Edge Davao Vol. 15 Issue 294 | Thursday, March 30, 2023

LIGHTING UP

Rep. Duterte, businessman Escandor turn over solar-powered lights to public school

Rodrigo “Rigo” Duterte II, together with Dabawenyo businessman Glenn Escandor, Jesus J. Soriano National High School principal III Emy Goc-ong and some teachers, poses for a photo with the students after turning over six solar street lights held at the Jesus J. Soriano National High School campus in Catalunan Grande, Davao City on Wednesday. Lean Daval Jr.

LIGHTING UP

Rep. Duterte, businessman Escandor turn over solar-powered lights to public school

By MAYA M. PADILLO

Davao City First District Representative Paolo “Pulong” Duterte, represented by his son Rodrigo “Rigo” Duterte II, and businessman Glenn Escandor turned over six sets of solar-powered lights to Jesus J. Soriano National High School in Catalunan Grande, Davao City on Wednesday.

The turnover ceremony was led by Rigo and Escandor held at the school ground. The ceremony was also witnessed by some school officials and students.

School principal Emy Gocong said the solar lights can help light up even the corners of the school.

“Mapasalamaton kaayo mi kay Congressman Pulong ug sa

iyahang anak nga si Rigo ug kay sir Escandor kay magkaroon nami ug suga bisan pa sa layo nga parte sa eskwelahan,” Gocong said.

Apart from providing educational assistance, improving the safety of a community including schools by providing lighting and access to power are also among the programs of Rep. Duterte.

DepEd will not fall for partylist ‘antics’: Sara

Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte took a swipe anew towards partylist group ACT Teachers.

In a statement shared with media on Wednesday, the vice president vowed that her department will not surrender or fall for the mad ruse of a partylist group.

This after the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) suggested that the Department of Education (DepEd) should hire 30,000 public teachers and allocate a budget of P100 billion per year for building classrooms.

Duterte said DepEd is not blind to the problems besetting the education system and that her department has already laid down solutions to these problems during the Basic Education Report delivered on January 30, 2023.

“The hiring of teachers, the hiring of administrative staff, as well as the construction of new classrooms and school buildings are among the solutions identified and being pursued now. And while these are pursued along with the implementation of other essential reforms, DepEd should not only be limited to dispensing old-fashioned solutions but must also innovate.The Department will not surrender or fall for the mad ruse of a partylist group that has mastered the art of duplicity,” she said.

Duterte reiterated that ACT Teachers’ suggestions were both unrealistic and impossible.

“Presented to shame the government and deceive the public into believing that the hiring of teachers and increasing the education budget were their ideas. On this note, may I underscore the urgency and necessity of exposing ACT Teachers as a fake representative of learners and teachers in Congress,” she said.

The secretary added that if the ACT Teachers stands for the education sector, it would not have ignored the NPA terrorism in Masbate that resulted in the suspension of classes in six towns of the province, affecting more than 55,000 learners and 2,815 personnel.

She said ACT Teachers would have publicly and strongly condemned this act of NPA terrorism, given its impact on the efforts of DepEd and its partners to remedy the education problems.

“But the group has masterfully redirected the public’s attention from Masbate to its outrageous suggestions for DepEd. Part of its deceptive tactic when stripped down of its intentions — with its real political agenda exposed to the public — is to conveniently hide under the blanket of red-tagging,” she said.

Duterte said the government should only take ACT Teachers seriously if it publicly condemns NPA atrocities in Masbate and all other NPA terroristic activities that hampered the learning of children across the country

“ACT Teachers should stop dropping the victim card around the table whenever they are exposed as sympathizers and supporters of the NPA, the Communist Party of the Philippines, and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines. The real victims here are the learners, and the Department of Education is pouring in all our efforts to solve the problem,” she said. By

Maya M. Padillo

Davao Light and Power Co., Inc. (DLPC) president and chief operating officer Rodger Velasco talks about the company’s upcoming implementation of power rates reduction during this week’s Wednesdays at Habi at Kape at Abreeza Mall in Davao City. Lean Daval Jr.

Diokno: Landbank-DBP merger to save gov’t P5-B annually

expected to result in savings of about PHP5 billion annually for the government.

