Edge Davao Vol. 15 Issue 301 | Sunday-Monday, April 9-10, 2023

CHINA MARKET

Exportation of durian to China pumps up Davao durian farmers

Dozens of boxes of fresh durian are being piled by workers at the Davao International Airport Cargo section during the ceremonial send-off of Davao durian to the People’s Republic of China on Thursday.

Lean Daval Jr.

CHINA MARKET

Exportation of durian to China pumps up Davao durian farmers

By MAYA M. PADILLO

Durian farmer Jose D. Cubol, board director of the Durian Industry Association of Davao City (DIADC) and agrarian reform beneficiary of the Department of Agrarian Reform 11 (DAR 11), said exporting durian to China will help him boost his income as the durian that will be sent to China is bought from them for P85 per kilo compared to P10 to P15 per kilo he sells to local traders for the local market.

The durian exportation to China commenced with a ceremonial sending off of 18 metric tons at the Davao International Airport Cargo section.

Cubol, who owns a 28-hectare of durian plantation in Calinan District, said 20 tons of his durian of Puyat variety is among those being sent to China.

“Ang pasok na variety for export ay Puyat, D101, Tuyaya, kana ang pasok na demand sa China. Continues na ni ang among pagpapadala. Kinahanglan pa mag expand para ma meet ang demand. Dako kaayo ni ug tabang sa mga farmers kay tung wala pa export maabot ug P10 to P15 lang per kilo sa amoa sa market. Sa amoa P85 per kilo for fresh durian ang kuha sa amoa. Starting pa lang na. Average sa per hectare namo na ma-harvest is 15 tons

per hectare,” he said in an interview.

Councilor Marissa Abella, chairperson of the Davao City Council Committee on Food and Agriculture, said that her committee is working with the farmers to produce good quality and world-class durian.

“Davao City is like a province. It’s not like an urban area only. Naa mi dagko na bukid like in Paquibato area, Calinan, Toril, and Mandug District of which are 300 meters above sea level na didto mutubo ang atong durian. That is my assignment for the good quality and world-class durian,” Abella said in her message during the send-off.

Marila L. Corpuz, technical director for operations of the Department of Agriculture 11 (DA 11), disclosed that DA 11 is now looking into an expansion area to maintain the production of durian to meet the demand in China.

“We have so much demand in China. We are looking into an expansion area and we will partner with some investors to invest in production to maintain the yield. Today, we will be shipping 18 MT to China and that is only the beginning, and more durian stakeholders will be partnering with us,” Corpuz said.

No water supply in parts of Davao on Good Friday, Black Saturday due to power outage

Some areas in Davao City experienced water service interruptions on Good Friday and Black Saturday after a power outage on Friday that prevented the Davao City Water District (DCWD) from operating its facilities at full blast, an executive of the utility said.

JC Duhaylungsod, DCWD spokesperson, said the emergency power interruptions caused a temporary stoppage of the operation of Talomo Sump 1 and 2 beginning 1:35 a.m. of Friday, preventing the local utility from supplying the affected areas at full blast.

Corpuz said DA 11 received a notice from China on April 3, 2023 announcing the approval of the Protocol of Phytosanitary Requirements for the Export of Durians to China, which was signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in January this year during his meeting with Chinese officials led by Chinese President Xi Jinping.

DA 11 director Abel James Monteagudo lauded the DIADC for their efforts in contributing to the steadfast development of the country by continue planting and producing durian.

“The first shipment contains 18 metric tons of fresh durian and we are hopeful that more locally produced fruits, including coconut and bananas, are to be shipped to China in the coming months,” he said.

He also said that DA 11 is also working on a five-year development plan for the durian industry that will intensify technical support and the provision of quality planting materials, fertilizer, pesticide, equipment, and tools as well as the establishment of post-harvest facilities.

The ceremonial send-off was witnessed by Presidential Assistant for Eastern Mindanao Secretary Leo Tereso Magno, Governor Emmylou ‘Lala’ J. Talino-Mendoza of the Province of Cotabato, Abella, members of the DIADC, Chinese investors and buyers, ofFCHINA, P7

Affected areas included the entire Matina, Matina Aplaya, Ecoland, Maa, Langub, Bucana, Downtown, Bo. Obrero, Cabaguio Avenue, Agdao, Madapo, Marfori, San Rafael, Circumferential Road, Bacaca, J.P. Laurel Ave., Buhangin, Tigatto, Mandug, Lanang, Angliongto, Mamay Road, Bo. Pampanga, and Sasa until Km. 12.

Also affected were areas in Bangkal, particularly San Juan Subdivision, San Roque Village, Muslim Village, NHA Kadayawan Homes, Santos Marketing Subivision., Flores Village, SM Village, Ortega Village, Royal Valley Subdivision, and Central Park Subdivision;

Areas in Panacan, including ICSAMA, Crystal Meadows, Tierra Verde Village, EMI Ville Homes, Empress Subdivision, Tierra Niño Village, Landmark III, San Juan

Village, and Vista Verde I and II; and areas in Cabantian such as Holy Trinity Subd., Countryville Executive Homes, Dela Peña Subdivision., BACAHOA Subdivision, Victor Homes, Emilia Homes, and immediate environs.

She said another emergency power interruption at Puan from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. affected six Dumoy wells of DCWD’s Line 2.

She said that the utility is operating at 80% capacity as of 10:55 a.m.

As of 1:20 p.m., Duhaylungsod said that supply has already been restored in Bangkal, Matina, Maa, Buhangin, Poblacio and Agdao but elevated areas and those located at the end point of DCWD’s operation “may still experience low water pressure to no water throughout the day.”

She said water supply may be restored earlier if DCWD’s works go smoothly or later if unforeseen problems arise.

