Edge Davao Vol. 15 Issue 329 | Saturday, May 13, 2023

FOR REAL

DPWH 11 reiterates optimism to SIDC dream bridge project

By MAYA M. PADILLO

The dream bridge that will connect Davao City and Samal Island is not just a dream.

That’s the bold statement from the regional office of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH 11) after reiterating on Thursday that the long-planned Samal Island-Davao City (SIDC) Connector Project will soon transpire.

CTTMO ramps up info, education campaign

The City Traffic and Transportation Management Office (CTTMO) is celebrating the Road Safety Month by intensifying its information and education campaign on responsible driving.

Presidential Proclamation No. 115-A declares the month of May as Road Safety Month, mandating the government to emphasize and spread awareness about safety, causes of road accidents and measures to prevent them.

motorcycles with 638 (or 18%).

A total of 632,775 cases of traffic violation apprehensions had been recorded in the same months. Of which, 491,981 have been settled with the rest still pending.

The CTTMO chief said a significant portion of these numbers can be attributed to human error and could have been avoided had drivers been more mindful of the rules and regulations of road safety.

she is optimistic that the project will happen.

The project is under the DPWH-Unified Project Management Office (UPMO).

“Yes, it is a go and we are positive na mangyayari talaga ang tulay,” Cordon said in an interview during the opening of the PHILBEX and TLEX 2023 at SM Lanang Premier’s SMX Conven-

FFOR, P10

SWS: Fewer Filipino families went hungry in March 2023 hunger poll

Fewer Filipino families have experienced involuntary hunger—being hungry and not having anything to eat—at least once over the past three months in March, the Social Weather Stations’ first quarter survey showed.

Based on the SWS survey conducted from March 26 to 29, at least 9.8% of Filipino families, or

an estimated 2.7 million experienced involuntary hunger.

This is a decrease from the 11.8% or three million families in December 2022, and 11.3% or 2.9 million families in October 2022. The SWS, however, said that it was still higher than the 8.8% or 2.1 million families in December 2019, before the COVID-19 pan-

demic.

The first quarter SWS survey was conducted from March 26 to 29 using face-to-face interviews with 1,200 adults aged 18 and above nationwide.

It has a sampling error margin of ±2.8% for national percentages, and ±5.7% each for Metro Manila, Balance Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

CTTMO head Dionisio Abude, during the I-Speak media forum on Thursday, said raising awareness to road safety is a significant endeavor that the CTTMO emphasizes all year round. He said the city’s growing traffic density and the numerous ongoing public road projects make road safety an even more essential facet of traffic management.

“In line sa atong Road Safety Month, importante gyud kaayo na i-follow nato ang traffic rules and regulations para ma-ensure nato ang safety sa operator or driver, safety sa mga passengers, og safety pud sa mga pedestrians (In line with our Road Safety Month, it is very important that we follow the traffic rules and regulations so that we can ensure the safety of the operator or driver, the safety of passengers, and the safety of pedestrians),” Abude said.

From January to April this year, the CTTMO logged 3,516 road crash cases. Of these, private vehicles top the highest number of incidents with 1,386 crashes (or 39%), followed by

He said that the most common causes of road crash incidents due to human error are over-speeding, mobile phone use while driving, and driving under the influence.

Abude reminded that drivers are obligated to make only good choices when they drive. These include avoiding liquor and other intoxicating substances, avoiding the use of cellphones while driving, proper seatbelt use, driving within the speed limit, being mindful of pedestrian lanes and crosswalks, regular car maintenance and inspection, and the wearing of helmet for motorcycle drivers. These practices, among others, are included in the seminars and lectures periodically given to Private Utility Vehicle (PUV) drivers by the CTTMO.

Abude added that other human factors such as the driver’s mental and physical health also play a role in road safety. Therefore, it is also vital for drivers to maintain good health and make certain that they are able to keep their focus on the road

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Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH 11) director Juby Cordon is optimistic that the Samal Island-Davao City (SIDC) Connector Project will happen. Lean Daval Jr.

While reminding the media that they are not the right office to talk about the project, DPWH regional director Juby Cordon said

DTI Davao Oriental eyes coffee plantation expansion

By MAYA M. PADILLO

Creation of TWG for JICA-aided projects in Davao City pushed

Davao City councilor Myrna

Dalodo-Ortiz is pushing for a resolution requesting Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte to create a Technical Working Group (TWG) dedicated to projects being assisted by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

Ortiz, chair of the Committee on Finance, Ways, and Means, and Appropriations of the City Council, said on Thursday that with the creation of TWG, implementation of JICA-assisted projects in Davao City will be easier.

Ortiz shared over Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR) that officials of JICA expressed their concern about identifying a contact person in Davao City during their visit to Japan on April 25, 2023.

“JICA brought up to our group maglisod daw sila ug kontak kinsa ang ilahang contact person diri sa Davao considering diri sa JICA-asissted projects. We came up with a solution na maghimo ug TWG ang atoang executive department ni Mayor Baste. Adunay TWG ang stakeholders such as from DPWH, housing, kay kaning mga projects aduna pud tay social responsibility like ang mga maigo nga katawhan sa bypass mao na mas maayo nga adunay representation per stakeholder,” she said.

The TWG will be dedicated only to JICA-funded projects.

“Para kung naa sila’y gusto klaruhon, naa silay gusto ikontak diri sa Davao, matawagan lang kung kaninong department or stakeholder concern ang istoryahon sa JICA. Ug para dili malangan ang implementation sa mga projects ug uban pang umaabot na mga projects,” Ortiz added.

Among the projects funded by JICA for Davao City include the construction of the building at the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) and ongoing projects such as the Davao City Bypass Road and the Davao City Coastal Bypass Road.

Meanwhile, Japanese businessmen Jun Shimaoka and Keito Ochi expressed their interest to establish a bridging school in Davao City during their privileged speech at the city council last Tuesday.

Ortiz explained that the school will prioritize Japanese descendants in Davao City.