“For the projected operating cost savings due to the merger, (it) could reach at least PHP5.3 billion per year. So, for the next four years, at least PHP20 billion,” Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno said in a Palace press briefing on Tuesday.

The figures were presented during the sectoral meeting presided by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. earlier in the day, he said.

Diokno said the projected savings “is even understated” because gains from the sale of DBP’s redundant assets, such as its head office in Makati, a property in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig City, several branches, and equipment and licenses have not been incorporated in the computation.

“Now, the President expressed the desire to merge the two to make it the biggest bank in the country because of the recent

financial developments abroad. And that’s really the best practice – the biggest bank usually is owned by the state globally,” he said.

Diokno said because both are universal banks, although Landbank is focused on the agriculture sector and DBP on industrial projects, “they do practically the same.”

“As a result of the merger, there will be savings and the merged banks will be stronger. And in fact, one likely outcome of this is that maybe the interest rate that they will charge will be lower than (the existing rates) either of the two (banks) at the moment,” he added.

Oil mixed over growing global economic growth uncertainties

Oil prices were mixed on Tuesday as negative global economic growth forecasts raised demand concerns, while a buyout deal of the defunct Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) allayed investor concerns about the United States banking system.

International benchmark Brent crude traded at $77.65 per barrel at 09:57 a.m. local time (0657 GMT), a 0.14 percent decrease from the closing price of $77.76 a barrel in the previous

trading session. At the same time, American benchmark West Texas Intermediate (WTI) traded at $72.95 per barrel, a 0.19 percent rise after the previous session closed at $72.81 a barrel. Investors are still focused on the ongoing financial crisis in the US and the trajectory of the Chinese economy and oil demand outlook.

The World Bank said Monday that it expects global eco-

Landbank, DBP merger requires legislation

State-run Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) on Tuesday said the plan to merge it with the Land Bank of the Philippines would require legislation.

On Tuesday morning, Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno announced that the President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had given the thumbs-up to merge DBP with Landbank, with the latter as the surviving entity seen to become the largest bank in the country in terms of assets.

March 28, 2023.”

Data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas as of September 30, 2022 showed BDO as the country’s top bank in terms of assets with P3.73 trillion.

It was followed by Landbank with assets worth P2.76 trillion. DBP, on the other hand, ranked eighth with P1.035 trillion worth of assets.

nomic growth to fall to its lowest level in three decades by the end of 2030, referring to the period from now until then as the “lost decade.”

“The global economy’s ‘speed limit’—the maximum long-term rate at which it can grow without sparking inflation—is set to slump to a three-decade low by 2030,” it said in a report, Falling Long-Term Growth Prospects: Trends, Expectations, and Policies.

“DBP believes that any merger would require an act of Congress as both institutions were created by enabling laws,” the lender said in a statement.

The DBP said that there was still “no formal decision” on the merger plan.

However, the lender said it echoed and shared the sentiments of the President “on the need to conduct a thorough and meticulous legal study on the proposed merger of DBP and LBP which he firmly declared during a meeting with all stakeholders in Malacañang today,

“DBP is committed to fulfilling its mandate of being a catalyst for national development by serving the financing needs of strategic and critical economic sectors, particularly infrastructure and logistics, micro, small and medium enterprises, social services, and the environment,” DBP said.

“We assure the general public that the entire Board of Directors, Management Team and the rest of the public servants of DBP remain steadfast in serving the banking needs of our clients. And we shall continue to do so with the same passion, dedication, and commitment as we have done for the past 76 years,” it added.

The proposed merger of the state-owned Land Bank of the Philippines (Landbank) and the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) is

CAMP International Center for Asian Mission for the Poor president Chulyung Lee, together with country director Cho, Buyoung, discusses during this week’s Wednesdays at Habi at Kape at Abreeza Mall in Davao City the Korea-funded projects in Mindanao particularly for the durian farmers of Davao City. Lean Daval Jr.

DLPC leaves approval of refiled bills to Congress

By MAYA M. PADILLO

Over 2M travelers seen in CAAP airports in April

As travel surge is expected during the Holy Week, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) on Tuesday said over 2 million passengers are expected in all 42 commercial airports it operates this April.

