This after the much-anticipated sky spectacle failed to get off the ground due to what organizers say as low GPS signal.
The first ever 3D Drone Lightshow was touted as one of the biggest attractions of the 86th Araw ng Davao over the weekend.
Jennifer Romero, officer-in-charge of the Davao City Tourism Operations Office (CTOO), in an interview on Monday said they will investigate and talk to the technical team to ex-
plain what went wrong.
“We will investigate and we will talk to the technical team so that we can understand and get their side on the technical aspect of what happened. We really planned last Saturday’s activity, together with the Execom and the organizers. It’s just so unfortunate na naa kita’y technical problem and we are still looking into in-depth what really happened because it’s beyond our troubleshooting. We also did our share
during the event but on the technical aspect, kana pa ang atong pagatan-awon,” she said.
She also said they have yet to meet and discuss with the organizer of the event, Manic Nightnings Production, concerning the fiasco.
Last Saturday, Dabawenyos flocked the coastal road in Bago Aplaya for the first-ever drone Lightshow, which was the highlight of the Araw ng Dabaw Music and Arts Festival. The event was scheduled to start at 5 p.m. until 1 a.m. while the drone show was scheduled at 8 p.m.
FDRONE, P10
Brigadier General Consolito
P Yecla officially handed over the command of the 1003rd Infantry (Raptor) Brigade to its newly-installed brigade commander Colonel Marion T Angcao during the Change of Command Ceremony held at Camp Don Mariano Marcos in Barangay Malagos, Davao City on Saturday, March 4, 2023.
Major General Jose Eriel M Niembra, 10th Infantry (Agila)
Division Commander, presided over the ceremony. Likewise, various stakeholders of the 1003rd Infantry Brigade also witnessed the event.
Before his assumption, Colonel Angcao served as the Deputy Commander of the 1003rd Infantry Brigade; Assistant Chief of Unified Command Staff for Plans of the Eastern Mindanao Command; Acting Chief of Staff of the Presidential Security
Group; and Commander of the 73rd Infantry Battalion.
During the ceremony, BGen Yecla received various recognition from different stakeholders for his outstanding accomplishment in his area of operations. As brigade commander, BGen Yecla received the prestigious Philippine Military Academy Cavalier Award for Army Operations during the PMA Alumni
After the completion of underground cabling system on San Pedro Street, the City Government of Davao, in partnership with the Davao Light Power Company (DLPC), has turned its sights to the removal of the 700-meter stretch of overhead wires along Magsaysay Avenue.
On March 2, the local government and DLPC gave the go signal to the operations of the 600-meter stretch of underground cabling system under San Pedro Street with a ceremonial switch-on led by city officials, DLPC affiliates and other stakeholders. The San Pedro underground cabling project began in March 2021 and was completed on February 19 this year.
DLPC Reputation Enhancement Department head Fermin Edillon, in an interview with the City Information Office on February 27, said the removal of the overhead wires on San Pedro was led by the City Engineer’s Office in a joint effort with utility companies in the city.
“Gimandohan ta na ibutang ang cable wires nato from overhead to the underground. We’re happy to inform you na successful ang atoang pagtanggal sa kaning mga cables and wires including the posts on February 19 diha sa dalan sa San Pedro (We are mandated to place our cable wires from overhead to the underground. We are happy to inform you that we have succeeded in our removal of the cables and wires including the posts in February 19 on San Pedro Street),” said Edillon.
City Ordinance No. 0152-17 mandates all telecommunication companies and Davao Light to convert overhead lines to an underground system, which aims to not only beautify the city’s busiest streets, but also to provide a much more reliable power system.
The project covers the whole central business district of the city- covering San Pedro Street, Ponciano St., Pelayo St., Bonifacio, Magsaysay Avenue and Quirino Avenue.
“Kining sa Magsaysay nato na project kay naa na sa first phase or sa first half niya. Ang first half ani is naa sa 700 meters lang. And kini, magstart gyud ni siya sa Postal Office hangtud sa Suazo na dalan (Our project in Magsaysay is in its first phase or in its first half. Its first half stretches up to 700 meters. This will start at the Postal Office up to Suazo Street),” said Edillon.
“And second phase ani niya kay didto sa Suazo hantud sa Boulevard na area (The second phase of this is from Suazo to Boulevard area),” Edillion added.
The Magsaysay Avenue underground cabling system is now at 45 percent completion, said Edillon, adding that most of the work left to be done concerns road restoration.
“Humana ta’g kalot sa dalan, nabutang na nato ang mga pipe sa ilalom, gina-restore na nato ang mga dalan. Though naa ta’y gagmay na semintuhonon ug butangan og asphalt, dili na siya ingana ka grabe compared sa nag-start gyud ta, (We are done digging, we have laid the pipes underneath, and we are now restoring the roads. We do have some roads to pave and cover with asphalt, but the work is not that lucrative compared to when we started),” Edillon added.
The DLPC spokesperson said that aside from the aesthetic merits of the project, an underground cabling system is a more reliable power distribution system than overhead cables. It is also safer as human exposure to power lines is reduced. CIO
What was supposed to be the biggest drone show has become the subject of controversy in Davao City.
Progressive groups here oppose the proposal to amend the 1987 Philippine Constitution to lift restrictions on foreign ownership over the country’s natural resources.
John Paul Dizon, secretary general of Kilusang Mayo Uno-Southern Mindanao Region (KMU-SMR), told MindaNews on Saturday that they are wary of charter change because it would allow foreign entities to fully own and exploit resources in the country.
He said the Filipino people and domestic industries should be the ones to own and benefit from the natural resources.
Senator Robin Padilla, chair of the Senate committee on constitutional amendments and revision of codes, in a statement last week said the proposed amendments to economic provisions would benefit the ordinary Filipinos.
He assured the public they will take into consideration the “welfare of the people and not of politicians” once the process of amending the present charter begins, either through constituent assembly or constitutional convention.
Padilla said the amendments would pave the way for the entry of more direct foreign investments.
“We have a capital shortage in our economy and our government is in deep debt,” he said.
He added that the proposal to amend the Constitution would enable the government ”to respond more effectively to the serious problems of our country.”
