Even criminal offenses are going digital. The Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit 11 (RACU 11) reported on Wednesday that online libel is the most prevalent crime in the Davao Region from 2021 to 2022.
Police Lieutenant Colonel Reaian Amaba, chief Digital Forensic Section of RACU 11, said that online libel was the top crime
in 2021 with 52 complaints recorded while 37 complaints were recorded in 2022.
Online libel is committed
through text messages, emails, posts on social media accounts, blogs, websites, or online news.
Elements of online libel: there must be an allegation of a discreditable act or condition concerning another; publication of the charge; the identity of the person defamed, and the existence of malice.
Take a break from work and enjoy, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. told Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte who is celebrating her 45th birthday on Wednesday.
“Inday Sara, Happy, happy Birthday. Magpakasaya ka muna diyan. Magpahinga ka muna sandali sa iyong trabaho (Have a great time. Take a break from work),” he said in a video greeting uploaded on his official Ins-
tagram account.
“Bigyan mo muna ng kaunting oras ang iyong sarili. At please, huwag mo nang pansinin ang mga tambaloslos diyan (I hope you make some time for
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 11 (Davao region) granted PHP9 million worth of infrastructure projects to Malalag town in Davao del Sur.
Lani Cudino, the regional coordinator for the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan - Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) program, said Tuesday the intervention would concentrate on the building of infrastructure for early childhood care and development facilities.
More than PHP10.7 million worth of infrastructure will be built in Malalag wherein PHP1.7 million will be sourced from the local government unit, Cudino said.
“The projects range from comfort rooms to water systems,” she said.
Moreover, the DSWD-11, along with the Department of Health (DOH) and the National Nutrition Commission, launched on May 28 the Philippine Multisectoral Nutrition Project (PMNP) in the municipality.
The PMNP is a four-year project spearheaded by the DSWD and DOH that supports the adoption of a multisectoral nutrition approach to delivering nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive interventions across various platforms of local government units in the country.
It aims to improve the nutritional status of children under the age of five and pregnant and lactating women through health and nutrition services, food security and livelihood, water, sanitation, and hygiene, among others. (PNA)
The Senate approved at exactly 2 a.m. on Wednesday Senate Bill (SB) 2020, or the Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF) Bill, with a total of 19 affirmative votes, one negative and one abstention.
This, after the measure went under marathon of amendments in the plenary after Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III raised some concerns in his turno en contra speech on Tuesday afternoon, saying the measure was “unjustified and unneeded”.
Sponsored by Senator Mark Villar, the MIF seeks to establish the Maharlika Investment Corporation (MIC), which “shall act as the sole vehicle for the purpose of mobilizing and utilizing the MIF for investments in transactions in order to generate optimal returns on investments (ROIs).”
It is also expected to contribute to the overall goal of the government to reinvigorate job creation and accelerate poverty reduction by sustaining the country’s economic growth.
During the interpellations, Villar cited numerous benefits that the country will attain once the MIF bill is passed into law.
By MAYA M. PADILLO“We have carefully studied and analyzed the MIF bill. We made revisions and added more safeguards to ensure that the version will benefit the Filipino people,” he said.
Villar said the proposed measure has a lot of benefits and among these are the job opportunities that will be created through the infrastructure projects that the fund will help finance.
He said the measure will help “promote economic growth since better infrastructure leads to more efficient transportation, communication, and other systems.”
“Also, this will be a vehicle to reduce poverty, this would help the government manage its budget and mitigate fiscal pressures during economic downturns as it acts as a safety net for the country,” he explained.
Villar said the MIF may be used to invest in infrastructures for the agriculture and energy sectors, among others.
“This is what the Maharlika is there for -- it’s to generate jobs and generate investments in the sectors that lack investment,” he said.
Certified as “urgent” by PresFMIF, P8
center for kidney diseases, which will be built inside the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) complex, is seen to be fully operational in the first quarter of 2024.
Dr. Leopoldo “Bong” Vega, former chief of hospital of SPMC and the brainchild of the said project told Edge Davao the construction already started three years ago and is expected to be completed by the end of this year.
“It was under my watch when plans were concretized and implemented,” he said.
Vega added that the project is now under the leadership of SPMC chief Dr. Ricardo Audan for its inaugural by the end of 2023 and its operation by the first quarter of 2024.
Vega said the construction is being funded by the Department of Health (DOH).
“This is a specialty center for
kidney diseases and its location will be in the SPMC compound. This has been my project since I was the chief of hospital before I retired,” he explained.
Vega further stated that the clinic will provide specialty treatment to more patients not just in Davao but also throughout Mindanao.
Meanwhile, on May 18, 2024, Vega accompanied Jarosław Szcepankiewicz, Poland’s Ambassador to the Philippines, in a
The City Agriculturist Office (CAgrO) advised farmers on Monday to keep an eye on rodent infestations as this has severe impacts on rice fields and food security if ignored.