“They are very eager to do business here in Davao and still find business opportunities here in our city. Sa ilahang visit ilahang na identify is one katong bridging school wherein katong ipang hire

Anofficial of the Department of Trade and Industry-Davao Oriental disclosed to the media on Wednesday that the department is eyeing 200 hectares for coffee expansion under the RAPID (Rural Agroenterprise Partnerships for Inclusive Development) Growth Project.

Art Hermoso, officer-in-charge provincial director of DTI-Davao Oriental, told media on Wednesday that under the DTI Rapid Growth Project, they are targeting 200 hectares and are eyeing to accomplish this until the project will end in 2025.

Coffee is one of the priority industries that the RAPID Growth

Project supports through the value chain approach.

One of the key features of the RAPID Growth Project is the Conditional Matching Grants. Grant fund support will be provided to qualified proponents to enhance their overall competitiveness level and for the development of the specific agricul-

tural value chain.

“The DTI Rapid Growth Project will focus also on matching grant to avoid na mahatagan sila ug equipment na low ang quality. Ang mangyayari ang funds from DTI Rapid Growth Project i-transfer sa beneficiary so they have the capacity to choose what equipment na best para sa ilaha,” she said during Wednesdays Habi at Kape media forum.

The RAPID Growth Project was conceptualized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).

Research facility opens in Davao Medical School

The Research and Development Center for Maternal and Child’s Health or ReDMatCH was formally opened inaugurated on Thursday at the Davao Medical School Foundation here in Davao City.

With a P75-million grant sourced from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Science for Change Program, the ReDMatCH is one of the 26 NICER (Niche Centers in the Regions for

Research and Development) in the country.

It is the first and the only research center focused on maternal and child’s health and it has three component projects namely; childhood stunting, pediatric dengue and postpartum depression.

“The ReDMatCH was really conceptualized because of the noted disparity or inequality of healthcare delivery to Mindan-

ao and especially among women and children,” says Dr. Genevieve Tupas Director DMSF Research and Publication Office and program leader of ReDMatCH.

Tupas said the three component projects are major health problems that women and children faced.

“What we are trying to do is to try to understand these problems better to and when we get to un-

Pedestrians endure the heat in Davao City on 11 May 2023. The weather bureau Pagasa said the local temperature reached 42 degrees Celsius on May 9 and 10. MindaNews photo

PH’s debt-to-GDP ratio shrinks to 61% as of Q1

The amount of the country’s debt relative to the size of the economy has shrunk as of the first quarter of 2023, Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno said Thursday.

For the January to March 2023 period, the Philippines’ debt-to-gross domestic product (GDP) ratio stood at 61%, down from 63.5% in the first quarter of 2022, Diokno said in a statement.

The debt-to-GDP ratio represents the amount of the government’s debt stock relative to

the size of the economy.

The running debt stock stood at a fresh record high of P13.856 trillion as of end-March this year, higher than the P13.752 trillion in February, and P13.698 trillion in January.

Broken down, P9.513 trillion came from domestic debt, including P156 million from direct

loans, and P9.513 trillion from debt securities.

Meanwhile, the economy as measured by GDP—total value of goods and services produced in a specific period—grew slower at 6.4% in the first three months of 2023 as elevated inflation, which stood at 8.3% in the same period, dampened consumer spending.

This is also the economy’s slowest footing since the country graduated from the pan-

More job opportunities seen as economy bounces back

The employers’ sector on Thursday expressed bullishness over the country’s 6.4 percent Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth in the first quarter, saying this development heralds the opening up of more employment opportunities for Filipinos.

In an interview, Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr., president of the Employers’ Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP), credited the positive direction taken by the economy to sound management by the Marcos administration, especially its emphasis on infra-

structure development, which is very labor-intensive.

He noted that ECOP’s leadership has observed aggressive hiring in the manufacturing, mining and services sectors lately.

The business leader said that within the services sector, the food, travel, and hospitality sub-sectors have shown the most recovery in recent months.

“The economy may be growing slower than what we hoped for, but it seems to be moving forward very surely,” Ortiz-Luis said.

He pointed out that the main

Continued normalization of PH economy expected

An economist on Thursday said the domestic economic growth of 6.4 percent in the first quarter of 2023 surpassed expectations and is in line with normalizing base effects.

omy’s growth drivers, noting that majority of the country’s more than 110 million population is “already at working age since 2015.”

obstacle to economic growth in the past three years was the Covid-19 pandemic, which now “seems to be behind us.”

In light of the job market’s gradual recovery, Ortiz-Luis called on the administration to put aside proposals for legislated wage increases and instead, leave wage-setting to the various Regional Tripartite Wage and Productivity Boards.

Meanwhile, Roberto Galang, dean at Ateneo de Manila’s John Gokongwei School of Manage-

In a report, Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) chief economist Michael Ricafort said base effects played a big part in the slower growth, as measured by gross domestic product (GDP), in the first three months this year “as there have been no more large lockdowns since 2022; compared to some pocket of lockdowns in 2021 that created a lower base/denominator for 2022,”

The GDP expanded by 7.1 percent in the fourth quarter of 2022.

“Thus, as a result of normalizing base/denominator effects (also after the one-time election-related spending for 2022), Philippine GDP growth for the coming quarters could normalize further to around 5.5-6.5 percent for 2Q-4Q (second quarter to fourth quarter) 2023 and for full year 2023 and beyond,” he said.

Ricafort said favorable demographics remain among the econ-

“Before the pandemic, Philippine economic/GDP consistently grew by at least 6 percent from 2012-2019 due to the demographic sweet spot/dividend,” he said.

Ricafort said one of the biggest growth drivers of the domestic economy in the first quarter this year is the lower individual income tax rates, which is part of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law.

He said the lower tax rates for most income brackets starting in January this year increased workers’ take home pay by around 3 to 5 percent.

“This could lead to increased consumer spending, which accounts for at least 75 percent of the economy, and, in turn, lead to faster economic/GDP growth; to also help ease the adverse effects of higher prices/inflation recently,” he added.

