although Manotoc believes that Cebu Country Club, even if it is playing in the
lower Founders class, is a contender for the overall title.
Club Filipino will host the next two rounds, and Manotoc sees this one as the tiring version of the two mountain layouts.
“Anything can happen there,” Manotoc said. “Anyone with local knowledge of that course definitely has an advantage.”
The annual event, considered the country’s unofficial national team championship, was shelved for two years due to the coronavirus pandemic, and the 74th staging of the event is supported by platinum sponsors ABS-CBN Global, Asian Journal, Airbus, and NUSTAR Resort and Casino.
Gold sponsors include Radio Mindanao Network, Mastercard, Primax, University of Mindanao Broadcasting Network, PLDT/ Smart, and Konsulta MD.
Joining the event as silver sponsors are Philippine National Bank (PNB), Biocostech, and VISA.
Minor sponsors are Bollore Logistics, Manila Standard, Tanduay Brands International, and Asia Brewery while donors are Department of Tourism, Ogawa, Newport World Resorts, Rolls Royce, and Boeing.
