Edge Davao Vol. 15 Issue 303 | Wednesday, April 12, 2023

HEAT WAVE

CHO warns of risks of heat stroke during scorching summer

By MAYA M. PADILLO

The City Health Office (CHO) on Tuesday warned of the risks associated to heat stroke amidst the scorching summer weather.

Dr. Julinda Acosta, CHO technical division head, cautioned residents that heat stroke is a serious heat-related illness that should not be neglected.

The Department of Health (DOH) defined heat stroke as the most severe form of heat illness when the body overheats and cannot cool down. It is also said

that heat stroke is when the body cannot take off the excessive heat by sweating because of dehydration and/or a humid environment.

According also to DOH, the risk factors of heat stroke are hot and humid weather, vigorous exercise in hot weather, dehydration, and too much direct

78% of Pinoys favor mandatory ROTC in college: Pulse Asia poll

Nearly 8 out of 10 adult Filipinos, 78%, are in favor of restoring the mandatory Reserved Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) at the college level, according to the results of a Pulse Asia survey.

sa pagbabalik ng ROTC sa kolehiyo,” Gatchalian, co-author and co-sponsor of Senate Bill No. 2034 or the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) Act, said in a statement on Tuesday.

exposure to the sun; infants, the elderly, athletes, and individuals who work outside.

“Heat stroke is a serious heat related illness. Kung sobra ka ka-expose sa init, ang atoang lawas dili kaya mag cool down and unable to control body temperature kaya ang tao mag develop siya ng heat stroke. Kay ang temperatura sa iyahang lawas, magtaas gyud kaayo and it can affect our brain, parte sa atong lawas,

FHEAT, P8

Surigao Sur police chief denies issuing memo profiling lawyer

The provincial police director of Surigao del Sur has denied he issued a memorandum ordering the police station in Lianga town to profile a public lawyer rendering legal assistance to alleged communist rebels.

In a telephone interview, Col. Dennis A. Siruno of the Surigao del Sur Provincial Police Office vehemently denied the memo

came from him. He said this was fake as he claimed his signature was forged.

“Nastress na ako dahil concerned na pamilya ko. Sinabihan ko ang aking mga anak hindi gawa ng papa ninyo yan (I was stressed because my family is concerned. I told my children that their father would not do that),” Siruno said, adding that aside from his family

in Ilocos, his high school classmates were messaging him about the veracity of the report.

Siruno assured that he will personally conduct an investigation starting Sunday, April 9, to track down those who were involved in the fake memo as he vowed to file administrative and criminal charges against them.

The survey, conducted on 1,200 respondents nationwide and commissioned by the Office of Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, also revealed that the highest percentage of those in favor of mandatory ROTC was recorded in Mindanao at 92%, followed by 80% in the Visayas, 77% in National Capital Region (NCR), and 72% in Balanced Luzon.

On the other hand, only 13% of the respondents disagreed with mandatory ROTC for college, while 8% cannot say whether they agree or disagree.

The remaining .3%, however, said they don’t have enough knowledge to give an opinion on the issue.

The same Pulse Asia poll also showed that the top reason for agreeing to a mandatory ROTC policy in college level is the belief that it will make young people learn discipline and responsibility (71%), followed by belief that it will prepare students to defend the country (60%), and teach them leadership skills (59%).

The results also showed that 52% of those in favor of the ROTC believe it will teach the youth the value of teamwork, while 40% said it will improve the youth’s physical fitness.

Meanwhile, 35% of those in favor of mandatory ROTC also said it will make young people become patriotic.

“Malinaw ang boses ng ating mga kababayan sa pagsuporta

(Our people’s support for the restoration of mandatory ROTC at the college level is clear.)

“Kaya naman patuloy nating isusulong ang ating panukalang muling magkaroon ng ROTC sa kolehiyo hanggang sa maisabatas ito. Sa pamamagitan ng ROTC, maituturo natin sa mga kabataan ang disiplina, pagmamahal sa bayan, at kahandaang tumulong lalo nsa panahon ng mga sakuna,” he added.

(That is why we will keep pushing for this bill’s passage into law because this will teach our youth discipline, love of country and readiness to help amid disasters.)

The ROTC Act seeks to institutionalize the mandatory Basic ROTC Program in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and Technical Vocational Institutions (TVIs) for all students enrolled in not less than two-year undergraduate degree, diploma, or certificate programs.

The mandatory ROTC program in college was abolished in 2001 due to the killing of UST cadet Mark Welson Chua after revealing alleged corruption in the program. It has since been replaced with the National Service Training Program where students can choose one of three options: ROTC, Literacy Training Service and Civic Welfare Training Service.

On the other hand, 75% of the 13% who are opposed to manda-

Traffic starts to build up at the southbound lanes of Quimpo Boulevard, Davao City a few minutes before 5 p.m. on Tuesday as work and classes resumed after the Lenten season break. Lean Daval Jr.

Direct descendants of WWII veterans can now receive educational benefits

Maguindanao Norte Gov says he wasn’t BARMM’s bet, but Palace’s

Abdulraof Macacua, known for his nom de guerre “Sammy Gambar” during his days as leader and combatant of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), has revealed he was not the first choice of the leadership of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to lead the newly created province of Maguindanao del Norte, but of Malacañang.

