Edge Davao Vol. 15 Issue 315 | Wednesday, April 26, 2023

COVID-19 ALERT

4 provinces in Davao Region placed under Alert Level 2, Davao City on Alert Level 1

By MAYA M. PADILLO

The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) on Sunday placed four provinces in the Davao Region under Alert Level 2 from April 15 to 30, 2023 as part of the Covid-19 response.

The four provinces placed on Alert Level 2 are Davao de Oro, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, and Davao Occidental.

Other areas placed under Alert Level 2 are Benguet, Ifugao, Quezon Province, Palawan, Camarines Norte, Masbate, Antique, Negros Occidental, Bohol, Cebu Province, Negros Oriental, Leyte, Western Samar, Lanao del Norte, North Cotabato, Sarangani, Sultan Kudarat, Dinagat

Islands, Basilan, Maguindanao, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi.

Under Alert Level 2, certain establishments and activities are allowed at 50% capacity indoors for fully vaccinated adults (and minors, even if unvaccinated), and 70% capacity outdoors.

The Department of Health (DOH), which oversees the IATF, emphasized in a statement on Sunday that the alert level for the said provinces and cities was

Public awareness on organ donation pushed in Davao

More should be done to create public awareness on organ donation and help patients extend their lives, a government physician here said Monday.

your family will agree to it,” she said.

not raised from Alert Level 1. It also said that these have maintained their Alert Level 2 status since June 2022.

Meanwhile, City Health Office (CHO) officer-in-charge Dr. Marjorie Culas said on Monday that the city is still under Alert Level 1 from April 16-30, 2023.

Under Alert Level 1, intrazonal and interzonal travels shall be allowed without regard to age and comorbidities; all establishments, persons, or activities, are allowed to operate, work, or be undertaken on full on-site or venue/seating capacity provided that it is consistent with the minimum public health

FCOVID-19, P6

CSWDO distributes add’l aid to Matina Aplaya fire victims

The City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) distributed on Monday additional food and non-food assistance to victims of the April 21 Dumalag fire.

CSWDO Officer-In-Charge

Julie P. Dayaday, in an interview with the City Information Office, said that on Monday, more food and non-food items were distributed to the fire victims and were given along with assistance from

the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Office of Senator Bong Go at the Shanghai Gym where the fire victims are currently staying.

The distribution is in addition to the hygiene kits, mobile kitchen, and modular tents provided by the city government immediately after the fire.

“Maghatag ta og food and nonfood assistance sa ilaha, validated naman 31 ang totally damaged nato,

apil na na diha tanan apil na ang renter, sharer (We will be giving food and non-food assistance to them, we already finished our validation there are 31 damaged houses, the [victims] already includes the renters and the sharers),” she said. She said that in all there are 62 families affected and 185 individuals/dependents. Out of the 62 families, 31 are house owners, 14 are renters, 15 are sharers and two are boarders.

Dr. Ma. Theresa Bad-ang, nephrologist and head of the Southern Philippines Medical Center-Human Advocate and Retrieval Effort, however, said that “people inside the hospital” should be the first to know everything about organ donation.

“Organ donation should be known first thoroughly by doctors and nurses in the hospital before the public so that it will succeed,” Bad-ang said, adding organ donation should only be done following the consent of a family member of a “braindead” patient.

“We cannot do organ donation if the patient is not dead. The public should know that when you are brain-dead, you are legally dead, and you can donate your organs as long as

Bad-ang underscored the role of the media to boost organ donation, describing the press as “a powerful tool” for people to support the campaign.

“We want to educate them because they are our partners. Without them, people will have a difficult time understanding the benefits of organ donation,” she said.

She assured donors that their bodies will not be “desecrated or mutilated” and instead be treated with “utmost care.”

She also urged the people who have signed up for organ donation to inform their families, especially those who are driver’s license holders, that they are donors.

Bad-ang said that on average, they are able to identify at least 30 donors every month.

The primary challenge, however, is getting the families to give consent. (PNA)

338 Davao Oriental farmers receive P2.7-M fertilizer vouchers from DA

The Department of Agriculture in the Davao Region distributed on Monday PHP2.7 million worth of fertilizer discount vouchers (FDVs) to 338 farmers in Cateel town, Davao Oriental province.

“Farmers will use the FDVs valued at PHP6,600 per hectare to claim the fertilizer. However, they can only receive a maximum of PHP13,200 worth of FDV to cover two hectares of rice area,” Jacinto Macoy, Jr. DA-11 rice program focal person, said in a statement.

Macoy said Cateel farmers can claim their fertilizers through an accredited merchant, the Bacphil

Planters Fertilizers Corporation.

“The FDVs should be claimed not later than April 30 as they can no longer be used beyond that date,” he added.

The DA-11 rice program has a total budget allocation of PHP87 million worth of FDVs for 9,945 rice farmers in the region. As of April 24, the agency has released a total of PHP35 million for the assistance which is equivalent to 4,237 FDVs.

Apart from vouchers, DA-11 has also been providing input subsidies to rice farmers such as seeds, fertilizer, training, and cash assistance, to improve their production. (PNA)

Davao City

First Congressional District Representative Paolo Duterte provides relief assistance to over 60 families affected by a recent fire in Punta Dumalag 1, Barangay Matina Aplaya on April 21, 2023. Lean Daval Jr.

Bago Aplaya-Tulip Drive segment of Davao coastal road to open in May

By MAYA M. PADILLO

Dean Ortiz, spokesperson of the Department of Public Works and Highways 11 (DPWH 11), revealed on Monday that DPWH 11 is seeking to open the first segment of the Davao City Coastal Road from Bago Aplaya to Tulip Drive section by end of May this year.

“Paningkamutan sa ahensya sa DPWH na maabrihan gyud ang first segment gikan sa Bago Aplaya padulong Tulip Drive na section sa Davao City Coastal Road by the end of May this year. Mao na ang maayong balita para sa mga atong kaubang Dabawenyo. Kay sa karon humana na kung kana nga segment ang atong istoryahan, humana ang dalan so ang ginahulat na lang gyud nato karon is ang completion sa tulay,” Ortiz said over Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR) on Monday.

Ortiz said that based on their inspection conducted last week, approaches and the railings for the bridge are the only ones that are being working on.