Dizon said the change they hope to see for the people should start from genuine agrarian reform by distributing lands to the farmers where they can plant crops such as rice, a staple among Filipinos, and providing them support to increase productivity such as subsidies for farm inputs.
He said government should promote national industrialization to establish industries that the State will own.
Dizon explained that the country has raw materials but these are being extracted and brought abroad for processing.
He added that Filipinos are equally capable of processing the raw materials that would supply the needs of the country
By MAYA M. PADILLOVice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte slammed transport group PISTON and the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) over the planned week-long transport strike.
“We oppose it because it is problematic, it will hurt our learners, and the inconvenience that it may cause comes with an enormous price deleterious to learning recovery efforts — and this is a price that learners will have to pay. May I reiterate — the transport strike is a painful interference in our efforts to address the learning gaps and other woes
in our education system,” Duterte said in a statement.
ACT has enjoined co-faculty to stand with jeepney drivers in their weeklong strike.
PISTON on Monday called on President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to suspend the implementation of the guidelines for the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP).
“If you cannot understand our position, or refuse to understand our position, or even pretend not to understand our position, this is only because of your unbelievable propensity to push a hardline agenda that punishes the general public. This time, among the casualties, are our learners and teachers. Kawawa ang mga estudyante at mga guro,” the vice president said.
She also said that the first failure of this transport strike is the failure to consider the learners and the teachers.
Dionisio Abude, chief of the Davao City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO), disclosed on Monday that there is no public utility jeepney (PUJ) strike in Davao City, bus units are ready to cater to stranded passengers in case a strike will happen.
Several transport groups
have announced that they would stage a weeklong strike starting March 6, to protest the impending jeepney phaseout in the government’s implementation of the public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization plan.
“Together with LTFRB, ug ang among opisina nag monitor sa atoang area gikan sa Toril, Pana-
can, Calinan, and Buhangin, walay sector nga nag-strike, nagbarikada, normal ang biyahe sa atong public utility vehicle,” Abude said in an interview.
Abude said there are more than 20 buses readied in case the PUJs decided to join the one week strike.
Land Bank of the Philippines on Sunday said it has hiked anew its lending program funding for transport cooperatives and corporations to P10 billion, for them to comply with the government’s contested Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) modernization program.
LandBank said it has hiked the funding of the Special Package for Environment-Friendly and Efficiently-Driven Public Utility Vehicles (SPEED PUV) program for the third time from the initial funding of P1.5 billion.
The program allows eligible borrowers to loan up to 95% of the total acquisition cost of the modern PUK at an interest rate of 6% per annum or 0.5% per month, payable up to a maximum
of seven years.
Also, the program comes with a subsidy of P160,000 per vehicle from the national government for units classified under Class 1, 2, 3, and 4 category models.
“LandBank continues to extend much-need financial support to assist drivers and operators upgrade their fleet, in line with the national government’s transport modernization agenda,” LandBank President and CEO Cecilia
Borromeo said.
“We remain committed to the improvement of the country’s public transport system for the benefit of both transport operators and the riding public,” she added.
LandBank is mandated to promote countryside development while remaining financially viable. It implements the comprehensive agrarian reform program (CARP), provides assistance to small farmers and fisherfolk, and serves as an official depository of government funds.
Just last week Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said the PUV Modernization Program will push through, despite the opposi-
Cebu Pacific said on Monday
it is offering a P27 seat sale as it celebrates its 27th year anniversary this month.
From 10 a.m. on March 6, until March 10, travelers can book select domestic and international flights for as low as P27 one-way base fare, exclusive of surcharges and fees, Cebu Pacific said in a statement.
Travel period for the promo fares is from April 1 to Sept. 30, 2023, the airline said.
“The airline is running a ‘March Pinabongga’ month-long series of promos and seat sales as gratitude to its loyal customers over the past 27 years,” Cebu Pacific said.
It is also running a P199 seat sale for the month of March and
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said the maximum allowable annual contribution to the Personal Equity and Retirement Account (PERA) was doubled to encourage more Filipinos to save for their retirement.
The annual limit for contribution was raised to P200,000 from P100,000 for locally employed and to P400,000 from P200,000 for overseas Filipinos, the central bank said in a statement.
a 27 percent discount on select add-ons.
Passengers may use their existing travel funds to pay for flights and add-ons, it said.
Cebu Pacific said it is set to restore 100 percent of its preCOVID network and capacity this month. Currently, it flies to 34 domestic and 25 international destinations.
Diokno in line with the PERA Act of 2008 and as recommended by the PERA Inter-agency board.
Aside from increasing the contribution limit, the BSP also removed the basic security deposit for the faithful performance of PERA administrator’s duties, previously at 0.5 percent of the book value of PERA assets.
“The increase in the limits provides our kababayans with greater opportunities to ensure their financial security. It also supports the government’s broader thrusts of mobilizing individual savings for capital market development and generating funds for longterm projects,” BSP Gov. Felipe Medalla said.
The increase is effective immediately in 2023 as approved by Finance Secretary Benjamin
This is expected to lower the cost of administering PERA assets, which may impact contributors through lower charges, it said. This will also encourage financial institutions to participate in the PERA ecosystem, it added.
PERA, launched in 2016, is a voluntary retirement savings program that supplements state-based pension and employer-sponsored retirement plans.
The BSP said PERA contributions have grown by over 30 percent in 2022.
Filipinos should look at the potential gains instead of losses from the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (RCEP), Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual said on Monday.
RCEP, a free trade agreement among the 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and China, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand, eliminates up to 90 percent of tariffs, or the taxes imposed on imports, among these countries within 20 years.
Pascual said a study measured the gains, which could be 2 percent of GDP, compared to potential losses of 0.6 percent of GDP.
“Why are we looking at losses and not potential change? I think we have to change the perspective. We need our stakeholders, and our business so that they are able to take advantage of the provisions of the RCEP,” he said.
“There are gains that can be achieved even by some agricultural products. There are products that are now maybe exported to China, Japan, Korea at lower tariff than before. So these are potential gains ,” he said.
He said more professionals would also be allowed to practice in member countries.
