Edge Davao Vol. 15 Issue 323 | Saturday, May 6, 2023

BEST PRACTICE

Sara highlights Davao City’s support to aspiring doctors

By MAYA M. PADILLO

Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte highlighted the initiative of the city government of Davao to support aspiring doctors in Davao City in her speech at the opening ceremony of the 49th Midyear Convention of the Philippine College of Surgeons held at SM Lanang Premier’s SMX Convention Center on Thursday.

“Ang

sa

taon, ang atin pong lumad doctor ay piniling bumalik doon sa kanilang lugar sa Marilog District

CHO urges Dabawenyas to avail of free cervical cancer screening

The City Health Office (CHO) encourages Dabawenyo women to avail of free cervical cancer screening at the city’s district health centers amid the rising mortality rate due to the disease.

are either hesitant for a checkup or they fear knowing anything about their health condition.

She said women as young as 25 can get their cervical cancer screening.

ng Davao City para doon magserbisyo sa ating mga kababayan,” she said.

In 2017, the vice president who was then mayor of Davao City, signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with five colleges in Davao City for the implementation of the city’s scholarship program for law school and medicine.

The MOA is an expansion of the city’s Educational Benefits System for medicine and legal

FBEST, P10

CHO non-communicable disease program manager Chona Dazon, during the ISpeak Media Forum held Thursday, May 4, at the City Hall conference room, said that the city’s cervical cancer mortality rate rose from 1.62 in the first quarter of this year compared to 1.38 in the same period in 2022.

She said 19 women from the 40 to 44 age bracket have died as of March 2023.

“Cervical cancer is treatable and curable if it’s diagnosed early and early treatment is provided,” Dazon said. That’s why she encouraged women to care for their health no matter how busy their lives become.

She also said some women

In district health centers, cervical cancer screening is done through visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA).

VIA involves the application of a white vinegar dilution to the cervix, allowing healthcare providers to identify abnormalities. When exposed to vinegar, any abnormalities on the cervix turn white. This screening method is particularly beneficial in areas with limited access to medical services.

“Kung merong reaction, duon na namin ire-refer sa mga specialists like gynecologists ang suspected cervical cancer (If there is a reaction, we will refer the VIA result to specialists like FCHO, P10

Alleged mastermind behind ambush of Lanao del Sur Gov. Adiong killed

Combined police and military operatives in Lanao del Sur killed Wednesday the alleged mastermind behind the ambush early this year of the convoy of Lanao del Sur Gov. Mamintal A. Adiong Jr. that killed four people.

BGen Allan Nobleza, regional police director of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao said Oscar “Tacmar” Capal Gandawali was killed after resisting police and Army per-

sonnel who arrived in Barangay Pilimoknan, Maguing, Lanao del Sur to serve his warrants of arrest.

The operatives came from the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region Special investigation Task Group Gov. Adiong and 5th Infantry Battalion.

The Lanao del Sur Police Provincial Office said Gandawali opened fire on the operatives, injuring Army SSgt Nio Mickhael Angelo and the barangay chair of

Pilimoknan, and forcing the latter to fire back.

Recovered from the scene were different types of firearms and ammunition, transparent plastic sachets containing suspected shabu with a total weight of 13.216 grams amounting to P89,868, and other drug paraphernalia.

All of the recovered items were turned over to the Maguing police station for documentation.

“The suspect was facing sev-

en murder cases and two frustrated murder cases,” said Nobleza.

The ambush on Adiong’s convoy in Maguing on Feb. 17 this year left three persons dead and wounded the governor in the hip.

The fatalities were identified as Juraiz Adiong, Aga Sumandar and Jalil Cosain, all policemen with the rank of patrolman, and a civilian driver named Hassanor Pundaodaya.

Gandawali, an alleged Daw-

lah Islamiya member, was also the suspect behind the October 2018 ambush of Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency personnel in Kapai, Lanao del Sur that killed five agents.

He was tagged as the Number 1 Most Wanted Person in Lanao del Sur, and Number 4 in the region. He was allegedly involved in gunrunning, robbery, hold-up, and illegal drug trade in the province and neighboring areas. (Ferdinandh B. Cabrera/MindaNews)

Vice President and Education

Secretary Sara Duterte graces the opening of the Philippine College of Surgeons 49th Midyear Convention at SM Lanang Premier’s SMX Convention Center in Davao City on Thursday. FB

page of Inday Sara Duterte

City Government of Davao po ay merong Medicine Scholarship Program at isa sa mga graduates namin ay member ng Indigenous People’s tribe dito

Davao City. Bago po ako bumaba as mayor noong nakaraang

Another alleged rape victim of notorious PCG man emerges

PH airspace shutdown on May 17 shortened to 2 hrs

Aplanned six-hour shutdown of Philippine airspace on May 17 to replace the uninterruptible power supply (UPS) unit of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines’ air traffic management system has been shortened to 2 hours.

CAAP spokesman Eric Apolonio said the planned shutdown of Philippine airspace will now last from 2 a.m. to 4 a.m. on May 17.

“Tuloy po ito pero may maganda kaming balita kasi shutdown time umikli po ng 2-4 na lang,” he said, adding a new notice to air missions (NOTAM) will be issued.

The shutdown will affect flights at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), Clark International Airport (CRK), and Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA), and several flights at the other 42 CAAP commercially operated airports, the Manila International Airport Authority said in an earlier statement.

Apolonio said CAAP has finished the first phase of repairs to its troubled air traffic management system and secured

By MAYA M. PADILLO

one uninterruptible power supply (UPS) unit.

CAAP has also secured the services of French firm Thales Group to serve as a third-party maintenance provider.

AirAsia spokesperson Steve Dailisan, meanwhile, welcomed CAAP’s announcement, saying several flights were supposed to be rescheduled due to the six-hour shutdown.

