Edge Davao Vol. 15 Issue 27 | Wednesday, May 17, 2023

Davao City First District Representative Paolo Duterte, together with Benguet Rep. Eric Yap and ACT-CIS Partylist Rep. Edvic Yap, files House Bill (HB) 7573, which proposes that the entry-level pay of public social workers be increased from Salary Grade 10 or P23,176, to Salary Grade 13, which is equivalent to P31,320.

RUNNING IN THE FAMILY

Rep. Pulong’s family extend assistance to constituents

By MAYA M. PADILLO

Extending assistance runs in the family of Davao City First Congressional District Representative Paolo “Pulong” Duterte.

Catalunan Grande Barangay Captain January Duterte, Rep. Pulong’s wife, turned over a multi-purpose building and a daycare center in Barangay Langub, Ma-a, Davao City on Friday.

The daycare center will benefit 70 children/students in the said barangay while the

multi-purpose building will be used for the community services of the Barangay City Social Services and Development Office (CSSDO) and other barangay activities.

Duterte is hopeful that the daycare center will help children in the said barangay build learn-

Region 11’s farthest municipality to venture in organic goat prod’n

ing activities.

Barangay Captain Leilani D. Bacalso expressed her gratitude to Rep. Pulong as the facilities would be of great help to the barangay. “Dako kaayo ni ug matabang. Dugay nami naghandum ug separate na daycare center,” she said in an interview.

Meanwhile, Rep. Pulong’s son and namesake of former president Rodrigo Duterte, Rodrigo

FRUNNING, P6

Still no persons of interest in killing of bizwoman linked to investment scam

Police investigators still have no persons of interest in the death of Annabelle Cosido Elizagaque, a 51-year-old businesswoman, who was shot in her vehicle around 2 p.m. last Saturday along Diversion Road in Barangay Maa here, an official of the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) said on Monday. The victim was reportedly among the individuals behind the now defunct Rigen, which offered investment packages similar to “Ponzi” scheme that promised high returns to investors, accord-

ing to an information released by police.

Major Catherine dela Rey, DCPO spokesperson, told MindaNews on Monday that authorities are still investigating the incident.

She said they have yet to check the footages from any nearby CCTV cameras that could lead to the identification of the three unknown male assailants.

Dela Rey added that they are also looking into the recent business dealings of the victim that could aid authorities in their in-

vestigation to determine the possible motive for her death.

She said investigators have yet to know if Elizagaque received any threats to her life from individuals with whom she transacted business.

“We are doing our best to resolve this case and give her justice,” Dela Rey said.

She said that police authorities are not discounting the possibility that her death might have been motivated by her involvement in the Ponzi scheme or in her other businesses.

To improve the livelihood of farmers in Davao Region’s farthest municipality, the Department of Agriculture regional office (DA-11) turned over six heads of native goats to the Balut Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association (BATODA) in Sarangani, Davao Occidental province.

In a statement Monday, Ray Reintar, DA-11 Agricultural Program Coordinating Officer for Davao Occidental, said the goats were handed over to the group Saturday under its Organic Agriculture Program (OAP).

The goats will be raised by the 88 farmer-cum tricycle driver-members of the association for meat production.

The DA, according to Reintar, is promoting goat farming, especially in far-flung areas, as it only requires minimal initial investment since goats only eat tree leaves, grasses, weeds, and agricultural by-products.

“This will also contribute to the growth of the goat industry in the region,” he added.

During the distribution, DA11 regional OAP coordinator

Janice May Seraspe discussed with the group members the proper management and advantages of organic goat production.

Across the region, she said 29 heads of upgraded native goat have been turned over so far to six group beneficiaries in various municipalities.

The BATODA also received vegetable seeds and Madre de Agua seedlings which is a highly-recommended forage for livestock animals.

BATODA chairperson Vicente Mericullo thanked the agency for the assistance given them and reminded each beneficiary to take care and hopefully increase the population of the animals.