He also said the segment will serve its purpose as a bypass road going to the other side of the city.

“Ang pinakadako na trabahuon is kaning Bucana-Matina (Times Beach) na tulay. Karon ang approaches niya naa na ug ang mismong structure na lang ang buhaton,” he said.

DPWH has started working on the second segment of the coastal road from Tulip Drive to Roxas Avenue.

Ortiz said DPWH 11 has started demolishing big structures on Roxas Avenue following the

settlement of the Right-of-Way (ROW) acquisitions.

“Karon nagsugod na ug demolish sa dagko na building didto kay na settle na nato ang Right-ofWay acquisition and road widening na sad ang mahitabo,” he said.

The 17.33-kilometer coastal road project will cover Bago Aplaya to R. Castillo Street. Its construction started in 2017 and has faced delays due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Ang timeline gyud ani is 2024 given na wala pay bridge sa Bucana seguro masibog sibog gamay ang timeline for completion,” Ortiz said.

The project stretches from the Toril district in the southwestern part of Davao City to the downtown area.

The coastal road is intended to provide an alternative route to the Pan-Philippine Highway in the southern part of the city, which has been experiencing heavy traffic congestion.

Rep. Pulong sends aid to fire victims in Dumalag 1

The Office of First Congressional District Representative Paolo “Pulong” Duterte extended relief assistance to over 60 families affected by a recent fire and currently taking shelter at Shanghai Gym, Matina Aplaya, Davao City.

The victims received meals on April 21, 2023 and food packs the following day. They were also provided with hot meals in the next five days.

Davao City Fire District Station spokesperson Senior Fire Officer 4 (SFO4) Ramil Gillado, said the fire, which gutted down some 40 houses in Punta Dumalag 1, Barangay Matina Aplaya on April 21, 2023, started at around 10 a.m. in the house of a certain Ronald Magpatoc.

The initial investigation pointed to children playing with a cigarette lighter. The fire quickly spread to the closest neighborhood, where most houses are made of light materials.

Rep. Pulong’s office has been providing immediate assistance and food packs to the district’s constituents and other residents in the city affected by man-made and natural calamities.

In February this year, the Office of First Congressional District provided immediate aid to roughly 2,000 households affected by fire in Davao City. Rep. Pulong’s staff also delivered emergency food kits.

By Maya M. Padillo

Department of Agriculture 11 supervising agriculturist Melinda Rubillano promotes during this week’s PEP Talks at SM Lanang Premier in Davao City the Filipino food month celebration dubbed “Buwan ng Kalutong Pilipino,” which aims to preserve the country’s traditional food. Lean Daval Jr.

In expressing his full support for Filipino athletes competing in the 32nd Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia:

MOSES

GARAY DELIGERO

MAYA M.

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

GREGORIO

Editorial Consultant

“Nandirito po ako to support. Being a sports enthusiast, noon pa talagang mahilig na po ako sa sports. And that’s one way of encouraging the youth to get into sports and stay away from drugs. Isa po ito sa pamamaraan na ilayo po natin ang ating mga kabataan sa iligal na droga. Get into sports, stay away from drugs, and keep them healthy and fit.”

Senator CHRISTOPHER “BONG” GO

The new Lawyer’s Oath mandates that a member of the bar “shall do no falsehood nor shall pervert the law to unjustly favor or prejudice anyone” and “ shall faithfully discharge the duties and responsibilities to the best of ability, with integrity and utmost civility.”

This should be a reminder to the 3,992 law graduates who successfully passed the 2022 Bar exams that the profession is a privilege burdened with conditions bestowed by law through the Supreme Court.

Bar membership may be withdrawn due to the lawyer’s lack of essential qualifications including honesty, fidelity, and integrity as enshrined in the lawyer’s oath.

The results of the November 2022 Bar Exams were released last April 14, 2023 where successful examinees comprise 43.47% of 9,183 takers.

Ultimately, being a good lawyer is a different thing as passing the bar is not enough. It is never the measure of the decency, honesty, integrity and intelligence of a lawyer.

The Supreme Court issued last January five decisions on

DISCIPLINARY PROCEEDINGS AS MEANS OF PROTECTING THE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE

disciplinary proceedings filed against lawyers, of whom three were disbarred from practice while the other two were suspended.

Disciplinary proceedings are means of protecting the administration of justice by requiring those who carry out important function in the judicial system to be competent, honorable and reliable men in whom courts and clients may repose confidence.

The primary purposes of disciplinary proceedings are to protect the public, to foster public confidence in the Bar, to preserve the integrity of the profession, and to deter other lawyers from similar misconduct.

Erring lawyers may be penalized either by suspension or disbarment for any violation of the oath, a patent disregard of one’s duties, or an odious deportment unbecoming of an attorney.

Disbarment is imposed where the misconduct and unrepentant demeanor shows a serious flaw in his character and the outright defiance of established norms.

In Artates vs Atty. Meinrado Enrique Bello ( A.C. No. 13466 January 11 2023), the lawyer was given a six month suspen-

sion after he failed to inform complainant of the unfavorable decision issued by the Labor Arbiter. His negligence caused material damage to complainant as she was precluded from perfecting her appeal before the National Labor Relations Commission.

In Dayos vs Atty. Grace Buri (A.C. No. 13504 January 31, 2023), the lawyer was disbarred on her third disciplinary proceedings as the Court noted “ her penchant for violating the provisions of the Code of Professional Responsibility” and ” her cold indifference to the values a lawyer ought to live by as a requisite for her continued membership in the Bar“.

In her first case, Buri refused to pay her monetary obligation of P200,000.00, representing the balance of the purchase price of the condominium unit she bought from the vendor and whom she even threatened with criminal cases for demanding payment from her.

In her second case), Buri failed to file the petition for nullity of marriage despite receipt of the amount of P188,000 as professional fees.

FRED C. LUMBA SPECKS OF LIFE

“I learned that courage was not the absence of fear but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid but he who conquers that fear.” - NICCOLO MACHIAVELLI.

*******

The on-going civil war in Sudan is violent and barbaric. The forces involved do not care about the wastage in human life for as long as they see themselves winning and defeating their opponent.

