Edge Davao Vol. 15 Issue 316 | Thursday, April 27, 2023

STRONGER TIES

Davao City, Sennan City ink sisterhood agreement

By MAYA M. PADILLO

The city government of Davao and the Sennan City of Osaka, Japan signed on Tuesday a sisterhood agreement that would boost the two cities’ economic, trade, and tourism ties.

Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte and Sennan City Mayor Yamamoto Yuma sign Sister-City Agreement between the two cities at the Sora Rinku Conference Room in Sennan City on April 25, 2023.

Apart from Mayor Baste, the delegation from Davao City was comprised of Vunce Juls Malicay, chief of staff from the City Mayor’s Office; Francis Mark Layog, acting

Marie Dayap, head of the Davao City Investment Promotion Center (DCIPC), Tanya Rabat-Tan, regional director of the Department of Tourism (DOT 11), Jennifer Romero, head of the City Tourism Operations Office (CTOO); Roselie Madayag, secretary from CMO; Christian Cambaya, unit head for investor assistance and servicing unit center of DCIPC; and Jason Maverick Arceo, economist of Investment and Trade Promotion and Generation Unit.

Farmers group calls on LGUs to campaign vs. GM crops

Farmer-led umbrella group Magsasaka at Siyentipiko para sa Pag-unlad ng Agrikultura (Masipag) has exhorted local government units (LGUs) in the country to join the campaign against the commercial release of genetically modified crops Golden Rice and Bt Eggplant.

This after the Supreme Court (SC) granted a Writ of Kalikasan to the petitioners led by Masipag, who sought to stop the commercial propagation of genetically modified rice and eggplant products over environmental and health concerns and compliance with legal requirements.

Philippines – Los Baños (UPLB) –to file a verified return within 10 days from service of the writ.

In 2021, the DA approved the propagation of beta carotene-enriched Malusog Rice, also known as Golden Rice, in 17 pioneer production areas across the country, including in the Mindanao provinces of Lanao del Norte, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Maguindanao and North Cotabato.

Golden Rice, patented by transnational agrochemical corporation Syngenta, is a type of rice inserted with genes from maize and bacterium found in soil.

in

The activity was also joined by envoys and officials from the

city administrator; Councilor Augusto Javier Campos III, chair of the Committee on International Relations; Councilor Al Ryan Alejandre, chair of the Committee on Tourism and Beautification; Councilor Bernie Al-ag, chair of the Committee on Trade, Commerce, and Industry; Councilor Myrna Dalodo-Ortiz, chair on the Committee on Finance, Ways, and Means and Appropriation; April FSTRONGER, P10

Close to 2,000 jobs up for grabs

Davao City job fair on May 1

Atotal of 1,857 local job vacancies will be offered during the Labor Day job fair on May 1 in Davao City, according to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)Davao said.

During Kapehan sa Dabaw on

Monday, lawyer Randolf Pensoy, DOLE-Davao regional director said 38 local and 10 overseas companies have so far signed up to participate in the job fair.

He said the agency has yet to finalize the number of vacancies for overseas employment.

He added that they are hoping to have more job seekers to be hired on the spot during the fair to be held at the SM City Davao.

He said the top 10 job vacancies are sales consultants, tellers, machine operators, mar-

Leo XL Fuentes, Masipag-Mindanao regional coordinator, called on local governments, especially those in Mindanao, to support the “growing clamor of local farmers, scientists and consumers” against the commercial release of Golden Rice and Bt Eggplant.

The LGUs must promote and uphold the people’s right to a balanced and healthful ecology, he noted.

“We reiterate that genetically modified (GM) crops like Golden Rice and Bt Eggplant have dangers of irreversible damage to the environment, biodiversity of rice and eggplant, and human health,” Fuentes said in a statement.

Proponents said the technology is safe to human health and the environment and will serve Vitamin A-deficient children, mothers and pregnant women, especially in areas with severe malnutrition.

However, data shows that beta-carotene content in Golden Rice is measly and inconsistent, according to Masipag.

On the contrary, a wide array of safe and low-cost vegetables, fruits, and other crops are a dependable source of nutrition for communities. Vitamin A deficiency and other malnutrition issues confronting many households can also be traced to the lack of access to sufficient, nutritious, and safe food due to poverty, it added.

On the other hand, commercial propagation of Bt Eggplant or Talong was approved last year.

Bt or Bacillus thuringiensis is a soil bacterium injected into the genes of eggplants to produce its own toxin to kill fruit and shoot borers, a common pest that consumes and damage eggplants.

Fuentes recalled that in 2010, FCLOSE, P10 FFARMERS, P10

The High Tribunal’s Public Information Office said the Supreme Court required the respondents – the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture (DA), the Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Secretary of the Department of Health, the Director of the Bureau of Plant Industry of the Department of Agriculture, the Philippine Rice Research Institute, and the University of the

Barangay Libertad in Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte parades their raft that bagged the top prize during the town’s Hugyaw sa Kadagatan Festival marking the town’s 75th founding anniversary and Feast of San Vicente Ferrer on April 25, 2023. MindaNews photo by RICHEL V. UMEL

DavNor guv orders inquiry on series of killings in Tagum City

By MAYA M. PADILLO

Relax ID requirements for SIM registration, NTC 11 asks DICT

An official of the regional office of the National Telecommunication Commission (NTC 11) is hopeful that the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) will ease up on the identification cards (IDs) requirements for SIM card registration.

Regional director Nelson Cañete told the media on Wednesday that NTC 11 is still waiting for the guidelines on the 90-day extension of SIM card registration. DICT originally implemented the deadline on April 26, 2023.