In his speech during the kanduli (thanksgiving) just after an Iftar dinner in his hometown of Mother Kabuntalan municipality in Maguindanao del Norte on Sunday, Macacua said that the personalities first endorsed by the BARMM government was former Parang Mayor Ibrahim Ibay as governor and incumbent Datu Blah Sinsuat Mayor Marcial Sinsuat as his vice governor.

He said in his speech aired live over Facebook that everything started last year during separate meetings called by senior Cabinet officials in Malacañang and by top security officials in Davao City attended by majority of the mayors from Maguindanao del Norte wherein they were asked who they would prefer to lead Maguindanao del Norte.

“It was that time when Special

By MAYA M. PADILLO

Assistant to the President Anton Lagdameo Jr. floated the idea of my name to lead the new province,” Macacua narrated, admitting he was caught off-guard.

He said the selection process has been a long and tedious journey, and Malacañang was later pressured to appoint provincial leaders amid the confusion and calls among local officials.

At that time, Vice Governor Bai Ainee Sinsuat (of the then undivided Maguindanao province) assumed as governor of Maguindanao del Norte after invoking Republic Act 11550, the law that split Maguindanao province.

But the proposal for the tandem of former Mayor Ibrahim Ibay and Mayor Marcial Sinsuat had not progressed and had not gained the nod of Malacañang, Macacua said after the Iftar dinner attended by BARMM leaders, officials of the MILF and the Moro National Liberation Front, mayors of Maguindanao del Norte and even Maguindanao del Sur, civil society organizations, religious leaders, indigenous peoples, academe, traditional leaders, women, youth, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, and ordinary

The Field Service Extension Office-Davao (FSEODavao) of the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) announced on Monday that the educational benefits of World War II veterans are extended to their direct descendants.

“The educational benefit kasagaran sa atoang WWII veterans humana ang mga anak, gi-extend sa immediate apo and pag-assess pud namo murag ang tanan apo nahuman na pud ug eskwela so as long as direct descendants (apo sa tuhod) sa WWII veterans pagma-trace lang according to the requirements like the marriage contract of

WWII veterans, birth certificate of the children, extended siya basta wala pa gyud nila nagamit and benefit sa isa ka anak,” said Remedios Anonuevo Josol, head of FSEO-Davao, during Kapehan sa Dabaw on Monday at SM City Davao.

Josol said the educational benefit is one of the very significant benefits given to WWII vet-

erans.

Under the old age pension, senior war veterans are entitled to receive a P20,000 monthly benefits package plus P1,700 for disability fund. All in all a WWII veteran receives a P21,700 monthly benefits package.

“We are very grateful for former president Rodrigo Duterte kay nahabol gyud niya nga nahimong P20,000 ang senior veterans sa WWII. We have a program also at the age of 70 naay ginatawag nga total disability fund, disabled or not, they automatical-

Eden Resort partners with Davao hotels to enrich guests’ experience

Eden Nature Park and Resort Davao engaged hotel partners Sans Hotel at Luxebridge Davao and the Apo View Hotel to collaborative agreement aimed at enriching experience of hotel and resort guests.

Rolling out its unique highland escape package, Eden offers guests of the said partner hotels special packages exclusively for them to experience Eden and for guests of Eden to stay in its part-

ner hotels to experience the city tour.

“We have partnered with the Davao hotels for a highland escape package. Eden has partnered with Apo View Hotel and Sans wherein if they have a guest who wants to go to Eden we have a special arrangement at the same time if a guest from Eden wants to stay for a city tour, they can stay in our partner hotels and they will be having great packag-

es exclusively for them,” said Jeline Galagar, marketing manager of Eden Nature Park and Resort during PEP Talks media forum at SM Lanang Premier on Tuesday.

Galagar added that Eden is also set to sign a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with a hotel in the northern part of the city.

“I can’t divulge the details yet, we will still be signing a MOA. Eden initiated these partnerships

Eden Nature Park and Resort Davao marketing manager Jeline Galagar, together with Apo View Hotel sales manager Dyan Magaso, discusses during this week’s PEP Talks at SM Lanang Premier the resort’s new packages in partnership with some Davao City hotels to enrich the guests’ experience. Lean Daval Jr.

Underemployment eases, jobless rate steady in Feb

The Philippines’ unemployment rate was steady in February while underemployment eased, the state statistics bureau said on Tuesday.

The Philippine Statistics Authority said the jobless rate was 4.8 percent, which meant that there were 2.47 million Filipino workers who were unemployed. This was the same rate compared to January’s 4.8 percent, equivalent to 2.37 million.

Meanwhile, the underemployment rate improved to 12.9 percent or 6.29 million, from Jan-

uary’s 14.1 percent equivalent to 6.65 million, the PSA said.

“The most recent data on the country’s workforce suggests that the Philippine labor market is steadily recovering. The lifting of various restrictions that previously impeded employment opportunities has resulted in an increase in job prospects for Filipino workers,” National Econom-

ic and Development Authority Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said.

Employment rate in February was also steady at 95.2 percent compared to the previous month, or equivalent to 48.40 million and 47.35 million, respectively, data showed.

The slight improvement in the number of employed persons is seen to continue as the economy further recovers, National Statistician Dennis Mapa said.

Labor force participation,

FUNDEREMPLOYMENT, P8

Suspension of fishing vessels monitoring lauded, opposed

Malacañang has suspended the implementation of a Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources order, which required fishing operators to install satellite transponders so their commercial fishing vessels could be monitored.