He said the shorter shutdown time would mean fewer passengers would be affected.

Last January 1, the air traffic management center, which controls inbound and outbound flights, “went down” due to a power outage last January 1, which resulted in the loss of communication, radio, radar and internet, Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista earlier said.

The outage hit as many people began returning to the capital for work and school after the Christmas and New Year break.

The New Year’s day air traffic fiasco forced hundreds of flights to be canceled, delayed or diverted, affecting over 65,000 passengers.

Another female model allegedly raped by Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) personnel Khalid Abdullah, who is a subject of rape complaints of two other women, spoke to the National Bureau of Investigation-Davao (NBI-Davao), according to an official.

NBI-Davao regional director Arcelito Albao said on Wednesday that they are urging the victim to file a formal complaint against Abdullah.

“Otherwise basin maanad ni atong respondent or akusado. Akong gina convince ang family but as of this time medyo maulaw sila as she belongs to an elite fam-

ily,” he said during the AFP PNP Press Corps media briefing at the Royal Mandaya Hotel on Wednesday.

Albao also said that NBIDavao learned that Abdullah tried to reconcile with the model’s family.

On April 24, 2023, Abdullah was charged with rape and viola-

tion of Republic Act 9208 or Anti-Trafficking-In-Persons-Act and violation of firearms law after allegedly raping a model on April 18, 2023.

The victim alias “Jane” shared with the media that she was raped by Abdullah twice, first inside his vehicle and then in an inn an hour after.

Abdullah was arrested by NBI-SEMRO outside Boxed Up in Doña Vicenta Village, Bajada, Davao City on April 22, 2023.

On April 27, 2023, a 23-yearold rape victim in Davao City turned herself into the NBI

128 rape cases recorded in Davao Region from January-April 2023

The Police Regional Office (PRO 11) recorded 128 rape incidents in Davao Region from January to April 2023.

Davao City Police Office (DCPO) top the list with 35 rape incidents while Davao Occidental Police Provincial Office (DOCPPO) recorded the least with six cases.

Davao del Norte Police Provincial Office (DNPPO) has 32 cases; Davao del Sur Police Provincial Office (DSPPO) with 26; Davao de Oro Police Provincial Office (DdOPPO) with 18 cases

and Davao Oriental Police Provincial Office (DOPPO) with 11 cases.

Of the 128 reported incidents, 34 were recorded as rape; incestuous was 18; and statutory was 76.

Based on the data of PRO 11, 88 victims belong to the 11-17 years old age group; 19 from 18 to 25 years old; and seven from 6 to 10 years old.

In terms of the relationship of the victims to the suspects, 33 have no relation; undetermined, 26; and father, 13, while the pro-

file of the suspects in terms of age are 48 fall under the 18 to 30 years old age group; 27 from 31 to 40 years old; and 19 from 41 to 50 years old.

Meanwhile, the top 3 places where the rape incident occurred were residential, 81; abandoned structure, 10; along the street, 6; and commercial/business, 6.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Eudisan Gultiano, spokesperson of PRO 11, said they are intensifying their coordination with the Wom-

Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Secretary Ma. Belen Sunga-Acosta and French Ambassador to the Philippines Michele Boccoz lead the signing of the memorandum of cooperation on energy investments in the OLTAMA Development Alliance and Pagadian City LGU held at the Acacia Hotel in Davao City on Friday. Lean Daval Jr.

DTI chief bats for inclusion of garments, shoes in US GSP

WhilePresident Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. called for the renewal of the United States Generalized System of Preference (US GSP) in a meeting with business executives in Washington D.C., the country’s top trade official has reiterated the request of the Philippines to include garments and shoes in the tariff privileges.

In a virtual briefing with trade reporters late Wednesday evening, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Alfredo Pascual said he conveyed to US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo during their side meetings the request of the Philippine government to extend the zero-tariff to Philippine-made garments and shoes.

Pascual said he also underscored the importance of the US GSP renewal for the Philippines.

utive (side), what (they) are saying to the Secretary is that they are fully supportive of the reauthorization, and we are hopeful that similar in the past, it will be reauthorized despite the lapse of the previous one,” DTI Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo said.

Financial system digitization boosts biz access to funding

The Philippine government is batting for the reauthorization of the US GSP, which provides zero duty for 3,500 tariff lines.

Around 70 percent of the country’s exports to the US market enter at tariffs through this preferential tariff treatment.

However, it expired on Dec. 31, 2020 and has not yet been reauthorized by the US Congress.

“So far from the (US) exec-

Rodolfo said the US Executive Department is also supportive of the provision that the tariffs paid since 2021 will be reimbursed.

Pascual and Rodolfo are part of the delegation of Marcos during his visit to the US, where he had a bilateral meeting with US President Joe Biden.

The DTI chief said they are meeting at least eight companies in the US hoping to bring in more investments and jobs for the Philippines. (PNA)

Cebu Pacific swings to profitability in Q1

Listed Cebu Air Inc., the operator of budget carrier Cebu Pacific, bounced back to profitability during the first quarter of 2023 on the back of strong passenger and ancillary revenues.

In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange on Friday, Cebu Air reported a net income of P1.1 billion for the January to March period.

This is a reversal from a P7.6 billion net loss in the

same period last year.

Cebu Air said that this is the airline’s “first profitable quarter since the pandemic, as it generated total revenues of P20.9 billion, 211% higher than the first quarter last year.”

The airline said the growth was largely driven by recovery of its passenger business, which generated P14.3 billion, 352% higher year-on-year. This was followed by an-

cillary business which generated P5.46 billion, up 221% year-on-year.

Cebu Air said it flew over 4.8 million passengers in the first quarter, 135% higher year-on-year, which drove the seat load factor to jump to 83%, up 13 percentage points year-on-year. The airline added it flew 32,000 flights in the first quarter, up 94% year-onyear.

