Edge Davao Vol. 15 Issue 283 | Friday, March 17, 2023

The Ma-a and MacArthur Highway junction in Matina, Davao City is one of the excessive traffic congested area in the city based on the joint traffic study of the City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO) and the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA). Lean Daval Jr.

ROAD RESTRICTIONS

CTTMO announces road closures for “Araw’s” Parada Dabawenyo

By MAYA M. PADILLO

Expect heavy traffic on Saturday March 18) during the traditional Parada Dabawenyo event of the 86th Araw ng Davao celebrations after the City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO) notified Dabawenyos on Wednesday of the road closures to be imposed.

Parada Dabawenyo is the highlight of the city’s charter anniversary which will be participated by 250 contingents.

CTTMO exploring solutions to ease traffic congestion

Dabawenyos are advised to use the alternate routes from north: J.P Laurel Avenue to MacArthur Highway; J.P Laurel Avenue - R. Castillo Street - Leon Garcia Street - Quezon Boulevard

- Quezon Boulevard - MacArthur Highway; J.P. Laurel Avenue - Cabaguio - Leon Garcia StreetQuezon Boulevard - Quimpo Boulevard - MacArthur Highway.

along Roxas Avenue - left turn to C.M. Recto Avenue - right turn to Bonifacio Street, left turn to Pelayo Street, and left turn to San Pedro Street. F

From south: MacArthur Highway - Quirino Avenue - J.P.

Climate change helps boost durian production

Not everything that climate change brings is harmful, it also has a positive impact especially on durian industry in Davao City.

Fe Oguio, agricultural technologist of the City Agriculturist Office (CAO), disclosed on Wednesday that due to the change of the weather that has been observed in the past two

years production of durian continues throughout the year the reason why every month there is durian available in the city.

“Marso karon pero daghan makita na durian mao ni isa tungod sa climate change nautro pud ang seasonality sa atong mga prutas. Karon nag celebrate ta sa Araw ng Davao ug mura siya nahimo ug kaday-

awan tungod sa kadaghan sa durian nga available na mapalit sa mga katawhan,” Oguio said over Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR) on Wednesday. She also said durian is very cheap nowadays particularly if bought near the production areas in Calinan and Baguio Districts. The Puyat variety is sold

The City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO) has explored solutions to reduce excessive traffic congestion in some areas in Davao City particularly Matina Crossing, Ma-a corner MacArthur Highway, and Malagamot in Panacan.

Dionisio Abude, chief of CTTMO, told media on Wednesday that the traffic issues are being addressed following the joint traffic study with the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) last February 20 to 25, 2023 wherein they conducted road survey, traffic count, assessment of the existing traffic signal, capacity building with traffic enforcers, and shared best practices on traffic management.

Based on their survey, Matina Crossing and Ma-a along MacArthur Highway are already at full capacity carrying a traffic count of 600 to 1,000 cars per hour.

Abude said they recommended to the City Transport Management Board, which is the policy-making body of CTTMO, for the cutting of the island in the area to give left-turning vehicles going to Matina Aplaya as well as going to Matina Pangi a dedicated slot for the left turn.

“Kasi nakita namin for how many hours sa pag observe is nababara ang mga sakyanan

going to north and south. Di ba kung gusto mu left turn ang going to Matina Aplaya and Matina Pangi, pag go signal ma stop ang left turn ug makalangan siya. Ang solution is i-cut nato ang island,” Abude said during Wednesdays at Habi at Kape media forum at Abreeza Mall.

In Malagamot, Panacan, Abude said they recommended to the regional office of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH 11) to establish an overpass and drop-off zone and install a traffic signal in the area.

“Ang causes sa traffic congestion are daghan na ug sakyanan saturated na, road crash/vehicular accidents, vehicles stalled. But we have recommended to solve that problem ang Malagamot nato is walay traffic lights and we recommended for traffic lights in Malagamot as long-term plan for Panacan area. Sa Panacan walang overpass at nandiyan ang palengke, DPWH, cemetery, funeral home,all of these are contrubutary to the traffic congestion in Panacan. Ang request namo to DPWH na magkaroon ng libay or drop off sa mga passengers para pag naog nila dili nila ma block ang mga sakyanan and construciton of pedestrian overpass para wala nay mag-agi sa baba and putting up of traffic

City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO) head Dionisio Abude Jr. notifies the public of the road closures during and after the Parada Dabawenyo on Saturday. He also advised Dabawenyos to expect moderate to heavy traffic during the said activity. Lean Daval Jr.

The Parada routes will start

ROAD, P7

On the traffic congestion in some areas in Davao City:

“Ang causes sa traffic congestion are daghan na ug sakyanan saturated na, road crash/vehicular accidents, vehicles stalled. But we have recommended to solve that problem ang Malagamot nato is walay traffic lights and we recommended for traffic lights in Malagamot as long-term plan for Panacan area. Sa Panacan walang overpass at nandiyan ang palengke, DPWH, cemetery, funeral home,all of these are contrubutary to the traffic congestion in Panacan. Ang request namo to DPWH na magkaroon ng libay or drop off sa mga passengers para pag naog nila dili nila ma block ang mga sakyanan and construciton of pedestrian overpass para wala nay mag-agi sa baba and putting up of traffic signal in Malagamot.”

Director

Manager

VP

D. VELASCO President SOLANI D. MARATAS Finance

JASPER V. BACSAL General

/

Operations JOCELYN S. PANES

of Sales

GREGORIO GARAY DELIGERO Editorial Consultant

MAYA M. PADILLO Senior Reporter

MOSES BILLACURA Sports Editor

DIONISIO ABUDE CTTMO Chief

“A fanatic is one who can’t change his mind and won’t change the subject.” - WOODY ALLEN.