Ricafort said the expected

An attendant explains to a customer the features of mobile phone at a popular cellphone outlet at SM Lanang Premier on Friday. Lean Daval Jr.

2023 1st quarter GDP lowest in 7 quarters

PEZA approvals jump 107% to P33-B in January-April

The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) reported Thursday that its investment approvals in the first four months of the year jumped by 107.5 percent to PHP33.09 billion from PHP15.98 billion in the same period in 2022.

In a statement, PEZA Director General Tereso Panga said these pledges came from 60 projects that registered with the agency from January to April this year.

The country’s gross domestic product in the first quarter of 2023 stood at 6.4 percent, or 1.9 percent lower than the 8.4 percent reported for the same period last year, according to a report released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) on Thursday.

Panga said these investments are expected to generate additional export revenues of USD1.01 billion and create 7,469 direct jobs.

For April 2023 alone, PEZA registered 14 new and expansion projects —seven came from logistics service enterprises, four export manufacturing enterprises, and three information technology enterprises.

PSA said the recent figure was the lowest GDP after seven quarters when the country showed signs of recovering from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the second quarter of 2021. It said the major sectors largely contributing to the first quarter growth were wholesale and retail trade, repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles at 7.0 percent, financial and insurance activities

at 8.8 percent, and other services at 36.5 percent.

The PSA said agriculture, forestry, and fishing posted a 2.2-percent growth, industry 3.9 percent, and services 8.4 percent.

For 2022, the country reported a 7.57 percent GDP.

Davao Region was hailed as the third fastest regional economy after it posted an 8.1-percent gross regional domestic product

(GRDP), only behind Western Visayas and Cordillera Administrative Region with GRDPs of 9.3 percent and 8.7 percent, respectively.

The region’s GRDP for 2022 was also the highest among the regions in Mindanao and the only one that remained above the national average.

Zamboanga Peninsula recorded a GRDP of 7.5 percent, Northern Mindanao 7.16 percent, Soccsksargen 6.59 percent, Caraga 5.9 percent, and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao 6.61 percent.

In her statement on the 2022 Economic Performance of Davao

DOE: Ilijan power plant on track to operate by May 26

An official from the Department of Energy (DOE) has said the 1,200-megawatt (MW) Ilijan power plant is on track to operate this month to augment the supply amid increasing demand for electricity during the dry season.

“We are happy that the Ilijan plant’s progress is on time and we

expect that by May 26, it will operate and will contribute power to the grid,” DOE Undersecretary Rowena Guevara said in an interview during the Laging Handa public briefing on Thursday.

Guevara said once the Ilijan power plant will go online, the Luzon grid may avoid the possi-

FPEZA, P10 FDOE, P10

ank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) has revised upward its growth projection for the Philippine economy this year to 6.3 percent from 5 to 6 percent previously, after noting the higher-than-expected expansion in the first quarter.

The gross domestic product (GDP) rose by 6.4 percent yearon-year in the first quarter this year, higher than the 6.2 percent average projection, with risks coming from the impact of elevated inflation rate and higher inter-

est rates, among others.

In a report released on Thursday, BPI said the lower growth print in the first quarter of this year from 7.1 percent in the last quarter of 2022 and 8 percent last year, is expected because of base effects.

“Now that the GDP is above the pre-pandemic level, growth should revert to its potential level of around 6 percent,” it said.

“We have adjusted our full year GDP forecast to 6.3 percent given the latest print and also the

improving outlook

for

BPI revises upward 2023 GDP forecast for PH B

inflation,” it added.

The rate of price increases decelerated for the third month in a row last April to 6.6 percent after hitting a 14-year high of 8.7 percent last January.

The average inflation as of last April stood at 7.9 percent, higher than the government’s 2 to 4 percent target band.

The report said that despite the high inflation rate, consumer spending remains robust, with a

Sea clams are being washed by a vendor before displaying at a stall inside the wet section of Agdao Public Market in Davao City on Friday. Lean Daval Jr.

F2023, P10

Councilor MYRNA DALODO-ORTIZ

D. MARATAS Finance

JASPER V. BACSAL General Manager / VP Operations

S. PANES Director of Sales

GREGORIO GARAY DELIGERO Editorial Consultant

MAYA M. PADILLO Senior Reporter

MOSES BILLACURA Sports Editor

On the need to create a Technical Working Group (TWG) dedicated to projects being assisted by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA):

“JICA brought up to our group maglisod daw sila ug kontak kinsa ang ilahang contact person diri sa Davao considering diri sa JICA-asissted projects. We came up with a solution na maghimo ug TWG ang atoang executive department ni Mayor Baste. Adunay TWG ang stakeholders such as from DPWH, housing, kay kaning mga projects aduna pud tay social responsibility like ang mga maigo nga katawhan sa bypass mao na mas maayo nga adunay representation per stakeholder.”

HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK

ON THESE!

There are times when appointments are postponed or cancelled. This makes some people fret if not furious. But there are times also that such postponement or cancellation is a blessing in disguise.

It happened to me recently when a person I was supposed to interview cancelled our meeting due to some unavoidable circumstances. Instead of getting infuriated, I welcomed it with gladness since I can now attend the birthday party of my niece who would turn three.

While having fun with my siblings, nieces and nephews, and other guests who attended the birthday party, I was saddened by the fact that not all children like my niece have the opportunity of having such a gaiety celebration. In fact, some of these children don’t make it at all.

A new report which we received recently said that one million tiny lives, who are born prematurely, die each year. This is equivalent to around one in 10 babies born early (before 37 weeks of pregnancy) around the globe.

In the Philippines, over 60,000 children die every year before their fifth birthday because of complications from premature birth, intrapartum

complications, and infectious diseases. Over 25,000 are stillborn every year.

Almost 60% of Filipino children who die before their fifth birthday are newborns, said the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)-Philippines.

Born too soon: decade of action on preterm birth, produced by two United Nations agencies –UNICEF and World Health Organization (WHO) – in tandem with Partnership for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (PMNCH), considered this situation as “silent emergency.”

