Edge Davao Vol. 15 Issue 304 | Friday, April 14, 2023

COVID ON THE RISE

SPMC’s ward, ICU beds at full capacity, CHO advises Dabawenyos to be on full alert

By MAYA M. PADILLO

City Health Office (CHO) OIC Dr. Marjorie Culas reported on Thursday that the Covid-19 beds of both the wards and Intensive Care Units of the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) are now at full capacity due to the increase of cases.

The agency has raised the alert level to prevent another Covid-19 surge.

“SPMC is at 100 percent full capacity,” Culas said during the I-Speak media forum on Thursday.

She said that since March,

Covid-19 cases have reached 324.

“With the number of cases, we should be alarmed because Covid-19 is still here and still we have to protect ourselves and we don’t want to wait for a surge. We are on alert because we don’t have beds and the hospital is full, cases

DCPO wins award for Best Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Canine Unit

are getting high. We don’t want to experience what we experienced during the last two years. Yung shortage of hospital beds and ICU beds. We are on alert because we don’t want people to die because of the shortage of beds and people and services,” she said.

Culas said it is being mulled to use a Temporary Treatment and Monitoring Facility (TTMF) to cater to Covid-19 patients.

She said it is expected that cases are high following the Holy

FCOVID, P10

Davao City Animal Bite Treatment Center reminds public to take rabies seriously

The Davao City Animal Bite

Treatment Center in Davao City urged the public to take rabies seriously as it can be fatal if not treated immediately.

Dr. Ace Culas, officer-in-charge (OIC) of the Animal Bite Treatment Center, emphasized this during a live-streamed interview with City Information Office (CIO) OIC Harvey James Lanticse via the Madayaw Davao TV Facebook page Tuesday, April 12.

“Ang rabies 100 percent fatal na sya if duna na’y sintomas. If dili maagapan, kamatayon gyud ang kapadulngan. Maski gamay ra, atong gina-awhag ang atong pasyente nga magpa-checkup, ngadto ta makabalo kung unsay angay nga buhaton (Rabies is 100 percent fatal if there are symptoms. If you can’t prevent it, death is the only way to go. We encourage our patients to go for a checkup to know what should be

done),” Culas said.

Culas advised the public to remain calm and follow simple first aid after being bitten or scratched by a pet. The bitten area should be washed with soap and running water for 10-15 minutes, and any antiseptic solution like alcohol or betadine can be applied. The pet should also be caged or tied for observation of any symptoms.

He also highlighted the im-

The Davao City Police Office (DCPO) was awarded the Best City Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Canine Unit (CECU) for 2022 during the 7th Anniversary Celebration of the PNP EOD/K9 Group on April 5, 2023 at Camp BGen Rafael T. Crame, Quezon City.

Police Col. Albert Magno, Acting Director of PNP EOD/K9 group signed the plaque of recognition, for the national tilt.

DCPO Spokesperson Catherine De La Rey said that the award made the whole DCPO proud.

“Very proud ang Davao City Police Office sa pagpangulo sa atong City Director nga si Police Col. Alberto Lupaz sa among award nga nareceive sa Davao City Explosive Ordnance and Canine Unit kay mao ni sya ang nahimo nga best EOD all over the Philippines (The Davao City Police Office headed by City Director Police Col. Alberto Lupaz is very proud of the award received by the Davao City Explosive Ordnance and Canine Unit for being the best EOD nationwide),” Dela Rey said.

She said that cited as the best practice of the CECU is the Awareness of Bomb that Kills Life and Destroys Property (ABKD). The initiative consists of symposiums on bomb awareness.

Dela Rey said that the Davao

CECU also provided exemplary performance during big events in the city such as the inauguration of Vice President Inday Sara Duterte, the inauguration of Mayor Sebastian “Baste Duterte, and other national and international events held in the city.

“Sila ang in-charge sa tanan nga mga events sa Dakbayan sa Davao, especially the big events, two hours before our activity, sila gyud ang mga mag-checkkung naa ba’y bomba or wala, mag-paneling sila gamit ang canine dog para i-make sure nga safe and secure ang lugar (They are in charge of all the events of the city of Davao, especially two hours before our activity, they will check for bombs in the area, they conduct paneling with K9 dogs to ensure that the area is safe and secure),” Dela Rey said. She said that even the sound systems are checked and once the paneling or inspection using the K9 dog, only the persons authorized can enter the area. As to the participants they are also subject to inspections. She added the City CECU conducts paneling at Roxas Night Market every day before the stalls are installed.

It can be noted that the last bombing incident in Davao City was in 2016 at the Roxas Night Market.

Covid-19 beds, both in the ward and ICU, of the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) are now at full capacity due to the increase of cases, according to an official of City Health Office. Lean Daval Jr.

Rep. Pulong pushes for establishment of trust fund under Water Department bill

Davao City steps up school civil registration program

The Davao City Civil Registrar’s Office (CRO) has intensified its School Civil Registration Program.

Under this program, teaching staff in far-flung schools are trained in the function of a school civil registration agent.

The chosen school personnel are given a two-day intensive training on rendering assistance to unregistered schoolchildren in rural areas. A school agent may assist parents in the registration, legitimation, corrections/ updates in the registry, and other services which they will then relay to the nearest CRO satellite office for formal action.

“Nag-train ta og mga teachers sa nagkalaing-laing public schools, labi na sa lagyo na lugar. Ato silang gi-train sa civil registration functions, mga services (We have trained teachers from various public schools, especially in far-flung areas. We trained them in civil registration functions, services),” said CRO Birth Division Head Shirley Arendain during the Madayaw Davao program aired over the Davao City Disaster Radio on Tuesday.

The CRO, Arendain said, chose non-teaching staff in far-flung schools who are not responsi-

By MAYA M. PADILLO

ble for day-to-day classes so as not to hamper the education of students. These agents are given honorarium from the local government for their additional service.

They also undergo annual enhancement training as well as a yearend evaluation.

“Gi-apil pud nato ang mga na sa bukid na ALS teachers kay nakita nato na mas epektibo gyud sila. Naga-ikot gyud sila sa mga lagyo na lugar, unya possible gyud kaayo na didto na lugar daghan ang mga wala na-rehistro, mga walay birth certificates

(We also included teachers in the uplands within the Alternative Learning System because we saw how effective they really are. They go around the most far-flung places where it is possible many individuals remain unregistered, without birth certificates),” she said.

Arendain said the schoolbased registration program has shown good results as parents of unregistered children who are not inclined to visit CRO satellite offices and are not comfortable talking to CRO personnel are much open to discussion with teachers with whom they have established rapport and trust.