“CAAP’s 42 commercial airports, including our personnel, are ready to provide service to our passengers during the holiday rush,” CAAP spokesperson Eric Apolonio said in a public briefing.

He said CAAP airports had 1,715,720 passengers in April 2022. The figure is expected to hit over 2 million this year and is projected to increase by 7 to 10 percent annually as travel restrictions continue to ease.

Apolonio said personnel have been augmented and co-

TheDavao Light and Power Company (DLPC), told media on Wednesday that they are hopeful but it’s the decision of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the Philippine Congress if they will approve the refiled bills to expand the franchise area of the power company.

ordination with airlines were done to ask them to deploy more personnel at the check-in counters.

Malasakit Help Desks will be placed at the CAAP airports to attend to the passengers’ concerns and inquiries.

According to CAAP, the airports it operates will be on heightened alert from April 2 to 10.

Regular coordination is being conducted with the Office for Transportation Security and the Philippine National Police-Aviation Security Group so it could also augment its manpower.

Meanwhile, Apolonio urged passengers to check in for their flights at least two to three hours ahead of schedule to avoid inconvenience. (PNA)

“We submit to the authorities specially to the Congress whether or not they will grant the franchise,” Rodger S. Velasco, president and chief operating officer, said during Wednesdays Habi at Kape at Abreeza Mall.

House Bill (HB) 5077, which was filed by Davao del Norte 1st

District 1 Representative Pantaleon D. Alvarez, the HB 6740 by Rep. Margarita Ignacia B. Nograles of PBA Partylist, and the HB 7047 by Rep. Sandro L. Gonzales of MARINO Partylist were filed in Congress to expand the franchise of the Aboitizowned DLPC.

Earlier this month, Davao

Consumer Group and the business sector in parts of Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro provinces held a motorcade to push for the passage of a law that will transfer their areas’ electricity distribution to DLPC citing the continued inefficient service and high rates of Northern Davao Electric Cooperative (Nordeco).

“We are honored happy because they see our price, service, the quality that we do as exceptional. But then again we submit to the Congress and to the President for the approval of the franchise,” Velasco said.

CREIT posts P1.25B net income in 2022

Listed renewable energy real estate investment trust Citicore Energy REIT Corp (CREIT) said on Wednesday its net income in 2022 grew over 5 times to P1.25 billion.

Revenues also rose by more than 4 times to P1.37 billion, buoyed by its land portfolio, CREIT said in a disclosure to the stock exchange.

“The higher income we gen-

erated as a renewable energy REIT allows us to share a bigger pie with our investors and other stakeholders,” said CREIT President and CEO Oliver Tan.

“Our commitment to shared prosperity extends beyond the financial aspect as we also continue to strengthen our Agro-solar and sustainability initiatives, expanding the use of the land as we share our farmer community

stakeholders,” he added.

Tan said the company remains committed to build its green asset portfolio and pursue its 5GW pipeline project growth roadmap.

It declared a total dividend of P0.183 per share.

CREIT is the first renewable energy-themed real estate investment trust to list in the stock exchange.

A worker pushes a cart carrying bags of ice that he will deliver to various establishments inside Abreeza Mall in Davao City on Wednesday. Lean Daval Jr.

XTREME Appliances opens first-ever branch in Robinsons Malls to serve more Filipino households

XTREME Appliances, one of the fastest-growing appliance brands in the Philippines, has announced the opening of its first branch in Robinsons malls. This exciting development marks a significant milestone for the company as it continues to expand its footprint across the country.

The new XTREME Appliances store, located in Robinsons Place GenTrias in General Trias, Cavite, offers a wide range of high-quality appliances that are designed to meet the needs of Filipino households. Customers can browse through an extensive selection of home appliances, including air conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines, televisions, and many more. They can also enjoy exclusive bundle deals giving them up to P28,000 worth of savings.