According to the new report, this “silent emergency” of preterm birth has long been under-recognized in its scale and severity. As a result, the progress in improving children’s health and survival has been impeded.

The report includes updated estimates from WHO and UNICEF, prepared with the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, on the prevalence of preterm births. Overall, it finds that preterm birth rates have not changed in any region in the world in the past decade, with 152 million vulnerable babies born too soon from 2010 to 2020.

“Preterm birth is now the leading cause of child deaths, accounting for more than 1 in 5 of

SILENT EMERGENCY

all deaths of children occurring before their fifth birthday,” said a press release circulated by the WHO. “Preterm survivors can face lifelong health consequences, with an increased likelihood of disability and developmental delays.”

Too often, where babies are born determines if they survive. This means that if the baby is born in industrialized countries like the United States, Australia or any country in Europe, the baby is more likely to survive than a baby born in a developing country like the Philippines.

“It is grossly unjust that a child’s chances of survival can be shaped just by their place of birth, and that there are such vast inequities in their access to lifesaving health services,” deplored Dr. Anshu Banerjee, the Director for Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health and Ageing at WHO.

The Born to soon “decade” report notes that only 1 in 10 extremely preterm babies (less than 28 weeks) survive in low-income countries, compared to more than 9 in 10 in high-income countries.

“Gaping inequalities related to race, ethnicity, income, and access to quality care determine the likelihood of preterm birth,

FRED C. LUMBA SPECKS OF LIFE

“Vision without execution is just hallucination.” - HENRY FORD.

********

An idiomatic phrase that means “discussing a matter without coming to the point.”

Exactly the description about how our government has been operating ever since we learned the science of democratic governance from our American colonial masters.

DILG Sec. Benhur Abalos should be commended for boldly pursuing what many Pinoys have long been subjected to when something explosive, such as the drug scandal involving P6.7 B and the missing 40 kilos of the shabu buy bust haul, occurs.

The above cited affair broke out into the open only last February - if my memory serves me right - but the drug operation was conducted in October 2022 yet.

A span of five months and the

PNP hierarchy moved as if nothing earth-shaking ever happened.

So Sec. Abalos “erupted” with executive fury and sensing a cover-up, loudly demanded that those involved be identified, suspended and tried.

Abalos somewhat went into a legit “rage” because he smelled something fishy as the main actor, a Sgt. Rodolfo Mayo, who was the head of the drug enforcement unit responsible for the drug capture, was not in jail but was allowed by his superiors to go scot-free.

To cut the story short, instead of beating around the bush as some previous government authorities have done so in many times past, the SILG came down hard and had two generals and several other PNP officers involved get suspended and on floating status.

Anyway, calling a spade a spade is what demonstrates the righteous attitude necessary to achieve effective governance and efficient public service.

death, and disability, even in high-income countries,” the press release said.

The report noted that Southern Asia and sub-Saharan Africa have the highest rates of preterm birth. As such, preterm babies in these regions face the highest mortality risk. “Together, these two regions account for more than 65% of preterm births globally,” it said.

“Progress is flatlining for maternal and newborn health, as well as the prevention of stillbirths,” deplored Dr. Helga Fogstad, executive director of PMNCH, the world’s largest alliance for women, children, and adolescents.

Gains made are now being pushed back further through the devastating combination of COVID-19, climate change, expanding conflicts and rising living costs, she warned.

Air pollution, for example, is estimated to contribute to 6 million preterm births each year. Nearly 1 in 10 preterm babies are born in the 10 most fragile countries affected by humanitarian crises, according to a new analysis in the report.Maternal health risks, such as adolescent pregnancy and pre-eclampsia, are closely linked to preterm births. This underlines the need to en-

sure access to sexual and reproductive health services, including effective family planning, with high-quality care in pregnancy and around the time of birth.

Steven Lauwerier, Director of Health at UNICEF, noted that every preterm death created “a trail of loss and heartbreak.”

“Despite the many advances the world has made in the past decade, we have made no progress in reducing the number of small babies born too soon or averting the risk of their death. The toll is devastating. It’s time we improve access to care for pregnant mothers and preterm infants and ensure every child gets a healthy start and thrives in life,” Lauwerier said.

According to the report, a concerted action is needed to swiftly improve children’s health and survival.

“By working together in partnership – governments, donors, the private sector, civil society, parents, and health professionals – we can sound the alarm about this ‘silent emergency,’ and bring preterm prevention and care efforts to the forefront of national health and development efforts, building human capital by supporting families, societies and economies everywhere,” Dr. Fogstad said.

BEATING AROUND THE BUSH

From all indications, after ex-PRRD exited Malacanang, drug lords, traffickers and operators have activated their network with such trepidity.

Happy days are here again!

Are you not surprised (or scared) that frequent drug buy busts and capture of huge amounts of shabu are (for the nth time) reported in the media.

These are the same syndicates that were silenced by Digong’s six years of intensified war against illegal drugs but who are - again - reinvigorated because the PNP, the PDEA and other collaborating government agencies are waiting for direct orders from “above.” whether to sustain the previous illegal drugs war or take a low profile.

Shootings and murders caught in videos, ambushes and other criminal acts are occuring in such frequency that citizens don’t feel safe walking in the streets anymore.

There is a great need for po-

lice visibility.

Foot and bike patrols which, citizens agree, help deter bad elements from committing brazen acts of criminality.

It is bad that in our Pinoy culture, we tend to protect our ilk because we have the same blood flowing in our veins, even if this protective act is condemnably violative of the law.

A cover-up is an example of beating around the bush until that cover is blown.

LOL.

You can count them by the fingers because indeed there are only a few selected men who will preserve the law and enforce it against anyone who is found violating it regardless of their blood relations.

Indeed, what a boys club we have.

Perhaps we can make a sweeping statement that this this “boys club” mindset exists in many government agencies today.

Everybody seems to say: “Konek-konek lang yan.”

Don’t we have a pitiful bureaucracy if this “konek-konek mentality is the prevailing attitude in public service?

So, the thing to do is emulate SILG Abalos who stopped beating around the bush.