Meanwhile, Mayor Adelan de Arce said the assistance was a big help for the municipality as it continues to experience a shortage of meat products.

“I thank DA-11 that despite the challenge of reaching our municipality, their assistance has arrived. This will provide our farmers additional income and improve the quality of goat meat production in Sarangani,” he said. (PNA)

Catalunan Grande barangay captain January Duterte, along with Barangay Langub chieftain Leilani Bacalso, leads the cutting of ribbon and turn over of a multi-purpose building project of Rep. Paolo Duterte in Barangay Langub, Ma-a, Davao City on Friday. Barangay captain Duterte also turned over a daycare center funded by the congressman in the said barangay. Lean Daval Jr.

Rep. Pulong wants pay hike for public social workers

By MAYA M. PADILLO

Davao City First District Representative Paolo “Pulong” Duterte is spearheading the passage of a bill that will increase the pay of public social workers as recognition for their indispensable role in assisting the poor and other vulnerable sectors of society.

Duterte, together with Benguet Rep. Eric Yap and ACT-CIS Partylist Rep. Edvic Yap, filed House Bill (HB) 7573, which pro-

posed that the entry-level pay of public social workers be increased from Salary Grade 10 or

Rodriguez family goes to SC, files TRO vs Samal-Davao Bridge Project

A petition for a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) has been filed by the Rodriguez family before the Supreme Court to stop the construction of the Samal Island-Davao City Connector (SIDC) Project.

Lawyer Ramon Edison Batacan, lead counsel of the Rodriguez family, bared on Tuesday that the petition was filed on March 16, 2023.

Batacan told Edge Davao that the nature of the petition is “continuing mandamus and prohibition.”

The petition maintained the contention that the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) committed brazen violations of the law “to the utter prejudice of the environment and the rule of law, and without regard to the protected area status of the Samal Island Mangrove Swamp Forest Reserve, chief of which are the lack of a valid Protected Area Management Board (“PAMB”) Clearance from the PAMB explicitly mandated by Republic Act (R.A.) No. 7586 or the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act, as amended by the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System (ENIPAS) Act before the issuance of an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) for the SIDC Project; and the project implementation without the requisite permits and clearances DPWH undertook to secure as reported in the Samal Island-Davao City Connector (SIDC) Project—Environmental Impact Assessment Report (Final 5 October 2020).

“The manifest disregard for the law undercuts the very foundation of our environmental laws and the EIA process, especially the legal safeguards instituted to preserve the country’s protected areas. Petitioners’ efforts before the Executive Branch to correct the defects of the ECC have failed through government indifference and inaction,” Batacan said.

FRODRIGUEZ, P6

Pre-disaster assessment for long dry spell set today

The Davao City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office is set to lead this week a pre-disaster risk assessment to ensure preparation for the long dry spell as there is a chance that localized thunderstorms may not continue at the height of the El Niño phenomenon, which was projected to start June 2023 and will end in the first months of 2024.

CDRRMO head Alfredo Baloran, in an interview on Monday, said that they will gather the response clusters – the concerned offices – on May 17, to conduct a half-day assessment for their preparations. The clusters will be asked about their response preparations to ensure that even with the upcoming dry spell, the food security of the city will be ensured.

He said that joining the pre-disaster risk assessment are the City Agriculturist Office and the City Social Welfare and Development Office, in case there will be areas that will face food shortages. The City Engineer’s Office (CEO) was also invited to share engineering measures and to also help the CaGRO.

“[We will check] kung kaning mga areas nga makasinati og drought pwede ba nato siya mapadal-an og tubig, or [iimprove] ang irrigation (We will check if these areas that will be hit by the drought can be sent water or improve their irrigation),” Baloran said.

Department of Environment and Natural Resources 11 (DENR 11) regional executive director Bagani Evasco bares during the City Council regular session at SP building in Davao City on Tuesday that the Rodriguez family filed a petition for a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) at the Supreme Court against the construction of the Samal Island-Davao City Connector (SIDC) Project. Lean Daval Jr.

