Edge Davao Vol. 15 Issue 286 | Tuesday, March 21, 2023

LONG LIST

39 bills highlight Rep. Pulong’s accomplishments in Congress

LONG LIST

39 bills highlight Rep. Pulong’s accomplishments in Congress

By MAYA M. PADILLO

Davao City First Congressional District Representative Paolo Z. Duterte released over the weekend his accomplishments from October 2022 to March 2023 in his second term in the House of Representatives (HOR) and highlighted the 39

Of the 39 bills, one has been enacted into law, while others are still pending in different committees in the HOR. Some of the bills have been sent and received by the Senate for reading.

His House Bills include 04696 and 02384, which safeguard senior persons from harm and give them opportunities, respectively; 05074, which offers free annual medical exams to Filipinos; and

Davao Unity Awards 2023 winners bared

The city government of Davao has chosen six of the most innovative local undergraduate thesis studies published between 2019 to 2022.

The winners were awarded at the Ritz Hotel during the Davao Unity Awards 2023 ceremony on March 17.

the Economy and Tourism Development, Infrastructure Development, Disaster Risk Management and Environmental Development, and ICT System for Governance and Development categories, respectively.

06743, which provides parents of disabled children with a monthly reimbursement.

Rep. Pulong also highlighted accomplishments of programs, including infrastructure, emergency response, Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), medical and burial assistance,

FLONG, P10

One killed in Talakag clash

Asuspected member of the New People’s Army (NPA) was killed in an encounter Sunday in Barangay Tikalaan in Talakag, Bukidnon, the military said.

According to reports reaching the 103rd Infantry Brigade, troops operating in the area engaged in a 45-minute firefight against an estimated 30 armed

men the military claimed to be members of the NPA.

Recovered from the clash site were two high-powered firearms and ammunition, radios and personal belongings.

Sunday’s clash came six days after another clash in the forested area of Barangay Rogero, Bubong in Lanao del Sur where one soldier was killed

and another was wounded. Brigadier General Yegor Rey P. Barroquillo Jr, Brigade Commander, appealed to the suspected rebels to “lay down their arms and embrace peace as we will aggressively continue our mission to end terrorism here in our area of operations.”

(Marivic Omandan Davis / MindaNews)

The Davao Unity Awards is a thesis convention initiated by the city government in 2019 as part of the celebrations to the 86th Araw ng Dabaw. The event aims to find the most insightful thesis papers that may help in the improvement of the programs and services of the local government, all while promoting the discipline of academic research in the city

This year’s Davao Unity Awards has the theme: “Academic Research Towards Innovative Governance”.

To qualify, entries must be relevant to at least one of the 12-point priority agenda of the city mayor.

Four theses authored by Ateneo de Davao University undergradutes-- Zaldy Pagaduan (Development of a Cacao Disease Identification and Management App using Deep Learning), Jan Adrian Duban (Proposed Development of the Overland Transport Terminal), Kezia Marie Invidiado (Chemical Recycling of PET Water Bottles to BIS Terephthalate Oligomers by Glycolysis), and Gwyneth Vasquez (Imaginaries of the Digital Divide in Mindanao)-- won the awards for

Keith Caballero and his colleagues (Skincure: An Android Based Skin Disease Image Clasifier Using CNN) from Jose Maria College Foundation were awarded the Davao Unity Awards for the Health Development category, while Chenie Joy Tan and her collegues (COVID-19: Preliminary Analysis in Davao City) from University of Mindanao won the award for Peace and Order Development.

The chosen studies were judged for their relevance, suitability, and potential for commercialization and application to policy.

“The City should recognize its best thinkers,” Mayor Sebastian Duterte said in his speech.

“The goal is to keep them in Davao City. There are a lot of private entities that are after them, but in this way, they might consider getting into public service,” he added.

The mayor said government needs young people with fresh perspective to introduce new ideas to public service, which is why the award is geared at recognizing the achievements of young academics in the city and to showcase the potential impact of their studies to policy and governance. CIO

Davao City First District Representative Paolo Duterte exchanges pleasantries with his younger brother, Mayor Sebastian Duterte, upon his arrival during Parada Dabawenyo at San Pedro Square on Saturday. Rep. Duterte recently released his accomplishments from October 2022 to March 2023 as a second-term member of the House of Representatives. Lean Daval Jr.

Safety and security cluster gears for Ironman 70.3 event

By MAYA M. PADILLO

HPBS to displace thousands of drivers: progressive group

Thousands of jeepney drivers and operators in Davao City will be displaced once the Davao Public Transport Modernization Project of the government is implemented, a progressive group here said.

John Paul Dizon, secretary general of Kilusang Mayo Uno-Southern Mindanao Region (KMU-SMR), told MindaNews on Saturday that drivers and operators will lose their livelihood to the High Priority Bus System (HPBS), a transport modernization project that would replace the aging jeepneys with modern buses and address the problem of traffic congestion.

Under HPBS, low-floor city buses will replace the jeepneys. Dizon noted that while there are serviceable units of jeepneys and even public utility vans that can pass the roadworthiness assessment of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB)-Davao.

In February 2019, the local government announced the HPBS, then targeted for implementation by 2021, will employ around 1,000 bus drivers.

The number of jeepney drivers in the city then was 7,200.

According to the Department of Transportation (DOTr), HPBS will have 29 bus routes divided into four tiers: MetroDavao will form the core services that connect all major commercial centers along five routes, DavaoInter will run along with eight routes connecting the inner urban areas directly to the Davao Central Business District, DavaoFeeder will run along nine routes linking smaller centers and areas of more dispersed populations to the MetroDavao services, and DavaoLocal will provide a link between the outer rural areas of the city and main transport system or the integrated terminals.

Last March 10, Engr. Ronnel Victor Panigon, focal person for PUV Modernization Program of the LTFRB-Davao, said only those units that are over 15 years old and no longer roadworthy would be scrapped, while owners of old jeepneys that are still roadworthy can keep their units but only for private use.