Digitization of the financial system benefits small businesses, among others, since they will have additional proof required in securing funding.

During the ongoing 56th Asian Development Bank (ADB) annual meeting in Incheon, South Korea, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Felipe Medalla said financial inclusion in the country increased during the pandemic following the surge in the use of digital payments after the government implemented movement restrictions.

Small businesses’ access to credit will also improve in line with the greater use of technology in the financial system, he said, “if you include financial trail, that will be very helpful” because the need for collateral will be reduced.

However, Medalla said “there’s no substitute for subsidized guarantee fees for firsttime borrowers.”

Despite this, the BSP chief

also pointed out that “the other problem is if people see that government is there, they feel like they can get away without paying”, citing that “(with) the private sector, the obligation to pay is strong.”

“There are many other things but there’s no substitute for government being able to collect taxes properly and being able to target those sectors,” he said.

Medalla said the issue of connectivity and telecommunication signal is being addressed since banks and financial technology firms, which offer electronic payment services, cannot address this.

He said “the private sector is quite imaginative” in delivering services.

“There are many things that only government can do. That’s the signal and making sure that poor people, when they’re hit by disasters, they have a fallback position,” he added. (PNA)

Cebu Pacific announces that it bounced back to profitability during the first quarter of 2023. The airline reported a net income of P1.1 billion for the January to March period. Lean Daval Jr.

Inflation eases further to 6.6 percent in April

Oil recovers on supply fears but demand woes persist

Oil prices rebounded on Thursday, with both benchmarks dropping around 5 percent in previous trade as supply concerns caused by Iran’s seizure of an oil tanker and renewed tensions between Ukraine and Russia overshadowed demand woes caused by the US Federal Reserve’s (Fed) decision to cut interest rates further.

International benchmark Brent crude traded at $73.33 per barrel at 10:41 a.m. local time (0741 GMT), a 1.38 percent increase from the closing price of $72.33 a barrel in the previous trading session.

At the same time, the American benchmark West Texas Intermediate (WTI) traded at $69.33 per barrel, up 1.06 percent from the previous session’s close of $68.60 per barrel.

Oil prices came under pressure ahead of the US Federal Reserve’s new monetary policy decision, as the world’s largest oil-consuming country battled high inflation.

However, demand concerns

Inflation rate continued its downtrend for the third straight month as it further cooled down in April amid the slowdown in food, transport, and utility costs during the period, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported on Friday.

were alleviated after Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) confirmed the seizure of a foreign oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz.

The reason for holding the oil tanker remains unclear, although the IRGC called the vessel a “violator.”

Wednesday’s incident comes a week after the Iranian army’s naval division seized a Marshal Islands-flagged “transgressor” tanker, and directed it to the coastal waters of Iran in the Sea of Oman following an encounter with an Iranian vessel.

Supply concerns intensified after the Kremlin said two Ukrainian drones attacked the Kremlin residence of Russian President Vladimir Putin overnight on Wednesday, calling it a “terrorist” assassination attempt.

While Ukraine denied any involvement in the attack on the Kremlin, Russia confirmed it had opened a criminal case for the alleged drone attack by Ukraine.

Mounting demand woes

At a virtual press conference, National Statistician and PSA chief Claire Dennis Mapa reported that inflation — the rate of increase in the prices of goods and services — eased to 6.6% last month from 7.6% in March, bringing the yearto-date rate to 7.9%.

This is the third time that inflation decelerated from a peak of 8.7% in January.

Year-on-year, however, the inflation print in April was still faster than the 4.9% rate seen in April 2022.

Last month’s inflation rate falls

within the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ forecast range of 6.3% to 7.1%.

“Ang pangunahing dahilan ng pagbagal ng antas ng inflation nitong Abril 2023 kaysa noong Marso 2023 ay ang mas mabagal na paggalaw ng presyo ng Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages,” Mapa said.

(The main reason for the slowdown of inflation in April 2023 versus March 2023 was the slower movements in the prices of Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages.)

Marcos makes a pitch for local battery production to US firms

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday made a pitch to American businessmen the plan of the Philippines to pursue local battery production, with the help of foreign technology and capital, as a solution for the country’s problems in energy supply and other energy-related issues.

the government endeavors to move the Philippines’ energy mix from traditional fossil fuels to renewables.

“And the part that batteries will play in that whole system cannot be overstated. And that is why it would be very good if we could bring the industry into the Philippines,” Marcos said, adding that battery production is an important pivot for the country with the advent of climate change.

go beyond mineral extraction to actual battery production to prop up the local value chain, technology and strong industry participation are needed to see this materialize.

“But to do that we need technology, we need of course the capital and the resources to undertake such activities. They are not small projects and so they require major funding and that again is another part of the situation that we have to deal with,” FOIL, P10 FMARCOS, P10

During a fireside chat at the Blair House in Washington with US businessmen, Marcos underscored the great potential of local battery production as

He said for the country to

Delivery riders gather at a gasoline station to take a short break while waiting for their customers’ orders from a food chain along MacArthur highway in Matina, Davao City on Friday. Lean Daval Jr.

program and make sure that public funds were going to people in need:

“Coming

one

“Init kaayo,” my nephew said recently.

At that time, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the heat index in various parts of the country “may hit 40°C and above.”

“At midday, expect highest air temperatures at 34-35°C in several areas,” the country’s weather bureau said. “But the heat index – or the heat felt by our bodies –may possibly exceed 40°C.”

That’s too hot to handle, indeed!

As warm-blooded beings, we maintain our body temperature with a narrow range (within one or two degrees of 37°C) despite large fluctuations in external temperatures.