On the petition for a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) has been filed by the Rodriguez family before the Supreme Court to stop the construction of the Samal Island-Davao City Connector (SIDC) Project:

SOLANI D. MARATAS Finance

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

GREGORIO GARAY DELIGERO Editorial Consultant

MAYA M. PADILLO Senior Reporter

MOSES BILLACURA Sports Editor

“The manifest disregard for the law undercuts the very foundation of our environmental laws and the EIA process, especially the legal safeguards instituted to preserve the country’s protected areas. Petitioners’ efforts before the Executive Branch to correct the defects of the ECC have failed through government indifference and inaction.”

LAWYER RAMON EDISON BATACAN Counsel of the Rodriguez family

While the number of COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2010) cases are going down, such is not the case of those infected with HIV/AIDS (human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome).

While the overall trend of HIV incidence and AIDS-related deaths are declining globally, an increase in new cases was reported to the HIV/AIDS and ART Registry of the Philippines (HARP) in the recent decade.

In 2012, there were only approximately nine new HIV cases every day,” wrote Dr. Louie Mar A. Gangcuango and Patrick C. Eustaquio in their collaborative report, “The State of HIV Epidemic in the Philippines: Progress and Challenges in 2023.” “In 2023, however, there were 46 cases reported daily, a stunning 411% increase in daily incidence in 10 years.”

Populations disproportionately affected by HIV are classified into key populations and vulnerable populations.

Key populations comprised 92% of the new infections in 2022, according to Gangcuango and Eustaquio. Key populations include males having sex with males (MSM), transgender

HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

CAN HIV/AIDS STILL BE CURTAILED?

women, sex workers, trafficked women and girls, and people who inject drugs (PWID).

Vulnerable populations include migrant workers, people with disabilities, people in enclosed spaces, and female partners of key populations.

Now, the bad news: In Davao Region, Davao City ranked on top of the report for highest incidence of HIV cases for same sex partners, reports EDGE Davao’s Maya Padillo. Her source of information was the Family Planning Organization of the Philippines (FPOP).

During the recent Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Davao, it was disclosed that HIV cases among MSMs – described as those in the “productive age” (25-35 years old) – “continues to increase.”

“Why cases of MSM so high?” asked Herminigilda Escalante, spokesperson of FPOFDavao. “The reason, in our opinion, is there is selling of bodies. These young people are now in their inquisitive level. Those who are engaged in sex for fee are not only for simple pleasure. In our observation, there is prostitution among young males in selling their bodies.”

Data from the Department of Health (DOH) in January

2023 showed that approximately 70% of all HIV cases were among males who have sex with other males, and 17% were among males who have sex with both males and females.

A “looming disaster.” That’s how a national paper columnist described the situation of HIV/AIDS in the Philippines.

Dr. Rafael R. Castillo, who writes a regular column for Philippine Daily Inquirer and editor-in-chief of Health and Lifestyle, urged the government to take a hard look at the alarming statistics “and make a serious and willful effort to curb” the alarming situation. If nothing is done, the Philippines may wake up one day as the “epicenter of a growing HIV epidemic in the region,” according to Dr. Edsel Salvaña, the director of the Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology at the National Institutes of Health at the University of the Philippines.

“If we’re not vigilant, we just might be a few mutations away from a resurgence of the AIDS virus which can cause pandemic spread of the disease,” warned Dr. Salvaña, a molecular epidemiologist who’s one of the few scientists in Asia doing advanced biomo-

FRED C. LUMBA SPECKS OF LIFE

“There are no facts, only interpretations.” - FRIEDRICH NIETZSCHE.

*******

It gives you a sense of relief - and comfort I may add - when you hear and read of the DBM praising the country’s economic performance on a season where inflation - commonly seen in the price increase of onions - is not waning.

Sometimes, you can call it a contradiction of sorts because the poor Juan dela Cruz and family continue to reel from the seemingly non-stop increase in the prices of commodities in the wet market and in the groceries and supermarkets.