Pablita “Bing” Almador, agriculturist III for Vegetable Production Focal of CAgrO, warned that rat infestations pose a risk to food production and food security of Davao City.
“Ilaga ang number one kaaway sa mga mag-uuma tungod wala ni siya gipili nga stage sa tanum ug tanan maagian niya puwede niyang hilabtan. Diha sa uma katong bag-ong gitanum hangtod na namunga na siya puwede niyang atakihon,” Almador said over Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR) on Wednesday.
Based on the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI)
rats are found in lowland irrigated rice crops. Both the wet and dry seasons are favorable for rat reproduction and crop damage. In rainfed rice crops, rodents have their greatest impact in the wet season. The availability of food, water, and shelter are the factors, which provide optimum breeding conditions.
Almador conveyed the need
Asthe Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) will enter into force in the Philippines on June 2, financial technology firm First Circle said the free trade agreement (FTA) will allow Filipino micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to be integrated in the global value chain.
In a statement Tuesday, First Circle vice president Benedict Carandang said compared to their counterparts in Southeast Asia, local MSMEs struggle to link their products and services in the global value chain.
“By reducing and eliminating trade barriers, the RCEP opens up cross-border trade opportunities
for Philippine SMEs,” he said. Carandang said smaller enterprises should take advantage of the benefits of RCEP, and explore ways to sell their products and services to the 2.3 billion market of the new trade bloc.
“This unprecedented access to a combined market of 2.3 billion consumers allows SMEs to
diversify their customer portfolios, reduce dependency on traditional markets, and acquire certifications that boost their competitiveness. SMEs also benefit from exposure to advanced technologies, a wider pool of talent, best practices from more developed economies, and new regional partners and investor,” he added.
Carandang said First Circle has partnered with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) since 2016 to provide capacity-building program and financial access to SMEs.
Twenty-five (25) stakeholders of the Davao Region’s processed fruits and nuts have expressed their support towards the establishment of the industry’s strategic plan.
The Industry Cluster Enhancement (ICE) Program is one of the Department of Trade and Industry’s flagship initiatives. This aims to promote and develop the eight priority industries that the agency supports, namely: cacao, coffee, processed fruits and nuts (PFN), bamboo, coconut, rubber, oil palm, and wear-
able and homestyle (W&H).
Through its ICE program, DTI builds alliances with relevant agencies and institutions to implement interventions for productivity and efficiency and create a conducive business-enabling environment.
Meanwhile, to set a clearer direction and improve the industry further, DTI 11, through its ICE program, spearheaded a Strategic Planning Workshop last May 18 to 19, the first since the PFN industry cluster’s inception in 2014.
The Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Foundation, Inc. (SEIPI) is maintaining its 5 percent growth target for this year despite the slowdown in the industry’s export revenues in the first quarter of the year.
SEIPI president Dan Lachica said the sector’s exports from January to March stood at USD9.3 billion, which is around 10 percent lower than the same period
in the previous year.
Lachica said all sub-sectors declined their exports in the first quarter, including components and integrated circuits, among others.
“We’re still eyeing for 5 percent growth for this year… We just had a board meeting two weeks ago, and we’re still maintaining that number,” he told reporters Monday night.
FSEIPI, P8
“We truly appreciate that representatives from government agencies, processors, and traders from the region contributed to the strategic plan. And we are optimistic that this is only the beginning of our fruitful partnership,” DTI 11 Regional Director Maria Belenda Q. Ambi said.
Collaborating efforts between and among national agencies and private sector organizations is one of the strategic planning workshop’s objectives
The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Regional District Office No. 104 (RDO-104) in the Caraga Region conferred Tuesday a recognition to Trento town in Agusan del Sur province for its PHP20 million worth of withholding tax remittances for 2022.
In a ceremony, Trento Mayor William Calvez received the “Tulong-tulong sa Pagbangon, Kapit Kamay sa Pag-ahon, Buwis na Wasto, Alay Para sa Pilipino”
Award from RDO-104 Revenue District Officer Marco Antonio Calo at the town hall.
Last year, the municipality managed to remit PHP20.43 million worth of withholding taxes to the RDO-104.
“The withholding tax remittances of the local government unit (LGU) of Trento contributed to the collection goal of RDO-104 last year,” the LGU said in a statement Tuesday.
FAGUSAN, P8
FRCEP, P8
FPROCESSED, P8
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. welcomed Tuesday the plan of Thailand conglomerate Charoen Pokphand Group (CP Group) to invest about USD2.5 billion (PHP140.8 billion) to further boost the Philippines’ agriculture sector.
The investment pledge was discussed when Marcos met with officials of CP Group, led by its chairman Soopakij Chearavanont, at Malacañan Palace in Manila, Communication Secretary Cheloy Garafil said.
