Edge Davao Vol. 15 Issue 279 | Sunday-Monday, March 12-13, 2023

HOUSEHOLD HEROES

Rigo lauds ‘kasambahays’ for exhibiting values of hard work, sacrifice, loyalty

The Office of First Congressional District Representative Paolo “Pulong” Duterte led by Rodrigo “Rigo” Duterte II distributes souvenirs and cash aid to 200 housemaids during the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) Kasambahay Day at SM City Davao.

HOUSEHOLD HEROES

Rigo lauds ‘kasambahays’ for exhibiting values of hard work, sacrifice, loyalty

By MAYA M. PADILLO

Rodrigo ‘Rigo” Duterte II, representing his father

First Congressional District Representative Paolo “Pulong” Duterte, lauded househelps during the “Kasambahay Fun Day” of the Department of Labor and Employment 11 (DOLE 11) at SM City Davao on March 5, 2023.

“Kung tan-aw sa uban tao sayun lang ang trabaho sa atong mga kasambahay, ako nasayud nga dili kani tinuod. Para ang usa ka tao mamahimung epektibo nga kasambahay, daghan

abuso ang atong mga kasambahay. Busa sakto lang nga tagaan ug pag tagad ug ihanyag ang tagsa tagsa ka mga prebilihiyo ug katungod alang kanila,” Rigo said in his message.

siya ug i- sakripisyo labi na ang iyang kaugalingong pamilya nga mamahimong dili niya maka uban sa kanunay. Ug kung malason pa gyud,mamahimu pa nga maka-experience ug pagpangFHOUSEHOLD, P6

OVP eyeing to open 2 more satellite offices this year

The Office of the Vice President (OVP) is looking at opening two additional satellite offices this year.

Lawyer Reynold Munsayac, spokesperson of Vice President Sara Duterte, said on Friday that currently, there are seven OVP satellite offices nationwide.

tegically located and according to him, anyone can come and ask for assistance.

“Isa ang satellite office sa Davao City ng OVP na napakaraming tutulungan na kababayan dito sa Davao City at sa kalapit na Regions 10, 11 hanggang Bukidnon pati BARMM dito sila lumalapit sa satellite office ng Office of the Vice President,” he said.

CDRRMO to conduct reorientation on earthquakes in Davao City’s schools

Davao City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) head Alfredo Baloran said on Friday that they will be conducting earthquake reorientation in schools in Davao City in coordination with the Department of Education 11 (DepEd 11).

This is after 28 students in

three schools in Davao City reportedly fell ill due to the series of earthquakes in Davao de Oro that affected Davao City on March 7, 2023. The students fainted and experienced difficulty in breathing.

“Mao na ang effect kung mag rattle sila. Katong mga eskwelahan nga naay mga estudyante nga

naay difficulty of breathing nag coordinate dayon ko sa DepEd nangayo ko ug schedule sa ilaha nga mag reorient mi aning ma eskwelahan kay basin si teacher ang nag una una ug kahadlok. Kung mag rattle si teacher pati mga estudynate mag rattle during sa ground shaking,” Ba-

“This year may naka plano na dalawang satellite offices at sa mga susunod na taon baka mas dumami pa yan,” he said over Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR) on Friday.

The satellite offices are stra-

The OVP satellite offices cater to medical and burial assistance, libreng sakay, rice box

Rigo also commended the personnel from DOLE 11, Social Security System (SSS), Philhealth, Pag-IBIG Fund, and Department of Education 11 (DepEd) for gracing the activity intended for the FOVP, 7

400 trike drivers in DavOcc receive accident insurance

At least 400 tricycle drivers in Davao Occidental received accident insurance cards facilitated by the Drivers United for Mass Progress and Equal Rights – Philippines Taxi Drivers Association (Dumper PTDA) Partylist and Cocolife Insurance Company on Friday.

In an interview, Pacifico Paolo Argel, Cocolife senior assistant manager, said the recipients are

members of Dumper PTDA.

“We offer P10,000 accident insurance to the drivers in case they figure in an accident,” he said.

The coverage is 24 hours daily, on and off the job, and will be automatically terminated when the beneficiary reached 70 years old.

Dumper PTDA partylist Rep.

F400 TRIKE, P7

Lawyer Reynold Munsayac, spokesperson of Vice President Sara Duterte, says the Office of the Vice President (OVP) is planning to open additional two satellite offices this year. Currently, there are seven OVP satellite offices nationwide. Lean Daval Jr.

dili kani tinuod. Para ang usa ka tao mamahimung epektibo nga kasambahay, daghan siya ug i- sakripisyo labi na ang iyang kaugalingong pamilya nga mamahimong dili niya maka uban sa kanunay. Ug kung malason pa gyud,mamahimu pa nga maka-experience ug pagpangabuso ang atong mga kasambahay. Busa sakto lang nga tagaan ug pag tagad ug ihanyag ang tagsa tagsa ka mga prebilihiyo ug katungod alang kanila.”