She said DCWD personnel are doing all they can to restore water services immediately.

She encouraged the customers to open all faucets and allow water to run for at least two minutes once the supply is restored.

“Do not drink tap water immediately but if needed, boil water beforehand as a safety precaution,” she said. (Antonio L. Colina IV/ MindaNews)

PCG assists woman giving birth at Southeastern Mindanao HQ

Medical personnel of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) have assisted a mother who unexpectedly gave birth in front of their Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao (CGDSEM) Headquarters on Thursday.

In a statement, the CGDSEM said their personnel on-scene duty reported that the pregnant woman and her partner

asked for mobility assistance to bring them to the nearest hospital.

However, the woman unexpectedly experienced labor pains and gave birth in front of the headquarters.

Coast Guard personnel from the district wasted no time and provided medical assistance for the mother to successfully and safely deliver her baby boy.

Presidential Assistant for Eastern Mindanao Secretary Leo Tereso Magno (seated, center), Governor Emmylou ‘Lala’ J. Talino-Mendoza (seated, left) of the Province of Cotabato and Davao City Councilor Marissa Salvador-Abella (seated, right) pose for a group photo with members of Durian Industry Association of Davao City (DIADC) as they witness the ceremonial send-off of Davao fresh durian to the People’s Republic of China at the Davao International Airport Cargo section on Thursday. Lean Daval Jr.

The maiden exportation of fresh durian from Davao to China on April 6, 2023 is seen to boost revenues for durian farming.

Security coverage intensified with PRO 11’s ‘Bisikleta Iglesia’

By MAYA M. PADILLO

Aboitiz Group commits to continue helping Davao attain sustainability

Davao Light and Power Company (DLPC), announced last week that the Aboitiz Group is committed to continue helping Davao City to become a sustainable city through projects under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

“Our commitment is not just to our customers but as well as to the community that we serve. We innovate different projects to contribute to make Davao City a sustainable city and help address the community needs where many can benefit,” DLPC president and COO Rodger Velasco said during the Kapehan sa PIA at DLPC last Monday.

Velasco said the Aboitiz Group is guided by strong values of integrity, teamwork, innovation, responsibility, and service excellence.

The DLPC exec said that based on their CSR philosophy, the core value is a responsibility where the company contributes to the social progress of the nation, care for Mother Earth through preservation and nurturance, and build mutually beneficial relationships with alliances, customers, and team member.

He cited Apo Agua Infrastructura Inc., which currently builds an alternative water source for the city’s future water needs, has established its CSR programs for its host communities such as environment/watershed management, peace and safety, indigenous people’s program, a small scale water systems solutions in the commu-

nity called Project Blue, health and wellness, and education.

Hedcor, an AboitizPower subsidiary generating renewable energy from run-of-river hydropower systems, is supporting its host communities and local government units with CSR programs such as water systems, community access to healthcare services and facilities, and scholarship programs.

DLPC, a subsidiary of AboitizPower and power distribution utilities provides Project e.Lab (electrical laboratory) in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), which helps enhance school-based learning by providing TechVoc facility to public high schools for the Electrical Installation and Maintenance Course.

DLPC has also established the Aboitiz Cleanergy Park, an 8-hectare biodiversity preserve located at the Punta Dumalag, Matina Aplaya, Davao City. It is known as the nesting ground of the critically endangered Hawksbill Sea Turtles and 100 bird species.

As of this date, since it was launched in 2014, DLPC has released more than 7,000 pawikan hatchlings. Currently, it houses six rescued pawikans under its care and soon will be releasing them.

“As we always say, conservation is not just the work of one but an effort of all,” Velasco said. By Maya M.

Padillo

The Police Regional Office 11 (PRO 11), in support to the program of the Philippine National Police (PNP), ensured the safety and security in relation to the observance of Holy Week from April 6-9, 2023 with “Bisikleta Iglesia.”

PRO 11 deployed almost 700 bicycle patrollers in the different areas of the region in rolling out the prgram.

The bicycle-riding cops were tasked to conduct patrolling in the different places of convergence and worship to ensure a safe and peace-

ful observance of the Catholic traditions and gatherings.

The “Bisikleta Iglesia” was participated by the different city and police offices of the Davao Region deploying police personnel as bike patrollers: 16 for Davao Occidental; 130 for Davao Sur; 175 for Davao City; 140

for Davao Norte, 114 for Davao de Oro and 108 for Davao Occidental.

In Davao City, Davao City Police Office (DCPO) led by city director Police Colonel Alberto Lupaz, conducted patrolling in churches, terminals and crowded places to prevent any untoward incidents and ensure people were safe and free during the Holy Week celebration.

PRO 11 director Brigadier General Alden Delvo said that PRO 11 did its best and gave its best effort for a meaningful and peaceful observance of Holy Week 2023.

Tandag bishop raises alarm over unsolved killings in Surigao Sur B

ishop Raul Dael of the Diocese of Tandag has called on the police and local officials to resolve the spate of killings in Surigao del Sur since August last year that have victimized people from all walks of life.

The number of victims had reached 46 as of January, Dael said in his pastoral letter read during the Chrism Mass on Tuesday. The figures for the months of February and March were not available yet.

He said he was alarmed that based on the data sent to him by Brig. Gen. Pablo G. Labra II, Caraga Regional Police Director, killings occurred even in the middle of busy streets and commercial areas.

In his letter to Dael, Labra said 39 of the 46 cases were already

referred to the prosecutor’s office and the courts while six were still under investigation and will be filed as soon as evidence is obtained.

Based on the same data, the victims were students, mechanics, businessmen, jobless persons, faith healers, retired workers, farmers, Army soldiers, laborers, drivers, self-employed individuals, housekeepers, caretakers, and a government treasurer.