“We are thrilled to announce the opening of our first branch in Robinsons malls. This new store is a testament to our commitment to providing Filipino households with affordable, high-quality appliances that are designed to meet their needs,” said Paula Dizon, Brand Marketing Manager of XTREME Appliances

“Our goal is to make our products accessible to more Filipino families, and we believe that Robinsons malls provide the perfect platform for us to achieve this goal. We are excited to bring our range of appliances to Robinsons Place GenTrias and look forward to serving our customers in this new location.”

The new XTREME Appliances store in Robinsons Place GenTrias features a modern, spacious design that allows customers

JOJO... FROM A4

whole family was the backbone of singing inspiration and support,” he says. “My family hired some guitarists to train my singing along with a guitar for rhythm and breathing techniques. It was a family effort, especially my mother’s. They boosted my confidence and helped me maintain composure on stage.

“I also had the initiative to run around Bansalan in the morning to improve stamina as part of preparation whenever an upcoming contest was about to happen knowing everything was at stake, and hoping to win,” he adds.

In those days, his favorite singing idols were those from the 1970s. “I listened to Victor Wood, and Eddie Peregrina or Susan Fuentes,” he admits. “But in the 1980’s, I started evolving my singing style listening to Basil and Leo Valdez, Anthony Castelo, Rey Valera, Dulce, Ivy Violan, Imelda Papin, Eva Eugenio, to name a few, when Jukebox was very popular in those days.”

He avoided following foreign artists due to bad English diction he had then, which could end up in laughter or criticism should he get it wrong during the competition.

Persistence is the key to his success. “My singing journey started from joining contests around the province, and to the big cities, up to Manila then representing the Philippines in Thailand eventually,” he recalls. “Win or lose was a constant challenge

to browse through the products comfortably. The store is trained sales personnel who are always ready to assist customers with their purchases and provide them with expert advice on choosing the right appliances for their homes.

“We are delighted to welcome XTREME Appliances to Robinsons Place GenTrias,” said by Sid Benavidez, Mall Manager of Robinsons Place GenTrias. “We are confident that our customers will appreciate the high-quality and affordable appliances that XTREME Appliances has to offer. We look forward to working with XTREME Appliances as they continue to expand their presence in our malls.”

XTREME Appliances is committed to providing Filipino households with affordable, high-quality appliances that are designed to meet their needs. Another branch of XTREME Appliances inside Robinsons Malls is set to open in South Luzon and Mindanao this Q2 2023.

in every singing contest that I have been to; it was the root of my training ground and I have so much to thank for it. I remember our living room filled with so many trophies, banners, medals and cheap plastic giveaways as part of the winning package on top of the money prize.”

Dela Cerna remembers his time when he was living in Davao City. “College days became a very serious deal with my singing as it became the bread and butter while singing in Davao City’s karaoke bars, and hotel lounges as well as ad hoc events where I got paid to sing,” he says.

He also joined the Ateneo Glee Club. “It was my first experience of singing in harmony in a chorus instead of solo singing in freestyle that I always was,” he says. “The Glee Club during my time was a solid singing group and I was proud to be part of it.”

There was a time when he was absent in class for days without telling anybody where he was going. “When I went back to school I was late for a period but I managed to sneak into the classroom,” he recalls. “I was very surprised that everyone started clapping, including the teacher. I found out that some of them saw me on television while I was in Manila for the grand finals. Luckily, I won that competition; I felt I was forgiven, otherwise it would have been a different story if I didn’t or perhaps second best.”

His

different. “Metro Manila was the hub of all bigger singing competitions, bigger events and much bigger prizes including Bagong Kampeon, with children and adult categories on television,” he says. “During my time it was almost like a religion to be joining a singing contest; you have a list of barangays to register your entry from one area to another. Win or lose you have to enter the contest, a gamble like a sweepstakes and who knows you might get discovered somewhere along the way or being signed up.”

There was an interesting story on how he ended up in a CCP play. Along the way, he encountered some aspiring singers who eventually became his friends; some of them already had some experience working in theatre Tagalog musicals.

“I only went with them out of curiosity then encouraged me to try and audition later on,” he recalls. “I was reluctant and extremely worried at first because of my Visayan accent and I thought they would just laugh at me because my Tagalog was also not very good, let alone the hard accent.”

