Edge Davao Vol. 15 Issue 268 | Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023

BURNING CABLES

say minor kids burning cables started fire

Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte meets with Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian and Presidential Assistant II for Eastern Mindanao Secretary Leo Magno to discuss the situation and concerns of the victims of Saturday’s massive fire in Barangays 21-C, 22-C and 23-C, Davao City at Arcadia Active Lifestyle Center on Monday. Lean Daval Jr.

BURNING CABLES

Eyewitness say minor kids burning cables started fire

By MAYA M. PADILLO

The search is ongoing for minor children who according to eyewitnesses inadvertently started the big fire in Barangays 21-C, 22-C, and 23-C on Saturday.

According to Senior Fire Officer 4 Ramil Gillado, one of the angles that they are looking at in the investigation are some minors who were setting fire

to cables and retrieve the copper and sell them.

“Sulti sa naka witness, prior sa sunog ang mga bata nagsunog ug wires para kuhaan ug copper ug

ibaligya,” Gillado said in a phone interview.

Gillado said an investigation is being conducted to validate the information that the BFP-Davao has obtained with regards to the children.

The recent fire was one of the biggest in Davao City, which caused significant damage.

“Daghan ang naugdaw

BARMM to build 100 brgy health stations this year

na mga balay kay aside na kusog ang hangin kay pabor man to kay duol sa dagat, dikit-dikit ang balay ug kasagaran pud made of light materials ang mga balay maong paspas ang pagkalat sa kalayo,” Gillado said.

He also said that another factor was the responding firetrucks have difficul-

PNP: No link among recent attacks vs. local officials

The recent attacks against some local officials, which left several people dead, are likely not related, the Philippine National Police said Monday.

“As of now, we have not established or seen any

link with respect to the three cases,” PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said.

“Nonetheless, we are beefing (up) our security, particularly the personnel security detail of not only our elected officials but

also appointed officials, because of these recent attacks.”

PNP chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. has ordered regional police commanders to conduct threat assessment of their local chief executives, Fajardo said.

Last week, Mayor Ohto Montawal of Montawal, Maguindanao del Sur province was wounded in an ambush along Roxas Boulevard in Pasay City.

On Feb. 19, Vice Mayor Rommel Alameda of Apar-

The Ministry of Health in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MOH-BARMM) will construct 100 barangay health stations (BHS) across the region this year to boost health services.

“Yes, we are building a total of 100 barangay health stations this year,” said Dr. Rizaldy Piang, BARMM health minister, on Monday, a day after the MOH turned over two BHS in Lanao del Sur province.

On Sunday, Piang led the turnover of the two health stations for the villages of Barorao and Salamen in Balabagan and Kapatagan towns, respectively.

Piang said the BHS will be funded under the MOH-BARMM’s Tiyakap Bangsamoro Kalusugan Program (TBKP).

Each of the BHS costs PHP2.5 million with an additional PHP500,000 fund for equipment.

Dr. Alinader Minalang, Lanao del Sur health chief, said health providers are committed to strengthening the health services in the province and ensur-

ing that no one will be left behind in terms of healthcare.

“This is a huge help for our health programs (in the province) because it will provide every village a new avenue to access health services,” Minalang said.

Integrated health programs

This developed as the MOH-BARMM also initiated a weekend training for Bangsamoro planning and development officers of the region’s Population Commission and Muslim religious leaders (MRLs) on Islamic ruling about family planning and responsible parenthood (FPRP).

The training held from Saturday to Sunday here focused on “fatwah” – formal ruling or interpretation on the point of Islamic law given by a qualified legal scholar known as a mufti.

“These MRLs will serve as our means of communicating to the communities the true meaning of family planning from an Islamic perspective,” Omaira Ali, MOH-BARMM family planning logistic officer, said. (PNA)

Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian and Presidential Assistant II for Eastern Mindanao Secretary Leo Magno distribute DSWD family kit to some of the victims of Saturday’s fire at Brgy. 22-C Gymnasium in Davao City on Monday. Lean Daval Jr.

FBURNING, P10

FPNP, P10

Victims of huge fire in Davao City receive help from Rep. Pulong

By MAYA M. PADILLO

Go slams ICC probe on Duterte drug war

Sen. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go this week said he supported the Philippine government’s position opposing the investigation of the International Criminal Court (ICC) on the Duterte administration’s bloody drug war.

Go, who had served as former President Rodrigo Duterte’s special assistant, said judgment on the legacy of the previous administration’s anti-drug campaign should be left to the Filipino people and not to foreign investigators.

“Kayo ang humusga, ang Pilipino ang dapat humusga, kung nakakalakad ba tayo ngayon sa gabi na hindi nasasaktan at hindi nababastos, ang ating mga anak na hindi sinasaktan ng mga drug addict. Pilipino ang dapat humusga, hindi mga banyaga,” he said in a statement Sunday.

Go also thanked his fellow senators Robinhood Padilla, Jinggoy Estrada, Francis Tolentino, and Ron-

ald “Bato” dela Rosa for defending the government’s position when they met with representatives of the European Parliament (EP) last week.

Dela Rosa had described the European Union (EU) parliamentarians as acting like the “world police” during their meeting and criticized their alleged interference with Philippine sovereignty when they expressed support for the ICC.

Go said he shared Dela Rosa’s sentiments, noting that he was a co-author of a Senate resolution defending Duterte from the ICC.

“Alam n’yo, dapat Pilipino po ang dapat humusga sa Pilipino. May judicial system naman po tayo na nirerespeto natin at pinagkakatiwalaan,” he said.

A similar resolution was also filed in the House of Representatives, authored by former President and current Senior Deputy Speaker Gloria MacapaFGO, P10

Victims of the massive fire that gutted down thousand of houses across three barangays in Davao City received aid from the Office of First Congressional District Representative Paolo “Pulong” Duterte.