Consultant

JASPER V. BACSAL General Manager / VP Operations

S. PANES Director of

GREGORIO

In paying tribute to househelps:

“Kung tan-aw sa uban tao sayun lang ang trabaho sa atong mga kasambahay, ako nasayud nga

RODRIGO ‘RIGO” DUTERTE II Son of First Congressional District Representative Paolo “Pulong” Duterte

According to John Mearsheimer, the concept of global justice does not exist in international relations. The global political order has never been governed by any standard of justice. Political realism means that way. The Great Powers dominate the world on the basis of their military might and technological superiority. The brutal reality is that there is an imbalance in political power, and as a result, millions have been displaced in major conflicts and thousands of lives have been sacrificed because of military actions and political positioning by dominant states, all because the Great Powers compete for hegemony. This has been the case since the Roman Empire. Rome was all about power and with it, controlling the world.

The reality of power is a puzzle to many. Stephen Walt explains that “the Great Powers act in terrible ways.” Political realism teaches that

THE BIGGEST DILEMMA FOR THE WEST IS HOW TO STOP PUTIN

states will only cooperate with other states if there is some mutual advantage. Walt argues that when it comes to powerful states, “the idea that others must threaten them in the future makes them worry about their security and lead them to compete for power.” Put into context, the background to Russia’s war in Ukraine started in a 2008 Conference in which the trans-Atlantic alliance appears to welcome its expansion near Russia’s border by considering Ukraine’s possible inclusion into North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Russian President Vladimir Putin used what he called an “existential threat” as the pretext to start his war against Ukraine. Walt thinks that condemning Putin won’t be much of help. The behavior of Great Powers is not founded on any moral precept. It is rooted in how they react, using military strength or economic leverage, when

a vital interest is threatened.

Mearsheimer, the most influential International Relations theorist today, argues that there is a security competition between states, which currently explains the situation in Eastern Europe, the South China Sea, and the Korean Peninsula. States are aggressive, just like the case of Russia, in order to maintain their position. The same is done by enhancing one’s power and diminishing that of their enemies. In contrast, Mearsheimer explains how Western liberalism wants to control the world by imposing democracy on certain states, promoting a global free market economy. Mearsheimer argues, as what happened in Iraq and recently, in Afghanistan, that the strategy employed by the US failed because of ethnic nationalism. Groups adhere to their faith, beliefs, values, and tradition. The imposition of Western paradigms, in this way, is seen as inimi-

ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA FAST BACKWARD

Endemic to maritime southeast Asia, the Philippines tarsier, scientifically known as Carlito syrichta and called amas by several indigenous tribes, is a haplorrhine primate that has for so long been a curiosity in Davao region’s forest fastnesses where vegetation was largely intact.

As early as 1912, American records already had accounts of tarsier encounters in several areas of Davao where scientific expeditions, mostly US-funded, were focused. In line with good conservation practices, the anthropologists gathered only a few specimens and kept them away from intruding natural habitats where these nocturnal creatures live.

After the war, two scientific explorations were launched in the region in 1947 separately led by Dr. John N. Hamlet, biologist

from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, and Dr. Harry Hoogstraal, ‘the greatest authority on ticks and tickborne diseases who ever lived’ who was assistant curator of insects of the Chicago Natural History Museum.

Hamlet’s team, however, is particularly interesting given that he was joined in his special zoological research by Dr. Charles Heizer Wharton, a research ecologist who was in Manila at the time writing some articles for The National Geographic Magazine.

Dr. Wharton’s interest in joining the Davao research is the tarsier, which he termed as his ‘chief quarry.’ To ensure he could securely get one live specimen, he hired catchers to scour different areas and paid them for each piece. Not too long thereafter, he obtained news from Madaum, Tagum City, of a

cal to the way of life of local folks and seen as adversarial to their sense of identity.

Walt says that Putin, “bears accountability for this war, liberals have produced the opposite results by dismissing Putin’s protests.” In a 2016 talk at the University of Chicago, Mearsheimer, explains that the Ukraine war was a result of fundamental and precipitating causes. The primary cause, he alleges, appears to be the expansionist paradigm of NATO. The events in Ukraine sometime in 2014 precipitated the resolve of Putin to invade the country. Mearsheimer thinks that the changing of the regime in Ukraine in 2014 caused Putin’s so called “war of choice.” The greater danger, of course, is that Putin is ready, willing, and able to escalate this conflict should NATO intervene. Russia, being a nuclear state, possesses around 40% of the nuclear stockpile in the world.

Walt notes, however, that Putin may have miscalculated the political resolve of Ukrainians, especially its young and charismatic president. Zelensky has vowed to stay the course and die with his soldiers to protect Ukraine. The West, in fact, bears the moral obligation to support him, but is also aware of the risks that a nuclear war can bring into the continent. Indeed, there is no justification for the Russian invasion. Walt thinks that Putin also overcalculated the “West’s hostility towards Russia.” Putin’s biggest mistake, so far, is thinking, that “this war will be swift and easy”. According to Walt, the biggest dilemma for the West is how to stop Putin. The economic sanctions have not deterred Putin, who has vowed defying Western sanctions. Walt argues that “sanctions are ways of weaponizing interdependence, but they do not change the resolve of an aggressor.”