Tandag City has the highest number of cases with nine, followed by Bislig City and San Miguel with five each, and Barobo town with four. The rest of the towns have one to three cases each.

“It is unfortunate that many of these killings remain unsolved as the principal suspects are either

at large or unknown. This situation perpetuates anguish of the families of victims and engenders fear, instability, and insecurity among our people,” Dael said in his pastoral letter.

The bishop called on local government officials for the efficient implementation of peace and order programs and projects at the provincial and municipal levels, and conscientious assessments of the prevailing peace and order situation in their respective areas of responsibility.

In a phone interview, Col. Dennis Siruno, Police Provincial Director of Surigao del Sur, blamed most of the killings on the New People’s Army (NPA). He alleged the rebels went after former comrades who had surrendered to the government.

Police officers bike along San Pedro Street in Davao City on Maundy Thursday, April 6, 2023 for the “Bisikleta Iglesia” as part of the security measures this Holy Week. Mindanews Photo

On the commencement of durian exportation to China:

“We have so much demand in China. We are looking into an expansion area and we will partner with some investors to invest in production to maintain the yield. Today, we will be shipping

Over time, we have seen the erosion of the influence of religion in the affairs of the state. During the medieval period, there was no distinction between the state and religion. The divine rights of monarchies meant that the king’s word was also God’s. This has led to a crisis, which eventually gave birth to the Renaissance, or the birth of man. Simply put, it was a period that saw the triumph of human reason. The Middle-Age, aptly called the Dark Age, was seen as blindness to authority. With the Enlightenment, man used knowledge at his disposal. Galileo, Newton, and Johannes Kepler changed the world overnight.

The modern period created a chasm between reason and faith. Whereas medieval society relied on faith in understanding the substantive values of their world, the advent of reason enabled man

RELIGION AND MODERN SOCIETY

to put into question the idea of divine providence. The idea of a divine plan meant that man must follow the path prepared or designed for him by God. Yet, with the French Revolution, human society became keenly aware of the power of human freedom. The politics of religion lost ground. Voltaire made people realize the hypocrisy of religious authority. Elsewhere, the true intent of those who propagated the faith in faraway land previously unknown became apparent. Bishop Desmond Tutu puts it this way: “When our conquerors arrived, we had our land and they have their cross. After they left, they had our land and we have their cross.”

Thomas Friedman introduced the flat-world phenomenon in order to explain globalization. What he simply wanted to say is that physical borders have

been broken when it comes to the transmittal of values and with it, the influence of Western culture. We do not just import physical goods for that matter. With every gadget or modern device in our hand, we also assimilate the values of Western society. In this way, moral individualism and the liberal attitude towards our views of the world influenced the way we think, live, and see ourselves. During my study in Europe, I was able to visit several cathedrals. They were empty.

In my one and only conversation with a French flat mate at Linkoping University in Sweden, he explained why he no longer believes in God. Reports based on research indicate that 85% of young Europeans are atheists. The young Frenchman told me that in their country, most people enjoy their freedom and have a very high standard of living. The French

people do not have the problems that developing countries suffer from. He told me that he can visit any country he wants to and that he can go skiing in the Alps. I offered no counter-argument to that, except maybe the thought that in our country, we still find great joy in simple things.

The point is that modernity has strongly influenced the values of society. With the advance of a global economic order, people rely more on innovation and the tools of modernity. Jove Jim Aguas explains that with modernization, people lost faith in the value of religion. The changes in society are a result of the advance of a modern economy and the innovation brought about by the genius of a few men –Richard Feynman, Steve Jobs, and Ray Kurzwell, to name some. They have shaped the world we have today, from

nanotechnology, to your chic iPhone, and Artificial Intelligence.

The late Dr. Romulo Bautista helped me in the past understand these things. He told me that there’s a distinction between religious and secular morality. Religious morality depends on your faith in God. God is the Absolute. The law of God is eternal. The eternal law, in this way, is the moral law. Secular morality, meanwhile, is based on humanistic values. The most important element in a man’s life is his freedom. In this sense, man defines for himself the meaning of his life and with it, the meaning of the world. The respect for human dignity, in this way, means respecting the religious beliefs of people, including the lack of it. Can modern society survive without religion? It is hard to say. Religious values – the love of thy neighbor – are foundational.

The month of March became an intense period to endure amid the extreme weather condition that was felt just a few days after the state weather bureau announced the official start of the warm and dry season.

According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the town of San Jose in Occidental Mindoro recorded the highest heat index of 47 degrees Celsius on March 25, followed by Catarman in Northern Samar, recording a sizzling 46 degrees Celsius temperature last Saturday alone. Other areas such as Albay, Bukidnon, and Pangasinan, also experienced a 41-degree temperature over the past few days.

The year 2023 is also expected to pose a new challenge to the country and the economy amid the looming El Niño season characterized by extreme heat and prolonged dry spells, which, according to the state weather bureau, may occur over the next six months.

As part of mitigating measures, the public has been urged to take precautionary measures to prevent possible illnesses that may arise during the period, as well as to conserve water amid the possibility of daily water interruptions.

Maynilad Water Services Inc., the water utility company of conglomerate Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC), has urged its customers to practice water conservation as it warned of the

possibility of a 19-hour water interruption daily.

According to Maynilad, the shortage may persist unless the National Water Regulatory Board (NWRB) grants its petition to increase its water allocation from the dams to 52 cubic meters per second (CMS).

However, it assured that it was stepping up its efforts to boost rationing to some 20,000 connections in its service as a stopgap measure. This includes reactivation of deep wells and commissioning of modular treatment plants to produce more water from alternate sources, as well as continuous repair of pipe leaks and replacement of old pipelines to recover more water for distribution.