The fire occurred over the weekend affecting 2,000 families and gutting down more than a thousand houses in the three barangays, 21-C; 22-C and 23-C.

Rep. Duterte immediately extended assistance to the victims. The First Congressional District office staff members distributed emergency food packs the follow-

ing day, February 26, to the victims who are currently housed at Barangay 21-C Gymnasium in Piapi Boulevard. Each family will also receive hot meals for five days.

Based on the report of the Bureau of Fire Protection-Davao (BFP-Davao) there are 1,200 houses were destroyed by the fire that started at a coastal area in Barangay 21-C.

Senior Fire Officer 4 Ramil Gillado, spokesper-

son of BFP-Davao, said that the houses that were destroyed were mostly made of light materials, with the damage estimated at around P9 million.

There was no reported injury or death from the incident.

Dabawenyos impacted by man-made and natural disasters have been receiving emergency aid and food packs from Rep. Duterte’s office.

Baste, Gatchalian assure help for fire victims in 3 barangays

Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte had a brief meeting with Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian on Monday and discussed ways on extending immediate assistance to the victims of the huge fire incident on Saturday.

Also discussed during

the meeting, which was attended by Presidential Assistant II for Eastern Mindanao Secretary Leo Magno, was the possible relocation of the victims of the recent fire in Barangays 21-C, 22-C, and 23-C in Davao City.

Gatchalian was in Davao City upon the order of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to per-

sonally check on the condition of the victims, extend help and hear their concerns.

They also visited the fire victims who are temporarily housed at the Brgy. 22-C Gymnasium in Piapi, Boulevard and distributed family kits.

There are 2,000 families displaced following a massive fire occurred

over the weekend.

Based on the report of the Bureau of Fire Protection-Davao (BFP-Davao) that the houses gutted by fire were mostly made of light materials, with the damage estimated at around P9 million. There was no reported injury or death from the incident. By Maya M. Padillo

Davao City First District Representative Paolo “Pulong” Duterte extends help to more than a thousand families affected by last Saturday’s massive fire in Davao City. Lean Daval Jr.

BSP eyes removal of fees for small-value fund transfers

TheBangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) over the weekend said it is looking at ways to remove fees on small-value fund transfers, including reducing the reserve requirement of local lenders.

According to BSP Governor Felipe Medalla, the central bank is ready to work with the banking industry to incentivize more Filipinos to use digital payments.

In a post on his official Twitter account, Medalla cited that a P15 fee—

charged by a number of banks for interbank transfers—for a P200 transaction would be “quite large” relative to the amount being sent.

“We are ready to collaborate with banks and payment system operators to explore a cost-sharing

system that excludes small transactions from these types of fees,” he said.

“We may even consider cutting the reserve requirement to enable banks to make these concessions. All these, in pursuit of a financial system that leaves no one behind,” he added.

The reserve requirement is the amount of cash a bank must hold in its reserve against deposits made by customers in the Philippines. It is currently at 12%, said to be among

the highest in the region.

Medalla last year said the reserve requirement ratio (RRR) of big banks could still be cut down to a single digit by the end of his term in July, should inflation be expected to fall within the target range by then.

“After all, the true measure of an effective policy lies not in its complexity but in its ability to bring those at the margins into the fold,” he said over the weekend.

Inflation, however,

Businesses encourged to accelerate digitalization amid RCEP ratification

Philippine enterprises are urged to accelerate digital transformation as this can help them take advantage of the benefits of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).

Embracing technology amid the RCEP ratification will help Philippine-based businesses to tap the large market of participating countries, according to digital transformation

accelerator Stratpoint Technologies founder and chair Paco Sandejas told reporters in a recent interview.

The 15 participating countries in RCEP -- Australia, Brunei, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam -- comprised onethird of the world’s popu-

lation and economy.

Chapter 12 of the RCEP deal is about electronic commerce.

Sandejas said Philippine businesses can be more competitive through digital technology, and Stratpoint aims to help local businesses accelerate their digital transformation.

Stratpoint chief executive officer MR Dela Cruz said talent and resources

Green lanes to help realize investment pledges from Marcos’ trips, DTI says

The country’s major investment promotion agencies (IPAs), the Board of Investments (BOI) and the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) have welcomed the issuance of the Executive Order (EO) No. 18 or the creation of green lanes for strategic investments.

investments,” he said. It was Pascual and the DTI-BOI that recommended the creation of green lanes to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. last October that will help the administration to realize the investment pledges from the Chief Executive’s foreign trips.

are the main challenges for Filipino businesses in starting their digitalization.

But she said enterprises have to allocate a part of their resources to get on board with digital transformation.

“We’ve just scratched the surface of bringing companies to the cloud. It hasn’t been fast enough,” dela Cruz said. “Now, 2023

In a statement Monday, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary and BOI chairperson Alfredo Pascual said the green lanes for strategic investments will facilitate ease of doing business and will increase the country’s attractiveness as an investment destination.

“This EO complements our efforts to facilitate a robust economic recovery and expansion. It promotes ease of doing business as national government agencies including its regional and provincial offices, as well as local government units are now mandated to create green lanes that will fast-track the process of securing necessary licenses and permits for strategic

“It was during the meeting that we communicated to the President that several investors are interested to expand operations in the Philippines. Most of them have emphasized the importance of advancing ease of doing business after we have identified barriers across multiple regulatory agencies that hamper the smooth entry of FDIs (foreign direct investments) in the country,” he added.

The new EO will provide ease of doing business for highly desirable projects, FDIs and activities under the Strategic Investment Priority Plan (SIPP).

EO 18 covers all national government agencies, government-owned or -controlled corporations

Department of Labor and Employment 11 (DOLE 11) spokesperson Eduardo Monreal discusses the upcoming Araw ng Kasambahay activity dubbed Kasambahay Fun Day set on March 5 at the Annex of SM City Davao during this week’s Kapehan sa Dabaw. Lean Daval Jr.