Dizon said, however, that it would still deprive the drivers and operators of their livelihood as they would be prohibited from plying their usual routes to pick FHPBS, P10

Davao

City’s safety and security cluster conducted on Monday a final coordinating conference for the upcoming Ironman 70.3 Davao slated on March 24 to 26, 2023.

Major Catherine dela Rey, spokesperson of the Davao City Police Office (DCPO), said the conference was intended for the safety and security forces to be deployed during the three-day race with the main event on the 26th.

“Gipangandaman na pud namo ang Ironman 70.3. Karon pagahimoon ang final coordinating conference para sa mga safety

and security cluster na ma-deploy sa Ironman,” dela Rey said over Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR) on Monday.

Dela Rey said on the part of DCPO, it will be deploying 2,500 police personnel for the said activity.

“Mas taas taas ang stretch sa kadalanan na i-cover,” she said.

On March 26, Ironman 70.3 will be staged, which will be com-

posed of a 1.9-kilometer swim at the Davao Gulf, a 90-kilometer bike ride from Azuela Cove in J.P. Laurel Avenue in Davao City to Tagum City and back and a half-marathon or 21-kilometer run from Azuela Cove to NCCC VPlaza mall and back.

“Bantayan pud namo ang swimming na part kay delikado pud. Manghinaut ta nga walay mahitabo na disgrasya sa tanang mga athletes nga muapil sa maong events sama sa IronGirl, IronKids, and Ironman,” dela Rey said.

On March 24 at 5 p.m. will be FSAFETY, P10

BJMP 11 plans to open 10 libraries in Davao Region

The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology 11 (BJMP 11) is projecting to open 10 libraries in the Davao Region for persons deprived of liberty (PDL).

Inspector Ellen Rose C. Saragena, chief of the Community Relations Section of BJMP 11, told

media on Monday that currently there are 11 jails including the Davao City Jail (DCJ) annex in the region and it is the goal of BJMP 11 to open 10 more libraries--one for each jail unit--by the end of 2023.

“We are working towards that, hinay hinay lang. For now,

for the annex, nagapangayo mi ug donations ug mga books,” she said during the Kapehan sa Dabaw on Monday at SM City Davao.

The first Davao Regional Jail Library opened on March 13, 2023 at the DCJ. The construction was financed by the College

Davao City Police Office (DCPO) spokesperson Major Catherine dela Rey bares that the Davao City’s safety and security cluster conducts a final coordinating conference on Monday for the upcoming Alveo Ironman 70.3 Davao slated on March 24 to 26, 2023. Lean Daval Jr.

Marcos admin focuses on infra for economic growth

Filipinoentrepreneurs are encouraged to tap the 1.4 billion Chinese market, the largest in the world, as China appoints its new premier tasked to reinvigorate China’s economy from the impacts of the pandemic.

Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno shared with the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (AmCham) the Marcos Jr. administration’s infrastructure development agenda through the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board’s recent approved list of Infrastructure Flagship Projects (IFPs).

“Central to the Marcos Jr. ad-

ministration’s growth strategy is infrastructure development.

From this year until 2028, we aim to keep infrastructure spending above 5 percent of [gross domestic product] annually,” Diokno said during AmCham’s General Membership Luncheon Meeting at the Dusit Thani Hotel Makati on March 17.

The Philippines currently has PHP9 trillion worth of high-im-

pact IFPs aimed at improving physical and digital connectivity, water resources, health, power and agriculture infrastructure.

“We expect to see a surge of quality and resilient jobs over the next few years as a result of these high-impact projects,” Diokno said.

To support the country’s spending needs, Diokno shared the government is committed to pursue the path of fiscal consolidation through the Medium-Term Fiscal Framework (MTFF).

Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) will also play a signifi-

FMARCOS, P10

Fuel firms implement pump price cut today

Oil firms are set to roll back the pump prices of petroleum products today, marking the second straight week of downward adjustments for diesel and kerosene.

In separate advisories, Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp. and Seaoil Philippines Corp. said they will reduce prices per liter of gasoline by P1.20, diesel by P1.85, and kerosene by P2.00.

Cleanfuel and Petro Gazz will implement the same changes, excluding kerosene which they do not carry.

The changes will take effect at 6 a.m. on Tuesday, March 21, for all the firms except for Cleanfuel which will adjust prices at 12:01 a.m. the same day.

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

Max’s Group posts 38% growth in ‘22 net income

Casual dining restaurant operator Max’s Group Inc. (MGI) on Monday reported a 38% growth in its 2022 bottom line, as the company reported stronger performances of its brands during the year.

In a disclosure to the local bourse, MGI said its organic net income for the past year rose to P622 million, reflecting a 38% increase from the P451 million in 2021 which included a P377-million gain from the sale of a subsidiary.

The company attributed the jump to its core portfolio of brands, with Max’s Restaurants and Pancake House recording sales boosts as restrictions were relaxed further.

ner Bakery, Teriyaki Boy, Dencio’s, Sizzlin’ Steak, Maple, Max’s Kabisera, Le Coeur De France, and Singkit.

It ended 2022 with 678 stores across 14 territories — 612 sites in the Philippines, and 66 stores in North America, the Middle East, and Asia.

Systemwide sales for the year jumped by 41% to P17.60 billion from P12.52 billion, while consolidated revenues increased by 44% to P7.64 billion.

Fourth-quarter systemwide sales stood at P5.04 billion, 29% higher than the P3.90 billion in 2021. Local market sales rose by 33%, while the international business grew by 15%.

Latest data available from the Department of Energy (DOE) indicate a year-to-date net decrease of P1.00 per liter for diesel and P1.65 per liter for kerosene, and a net increase of P1.00 per liter for gasoline as of March 14, 2022.

Oil firms last week hiked prices per liter of gasoline by P1.00, while reducing those of diesel by P0.10, and kerosene by P0.60.