Through a memorandum

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin signed, the administration suspended the enforcement of Fisheries Administrative Order (FAO) No. 266, which also re-

quired commercial fishers to report their catch through Vessel Monitoring Measures (VMM) and an Electronic Reporting System (ERS).

The memorandum, dated March 13, 2023, directed the Department of Agriculture and BFAR to “hold in abeyance the implementation of FAO No. 266 nationwide, pending the final resolution over its constitutionality by the Supreme Court.”

Bersamin cited “superven-

Agri dept to help farmers lower prod’n cost as rice prices rise

The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Tuesday assured intervention to help farmers lower production costs, which is considered a major factor in the rising market prices of rice.

In a teleradio interview, DA Assistant Secretary Kristine Evangelista said the department is closely coordinating with the group of rice farmers as prices increased to as much as PHP5 per kilogram.

agricultural inputs and climate change.

According to Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (SINAG), the Philippines is not the lone country affected by the mounting production cost, but also other rice-producing nations.

ing events,” which compelled the exercise of an abundance of caution on the part of implementing agencies of the said order and the principle of “inter-branch” courtesy among the three branches of government.

The suspension order came after the Alliance of Philippine Fishing Federations Inc. (APFFI) wrote a letter to the Office of the President expressing its concern over BFAR’s implementation of

“Tinitingnan ng ating kagawaran kung paano ba natin sila matutulungan kung paano pababain ‘yung kanilang cost of production. ‘Yung ating distribution po ng ating machinery not only for production po, but also for post-harvest facilities din po (The department is looking into how to aid farmers in lowering production cost. [That includes] our distribution of machinery not only for production but also for post-harvest facilities),” she said.

Evangelista cited various challenges that contributed to the rising farm-gate and market prices, including higher cost of

“So kung makita natin doon sa merkado, ‘yung presyo ng local natin, tumaas na rin ‘yung presyo, pero mas mataas pa rin ‘yung imported. Nakita natin ‘yung Thailand, Vietnam and itong India, and Pakistan, tumaas din ang presyo. Maski imported man o local, tumaas (So if we check the market, the local price [of rice] increased, but the price of imported rice is still higher. We saw Thailand, Vietnam, India and Pakistan, and their prices also increased. Whether imported or local, the [price] increased),” SINAG chairperson Rosendo So said in a teleradio interview.

So said the market price of local well-milled rice increased by PHP5, now ranging from PHP42 to PHP43 per kilo, higher than the previous PHP37 to PHP38

Construction laborers work on a building in Doña Vicenta, Davao City on Tuesday. The number of unemployed Filipinos rose in February this year as the labor market failed to absorb a portion of the labor force that saw an increase during the period. Lean Daval Jr.

PH posts $3.88B trade deficit in February: PSA

Farmers’ debt condonation bill up for PBBM’s signature

Abill emancipating agrarian reform beneficiaries from financial burden through condonation under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) is awaiting the signature of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., House Deputy Speaker Ralph Recto said on Monday.

The lawmaker from 6th district of Batangas said the condonation shall cover all principal loans, unpaid amortizations and interests and exempting payment of estate tax on agricultural lands awarded to farmers by virtue of CARP.

“President Marcos Jr.’s first social legislation will free 610,000 farmers from debts owed in acquiring agrarian reform lands whose combined area of more 1.17 million hectares is 277 times the size of Manila,” Recto said.

“This is emancipation of massive scale from the number of beneficiaries to the amount to be condoned,” he added.

He said the proposed bill’s

The Philippines’ trade deficit in February registered an annual decline of 2.7 percent to $3.88 billion, the Philippine Statistics Authority said on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, the January to February’s total import value also declined to $19.94 billion, lower by 3.9 percent compared to the $20.74 billion in the same period the previous year, the PSA said.

impact will also be huge as it financially emancipates the farmers while freeing resources that can be used to achieve food security.

While the PHP57.5 billion in loans up for write off may seem big, “but if you break it down per farmer, per hectare, it is small compared to other government spending,” he said.

“On a per hectare basis, the average debt to be forgiven is PHP49,000. That is a fraction of the current selling price of less than a square meter of a condominium in Metro Manila,” Recto said.

“Iyang PHP49,000 na yan para sa isang produktibong ektarya ng lupa na magpapakain ng maraming tao ay katumbas lang ng binibigay natin sa tatlong 4Ps beneficiaries sa isang taon (That PHP49,000 for a productive hectare of farmland that can feed lots of people is only equivalent to what we are giving to three 4Ps beneficiaries in a year),” he added.

Total export sales for the month reached $5.08 billion while imports hit $8.95 billion, both registering annual declines, government data showed.

Annual total export sales from January to February 2023 reached $10.33 billion, 15.6 per-

cent lower compared to the same period the previous year, the PSA said.

Japan contributed the highest total to the export value, amounting to $822.65 million, followed by the US, China, Hong Kong, and Singapore, data showed.

China is the country’s top major import trading partner for the month, followed by Indonesia, Japan, the US, and South Korea, according to government data.

Overall external trade for the month also declined to $14.03 billion, the PSA said.

Landbank hastens adoption of QR code payments in public markets

The Land Bank of the Philippines (Landbank) is working to accelerate the adoption of cashless payments in public markets by providing market vendors, consumers, and local transport drivers with bank accounts capable of sending and receiving funds through a Quick Response (QR) code.

This is in support of the “Paleng-QR Ph Plus” initiative of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), designed to institution-

alize the use of digital payments in public markets, local transportation particularly tricycles, and other business establishments.