During his first audition at CCP, he was in awe. He met some people whom he only saw on television or magazines. “I was distracted until I got to work with them when I was luckily accepted in El Filibusterismo in CCP’s Tanghalang Pilipino, paving the way to join a tour in key cities of

Japan,” he recalls. “It was my first ever professional theatre experience which I learned so much from – a precursor to a much bigger theatre experience ahead of me.”

Dela Cerna left Bansalan in 1987 and stayed in Davao City until 1991. Then, he went to Manila to try his luck. “Winning in the first Zamboanga Music Festival was a big push to seriously try out what the music business was about by heading to Metro Manila with not much in my pocket to survive, which was quite a common story of struggle but pretty much part of everyone’s journey when you go to Manila to find your destiny as many people said,” he says.

In 1995, he joined the queue of countless hopefuls for Miss Saigon casting. “I got recalled consistently but never got lucky to be in the finals to be sent over to the next destination either to Germany or Australia,” he says now, “it was extremely frustrating. I thought it was because of my accent, or not being good enough.”

He said he only applied for the ensemble part at first. “I found out the choreography combination was too difficult at that time; but when I got to sing, I was continuously moved forward to the next lot of recalled hopefuls.”

He was applying for the role of Thuy, the villain of the show who was shot by Kim – the play’s lead character. “I was auditioning for (the part) predominantly because of my age; at that time, I

was matched to be Kim’s cousin for the casting. The part also suited my vocal range, singing high notes on the stage while harassing Kim with the knife protecting her son Tam.”

Thuy’s casting notes read: “Strong willed, aggressive, and militaristic. Intensely patriotic and anti-American. Strong vocal and dramatic ability required.”

The description fitted Dela Cerna perfectly.

“I was offered the contract to perform Thuy in London’s West End while in Manila, and by the end of the week my batch were on the flight to London,” he recalled. “(There was) no time for goodbyes with my family in Davao –that’s how urgent the new cast was needed in London at that time.”

The rest was history.

When asked how he defines success, he replies, “Success is quite subjective for me, whenever you feel that sense of fulfillment of achievement, that feeling of contentment follows through - not entirely defined but felt.”

His final words: “I had personal questions about purpose and I often forget the reason and the singing gift that I have that brought me here (in UK) and changed my life for good. I wanted to be an inspiration to my younger family members, and to remember that I used my singing talent to help others - that in itself counts as a purpose, I guess.”

JOJO DELA CERNA: FROM BANSALAN STAGE TO LONDON’S WEST END

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

The name Jojo Dela Cerna (real name: Jovy Adlawan) may not ring a bell among Filipinos. But in London’s West End, he is a familiar moniker. He has played Thuy in the award-winning Miss Saigon for four years at Drury Lane Theatre Royal. Prior to that, he performed the same role in The Music of Schonberg/Boublil concert in Manila.

His West End major cabaret acts include “I’ll Be Here with You”; solo debut showcase, “Truly Grateful”; his album launching, “Music & Me”; and “We Can Be Kind” album. His recent West End cabaret acts venues include The Mountbatten Hotel Lounge and at the Jermyn Street Theatre.

Dela Cerna is part of The King and I original cast recording at the West End and the United Kingdom tour where he played the tragic lover Lun-tha. He played Emperor Abe on Stephen Sondheim’s Pacific Overtures, which was staged in Leicester Haymarket Theatre. Another notable emperor role was in the Christmas pantomime called Aladdin (in Wimbledon Theatre and Orchard Theatre). “

Before his United Kingdom stint, he has performed as a lounge singer and toured in road shows of major Filipino cities as well as various Manila-based theatre productions. He also appeared in one of the plays staged at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP).

Actually, he started his career

in several singing competitions including the First Zamboanga City Music Festival. He emerged as champion in Belter of the Year in National Panasonic’s Quest for the Best (1993). He also represented the Philippines in the Third International Laser Competition in Bangkok, Thailand where he emerged the winner.

He graduated high school from Holy Cross College of Bansalan and then earned his Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Ateneo de Davao University in 1991.

Dela Cerna and I had two things in common. Aside from growing up in Bansalan, Davao del Sur, we were also honored as Outstanding Bansaleño in 2020; he was cited for performing arts while I was given the citation for journalism.