According to news reports, there are around 6,000 Pinoy workers earning their bread and butter in this African country who need to be taken back home while the conflict has not yet reached incalculable proportions.

Days before violent clashes erupted between the armies of the two warlords fighting for supremacy, there were global news coming out that a civil conflict is soon to break out in Sudan any moment.

Foreign embassies have since

been evacuating their respective personnel out of Khartoum, the Sudanese capital. However, in the case of Pinoy workers, there was no news yet about repatriating them until one OFW was reported hurt in a violent episode.

This slow government reaction to critical incidents involving the physical safety of OFWs in Sudan is not the first and only time where our embassies and consulates in conflict torn areas have been found wanting. The lethargic response to critical emergencies smacks of the capability of the officials and staff whose sworn duty is to protect Filipino citizens in their areas of assignment and jurisdiction.

The Philippine embassies in Israel and terror-stricken countries in the Middle East should now be on the alert as the mass citizen hysteria in these areas has risen to alarming proportions.

And so does the situation in Taiwan where the political situation appears more critical then ever as rumors about China’s imminent annexation of this island

In her third case, Buri failed to file the appeal as agreed upon despite her receipt of the amount representing the appeal bond.

In Jumalon vs. Atty. Elmer dela Rosa (A.C. No. 9288 January 31, 2023), a disbarred lawyer sold the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program-awarded property received by the complainant’s deceased husband without their knowledge. He also failed to account all the money and property and keep the clients’ funds separate and apart from those of his own. He was adjudged to be ineligible for judicial clemency.

The Court reminds the members of the Bar that once they take up the cause of their clients, they are duty bound to serve these clients with competence, and to attend to their cause with diligence, care, and devotion regardless of whether the lawyers accepted the cases for a fee or for free.

A lawyer must at no time be wanting in probity and moral fiber, which are not only conditions precedent to his entrance to the Bar, but are likewise essential demands for his or her

OFW CRISIS REPATRIATION

the PROC claim to be its province grow stronger in decibel levels.

Military exercises in both the PROC and Taiwan’s armed services are continuing which indicate eerie rumblings that only their respective higher authorities can decipher at this time.

Taiwanese citizens are now being taught to handle firearms.

But the simultaneous drills conducted by US and AFP personnel in conjunction with the EDCA appear to help fuel the fear that war between the US and China is imminent.

Until this writing, there are no categorical plans laid out yet on the ABCs of OFW repatriation in Taiwan. Press reports reaching us say there are some 600,000 Pinoys holding jobs in many factories in Taipei and elsewhere in Taiwan.

MECO chief Silvestre Bello III, the former DOLE secretary in the Duterte cabinet, assures us that they are ready to evacuate our countrymen safe to the Philippines in case.

Curiously, we hope the incum-

bent government has a firm grip of the circumstances - however volatile - happening around the globe.

We were one of those surprised on the huge protest rallies occuring in several parts of Israel - including Jerusalem and Tel Aviv - a situation we believe is kept under control because the former PM Benjamin Netanyahu is back in command of the government.

There is an unceasing rocket and missile bombardment coming from Gaza and Lebanon into Israeli settlements believed to be with the instruction and support of the Iranian Ayatollah-led government.

If this is any indication, shouldn’t the Philippine embassy in Israel properly advise OFWs thereat to always be on the ready as the hostility of the Arabs and oher Islamic organizations will never stop?

An OFW friend of mine who spent 3 years in Israel as a caregiver said Pinoy workers don’t worry so much about the pocket resistance and militant activities

continued membership in it.

Of the 2022 bar exam top 30, eleven were from University of the Philippines (UP),

Among the group of biggest schools or those with over 100 takers, ADMU had the highest passing rate at 96.74 percent, followed by San Beda at 96.67 percent, UP at 94.27 percent, USC at 91.43 percent, and the University of Santo Tomas at 78.09 percent.

The highest passing rate was the 1954 Bar, where 75.17% passed.

The lowest was in 1999 with 16.59% with a total number of 660 successful examinees. My bar buddy and former solicitor general Florin Hilbay was the topnotcher.

Lawyers, as professionals, are expected to uphold the ethical and moral values that are said to be essential to the fabric that holds society together.

(Peyups is the moniker of University of the Philippines. Atty. Dennis R. Gorecho heads the seafarers’ division of the Sapalo Velez Bundang Bulilan law offices. For comments, e-mail info@sapalovelez.com, or call 09175025808 or 09088665786.)

of anti-Israel groups.

He said the IDF and the Israeli police are very well prepared and well trained to combat even the guerilla tactics of suicidal Islamic militants who carry out hits even in public places.

But then again, in the case of Sudan, none of us perhaps knew beforehand that a civil war will eventually break out between two former friends and allies who are both hungry for power.

On advice from the UN and the diplomatic intervention of the US, a three-day truce was agreed upon.

More than 350 people - including civilians and innocent children - have died and scores more have been injured.

Let us hope the OFWs will see this as a golden opportunity to be repatriated home safe in the arms of their welcoming families.

This world is not getting any peaceful.

‘Aanhin pa ang damo kung patay na ang kabayo?’ (Email feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.)

GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!

ATTY. DENNIS R. GORECHO KUWENTONG PEYUPS

SIM card registration extended for 90 days

Theregistration for the subscriber identity module (SIM) cards will be extended for another 90 days or until July 25, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla announced on Tuesday.

However, after the April 26 deadline, subscribers will have limited access to services until they finally register.

“Most of the services will be cut off with the telcos (telecommunications companies). So, there will be a social media unavailability for those who do not register in the next 90 days,” Remulla said in an interview after attending a Cabinet cluster meeting.

Senator Grace Poe, meanwhile, called for a boost in information dissemination of Republic Act (RA) 11934 or the SIM Registration Act now that the deadline has been extended.

Poe, who chairs the Senate Committee on Public Services,

said the extension would help clarify the confusion and concerns of registrants regarding the law.

“It should be emphasized that SIMs will still be available in local retailers and sari-sari stores even past the SIM Registration deadline. Users will simply be required to register first before they can activate their new SIMs,” she said in a statement as she welcomed the decision to extend the registration.