“Landbank joins the BSP and DILG in making daily transactions in public markets and small transport utilities seamless and more convenient. This also encourages ordinary Filipinos to open a bank account and avail of other financial services in pursuit of inclusive growth and development,” said Landbank president and chief execu-

tive officer Cecilia Cayosa Borromeo in a statement on Monday.

Since the program’s launch in August 2022, the bank has facilitated account openings for market vendors and goers, as well as local transport drivers, from the country’s major public markets including the Baguio City Public Market in Baguio City, Bankerohan and Toril Public Market in Davao City, Tagbilaran Central Market in Tagbilaran City, LapuLapu City Public Market in Cebu province, Plaza Quezon in Naga

Cargo vessels are being loaded with container vans at a port in Barangay Sasa, Davao City on Tuesday. The Philippine Statistics Authority has reported that the country’s trade deficit in February registered an annual decline of 2.7 percent to $3.88 billion. Lean Daval Jr.

MAYA M. PADILLO Senior Reporter MOSES BILLACURA Sports Editor

JASPER V. BACSAL General Manager / VP Operations JOCELYN S. PANES Director of Sales

GREGORIO

DELIGERO Editorial

“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).”

PRESIDENT FERDINAND R. MARCOS JR.

Negotiations for the takeover of Samar Mining Co. (SMCI) earlier began through North Davao Mining Corp. (NDMC), another Elizalde interest chaired by Manuel Elizalde, Jr. NDMC took over the SMCI in 1978 for P30 million but retained the services of Elizalde, then the government’s president assistant for national minorities (PANAMIN), as chairman and president. During this time, NDMC had two mining operations: Amacan Copper Mine and Hijo Gold Projects.

By 1979, with the Elizalde influences, NDMC obtained a loan from the Philippine Na-tional Bank (PNB), a state depository. That year a supply agreement was signed by NDMC with international Finnish contractors, with D.M. Consunji Co., Inc. (DMCI) undertaking the civil works for the building of a copper plant

ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA

capable of processing 30,000 MT of ore daily.

Around this period, aggressive policies affecting the company and the financial scams that were kept under wraps started to leak. Preempting a full-blown scandal, Elizalde relin-quished his leadership of NDMC to Panfilo Domingo, then PNB chair, in 1980 and fled to Costa Rica, Central America. A state audit made during the first Aquino administration showed that NDMC obtained a total loan of P4.7 billion from PNB using collateral worth on-ly P991 million. The obligation later bloated to P6 billion because of dollar exchange losses and non-payment.

In 1986, NDMC was seized by the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) on suspicion as a behest loan beneficiary. The Assets Privatization Trust (APT),

A GOLD MINE CALLED DAVAO (2)

an agency created to handle state accounts, absorbed the financial obligation of the firm until it was closed in 1992 due to plunging metal prices. Adding urgency to the closure was the pre-vailing difficult economic conditions and internal management issues hounding the compa-ny. Its assets were placed under the receivership of the Privatization and Management Office (PMO) until it was transferred to the Philippine Mining Development Corp. (PMDC) on April 7, 2006, for disposal.

Other mining firms surfaced in Davao during this time when the demand for minerals, chiefly gold as legal tender, material for new technologies, and jewelry. Among the major players was Apex Mining Co., an erstwhile Apex Exploration and Mining Co., founded by Dr. Fernando Muñiz in 1970. Like its precursors, it was or-

A SOJOURNERS VIEW

“The dogmas of the quiet past are inadequate to the stormy present. The occasion is piled high with difficulty, and we must rise with the occasion. As our case is new, so we must think anew and act anew.”ABRAHAM LINCOLN. *******

Some of us may confuse the word “dilemma(s)” with “problem(s)”.

Some of us may see them as synonyms because they both spell trouble to the confronted and to the beholder.

A dilemma occurs when a situation calls for a difficult choice to be made between two or more alternatives, especially equally undesireable ones, per the Oxford Dictionary.

A “problem” is defined as a matter or situation regarded as unwelcome or harmful and needing to be dealt with and overcome.

Both a dilemma and a problem need resolution. That’s the one thing they have

in common. From the surface, these two would seem to be synonymous in terms of the pain each will inflict on the sufferer, isn’t it?

In our Philippine landscape, Filipinos have long been suffering from both the dilemma and the problem. Why?

Because there are too many slowpokes among us.

As we attempt to confront and lick our decades-long dependence on oil, our government - past and present - has been wrestling with bright ideas that presupposed a nagging problem and then translated into a dilemma.

Cognizant that the country’s economic progress and social development hinged on creating our own energy resource, the late President Marcos Sr created a ministry of energy dedicated to such a herculean task.

This brilliant effort led to the eventual construction of the nuclear power plant in

ganized to explore copper and gold in the Masara area. The productivity of the new player, though, did not happen until 1978 when the global market became bullish. For some time, Masara was a major source of gold in the region until the entry of new blue-chip players.

In August 2005, as the prices of precious metal inflated, Crew Gold Corp., a foreign inves-tor, and its Philippine partner, Mapula Creek Gold Corp., forged an interim share purchase agreement with Apex’s majority stockholders for the sale of 72.8% of the outstanding capital stock of Apex. This led to the termination of the accords Apex made separately with Viclode and Mintrecorp, and the cancellation of sub-contracts with small mining groups. After seal-ing the deal, the new management rehabilitated the Masara

plant and upgraded its infra-structure.