“Despite the challenges that the organization has faced since the first lockdown in 2020, our business model has been tested and proven, with consistency of executed strategies as evidenced in our recovery,” CEO Robert Trota said.

MGI’s portfolio also includes Yellow Cab Pizza Co., Krispy Kreme, Jamba Juice, Max’s Cor-

“The remastered fundamentals that started in 2020, coupled with our strategic pivots, are not only seen in our financial performance but on how the Group has evolved,” president Ariel Fermin said.

Shares in MGI were trading up P0.06 or 1.24% at P4.90 apiece as of 11:03 a.m. on Monday, March 20, 2023.

A pump attendant fills a motorcycle with gasoline at a station in Sasa, Davao City. Oil firms have announced that they will implement pump price cut today, March 21. Lean Daval Jr.

EastWest net income up 42% in 2022

Gotianun-led East West Banking Corporation (EastWest Bank) is optimistic it will surpass its 42% growth in 2022 and exceed pre-pandemic asset levels this year, as the lender reported more loan bookings.

In an emailed statement, EastWest said its net income rose to P4.6 billion in the past year, excluding one-off items in 2021. Core revenues grew 12% to P28.1 billion.

“We accelerated our loan bookings in the second half across all lending products which improved our earning capacity back to pre-pandemic levels,” president Jacqueline Fernandez said.

“We intend to exceed this in 2023, as we carry on the momen-

tum from last year,” she added.

The company said its loans grew by 20%, driven by its credit cards, business loans, and key salary loan segments. Deposits improved 79% to P329.2 billion.

“The full-year impact of our 2022 asset build-up will be felt this year on our core income performance. The growth momentum should improve this year as we exceed pre-pandemic asset levels this year,” newly appointed CEO Jerry Ngo said.

The bank’s total assets stood at P421.4 billion at the end of 2022, with the balance sheet shifting largely towards higher yielding consumer lending assets.

EastWest is a subsidiary of Filinvest Development Corporation,

DOE eyes 11,160 MW RE auction by 2026

TheDepartment of Energy (DOE) is eyeing 11,160 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy (RE) under the Green Energy Auction Program (GEAP) from 2024 to 2026, Undersecretary Rowena Cristina Guevara said Monday.

During the opening of the Philippine electric power industry forum organized by the Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines (IEMOP) at Diamond Hotel in Manila, Guevarra said the agency has proposed installation targets of 3,590 MW this year, 3,630 MW in 2025 and 4,390 MW in 2026.

“Compared to the first auction of GEA-1 last year, we are more aggressive this year and we are looking for RE developers who

have ready capacity next year,” she said.

Of the 3,590 MW installation targets for next year, 2,400 MW is for the Luzon grid, 860 for Visayas and 330 for Mindanao.

These will involve RE resources, including ground-mounted solar, rood-mounted solar, onshore wind and biomass.

The DOE targets to hold the GEA-2 in June this year following the success of the first GEA in 2022 with 2,000 MW of clean en-

ergy involved in the bidding.

By 2025, installation targets will be 2,325 MW for Luzon, 940 MW for Visayas and 365 MW for Mindanao.

In 2026, these targets will be 2,990 MW RE installation in Luzon, 905 MW in Visayas and 495 MW in Mindanao.

The DOE conducts the GEAP to provide additional market for RE through competitive electronic bidding of RE capacities.

The program is also designed to attract more investments in the RE sector in the country.

Meanwhile, DOE’s GEAP-3 will involve geothermal and impounding hydro resources.

Smarter

Pinoy shoppers to boost e-commerce in PH -- Shopback

E-commerce in the Philippines is likely to continue growing despite inflation as shoppers seek more deals and become wiser with their purchases, Shopback general manager for APAC Prashant Kala said on Monday.

Inflation in February eased slightly to 8.6 percent, but it remains above the government target of 2 to 4 percent.

Kala said people seek more bang for their buck while e-commerce platforms such as Shopback, which offer cashback for online purchases, continue to find ways to give value to its

consumers.

“People are getting smarter...they’re not going to stop eating, not going to stop traveling. What people are looking at is how to make the bang for their buck. So what’s the best way to do spending? People are getting smarter, they’re looking at deals. They compare,” he said.

Unlike the rest of the world, Kala said e-commerce in the Philippines and in Asia is seen to continue growing in the next 3 to 5 years. “I don’t see a decline in term of e-commerce spending,” he added.

PH startups ‘center’ of global attention, says Digital Pilipinas

Philippine tech startups are getting global attention after earning over $1 billion in investments in 2022, Digital Pilipinas Convenor Amor Maclang said on Monday.

Philippine startups are made appealing due to the country’s young ecosystem and its 70 million mobile phones which is at par with other bigger peers, among others, Maclang said.

“Last year, we experienced record highs when it comes to investments coming from all over the world. Winter is thawing especially in terms of investments. The Philippines appears to be at the center of these investments,” she said.

“For the first time, Philippine startups exceeded $1 billion in investments and some private equity and venture cap-

ital funds close to a quarter of a billion into one country,” she added.

She said the government must support deep tech as well as basic tech startups that aim to solve the very basic problems.

Maclang said there could be 4 more Philippine unicorns to follow GCash, which achieved double unicorn status in 2021.

Customers gather at a popular water tumbler outlet inside a mall in Ecoland, Davao City on Monday. Lean Daval Jr.

FEASTWEST, P10

FDOE, P10

In pushing for funding the

some 307

Centers across the country in 2022 and for additional funds in the 2023 health budget to ensure additional Super Health Centers are constructed in other parts of the country:

“Infrastructure development should not just be about building structures like roads and bridges. We should also focus on bringing government services closer to the people, especially those in far-flung areas who have been deprived of development due to various socio-economic factors.”