“SIM registration was meant to promote the responsible use of SIM and to halt the abuses of scammers and criminals. It is not meant to punish legitimate SIM subscribers, especially those at remote areas.”

She recalled that when the bill on SIM registration was under deliberation, lawmakers considered the compliance of the more than 168 million SIM subscribers and had foreseen the need to extend the registration period to accommodate all users.

Poe was the bill’s sponsor in the Senate.

As of April 23, National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) data show that about 82,845,397, or 49.31 percent of SIM cards have been registered.

The breakdown is as follows:

DITO: 5,796,175 or 38.73 percent Globe: 37,099,437 or 42.77 percent SMART: 39,949,785 or 60.25 percent

Poe reiterated her call to FSIM, A4

2024 budget estimate out by 2nd week of May: DBM

The estimate for the Philippine budget for 2024 is set to be finalized by the second week of May, with the bulk of the expenditure program allotted for the social services sector.

According to Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, the DBM has already asked government agencies and offices to submit their budget proposals by the end of the month.

“By May 7, or a little about the second week of May, we’ll have our more or less estimated budget,” she was quoted as saying in a statement released by the DBM.

“Our priorities are the same as this year. Of course, it’s aligned with our eight-point socioeconomic agenda and the Philippine Development Plan,” she added.

Pangandaman said the gov-

UnionBank nets P3.4B in Q1, up 30%

Union Bank of the Philippines saw its net income grow by a double-digit in the first quarter of 2023.

In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange on Tuesday, UnionBank reported a net income of P3.4 billion in the January to March period, up 30% year-on-year.

This is on the back of revenues which stood at P16.1 billion, up 57% year—on-year.

transactions.

Total assets as of March 31 stood at P1.1 trillion, up 30% year-on-year.

Net loans and receivables grew by 39% to P490 billion, while total deposits amounted to P692.9 billion, up 20% from a year earlier.

ernment is looking at retaining the same level of spending for the social services sector which accounts for 39% of the budget this year.

“We’ll have to look at their utilization also. With that sector, it will prioritize education; manpower development, including training of our workforce; health sector; and cash assistance to our marginalized

Net interest income also grew by 43% to P11.5 billion, fueled by the P3-billion contributions from its acquisition of Citi’s consumer business as well as strong loan growth across the bank’s businesses, namely CitySavings and UnionDigital.

Fees and other income grew by 82% year-on-year to P4.2 billion driven by fees from the growing digital and card-related

“The investments we made last year have exceeded our expectations. UnionDigital is already profitable after less than a year in operation. There is strong momentum in the acquired credit cards business from Citi. New-tobank card customers are at a record level,” said UnionBank president and CEO Edwin Bautista.

“Our infrastructure is ready for scale. We have sufficient capital coming from the recent stock rights offering to further grow our earning asset base,” said Bautista.

Subscribers gather at a registration counter of a telecommunications company outlet inside a mall in Davao City in this undated photo. The Department of Justice (DOJ) has announced on Tuesday that the government has extended the period for mandatory SIM card registration for 90 days. Lean Daval Jr.

Gov’t conomic managers raise ‘23 inflation outlook

AboitizPower deals from Japan visit of Marcos gaining ground

AboitizPower president and chief executive officer Manny Rubio said on Monday the business partnerships the company forged during the official visit of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to Japan in February are making progress.

In a virtual media briefing, Rubio said JERA Co., Inc. targets to begin its ammonia co-fired power plant by 2030.

“JERA has made a commitment that by end of 2030, they will be firing 30 percent ammonia and then coal. And then (by) 2040, 2050, full ammonia firing,” he said.

During the official trip of Marcos in Japan last February, AboitizPower and JERA signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to explore “greener fuel”, such as the use of ammonia and hydrogen in power generation.

AboitizPower and JERA will be undertaking feasibility studies for this technology.

The power firm also inked

Economicmanagers have revised the government’s inflation assumption for this year as prices of basic goods, energy and transport rates remain on the rise given the same direction for oil prices.

deal with Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd., IKS Co., Ltd. and Amber Kinetics that will innovate the renewable energy sector.

“On the other hand, the one with Kawasaki, we’ve already stated that the parties will leverage their respective new generation technologies and expertise to optimize the use of renewable energy and the development of the renewable energy in the Philippines,” Rubio said.

He said Kawasaki has developed inverter control technology virtual synchronous generator (VSG), which mimics the operation characteristics of traditional condenser.

“The energy storage actually comes in much quicker than any conventional synchronous condenser to make sure that the lines of the grid remain stable,” he added.

These partnerships will help the company achieve its energy transition program and support the country’s renewable energy goals. (PNA)

In a briefing on Monday, Budget and Management Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, also head of the inter-agency Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC), said the latest inflation assumption for this year has been hiked to a range of 5 to 7 percent from 2.5 to 4.5 percent.

“Nevertheless, the government, through the Inter-Agency Committee on Inflation and Market Outlook (IAC-IMO), is committed to pursuing an all-of-government approach to continuously implement immediate and medium-term strategies to alleviate inflation, ensure food and energy security,

and return to the target range of 2-4 percent between 2024 and 2028,” she said.

The rate of price increases in the country slowed for the third consecutive month last March to 7.6 percent from 8.6 percent the previous month, and the 14-year high of 8.7 percent last January.

The average inflation in the first quarter this year stood at 8.3 percent, way above the government’s 2 to 4 percent target band until 2024.

Monetary authorities expect inflation to return to within-target levels in the last quarter of this year, with the average inflation forecast for this year at

6 percent.

The DBCC lowered its assumption for Dubai crude oil for this year to USD70-USD90 per barrel from USD80-USD100 per barrel which, Pangandaman said, was made in line with the latest easing of prices of oil in the international market.

“The latest forecasts suggest that global crude oil prices will continue to decline in 2024 before stabilizing at USD60-80 per barrel between 2025 and 2028 as the latest forecasts suggest falling global crude oil prices over the medium term,” she said.

Pangandaman said the assumption for the exchange rate for the Philippine peso and the US dollar this year was changed to 53 to 57 from 55 to 59, and this range is “expected to be maintained at the same level until 2028.”