Immediately after warming his DILG seat, he ordered that all PNP senior officers from colonels to generals submit their respective courtesy resignations in an honest effort to purge the ranks of police scalawags, ninja cops and those who smelled with odorous connections with the underworld.

In one fell swoop, Abalos was able to achieve what others before him failed to achieve in the many years they were in the same office.

Because Abalos stopped beating around the bush, that’s why. (Email feedback to fredlumba@ yahoo.com.) GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!

Celebrating Mom’s Day with blooms

Nothing greets Mother’s Day like freshly cut flowers. This is one of the most cherished, customary presents to give to moms during this very special day. And for sure, they are always appreciated.

Eden Nature Park and Resort in partnership with Davao City’s top flower delivery, Te Quiero Flowershop Davao, conducted a one-day flower arrangement workshop at the resort’s lower veranda over the weekend as a pre-Mother’s Day treat to moms.

Dubbed “Bloom with Mom,” the workshop was well attended by mother-daughter tandems, couples and as well as group of friends. They were taught the basic introduction to floristy by Te Quiero’s owner Carol and daughters Celina and Lara.

Celina along with her senior florist Kai Garcia gave an introduction about the different types of flowers, tips and proper handling, and the different floral arrangements and on the second part the hands-on demonstration on how to create a simple handtied bouquet and a flower basket arrangement.

Following the demonstra-

tion, the participants were given a time to make their own flower arrangements under the instruc tor’s supervision.

At the end of the workshop, each produced a stunning flower arrangement.

Indeed, every mom adores a lovely flower arrangement specially if it is a child-made gift.

Yet, whichever flowers you chose to give to our mother, wife or mother-in-law, certainly, she would be delighted to receive them.

On May 14, Eden Nature Park and Resort will be celebrating the Mother’s Day with a lunch buffet for P850 per person at Vista Restaurant. Families can also enjoy bonding “mom-ments” at the resort’s Fishing Village at P450 consumable per person.

After the sumptuous meal, guests can also either relax with nature availing the Guided Shuttle Tour at P330 per person or go to the Sky Adventure Rides. Thrill seekers get to enjoy Eden’s Skyrider, Skycycle, Skyswing and Skywheel.

Located at the foot of Mt. Talo-

mo, Eden Nature Park and Resort celebrates its 25 years of exemplar service and renowned reputation as still one of the must-visit premier tourist destinations of Davao City.

Eden is one of the significant landmarks in Davao City with colorful history and providing exceptional and memorable travel experiences for its guests.

This 75-hectare man-made haven is designed to complement the wonders of nature, a home of bountiful picturesque landscapes, a variety of natural attractions and a host of recreational activities to suit any travel agenda.

Eden aims to deliver complete destination experiences infused with nature, adventure, gastronomy and culture and arts.

Phoenix sees recovery after a challenging 2022

Phoenix Petroleum Philippines, Inc. is optimistic to recover this year in the wake of reporting challenges in 2022

Phoenix Petroleum is seeing signs of recovery in the first quarter of this year in the wake of recording 2022 business results marred by the year’s economic setbacks. Narrowing its revenue loss in Q1 2023, Phoenix is set on the path to recovery. The company is also benefiting from its diversified portfolio as its overseas businesses in Singapore and Vietnam, and its LPG arm delivered encouraging numbers.

In the beginning of last year, while the country’s economy continued to open amidst the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, Phoenix’s road to recovery was hampered by numerous factors brought about by the geopolitical tension between Russia and Ukraine. On top of the highs of 2021, the war further brought about oil price volatility peaking at an added 60% increase in crude of $123.70 per barrel in 1H 2022 before falling to $87.22 by Q4. With the Philippines importing approximately 90% of its oil requirements, the rise in prices directly drove up the value of foreign exchange as well, hitting a record-high of Php59 to $1.00 by late October, after starting at Php51 at the beginning of the year.

The effects saw domestic pump prices go up to as much as 30% the past year – the highest since 2008, resulting in an increase in the country’s inflation rate as well, which closed at a staggering 8.1% in December, coming from 3.0% in January. Consequently, this only weighed down consumption even as COVID-19 restrictions in the country were eased to Alert Level 1.

Due to such unfavorable economic conditions, supply limitations were met, and the company had to maximize its resources. In effect, volume was trimmed down by 42.3%, consequently pulling down consolidated revenues versus the prior year.

While domestic sales continued to face challenges, the overseas businesses remained as bright spots

in the company’s portfolio. Its Singapore-based trading arm had a banner year posting an EBITDA of P860 million, up by 63% versus the same period last year, capitalizing on market volatility. The LPG business in Vietnam also posted higher NIAT in 2022, up by 2.6% from the previous year. This was driven by branded volume as well as double-digit growth in commercial and industrial segments as Vietnam’s economy recovered strongly in the second half of 2022. The business’ total revenues ultimately sustained positive year-onyear growth as well, notwithstanding the country’s adverse business economic conditions.

The company also benefited from its long-standing commitment to cost efficiency and streamlined operations, as CAPEX improved with a 61%

drop year-on-year, maintaining its resolve to prioritize capital-light expenditures as well as being more efficient with current resources. For its retail footprint, Phoenix remained relentless as it converted more stations into multi-purpose hubs. The company opened the Phoenix Block retail model in several more locations, creating multi-dimensional touchpoints and offerings that house three or more Phoenix businesses, such as Phoenix LPG, lubricants, digital transactions, convenience store retailing, and vehicle care services, and other retail outlets. As of 2022, there are five Phoenix Blocks in operation after the first two were inaugurated in 2021. A total of 19 new stations were opened in 2022, bringing the total number of Phoenix outlets to close to 700 by the end of the year.

Meanwhile, the variety of Phoenix locators also expanded, helping make more stations one-stop-shops. The number increased to 110, with 20 new ones added last year.

