Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte recognized the efforts of the safety and security cluster in maintaining Davao City and the Davao Region insurgency-free during the commemoration of the 81st Araw ng Kagitingan on Monday.
“I thanked the Philippine Army and the Armed Forces of the Philippines for their untiring dedication to maintain peace and stability in Mindanao, which has resulted in various areas in the Davao Region now be-
ing insurgency-free,” the mayor said in his message during the wreath-laying ceremony at the Veteran’s Monument at junction Roxas-Ponciano Streets.
cy-free through resolution no. 0115-22, which was passed on July 19, 2022 while on September 19, 2022 the Regional Peace and Order Council-Davao (RPOC-11) declared Davao Region cleared from insurgents.
On March 28, 2023, the Davao City Council passed a resolution celebrating the anniversary of Davao City as insurgency-free.
Meanwhile, the commemoration in Davao City was joined by
On March 24, 2022, Davao City was declared insurgen- FDEDICATED, P10
The provincial police offices (PPO) of Maguindanao del Norte and Maguindanao del Sur were activated on Monday, following the deactivation of the PPO of the former lone province of Maguindanao.
Maguindanao has been divided into two provinces, Maguindanao del Norte and Maguindanao
del Sur, its division ratified in a plebiscite last year.
The activation was graced by the chief of the Philippine National Police, General Rodolfo Azurin, Jr.
Secretary Benjamin Abalos of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and ex officio chair of the National Po-
lice Commission (NAPOLCOM) signed on March 1 Resolution No.2023-0213, approving the establishment of Maguindanao Del Sur and Maguindanao Del Norte Police Provincial Offices under type “C” category. They are categorized under that criteria since they both have
In a bid to prevent the electrocution of the critically endangered Philippine eagle and other bird species, the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) has started the insulation of a 1.5-kilometer stretch of electric line at Mount Sinaka in North Cotabato as part of efforts to conserve the country’s national bird.
Dr. Jayson Ibañez, PEF director for research and conservation, said in a statement the power lines of the Cotabato Electric Cooperative Inc. (COTELCO) required retrofitting to avoid repeating an incident that killed a juvenile Philippine eagle in Barangay Tumanding in Arakan town in 2018.
A necropsy report noted some burn marks on the raptor while its heart and surrounding vessels ruptured as a result of electrocution after it landed on a nearby non-insulated power line of COTELCO.
Based on reviews of photographs by electrical engineer Floro Baguec, Jr., of the Apayao Province Engineering Office, he explained that the power pole where the bird landed held a bare, non-insulated “secondary line” with 220 volts of electrical power. The bird apparently came in contact with the two naked
wires simultaneously, and that the full voltage passing through its body caused its death.
It was the second eagle death case for accidental electrocution from bare wires in the country.
The first was a captive-bred bird named “Kabayan” that was released at Mount Apo in 2004.
Ibañez said Asian Raptor Research and Conservation Network (ARRCN) of Japan funded the first segment of the wire insulation with the support of Japan-based beverage firm Suntory, which manages the Suntory Fund for Bird Conservation.
The installation of insulated wires at Sitio Bagtok in Barangay Tumanding, the first of the 4.5-kilometer retrofitting project, started last month and will be completed by June this year in time for the celebration of Philippine Eagle Day in homage to Arakan’s “bird jewel” declaration, he said.
In 2021, the local government of Arakan passed the ordinance “Declaring the Philippine eagle as the flagship species (bird jewel) of the Municipality of Arakan and providing for its protection and conservation and imposing penalties for violations thereof and appropriating funds therefor.”
He said the local legislation
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday maintained that the four additional sites under the Philippines’ Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) with its longstanding ally, the United States, would not be used for “offensive actions.”
The President made this remark in a chance interview with reporters during his attendance at the commemoration of the 81st Araw ng Kagitingan at the Mt. Samat National Shrine in Pilar, Bataan.
“Hindi tayo papayag, ang Pilipinas, hindi tayo papayag na gamitin ang mga bases natin para sa kahit anong offensive na action. Ito ay para lamang tulungan ang Pilipinas, pagka nangangailangan ng tulong ang Pilipinas (The Philippines will not allow to use our bases in any offensive action. It will be used once the Philippines is need of help),” Marcos said when asked whether the additional sites could “add tensions” in the region.
“Ang ginagawa lamang natin ay ipagpatuloy natin na pinapatibay natin ang depensa ng ating
teritorya, ang pagdepensa ng Republika (What we are doing is to keep strengthening the defense of our territory, our Republic),” he added.
Marcos said the additional EDCA sites give the United States, which has a robust post-World War II security partnership with the Philippines, “a chance to be able to come and help us in any way.”
“Lahat ito existing na ‘yan. Mayroon na talaga tayong… kampo diyan na dati pa. At ang kaibahan lamang at sa ginawa natin dito ay ‘yung EDCA ay binibigyan natin ng pagkakataon ang ating mga (All these sites are already existing. And the only difference with what we did in this EDCA is that we give chance to) --- our only treaty partner, which is the United States, we give the chance to be able to come and help us in any way, lalong-lalo na… nag-umpisa talaga ‘yan sa pagtulong sa mga disaster relief, ganyang klaseng bagay (especially for disaster relief operations, things like that),” the President said.
Malacanang earlier an-
Thecountry’s rubber capital, the Province of Cotabato, is now into planting durian to help boost the Philippine’s durian exportation to China.
This developed after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed the Protocol of Phytosanitary Requirements for the Export of Durians to China in January this year during his meeting with Chinese officials led by Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Governor Emmylou ‘Lala’ J. Talino-Mendoza said there are areas in the province that are now into durian planting.