FBSP, P10

DOLE vows to upskill workers as more investors in PH seen

Higher merger, acquisition threshold starting March 1

The Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) will hike the threshold for the mandatory notification for merger and acquisition (M&A) deals starting March 1.

“Beginning March 1, 2023, mergers and acquisitions that breach a Size of Party (SoP) of PHP7 billion and a Size of Transaction (SoT) of PHP2.9 billion will have to be notified to the PCC for mandatory merger review,” the PCC said in a statement.

Since the Bayanihan 2 Act lapsed in September last year, the PCC has placed the M&A threshold at PHP6.1 billion for SoP and PHP2.5 billion for SoT.

SoP is the aggregate value of assets in the Philippines of the ultimate entity of one of the parties to a transaction, while SoT is the value of assets or revenues of the acquired entity and the entities it controlled.

Both thresholds should be met to trigger the compulsory notification to PCC

TheDepartment of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is boosting efforts to ensure that the Philippines has a pool of highly skilled and educated workforce as more foreign investors decide to do business in the country.

and market-driven so they can find employment that suits their skills.

for a merger or acquisition transaction.

The commission said it has “recalibrated the thresholds for compulsory notifications of mergers and acquisitions, marking an increase to reflect changes in the economy facing high inflation and reeling from the effects induced by the pandemic.”

In 2022, the country’s gross domestic product grew by 7.6 percent.

On the other hand, inflation hit 8.7 percent in January 2023.

Since the enactment into law of the Philippine Competition Act (PCA), thresholds for both SoP and SoT were at PHP1 billion.

SoP threshold grew to PHP5 billion in 2018, PHP5.6 billion in 2019, and PHP6 billion in 2020 before the pandemic.

SoT threshold, meanwhile, increased to PHP2 billion in 2018, PHP2.2 billion in 2019, and PHP2.4 billion in 2020.

FHIGHER, P10

In a Bagong Pilipinas episode aired Saturday, Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma bared that the DOLE is providing workers with opportunities to learn additional skills to resolve the country’s skills-job mismatch problem.

“Dapat magkaroon tayo ng epektibo na labor information system, ikukumpara natin ‘yan sa iba-ibang mga rehiyon kung nasaan ‘yung mga

available nang sa gayon ay makatulong tayo din pag may mga naghahanap ng ideal na lugar kung saan sila mag-i-invest (We should have an effective labor information system, we will compare that with the different regions so that we can also help those who are looking for an ideal place to invest in),” Laguesma said. He said upskilling of workers must be industry-led as well as demand

“Bukod diyan kailangan din nating palakasin ‘yung sistema ng ating digitalization ng mga available na mga jobs nang sa ganun mayroong pagkakataon na makapamili ‘yung ating mga manggagawa kung saan nila gustong magtrabaho, anong klase ng trabaho (Apart from that, we also need to strengthen our digitalization system of available jobs so that our workers have the opportunity to choose where they want to work, what type of work,” he added),” he added.

Aside from upskilling workers, Laguesma said

jobs mismatched should be addressed as well. This, he said, could be solved by conducting jobs fair with the department focusing on knowing the requirements of every industry to effectively address them.

Cheaper, stable energy supply

With the expected influx of foreign investors, the Department of Energy (DOE) is also improving access to cheap and stable energy supply that could sustain manufacturing industries that create jobs.

Energy Undersecretary Felix William Fuentebella said the DOE is sticking to its target of a

F

Oil prices down Tuesday

Pump prices of petroleum products will be rolled back this week, following the increases implemented by oil firms last Tuesday.

In an advisory, Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp. and Seaoil Philippines Corp. said they will reduce

prices per liter of gasoline by P0.70, diesel by P1.30, and kerosene by P1.80.

Cleanfuel will implement the same changes, excluding kerosene which it does not carry.

The changes will take effect at 6 a.m. on Tuesday, February 28, for all the

firms except for Cleanfuel which will adjust prices at 12:01 a.m. the same day.

Other firms have yet to make similar announcements for the week.

Firms last week hiked prices per liter of gasoline by P0.90 and diesel by P1.05, while rolling back

kerosene by P0.25.

Latest data available from the Department of Energy (DOE) show that yearto-date net decreases stood at P1.10 per liter for diesel and P0.50 per liter for kerosene, and a net increase of P6.00 per liter for gasoline as of February 21, 2023.

NCCC assistant vice president for Supermarket Operations Jezza Joy Damada, together with Marketing Promotions Manager Cherry Camahalan, promotes the relaunching of Mom Squad, a campaign that offers discount and exclusive deals for the supermoms, during a presser at NCCC VPlaza Mall over the weekend. Lean Daval Jr.

In lauding various infrastructure developments in Mindanao as he continues push for improving the quality of life of Filipinos through better public facilities

Editorial Consultant

BILLACURA Sports Editor

PADILLO Senior Reporter

GREGORIO GARAY DELIGERO

“We need to support projects that will encourage our people to be physically active and to pursue their passions. This facility will be a hub for sports activities and events, which will help bring people together. As a public servant, it is my duty to ensure that our people are provided with the necessary facilities and infrastructure that will improve their quality of life.”

Senator CHRISTOPHER “BONG” GO

Unlike land-based Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), a Filipino seafarer is required to make an allotment which shall be at least 80 percent of the seafarer’s monthly basic salary, payable once a month to his designated allottee in the Philippines.

The issue of seafarers remittances as mandatory while it is only voluntary for the land based OFWs was raised during the second “AHOY Training and Immersion Course” organized by the International Christian Maritime Association (ICMA) held from February 20 to 25, 2023 in Pasay.