Garafil said the CP Group’s expansion plans involve the use of new technologies, covering swine (USD1.3 billion), poultry (USD280 million), shrimp (USD800 million), and food (USD120 million).
During the meeting, Marcos said the CP Group’s goal of bringing “state-of-the-art” technology to the country is what he wants to be replicated in the Philippines.
“We’re very impressed with the new technologies that you use. I remember you told me that each plant farm you build is different from the last one because you immediately incorporate and adopt new techniques in technol-
Inflation for the month of May likely settled with the 5.8 to 6.6 percent range, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said on Wednesday.
ogy,” Marcos told the CP Group executives, as quoted by the Presidential Communications Office (PCO).
“Learning new things and applying new things, that’s the only way I think to compete as well. CP Group has done so well... to be a state-of-the-art company.”
During the meeting, the CP Group sought the Marcos administration’s assistance in locating suitable land covering about 400 hectares for aquaculture (shrimp) and 300 hectares for swine and poultry, including eggs.
The group also wants the use of modern technology to fulfill the whole upstream and downstream raw materials up to the finished product for the market and future exports.
Marcos said the country also has the raw materials and a good labor force to complement available technology to boost the value chain in the agriculture sector.
“Even in terms of the ecosystem of agronomists and agriculturists, experts in fisheries, experts in rice, in broiler production… we have many people who are very, very good. It’s the system that we need,” he said.
May’s consumer price index (CPI) could ease further or remain steady at 6.6 percent, based on the month-ahead inflation forecast of the BSP.
In a statement, the central bank said higher prices of rice, vegetables and other key food
items as well as the increase in LPG and Meralco electric rates are the primary sources of upward price pressures for the month.
Meanwhile, the cumulative rollback in domestic petroleum prices as well as lower poultry and fish prices as well as electric-
ity rate in various regional power distributors could lead to lower inflation for the month, it added.
“Going forward, BSP will continue to monitor developments affecting the outlook for inflation and growth in line with its data-dependent approach to monetary policy formulation,” it said.
If May inflation is lower than 6.6 percent, it would be the 4th straight month of deceleration.
The Department of Energy (DOE) reported on Tuesday that the government has saved PHP205 million by implementing energy efficiency and conservation (EEC) initiatives as of the end of March.
In a statement, the DOE said this is equivalent to 20 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity savings since the enactment of the Republic Act (RA) No. 11285 or the EEC Act in 2019.
Under the EEC Act, the public sector shall implement the Government Energy Management Program (GEMP).
The GEMP targets to cut electricity and fuel consumption in all government offices by at least 10 percent through EEC strategies, such as shifting to light-emitting diode (LED) lamps, inverter-type air conditioners, and other energy-efficient technologies.
“We commend the efforts of our government agencies in implementing energy efficiency measures. Small acts and what appears to be minor could indeed drive significant impact, especially when the entire bureaucracy, including the local government units (LGUs) and state universities and colleges
(SUCs), would adopt behavioral changes and imbibe energy conservation as a way of life,” Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla said.
The DOE said before the EEC Act, the government’s energy savings stood at 5 million kWh, or equivalent to PHP51 million from 2017 to 2019.
The implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the EEC Act became effective on Dec. 21, 2019.
RA 11285 also established the Inter-Agency EEC Committee (IAEECC) that will annually assess the implementation of the law, FGOV’T, P10
On state pension funds as “seed fund” for the proposed Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF):
“We have no intention of using ang pera – kukuha tayo ng pera ng pension fund (get the money from the pension fund). That’s not the (intention). We will not use it as a seed fund,” Marcos told reporters, when quizzed about the possibility of using the state pension funds as funding source for the proposed MIF.”
FERDINAND R. MARCOS JR.
In the Gospel of Matthew (chapter 19, verse 14), Jesus rebuked his disciples for turning away a group of children. He told them, “Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.”
Despite the recognition of government and even the plea from Jesus Christ, children are still suffering – especially those who are working. In simpler terms, child labor which the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) defines as “exploitative labor among children below 17 years of age.”
Now, the good news. From 2018 to 2022, the regional office of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) reported that it has “withdrawn” 19,455 children from child labor. That’s 77.58% of the 25,077 children profiled by the department’s Child Labor Prevention and Elimination Program across the Davao region.
Most of the child laborers were engaged in “hazardous working conditions” in agriculture, mining, domestic labor, and other sectors.
One of the reasons why these children were withdrawn from child labor is due to age. Once they reach the age of 18, they are no longer considered child laborers. Some children
were provided services and long-term assistance such as livelihood grants for parents. There were also those monitored under the guidelines of DOLE Administrative Order 579-19. Lastly, a few of them were rescued through Sagip Batang Manggagawa.
“Child labor is an alarming issue that deprives children of their right to education, health, and a safe childhood,” said the DOLE in a statement. “Recognizing the urgency to eradicate this problem, DOLE XI has undertaken a comprehensive strategy aimed at rescuing children from exploitative labor and providing them with opportunities for a brighter future.”