Congressman

Paolo “Pulong” Duterte wants Con

gress to pass a bill that would make the Department of Water Resources (DWR) the primary organization in charge of ensuring the nation’s water supply and managing its distribution.

The First Congressional District representative also said that the bill should establish a Water Trust Fund (WTF) at the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr), which the prospective DWR can use to raise money for water sustainability initiatives.

House Bill (HB) 3727, which Duterte filed with Benguet Rep. Eric Yap, seeks to address con-

cerns over a looming water and sanitation crisis in the country by creating the DWR and the Water Regulatory Commission (WRC).

In his explanatory note, Rep. Pulong stated that under HB 3727, remittances from non-tax revenues related to water management, including raw water pricing, permit fees, registration fees, supervision and regulation

enforcement fees, filing fees, testing fees, and other service income from the use of water resources will form part of the WTF.

According to the bill the WTF “shall be accounted separately from the government’s general revenues and shall be automatically appropriated to the [DWR].”

The bill also provides a maximum of 10 percent of the total income generated from raw water extraction shall be given as a share of the concerned local government unit (LGU) or indigenous people (IP) community which owns or has jurisdic-

FREP, P10

BIR-Davao optimistic to hit target collection this year

The Bureau of Internal Revenue-Davao Region (BIRDavao) expressed confidence that it will hit the target collection of P9 billion for this year.

Teofilo J. Barbiran Jr, group supervisor of Revenue District Office 132 East Davao Revenue Region No. 19, told the media on Wednesday that BIR-Davao in-

tends to achieve the goal through payments from income taxes, business taxes, value-added taxes (VAT), and withholding taxes.

The BIR-Davao has set the deadline on April 17, 2023 for taxpayers to pay their taxes.

“The P9 billion mami-meet yan ng district namin, like January to March this year our district can meet our goal. The bulk of that P9

F

Davao City First District Representative Paolo “Pulong” Duterte urges Congress to pass a bill that would make the Department of Water Resources (DWR) the primary organization in charge of ensuring the nation’s water supply and managing its distribution. Lean Daval Jr.

Surigao del Sur seaweed farmers reaping benefits from govt project

Seaweedfarmers in the Surigao del Sur town of Hinatuan are now reaping the benefits of government intervention through the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP).

Among those who benefited from the initiative are members of the People Unite to Guard Aqua Marine Wealth, Incorporation (PUGAW, Inc.), a people’s organization based in Barangay Loyola, Hinatuan.

Raynita Solomon, a member of the PUGAW board of directors, noted that before the government intervention, their desire for in-

been benefiting from the project through increased income from seaweed production.

The intervention of the DAPRDP to PUGAW, Inc. started in December 2022 when the organization received 45 cultivating lines.

creased seaweed production was hindered by the lack of access to needed materials.

“The materials necessary for our production were supplemented by the DA-PRDP. Their interventions have resulted in more development for seaweed farmers in PUGAW,” Solomon said in a statement Wednesday.

She said her family has

Employers group thumbs down proposed P750 minimum wage

Aside from the cultivating lines, the organization also obtained implements and inputs from the DA-PRDP in the form of propagules, polyethylene ropes, soft ties, and financial assistance worth PHP1.1 million.

“Seaweed farming before could not sustain the needs of

New partnership aims to leverage Pinoy solar industry professionals

With the growing projects in solar energy, BayWa.r.e. Solar Trade and New Energy Academy (NEA) forged a partnership to develop Filipino talents for the country’s solar power industry.

In a statement Wednesday, global renewable energy developer BayWa.r.e. Solar Trade and education platform NEA said their latest partnership aims to offer training modules for solar industry professionals in the country.

The partnership aims to

leverage Philippine solar energy professionals through an eightweek online training program and by providing workshops to better equip solar professionals with the right technical and business skills.

“The solar industry is wide, diverse, and growing, and we want to be a part of the process in upskilling the technical knowhow of installers. In driving the transition to renewable energy in the Philippines, we need to arm our professionals with adequate skills and knowledge such

as keeping them up to date on the rapidly changing technology in the solar industry, while ensuring that they know the correct protocols for safe design and installation,” BayWa.r.e. Solar Trade managing director Junrhey Castro said.

Castro said that with the growing solar industry, there is a need for continuing education and upskilling of solar power professionals in distributing and servicing inverters, solar modules and installation and com-

The Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) on Wednesday thumbed down proposals to raise the minimum wage to P750, saying only a few workers will benefit from this in the long run.

At present, the daily minimum wage in Metro Manila is between P533 and P570 but the Makabayan bloc had filed a measure seeking to raise this to P750 in the private sector so employees could cope with inflation.

Last month, a labor group in Calabarzon also filed a petition raising the minimum wage in their region to P750.

ECOP President Sergio Ortiz Luis, however, said workers in the informal sector stand to lose on this “problematic” proposal, as they make up the majority of the country’s workforce.

“Hindi lang naman iyong maliliit na employer ang maaapektuhan diyan – ang buong bayan,” Luis said in a televised briefing.

“Akala mo magandang pakinggan – tataasan ang suweldo pero maliit na porsiyento lang iyong apektado,” he added.

Luis said only 16 percent of the country’s nearly 50 million working population will be covered by the minimum wage in-

crease.

He was worried about the remaining 84 percent, who do not have their own employers.

“Kapag tinaasan mo iyong suweldo noong mga minimum earners siyempre sino ang magtataas ng suweldo ng tricycle driver, sino ang magtataas ng suweldo noong mga farm workers, iyong mga market vendors, iyong mga ano – iyon ang hindi nakikita,” he said.

“Saan huhugutin noong mga hindi matataasan ng suweldo na wala namang employer, iyong magiging inflation,” he said.

Companies, he noted, could cut jobs or raise the cost of their products when they increase wages, which could not be done by other workers.

“Kapag pinasok mo iyon eh inflationary iyan, paano na iyong hindi nataasan ng suweldo na 86 percent, 90 percent? Iyon ang kawawa. In short iyong buong bayan ang maaapektuhan niyan,” he added.

In a report published on March 31, think tank IBON Foundation said raising the minimum wage in various parts of the country is “urgent because the current nominal minimum wage of Filipi-

Teofilo Barbiran Jr., group supervisor of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) RDO East Davao Revenue Region No. 19, reminds the public to pay their taxes on or before the April 17 deadline to avoid tax penalties, during a press briefing in Davao City on Wednesday (April 12, 2023). The BIR earlier said no extension will be given for the payment of taxes. (PNA photo by Robinson Niñal Jr.)