This development provided the wick that sparked interest among new investors to ex-plore the mineral resources of Davao. In 2000, Philsaga Mining Corp., a Davao-based com-pany, was founded, with an interest in the exploration and production of gold.

In 2005, Mambusao Mining Corp. applied for a permit to explore gold and copper in a 15,660-hectare area in Marilog, Davao City. The project was endorsed by the Mines and Geo-sciences Bureau (MGB) to the National Commission for Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), but the city government wanted Davao to declare a no-mining zone. When President Benigno S. Aquino III issued Exec. Order 79 on July 6, 2012, the mining application was deemed canceled.

SLOWPOKES AND DILEMMAS

Bataan but which later on was abandoned and aborted due to changes in the political climate.

This particular sad and gloomy episode has translated into a domestic dilemma as we witness the world grapple with power and fuel shortage resulting into inadequate energy output.

It is a dilemma because there are now sectors who, before were against the operation of the BNPP (Bataan Nuclear Power Plant), have changed their perspective and are now willing to support the pro-nuclear advocates.

As you have seen the country reel and stagger against the world-wide inflation, what bugs us is the slow reaction and delayed response of government bureaucracy in confronting both the dilemma and the problem that hover above our heads.

Too much talk, argumentation and debate flow through both the august chambers of the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Everytime an issue as “huge” as the BNPP (because it was a Marcos project) comes up, uproars from the anti-Marcos blocs gather like a storm to prevent its resurrection.

Today, if you ask and apprise Juan dela Cruz of the merits of constructing a nuclear power plant to solve our exasperating energy problems, it will not matter to him who the author of the project is.

What will matter to him is that whether the project will bring benefits to him and his fellow citizens or not.

Thus, without it, our transport sector - jeepney and taxi drivers and their operators, etc. - is raising collective, if not militant, voices, asking for government subsidy to help them alleviate their lamentable economic condition.

As the war between Russia and Ukraine drags on, global developments that are not favorable to our economic conditions continue to haunt us while we scramble to seek

other sources from countries friendly to us.

May I remind you that gas prices were just 15 centavos a liter in 1967. When the war between Israel and the Arab countries around her broke out, vehicles lined up a kilometer long to gas up as fuel was being rationed because no oil supply was coming in.

After that, gas prices steadily rose.

Then the late president saw fit to build the BNPP because the nuclear power plant was the sure cure to our energy and fuel problems at the time.

The BNPP rehab will cause a positive domino effect on the consumption of goods and services,

Has the country’s political leaders learned anything from the recent past triggered by the viral pandemic, causing lethal lockdowns, hunger and economic collapse? Are we a nation of slowpokes? (Email feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.) GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!

FRED C. LUMBA SPECKS OF LIFE

HEAT... FROM 2 SURIGAO... FROM 2

mga vital organs nato maapektuhan,” Acosta said over Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR) on Tuesday.

Acosta enumerated the warning signs of heat exhaustion that include: warm, flushed skin, faintness, dizziness, weakness, headache, and a very high fever of 41 degrees Celsius.

“It will start as heat exhaustion then it will develop into a serious one, taas kaayo ang atong temperatura, extremely high body temperature, mamula ang atong mga panit, dry skin, paspas ang pulso, throbbing headache, dizziness, mental confusion, and some will go to unconsciousness tungod sa kainit sa panahon,” she said.

She also warned the public that even if inside their houses that are not properly ventilated, it is possible that they can develop a heat stroke, even inside a car.

“Wala ka gainum ug tubig, nagasuot ka ug warm na clothing, it’s possible na magka heat stroke ka. In fact, even in the car, init ang panahon puwede ka magdevelop ug heat stroke,” she said.

Acosta advised that during very hot and humid weather one must stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and limiting the amount of time spent outdoors to prevent developing heat stroke.

“Ayaw hulata nga uhaw kaayo ka,” she said.

The Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA) said the highest heat index of Davao City at 36 degrees Celsius on April 10, 2023.

DOST-PAGASA also issued a five-day forecast for heat index in Davao City beginning at 8 a.m. on April 11, 2023: a minimum heat index of 30 degrees Celsius and a maximum of 35-degree Celsius; on April 12-minimum of 30 degrees Celsius and a maximum of 34-degree celsius; April 13- minimum of 30-degree celsius and a maximum of 36-degree celsius; April 14-minimum of 30-degree celsius and a maximum of 37-degree celsius; and April 15-minimum of 30-degree celsius and a maximum of 36-degree celsius.

SUSPENSION...

FROM 4

VMM and ERS for local commercial fishing vessels.

The APFFI said there was a permanent injunction issued in June 2021 by the Malabon City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 170 against the implementation of FAO 266, “declaring it as null and void for being unconstitutional.”

The matter has since been pending before the Supreme Court.

Fisherfolk group Inter-Island and Deep Sea Fishing Association (IDSFA) has lauded Malacañang’s decision, saying that it will help improve local fish production.

“The suspension of FAO 266 is a bright move as it would definitely boost the country’s fish production, which is important in attaining food security,” IDSFA director Roderic Santos said in a press release.

“FAO 266 limits fish production in the Philippines, while the country resorts to massive importation,” he added.

The memo allegedly issued by Siruno on March 29, ordered the police chief of Lianga to profile Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) lawyer Carol Anne A. General who was said to be assisting New People’s Army rebels in their criminal cases.