Even when the rules and regulations - designed to benefit the majority of the constituencyare already set, there is always a mindset ready to defeat the purpose/s.

In the same manner, there is also a mindset that bends itself backward because it wants to make a compromise with the former to maintain balance and equilibrium.

The recent nation-wide jeepney strike, supposed to last long for a week, was aborted (and ceased after just a day) when PBBM came down from his perch and spoke his piece.

He immediately acceded to the strong demand of jeepney drivers and operators (or else) belonging to two groups for the government’s transport modernization program deadline to be extended because many of them have no financial means

FRED C. LUMBA SPECKS OF LIFE

HOSTAGING THE GOVERNMENT

and capability to buy new vehicles.

Prior to PBBM’s nerve-calming intercession, the protesting transport groups aired their dislike for the DOTr’s “sweeping” decision that all public conveyances, particularly the jeepney operators/drivers, join a transport cooperative so that all concerned individuals can pool their resources together and work unitedly as one.

A cooperative, in this sense, is like a private corporation that is run by the members themselves with no government intervention in its internal affairs. (But in cooperatives, membership is voluntary.)

While the majority of the transport orgnizations have agreed to form themselves into cooperatives and were already operating as such, published news reports however said two transport blocs (MANIBELA and PISTON) expressed their protest and resistance to the modernization program because their members could not afford the hefty funding requirements and

conditions.

The DOTr, initially, stood its ground but the protesters threatened to launch a nation-wide jeepney strike to paralyze the transport system.

In the final analysis, the general commuting public was adversely affected, to the gfreat discomfort and exasperation of poor daily wage earners.

Although aware of these consequences, the striking jeepney drivers, who also lost daily earnings that provide food on the table, obeyed the decision taken by their officers.

You can see that the government bent its stance backward because PBBM did not want the general populace to suffer.

In a Third World country that relies mostly on public conveyance, the mass base of the people unavoidably becomes fodder that feeds social unrest if the situation is not promptly quelled.

Of course, this proletarian tactic has been the methodical approach taught and employed by Karl Marx, Mao Tse Tung, Fidel Castro, Che Guevarra and their ilk

who favored socialism over the western world’s democratic system.

Ranged against the long-time practice of the “boundary” system, the transport cooperative program - if run effectively transparent and efficiently managed - will assure the individual members of financial growth and regular source of income.

I believe that, over the years, the national government has studied the program with scholarly applied knowledge and practical analyses.

They would not have missed the Israel kibbutz experience and time will expertly tell why the cooperative system in a third World country will row and prosper.

Training seminars as well as educational trips in an exchange program with countries that have proven success in cooperatives should be a regular menu in cooperatives development.

Politics is a no-no. Once it rears its ugly head in the moveement, members should immediately chop it off like a beastly

ATTY. GILBERTO LAUENGCO, J.D. OBLIQUE OBSERVATIONS

“We should celebrate neurodiversity – the world would be poorer and life duller if we were all the same.” – Neil Milliken

“In a culture that believes great minds think alike, people whose brains work differently are often ignored or excluded.” –unknown author

This week (March 13 to 19,2023) is Neurodiversity Celebration Week. Neurodiversity week is a worldwide initiative and celebration that seeks to raise awareness about the misconceptions and stereotypes of neurodivergence.

Neurodivergence is a nonmedical term that describes people whose brains develop or work differently for some reason. This means the person has different strengths and struggles from people whose brains develop or work more “typically”. Classical definitions of neurodivergence include diagnoses of autism, ADHD, dyslexia and other forms of learning disabilities.

The activities of this week are meant to transform how neurodivergent individuals are treated or supported. Proponents of the

dragon head.

Obviously, the birth pangs in the institution of the aforementioned jeepney cooperatives are already being felt.

Black props and intrigues-sowing, if allowed to penetrate, will negate the over-all objectives.

The DOTr, as the line agency directly incharge, should maintain a focused and undivided attention because the jeepney cooperative in the vehicle modernization program is the showwindow of the Marcos administration in creating effective governance and credibility in the public eye..

Communication remains the most effective weapon to bridge the gap between the government and the governed.

Absent this, the inertia will wane sooner or later because there is always another movement within that undermines our democratic institutions and just waiting to strike.. (Email feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.) GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!

NEURODIVERGENCE IN PH: THE FIGHT FOR AWARENESS, INCLUSIVITY

neurodiversity movement believe that brain differences are normal rather than deficits and that neurodivergent people experience, interact with and interpret the world in unique ways.

It is estimated that around 15 to 20 percent of the world’s population (one out of seven individuals) exhibits some form of neurodivergence. Dyslexia is the most common type of neurodivergence with a worldwide average of 10 percent of adults. This is followed by ADHD with 4 to 5 percent and autism at 1 to 2 percent.

Statistics for neurodivergence in the Philippines are scarce because of underreporting, misdiagnosis or a general lack of sufficient programs to measure. There are, however, various estimates for autism with a high of 1 in 100 persons to a low of 1 in 500. ADHD estimates put it at an average of 1 in 20 persons. We have no specific statistics on dyslexia in our country but some estimate it also at the worldwide average of about 10 percent of the population.

Despite the foregoing statistics, it is quite unfortunate that

awareness and understanding of neurodiversity in the Philippines is still very low. Unless one has a loved one who exhibits some form of neurodivergence, Filipinos rarely know much or even care about the prevalence of neurodivergence.