FSURIGAO, P10

US eyes to forge civil nuke cooperation deal with PH

Fitch sees BSP hiking rates again by 25 basis points

Fitch Solutions said it sees the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas hiking interest rates by another 25 basis points this year due to “sticky” inflation.

Discussing its latest macroeconomic update, Fitch Solutions’ Country Risk Analyst Shi Cheng Low said that hike will come in the BSP’s next policy-setting meeting in May.

“Our forecast for BSP is that it will deliver 1 final 25 bps hike at the next meeting in May before keeping the policy rate on hold at 6.5 percent thereafter. The question of price stability will spur the central bank to hike rates a little further as the latest data show inflation remained elevated at 7.6 percent in March, which is above the 4 percent ceiling of the BSP target,” Low said.

The BSP’s next monetary policy meeting is on May 18. It has already hiked interest rates by a total of 75 basis points through the first two policy meetings of 2023.

Low however also said they

TheUnited States is looking to forge a civil nuclear cooperation deal with the Philippines as the Southeast Asian country pushes to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Wednesday.

don’t expect rates to go higher than 6.5 percent thereafter, as inflation eases.

“Consumer prices have eased substantially from 8.6 percent in February, and we think inflation will remain on a downward trend for the rest of the year and drop below the 4 percent ceiling of the BSP target in the second half. Signs of economic weakness will also become increasingly evident in the data, which will set the stage for policy rates to be kept on hold beyond the next meeting.”

Inflation in the Philippines has been on a downtrend since hitting a 14 year high in January. However, there are still upside risks which include the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries’ decision to boost crude oil prices through a production cut.

Low says any further supply shocks or surprise aggressive policy tightening by the US Federal Reserve will change the outlook as these could force the BSP to tighten anew.

The US will be “providing technical assistance and regulatory guidance to support the growth of the Philippines’ civil nuclear energy program,” Blinken said in a press conference in Washington.

“We’re looking to grow our cooperation through a 123 Agreement on civil nuclear cooperation which will make it easier for us to share technical knowledge as well as nuclear material and equipment,” he said.

The United States’ 123 Agreement is “a legally binding framework for peaceful nuclear cooperation between the US and [its] partners,” according to the US Department of State website.

“The criteria require 123 agreements to legally obligate our partners to observe specific standards in a multitude of areas including peaceful uses… and prohibitions on enriching, reprocessing, and transfer of specific

FUS, P10

BPI: New app allows opening bank account in 5 minutes

Bank of the Philippine Islands on Wednesday unveiled its new “future-ready” AI-powered mobile app which will soon replace the current BPI mobile banking app.

With the new app, consumers can open savings accounts online within 5 minutes and using just 1 ID, BPI said. It also features an improved user experience, making transactions easier, it added.

“We’re proud of the new BPI app, and we know there’s room to continue improving. While we

look at the best technology and digital solutions to ensure that we deliver excellent service, we anchor the designed experiences to what our customers need,” BPI President and CEO Jose Teodoro “TG” Limcaoco said.

In May, the new app will also roll out an AI-powered tracking and insights feature, which will offer financial advice, payment reminders and actionable tips in personal financial management, BPI said.

“This boasts of a new design

and experience, and we look forward to exciting new features that you won’t find in the older BPI Mobile app like mobile check deposit, AI-powered insights on your savings and spending, and more. These are core retail products designed not just to be convenient and sustainable but also customer-centric even in the long-term,” BPI Consumer Bank Marketing, Platforms and Digital Activation Head Mariana Zobel de Ayala said. FBPI, P10

A girl arranges the items that her mother is selling at one of the stalls at the Organic Farmers Market at Rizal Park in Davao City on Thursday. Lean Daval Jr.

President

MARATAS

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

GREGORIO GARAY DELIGERO Editorial Consultant

On the rising cases of Covid-19 in Davao City since March this year:

“With the number of cases, we should be alarmed because Covid-19 is still here and still we have to protect ourselves and we don’t want to wait for a surge. We are on alert because we don’t have beds and the hospital is full, cases are getting high. We don’t want to experience what we experienced during the last two years. Yung shortage of hospital beds and ICU beds. We are on alert because we don’t want people to die because of the shortage of beds and people and services.”

DR. MARJORIE CULAS City Health Office (CHO) officer-in-charge

Sixteen months after twenty-three Mandaya conscripts of the Philippine Constabulary (PC) staged an uprising on June 6, 1909, in Davao City, another indigenous group, comprised of two Manobo bands, also revolted on the west coast of Davao in October 1910.

The Manobo bands, each with a contingent of 100 rebels that included the tribal chief-tains, according to a report in the October 27, 1910, issue of New York Daily Tribune, wanted “to drive all foreigners and Filipinos from the [Davao] district.”

Upon receipt of the upheaval, Brig. Gen. John ‘Blackjack’ Pershing, commander of the Department of Mindanao, promptly collected his men in Zamboanga, where he was based, and organized a unit he personally led to quell the rebellion, calling the incident

ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA FAST BACKWARD

1910 MANOBO

UPRISING

“not seri-ous.” Two companies of the 3rd United States Infantry were also dispatched to the scene to assist the Philippine Scouts that had already been sent to suppress the uprising.

The depredations committed by the Manobo tribesmen eventually reached the attention of the War Department in Washington but could not find significant reason for the mutiny.

American authorities, though, were confident the uprising could be contained because there was a PC battalion and the 29th Infantry Company stationed in Davao, excluding the reinforcements scattered in nearby areas that could be called in case a support unit was needed.

The Evening Star (Washington, D.C.), in its October 31, 1910, issue, reported that the ini-tial attacks by the natives

cost the lives of eight Christians, including an American named Earl Gerr and two Chinese. They also destroyed the properties belonging to the foreigners.

The War Department, however, failed to establish the identity of the dead American, surmising he would be one of the soldiers who were discharged from the military service be-fore joining the group of hemp planters that made good in Davao region. Later, the authori-ties assumed the uprising had something to do with labor disputes.

Showing its trademark bigotry towards the natives, the Americans labeled the Manobos as “the lowest’ type of Filipinos,” adding the natives “are indolent and resent any effort to compel them to work” under rigorous condition the planters wanted to impose.

After the breakout, which involved as many as 400 Manobos, American military authori-ties launched a pursuit operation against the culprits.