“I hope that the price of durian per kilo to China will be favorable to the farmers,” Mendoza said.
Durian growing magnifies the province’s agriculture sector. It can be recalled that the Department of Agriculture (DA) identified the Province of Cotabato as number one in Region 12, ranked third in Mindanao and no. 10 in the country in rice and corn
production and other high value crops in 2022.
Last Thursday, Mendoza witnessed the ceremonial send-off of the 18 metric tons of fresh durian from Davao City to China at the Davao International Airport (DIA) Cargo Section.
Also present during the event were Presidential Assistant for Eastern Mindanao Secretary Leo Tereso Magno, Davao City Councilor Marissa Abella, members of the Durian Industry Association of Davao City (DIADC), Chinese
FCOTABATO, P10The Police Regional Office (PRO 11) declared the recent observance of the Holy Week in the Davao Region was generally peaceful.
PRO 11 has deployed around 7,000 police and peacekeeping personnel to provide security to major areas of convergence such as places of worship, tourists attractions, transportation hubs, and among others.
Week 2023 to the intensive security coverage and the continuous effort to conduct its anti-criminality and law enforcement operations of all units of PRO 11.
Delvo also attributed the success of the Lenten season to PRO 11’s “Bisikleta Iglesia” program that mobilized around 700 bike patrollers regionwide to monitor situation in the region.
6 to 9, 2023 with “Bisikleta Iglesia.”
The bicycle-riding cops were tasked to conduct patrolling in the different places of convergence and worship to ensure a safe and peaceful observance of the Catholic traditions and gatherings.
In a press statement, PRO 11 director Brigadier General Alden Delvo attributed the generally peaceful observance of Holy
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
Delvo extended his gratitude to all the police personnel, the allied peacekeeping and security forces and the public who have taken part and contributed in the orderly and peaceful observance of Holy Week 2023.
By Maya M. Padillo FPBBM, P10splurged on “revenge travel” during the Holy Week, a travel association said Monday, as hotels and resorts were bursting at the seams for the long holiday weekend.
According to Fe Abling-Yu, president of Philippine Tour Operators Association, many families traveled together to make up for lost time during the pandemic.
“This year’s Holy Week 2023 we really saw the high rate of
travelers not only from nearby but across the nation,” she said.
“Sobrang punong-puno ang ating mga hotels, ang ating mga resorts.
“Puno ang Baguio, puno ang Tagaytay, puno ang Clark, puno
ang Subic, even as far as Siargao, lalong-lalo na ang Boracay at saka ‘yung mga El Nido, Coron and Puerto Princesa. Of course, Cebu, puno talaga,” she added.
Yu said the beach is still the number 1 travel destination during the Holy Week.
“I must say for our domestic market, prior to pandemic and nung nag-open na tyao, what we have observed really is ‘pag nag-
FHOTELS, P10The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas may consider pausing its monetary tightening next month if April inflation does not accelerate, the bank’s governor said on Sunday.
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas
Governor Felipe Medalla said in a telephone message to Reuters that a pause in interest rate increases was possible “if
the April CPI (consumer price index) is not higher than the March CPI”.
Medalla said a “zero or negative month-on-month inflation” may also support the case for a rate hike pause.
Philippine headline inflation eased for a second consecutive month in March to 7.6% from 8.6% in February but it
Officials of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), led by Commissioners Javey Paul D. Francisco and Karlo S. Bello, visited Davao Del Sur on April 3 to introduce the SEC Capital Market Promotion and Awareness Inter-Agency Network (SEC CAMPAIGN) in the province.
Commissioner Francisco, in his message, emphasized the importance of information in fighting illegal investment schemes. “We believe that information and education is the best shield we have against these scams,” he added.
remained above the central bank’s 2%-4% target for the year.
To tackle inflation, the BSP has raised its benchmark interest rate PHCBIR=ECI by 425 basis points since May last year to 6.25%. Medalla has said future policy moves would be data-dependent. It next meets on May 18 to review policy.
Also with the delegation were Enforcement and Investor Protection Department Director Oliver O. Leonardo and Economic Research and Training Department Director Rose Ann S. Espiritu who presented the campaign to the provincial government officials.
The SEC CAMPAIGN Network comprises of various public and private organizations that work together toward a common goal of promoting financial literacy and investor education.
On the other hand, Commissioner Bello highlighted the need to partner with local government units to intensify the campaign.
Bello said, “Time and again, the people have shown support and trust to the leadership that [this administration] offers to the province. With the leadership of Governor Yvonne Cagas, I am confident that she can command respect and authority of the city, municipalities and barangays under her administration, to implement orders, instructions that would redound
The Philippines is eyeing stronger economic relations with Morocco in consideration of its linkages with the African markets.
Ahead of Manila and Rabat’s 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2025, Philippine Ambassador to Morocco Leslie Baja said interactions between the two states have steadily increased, with a number of agreements signed in the past year alone.
“Two years from now hopefully, there can be an increase in high-level visits. Hopefully in 2025, it could also be the highest level,” he told the Philippine News Agency in an interview.
“What I’d like to see is really on the economic side because we do need more economic partners in the Philippines and if we are able to look at Africa, not just Morocco as a product and investment destination, then I think we’ll be able to further help the economy,” he added.
Baja said the region can be considered a “niche market” but if Manila is able to tap that, it could be looking at a multibillion dollar worth of consumer base.
“We find Africa a big enough market not just for us to consider looking into it, investing in it or trading at the very least. In the same vein, we’re working very hard to see more Moroccans going to the Philippines and Southeast Asia, basically,” he said.
The Philippine Embassy in Rabat, he said, is currently working with the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) and its Moroccan
counterpart to create a possible agreement “to link the private sector of each country to each other”.
