Edge Davao Vol. 15 Issue 278 | Saturday, March 11, 2023

COSTLY FAILURE

Failed 3D drone lightshow costs city government around P1 million: Official

By MAYA M. PADILLO

The failed 3D Drone Lightshow, which was supposed to happen for 15 minutes as part of the Araw ng Davao Music and Arts Street Festival held at the Davao Coastal Road last Saturday, March 4, has an allocation or more or less P1 million pesos, according to an official.

City Tourism Operations Office (CTOO) officer-in-charge

Jennifer Romero told media on Thursday that the whole event was allocated with a total budget of P2.5 million. She estimated that more or less 40 percent of

the budget was allotted for the drone show.

“Ang event is not only for the drone show. Ang title ng event is Music and Arts Street Festival and the component of the drone show is only 15 minutes. This is the first

Groups oppose refiling of bills expanding franchise of Aboitiz-owned power firm

Two major energy consumer groups staged a prayer vigil and candle-lighting here Wednesday night to protest proposals in Congress to expand the franchise of the Aboitiz-owned Davao Light and Power Company (DLPC).

existing franchise for the mainland until 2028 and Samal until 2033.

in Davao City so the Dabawenyos are really excited to witness the drone show,” she said during I-Speak media forum.

The CTOO is leading the ongoing investigation of the drone show, which failed to happen which was blamed by organizers to low GPS signal. Organizers also lamented that the massive crowd using their mobile data in anticipation of posting videos and images of the spectacle.

Romero said they already

FCOSTLY, P10

Bill on higher teaching supply allowance for teachers pushed

Abill seeking to institutionalize teaching supply allowances for public school teachers nationwide to promote and improve the economic status of teachers, and assist them in providing quality education to their students is now pending for second reading after being introduced at the Senate plenary on Tuesday.

Senate Bill (SB) 1964 or the Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act, was jointly submitted by the Committees on Civil Service, Government Reorganization and Professional Regulation; Basic Education; Ways and Means; and Finance with Senators Ramon Revilla Jr., Robinhood Padilla, Sonny Angara, Christopher Lawrence Go, Joseph Victor

Ejercito, Jinggoy Estrada, Mark Villar, Ronald dela Rosa, Sherwin Gatchalian, and Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva as authors.

The measure is in substitution of SB 22, 94, 677, 1045, 1729, and 1831.

Under the bill, all public school teachers shall be

At least 200 members of the Coalition Against Privatization of Electric Cooperatives (CAPECs) and the National Center of Electric Consumers Cooperative (NCECCO) that attended the rally dubbed “Pagtukaw alang sa Nordeco” (Vigil for Nordeco) to express their opposition to House Bill Nos. 50777, 6740 and 7047.

HB 5077 was filed by Davao del Norte 1st District 1 Rep. Pantaleon D. Alvarez, HB 6740 by Rep. Margarita Ignacia B. Nograles of PBA Partylist, and HB 7047 by Rep. Sandro L. Gonzales of MARINO Partylist.

The three bills seek to expand the franchise of DLPC to the Cities of Tagum and Island Garden City of Samal, and the towns of Talaingod, Asuncion, Kapalong, San Isidro, and New Corella in Davao del Norte, and Maco town in Davao de Oro, according to CAPECs chair Angelo Cofreros.

Another proposal, HB No. 6995 filed by Davao de Oro 1st District Rep. Maria Carmen S. Zamora and Davao de Oro 2nd District Rep. Allan R. Dujali, only seeks to expand the DLPC franchise to Samal Island.

For his part, Rene Boy S. Abrea, NCECCO chair for Davao de Oro and Davao del Norte said that the bills should be rejected since President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. had vetoed on July 27, 2022 HB 10554, which would have placed Tagum City, Samal, and the towns of Asuncion, Kapalong, New Corella, San Isidro, and Talaingod under the franchise area of DLPC.

These areas are being serviced by Nordeco, which has an

In her explanatory note, Nograles said HB 6740 would seek to expand the franchise of DLPC by including those same areas in the vetoed bill, and Maco town in Davao de Oro in the jurisdiction of DLPC.

DLPC currently services Davao City, Panabo City, and the townss of Carmen, Dujali and Sto. Tomas in Davao del Norte.

“Over the years, Nordeco has suffered from losses and conflicting factions within the cooperative which have led to inadequate infrastructure, piling debts to service providers including power suppliers, cancelled power supply contracts, excessive systems losses, and failure to energize parts of its franchise area even up to this time,” Nograles said.

CAPECs called for the following in the manifesto of support signed by its officers: respect the franchise of Nordeco; priority and equal attention to Nordeco and all electric cooperatives in the distribution of power supply from Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation as partners and implementation arm of the national government in the missionary electrification program; and support and strengthen the electrification services and programs of electric cooperatives through legislative interventions and laws, not privatization by private for-profit companies.

It said the takeover of Nordeco will eventually result in the monopoly of private for–profit entities in the energy sector, depriving the rights and opportunities of owning an electric cooperative among the underprivileged, especially in the countryside.

It also called on the National

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. leads the 44th Commencement Exercises of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) with the MASIDTALAK (Maaasahang Tagapagsilbi ng Inang Bayan na may Dangal at Katapatan na ang Layunin ay Kapayapaan) Class of 2023 at the Camp General Mariano Castañeda in Silang, Cavite on March 10, 2023.(PNA PHOTO)

State of calamity declared in quake-hit Davao de Oro town

VP Sara tells Comelec to pay teachers in advance, ensure safety during polls

Vice President and Education

Secretary Sara Duterte on Thursday urged the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to pay teachers in advance for their service in the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) slated in October 30, 2023.

“We owe it to them to ensure the safe and credible conduct of vote canvassing. Baka naman, sa amin lang from the Department of Education, mauna ‘yung bayad sa mga teachers namin bago ang election,” Duterte said before Comelec stakeholders at the 2023 National Election Summit at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza in Manila.

She said that public school teachers have been seeking in advance and appropriate recompense for the long and tiresome hours they work in voting precincts.