ICMA is a free association of 29 charitable organizations working for the welfare of seafarers, fishers and their families. These organizations represent various Christian churches and communities that operate in more than 400 seafarers’ centers in more than 100 countries.

ICMA was founded in 1969 to encourage collaboration and mutual assistance among seafarers’ ministry organizations.

It is the mission of ICMA to promote unity, peace and tolerance as it is the duty of every

ATTY. DENNIS R. GORECHO PINOY MARINO RIGHTS

ICMA AND FAMILIARIZATION OF THE CULTURE OF FILIPINO SEAFARERS

chaplains, ship visitors, and volunteers and advocates for seafarers’ welfare to serve the stakeholders regardless of nationality, religion, culture, gender or ethnic origin.

Due to the high number of Filipino seafarers who visit port based welfare centers around the world, the training course allowed participants to gain a first-hand knowledge of Filipino seafarers’ social and cultural background and other institutions in the Filipino maritime sector so as to better serve them.

Some of the members organizations of ICMA include Stella Maris, Mission to Seafarers, Sailor Society, German Seemannsmission, among others.

Lectures were given by seasoned academicians, government representatives and maritime stakeholders along with familiarization tours in Intramuros, Quiapo, dormitories and centers.

I delivered a lecture on the protection of seafarers’ rights dealing with legal issues on disability and death benefits due to illness or accidents as well as illegal dismissal, nonpayment or underpayment of

salaries and wages and illegal recruitment.

It is estimated that there is one Filipino seafarer for every four to five crew on board a vessel at any time.

The sea-based sector’s remittance comprises at least 22 percent of the total dollar OFW remittances.

Data from the website of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) showed the fluctuation in seafarers’ dollar remittances.

The data noted US$6,870,827,000 in 2017; US$6,139,512,000 in 2018; US$6,539,246,000 in 2019; US$6,353,522,000 in 2020; US$ 6,545,002,000 in 2021; and US$6,715,880,000 in 2022.

From the BSP records since 2017, the sea-based sector’s remittances increased in 2018 by US$731,315,000, then increased in 2019 by US$399,734,000, then decreased in 2020 by US$185,724,000, then increased in 2021 by US$191,480,000, and increased again in US$170.878,000.

In 2022, total OFW remittances amounted to US&32,539,430.00 where US$25,823,550,000 are from

ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA FAST BACKWARD

Excluding the learning institutes organized by the government, the educational landscape during American colonial rule in Davao City and the years after the liberation was largely the playground of sectarian and private schools.

Salvador L. Pacis, who wrote ‘Davao: Its Progress and Future,’ (1951), the first booklength historical account of Davao’s educational growth, came out with interesting details about the early schools in the region during School Year 1949-50, which he sourced from notable acad-emicians connected with existing institutions.

In his table of Catholic schools, he enlisted nine schools with their year of founding and enrollments based on levels.

First is Immaculate Conception College, erstwhile known as Co-legio de San Pedro, in-

augurated in 1905 as Escuela Catolica de San Pedro. During that year, it had an enrolment of 746 pupils in elementary, 250 in secondary, and 150 in collegiate, or a total of 1,146. At the time, it was the only institute offering tertiary education in the region.

The other Catholic schools mentioned are Our Lady’s Academy of Baganga, Davao Ori-ental, organized in 1935 and had 151 elementary pupils, followed by Holy Family Academy of Caraga, Davao Oriental, which also opened that year with 174 elementary enrollees. Ateneo de Davao, formed in 1947 and exclusively catering to boys, had a total enrollment of 538, divided into 254 for elementary and 184 for high school.

Saint Peter’s High School of Toril, a co-ed institution, had 252 secondary students. Holy

land based workers while US$6,715,880,000 are from deployed seafarers.

In terms of deployment, the records from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) show that the total number of seafarers deployed overseas reached 376,663 in 2017; 337,502 in 2018; 507,730 in 2019; 217,233 in 2020; and 345, 517 in 2021.

Blogger Fred Uno of MarineCafe.com pointed out in an article that Filipino seafarers are being shortchanged in the conversion of their dollar remittances to pesos as he described such practice as “thievery” in the maritime industry.

Some unscrupulous manning agencies shave off at least one or two pesos from the foreign exchange rate, misleadingly calling the cut as “service charges.”

Some manning agents keep part of the remittances when converting the money to pesos by using an exchange rate that is usually one or two pesos lower than the official BSP rate.

Such tampering with the dollar-to-peso rate, he added, results to the shortchanging of Filipino seafarers since their

families receive less than they should in allotments.

These practices are clearly contrary to the letter and spirit of the POEA contract, which says that facilitation by the manning agency of allotments shall be “at no expense to the seafarer, and that “allotments shall be paid to the designated allottee in Philippine currency at the rate of exchange indicated in the credit advice of the local authorized Philippine bank.”

“The seafaring worldview is presupposed by the expression “We’re in the same boat.” Whatever their nationality, religion, culture, gender or ethnic origin might be, they realize that deep within, people are basically the same. Wherever they embark from and disembark at, they are bound to meet other seafaring people like themselves,,” says Bishop Ambo David, president of Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP).

(Atty. Dennis R. Gorecho heads the seafarers’ division of the Sapalo Velez Bundang Bulilan law offices. For comments, e-mail info@sapalovelez. com, or call 09175025808 or 09088665786.)

EARLY SCHOOLS IN DAVAO CITY

Cross of Digos, opened to boys and girls, had 757 elementary pupils and 150 high school students. Holy Cross of Tagum, meanwhile, had 246 secondary students while Holy Cross of Calinan had 150 high school enrollees. Immaculate Heart of Mary Academy in Mati City, had 157 elementary pupils. Including Ateneo de Davao, all the schools following it were or-ganized in 1947. Except for the ICC which was exclusive for girls and Ateneo for boys, the other Catholic schools in the 1949-50 enrollment roster were opened to boys and girls.