To mitigate the impact of

the reduced available supply, Maynilad is also making available around 100 mobile water tankers for deployment, as needed. It has so far installed 83 stationary water tanks (SWT) in strategic locations, and is purchasing more SWTs for additional water storage.

On the demand side, Maynilad also advised its customers to practice efficiency in water consumption.

Instead of using a shower, the company has advised the public to use a pail and dipper instead when taking a bath, and ensure to limit the bath time.

To prevent wastage of more water, customers must also have a plumber check toilets, faucets, and pipes right away in case of any leaks.

When not in use, it is best to turn off the faucet to avoid the wastage of running water.

When washing the dishes, it is best to soak them first and scrape them clean instead of cleaning them under running water. When washing cars, use a pail and rag instead.

After doing the laundry, the public must also avoid throwing away any used water, and instead collect them and use for flushing the toilets.

Simple tips as they may seem, but with the current situation, doing these simple steps not only will help us in saving water consumption, but will also play a huge part in ensuring the availability of water to the communities as we go through the dry season together.

CONSERVE WATER

JOE ZALDARRIAGA ESPRESSO MORNINGS

CHRISTOPHER RYAN MABOLOC, Ph.D THEORY AND PRACTICE

NEDA: Gov’t vows to protect Filipinos’ purchasing power

As the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported that the inflation rate slowed down this March, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said Wednesday the government will continue to implement measures protecting the purchasing power of Filipinos.

Nearly a month after President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. approved the creation of the Inter-Agency Committee on Inflation and Market Outlook, the rate of price increase in goods and services decelerated to 7.6 percent last month, or 1 percentage point from 8.6 percent in February this year.

The committee was formed to be an advisory body to the Chief Executive on measures to mitigate inflation.

Balisacan said the commit-

tee has established coordination mechanisms for data gathering, assessment, and monitoring of supply and demand that triggers inflationary pressures.

“By streamlining data collection, the government can share a common understanding, particularly regarding data that can inform public policy and aid in the monitoring and management of inflation,” he said in a statement.

To continue addressing the elevated inflation numbers, Balisacan said the government re-

quires a robust monitoring system and forecasting tools backed by dependable and prompt data that will enable the inter-agency committee to provide appropriate recommendations to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and the Cabinet.

“Protecting the purchasing power of Filipinos, especially the most vulnerable sectors of the economy, is one of the top priorities of the administration, which we have also laid out in the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028. We are committed to provide policy advice and anticipatory recommendations that are supported by data to manage inflation and protect the Filipino families,” he said.

The 7.6 percent inflation rate in March was the lowest since October 2022, when inflation stood at 7.7 percent. (PNA)

SINAG: Latest inflation figures show imports didn’t tame prices

The Samahang Industriya

ng Agrikultura (SINAG) on Thursday denounced the country’s latest inflation print, as it said the latest figures show that imports did not address high prices.

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) earlier on Wednesday reported headline inflation at 7.6% in March, slower than the

8.6% recorded in February. Prices of food and non-alcoholic beverages grew by 9.3%.

Core inflation which excludes selected food and energy items, however, climbed to 8.0% or the highest since March 1999’s 8.1%.

“Time ang again, we have said that importations would not ‘tame high prices,’ across commodities.

Economist forecasts further rise in PH foreign reserves

An economist forecasts the country’s dollar reserves to further increase given the resiliency of fundamental inflows, such as overseas Filipino workers’ (OFW) remittances.

Preliminary data released by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) on Wednesday showed that gross international reserves (GIR) rose to USD100.2 billion as of end-March 2023, up from USD98.2 billion as of end-February 2023, but lower than the year-ago’s USD 107.8 billion.

equivalent to around 7.5 months of imports, which is already way above the international threshold of around three to four months of import cover.

This, he said, “could still provide (a) greater buffer/support/ cushion on the peso exchange rate vs. any speculative attacks.”

And we have been proven right,” SINAG said in a statement.

“Precisely dahil umasa na lang tayo sa (because we relied on) imports, especially the last three years, hindi natugunan ‘yung pagtulong sa (there was no assistance for) local rice farmers in terms of reducing their cost of producing palay,” it added.

Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) chief economist Michael Ricafort said revenues by the business process outsourcing (BPO) sector, along with the recovery of the tourism sector and the drop in crude oil prices and other commodities in the global market, among others, contributed to the rise in the foreign reserves.

Ricafort said the strengthening of the peso against the United States dollar since October last year also lent support to the GIR.

He said the latest level of GIR is

Ricafort said foreign reserves are expected to get a further boost not just from the fundamental dollar inflows but also the foreign currency-denominated borrowings of both the government and the private sectors.

“Thus, still relatively high GIR at USD100.2 billion could still strengthen the country’s external position, which is a key pillar for the country’s continued favorable credit ratings for the second straight year, mostly at 1-3 notches above the minimum investment grade, a sign of resilience despite the Covid-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic that caused downgrades in other countries around the world,” he added. (PNA)

Motorists will be welcomed with fuel pump price hike after the Holy Week as oil firms are expected to implement P1.30 to P1.60 per liter increase on diesel and P2.50 to P2.80 per liter on gasoline. Lean Daval Jr.

DA: Rice prices seen to hike by P5 a kilo

ASEAN+3 seen to grow by 4.6% in 2023: AMRO

The ASEAN+3 region composed of Southeast Asian countries, China, Japan and Korea is seen to grow by 4.6 percent in 2023, an economic thinktank said on Thursday.

Growth in ASEAN+3 is also expected to hit 4.5 percent in 2024, the ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO) said.

For Asia alone, AMRO forecasts a 4.9 percent growth in 2023 and 5.2 percent in 2023.