Several groups have said the
PresidentFerdinand R. Marcos Jr. has assured that the government would back Davao City in cementing its position as one of the most peaceful, orderly, and harmonious local government units.
sense of belongingness as a community,” he said.
agriculture sector is not competitive enough to face the influx of imports.
“We are conscious of that, that’s why our negotiators are very strong in their position to list down products that will be excluded in the tariff adjustments,” he said.
Sensitive items, such as rice, cereal, sugar, coffee, animal feeds, pork, lettuce, carrots and onions, among others, are exempted from the tariff adjustments, Pascual said.
Meanwhile, some local agricultural products such as preserved pineapple, papaya and durian, will receive preferential tariffs from China and South Korea.
PURSING GSP+ RENEWAL
Pascual said it is also important for the Philippines to renew the GSP+ preferential treatment given by the European Union. The status allowed the country duty-free export of some 6,000 eligible products to the EU market.
The Philippines was awarded the GSP+ status in 2012. The EU earlier announced that the country was included in the list of countries eligible for renewal of the GSP+ status provided that it implements 27 international core conventions on labor rights,
FPINOYS, P10
In his message dated March 3 for the 86th Araw ng Dabaw (Davao Day), Marcos acknowledged the “Crown Jewel of Mindanao” as the primary agricultural, commercial, and industrial hub of the island.
“Along with this, it has served as a melting pot of cultures and traditions, thereby providing a home to many ethnolinguistic tribes and sustaining their respective identities,” he said in his message.
He commended the city’s sensitivity, compassion, and strong community spirit in both good times and bad.
“With our synergetic efforts,
I trust that we can enhance the Filipinos’ quality of life and help them attain their dreams and aspirations for themselves and our nation,” he added in his message.
Marcos likewise expressed hope that the month-long celebration would make Dabawenyos more grateful for the sectors, institutions, and individuals who led the social and economic growth of the city.
“I am one with the Dabawenyos in commemorating your city’s history and reveling in the beauty of the land and its people. May you also utilize this time to express yourselves through art and music, and reaffirm your
A three-day meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions conference, led by the Tourism Promotions Board to promote the city as an ideal “bleisure” (business and pleasure) destination, kicked off celebrations on March 1.
Trade and agricultural fairs, basketball tournaments, and an Ironman 70.3 race will be held for the first time in three years as the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic has slowed down.
Vice President Sara Duterte, the city’s former mayor, has confirmed she would join the “Parada Dabawenyo” (Parade of Dabawenyos) on March 18, along with government and private ofFPBBM, P10
Motorists will have to pay more for petroleum products this week as oil firms announced another round of hikes after the rollbacks implemented last Tuesday.
In separate advisories, Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp. and Seaoil Philippines Corp. said they will hike prices per liter of gasoline by P0.40, diesel by P1.50, and kerosene by P1.25.
The changes will take effect at 6 a.m. on Tuesday, March 7, for both companies.
Other firms have yet to make similar announcements for the week.
The latest movement follows the rollback implemented last week, when firms cut prices per liter of gasoline by P0.70, diesel by P1.30, and kerosene by P1.80.
Latest data available from the Department of Energy (DOE) show that year-to-date net decreases stood at P2.40 per liter for kerosene and P2.30 per liter, and a net increase of P5.30 per liter was recorded as
of February 28, 2023.
The higher prices also come amid a week-long transport strike from March 6 to 12, as jeepney operators and drivers protest the public utility vehicle (PUV) Modernization Program.
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has since suspended the expanded number coding scheme on Monday, March 6, but has yet to provide any guidance for the rest of the days in the transport strike.
In slamming militant transport group PISTON and the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) over the week-long transport strike:
“This does not come as a surprise anymore — a tactic is taken from a playbook familiar to many Filipinos. PISTON is an organization with leaders and some members poisoned by the ideologies of the bankrupt Communist Party of the Philippines, the National Democratic Front of the Philippines, and the New People’s Army. And happily cavorting with PISTON and other militant organizations is ACT, a group that is diametrically nowhere near in the service of the interest of the learners and the education sector.”
“God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” - 2 Corinthians 9:8.
*******
World changers use their wealth to help others.
This is a declaration that nobody will contradict (I hope).
Andrew Carnegie was such a man whose philanthropic ways were numerous and limitless.
Of Scottish origin, Carnegie was born in Scotland in 1835 and immigrated to the United States when he was just a thirteener.
He found work as a weaver’s assistant at one dollar per week in a cotton factory.
With such a lowly background, how would we ever imagine or even surmise he would rise up to become one of the wealthiest and most powerful industrialists in America.
(Comparatively speaking, there are some Filipinos who started humbly and rose from poverty to become wealthy and successful business persons, amassing billions.)
Through sheer diligence and applying pragmatic sense, Carnegie learned telegraphy and became a division superintendent in the Penssylvania Railroad where he improved his lot to become a part owner of the Woodruff Sleeping Car Company.
As his earnings multiplied, Carnegie invested some of his money in oil lands, thereby increasing his wealth enormously.
After the Civil War, Carnegie entered the iron business where he eventually established steel works in Pennsylvania.
In 1899, he consolidated all his interests to organize the Carnegie Steel Company.
Two years later, he retired with a fortune estimated to be worth half a billion dollars.
Without any business position and already enjoying freedom from work, Carnegie found philanthrophy as a worthwhile “occupation.”
He announced in 1912 the creation of a foundation where he put in $12M as initial funding.
The foundations funding exceeded $200M during Carnegie’s lifetime.
With such a generous heart and a emphatizing attitude towards factory workers from where he rose from the ranks, Carnegie established a benefit fund for employees of the Carnegie Steel Company.
Little did I know (until I read his biography) that Andrew Carnegie was himself a writer. As a anti-war advocate, he vigorously opposed war and produced three notable books - the Gospel of Wealth, the Empire of Business and Problems of today which becamse best-sellers.
Carnegie was also concerned about education and the welfare of teachers. He was
Though a virtual unknown, Januario Puruganan is one of the colorful educators assigned in Davao. With pure grit and diligence, he went on to author ‘To Mother and Other Poems,’ (1929) a literary work that would be anthologized, thanks to his Protestant links.