DOLE Regional Director Atty. Randolf C. Pensoy echoed the same concern. “While the reduction is notable,” he said in one of his messages, “our work is far from over. We call upon all sectors of society to join hands and contribute to the cause by reporting any instances of child labor and supporting initiatives that uplift the lives of vulnerable children.”
It’s only five o’clock in the morning but 8-year-old Manuel is already wide awake. He is not getting ready for school but rather in going to the public market in Bangkerohan to sell vegetables. He has to walk
about an hour to reach the market. Along the way, he would see children all heading to school.
“I wished I can go to school like them, but I have to work or my family would starve,” he said, adding that he would receive about P100 for selling vegetables at the end of the day. He knows to well that the money is not enough to help his family but it is better than nothing at all.
Manuel’s story is not unique.
“It is lamentable that there are children who are forced into domestic work, doing household chores in their employer’s home instead of going to school,” deplored Senator Loren Legarda. “It is a sad fact there are children who are forced to work to support their families and are deprived of their childhood and their right to education.”
What is even more blatant is that these child laborers are often paid below adult rates, even if they work adult hours, usually six days a week and even doing overwork time. In addition, they do not get the benefits guaranteed by law to regular workers.
As population continues to grow, many Filipino children are working and exploited. To think, Section 13, Article II of the Philippine Constitution has emphasized the importance of the role of the child in the Fili-
Following the series of rebel attacks launched in the early 1980s in several towns of Davao Oriental and Davao de Oro, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), in order to contain these bloody raids, drew an integrated security plan (ISP) that would give the governors, city and municipal mayors wider supervision over the police and paramilitary forces in their ju-risdictions to put in place military officers as acting overseers.
Installing military personnel to perform purely civilian functions is not new. Years earlier, the provinces of North Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat, then affected by threats from the Ilagas and the Muslim Black Shirts, were placed under quasi-military governance to contain nui-sances, which were the spillovers of the Davao insurgency. Col. Carlos Cajelo was installed as North Cotabato acting governor with
Col. Benjamin Duque assuming the same designa-tion in Sultan Kudarat. Both active officers served only a couple of months in civilian assign-ments. Gen. Simeon Datumanong, a World War II veteran was appointed Maguindanao gov-ernor.
For the ISP to be effective and the desired results achieved, it was suggested that then Da-vao City Elias B. Lopez would temporarily go on furlough, and in his place an AFP official, for a maximum of three months, would take over and spearhead the hunt for city insurgents.
Only one name—i.e., Col. Rodolfo Biazon, commander of the Marines contingent—was suggested to take over Davao City Hall to stand equal to the situation. Given his expertise, training, commitment, and negotiation skills, he was fit for the challenge to remove the
obsta-cles that jammed the promotion of peace and order. The officer, who grew up in the slums of Pasay City, was not an ordinary soldier. Among the insurgents, he was respected because of his pro-poor crusade, and among the rebel-infested villages, he was a folk hero.
Col. Biazon’s skill in addressing crucial challenges was nearly legendary. For instance, in Barangay Mandug, where his unit was posted, the insurgents were advised against staging an ambush of soldiers belonging to his company for fear this would be construed an affront to the grassroots. Obviously, the colonel’s persona and charm were not lost on the rebels.
In another incident, transport strikers blocking the access at Bankerohan Bridge were mouthing the usual communist lines, asking for the overthrow of the government and clam-or-
pino family.
It said: “The State recognizes the vital role of the youth in nation-building and shall promote and protect their physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual, and social well-being. It shall inculcate in the youth patriotism and nationalism and encourage their involvement in public and civic affairs.”
Stunted in height, child laborers look much older than their years. Most of them are exploited to the hilt. “Some unscrupulous individuals take advantage of the situation – the innocence of the child on human and labor rights, and cheap labor costs – by employing kids as laborers,” a lawmaker once pointed out.
Poverty and irresponsibility of some parents are cited as among the leading causes of child labor in the country. “First, some parents are really irresponsible that’s why children are forced to work. Second, parents do not have enough income... poverty,” said an article posted on the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines news site.
In Davao City, poverty has also been cited as the reason why some minors are engaged in the flesh industry. “We cannot blame them for getting into that,” said Talikala, a non-gov-
ernment organization, on prostituted children and women. “We also cannot decide for them. We can only let them realize what is right.”
Most of the prostituted children come from dysfunctional families or they were sexually abused by someone they knew. There are also children who were victims of incest.
Birds of the same feather flock together, so goes a popular saying. That’s why it is not hard for them to recruit among themselves. For instance, when a girl sees that making money is easy by girls of her age, then it easy to recruit her.
Apart from poverty, there are other contributing factors why child labor is rampant and hard to halt, according to UNICEF. These are: increasing pattern of family breakdown and weakening of the extended family system and other support groups; and high population growth and changing family values and lifestyles which may lead to unwanted children, promiscuity and solo parenthood.