For autism, the average Filipino thinks that all autistic individuals are like the main characters portrayed in television shows like “Budoy” and “My Special Tatay” which focused on autism as a form of impairment and even portrayed with whimsy. Although, there was a nuanced performance of an autistic individual by one of the actors in the show “The General’s Daughter”, it was the portrayals of autism in the other two shows which stick to the minds of many Filipinos.

What is worse, however, that there are some incidences of discrimination in the Philippines against neurodivergent individuals. In December 2020 , an incident occurred in a Mactan resort that still makes many parents of autistic children very angry to this day. In that resort, a 6-year-old child with autism was

squealing in delight when the staff allegedly told her to stop her child from making noises. After complaining about the incident, the resort’s resident manager in a written reply accused the mother of “lying about her son’s condition” and stated that “uncontrollable shouting is not a symptom of autism”. He said that he googled the symptoms of autism and concluded that this was a case of “lack of discipline”. The said individual received a plethora of angry comments from parents of autistic children who even crossed political fences to jointly address the issue. The manager issued what many felt was a non-apology. Advocates for neurodivergence awareness still cite this incident when discussing about the need for more concrete actions to prevent discrimination.

Insofar as government policies are concerned, most government programs and initiatives are centered on physical disabilities. There is a need to increase access to education services for neurodivergent individuals.

Republic Act 7277 or the

Magna Carta for Disabled Persons in the Philippines does not even specifically include autism or neurodivergence in the list of disabilities. As such, programs specifically keyed for neurodivergence are far and few in between.

Some people insist that this is just nitpicking. We beg to differ. All parents of neurodivergent individuals share a common pain. It starts on the day we are told our children are neurodivergent. It is a pain that often lingers.

It is a pain that we do not wish on anyone else. This is why we fight like this for awareness and understanding. Inclusivity has become a byword for some sectors but true inclusivity should include the neurodivergent individuals who often cannot fight for themselves.

This is my oblique observation.

Editor’s note: The opinions expressed in the foregoing article are solely the author’s and do not reflect the opinions and beliefs of the Philippine News Agency (PNA) or any other office under the Presidential Communications Office.

Flight fuel surcharge level downgraded for April ‘23

Travelers should expect lower airfares in time for the Holy Week break next month as the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) downgraded the fuel surcharge level for April.

In an advisory on Wednesday, the CAB announced that the passenger and cargo fuel surcharge for domestic and international flights was adjusted to Level 6 for April 1 to 30, 2023.

The fuel surcharge level in April is a notch lower than the current level.

Under Level 6, passengers will be charged P185 to P665 in fuel surcharges for domestic flights and P610.37 to P4,538.40 for international flights, depend-

ing on the flight distance.

Under Level 7, the current level, the fuel surcharge for domestic passenger flights ranges from P219 to P739 depending on the distance, while for international passenger flights originating from the Philippines, the fuel surcharge ranges from P722.71 to P5,373.69.

Fuel surcharge is an optional fee, apart from the base fare, that airlines may pass on to passengers to recover costs incurred

due to the volatility of jet fuel.

In a statement, AirAsia Philippines said the development “is expected to cushion the effects of the volatile movement of fuel prices in the world market.”

“AirAsia Philippines will continue to work within the guidelines set by CAB on this matter,” it said.

“AirAsia Philippines will continue to reassure its guests that it will remain true to its promise of affordable world-class flights this 2023 as we soar towards full recovery,” it added.

Philippine Airlines said it would “faithfully comply with

PAL expands services; targets SMEs

As it marks its 82nd year, flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) on Wednesday shared its plans to continuously expand services, especially now that the industry is recovering from the pandemic.

For one, PAL will continue boosting its cargo services, which the airline’s president, Stanley Ng, said kept the business afloat during the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic. Aside from cargo services, PAL also used its fleet for repatriation flights as well as in transporting Covid vaccines at the height of the pandemic.

“We will soon roll out a new feature called Port-to-Door Ser-

vice, where cargo customers can have their shipments delivered to them, hassle free. We are proud of this innovation, because it will be very useful for SMEs (small and medium enterprises),” he said in a press conference.

Ng said the new service will make shipment and last mile delivery seamless and convenient.

Expansion of global and inter-island connectivity is also in the pipeline.

Nonstop flights between Manila and Perth, Australia will be offered starting March 27.

Daily flights between Seoul, South Korea and Kalibo in Aklan province will resume in April, although Ng did not specify the

BIR reshuffles middle officials, reg’l execs

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has conducted another revamp in a bid to further strengthen the tax collection and administration programs of its field offices nationwide.

Eleven middle level executives of the BIR were either promoted or given new jobs. Most of the officials hold sensitive posts in the information systems group (ISG).

The reshuffle of key officers was merit-based and in time for the tax filing season.

• Marissa Uy from OICHREA Large Taxpayers Service Programs and Compliance

Group to OIC - HREA Large Taxpayers Service Regular Group

• Rosario Padilla from HREA Large Taxpayers Service

• Regular Group to Project Management & Implementation Service

• Joe Soriano from Chief, Regular LT Audit Division III

Large Taxpayers Service to OIC -HREA Large Taxpayers Service Programs and Compliance Group

specific date. Further, he said PAL will resume regular flights between Manila and Macau, and will ramp up flights between Manila and Beijing, China to six weekly by May.

“Our decision to invest in these nonstop flights means that we can help boost tourism and introduce more foreign visitors to enjoy our local attractions and some of the world’s best beaches and adventure destinations,” Ng said.

