Over 1,000 families affected by the recent flash flood in Davao City’s First District received relief assistance from the Office of the First Congressional District Representative Paolo Z. Duterte on February 22, 2023.
Rep. Duterte’s staff has provided emergency food packages to flood victims in Barangays 2-A, 5-A, 8-A, 9-A, 10-A, 19-B, Matina
Gravahan, and Maa.
In a statement, Rep. Duterte assured that all victims were given appropriate assistance.
On the evening of February 21, 2023, several barangays in the city were flooded while authorities ordered them to evacuate after severe storms forced 1,093 families, or 4,300 individual, to evacuate their homes due to the rising river levels.
The city’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) has issued water level warnings for some of the city’s
Vice President Sara Z.
Duterte is the newest member of the Lady Eagles Club of Davao Prime Builders Tagatugon Eagles Club of Davao Region VII.
she said is a testament and a demonstration of their dedication to social change.
rivers. The Davao, Lasang, and Bunawan rivers were classified as red, while the Talomo and Matina rivers were classified as orange.
Davao City, Davao del Norte, and Davao Oriental experienced moderate to heavy rain on February 21 that caused flooding in various barangays. However, no one has been reported injured or missing in the incident.
Saying it is a victim of misinformation, multinational agricultural firm Sumifru Philippines Corporation has belied that its operation here has caused the contamination of residents living near pineapple plantations with toxic pesticides.
In an emailed statement
on Thursday, Melvin Languido, Sumifru’s manager for food safety, occupational safety and environment, stressed that the company “has placed strong emphasis on integrity and ethical behavior in its agribusiness venture.”
Languido clarified that it has no pineapple business
operation in Davao City, as claimed by a representative of non-government organization Interfacing Development Interventions for Sustainability (IDIS), Inc.
The company was reacting to a story published by MindaNews last February 20, which was based on the result of the study con-
ducted by Wonjin Institute of Occupational and Environmental Health (WIOEH) in South Korea.
The study showed that house dust and residents living near monocrop pineapple plantations in Baguio District have tested positive for traces of highly toxic
FSUMIFRU, P6In a speech Friday during the Fraternal Order of Eagles-Philippine Eagles, Inc. here, Vice President Duterte urged fellow members to partner with the government to be of help to their fellow Filipinos.
The event also saw the induction of the new club members and the creation of the Lady Eagles Club, where the Vice President praised the group for upholding the principle of a “strong sense of family and community through service.”
“Without a doubt, one of your greatest assets is the number of fraternal ties and commitments you have deeply and meaningfully implanted in our communities. Your acts of kindness have grown into a powerful force for good – spawning optimism and inspiring community members to be productive and better citizens, especially our children and the youth,” she said.
Duterte cited the involvement of the group in several social causes, which
“It’s admirable how you so willingly pooled your resources to respond to certain issues and basic problems besetting underprivileged Filipinos like hunger and child malnutrition, poverty alleviation, homelessness, disaster preparedness and resiliency, and even peace and order,” she pointed out.
She also thanked the group for their assistance when the satellite offices of the Office of the Vice President needed force multipliers for response and relief efforts.
“These have brought you and our fellow Filipinos together. These helped you work toward a shared objective of strengthening relationships among Filipinos and fostering a sense of family and community,” Duterte said.
She also urged the group to also be a partner of the Department of Education for its school-based feeding program.
“If you are thinking about how to help in some more, the Department of Education is looking for
Four provincial governors of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) sent on Thursday to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. an “urgent appeal” for the immediate decommissioning of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) forces and postponement of the barangay elections until the decommissioning is fully implemented.
The appeal, signed by Governors Mariam Sangki-Mangudadatu of Maguindanao del Sur, Abdusakur Tan of Sulu, Hadjiman Hataman-Salliman of Basilan and Yshmael Sali of Tawi-Tawi, also called for a “swift investigation and prosecution of the perpetrators” of the ambush on Lanao del Sur Gov. Mamintal Adiong Jr. and other violent incidents in BARMM.
The governors’ appeal linked the “climate of lawlessness” in the region, including the ambush on Adiong in Maguing, Lanao del Sur to the presence of MILF base commands.
“In these areas, LGUs (local government units),
PNP (Philippine National Police) and the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) are severely restrained from enforcing law and order by the ‘peace process mechanisms’ that bar entry of law enforcement agencies in the socalled ‘MILF territories’,” the appeal said.
It cited the incident on Feb. 7 where 39 Special Forces soldiers were held overnight by the MILF in Maguing, “on the pretext that their movement and operations were not coordinated with the MILF.”
The four governors also called for the postponement of the barangay elections scheduled on Oct. 30 this year until the decommissioning is completed.
The decommissioning of the MILF forces is provided for in the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) specifically in the Annex on Normalization.
Its implementation is guided by a roadmap, which says that the MILF shall undergo a graduated
FFOUR, P6
By MAYA M. PADILLOConstruction of the P135-million dressing plant in Davao de Oro is seen to be completed in September or October of this year.
Dr. Rolando S. Simene, provincial veterinarian of Davao de Oro, said on Wednesday that the dressing plant has a capacity of 3,500 birds per hour and will increase to 6,000 birds per hour after three to five years.
With construction started last year, the very first poultry dressing plant in Davao de Oro is located in Brgy. Inambat, Monkayo.
“That is one of the investments that I am very optimistic will bring de-
velopment in the poultry industry in our region because with that capacity that I mentioned nga requirement sa broiler chicken. Millions of heads every year ang target,” Simene said during Wednesdays at Habi at Kape media forum.
He also said that the processing plant will not be limited to Davao de Oro but also to the neighboring provinces like Surigao and
Agusan.
Last year, Trade and Industry provincial director Lucky Siegfred M. Balleque announced that the province is promoting poultry raising in communities with the establishment of the first dressing plant in the province.
He said poultry raisers in the province currently ship their goods more than 100 kilometers to Davao City’s dressing plants.
The province of Davao de Oro is eyeing a green zone status from the African swine fever (ASF) virus, according to an official.
Provincial veterinarian Dr. Rolando Simene on Wednesday said that currently, only one municipality still has positive cases but the remaining municipalities are all ASF-free.
He also said that 600 heads of pigs were killed and buried in Davao de Oro due to ASF.