Phoenix has also benefited from its business partnerships. Phoenix Asphalt Philippines, Inc, the company’s joint venture with Thailand-based TIPCO Asphalt Public Co., and PhilAsphalt Development Corporation, made headways in 2022, achieving double-digit growth in volumes, resulting in NIAT growth of 39% against the year prior. Phoenix continues to seek out value-adding collaborations as it recently announced its intent to explore opportunities with PETRONAS of Malaysia.

Despite a challenging 2022, Phoenix remains optimistic about the current year, immediately re-

porting improved operating income by Q1 2023, as it bettered itself by 87% from the previous quarter. The company also posted more efficient selling and administrative expenses in Q1 by 15%, versus the same time last year, as it maintains prudence and efficiency in its operations. While domestic retail continues to strive to regain its old form, the company is reaping from its subsidiaries.

Phoenix LPG Philippines, Inc., the company’s domestic LPG arm, is particularly promising, reporting a double-digit year-on-year increase in its net income for the first quarter of 2023 as it ballooned from Php 800,000 to Php 45.3M. The business continues to prove its resiliency despite price volatility and inflation. While volumes stayed relatively flat in the first quarter of 2023 year-on-year, it was able to increase gross margin, capitalizing on inventory gains during the period. In addition, the group operated more efficiently by further lowering its selling and administrative expenses in the first quarter, enough to achieve a Php176M EBITDA, which is 15% higher from the same period last year.

Moreover, the company looks forward to capitalize on its terminals and depots business, DUTA Inc., which is now projected to contribute revenues through terminalling, making it the only terminal play in the country that offers nationwide supply chain capabilities.

“Our momentum was disrupted just as we were seeing the light at the end of the tunnel in the beginning of last year. But despite 2022 being a challenging period, we continue to power through the setbacks, remaining hopeful and optimistic as we stay on the path towards recovery. Moving forward, our focus remains on efficiency to further strengthen the business, and deliver value to our stakeholders,” said Phoenix president Henry Albert Fadullon.

UnionBank techs up Taguig with UPAY

The city government of Taguig is the latest local government to be “Tech’d Up” by UnionBank as it embarks on a project meant to better serve its citizens by digitizing tax payments. Last April 23rd, a memorandum of agreement (MOA) signing ceremony held in Taguig, forged the partnership between the city and the tech-savvy bank.

In attendance were key Taguig City officials Mayor Lani Cayetano, City Administrator Atty. Jose Montales, and City Business Permit and Licensing Office Officer-in-Charge Atty. Maria Veloso. UnionBank was represented by Chief Financial Officer Man-

uel Lozano, Executive Vice President and Head of Transaction Banking and Platform Development Ramon Duarte, and Executive Vice President and Head of Corporate Banking Nino Fajardo.

Under the partnership, UnionBank will enable digital transactions for a number of the City’s services, including payment of taxes and other fees and charges, through UPAY, the Bank’s proprietary payments solution that brings together a wide array of payment methods into a single integrated platform.

“The City of Taguig is committed to providing efficient and reliable

services to our constituents. With the increasing digitization of our world, electronic payment acceptance facilities have become a vital part of making transactions more convenient to taxpayers,” said Mayor Cayetano.

“Through this MOA, the taxpayers of the City will now have more convenient ways of paying their taxes and fees, and will also help improve taxpayer experience, making us an easier city to do business with,” said Atty. Veloso.

“The Taguig City Government’s thrust of incorporating digital solutions into its operations to meet the needs of its citizens is a key step that

UnionBank is proud to be a part of,” said Lozano. “With the implementation of UPAY for government transactions, residents of Taguig City will be able to pay their taxes, fees, and other charges, all online.”

“Today’s signing of the memorandum of agreement between UnionBank and the Taguig City Government marks our journey towards the future and ‘Teching-Up Taguig’ ensures this, as providing digital solutions impacts service delivery in positive ways and enables seamless operations, as we bridge critical citizen services with essential and convenient banking access. Together, we shall continue to

leverage technology towards a more sustainable future and thus serve citizens of Taguig better,” Fajardo said.

UnionBank’s partnership with the City of Taguig is the latest of its many initiatives to digitize government units and agencies in line with the Bank’s “Tech Up Pilipinas” advocacy. To date, UnionBank’s digital solutions have enhanced the operations of the national government’s Bureau of Internal Revenue and the Social Security System, the provincial government of Camarines Sur, and the local city governments of Quezon, Paranaque, Tuguegarao, Valenzuela, Navotas, Tagbilaran, and Iloilo.

FOR...

FROM 2 tion Center.

FROM 2 RESEARCH...

In March last year, updates of the project were circulating online. The clearing on the Samal side started. The architectural design of the bridge on the tarpaulin was also installed right on the project site. Soil testing also commenced for the bridge.

Construction continues for the facility in Samal that will house workers of China Road and Bridge Corp., a unit of China Communications Construction Co., that will build the bridge

The P23 billion bridge project with a length of 3.98 kilometers and four lanes and will serve at least 25,000 vehicles daily is targeted to be completed by the year 2027.

On October 27, 2022, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. led the groundbreaking ceremony for the SIDC project that would link Davao City and Samal Island.

Meanwhile, Cordon in her speech also highlighted the continued implementation of the big-ticket projects in the Davao Region.

She reported substantial accomplishments of Davao Coastal Road which has four lanes with a total length of 17.73 kilometers, the construction of the Diversion Flyover Maa-Magtuod section measuring 860 meters, the Davao City Bypass Construction Project of 7.9-kilometer lanes that includes overpasses, underpasses, bridges, and main tunnel measuring 2.3 kilometers; and the Davao City viaduct with a total length of 1.7 kilometers.

In December last year, DPWH

2023... FROM 5

Region, Maria Lourdes Lim, director of the National Economic Development Authority-Davao, said that 2022 was a year of “robust growth and resilience” for this region as it exhibited strong economic fundamentals, buoyed by a dynamic private sector, and reinforced by healthy labor market.

She added the region has fully regained its economic strength.