“Wala pa man guidelines karon. Ang ako hangyo nga unta ma-relax lang ang requirements sa identification cards basig puwede na gamiton ang cedula or barangay clearance sa mga tao. Pero wala pa ta’y proper guidelines as far as the guideline is concerned katong tanan ID enumerated under the law ug sa IRR mao pa gihapon to ang ginadawat karon. Basig puwede maistoryahan sa taas nga puwedeng i-relax gamay,” Cañete said during Wednesdays at Habi at Kape media forum.

Cañete said during NTC 11’s conduct of remote SIM card registration in the different municipal-

ities of Davao Region, providing IDs is the major concern of the subscribers.

“Kadaghanan maapektuhan mga taga bukid. Mangutana mi naa kay drivers license? Ngano mag driver’s license man mi nga kabayo ra man amo ginasakyan? Naa ba mo’y SSS? Naa ba diay SSS ang manghurnal?” he said.

If there are no changes in ID requirements in the 90-day extension, Cañete advised those who are still not registered to get a police clearance or an NBI clearance so that they could register.

Meanwhile, Cañete said remote registration helps because they can provide information drive about the SIM card registration at the same time.

He said in the remote registration, NTC 11 recorded more than 20,000 registered SIM card holders from the different remote areas and municipalities it visited.

“Kining atong remote registration gihimo lang nato ni didto sa first registration period nga unta magtapos karon adlawa (April 26). Pero kining 90-day period extension wala pa mi kabalo kung unsa ang himoon namo tun-

Davao

del Norte Governor Edwin Jubahib on Wednesday urged the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (Provincial Board) to immediately conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the recent series of killings in Tagum City for the safety and security of the residents

This developed after the recent series of killings in Tagum City including the tragic deaths of 18-year-old Nike Andyriana Kasim and Grade 1 pupil Monalisa Pagharion. Kassim’s body was found lifeless on April 25, 2023, at Purok Pine Tree, Magugpo North, Tagum City while Pagharion’s decomposing body was found in a grassy

area in Barangay Apokon on April 20, 2023.

The governor requested the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to collaborate with the Philippine National Police, the Tagum City LGU, and other concerned agencies to ensure a comprehensive and thorough investigation.

“The barbaric nature of this

crime has left us all in a state of shock and despair. I extend my deepest condolences to the victims’ families and friends and assure them that justice will be served. It is deeply troubling to witness the rise of horrific crimes targeting our children and women in Tagum City. These heinous acts, which have recently become all too common, force us to question the safety and security of our citizens, particularly women, in our beloved city,” Jubahib said in a statement.

He also urged the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to immediately

LTO: Plates for motorcycles seen depleted in June, vehicles in

The license plates for motorcycles are expected to run out by June, while those for fourwheeled vehicles by July, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) said on Wednesday.

LTO chief Jay Art Tugade said that the Department of Transportation (DOTr) has been informed of the looming problem as the agency is in charge of the procurement of the license plates amount-

ing to P4.5 billion.

“Insofar as the license plates are concerned, based on the forecast of the LTO, license plates will run out for motorcycles by June, and by July, the license plates for motor vehicles will be depleted as well,” he said.

As a solution to this, Tugade said the LTO is working on a contingency where they would allow motorcycle and vehicle owners

July

to temporarily issue their own license plates.

“For example, motorcycle owners, in the absence of a plate number, they can create a plate number and on the plate number, it will say the motor vehicle file number of the motorcycle,” he said. Asked if this would not make the Philippines more prone to crimes as anybody could just put a

FDAVNOR, P10 FLTO,

Davao del Norte Governor Edwin Jubahib urges the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to immediately conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the recent series of killings in Tagum City. Lean Daval Jr.

DOT 10 mulls ‘tourism summit’ in Bukidnon

TheDepartment of Tourism in Northern Mindanao (DOT-10) is eyeing a “tourism summit” in Bukidnon province in line with the opening of new air routes this year.

In an interview, DOT-10 Director Marie Ellaine Salvaña-Unchuan said the summit was proposed by Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri during his recent visit to the Kaamulan Festival celebration last week.

The proposal, she said, aims to put the province, especially its capital Malaybalay City, as a “Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions” (MICE)

destination in Northern Mindanao.

“This is also in anticipation of the opening of its new airport (in Don Carlos town), accommodation facilities, and huge sports complex (in Malaybalay City),”

Unchuan said.

Unchuan said the senator has asked the agency to prepare a tourism master plan for Bukidnon due to its potential for farm

and mountain tourism which will be included as the main agenda of the summit.

Meanwhile, in preparation for the May 6 opening of the Cebu Pacific Airlines’ Clark to Laguindingan flight, DOT-10 said it will hold a familiarization tour for tourism operators, media, and social media influencers both from Region 3’s Clark in Pampanga and Northern Mindanao, “This is a big opportunity for both regions to showcase their potential to the rest of the country and the world,” Unchuan said. (PNA)

Italy bullish on posting another record-high trade with PH

Italian Ambassador to the Philippines Marco Clemente is looking forward to another record-high bilateral trade between the two countries this year.

Clemente told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) Tuesday that bilateral trade between Italy and the Philippines in 2022 reached EUR1.24 billion, surpassing the amount of trade pre-pandemic.

In 2019, two-way trade

amounted to EUR1.09 billion.

“Bilateral trade ties between Italy and the Philippines have never been better,” he said in an interview.

Year-on-year, trade between the two countries increased by 23.9 percent, with Italian exports to the Philippines went up by 21.5 percent while Philippine exports to Italy jumped by 29.1 percent.

BSP amends CRPP rules to help address depreciation of peso

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has widened the coverage of the Currency Rate Risk Protection Program (CRPP) to help address depreciation of the peso by easing pressures on the foreign currency spot market.