“Of course, bumabyahe sila, kumakain sila, and may gastusin din sila during the days na they are serving the country. Baka lang i-advance, or it can be a consideration, or plan for future elections na mauna ‘yung payments or ‘yung compensation para sa ating mga teachers,” she added.

She also called on the Comelec to ensure the safety of the teachers serving during elections.

“Minsan, ang mga guro ay tinatakot ng mga mga warlord politicians at ginagawang kasangkapan

By MAYA M. PADILLO

sa kanilang pandaraya,” Duterte said, adding that these incidents usually happen in remote areas known to be controlled by politicians’ private armies. Alam natin na mahirap kalaban ang mga warlords na may private army. Pero kailangan nating ipakita na mas mahirap pong kalaban ang mga taong gobyerno katulad ng mga pulis at mga sundalo because they represent the government,” she said.

Duterte also suggested technology procedures like fingerprint, face, and eye scanning as a preferable alternative to shading or writing on ballots to protect the legitimacy of the people’s votes.

She said that DepEd was very grateful for discussions like this because it gave teachers a platform to share their experiences during polls.

“We are very hopeful and optimistic for the commissioners and chairman of the Commission on Election that there will be an election coming up this year, in the next two years, in the next three years, and the several years to come, na hindi na natin makikita kung ano ‘yung mga problema na nakikita natin ngayon dahil nabigyan natin ng solusyon dahil mayroon tayong summit na ginagawa where we listen to our stakeholders and we sincerely look for solutions to the problems,” she added.

By Maya M. Padilo

Astate of calamity has been declared in the municipality of New Bataan, which was the worst affected town in Davao de Oro by the series of earthquakes.

On March 8, 2023, the Sangguniang Bayan of New Bataan conducted a special session to declare New Bataan under the State of Calamity due to the adverse effects of a series of earthquakes per Resolution No. 2023-201 sponsored by Councilor Mar Bianca Cualing-Brua.

This declaration is in response to the recommendation of the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (MDRRMC) led by Mayor Gerald Balbin during the emergency meeting.

Brua cited in the resolution that the Rapid Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis

(RDANA) reported a large number of damages to residential houses and infrastructures in the municipality.

Meanwhile, the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) shared a progress report as of 7 a.m. of March 10, 2023. A total number of earthquakes recorded was 1,278; 197 were plotted and 30 were felt with magnitude ranging from 1.5 to 5.9.

The count started at 12:49 a.m. on March 6, 2023.

Davao City docs push for more awareness on kidney disease

Agroup of nephrologists here has reiterated the need to push for more information and awareness about chronic kidney disease (CKD).

This came as the city continues to rank third in the country with the most number of kidney diseases since 2017, according to Dr. Ma. Theresa Bad-ang, nephrologist and head of the Southern Philippines Medical Center - Human Advocate and Retrieval Effort.

“In this city and the rest of Davao Region, we have some 2,400 individuals on dialysis

treatment,” said Bad-ang in an interview with reporters during the World Kidney Day commemoration Thursday afternoon.

“We need to prevent dialysis and World Kidney Day is celebrated to further raise awareness and avoid it to happen to us,” Badang said.

Another nephrologist, Dr. Floin Quibo Galvadores, described the city’s kidney disease cases as “alarming. It is very important to spread awareness about CKD especially here in Davao City.”

With the increasing cases

of patients undergoing dialysis treatment, Galvadores said they noticed the rising number of dialysis centers sprouting in this city.

“We should not be happy with the existence of these dialysis centers as we have to aim that the cases would go down. It should not become a sort of business and cases should not increase,” she said.

The group also urged the public to undergo screening especially if they have a family history of high blood pressure, diabetes, and kidney failure. (PNA)

Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte on Thursday urges the Commission on Elections (Comelec) during the 2023 National Election Summit at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza in Manila on Thursday to ensure the safety of the teachers and pay them in advance for their service in the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) slated in October 30, 2023. FB page of Inday Sara Duterte

Govt ‘deliberating’ on extension of SIM card registration: DICT

An official of the Department of Information and Communications Technology said they are “deliberating” on a possible extension of the SIM Card Registration Act.

More than two months since the start of SIM registration, the DICT reported that as of March 7 around 41.47 million have been registered, or just 24.54 percent of the over 168.98 million SIMs nationwide.

With just 48 days before the April 26 deadline, DICT Undersecretary Anna Mae Yu Lamentillo said the agency “has the prerogative to extend the SIM Registration process for another 120 days.”

“We are still deliberating on the matter. Now we’re focused on increasing the number of registrants before the April 26 deadline,” Lamentillo said.

DICT said Smart Communications has registered around 21.12 million SIMs, which is 31 percent of its almost 68 million subscribers.

Globe Telecom meanwhile has registered 17.2 million subscribers or 19.6 percent of its almost 87.9 million subscribers.

Meanwhile, DITO Telecommunity reported around 3.15 million SIMs registered or 24 percent of its 13.1 million subscribers. DICT reminded the public to use the telcos’ official registration channels.

SMART – smart.com.ph/simreg or simreg.smart.com.ph GLOBE – new.globe.com.ph/ simreg

DITO – https://digital.dito. ph/pto/download/app

The government hopes the SIM registration will enable law enforcement to combat spam and scam text messages, many of which offer fake jobs or promises of prize money.

Amendments to Constitution expected to benefit economy

The economy is expected to get a boost from the proposed amendment to the Constitution given that current focus includes the economic provisions, according to Fitch Solutions.

In a commentary dated March 7, Fitch Solutions said amendments to the economic provisions of the law, such as restrictions on foreign direct investments (FDI), will help improve the country’s global competitiveness.

It cited a report by Bloomberg

regarding the approval by the House of Representatives on third and final reading of the measure creating a body that will propose amendments to the 1987 Constitution.

“While it is still early days in the process, any pro-business changes to the Philippine’s business environment would pose upside risks to our long-term growth forecast of the Philippines and in particular to investments,” it said.

The commentary said pos-

sible removal of restrictions on foreign investments will boost capital formation in the country, which historically has averaged at around 23 percent of domestic output from 2005-2002.