Coming from an impoverished background, he worked as a houseboy while attending el-ementary school. His family’s Protestant ties indisputably helped his academic preparation.
In his intermediate years, he credited his early English poetry writing to Emiliana P. Ven-tura.
After completing elementary, he initially worked as a nurseryman in Batac, Ilocos Norte, and was later appointed as a teacher at Paoay Intermediate School in the same province. He also worked as a clerk in the division office
of Ilocos Norte, which opened the door to his en-rollment in the secondary level. (In prewar times, Grade V students were already qualified to teach.)
Puruganan’s search for greener pasture was contagious. With help from Bishop Servando Castro of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente (Aglipayan) who loaned P20 to his mother. Janu-ario journeyed to Manila where he worked as a houseboy of couple Manuel Arroyo and Jua-na Guerrero-Arroyo after his name was advertised in the Manila Daily Bulletin by H.E. Cutler. He was at the time waiting for his transport bound for Davao.
In the acknowledgment of his book, Puruganan wrote: “[M]y position as a teacher in Da-vao, I owe to Mr. Horace E. Cutler, thru the recommendation of Mr. Miguel Guerrero; my position as
the major funder of the Carnegie Institute of Technology in Pittsburgh and generously funded sponsorships to the St. Andrews and Aberdeen universities in Scotland
His gift of $12M to the Carnegie Institute for the Advancement of Teaching was meant to aid teachers during their retirement years.
Carngie, who was also involved in oil exploration, also focused his attention towards widows, orphans and heroic deeds of people who saved human lives.
These details of Andrew Carnegie’s bio tell us about the inherent goodness of man towards his fellowmen.
Although this one of a kind millionaire desired to die poor because he wanted his fortune to benefit the many of the less privilege, Carnegie passed away (in 1919) with an assessment of $22M in his name.
Perhaps this Scottish of a lad believed that he could not bring his money with him when he
dies; He could not have developed a philanthropic attitude if he was focused merely on acquiring wealth for himself.
I guess - as Andrew Carnegie was - we all can be game changers in our own way, in our own time.
The contemporary life we live today and the attotide and behavior that are in practice vividly compares to the narrative that Carnegie lived by.
I get to read less and less of philanthorpic missions and endeavors these days.
Everything seems to have a price tag - for the service that one renders.
Obviously, the two-year long pandemic panic and the worldwide lockdowns have spawned a new attitude and behavior, anchored on global economic patterns.
Andrew Carnegie was one in a million.
He could also be the last of a kind. (Email feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.) GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!
Principal Teacher and Supervising Teacher in the division of Davao, I owe to Mr. James E. McCall.”
During his years at Ilocos Norte High School, his mentors included Mrs. William L. Penn, Ms. Smith, and Mr. Garletts. Also instrumental in preparing him for future literary endeav-ors, were his first-year high school mentors, James F. Lawrence, Walter R. Brooks, Lt. Thomas L. Simpson, and Henry R. Beyer (who would become his co-supervising teacher in Davao) during his second year; and Leslie G. Klepinger, in the early months of his third year in the secondary level.
Puruganan’s undergraduate studies in Silliman Institute (now university) were through the endorsement of Rev. Julius S. Augur, a Protestant pastor of the Congregational Church in Davao. His
stint in the institution was made more productive with the support of Dr. Paul Doltz, the college’s acting president; Lorenzo Bernardo, who chaired the school’s Self-Help Committee; and Prof. Clyde E. Heflin, head of the education department of the institute.
At Silliman where he was an associate editor of the school organ, ‘The Sillimanian,’ he credited his fluency in English to Mrs. E.R. Chapman and Ms. F.V. Rodgers, who were his English tutors.
Puruganan also taught at Davao Central School, now Kapitan Tomas Monteverde Sr. Central Elementary School (KTMCES) in Davao City before he was promoted to Mati City as district supervisor. While there, he expressed his intent to continue his studies at Silliman with a plan to return to the service after completing his education.
After his Davao stints, he became executive secretary of the Laoag Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) with help from his fellow instructors at Silliman, including Jesus Dine-ros, the associate national secretary of the organization, who recruited him to join the group while still enrolled in the undergraduate school.
Puruganan’s book was included in Leopoldo Y. Yabes’ ‘A Brief Survey of Iloko Literature from the Beginnings to its Present Development’ (1936) published in Manila. In a personal note, he gave credit to Juliana E. Castro, academic principal of Ilocos Norte Trade School, and Ms. Edith Lynn, an English teacher of Ilocos Norte Normal School, as among those who encour-aged him to compile his poems and publish them in book form.
“Today, we express our love once again to our special friends in our midst. Today, we show that we care about their well-being. Today, we show that we shall always walk in solidarity to ensure that they have a bright future.”
This was one of the key points of SM Cares Program Director for Persons with Disabilities, Engr. Bien Mateo’s speech at the 2023 Happy Walk for Down Syndrome of the Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines, Inc. (DSAPI); which
took place last February 26 at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall in Pasay City.
“We walk today because we seek to foster love, understanding, and hope through this yearly activity, because we act to get integration of persons with disabilities in our community. We want to bring positive change to ensure that people with Down Syndrome have opportunities to contribute and have their rights guaranteed,” Mateo said in his speech.
The recently concluded event marked its 20th year overall and the 16th year that DSAPI held it in partnership with SM Cares. This was also the first time that it was held physically after three years, and was held simultaneously in Manila, Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, and Bacolod.
Among the key individuals who graced the event, aside from Mateo, were DSAPI President Luis Harder, DSAPI Chairman Elmer Lapena, and the Chairman of the Executive Committee of SM Prime Hans Sy. Representatives from various Down Syndrome communities and advocacy groups were also present during the event.
One of the highlights was the Happy Walk Parade wherein people with Down Syndrome and their loved ones walked together throughout the SM Mall of Asia Complex. An annual tradition, the parade is a way for people with Down Syndrome and their families to promote awareness, acceptance, and appreciation for those with the condition.