In a statement, BSP Governor Felipe Medalla said lessons from the peso’s weakness against the United States dollar last year “show that spillover of risks is inevitable in an increasingly global and interconnected world.”

greatly affected the local currency, among others, in 2022.

In Circular No. 1172 issued on April 18, 2023 and signed by BSP officer-in-charge Chuchi Fonacier, the BSP said its policy-making Monetary Board (MB) approved the amendments in the CRPP facility implementing guidelines last March 30.

“Trade is still skewed toward Italy. We have trade surplus of EUR360 million, but the previous figures clearly show that the Philippines is catching up,” Clemente said.

With the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) restrictions being lifted, the Italian envoy is optimistic about better trade figures this year.

“Hence as the peso stabilizes, we find this an opportune time to strengthen Filipino resilience. The CRPP had to be revamped to increase its availability to banking clients. We did this by streamlining and easing the requirements and expanding the coverage of eligible FX (foreign exchange) transactions,” he said.

Volatility in the global financial market due in part to the recovery of economies from the pandemic, geopolitical concerns overseas, the elevated inflation rate worldwide and the path of policy rates of central banks

The CRPP facility is a non-deliverable peso-US dollar forward contract between the BSP and the universal and commercial banks (U/KBs) that allows bank clients to hedge their foreign currency obligations or transactions to address foreign currency fluctuations and lock the exchange rate to a determined rate.

The BSP said documentary requirements for the facility have been “aligned with the existing regulations on FX transactions and have eliminated the notarial rules to enable expeditious applications.”

The new rules now accept non-trade transactions and investments from the original trade-related coverage as eligible

A hawker braves the heat as she peddles food snack and bottled water at Sasa Ferry Wharf in Brgy. Sasa, Davao City on Wednesday. Lean Daval Jr.

Imaging tech project for durian great help to farmers, DA says

SM Prime Holdings eyes

$1-B REIT listing by H2

The country’s largest mall operator SM Prime Holdings, Inc. aims for a real estate investment trust (REIT) listing in the second half of the year to raise USD1 billion.

SM Prime president Jeffrey Lim made the announcement during the company’s annual stockholders’ meeting in Pasay City Tuesday.

Lim said they have started the process of incorporating the REIT company and are now in discus-

TheDepartment of Agriculture in the Davao Region (DAS-11) is fully supporting the innovative project of researchers to develop an imaging technology to determine the ripeness of durian fruits.

The venture is funded under the industry-level Collaborative Research and Development to Leverage Philippine Economy program or i-CRADLE of the DOST S4CP.

sion with its advisers, including banks, accounting and legal.

“We can launch the REIT by the second half of this year, of course subject to market conditions, especially now that interest rates still keep on moving up,” he said.

In a press conference, Lim said the total valuation for its REIT listing will be around USD3.5 billion to USD4 billion.

He said the company’s REIT

FSM, P10

NEDA chief cites need for resilient agri sector

National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA)

Secretary Arsenio Balisacan has reiterated the need to enhance the resilience of the domestic agriculture sector amid the risks being faced by farmers amid climate change.

In his keynote speech during the 2023 Asia-Pacific agricultural policy roundtable on Monday, Bal-

isacan said balancing climate mitigation and productivity-enhancing interventions would help the agriculture sector withstand the impacts of climate shocks.

The country’s top economist urged stakeholders in the agriculture sector to invest in measures that would reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

DA-11 director Abel James Monteagudo said the technology is good for the fast-emerging industry of durian in the Philippines, particularly the Davao Region, as it began to export around 28 metric tons of durian to China.

“It will be a great help in the capability of farmers to sell durian of the right age and quality. Assuring them of good selling price and at the same time guarantee-

ing consumers of good quality durian,” Monteagudo said in an interview on Tuesday.

Undertaking the project expected for completion by the second quarter of this year are researchers from the University of the Philippines Mindanao (UP Mindanao) here and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Science for Change Program (S4CP).

Through the Artificial Intelligence-based Non-Invasive Grading System for Durian (AIDurian) project, UP Mindanao hopes to address the problem by developing a system that is capable of classifying durian based on ripeness, quality, and variety.

AIDurian aims to provide a more accurate and efficient post-harvest classification process.

FIMAGING, P10

DICT eyes removal of Facebook, TikTok of unregistered SIMs over extension

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is considering the removal of some services of unlisted SIM cards over the 90-day extension for their registration.

Information and Communications Technology Secretary

Ivan John Uy said subscribers who would fail to register their SIM cards during the extension might encounter a “gradual” loss of phone services.

“We are exploring some options that will be available to us [to] incentivize our public to register,” Uy said.

“We did not put those conditions in the first SIM card registration but because of our observation that people are not taking our deadline seriously, we are now exploring other options to incentivize registration,” he added.

Uy said the DICT has been talking with the telcos as regards

the registration process during the extension period.

“We will observe the rate of registration and after a certain period, we’re seeing maybe 30 days or 60 days into registration, we will start deactivating some services on the SIM card,” Uy said.

“Let’s say after 60 days, you will lose your access to your Facebook accounts or your TikTok accounts. You can still use your phone, you can still call, you can

National Telecommunication Commission (NTC 11) director Nelson Cañete says during this week’s Wednesdays at Habi at Kape at Abreeza Ayala Mall that hopefully the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) would relax the identification cards (IDs) requirements for the subscriber identity module (SIM) card registration. Lean Daval Jr.

EDGE

On the signing of sisterhood agreement between Davao City

Sennan City of Japan: “I haven’t read the contents but it will have positive effects on the city because sisterhood agreements usually entail mutual understanding and cooperation in many aspects.” Vice Mayor

JR.