The memo noted that during the meeting between the Regional Intelligence Division and National Intelligence Coordinating Agency in March, “it has been observed that some legal personalities handling the cases of CTGs were repeatedly providing them assistance with regards [sic] to their criminal cases.”

The military and police refer to the New People’s Army as CTG or “communist terrorist group.”

The memorandum was marked “confidential”.

In her social media post, PAO chief Persida Ruedas-Acosta told Siruno to spare General from red-tagging/profiling as she is just doing her job pursuant to Republic Act No. 9406 (PAO law) and section 3o of R.A. No. 11479 (anti-terrorism act). “Please read the laws,” she said.

A collective statement issued on April 6, signed by 16 lawyers from the Integrated Bar of the Philippines in Mindanao, Union of Peoples’ Lawyers in Mindanao, including five deans of colleges of Law in Mindanao assailed the purported memorandum is “a gross display of ignorance and blatant disrespect of the law” and “an undue interference and grave assault on the independence and role of lawyers in our justice system.”

The statement noted that “similar lawyer profiling incidents have also occurred in the past that sent clear chilling effects on the members of the bar.”

“PNP members, as law enforcers, are duty-bound and expected to assist in the administration of justice, not to make a mockery of our laws and transgress them with impunity,” it added.

The statement called on Local Government Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” C. Abalos, Jr. and the Philippine National Police leadership “to thoroughly and swiftly investigate this incident and impose the appropriate sanctions on the responsible official concerned.”

It also asked the Supreme Court “to take a more aggressive stance in protecting the members of the Bench and Bar,” saying such actions erode public trust and confidence in the justice system. (Chris

V. Panganiban / MindaNews)

78% OF PINOYS MAGUINDANAO

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tory ROTC said their opposition is due to possible increase in cases of abuse, harassment, and hazing (75%).

Majority of the opposition also believe that mandatory ROTC waste the time of youth which should be spent on studying (56%), that it will only become an instrument of power for leaders and officers (44%), that it will just be a extra burden on students (43%), it will cause mental health problems (40%) and corruption in schools (17%).

Gatchalian, however, insisted that the proposed measure has safeguards such as the Grievance Board that will be established in every ROTC unit to receive complaints or motu proprio conduct investigations on any complaint or allegation of abuse, violence, or corruption.

The same Pulse Asia poll allows for a 95% level of confidence with a margin of error of plus/minus 3% at the national level and plus/minus 6% at the geographic area level.

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ly received P1,700,” Josol said.

Meanwhile, post-war veterans and surviving spouses are eligible to get a P5,000 monthly benefit.

“Hindi kasali si post-war sa educational benefits dahil this is only for WWII veterans. For those veterans na wala na ug wala na pud ang wife, the old-aged pension, this is only for the veterans himself pag buhi pa siya, pag wala na siya, the surviving spouse ug kung wala na si survivng spouse dili extended sa mga anak ang benefit,” Josol explained.

This assistance is anchored on Section 10 of Republic Act 6948 as amended by Section 3 of Republic Act 7696 or “an act standardizing and upgrading the benefits for military veterans and their dependents.”

LANDBANK...

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City, Alabang New Central Market in Muntinlupa City, Pasig Mega Market in Pasig City and the Bacolod Libertad Market in Bacolod City.

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folks from across the region who joined him in his village of Barangay Gambar in Kabuntalan.

Macacua said that before he fully decided to accept the offer, he asked assurance from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and BARMM Chief Minister Murad Ebrahim that “no law shall be violated” as far as his appointment is concerned, noting that some quarters are questioning his appointment.

The camp of Maguindanao del Sur OIC Governor Bai Mariam Sangki-Mangudadatu has questioned the appointment of Macacua, noting that RA 11550 mentions that the vice governor of the then undivided Maguindanao province should take over as governor of Maguindanao del Norte. [See April 10 story.]

Macacua also asked the assurance of the President and Ebrahim that they will support him in the fast implementation of projects, which he said are usually hindered by audit issue delays.

Macacua vowed that under his watch, he will fast track the transformation of the new province as the “best performing province of BARMM.”

He also hinted at the “too much politicking attitude” among politicians instead of just focusing on improving services for the constituents.

Macacua vowed to push for transparency, accountability, coordination, and cooperation.

He said this will happen only if officials and workers will adhere to moral governance guided by the principle of their struggle as former combatants.

Macacua said that during his visit to Malacañang to talk about his prospects to become the OIC governor, President Marcos Jr. sought his help in the campaign against illegal drugs and to stabilize the peace and order situation in the area.

Macacua also vowed to work for unity and fast developments.

Ebrahim, who has been Macacua’s comrade in the MILF and a close associate in the BARMM, said he has mixed feelings about Macacua’s appointment.

“I’m a bit happy and sad. Sad because he will leave us in running the BARMM government,” Ebrahim said, noting that Macacua was a great asset and was his point person as BARMM’s senior minister.

because we wanted, dili man gud puwede na stand alone. Naa man gud uban guests they wanted to book sa city because they want to experience the city and then they do have a day tour experience sa highlands,” she said.

The partnership is renewable after one year.

Meanwhile, Galagar said that Eden will be launching soon its eco-adventure tour featuring the boulders, ponds, and falls, and for the students, the eco-adventure walking tour featuring aming mini forest, koi pond, and zen garden.