“We are trying to make it from the red zone into
pink zone kasi ang pink going towards green na ug ginahulat lang namo ang reports from the municipality to qualify them from red to pink and eventually become green. We still have scheduled quarantine measures para dili gyud makagawas ug mag spread sa ubang lugar and with the quarantine measures that we are implementing with the barangay,” Simene said during Wednesday’s Habi at Kape media forum. Depending on the ASF
condition of the area, the Department of Agriculture (DA) has divided the containment zone into four zones: red (infested zone), yellow (surveillance zone), pink (buffer zone), and light green (protected zone).
In 2021, the Davao de Oro African swine fever Task Force reported that hogs in a piggery in Nabunturan town tested positive for the virus.
“During sa kasagsagan ng ASF. Luoy pud ang mga farmers because we depopulate the area that
was affected by ASF and there were hundreds of heads of swine that were slaughtered and buried to stop the spread of the disease,” he said.
Simene said that undertakings are ongoing to restart the swine sector in the province, including support from the DA’s Integrated National Swine Production Initiatives For Recovery And Growth (Inspire) program of including a P7 million cash support for the repopulation efforts. By Maya M.
Padillo
OLIVIA D. VELASCO President
JASPER V. BACSAL General Manager / VP Operations JOCELYN S. PANES Director of Sales
“Addressing the growing needs of our cities and communities is crucial for their sustainable development. The creation of the Metropolitan Davao Development Authority is a step towards providing better access to services and resources for the people of Davao City and nearby areas. Urban development is also crucial for the country’s economic growth. We need to create more jobs and opportunities in our cities to provide a better quality of life for Filipinos.”
On
Davao Development Authority to address the growing needs of Davao City and nearby areas:
SEN. BONG GO
In 2024, the Davao Chong Hua High School, its contemporary name, will celebrate its centennial. Gloria P. Dabbay, in ‘Davao City: Its History and Progress’ (1998), cites 1924 as the founding date of Davao Chinese High School, the original name. But the 1950 records, par-ticularly in Salvador L. Pacis’ book ‘Davao: Its Progress and Future,’ (1951), the founding date is 1934.
Dabbay, without citing sources, claims that on June 2, 1923, Chou Kuo Shian, the consul-general of the Republic of China (ROC) in Manila, arrived in Davao for an ocular visit. In-formed of the big Chinese population in town, he encouraged the opening of a Chinese school for children. Four days later, a meeting was held at the instance of the honorary con-sul, who led the formation of the Chinese Educational Association (CEA) with Chua Chin San as
the first board chairman.
In Pacis’ account, the organization of the school was ten years later, and the chief reason for the opening of a secondary institution was to address the practice of sending Chinese children to China or in the national capital region to learn Chinese or English. He cites the CEA formation as related to the efficient management of the school, in contrast to Dabbay’s claim that the group was organized to recruit teachers, gather funds, and get approval for the school.
Historically, Taiwan was under Japanese rule when the supposed visit of the consul-general took place. In fact, even until 1935, Japanese control of the island was reinforced fol-lowing Japan’s effort to highlight her cultural influence. The first Taiwanese legate in Davao was opened in 1947. Both accounts, howev-
er, agree that wealthy Chinaman Lim Juna (or Juna Lim Villa Abrille) donated a parcel of land. In Dabbay’s narrative, the donated lot is one hectare and situated along Santa Ana Avenue while Pacis’ account is two hectares and located at San Roque Street.
Dabbay states that the school was initially in a two-classroom rented house along San Pedro Street; it opened its doors to enrollment on June 3, 1924, with thirty pupils. The limited space of the edifice impelled the school management to seek donations from Lim Juna who generously donated a lot where the first permanent structures were constructed.
Pacis reports that through the CEA efforts, the school documents required by the gov-ernment finally complied. This eventually led to the ‘full recognition of it
complete elementary department, and permits for the first and second years of the secondary course.’
The war was unkind and brutal; the buildings that defined the growth of the institute were all destroyed. But the profiles behind the institution were quick to address the issue. In the second semester of 1945, the school operated again with six teachers conducting the Chi-nese classes and another seven educators handling the English classes.
According to Pacis’ account, enrollment in the school year (SY) 1946-47 increased as more materials were ordered to repair the damaged structures. The following school year, the CEA was compelled to import Chinese teachers as the school population dramatically grew and, once again, expanded the English faculty to seventeen. Because of
the developments, a per-mit to open the first and second years in high school was secured from the Bureau of Private School.
Pacis narrates that a new building worth P48,000 was also constructed, apparatuses for science classes bought, and more library books purchased. Also, the playground was im-proved and the tennis and basketball courts were built. The quarters for Chinese teachers were also improved.
In SY 1948-49, enrolment rose to 700 with two teachers assigned in the Chinese section while twenty-one educators were fielded in the English department. The following ywear, the population rose to 808, divided as follows: 746 elementary pupils and 62 high school stu-dents. Again, the question begs an answer: When was the school officially organized and opened?
The Philippines has long been facing challenges on food security despite having vast agricultural land ready for cultivation.
To ensure food sufficiency, the country has depended on imports, such that our import dependency ratio in 2021 was at 25.1 percent, according to data from the Philippine Statistics Authority.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., who also sits as Agriculture Secretary, admitted that steps are needed to address the challenges in the agriculture sector in order to attain food security. These include helping our local farmers and boosting agriculture production.
Cognizant of this need, Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC), the umbrella firm of businessman and philanthropist Manuel
V. Pangilinan, made foray into the agribusiness industry through investments in companies that manufacture dairy and coconut products locally.
Earlier this month, MPIC, through its subsidiary Metro Pacific Agro Ventures Inc. acquired a 34.76-percent stake in Axelum Resources Corporation for P5.32 billion, in line with its vision to become one of the largest players in the agriculture industry and support a more sustainable Philippines.
Axelum is a market leader in the manufacture and export of coconut products such as desiccated coconut, coconut milk, coconut cream, and coconut cooking oil, among others. It owns the right to distribute high-quality juice brand Vita Coco, and owns other brands such as Fiesta, Fies-
ta Tropicale, Red V and Romantika.
Axelum also supplies to food and beverage companies, confectioneries, bakeries, supermarkets, grocery chains, and other establishments both local and international, namely United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Eastern Europe, Middle East, Japan and Asia.