On the other hand, there were five private schools classified as non-sectarian in the school year 1949-50, led by Davao Chinese School, entered as being founded in 1934 instead of the popularized 1924. At the time, the institution had 746 elementary pupils and 62

high school students. Though chiefly opened for the children of the Chinese community, it also admitted Filipinos who were exempt from paying tuition fees.

Four other non-sectarian or private schools were listed, namely Mindanao Colleges (now University of Mindanao), Panabo Institute, Rizal Memorial Colleges (RMC), and Samal Insti-tute.

Mindanao Colleges, founded in 1946, became a force in the educational arena in just three years. After it opened its main building with 352 elementary pupils, 2,164 high school enrollees, and 1,158 undergraduates, or 3,674 students, in 1948 it inaugurated its secretarial, technology, and vocational buildings. By 1949, its Digos branch was opened with 197 high school students and 114 college enroll-

ees. A year later, its Santa Ana branch (along Francisco Bangoy Street, Davao City) was launched with 152 elementary pupils and 131 high school students.

In 1948, the Panabo Institute began in Panabo City with 125 students. That same year, RMC opened its gates; it leased four buildings, namely the Soriano and Gempesaw buildings along Anda Street (now Iñigo), the Sexon building along Magallanes Street (now Pichon Sr.), and Joseph building, along San Pedro Street. When it opened, it had 147 elementary pupils, 872 high school enrollees, and 267 tertiary students. The next year, it opened a branch in San-ta Ana.

Samal Institute opened also in 1948 with 40 elementary pupils and 150 high school stu-dents.

From mobile ordering to delivery service, customers are now rushing into drive-thru service. Everything is moving in the direction of “order and leave.”

What makes it so well-liked by customers?

Drive-thru are primarily concerned with convenience. Customers may place an order, pay for it, and receive it all without leaving their cars.

Nowadays, not only restaurants and fast-food chains have drive-thru lanes, even coffee shops.

Starbucks (shortened Bucks by yuppies) recently launched its 6th store in Davao City located at Damosa Complex, which is also its first drive-thru store in Min-

BUCKS’ BREWS ON THE GO

danao.

Caffeine-fanatics can now order and enjoy a freshly brewed beverage Starbucks without staying in the café.

Noey T. Lopez, president of Rustan Coffee, the authorized licensee of Starbucks Retail Business in the Philippines, said in an interview that they are surprised with the positive impact of the Starbucks drive-thru format on the Dabawenyos.

“We are pleasantly surprised how strong the business here in Davao, specially here in Damosa IT Park. I think it’s a combination, its drive-thru plus its much larger store,” Lopez said.

If you are not in a hurry, you can also dine in. The two-story Starbucks in Damosa provides a warm and inviting setting to enjoy beverages

and pastries.

Starbucks opened its first store in Davao City in 2011 with a branch at Abreeza Ayala Mall. Then it opened at SM City Davao, SM Lanang Premier, F. Torres St. (Davao Convention and Trade Center), and IT Park Matina.

“I am amazed how strong the business here, its really growing, even when we started. We opened at Abreeza, SM, then my people tell me

that the people in Davao City are very particular in customer service. We have to give them better service than we give in Manila. That they are very particular and their expectations are very high. It’s a great sign, there’s so much opportunity, not just in Davao but in Mindanao,” Lopez added.

Starbucks has over 30 drive-thru stores and has over 400 stores in the Philippines.

Since the pandemic, the food and beverage industry has gone through tectonic changes in response to customer preference.

Last call for ALPI’s love month deals

Aeon Luxe Properties Inc. (ALPI) continues to love the entire month of February with exciting extended promotions.

Beginning with the 23-on-20 promo, buyers can enjoy a 23 percent

HONOR

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Global technology brand HONOR today announced the launch of the HONOR X7a. Featuring a long-lasting 6,000mAh battery, a 50MP Ultra-clear Quad Camera system, 128GB storage, and a stunning 6.74-inch HONOR FullView Display, the new HONOR X Series smartphone comes with extraordinary battery life and powerful hardware to offer a well-rounded use experience throughout the day, and more –all at an affordable price.

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discount on the 20 percent downpayment for all units in Aeon Bleu. The 10-10-10 promo also offers a 10 percent spot cash discount, payable in 36 months, on the total lease price.

Last February 18, 2023, ALPI hosted an Open House event at Aeon Towers, J.P. Laurel Bajada, Davao City. The Open House was a perfect opportunity for buyers to see and explore the pre-

mium amenities and facilities featured in Aeon Towers and Aeon Bleu. Guests were treated to a selection of pastries and candies, making the event a sweet and memorable experience.

The Open House resulted in a number of closed deals and expressions of interest.

For ALIP’s sellers, it also meant rewards ranging from a crack at prizes from the roulette. Clients

also got a bottle of wine and a box of chocolates for closing a deal with ALPI.

For sure, celebrating the month of love with ALPI made everyone’s dreams of owning a home a reality.

X7a with industry-setting 3 day battery life

Slim Body, Large Battery

Embedded in HONOR X7a’s slim and chic body, the 6,000mAh battery delivers the extraordinary battery life among all HONOR X Series smartphones to date. Featuring HONOR Smart Power Saving Technology to optimize power consumption, the latest HONOR X7a can support up to 42 hours of social media browsing, 42 hours of phone calling or 29 hours of music streaming on a full charge, making it a reliable companion for users who are constantly on the go. Packed with 22.5W HONOR SuperCharge, HONOR X7a can be charged vastly to allow users to enjoy over 10 hours of music streaming with just 30 minutes of charging.

With industry-level innovative battery technologies, the cell of the HONOR X7a comes with a higher energy density and a reduced thickness, contributing to the long battery life and the slim form factor of device. The battery also demonstrates exceptional longevity, capable of maintaining above 80% health even after three years of use.