“This internal temperature range must be maintained for the body to function normally,” pointed The Merck Manual of Medical Information. “Body temperature that gets too high or too low can result in serious injury to organs or death.”

Heat sickness, health experts tell us, is a fast-acting, dangerous killer. Examples include heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and

HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

TREES VERSUS EXTREME HEAT

heatstroke.

Heat cramps are associated with a lack of fluids, high temperatures and a lack of physical conditions. They can be treated with water, cool air, and rest.

Heat exhaustion, on the other hand, is a serious illness and should be carefully monitored. Cool, shady environments, liquids, cool rags placed on various areas of the body, and replenishment of electrolytes are used to treat this condition.

Heatstroke is the most severe form of heat-induced illness. In fact, it is a medical emergency. The person must be brought to the hospital at once.

“Heatstroke can kill or cause damage to the brain and other internal organs,” says the website, webmd.org. “Although heatstroke mainly affects people over age 50, it also takes a toll on healthy, young athletes.”

Indeed, heat has a profound impact on our health. The Geneva-based World Health Organization (WHO) said that extreme heat is responsible for hundreds or thousands of deaths around the world every year.

“It is also associated with an

increased risk of conditions including heart disease, diabetes and obesity. Heat also exacerbates mental health conditions, hampers cognitive functioning and makes a person more aggressive,” Forbes observed.

One sustainable and less expensive way of beating extreme heat is trees. A study published in the Lancet medical journal said that planting more trees in the cities could cut the number of people dying from high temperatures in summer.

We can add the dry spell and long drought which the forthcoming El Niño brings.

“The cooling effect of trees comes largely from shading and transpiration, which is when water within the tree is released as water vapor through their leaves,” explains New Scientist. “This process takes heat energy from the surrounding environment for evaporation, lowering the surrounding temperature.”

Transpiration, my high school science teacher told us, is “loss of water through small tiny pores of leaves called stomata. When this water comes on the surface of the

FRED C. LUMBA SPECKS OF LIFE

“A perfection of means, and confusion of aims, seems to be our main problem.” - ALBERT EINSTEIN.

*******

As Einstein hit the nail on the head, Filipinos seem not being able to make heads or tails of their responsibilities, functions, roles and duties.

Public servants are morally obliged to be diligent and disciplined - and public service obliges them to be on their toes 24/7.

Why 24/7?

Because life and public service do not cease after office hours.

Everything on this earthly plane grinds non-stop 24 hours a day.

Excuses for omissions and commissions of mistakes do not acquit those responsible in public service.

Thus, when the power outage at the NAIA Terminal 3 occurred anew (the first was on January 1 (New Year’s Day 2023), airport

leaf, the water evaporates thereby causing a cooling effect.”

This is the reason why we feel comfortable when we stand under a tree.

“Trees and other plants help cool the environment, making vegetation a simple and effective way to reduce urban heat islands,” the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said.

Studies have shown that areas shaded by trees may be 11-25°C cooler than the peak temperature of unshaded areas. Evapotranspiration, alone or in combination with shading, can help reduce peak summer temperature by 1-5°C.

But where have all our trees gone?

A few years back, I accompanied an American friend who visited a Bible school somewhere in the outskirts of Davao City. It was too late when we arrived at the place. Since there was no more electricity by 9 pm, I decided to sleep immediately.

When I woke up the following day, I didn’t see my companion in his bed. I was wondering where he went. But since it was too early to wake up, I decided to go back

to sleep. It was around 6 in the morning when I heard my friend calling my name.

“What’s up?” I inquired. “I just came from that mountain up there. I went jogging. I saw this sign (showing something written on his palm). Can you read what this means?” he begged. Well, it was written in our vernacular so he didn’t understand what it meant. It said: “Guinadili ang pagpamutol sa mga kahoy!”

When I told him what those words were, he smirked. “Are you kidding me,” he said. “There are no more trees out there!”

Some records showed that 54 years after Portuguese navigator Ferdinand Magellan “rediscovered” the Philippines, ninety-two percent (27.5 million hectares) of the country’s total land area of 30 million hectares was covered with forests. This went down to 70 percent (20.9 million hectares) in 1863, then to 64 percent (18.9 million hectares) in 1920, and 36.3 percent (10.9 million hectares) in 1970.

Despite laws banning cutting of trees, deforestation still continues. So, don’t wonder why it is very hot these days.

AIRPORT POWER OUTAGES

NEGATE NATION-BUILDING EFFORTS

and transportation authorities at the DOTr were again crucified for their lackluster performance.

One of the most sensitive areas in the national bureaucracy, the DOTr and its attached agencies have been under fire since the department went solo as a full-pledged cabinet portfolio.

The NAIA has been poorly rated as one of the worst airports around the world. But having been tagged notoriously failed to propel Congress, government policy-makers and the sitting DOTr officials themselves to craft a permanent template to erase the bad image abroad.

Every Juan, Jose and Pedro know that airports are the country’s showwindow that mirrors what a foreign visitor expects to see when he steps in and passes through immigration desks. News reports said close to 10,000 passengers were stranded because their flights were canceled as all electronic and digitalized equipment were down and out.

Filipinos are not short in creativity, organization and management but the two power outages smacks of government inefficiency, indolence and low IQ.

How then are we going to attract foreign tourists, businessmen, investors and travelers to come and see for themselves what the Philippines has in store for them if our airports are not in good shape, the equipment faulty and the personnel in disarray?

Sabotage was one of the lame excuses the DOTr offered which altogether would be considered an unacceptable mind-blowing alibi.

A saboteur group angry to strike back at the Marcos government would have eyed a HUGE, BIG landmark that would create an explosion like Mt. Pinatubo, the impact of which the international news community would pick up and take notice.

Tourism, investment and business concerns are suffering ultimately because government

officials do not live up to their roles.