Prior to the parade, the National University Pep Squad gave a rousing performance and led a cheer for Down Syndrome awareness. Later during the event, actor and Down Syndrome awareness advocate Andrea Torres performed
special song and dance numbers that wowed the crowd. She also shared a short message on the importance of caring for people with the condition, being sister to one herself.
Another notable part of the event was the Dance ShowDOWN, wherein several children with
Down Syndrome showcased their groovy dance moves on stage. Various booths with activities for the participants, such as drawing and games, were also present throughout the half-day event. To make it even more exciting, there were also raffle draws, where gift cheques, FSM, P10
FUJIFILM Philippines appoints Masahiro Uehara, as new President. Uehara, formerly Managing Director of FUJIFILM Hongkong, assumes the position as the company continues to expand its presence to adapt and respond to customers’ changing needs amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Japanese brand, established in the Philippines in 2012 as a sales subsidiary of Fujifilm regional headquarters in the Asia Pacific, has been steadily increasing its presence in the healthcare and graphic industry as well as photographic by making substantial contributions to them.
“Fujifilm Philippines has gone far beyond its roots in photography, using its knowledge and expertise to expand into several other industries and businesses. Our
company has grown to be known for its technology-driven solutions, offering complete solutions in various high-tech fields,” said Masahiro Uehara, Fujifilm Philippines newly-appointed President.
In 2019, the company established its first outlet in Cebu to address the increasing demand and make sure that the quality of its products and services in the Visayas and adjacent places in Mindanao are maintained.
At present, Fujifilm offers a wide range of products and services such as Healthcare (medical equipment and pharmaceuticals); Materials (graphic systems, inkjet printers, semiconductor materials, and recording media); Business Innovation (digital color multi-function devices and printers for office use, as well as services for business
solutions); and Imaging (including photo and imaging devices such as mirrorless and instant cameras, and photo printing services).
Revolutionizing healthcare through technology
Fujifilm Philippines started offering comprehensive healthcare solutions to the local market after its parent company, Fujifilm Corporation, acquired the diagnostic imaging-related business of Hitachi, Ltd. in March 2021. It covers computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), X-ray, ultrasound systems, endoscopy, in-vitro diagnostic systems, and picture archiving and communications systems (PACS).
As the world grapples with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, Uehara said Fujifilm Philippines is now focusing on the health and
well-being of the Filipino people. At the height of the pandemic, Fujifilm Philippines installed FDR Go PLUS, a digital mobile X-ray, in various hospitals across the country to help frontliners do chest X-rays and determine patients with COVID-19 symptoms.
“Our products will help healthcare providers diagnose and treat more patients at a faster rate while also providing greater patient comfort and safety. Fujifilm will continue to provide a range of products and services that address the needs of healthcare personnel, helping to improve medical care and supporting the well-being of people,” he said.
One of the global leaders in photography
As one of the global leaders in
Davao Light & Power Company, Inc. earned its fourth ISO (International Organization for Standardization) Certification after it passed the 3-day audit last December 2022 for the Asset Management System (AMS) with no minor and major non-conformities.
Based on DQS Certification Philippines Inc., Davao Light is compliant with the requirements of ISO 55001:2014 which is an asset management system standard with the primary objective of helping organizations effectively manage the lifecycle of their assets.
“We at Davao Light are ecstatic that we are now AMS certified,” said Davao Light President and COO Rodger S. Velasco. “This is our fourth ISO Certification, which shows that we stay committed to becoming a world-class power distribution utility. Our assets such as our lines and poles are key to delivering the best service to our customers, so their management is vital to our operations.”
One of its best applications is during power outages when company departments and teams involved in power interruption response and resolution will need working communication equipment, complete mapping, and hardware information, among others. To effectively deliver their tasks - from the dispatching of the crew, pulling out line hardware and poles, and coordinating between teams and crews - an intricate but systematic process is essential. Without a manageable, organized system, and complete and accurate information on assets, a company’s daily operations will encounter problems. This could result in customers experiencing delayed and ineffi-
businesses it serves.
cient resolutions to their issues or concerns.
By implementing AMS, Davao Light will be able to continually improve its operational efficiency, and ensure the efficient management and utilization of its assets such as substations and vehicles. Through AMS, the company will also effectively manage and mit-
igate risks, avoid unnecessary costs and resource wastage, and further enhance the organization’s capability.
Davao Light also has certifications in ISO 9001:2015 or the Quality Management System (QMS), ISO 45001:2018 or the Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) Management System,
and in ISO 14001:2015 or the Environmental Management (EM) System.
“To our customers, these certifications translate to the faster and more efficient delivery of service. These further ensure that we can provide - at the most reasonable cost - safe and reliable power which is what they need most,”
Velasco added. Davao Light, an AboitizPower subsidiary, gives rise to solutions that pave the way for the development of the communities in its franchise area by providing better service to its customers. This is achieved through the advancement of its processes and technologies.
BDO Capital & Investment Corp. (BDO Capital) encourages more Filipinos to continue supporting government-issued bonds following the rousing participation of local investors in the 29th tranche of Retail Treasury Bonds (RTBs).
BDO Capital President Eduardo
V. Francisco said RTBs are safe, reliable and a convenient form of investment, which also helps finance the government’s various undertakings across different sectors.
“We hope (Filipino investors) will invest again. It’s a chance for them to also help the government finance its projects,” he said.
The Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) was able to raise P283.71 billion from the issuance of the 5.5-year, 6.125% coupon rate RTB 29, allowing the BTr to shorten the nine-day offer period by two days. The overwhelming demand for RTB 29 fully affirms the investing public’s confidence in Philippine paper. On average, orders reached P130 billion per day, according to the BTr, during the offer period. RTB 29 will mature 5.5 years after the issue date, or on August 22, 2028.
After the offer period, investors can still purchase RTBs in the secondary market at prevailing market rates.
Gabriel Lim, Corporate Finance head of BDO Capital, echoed Francisco’s stance underlining that the benefits of RTB investments are two-pronged.
“For every P5,000 (minimum) investment that you put in, not only will you earn interest income for yourself and your family, but you also become an active participant in government projects that benefit Filipinos,” he said.
Proceeds from RTB 29 will help finance various government projects in agriculture, infrastructure, education, and healthcare sectors.