In its December 3, 1910, issue (‘Philippine Outlaws Taken’), The Washington Herald re-ported on December 3, 1910, that four Manobos wanted for the massacre met different fates. Three—one of them a datu—were killed. The report goes:

“A cable dispatch received… from Zamboanga, in the Philippines, reported the capture of four of the outlaws who, [over] a month ago massacred American planters at Davao Gulf, in Mindanao. Three outlaws were killed in the fight in which they were captured, one of the killed being a datto. The capture of the outlaws… was made by Capt. C.B. Humphreys, of the Twenty-second Infantry. Capt.

ATTY. GILBERTO LAUENGCO, J.D. OBLIQUE OBSERVATIONS

MOTIVATIONAL RICE AND AFFECTIVE PRESENCE AS A TOOL

“I really want to be nice, but annoying people just won’t let me” – from coolfunnyquotes. com

Because of all this commentary about motivational rice lately, I recently had a daydream of famous vloggers singing, “We don’t talk about that motivational speaker” a la “Encanto” the movie. As a background, the so-called motivational rice is about the PHP100 rice being sold at a bar owned by a very peculiar motivational speaker. This speaker likes to get everybody’s ire by his controversial take on certain issues. When people questioned the exorbitant price of the rice in his bar, he responded with his trademark bizarre logic spliced with insults disguised as motivational rhetoric. I initially thought it was best to

ignore the so-called online personality. Unfortunately, just like many people, I find it difficult to avoid noticing the said personality. The person is like a mosquito buzzing at night.

Generally, being annoyed at someone is subjective. You can be annoyed at someone but others may not be annoyed at that same person. However, there are some unique individuals who can annoy almost everyone. The ability of some people to completely annoy almost everyone is a recognized scientific phenomenon. It is called negative “affective presence”. Usually, people avoid a person with a negative affective presence. However, this individual’s negative affective presence is so high that it actually triggers negative attention. In addition, this person seems to be unaf-

fected by negative backlash and even seems to relish the hate and ridicule he generates.

Most persons are bothered by criticism and ridicule in varying degrees. However, as one vlogger commented, this person’s confidence level is so high that he reminds you of classmates in school that raise their hands in class even though they don’t know the answer and find no shame in giving ridiculous answers. In this regard, many people seem to be fascinated with his unique personality.

There are many who say that this person is a clever actor who can turn on a separate online persona to garner as many online followers as he can. Apparently, he has the ability to intentionally exude and sustain an affective

presence despite all that negative backlash all for the sake of earning money. It takes a unique individual to continue to say things despite being ridiculed or bashed. It shows an extreme ability to focus on a goal. One psychologist even commented that this may be an example of a cleverly engineered campaign to evoke a visceral thrill in many people and gain attention.

In an era where many seem to live and die by the number of likes in their social media posts, the ability to absorb negative comments in the pursuit of livelihood can be a useful tool. Also, this ability may just be the antidote for the growing online cancel culture. It would be fun to watch a person with the smarts of a Jordan Peterson and the ability to shrug

Humphreys was a member of the West Point football team in 1896 and 1897, and has distinguished himself by his fighting qualities on several occasion.”

The undercurrents surfacing from the incident were a reecho of the issues already raised in the 1909 Davao mutiny, with discrimination as the primary focus. The other complaint—i.e., labor—was prevalent at the time in many foreign-owned plantations due to laborious standards imposed in order to recoup the huge American investments in cultivating the plan-tations.

The Washington-based The National Tribune, on February 2, 1911, reported that Gen. Per-shing “has cleaned up the Davao District, and has either killed or captured all the murderers of Americans, and has dispersed all the Manobo bands.”

off negative backlash battling it out with smug progressives here in this country.

Communication strategists can use people with these abilities to distract and irritate certain sectors under a multi layered communication strategy. Political strategists can also study this phenomenon and see if negative affective presence can be tweaked and refined to create a new political brand for politicians. Now that would be interesting.

This is my oblique observation.

Editor’s note: The opinions expressed in the foregoing article are solely the author’s and do not reflect the opinions and beliefs of the Philippine News Agency (PNA) or any other office under the Presidential Communications Office.

On a mission: MAP launches campaign against malnutrition and child stunting

In line with its mission to create a positive impact in nation-building, the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) has launched its campaign against malnutrition and child stunting in the country. Heeding the urgent calls to help solve this persistent societal problem that can imperil children’s ability to achieve a better quality of life, MAP has laid out initiatives that will complement the Philippine Multi-Sectoral Nutrition Project (PMNP). The goal is to contribute to the improvement of the overall nutritional status of Filipino children.

“As a business group, we can have greater impact acting collectively in the fight against malnutrition and child stunting,” said MAP President and BDB Law

Founding Partner, Atty. Benedicta “Dick” Du-Baladad in a press conference with MAP partners, and members of the media.

“We at MAP hope to expand our role beyond fund generation and philanthropy to a shared responsibility in addressing malnutrition in the country, participating in the programming and governance of nutrition strategies and interventions. It will be a shift from a transactional to a transformational partnership with the government,” said Atty. Du-Baladad.

According to Du-Baladad, MAP’s presence in the food, retail, healthcare, education and logistics industries, as well as other sectors could help leapfrog progress through interventions and actions that can contribute in

addressing the country’s malnutrition problems effectively and sustainably. “We will do our share and engage the private firms, organizations, and individuals to heed this call, starting with our own MAP members and expanding the circle to other groups so that together we can all work in building a more progressive future for the country,” she added.

Dr. Cielito ‘Ciel’ F. Habito, Governor-in-Charge for MAP’s Cluster on Resilience and Recovery, discussed the magnitude of the problem and offered solutions that can be done to move forward.

“Child stunting is a major threat to the nation’s future,” Dr. Habito shared. “MAP’s ecosystem is diverse and can potentially muster the collective strength of the private sector to mobilize

and help the government achieve the country’s nutrition objectives. As we are among the leading employers in the country, MAP can strategically influence its network of employees in the delivery of support services like nutrition literacy. “

The Impact of Child Malnutrition

According to the World Bank, the Philippines has one of the worst cases of child stunting in the world, ranking fifth with the highest stunting prevalence among countries in the East Asia and Pacific Region, and is among the 10 worst countries in the world .

The World Health Organization (WHO) clarifies that stunting is a growth and development impairment of children resulting from poor nutrition, repeated infection and inadequate psychosocial stimulation. When this happens specifically during the first 1000 days from birth to 2 years of age, it can lead to adverse consequences that will limit a child’s ability to reach his full mental, physical and economic potential.