The other factors are poor enforcement of laws due to ignorance of the law, corruption or apathy; socialization of children into work; and support for children’s work in formal education.
ing for the reduction in oil prices. Due to a transport strike, traffic flow was stalled. When told about the ruckus, Col. Biazon hurried to the place of the rally and met the protesters. Unlike the ‘maximum tolerance’ the police invoke, Col. Biazon, his six-foot ramrod stature visible from a distance, approached the protesters and asked if anyone was the child of a public transport driver. Several hands were raised while the other protesters, their eyes fo-cused on him, kept silent.
Having gotten their attention, the colonel cleared his throat and started appealing to the hearts of the young strikers, telling them that blocking the road to traffic was not to the drawback of anybody but their fathers who had to drive all day to have food on the table for them. Obviously, the message resonated quite well. He
followed his request by telling them to continue the protest but without obstructing the traffic, especially those delivering products to the public market.
The most inspiring display of leadership was in the 1984 student protest led by Danilo Dayanghirang, later city councilor. Cornered by Philippine Constabulary (PC) soldiers armed to the teeth at San Pedro Cathedral, the situation became tense. Luckily, someone relayed the incident to the colonel who showed up with his escorts. Upon seeing the troops carrying Ar-malite rifles, he admonished them for overreacting, telling them the protesters are unarmed students who are simply airing their grievances. he ordered them to return to their barracks.
The plan to appoint Col. Biazon as acting city mayor did not materialize.
The penalty is prision correccional in its minimum or a fine ranging from P40,000 to P200,000 or both in addition to the civil action, which may be brought by the offended party.
Following online libel is online scam with 41 complaints reported in 2021 and 9 in 2022. Online scam is cybercrime activity that takes place over the internet or on email, including crimes like identity theft, phishing, and other hacking activities designed to scam people out of money.
Ranked third is the online threat or internet-based threats that expose people to harm online, with seven recorded complaints in 2021 and three in 2022, followed by Republic Act 9995 or anti photo and video voyeurism with 9 complaints recorded in 2021 and 5 in 2022.
RA 9995 or photo or video voyeurism, means the act of taking photo or video coverage of a person or group of persons performing sexual act or any similar activity or of capturing an image of the private area of a person or persons without the latter’s consent.
Ranked fifth is illegal access or when a person accesses the whole or any part of a computer system without right, with three complaints recorded in 2021-3 and two in 2022.
To sum up in 2021: Online libel (first), Online scam (second), online threat (third), RA995 (fourth), and illegal access (fifth).
Meanwhile, in 2022, online libel ranked first, online scams came second, RA 995 ranked third, and online threat and illegal access tied in fourth place.
“Makikita sa trend na malaki ang gi-decrease from 2021 to 2022 like the online libel, which means effective ang ating awareness campaigns or ang community ay natututo na sila,” Amaba said over Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR) on Wednesday.
He didn’t give complete records for 2023 as available data covers only from January to May, however, he said in that period the leading crime in Davao Region is illegal access followed by online libel and then online scams.
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for a coherent and rationalized implementation of projects and activities.
“Together with our partner agencies, we move towards the organization of the region’s processed fruits and nuts cluster to develop the industry and promote inclusive growth among value chain players,” the local trade chief added.
Meanwhile, DTI Davao City director Rachel S. Remitio, the agency’s regional coordinator for PFN, shared the direction of the industry for the next five years.
“As envisioned in the Davao Region Processed Fruits and Nuts Industry’s Strategic Plan, the stakeholders aspire to become one of the prime suppliers of best quality and market competitive PFN in the world. We are looking forward to the institutionalization of the Davao Region’s Processed Fruits and Nuts Industry Council,” Remitio shared.
Industry clustering requires the commitment and cooperation of government agencies, private sector businesses, and all the players along the value chain. “We, along with our partner agencies, will continue to
yourself. And I hope you don’t pay attention to the tambaloslos),” he added.
Marcos and Duterte were running mates in the May 9, 2022 national elections.
Earlier this month, Duterte posted a cryptic message on Instagram, calling out someone to stop being a “tambaloslos,” a Visayan mythical creature with large mouth and penis believed to confuse or misguide people.
Netizens commented that “tambaloslos” also refers to useless or stupid person.
Duterte’s recent post came following her resignation from the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD).
In a separate Facebook post, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) wished Duterte good health and success in life.
The PCO also thanked the Vice President for serving the Filipino people, especially the youth.
“Mula sa Presidential Communications Office, isang maligayang kaarawan, VP Inday Sara Duterte! Hangad po namin ang inyong mabuting kalusugan at mas mayabong na paparating na mga taon. Maraming salamat po sa inyong serbisyo sa bayan, lalo na sa mga kabataang Pilipino (From the Presidential Communications Office, we greet you a happy birthday, VP Inday Sara Duterte! We wish you good health and more bountiful years ahead. Thank you for serving the public, especially the young Filipinos),” it said.