Development Bank of the Philippines and Land Bank of the Philippines were the joint lead issue managers of the offer. On the other hand, aside from BDO Capital, the other joint issue managers of RTB 29 include BPI Capital Corp., China Bank Corp., First Metro Investment Corp., PNB Capital and Investment Corp., SB Capital Investment Corp., and Union Bank of the Philippines.
However, it was already past 8 p.m. and still the drones were a “no show.” The influx of spectators also continued.
Before midnight, organizer Kat Dalisay-Santos of Manic Nightnings asked the crowd that she estimated about 80,000 through a Facebook post to turn off their data because the signal of their drones was being intercepted by the signals of the mobile phones.
“Signal is at 12%, we need it to be at least 14% to work. Help us give you the best show. TURN OFF YOUR DATAS. The drone show is not canceled but will be delayed until the signal is clear and the drones will have a clear flight path. For the people who already left, WE WILL HAVE ANOTHER DRONE SHOW AT THE SAME SPOT TOMORROW EVENING. But for now, we beg you, to turn off your DATA,” it said.
Around 1 a.m. on Sunday, the organizer decided to cancel and postpone the show to March 5, 2023.
The incident irked the Dabawenyos specially those who hiked, stayed, and waited for the show despite having no available food to eat at the venue and the threat of a stampede.
The organizer posted an apology saying lighted 3D Drones are GPS operated and their signal relies on a satellite connection.
“We have prepared for this drone show for 2 months and have been working with a highly experienced and international counterpart for the 3D drone light show. We apologize deeply for what inconvenience it has caused, but we tried our best to give you the drone light show,” it said.
The organizer also stated that they are still exhausting their resources in uncovering the root cause of the technical problem that happened Saturday evening.
“Suddenly, GPS signal was being turned off or detects a weak connection. Drone systems won’t show the correct flight path. It won’t detect a safe landing point. For safety reasons, we did not risk trying to launch the drones as it may land on the heavily crowded event area and may cause injuries. Until this hour we are still solving the problem, and a repeat show is not YET advised,” it said.
tion of transport stakeholders.
PUV groups have scheduled a week-long transport strike from March 6 to 12, to express their opposition to the program, as operators have appealed to give them more time to shift to modern jeepneys beyond the June 30 deadline.
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has since extended the deadline to December 31, 2023, in deference of a Senate resolution and the request of Bautista.
The PUV modernization program started in 2017, aiming to replace jeepneys with vehicles that have at least a Euro 4-compliant engine to lessen pollution, but drivers and operators complained about the costs which can hit over P2 million.
fices, agencies, and organizations to show unity in diversity.
“As a Dabawenya, I am excited to celebrate the Araw ng Dabaw after the pandemic, and yes, I already committed to attend the Parada Dabawenyo,” she said in a previous interview. “Even when I was still the mayor, this event allowed me to have fun, meet, greet, and thank the Dabawenyos, especially for their support to the local government.” (PNA)
Homecoming on February 18, 2023, handed by President Ferdinand R Marcos Jr.
During his stint, the 1003rd Brigade received three (3) campaign streamer awards from the Armed Forces of the Philippines for dismantling Guerilla Front 55, Sub-Regional Guerilla Unit, and the Sub-Regional Committee 5. Raptor Brigade accomplished its campaign with zero AFP combat casualties, no firearms lost, and no recorded Human Rights Violations.
In his message, Colonel Angcao vowed to continue the legacy set by his predecessor. “We will continue to adopt innovative approaches, and evolve to overcome whatever challenges posed before this unit - to continue the gains in preventing the resurgence of the CTG. [We] will collectively strive for excellence as we carry on the legacy set by my predecessor (BGen Yecla),” Colonel Angcao said.
MGen Niembra, in his speech, commended the brand of leadership and excellence of General Yecla while recognizing the vast role of stakeholders in the recent and continuing success of peace and sustainment efforts of 10ID.
“The accomplishments of the 1003rd Brigade are difficult to achieve. Years have passed, and many commanders were here before us, but no one cleared Davao City except BGen Yecla, and with that, I commend his leadership. This victory will not be possible without the support of our stakeholders,” MGen Niembra added.
“Andam na ang atong mga bus since atong pipila pa ka adlaw. Naa nami mga bus operators na ready na mu-implement ug mu-cater atong mga pasahero nga stranded in case dili magbiyahe ang atong PUJs. Halos tanan bus operators nag commit sila. Naghatag na sila ug numbers sa ilahang drivers,” he said.
Bus companies that have committed to their units in case of a transport strike are Davao Metro Shuttle, Bachelor Express, Yellow Bus Line, and Golden Valley Bus Line Corporation.
Abude added that CTTMO is closely watching Freedom Park in case of a rally to ensure that it won’t interfere with the traffic.
By Mayainsurance packages, gadgets, and a 4K smart TV were given away to winners.
The event was capped off with a dance number to Ronnie Lee’s song “Natatanging Nilalang” performed by children with Down Syndrome. Composed with a fondness for those who have the condition (he himself has a nephew who has Down Syndrome), Lee’s song highlights all the characteristics that make these individuals special, and is one of empowerment not only for them, but also for their loved ones.
Happy Walk for Down Syndrome is a yearly event that gathers persons with Down Syndrome and their loved ones into a day-long family-oriented event filled with fun activities and entertainment. Held every February as part of the celebration of National Down Syndrome Consciousness Month, it aims to promote awareness and better understanding of those living with the condition.
“This SM Cares Program on Disability Affairs is something that is etched already in our business. We don’t just do programs for short-term. If we may mention, this is our 16th year of partnership with DSAPI,” Mateo said. “We are not doing this just for fun. We are
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“This does not come as a surprise anymore — a tactic is taken from a playbook familiar to many Filipinos. PISTON is an organization with leaders and some members poisoned by the ideologies of the bankrupt Communist Party of the Philippines, the National Democratic Front of the Philippines, and the New People’s Army. And happily cavorting with PISTON and other militant organizations is ACT, a group that is diametrically nowhere near in the service of the interest of the learners and the education sector,” she said.
Duterte also reacted to ACT’s challenge that she should quit hiding behind red-tagging.