“We should be worried”, said Du-Baladad, “If the problem is not addressed in an urgent and decisive manner, we will be placing our country’s future in the hands of stunted children becoming adults whose capacity to be productive, competitive and creative are limited, thus affecting national development and progress.”

Addressing malnutrition and child stunting requires a strong focus on governance, involving coordinated actions by many actors across sectors and across levels of government according to the Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Movement . As such, the recent infusion of resources from the World Bank is expected to boost

the PMNP with timely and critical support. The PMNP underscores the importance of holistic nutrition-sensitive programs that address key underlying determinants of nutrition. This includes food security, access to services, and environment, as well as nutrition-specific interventions or those that deal with the immediate causes of maternal and child malnutrition such as micronutrient deficiency, underweight, stunting, wasting and obesity.

The road ahead

MAP is committed to harnessing the contributions that various industries and sectors can extend to intensify the efforts towards reduction of child stunting. It will reach out to the agencies overseeing the national malnutrition program, such as the Department of Health, the National Nutrition Council, and the Department of Social Welfare and Development, and will pursue ways on how the private sector can further support the PMNP in reversing child stunting trends in the country.

MAP will actively seek for the government’s declaration of child stunting as a priority national agenda and concrete actions that will be cascaded at the community level. Such national support can enable budget to be allocated to the initiative and resources can be made available to reorient feeding programs with greater emphasis on maternal nutrition, babies and toddlers, and form competition policy in agriculture and food value chains, among others.

Most importantly, MAP recommends an active pursuit of tripartite partnerships - business sector, government and community - for a whole-of-society approach in fighting malnutrition and child stunting and its adverse effects.

BPI launches new app for a future-ready banking experience

The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) launched a totally new and future-ready mobile app with innovative features and services that go beyond convenient transactions and help more Filipinos work their way towards financial well-being. This reinforces the bank’s solid footing as a digital banking leader in the country.

As part of BPI’s aggressive digital transformation journey, BPI President and CEO Jose Teodoro “TG” Limcaoco said, “We’re proud of the new BPI app, and we know there’s room to continue improving. While we look at the best technology and digital solutions to ensure that we deliver excellent service, we anchor the designed experiences to what our customers need.”

According to Maria Cristina “Ginbee” Go, BPI Head of Consumer Banking, the new BPI app is key to the bank’s “phygital” approach to make the bank accessible to more Filipinos through physical branches, and digital channels and platforms. “Our customers have the option to bank with the app in tandem with BPI branches and ATMs—giving them a choice of their preferred channel with integrated services like online booking of branch visits or cashless withdrawal.

Getting into the core features of the new app, BPI Consumer Bank Marketing, Platforms, and Digital Activation Head Mariana Zobel de Ayala emphasized that the new app goes beyond everyday transactions and helps build towards Filipinos’ financial independence.

“This boasts of a new design and experience, and we look forward to exciting new features that you won’t find in the older BPI Mobile app like mobile check deposit, AI-powered insights on your savings and spending, and more. These are core retail products designed not just to be convenient and sustainable but also cus-

tomer-centric even in the long-term,” Zobel de Ayala said.

The new BPI app highlights the following features:

Improved User Experience

Users can get things done in fewer taps, with top transactions that are easier to access upon login and faster to finish. Help links are now found within transaction processes for easier access to guides and FAQs.

Online Account Opening

New clients can open a BPI #SaveUp account on the app within five minutes with just one ID. They can instantly start banking via the app.

Personal Finance Management

(Coming in May)

BPI will be the first bank app to feature AI-powered tracking and insights. The app will offer financial advice, payment reminders, and actionable tips to help millions of Filipinos improve their financial wellness.

Other exciting features that are coming soon are mobile check deposit, real-time bill payment, cash withdrawal via QR, save favorite transactions, and more product applications.

Old to New BPI Consumer Platforms Head Fitzgerald Chee pointed out that BPI Mobile app users do not have to delete their old app yet. “You can continue to log in the older BPI Mobile app with your current username and password. Users that want to start enjoying the new BPI app can find easy-to-follow guides on our Facebook and YouTube channels,” he said.

He also explained that QR codes generated on the older BPI Mobile app are still going to work on the new BPI app. “You can also view all your personalized settings, previous transactions, and statements right away on the new BPI app,” he noted, clarifying, “For your security, the Mo-

bile Key works within the new BPI app or the older BPI Mobile app. Users can choose which app version to activate their Mobile Key.”

All these form part of the bank’s goal to further enable high-quality

customer experiences in line with one of its core values to be a customer-centric organization. “Customers are looking for banks that can serve them well. We assure our clients that BPI will continue to constantly

change with the times to meet their evolving needs,” Limcaoco said. The BPI App is now available for download on the App Store and on Google Play <link to: https://bpi.onelink.me/Lrdg/appstore>.

PHINMA’s making lives better businesses yield P17.7B consolidated revenue in 2022

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Proudly Filipino conglomerate PHINMA Corporation (PSE: PHN) continued its strong topline growth, closing 2022 with consolidated revenue of ₱17.7 billion, up 10% from last year. Consolidated income was ₱1.5 billion, down by 18% due to factors including higher raw materials costs driven by global supply chain disruptions, a strong US Dollar, and increased education costs due to a revision in school opening schedules.

“PHINMA’s 2022 results highlight our successes in providing quality, accessible services for Filipino families through our education, construction materials, property devel-

opment, and hospitality businesses. As our businesses grow and maintain their upward momentum, we remain steadfast to our mission of improving access to the essentials of a dignified life for families in the communities we serve,” said PHINMA President and COO Chito B. Salazar.

PHINMA Education Holdings, Inc. (PHINMA Education) became the country’s largest private education network as it welcomed 124,501 students for SY 2022-23, marking a 30% increase in annual enrollment. PHINMA Education owns 9 colleges and universities nationwide. This resulted in consolidated revenue of ₱4.1 billion for the

period January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022, an increase of 11% over the previous year. Net income during the period, however, was ₱633 million, a decrease from ₱839 million for the previous year, due to a revision in the school opening schedules, reflecting 9 months of regular semester for 2022 as compared to eleven months in 2021.

PHINMA Construction Materials Group (CMG), composed of Union Galvasteel Corporation (UGC), Philcement Corporation, and PHINMA Solar Corporation (PHINMA Solar), achieved an increase of 9% in revenue over the previous year with combined revenues of ₱13.2 billion

for 2022. Net income for the construction group of ₱494.9 million for 2022 was however lower than P902 million posted in the previous year due to abnormally higher input costs amidst global supply chain issues and a strong US Dollar.