“Napansin nato na everyone is eyeing for mountaineering, trail, outdoor. Eden Nature Park and Resort is welcoming everyone to come and enjoy nature and adventure,” she said. By Maya

M. Padillo

HUBILLA... FROM 11

He believes that his one year left in Grade 12 will give him time to improve his shooting and defense, and he trusts that Monteverde will help him develop further.

SHAWARMA... FROM 11

against The Th3rd Floor in the second half to walk away victorious.

William Freeman led MBC with 21 points, 12 rebounds, three assists, and four steals, while Tychique Bosango and Leong Zhen Kang each contributed 17 markers off the bench.

Filipino actor Gerald Anderson led The Th3rd Floor with 24 points, three rebounds, three assists, and five steals.

Dexter Zamora finished with 19 points, two rebounds, one assist, three steals, and two blocks, while Genmar Bragais put up 18 points, four rebounds, four assists, and five steals. -30-

Box Scores:

First Game Shawarma Shack 86-Bono 20, Monteclaro 13, Esguerra 12, Deles 10, Nzeusseu 10, Rojo 10, Pasculado 7, Aviso 4, Rifarial 0, Tomilloso 0, Guevara 0

Sanzar 82-Alanes 33, Taladua 22, Gican 15, Kawamura 4, Maurillo 2, McGill 2, Moradas 2, Dimas 2, Madera 0, Lanzar 0, Obuyes 0, Pajimola 0

For its part, the environmental group Oceana expressed its opposition to the Palace’s suspension of the directive as it also called for the government’s reconsideration on the matter.

AGRI... FROM 4 FARMERS... FROM 5

On the other hand, every farmer who qualifies will get an average debt relief of PHP94,000, Recto said.

Recto said if corporations and high-income individuals have gotten tax breaks from recent laws slashing income tax rates, “then why should not farmers get the same reprieve involving far smaller amounts?”

“We have bailed out banks and companies owned by billionaires. We have allowed power sector obligations to migrate as national debts. If we have pursued a debt forgiveness strategy for many troubled companies, why not one for poor farmers?” Recto said.

“We have forgiven bigger debts by a few in the past. This one, with a lesser amount, is owed by many,” said Recto, who is the first legislator to file the bill in the House of Representatives. (PNA)

Landbank takes part in the rollout of the “Paleng-QR Ph Plus” program by setting up customer assistance booths in various public markets to facilitate on-the-spot account openings for market vendors.

The type of accounts that may be opened include the Landbank regular savings account, the PISO (Perang Inimpok Savings Option) account with a minimum initial deposit of only PHP1, and the VISA e-Savings Debit Account with no minimum initial deposit.

The merchants and vendors are provided with printed QR codes to be displayed or hung at their stalls, which Landbank and non-Landbank consumers can scan to conveniently pay for goods. This arrangement makes the whole payment process convenient, faster, cost-effective and more secure.

This April, the state-run bank will also be supporting the upcoming rollout of the “PalengQR Ph Plus” program in major public markets in Carmona in Cavite, Sto. Tomas City in Batangas, Iloilo City, Cebu City and Davao City. (PNA)

per kilo.

“Ang farmgate price sa palay, tumaas na, mga PHP3.50. Kung nagiling na na bigas, mga PHP5 ‘yan(The farm-gate price of palay already increased, around PHP3.50. For milled rice, around PHP5),” he said.

However, another price increase may be felt for the imported rice from the earlier PHP2 to PHP3 adjustment, he added.

Meanwhile, So said the group is expecting a lower market price of rice for the next harvest considering the decline in input cost.

‘Yung next season, we hope na itong October to December, pababa na ‘yung presyo kasi ‘yung pataba e bumaba na rin ([For] the next season, we hope that by October to December, the price will drop because the fertilizer prices already declined),” he said.

To date, around 60 percent of the production cost comes from farm input expenditures, resulting in the movement of farmgate and market prices. (PNA)

Quarterscores: 25-17, 52-44, 71-58, 86-82

Second Game

MBC 92-Freeman 21, Bosango 17, Leong 17, Dasom 10, Ja. Lee 8, JJ Lee 6, Chin 5, Lai 4, Lim 3, Phang 1, Kiu 0, Chua 0

The Th3rd Floor-KalosPH-Cooly 85-Anderson 24, Zamora 19, Bragais 18, Flores 8, Portales 5, Vanguardia 5, Mendoza 4, Lepalam 2, Catipay 0, Navalon 0

Quarterscores: 21-22, 45-37, 69-62, 92-85

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meanwhile, continued to increase to 66.6 percent in February or 51.27 million compared to 64.5 percent or 49.72 million in January, the PSA said.

“Since July 2022, continuous tumataas ang labor force participation rate. It’s back to pre-pandemic levels,” Mapa said.

Hubilla commits to UP Fighting Maroons

University of the Philippines has gained a promising young talent in Chris Hubilla, the 20-yearold forward from San Beda-Rizal and a top prospect in the class of 2024.

Despite being in Grade 11, Hubilla committed to UP early because donning the Fighting Maroons jersey has been a long-time aspiration of his..

“UP po kasi dream school ko po talaga yun,” he said.

“Naalala ko mga three years ago, naglaro yung UP dito sa amin sa Naga. Talagang nakipagsiksikan ako para mapanood sila Kobe [Paras], Ricci [Rivero], at yung magkapatid [Gomez de Liaños],” he continued.