DAVAO IS TARSIER’S PARADISE

tarsier caught in the plantation of the International Harvester Company. To reach the area, he borrowed a wobbly jeep, ferried two rivers, and rode on carabaos to reach the destination before the fragile creature had expired.

He later joined Dr. Hoogstraal’s expedition in Sarangani where a band of curious Mano-bos approached them, asking them what they were looking for. In his September 1948 article, he wrote: “Imagine our surprise when three natives ran up about two hours later, each bearing a tarsier in his hands. The creatures regarded the scene through their incredible yes, the pupils now reduced to tiny horizontal slits by the bright sunlight. A six-month catch in two hours.”

In appreciation, Dr. Wharton committed a blunder by offering $5 for each mammal,

the equivalent of two-week plantation labor. The prospect of earning more income from catching tarsiers literally sent the Manobos to the thick forest in a frenetic search. Not long thereafter, a number of catchers returned with 20 tarsiers carried inside wire cages.

For some reason, Dr. Wharton did not stop the collection of live tarsiers which, in a mat-ter of weeks would balloon to a hundred. The hefty population, to the ecologist’s nightmare, means finding also suitable food for the sprightly creatures. He wrote:

“Most of the tarsiers were caught by natives. Sometimes a whole family of Manobos would troop in with two or three tarsiers they had surprised while clearing the family gar-den. Usually, they tied the little fellows around the waist in the manner in which

monkeys are often tied, or they carried them in some cleverly made container.

“Of the more than a hundred recorded captives, at least half were caught clinging in small trees near the ground, in a crotch, or when otherwise in plain view during the day.”

Excessive hunting, destruction of habitats, logging, incursions, and collecting them as pets would eventually decimate the tarsier population, making them an endangered species to-day.

In recent years, tarsiers were spotted in certain areas of the region. In 2013, two separate colonies were found in Barangay Bobon, Mati, Davao Oriental, and in Barangay Suaon, Ka-palong, Davao del Norte. And in 2020, sightings were reported in Megkawayan, Calinan, Davao City, and Tadeco banana plantation in Davao del Norte.

CHRISTOPHER RYAN MABOLOC, Ph.D THEORY AND PRACTICE

Taiwanese companies eye hubs in PH: PEZA

The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) has received Taiwanese companies this week for a business mission in the country.

In a statement Friday, PEZA said eight manufacturing companies and two logistics firms from Taiwan are looking at registering their projects with PEZA or the Board of Investments (BOI).

“These delegations from Taiwan are eyeing to register their export and domestic market-oriented projects under the PEZA and BOI. Prospective Taiwanese investors are into manufacturing of consumer electronics, car brake pads, screws and other steel prod-

ucts, centrifugal fans, hardware materials, paper and packaging products,” PEZA officer-in-charge Tereso Panga said.

The delegation is conducting an inbound mission here until March 10, visiting PEZA ecozones such as LIMA Technology Center, First Philippine Industrial Park (FPIP), Light Industry & Science Park (LISP) IV in Batangas and Filinvest Technology Park located in Laguna, as well as Hermosa Industrial Park in Bataan and TECO

Industrial Park in Pampanga.

Panga said the inbound mission here of Taiwanese firms is a follow-through activity to the Joint Economic Conference (JEC) between the Philippines and Taiwan in October 2022.

On the sidelines of the JEC in Taipei last year, PEZA attracted seven investment pledges from Taiwanese firms amounting to USD65 million.

“PEZA is aiming to attract more investments in high-technology industries as Taiwan’s economy is driven by a competitive manufacturing sector in the fields of electronics, machinery,

FTAIWANESE, A3

DOST 11 provides community livelihood training in Bucana

In response to the rising cost of living and the demand for more livelihood, the Department of Science and Technology 11 (DOST 11) hosted a detergent powder-making training in partnership with the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) in a densely-populated community in Bucana, Davao City.

The technology training activity is part of the Livelihood Program and Community Involvement activity by the SPMC Pediatrics Department which targets to empower the local community by providing them with a sustainable livelihood opportunity through DOST 11.

DOST 11 techno training per-

sonnel Robelyn Pulido equipped the participants with a step-bystep guide on how to make the detergent powder, what are the role of ingredients, and how to properly measure, mix, and store the detergent. The participants are also taught how to customize their detergent powder with different

F

DOF:

JCR affirms ‘A-’ credit rating for PH

Japan Credit Rating Agency, Ltd.

(JCR) has cited the continued improvement of the Philippines’ macroeconomic fundamentals amidst the challenging global environment as the primary factor in affirming its A-level credit rating on the country.

Citing a report released by JCR on March 10, the Department of Finance (DOF) said the credit rater also affirmed the ‘Stable’ outlook on the country’s credit rating despite the risks posed by elevated inflation rate and global economic uncertainties.

An A-level investment grade rating with stable outlook is a manifestation of a country that has lower credit risk and provides it better access to low-interest credit from the international market.