Aside from the military hospital across the Philippine Constabulary barracks (now Camp Domingo Leonor), Davao did not have its own sickbay until 1908 when Davao Mission Hos-pital (now Brokenshire) was opened under the directorship of Dr. Charles T. Sibley.

The hospital, managed by a Protestant sect, was “a small, private, twenty-bed, bungalow hospital in Davao, maintained by the contributions of a group of philanthropic gentlemen of New York, which has been of signal benefit to the people of that district.”

It was not until December 20, 1917 that the Davao Public Hospital, a state sanatorium, was put on track, initially addressing minor ailments. The next year, due to the influx of mi-grants, it further raised its medical services while the concrete 50-bed hospital was still under construction.

ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA FAST BACKWARD

BEGINNING OF DAVAO HOSPITAL

Utilized as a temporary public hospital was the Bureau of Public Works laborers’ sick ward whose operation was already turned over to the Philippine Health Services (PHS). To comply with its obligation, it was given the needed equipment and facilities, and a laborato-ry.

The public hospital was initially led by Dr. Simeon B. Macasaet, as a resident physician; Juan L. Factora, as superintendent, property clerk and cashier; Andrea Vicente, as a chief nurse; Remedios Ferrer and Ignacio Diego, as nurses; and ward attendants, helpers, and cooks. (Dr. Macasaet was officially appointed resident physician on August 22, 1920.)

Except for the completion of the permanent building, the hospital, by 1919, was operating at near capacity. The PHS summary report for that year indicated that 486 patients

were admitted and 2,977 outpatients were served, or an average of 8.1 patients daily. It also per-formed several clinics, namely: medical, 144; surgical, 25; eye, ear, nose, and throat, 2; and obstetrical, 15.

Topping the 486 admittance were patients sick of malaria (241), followed by Asiatic chol-era (62), influenza (35), dysentery (25), beri-beri (20), gonococcus infection and diseases of the stomach (14 each), traumatism by cutting or piercing and tuberculosis of the lungs (9 each), unspecified causes of death (5), other diseases of the liver (4), leprosy, anemia, acute nephri-tis, and diseases of the skin (3 each), typhoid, smallpox, purulent infection and blood poison-ing, chronic bronchitis, asthma, and hookworm infection (2 each), and the remainder were one each.

In terms of nationalities taken care of, the report

showed that 459 Filipinos (Christians and non-Christians) were treated; American, 1; Japanese, 24; European, 1; and others, 1. Americans usually sought the services of the military hospital. By European, it likely referred to a Spanish.

Among the patients ministered to, 376 were male and 111 females. As to classes of ser-vice, these were categorized into charity (213), government free (199), and private pay (74). Similarly, operations were also classified the same way. Of the prescriptions issued, 996 were deemed charity; 759 were government free; and 312 were for outside calls made by the hospi-tal staff.

In the last quarter of 1919, the hospital’s formal opening, the ledger of expenses shows the following: P2,385.22, the subsistence of patients; P805.00, the subsistence of

ATTY. GILBERTO LAUENGCO, J.D. OBLIQUE OBSERVATIONS

“Sometimes success is less about making good habits easy and more about making bad habits hard.” – James Clear

Last Sunday, Globe users in the Philippines were jolted by emergency alerts sent to their phones reminding them to register their SIM cards before the deadline. The alert with its unique jarring tone is normally used by the government to warn citizens of disasters or emergencies. Many of those who received the alert were upset for what they perceive was an improper use of the emergency alert system.

In response to these criticisms, Globe Group President and CEO Ernest Cu stated that “We are at a critical time as the deadline draws near, and we want to ensure that our customers are compliant with the law to avoid SIM deactivation. This way, they will continue to enjoy our call, text and data services for their day-today needs.” In another press release, Globe also defended

personnel; P1,905.69, expenditures for the subsistence of patients and personnel; and P1,806.16, collec-tions.

Instead of 1920 as the projected date of completion of the Davao Public Hospital building, it was not until 1921 that the transfer of the operation was moved to the new structure. But this did not solve the growing number of patients seeking cures, which amounted to the shortage of space. The 1922 report of the Bureau of Health provides the explanation:

“In the Davao Public Hospital, the administrative office and hospital dispensary were temporarily quartered in the nurses’ dormitory due to lack of space. It is indeed amazing that despite the limitation of patients undertaken by most of the hospitals of the Division, the number of admissions during 1922 far exceeded that of the previous years.”

SIM CARD REGISTRATION, ALERTS, MAÑANA AND OPERANT CONDITIONING

their use of the emergency cell broadcast system (ECB) by stating that it was done to “instill urgency on millions of customers who have yet to register their SIMs.

Republic Act 11934 or the SIM Card Registration Law mandates the registration of all SIM cards with deactivation as a consequence of noncompliance. Apparently, Globe felt that extreme measures were warranted because of the low SIM registration numbers days prior to the deadline.

As of April 23, National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) data show that only about 82,845,397, or 49.31 percent of SIM cards in this country have been registered. For Globe in particular, only 37,099,437 or 42.77 percent of its users have registered while 39,949,785 or 60.25 percent of SMART subscribers have registered their SIMs.

Why is the registration compliance number so low?

There have been many rea-

sons put forth by both proponents and opponents of the implementation of the law. Opponents claim that low connectivity, lack of proper ID’s and even low phone quality have prevented many SIM owners from registering. Both government and proponents of the law seemed to have zeroed in on the oft maligned Filipino habit of “mañana” or procrastination as the main culprit. We have seen this habit manifested in tax payments and even election registration where Filipinos wait for the last day to pay taxes or register for the right to vote and overwhelm the system.