“Kala ko panaginip lang nung chinat ako ni Coach Tom [Chua] na gusto ako makausap ni Coach Gold [Monteverde] kasi kakatapos lang NC nun tapos may opportunity na gusto nila ako kunin nun.”

His love for UP was strengthened when he got the chance to talk to UP Men’s Basketball Team managers Atty. Agaton Uvero and Hyatt Basman, both of whom come from his home region of Bicol.

“Natuwa ako nung nalaman ko na taga-Bicol din si Atty. Ags at Sir Hyatt. Nung nalaman ko yun, alam ko na na sa UP ako dapat mag-aral,” he gushed.

“As a Bicolano myself and an

avid fan of the team, I’m really proud that he joined UP,” said Atty. Uvero.

“I’m really glad to see that the team has many players representing different regions of the country.” Hubilla has worked hard to get where he is today, with impressive performances for San Beda-Rizal and the NCAA Season 98 stepladder semis.

In his one-and-done stint with San Beda-Rizal, Hubilla turned heads, averaging 20.86 points, 12.5 rebounds, 2.29 assists, and 1.79 assists per game -- earning him a spot in the Mythical Team.

“Chris Hubilla is a strong finisher on the break and has a nice touch around the basket. He plays bigger than his size notably on the offensive glass,” Fighting Maroons head coach Goldwin Monteverde remarked about Hubilla’s game.

“Getting him creates another positive impact in the UPMBT program as we continue to build our team towards the future.”

While he will only be eligible for UAAP Season 87 alongside fellow 2024 prospect Jared Bahay, Hubilla will start training with the Fighting Maroons next week.

HUBILLA,

Shawarma Shack, MBC Kirin victorious in AsiaBasket opener

KUALA LUMPUR – The Sportsclick AsiaBasket International Championship formally began on Easter Sunday at the Malaysia Basketball Association Stadium here with Filipino team Shawarma Shack Pilipinas and Malaysian club MBC Kirin taking home the wins.

Shawarma Shack scored the first win of the tournament organized by Filbasket led by president Jai Reyes, head of league operations Dino Lee, and head of media Patrick Edrozo with an 86-82 squeaker over fellow Filipino club Sanzar Pharmaceuticals.

Sanzar began the Group A game red-hot, going on a 9-0 run and eventually taking a 15-4 lead with 6:32 left in the first quarter.

After the timeout, however, Shawarma Shack settled in and finished the quarter on a 21-2 run to take a 25-17 lead to the second.

The team continued its dominance in the second quarter and began the period on an 11-0 run to open its largest lead at 36-17.

Shawarma Shack seemed to be on its way to a blowout win until Jeremiah Taladua and Juven Gican caught fire within the last five and a half minutes for Sanzar to cut the lead down to three, 85-82, with 10.9 seconds

left in the fourth.

However, a split from the free throw line by Ken Bono with 8.1 seconds left sealed the win for Shawarma Shack.

Bono finished with 20 points, nine rebounds, and one assist to lead Shawarma Shack. Nikki Monteclaro added 13 points, two rebounds, three assists, and two steals, Leonardo Esguerra chipped in 12 points, five rebounds, and one assist, and RJ Deles, Mike Harry Nzeusseu, and Billy Rojo each made 10 markers with Nzeusseu also grabbing 11 rebounds for the double-double.

Shaq Alanes led Sanzar with 33 points, 30 in the first half, behind seven triples, one rebound, three assists, and two steals, Taladua added 22 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and one steal, and Gican made 15 points, four rebounds, one assist, and two steals.

In the nightcap, MBC Kirin stunned The Th3rd Floor-KalosPH-Cooly, 92-85, in Group B action.

The deciding factor came in the second quarter, where MBC limited The Th3rd Floor to only 15 points to go up, 45-37, at halftime.

MBC then held its ground

Actor Gerald Anderson plays for Th3rd Floor-KalosPH-Cooly.

FSHAWARMA, P8

F

P8

HCDC, RMC advance to PCCL-Escandor Cup Final 4 SEMIS-BOUND

Highly fancied Holy Cross of Davao College Crusaders and the Rizal Memorial Colleges Bulldogs advanced to the PCCL-Escandor Cup Final Four after beating separate foes in the quarterfinal round played at the Davao City Recreation Center.

The Crusaders punched a ticket to the semifinals of the premier regional collegiate hoopfest after Kenneth Yap drilled in the game-winning triple to eliminate hard-fighting Cor Jesu College of Digos City, 110-107.

Yap atoned for a traveling violation which would have sent the Cholo Elegino-coached Crusaders packing, by draining the dagger trey with 2.4 ticks left on the clock.

The tournament is organized by the Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas (SBP) Davao Region under SBP board member and regional head Glenn Escandor.

The Bulldogs bundled out Ateneo de Davao

University, 77-58 while University of Mindanao Wildcats finished off a stubborn Philippine Women’s College Patriots, 87-83, to take the third spot.

Rounding off the last of four squads standing are 2022 LYR Cup champion Jose Maria Colleges Kings who earned a trip to the semifinals with a 73-62 win over Agro Industrial Foundation College Sailors.

The semifinals is set on April 12 with the HCDC Crusaders taking on the UM Wildcats at 1 p.m. while the JMC Kings battle the RMC Bulldogs at 2:30 p.m. with the winners getting a winner-take-all Finals ticket.

The Holy Cross Crusaders celebrate their close win over Cor Jesu College. (PCCLEscandor Cup photo)