The HONOR X7a has

also entered the DXOMARK smartphone battery rankings, earning the DXOMARK Gold Battery Label in recognition of its outstanding battery performance.

A Superb Display for an Immersive Viewing Experience Featuring a 6.74-inch HONOR FullView Display with a 90.07% screen-tobody ratio, the HONOR X7a delivers an immersive viewing experience, no matter when the user is working, streaming videos or gaming. Supporting HD resolution and a color depth of 16.7 million colors, the HONOR X7a displays visuals in stunning clarity and vibrancy, perfect for viewing photos, videos and movies.

Certified by TÜV Rheinland for low blue light emissions, the display on the HONOR X7a can be used for extended periods of time without stressing the eye. The Eye Comfort Mode, eBook Mode and Dark Mode on the HONOR X7a provide additional display personalization options for further reducing eye fatigue.

Smooth User Experience Enabled by Superior Camera Capabilities and Large Storage

The HONOR X7a features an impressive 50MP Ultra-clear Quad Camera system comprising a 50MP Main Camera, a 5MP Wide Camera, 2MP Macro Camera and a 2MP Depth Camera, allowing users to capture their memorable life moments in vivid detail, all day and all night long. On the front, the 8MP Front Camera makes taking high-quality portraits easy, ideal for selfie lovers who enjoy snapping photos with their loved ones.

Users who enjoy keeping their media always accessible at their fingertips

can take full advantage of the large 128GB storage drive, which can keep over 28,000 pictures, 11,000 songs or 450 HD videos locally. The MicroSD card slot allows users to further expand storage by up to 1TB, bringing enhanced flexibility to meet their business and personal needs.

Pricing and Availability

Designed for a style-conscious audience, the HONOR X7a is available in three stunning colors: Titanium Silver, Ocean Blue and Midnight Black. Starting from Feb-

ruary 22, the HONOR X7a will be available to purchase via all HONOR kiosks and partner online stores – Lazada (http:// bit.ly/3IHXprc), Shopee (http://bit.ly/3ErRvYs), and Tiktok Shop (http:// bit.ly/3KvRNS6).

For more information and announcements, you may visit HONOR’s website www.hihonor.com or social media platforms: Facebook (Facebook. com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram. com/honorphilippines/) and TikTok: (Tiktok. com/@honorphilippines).

Ongoing construction for the Aeon Bleu project.

BURNING... FROM 2 GO... FROM 3

ty maneuvering because of the very limited road access.

“Maong dili ma-posisyon ug tarong ang firetruck aron maatangan unta nato ang kalayo aron dili na mukatag pa sa laing areas,” he said.

Meantime, the fire victims from the three barangays received aid from the Office of First Congressional District Representative

PNP... FROM 2

ri, Cagayan and five of his companions were killed in an ambush in Bagabag, Nueva Vizcaya.

Governor Mamintal “Bombit” Adiong Jr. was seriously wounded while 4 of his police security were killed in an ambush in the town of Maguing, Lanao del Sur on Feb. 17.

Fajardo said the police are set to file this week complaints against suspects involved in the Adiong case.

Meanwhile, the police have a “promising lead” in the Alameda case while they are still in the process of enhancing security footage to identify Montawal’s perpetrators, she added.

LOOSE FIREARMMS

Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr. assured the public the police are working hard to resolve the attacks.

He said investigators are looking at every angle to determine the motive.

Paolo “Pulong” Duterte. Rep. Duterte immediately extended assistance to the victims. The First Congressional District office staff members distributed emergency food packs the following day, February 26, to the victims who are currently housed at Barangay 21-C Gymnasium in Piapi Boulevard. Each family will also receive hot meals for five days.

Abalos added that the PNP is considering providing additional security to local officials in light of the incidents.

The DILG chief also directed police to heighten their campaign against private armed groups and loose firearms, especially in Mindanao.

“Kailangang tukuyin at buwagin ang mga PAGs na ito at kumpiskahin ang loose firearms na nasa kanilang pag-aari na maaaring ginagamit nila sa mga ilegal na gawain,” he said in a statement issued Monday. Abalos ordered PNP to increase police visibility to deter crimes.

“I also expect the PNP to stay true to its mission to serve and protect the citizenry by exerting sustained, deliberate, and committed efforts to stop this senseless violence against local officials and prevent criminal activities,” he said.

gal-Arroyo and 18 other lawmakers.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had also said that the Philippine government would refuse to cooperate in the ICC’s probe on the drug war, saying it was a “threat to our sovereignty.”

“I do not see what their

BSP... FROM 4

clocked in at a 14-year-high of 8.7% in January, higher than central bank’s projection range of 7.5% to 8.3%, and the target range of 2.0% to 4.0%.

It expects inflation to fall into the target range by the fourth quarter, and average 6.1% for 2023.

Medalla is currently serving the unexpired

DOLE... FROM 5

35 percent share of renewable energy (RE) in the power generation mix by 2030 and a 50 percent share by 2040.

He described the shift to renewable energy as timely due to high fuel prices that burden power-generating plants.

Fuentebella likewise expressed optimism that the country’s offshore po-

FAIR... FROM 12

jurisdiction is. I feel that we have in our police, in our judiciary, a good system. We do not need assistance from any outside entity, the Philippines is a sovereign nation and we are not colonies anymore of this former imperialist,” Marcos earlier said.

term of his predecessor, current Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno, who also took over the rest of the term of Governor Nestor Espenilla, Jr. who passed away in February 2019.

Espenilla in 2017 said he wanted to see the reserve requirement cut by half under his leadership.

tential is “so ideal” and can sustain its future energy demand.

Currently, he said that part of the government’s initiative to lower electricity prices is the diversification of energy sourcing.