SENATOR BONG GO

Not too many music fanatics know that ‘Dalawa Kaming Api,’ which was revived in 2001 by jukebox queen Imelda Papin, was a monster hit two decades earlier, and the original voice behind the song is Verni Gonzalez of Davao City.

The song was composed by National Artist for Music Levi Celerio, a lyricist whose legacy includes over 4,000 songs, and his ‘leaf singing’ landed him a space in the Guinness World Records. Like the other famous Filipino composer George Canseco, he dwelt on love songs, exploring the joys and pains of relationships.

Gonzalez’s fame did not start and end with ‘Dalawa Kaming Api,’ which she logged in 1980. The following year, she sang her way to the top, her voice piercing the airwaves with the song ‘Guhit Ng Palad,’ which, again, Papin revived

ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA FAST BACKWARD

LEVI CELERIO’S SMASH HIT

in 2001. On her Facebook account, she calls herself the former recording artist of Universal Records and a property consultant. She was also a talent for the Apple Music label.

Some of Gonzalez’ greatest hits include the titles Kakaba-kaba Ang Puso, Isang Dakot, Di Ko Kasalanan, Nalulungkot Ka Ba, Nasaan Ka, Tayong Dalawa, Ngayong Wala Na, Kumusta Ka, Luksang Tagumpay, Gaano Ko Ikaw Kamahal, Hanggang Ngayon, and Sanay Ka Na Ba?

Davao’s encyclopedia of musicians and thespians remains incomplete simply because the roster does not include little-known, if overlooked, artists from the acting and singing land-scapes. With today’s generation more drawn to foreign acts and musical groupies, single per-formances by local talent are eas-

ily swept under the rug and forgotten.

When Gonzalez occupied the airlanes, a group name Wadab (spelled backward for Dabaw) also conquered the national consciousness, perfectly mingling with the Manila Sound that was popular in the 1970s. The band included composer Nonoy Tan (whose real name is Arturo Lui-Pio), Tato Malay, Rey Magtoto, Nonoy Uy, Mon Torralba, and Benjie Ca-silan.

Among Wadab’s fabulous hits are the OPM classic ‘Pag Tumatagal Lalong Tumitibay, and the chart-ripping songs like Iniibig Kita, Parang Ulap, Isang Sayaw Na Lang, Tsismis Ka, and Tekla.

On the other hand, one of the iconic revelations, if you will, in Davao’s musical landscape is not a song but a dance. In the 2010s, a craze

known as budots (slang for Visayan ‘slacker’), classified as street-style hip-hop, gained a national following. It has been described as “a grassroots electronic dance music (EDM) genre that originated in Davao City.” Underscoring its popularity is its global appeal that even took China’s musical milieu in awe.

The debate rages on who and where the street dance started, and there are conflicting claims, whether in cyberspace or out, on how the fad evolved.

The most popular assertion is that it started among the youth of Camus Street in Davao City but gained popularity when Davao resident Ruben Gonzaga, the winning contestant of Pinoy Big Brother in 2008, executed it live on the reality show.

Budots, though, is wrongly

credited. While it is deemed infectious, the street dance, funny and amusing, and easy to mimic given its simple choreography that can easily blend with the beating of any drum, the street loafers are not its creators. The dance belongs to the Badjaos.

The dance, which has similar renditions in indigenous hops played to a gong or twostringed instrument, was started namelessly in the 1990s by Badjaos roaming the streets, beg-ging for coins from passersby and risking lives panhandling during traffic.

It’s unclear, though, how the dance and its combo of handmade tom-tom started but it is likely inspired by the annual Christmas caroling that usually encourages people to shell out a few pesos after a song or two have been performed.

H. MARCOS C. MORDENO SOMEONE ELSE’S WINDOWS

“If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself.” - HENRY FORD.

*******

Filipinos have been frequently treated to a good show (or a circus) when countless investigations are conducted in the Senate.

For the principal reason that the probe is in aid of legislation, a Senate investigation of a mess or mistake will proceed as approved in its resolution. (The same is true in the Lower Chamber.)

The oil spill in Oriental Mindoro by an oil tanker that submerged weeks ago exposed how government rules are half-heartedly implemented and the diligence of government authorities is examined under the microscope.

Thanks to the senators and they were able to determine that the government agencies - MARINA and the PCG (Philippine Coast Guard) - failed to implement the pertinent maritime law to the letter.

It was determined and an-

FRED C. LUMBA SPECKS OF LIFE

OIL SPILL SPEAKS OF GOVERNMENT LAXITY

nounced by the DOJ that the MT Princess Empress was already a 60-year old vessel that was rehabilitated to make it appear that it was almost a brand new ship (two years old) in certificates filed with the MARINA.

The Senate probe also was able to determine that even when the documents for registration of the submerged vessel were yet to be approved, it was allowed to sail and conduct business.

For whatever reason or reasons that may be concluded, the senators saw and heard how lax the concerned agencies are in implementing and enforcing the laws, rules and regulations concerning such.

Today, the toxic oil spill has affected directly the lives of more than two million residents of Oriental Mindoro and nearby areas, specifically the town of Pola whose Mayor declared that many of the residents are getting sick and unwell.

Even Calapan City and Verde island in Batangas City have been reportedly affected and the nearby islands in Antique.

It is not only the grave cat-

astrophic and calamitous effect that the oil spill is causing and may have already caused that arouses anger, fear and exasperation.

More than this, it is the conclusive admission that the government agencies in charge did not exercise due diligence before allowing the ship to sail sans official permits and the necessary certificates.

Slowly, Pinoys are being led to believe that there are less than transparent men and women in the employ of the government who are not faithfully exercising their duties and functions.

The MT Princess Empress was a repeat of several oil spills in the past whose horrorific prominence were streamed in the media only for as long as the news reports were being read, watched and noticed.

After a while, the din and dust of the scandal and controversy die down almost quite naturally like the embers of a bonfire.

The grievous sea accident created an unwanted suffering among the people whose bread

and butter comes from the bounty of the sea.