“The affirmation confirms the country’s strong macroeconomic fundamentals, as evidenced by the strong growth performance in 2022 at 7.6 percent that exceeded the 6.5-7.5 percent growth

assumption of the Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC),” it said in a statement on Friday.

The DOF said the credit rater also cited the resiliency of the domestic banking system since it is “healthy on stronger payment capacity and improving employment situation.”

It added the latest credit rating action on the country backs the positive development on the domestic labor and employment environment, which improved further last January when the unemployment rate slipped to 4.8 percent.

The national government’s outstanding debt in 2022 is lower than the target of 61.8 percent of the output of the economy when it only reached 60.9 percent of gross domestic product (GDP). The government’s budget gap last year slid to 7.3 percent of GDP from year-ago’s 8.6 percent.

Finance Secretary Benjamin

A vendor prepares to cook banana at an eatery along Matina Aplaya Road in Davao City in anticipation of the influx of customers, mostly workers of a shopping store who will take their snack break, on Saturday. Lean Daval Jr.

BSP mandates full adoption of QR Code standard by July 1

Telcos OK with extension of SIM card registration

Philippine telecommunications companies are amenable to a possible extension of the SIM Registration deadline.

The National Telecommunications Commission reports that over 42.6 million sim cards have been registered as of March 9, 2023. But that figure only represents 25.24 percent of over 168.9 million total active sim users.

The initial deadline for sim registration is April 26 or less than 50 days to go.

Smart, which has a 32 percent registration rate, told ABSCBN, it welcomes the proposed extension period.

“We are here to continuously support government in its SIM Registration initiatives. While we have led in the number of registrations to date, Smart and TNT welcome the proposed extension period for SIM registration by the DICT to

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is mandating the full adoption of the Philippine QR Code standard by July 1, 2023.

days from the date of the memorandum.

give

more time to all, especially the marginalized sectors and those located in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas,” Smart said.

Globe, which has a 20 percent registration rate, said it also welcomes the possible extension. One of its representatives said it will give subscribers more time to register their SIM.

When asked by media if the SIM registration period can be extended given the low turnout, Department of Information and Communications Technology Usec. Anna Mae Lamentillo said that the DICT can extend the registration period for another 120 days.

Globe, Smart and DITO have set up several SIM registration booths nationwide in order to assist the public. They have also implemented promos such as free data and ra ffles for subscribers who register.

In a statement on Friday, the BSP said its policy-setting Monetary Board has approved the guidelines that will facilitate the full transition of all quick response (QR) code-enabled payment services to the National QR Code Standard, or “QR Ph.”

QR Ph is the country’s QR code standard, based on the Europay-Mastercard-VISA (EMV) standard, a global standard for secure payments. It was developed to standardize the use of QR codes.

The BSP said the guidelines mandate BSP-supervised financial institutions (BSFIs) acting as payment service providers (PSPs) and offering QR code-enabled payment services to use and display QR codes on their internet and mobile channels starting July 1, 2023.

The central bank said PSPs, including those participating in the InstaPay automated clearing house, are required to submit the status of their compliance with the QR Ph standard within 30

“With the active development of the industry in this space, it is timely for the BSP to ensure that QR-enabled payments are supported through the interoperable QR Ph standard. This way, PSPs and their clients would be able to fully realize the benefits brought by the convenience, speed, and ease of using QR Ph,” said BSP Governor Felipe Medalla.

“The QR Ph standard is currently being adopted for two high-impact use cases in the country, namely person-to-person and person-to-merchant payments. These transactions form FBSP, A3

American donut brand eyes partner for 1st store in PH

American donut brand Duck Donuts is looking for a Filipino partner to open its first store in the Philippines as it expands its presence in Asia.

Duck Donuts is among the 10 visiting companies from the United States that are part of the Trade Winds business mission in the Association of

Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Trade Winds is the largest US government-led trade and business development forum, which is bringing 120 US companies to ASEAN this month to expand their operations in the region.

Duck Donuts global franchise development executive

Marcel Portmann told reporters here Thursday night that the company aims to operate in another Southeast Asian country, which could be the Philippines.

Portmann said its first store would be located in Bangkok.

He said they are scouting for a franchisee that can bring

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Felipe Medalla says it is timely for the BSP to ensure that QR-enabled payments are supported through the interoperable QR Ph standard. He added that this way, payment service providers (PSPs) and their clients would be able to fully realize the benefits brought by the convenience, speed, and ease of using QR Ph. Lean Daval Jr.

Omnichannel store builder Enstack raises $3M from Wix Backer and other high-profile investors to digitize Southeast Asia SMEs

Singapore and Manila

– Enstack, Southeast Asia’s first SME superapp, has announced the completion of a $3M Series A funding round led by Mangrove Capital Partners, indicating investors’ growing interest in capitalizing on the demand for digitization among small businesses.

Founded by former Shopee Philippines country lead Macy Castillo and Skype co-founder Geoffrey Prentice, Enstack provides small and medium enterprises (SME) with an endto-end app to manage their businesses, including multiple storefronts, inventory, and integrated payment and shipping solutions. A female-led startup that knows how to empower the predominantly-female local SME landscape, Enstack came out of beta last October, saw 5x growth in the

TAIWANESE...