“Changes to legislation could see this ratio rise by several percentage points over the longer term,” it said.

Fitch Solutions said the proposed changes will not only boost foreign investments but domestic investments as well.

MSMEs get

P1.2-B fund aid under 2023 budget

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) on Thursday announced that a total of PHP1.2 billion will fund various government programs to boost micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) under this year’s national budget.

In a news release, the DBM said these programs are part of the MSME Development Plan and other initiatives of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to promote the growth of MSMEs; establishment of Negosyo Centers; One Town One Product (OTOP) Next Gen; and Shared Service Facilities (SSF).

“MSMEs serve as the building blocks of the economy. Dahil dito, sinisikap po ng pamahalaan na palakasin ang MSMEs at alalayan sila sa pagbangon, especially from the challenges that hindered their growth, such as the pandemic,” DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said.

“Following the directive of President Marcos Jr., sisiguruhin po natin na patuloy na popondohan ang mga programang tutulong at magpapalakas sa mga MSME (we will ensure that programs that will help and strengthen MSMEs will continue

to be funded),” she added.

Under this year’s budget, some PHP583 million is allocated for the implementation of the MSME Development Plan and similar government programs.

Around PHP487 million will also help establish Negosyo Centers or MSME-support office of the government that operates to promote ease of doing business and facilitate access to services for MSMEs.

Negosyo Centers are established in all provinces, cities and municipalities.

The OTOP Next Gen, a program that assists MSMEs in product development initiatives, training and referral, among others to level up the products in design, quality and volume, will receive PHP97 million.

It enables localities and communities to determine, develop, support and promote products or services that are rooted in their respective local cultures, community resources, creativity, connection and competitive advantages.

Meanwhile, the SSF will get PHP80 million—of which PHP70 million will be used to finance Maintenance and Other Oper-

Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte on Thursday urges the Commission on Elections (Comelec) during the 2023 National Election Summit at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza in Manila on Thursday to ensure the safety of the teachers and pay them in advance for their service in the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) slated in October 30, 2023. FB page of Inday Sara Duterte

Magnegosyo Ta Day program now replicated at LGU outside Davao

10 US firms in PH for trade mission

Ten United States-based businesses are in Manila this week for a trade mission to look for local partners and possibly expand their operations in the Philippines.

The US businesses here are part of the 120 companies joining the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) business mission of Trade Winds, the largest US government-led trade and business forum.

US Embassy in the Philippines senior commercial officer Paul Taylor said Trade Winds conducts trade and business mission annually, choosing one city to hold the forum, with some of the participating companies making stops to nearby countries seeking business opportunities.

This year, the business forum will be held in Bangkok, Thailand from March 13 to 15.

Taylor said the visiting US businesses will be meeting 60 Filipino companies during their Manila stop from March 9 to 10.

“We’ll bring in 60 Filipino po-

tential partners… Our intention is that after those meetings, they will be able to identify the best partner for them to move forward,” he said in an interview.

The 10 US businesses looking for partners here are from different sectors including retail, energy, technology, defense, manufacturing and administrative support.

These companies are Duck Donuts, Global Accounting, Coursera, Inc., Rife International, Thales Defense & Security, Inc., Astranis Space Technologies Corp., UniXporter LLC, Vibrac, Key Resin Company and Dermaesthetics Beverly Hills Formula USA.

“Companies that are coming here are looking at ease of doing business… They are also looking for a workforce that they can hire and train and help to run their companies and they oftentimes find that here in the Philippines,” Taylor added.

US Ambassador to the Philip-

City’s

program that empowered women in Davao City was replicated in another local government through the Office of the Vice President.

Munsayac said that the said municipality on March 8, 2023 received a total of P150,000 for the program.

“Ginawa na po naming national ang programa dito na Magnegosyo Ta Day. Naging effective po yan dito sa Davao City dahil bukod po doon sa livelihood program may corresponding training po sila (We already made this a national program. It has been effective here in Davao City because aside from the livelihood program the beneficiaries will have

trainings),” Munsayac said.

“Mag Negosyo ‘Ta Day” is a landmark project of the Davao City government where Vice President Sara Duterte served as mayor.

Aside from the Magnegosyo Ta’ Day Program, the OVP, through its Davao Satellite Office, has started to give medical, burial assistance, and assistance to individuals in crisis situations (AICS), and food boxes to persons in need.

Munsayac said that the Davao

Satellite Office assisted a total of 5,667 beneficiaries with medical and burial assistance from July 2022 to February 28, 2023. The satellite office caters to clients from Region 10, 11, 12, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), and Bukidnon

Requirements and downloadable forms for the assistance are listed and can be accessed on the official OVP website: https://ovp. gov.ph/. Forms are also available at the Davao Satellite Office located on the Groundfloor of Orchard Hotel on J.P. Laurel Ave, Bajada, Davao City.

The OVP also provided food FMAGNEGOSYO, P10

ADB invests $15M in DALI ‘hard discount’ grocery chain in PH

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is investing $15 million to support the expansion of Swiss “hard discount” grocery chain DALI’s network in the Philippines.

In a statement, the ADB said it signed a $15-million equity investment deal with DALI.

The investment will support the grocery chain’s network of

retail stores and distribution centers and cold chain infrastructure in the Philippines, which would create at least 4,300 new jobs, “nearly half of them for women.”

“Almost half of households in the Philippines are moderately or severely food insecure, and rising inflation is making it more expensive for them to purchase essential household products,”

said ADB director general for Private Sector Operations Suzanne Gaboury.

“ADB’s support for DALI’s expansion will contribute to food security and food safety by ensuring essential products are available to consumers at affordable prices, in a hygienic environment, and by integrating local agricul-

TheDavao

Magnegosyo Ta Day

Customers browse the wide collection of used ready-to-wear clothes at an “ukay-ukay” market along Crooked Road in Davao City on Friday. Lean Daval Jr.

On the

3D Drone Lightshow which reportedly costs the city government at least P1 million:

“We are coordinating with the organizers and right now ang atong gibuhat internal sa together with the City Legal Office so that we can address and handle it in a manner that is appropriate in the said report with what happened.”