FGOV’T, A4

Netflix to invest $2.5 billion in South Korean content

Netflix will invest $2.5 billion in South Korean content over the next four years, the streaming giant’s CEO Ted Sarandos announced after meeting with the country’s President Yoon Suk Yeol in Washington.

South Korea has cemented its status as a global cultural powerhouse in recent years, thanks in part to the explosive success of the Oscar-winning film “Parasite” and the hit Netflix series “Squid

Game”.

“Netflix is delighted to confirm that we will invest USD 2.5 billion in Korea including the creation of Korean series, films, and unscripted shows over the next four years,” Sarandos said in a statement.

“This investment plan is twice the total amount Netflix has invested in the Korean market since we started our service in Korea in 2016.”

Sarandos said that Netflix had “great confidence” that South Korea’s creative industry would continue to tell great stories, pointing to the recent success of global hits such as “The Glory” and the reality show “Physical 100”.

“It is incredible that the love towards Korean shows has led to a wider interest in Korea, thanks to the Korean creators’ compelling stories. Their stories are now

Mall goers queue in front of a cash-in machine at Abreeza Ayala Mall in Davao City on Tuesday. Cash-in machines like this are starting to pop-up in places where people converge as digital payments are fast gaining popularity in the city. Lean Daval Jr.

Do everything this summer with YOU Beauty

Summer in the Philippines is something that all Filipinos are looking forward to, it can be the time of the year where we can get to unwind, cool off from the heat and enjoy meaningful travels with family or friends. YOU Beauty shares how we can all enjoy this season without worrying the harmful effects from the sun.

Summer is the season where everyone enjoys their time outdoors, it is when everyone gets to spend time for leisurely adventures, may it be cooling down either at the beach or in the pool, appreciating the highland breeze by trekking on the mountain tops or taking advantage of the sunny weather to learn a new sport.

The dry season undeniably has a great and very noticeable effect on our skin. There is intensified heat that dehydrates our skin, sweat and pollution that clog our pores and cause impuri-

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Discover Winning Financial Services & Solutions with Palawan Pawnshop Group

Palawan Pawnshop Group, the leading pawnshop and remittance company in the Philippines, has been providing innovative and reliable financial services to Filipinos for 37 years. With its omnichannel approach, Palawan Pawnshop, Palawan Express Pera Padala, PalawanPay, and Palawan ProtekTODO provide a seamless and convenient experience to customers, whether they need to pawn their jewelry, transfer money, pay bills, or avail personal insurance.

According to Janice, a mom of three and a regular customer of Palawan Pawnshop Group, “Palagi ako sa Palawan Pawnshop nagsasangla dahil mataas ang appraisal ng mga alahas at mababa din ang interest. Bukod pa doon, nakakareceive rin ako ng text reminders kapag malapit na ang due date ko, nakakatulong talaga ito para mas mamanage ko ang aking finances”. (“I always choose Palawan Pawnshop because of their high appraisal value and low interest on my pawned jewelries. I also appreciate that they send text reminders for due dates, which helps me manage my finances better.”)

Palawan Pawnshop Group offers the best and winning solutions for any financial transaction or financial needs. Customers can pawn their jewelry with high appraisal value and avail of a very low-interest rate of as low as 1%, giving them the advantage of saving more. They have a tiered interest rate system with only 1% for a loan of 11 days, 2% for 22 days, and 3% for 33 days. The pawnshop also sends text reminders to customers

on their due and renewal dates, preventing them from incurring additional fees. Customers can also opt to renew their pawned items at any of the 3,300 Palawan Pawnshop branches nationwide.

“I recently started using PalawanPay for my online transactions, and it has significantly helped me in managing my finances. Napaka affordable ng cash-in fees nila and pinakanagustuhan ko is yung nakakapagpadala ako instantly ng pera sa aking pamilya sa probinsya at madali nila itong natatanggap sa pinakamalapit na Palawan Express Pera Padala branch,” says Roda, a call center agent, and a delighted PalawanPay user.

(“I recently started using PalawanPay for my online transactions, and it has significantly helped me in managing my finances. The cash-in fees are very affordable, and I love that I can instantly send money to my family in the province and they can easily cash out to the nearest Palawan Express Pera Padala branch.)”

PalawanPay is an innovative e-wallet that offers a more affordable cash-in fee, up to 53% lower than other e-wallets, and provides free cash-in every month for transactions up to P10,000. It also offers other features such as mobile e-loading, bills payment, and payments to authorized merchants using the QRPH code. PalawanPay facilitates seamless online and offline transactions, enabling users to send and receive money through their mobile devices or Palawan Express Pera Padala’s extensive network of over 10,000 branches and authorized

agents. Both PalawanPay and Palawan Express Pera Padala provide a hassle-free and convenient option for sending and receiving money anytime, anywhere.

“Mula nang kumuha ako ng ProtekTODO Insurance ng Palawan Pawnshop Group, mas nakumpiyansa ako dahil alam kong protektado ako sakaling may mangyaring aksidente. Kayang-kaya ng bulsa ang presyo at

maraming plano na pwedeng pagpilian”, shares Mark, a motorcycle driver, and satisfied ProtekTODO customer. (“I availed of Palawan Pawnshop Group’s ProtekTODO insurance, and it has given me peace of mind knowing that I am covered in case of accidents. It’s very affordable and has flexible coverage plans.”)

Palawan ProtekTODO offers flexible and affordable coverage plans for

Filipinos affected by unforeseen circumstances such as accidental death and disablement, dismemberment, accidental medical reimbursement, burial benefit, daily hospital confinement due to accidents, and fire assistance.

By offering a range of services that complement each other, Palawan Pawnshop Group ensures that customers are being well taken care of and that they won’t have to choose amongst the different service features and benefits for their financial needs. With Palawan Pawnshop, customers can enjoy both high appraisal rates and low-interest rates giving them the best of both worlds.

PalawanPay and Palawan Express Pera Padala provide a convenient online and offline platform available for customers to conduct their financial transactions such as pera padala, bills payment, and e-loading. Sukis can instantly send money to their loved ones through the PalawanPay app, and recipients can receive the funds through the app or cash out at any Palawan Express Pera Padala branch making it a one-stop-shop for their financial transactions. Additionally, ProtekTODO offers affordable and flexible personal insurance coverage providing customers with peace of mind. These four business services work hand-in-hand to give customers a wide variety of benefits such as low rates, high appraisal, convenience, security, fast transactions, and even insurance which assure them that they made the best choice and that they will always be winners with Palawan.