According to Axelum chairman and chief executive officer Romeo I. Chan, MPIC’s entry into the agribusiness industry will help transform the coconut industry in the Philippines, particularly for the marginalized coco farmers who are crucial in boosting the agriculture sector
Mr. Pangilinan said: “The north star of our agriculture business is helping our country achieve food secu-
rity. This investment into ARC will mean more income opportunities for coconut farmers as well as a broader landscape for Philippine agriculture.”
Earlier last year, MPIC also acquired a controlling stake in The Laguna Creamery Inc., which produces ice cream brand Carmen’s Best. According to MPIC, its purchase was aimed to further develop and expand the operations of the Carmen’s Best group’s dairy farm, products and manufacturing facilities. The transaction included the construction of a farm facility in Bay, Laguna, with a capacity to produce at least 6 million liters of milk per year.
These twin investments form part of MVP’s goal and priority “to feed our people first,” and support the United Nations Sustainable De-
velopment Goals (UN SDGs) Goal 2, which aims to end hunger, achieve food security, improve nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture.
Even before the Covid-19 pandemic emerged, the MVP Group has already been one with the government in crafting initiatives that are geared towards nation-building, development of the Philippine economy, and uplifting the lives of the Filipinos through the creation of more job opportunities.
These initiatives in the agribusiness industry will effectively help support government initiatives to reduce reliance on food imports, at least for dairy and coconut products, as well as help strengthen our agriculture sector and provide livelihood opportunities to the marginalized local farmers.
The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Friday assured investments in the next agri-fishery generation as it supports the agribusiness ventures of young Filipinos.
In a statement, the DA said it assisted almost 3,000 youths, fortifying its actions to achieve the administration’s food security agenda.
“At least 2,955 young Filipinos have availed of the assistance and support for their agribusiness proposals under the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) Youth Farmers’ Challenge (YFC) in line with
the Marcos administration’s food security agenda,” it said.
The DA, under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the concurrent agriculture chief, said the YFC entails support through incentives for food production-related enterprises.
“Under the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the govern-
ment is banking on the innovativeness and out-ofthe-box ideas of the young Filipinos to ensure food sustainability as well as the creation of opportunities in agribusiness across the country.
The assistance, however, is not limited to financial support as young farmers and entrepreneurs also may maximize business development services, credit and loan access.
“They are also extended credit access under the DA’s Agricultural Credit Policy Council’s (ACPC) Kapital Access for Young Agripreneurs (KAYA) and
Agri-Negosyo Loan Programs (ANLP), which they can use to sustain current operations and enhance production capacities,” the DA said.
For instance, an urban farming group Nama Microgreens, founded by science major Eldrin Lee, Skyrene Bacalso, and his brother Edriel, made the most out of the YFC program.
The Nama Microgreens received around PHP100,000 cash grants on the YFC provincial level, followed by PHP150,000 worth of grants on the regional level.
Oil prices increased on Thursday on expectations that Russia will cut its oil exports more than previously announced.
International benchmark Brent crude traded at $80.79 per barrel at 9:35 a.m. local time (0635 GMT), up 0.24 percent from the closing price of $80.60 a barrel in the previous trading session.
At the same time, American benchmark West Texas Intermediate (WTI) traded at $74.14 per barrel, a 0.26 percent rise after the previ-
ous session closed at $73.95 a barrel.
A bigger output cut by major oil producers will put pressure on global supply.
Russia is expected to cut oil production by 500,000 barrels per day in March, but reports indicate that the country may cut supply even further.
The country is reducing its supply in response to Western sanctions against Russian oil exports.
The EU ban on Russian seaborne oil products, as well as a price cap of $100
per barrel on premium Russian oil products such as diesel, and a price cap of $45 per barrel on discounted products such as fuel oil, went into effect on Feb. 5.
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandr Novak warned at the beginning of the month that Western countries’ price caps on Russian oil and petroleum products could cause supply problems on the market.
The OPEC+ group also plans to reduce its oil production targets by 2 million barrels a day until the end of
The Philippines is expected to benefit from the ratification of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) initially through higher foreign direct investments (FDIs), a report by banking giant HSBC said.
According to a report by HSBC Global Research dated Feb. 23, despite the more than a year delay in the RCEP ratification by the Senate which approved the measure last Feb. 22, “the RCEP will help the Philippines attract the FDI needed to boost exports and incomes in the years ahead.”
the trade deal came into force in January last year, only 11 of the 15 countries joined immediately.
It said South Korea and Malaysia took part only after two months while Indonesia joined in August 2022.
The report said the Philippines’ entry was late due to issues on agriculture.
2023, further limiting available oil supply globally.
Meanwhile, preliminary US oil inventory data from the American Petroleum Institute showed an increase of 9.8 million barrels, against expectations of a 1.2 million-barrel rise.
A build in inventory data points to lower demand in the country, limiting overall oil price increases.
Markets are awaiting official inventory data from the US Energy Information Administration, due later in the day. (Anadolu)
RCEP, a trade deal between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and five other major countries namely Australia, mainland China, Japan, New Zealand and South Korea that took effect in January 2022, removes tariffs on 90 percent of goods traded within the bloc.
It also provides a 40 percent “rules of origin”, or allows businesses to qualify for a trade preference so long as stakeholders’ inputs come from within the membership of the block.
The report said while
Citing reports quoting the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the HSBC report said the country “only offered 33 agricultural tariff lines for further liberalization or improvement” which “is only equivalent to 1.9 percent of the total agricultural tariff lines.”
Amidst this, the report said the trade deal is expected to boost FDIs to the Philippines but only after the implementation of several structural reforms, such as better implementation of the Ease of Doing Business Law, lower energy prices and a Charter change on foreign ownership.
It said “competitiveness in attracting FDI is a crucial issue in 2023 with ‘supply-chain relocation’ as the hot topic in ASEAN today.”
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Felipe Medalla on Friday said the next monetary rate adjustment will partly depend on the outcome of the inflation rate this February.
At the sidelines of BSP’s reception for the banking community, Medalla told reporters if the Consumer Price Index for February is lower month-on-month, then there is a chance the policy rate will remain as is.
However, there is also a possibility of a 25 or 50 basis point hike in the next meeting on March 23, Medalla said. But a 75 bps hike is unlikely, he added.
Medalla is cautious in giving a figure, saying a lot can still change.
He recalled saying the December inflation rate is already the peak, but the January inflation even went higher at 8.7%, highest since 2008.
But he asserted that target inflation by the end of the year is below 4%.