She said the growth rate of 8.1 percent was driven by the ac-

CTTMO...

was keen on partially opening 2024 the first 10.7-kilometer central portion of the 45.5-kilometer Davao City Bypass Construction Project by accelerating ongoing excavation activities in the construction of a twin tube road mountain tunnel.

The Davao City tunnel, with a north portal in Barangay Waan and a south portal at the other end in Barangay Matina Biao, is a major component of the 10.7-kilometer contract package 1-1.

The tunnel construction works for the Davao City Bypass Construction Project started at the north portal on November 19, 2021, in the southbound direction, and on December 10, 2021, in the northbound direction.

Other than the tunnel, contract package 1-1 involves the construction of a four-lane road with a length of 7.9 kilometers; three pairs of bridges with a total length of 500 meters including the Davao River Bridge; two underpasses and two overpasses; 12 waterways culverts; and four at-grade intersections.

“These projects are all aimed to enhance the transfer of people, goods, and services and contribute to boosting the economy all for the benefit of the people in Davao Region,” Cordon said.

Cordon also said that DPWH 11 is working on the P44.5 billion worth of other infrastructure projects allocated this year for projects that include roads, bridges, flood control, multipurpose buildings, and water supply, among others.

celerated growth of the services sector, agriculture, forestry, and fishing.

“The better performance of the economy is indicative of the efforts of both the government and the private sector to restore the regional economy’s high-growth trajectory by boosting economic activity and production and helping businesses grow, while creating more and better-quality jobs, improving infrastructure, and accelerating poverty reduction,” she said.

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“Mao na ang dapat ipahimangno nato sa mga drivers na dapat mu-follow gyud ta sa traffic rules and regulations kay para mabawasan nato ang risks sa traffic accident (That’s why we should remind our drivers–that we should really follow the traffic rules and regulations so that we can reduce the risks of traffic accidents),” he said. CIO

CREATION... FROM 3

nila nga nurses. They need nurses sa Japan just like in the US and other countries. Naa silay bridging school diri na i-establish so after maka-graduate sa bridging school mu-qualify na sila na dalahon katong mga would be employees didto sa Japan,” she said.

Ortiz said these are just among the gains of the sisterhood agreement between Davao City and Sennan City, which was signed by Duterte and Sennan City Mayor Yamamoto Yuma in Sennan City, Osaka, Japan on April 25, 2023.

“Hopefully, in the near future naay result ang ties ng Davao City and Sennan City in the field of investment and business. Kana nga mga opportunities na ginapangita, although, I observed na ang Sennan City is more on agricultural. Hope maka partner ta sa ilang businessmen didto,” Ortiz said.

In an earlier interview, Councilor Bernie Al-ag, who was among the delegation to Japan, bared that the city government of Davao is exploring with All Nippon Airways (ANA) a planned establishment of Osaka-Davao direct flight from Kansai International Airport.

By Maya M. Padillo

PEZA... FROM 5

April 2023 investment pledges surged by 162.37 percent to PHP20.56 billion from PHP7.83 billion in April 2022.

The biggest chunk of the investment approvals came from the PHP19.7-billion manufacturing of biomass fuel products made from Buyo-buyo (Piper

PH’s... FROM 4

derstand the factors that contribute to the problem then we will be able to offer better solutions in the future,” Tupas said.

The first phase of this project aims to seek knowledge and better understanding of the problems according to Tupas.

The funding will include equipment used for the studies and to the operations for the study.

For DMSF president Atty. Alberto Rafael Aportadera the ReDMatCH project is the beginning in their goal of establishing similar permanent facilities in the school.

“We look forward that this will be the center for research and development here in Mindanao and we have just started,” Aportadera said. (PIA/RG Alama)

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ment, called the Philippines’ first quarter economic performance “very encouraging.”

“The country is leading the region, and the Philippines is a rare bright spot in a slowing global economy,” according to Galang.

He stressed that the “best news is the turnaround of agriculture back to positive growth.”

The dean said that policymakers should take advantage of the apparent optimism created by the agriculture sector’s 2.2 percent growth last quarter to encourage more farmers to plant high-value crops.

He explained that the easiest way to address poverty among small farmers and farm workers is to have them plant crops that command generous financial returns. (PNA)

demic-induced recession in the second quarter of 2021, when it booked a growth of 12%.

Diokno said the government’s Medium-Term Fiscal Framework (MTFF) aims to bring down the debt-to-GDP ratio to less than 60% by 2025 then further down to 51.1 percent in 2028, and reduce the budget deficit to 3.0% of GDP by 2028.

“On the fiscal side, the government is committed to a fiscal consolidation path and will continue the implementation of the government’s infrastructure development program of 5 to 6 percent of GDP annually…,” he said.

“The MTFF is our blueprint to reduce fiscal deficit, promote fiscal sustainability and enable robust economic growth,” he added.

The Finance chief also said that the budget deficit-to-GDP ratio stood at 4.84% in the first quarter of 2023, down from 6.41% in the first quarter of 2022.

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easing in the rate of price increases in the coming months, with monetary authorities eyeing the return of inflation rate to within the government’s 2 to 4 percent target band starting in the last quarter of this year, is also a plus to domestic economic output.

He, however, said risks to inflation remain and these include the impact of looming El Niño, which is expected to lower agricultural output and increase prices.

Authorities said the dry spell is seen to start around June or July this year and last until the first quarter of 2024.

aduncum shrub).

The projected employment from April 2023 pledges is at 2,233 jobs.

“We believe that we are now reaping the results of the ongoing investment missions of President Ferdinand (R.) Marcos (Jr.) and his administration’s investment initiatives and it is now up to us to follow through the pledges,” Panga said.

The PEZA chief said that with the recent foreign trips of President Marcos, the investment promotion agency expects to register more foreign investments.

DOE... FROM 5

ble yellow alerts in June.

The Luzon grid experienced yellow and red alerts this week due to the tripping of Masinloc Units 1 and 2.

The DOE said more than 600 MW of power supply were lost due to this forced shutdown.

With the reoperation of the Ilijan plant, Guevara said the power supply in Luzon will increase by 10 percent.