FROM A1

petrochemicals, energy, and information and communications technology (ICT) products,” Panga added.

To date, PEZA registered 109 Taiwanese companies with combined investments amounting to PHP33.17 billion, which created 38,749 direct jobs.

Among the top Taiwanese investors in PEZA include Sunon Properties Philippines Corp., Tong Hsing Electronics Phils. Inc., Kinpo Electronics (Philippines), Inc., Acbel Polytech Philippines, Inc., Bojie Development Corporation, Phil Bright Corporation, Shang Mei Philippines Corporation, Taihanland (Philippines) Inc., Bioteque Medical Phil. Inc. and Everbrilliant Manufacturing Company Inc. (PNA)

JCR... FROM A1

Diokno reiterated the Marcos administration’s bid “to maintaining sound macroeconomic fundamentals and achieving its fiscal targets by continuing the course of sound fiscal management.”

“The country’s recent structural reforms will also enable the country to withstand the pandemic shocks and map a route to recovery,” he said.

For one, the government has taken a whole-of-government approach in tackling the elevated inflation rate by not relying solely on the rate hike decisions of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) but has adopted measures to address supply issues on several food items and help alleviate the

fourth quarter of 2022, and is expected to grow by another 10x by year-end. Bannered by leading merchants in food, fashion, and beauty, the app’s growth highlights the appetite of SMEs to digitize business operations.

Enstack’s key investors help support the company’s strategic initiatives. This investment marks Mangrove Capital’s first in Southeast Asia after a rich history of backing global tech leaders including communications giant Skype and website builder Wix. Other participants include Southeast Asia payments unicorn Xendit, who is excited to be an active partner in addressing the urgent need for digital payments in small businesses and William Kim of Shinsegae International whose expertise in health and beauty helps the superapp marry industry insights with the

DOST... FROM A1

scents and colors, allowing them to cater to various preferences.

A total of 40 participants from the community participated in the training in hopes that they can reduce their household expenses and they can generate additional income while staying at home.

Marietta Abella, 54 years old and a mother of four, said that she was amazed by how easy it is to make the detergent powder.

“Kini na programa kay dakong tabang gyud ni sa akoa kay daghan ko kauban sa balay so makadugang pud ni na mabawasan akoang gasto. Paningkamutan pud nako na maneogosyo namo ni kay dugang pud siya income sa amoa na makatabang sa pag eskwela sa akong anak. (This program is a huge help to me because it will help me in reducing the household costs. I will work hard that we can pursue this as a business which will give us additional income to help in my children’s education,” she added.

Pulido said that the techno training is part of DOST 11’s commitment to empower the local community through innovative programs like the detergent powder-making training which will create sustainable livelihood opportunities for the people. (PR/ DOST 11)

impact of higher rate of price increases on the lives of many Filipinos.

“With the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 20232028, the government will steer the country towards a path that promotes inclusive growth, provides equal opportunities to Filipinos, and enables them to participate in an innovative and globally competitive economy,” the DOF said. (PNA)

team’s hyperlocal SME knowledge.

“Enstack’s mission is to empower underserved SMEs with integrated tools that grant flexibility, in a business landscape that is shaping-up to be a combination of both online and offline commerce. The all-inone superapp makes it simple for businesses to digitize regardless of what business they own and where they are in their entrepreneurial journey,” said Castillo.

“Southeast Asia is seeing the rise of its own ‘Commerce 3.0’ where merchants are demanding more tailored solutions to their growing businesses online and offline. Armed with expertise and experience from the last decade in Southeast Asia e-commerce, our team created Enstack as a response to barriers to SME digitization. We have seen

BSP... FROM A2

the bulk of the average total retail payments made by Filipinos in a month. Standardizing QR codes enhances customer and merchant experiences, leading to greater usage of digital payments,” added BSP Deputy Governor Mamerto Tangonan.

The BSP said the guidelines were issued through a memorandum that provides for the transition of non-QR Ph codes for electronic payments services to the QR Ph standard before July 1, 2023.

Thereafter, “non-QR Ph codes or proprietary QR codes shall be disabled and shall no longer be available to the public,” it said.

The BSP said PSPs are also reminded to provide appropriate product training and guidance on the features of QR Ph to their employees, including store cashiers and managers.

The central bank said the memorandum implements BSP Circular No. 1055 on the “Adoption of the National Quick Response Code Standard,” issued in October 2019.

Circular No. 1055 requires BSFIs that serve as PSPs to adopt the national QR code standard in their payment services.

This is aimed at transforming the fragmented QR-driven payment services into interoperable payment solutions, eliminating the need for merchants and customers to maintain several accounts and display numerous QR codes.

The Philippine Payments Management, Inc., which is the payment system management body accredited by the BSP, developed QR Ph in accordance with the provisions of Circular No. 1055, the central bank said

small businesses embrace and transition to digital and look forward to building on this momentum to help more SMEs in the Philippines and the rest of Southeast Asia be future-ready,” she adds.