Duterte, a lawyer, is the country’s third female vice president and the youngest to have been elected to the position. (PNA)
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“Their innovative financing solution, the Revolving Credit Line, provides non-collateral financing that’s free to open, free to maintain, and requires no commitment to use. This allows SMEs to access up to PHP20 million in credit, which they can use to seize global opportunities, expand business operations, or mitigate risks and cash flow gaps,” he said.
Senate concurred with the ratification of RCEP, making the Philippines the last country among 15 RCEP signatories to implement the preferential tariff deal. The trade deal was ratified last February.
RCEP is now the world’s largest FTA covering one-third of the globe’s population. The 15 countries’ combined gross domestic product also comprised one-third of the world’s economy. (PNA)
Lachica said the industry is banking on the recovery of demand globally, especially with emerging technologies, artificial intelligence, big data, and electric vehicles.
“There’s still a lot of demand for electronic products,” he added.
Semiconductor and electronic products are the country’s top exports, accounting more than half of the total export revenues. (PNA)
The RDO-104 also recognized Trento municipal treasurer Luzminda Lanuza and municipal accountant Brylle Datoy for their “invaluable support through the prompt and proper remittance of withholding taxes” last year.
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courtesy call to Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte during his visit to Davao City.
The construction of a kidney transplant center in Davao City, which will be among the most modern in the country, was at the forefront of the conversation between Mayor Baste and Ambassador Szcepankiewicz.
The Polish envoy was accompanied by Mark Ryan Juanitas, CEO of OneMark Engineering Technologies; and the Polish Investment and Trade Agency.
The technologies offered by the Polish government to Davao also include water management solutions (from Polish Companies Symbiona and Nanoseen) which the city can specifically apply to the city’s septage management system.
In addition, Smart City Solutions (from Polish companies LUG Lighting and Seedia) are also imminent.
to control rat infestations because of its ability to breed.
A pest control company Rentokil explained that “a female rat typically births six litters a year consisting of up to 12 rat pups, although 5-10 pups are more common. Rats reach sexual maturity after nine weeks, meaning that a population can swell from two rats to around 1,250 in one year, with the potential to grow exponentially.”
“Ang isa ka paresan, mama rat ug papa rat, kung magsige siya ug panganak kay per pair sa ilaga ang mahimo niyang anak is six. Kung muabot ug 13 months more than 2,000 total ang abuton sa mga ilaga,” Almador said.
Almador shared methods to control rat infestations in the rice fields. Cultural methods, which include hand weeding and hoeing, pruning, trapping and hand picking of insects and weeds. Plant at the same time as your neighbors.
“Daruhon ug maayo ang uma ug mabungkag ang balay sa mga ilaga didto. Hinluan ang palibot kau kung hugaw ang uma dunay kataguan ang mga ilaga pati sa atong panimalay. Sa uma dapat sabay sabay ang pagpananum. Kung tapad tapad ang pananum dapat synchronous ang pamaagi sa pagpananum,” she said.
Mechanical control measures include the use of snap traps, recurring catch-all devices that capture mice, and live traps.
“Maggamit sila ug mga pospos hangtod ma trap nila sa tunga ang mga ilaga. Blanketing ang tawag ana,” Almador said.
The chemical measure is the last recourse through the use of poison baits and zinc phosphide is considered the most toxic bait against rodents.
“Naay chronic hilo or ang epekto inanay lang ug dili dayon matiurok ang ilaga example Racumen,” Almador said.
Almador reminded farmers to always remember the precautions when handling poisons for rodents for safety.
Almador also said CAgrO has not yet received complaints from the farmers against rat infestations in their farms. By Maya M. Padillo
Reigning champion EcoOil-La Salle and Wangs Basketball @27 Strikers-Letran go head to head for the second outright semifinals berth in the 2023 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup Thursday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
The two teams are expected to go all out for a win at the close of the eliminations at 4p.m
Letran earned a shot at the coveted seat by pulling a stunner against University of Perpetual Help System-Delta on Tuesday.
La Salle has one foot in the semis with its 4-1 record but Letran (3-2) could foil the defending champs’ bid for a direct passage into the Final Four with another victory.
In the event the Knights and the Archers finished the elims with a tied record, Letran will advance and join semifinalist in waiting Marinerong Pilipino on the strength of the winner over the
ident Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the MIF is a sovereign wealth fund that will be used to invest in a wide range of assets, including foreign currencies, fixed-income instruments, domestic and foreign corporate bonds, commercial real estate, and infrastructure projects. The fund is expected to generate income for the government and help promote economic development.
Under SB 2020, the MIC shall have its principle place of business in Metro Manila, but may maintain branches and agencies in other areas within and outside the country.