DMB chief Amenah Pangandaman aired her satisfaction after the Philippines posted a 6.4 percent GDP (gross domestic product) gerowth in the first quarter of 2023.

In a statement released to the media, Pangandaman said: “With

lecular or genomic studies to determine the mutation of the HIV.

These days, however, being infected with HIV is no longer a death sentence. “HIV is not and should not be a death sentence anymore,” pointed out Dr. Gangcuangco in an interview. “If HIV is detected early and if the patient takes antiretrovirals early, the virus can be controlled.”

However, in order to be treated, you need to know if you have HIV. And you will only find out if you undergo HIV testing. “Testing for HIV and other sexually-transmitted infections is strongly advised for all people exposed to any of the risk factors,” said the World Health Organization (WHO) in its website. “This way people learn of their own infection status and access necessary prevention and treatment services without delay.”

However, all HIV testing services must follow the 5 principles recommended by WHO: consent (informed), confidentiality, counselling, correct test results, and connection (linkage to care, treatment and other services).

In Davao City, there are three facilities where people can go to be tested for HIV:

Southern Philippine Medical Center in Bajada, Davao Doctors Hospital in Quirino Street, and Davao Reproductive Health and Wellness Center in Emilio Jacinto Street. In Tagum City, they can go to Davao Regional Medical Center in Apokon.

“HIV testing must be made accessible to everyone,” Dr. Gangcuangco urged. “The Philippines must develop the infrastructure to facilitate HIV self-screening using homebased kits. This would entail a telephone hotline for anyone who has questions about HIV or among those who might test positive using the screening test.

“Clinics must also be able to expand to accommodate HIV testing after office hours and during weekends,” he suggested. “Free HIV testing must be made available and accessible to those who could not afford it.”

According to Dr. Gangcuangco, knowing one’s HIV status is not just a right but also a responsibility. “People with HIV can live normal and productive lives as long as they take their medications and follow-up regularly with your doctor. Getting tested is not only for yourself, but also for your loved ones,” he said.

DBM: PH ECONOMIC GROWTH OUTSTANDING

all these data coming in, I can say that the Philippines is actually outstanding. It would be excellent if it reached 7 percent, but 6.4 or even 6 percent, is already outstanding.”

The government’s overall target for this year is from 6 to 7 percent and the first quarter resuylts already mirrored that the GDP forecast may very well be realized.

Pangandaman said this development augurs well for the expansion of the economy which she called “dynamic.”

Hers are very brave words.

She added: “This means that even if the regional and global economic environement woul;d worsen, ours has its momentum and own dynamism to sustain growth.”

Compared to other countries that have released available GDP growth data from January to March 2023, Pangandaman said the Philippines “grew the fastest” among major emerging economies in the region, followed by In-

donesia (5%), China (4.5%) and Vietnam (3.35).

“I think we are doing better,” the DBM chief declared. Pinoys should welcome this positive declaration, coming as it is from the department that handles and manages taxpayers’ money and government expenditures.

Pangandaman stated that the first quarter GDP is an indication that the Philippines is moving forward to garner its initial high trajectory growth which emboldens the government to project a higher 6.6 to 7.5percent growth from the second quarter on to a 7.1 percent full year growth.

Wow, this is an amazing story that is not difficult to understand and absorb.

Pangandaman said the growth target is not unattainable even if there are “various risks posed by geopolitical and trade tensions, possible global economic slowdown, and weather distrubances in the country.”

She reassured Pinoys that the

government under the administration of PBBM remains committed to the implementation of priority programs and strategies in line with the 8-point Socio-economic Agenda and the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 that will attain an inclusive and sustainable growth for the country and the Filipino people.

Of all the DBM executives who handled this Cabinet portfolio, I must say that Pangandaman is the only one I heard and read actively discussing in public the relationship of DBM and the economic status of the country.

In the past, many only assumed that the DBM functions as the agency that approves and releases the budgets and monetary needs of all government agencies.

Ministerial tasks, you may say.