“Through this agreement, they would have a network of several thousand enterprises that can link up directly with each other on whatever economic relations that they want with each other,” he said.
Citing latest figures, Baja said Morocco currently ranks as the Philippines’ 70th top trading partner out of 231, with the bilateral merchandise trade in 2022 reaching USD30.96 million.
“Our exports to Morocco increased by 9.61 percent from 2021 so there is an increase in our exports, although the balance of trade is still in favor of Morocco,” he said.
The Philippines and Morocco formally established diplomatic relations on April 10, 1975. In 2020, the Philippine Embassy was opened in Rabat after decades of closure due to budget constraints.
During the visit of former Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. to Rabat in March 2022, the two states signed an air services deal and a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on political consultations. On transportation, the Moroccan Railway Training Institute (IFF) and the Philippine Railway Institute (PRI) signed an MOU to strengthen cooperation on skills development.
In that same visit, the PNA and Maghreb Arabe Presse (MAP) inked a news exchange deal leading to MAP’s deployment of its first journalist to the
Pumpprices of petroleum products in the Philippines are set to be hiked by more than P1 this week, marking the second straight week of increases after the surprise production cuts by OPEC+ and its allies.
In separate advisories, Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp. and Seaoil Philippines Corp. said they will hike prices per liter of gasoline by P2.60, diesel by P1.70, and kerosene by P1.90.
Cleanfuel will implement the same changes, excluding kerosene which it does not carry.
The adjustments will take ef-
fect at 6 a.m. on Tuesday, April 11, 2023 for all the firms except for Cleanfuel, which will adjust prices at 4:01 p.m. the same day.
Other firms have yet to make similar announcements for the week as of posting time.
Saudi Arabia and other members and partners of the Organization of the Petroleum
Exporting Countries (OPEC) last Sunday announced a production cut of 1.16 million barrels per day, which they said aims to support the stability of the market.
Firms last week hiked prices per liter of gasoline by P1.40, diesel by P0.50, and kerosene by P0.50.
Latest data available from the Department of Energy (DOE) indicate a year-to-date net increase of P6.05 per liter for gasoline, and net decreases of P3.65 per liter for diesel, and P5.35 per liter for kerosene.
World food prices are still high but have fallen by a fifth compared to a year ago when prices soared to a monthly record high after Russia invaded agricultural powerhouse Ukraine, UN data showed on Friday.
Prices have fallen 20.5 percent since March last year after a 12th straight monthly drop, the
Food and Agriculture Organization said.
But in releasing its latest data tracking monthly changes in international prices of a basket of food commodities, the FAO said food remained expensive notably for developing countries highly dependent on imports.
The FAO said the fall in benchmark prices was “driven
by declines in world quotations for cereals and vegetable oils.”
The UN agency added: “A mix of ample supplies, subdued import demand and the extension of the Black Sea Grain Initiative contributed to the drop.”
A deal negotiated by Turkey and the United Nations allows Ukraine -- one of the world’s top
On the military’s efforts to keep Mindanao insurgency-free during the commemoration of the 81st Araw ng Kagitingan:
“I thanked the Philippine Army and the Armed Forces of the Philippines for their untiring dedication to maintain peace and stability in Mindanao, which has resulted in various areas in the Davao Region now being insurgency-free.”
MAYOR SEBASTIAN “BASTE” DUTERTE
On March 30-31, 2023, an event hardly covered by the press, the Mindanao Association of Mining Engineers (MAEM), a proponent of best mining practices, held its 29th Annual Min-ing Symposium and International Trade Expo in Davao City. The theme: “Forging New Heights in Integral Mining Industry.”
Engr. Constancio A. Paje, Sr., the association’s president, opened the conference by saying the organization is “refocusing (the mining engineers’) mandate (beyond) the usual purpose of providing the avenue of development of our profession.” Parallel to this is the 2016 papal bull’s statement that the environment is “a common good, belonging to all and meant for all.”
Historically, mining in the country traces its provenance
to the Royal Decree of 1837 that organized the Inspeccion General de Minas and opened the islands’ mineral resources to explo-ration. Between its approval and the takeover by the Americans in 1898, Lepanto Mine, set up by Cantrabro-Filipino in 1864, took up the challenge; however, it closed shop a decade because of a lack of technology and the non-cooperation of natives to comprise the explora-tion’s manpower.
During the U.S. colonial rule, mining became dynamic. In 1900, the American administra-tion created a mining bureau to handle the mineral exploration of the colony. To legitimize this, the Schurmann Commission, the first Philippine legislature, passed the Philippine Bill of 1902, the second mining law ever enacted for the archipelago.
A year later, Benguet Consolidated Mining Co., the country’s first American mining firm, was founded by Metcalfe Clarke and Nelson Peterson, former American soldiers, and Henry C. Clyde, a soda fountain owner, on Aug. 12, 1903. That year Kennon Road and Camp John Hay were under construction. Seventeen other gold mineral explorations were also launched in Baguio that by the early 1930s, mining started to boom.
During the Commonwealth, a new mining law, Act No. 137, was enacted in 1936. That year the Bureau of Mines was created. Before the war, there were fifty-two (52) gold explora-tions around the archipelago, chiefly in Luzon.
The first mining outfit to explore the mineral resources in southern Mindanao was the Ma-
nila-based Mineral Exploration and Development Corp. (MEDC).
It was registered on Dec. 1, 1993, with an authorized capital of P250,000, and listed N.H. Duckworth and J. Elizalde as president and vice president, respectively. Davao Gold Mine (DGM), controlled by the Elizaldes, followed; it obtained claims in Hijo, Davao de Oro, in 1934, but production did not start until 1940. Uranium deposits were also reported to be found “in the mountains near Davao City.”