“The ASEAN+3 region is expected to remain resilient notwithstanding the strong headwinds of weaker external demand and tighter global financial conditions. The boost in tourism and intraregional trade from the rebound in China’s economy will help mitigate softer external demand from the United States and Europe,” said AMRO Chief Economist, Hoe Ee Khor.

For the Philippines, AMRO said its economy could grow by 6.2 percent in 2023 and 6.5 percent in 2024. However, inflation is seen to remain elevated at 5.9 percent this year before reverting

Retailprices of rice are expected to rise in the next few weeks due to high palay farmgate prices amid the dry season, higher cost of inputs, and low buffer stock, an official of the Department of Agriculture (DA) said.

to within target at 3.8 percent in 2024, according to the ASEAN+3 Regional Economic Outlook (AREO).

Inflation in the region is expected to moderate to 4.7 percent in 2023 from 6.5 percent the previous year, before “normalizing” to 3 percent in 2024, the report said.

But AMRO said downside risks still loom including the spike in energy prices, a weaker than anticipated China recovery and a slowdown in the US.

“Drawing from the lessons learned from the Asian Financial Crisis, ASEAN+3 financial systems are now more resilient and well-regulated,” said Dr. Khor.

“However, we are living in precarious times. Policymakers need to remain vigilant and continue to rebuild policy buffers. They also need to remain flexible to extend additional support to the economy, if necessary.”

AMRO is also urging the ASEAN+3 economies to work together to boost the region’s net zero drive.

“Our projection is an increase of P5 [per kilo]… that’s the maximum,” DA Assistant Secretary and deputy spokesperson Rex Estoperez told reporters in a recent interview.

The DA official cited the high procurement price of rice between P22 and P23 per kilo.

“During the Summer harvest season, prices are normally high because the palay is already dry…

Plus, the cost of inputs are also increasing,” Estoperez said.

“This is a normal occurrence during Summer… Price levels are abnormal and have already reached P23,” he added.

Another factor in the expected increase in the prices of the staple is the lower inventory which is only good for 51 days, a far cry from the comfortable level of 90 days.

Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed that as of January, the rice inventory nationwide fell to 1.77 million metric tons (MT) or by 30.3% from 253 million MT. Year-on-year, rice inventory shrank by 5.1% from 1.86 million MT.

Estoperez said the country’s rice stockpile should be 37,000 MT a day, good for 90 days or 3.33 million MT.

Data from the DA’s price monitoring as of April 4 showed that the price per kilo of local wellmilled rice range from P39 to P46, while the regular-milled variety costs P34 to P40 per kilo.

PLDT, Smart urge clients to secure smart devices

PLDT and its wireless unit Smart Communications on Thursday said consumers must protect smart devices in their homes to avoid falling prey to cyber criminals.

Hackers are targeting smart devices connected to home networks to steal information, PLDT Inc said in a statement.

“Smart devices are connected to a home network. If your home network is weak, these devices can be taken over by hackers. Imagine, someone suddenly turning on the speakers and blasting inappropriate songs while you are

sleeping, or someone using your security camera to spy on you,” warned Angel Redoble, FVP and Chief Information Security Officer at PLDT and Smart.

The telco shared the following tips for smart device safety:

• Secure the router

• The router is where smart devices are connected in the home. Change the default name and password of routers

• Fortify the Home WiFi network

• Key in unique password during setup using a mix of big and small letters, numbers and

special characters. PLDT said there should also be separate passwords for the router and WiFi.

• Change devices’ default passwords

• Assign a different password for each smart gadget.

• Regularly update the gadgets’ software to the latest version available.

• Add multi-factor authentication (MFA)

• This is to add another layer of protection.

• Consider using a password manager.

Travelers drop by a roadside store in Barangay Marahan, Marilog District, Davao City to buy fresh fruits and vegetables. Lean Daval Jr.

That name, however, happens to be that of the most important person of the 82-year old airline company.

Captain Stanley Ng has not flown an aircraft regularly since his appointment as President and Chief Operations Officer (COO) of the Philippine Airlines in January 2022.

The last memorable flight he did was on November 9 last year when he was was the Pilot-in-Command of the PAL flight that carried Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and the official Philippine Delegation to Phnom Penh, Cambodia for the ASEAN 2022 Summit.

The inaugural flight to Perth marked the return of Capt. Ng to commercial flights.

“I didn’t know if I miss flying until I was inside the cockpit,” Capt. Ng said when asked during the media conference at Westin Hotel Perth. “I feel more relaxed. But f course you have to be always aware and think of the people you are flying.”

He admitted felt strange at first.

“The flight was smooth except for some turbulence. And on the approach to the airport it was windy. The crosswinds were strong,” he said.

For the Manila-Perth flight, Capt. Ng flew the Airbus Neo A321 to a flight time of 6 hours and 30 minutes or half an hour early.

“When we landed I thought I should fly more,” he said as the room burst into chuckles.

Up close and personal with CAPT. STANLEY NG

BY NEIL BRAVO

Philippine Airlines (PAL) made history with the touchdown at Perth Airport of the first nonstop flight from the Philippines last March 27, 2023.

Captain Ng joined the airline in 2003 as an airport customer relations staffer. He then took his Ab Initio Cadet Pilot training at the PAL aviation school and joined the pilot roster as a Second Officer in 2006. He rose through the ranks, eventually serving as Chief Pilot of the PAL Airbus A320/A321 fleet.

He joined the flag carrier’s top management team as Senior Vice President of the Operations Group before his appointment to the position of President & COO in January 2022.

Capt. Ng is the first active pi-

lot to serve as the top executive of the flag carrier since the 1960s, having ascended to the PAL presidency after an 18-year career in the airline.