It shall have an authorized capital stock of PHP500 billion, with common shares of PHP3.75 billion, to be subscribed by the national government, its agencies or instrumentalities, including government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) or government financial institutions (GFIs) except Social Security System (SSS), Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), Home Development Mutual Fund or Pag-IBIG Fund, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), and the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO).
Landbank of the Philippines (Landbank), Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), and the national government will each contribute PHP50 billion to the fund.
The MIF bill was immediately discussed by senators and members of the House of Representatives by convening a bicameral conference on Wednesday to reconcile the differences between the Senate and House of Representatives’ versions of the measure.
Filipino translation
During the period of amendments of the measure early Wednesday, Senator Robinhood Padilla cited the need to make documents relating to MIF and MIC be translated into Filipino language and be made available and accessible to the public to allow ordinary Filipinos to understand the bill.
especially the energy reduction in state-owned and leased buildings and facilities that are covered by the mandate to at least have 10 percent energy savings. “In the IAEECC meeting held on 23 March 2023, the DOE has proposed to the committee a resolution that encourages
other rule,
Notwithstanding, La Salle will enjoy a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals.
“We want to focus on just getting better. It’s a building block on where we want to be. Gusto lang namin ay mag-improve as we go along,” said La Salle assistant coach Gian Nazario.
“We’re not concerned with the standings at this point.”
For his part, Letran coach Rensy Bajar encourages his wards to grab the opportunity.
“Kahit paano, tsansa namin ito para sa No. 2. May pag-asa pa. We have to (capitalize) on this opportunity,” Bajar declared.
Perpetual U, Centro Escolar University and PSP Gymers have been relegated in the quarterfinals but which two teams get the luxury of the twice-to-beat advantage depends on the result of the La Salle-Letran game. (PBA D LEAGUE)
He cited Sec. 6, Art. 14 of the 1987 Constitution that mandates the government to “take steps to initiate and sustain the use of Filipino as a medium of official communication and as language of instruction in the educational system.”
His suggestion, along with his proposal that a copy of the measure, once it has been approved and signed into law, be published in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation in the Philippines, was accepted by Villar.
Put politics aside
Just before the bicameral conference on MIF bill started on Wednesday morning, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano went live on Facebook urging critics to be non-partisan in looking at the measure.
“A senator close to former President Aquino filed this in 2016 and I was thinking myself what if during the Duterte time, this was a priority? So, I look at the bill without partisanship -- meaning if it’s good for the Aquino administration, if it’s good for the Duterte administration -- why would it be bad kung (if it’s under the) Marcos administration?” Cayetano said.
He also defended Villar, who was with him in the bicameral conference venue in Makati City, as sponsor of the MIF bill.
“Hindi naman siya napilitan lang i-defend to (He was not forced to defend this). Remember, Mark is a finance person. Before his life in public service, he is a good businessman. I remember, nag-masters pa to sa Singapore eh (He got his masters in Singapore). So, whether in the academe and in practical, he knows finance,” Cayetano said.
He also stressed his neutrality on the measure, reminding the lawmakers’ of the Senate’s duty to pass a law with the proper safeguards.
“Precisely para hindi ma-abuse at magamit sa masama. Meaning ‘yung public funds [ay] para sa publiko (Precisely to prevent it from being abused or be used in evil. Meaning the public funds will only be for the public),” he added. (PNA)
the adoption of FWA (flexible work arrangement) for all government entities as part of the GEMP to minimize the impact of steep global prices of petroleum products, reduce the consumption of the whole government of both electricity and fuel, and alleviate traffic congestion,” the DOE said.
USA Basketball has finalized its schedule of exhibition games leading into this summer’s Fiba World Cup, announcing on Tuesday (Wednesday, Manila time) that it will open the five-game slate against Puerto Rico in Las Vegas on Aug. 7.
It will be the only World Cup warmup game in the US for the Americans, a team that will be coached by Golden State’s Steve Kerr. His assistants are Miami’s Erik Spoelstra, the Los Angeles Clippers’ Tyronn Lue and Gonzaga’s Mark Few.
The roster of NBA players is still being assembled.
“Puerto Rico, obviously, we’re familiar with them,” said
Grant Hill, managing director of USA Basketball’s men’s national team. “We’ve competed in the World Cup qualifiers, although neither team had their full heavy roster, if you will, its strongest roster. But it’s an opportunity to throw our guys into the fire. The games, the exhibition games, the lead-up, we’re going to get a lot of basketball in us before we play for real. And that’s good.”
After the Puerto Rico game, the US will leave for Malaga, Spain, and games there against Slovenia on Aug. 12 and Spain on Aug. 13. The final two preWorld Cup games for the Americans will be held in Abu Dhabi, against Greece on Aug. 18 and Germany on Aug. 20.