Filipinos are prominently known to be good copycats.

How come we cannot ape what Singapore is doing?

Our tiny island city-state neighbor operates the most beautiful and most efficient airport in the planet, thus attracting millions of visitors every year.

Considering that Singapore has a multi-ethnic society, how come its government is able to compete (with flourish) against the best Western economies?

As far as I am concerned, Singapore is the best standard we Pinoys should gauge our performance against in various aspects of governance.

Historically, Filipinos have a good idea of how the Singaporeans zoomed out of the “dark” and stood prominently in the light.

The Philippines and Singapore were both victims of Japanese occupation.

It broke out of the Malaysian

Confederation soon after World War II and relentlessly pursued a national goal that makes Singapore the envy of the world today.

Hopefully, Sec. Jaime Bautista wakes up to the reality and send some of his key men to undergo a serious study of Changi’s operations and implement them to the letter here.

His long fruitful experience with PAL as its head honcho actually made him most qualified as DOTr chief.

Or, propose to Congress to enact a law that approximate’s all of Changi’s operational success. Shouldn’t everything be done and no stone unturned as long as the job is done well?

My greatest fear today is: Suppose, another power outage happens, will there be new alibis? Will a saboteur be finally identified and arrested?

Or was that just a figment of a naughty imagination? (Email feedback to fredlumba@yahoo. com.) GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!

Pinched by Ang Huling El Bimbo: The Musicale 2023

The Eraserheads — composed of Ely Buendia, Raymund Marasigan, Buddy Zabala, and Marcus Adoro — has dominated the music industry since their big break in 1993.

Their songs evoke nostalgia and resonate with Filipino listeners.

“Ang Huling El Bimbo” recounts an unrequited love story between childhood friends who grew up and grew apart, only for it to come to a terrible conclusion.

One can feel a bit of pain just singing the song, how much more if it will be acted on stage?

It was my first time watching “Ang Huling El Bimbo” (AHEB): The Musical at the Newport Performing Arts Theater on April 27, 2023.

I am not a musical aficionado but AHEB was truly “nakakaindak,” “nakakaaliw,” and “nakakatindig balahibo.”

The story focuses on the complicated relationships of 4 friends – Joy, Hector,

Anthony and Emman - whose friendship is tested after a personal tragedy.

Each scene was carried out infused with the iconic songs of Eraserheads such as “Alapaap,” “ Ligaya,” “Tindahan ni Aling Nena,” “Toyang,” “Pare Ko,” “ With A Smile,” “Tikman ang Langit,” “Magasin,” “Sem Break,” and many more.

I found myself singing along from the very first scene and the musical’s stage, lighting,

costumes and choreography were visual treats.

Now on its 5th year, the cast of AHEB is composed of some of the best theater actors in the country namely Gab Pangilinan, Gian Magdangal, and Topper Fabregas, who reprise their lead roles as young Joy, Hector, and Houng Anthony respectively.

They were also joined by new cast

members, theater actor and The Voice finalist Niño Alejandro (Anthony), Indie folk artist Bullet Dumas (Emman), GMA7’s The Clash grand finalist Anthony Rosaldo (Young Hector), Gawad Buhay Award-winning theater actor Paw Castillo (Young Emman), and professional voice teacher Katrine Sunga (Joy).

The musical is produced by Newport World Resorts and Full House Theater Company.

Very special thanks to Newport World Resort’s Cluster Director of Marketing Communications Archie Nicasio , Laurence Joy Andrade , Aina Elinon , Judd Jhocson, Sofia Vital and the rest of the team, and to Cebu Pacific.

La la la la la..... la la... la la.... la la la..

(AHEB photos courtesy of Newport World Resorts and Full House Theater Company Facebook pages)

For those who are familiar with Eraserheads’ songs, “Ang Huling El Bimbo” is most likely the most poignant.

This one is for Robert Ripley’s Believe It or Not. If you are interested in farming but don’t have land, you can still grow crops without soil. This can be accomplished by using water. That’s what hydroponics is all about.

Hydroponic comes from two Greek words: hudor for “water” and ponos for “work”; it means “water working.”

As a technology, hydroponics is a system of growing plants using a water-based nutrient solution rather than soil and can include a growing medium such as vermiculite, coconut coir, or perlite.

In the past, hydroponic production techniques were practiced by small farmers and hobbyists but in recent years, it could be applied in commercial production, too. Experts consider hydroponics as “one of the smart technologies that can

help the country ensure food security and to be climate resistant in the future.”

History records showed the first commercial hydroponics farm was set up in 1981. It was observed that the yield of vegetables was better during cool months than during the summer months.

Hydroponics farming is an upside trend in the country.

According to the Philippine Hydroponics Development Corporation, around 120 hydroponic farms currently operate in the Philippines, with an annual production capacity of 800 metric tons.

‘SOILLESS’ VEGETABLE GARDENING, ANYONE?

In Davao City, the Eden Nature Park and Resort is practicing hydroponics. The crops grown are used mainly for its restaurant. Others are being sold in the malls.

The Yannah’s Vegetable Farming, located in Sto. Niño Compound in Matina Crossing, is also growing lettuce, onion,

basil and strawberry hydroponically.

One of the main features of hydroponics is fertigation, a combination of fertilization and irrigation. Nutrients and soluble fertilizers like phosphorus, nitrogen, and calcium, are mixed into water. These are fed through dripping hoses.

In some hydroponics systems, a growing medium is used to support the plant roots and allow for more effective water absorption to the root structure.

The US National Park Service cites the following advantages of hydroponics: enhanced plant yields (as the crops are densely spaced together), less water utilization (as much as 10 times less water), locally-grown (allow to grow almost anywhere), and less space (taking up a small amount of space).