“The right combination of timing, innovation, and an experienced team sparks confidence in this venture. Our investment in Enstack’s game-changing product reminds us of when we’ve made winning bets on early commerce disruptors that have successfully helped SMEs create and expand their digital footprints,” shares Mark Tluszcz, CEO of Mangrove Capital and Chairman of Wix. “We firmly believe in Enstack’s capacity to set the standard of how tech for SMEs should be done - marrying technical knowhow with a thorough understanding of the market’s local nuances. This shared

MOTOGP... FROM A4

sionate speech about finally being able to do things in person again.

The Apex Arrival kicked into high gear when Quartararo and Morbidelli’s convoy made its way to the racetrack. After exchanging pleasantries, the pair, along with Mascardo, Mauricio, Paz, and even Mr. President, hopped on their bikes for a quick exhibition ride, to the delight of the roaring crowd. The oohs and aahs from spectators—as well as a few laughs when Franky extended his track time—were an indication that the long trip to Clark was well worth it.

Another highlight of the event was Yamaha presenting a brand-new YZF R15M to McKinley Kyle Paz (his “dream bike”) for bringing the coun-

milestone excites us to further help empower underserved SMEs in the region,” he adds.

According to the International Institute for Management Development’s World Digital Competitiveness Ranking 2022, Southeast Asian economies have varying levels of capacity and readiness to shift to digitization. The Philippines still lags behind neighbors, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia in its ability and readiness to embrace digitization as a “key driver for economic transformation in business, government and wider society.” Enstack offers a superapp that fulfills the diverse needs of entrepreneurs across the region, making it easy for business owners to digitize, no matter what kind of business they own or where they are in their entrepreneurial journey.

try pride in the past couple of years. Two lucky attendees also won an all-expenses-paid trip for the 2023 Malaysia Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit this coming November.

In the end, Quartararo addressed their fans: “The message I want to give, especially to young riders, is to enjoy, because it’s something that a lot of people want to do. Believe in yourself. (Work hard for) your goals. Dreams come true.”

Morbidelli added, “Keep believing, keep pushing. This is a country where motorsport is going up and up, so I already met some young, promising riders, and hopefully we will see a Filipino rider one day in MotoGP.”

AMERICAN... FROM A2

the brand to the Philippines that has experience in the food business and knowledge in real estate to put up the stores in strategic locations.

“We need someone who can prove to us they can open at least eight stores,” Portmann said, adding the partnership would be a 10-year agreement.

He said the eight stores should be opened within the first five years of the deal.

Aside from opening shops, the company also targets to put up the supply chain locally.

“Supply chain for us is very important. So, we will work towards having a regional and even a local supply chain in Asia,” Portmann added.

Founded in Duck, North Carolina in 2006, the American donut shop chain has more than 100 stores in the US and has opened in the Middle East, Egypt, and Puerto Rico.

Unlike other donut brands, Duck Donuts does not have donuts on their racks as their products are freshly made and customers can also customize the flavors and toppings.

Portmann further said it would also offer local flavors, including toppings that are unique to the Philippines.

Duck Donuts targets to open its first store in the country by the fourth quarter of this year or early next year once it finds its local partner. (PNA)

MotoGP greats grace YMPH Racing Team launch

Filipino racing aficionados were in for a treat after MotoGP icons Fabio ‘El Diablo’ Quartararo and Franco ‘Franky’ Morbidelli recently made a pit stop in the country for Yamaha’s The Apex Arrival event.

Local fans couldn’t wait for the two championship-caliber riders to land, even forming a welcoming committee at Terminal 3 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport as early as 8 a.m. on Friday, March 3. You can’t blame Pinoys, though— we’re talking about Quartararo, who won the 2021 MotoGP World Championship after replacing the legendary Valentino Rossi in the factory Yamaha squad, and 2017 Moto2 titleholder Morbidelli, and this is their first time visiting the Philippines.

The contingent proceeded to the Manila Marriott Hotel in Pasay for the exclusive media interview and meet-and-greet. They were joined by some of the best homegrown racing talents in ‘Rocket Boy’ April King Mascardo, ‘The Flash’ Gian Carlo Mauricio, and the first Filipino to compete in the FIM CEV Moto2 European Championship, ‘The Wonderboy’ McKinley Kyle Paz.

Following Quartararo and Morbidelli’s introduction, attendees participated in a fun trivia game that revealed El Diablo’s celebratory meal and the names of Franky’s pets.

The MotoGP heroes also answered some hard-hitting questions, before the ceremonial tasting menu of Filipino delicacies like adobo, sinigang, halo-halo, and sisig, which the two liked the most. They also received custom Funko Pops for their special appearance. Festivities resumed the next morning at the Clark International Speedway in Pampanga for the scheduled track day. Racing enthusiasts, riding clubs, and motovloggers flocked to the motorsport venue to watch their favorite Mo-

toGP riders, share their love for motorcycles at the display booth, and for BluIsFast users, actually try out the racetrack. Yamaha started things off by giving select guests a chance to experience the track, followed by a talk about safety and basic racing knowledge. By noon, it was time for the unveiling of the 2023 Yamaha Philippine Racing Team, before Yamaha Motor Philippines President Mr. Hiroshi Koike officially opened the 2023 race season with a pasFMOTOGP, A3

IN THE FLESH. MotoGP greats Fabio Quartararo and Franco Morbidelli grace YMPH Racing Team launch.