It seems that both government and the large telco’s are implementing a strategy centered on countering this Filipino habit of waiting for the last minute to act. Setting a deadline with warning of dire consequences and extreme inconvenience, the emergency alert and the creative advertisements of tel-

cos warning the people of the negative consequences of not registering on time are part of this strategy. Clearly, the proponents are employing a form of active operant conditioning. Operant conditioning is a process by which humans (or animals) learn to behave in a particular way to obtain rewards and avoid punishment. The classic example of active operant conditioning is the experiment involving a rat, a lever, a green light, and a red light. In this experiment, if the rat presses the lever when the green light is on, the rat will receive a food pellet. If the rat presses the lever when a red light is on, it will receive a mild electric shock. The objective of operant conditioning is to remove or minimize the unwanted behavior by imposing negative consequences. It is undisputable that mañana is a habit that must be curbed and minimized. As such, operant conditioning in this instance

is not only acceptable but also necessary. Yesterday, the government extended the deadline for registration of the said SIMs. Many criticized the move as defeating the purpose of the deadline. However, the SIM Card Registration Act does allow for an extension and the government has imposed gradual phase out of services. Also, the extension has given the Government the opportunity to address some of the legitimate issues such as the problem of remote areas and the use of Barangay ID’s for the registration purpose. This has inculcated the appropriate amount of empathy to the operant conditioning efforts. Days prior to the original deadline, SIM registration surged immensely. Apparently, operant conditioning has achieved part of its objectives. Hopefully the new hard deadline will convince more to drop this last-minute habit. This is my oblique observation.

ALPI expands sales reach to Butuan

Aeon Luxe Properties Incorporated (ALPI) has expanded its sales footprint to Butuan City solidifying its hold as the premier property developer in Davao City.

ALPI hosted an Open House and General Assembly in Butuan City last month as part of the company’s efforts to showcase their latest property developments and to give potential buyers a chance to have a closer look of its projects.

The Open House and General Assembly in Butu-

an City generated massive interest of ALPI’s latest property developments, including luxurious condominium units, commercial spaces, facilities, and amenities.

These initiatives are a testament to Aeon Luxe Properties Incorporated’s commitment to expanding its presence in Mindanao. The company is known for its luxurious and high-end properties, and its move to Butuan City shows that they recognize the growing de-

mand for premium properties in the region.

The Open House features various activities and promotions for the attendees. Visitors had the opportunity to interact with ALPI’s representatives, who were on hand to provide more information about the projects and answer potential buyers’ questions.

Additionally, exclusive discounts and offers were extended to clients who

made a reservation during the event.

ALPI’s Open House and General Assembly in Butuan City is just one of the many initiatives the company has undertaken to expand its regional reach. With their commitment to delivering high-quality and luxurious properties, ALPI is poised to become a leading player in the real estate industry in Mindanao.

HONOR starts opening experience stores

nationwide, unveils limited-edition HONOR X9a 5G Midnight Black

Manila, Philippines, April 15, 2023 – HONOR Philippines, the leading global provider of smart devices, celebrates the opening of the first-ever HONOR Experience Store at SM Fairview, 3/F Cyberzone.

“In just four months this year, HONOR has introduced four new HONOR X series devices that truly uplifted the lifestyle of our consumers. Aside from that, we’ve expanded our brand presence and partnerships with our dealers, establishing more than 500 kiosks across the country,” said Stephen Cheng, HONOR Philippines Vice President.

Experience HONOR nationwide

In addition to HONOR’s early feat, the leading technology brand has officially announced the start of the opening of experience stores in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao targeting at least 100 experience stores to unveil by the end of the year.

“We truly felt the support of our HONOR fans that’s why, starting today, April 15, we will commence at opening HONOR Experience Stores nationwide to provide best service to our consumers,” added by Mr. Cheng.

Here is the upcoming schedule of HONOR Experience Store

Openings :

Undeniably stunning in Midnight Black

Due to popular demand, the limited-edition HONOR

X9a 5G Midnight Black is finally here! This crowd-favorite sports a 120Hz Premium OLED Curved Display bringing users a large screen with an impressive screen-to-body ratio. HONOR X9a 5G has an impressive 64 MP Super Triple Camera and a 2-Day Battery Life.

To get first dibs on this viral smartphone, visit the HONOR Experience Store in SM Fairview or any HONOR kiosk and partner dealer store near you to reserve.

HONOR X9a 5G Midnight Black

will officially be available on April 20 including your favorite online stores Shopee (https://bit. ly/3oh9VGt), Lazada (https://bit. ly/3L0VuyT), and TikTok Shop (https://vt.tiktok.com/ZS8WXk7ow/), priced at P16,990.

HONOR has also announced its Summer Video Contest where fans can win an HONOR Smartphone! Interested participants can just capture their best summer trip and post a video on their social media accounts with the hashtags #HONORPH, #GoBeyond, and #HONORPHSummer2023.

For full mechanics and more announcements, you may visit HONOR’s website www.hihonor. com or social media platforms: Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorphilippines/) and TikTok: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines).

Mang Inasal’s bilao of Ihaw-Sarap favorites now in buddy size

Mang Inasal, the country’s grill expert, has launched the new Buddy Fiesta, the small version of the best-selling Family Fiesta group meal that features a bilao of chicken and pork inasal favorites with a platter of Java Rice.

“The Mang Inasal Buddy Fiesta is in response to the clamor from our customers who are looking for a bundle for a smaller group,” said Mang Inasal Business Unit head Mike V. Castro. “This is the perfect treat for a group of two to three persons who love to enjoy their Ihaw-Sarap favorites together whether at home, in the office, or anywhere they’d love to eat it.”