From there, the Americans head to Manila, Philippines, where they will remain for the entirety of the World Cup. Half of the 32-team World Cup field will have group-stage games in Indonesia or Japan; the Americans are among the 16 that will open the tournament in the
SPORTS KEN
With extensive championship experience, the Miami Heat are heavily favored over the Denver Nuggets.
Thus, the leadership of each of Jimmy Butler (for the newly-crowned Eastern Conference victors) and Nikola Jokic (for the Western Conference titlists) will be tested to the hilt.
Butler has proven his mettle, scoring 28 markers to keep his promise to win Game 7 for Miami, and oh in a blow out fashion even, 103-84 in enemy territory.
Denver is a hungry team and is going into championship battle
for the first time in decades (is it 47 years?)
This is the principal motivation for coach Michael Malone and his boys who brilliantly dispatched Lebron James and his Hollywood-based gang via a four game sweep in the Western Conference finals..
(After the embarassing fourgame loss, LJ is reportedly thinking of retirement?).
If this Denver feat does not scare Eric Spoelstra, it might be because he has the very reliable Aden Adebayo.to tangle Jokic in the middle, this aside from the prolific Butler who will be
Philippines, which will also play host to the medal rounds.
The game against Puerto Rico will coincide with the end of the US team’s training camp in Las Vegas.
“Our preparations for the 2023 FIBA Men’s World Cup begin in Las Vegas and we are excited to return to a city that regularly and graciously welcomes USA Basketball,” said Jim Tooley, USA Basketball’s CEO.
The men’s national team played four exhibitions in Las Vegas in 2021 before the Tokyo Olympics, going 2-2 in those games. The Americans opened with losses to
matched against Jamal Murray in the production chore.
Until we get to watch Game 1 though can we be able to size up each team’s weaknesses versus their strengths.
We have to observe how the team’s first five perform against their counterparts.
If you ask me, I praise the Nuggets for a very outstanding performance with Jokic pouring in with regularity a double double against the Lakers.
Murray is the man to watch. He explodes like a dynamite and takes charge especially when the Nuggets are trying to
catch up.
I did not quite see this with the Heat who succumed to consecutive losses in Games 4, 5 & 6 when they could have done the finishing touches at home.
Spoelstra and his boys are seeking a fourth NBA crown since 2013 and the first since losing to the Lakers in 2020.
Ergo, Miami has a name to preserve and an integrity to protect.
On defense, Adebayo will have his hands full guarding Jokic and a double team by Miami when the latter gets inside the paint is necessary.
Nigeria and Australia before beating Argentina and Spain prior to departing for Tokyo.
“The Nigeria game was important,” Hill said. “It let everybody know that we can’t just show up.”
In Japan, the US won its fourth consecutive Olympic gold medal.
The US opens World Cup play against New Zealand on Aug. 26, followed by group games against Greece on Aug. 28 and Jordan on Aug. 30. The tournament — one of the major qualifiers for the 2024 Paris Olympics — runs through Sept. 10.
Conversely, on offense the Miami center is a bruiser and much shiftier than Jokic.
I love the defense the Heat displayed against the Celtics.
Tatum was limited to 14 points (although he hurt his ankle early in the game) and Jaylen Brown committed several turnovers to allow the Heat to maintain a two-digit bubble in the fourth.
Jokic should be the Big difference.
Or the Heat will torch the Nuggets alive. (Email feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com). GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!
Reigning champion EcoOil-La Salle and Wangs Basketball @27 Strikers-Letran go head to head for the second outright semifinals berth in the 2023 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup Thursday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
The two teams are expected to go all out for a win at the close of the eliminations at 4p.m
Letran earned a shot at the coveted seat by pulling a stunner against University of Perpetual Help System-Delta on Tuesday.
La Salle has one foot in the semis with its 4-1 record but Letran (3-2) could foil the defending champs’ bid for a direct passage into the Final Four with another victory.
In the event the Knights and the Archers finished the elims with a tied record, Letran will advance and join semifinalist in waiting Marinerong Pilipino on the strength of the winner over the other rule, Notwithstanding, La Salle will enjoy a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals.
“We want to focus on just getting better. It’s a building block on where we want to be. Gusto lang namin ay mag-improve as we
go along,” said La Salle assistant coach Gian Nazario.
“We’re not concerned with the standings at this point.”
For his part, Letran coach Rensy Bajar encourages his wards to grab the opportunity.
“Kahit paano, tsansa namin ito para sa No. 2. May pag-asa pa. We have to (capitalize) on this opportunity,” Bajar declared.
Perpetual U, Centro Escolar University and PSP Gymers have been relegated in the quarterfinals but which two teams get the luxury of the twice-to-beat advantage depends on the result of the La Salle-Letran game. (PBA D LEAGUE) Caption
De La Salle shooting forward Francis Escandor will be at the forefront of the Archers’ offense from the perimeter. (PBA photo)
ALL OUT FOR WIN
La Salle, Letran duel for coveted semis seat