News reports say those adversely affected will receive “ayuda” from the government and compensation from the owners and management of the sunk veseel.

If this is done accordingly, it is a consolation of sorts.

But what of the men and women who were occupying government positions of authority whose negligence and laxity actually proved that they were, in part, co-authors in the aforementioned oil spill tragedy?

Will PBBM just allow this perilous incident to pass through like flipping the pages of a book one is reading?

Shouldn’t the responsible officials be identified and go through the democratic due process - and if proven guilty or otherwwise be promptly punished or acquitted accordingly?

The senators were able to get the sad and sorrowful admission that the officials concerned failed to look through the vessel’s documents and certificates with sharp eagle eyes.

it seems that the people appointed by the new Marcos administration are not moving together forward with the progressive development goals envisioned by the current Malacanang tenant.

The millions of Pinoys who voted and installed BBM to the highest position in the land and Sara Duterte as his very supportive Vice-President indicate just how much - with fervor and zeal - our countrymen desire this government to succeed and how!

For one, Filipinos obviously want this new regime to continue and sustain the gains of the previous administration especially in the areas of law and order, the illegal drugs campaign, the “Build, Build, Build” infra development program, among others.

Sometimes, one cannot help but yearn to see some heads rolling.

Hiring and firing are a part of good governance and effective management of government affairs. (Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.) GOD

WHEN A FOREIGN SCHOOL DISPLAYS THAT CLASSIC ‘BAYANIHAN’ SPIRIT

“Bayanihan” is among the most important Filipino values.

Derived from the Tagalog word Bayan (people or community), bayanihan means “to be in community” and is the center of the Filipino culture: working together as a community to achieve a common goal. It is deeply rooted in Filipinos, especially in times of crisis.

It can be experienced in times of natural calamities like typhoons, earthquakes, and even during man-made disasters.

It’s the same bayanihan spirit that united the students of Stockbridge American International School (SAIS) and turned them into little heroes as they pitched in and gave whatever they can for the fire victims in Barangays 21-C and

22-C, Davao City.

Last week, student leaders of Stockbridge Pride Student Council led the relief operation dubbed Rise Boulevard Relief Operation Drive for the affected families.

The students distributed rice, canned goods, bottled water, noodles, toiletries, biscuits, and used clothing.

“The program is initiated by our student council. They

were moved by the situation in Brgy. Piapi and immediately initiated the relief drive,” said Walter Valencerina, school principal.

Valencerina said the activity materialized the school’s LIONS Core values of Leadership, Integrity,

Open-mindedness, Nobility, and Stewardship, which ensures students become leaders who are global-minded, reflective, positive, and ethically responsible.

SAIS students are committed to band together to assist individuals in need, regardless

of who they are or how they identify themselves.

SAIS is the first and only American international school in Davao City and Mindanao offering a DepEd (Department of Education) recognized curriculum and following American state standards.

Fujifilm Philippines brings healthcare service to communities

Fujifilm Philippines, one of the most trusted leaders in imaging solutions, continues its commitment to enhancing healthcare in the Philippines by conducting health outreach programs in various parts of the country.

Masahiro Uehara, Fujifilm Philippines President, said the Japanese company will partner with local government units to provide free medical consultations and diagnostic tests to communities using their innovative medical equipment. These include the FDR nano and FDR GO Plus for tuberculosis screening and X-ray.

“As part of our corporate social responsibility and commitment to adapting to the changing times, Fujifilm Philippines is taking action by implementing social initiatives to aid Filipinos and local government units. Through these outreach programs, we want to show our dedication toward the betterment of communities,” he said.

Uehara noted that Fujifilm Philippines will first go to Majayjay, Laguna to kick off the outreach program and

provide medical assistance to around 300 individuals.

“Majayjay is committed in providing quality healthcare to its citizens and its commitment makes it an ideal site to launch our health outreach program,” he explained.

During the event, Fujifilm Philippines will also turn over medical kits, including sphygmomanometers and thermometers, to the local government of Majayjay to augment the local health centers’ medical instruments.

“We are committed to providing medical assistance to communities in need. At the same time, we look forward to launching more programs that will benefit more Filipinos,” Uehara added.

Pivoting to healthcare

Fujifilm Philippines started its Medical Systems business in 2012 offering five of its pillar products starting from the Digital X-ray Systems, Computed Radiography Systems, Medical Informatics, Dry Imaging Printers and X-ray Imaging Films.

Introduction of these products paved

the way to establish Fujifilm Brand.

In 2013, the business expanded to include Ultrasound Systems, Dry Chemistry, Digital Flat Panel Detectors, Endoscopy Systems and Digital Mammography Systems. Fujifilm then become one of the most competitive brands in the market as it continuously increase its installation around the Philippines.

Moreover, with FUJIFILM Corporation latest acquisition of Diagnostic Imaging-related Business of Hitachi, Ltd in 2021. Fujifilm Philippines now offers a comprehensive product lineup covering CT, MRI, X-ray, ultrasound systems, endoscopy, in-vitro diagnostic systems Pictures Archiving and Communications System (PACS).

At the height of the pandemic, Fujifilm Philippines helped healthcare workers identify and monitor COVID-19 patients through a mobile X-ray system called the FDR Go PLUS.

Another innovative medical instrument is the FDR nano, a mobile device for high-quality X-ray imaging. Unlike the traditional mobile X-ray,

which is around 500 kilograms, the FDR nano only weighs 90 kilograms. Its compact design makes it easy to use and ideal for confined spaces.

Uehara said Fujifilm Philippines is dedicated to developing new technologies to produce exceptional products and facilitate the treatment of patients.

‘Never stop’ campaign

Besides health outreach programs, Fujifilm Philippines will also conduct basic photography training for young adults highlighting Fujifilm’s mirrorless cameras and Instax. The training will be facilitated by Ms. Jam Ramos, instructor at Federation of Philippine Photographers Foundation (FPPF) and a part-time multimedia teacher.