The new PAL direct flights, a thrice weekly scheduled service operating into the Western Australian capital every Monday, Thursday, and Saturday, allows travelers to fly between Perth and Manila in just seven (7) hours. This saves travelers four to six hours in travel time compared to flying via other airline routes that require a stopover and flight connections in a third country.

And if you are lucky to have Capt. Ng in the cockpit, it will be 30 minutes quicker.

Captain Stanley Ng is the first active pilot to serve as the top executive of the flag carrier since the 1960s, having ascended to the PAL presidency after an 18-year career in the airline.

There was something extra special with the flight PR223 that left Manila for the Western Australian capital of Perth at 12:05 in the early morning of 27th of March. Inside the cockpit, a pilot in command of the flight bore probably one of the shortest surnames.

Philippines misses podium in Women Softball Asia Cup

ThePhilippines bowed to Chinese-Taipei, 10-5, in the battle for third place in the Women Softball Asia Cup 2023 on Saturday at the Songdo LNG Stadium in Incheon, Korea.

The Philippine Blu Girls missed the podium finish in the battle for the bronze medal after squandering a four-run lead in the first inning.

It was still a solid finish for the Blu Girls, who formal-

ly got the wildcard spot in the 2024 Women Softball World Cup after placing fourth in the tournament.

Chia Hui Ko blasted a tworun home run for Chinese Taipei in the fifth inning, a huge follow-up to a three-run

third that enabled them to grab a 6-5 lead.

The Blu Girls are assured of a top four finish in the Asia Cup after host South Korea lost to Japan, 11-0, on Thursday.

The top three finishers in the Asia Cup will advance to the World Cup to be played in Dublin, Ireland, Buttrio, Italy, and Valencia, Spain. But a wildcard entry has been

granted to Asia, with the fourth placer in the tournament getting that seat.

The Philippines lost to Japan, 9-1, on Friday but still ended at fourth place at the conclusion of the preliminaries with a 5-3 win-loss record, one game ahead of Korea.

“I’m so proud of these girls. They really trained hard for this and has fought with all their heart each game,”

said Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines president Jean Henri Lhuillier.

“This is huge accomplishment given that this is an All-Filipina team, the first in nine years. We at ASAPHIL will ensure that they get the preparations and exposure they need to be battle ready against the world’s best in the World Cup in July,” said Lhuillier.

Lakers down Suns to stay in the hunt for outright playoff berth

LOS ANGELES — D’Angelo

Russell scored 24 points, Austin Reaves had 22 and Malik Beasley 21 as the Los Angeles Lakers kept their hopes alive of avoiding a spot in the play-in tournament with a 121107 victory over the resting Phoenix Suns on Friday night (Saturday, Manila time).

LeBron James had 16 points and Anthony Davis finished with 14 points and 21 rebounds, helping Los Angeles pull away in the fourth quarter. The Lakers remained the seventh seed and in a play-in spot in the Western Conference after Golden State’s victory over Sacramento.

Los Angeles (42-39) has won eight of its last nine.

The Suns, who are locked into the fourth spot in the West, rested starters Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, Chris Paul and Deandre Ayton. It was the second game of a back-to-back set after Phoenix

beat Denver on Thursday.

Torrey Craig led Phoenix with 18 points, Jock Landale had 17 points and 10 rebounds and Josh Okogie scored 16 points.

It was tied at 96 early in the fourth quarter before the Lakers scored 11 straight points as part of a 13-2 run. James had seven points during the spurt and Rui Hachimura added four.

TIP-INS

Suns: Phoenix had a pair of injuries occur during the second quarter. Bismack Biyombo injured his right knee after a collision with Anthony Davis. Earlier, Cameron Payne tweaked his lower back in a hard fall.

Lakers: Beasley scored 11 points in the second quarter. ... Davis had eight rebounds during the third quarter.

UP NEXT

Suns: Host the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday in what could be a first-round preview.

The Philippine women’s softball team is headed to the 2024 Women’s Softball Cup after securing a place in the medal rounds of the Women’s Softball Asia Cup 2023 in Incheon, Korea.

Lakers guard Austin Reaves had

EXTRA JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF INTESTATE ESTATE OF DANIEL RUBEN AMANDORON and MARIA DULCE CAPOTE WITH SPECIAL POWER OF ATTORNEY

The public is hereby notified that the intestate estate of the late DANIEL R. AMANDORON and MARIA DULCE CAPOTE who died on June 21, 1992 and March 2, 2013 respectively, which estate consists of one (1) parcel of land situated at New Carmen, Davao City, containing an area of FORTY-ONE THOUSAND NINE HUNDRED FORTY-SEVEN square meters (41,947) more or less, embraced in and covered by Original Certificate of Title No. P-4855 has been the subject of an Extrajudicial Settlement of Estate With Special Power of Attorney by and among their heirs, as duly ratified, acknowledged, and entered as Doc. No. 11; Page No. 4; Book No. I, Series of 2023; in the notarial registry of MARLONE NIÑO M. VILLAVIRAY, a duly-commissioned Notary Public in Davao City, Philippines.