By 1940, due to reports of a rich gold find in Hijo, two American miners, J.W. Brady and H. Lindbloom, visited the site to observe the progress of the exploration. That same year, the mining company’s aerial tramway was completed by G.M. Kilcar of the Interstate Equipment Co. of New
Footsteps.
When we walk, we hardly take cognizant of the footsteps we take unless – like the Buddhists – we are so mindful of the here and now, the precious present moment. It is only when one focuses on the movement of his feet while walking down a path, that one is struck with the importance of taking footsteps. For as the Chinese proverb posits: A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step!
As we celebrate Easter Sunday tomorrow (April 9), it might do as good to reflect on the value of taking footsteps vis-à-vis our faith as followers of the Risen Lord. After all, his admonition – “Come follow me!” – involves literally moving our feet as we go after the Redeemer!
Jesus lived on earth at a time when people could only move from place to place by walking. In some cases, horses and donkeys assisted them as they travelled. Unlike today when the advancement of transportation technology allows us to travel long distance through planes, boats, trains, buses, cars, even the lowly habal-habal, those living in the first century had to rely on their feet if they wanted to be in another place.
Being an itinerant preacher-healer, Jesus himself walked practically all over Israel. While born in Bethlehem, he grew up in Nazareth. When his public life unfolded and he went out to preach the Good News, he travelled from
Nazareth to Bethany, Bethesda, Capernaum, Cana of Galilee, Jerico, reaching the Jordan River and the Sea of Galilee. In his three-year public life, he walked more than a thousand miles.
Some of the footsteps he took would take on biblical significance! Among these were those footsteps traversing the desert for forty days when he needed to get ready for his mission, his walk cum ride-the-donkey from the countryside to Jerusalem, his walk across the seashore as he met the fishermen who would become his loyal followers and later when he appeared to them after rising from the dead, and his walk with two forlorn followers on the road to Emmaus.
The most dramatic, of course, were the footsteps he took from the garden of Gethsemane to the palace of King Herod, to the court of Pontius Pilate until he ended up on Calvary Hill. This route –now labelled the Via Dolorosa – has become the focal point of interest for tourists who fortunately find their way in Israel on Good Friday.
On top of this mournful hill, the carpenter from Nazareth –reviled by the Pharisees as a false prophet; who hobnobbed with drunks, sinners and prostitutes; who the powers-that-be considered a rebel out to subvert the established regime and tortured by the Roman soldiers as a means to warn other potential wouldbe “terrorists,” – was subjected
to a crucifixion on a cross, fit for criminals!
That last step Jesus took as he faced death, eventually ended his earthly life.
At dawn of Easter morn, the sound of footsteps echoed across the graveyard where Jesus and others were buried. These were footsteps first of women, later followed by a few of the more courageous apostles curious as to the women’s testimony that the tomb was empty! And most interesting, it was a woman –Magdalene – to whom Jesus first appeared as the Risen Lord!
After Jesus appeared to more of his main followers and trusted disciples, he gathered them together for what is now known as the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) and left them with these words: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Gifted with the Holy Spirit on Pentecost, many of them, including a new convert – Paul of Tarsus – walked to many directions beyond Israel to give witness to the life and teachings of the Lord. And despite the passage of time and the great advancement of transportation technology, in many Third World countries today, those who bring the Good
News to the hinterlands, follow the way of the early disciples. They walk miles to reach the isolated villages.
It is thus, very appropriate that in 2021 Pope Francis inaugurated what would be a synodal Church for these present times. To be a synodal church involves getting all the baptized to journey together as one in the footsteps of the Lord, with great effort exerted to make sure that those who for so long have not been afforded a place in the Lord’s banquet, can finally find themselves in the place of honor!
This was Jesus way; moving from village to village, his focus was to journey with his society’s excluded, the sinners considered unclean and worthless. He avoided the elite, the powers-that-be, the ones who oppressed the poor even as he did not exclude them from his circle if they showed an openness to repent and make amends! He disdained pomp and pageantry, he lived simply without benefit of having a place to stay, comforted the widows and healed the sick. In the process, the Good Shepherd smelt like the sheep!
Alas, when Christianity shifted to Christendom and the Church’s memory of the way of life of Jesus faded, the ugly head of institutionalization and clericalism penetrated the walls of churches, monasteries and convents. Patronized by kings and emperors. ensconced in palaces to enjoy the perks of power, the
York. Just before the war erupted, Americans A. Durkee and D.G. Headley, for-merly with the Balatoc mines in Kalinga-Apayao province, joined the DGM.
The conflict disrupted organized mining in Davao. It was only in October 1955 that DGM, now operating as Samar Mining Co. (SMCI, listed in 1937), started gold production in Masara.
The mineral boom that followed in the 1970s gave rise to new opportunities in the mining industry. SMCI, in the red due to mounting loans, saw the rise of gold prices in the world market as a chance for recovery. With a claim of over eight hundred twenty-one (821) lodes of high-grade ore scattered over 7,389 hectares in Amacan, in the peripheral areas of Hijo, the company’s ball was set for a high-powered shot.
Church’s heads veered away from the footsteps of the Lord! And the Gospels they preached held no relevance anymore to the lives of the majority who remained in the margins and disenfranchised of their human rights.
If the Church today hopes to return to the dangerous memory of Jesus’ act to save humanity, she has to embrace Pope Francis’ synodal agenda. The question is: how many of our church leaders and engaged laity are making sure that this agenda is not lost in the quaqmire of a Church’s struggle to remain relevant in these post-modern times?