Still, this corner is hobbled by the alarming increases in the price of onions, a spicy commodity that is an integral ingredient of our food language.

The helpless DA is suggesting to impose an SRP and efforts to

dismantle hoarding of the bulbs remains just an idea.

Countless number of sitdown meetings with the farmers’ group Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (SINAG) are not producing anything substabtially positive because cartels continue to ply their trade right under the very noses of DA officials.

SINAG president Rosendo So has said the retail price of onions at P200 per kilo is already ovepriced because the farmers producing the bulbs only sell it at P60 per kilo.

He added that the reasonable retail price of onions should only range from P130 to P140 per kilo.

There is a great disparity between what DA is telling the public and what SINAG is revealing to us. What gives?

The increased price of onions inevitably increases the price of other food items. Will this inflationary trend not affect our GDP?

(Email feedback to fredlumba@ yahoo.com.) GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!

A1

PBBM OKs add’l importation of up to 150K metric tons of sugar

PresidentFerdinand R. Marcos Jr. approved on Monday additional importation of up to 150,000 metric tons (MT) of sugar to augment the country’s supply and stabilize the price.

This development came after Marcos’ meeting with the Sugar Regulatory Administration headed by Acting Administrator Pablo Luis Azcona and Board Member Ma. Mitzi Mangwang, representing the millers.

“We agreed to additional importation of sugar to stabilize the prices. Maximum amount will be 150,000 MT but probably less,” Marcos said in an interview.

“The exact amount will be determined once we have deter-

to September this year to boost productivity.

“That’s important for the corresponding increase in production by approximately 10 percent,” Marcos said.

DOE: Malampaya contract renewal to boost energy security, investments

mined the exact amount of supply, which will come at the end of this month,” he added.

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile and SRA Board Secretary Rodney Rubrica were also present during the meeting.

He said the importation of sugar would be open to all traders.

Marcos said he also gave his approval to move the beginning of the milling season from August

He also ordered the SRA to expedite block farming initiatives, which consolidate small farm lots into at least a 30 hectare-block farm, to also increase production.

There are currently 21 block farms in the country averaging at least 40 hectares each.

“(C)onsolidation is an important part of agro-industrial production. We’re looking at increasing the budget for block farming to accelerate the process of organizing the block farms,” he said.

DA vows support for farmers, fishers vs. climate impacts

The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Monday assured that the administration is working to protect farmers and fishers from the impact of climate change.

In a speech during the celebration of the National Farmers and Fishers Month, DA Senior Undersecretary Domingo Panganiban vowed continued support of the administration to the agriculture sector.

“This year, President Ferdi-

nand Marcos Jr. has ordered the single greatest annual investment in climate change for the farm and fishery sector, with more than PHP25 billion for research, new technologies, training, and infrastructure to allow the sector to adapt to climate-related impacts,” he said.

“The Marcos administration will continue to push for stronger support for the sector, given the budget that we are asking for. Because expanding investments

along the food value chains will create jobs, especially for the marginalized sectors of our society,” he added.

Domingo said the farmers and fishers, who serve as the food security goal front-liners, are worthy of recognition for their “selfless hard work.”

In support of the country’s agri-frontliners, DA Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa said the administration has included another four major programs.

The Department of Energy (DOE) has welcomed the signing of the renewal agreement for the Malampaya Service Contract No. 38 (SC 38) as this will support the country’s goal of achieving energy security and will bring in additional investments in indigenous power sources.

In a statement, the DOE said the extension of the Malampaya contract for another 15 years will allow further exploration and production of natural gas from the facility.

This, as President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. approved on Monday the extension of SC 38 until Feb. 22, 2039.

“Aside from continuing the production operations, the SC 38 Consortium is required to conduct a minimum work program consisting of geological and geophysical studies and the drilling of at least two deep water wells during the SubPhase 1 from 2024 to 2029,” DOE said.

It said the work program aims to unlock potential gas supply both in the existing gas field and nearby prospect areas to increase Malampaya’s production.