From affiliates PHINMA Property Holdings Corp. (PHINMA Properties) and Coral Way City Hotel Corporation (Coral Way), PHN equitized net income of ₱58 million in 2022, an increase over ₱32.9 million equitized in the previous year.

PHINMA Corporation ended the period with cash and cash equivalents of ₱3.4 billion. Consolidated Total Assets and Total Stockholders’ Equity at December 31, 2022 stood at ₱32.0 billion and ₱11.1 billion, respectively.

PHINMA Corporation declared regular cash dividends equivalent to ₱0.60 per share payable on April 5, 2023 to shareholders on record as of March 22, 2023.

“When we say we want to make lives better, we mean it. These numbers not only show a healthy company with a robust growth trajectory but also translate into impact that we make in the communities we serve as well as on a growing number of Filipino families whose lives we’ve made better. Add to this the impressive turnout of our scholarships and other strategic outreach programs such as Brigada Eskwela and 1PHINMA Reaches Out, and we are even prouder of what we have accomplished in 2022,” said PHIN-

MA Chairman and CEO Ramon R. del Rosario, Jr.

Last September, the PHINMA Group mobilized over 800 employees, scholars, and their families to help with Brigada Eskwela, the Department of Education’s annual school improvement initiative, benefitting 40 public schools across the country. In November, as part of the company’s 66th anniversary, some 1,300 volunteers once again gave their time and talent in various 1PHINMA Reaches Out activities, which ranged from bloodletting, tree-planting, and coastal and river clean-up drives.

In 2022, 47 deserving students were inducted into the PHINMA National Scholarship (PNS) program. With this recent addition, the program now nurtures 99 scholars from Philippine Normal University, University of the Philippines, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, and PHINMA University of Pangasinan. As these scholars complete their tertiary education, they will add to PNS’ growing list of alumni which currently numbers 252. More significant to note is the fact that the PHINMA Education network supports the schooling of about 60% of its student population with the Hawak Kamay scholarship, which reduces tuition by up to 75%, based on the student’s capacity to pay. Hawak Kamay boasts of at least 74,000 beneficiaries, making it the single largest private sector-driven scholarship program in the country today.

Photo shows (from left): TG Limcaoco, BPI President and CEO; Mariana Zobel de Ayala, BPI Consumer Bank Marketing, Platforms, and Digital Activation Head; Ginbee Go, BPI Executive Vice President and Consumer Banking Head; and, Fitz Chee, BPI Platforms Business Head

Cargill Philippines to host Animal Nutrition Summit

Manila, Philippines — Global food and agriculture company Cargill today announced it will host the Animal Nutrition Summit this April 26 at Solaire Resort and Casino. Committed to creating connections in support of the future of the swine industry, Cargill will bring together global and local animal nutrition experts, swine farmers, and industry partners to discuss market outlook, perspectives, and greatest opportunities in navigating the swine business, particu-

larly pertaining to the Philippine market.

“At Cargill, we are focused on driving success for our customers and enabling a brighter and more secure future for the swine industry. Our Animal Nutrition Summit provides an avenue for us to connect farmers, producers, customers and consumers, and partner with them to build and advance the growth ambitions of the Filipino hog industry,” shared Sonny Catacutan,

COVID... FROM 2 DAVAO... FROM 2

Week celebration where most of the people are not wearing face masks and not observing the social distancing protocol.

“Since maraming hindi nag wear ng masks during Holy Week at walang social distancing so we would expect transmission within the family,” she said.

When asked if there is a need to adjust the safety measures like the mandatory wearing of face masks, she reminded that the city is adopting the Executive Order earlier issued by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr’s Executive Order No. 03, dated September 12, 2022, which provides the guidelines allowing the voluntary wearing of face masks in outdoor settings and reiterates the continued implementation of the minimum public health standards during the state of Public Health Emergency relative to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The said EO 43 allows the voluntary wearing of face masks in open spaces and non-crowded outdoor areas with good ventilation, provided that non-fully-vaccinated individuals, senior citizens, and immunocompromised individuals are highly encouraged to wear their masks, and physical distancing will be observed at all times.

Meanwhile, based on the Regional Situation Update on Covid-19 in the Davao Region of the Department of Health-Davao Region, as of April 10, 2023 healthcare utilization showed regional hospital capacity: 31.1% non-ICU bed use and 40.4% ICU bed use.

There were 3,353,240 individuals or 88.3% of the target population in the Davao Region were fully vaccinated as of March 6, 2023.

There were also 223 new cases recorded in the past week, April 3 to 9, 2023, which is lower by 1.33% compared to the cases reported last March 27 to April 2, 2023.

Five actual death cases recorded in the past seven days and 11 cases were newly verified deaths recorded in the database.

US... FROM 5

material and equipment without our consent,” it read.

“A full-fledged nuclear cooperation partnership can lead to political and economic ties lasting as long as 100 years and can be the catalyst for cooperation on other foreign policy issues.”

In January, US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson said that the two traditional allies are set to begin consultations on the drafting of its 123 agreement “including the export of nuclear technology.”

As of 2022, the US has forged civil nuclear agreements with 23 states, including Canada, China, Japan, Mexico, Russia, South Korea, Switzerland, United Kingdom, among others.

Country President of Cargill Philippines and Managing Director for Cargill’s animal nutrition business.

With the theme “Feeding the Future,” the summit will open and connect discussions on the local swine market and feature a lineup of speakers who will cover topics highlighting the importance of an integrated approach to addressing the industry’s current biggest challenge, the African Swine Fever (ASF), and strengthening ASF re-

REP... FROM 3

portance of getting checked for possible treatment after an animal bite or scratch, as the anti-rabies dose to be given will depend on the status of the animal.

After being injured, do not let the wound bleed as it would deepen the wound and it will be more prone to infection. The wound should not be covered by anything to allow it to heal quickly.

The center provides vaccines to its patients, and those with Philhealth ID or MDR can avail of a zero balance, while minimal injection fees apply for those without.

The Animal Bite Treatment Center, according to him, does not only cater to dog and pet bites but also bites from other animals with rabies, such as horses, cows, goats, and hogs.

However, the center does not cater to snake bites as they don’t have anti-venom, which is only available in hospitals.

Upon consultation at the Animal Bite Treatment Center, patients need to present an ID or a birth certificate for registration.

“Kung duna’y Philhealth ID or MDR, pwede dal-on kay magamit ngadto. Ma-zero balance na, wala na sya’y bayaran. Kung wala, duna’y minimal injection fees lang just to cover operational expenses. Atong bakuna libre gyud na sya, free of charge (If you have a Philhealth ID or MDR, you can bring it to avail of zero balance. Otherwise, there will be minimal injection fees just to cover operational expenses. Our vaccine is free of charge),” Culas added.