“Hydroponics system is becoming popular among farmers because it is a low-cost, highyield method of farming that doesn’t rely on pesticides or fertilizers,” commented Randy Gatuangco, a computer technician who practices hydroponics in his home.

It’s easy to see the advantages of hydroponics. But there are some disadvantages, too. The Seattle-based website, trees.com, shares the following

drawbacks:

Expensive to set up: Compared to a traditional garden, a hydroponics system is more expensive to build. Costs range depending upon the type and size of the system, and whether the materials used are prefabricated or built with individual components.

Vulnerable to power outages: Hydroponics systems depend on electricity to power the different components such as grow lights, water pumps, aerators, and fans, among others. As such, a power outage will affect the entire system. Require constant monitoring and maintenance: To maintain a carefully controlled growing environment, all system components need constant vigilance – lights, temperature, and many aspects of the nutrient solution such as pH and electrical conductivity. The nutrient solution also needs to be flushed and replaced regularly, and the system parts cleaned often to prevent build-up and clogging.

Waterborne diseases: As the crops are grown in the water instead of soil, waterborne diseases are considerably higher. With the water circulating continuously through the system, infections can spread quickly

Text and Photos by HENRYLITO D. TACIO

Lettuce is the most-often grown crop in the hydroponics system.

BEST... FROM 2 CHO... FROM 2 ‘SOILLESS’... FROM 9

education aiming to find indigent students who want to study law and medicine.

Meanwhile, Duterte also thanked the doctors present in the said activity for their sacrifices to save lives at the height of the pandemic.

She emphasized that the experience of the nation during the epidemic served as a wake-up call to prioritize public health and create more opportunities for Filipinos, particularly the poor, to obtain medical care.

She added that the Office of the Vice President was motivated to create a medical assistance program and ensure that public funds were going to people in need.

She cited that basic healthcare was unavailable to disadvantaged citizens and members of marginalized communities.

“Coming from one of the biggest cities in the country, natutunan ko na mahalagang magkaroon ng mga satellite offices sa ibat-ibang lugar para masiguro na mabababa yung tulong na kailangan ng ating mga kababayan,” she said.

The Office of the Vice President now has eight satellite offices outside of the National Capital Region. These are located in the cities of Cauayan, Dagupan, Bacolod, Tacloban, Cebu, Davao, Tandag and Zamboanga.

MARCOS... FROM 5

he said.

Marcos said there are many new instruments that encouraged this activity in the last few years such as green bonds and blue bonds and current rules have become very, very clear.

In his talks with big companies, especially mining companies, Marcos said buyers of mineral products insist upon declaration of proof that the products that they are being sold were built using green energy.

“And that I think is going to be an important part in making hopefully the manufacturing of batteries in the Philippines a success,” he said. (PNA)

gynecologists),” Dazon added. In private hospitals or clinics, however, a pap smear is conducted to detect cervical cancer.

The CHO intensifies its cervical cancer awareness campaign by holding symposiums in schools and barangays. The health office also provides free human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine for aged nine to 14 years old. But Dazon said parents seem to be hesitant to get their children immunized due to the Dengvaxia vaccine scare.

HPV immunization also dropped since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dazon cited early sexual activity and having multiple sex partners as risk factors for cervical cancer. CIO

OIL... FROM 5

Although rising investor fears over a potential decline in oil demand in the US were eased with a decline in US commercial crude oil inventories, oil prices started to rally later on Wednesday with a much-anticipated interest rate decision by the US Fed.

US Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said inflation has “moderated somewhat” since mid-2022 but “pressures run high.”

Powell’s comments came after the Fed made another hike of 25 basis points, carrying the target range for the federal funds rate to between 5 percent and 5.25 percent -- its highest since August 2007.

Powell stressed that tighter conditions are likely to weigh on economic activity, hiring and inflation, but said the extent of their effects “remains uncertain.”

But he warned that the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) is prepared to do more if greater monetary policy restraint is warranted until the Fed brings inflation down to its goal of 2 percent.

“A decision to pause (rate hikes) was not made today. We will be approaching that question in the June meeting,” Powell said. (Anadolu)

throughout the growing system as a whole.

Problems affect plants quicker: Soil protects the roots from extreme temperature changes, slows diseases and pests from attacking, and regularly releases and absorbs nutrients. Without soil as a buffer, plants grown in hydroponics systems react negatively to problems like nutrient deficiencies and disease much quicker.

Almost any crop can be grown hydroponically but the most common ones are leaf lettuce, tomatoes, sweet peppers, green beans, cucumbers, strawberries, celery and some herbs. These hydroponically-grown vegetables can be just as nutritious as those grown in soil.

“The truth is that crops grown in a local hydroponic vertical farm are, in fact, better in taste and safer than the food you might find farmed otherwise,” wrote Arturo Brosas, author of “Hydroponics Farming in the Philippines.”

Lettuce is the most-often grown crop in hydroponics as

it is popular in restaurants, hotels, and fast foods.

In Iloilo, a locally developed smart greenhouse hydroponics is being introduced. The Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISATU), which initiated the project, applies the Internet of Things (IoT) technologies to automate the monitoring and control of growth parameters for lettuce grown in a nutrient-film-technique (NFT) hydroponics system.

The ISATU project, led by Dr. Renerio S. Mucas, developed components of this technology including the hardware and firmware and installed and tested them at Ephrathah Farms, Inc. in Badiangan, Iloilo City.

“I am beyond satisfied with the system now,” Engr. Ed Roderick V. Canuto, farm manager of Ephrathah Farms, Inc, commented.

In the past, he visited his farm on early Sunday mornings to handle the tedious work that his farm attendant was doing on weekdays. He checked the greenhouse, even in the middle of the night, because the hydroponics monitoring and control system is remotely accessible by computer laptop or mobile phone.

to be happy with only 60 grams per head of lettuce.