Starting at a takeout price of ₱399, the Buddy Fiesta comes in four different bundles to suit everyone’s preferences. It has All-Chicken Bundle (3 pieces of Chicken In-

asal Paa), All-Pork Bundle (4 sticks of Pork BBQ and 1 order of Grilled Liempo), Chicken and Pork BBQ Bundle (2 pieces Chicken Inasal Paa and 2 sticks of Pork BBQ), and Chicken and Liempo Bundle (2 pieces of Chicken Inasal Paa and 1 order Grilled Liempo). All Buddy Fiesta bundles come with a small platter of Java Rice.

Enjoy the Mang Inasal Buddy Fiesta now through dine-in or takeout at Mang Inasal stores nationwide. It can also be ordered via delivery through the Mang Inasal Delivery App, https://manginasaldelivery. com.ph/ or through other food delivery apps like GrabFood and FoodPanda.

Want more Mang Inasal exclusives NOW? Visit www.manginasal.com for the latest updates and follow Mang Inasal on social media!

HONOR GTM Manager Steven Yan, Vice President Stephen Cheng, HONOR Star Sanya Lopez, Brand Marketing Manager Joepy Libo-on, and PR Manager Pao Oga

10 STRONGER...

FROM 2 FARMERS... FROM 2 DAVNOR... FROM 3 SMC... FROM 11

Philippine Embassy in Japan namely Mylene Garcia-Albano, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of the Philippines; Consul Voltaire Mauricio; Vice Consul Rie Sheena Au Yeung; Michael Alfred Ignacio, commercial counselor and director of Trade and Investment Section-General of Philippines in Osaka; Kuniyoshi Yasuko, senior trade and investment officer of Trade and Investment Section-General of Philippines in Osaka; and Teraji Keigo, trade and investment officer of Trade and Investment Section-General of the Philippines in Osaka.

The Davao delegates also made a courtesy call to the Sennan City Council.

Acting Mayor J. Melchor Quitain Jr. is optimistic that the forging of ties helps to encourage business, trade, educational, and cultural exchanges and projects between the said twin sister cities.

“I haven’t read the contents but it will have positive effects on the city because sisterhood agreements usually entail mutual understanding and cooperation in many aspects,” Quitain told Edge Davao.

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keting professionals, marketing assistants, production workers, accounting staff, production crew, warehouse and casual workers, and delivery riders.

Ryan Roldan, spokesperson for DOLE-Davao, said applicants who pre-register online would be prioritized for interview during the fair but added that walk-in job seekers would be accommodated nevertheless.

As of January 20, he said employment in the region stood at 95.5% while the unemployment rate was 4.5%.

The total number of employed workers here reached 2,263,000, he said.

He said the employment rate recovered owing to the reopening and normalization of the operations of several establishments, particularly those related to tourism and business process outsourcing.

Pensoy said a lot of establishments encountered several challenges at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic while others suffered financial losses due to other circumstances, including calamities. (Antonio L. Colina IV/ MindaNews)

organic farmers and other residents in Davao City opposed the conduct of field testing for Bt Eggplant in the city, as “it exposes local varieties to contamination,” and runs counter to the local organic agriculture ordinance that pushes for organic farming systems and practices.

In 2012, a field trial of the controversial Bt Talong was conducted at the University of Southern Mindanao in Kabacan, North Cotabato.

With its regulatory approval last year, the Philippines becomes the second country in the world, after Bangladesh, to allow the commercial propagation of borer-resistant Bt eggplant.

“The biosafety approval for commercial propagation allows us to scale up our operations and ensure the availability of the Bt eggplant seeds in the coming years,” Dr. Lourdes Taylo, the current lead of the Bt Eggplant Project in the Philippines, said in a statement.

Fuentes said they believe that GM crops “do not represent genuine development.”

He called on the government “to promote safe, healthy and sustainable food production by supporting genuine pro-farmer agriculture and a pro-people food system.” (Bong S. Sarmiento/MindaNews)

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convene and initiate a comprehensive and impartial probe into these killings in order to identify the perpetrators and hold them accountable.

Jubahib encouraged the residents of Tagum City to support their efforts by providing relevant information to the authorities and participating in local peace initiatives to ensure a safe and secure environment for Tagumeños.

“Is Tagum City still safe for women? Is it still safe for the general public? These are the questions we must ask ourselves as we confront these rampant killings. I urge our local government, police force, and citizens to unite and work together in addressing the root causes of these crimes and to create a safe and secure environment for everyone. We will spare no effort in ensuring that the perpetrators of these atrocious crimes are brought to justice,” he said.

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“I can sense the increased interest of the Italian business community,” he added.

Clemente said Italy and the Philippines will continue to cooperate in strengthening their economic ties, especially negotiating for a joint economic cooperation.

(PNA)

FROM 5 for the CRPP facility.

Project AIDurian is the first i-CRADLE project in Davao Region and is part of DOST’s effort to expand the benefits of university-industry collaboration in increasing the competitiveness of Philippine industries through research and development.

The new system is seen to offer significant advantages over traditional methods of durian grading, which are often subjective and time-consuming.

Davao Region is the largest grower of durian in the country which accounts for about 80 percent of the nation’s total production.

However, losses in the durian harvest continue to occur due to low farm mechanization and post-harvest facilities, inconsistencies in fruit grading due to manual inspection, and inadequate workforce in durian processing. (PNA)

Other changes in the CRPP facility rules include the change in the applicable US dollar interest rate to be used in the computation of the non-deliverable US dollar-Philippine peso forward contract rate following the end of the use of the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) benchmark, the removal of the 1-2 p.m. trading window, and the change in maximum tenor. (PNA)

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unit will initially involve 12 to 15 of its shopping centers.

SM Prime currently owns and operates 82 shopping malls in the country and seven malls in China.