“The discovery of additional

reserves in the Malampaya gas field will boost the country’s quest for energy security. It is also expected to encourage opportunities for further exploration in the country, which to date remains underexplored, and to add to the Philippines energy portfolio,” it added.

In his speech during the ceremonial signing of the renewal agreement at the Malacanang Palace, DOE Secretary Raphael Lotilla said his office will facilitate the efficient and sustainable exploration of the country’s indigenous energy sources, including the Malampaya gas-to-power project.

“Under the President’s direction and working with Congress in pursuit of the country’s energy security agenda, the Department of Energy acknowledges its responsibility in helping ensure the efficient and sustainable exploration, development, and utilization of our indigenous energy including Malampaya,” Lotilla said.

The DOE chief said the agency has “meticulously evaluated” the capability of SC 38 Consortium in operating and exploring the Malampaya gas project.

A passerby buys fried peanuts outside San Pedro Cathedral along Bolton Street in Davao City on Tuesday. The area is known for stalls selling fried and sugar coated peanuts since 1980’s. Lean Daval Jr.

BSP sees inflation easing to below 4% in Q3 of ‘23

BSP chief eyes measures vs. risks on corporates external exposure

Monetary authorities are keen on addressing data gaps on corporates’ foreign investments and borrowings to determine the private sector’s exposure to external risks and its impact on the domestic financial market and the economy.

In a briefing here Monday, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Felipe Medalla said the central bank should have a complete picture of the domestic corporates’ exposure to any risks to make the appropriate policies to deter this from affecting the domestic environment.

“The Philippines is a very legalistic country and my own view is that our laws do not prevent us from asking them those questions because after all, we ask households so many questions, right?”he said.

Private firms as well as the public sector are required to report to the BSP their foreign loans.

For one, foreign currency-denominated borrowings of private firms that are guaranteed by the public sector needs prior approval from the central bank.

Those without public sector guarantee need not get prior approval although the company needs to notify the central bank about it and for it to be registered with the

Inflation in the Philippines may ease to below 4 percent between September and October 2023, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Felipe Medalla said on Monday.

BSP if it will be paid using foreign currencies sourced from domestic banks.

Despite this, BSP Senior Assistant Governor Johnny Noe Ravalo, during the same briefing, said they are not yet getting this information from the conglomerate pending the release of some implementing rules.

Despite the current regulations on this, Medalla said “we are not really sure that our data on their exposure and their investment abroad is complete.”

The BSP is “exerting efforts so that we’ll be able to catch up on the data gaps here,” he said adding that “I’ll be lying if I told you that I’m satisfied with our current level of (data that the central bank has).”

“We actually wish we had even more complete data and under the law, we can actually ask them how much they have borrowed from abroad and in what currency, right? And what are the maturities,” he added.

During the same briefing, International Monetary Fund (IMF) Asia and Pacific Department Division chief Dr. Thomas Helbling said the lender is looking at systemic risks among the region’s financial system, citing in particular the major banks.

Inflation cooled to 6.6 percent in April 2023 after hitting a 14-year high of 8.7 percent in January. Medalla attributed this to the government’s shift in importation stance.

“I think the importation stance of the government now will be weighted in favor of controlling inflation versus

the tremendous pressure to do something with the farmers,” Medalla said.

The Monetary Board is set to convene the third rate-setting meeting of the year on Thursday, May 18.

Last week the International Monetary Fund said the BSP should hold out on policy eas-

ing for now as high inflation risk still persists.

“The BSP has hiked the policy rate by a cumulative 425 basis points to 6.25 percent, more than other emerging market Asian central banks.

After peaking in January 2023, headline inflation has gradually slowed in recent months, but core inflation has remained elevated, calling for tighter-for-longer rates,” IMF said in a statement.

RHG, SMHCC sign master development agreement

Radisson Hotel Group has embarked on the latest phase of its expansion strategy in the Philippines, with the signing of a Master Development Agreement for the Park Inn by Radisson brand, with SM Hotels & Conventions Corp. (SMHCC) for 14 new hotels across the country over the next five years, taking their total targeted portfolio with Radisson Hotel Group to 20 hotels by 2028.