Acer extends Eco-Friendly Vero Line with powerful Aspire Vero Laptop and Acer Vero Projector

• Emitting 30% less CO2[ ] than comparable products in the production of its chassis material, the eco-minded Acer Aspire Vero 15 (AV15-53P) has been upgraded with the latest 13th Gen Intel® Core™ processors, a 1440p QHD webcam, larger screen surface and an exciting new color

• Eco-friendly Acer Vero PL3510ATV projector, uses an advanced laser-light source and reduces power consumption by approximately 48% compared to conventional lamp-based projectors[2]. It supports smart projector capabilities via an included Android TV[3] dongle and its 30,000-hour lifespan helps reduce the total cost of ownership compared to similar lamp-based projectors

• Both new products incorporate more than 40% post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic in their chassis and fully recyclable materials in their packaging

MANILA - Acer today announced the latest offerings in its eco-friendly Vero range of products, including the Acer Aspire Vero 15 (AV15-53P) laptop and the Acer Vero PL3510ATV laser projector, both of which are designed to equip businesses and consumers with high-performing, power-saving technology while providing more options to reduce their carbon footprint.

The Aspire Vero 15 laptop is powered by 13th Gen Intel® Core™ processors with Intel® Iris® Xe graphics, engineered to let the Intel® Evo™ laptop do even more at once. The multi-awarded Aspire Vero line reduces CO2 emissions through the use of post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastics in its chassis without sacrificing durability. It also features a 15-inch FHD IPS display, Acer VeroSense™ for battery management, and a 1440p QHD webcam that comes with Acer PurifiedView™ and Acer PurifiedVoice™ collaboration technology.

Acer also launched the Acer Vero PL3510ATV projector, built with a Full HD resolution, 4,800 ANSI lumens diode, and a 30,000-hour lamp life[4] for long-lasting brightness. The laser projector’s power-saving design also saves up to 48% more energy compared with lamp-based projectors[2], ultimately reducing its total cost of ownership and carbon footprint through an extended product lifespan. In line with Acer’s Earthion platform, the latest Vero products integrate PCR plastic on their chassis and utilize recyclable packaging.

Acer Aspire Vero 15 Laptop

The Aspire Vero 15 (AV15-53P) combines an eco-conscious design and a range of performance features, catering to the needs of users who require a powerful and attractive-looking laptop. It sports a 15.6-inch Full

SIM... FROM A1

telecom firms to go down to the grassroots to reach out to more subscribers.

“As most telcos have been enjoying vast profits from their services, they have the corresponding obligation and the necessary resources to track down their SIM users and to widen the opportunity for registration,” she said.

Poe noted that while several locations have been visited for remote registration, more needs to be covered as key areas, such as the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao have yet to be reached, according to data from the NTC.

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) should also look into the continuing proliferation of spam messages despite the ongoing SIM registration, she said.

Meanwhile, two days before the SIM card registration deadline, the DICT and its attached agencies met with officials from the country’s three public telecommunication entities (PTEs) – Globe, Smart, and DITO – to discuss concerns on the imple-

HD Display[4], 16:9 aspect ratio, and 100% sRGB[4] to fulfill users’ task-related and entertainment needs within a larger screen space. Powered by up to 13th Gen Intel Core i7 processors with Intel Iris Xe graphics, the Windows 11 laptop helps users maximize productivity whether they are working, creating, or playing and delivers on the requirements of an Intel Evo laptop to achieve key experience targets such as real-world, fast-charging battery life, responsiveness, instant wake, and intelligent collaboration.

The Aspire Vero 15 also comes

mentation of RA 11934.

In a statement, the DICT said it exchanged views with the three firms on ways to resolve some issues faced by the registrants, such as barriers in obtaining government-issued IDs and documents, and improvements in the SIM registration process.

Only one of the 17 accepted government-issued IDs and documents is needed to proceed with the registration, the DICT said.

“The possibility of extending the SIM registration period was also discussed during the meeting. We advise everyone to await the official announcement of the Department on the matter,” the statement read.

Filipinos are encouraged to register their SIM cards before the deadline.

“The increasing number of registrants in the past few days is a clear indication that Filipinos share the desire to eradicate online and text scams once and for all,” the DICT said.

RA 11934, which was the first measure signed into law by President Ferdinand R. Marcos

with a 1440p QHD camera which includes Acer PurifiedView and PurifiedVoice with AI Noise Reduction technology for enhanced conference calls. For reliable and seamless connectivity, the laptop comes with Wi-Fi 6E and presents a generous selection of ports including two Thunderbolt™ 4/USB Type-C, two USB3.2 Gen1 Type-A ports, HDMI 2.1, DC in, and an audio jack port keeping users connected and productive wherever they may be. It is also equipped with up to 16 GB of on board LPDDR5 memory and two M.2 SSDs that support up to

GOV’T... FROM A2

“This positive outturn is attributed to the BSP’s policy normalization measures, as well as expected inflows from improvements in tourism revenues and OFW (overseas Filipino workers) remittances due to the reopening of the country’s economy,” she said.

Another item that was changed is the assumption for the services exports for this and next year “following the recovery of the tourism sector and the continued resilience of the BPO (business process outsourcing) sector.”

The latest figures are at 17 percent and 16 percent for this year and next year, respectively, from 12 percent and 6 percent previously.

Pangandaman said services imports growth estimates were also hiked from 8 percent to 11

Jr. on Oct. 10, 2022, aims to fight scams being made through text and online messages.