The power plant has not been in operation since June last year due to its retrofitting works.

Guevara added that the agency has asked power plant operators to reschedule their maintenance after the dry season to avoid power interruptions.

She said the DOE is facilitating investments in renewable energy (RE) projects to meet their target operation this year.

For 2023, the energy official said some 1,000 MW of RE projects will go online.

“Possible cut in Fed (Federal Reserve) and local policy rates for the coming months of 2023 and in 2024 would also help reduce borrowing/financing costs and, in turn, support faster economic/ GDP growth,” he added. (PNA)

REDEMPTION... FROM 12

“I just want to be very polite. You all saw what happened. That’s just an unwritten rule, that’s just culture. And it’s not even coaching ethics, it’s just ethics. Just ethics, right? So, you know, if he wants to— if the other coach wants to make a fool of himself, then that’s on him. That’s not our problem,” said Reyes.

Singapore will look to play the spoilers’ role but it will be a difficult task, having lost to Cambodia, 85-60, and Malaysia, 9370, in their previous contests.

Action also continues for Gilas Women when they face Vietnam at 11 a.m. (12 noon Manila time).

BPI... FROM

5 growth of 6.3 percent in the first three months this year, higher than the 6.1 percent pre-pandemic average growth.

“This could mean that revenge spending is still present in the economy, possibly offsetting the impact of inflation,” it said.

The BPI said “weaker pressure on the margins of businesses may give them the opportunity to focus more on capital spending.”

“Consumers may be able to spend more on discretionary items,” it added. (PNA)

By the time I wrote this piece, one slot for the Western Finals was already clinched by the Denver Nuggets. The other slot is still to be decided by the two California protagonists. Meanwhile the Eastern part of the playoff is being played according to the script except for the spoiler made by the Miami Heat who dispatched the favored Bucks in the first round.

Now the interesting part. The Beasts of the East.

The four remaining protagonists in the East are all history rich teams with championship pedigrees. The Celtics who took the helm as the top seed with the exit of Bucks, the New York Knickerbockers, the Sixers

CHITO MALABANAN JABONG!

NBA PLAYOFFS - BATTLE OF THE UNDERDOGS

of Philadelphia and the Miami Heat.

If stats would be the basis to predict the winners, easily the Nuggets and the Celtics would have been the shoo in finalists for this year’s edition, but the NBA Playoffs is much more than that. All the unpredictable, all the intangibles would have to be factored every game since teams in playoffs will be facing each other multiple times and adjustments can be arranged every game. The only thing that matters in the end is the hunger and the heart. All teams can zero each other in terms of offensive plays and defensive strategies and the only thing that matters in the end is the heart. The team with the biggest fight-

ing heart always win.

For this year’s NBA playoff, the teams that create much noise are the teams that belong to the bottom part of the draw. The teams that participated in the Play In tournament, the teams that barely made it to the playoffs which was decided only on the final day of the eliminations. Ideally, it would have to be Nuggets in the West and the Celtics in the East but as the playoffs progresses it showed the kinks on the pretenders to the crown. The Celtics flaw is so glaring, their mediocre defense and their inability to close a tight ending is becoming predictable. Meanwhile, the Nuggets reliance on the Joker (Nikola Jokic) is taking its toll unless the other start-

ers begin to take part in the game.

Most noticeable however are the two underdogs who have gone to many cliffhangers and now holding up their own against more fancied rivals. The purple and gold team of my kumpadre

Neil Bravo, more popularly labeled now as the Lebron Lakers and the Navy Seals of Coach Spoelstra also known as the Miami Heat.

Barring any untoward injuries and other acts of gods, the Lakers will be marching on in the Western Finals and the Heat in the East. It would be an interesting NBA Finals though. Battle of the Underdogs- NBA Finals.

But first the Lakers would have to contend with the

Nuggets.

With the King at the helm and his equally hungry for recognition bunch of team mates playing their current brand of basketball, nothing is impossible.

Now the Miami Heat. The Heat will be battling the beast in the East ,which still to be decided by the Celtics and the Sixers. As Coach Erik would say “just drop them in parachute and they will compete”. The Heat have literally passed thru the eye of the needle to reach this far and so far they have paraded the biggest weapon among the prospective finalists. Their Big Fighting Heart.

And so it is. Battle of the Underdogs in NBA Finals, Anyone?

Will it be Lebron James against Jimmy Butler in the NBA Finals?

REDEMPTION

Gilas out to bounce back, eyes semis slot vs Singapore

PHNOM PENH. – Gilas Pilipinas tries to bounce back and clinch a semifinals berth when it faces Singapore Saturday in the 32nd Southeast Asian Games men’s basketball tournament at the Morodok Techo Elephant Hall 2.

GAMES SATURDAY (May 13)

(Morodok Techo Elephant Hall 2)

11 a.m. local time / 12 noon

Manila time – Vietnam vs. Philippines (W)

1 p.m. local time / 2 p.m. Manila time – Singapore vs. Philippines (M)

The Philippines will go into the match at 1 p.m. (2 p.m. in Manila) looking to atone for its 7968 loss to Cambodia last Thursday.

Head coach Chot Reyes said the team needs to play better after shooting just 36 percent from the field against Cambodia amidst the sweltering heat inside the venue.

Naturalized player Justin Brownlee suffered from cramps and dehydration and scored just 10 points.

“It was just a terrible first half for us,” said Reyes. “You saw what happened. Justin couldn’t move, severely dehydrated. The heat really got to him. But later on,

GROUP A MEN’S BASKETBALL STANDINGS

Cambodia 2-0

Philippines 1-1

Malaysia 1-1

Singapore 0-2

he played better but then he was cramping up already because he lost too much fluids.

“It’s something that we can learn on and move on. We go to the next game and then, prepare for the knockout semifinals,” said Reyes.

Tension flared when Cambodia coach Marcus Savaya called a timeout with 20.7 seconds remaining in the contest and the result of the game already settled.

Naturalized player Justin Brownlee suffered from cramps and dehydration and scored just 10 points in the loss to Cambodia.