By April, PAL will ramp up its operations in Clark. Three to four flights weekly to Caticlan, Coron and Busuanga will be offered via Clark beginning April 1. Current-

The regrouping includes exceptional performers and other BIR officials who passed the recent competency examination with transfer to key field assignments.

The reshuffle included Raquel Cristina Baltazar, who moved from OIC-head revenue executive assistant (HREA) of the information systems project management service to OIC assistant commissioner of the same service; and Nelly Ibo, from administrative service concurrent chief of procurement division to OIC-HREA administrative service.

Other updated BIR posts include the following.

• Lorna Binarao from Asst. Regional Director RR No. 2-CAR to OIC - Regional Director R No. 3 - Tuguegarao City

• Atty. Wilmer Dekit from Chief, Legal Division RR No. 8B -

South NCR to OIC Asst. Regional Director RR No. 9A - CaBaMiRo

• Rodel Buenaobra from Revenue District Officer RDO No. 28 - Novaliches

Visitors enjoy horseback riding at Barangay Dahilayan in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon on Wednesday (15 March 2023). The area is a go-to place for rest and recreation among Northern Mindanao residents. A short ride costs P250 while the 3.5-kilometer ride in the forest park costs P500. MindaNews photo by JULES L. BENITEZ.

FFLIGHT, A4

PH franchising group eyes 12 to 15% industry growth

Pag-IBIG Fund posts P80-B members’ savings in 2022

Pag-IBIG Fund on Wednesday said its members’ savings reached a “record-high” P80 billion last year, as the economy continues to grow despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

Jack Jacinto, Jr., Pag-IBIG Fund’s public affairs manager, said they also posted record-high housing loans at P117.85 billion in 2022. Some P53 billion for short-term cash loans were also released last year, which helped 2.6 million members.

“Malaking bagay yan ang pagbangon ng ekonomiya. Dumadami ang miyembro na naghuhulog sa Pag-IBIG fund at marami sa ating mga kababayan ay nakabalik na sa kanilang mga trabaho,” Jacinto said during a televised briefing.

“Mahalaga din diyan yung patuloy na pagtiwala ng ating mga miyembro sa Pag-IBIG fund sapagkat yung kanilang mga ipon ay patuloy nilang dinadagdagan at nilalakihan at pinagkakatiwala,” he said.

“[Ito ay] liban pa sa patuloy na pagbabayad ng ating mga miyembro sa kanilang mga housing loan at cash loans.”

Jacinto said Pag-IBIG had 1.4

ThePhilippine Franchise Association announced that it will host the World Franchise Council and Asia Pacific Franchise Confederation meetings this year.

national Expo from October 27 to 29, and a two-day Certified Franchise Executive Program at the Asian Institute of Management on June 5 and 6.

million additional members last year, raising their total active members to 15.12 million.

Their MP2 (Modified PagIBIG II) Savings program also hit P39.82 billion in 2022, which is 54 percent increase from the previous record of P25.95 billion. The program is a voluntary savings program open to Pag-IBIG members who are active or under pension.

Members for the MP2 program, he said, also jumped to 1 million from around 600,000.

“Labis na ikinatutuwa sapagkat ito ang pinakamataas na hinulog ng ating mga miyembro sa ating MP2 program,” he said.

“Sa pamamagitan ng programang ito, kayo ay makakapag-ipon sa Pag-IBIG fund sa napakagaan na halaga na P500 to open an account. Maaari kayong mag-ipon anytime,” he added.

The Pag-IBIG Fund has deferred its planned contribution hike this year to mitigate the impact of rising costs on Filipinos.

The planned P100 contribution hike, which will be equally shared by the members and employers, was suspended until 2024.

The industry group said this aims to attract industry leaders from over 40 economies to take a long hard look at the Philippines as a new destination for their businesses.

Joseph Tanbuntiong, treasurer of Jollibee Foods Corporation, said the meetings will also help more Filipino brands expand outside of the Philippines.

“Franchising is another instrument for us to bring our Philippine brands outside the country. So with that, we don’t only export products from the Philippines, we actually export

brands that started here in the Philippines.”

He said the meetings will boost PFA’s goal of having 50 Philippine brands outside the country.

The PFA said that there are currently 20 Philippine brands that have successfully expanded outside the country, and the goal is to repeat that success with 30 more brands.

Apart from the meetings, PFA is also hosting Franchise Asia Philippines 2023, which will include the International Conference on June 7 and 8, the Inter-

The conference will be a learning experience with seven plenary sessions and over 70 world-class industry speakers from brands like Jollibee, 7-Eleven, McDonald’s, Max’s Group, and Bo’s Coffee.

Aside from the target for Philippine brand exports, the PFA is also looking to expand the industry by 12 to 15 percent in terms of overall business expansion including store openings and employment. The PFA estimates the Philippine franchise sector employs around 2 million Filipinos FPH, A4

Udenna’s Eight8Ate eyes

Wendy’s, Conti’s store

Udenna Group’s food arm

Eight8Ate eyes expanding its brands Wendy’s and Conti’s store network to 200 this year, an official said on Wednesday.

Eight8Ate could hit 200 combined stores this year, after aggressively growing to over 160 branches during the COVID-19 pandemic, company President Joey Garcia said on the sidelines of the media

growing

network

launch for Franchise Asia, a conference and expo for franchising set for June and October.

Of the total stores, only 9 are franchisees. Garcia said. Eight8Ate is expanding through company-owned stores to establish a strong base before they pursue expansion through franchising, he added.

“We doubled (in) size,” Garcia

said.