In the VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex and Ambiguous) reality of the world today, Christianity is faced with a major challenge to return to its roots. Jesus presented the model of a synodal church – his footsteps made possible his journeying with society’s excluded – which challenged an established religion that was hijacked by those who would promote a faith that was blind and obedient to those in power. It was in this context that Christianity was born. If we are to redeem what Jesus founded, we, too, in our times will need to do our best to help build a synodal Church, in spite of the reluctance of our leaders to forge this kind of journey with the rest of us!
Along with Pope Francis, we take the footsteps towards this goal buoyed by the Risen Lord! Happy Easter everyone!
People have varied ideas of what paradise is. Some think of a heaven-like place while others imagine white sand beaches, island trees swinging in the gentle breeze, and crystal-clear water.
Believe it or not, there is a piece of paradise in the Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS)? And it’s not just a name of a place.
Last month, I was privileged to experience what I’ve been longing for, an island paradise, at The Island Buenavista Davao.
The Island Buenavista certainly met all of your expectations and truly describes what paradise is.
The Davao media and influencers (DDI) together with Department of Tourism 11 director Tanya Rabat-Tan, Pia Partoza Montano of the Davao Tour Operators, and Cherry Faye Al-ag of the Davao Tourism Association were treated with a summery getaway at The Island Buenavista Davao.
You’ve probably already checked off-island getaways like the popular Indonesian island of Bali and El Nido in Palawan when it comes to tropical vacations, this time turn your gaze at The Island Buenavista Davao.
The Island Buenavista of the Ayala family that owns Eden Nature Park Resort and Matina Town Square (MTS) allows you, together with nine of family members and friends, to own an island for a day or two at P149,000 a night inclusive of full board meals plus boat transfer for P12,000 from Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao to the island and back.
Situated in an exclusive location in Barangay Balet, IGaCoS, it’s a four-hectare island resort abundant with trees, white sand, and turquoise water. Several meters from the beach is a sanctuary of corals and marine life.
We frolicked at the stunning backdrop of the sun, sea, and sand at the private beachfront and enjoyed our slice of paradise unwinding, enjoying the food, sightseeing, and swimming.
What’s at The Island Buenavista Davao? A cozy stay as it has a family villa, executive suite, island suites, beach huts, a gazebo surrounded by aquamarine sea, and a very inviting swimming pool if having the beach of your own is too much for you.
While on the island, don’t just get mesmerized by its beauty, go snorkeling, kayaking, laze, or roam around and appreciate nature.
We had so much fun on the island that we didn’t realize it was time to go back to Davao City. Hopefully, next time we can stay overnight to fully experience the feeling of owning not just an island, but a piece of paradise, even just for a day.
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Pristine beaches, towering limestone cliffs, and the most gorgeous-hued sunsets are just a few things that come to mind when one says El Nido – and rightfully so. Situated in Bacuit Bay, the province continues to draw in and charm thousands of tourists yearly.
Lihim Resorts is one hidden gem that guests keep revisiting again and again. The luxury boutique resort is purposely kept discreet and intimate by nature, ensuring only the most serene and peaceful vacation.
This 2023, guests have a new reason to come and indulge as the resort opens its opulent doors to its highly-anticipated restaurant, Henri’s.
Nestled atop a beautiful hill that overlooks El Nido’s glimmering waters and vibrant sunset, Henri’s has become very distinctive for its towering tri-level property that offers hungry diners a new dining perspective. Think distinctive. Think luxury. Sensory. Most of all, world-class gastronomic feasts.
The restaurant, which had its soft opening last March 23, 2023, is the epitome of class and exquisite sensations with a thoughtfully-curated menu and expertly crafted dishes. Only the best of the best ingredients are sourced, from farm to table and Palawan’s sea to plate.
The genius behind the menu and one of the rising stars in the local food scene is Lihim Resort’s homegrown
Chef de Cuisine, Chef Nicks Valmeo. Together with Araw Hospitality Group’s Junior Corporate, Chef Richard Sumo, they created a well-rounded selection of luscious dishes that incorporate true El Nido ingredients.
Diners can have their fill from the restaurant menu’s delectable starters. Have fresh oysters topped with crispy bacon in barbecue sauce. Or some prawn toast and baked brie. They also have warm soup you wouldn’t mind having no matter the season like Henri’s clam chowder and truffle mushroom. Plus, the salad! Who can say no to Ceasar Lobster salad? But before you fill up, make sure to leave a lot of room for their amazing mains: like the lapu-lapu meuniere, the pan-seared salmon and the grilled snapper fillet.
For meat cravers, there’s a slew of specialty steaks and cuts which are all certified angus beef.
At the Pool Lounge, where you can cool down amidst El Nido’s natural backdrop, lazy afternoons are made better with burgers, pizzas, pastas and wings as the pièces de résistance. All these savory dishes, from the mushroom melt cheeseburger, quatro formaggi and spinach ravioli, to the buffalo and garlic parmesan wings, can be enjoyed with their signature and classic cocktails, alongside an excellent selection of wines, cognacs, rum, whiskey, and other liqueurs.
Working unceasingly to ensure that micro, small, and medium enterprises (“MSMEs”) receive the support they need are online digital platforms like foodpanda. To help even more small businesses, foodpanda has partnered with Online Food Vendors Marketing Cooperative (“OFVMC” or the “Cooperative”). The collaboration aims to boost the assistance provided to these Filipino entrepreneurs so they can gain a wider audience and establish a name in the online marketplace.
According to foodpanda Philippines Finance Director Lhecks De Castro, platforms like them enable MSMEs to achieve sustainable growth by having a wider reach while making their operations more efficient.