“Monitoring the acidity or pH and other grown parameters and dosing the right amount of nutrients at the right time gave us consistent production yield,” he added.

Before the automated system, Ephrathah Farms manually recorded the microclimate and agronomic parameters essential for lettuce’ growth, which has inconsistent results leading to variable production yields.

It has been observed that the IoT smart greenhouse minimized labor and made it less tedious for Engr. Canuto and his attendant.

During the terminal review, Dr. Mucas said the smart greenhouse hydroponics is equipped with sensors and communication technologies that automatically captures data on essential parameters such as temperature, acidity, electrical conductivity, and water flow.

en and Children Protection Desk (WCPD), barangays, and women’s advocates to prevent the increase of rape incidents in the region.

“Para kung nabiktima sila they have to report it sa WCPD para ma-filan ng charges itong mga suspects,” Gultiano said during the AFP PNP Press Corps media briefing at the Royal Mandaya Hotel on Wednesday. By Maya

M. Padillo

ANOTHER... FROM 3

Southeastern Mindanao Regional Office (NBI-SEMRO) to complain that she was also raped by Abdullah.

According to the victim, Abdullah introduced himself as a general of the Philippine Coast Guard in the Davao Region.

Engr. Canuto now stops doing so. He doesn’t need to visit the farm to turn on the water-cooling system since all features and information are easily controlled and accessible.

“During the first run of our production under the automated system, I was surprised to have the best production I ever had,” he recalled. “I had 250 grams per lettuce head. I used

The collected data goes through an IoT plaftform for monitoring, analysis, and control. Aside from monitoring from a personal computer, use of Android App enables the farm manager to remotely monitor the system’s status or control specific actuators for water flow, water-cooling, and fertigation.

More importantly, the automated system of hydroponics uses low energy requirements and is run and powered by solar energy. “Generally, it helps improve efficiency in use of resources and nutrients, while optimizing yield gains,” Dr. Mucas said.

WARRIORS... FROM 11

Davis followed up his brilliant Game 1 performance — 30 points, 23 rebounds, five assists and four blocked shots and 11-for-19 shooting — with 11 points while shooting 5 for 11, seven rebounds, four assists and three blocks.

“We played with more force,” Draymond Green said.

Golden State outscored the Lakers 84-47 over the second and third quarters — recording two 40-point quarters in the same playoff game for the first time in franchise history.

“It was hard for us to guard four shooters,” Lakers forward Rui Hachimura said. “Defensively they were more aggressive I feel like. They had all the loose balls and the rebounds and everything.”

Fasten your seatbelts for a Game 7 of a lifetime

Looney received huge roars as he came off the bench for his first action with 3:41 left in the first. He grabbed eight rebounds and scored six points playing just less than 12 minutes — and the Warriors still outboarded the Lakers 55-40 without its best rebounder.

Kerr was hardly worried ahead of Game 2, pointing to how Golden State lost Game 1 of the NBA Finals at home to Boston last year before winning it all.

The Warriors also rallied from a 2-0 deficit in their firstround series to beat Sacramento, the first defending champion to do so.

“You could tell, they came out just ready to try to secure a game,” Lakers coach Darvin Ham said, “and again not go back to our place down 0-2.”

KLAY’S DAY

Thompson shot 11 for 18 and 8 of 11 from deep. His 19 points in the first half were his most in a postseason contest since he scored 21 in Game 6 against the Rockets in 2019.

KEY SEQUENCE

The Warriors challenged an offensive foul call on Andrew Wiggins with James defending at the 2:50 mark of the second quarter. The call was overturned and a block assessed to James, and a Lakers assistant received a technical during the review process — and the Warriors converted all three free throws to lead 60-50 before Thompson’s 3 the next time down.

TIP-INS

Lakers: James was -27 through three quarters. The only time he had a worse plus-minus through three in a playoff game was Game 1 of a second-round series against the Pistons in 2006. ... In a big change from Game 1, the Lakers didn’t take their first free throws until 1:03 before halftime and their four attempts matched their second-fewest in a first half this season.

Warriors: Moses Moody added 10 points and seven rebounds off the bench and Gary Payton II seven points and five boards as Golden State controlled the glass all game. ... JaMychal Green earned his first playoff start since April 26, 2019, for the Clippers against the Warriors in Game 6 of the first round. “Two hours before game time Loon came down pretty ill,” Kerr said. ... Golden State improved to 20-6 in Game 2s dating to the 201415 title run.

Warriors level series with Game 2 rout

SAN FRANCISCO — After yet another big basket, Klay Thompson scurried toward the fans sitting courtside opposite the Warriors bench and raised his arms in the air to fire up an entire arena behind him. It didn’t take much the way his shots were falling.

He has been waiting his entire life to shine against his father’s Los Angeles Lakers on the big stage.

Thompson scored 30 points with eight 3-pointers, Golden State limited Anthony Davis while allowing LeBron James 23 points, and the defending champion Warriors evened their Western Conference semifinal with the Los Angeles Lakers at

one game apiece with a 127-100 win Thursday night (Friday, Manila time).

“I was just trying to get the crowd going,” Thompson said. “It’s always fun when you shoot the ball well, it’s even better when you couple that win a win.”

Stephen Curry added 20 points and 12 assists as Splash Brother Thompson got hot to help Golden State make 21 more

3-pointers — giving the Warriors an NBA record for most in the first two games of a playoff series at 42. James’ Cavaliers hit 40 against Atlanta in the 2016 second round.

“They made their adjustments. We knew they were going to do that, that’s what a championship team does,” James said. “They held serve on their home court tonight.”

Coach Steve Kerr switched things up and inserted JaMychal Green into the starting lineup for Kevon Looney, who had a career-high 23 rebounds in Game 1 but has been dealing with an illness. Kerr aimed to give a different look with scoring options

FRED C. LUMBA SPORTS KEN

Too tough to call.