Apart from Wendy’s and Conti’s Eight8ate also owns Masuma, an enterprise focused on providing services to other food businesses. It caters to clients like WalterMart and Family Mart.

Udenna acquired Conti’s and Wendy’s in 2018 and 2019, respectively, as part of a rapid, debt-fueled expansion.

Converge Information and Communications Technology Solutions Inc. co-founder and chief executive officer Dennis Anthony Uy interacts with the media during the groundbreaking of its Bifrost Davao cable landing station in Bago Gallera, Davao City last month. The broadband service provider said its net income hit P7.4 billion in 2022 while exceeding its target of covering 55 percent of households in the country. Lean Daval Jr.

Nonprofit group I am MAD reunites, announces full in-person volunteer opportunities

To reignite the “MADgic” of volunteerism, I am MAD (Making A Difference) Volunteers Inc., a nationwide nonprofit, non-governmental organization, gathered recently in Botolan, Zambales for its annual “MAD Meet.”

Formerly known as “MAD Convention,” the annual volunteers’ get-together was rebranded as MAD Meet coinciding with the celebration of the NGO’s 13th anniversary and the return of its full face-to-face community engagements.

With the theme Reignite the MADgic: Celebrating 13 Years of Volunteerism, the two-day grand reunion of volunteers from all over the country focused on rekindling the spark among past and present members, relighting their paths forward, reawakening their vision for the organization, renewing their passions, and reliving the MADgic of volunteerism for the community.

“This is one of our initiatives to bring back or reignite the MADgic within us. We tried to rebrand the gathering into a more intimate and purposeful type while maintaining the fun that we

always apply in all our MAD Camps,” explained Maco Ravanzo, co-founder and chief executive volunteer of I am MAD, during the prelude program at Sambali Beach Farm.

Learning organic farming, sustainability

Ravanzo also added that the organization wants the volunteers to experience the MADgic again together and “learn something new” before they start the camps scheduled this year.

During that short visit to the farm, volunteers had the opportunity to explore, experience, and educate themselves more about organic and sustainable farming. This was initiated by the owner, Philip Camara, who then showed how the eco-farm uses biochar, or carbonized biomass, which is agricultural waste made into charcoal, to grow various vegetables and raise livestock.

Sambali Beach Farm is an organic farm in Botolan, Zambales, founded by Ching Camara that promotes sustainable farming, agritourism, and community enterprise support. The farm’s goal

and vision in the long run is for the farm to be a center for sustainability and healing, as well as a place where people can go to be with nature, have clean air, and clean food.

Volunteer opportunities open for all

The volunteer group continued the remainder of the MAD Meet activities by staying at Simoy Norte Private Resort, where they were served a sumptuous meal courtesy of Ahyanella’s Samgyupsal in a Bowl and Chef’s Corner Meat Outlet.

Highlighted in a Havana-themed night, the event likewise presented the organization’s accomplishments and a fresh set of leaders, including its “Dream Team” leads for each of the 10 target areas in the Philippines, along with the official list of the 2023 MAD Camp volunteer opportunities, which are open to all.

In his short message, Christian Marx Rivero, I am MAD co-founder and chairman, reminded the volunteers about the goal and advocacy of the organization.

“A volunteer’s registration fee to a MAD Camp is not a payment for comfort. It is an investment for a lifetime experience,” said Rivero as he emphasized that joining the volunteer work of I am MAD is not for comfort but for the lessons they will gain in making a difference together with each other and the communities it serves.

Recognized by the Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations (TAYO) Awards Foundation, MAD Camp, the organization’s flagship program is a three-day outreach program where it gathers volunteers to facilitate values formation activities anchored on the Department of Education’s core advocacies and engage school children ages 10-12 with tasks designed to promote positive Filipino traits and inspire them to see themselves as dreamers and future leaders with a volunteer heart. Volunteers usually stay in the beneficiary school to camp. The last day is set aside for local community immersion and exploration. Know more about MAD Camp here bit.ly/madcampinfokit2023.

The night was capped off with “Gawad I am MAD” (Star MADgic Night), which recognized all the volunteers behind the successful conduct of I am MAD programs, initiatives, and engagements from the onset of the pandemic in 2020 to 2022. Some of the special awardees and raffle winners received gift certificates and other items courtesy of its sponsors — Power Mac Center, Metrobank, and CID Communication. There was also a surprise announcement that the next MAD Meet will be held in Davao City in February 2024, which will be led by I am MAD’s resident host/voicemaster and Chief of Volunteers for Countryside, Big Jay Lagang, a news anchor from PTV Mindanao. As schools and provinces reopen for face-to-face activities, I am MAD Volunteers Inc. is encouraging everyone to be part of its upcoming full in-person MAD Camp volunteer opportunities this year in the following areas: Albay, Davao Oriental, Sarangani, North Cotabato, Davao de Oro, Nueva Ecija, Quezon, Isabela, Negros Occidental, and Bukidnon.

Securing Digital Banking Infrastructure in PH

Makati City, Philippines – In today’s digital world, banks and financial service institutions (FSIs) are responsible for protecting consumers’ critical data to avoid economic and reputational loss. However, existing infrastructures continue to evolve due to the industry’s digitalization, and more consumers are now utilizing digital platforms for their daily transactions. According to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), such situations risk data security and identity protection.

How can organizations secure data infrastructure in today’s digital banking world? And what is the current data ecosystem?