“Even beyond the new normal, there are still plenty of benefits that MSMEs can enjoy by getting access to digital platforms, including increased productivity, improved profitability, and reduced operational costs,” said De Castro. “However, transitioning to digital platforms might be challenging for them. But with the combined
assistance between us and OFVMC, they can navigate through this transition.”
Cooperative for small businesses
Under RA 9520, also known as the Philippine Cooperative Code of 2008, the creation and formation of cooperatives is said to promote the attainment of economic development.
While different types of cooperatives exist in the country, OFVMC focuses on online food vendors. Its goal is to assist micro and small entrepreneurs seeking to reach a wider market while offering educational seminars beneficial to running their business operations and other privileges given to official members.
“For businesses which are just start-ups, joining the Cooperative will encourage member contribution and shared responsibility, not to mention the opportunity to earn interest in their share capital and expand their network in the industry as businesses,” De Castro revealed.
Success stories from members
The owner of Mom Rose Lechon Manok in Bacolod, Michael Vincent
Chua, was one of the many members who are grateful for joining the foodpanda platform through the help of the Cooperative. “We started our business in 2020 when people preferred getting their orders online. Since joining, we were able to grow our business,” he narrated. “Thanks to both the Cooperative and foodpanda, we are happy to share that we are now opening our 4th store this month.”
Also operating in Bacolod, Charisma Libo-on of Chayim Tea House deeply appreciates how the Cooperative provides educational materials for their members on how some business requirements work. “It shows how they really care about us. I’ve gained valuable knowledge and insights on these processes.” On the other hand, she also likes that foodpanda provides that same added value service. “I like how it is a data-driven company, so the promotions and campaigns offered and endorsed to us are well-thought-of. I’m very satisfied with the combination.”
She also happily revealed that being on the platform even for just a year opened many opportunities for them, including expanding their shop and providing job opportunities to more employees under her wing.
Helping MSMEs go digital foodpanda expressed its continued commitment to helping smallscale Filipino businesses as they are believed to be the backbone of Philippine economic recovery. Furthermore, this initiative aligns with the government’s goal to usher in the digital transformation of MSMEs, as their growth will immensely contribute to the country’s overall economic development.
During several functions and official gatherings, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. also emphasized that ushering in the digital transformation of MSMEs is one of the key priorities of the current administration. In addition, a measure seeking to amend the Republic Act 6977, also known as Magna Carta for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), is also in the works, which hopes to promote entrepreneurship by strengthening, empowering and enhancing financing and other support programs for MSMEs.
Secret’s Out: Henri’s at Lihim Resorts is the most scenic, most distinctive dining spot in El Nido
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“Our history shapes our future, and the sacrifices of our ancestors and our valiant veterans are the foundations that built the country. It is the bedrock upon which our nation today is a thriving sovereign state and an invaluable ally to our neighbors. We honor the memory and sacrifices of our veterans by remaining true to what they fought for, by keeping our families safe, and by appreciating the freedom we now enjoy as Filipinos,” the mayor said.
The mayor urged the Dabawenyos to recall the acts of valor of the heroes of the past and present.
“Let this be a way to inspire and encourage everyone, specially, our youth to become good agents of change and contribute to our ongoing pursuit of sustainable and lasting peace for our city and our nation,” he said.
ta-travel ngayon, family by family,” she said.
“Hindi nagiging issue masyado ‘yung mahal yung airfare.
“Ito ‘yung tinatawag namin revenge spending and revenge traveling na ngayon namin talaga nararamdam,” she added.
When it comes to international travelers, China and South Korea are still among the top tourist arrivals in the Philippines, Yu said.
Last year, the Philippines exceeded its target for international arrivals, which was set at 1.7 million.
A total of 2.6 million tourists arrived in the country in 2022, the Department of Tourism previously said.
The country aims to attract nearly 5 million foreign visitors this year.
lone congressional districts and belong to 3rd and 6th income generating classification of districts.
The two PPOs will be led by officers with the rank of fullfledged Colonels.
FROM 2 several military veterans led by the 100-year-old Teofilo Gamutan, Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte, 10th Infantry Division commander Major General Jose Eriel Niembra, and Task Force Davao Commander Col. Darren Comia.
The PPO of Maguindanao del Sur will be based in Shariff Aguak town while Maguindanao del Norte’s PPO will be in Parang, according to Brig.Gen. Allan Nobleza, the newly-assigned regional director of Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR).
Maguindanao del Sur has 24 towns while Maguindanao del Norte has 12 towns.
President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. on April 5 appointed as OIC Govenors Bai Mariam Sangki-Mangudadatu for Maguindanao del Sur and Abdulraof Macacua for Maguindanao del Norte.
Before their appointments, Mangudadatu was reelected as Governor of the undivided Maguindanao in May last year while Macacua was Senior Minister of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. (Ferdinandh B. Cabrera / MindaNews)
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to the benefit of the people”.
In response, the administration of Governor Cagas vowed to craft an executive order that would support the SEC initiatives.
Aside from the governor, also present during the courtesy visit to the office were all members of the Provincial Board. At the presentation of SEC programs were top officials of the executive department.
The visit of SEC officials to the province is part of the Commission’s larger effort to combat investment scams across the country as the Commission has also been conducting similar activities in other areas, including seminars, forums, and roadshow activities.
“sets the stage for more proactive measures to secure at least two Philippine eagle families within Arakan town, including piloting a power line retrofitting project.”
Ibañez said the foundation worked with the local government and communities within Mount Sinaka to conserve a pair of Philippine eagles, which the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) listed as a “critically endangered” species.
With only less than 2,000 hectares of forest cover, Ibañez stressed that Mount Sinaka is considered as the smallest nesting habitat of the Philippine eagles.