Formed in September 1977, the all-girl group is one of the more successful bands to come out of Davao. It was a regular of JEM Records, owned by Jesus V. ‘Chito’ Ayala and wife-composer Fe Misa Ayala, compose of the popular song ‘Miss Kita Kung Christmas.’ It was Mrs. Ayala who handpicked Ruth Vergara, the sister of two Davao City councilors, as a member of the band.

The group had recorded a number of cuts with JEM and the Japan-based Victor Records, and was regularly tapped as a backup chorus for JEM recording artists like Janet Basco, APO Hiking Society, Maria Cafra, Hajji Alejandro, and Jacqui Magno.

One of its early gigs was in Singapore where it got a candid yet inspiring review in The Strait Times, Singapore’s oldest English daily

ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA FAST

RECALLING THE ‘PASSIONATA’

published since 1845, Geraldine Tang, an enter-tainment scribe, penned “Passionata — lots of passion but no punch in their singing” on Jan-uary 2, 1979:

‘These three Filipino singers call themselves the Passionata--after the passion flower--and they try to live up to their name on stage by showing great feeling in their singing.

‘They concentrate on soul music, jazz, funk, and rock as well as pops. The publicity blurb says they “put a lot of fire and spice into their song-and-dance numbers, and are noted for their verve and vigor on stage.”

‘But I didn’t find them hot enough in the 20-minute session when they delivered four songs.

‘They were dressed in sexy, fire-cracker red halter-necked pantaloon suits

with deep plunging necklines and accessorised with bangles on their arms and flowers in their hair. Despite their appearances, they render their sons with little punch.

‘Nevertheless, they are a promising group and have potential. With experience they may develop a more expressive, well-defined style of their own.

‘The girls did not jive nor dance that much. Perhaps the limited floor space did not allow them to show more of the choreographed movements.

‘Ruth Vergara, 25, who is the first soprano, had been singing in nightclubs before she joined the group. Aida Diwara, 20, was the winner in a regional singing contest in Davao and Mercy (no surname cited), 23, who sings alto, had been a folk singer.

SEVERINO C. SAMONTE GLIMPSES & GAZES

A column in this Section last March 1 by Atty. Gilberto Lauengco about the importance of the coming Oct. 30, 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) polls prompted me to look back at the very first Barangay election held in the country a year after then President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr. lifted the effectivity of martial law on Jan. 17, 1981.

That election was held on May 17, 1982 in accordance with Batas Pambansa Blg. 222 signed by Marcos on March 25, 1982 and the way it was conducted by the then nine-member Commission on Elections (Comelec) was very much different compared with the conduct of such polls at present.

For one thing, it was a strictly non-partisan election, where the candidates did not represent any political party and were not allowed to campaign together or in groups. In other words, each candidate must be really “party-less” or without political group affiliation, unlike today’s prevailing party-list system.

At that time, the Barangay Council was composed of the captain or chairman and six

‘Back home, they have often been likened to the Supremes.

‘For their current stint at a local hotel, their repertoire includes a Supreme medley, a song from the Three Degrees, some ballads spiced with ethnic songs in Tagalog and some disco tunes to get you on the floor.

‘They are back by a fourpiece band called The Equalizers, also from the Philippines.”

In the following decades, the Davao music scene, inspired by the successes gained by local bands in the national entertainment landscape, started to surface. The HiMiG Singers, a cho-ral group formed in 1988 under Evangeline Matunog Lapore, a soprano from Davao who won in the National Music Competitions for Young Artists (NAMCYA), a trendsetter.

Then came the South Border, a Filipino pop and R&B band organized in the 1990s. Their song, ‘Kahit Kailan,’ became the Song of the Year in 1996 and the group won the greatest number of trophies at the 10th Awit Awards.

Two other local bands also made a name. The Freestyle a pop and R&B band founded in 1996 by Davao musician Tat Suzara; it disbanded in 2012, years after promoting songs like ‘Before I Let You Go,’ ‘Till I Found You,’ and ‘Once in a Lifetime.’

In 2009, Eevee, a 4-piece band from Davao City, became champions of the Nescafe 3-in-1 Soundskool. It was originally known as Enzo Villegas Band. They signed up with Sony Music and moved to Manila where they focused their major engagements.

THE 1ST BARANGAY POLLS IN PH AFTER THE 1972 MARTIAL LAW

kagawad or councilmen, plus the chairman of the Kabataang Barangay (KB) as ex-officio member. The KB was replaced by the Sangguniang Kabataan in the 1991 Local Government Code (LGC) promulgated during the time of former President Corazon C. Aquino.

Also at that time, Barangay officials across the country did not have fixed salaries and were only entitled to certain amounts of a monthly allowance.

Just like all higher local officials, most of the barangay officials elected in that polls were also replaced by officers-in-charge or OICs following the historic Feb. 22-25, 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution that forced Marcos and his family to flee to Hawaii, where he died in 1989.

In the then eight-year-old Barangay Nagkaisang Nayon in Novaliches, Quezon City, the elected officials in May 1982 were Benito Clemente as chairman, and Alejandro R. Dantes, Angelito N. Mendoza, Severino C. Samonte (this writer), Gregorio Joval, Alfonso De Jesus, and Maximo Mendoza, in that order, as councilmen or kagawad. Their actual term began on

June 30, 1982 and was supposed to end in the next elections in 1989.

At that time also, our barangay, founded in 1974, was just starting to develop from a sleepy one dominated by rice fields and forests into an industrial site. Its annual income then amounted to just PhP100,000. As members of the barangay council, we just got a monthly allowance of PHP70 given at the end of every quarter for a total of PHP210.

After the EDSA revolt, the then Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), which replaced the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development, named substitute officials for the duly elected governors, vice governors and provincial board members, as well as city and municipal mayors, vice mayors and councilors.

In Quezon City, then Mayor Adelina S. Rodriguez was replaced by OIC Mayor Brigido Simon Jr. Not long after, Simon replaced the barangay captain of Nagkaisang Nayon with one of the elected kagawad, Alfonso De Jesus.