“Main scenario is we
The Makati Business Club (MBC) has supported the Marcos administration’s public-private partnership (PPP) program as this will boost the country’s long-term economic growth.
structure projects for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s approval.
will be below 4% by November or December,” Medalla said.
Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno, who attended the BSP event, expects inflation to be lower in February, but admitted that prices of some goods remain a challenge.
“The price of oil has stabilized, peso also has stabilized, sa food na lang talaga. Nariyan na ang imported sugar,” said Diokno.
BSP INDEPENDENCE
Medalla, meanwhile, asserted the independence of the central bank in a speech before top banking officials.
At the 2023 Annual Reception for the Banking Community, Medalla said BSP was born 30 years ago because of the New Central Bank of 1993 and pursuant to the provisions of the 1987 Philippine Constitution.
This, he noted, made the BSP an independent organization from the national government and has remained so all these decades.
In a statement Friday, MBC chair Edgar Chua said the National Economic and Development Authority’s (NEDA) push for PPP projects will play a vital role in developing
the needed infrastructure in the country.
NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan on Thursday shared that the NEDA Board will be submitting the list of priority infra-
The list includes 3,700 priority infrastructure projects worth PHP15 trillion, Balisacan said.
These projects are up for the Chief Executive’s approval on March 9.
“His (Balisacan’s) revisions restore the attractiveness of PPPs,” Chua
said. Chua also conveyed MBC’s support in amending the Build-Operate-Transfer law.
In a recent meeting with the business group, Balisacan said it has to tap the capital of the private sector to sustain the massive infrastructure development in the country. (PNA)
Cyprus-based software developer Armenotech and money transfer firm Tempo France have partnered with the country’s Cebuana Lhuillier to take advantage of the Philippine remittance market.
In a statement shared to the media Friday, Armenotech and Tempo France said their partnership with Cebuana will allow overseas Filipinos to send money to the Philippines faster and at lower cost.
Sending money from Europe to the Philippines
can be faster by sending the remittance at Tempo France locations or through its mobile application that can be claimed in over 10,000 Cebuana outlets across the country.
“It is the start of a very important project. We give people yet another degree of convenience, which is very important for Philippine nationals who live and work overseas, to be able to send money to their families,” said Tempo France chief executive officer Alla Zhedik.
Zhedik said the Philip-
pines is a lucrative market for remittance business with annual growth of 10 percent.
In 2022, Philippine remittances hit a record high of USD36.1 billion.
“We look to the development of a stable and extensive payout network in the Philippines in particular and the Asia-Pacific region in general. The growing market and its constantly increasing potential are the reasons why we are ready to offer local companies great opportunities
in cooperation. Increase in the number of sales channels gives operational and financial indicators great momentum,” Zhedik said.
The project uses Armenotech’s Stellar blockchain solutions, which provide Cebuana the information technology infrastructure.
“The technology provides the highest possible speed, reliability and low costs. And that is exactly what the clients expect from the service,” Armenotech chief business officer Daniel Gazaryan added.
Metro Pacific Agro Ventures Inc. (“MPAV”) is going on a whole new agriventure this year.
Following the launch of Metro Pacific Dairy Farms (“MPDF”) last December 2022, the wholly-owned subsidiary of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (“MPIC”) in partnership with Israeli-based company LR Group, MPAV sets its sights on odernizing Philippine vegetable cultivation through Metro Pacific Fresh Farms (“MPFF”).
This will be the biggest vegetable greenhouse facility in the country with the ability to produce high-quality vegetables all year round.
Located in San Rafael, Bulacan, this 22-hectare property will be home to a complex of modern greenhouses that will boost sustainable farming practices and modern farming technology.
With the Innovative Agriculture (Agro) Industry Ltd. (“IAI”), an affiliate of the Israeli-based partner, LR Group, the project broke ground on the 20th of February comprising a full value chain including seedlings production, vegetable cultivation, sorting, packaging, and marketing.
“The vision behind these investments is an agriculturally independent Philippines,” says MPIC Chairman, President, and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan. “We want to help build a nation that’s capable of feeding all of its people.”
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the State of Israel to the Republic of the Philippines His Excellency Ilan Fluss says “I am proud that Israeli technologies and expertise are being introduced to the Philippines and contribute to
the country’s food security and agricultural productivity. This is just the beginning of Israel and the Philippines’ agri-adventure on agriventures!”
Producing More with Less Food insecurity continues to affect the country’s overall health. Just last 2022, the United Nations tallied 59 million Filipinos suffering from food insecurity—the highest recorded number in Southeast Asia. Improving accessibility to fresh and nutritious food has become more vital than ever.
That is why MPAV continues to do its part to achieve food security and ultimately food independence, not only for the benefit of our economy but also our overall nation’s health.
“Growing our own produce is a step in developing our country’s capability in terms of food sustainability,” says MPAV President and CEO Jovy I. Hernandez. “Partnering with IAI and the LR Group, moves us towards a future where ideally, food security is the norm, not just an aspiration. This is part of MPAV’s Fresh Forward Movement. Fresh is always Best and Filipinos deserve nothing less than Fresh.”
The World Health Organization writes, “Promoting a healthy food environment requires involvement across multiple sectors and stakeholders, including government, the public, and the private sector.” Having access to nutritious food is a basic human right. Through improved agricultural practices and resources, fresh and nutrient-filled produce will be more accessible rather than a luxury.
MPFF’s launch aims to boost food accessibility in the country. Vegetable
produce will reach Filipino homes with better quality vegetables, which will make more meals nutritious and improve the overall health of consumers. This will be done through innovations in modern farming—Nutrient Film Technique Hydroponics (“NFT”) and the Drip Irrigation System. It is a sustainable and efficient breakthrough, enhancing Philippine agriculture by increasing yield and reducing the use of valuable resources: these techniques will use less soil, water, sunlight, yet full-year crop production will be made possible as these methods can reduce crop cycle time.
Philippine farming made sustainable MPFF aims to reinvigorate the art of farming. Equipped with a modern greenhouse and state-ofthe-art farming technology,
this project aims to produce more with much less.
Our agricultural country has a land area of 30 million hectares. 47 percent of which is already agricultural land. To this day, irrigation remains to be one of the issues facing the agricultural sector, as well as many other factors such as low output, high costs of inputs, lack of post-harvest facilities, and many more.