In an event organized by Utimaco, a global platform provider of trusted cybersecurity and compliance solutions, in partnership with Securemetric and CorewareTechnology, titled ‘Building a Foolproof Infrastructure in Today’s Digital Banking World,’ Utimaco leaders shared insights and best practices to ensure a guarded digital future.

Understanding the data ecosystem

Card payment systems usually use what is commonly known as the “Four-Party Model.” This involves the cardholder, a consumer with a payment card provided by a bank or other financial institutions, and the merchant, a business, or an individual who receives card payments in exchange for products and services. Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) belong to this category as they accept payment cards.

Key parties also include the issuing bank, which provides payment cards to the card owner on

behalf of the card networks. In this model, the issuer is the one who pays the acquiring bank for the purchased products and services by the cardholder, who then pays back the issuing bank according to the contract terms.

Lastly is the acquiring bank. It is a financial institution that contains the merchant’s bank account. Contracts with the acquirer enable merchants to accept payments from any issued card. While the model is simple, the four parties exchange critical data, which can be at risk if not secured.

Using cryptographic methods for data security

The industry uses cryptographic methods to protect consumers’ private information when stored or in motion online during a transaction. This includes encryption and tokenization. The former involves an algorithm that alters the data into an unrecognizable form known as ciphertext, a decryptable with a key. Meanwhile, the latter transforms the information into an indistinguishable set of characters referred to as tokens. If stolen, tokens present no value without the tokenization system.

Role of HSMs in securing transactions

Hardware Security Modules (HSMs) are devices to create, protect, and manage cryptographic keys in a secure domain during transactions. And HSM applications differ in the four key parties of the data ecosystem. The chip for EMV transactions in its payment card serves as a micro-portative HSM for a card owner. However, for the merchant side, the use of HSMs depends on

the scale and nature of a business. Smaller vendors can rely on pointof-sale (POS) terminals built with secure memory and cryptographic hardware that can act as HSMs. Major retailers, on the other hand, would require network-attached HSMs to ensure secure transactions.

Meanwhile, the issuing bank needs robust HSMs to generate, protect, and manage the keys to activate and process payment cards. For the acquirer, HSMs handle all the merchant’s financial channel keys and process the cryptographic flow in the issuer’s direction.

“HSMs are essential to protect the ciphered transactions across the four corners of the data ecosystem.

It acts as a safe in a financial institution’s network and houses the keys

needed to decrypt consumers’ critical data. Now that banking transactions are increasing; data security and identity protection are more at risk from cybercriminals. This makes HSMs vital to the key parties in the data ecosystem,” said Deval Sheth, Managing Director for Asia Pacific at Utimaco.

Protecting payments with Utimaco Utimaco offers reliable HSMs that can securely process transactions in the financial industry. One of these devices is the Atalla AT1000, a FIPS 140-2 Level 3 and PCI PTS v3 certified payment HSM. Among the financial institutions that integrated this HSM is a digital payment services platform and an e-money company in Pakistan called NayaPay.

With this, the financial institution

aims to secure customers’ data, identities, and finances while adhering to compliance and regulation standards.

After integrating Atalla AT1000, NayaPay gained robust and flexible protection at every transaction, cut the cost of ownership through consolidated HSM infrastructure, and met security and compliance requirements, among others.

“The Atalla AT1000 can secure critical data and associated keys for non-cash payment transactions in retail, cardholder authentication, and cryptographic keys of payment service providers, acquirers, processors, issuers, and even payment networks,” added Sheth.

To learn more about Utimaco, visit its website at https://utimaco. com/.

Local women-led F&B merchants tell why Lalamove is their trusted delivery partner to expand businesses

Filipina entrepreneurs have been drivers for economic recovery in the country as they explore opportunities in establishing and succeeding in their pandemic-born businesses. Part of their every milestone is Lalamove, the country’s leading on-demand delivery platform, which provides affordable long haul and short distance same-day delivery service across its serviceable areas in Luzon, Metro Manila and the island of Cebu with ease. Now more than ever, Lalamove continues to provide the same services that businesses love, expanding it further by providing more vehicle options from motorcycles to trucks.

Learn how most women-led F&B merchants in the country thrived as full-blown business ventures with the aid of Lalamove in just a few taps.

Products are Handled with Care

Since their sushi bake received a lot of positive feedback from family and friends, the Chuateco sisters decided to accept orders and eventually turned it into a homebased business. Mariell and Trixie Chuateco decided to quit their full-time jobs. Marika, meanwhile, fresh out of school in Shanghai, helped out in the business together with Pamela, the youngest of the four as the chef.

They consider their different areas of expertise as their collective strength that allowed them to innovate Taste and Tell. However, like any business, mishandling of products became one of their major hurdles. This led them to apply and be Lalamove’s corporate client to ensure that their intricately designed products are intact and delivered safely to the customers.

“We are so scared not to grow and be stuck in that cloud kitchen. We, as women, want to grow every day; we want to keep growing and innovating,” said Mariell Chuateco

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ly, PAL flies daily between Clark and Incheon, South Korea, as well as the Clark-Cebu-Clark routes.

The executive said that PAL is already back to 100 percent of its pre-pandemic flights via Manila and Cebu.

Meanwhile, PAL Director Lucio Tan III said the airline is expecting a continued strong market recovery, hence there are plans to enhance and upgrade the fleet.

“We’re taking back some of the aircraft we relinquished during the Chapter 11 restructuring,” he said, adding that an Airbus A330 was delivered back to them last January, and PAL is working to get back the other airplanes.

Tan said PAL is reactivating more of the aircraft that were parked during the pandemic, with all of them going back in service between now and the fourth quarter.