HOUSEHOLD... FROM 2

“kasambahays.”

Rigo is hopeful that through the said activity the “kasambahays” will be given adequate programs.

“Ako usab nanghinaut nga daghan unta kamo makutlo karong adlawa nga makatabang kaninyu. Ayaw unta ninyu kalimti nga kining among opisina abli kanunay para muhatag ug dugang nga tabang kaninyu,” he said.

DOLE 11 regional director law-

yer Randolf C. Pensoy and heads of government agencies that are members of TASK Kasambahay also graced the said activity that was highlighted with the “kasambahays” showcasing talents in “Kasambahay Got Talent” and won prizes and gift items.

The “Kasambahay Fun Day” aims to pay tribute to housekeepers for their contribution and also allow them to show their capacity to be part of the society.

Rodrigo “Rigo” Duterte II represents his father, Davao City First District Representative Paolo Duterte, during the Department of Labor and Employment 11’s “Kasambahay Fun Day at SM City Davao.

3 suspects in Lanao Sur guv ambush arrested

The Area Police Command-Western Mindanao (APCWM) said the three suspects were arrested by operatives of the APC-WM and APC-Eastern Mindanao around 4:30 a.m. Friday at Barangay Ninoy Aquino in Kalilangan town, Bukidnon.

A report of Lanao del Sur

police identified the suspects as Palawan Salen Macalbo, 34; Nagac Dimatangkil Baratomo, 38; and Amirodin Dimantingkal Mandoc, 29.

Police said Macalbo, an alleged member of the Gandawali crime group, has standing warrants of arrest for murder and

OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT-SHERIFF Davao City

HOME DEVELOPMENT MUTUAL FUND EJF REM CASE NO. 18,799-23

OR PAG-IBIG FUND,

Mortgagee, - VERSUS -

JOSEPH B. MAGNO (SINGLE)

Mortgagor/s.

NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL FORECLOSURE SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

Upon extra-judicial petition for sale under Act 3135, as amended filed by the mortgagee HOME DEVELOPMENT MUTUAL FUND or PAG-IBIG FUND, against JOSEPH B. MAGNO with postal address at PUROK 5 (NEAR BARANGAY HALL) KM. 8, 44 DSE SUBD., TIGATTO, DAVAO CITY, to satisfy the indebtedness which the mortgagors failed and refused to pay as of September 22, 2022 in the sum of (Php=981,657.53), Philippine Currency, inclusive of interest and other charges as of September 22, 2022; the undersigned Sheriff IV of the Regional Trial Court, Davao City, will sell at public auction on March 31, 2023 at 10:00 A.M., or soon thereafter, at the main entrance of the Hall of Justice, Ecoland, Davao City, to the highest bidder for CASH or MANAGER’S CHECK and in Philippine Currency, the following real property mentioned and described below together with all the improvements found thereon, to wit:

TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. 146-2017012591

“LOT NO: 18 BLOCK NO: 4 PLAN NO: PCS-112402-005669

PORTION OF: THE CONSOLIDATION OF PLAN H-151925, PLAN H-500853 (LOT 1799, CAD-102), LOT A, LOT B, AND LOT C, ALL OF PSD-27706

LOCATION: BARANGAY OF INDANGAN, CITY OF DAVAO, ISLAND OF MINDANAO AREA: NINETY SQUARE METERS (90), MORE OR LESS

All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above-stated time and date.

In the event the public auction should not take place on the said date, it shall be held on April 28, 2023, without further notice.

Prospective buyers are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the title of the above-described real properties and encumbrances thereon, if any there be. Davao City, Philippines, February 21, 2023.

ATTY. FRANCISCO M. CAMPANER

(SGD.) SANTI JULIAN G. SOLOMON

frustrated murder issued by a court in Marawi City on February 2019.

No bail was recommended by the court for the murder case and PHP200,000 bail has been set for the frustrated murder case.

On the other hand, the APCWM said that both Baratomo and Mandoc are facing charges for illegal possession of explosive which is in violation of Republic Act 9516.

Confiscated from the three suspects were an M16 rifle, a grenade, a rifle grenade, and an M16 magazine with eight ammunition.

The APC-WM said the three arrested persons were allegedly involved in the Feb. 17 ambush on the convoy of Adiong at Sitio Landslide, Barangay Dilimbayan in Ma -

OVP... FROM 2

(Food boxes), Davao SO relief assistance, MAIP (Medical Assistance to Indigent Patients), AICS (Assistance to Individual in Crisis Situation), and other programs.