The agricultural industry accounts for 70 percent of freshwater’s global usage, while 50 percent of the Earth’s land surface is dedicated to agriculture, both significantly contributing to climate change. Operations under MPFF’s modern greenhouses will champion sustainability through the reduction of water and land usage alongside controlled farming conditions. These controlled conditions will
shorten crop cycles and will make better-quality vegetables more accessible in the country.
This climate-proof farming will turn the dream of year-round crop production into reality. With NFT hydroponics and Drip Irrigation Systems, there will be 90 percent less water, 90 percent less land, and 90 to 99 percent less fertilizers and pesticides used, ensuring year-round production, consistent quality, and predictable output. MPFF projects an estimate of producing 1.6M tons of vegetables through these modern farming methods.
MPFF also aims to open up a multitude of opportunities in the agricultural sector, especially for our local farmers. The project aims to push for training, advanced farming techniques, and employment opportunities for
surrounding communities. It’s a fresh forward start for both food accessibility and agriculture as a whole.
“The greenhouse project here in Bulacan is only the first step in building a platform for a much larger advocacy. Metro Pacific Fresh Farms is but a part of a larger ecosystem that is set to fundamentally change how all Filipinos eat,” says MPAV CCO Toby Gatchalian. “We view this shift as a multi-sectoral movement that involves not just the private sector, but the public sector, as well as the academe so we could continue to innovate and discover novel solutions.”
This latest venture for MPAV provides a fresh perspective on what Philippine agriculture could be; modern, sustainable, and accessible. Fresh is Best. And the Filipino deserves nothing less than Fresh. #FreshForward
Sybrin, a leading provider of digital transformation services, announced today that it is extending its operations to the Philippines strengthening its foothold in the market with an official launch gathering the Philippines’ digital transformation leaders in the industry.
“This is an exciting time for us as we enter the Philippine market given our ties with developing markets and our cultural affinity with the people. We are eager to join the local community and contribute to the nation's development within the digital technology space. There is a large opportunity in the country as the government looks to digitize its various processes, and we believe that we are well positioned to provide the solutions that can help make this happen", says Marius Mare, Group
CEO of Sybrin.
Sybrin realizes the immense potential of the Philippines as one of the most vibrant economies in Southeast Asia, with strong
growth prospects and industries that are driving the country forward. Given that Sybrin has excelled in comparable conditions in Africa with similar in-
dustries and technological environments, they are enthusiastic about their decision to enter the market as a first in Asia.
The impetus for their
expansion into the region is further motivated by the fact that the Philippines has recently showed a renewed initiative to invest in the ICT sector as is evi-
dent in their National ICT Ecosystem Framework (NICTEF). Other key driving elements include the fact that the country has a very young and dynamic population, with about 60% of the population below the age of 30. The country is one of the world’s fastest-growing economies and is forecasted to be the 16th largest economy in the world by 2050.
Sybrin is passionate about financial inclusion, and as a technology provider with its roots in developing markets, they believe that they can make a difference in the Philippines with their world-class technology solutions that are well suited for the current and future environment. They are committed to investing in local resources and forming partnerships with local affiliates that will drive digital transformation.
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11TH JUDICIAL REGION BRANCH 15, DAVAO CITY RTC1DAV015@JUDICIARY.GOV.PH (082) 298-3336/09236095058
IN RE: PETITION FOR CORRECTION SP. PROC. NO. R-DVO-22-07704-SP OF ENTRIES IN THE CERTIFICATE OF LIVE BIRTH OF MINOR SERENIA
SANTOS SOZTUTAR
CONDIMAN SANTOS FOR: PETITION FOR PETITIONER, CORRECTION OF ENTRIES IN THE CERTIFICATE OF LIVE BIRTH ETC.
O R D E R THIS IS A VERIFIED PETITION FOR THE CORRECTION OF SEVERAL ENTRIES IN THE CERTIFICATE OF LIVE BIRTH OF MINOR “SERENIA SHAMIE SANTOS SOZTUTAR” WITH REGISTRY NO. 2013-44018, AS FOLLOWS: ENTRY ERRONEOUS CORRECT CHILD’S MIDDLE NAME SANTOS -BLANKCHILD’S SURNAME SOZTUTAR SANTOS DATE OF MARRIAGE MARCH 16, 2013
The public is hereby notified that the intestate estate of the late WILFRED G. YAMSON who died on October 4, 2018, in Davao City, which estate consists of four (4) parcels of land located in Morales Subdivision, Matina, Davao City, containing an area of 263 sq.m. and covered by TCT No. T-90304, and in Biao, Guianga, Tugbok, Davao City, containing an area of 1.9 hectares covered by OCT No. P-13762; another undivided portion of another lot said to contain an area of 2,338 sq.m. and another portion containing an area of 2,500 sq.m. both covered by OCT No. P-13761, both located in Biao, Guianga, Tugbok, has been the subject of an Extrajudicial Settlement of Estate by and among his heirs, as duly ratified, acknowledged, and entered as Doc. No. 252; Page No. 52; Book No. VI, Series of 2023; in the notarial registry of ATTY. WILLIAM V. GUILLEN, a duly-commissioned Notary Public for 2023 in Davao City, Philippines.
Pursuant to Sec. 1 Rule 74 of the Revised Rules of Court of the Philippines, NOTICE is hereby given that the estate of the late EVELYN M. TATEISHI who died intestate on July 14, 2013 in Davao City, Philippines, leaving a parcel of land situated in Barangay Agdao, City of Davao, Island of Mindanao, covered by Transfer Certificate of Title No. T-397883, containing an area of SEVENTY-FOUR (74) SQUARE METERS more or less, has been the subject of an EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE WITH CONFIRMATION OF SALE executed among her heirs. Per Doc. 500; Page No. 101; Book No. 22; Series of 2020 of the Notary Public Atty. PORFIRIO S. DACLAN.