“We are working on upgrades to our widebody fleet. Our fleet expansion will require big investments, but we are determined to take the needed actions to ensure that PAL offers a reliable and competitive product that’s responsive to our market,” Tan said. (PNA)

as she recalled the reasons that led to opening Taste and Tell’s first physical restaurant with Lalamove as their logistics partner.

Wide-range of Serviceable Areas

Heavenly Desserts by Chef Jeng Sy Flores, since its inception during the pandemic, already has six stores across Metro Manila with deliveries reaching nearby provinces like Cavite, Bulacan, and Rizal. The cake shop offering handcrafted, delectable desserts started working with Lalamove in 2021. Realizing that Lalamove has the most reliable customer assistance, they applied for a corporate account to maximize Lalamove’s affordable delivery rates and hassle-free booking.

“Managing a business can be tough, but I always tell myself that if I want to achieve something, I should act now. Growing a business in the time of pandemic can

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the lower fuel surcharge matrix that will be applied for tickets that will be purchased next month.”

“We remain grateful [for] our customers’ loyalty through the years,” PAL added.

Cebu Pacific has yet to issue a statement on the matter.

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Maria Socorro Lozano from Chief LT Division - Cebu to OIC

-Asst. Regional Director RR No. 13 -Cebu City

Helen Abellanosa from Chief, Regional Investigation Division

RR No. 16 - Cagayan de Oro City

to OIC - Asst. Regional Director

RR No. 15 - Zamboanga City

Forty-five district officers and division heads were also reassigned based on the two travel assignments signed by BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr.

There’s also movement with 8 officers from the assessment division.

The BIR aims to collect P2.599 trillion in revenues this year.

be tricky, but with perseverance and determination, one can succeed. I’m glad I found the perfect logistics partner in Lalamove that caters to our every delivery need”, said Chef Jeng as she remembered that since she opened her business, Lalamove is her go-to for her deliveries.

At present, Lalamove can be booked for deliveries across Luzon and the island of Cebu with its variety of vehicles fit for any business’ logistical needs.

Seamless Multi-stop Delivery Award-winning ube cheese de sal deserves a leading same-day delivery service to maintain its freshness, even when delivered in long distances and with multiple stops. These and more are the reasons why Chef Jade Saducas of Chef Jade’s Kitchen decided to be

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around the country.

PFA Chairperson Sherill Quintana said growth will come from new concepts being launched by new entrepreneurs, as well as the expansion of successful brands as they move into new territories. This can also come from new foreign brands entering the Philippines for the first time.

For the expo, Indonesia, Malaysia, Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and the United States have all been confirmed as exhibitors, and as much as 30 percent of the total floor area at the expo will be dedicated to foreign brands.

The expo is expected to draw as many as 75,000 attendees and participants, which will make it the biggest franchise event in the Philippines to date.

Quintana said the influx of new concepts and brands is helping to offset some heavy losses caused by the pandemic as well as elevated inflation.

A 2020 survey showed 82 percent of the franchise sector was greatly affected by the pandemic, and the PFA is currently studying how much of the sector is being affected by elevated inflation.

“We are doing now the survey. So hopefully in the next weeks to

Lalamove’s corporate client. With the demand on her baked goods in Cebu, Lalamove’s multi-stop delivery option enabled her to dispatch up to 19 deliveries using only one vehicle, allowing her to save time, money, and reach farther customers. “Let us treat each other with respect and kindness. Even if the product belongs to a regular chef or a home baker that doesn’t have much culinary background, let’s be more respectful to each other. It’s all about the level of standard that you have and putting your heart into each product and bringing out its best version,” said Chef Jade. For the award-winning chef, Lalamove has been instrumental in her business’ success especially during the pandemic. Lalamove is also her reliable partner during the

high-demand season in meeting her clients’ orders.

Since its inception, Lalamove’s services are geared toward helping Filipino SMEs succeed especially now that businesses are going back to pre-pandemic operations. Lalamove exists to help entrepreneurs focus on other important aspects of their business while it does its expertise of addressing their logistical needs.

Looking for a trusted business delivery partner? Learn more about Lalamove’s same-day truck delivery at www.lalamove.com/ en-ph/ and download the Lalamove app. Maximize one’s business potential by signing up for a Lalamove Corporate Account today. Get the latest updates on Lalamove by following it on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

come we can have that,” Quintana said.

Inflation is a serious problem, but the PFA is working to help its members cope, she said.

“We are lagging behind in terms of the agricultural development, so we are glad that there are also a lot of partnerships now from the ground, in terms of supporting the agricultural sector. We actually want to see more smaller brands, food brands, to be sourcing locally. What is available in the Philippines? Kasi you can beat the inflation with that, you are no longer going to import,” Quintana said.

PFA Vice Chairperson Ma. Alegria Sibal Limjoco said there are also new businesses and franchises which directly address inflation by catering to farmers and promoting food self-sufficiency. One such franchise is called Agri Life.

“It will be so inexpensive compared to the others, and yet it will teach you, the franchisee, to plant in your backyard, be it vegetables, or animals. So you don’t have to go to the market, you will have it in your backyard,” Limjoco said.

Samie Lim of Blims, recognized as the father of Philippine Franchising, said the franchise

business model offers franchisees a better chance of surviving current conditions. He notes, with a proven business model and strong franchisor partner, franchisees have the right tools for the job.

“The key word is efficiency. You are able to drive your costs down, if there is inflation, then there is efficiency, and therefore it can be profitable. It depends on how efficient as Joseph was saying, where technology is used, you make it so efficient it will offset inflation cost and all that,” Lim said.