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES REGIONAL TRIAL COURT

11TH JUDICIAL REGION OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT-SHERIFF DAVAO CITY

HOME DEVELOPMENT MUTUAL EJF REM CASE NO. 18,811-23

FUND OR PAG-IBIG FUND MORTGAGEE, - VERSUSGIOVANNI L. GALINDEZ, MORTGAGOR/S. X---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------X

NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL FORECLOSURE SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

Upon extra-judicial petition for foreclosure and sale under Act 3135, as amended filed by the mortgagee Home Development Mutual Fund or Pag-Ibig Fund against the mortgagor/s GIOVANNI L. GALINDEZ, with residence and postal addresses at LOT 21, BLOCK 36, DECA HOMES TIGATTO, DAVAO CITY, to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness which as of January 12, 2023 amounted EIGHT HUNDRED FORTY FOUR THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED FORTY SEVEN PESOS & 99/100 (Php844,647.99), Philippine Currency, inclusive of interest and other charges, plus other legal expenses incident to foreclosure and sale; the undersigned Sheriff IV of the Regional Trial Court, Davao City, will sell at public auction on April 28, 2023 at 10:00

A.M., or soon thereafter, at the main entrance of the Hall of Justice, Ecoland, Davao City, to the highest bidder for CASH or MANAGER’S CHECK and in Philippine Currency, the following real property mentioned and described below together with all the improvements found thereon, to wit:

TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. 146-2014073219

“A PARCEL OF LAND (LOT 21, BLK. 36 OF THE CONSOLIDATION-SUBDIVISION PLAN

PCS-11-005103, BEING A PORTION OF THE CONSOLIDATION OF LOT 469-C-3, LOTS 469-C-5 TO 14, XXX XXX), SITUATED IN THE BARANGAY OF TIGATTO, CITY OF DAVAO, ISLAND OF MINDANAO, XXX XXX, CONTAINING AN AREA OF EIGHTY (80) SQUARE METERS, MORE OR LESS.”

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

In the event the public auction should not take place on the said date, it shall be held on MAY 19, 2023, without further notice.Prospective buyers are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the title of the above-described real properties and encumbrances thereon, if any there be.

Davao City, Philippines, March 20, 2023.

Rona Corsilles Cahiles

praying that after due notice and hearing, judgment be rendered:

1. Recognizing the divorce issued by the Court of Canada terminating the marriage between herein Petitioner and her former husband Francis M. Cahiles;

2. Directing the Local Civil Registrar of Davao City to make the necessary annotations/changes in the Petitioner’s Certificate of Marriage;

3. Directing the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Office of the Civil Registar-General Manila, to make the necessary annotations/changes in the Petitioner’s Certificate Marriage;

Petitioner prays for such other reliefs, just and equitable, under the premises.

Finding the Petition to be sufficient in form and substance, set hearing of this Petition on July 25, 2023 at 9:00 o’clock in the morning, ordering all interested persons to appear on the said date and show cause, why this Petition should not be granted.

Petitioner is directed to publish this Order, at least once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks, prior to the date of hearing in the designated qualified newspaper of general circulation, pursuant to Presidential Decree No. 1079.

Furnish a copy of this Order of the Clerk of Court, Regional Trial Court, Davao City, for raffling of the publication.

SO ORDERED.

Davao City, Philippines, 27 March 2023.

MARIE

NOTICE OF MEETING

Please be advised that a meeting of JSAM EVERPOWER OPC will be conducted on:

APRIL 22, 2023, 9:00 a.m.

Km. 4, Hilldrive St., Barangay Buhangin Davao City

The Agenda for the Meeting shall be as follows:

1. Call to Order and Proof of Notice of the Meeting

2. Amendment of Section 4, Article 2 of the Article of Incorporation, resulting to the shortening of the corporation term

3. Approval of Acts and Resolution of the Management

4. Other Matters

Registration for the meeting will begin at 8:00 am. For convenience in registering your attendance during the meeting, please present any valid identification card.

City, Philippines. March 13, 2023. MARY

NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE

NOTICE is hereby given that the estate of the late spouses JEREMIAS P. PADERNAL, SR. & JULIETA GRAFILO PADERNAL who both died intestate on January 16, 2008 and April 4, 2020, respectively in Davao City, left a house and lot covered by Transfer Certificate of Title No. T-223817 and a residential land situated in Poblacion, Compostela Valley (now, Davao de Oro), which property is covered by Original Certificate of Title No. 2017000068. Both items of real property has been extrajudicially settled No. 03, Book No. 27, Series of 2022, Notary Public Porferio S. Daclan, and by physical presence of heir Jeremias G. Padernal Jr. and acknowledged before Marla M. Landin, with commission GG 238853; heir Jerlie G. Padernal-Durano, per Timothy Mathew O’Dwyer, MA, LLB., General Notary Public in the Australian State of Queensland on August 9, 2022; and by heir Arnold G. Padernal acknowledged before Nicole Stephanie Y. Macaballug, Consul a.h.; Per Doc. No. 0007-0021, Service No. 0007-2021, Book No. 1, Series of 2022 at Christchurch, New Zealand.

ficials of the Department of Agrarian Reform 11, and other government agencies.

Meanwhile, Magno promised to listen to the concerns of the durian farmers to continue the growth of the

durian industry.

“The best variety of durian comes from Mindanao. I would like to congratulate everyone. I would also like to find out what other things we can help with (for this booming industry).

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11TH JUDICIAL REGION OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT-SHERIFF Davao City PRODUCERS SAVINGS BANK EJF REM CASE NO. 18,814-23 CORPORATION,

Petitioner-Mortgagee,

7

It is good to have a maiden flight but the secret is sustainability,” he said. Magno said that the best way to achieve sustainability in any endeavor is the correct, consultative, and concessions partnership between the government and the private sector.