In 2020, Fujifilm Philippines launched the Fujifilm Online Academy, where professionals provide free training on photography, videography, and vlogging. Fujifilm will also put on display its various camera products including mirrorless camer-

as and Instax to provide a hands-on experience for the participants.

As part of its “Never Stop” global brand campaign, Fujifilm offers a diverse selection of products and services, such as Healthcare (medical equipment and pharmaceuticals), Materials (data storage media, electronic materials, sensor films for touch panels, film for LCD monitors, inkjets, and graphic systems), Business Innovation (office printers, digital production printers, and business solutions) and Imaging (instant photography/instax and advanced digital cameras).

Established in 2012 as a sales subsidiary of Fujifilm’s regional headquarters in the Asia Pacific, Fujifilm Philippines is committed to promoting sustainability and addressing social issues through developing innovative products, services, and technologies.

For more information about Fujifilm Philippines, visit www.fujifilm. com/ph.

Snag the realme 10 Pro 5G Coca-Cola Edition this March 19 on Shopee

Makati City, Philippines – Tuesday, February 17, 2022 – The manufacturing industry is undergoing a significant transformation—the biggest since the Industrial Revolution, fueled by a convergence of new technologies and a labor shortage unsurpassed in contemporary times.

Following decades of slow and cautious transformation, the pandemic triggered an industry-wide disruption with different degrees of success in recent years. All manufacturers are still figuring out how to operate in this new digital environment; digital transformation will be crucial for those who want to succeed rather than just survive.

In the Philippines, manufacturing is among the top contributors to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), manufacturing accounted for at least 2.1 percent of the country’s GDP growth in the third quarter of this year.

Within the broader manufacturing ecosystem lies the consumer-packaged goods (CPG) sector, a modest but crucial part of the industry. These businesses manufacture commodities that people frequently purchase and utilize daily. Since they have always prioritized manufacturing excellence and conventional lean concepts, CPG manufacturers have traditionally lagged other industries in digitizing and automating their processes.

Although there is still room for growth within certain operational

areas, the world is changing swiftly, making it more challenging to achieve success with these strategies. With this reality, CPG businesses are under pressure to adopt new technologies to remain competitive.

Exploring Automation

Since the first automated machines were launched in the 1960s, manufacturing organizations have constantly improved their operations by automating their factories. With the current developments in robotics, machine learning, and wearable technology, manufacturers are embracing technology to boost production and cut costs.

However, manufacturers also realize the importance of ensuring that they have skilled workers and experts that can keep up with the needs of an increasingly digitalized industry. In recent years, manufacturing organizations were also not spared from ‘The Great Resignation,’ a phenomenon observed, particularly during the pandemic when millions of workers left the workforce and took their decades of knowledge and experience with them.

Manufacturing organizations that have not yet embraced automation are scrambling to protect their intellectual property and considering how to train the incoming workforce effectively and adequately in the wake of these mass resignations.

Embracing Assisted Reality, Mobility Solutions

Nowadays, most CPG manufac-

turers working with legacy systems and existing factory lines realize the need to upgrade for more autonomy and flexibility, which requires a high level of change in management and investment. So, CPG organizations that can manage workforce shortages and adapt to rapid change will come out ahead.

To help ease this process, some CPG manufacturers are turning to assisted reality (aR) technology to improve training, data collecting, knowledge transfers, and predictive maintenance by bridging executives and frontline employees with existing

Internet of Things (IoT) infrastructure. Over the years, manufacturers have also adopted some digital tools as part of their efforts to embrace digital transformation.

Manufacturers widely accept ruggedized tablets and immersive VR and AR technologies. Although these technologies are hailed as the next big step in increasing worker productivity, they are not necessarily useful tools for production or the front lines. They may not be appropriate or even dangerous for workers in many application circumstances.

A wearable suitable for the manu-

facturing sector is an aR device with industrial strength, which can connect frontline employees across factories and entire businesses with the information and expertise required to carry out job duties effectively and securely. aR gear users can communicate hands-free using their vision, voice, and head movements. They are perfect since they can be used in potentially dangerous and loud environments up to 100 dB.

For instance, manufacturers utilize augmented reality (aR) technology like head-mounted displays (HMDs), which safely combine the physical and virtual worlds to enable new types of engagement and perception while enabling frontline employees to maintain complete situational awareness. Users of HMDs may view a screen in their immediate field of vision without using their hands and can quickly access information as needed.

Helping co-create safer facilities, ensuring frontliner’s safety

To help CPG organizations and other manufacturers enable remote collaboration, Fujitsu provides these aR devices as part of its Mobility and Wearable Tech Solutions. These solutions were recently showcased by Fujitsu during the recent PLDT Enterprise Digicon 2022 (Boundless) held at the Marriott Grand Ballroom. This event featured enterprise solutions that can help companies redefine their businesses to a more hybrid and digital world.

LONG... FROM 2 HPBPS... FROM 3 REAVES’... FROM 11 SAFETY... FROM 3

and disaster response.

He helped 9,126 patients and 119 elderly at the Southern Philippine Medical Center (SPMC), 582 cancer patients and 11,801 patients in private hospitals. His office also assisted 1,246 families with burials assistance.

He also helped 1,088 families affected by fire, 896 families hit by flood, and 11,019 identified beneficiaries under the TUPAD program. His office assisted 800 college scholars, 23 postgraduates in medicine, and four postgraduates in law school.

His office donated two more ambulances to barangays that do not have one, and handed over nine multi-purpose buildings, one fire station and two evacuation centers-covered courts to their respective beneficiaries.

He also directed the construction of several infrastructures such as drainage systems, roads, sidewalks, water systems, creeks, bypass roads, and seawalls. His office also received 125 applications and provided beneficiaries with tents, wheelchairs, nebulizers and hearing aids.

Rep. Pulong held the same position for the first time since his election last May 2019. The lawmaker has a track record in effectively managing a government agency.