“And I think right now, probably we have 30 to 35 (shopping malls) are fully matured. So, we can easily transfer 12 to 15 into the REIT, and then the rest will be in the future for the growth of the SM REIT,” Lim said.

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god kay gahulat pa mi ug guidelines gikan sa central office unsay himoon namo ani kay nahuman na nato ug suroy ang tanan LGUs nga considered as remote except the two municipalities nga nabiyaan namo ang Jose Abad Santos ug ang Sarangani in Davao Occidental. Ug naay mga areas na kinahanglan balikan tungod kay naay problema ning SIM card registration like dapat naay internet connection and signal sa area kay kung isa ana wala walay registration mahitabo,” he said.

Currently, 82 million SIM cards were registered nationwide. By Maya

M. Padillo

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different number or letter in their own plates, Tugade said that it is possible.

“You know what, that is precisely the reason for having plate numbers. I agree with you, that could be a possibility. However, we do need to be able to identify motor vehicles and that is one way for us to identify motor vehicles,” he said.

“Similar to a brand new motor vehicle, a car, wherein the identification mark is the conduction sticker. We will be applying the same concept to motorcycles in the event that we fully run out of motorcycle plates,” he added.

Tugade said that the LTO will check the owners’ Certificate of Registration which contains the file number to determine the identity of the vehicle.

The LTO chief thus appealed to the DOTr to fast-track the procurement of the license plates to avoid further problems.

In October last year, LTO said it aims to clear up to 90% of its license plate backlogs by the end of 2023.

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He cited possible synergies and interventions that raise agricultural productivity, which include crop rotation, intercropping, alternate wetting and drying, and precision agriculture.

Balisacan said these practices have the potential to cut emissions while simultaneously enhancing soil health, crop harvests, and profitability.

“Given the complexity and context-specific nature of the trade-offs and synergies between climate change mitigation and agricultural production, we must consider food security, rural livelihoods, and economic development in identifying and implementing mitigation strategies,” he added.

Balisacan noted that to enhance the resilience and profitability of the agricultural sector, it is essential to consistently incorporate climate risks and sustainability into the development and implementation of measures to improve agricultural productivity.

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still text and then after a certain period, you will lose your outgoing calls so that way, ramdam niyo kung ano effect na di kayo nagpaparehistro,” he added.

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Tuesday approved the 90-day extension of the mandatory SIM registration beyond the April 26 deadline.

As of Sunday, April 23, more than 82 million SIM cards have been registered or 49.31% of total active SIMs as of Decem-

pandemic, we want to say that we are open for business, Filipinos are excited to welcome athletes from all over the world, and we are all eager to watch the very best teams play in our homecourt,” Ang said.

A longtime sports patron, Ang enjoined Filipinos to cheer for the Gilas Pilipinas team, which is among the 32 teams that will participate in the event that the Philippines is co-hosting with Japan and Indonesia.

“San Miguel’s history is closely intertwined with sports, particularly basketball. By supporting this world-class event, we also hope to give our local players an opportunity to see different teams and further elevate their games. Also equally important, we want to encourage and inspire young players and the youth in general, to continue pursuing their passion--whether it is basketball or another sport. With enough hard work, discipline, and dedication, they too can be world-class and can carry our flag someday in international competitions,” Ang said.

Ang said he expects the competition at this year’s FIBA. World Cup to be even more stiff, as the world basketball landscape has changed a lot since 1978, when the country’s previous hosting saw former Yugoslavia emerge as champion.

“The immense improvement of many countries since the country’s last hosting in 1978 makes this event a showcase of basketball talent that will be very exciting to watch,” Ang emphasized.

“This is also one of the times when our country can take center stage and show to the world what we are capable of doing. Definitely, hosting the FIBA World Cup is one of those golden opportunities and a privilege,” he added.

Ang also enjoined Filipinos to give a warm welcome to visiting teams, to support the country’s hosting and help it put its best foot forward as global audiences tune in to the games.

Ang thanked the Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas (SBP) group headed by Chairman Emeritus Manny V. Pangilinan and FIBA leadership for the opportunity to take part in the historic event.

“I commend the SBP leadership and FIBA for working to bring the event to our shores for the first time in decades. For a basketball-loving country, it means so much for Filipinos to have the world’s centerpiece basketball event here,” he said.

Apart from basketball, SMC has supported many athletes and sports, the most recent of whom were Olympic medal winners led by the country’s first-ever Olympic gold medalist, weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz, silver medalists Carlo Paalam and Nesthy Petecio and bronze medalist Eumir Marcial.

SMC has also supported national teams in international events.

San Miguel backed the Philippine team that won 149 gold medals, 117 silvers, and 121 bronzes in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.

During the 2005 Southeast Asian Games, SMC also supported the Philippine team that also won the overall championship with 112 golds, 85 silvers, and 93 bronzes.

ber 2022. At present, there are 168,016,400 total active SIMs in the Philippines.

Of the 82 million registered SIMs, more than 37 million are Globe subscribers, more than 39 million are Smart subscribers and over five million are Dito subscribers.

SMC supports PH’s FIBA World Cup 2023 hosting

San Miguel Corporation (SMC) has officially signed on as partner in the country’s hosting of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 this August in a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Filipino fans to watch the best teams and players from all around the world.

years, will serve as a significant boost to the country’s profile in the international sporting stage, if not help usher a new generation of young players that will carry the country’s flag in the future. Ang said that the decision to back the Philippine hosting of the prestigious competition was not a difficult one to make, given its benefits to local fans, athletes,

FRED C. LUMBA SPORTS KEN

Game-fixing in the PBA reared its head again.

It was during the commissionership of our good friend, the late Rudy Salud, that this dirty money making scheme by a Binondo-based syndicate, was acknowledged in the eighties.