On Dec. 27, 2022, the 180day SIM card registration began and was supposed to end on

1 TB of storage. Eco-Conscious Design

In Acer’s quest to create a continuous positive impact on the environment, the Aspire Vero 15 was thoughtfully designed to incorporate more recycled materials and further minimize waste by increasing the device’s lifespan. Compared to the previous generation of eco-friendly laptops, the Aspire Vero 15 increased the percentage of PCR plastic used in the chassis from 30% to 40% and was successfully made with 30% fewer

CO2 emissions[1] in the production of the chassis material, while ensuring it could withstand everyday wear and tear. Its eye-catching chassis is paint-free and possesses less volatile organic compounds, while the keycaps and adapter casing use 50% PCR materials. Its smooth OceanGlass™ trackpad also incorporates recycled oceanbound plastic. With the intent to further extend the machine’s lifespan, the laptop uses standardized screws to simplify repairs and recycling at the product’s end-of-life. The laptop is shipped in multi-purpose recyclable packaging which is made from 100% recycled paper and up to 90% recycled cardboard, and can be reused as an ergonomic laptop stand. The integrated VeroSense™ management apps let users take control of the battery’s power consumption and lifespan with four performance modes to choose from.

Acer Vero PL3510ATV Smart Projector

The Acer Vero PL3510ATV projector combines advanced laser-light projection and high energy efficiency in a portable device. Equipped with Full HD resolution, a dynamic 4,800 ANSI lumens laser diode, and a contrast ratio of 50,000:1, it projects brilliant, crystal-clear images from long distances, even in bright indoor settings. Superior laser phosphor illumination technology allows it to present rich, accurate colors while providing eight times less lighting decay and consuming 48% less power as compared to traditional lamp-based projectors[2]. The mercury-free projector also incorporates 50% PCR plastic in the chassis to reduce harm to the environment. Combined with a 30,000-hour lifespan, these features help save on the total cost of ownership and reduce waste.

NETFLIX... FROM A2

percent for 2023 and from 8 percent to 10 percent for 2024.

“The trade assumptions reflect the gradual normalization of economic activity both globally and domestically,” she added.

Revenues are expected to improve in the medium term “as proposed tax revenue measures under the MTFF (Medium-Term Fiscal Framework) such as the Package 4 or the Passive Income and Financial Intermediary Taxation Act, VAT on digital service providers, and excise taxes on single-use plastics and pre-mixed alcohol are expected to be implemented started 2024.”

Revenue projections in the medium term are seen to improve from PHP3.73 trillion this year to PHP6.62 trillion in 2028. (PNA)

April 26, 2023.

SIM cards already in use but not registered during the signup period will be deactivated while new cards must be registered upon purchase. (PNA)

at the heart of the global cultural zeitgeist,” he added.

Over the last few years, South Korean content has taken the world by storm, with over 60 percent of Netflix viewers watching a show from the East Asian country in 2022, company data showed.

Netflix, which spent more than 1 trillion won ($750 million) developing Korean content from 2015 to 2021, had previously said it would be expanding its South Korean show output, without giving details of spending plans.

BUDGET... FROM A1

sector,” she said.

For this year, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. signed into law. P5.268-trillion national budget, in line with the administration’s 2022-2028 medium-term fiscal framework.

“The 2024 budget again assumes that we’re going to open up the economy. In 2023, that’s what we did: going back to school, bringing the students back to school. So that’s economic activity for all of us. The same way with the health sector,” Pangandaman said.

COVID-19... FROM 8

lihood and use what they learned from our training into practice after they have acquired skills through the training program,” Ballerda said.

James Vergara of the First Congressional District Office said they are happy

FULL... FROM 8

cil. There are also funds allocated for the development of sports infrastructure across the country, as well as for advanced research and development in sports sciences and sports technology.

When asked about his message to the athletes, Go echoed Marcos’ words of encouragement, “Sinabi na rin po ni Pangulong Bongbong Marcos kanina, ‘Go, go, go for the gold.’ Ibig sabihin sana magtsa-champion po tayo. Ibalik natin ‘yung pagiging No.1 natin.”

Go reminded the athletes that the important thing is to fight and compete with all their hearts, as Filipinos are known for their passion and perseverance.

Around 860 Filipino athletes, 76 reserved players, and 347 sports officials, medical personnel, and support staff will travel to Cambodia to compete in 608 events across 38 sports categories from May 5 to May 17.

With the impressive performance of Filipino athletes in the 2021 SEA Games in Vietnam, where they brought home 227 medals, including 52 gold, 70 silver, and 105 bronze, the Philippines is poised to once again make a strong showing in the upcoming games.

In the 2019 SEA Games, the Philippines hosted the event and emerged as the overall

TNT... FROM 7

Dunk Contest worth $500.

to hand the certificates of completion and the starter toolkits to the scholars.

“The kit comprises baking materials they can use to start their business right away. What is special about this training program is that after their graduation,

champion with 149 gold medals, 117 silver medals, and 121 bronze medals.

The National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act, or Republic Act No. 10699, entitles SEA Games gold medalists to a PhP300,000 incentive, silver medalists to PhP150,000, and bronze medalists to PhP60,000. During the Duterte administration, Go advocated for additional benefits to medalists.

An advocate for grassroots sports development, Go earlier authored and co-sponsored RA 11470, establishing the National Academy of Sports in 2020 as part of his vision to ensure promising young athletes can further hone their talents while getting quality education.

The NAS is a government-run academy aimed at developing the country’s future athletes by offering quality secondary education with a special curriculum on sports for gifted young Filipinos who want to enhance their physical and mental capabilities in sports.

The senator also filed Senate Bill No. 423, or the proposed Philippine National Games Act of 2022, to provide a structure for a more comprehensive national sports program, linking grassroots sports promotion to national sports development.

Sniper Thailand’s Khwanjira Thongdaeng ruled the women’s Two-Point Shootout to take home the $200 cash prize.

LAKERS... FROM 7

ron fan, got into a shouting match with several Grizzlies and Morant’s father during their visit to face the Lakers in January, requiring security to intervene. There was no apparent

drama this time out. ... Jaren Jackson Jr. kneed Schröder very near the groin while setting a screen in the fourth quarter, but assessed only a common foul after video review.

Lakers down Grizzlies to close in on West semis

LOS ANGELES — LeBron James made the tying layup with 0.8 seconds left in regulation before scoring four of his 22 points in overtime, and the Los Angeles Lakers surged to a 3-1 lead in their first-round playoff series with a 117-111 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday night (Tuesday, Manila time).

Austin Reaves scored 23 points and Anthony Davis had five of his 17 in overtime for the seventh-seeded Lakers, who are on the brink of their first playoff series victory outside the Florida bubble since 2012.