COURT
REGION
HOME DEVELOPMENT MUTUAL FUND EJF REM CASE NO. 18,786-2023 OR (PAG-IBIG FUND), MORTGAGEE, - VERSUSJOY CHEMALYN BUSTAMANTE CORDANO, MORTGAGOR. X------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------X
NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL SALE
Upon extra-judicial petition for foreclosure and sale under Act 3135, as amended, filed by mortgagee HOME DEVELOPMENT MUTUAL FUND or PAG-IBIG FUND against the mortgagor JOY CHEMALYN BUSTAMANTE CORDANO, with postal address Purok 18, Pioneer St., Lanzona Subdivision Calinan, 8018 Davao City, to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness which as of October 10, 2022 amounted to ONE MILLION FIFTY THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED ELEVEN PESOS AND 46/100 (Php 1,050,511.46) Philippine Currency, inclusive of interest and other charges plus other legal expenses incident to the foreclosure and sale; the undersigned Sheriff of the Regional Trial Court, Davao City, will sell at public auction on March 24, 2023 at 10:00 A.M., or soon thereafter, at the main entrance of Hall of Justice, Ecoland, Davao City, to the highest bidder for CASH or MANAGER’S CHECK and in Philippine Currency, the following real property mentioned and described below together with all the improvements found thereon, to wit:
TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. 146-2020017121
“LOT NO: 65 BLOCK NO: 105 PLAN NO: PCS-112402-005669
PORTION OF: THE CONSOLIDATION OF PLAN H-151925, PLAN H-500853 (LOT 1799, CAD-102, LOT A, LOT B, AND LOT C, ALL OF PSD-27706 LOCATION: BARANGAY OF INDANGAN, CITY OF DAVAO, ISLAND OF MINDANAO AREA: ONE HUNDRED SQUARE METERS (100) , MORE OR LESSXXX.”
All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above-stated time and date.
In the event the public auction should not take place on the said date it shall be held on April 21, 2023, without further notice. Prospective buyers are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the title herein described real property and encumbrances thereon, if any there be. Davao City, Philippines, February 10, 2023.
ATTY. FRANCISCO M. CAMPANER – the OIC Clerk of Court & Ex-Officio Prov’l Sheriff (SGD.) SUNNY D. ,MAURILLO Sheriff IV
The public is hereby notified that the intestate estate of the late PATRICK WILLIAM J. MALLARI who died on October 13, 2022 in Lapuan, Don Marcelino, Davao Occidental , which estate consists of one (1) parcel of land embraced by Transfer Certificate of Title No. T-437645, situated in Barangay Maa, Davao City, has been the subject of an Extrajudicial Settlement of Estate with Waiver of Rights by and among their heirs, as duly ratified, acknowledged, and entered as Doc. No. 314; Page No. 65; Book No. 200, Series of 2023; in the notarial registry of FATIMA IRENE T. ADIN, a duly-commissioned Notary Public for 2023 in Davao City, Philippines.
The public is hereby notified that the intestate estate of the late ROSALINA RAMES who died on June 30, 2008, in Barangay Riverside, Calinan, Davao City, which estate consists of one (1) parcel of land located in the Barrio of Riverside, Calinan, City of Davao, Island of Mindanao, containing an area of THREE THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED FIFTY SEVEN (3,557) sq.m. more or less and covered by Transfer Certificate of Title (TCT) No. 146-2018014970, has been the subject of an Extrajudicial Settlement of Estate with Deed of Absolute Sale by and among her heirs, as duly ratified, acknowledged, and entered as Doc. No. 308; Page No. 63; Book No. 3, Series of 2023; in the notarial registry of ATTY. JANE KARLA BORBE, a duly-commissioned Notary Public for 2023 in Davao City, Philippines.
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11TH JUDICIAL REGION OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT-SHERIFF DAVAO CITY
OR (PAG-IBIG FUND), MORTGAGEE, - VERSUSPREMIELOU M. MACALINDONG, MARRIED TO MARLON R. MACALINDONG, MORTGAGORS.
NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL SALE
Upon extra-judicial petition for sale under Act 3135, as amended, filed by mortgagee HOME DEVELOPMENT MUTUAL FUND or PAG-IBIG FUND against PREMIELOU M. MACALINDONG married to MARLON R. MACALINDONG, both of legal age, Filipino Citizen, with postal address at Yellow Bell Street, (Beside Energy Gas Station) Tibungco, Davao City, represented by AIF-PREMIELOU M. MACALINDONG and Lot 10, Blk 22, Deca Homes Resort Residence Subdivision, Ph 8, Tacunan, Davao City, Davao del Sur favor of Home Development Mutual Fund, (PAG-IBIG FUND), to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness which as of November 4, 2022 amounted to ₱655,051.60 Philippine Currency, and other charges and other legal expenses incident of foreclosure and sale; the undersigned Sheriff IV of the Regional Trial Court, Davao City, will sell at public auction on March 24, 2023 at 10:00 A.M., or soon thereafter, at the main entrance of Hall of Justice, Ecoland, Davao City, to the highest bidder for CASH or MANAGER’S CHECK and in Philippine Currency, the following real property mentioned and described below together with all the improvements found thereon, to wit:
TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. 146-2014075732
A parcel of land (Lot 10, Blk 22 of the subdivision plan Pcs-11-005085, being a portion of consolidation-subdivision of lot xxx PCS-3076 AMD.), situated in the Barangay of Tacunan, City of Davao, Island of Mindanao. xxx Containing an area of ONE HUNDRED (100) SQUARE METERS, more or less”.
All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above-stated time and date.
In the event the public auction should not take place on the said date, it shall be held on April 21, 2023, without further notice.
Prospective buyers are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the title of the herein-above described real property and encumbrances thereon, if any there be.
Davao City, Philippines, February 14, 2023.
ATTY. FRANCISCO M. CAMPANER – the OIC Clerk of Court & Ex-Officio Prov’l Sheriff
SERGIO LEONARDO J. TUPAS
The public is hereby notified that the intestate estate of the late ROLANDO Z. ANDRES who died on July 14, 2011, in Davao City, which estate consists of one (1) parcel of land located in the Barangay of Maa, City of Davao, Island of Mindanao, containing an area of ONE HUNDRED EIGHTY (180) sq.m. more or less and covered by Transfer Certificate of Title (TCT) No. 146-2011004556, has been the subject of an Extrajudicial Settlement of Estate by and among his heirs, as duly ratified, acknowledged, and entered as Doc. No. 338; Page No. 69; Book No. XXXI, Series of 2019; in the notarial registry of ATTY. LEOPOLDO B. ESPAÑOLA, JR., a duly-commissioned Notary Public for 2023 in Davao City, Philippines.