PEF executive director Dennis Salvador said they have been helping empower the local communities to become “responsible neighbors to the eagles through education, forest protection and restoration projects, and livelihood support” since the foundation confirmed Mount Sinaka as an eagle nesting site in 1995.
Ibañez said that “COTELCO expressed that it wants to modify and insulate their power lines at Mount Sinaka to protect the eagles.”
Karol Mei Colambot, COTELCO head of promotions, said it is one with PEF in protecting the national bird at Mount Sinaka. (Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)
Philippines in less than a year. Within 2022, the two countries also sought to expand cooperation on culture, education, as well as interparliamentary relations.
“Things have been holding in the relations between our country and Morocco. After the visit, a lot of things have transpired and a lot of agreements signed,” Baja said.
“We have some pending agreements that are close to signing and hopefully can materialize within the year,” he disclosed. (PNA)
investors and buyers, officials of the Department of Agrarian Reform 11, and other government agencies.
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 and one of these areas is Kidapawan City.
“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,” Corpuz said.
DA 11 director Abel James Monteagudo 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 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.
nounced four locations considered “suitable and mutually beneficial” as EDCA sites that are seen to boost the disaster response of the country as the locations will also be used for humanitarian and relief operations during emergencies and natural disasters.
The four locations inspected and assessed by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) include the Naval Base Camilo Osias in Sta. Ana, Cagayan; Lal-lo Airport in Lal-lo, Cagayan; Camp Melchor Dela Cruz in Gamu, Isabela and Balabac Island in Palawan.
Marcos granted in February US troops access to four more Philippine military camps on top of the five existing locations under the EDCA.
Filipino and American troops are also scheduled to hold their largest-ever military exercise this April.(PNA)
grain producers -- to export grain through a safe corridor in the Black Sea.
It was agreed after the Russian invasion in February 2022 blocked 20 million tons of its grain in port.
The FAO index averaged 126.9 points, down 2.1 percent from the end of February and down by 20.5 percent since March 2022.
The fall was aided by international wheat prices sliding 7.1 percent, notably on strong Australian output and improved crop conditions in EU states but also high Russian supplies and “ongoing exports from Ukraine from its Black Sea ports”.
A record Brazilian harvest also saw world maize prices drop by 4.6 percent, the FAO said.
FAO chief economist Maximo Torero said, however, prices remained “very high and continue to increase in domestic markets, posing additional challenges to food security... particularly so in net food importing developing countries,” struggling additionally with weak currencies.
No. 10 Oklahoma City.
“For us, it’s just good that we don’t have to travel,” James said after the Lakers ended their regular season with a home win over Utah. “We’ve traveled a lot lately. It’s good that we get to stay here, but we shouldn’t get comfortable. We have to stay on edge.”
The Lakers-Timberwolves winner gets No. 2 Memphis in Round 1; the winner of Friday’s West play-in game will start the playoffs next Sunday at No. 1 Denver.
No team in the West has had a better record since the All-Star break than the Lakers, who went 16-7 down the stretch — even with James sidelined for about half of that run by injury.
Minnesota locked up the No. 8 seed (and two chances at the playoffs) by holding off New Orleans 113-108.
It was the last game to finish in the league this season, though for Gobert, it ended early. He threw a punch at Kyle Anderson — his teammate — after heated words during a first-half time-out, didn’t return to the game, and Minnesota also lost Jaden McDaniels to a right hand injury after he appeared to punch a wall.
“We made the decision to send Rudy Gobert home after the incident in the second quarter,” Timberwolves President Tim Connelly said in a postgame statement. “His behavior on the bench was unacceptable and we will continue handling the situation internally.”
There appeared to be progress on that front quickly, with Wolves veteran Mike Conley suggesting that the team is ready to move forward.
“We’re going to need all of us,” Conley said.
Gobert chimed in Sunday night as well, tweeting: “Emotions got the best of me today. I should not have reacted the way i did regardless of what was said. I wanna apologize to the fans, the organisation and particularly to Kyle, who is someone that i truly love and respect as a teammate.”
If the Timberwolves lost that game, they would have been the No. 9 seed out West. There were 16 possible ways the 5-6-7-8-9 seeds on the West bracket could have gone on Sunday — and the Pelicans had a shot to finish as high as No. 5. Instead, they settled for No. 9.
The Eastern Conference postseason matchups were all set before Sunday. No. 7 Miami plays No. 8 Atlanta on Tuesday, and No. 9 Toronto plays No. 10 Chicago on Wednesday. The Heat-Hawks winner advances to play No. 2 Boston in Round 1; the Raptors-Bulls winner will play the Heat-Hawks loser on Friday for the chance to play No. 1 Milwaukee in the opening round.
No. 3 Philadelphia will play No. 6 Brooklyn, and No. 4 Cleveland will meet No. 5 New York.
The Brooklyn-Philadelphia series starts Saturday at 1 p.m. Eastern. The rest of Saturday’s schedule has the Heat-Hawks winner visiting Boston, then New York at Cleveland and finally Golden State visiting Sacramento.
The Clippers-Suns series starts next Sunday, as will the matchups featuring Denver, Milwaukee and Memphis.
Golden State is in the playoffs. LeBron James is heading to the play-in tournament. And the Minnesota Timberwolves lost Rudy Gobert to a fight with a teammate, then won a battle to improve their playoff hopes.
The final day of the NBA season was predictably wild — with tons of unpredictable elements as well.