EASTWEST...

FROM 5

which also has businesses in real estate, hospitality and tourism, infrastructure power generation, and sugar. Its subsidiaries include East West Rural Bank Inc., East West Insurance Brokerage Inc., East West Leasing and Finance Corporation, Quest Marketing and Inte-

the IronGirl with R. Castillo-Jerome-Azuela Cove as the race route. Early morning of March 25 will be the Ironkids that will use the same route, R. Castillo-Jerome-Azuela Cove.

Meanwhile, the City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO) issued updated traffic advisory: for the bike course, road closure will start from 3 a.m10:30 a.m. for southbound lane from Azuela Cove to Lasang. At 10:30 a.m. southbound lane will be opened for vehicular traffic after the bike course.

While for the northbound lane from Azuela Cove to Lasang road closure will start from 3 a.m to 12:30 p.m. At 12:30 p.m. northbound lane shall be opened for vehicular traffic.

For the run course, road closure (northbound lane) will start at 3 a.m to 3:30 p.m. (going to Lanang) from corner J.P. Laurel Ave./F.Torres St. to Azuela Cove (J.P. Laurel Ave,/ R. Castillo Jct.).

The southbound lane (going downtown) shall remain open to be utilized for two-way traffic.

DOE... FROM 5

Guevarra said the agency is developing a specific auction policy for geothermal and impounding hydropower. The DOE aims to conduct GEA-3 by the fourth quarter of 2023. (PNA)

grated Services Inc., and Assurance Solutions Insurance Agency Inc. Shares in the company closed last Friday, March 17, at P7.06 apiece, up by P0.18 or 2.62% from Thursday’s finish of P6.88 per share.

BJMP... FROM 3

up passengers once the HPBS buses take over.

“The issue here is not whether they can still keep it for private use. What is clear to happen is, our drivers and operators in Davao will lose their source of income,” he said.

Retired Col. Dionesio Abude, head of the City Transportation and Traffic Management Office, said the local government hopes to see HPBS running during the last quarter of 2024.

Dizon said that if old units are to be phased out, local manufacturing firms Sarao Motors and Francisco Motors can supply the drivers and operators with modern jeepneys at reasonable cost on installment basis.

Larry Argiless, spokesperson for Transmission-Piston, said, in a statement on Saturday, that the HPBS would only serve the interest of the capitalists as the country would have to import buses from other countries.

He added that the government should instead support the local suppliers who can manufacture affordable upgraded modern jeepneys.

Abude had earlier said drivers of phased out jeepneys will be prioritized for hiring by operators of the HPBS buses but they will be required to undergo training with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to equip them with skills before they can qualify to be bus drivers.

He said the affected drivers can also work as mechanics and other related positions for the maintenance of the units at the terminal depots. (Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)

of Social Enterprise Technology and Business Institute (SETBI), which is part of their “College Education Behind Bars” project.

“We opened sa Davao City Jail annex didto sa mga elderlies, naay sakit, and LGBTQ. It is our goal, which is part of our mandate of developing PDLs, na wala mi pagawason na PDL nga uneducated. We offer from elementary to high school to college (we have college behind bars). It would help them to continue learning at the same time it is an avenue na ma-control namin ang mga reading materials na nasa loob ng jail,” Saragena said.

Saragena said BJMP 11 is looking for donors for the establishment of the libraries.

“The BJMP ang budget po talaga sa amin is for the food lang, yun lang ang na da-download sa amin. So we are finding ways and means for other projects for the PDLs,” she said. By Maya M. Padillo

MARCOS... FROM 4

cant role in helping the country maintain massive spending without straining fiscal space.

The government is also hoping to secure future generations through the Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF), which will be a vehicle for strategic and profitable investments in key sectors.

“The Fund has the potential to play a key role in accelerating the implementation of the close to 200 infrastructure flagship projects recently approved by the NEDA Board,” Diokno said.

right foot. Coach Darvin Ham reiterated before the game that Los Angeles expects James to return before the regular season ends in three weeks.

The NBA’s career scoring leader is expected to be reevaluated within the next week.

Markelle Fultz had 12 points and 10 assists one night after dropping a career-high 28 points on the Clippers.

TIP-INS

Magic: Jalen Suggs missed his second straight game with an apparent concussion. ... Former Lakers first-round pick Moritz Wagner didn’t play.

Lakers: Mo Bamba missed his seventh straight game with a high ankle sprain, preventing him from playing against the team that drafted him sixth overall in 2018 and traded him to Los Angeles at the deadline in a deal for Patrick Beverley. The Lakers curiously haven’t signed a backup center in Bamba’s absence. ... The Lakers have won six consecutive meetings with Orlando.

AmCham is a private, independent, non-profit association founded in Manila in 1902 that allows Philippine and American businesses to engage in discussions, promote their long-term objectives, and contribute to the civic and economic development of the Philippines.

It maintains close cooperation with chambers of commerce around the world, including the Philippine Chamber of Commerce & Industry and has established chapters in North Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. (PNA)

Reaves’ career-high 35 powers Lakers past Magic

LOS ANGELES — Austin Reaves scored a career-high 35 points, D’Angelo Russell added 18 points and the Los Angeles Lakers hung on for a 111-105 victory over the Orlando Magic on Sunday night (Monday, Manila time).

Anthony Davis had 15 points and 11 rebounds on another rough shooting night, but Reaves carried the Lakers to victory with 13 points in the fourth quarter, including 10 in the final 1:33. The undrafted second-year pro has earned a vital role on Los Angeles’ roster, and Reaves factored in almost every big play down the stretch as the Lakers snapped a twogame skid.

The Lakers entered this game off back-to-back losses to Houston and Dallas, imperiling their tenuous position in the playoff race. This win put Los Angeles (35-37) in ninth in the Western Conference, tied with Minnesota.