The public is hereby notified that the intestate estate of the late LUCIO ALMERIZ and CORAZON TEJANO who died on April 14, 1980 and November 4, 2008 in Wangan, Calinan, Davao City respectively, which estate consists of two (2) parcels of land embraced by Transfer Certificate of Title No. T-5251 and T-24318 particularly described as follows:
1. A parcel of land situated in the Barrio of Wangan, City of Davao, Island of Mindanao containing an area of TWENTY THOUSAND and ONE (20,001) SQUARE METERS;
2. A parcel of land situated in the Barrio of Wangan, City of Davao, Island of Mindanao containing an area of TWENTY THOUSAND (20,000) SQUARE METERS.
That the above-mentioned properties has been the subject of an Extrajudicial Settlement of Estate by and among their heirs, as duly ratified, acknowledged, and entered as Doc. No. 309; Page No. 63; Book No. 3, Series of 2023; in the notarial registry of ATTY. JANE KARLA BORBE, a duly-commissioned Notary Public for 2023 in Davao City, Philippines.
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES REGIONAL TRIAL
11TH JUDICIAL
OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT-SHERIFF
partners for our schoolbased feeding program because the approved budget that we have right now is for just 120 days but as to the school-based feeding program law, we need to do it 220 days or for the entire school year,” the Vice President said.
Apart from providing humanitarian aid, she also
encouraged the group to give their members ongoing chances for leadership development.
“I enjoin you to guide the Eagles to greater heights. Together let us work to make Filipino communities more prosperous, united, and resilient against future shocks and disruptions,” Duterte said. (PNA)
Alta Vista during the second and penultimate day but they lost momentum on the final day when they failed to solve the puzzle that is Club Filipino. Mimosa Golf took away the top plum in the Division with 471 points.
The top individual scorers among the Davao City golfers are Rufino “Bobong” Cabang of Apo Golf ( 88) Founders Division, La-
pesticides.
“We have worked tirelessly to maintain the trust of our customers and the public, and it is deeply troubling to us that false information has been circulated that undermines our credibility and hard-earned reputation,” Languido said.
MindaNews earlier tried but failed to get the side of Sumifru.
Lemuel Lloyd Manalo, IDIS program coordinator, told MindaNews the
nang’s Paul Dacudao (80) points Aviator Division, Randy Cadiogan (69) of Palos Verdes in the Sportswriters Division and Menilio Narciso of Davao City Golf (82) Friendship Division.
Davao City-based sports columnist Chito Malabanan of Edge Davao topscored for International team- Team Dirab in the Sportswriter Division with 75 points.
CBN Global, Asian Journal, Airbus, and NUSTAR Resort and Casino.
samples were taken from a community closely situated to the pineapple plantations, including “those owned by growers supplying bananas to Sumifru.” Manalo admitted that it is difficult to trace the source of the contaminants, unless the large growers would make their “formulations” available to the public.
and gradual decommissioning in four phases by percentage: ceremonial in Phase 1, 30% in Phase 2, 35% in Phase 3, and remaining MILF forces in Phase 4.
“We are seriously concerned that law en-
Partial scores: Championship – Luisita 572(146,137,138,151), Canlubang 565(155,133,125,152), Manila Southwoods 564(143,139,134,148), Del Monte 530(139,126,127,138)
Founders – Cebu 1 564(150,140,133,141), The Orchard 530(139,127,124,140), Riveira 526(141,126,122,137), Alabang 511(122,123,117,149), Valley 505(122,122,122,139), Sherwood Hills 501(132,111,118,140), Pueblo de Oro 499(125,111,127,136), Altavista 1 496(125,119,108,144),
forcement in the BARMM will continue to be handicapped leading to the barangay elections on October 30, 2023 unless effective decommissioning of MILF combatants and firearms is completed.
Eagle Ridge 483(119,111,128,125), Filam Hawaii 483(128,111,115,129), Villamor Airbase 481(130,117,109,125), Negros Occidental 478(129,117,109,103), Apo 477(132,107,110,128), WackWack 468(121,125,106,116), Camp John Hay 459(125,104,107,123), Guinhalaran 458(104,130,100,124), Manila 483(103,100,110,125), Taotaomona 409(118,80,107,104), Coral Ocean Point 384(88,108,82,105), Bay City 297(86,67,68,76)
CRISHER R. GARGAR, WIDOWED MORTGAGOR. X----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------X
NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL SALE
Upon extra-judicial petition for foreclosure and sale under Act 3135, as amended, filed by the mortgagee HOME DEVELOPMENT MUTUAL FUND or PAG-IBIG FUND against the mortgagor CRISHER R. GARGAR, widowed, with postal address at #735 BULACAN ST., GAGALANGIN, TONDO METRO MANILA, to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness which as of September 10, 2022 amounted to FIVE HUNDRED SEVENTY-ONE THOUSAND ONE HUNDRED SIXTEEN PESOS & 71/100 (Php 571,116.71) Philippine Currency, inclusive of interest and other charges plus other legal expenses incident to foreclosure and sale; the undersigned Sheriff IV of the Regional Trial Court, Davao City, will sell at public auction on March 24, 2023 at 10:00 A.M., or soon thereafter, at the main entrance of the Hall of Justice, Ecoland, Davao City, to the highest bidder for CASH or MANAGER’S CHECK and in Philippine Currency, the following real property mentioned and described below together with all the improvements found thereon, to wit:
TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. 146-2017009093
“A parcel of land (Lot 29, Blk 2 of the subdivision plan Psd-11-107053, being a portion of Lot 49, Pcs-3076 AMD.), situated in Barangay of Tacunan, City of Davao, Island of Mindanao, Containing an area of Eighty (80) Square Meters, more or less.”
All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above-stated time and date.
In the event the public auction should not take place on the said date, it shall be held on April 21, 2023, without further notice.
Prospective buyers are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the title of the above-described real properties and encumbrances thereon, if any there be. Davao City, Philippines, February 14, 2023.
The public is hereby notified that the intestate estate of the late SPOUSES REYNATITO CAYOG and TERESITA CAYOG who died in Davao City on March 3, 2007 and November 5, 1989 respectively; and REYNATITO CAYOG JR. on September 13, 2013 in Davao City, which estate consists of two (2) parcels to wit:
1. A parcel of land containing an area of SIXTEEN THOUSAND NINE HUNDRED AND EIGHTY SIX (16,986) SQUARE METERS embraced by Original Certificate of Title No. P-8355; and
2. A parcel of land containing an area of TWENTY FOUR THOUSAND NINE HUNDRED AND NINETY TWO (24,992) SQUARE METERS embraced by Original Certificate of Title No. P-8054.