In turn, De Jesus did the

same, replacing four of the five remaining councilmen – Dantes, the two Mendozas, and Joval. This move left this writer as the only elected member of the barangay council, the five others being replaced by appointees recommended by De Jesus.

I did not know why De Jesus had chosen to retain me, and I did not bother to ask him. I stayed, doing the tasks of a duly-elected kagawad along with the appointed ones, who also received the PHP70 monthly allowance.

Sometime in 1988, the Quezon City Barangay Operations Center issued a memorandum stating that those already working in government in whatever capacities – whether appointed or elected – can no longer hold two government posts simultaneously.

After reading the memorandum, I immediately wrote my resignation letter and handed it to the OIC barangay captain. The reason I did it without consulting anybody, not even my wife and children, was because I could not choose the post of a barangay kagawad with a monthly allowance of PHP70 over a salary of PhP18,000 I was al-

ready receiving as supervising news editor at the government-owned Philippine News Agency.

My wife learned about my resignation from the barangay council four months later, after I did not ask her anymore to go to the barangay treasurer and claim my three-month allowance of PHP210. Instead of getting angry, she was very glad.

In September 2007, the Nagkaisang Nayon Barangay Council, then headed by Chairman Engelbert Mendoza, gave me a plaque citing me as one of those who have contributed time and effort (not money, for I do not have much) toward the development and progress of our barangay.

The plaque was also signed by then Quezon City Mayor Feliciano Belmonte Jr. and Vice Mayor Herbert Bautista. It was given on the occasion of the celebration of the 33rd anniversary of Barangay Nagkaisang Nayon.

Several other past officials of Barangay Nagkaisang Nayon and its four sitios -- Capri, Damong Maliit, Gitna and Pasacola -- also were given a similar plaque, mostly posthumously.

Real estate consultancy and research firm Colliers declares Davao is still a leading residential hub in the Visayas-Mindanao region, thanks to the growing inflow of remittances from OFWs, progressive infrastructure development, and sustained regional economic growth. This strong standing has led to an increase in demand for residential properties, particularly condominium units. Colliers sees condominium prices in Davao growing by an average of 3.2% annually over the next five years. Filinvest Land is one of the developers that is addressing this demand with their recently topped-off Building A within the Maldives Oasis condo community.

“The Davao City residential market has finally turned a corner and is seeing take-up rates reminiscent of 2016-2017 figures of around 3,500 to 3,700 units annually,” said Colliers Director for Advisory Services Karla Domingo.

This is affirmed by Lamudi’s 2022 Real Estate Hotspots Report, which cited Davao as the most searched city in Mindanao in 2022. “This may be driven by the progress of infrastructure projects benefiting Davao City residents, such as the High Priority Bus System, Mindanao Railway Project, and the renovation of the Davao International Airport,” said the report.

Aspire by Filinvest anticipates Maldives Oasis’ recently toppedoff Building A within its green and healthy condo community to take on this growing demand. “With its resort-inspired features and breathable

Condo demand in Davao picks up

open spaces paired with a superb location in Matina, we believe that this mid-rise development can fully satisfy our discerning Davaoeño investors’ desire for green, sustainable, and future-proof developments,” said Filinvest Land First Vice President and Brand and Product Head Aven Valderrama.

Live Your Dream

Drawing inspiration from its celebrated namesake, Maldives Oasis offers a fresh take on modern resort living, with an accessible location along Quimpo Boulevard. This mid-rise condo community that offers studio and 2-bedroom units is set within a sprawling 2.3-hectare property that boasts lush greens, resort-style amenities, and smartly designed units.

Filinvest Land, the developer behind Maldives Oasis and its lifestyle Aspire by Filinvest brand, recently topped off Maldives Oasis’ Building A.

“Today, we are officially topping off the first building of Maldives Oasis, taking another step toward delivering our promise of providing

Davaoeños a better normal-ready home and highly appreciating investment,” said Valderrama. Building A will be home to 241 condo units.

“We are committed to our partners that with this milestone, progress is in full swing and that we will deliver the quality products and services they deserve,” said SharePro Inc. (SPI) President and COO Engr. Cherie Fernandez. SPI is a Filinvest company that provides a complete solution for architectural, engineering, procurement, and project management services. Go green Maldives Oasis is designed to be a haven for green living. This gated enclave features 7 stylish buildings and a generous allocation of around 65% for greens, open areas, and amenities. Lush landscapes and pocket gardens can be freely enjoyed by the residents. These features provide a true sense of serenity that typifies the coveted holiday lifestyle. Choose health

At Maldives Oasis, indulging in mini-vacations is as easy as taking a walk to the central amenity area. Here, homeowners can experience the resort-inspired features that create countless opportunities for them to relax, stay healthy, and make memories with their loved ones. They can hit their fitness goals at the leisure pool, clubhouse, fitness gym, children’s play area, basketball court, and more.

Live smart Buildings at Maldives Oasis are thoughtfully crafted with Filinvest Land’s innovative Venti-lite concept, with sky gardens and air wells that allow an abundant flow of natural light and ventilation. Inside are smartly designed studio and 2-bedroom units suited for individuals, newlyweds, and families who are looking to have their own oasis in the city. These units are internet-ready, too; ideal to accommodate remote work and learning needs. Residents can also enjoy peace of mind with a guarded entrance, perimeter walls, and 24-hour security.

With Maldives Oasis’ strategic

location in Matina, lifestyle essentials are within residents’ reach. Prime schools and universities Ateneo de Davao University, University of Mindanao, Philippine Women’s College, and St. John Paul II College of Davao are a few kilometers away, while shopping hubs, hospitals, banks, and churches are nearby. Indeed, Maldives Oasis is an ideal home and an attractive investment for people who want to tap the lucrative rental market in the area. Pre-selling units start at Php 8,500 monthly DP with a limited-time extended down payment terms.