Los Angeles surged back from a seven-point deficit with five minutes left in regulation with a rally that

abruptly began when D’Angelo Russell hit three consecutive 3-pointers, and the Lakers never trailed in OT.

Desmond Bane scored 36 points and hit a tiebreaking layup with 6.7 seconds left in regulation for the second-seeded Grizzlies, who will have to rally from a 3-1 series deficit and win a Game 7 for the first time in

franchise history to advance.

Ja Morant scored 19 points with his injured right hand, but Davis blocked his jumper at the regulation buzzer. The Grizzlies then missed six of their first eight shots in overtime while committing two key turnovers.

James, who also had 20 rebounds, coolly scored the basket that forced overtime over heavy defensive pressure, and he hit a huge layup while getting fouled to put the Lakers up by five with 29.1 seconds to play.

Dennis Schröder and Austin Reaves buried two free throws apiece to seal the Lakers’ 12th win in 15 games dating to the regular season.

Game 5 is Wednesday night in Memphis.

Davis didn’t look sharp for much of Game 4 while struggling with an apparent hip injury that required a heating pad on the bench, but he blocked four shots, and the Lakers excelled whenever the big man was protecting the rim.

Dillon Brooks had 11 points for Memphis after getting ejected from Game 3 for striking James in the groin.

Morant’s 45-point performance in Game 3 wasn’t enough to dig the Grizzlies out of an early 29-point hole in his first game back from an injury absence with a sore right hand. He reacted with obvious pain after he jammed the hand into the ground again during the second

half of Game 4, but kept playing and even dunked on Rui Hachimura an instant before the third-quarter buzzer.

The Grizzlies fell behind by an NBA record-tying 26 points after a historically bad first quarter in Game 3, but they dramatically improved their start in Game 4. The Lakers still jumped out to a 15-point lead in the first half before Memphis got back in it with a big surge to close the first half.

TIP-INS

Grizzlies: Pro Football Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe watched the game from courtside. Sharpe, a Fox Sports commentator and a huge LeB-

TNT Triple Giga denies Vietnam a sweep in inaugural Asia Tour 3x3

TNT Triple Giga and Vietnam’s VN Red & Gold crowned themselves men’s and women’s champions of the inaugural Asia Tour 3x3 at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall.

Two days after TNT’s breakthrough win in the PBA Governors’ Cup on Friday night, TNT Triple Giga became the first champion of the two-day event after import Raoul Odou hit a buzzer-beating putback to complete the team’s stirring 19-18 victory over Vietnam’s The Performance Lab Vietnam.

Odou’s slam capped TNT’s gritty stand after playing without injured star Samboy de Leon in the finals six minutes of play.

TNT’s win denied Vietnam of a sweep of the tournament after VN Red & Gold pulled off a thrilling 21-16 come-from-behind win over Sniper Thailand on Saturday – thanks to Kaylynne Truong.

Truong struck hardest for the Vietnamese national team after

scoring the final six points in a performance that showed their readiness for the coming SEA Games in Cambodia next month.

Truong went on to finish with 12 points.

Without de Leon, Ping Exciminiano took charge offensively, finishing with 10 points on the way to winning the MVP plum apart from leading TNT to the $10,000 top prize.

VN Red & Gold, on the other hand, bagged $5,000 top prize in the event which has SM as venue partner, Smart as broadcast partner, and Wilson as official game ball, with Heritage Hotel, Fiber Kinetics, Gatorade, Healthy & Pure Brand Water, Center for Culinary Arts, and Spurway Enterprises as sponsors.

In advancing to the final, TNT downed sister team Cavitex, 2118, in the semifinals of the event that saw David Carlos winning the

FTNT, P6

LeBron James made the tying layup with 0.8 seconds left in regulation before scoring four of his 22 points in overtime.

Ping Exciminiano took charge offensively, finishing with 10 points on the way to winning the MVP plum apart from leading TNT to the $10,000 top prize.

FLAKERS, P6

FULL SUPPORT Bong Go throws support for PH athletes competing in 2023 Cambodia SEA Games

On Monday, April 24, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go expressed his full support for Filipino athletes competing in the 32nd Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia as he attended their send-off ceremony at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City.

The event was led by President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. who encouraged the Filipino athletes to go for the gold and bring back the Philippines’ number one spot in the games.

In an interview during the event, Go, as chair of the Senate Committee on Sports and a sports enthusiast himself, said he understands the value of sports in the lives of young Filipinos.

“Nandirito po ako to support. Being a sports enthusiast, noon pa talagang mahilig na po ako sa sports,” said Go.

“And that’s one way of encouraging the youth to get into sports and stay away from drugs. Isa po ito sa pamamaraan na ilayo po natin ang ating mga kabataan sa iligal na droga. Get into sports, stay away from drugs, and keep them healthy and fit,” he added.

To help in this cause, Go shared that he sponsored and defended additional funding for the Philippine Sports Commission during its 2023 budget deliberation, particularly for grassroots sports development and in support of athletes joining international competitions.

“Gaya noon, full support po ako sa ating mga atleta. Not only sa SEA Games, Asian Games, Olympics, full

support po ako,” he said.

Go continued, “In fact, during the budget deliberation, ang budget po ng PSC more or less than PhP200 million. Ako po ‘yung nag-defend at nag-suggest ng dagdag sa pondo nila.”

“Nagdagdag po tayo ng PhP1 billion sa budget ng PSC including budget na po para sa Southeast Asian Games, sa iba pang mga grassroots program, not only sa international competition, pati sa local,” he added.

Particularly, the increase in the PSC’s 2023 budget reflected in the General Appropriations Act is intended to support Filipino athletes in the 2022 Asian Games, 2023 Southeast Asian Games, and 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.

Furthermore, athletes competing in the ASEAN Para Games, Asian Indoor Martial Arts Games, World Combat Games, World Beach Games, Asian Beach Games, and World Beach Games will receive similar support.

Portions of the funds were allotted for the country’s hosting of the FIBA World Cup in 2023 as well as for several sports programs, such as Batang Pinoy, the Philippine National Games, and the grassroots program under the Sports Development Coun-

Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go with some of the members of the Philippine delegation to the 2023 Southeast Asian Games.