Meanwhile, the OVP- Disaster Operations Center (OVP-DOC) distributed a total of 1,052 relief boxes to earthquake-stricken towns of Davao

EXTRA JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE of the LATE ROSALINA RAMES WITH DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE

The public is hereby notified that the intestate estate of the late ROSALINA RAMES who died on June 30, 2008, which estate consists of one (1) parcel of land situated in the Barrio of Riverside, City of Davao, containing an area of TWO HUNDRED SIXTY FIVE (265) SQ.M. more or less and covered by Transfer Certificate of Title No. 146-2018014971 has been the subject of an Extrajudicial Settlement of Estate with Deed of Absolute Sale by and among her heirs, as duly ratified, acknowledged, and entered as Doc. No. 371; Page No. 76; Book No. 4, Series of 2023; in the notarial registry of ATTY. JANE KARLA BORBE, a duly-commissioned Notary Public in Davao City, Philippines.

guing town, Lanao del Sur province.

Four of Adiong’s aides were killed while the governor and another staff were injured during the incident.(PNA)

de Oro on Thursday. The relief boxes were distributed to residents of Maragusan and New Bataan, which were heavily affected by the March 7 earthquake.

New Bataan was the epicenter of the 6.2 and 5.9 magnitude quakes that caused landslides and damage to properties. By Maya M. Padillo

CDRRMO... FROM 2

loran said over Davao City Disaste Radio (DCDR) on Friday.

Baloran said they want to include the students during exercises so they know what to do during earthquakes.

Based on initial reports of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO) of Davao de Oro, the successive earthquakes also caused several students to faint while 10 others were reported injured.

PDRRMO in the Municipality of Kapalong monitored reports of 12 pupils who passed out, and they were recognized as students of Kapalong National High School, Luna National High School, and Sagana Integrated School.

400 TRIKE... FROM 2

Claudine Diana Bautista-Lim said some 13,000 drivers all over the country have already availed of the program.

“Our goal is to provide coverage insurance to the

transportation drivers. That’s why we tried hard to provide this accident insurance,” she said in an interview.

Dumper PTDA, a political group that advocates for drivers’ welfare and protection, represents not only the public transportation sector nationwide but also the commuters.

Apart from the accident insurance coverage, Lim said that they also continue to provide scholarships for the drivers’ children, medical, burial, and hospitalization assistance.

“These programs have been running for three years. We are planning to increase this year and have identified at least 10,000 beneficiaries in the entire Davao Region,” the lawmaker said.

Meanwhile, Edgardo Antipolo, president of the Poblacion Malita Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association, said the accident insurance is a big help for their group.

“Despite the insurance, we still wish that we will always be safe because we are also carrying the lives of our passengers. We want them to be safe too,” he said. (PNA)

Clerk of Court V Clerk of Court & Ex-Officio Prov’l Sheriff

‘Cracks in the system’

country has so much talented athletes and it is “sayang” when the talented “falls through the cracks in the system”.

Mr. Keon made the statement at the recent San Miguel Corporation-Philippine Sportswriters Association Awards Night at the Diamond Hotel.

I am quite intrigued when he mentioned about the “cracks in the system”.

The National Sports Association (NSA) leaders in this country are tasked to properly identify talents, trained and support them all the way with the help of the government agency, the Philippine Sports Commission, and the private sector like Milo, Coca-Cola, Globe Telecom, Smart Telecom, Phoenix Fuels, etc.

But along the way and I agree, there are “cracks in the system”.

There is no perfect system, specially in this country where politics have mixed well with sports development.

Dunay kanunay politika. That is, to me, the “crack” in the system.

However, if professional sports leaders and managers, meaning those who really went to school for physical and sports education, are given the total control in sports development, things will entirely be

different. Why? They do not do politics, and simply focused in sports development.

On the other hand, the role of politicians is to make sure that adequate funds for sports development are allocated each year for the athletes, for their training and competitions locally and abroad.

They must also use their influence to encourage the private corporations, small and big to chip in for the cause of producing medal winners in the world stage.

Correct talent identification, trained by the professionals, funded by the government and private sectors, who could go wrong? Right?

Yes, yes, all NSAs have done their best for Philippine sports. Okay, okay, you can say whatever you want.

Now, we’ll see if the Philippines can be a big, big powerhouse in the upcoming Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia on May 5 to 17.

But wait! Why not get Mr. Keon on board for Philippine sports development?

If you won’t have him on board, then it is “sayang”.

* * *

For comments, kindly email mpb_sports@yahoo.com. Salamat!

Former Project Gintong Alay chief Michael Marcos Keon in a PNA report said the

PSC Chairman Richard Bachmann met with Philippine Olympians Association (POA) President Akiko Thomson Guevara and Treasurer Stephen Fernandez earlier today at Philsports Complex in Pasig City. Both parties discussed future collaborations specifically on the upcoming grassroots sports program of the PSC, where our Olympian sports icons can impart and encourage the youth talents all over the country. Chairman Bachmann also sat down with the PSI Philippine Sports Institute led by Grassroots Program Head Abby Rivera to strengthen the talent identification programs of the agency.