“This is not red-tagging. This is a statement of fact. Meanwhile, the progress and future of our learners cannot be left to the whims of organizations acting on bare selfish motives. Magkaroon man ng tigil pasada, walang tigil sa pag-aaral ang mga kabataan,” she said.
Meanwhile, the regional office of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB 11) announced that transport groups in Davao Region manifested that they will not participate in the one week scheduled nationwide transport strike.
In a Facebook post, LTFRB 11 stated that all transport cooperatives and corporations in Davao Region expressed their strong support for the implementation of the PUVMP.
“In a signed, unified statement, the transport entities pronounced their appreciation of PUVMP, soundly recognizing its goals and objectives to transform the nation’s public land transportation landscape for the better,” the statement said.
On the other hand, Anakbayan Southern Mindanao Region (SMR) held a protest in Davao City in solidarity with the national transport strike on Monday.
Anakbayan SMR organized a picket in Davao City alongside other progressive groups to protest the government’s efforts to push through the Omnibus Franchising Guidelines (OFG), also known as the DOTR Department Order 2017011, and its other related LTFRB Memorandum Circulars, which hinder drivers and operators from combining their franchises with investors to privatize public utilities and services.
doing this because we believe this is the right thing to do.”
Happy Walk is just one of the many ways SM Cares is supporting the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, particularly “SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities.”
Other PWD-friendly initiatives from SM Cares include the annual Angels Walk in partnership with Autism Society Philippines, held every January in celebration of National Autism Consciousness Week; the annual Sensitivity Training for Customers with Different Needs, which educates mall staff and security personnel on how to care for PWDs; and the annual Emergency Preparedness Forum which educates PWDs and senior citizens on what to do during emergencies.
SM Cares is the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, with programs that support communities, promote social inclusion, and care for the environment. Aside from the program on PWDs, its advocacies include Programs for the Environment, Women & Breastfeeding Mothers, Children & Youth, Senior Citizens, and the SM Bike-friendly initiative.
To learn more, visit www.smsupermalls.com/smcares.
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PHOTO BY: AP
Green, the second overall pick in the 2021 draft, needed just three quarters to notch his 11th game this season with at least 30 points. He watched the fourth quarter from the bench with the game well in hand.
Kevin Porter Jr. added 19 points with a season-high 13 assists for the Rockets in his third game back after missing 20 with a bruised toe.
Everyone in Houston’s starting lineup scored at least 10 points.
“We have an unselfish group,” Silas said. “We have a group that wants to do the right things. We’re just young, which gets in our way sometimes.”
Houston was up by 10 with about nine minutes left in the third quarter before using an 8-2 run, with dunks by Kenyon Martin Jr. and Green, to make it 87-71. Johnson had turnovers on consecutive possessions in that stretch to power the run.
Devonte’ Graham had all of San Antonio’s points in a 5-2 spurt after that. But the Rockets scored the next 10 points, capped by two 3-pointers from Green, to push the advantage to 99-76 with four minutes left in the third.
photography the company has introduced mirrorless cameras in the Philippine market through Fujifilm X series camera. Mirrorless has the same creativity and image quality of a DSLR but are smaller and has a lighter body that’s easier to use. It is great for travel, blogging, vlogging, and capturing everyday memories. It also offers interchangeable lenses.
The company launched in November 2022, Fujifilm X-T5, the latest mirrorless camera in its award-winning X-series. Fujifilm X-T5 offers a unique shooting experience with its latest sensor, fast processor, and advanced autofocus system. It has a lightweight body and analog dials that provide a unique and authentic shooting experience.
“Our goal is to be able to let more people try our cameras and lenses. We want people to think that the Fujifilm GFX/X-Series is a compact yet advanced and reliable system that allows them to create beautiful images and videos. We also want them to think that the GFX/X-Series is an extension of their creativity – a tool that realizes their creative vision,” said Uehara.
Fujifilm instax continues to be one of the leaders in the instant camera industry around the globe due to its popularity especially with Millennials and Gen Z. instax is easy to use, making it perfect for capturing life’s special moments. It also offers creative ways for users to customize their prints and share them with friends and family. With just a press of a button instax can instantly capture a moment in seconds with high quality prints.
According to the briefer released by KMU, the present Constitution restricts foreign ownership of businesses, including public utilities and natural resources, to 40% and the 60% must be owned by the Filipinos.
It said amendments would also allow foreigners to lease more than 1,000 hectares for 25 to 50 years. Under the current charter, the group said it only allows foreigners to lease not more than 1,000 hectares for the same period.
In a press release, Beverly Gofredo, spokesperson for Anakbayan-Southern Mindanao Region, said charter change is “just a way for the Marcos-Duterte regime to intensify their corruption and dictatorship, as they continue being a slave of the imperialist countries and bureaucratic capitalism.” (Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)
nosa and Nonito Donaire Jr. (boxing), Paeng Nepomuceno and Bong Coo (bowling), the late Lydia De Vega (athletics) and Efren “Bata” Reyes (billiards) were also named Athlete of the Year three or more times.
De Vega was inducted into the PSA Hall of Fame in recognition of her astounding achievements in and out of the country.
De Vega’s bosom buddy, Elma Muros-Posadas, the undisputed long jump queen of Philippine athletics, received the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Tennis player Alex Eala was bestowed the PSA President’s Award while presented with the Major Awards are Carlos Yulo (gymnastics); EJ Obiena (athletics); Philippine women’s football team; Carlo Paalam (boxing); Meggie Ochoa and Kimberly Anne Custodio (jiu-jitsu); Junna Tsukii (karate); Rubilen Amit, Carlo Biado, and Johann Chua (pool); Vanessa Sarno (weightlifting); Jovelyn Gonzaga and Sisi Rondina (volleyball); Esports organization Blacklist International; and jockey Jessie Guce and champion horse Boss Emong.
Aside from the Tony Siddayao Awards, PSA Special Awards and the Lifetime Award in sports journalism, the PSA also gave citations to the gold medal winners in the 31st Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Vietnam.