NEW...

FROM 4 missioning of small and large solar projects.

“As an industry, we need to make sure that there is proper certification for installers, with the government ensuring there are certification procedures in the qualification of solar installations. We hope our partnership will pave the way for these procedures. This is the perfect opportunity to not only help our customers, but also help accelerate the development of the solar industry in the Philippines,” he added.

BPI... FROM 5

The new app also boosts the bank’s “phygital” approach by giving consumers more banking options, may it be through physical branches or online, said BPI Head of Consumer Banking Ginbee Go.

Other features which will be launched soon include mobile check deposit, real-time bill payment, cash withdrawal via QR and more, the bank said.

BPI said consumers don’t need to delete their old app yet

covery efforts. The Animal Nutrition Summit is co-presented by the country’s two major hog farmer organizations, the National Federation of Hog Farmers, Inc. (NatFed) and the Pork Producers Federation of the Philippines, Inc. (ProPork). It serves as the welcome event to the National Hog Convention and Trade Exhibit which will run from April 27 to 29 at the SMX Convention Center.

At its core, Cargill is com-

tion over the specific areas of land where the raw water was sourced.

Duterte and Yap also stated that various government agencies are battling this recurring water and sanitation [crises] and there is a need now more than ever to consolidate efforts to avoid duplication of functions, improve public service delivery, and prudently manage limited government resources to address this pressing concern.

The creation of the DWR, ac-

DCPO... FROM 2

Dela Rey said that the award boosts the morale of the CECU as it is the national office that appreciated their effort.

“Makaboost siya sa morale, especially sa atong EOD Unit nga natagaan ug appreciation sa ilahang trabaho. Nakita sa national headquarters ang among effort sa mga big events, since zero incidents gyud ang Davao City– na appreciate nila. Mas makahatag ni sa amoa og inspiration and encouragement to be committed to our service to Davao City. (This award gives a boost to our morale, especially to our EOD Unit as their work was given appreciation. The national government saw our efforts in the big events since we have zero incidents here in Davao and they appreciated that. This award will give more inspiration and encouragement to be committed to our service in Davao City)” Dela Rey said.

Davao City was able to win over the other three finalists: Cebu CECU, Baguio CECU and Cotabato CECU. A total of 25 CECUs all over the Philippines vied for the Best City Explosive Ordinance and Canine Unit award. CIO

SURIGAO... FROM 4

our families but with the support of the DA-PRDP, we were able to increase our production and sustain the demands for seaweeds in the market,” said Bonifacio Bughao, the PUGAW manager.

In the past, he said the organization could only manage to earn around Php73,000 in annual income.

“(However), with the support of the DA-PRDP, we were able to increase our income from seaweed production. In February 2023 alone, our earnings increased to PHP553,450,” Bughao said.

but those who would like to use the new app can download and follow the guidelines on its social media pages.

The app is available for download on Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

mitted to nourishing the world safely, responsibly, and sustainably and has been helping Filipino farmers and communities thrive. As Cargill gears up for its 75th anniversary celebration in the Philippines, it remains true to being the trusted pork nutrition partner that brings a world of solutions delivered locally and finds value-creation opportunities to maximize animal performance and improve farm productivity.

BULLS... FROM 11

cording to Rep. Pulong, is crucial for preventing water and sanitation crises as well as for ensuring that all stakeholders are on the same page in order to ensure the efficient management of the nation’s water resources.

He said that improving water supply is not only about delivering it to consumers, but also to the agricultural sector, which the government is committed to supporting to ensure food security.

Rep. Pulong also noted that effective management of water resources is a critical factor in protecting the health of Filipinos by ensuring that they have access to clean drinking water.

The authors mentioned the research of a global non-profit organization, water. org, which stated that more than three million people in the country depend on unsafe and unsustainable water sources, while seven million lack sanitation.

The creation of the DWR aims to ensure that the lead agency is at the forefront of identifying, planning, monitoring and managing the effective use of the country’s water resources.

Meanwhile, HB 3727 also seeks to create the WRC and its regulatory units under the DWR to oversee the functions and responsibilities of all water service providers. The WRC is authorized, among other powers, to impose and collect annual levies, fees, and surcharges on licensed water supply and sanitation services.

According to the bill, DWR will provide administrative control of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS), National Irrigation Authority (NIA) and Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA). The Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) will be transferred from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to the DWR.

The bill also mandated that the functions and personnel of the National Water Resources Board (NWRB), and other boards, offices, divisions, bureaus, and programs related to the management, planning, surveying, and monitoring of water resources shall be subsumed under the DWR.

EMPLOYERS... FROM 4

no workers is unable to keep up with the rising cost of living.”

The group estimated that because of the inflation, the family living wage or the adequate income to raise a family of 5 in Metro Manila is now at P1,161 daily as of February 2023.

“The NCR daily nominal wage however is not even half (49.1 percent) of this, meaning there is a wage gap of 50.9 percent or P591,” the foundation said.

leet missed a 3 that would have tied the game.

Siakam’s driving dunk with 19 seconds left cut it to 105-104. After a timeout, LaVine pushed the lead to three with a pair of free throws. Caruso fouled Siakam on a 3 but the Raptors star missed his second and third attempts.

The Raptors led 28-23 after one and VanVleet connected on a halfcourt heave at the halftime buzzer as Toronto extended its lead to 58-47.

VanVleet’s 3 with 9:09 left in the third gave Toronto a 19-point edge, but the Bulls shaved the gap and trailed 81-72 heading to the fourth.

DOING IT FOR DAD

DeRozan’s daughter sat in a courtside seat adjacent to the Chicago bench. Toronto was 8 for 14 at the line in the opening half.

BIR-... FROM 3

with the BIR every month and quarterly basis is what you call the scheme on how to pay taxes. Tayo na manggagawa, empleyado lahat tayo contributes to our taxes by way of withholding taxes,” Barbiran explained during Wednesdays at Habi at Kape media forum on Wednesday at Abreeza Mall.

Barbiran said District RDO 132 (BIR-Davao Region) was able to surpass the district’s goal of around P8 billion last year and contributed to the BIR’s overall goal of P2.34 trillion last year.

He explained that when setting a target revenue for this year, BIR just added 10 percent to the total collection from last year.