Salud, being the astute lawyer-gentleman that he was, ably parried the dirty blows that threatened the very existence of Asia’s first play-for-pay league.

We may or may not lent this latest negative news leak credibility published recently in The Straits Times because the details revealed are too hazy and they

defy logic.

basketball organizations, and the whole country in general, as it recovers from the nearly three-year pandemic continues.

SMC’s support is bannered by San Miguel Brewery, Inc. — through its San Miguel Pale Pilsen brand —that is also behind the San Miguel Beermen in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). Magnolia Hotshots and

Barangay Ginebra San Miguel are the two other SMC teams in the PBA.

“We are very proud to have been given this rare opportunity to host the FIBA Basketball World Cup. I think it’s the best time to have a prestigious international competition in the Philippines. After almost three years of the FSMC, P10

IAN SANGALANG IS ENDANGERED SPECIE

The good name of Magnolia Hotshot center Ian Sangalang has been unjustly mentioned as one of the players Singaporean businessman Koa Wei Quan attempted to reached out to fix a match sometime in 2018 yet.

The offer of $5,000 was reportedly made but there was no mention if the money was accepted and received.

In another vein, 3x3 player Almond Vosotros was also cited during his stint in the Thiland Basketball League in 2018.

In a media interview during the pre-departure SEAG send off

where Vosotros was a key member of the Ph 3 x 3 squad last Monday, he said: “First of all, I was surprised…everyone knows I played in Thailand in 2018. And honestly, I have no knowledge about it and I will never do it.’

Sangalang and Vosotros have since vehemently denied the allegation.

Both cagers are reportedly in consultation with their respective lawyers and may file suits against the Singaporean and his cohorts who leaked the allegation.

As this was being written, PBA officialdom is agog because the game-fixing rumor is not too light

to ignore but needs to be given their fullest attention.

Sangalang is at the peak of his PBA career. He reportedly receives the max PBA salary of P420,000/month.

Multiplied by P50, the $5,000 offer translates to P250,000 at that time.

Would a player of Sangalang’s caliber accept such a miniscule reward to fix a game where gamblers and syndicates know millions change hands abruptly just like that?

This defies logic.

Even then, the harm has been done. Poor Ian. He does not know

what hit him.

Koa has since been reportedly charged with 14 counts of graft in Singapore for allegedly offering bribes to players in the PBA and the TBL.

What we hope and expect from the PBA leadership is for Com. Marcial to form a PBA task force that will immediately get down to the bottom of this “freak’ episode.

Question: Are there sectorsdomestic or foreign - envious of the tremendous success the PBA is reaping at the gates who want to destroy it? (Email feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.) GOPD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!

San Miguel Corporation President and Chief Executive Officer and SMB Chairman Ramon S. Ang with basketball stakeholders

Metro Pacific Investments Corp. chairman and President Manny V Pangilinan, SMC Sports Director Alfrancis Chua, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, PLDT and Smart Communications

President Al Panlilio; and former Philippine Olympic Committee President and current PBA Chairman Ricky Vargas.

SMC President and Chief Executive Officer and SMB Chairman Ramon S. Ang expressed

confidence that the return of the FIBA Basketball World Cup in the Philippines for the first time in 45

BRING IT ON

Team Philippines raring for action in Cambodia SEA Games 2023

With no less than President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. vowing full support, backed by top sports officials of the country, the 840man Philippine delegation is exuding confidence as it prepares to do battle 10 days from now in the 32nd Southeast Asian Games in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

“Handang-handa na ako for the gold medal!” gushed 2021 SEA Games bronze medalist and Philippine Vovinam team member Emmanuel Cantores. “Salamat sa mga sports officials natin kasama si President Bongbong Marcos na nagpakita ng suporta sa aming mga atleta, kaya ganadong-ganado akong lumaban para sa bayan!”

The enthusiasm felt by the Philippine athletes was overwhelming.

“Napakasaya pong pakinggan na ang ating Presidente ay very supportive po sa aming mga atletang Pilipino. Isa po iyon sa mga motivations po namin sa team,” said two-time SEA Games gold medalist Phillip Delarmino, who will vie for another gold medal in Cambodia’s Kun Bokator event.

“Ang goal lagi is to aim for the gold and for the best. Hopefully, this is the year that we can bring that gold. Good luck sa ating lahat. Gawin natin ang best natin at lahat ng ating makakaya. Laban Pilipinas!” stated national karateka Ricca Torres who is out to better her two bronze performance in previous SEAG editions.

In his message, Marcos wished the Philippine contingent good luck during the send-off ceremony held at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City last Monday, April 24.

“One of the greatest

pleasures I have found, being the leader, is to be able to give honor and to recognize, hopefully to inspire, and to provide support to our athletes, who are in fact our ambassadors in sport and play a very, very important part beyond just their participation in such important sporting events,” the President said in his speech.

“If there is anything more that this government can do, that this administration can do, that I personally can do, please make sure to tell me because we are all rooting for you. And we all want to do everything that we can do to make you as successful as you possibly can in your chosen events,” added Marcos.

PSC Chairman Richard Bachmann expressed gratitude to President Marcos for the overwhelming support for Filipino athletes, “It’s always good that the President and the country support our athletes. That’s a good morale booster and hopefully we all do well compared to last year. We’re all praying for that,” said Bachmann who is on his first major international games as PSC chief.

“The PSC is behind all our national athletes. All the commissioners and myself will be there to watch all the games,” assured Bachmann.

Team Philippines will be vying in 38 sports from May 5 to 17.

A female member of the Philippine contingent waves her flaglet during the sendoff ceremony in Malacanang. PSC photo