Steph Curry and his gang are the defending champs so perhaps basketball fans can give them the courtesy.

But Golden State is just seeded sixth and their semifinal opponents - Los Angeles - are ranked seventh which just about even up things.

Now that the Warriors have evened up the series at 1 apiece, taking Game 2 with a blow out win 127-100 Friday, Game 3 in LA should somehow logically tilt slightly in favor of James and friends.

Homecourt edge is usually the reason.

Los Angelenos hate getting

embarassed in their home court and the Lakers know their responsibility.

The Splash Brothers (Curry and Thompson) play unrelentlessly. This mindset is the basic foundation of the Warriors’ offense. Get Thompson or Curry out of the GS line up and you will see how they will collapse.

Meaning, without the other, Steph or Klay will carry the burden singularly on his shoulder.

Together, they are the most dangerous one-two punch of coach Steve Kerr.

Thompson, the son of ex-Laker power forward/center Mychal Thompson, poured in 30 pts while Curry produced 20 and 12

and more free-throw chances by going hard with a physical presence against Davis in the paint — where Golden State got thoroughly outplayed in a 117-112 loss in the opener.

Thompson’s basket with 7:48 left in the third gave Golden State its biggest lead at 82-64 and the Warriors rolled from there.

“Klay got it going and our defense was kind of fueling our offense,” Kerr said.

JaMychal Green impact

The Warriors had more fastbreak points and points in the paint. Green matched his playoff career high with 15 points, while Draymond Green contrib-

WARRIORS OR LAKERS?

assists in Game 2.

Argumentatively, Laker chief strategist Darvin Ham only need to copy what he did in Game 1 in order for the Lakers to go 2-1 Sunday.

Meaning, Ham must evolve a leech-like defensive strat specifically for each of Curry and Thompson.

Curry carries the ball and creates the situation. Klay usually posts himself at the corner and waits for the assist pass for an open three.

The Laker guard who chases Curry should only have his eyes glued on Steph, otherwise this smart fellow can use a pick to receive the pass and shoot either a

two or issue another swift assist to the open sniper.

Observed that Curry carried the brunt and burden in Game 2.

Meaning, Lebron must also take up the cudgels and, like Curry, lead his team to victory in these two home assignments.

Despite the Game 2 defeat, the Lakers maintain an intangible momentum that needs to be concretely translated come jumpball time.

If the Lakers allow the Warriors to snatch a win in either Game 3 or 4, Steve Kerr can ably boost the morale of his boys in the fifth encounter in San Francisco.

Frankly, the Lebron-led Lak-

uted 11 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists after insisting he had to get more aggressive.

“I’ve been waiting on this moment, just wanted to show that I could help,” JaMychal Green said. “They always tell me to stay ready, my time will come.”

The best-of-seven series shifts to Los Angeles for Game 3 on Saturday.

James shot 6 for 8 in the first with a pair of 3s for 14 points as the Lakers led 33-26. He retrieved a loose ball and let it fly for a pretty 3 with 7:47 before halftime but the Warriors were too much.

ers today are not the same hard core Lakers squad Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul Jabbar led during the famous Showtime era.

They are a different breed now.

GM Rob Pelinka continues to shuffle the LA line up like a new deck of cards, hoping to produce a “Royal Straight Flush” finally.

The Lakers hope to come out a with 3-1 card while the Warriors could welcome a 2-2 even slate going to Game 5 where the latter will host the former. (Email feedback to fredlumba@yahoo. com.) GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!

LeBron James and JaMychal Green in an aerial battle. PHOTO: AP

FWARRIORS, P10

3X3 KINGS

La Salle captures men’s 3X3 basketball crown

De La Salle University captured the UAAP Season 85 men’s 3x3 basketball championship after surviving Adamson University in the final, 21-18 (9:57) on Thursday at the CaSoBe in Calatagan.

CJ Austria led the Green Archers’ comeback from five points down with nine points and three rebounds, while Joshua David drained three two-pointers for six points.

Kevin Quiambao contributed five points, 10 rebounds, and two blocks, while Francis Escandor, son of SBP 11 regional director, added a point and seven rebounds.

“Totally, hindi namin in-expect na mag-cha-champion kami kasi bago pa lang kami nag-training ng 3x3. Blessing na nag-champion kami at nakuha ko pa ‘yung MVP,” said Austria, who was crowned tournament MVP.

With the Soaring Falcons up 9-4, David came alive with backto-back deuces before Ivan Maata answered back with an and-one, 11-8. But Austria, David, and Quiambao took charge to lead De La Salle to a 17-14 advantage with 1:17 left.

However, Didat Hanapi got a basket and drew the Green Archers’ seventh foul, which meant

two bonus free throws. He made both to tie the game at 17-all.

Austria and Hanapi exchanged points at 18-all, then Quiambao took over with a goahead teardrop with 16 seconds to go before finishing the game with two free throws with 3.1 seconds remaining.

Hanapi had eight points, while 5-on-5 reserves Jhon Calisay and Maata added five points apiece.

Wilfrey Magbuhos completed the Soaring Falcons lineup.

La Salle defeated National University (NU) in the semis, 21-13 (9:52), while Adamson dethroned University of Santo Tomas, 21-19 (9:59).

The Bulldogs then defeated the Growling Tigers in the bronze medal match, 21-16 (8:42).

John Galinato made eight points for NU, while Patrick Yu and Joe Gulapa contributed six and four points, respectively.

Rookie of the Year Kenji Duremdes paced UST with nine points, while Echo Laure added four points.

Davao City cager Francis Escandor (18) and his La Salle celebrate its triumph in UAAP Season 85 men’s 3x3.