“The whole BIR is probably targeting P2.5 trillion this year and the region or district per se was able to collect P8 billion the target would be P8.8 billion or P8.9 billion. Our district is on the positive side and I think we can meet that and rounding off the P8.8 that would be around P9 billion, the target for this year,” he said.

Yasser Blo, revenue officer of the Revenue District Office 132 East Davao Revenue Region No. 19, said BIR-Davao Region has set up additional tax centers for the convenience of the taxpayers. Taxpayers can also pay via Gcash and drive-thrus in Victoria Plaza and Centro Spatial.

“We are making it convenient for you. BIR is going into digitalization also,” Barbiran said.

Barbiran urged those who have not yet filed to file early and not wait for the April 17 deadline.

“Ang tanging hiling namin sa mga taxpayers is to file early. Just a reminder that paying our taxes is not just a legal obligation but a civic duty as well. We always want to emphasize that our taxpayers are our partners in nation-building and we hope to continue being your partners in us providing service to all,” Blo said.

By Maya M. Padillo

Bulls topple Raptors, set up play-in vs Heat for No. 8 seed

TORONTO — Zach LaVine scored 39 points, DeMar DeRozan had 23 against his former team and the Chicago Bulls overcame a 19-point deficit to beat the Toronto Raptors, 109-105, in a play-in tournament game Wednesday night (Thursday, Manila time).

The Bulls will visit the Miami Heat on Friday night for the chance to earn the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference playoff bracket, and a first-round play-

off matchup with Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks.

See Lakers survive OT thriller vs Timberwolves to reach play-

offs as 7th seed Nikola Vucevic had 14 points and 13 rebounds for the Bulls, who trailed 66-47 in the third quarter but took the lead by making four of seven attempts from 3-point range in the fourth. Chicago shot 3 for 19 from distance through the first three quarters.

Fred Van.Vleet had 26 points and 12 rebounds and Pascal Siakam scored 32 points, but Toronto’s season ended in dis-

FRED C. LUMBA SPORTS KEN

I’m deeply sorry if you missed my piece yesterday. My internet failed me, huhuhu.

I’m making up with this should my pogi editor wills it. Lol.

After TNT squared the best of seven series to 1-all Wednesday, are you not convinced, as I am, that Rondae Hollis Jefferson can indeed make things beautiful for coach Jolas? Watch out for more bodies banging in Game 3 of the PBA Govs Cup..

Didn’t I tell you that limiting JB’s production can tilt the game

in TNT’s favor?

The Tropang Giga did just that and boy, did they go home triumphantly.

Wow, RHJ, that guy was simply a “superman”! He was all over the place - shooting twos, passing adroitly, playing decoy, making follow ups, battling for offensive rebounds. stealing and intimidating them all.

Conversely, Justin Brownlee, the resident champion import of Brgy. Ginebra, was a pitiful sight as he could not get away from the tight guarding employed by Jolas and his dep-

uties.

appointment as the Raptors — with DeRozan’s daughter, Diar, screaming when they shot — went a dismal 18 for 36 at the free throw line. Toronto missed six attempts from the line in the fourth quarter.

Scottie Barnes had 19 points and 10 rebounds for the Raptors, and O.G. Anunoby scored 13 points.

Chicago’s Alex Caruso connected from the corner to tie the

GAME 3 A 50/50

Told you, going back to the drawing boards is always helpful.

RHJ kept everybody on the edge of their seats as he flirted with a triple double - 23 PTS., 19 rebounds and 9 assists.

Mikey Williams also shone with 21 and RR Pogoy with 17 to stave off a spirited but aborted Ginebra rally.

A pivotal 13-2 spree sparked by Pogoy’s three in the last 4:31 all but closed out any hope of a Gin redemption.

Brownlee was held to just 12

pts., (3 of 16 FGs), 10 rebounds and 8 assists, a conference low.

TNT never trailed since the jumpball, posting a 41-25 bubble at one point.

The coaching tutorial Jolas got in Game 1 did him good.

Now, the shoe is on the other foot.

Tim Cone for sure wouldn’t be too happy to suffer another licking from his former deputy.

I think RHJ wants to get that Best Import award badly.

Of course, given the choice he would rather that TNT takes the championship trophy as the

score at 91-all with 7:08 left in the fourth quarter and Patrick Beverley’s 3 with 5:07 remaining gave the Bulls a 96-93 lead. It was Beverley’s first basket of the game.

VanVleet’s 3 with 3:11 to go knotted it again at 100-all, but LaVine and DeRozan replied with baskets for the Bulls.

Barnes and Siakam each made one of two at the line inside the final two minutes, and VanV-

victory can be ascribed to his yeoman skills and prowess. Is it time for Japhet to suit up?

The scores:

TNT 95 - Hopllis Jefferson 23, M. Williams 21, Pogoy 17, Oftana 14, Khobuntin 8, Castro 8, Erram 4, Montalbo, Marcelo, Garuelas Rosser 0. Brgy. Ginebra 82 - Standhardinger 29, Malonzo 17, Thompson 16, Brownlee 12, Pingle 5, Gray 3, Pinto, David, Mariano 0.

Quarters: 17-16; 51-39; 6764, 95-82.

FBULLS, P10

DeMar DeRozan had 23 against his former team

KINGS ANEW

Jose Maria College punches ticket to PCCL Mindanao Finals

The Kings are Kings.

Jose Maria College solidified its reign as Davao City’s premier collegiate basketball squad after ruling the 2023 Philippine Collegiate Champions League-Escandor Cup on Thursday.

The Kings came from behind to turn back the challenge of Holy Cross of Davao Crusaders 85-79 in the finals before delirious fans that packed the Davao City Recreation Center in anticipation of a battle royale between the two evenly-matched sides. The win also meant punching a ticket to the first stage of the tough journey to the Nationals.

The next stage is the PCCL Mindanao Finals which is set on April 26-30 also at the facility that used be known as Almendras Gym, Davao’s hoops mecca.

Both the Kings and the Crusaders will make it to the

Mindanao joust with third placer Rizal Memorial Colleges who caught the last bus with a 92-91 squeaker of the multi-titled University of Mindanao Wildcats.

They will go up against the best collegiate teams from Cagayan de Oro, Zamboanga, and General Santos for the right to be crowned Mindanao champions and a spot in the VisMin Finals where teams from Mindanao and the Visayas will battle it out for a berth in the Nationals.

Samahang Basketball ng PIlipinas regional chief Glenn Escandor awarded the trophy and medals to the champions. (NJB)

Samahang Basketball ng PIlipinas regional chief Glenn Escandor (third from left, standing) awarded the trophy and medals to the champions.