Joey Garcia, President of Eight8Ate of the Udenna Group said technology has definitely helped, and online sales have given them a strong boost even with the reopening of the economy.

“Since we opened up and brick and mortar really have, previous, pre-pandemic, very significant in terms of channel for the sales mix. So you put that together I think, when you put all of this the growth from off-site consumption, plus this return, the revenge of our customers going back, going back to dine-in experience, I think both franchisor and franchisees are gaining ground faster than what we expected,” Garcia said.

Bill that seeks to provide free legal education to aspiring lawyers pushed

BY MAYA M. PADILLO

Davao City First District Representative Paolo “Pulong” Duterte, together with Benguet lone district Rep. Eric Yap and ACT-CIS Party-list Rep. Edvic Yap, filed a bill that seeks to give lawyers free legal training in exchange for two years of government service.

They filed House Bill (HB) No. 7433 titled “An Act promoting access to quality legal education by providing for free tuition and other school fees in state universities and colleges and appropriating funds therefor”.

The authors believe that the lack of practising attorneys in the country “undermines the legal representation of every Filipino and, ultimately, the national judicial system.”

They are optimistic that the proposed bill will solve this issue.

HB No. 7433 states all SUCs with a law program

accredited by the Legal Education Board (LEB) are qualified to offer free legal education, but must establish mechanisms to ensure that this does not apply to students who have the financial ability to pay for their

The authors noted that graduate education, such as medical and legal education, is not covered by the Universal Access to Quality Higher Education Act (Republic Act No. 10931), which institutes free tuition and exemptions from other school fees at SUCs and local universities and Colleges (LUC).

“Our proposal, which is consistent with programs that advocate public service to graduates, includes a mandatory two-year return service program for scholars after passing their bar exams, in a bid to encourage more lawyers to serve in Government,” said Rep. Duterte.

3rd BLD Fun Golf Tournament set April 1

It’s

all set for the 3rd BLD (Bukas Loob sa Diyos)

Catholic Covenant Community Fun Golf Tournament to be held in Rancho Palos Verdes Golf and Country Club on April 1,2023.

Shotgun start at 7am and 11am will be used to accommodate an estimated 150 participating golfers who will vie for the five divisions namely Class A,B,C,Jungolf ( 14 and

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Laurel Avenue; MacArthur Highway - Magallanes Street - Quezon Boulevard; MacArthur Highway - Sandawa Road - Quimpo Boulevard; and MacArthur Highway - Quimpo Boulevard - Quezon Boulevard.

CTTMO head Dionisio Abude said there are designated parking areas during the Parada. He said they requested Magallanes Elementary School (MES) to lend them their grounds for VIP parking.

“From Anda up to City Hall also dedicated for parking. Pag

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at P50 per kilo and the assorted variety at P30 to P35 per kilo.

She said the affordability of durian today also hurts the durian traders in Davao City. She said there are durian farm owners who are into durian retailing at much lower prices.

“Ang katoong manguprahay natural kay gikapitalan to nila ug ang durian labi na ug hinog kusog kaayo ang resiko ana. So luoy pud sila mao na ang ilah-

under) and the Ladies.

The beneficiaries for this event are the 50 indigent elementary students under the Scholarship of Hope program in coordination with the city

napuno na ang Pichon ug Magallanes we provide reserve sa Quimpo Boulevard to Centrale and also in Rizal if there is a spillover of vehicles,” he said.

He also said all traffic inspectors are advised to guide all pedestrians to cross the designated pedestrians.

A total of 250 CTTMO field personnel will be deployed along the parade route and adjacent streets.

ang ginahimo kung binulto mudayo dayo na sila ug lugar,” she said.

Oguio said some durian traders in Davao City have to travel to Cagayan de Oro, Agusan, Surigao, and Zamboanga City just to sell their durian.

By Maya M. Padillo

social welfare department.

“We believe that poverty can be alleviated thru education and this is one of the thrusts of our organization “ says Dennis Madrazo one of the tournament organizers.

The other members of BLD golf tournament organizers who attended the DSA weekly forum with Madrazo were Rey Morales and Noel Venus.

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signal in Malagamot,” Abude said. Abude also said that number coding is not included in the recommendations of MMDA. He said the best practice of MMDA that

Prizes for grabs are Division net/gross champions and runners up plus hole in one prizes in all par 3’s . A brand new Kawasaki Motorcyle will be at stake on a designated hole for the lucky golfer who scores the first ace on tournament day.

The registration fee is pegged at P3,000 which includes two gift certificates courtesy of the Waterfront

Insular Hotel, raffle prize and fellowship dinner.

A separate P600 for mulligan shall be collected during the registration.

Players will be given a practice round on prefered dates from March 29-31,2023.

‘We’ve invited some players from Manila and Cebu including some members of the clergy,’ Venus added.

Davao City can replicate is the creation of a monitoring division to monitor traffic enforcers manning the traffic.

“But in our case we have in-

By Maya M. Padillo

spectors sa south, Central Business District, and north para ma monitor ang mga traffic enforcers at para madali ang coordination sa field,” he said.

Organizers of the 3rd BLD (Bukas Loob sa Diyos) Catholic Covenant Community Fun Golf Tournament to be held in Rancho Palos Verdes Golf and Country Club on April 1,2023 grace the DSA Forum on Thursday.

Heated action in the opening games of the 86th Araw ng Davao Invitational basketball tournament. Left photo shows De La Salle’s Francis Escandor while right photo shows Adamson’s Cedrick Manzano blocking a shot of an Uncle Drew player.