He said the government is also educating the public on energy efficiency and conservation. (PNA)

BUSINESSES... FROM 4

is all about digital acceleration, getting there with speed.”

Stratpoint’s new office

in Mandaluyong City adopts the hybrid work arrangement in serving its local and foreign clients. (PNA)

points.

It would have been the second time in recent history that the club would have pulled off the feat, doing it, also on home soil, in the Regular Men’s division which Almario was also a member of.

“I just wished we could have played better,” Almario said. “That’s how the cookie crumbles, I guess. Luisita played well. They shot decent scores and they deserved

to win.”

Cebu CC won the Founders by 34 points over Orchard, their division decided as early as the third round after a 133 at Club Filipino in Danao.

Eric Deen shot a fiveover-par 77 worth 49 points to lead Cebu CC in the final day, even as Kenneth Kim fired 55 to lead Orchard’s closing 140 for second place, four points better than Riviera Golf, which fired 137.

LAKERS... FROM 11

The Mavericks were still down three with 15 seconds left when an inbound pass from Irving to Doncic was headed toward the backcourt. Doncic ran to save it from going into the backcourt, thinking it would be a turnover if he didn’t.

Davis grabbed the loose ball, forcing Dallas to foul. Doncic could have let the ball go past midcourt without Dallas losing possession.

Irving said he threw the ball toward the backcourt to give Doncic more room, and figured the soon-to-be 24-year-old would know he could let it cross midcourt.

“Once I saw him try to save it from half court, I looked at him about a minute later, ‘You know you could go backcourt?’”

Irving said. “He’s like, ‘Ah, man, that’s my fault.’ This is what it’s going to be like when you’re learning ingame with one another.”

Vanderbilt, another trade pickup for LA, had 15

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At the height of the pandemic, M&A thresholds were at PHP50 billion.

To date, the total M&A deals that the PCC has approved stand at PHP4.94 trillion.

“The top five sectors with the most number of

GREEN... FROM 4

and local government units involved in the issuance of business permits, licenses, certifications and/or authorizations.

For his part, PEZA officer-in-charge Tereso Panga said in a Facebook post that the EO 18 signals a whole-of-government approach in improving and accelerating the issuance of permits and licenses needed in putting up businesses in the country.

“PEZA welcomes the issuance of Executive Order 18 for its ‘whole-of-government approach’ in easing the conversion of investment pledges to actualize on the ground presence of foreign investors’ companies and facilities,” Panga said.

He added PEZA commits to share its best practices and knowledge in providing smooth services to investors as the agency implements one-stop shop for securing permits and li-

points, 17 rebounds and four steals, including two during a 12-0 third-quarter run that got the deficit inside 10 for the first time since late in the first.

TIP-INS

Lakers: LA won despite an 0-of-15 start from 3-point range, and was being outscored 30-0 from deep by the second quarter. The comeback was methodical, and inside-oriented, as the Lakers outscored the Mavericks 62-32 in the paint. ... Dennis Schroder had 16 points and a gamehigh eight assists.

Mavericks: Dallas cooled off after a hot start from going 8 of 26 after the break. Doncic made his first 3 but missed four of the last five. Irving was 1 of 8 from deep after halftime. ... Tim Hardaway Jr. scored 17 points and helped fuel the early Dallas surge by blocking a shot from James, running down the loose ball and throwing a long pass to Doncic for a layup just before the first-quarter buzzer.

M&A agreements involve manufacturing (51 transactions), financial and insurance (42), real estate (33), electricity and gas (27), and transportation and storage (19),” the commission added. (PNA)

censes. PEZA has been recognized by International Finance Corporation (IFC)-World Bank, United States’ Department of State, and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Investment Report for its one-stopshop facility, investment promotion and facilitation measures for its economic zone locators.

“The best practices and ease of doing business climate it has set in place has been a model for other countries to follow. It is high time that we recognize that to stay competitive, taking the cue from PBBM’s national policy to address the pain points of investors by setting up green lanes for strategic investments,” Panga added.

According to Malacañang, the recent foreign trips of Marcos secured some PHP3.4 trillion in investment pledges.

Lakers rise from 27 down to beat Mavs

DALLAS — Anthony Davis dunked a missed shot and screamed after giving the Los Angeles Lakers the lead for good with two minutes to go.

So much for the 27-point deficit in a showcase of stars that went from a laugher to a thriller with 13 fourth-quarter lead changes.

Davis had 30 points and 15 rebounds, LeBron James scored 26 and the Lakers completed their biggest rally in 21 years, beating the same team again in a

111-108 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday (Monday, Manila time). The fourth win in five games for LA came after trailing by 27 in the middle of the second quarter — the same deficit the Lakers faced at the start of the fourth at home against Dallas on Dec. 6, 2002, before finishing a 30-point rally in

a 105-103 victory.

“The guys never got discouraged,” Lakers coach Darvin Ham said. “They had that look of frustration, but it wasn’t a look of defeatedness on their faces. Everybody just wanted to stay encouraged.”

Luka Doncic scored 26 points for the Mavs, but the youngest of the four superstars was limited and frustrated, largely by the defense of Jarred Vanderbilt, after a 14-point first quarter that sent Dallas on its way to the huge lead.

Kyrie Irving had 21

FRED C. LUMBA SPORTS KEN

On the day the nationals were taking on visiting Jordan, our coverage piece could not promptly meet the printing deadline. So, here’s hoping Gilas experiences a deja vu - a successful repeat performance of Friday’s tussle versus Lebanon. Choose your own adjective(s) to describe Gilas’ win over Lebanon last Friday.

Any will fit.

Heroic. Excellent. Impressive. Gallant. Courageous. Bold. True enough, Justin Brownlee proved he is the “right man” for the job.

No Kai Sotto. No Japhet Aguilar. No Ange Kouame. And no Jordan Clarkson. Okay lang.