Dreams Built Green Maldives Oasis’ masterplan is aligned with Filinvest Land’s longterm goal of creating green and sustainable developments fit for the needs of the better normal embodied by its rallying cry “Dreams Built Green.” Maldives Oasis is one of Filinvest Land’s over 280 projects in over 55 key areas that follow this green building principle. It is no wonder that Filinvest Land is a 10-time BCI Asia Top 10 Developers in the Philippines awardee.

SM Supermalls, SM Cares recognized for programs on inclusion, sustainability, employee experience

From encouraging mall-goers to adopt more sustainable ways to dispose of their solid waste, to promoting emergency and disaster preparedness that is inclusive of persons with disabilities and the elderly, to employee engagement efforts that ensure a happy and productive workforce, SM Supermalls and its corporate social responsibility arm SM Cares are known for their advocacies that continuously leave a positive impact on communities and the environment.

In recognition of their unwavering commitment to these advocacies, SM Supermalls and SM Cares took home a total of three awards at the recently concluded “Gabi ng Parangal” of the 58th Anvil Awards, organized by the Public Relations Society of the Philip-

pines last March 8 at the Manila Marriott Hotel in Pasay City.

SM Cares took home a Silver Anvil award for its efforts to help address solid waste pollution in the country through its Trash-to-Cash and Plastic Waste Collection initiatives, which are part of its Environmental Programs on Solid Waste Management.

By the end of the eligibility period, SM Cares successfully collected a total of 1,247 tons of solid waste, and has helped many SM mall-goers develop the habit of disposing of their solid waste properly.

SM Cares also took home a SIlver Anvil award for the 2022 iteration of its “Emergency Preparedness Forum,” an event designed to provide emergency preparedness training that is

SM Supermalls and SM Cares took home a total of three Silver Anvils at the recently concluded “Gabi ng Parangal” of the 58th Anvil Awards last March 8 for SM Cares’ Environmental Programs on Solid Waste Management, Emergency Preparedness Forum 2022, and SM Life.

Program Director for SM Environment and Sustainability Engr. Liza Silerio; Director of SM Cares Program on Persons with Disabilities Engr. Bien Mateo; and SM Supermalls’ Human Resources Vice President Cheryll Agsaoay, holding their respective awards.

Mang Inasal wins Silver Anvil

Mang Inasal, the country’s Grill Expert, bagged a Silver Anvil under the Public Relations Tool - Social Media category at the 58th Anvil Awards held recently at the Marriott Grand Ballroom in Newport City, Pasay. The recognition was for Mang Inasal’s Mother’s Day Digital Marketing and PR campaign titled #MomsRuleAtMangInasal that utilized Facebook as its primary tool in generating awareness and engagements for its week-long dine-in promo in May

2022. The campaign engaged social media users by creating diverse content, such as hosting a virtual Mother’s Day Conference, and running a dine-in photo challenge that drove customers to stores to celebrate the season. Conferred annually by the Public Relations Society of the Philippines, the Anvil is a symbol of excellence in public relations in the country. The Anvil Awards recognize outstanding public relations tools, programs, and practitioners discerned by select PR

professionals and assessed by a distinguished multi-sectoral jury. In 2022, Mang Inasal was also honored by the Marketing Excellence Awards-Philippines with a Silver Award – Excellence in Viral Marketing for the brand’s “16 Cups Challenge.” Want more Mang Inasal exclusives NOW? Visit www.manginasal. com for the latest updates, https:// manginasaldelivery.com.ph for delivery deals, and follow Mang Inasal on social media!

Samgyupsalamat Day

Manila, Philippines — Since 2012, Samgyupsalamat has offered premium unlimited Korean BBQ experiences to diners across the Philippines. With over 70 branches nationwide, Samgyupsalamat only continues to grow bigger. As the first and the #1 unlimited KBBQ restaurant in the Philippines, Samgyupsalamat has become a delicious avenue for Filipinos to celebrate their small and big wins – and to bond over Korean food with family, friends, and loved ones.

In Korea, March 3 (3.3) is celebrated as Samgyeopsal Day. This unofficial holiday celebrated on the third day of the third month cor-

responds to the literal meaning of samgyeopsal which is “three-layered meat” (sam ) meaning “three”, gyeop meaning “layer”, and sal meaning “flesh”).

To honor this day, Samgyupsalamat declared March 3, as Samgyupsalamat Day in the Philippines, offering unlimited KBBQ for only ₱333 on March 3, 13, 23 and 30. Even better, Samgyupsalamat fans will get a chance to win a free trip to Jeju Island in South Korea by taking part in Samgyupsalamat’s Hallyu Challenge!”.

According to Engr. Daryl Dexter Julio, one of Samgyupsalamat’s Directors, “The growth and recov-

ery of Samgyupsalamat have been phenomenal. Despite the pandemic, we have remained strong with the support of our loyal customers. We have felt the love from our countrymen for more than a decade. And despite the challenges we all faced, despite other companies copying us, Filipinos continue to support Samgyupsalamat. So it is our turn to say salamat starting March 3.”

For more information on Samgyupsalamat Day, Samgyupsalamat Hallyu Challenge and how to enjoy the Php333 offer this March, visit www.facebook. com/samgyupsalamat

tailored to the unique needs of PWDs and senior citizens.

Held from July 13 to August 3, 2022 in four of the most disaster-prone cities in the country--Baguio City, Quezon City, Legazpi City, and Cebu City--the forum was able to help more than 1,900 participants become better equipped to keep themselves safe during disasters.

Meanwhile, SM Supermallls won a Silver Anvil award for its initiative SM Life, which aims to “promote purpose, performance, and passion” and help employees “adapt and grow to the evolving needs of the business, and to stay happy, resilient, and productive at work.”

Through the initiative, SM Supermalls was able to retain 96 percent of its high-potential talents, and saw an average of 94 percent in terms of training coverage, with participation in the engagement program at 100 percent, among other positive results. The company also recovered and sustained its mall revenue, foot traffic, and occupancy through 2021 and 2022.

SM Cares is the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, supporting initiatives focused on communities and 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 about these programs, visit www.smsupermalls.com/ smcares.