It took until the 1,230th and last game of the year went final,
but the Western Conference playoff and play-in bracket are finally set, highlighted by the Los Angeles Clippers and defending champion Golden State Warriors getting a few days off
knowing that they’re officially in the postseason. See Lakers enter postseason as No. 7 seed after holding off Jazz
The Clippers beat Phoenix to clinch the No. 5 seed — and a first-round matchup with Phoenix. Golden State had its highest-scoring game in almost 33 years on its way to routing Portland 157-101 and clinching the No. 6 seed, giving the
Very obviously, the Gin King outplayed Tropang Giga (102-90) in Game 1.
After its initial demolition of TNT, one cannot help but make the usual forecast in favor of the Game 1 winner - Brgy. Ginebra.
You see, as everyone will have noticed, the Gins always display consistency everytime they face a formidable opponent.
They proved it when they swept sister team SMB 3-0 in the semis.
Ginebra’s chemistry, cohesion and composure is just awesome.
It could not have mastered TNT and force the latter to submission if the Gins were merely a regular ballclub seeking to find a place in the sun instead of zeroing in on
the championship.
Cone has a frontline leader in Justin Brownlee whose all-around skills motivate Scottie Thompson and company to give their all no matter what the situation is.
TNT does not have someone like JB although its import is as explosive as Mayon volcano.
Rondae Hollis Jefferson was working double time but in a game where five people are involved, he can’t win it all if only four of them are playing as a team.
TNT could not penetrate Ginebra’s floating man to man defense which effectively slowed down Tropang Giga. Pogoy was nowhere in sight.
It was Calvin Oftana who provided the temporary relief shoot-
ing job.
Warriors an automatic berth in the playoffs and a first-round matchup with Sacramento.
Golden State led by as many as 59 in that game, the largest lead by any team all season.
“We’re playing Sacramento, obviously. They’re a great team, they’ve had an amazing season and it’s going to take everything to beat them four times — especially starting on the road,” Warriors guard Stephen
The ex-Brooklyn Nets poured in 30 pts and 20 rebounds and did not get any relief thorughout except for one occasion.
Coach Jolas received his intial coaching education even as he lamented Poy Erram’s erratic foul prone attitude. The 6’8” center fouled out middle of the fourth.
Without Erram in the middle, TNT was eaten alive in the rebounds department.
How many times have I written that JB is the man to watch out for?
Jolas must assign - as Cone does on RHJ - two or three permanent guards who will alternate denying JB the ball, cuff him and limit his contribution.
RHJ (who somewhat has an
uncanny physical resemblance to Kobe Bryant) is excellent in playing a free-wheeling game.
But he dribbles too much and hogs the ball because TNT no longer has an effective pointguard that used to be Jayson Castro’s role before.
As he has been instrumental in winning games in the past and brought TNT to the top of the eliminations, RHF may have been thinking that he is TNT’s savior or messiah (pardon the term but it was meant to describe a task).
Ginebra has Thompson, Stanley Pringle and John Pinto who are able to orchestrate a running game for 48 minutes (and even in OT).
A major shift in defense strategy should be TNT’s major concern.
Curry said. “But we love the opportunity in front of us.” James and the No. 7 — for now — Los Angeles Lakers will get two chances to get into the playoffs, starting with Tuesday’s play-in game against No. 8 Minnesota. If the Lakers lose that game, they’ll get another chance Friday against the winner of Wednesday’s game between No. 9 New Orleans and
Cone already has a working template that will haunt, harass and double team on RHJ to lessen and diminish his effectiveness.
If Jolas and his deputies are (un)able to find the antidote to slow down JB in Game 2, my crystal ball might change its forercast.
THE SCORES:
BRGY. GINEBRA 102 - Brownlee 31, Malonzo 21, Standhardinger 16, Pringle 11, Thompson 10, Gray 6, Mariano 5, Pinto 2, David, Onwubere 0.
TNT 90 - Jefferson 30, M. Williams 23, Oftana 16, Pogoy 6, Erram 4, Castro 4, Chua 3, Khobuntin 3, Montalbo 2, Varilla, Ganuelas rosser 0.
Quarters: 29-20; 50-43; 74-62; 102-90.
Not one but two.
Marlon Tapales earned two junior featherweight world titles with a hardfought split decision over heavily favored defending champ Murodjon Akhmadaliev on Saturday in San Antonio, an upset victory that could eventually lead the former bantamweight beltholder to the winner of the anticipated 122-pound showdown between Steven Fulton and Japanese star Naoya Inoue.
Tapales (37-3, 19 KOs), a 31-year-old veteran from the Philippines, won by two scores of 115-113, margins that were indicative of the close nature of the 12-round contest. One judge scored the bout 118-110 in favor of Akhmadaliev (11-1, 8 KOs), which was ridiculously off base.
The fight could have been a draw or 115-113 win for Akhmadaliev, but neither junior featherweight southpaw dominated to a 118-110 degree. And Tapales deserved to have his hand raised with the guts and smart tactics he exhibited throughout the fight, especially during the first half of the bout when his jab befuddled Akhmadaliev and flush uppercuts and a left hands repeatedly stunned the 2016 Olympic bronze medalist from Uzbekistan.
Akhmadaliev, a 28-year-old boxer-puncher who lives and trains in Indio, California, began to step up his aggression and attack the body of Tapales during the middle rounds, but he was still caught by counter punches and power shots on the fly. Only when Akhmadaliev fully committed to pressure and a higher punch volume in the late rounds did the odds favorite take command of the bout by keeping Tapales on his heels (and rocking him a few times), but by then it was too little too late on two of the judges’ scorecards. Akhmadaliev entered the fight, which was streamed live on DAZN, as The Ring’s No. 2-rated junior featherweight, behind Fulton, who holds the WBC and WBO titles. Tapales entered the fight as The Ring’s No. 6 contender.