Recently, I have had the privilege of talking with him. He answered my questions in a straightforward manner and without much fanfare: direct, precise, and deductive. He recalls the past events as if they were just

yesterday.

“I remember participating in singing competitions most of the time, being invited to sing on so many occasions including polit-

ical rallies I did not even understand why I was there at a young age,” he recalls. “I had graced numerous weddings to sing love songs in the church, and even fu-

nerals just before the coffin gets sealed in the tomb while singing a very sad song by special request. I was mostly active at school programs representing the school or Bansalan itself whenever I entered competitions in regional levels.”

He got interested in singing when he was between five or six years old. “I started entertaining my family between those ages. Both sides of my family always requested me to sing during family occasions, and my grandparents always ended up in tears of awe and adulation, perhaps I carried on singing that way – with feelings as always.”

It was his eldest sister who trained him at home. She regimented vocalization, especially in the morning in a neck deep drum of water for lung power. “But my

Photos courtesy of Jojo Dela Cerna

Davao City and City of Mati

MARCH

On the solar lighting system donation to public schools:

“We are happy to provide better lighting system for schools in Davao and this is just the start. Hopefully we can have more schools benefiting from the program of my father Cong. Pulong Duterte. This is not only cost efficient, it is also environment friendly.”

RODRIGO “RIGO” DUTERTE II

ALL OUT SUPPORT

PBBM orders creation of inter-agency body for FIBA World Cup 2023 hosting

President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. has ordered the creation of an inter-agency task force to streamline the government’s efforts in preparation for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023.

Administrative Order No. 5 directs local government units, government agencies, and other instrumentalities to assist the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) in hosting this year’s FIBA World Cup.

The President also tasked heads of government departments, bureaus, government-owned or -controlled corporations, and state universities and colleges to “extend full support and assistance, consistent with their respective mandates, to the PSC and SBP in the preparatory activities.”

This includes assistance to materials, pieces of equipment, support services, and donations.

“The successful organization and hosting of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 requires the involvement, coordination and support of all concerned government agencies, local government units (LGUs), and the private sector,” Marcos said in signing the administrative order.

The inter-agency task force will be headed by the chairman of the Philippine Sports Commis-

ERRATUM

sion, the document read. The chair will have members from the following government agencies:

Department of Foreign Affairs

Department of Health

Department of the Interior and Local Government

Department of Public Works and Highways

Department of Tourism

Department of Transportation

Bureau of Customs

Bureau of Immigration

Philippine National Police

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority

In a statement, PSC Chairman Richard Bachmann on Wednesday welcomed the development.

“I humbly express my gratitude to President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. and our leaders in the Senate and Congress for their support in ensuring that the Philippines delivers the best World Cup hosting in history,” said Bachmann.

In the March 13, 20 & 27, 2023 issues of Edge Davao, the name Guillermo A. Gantuango as published should be Guillermo A. Gantuangco in the Notice of Extrajudicial Settlement.

Our Apology

ERRATUM

In the Notice of Extra-judicial Sale of the HOME DEVELOPMENT MUTUAL FUND or (Pag-IBIG Fund) versus Alvin M. Gomez on March 12-13, 19-20, & 27, 2023 issues of EDGE Davao, the area of the lot covered with Transfer Certificate of Title No. 1462016016942 in the body of the publication should be One Hundred (100) square meters and not One (100) square meters as published.

Our apologies.

“The PSC continues to commit its support and cooperation for the successful hosting of the Games, and to work hand-in-hand with the SBP and other vital agencies, with the ultimate objective of creating an amazing basketball environment that unites people and encourages them to ‘Win for All.’” Ranked No. 40 in the world, the Philippines has gained an outright berth in the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup Games by being one of the host nations. Also set to host the global showcase are Indonesia and Japan.

It is scheduled to take place from August 25 to September 10, 2023, with the final phase to take place at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.

This is the sixth time that the Philippines is playing on the world stage, and its second time as host nation following its hosting in 1978 where it finished in the top eight.

Gilas Pilipinas battle Jordan during the final window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan on February 27, 2023.