Because of the numbers Brownlee submitted in his first outing with Gilas, would the coaching staff even consider maintaining JB for the FIBA World’s August schedule and face the risks without a tested warrior like JC?

Maybe or maybe not.

But much as every Pinoy fanatic witnessed JB’s solid play, would this be enough to convince Chot Reyes, Tim Cone and the SBP to maintain him as Gilas’ naturalized player?

Well, the encounter against Jordan will say more about JB.

But the score in the 107-96 conquest of the Cedars did not tell the whole story.

There was more to be euphoric about the convincing tri-

umph.

points and 11 rebounds for Dallas, but didn’t take over in the fourth quarter the way he did in his first victory with Doncic since the trade from Brooklyn — over lowly San Antonio.

“We have to grow up if we want to win a championship,” Mavs coach Jason Kidd said. “What the Lakers just showed us is it’s not the rabbit that wins; it’s the turtle. And they worked the game. And that’s what we have to get better at.”

Davis and James were the fourth-quarter standouts as trade acquisition

D’Angelo Russell sat out after spraining his ankle in a victory over defending champion Golden State in the previous game.

The Lakers had what looked like an ankle scare with James as the rally was gaining steam in the third quarter, with the recently crowned all-time scoring leader staying down for several minutes holding his lower right leg. He stayed in the game.

“It’s been better,” said James, who limped through the tunnel after the game. “But I definitely wasn’t

going to locker room and not finish the game. The importance of this game and then the momentum that we had, I felt like we could steal one after being down.”

After the injury, James hit a tying 3-pointer to start the fourth, then another bucket for LA’s first lead since the middle of the first quarter.

After Davis’ rebound and dunk for a 104-103 lead with 2:00 remaining, James scored for a threepoint edge.

The razzle dazzle that all but highlighted every Gilas’ player’s on-court savvy was what Pinoy basketball fanatics were expecting to happen.

This is positive thinking.

JB led the way with his allaround performance in defense and offense.

I’d like to assume that he inspired everyone. The crowd at the Philippine arena roared like thunder everytime JB scored

Again, I pop this question: Would there still be a need to summon Jordan Clarkson?

This is (quite) debatable and argumentative.

Because we know what Clarkson - adjudged NBA’s Sixth Man some seasons ago - can do

because of his very impressive numbers in the world’s best professional cage league.

What is going for JB is that - like the palm of his hand - he particularly knows how to communicate with Pinoy cagers and develop chemistry and coherence. His athletic skills may not pass the stringent NBA yardstick but as far as teamwork is concerned - which is what basketball is all about - JB helps elevate his teammates’ morale and confidence, the two integral ingredients in winning or losing.

Against tough, taller and heftier opposition, JB’s skills were not found wanting even if he had not seen action in the

world’s number one basketball league much like Clarkson.

Well, the truth of the pudding is in its eating.

What strongly goes for JC are his being a (50%) Pinoy and his stellar NBA credentials which JB - regretfully - does not possess.

If the Gilas coaching staff bases the selection on the above-cited rationale, then you guys can figure out who it is.

JB will see action in the SEA Games in Cambodia this May which will measure anew his competitive skills to the fore.

Not to preempt the Gilas coaches’ choice, but mine would still be JC. (Email feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.) GOD

Anthony Davis had 30 points and 15 rebounds

JC OR JB?

FLAKERS, P10

FAIR PLAY

Matina golfers accepts PAL ruling, vows to come back next year

BY NEIL BRAVO

Lawyer Robert de Leon nailed it like a five-foot putt straight to the cup when he explained to Edge Davao that the Davao City Golf Club is officially taking the decision of the rules body of the 74th Philippine Airlines Seniors Interclub denying them of what could have been a second place finish in the Friendship division of the country’s most prestigious team tournament.

After sinking their last putt, the boys from Matina were ready to celebrate when they were called by the rules official that the team has been re-classified.

The DCGC divot-diggers came to within six points of eventual division winner Malaysia Eagle Hunters. However, De Leon said

that Filgolf, the official scoring provider, discovered that one of the players in the line-up did not have a WHS handicap. Under the rules, a player without an official handicap is given a zero handicap.

This resulted to DCGC’s aggregate handicap going lower and re-classified to the stronger Aviator division.

De Leon, himself a former PAL employee, said they are taking the decision and will lodge no protest.

“We will be back next year,” said De Leon who plated impressively in the four-day event played in Cebu.

Meantime, Carl Almario and the rest of the Cebu Country Club squad won’t be going home emp-

ty-handed after falling short in the overall race of the Philippine Airlines Senior Interclub “Back to Ignite” tournament on Saturday.

“We’re happy winning the Founders (division),” Almario who tallied 95 of Cebu CC’s 564 points for the week, said during the awarding ceremony. “But of course, it (overall title) would have been the icing on the cake. But you know, in golf, you cannot win them all.”

The Cebuanos were in control of the overall race for two days starting the second round, only to falter on the final day at Alta Vista by tallying just 141 points as Luisita completed a rally by pooling 151 that easily erased a twopoint Cebu CC lead at the start of the day.

Cebu CC was just eight points shy of Luisita’s Championship division-winning total of 572 FFAIR, P10

“There’s no more protest, we are taking the decision in the true essence of sportsmanship.”

Present during the ceremonial tee-offs ushering in the 74th Philippine Airlines Men’s Interclub golf team championships on Sunday (February 26) are (from left) Dina May Flores of the PAL Interclub executive committee, Cebu Country Club president Jose Soberano, Cebu City Mayor

Michael Rama, CCC golf chairman Roberth Booth, Club Filipino de Cebu’s Ellie Espinosa, Club Filipino de Cebu team captain Calvin Gothong and Bong Velasquez, PAL assistant vice president for sales.