That the above-mentioned properties have been the subject of an Extrajudicial Settlement of Estate with Sale and Donation, by and among their heirs, as duly ratified, acknowledged, and entered as Doc. No. 224; Page No. 46; Book No. 152, Series of 2021; in the notarial registry of ATTY. EMMANUEL P. GALICIA, JR.
Witha final day team that delivered as envisioned, Luisita on Saturday completed a come-from-behind victory in the Philippine Airlines Seniors Interclub after winning out in a tense battle in the closing holes at well-manicured Alta Vista to dethrone Canlubang.
Ex-pro Dan Cruz birdied his last three holes to rescue a level-par 72 worth 54 points, and Chino Raymundo added 51 as the duo made up the bulk of the Luisitans’ closing 151, good enough for a seven-point win over the Sugar Barons
in the event regarded as the unofficial team championship of the country.
It all boiled down to Luisita-Canlubang in the end as Cebu Country Club, bidding to win the overall title playing in the Founders Division, sputtered with
a 141, losing its two-point overnight lead early and never able to recover.
The Cebuanos, though, ran away with the title in their division, their 564 total good for a 24-point win over The Orchard.
“Our closing team just clicked,” Jeric Hechanova, the non-playing skipper who put this Luisita team together, said before the celebration started. “It was a tense day against Canlubang, as always, but the players delivered when they needed to.”
Steve McDonald’s 46 was the last card that counted for Luisita, which threw away the 42 of Rodel Mangulabnan, even as Cangolf was led by the 53 of Damasus Wong and the 50 of Mari Hechanova, who dropped shots in each of his last three holes.
Manila Southwoods got 54 points from Jun Jun Plana, 49 from Theody Pascual and 46 from Joseph Tambunting to finish a point behind Canlubang, who won this event the last time it was held in 2020 when
As action in the 74th PAL Interclub Golf tournament take a weekend break after the Seniors Tournament, focus will temporarily shift to the side event, a golf tournament among friends from the media of the PAL organizers, a part of the tradition of this yearly PAL event. The perfect time to bond together and renew friendship and camaraderie among media par busters.
For this year’s edition it will be held in Mactan Golf and Country Club on
February 26,2023 and the final day on February 27th at the Alta Vista Golf and Country club.
This is my first tournament in PAL as a media practitioner and saying I am excited is an understatement. I say yes without hesitation when my editor in chief advise me to pack my bags and cover the event. Getting inside the ropes and seeing the top amateur golfers in the country hitting those dimpled balls is enough to increase the excitement on
Bacolod played host and before the COVID-19 pandemic shuttered the event for two years.
Hechanova said that the team will be kept intact, basically, save for the expected departure of one of its mainstays next year.
“We will try to keep the whole team as much as possible,” Hechanova, who recruited Tarlac native Marty Ilagan, said. Ilagan counted with 47 points in the first round also at Alta Vista.
The event takes a two-
day break before Regular Men’s action, where Southwoods is the heavy favorite, begins.Cebu Country Club and Club Filipino in Danao will host the 72-hole championship.
The annual event, with the theme of “Back to Ignite,” 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-
the next level. Participating in the Media golf is an added bonus.
“ Create memories, have fun, it’s your time to shine” says my editor in chief Neil Bravo. My golf buddy for a long time since our Lanang days and partner during the days of Dr Max.
Indeed after a two year hiatus, sports media buddies are raring to meet up once again for this annual fellowship of media golfers not only to play and hit those divots but primarily to have fun
and enjoy while taking a break from long hours of covering the event.
The tournament format is handicap /stroke play taking into account the cumulative scores of the two day tourney. Handicapping will based on previous handicaps used in previous PAL media tournament.
Jake Ayson will serve as the Tournament Director. Awards night, fun and drinks will follow at the Radisson Blue Hotel on the night after the final day of the tournament.
Starting the day 14 points adrift from the leaders, Davao City Golf Club mustered all strength for a final day push and came close to succeeding.
However, just when the boys from the fabled golf course in Matina were to celebrate a strong second place division finish in the 74th Philippine Airlines Seniors Interclub, the unthinkable happened.
After sinking the last putt on the 18th hole, the Davao golfers were summoned to the tournament officials room and were told their handicaps were reviewed and found to belong to the Aviator division insttead of the Friendship division where they played for all four days.
Tough luck as the top performer among the Davao City club entries in the country’s unofficial team golf championship were denied of the celebration.
The Matina boys of Davao City Golf club could have placed a strong second in the Friendship Division after garnering 402 points falling behind by a mere 6 points to eventual champion Malaysian Eagle Hunter’s 408 points.
However, Davao City Golf’s celebration was shortlived. Just as when they are about to leave the green at 18th hole, they
were called by the organizers for a clarification meeting. At the meeting, they were advised that their classification in the Friendship division was upgraded into Aviator as per their recomputed team handicap.
“This is unfair” says assistant team captain Ben Bonador.
“We have been playing for the last four days in the Friendship Division and now after finishing on the 18th green of the Club Filipino, we were advised that our classification have to be adjusted?” Bonador added.
“We won’t allow this thing to happen sitting down, we will file a protest,” he concluded.
Apo Golf and Country Club competing in the Founder’s Division finished at 13th place despite their last day charge of 128 points bringing their total to 477 points.
After briefly holding on to number 3 after the first day of competition, the boys of Apo apparently lost steam when the competition shifted to the Club Filipino Golf on the second and third day where majority of other golf teams also nose dived af-
ter playing the treacherous golf course. Superpower Cebu Golf and Country Club, the wire to wire winner, started on the first day of competition like a house on fire and emerged as champion in the Founder’s Division without surrendering the lead since day 1 up to the final putt with their total
aggregate score of 564 points.
Team Rancho Palos Verdes hang tough in the top 10 with their 5th place finish in the Sportswriter’s Division after accumulating 396 points. The team got stymied in their bid after experiencing early success on the first day when they free fall at the Club Filipino on the second day
and third day of competition. Powerhouse host Club Filipino topped the field in the Sportswriter’s Division with 457 points.
Meanwhile, Lanang golf competing in the Aviator’s placed 11th in the division with an aggregate score of 411. Lanang gained some grounds playing in
FCONTROVERSIAL, P6