JAAF celebrates Women’s Month with POP QC bazaar at Gateway Mall

J. Amado Araneta Foundation (JAAF), the social development arm of the Araneta Group, partners with Quezon City LGU to promote and empower women entrepreneurs through a bazaar in celebration of Women’s Month.

JAAF teams up with the QC Small Business and Cooperative Development Promotions Office in hosting the Proudly Original Products of Quezon City (POP QC) bazaar happening from March 17 to 19, 2023 at the Gateway Mall in Araneta City.

The 3-day event will feature 9 groups of women entrepreneurs with

interesting products like clothes, bags, and some personally-crafted items. Officials from Araneta City and Quezon City government, along with the Binibining Pilipinas 2023 candidates and Quezon City Symphonic Band, will take part in the opening of the bazaar on March 17 at 10:30 AM. Catch POP QC bazaar at the Ground of Gateway Mall, from 10 am to 9 pm. The bazaar is made possible by the Quezon City Small Business and Cooperative Development Promotions Office, J. Amado Araneta Foundation, Gateway Mall and Araneta City.

Shown in the photo are (from left to right)

have their recommendations with the internal body with regard to the investigation of the drone fiasco.

“We are coordinating with the organizers and right now ang atong gibuhat internal sa together with the City Legal Office so that we can address and handle it in a manner that is appropriate in the said report with what happened,” she said.

She said there is a need to come up with a detailed recommendation on how to manage the large influx of people like what happened in the drone show.

The first-ever 3D Drone Lightshow was touted as one of the biggest attractions of the 86th Araw ng Davao.

“There are things that we need to consider from the crowd control naa gyud kailangan na ayuhon and during the event ang pinaka critical lang man gyud is the failure of the drone show to happen. We will be looking into

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granted a Teaching Supplies

Allowance for the purchase of tangible or intangible teaching supplies and materials and for the implementation or conduct of various learning delivery modalities.

An amount of PHP7,500 per teacher shall be granted for School Year 2023-2024; and

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AMENDMENTS

that aspect and part of the recommendation is moving forward. We need to see all angles specially the area where the event took place. We need to come up with a detailed recommendation on how to manage such influx of people mao to ang part na amoang na identify,” she said.

Romero assured that the CTOO is doing its best to ensure that same incident will not happen again with the remaining events for the 86th Araw ng Davao.

“The preparation is in line man gyud siya even when we started planning but sometimes naa mga butang na out of our control but will not hinder us not to pursue and continue all of the things that we planned. We make sure that all the events are in place and we will be closely coordinating with all the organizers so that what happened last weekend will not happen again,” she said.

PHP 10,000.00 per teacher for School Year 2024-2025 will be given to them, a huge increase from the current PHP5,000 supply allowance per year.

The Teaching Supplies Allowance shall be automatically adjusted to its present value every three years to account for the changing prices of teach-

Electrification Administration to continue to adhere to its mandate of improving the socio–economic status of the people in the countryside through the total electrification program by providing technical, institutional, and financial assistance to the electric cooperatives nationwide and repeal the Electric Power Reform Act of 2001 and Republic Act 10531 or the National Electrification Administration Act of 2013 on converting the electric cooperatives into corporations, which they said is similar to privatization.

In a statement issued on March 2, a consumers organization in Davao Region called Nordeco inefficient in “providing power to its franchise area” and blamed the government regulators for its failure to hold the electric cooperative accountable for its “poor services.”

“Over the years, we have experienced countless power outages that have affected our daily lives, businesses, and ultimately the local economy. Despite repeated complaints and calls for action, Nordeco has failed to address these issues and provide a more reliable and efficient power supply,” Ryan Amper, co-convenor of Davao Consumer Movement, said.

Amper also hit Nordeco for its decision to continue sourcing power for Samal Island from a private company instead of repairing the existing underground cable.

He said this decision would affect consumers in the island, as it would result in higher electricity costs.

Nordeco is getting its power supply from the Mindoro Power Corp. (Chris V. Panganiban/ MindaNews)

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“We expect the administration to continue to enact pro-investment reforms over the coming quarters, especially as the President has reaffirmed his plans to make the Philippines a prime destination for foreign investors,” it added. (PNA)

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ating Expenses (MOOE) while PHP10 million will be used to fund capital outlays.

The SSF gives MSMEs access to sophisticated machines and equipment towards improving the quality of their products, increase their production capacity, accelerate their competitiveness and expand their businesses.

MSMEs comprise 99.5 percent of business establishments in the Philippines, according to the Department of Trade and Industry. (PNA)

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ing supplies and materials and shall not be subject to income tax.

The amount shall be charged from the appropriations of the Department of Education (DepEd) under the General Appropriations Act.

“The proposed bill grants all public school teachers engaged

in teaching basic education curriculum, consistent with the learning modalities recognized by the DepEd, and will ensure that the teaching profession will attract and retain the best available talents through adequate remuneration and other means of job satisfaction and fulfillment,” SB 1964 said. (PNA)

pines MaryKay Carlson, in a welcome dinner she hosted for the visiting firms Thursday, said the companies that participated the Trade Winds mission represent the “best of America.”

“I encourage you to engage with mission delegates here and identify ways you can work with these American companies. Many of them are here for the first time, which demonstrates their keen interest in the potential of our vibrant bilateral trade and investment ties,” Carlson said.

Earlier, the envoy said trade between the Philippines and the US in 2022 exceeded USD33 billion. (PNA)

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boxes to individuals who do not qualify for medical and burial assistance.

Relief assistance was also given to individuals in the Davao region hit by calamities.

He added that in coordination with the OVP Disaster Operations Center and the OVP- Davao Sattelite Office on March 9, 2023, earthquake victims in New Bataan were visited for distribution of disaster assistance. CIO

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tural suppliers into the company’s supply chains,” said Gaboury.

The ADB said DALI is the first company in the Philippines to focus on hard discount retailing, establishing stores mostly in rural and peri-urban communities instead of premium commercial centers in the cities.

The bank said “hard discount” retailing keeps product prices low through high sales volume of a limited product range and lean operations.

The Manila-based multilateral lender said the project will also finance off-grid rooftop solar panels for 200 stores and 5 distribution centers including green building certification for sample buildings and reducing at least 3,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions by 2026.