EXTRA JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF THE INTESTATE ESTATE OF ALEJANDRO D. IBAÑEZ AND DIVINA A. IBAÑEZ

NO. 18,816-23

X----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------X

Upon extra-judicial petition for sale under Act 3135, as amended filed the above-mentioned mortgagee against its Respondent/Mortgagors GRAND ACHIEVERS TRAINING INSTITUTE, INC. represented by its PRESIDENT, EVA C. MONTECILLO, with principal office address at DOOR 2, MAGRADECO BLDG., F. IÑIGO ST., DAVAO CITY, by the terms of the Real Estate Mortgage Contract, the Respondent is indebted to the Petitioner in the amount of NINE MILLION NINE HUNDRED SIXTY SIX THOUSAND NINE HUNDRED NINETY THREE PESOS & 41/100 (₱9,966,993.41) as of November 30, 2022, including interest, penalties and other charges; the undersigned Sheriff IV of the Regional Trial Court, Davao City, will sell at public auction on May 5, 2023 at 10:00 A.M., or soon thereafter, at the main entrance of the Hall of Justice, Ecoland, Davao City, to the highest bidder for CASH or MANAGER’S CHECK and in Philippine Currency, the following real property mentioned and described below together with all the improvements found thereon, to wit:

TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. 146-2018011381

“A parcel of land of the subdivision project (Lot 1, Blk 1 of the subdivision plan Psd11-067310, being a portion of lot 410-H (LRC) Psd-190153), situated in the Barangay of Ma-a, City of Davao, Island of Mindanao xxx containing an area of TWO HUNDRED FIFTEEN (215) square meters, more or less.

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

In the event the public auction should not take place on the said date, it shall be held on JUNE 2, 2023, without further notice.

Prospective buyers are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the title of the above-described real properties and encumbrances thereon, if any there be. March 31, 2023, Davao City, Philippines.

ATTY. FRANCISCO M. CAMPANER Clerk of Court V Clerk of Court & Ex-Officio Prov’l Sheriff

(SGD.) IRVIN PAUL L. CUBELO Sheriff IV

real property mentioned and described below together with all the improvements found thereon, to wit: TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. 146-2017003795 LOT NO: 35 BLOCK NO. 46 PLAN NO. PCS-112402-005669 PORTION OF: THE CONSOLIDATION OF PLAN H-151925, PLAN H-500853, XXX LOCATION: BARANGAY OF INDANGAN, CITY OF DAVAO, ISLAND OF MINDANAO XXX AREA: NINETY SQUARE METERS (90) SQUARE METERS MORE OR LESS All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above-stated time and date. In the event the public auction should not take place on the said date, it shall be held on JUNE 2, 2023, without further notice. Prospective buyers are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the title of the above-described real properties and encumbrances thereon, if any there be. Davao City, Philippines, March 27, 2023. ATTY. FRANCISCO M. CAMPANER Clerk of Court V Clerk of Court & Ex-Officio Prov’l Sheriff

EXTRA JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF THE ESTATE OF DAMIEN TIMOTHY DOYLE

The public is hereby notified that the intestate estate of the late DAMIEN TIMOTHY DOYLE who died on September 7, 2019 in Davao City, which estate consists of one (1) parcel of land situated in the Barangay of Panacan, City of Davao, Island of Mindanao, containing an area of ONE HUNDRED THIRTY (130) SQ.M. more or less, embraced in and covered by Transfer Certificate of Title No. T-450246 has been the subject of an Extrajudicial Settlement of Estate, by and among his heirs, as duly ratified, acknowledged, and entered as Doc. No. 168; Page No. 35; Book No. V, Series of 2020; in the notarial registry of IRA R. CALATRAVA-VALENZUELA, a dulycommissioned Notary Public in Davao City, Philippines.

Use the Ironman passion for sports development

Now that the hyped Alveo Ironman 70.3 event is over, Davao City’s sports officials must go back to the basics.

After all the ballyhoo, the world famous Ironman event as good for the city in terms of tourism and business during

the entire week that it was here which was actually the final installment of a Covid-interrupted trilogy.

We leave the economic gains of the event to the people who mounted the Ironman vis a vis the cost to declare evaluate if

it was a worthy investment. It was, to say the least, intense and massive logistics-wise. There were mixed reactions after the event ranging from the absurd to the significant. The influx of visitors and the brisk business activity during the

Ironman week were clear indications, no need to do the math, of the economic gains of this sports tourism driver.

I know there were some who complained of the quality of the finishers medals produced for the event. While it seems petty to some to even bring the finishers medals into the narrative of the race’s success or failure, it is also worth reckoning that in an Ironman event where one’s life is put to risk (Ironman deaths are no longer shocking to the senses), that piece of neckwear is an Ironman athlete’s holy grail in the same breath as Indiana Jones’ search for the Ark of the Covenant, the gold plated chest containing the stone tablets Moses used to inscribe the Ten Commandments before the Nazi Germans steal it for themselves.

Ironman athletes live and die for that finishers medal and perhaps only those who run the Ironman fully understand that.

Then again, let’s put that aside now.

The important thing to focus now that the Ironman is over, is how the city government focuses on the very foundations of sports -- a solid and sustainable sports program. Let’s get back into the track. Now that the world of sports starts to spin back to life, I think it’s time to revisit our sports infrastructures and see if our investment on these sports facilities are worth it.

Let’s not lose sight of the investment we made to build

the Davao City Sports Complex at the University of Mindanao campus to the tune of P8 billion. Hyped as the mecca of sports in Mindanao during the time it was constructed for the Palarong Pambansa, we can only ask what has happened to the sports facility.

Two decades or so ago we were debating whether it is wise to build the city’s sports in Bago Oshiro. Back then, the distance was a big factor why we frown on the idea. When it was built in 2015 and completed in 2019, we thought the distance has become a non-factor. Things haven’t changed. University of Mindanao built it’s own sports complex with rubberized track oval and being in the heart of the city, is a more accessible and well-maintained facility between the two.

It helps that UM’s President Dr. Guillermo Torres Jr. is an athlete himself and now the vice president of the Philippine Track and Field Association (Patafa). From time to time, Davao City’s athletes get to use the facility to train.

Going back to the Davao City Sports Complex, do we still have athletes train there or competitions held there? Have we maintained the tip top condition of the facilities?

Do we have the same Ironman passion to maintain our sports complex or run a sustained year-round sports program?

Just asking.