Other individuals cited outside of the SEA Games gold medalists are Chezka Centeno, Marie Antoinette San Diego, Efren Bagamasbad, Ronald Lomotos, Philippine Navy Standard Insurance, Philippine pencak silat team, Letran Knights basketball team, Joyce Reboton, Dottie Ardina, Rianne Malixi, Kaizen dela Serna, Andrico Mahilum, Mark Julius Rodelas, and Sandi Abahan.
Entities with the same award are the Philippine National Volleyball Federation, and the Bases Conversion and Development Authority.
Receiving the Special Awards are Tolentino (Executive of the Year), Samahang Weightlifting ng Pilipinas (National Sports Association of the Year), Scottie Thompson (Mr. Basketball), Sarina Bolden (Ms. Football), and Diaz (Milo Champion of Grit and Glory).
The Lifetime Award in Sports Journalism were given to former editors Recah Trinidad, Ding Marcelo, Jun Engracia, Al. S Mendoza, Eddie Alinea and Percy Della, while late sports editors Joe S. Antonio and Ernesto Gonzales were honored with the PSA Special award.
Della and Alinea were the first sportswriters of the Philippine News Agency (PNA) in 1973, along with Ding Micua of PNA Dagupan.
human rights, good governance, and the environment, the Office of the Press Secretary said in October.
Pascual said he has met with EU Commission officials to discuss the renewal of the GSP+
The ICC recently reopened a probe into the previous administration’s war on drugs.
Pascual said he would “leave matter to the Department of Justice” and “focus on the [DTI] mandate.”
“I went to Brussels to meet with 2 committees, I met the EVP of the European Commission and discussed the Philippines with respect with the 27 conventions to go with our GSP+ preferential treatment. We had a very pleasant discussion,” he said.
“During the recent visit of our European Parliament, I told them these things, in any case with or without GSP+, good governance, moving towards e-government. We rely on our courts to dispense justice in the Philippines, we handle our labor relations quite well,” he added.
— Jalen Green scored 31 points and the Houston Rockets got a 142-110 victory over San Antonio on Sunday (Monday, Manila time), beating the Spurs for the second straight night in a matchup of the Western Conference’s worst teams.
Magic
They were up by 10 at halftime, used a 35-point third quarter to lead by 21 to start the fourth and cruised to the victory.
“I was a little disappointed at halftime,” coach Stephen Silas said. “I challenged the team at halftime to play better, especially on the defensive end and they started the third quarter … with
the right attitude.”
It’s the first time Houston has won consecutive games since Jan. 28 and Feb. 1 and leaves the team tied with Detroit for the NBA’s worst record at 15-49. The Spurs are just ahead of the Rockets at the bottom of the Western Conference standings at 16-49.
Keita Bates-Diop led the Spurs with 17 points and Keldon
I feel sorry for coach Aldin Ayo. His Fiberexers were on their way to reaching the top 4 in the Gov’s Cup leaderboard but something awry seemed to have happened.
His prized import, Jamaal Franklin, who gave his team five straight wins to figure in the race for the twice to beat advantage, suddenly dipped in performance.
After registering a 57 in one of his previous games, Franklin barely made his presence felt, scoring just 4 points in Con-
verge’ blow out 101-120 loss to the streaking Gin Kings Sunday.
Franklin is averaging 37 pts plus per game but if you watched his lackluster performance, you may have noticed that the Converge high flying American import did not want to participate in his team’s effort to duke it out. He shot just 5 times and there was none of his herculean, swashbuckling style to win the duel for coach Ayo and the Fiberexers.
What gives?
For the millions of PBA fans who know when something is
wrong, one can’t help but be suspicious. Ayo has intimated to the sports media that there might be some “changes” in the team’s composition.
He should be referring to the atrocious attitude Franklin displayed against the Kings.
Ayo owes it to PBA fans to make some amends as Converge has gained a lot of following from discriminating PBA fanatics.
An import change at this time will affect the team chemistry and coherence but this is the price a coach will have to make. Back to square one.
Armchair analysts say better that this unwanted state of affairs happened in the prelimianry stage rather than in the quarterfinals where Ayo and Converge management are strongly hoping the Fiberexers can overcome and jump into the gruelling semis.
I suppose whatever is the reason for Franklin’s disappointing play versus Ginebra, it is not because of health reasons.
Let us leave it to Ayo because he has the unenviable task of redeeming the respectability the Fiberexers have gained and
Johnson had eight points and five assists in his return after missing two games with a sprained left foot.
“I thought Houston was a really good, physical, strong team,” coach Gregg Popovich said. “Silas has got them going good. They’re energetic, aggressive. They deserved to win that game.”
sustain the momentum since the former took the coaching reins last year.
No need to give Franklin a second chance. His on court demeanor said it all.
For a quick import replacement, maybe Ayo can extend an offer to Myles Powell, the prolific small import of the Bay Area Dragons?
After all, it will just be for a short period. Hmmm, wouldn’t this be interesting? (Email feedback to fredlumba@yahoo. com.). GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!
Davao City’s very own promising karatekas Heleina So and Robert Dayanan Jr. joined the best and brightest in Philippine sports on Monday night during the San Miguel Corporation-Philippine Sportswriters Association (SMC-PSA) Annual Awards at the Diamond Hotel Manila grand ballroom.
So and Dayanan Jr. made it into the elite awardees for the Tony Siddayao PSA Special Awards. So and Dayanan Jr. topped their respective events in dominant fashion during the revived Batang Pinoy held in Ilocos Sur Tokyo Olympics gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz led the awardees as she was named Athlete of the Year for the second straight time by the oldest media organization in the Philippines headed by its president, Rey Lachica, sports editor of Tempo.
The Athlete of the Year award is the fourth in the last seven
years for the 31-year-old Zamboanga City native, who earned the honor in 2016 after ending the country’s 20-year Olympic drought with a silver medal at the Rio De Janeiro Games.
The other Tony Siddayao Awards for the Junior Athletes of the Year by Milo are William John Riley Go (karting), Aleia Aielle Aguilar (jiu-jitsu), Miguel Carlos (archery), Karl and Elaiza Yulo (gymnastics), Micaela Jasmine Mojdeh (swimming), and the Philippine Junior chess team. Manny Pacquiao, Luisito Espi-