DALI operates the DALI Everyday Grocery chain of hard discount stores in the Philippines.

Murrell wins PBA All Star dunkfest

The PBA version of the All Star Slam Dunk contest went down to the final dunk with Converge’s David Murrell winning by a narrow margin over Blackwater’s Tyrus Hill to crown himself as the 2023 PBA All Star Slam Dunk king on Friday in Passi City, Iloilo.

The 6-foot-4 wingman completed a 360 degree, windmill slam to win by one point over Hill. This was a follow up on a clean 360,

two-handed dunk which he completed on a single attempt.

The pair of dunks earned him a total of 92 points from

the judges.

Hill, on the other hand, tried to dunk deep into his elbow. Although he got the ball in, he did not get the desired impact. He then wrapped it up with a better one, a successful dunk over Ginebra’s Jamie Malonzo.

Hill got a total of 91 points from the judges, just one point below Murrell’s.

FRED C. LUMBA SPORTS KEN

Just two months away and there seems to be not much news coming out from the POC, the NSAs and the PSC regarding the present set-up, status and scouting prospects for the Philippine delegation to the SEA Games in Cambodia.

Unlike the yonder seasons when the POC was helmed by seasoned sports leaders where they could predict how many golds, silvers and bronzes will the Pinoy athletes - at the status they are in - bring home.

As usual, the final selection of athletes by their respective NSAs is still going under scrutiny and last minute changes may occur

so that the submission of official entries may take a little bit more time.

NSAs usually are tightlipped about their respective gold medal chances. They don’t want to make a verbal prediction because they are scared of the media backlash.

During all the many years of my sports coverage at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex since the mid-70s, there were but a handful of NSA presidents who boldly verbalized their winning chances two months before the actual competition.

One of these NSA chiefs was Go Teng Kok, retired president

“To be honest I thought Tyrus had it that’s why I thought I had to come up with something better. Obviously I did better so, I’m just happy,” said Murrell.

He was also wearing his lucky pair of sneakers, which had signatures from his loved ones in the US.

“I always wore them in special events like my first

PH. SEAG STATUS

of the Philippine Am ateur Track and Field Association.

His hands-on monitoring of the men and women under his wings and the coaching staff in the 90s - including the later years of Asian heroine Lydia de Vega and Elma Muros Posadas - gave him correct info on the physical and mental preparation of track and field athletes.

Go was jusually mobbed by the sports media for scoops because he throws caution to the winds by predicting how many golds will his wards get in the SEAG.

That is why during his long term as PATAFA big boss - from

1991 till his voluntary retirement in 2015 (please correct me if I got it wrong) - his NSA was always adjudged the winningest in terms of golds wons after the SEAG.

His coaches were very adept in scouting the opposition that is why Go was very well informed and advised.

He also has very good friends in the Asian Athletics Federation where he severally sat as one of the officers.

I think it would be nice if the POC hierarchy requests its member-NSAs to give it and the PSC adequate scouting info because this helps improve and accelerate the training and preparation of

PBA game,” he said. “Back home I had everyone sign my shoes, my dad my mom, all of my friends, everyone who supported me in my journey.”

NLEX’s Brandon Ganuelas Rosser and Chris Lalata of Phoenix also joined the competition but did not make it to the final round.

Pinoy athletes.

In basketball for instance. Did Gilas scout the opposition enough last year to find out which country would provide the defending champs strong challenge enough to dethrone them?

I guess they did not.

It was the lowly Indons - not Malaysia nor Thailand - that surprisingly ambushed Gilas in the finals.

Exactly my point, guys. Pinoys always like to cram. The manana habit or procrastination never produces good results. (Email feedback to fredlumba@ yahoo.com.) GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!

David Murrell of Converge completed a 360 degree, windmill slam to win by one point over Tyrus Hill of Blackwater.

Maximizing the use of publicly-funded sports facilities

We are happy to know that publicly-funded sports facilities were built for the Filipino people, who we would like to see as healthy and vibrant citizens.

After so much campaigning for the funds to be available in building a sports infrastructure, the facilities are then built, and usually just in time to host a big sports event.

Yet, we noticed that after a multi-discipline event of a big scale, there is the absence of a steady use of the facilities.

When that happens, moss will develop in the swimming pool, track oval will be lifeless and other facilities will soon go unnoticed.

We only get lucky if there is a school or university close to the facilities whose students can make use of the available facilities.

What about the other residents outside of the school or university campus?

Can they not use the facilities on a regular basis?

Of course they cannot use it on a regular basis if the facilities were built using private sector money. You need to pay a fee at the gate before using the facility, which is right because there are costs to be incurred in maintenance.

However, if it is a publicly-owned facility?

Would you earn the right to use it?

Of course, you have all the right in the world to use the facility for free. It is public anyway. Tama ba ko?

Before availing of the use of a government-owned sports facility, users must at all time follow the rules and regulations.

The public should treat the facilities as if it is they who built it from scratch.

If that is not the attitude, you would never care about protecting the facilities.

Wala lang, basta mo gamit, that’s it, bahala na. Dili puwede ana.

In Davao City, we have the Davao City-UP Sports Complex.

In Marawi City, we have a beautiful track oval inside the Mindanao State University campus.

Question?

Do residents have easy access to use the facilities in order for them to stay healthy and vibrant as citizens of this lovely country?

If this is overlooked by our sports officials, or simply ignored, it is incumbent upon you as taxpayer-paid employees to make sure that your fellow Filipinos can use it on a regular basis. Right? You have to do something about it!

Because if you won’t do something about it, then you have no right to receive a government salary because the sports facilities are not being used to its maximum for the benefit of the people.

Masayang lang, imbis available na ang sports facility.

Sayang lang pud ang sweldo mga Angkol ug Auntie. * * * For comments, kindly email mpb_sports@yahoo.com. Thanks!

Blackwater’s Tyrus Hill soars over Ginebra’s Jamie Malonzo during the PBA All Star Slam Dunk contest in Passi City on Friday.