Rookie Paolo Banchero scored 21 points for Orlando, but got an unwise technical foul with 25.3 seconds to play after repeatedly arguing with officials during the night.

Franz Wagner also scored 21 points in the Magic’s sixth

CHITO MALABANAN JABONG!

It looks like things are coming to a head again between the professional golfers and the USGA-R& A , and things are not looking good and will become more “interesting” in the weeks to come.

In a very controversial pronouncement in early March of this year , the USGA and R&A proposed a rule that would limit the distance a golf ball can travel at the professional level starting in January 2026.

This rule would restrict how far the golf ball travels. It would reduce hitting distance by 1415 yards on average for the longest hitters. In essence, the rule would reduce the limit for how fast the ball can travel at high club head speeds. Which means some alteration in the design of the balls.

This rule reminds me of the term “Tiger Proofing” during the peak of Tiger Woods. They tried to Tiger Proof some courses to level the playing field, that is shortening and narrowing the course to completely take the power play out of the game. But it did not stop Tiger and the long hitter from dominating the field in the advent modern technology.

loss in eight games to wrap up a four-game road swing. Wendell Carter Jr. had 16 points and 11 rebounds, but Orlando couldn’t repeat the dominance of its 39-point fourth quarter in a victory over the Clippers one day earlier in the same arena.

Cole Anthony hit a tying 3-pointer with 2:37 to play for the Magic, who had trailed throughout the second half. Banchero fouled Reaves on a 3-point attempt a minute later, and Reaves hit two free throws before Wagner tied it again.

But Reaves hit a mid-range jumper with 57 seconds left and then grabbed the long rebound of Wagner’s missed 3 before making two more free throws. Banchero missed a layup and then got the technical foul that helped the Lakers to seal it.

The Lakers improved to 6-5 during the latest injury absence for LeBron James, who has been out for three weeks with a sore

FREAVES’, P10

IT TAKES A LOT OF BALLS TO PLAY GOLF

“My reaction was disappointed and also not surprised, to be honest,” , it’s just- it’s so bad for the game of golf.” says Golf pro Justin Thomas, a known long hitter.” You’re trying to create a solution for a problem that doesn’t exist” he added.

You cannot stop the onslaught of technology. You cannot stop the golfers to seek ,research and collaborate with science and technology just to gain advantage in a very competitive and dollar rich golf tour.

When Tiger Woods and the rest of the modern era golfers revolutionize the game with their power and length, the golf governing bodies like the PGA reacted by increasing the length of the courses to somehow cushion the onslaught and redesign courses with additional hazard. But it is no match to the rampaging technology in the advent of additional researches and quest for more yardage.

Enter Bryson De Chambeau and the rest of the long hitters. Science and technology supported them with all the possible help they need just to gain advantage. And the revolution did not stop from there. Golfers became bulk-

ier with their looks and physique. Gym works becomes a part of every golfer’s regimen. It made the chubby golfers like John Daly, Monty, etc look unhealthy when you compare to Rory ,Brooks ,Bryson and the rest of the young guns who made their visits to gym a part of the new normal.

“I think it’s the most unimaginative, uninspiring, game-cutting thing you could do. Everybody wants to see people hit it farther. That’s part of the reason why a lot of people like what I do,” said DeChambeau

Primarily, the core function of the USGA in conjunction with R & A ( Royal and Ancient (Golf Club, St Andrews) is to write and interpret the Rules of Golf . They also provide products and services to make learning the Rules easier and more enjoyable to all golfers of any skill level.

And that makes golf interesting because unlike with other sports, golf has no world governing body to control it .

As to the USGA and R&A, they can make rules , even this controversial proposal but as long as it is a local rule, the PGA tour and the rest

the other organizations are not obliged to follow them.

of

Race director Dax Ang of Davao Adventure X, together with Councilor Bernard Al-ag of Happy Family Hikers; Michael Anthony Homez, City Information officer of the Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS); Jennifer Cariaga, City Tourism officer of IGaCoS; and Judy Colaljo, senior tourism officer of the Department of Tourism 11 (DOT 11), discusses the details of the upcoming Salomon XTrail Run Pilipinas set on May 7 in IGaCoS during a presser at ROX Phils. Abreeza over the weekend. Lean Daval Jr.

86 LUCKY?

De La Salle celebrates Araw ng Davao win under new coach

BY NEIL BRAVO

After a forgettable season in the UAAP Season 85 last year, the De La Salle Green Archers are excited of Season 86 with a new look squad under a new head coach.

Well who knows 86 can be a lucky number for the Taftbased Greenies.

Before getting ahead of the story though, the rebuilding Green Archers annexed the 86th Araw ng Davao last Saturday at the Davao City Recreation Center via a 82-79 squeaker of UAAP rival and reigning Kadayawan champions Adamson University.

The Araw ng Davao is also year 86 for the city’s charter.

The win against the Falcons in Davao City was a vengeance of sorts for DLSU who suffered a stinging defeat to the Falcons in the UAAP Playoffs.

Kevin Quiambao led the Archers with 28 points 5 rebounds and 2 dishes to earn the Most Valuable Player hon-

ors in the six-team tournament organized by the Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas (SBP) 11 spearheaded by regional director Glenn Escandor, whose son Francis plays for the Green Archers.

DLSU’s title win counts as the first for new head coach Topex Robinson.

Robinson has had an up and down coaching career from San Sebastian College-Recoletos to Lyceum of the Philippines University and all the way to Phoenix Super LPG.

With La Salle, Robinson inherits a proud tradition that boasts of nine titles. In the last four seasons, however, they have made the Final Four only once and their last finals appearance was in 2017.

The DeLa Salle Green Archers celebrate their victorious title run in the 86th Araw ng Davao Invitational basketball tournament. Davao City Mayor Baste Duterte and SBP 11 regional director Glenn Escandor award the trophy and cash prize to the Green Archers who defeated reigning Kadayawan champion Adamson University. Photo by Fermyl John Escandor