SMHCC develops and man-

ages the hotel and convention properties of SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SMPH), one of the largest integrated property developers in Southeast Asia. This latest agreement builds on the long-term partnership between these two forward-thinking companies, which commenced in November 2010 with the launch of Radisson Blu Cebu and the opening of five Park Inn by Radisson hotels over the last decade.

As part of the strategic al-

liance, both Radisson Hotel Group and SMHCC drive the expansion of its Philippines portfolio through the Radisson Blu, Radisson and Park Inn by Radisson brands, which will be built alongside its integrated property developments with SM Malls. This growth will be primarily fueled by the Park Inn by Radisson brand, where SMHCC has the exclusive development rights for a five-year term to expand the brand into key tier 1 to 3 markets across the nation.

Two girls accompany their father in selling kiping, a delicacy made of cassava, in Malaybalay City on Sunday (14 May 2023). MindaNews photo by H. MARCOS C. MORDENO

InLife supports new PH Insurance Commissioner’s digitalization plans

As the world moves forward to the virtual world, Insular Life (InLife) expresses its support for the general directions and plans of new Insurance Commissioner Atty. Reynaldo Regalado (center), which includes digitalization and plans to increase insurance penetration and health insurance coverage especially among OFWs.

Commissioner Regalado also mentioned his wish to make insurance more inclusive for the benefit of more Filipinos. These were among the key items discussed during the InLife delegation’s courtesy call to the commissioner.

Leading the Inlife delegation is Executive Chairperson Nina

D. Aguas (2nd from left) together with (from left) Trustee Luis Y. Benitez, Trustee and Insular Health Care President, and CEO Maria Noemi G. Azura, and Corporate Secretary and Chief Legal and Governance Officer Atty. Renato S. De Jesus.

In this meeting, a discussion was made about InLife and Insular Health Care’s special projects which they all agreed to collaborate with for gender and development through the InLife Sheroes Advocacy and Movement.

InLife Sheroes, through its program for women empowerment, will conduct financial literacy seminars and health and wellness education for the Insurance Commission’s employees.

Lalamove Philippines welcomes Djon Nacario as Managing Director

Lalamove, the leading on-demand delivery platform, officially welcomes Djon Nacario as the new Managing Director in the Philippines.

Overseeing the leadership of Lalamove’s business in the Philippines, Nacario plays an instrumental role from business strategy to operations. Riding on Lalamove’s rapid growth in the market, Nacario will lead the team to further enhance the brand as the trusted delivery partner.

“We are excited to welcome Djon to lead our operations in the Philippines. Djon’s extensive experience in supply chain and digital platform management is vital as we continue our ambitious plan to grow, empower the communities we serve, and support the local economy,” said Patrick Yu, Lalamove’s Vice President of People and Managing Director of South East Asia.

“It is an enormous opportunity to join one of the leading on-demand delivery platforms in the world and lead the strong team in Lalamove Philippines. Our top priority is always to provide fast, simple, and affordable delivery solutions for our users, especially small and mid-sized enterprises (SMEs), to grow their businesses, and support our partner drivers’ livelihood by ensuring flexible earning opportunities,” Nacario commented.

Nacario joins at a key point of Lalamove’s journey. With 48 serviceable areas across Luzon and island-wide coverage in Cebu, and a wide selection of vehicles from motorcycles to 10-wheel trucks in the Philippines, the company is now

focused on expanding Lalamove’s delivery services, while strengthening ties across the board.

“While extending our long-distance and same-day truck delivery services, we are eyeing to enhance partnerships with industry sectors and government units. Our goal is to provide the widest selection of vehicles paired with the widest coverage across the country, and contribute to a seamless logistics ecosystem in the Philippines, addressing the different delivery needs of individuals, SMEs, and corporations,” Nacario said.

Before joining Lalamove Philippines, Nacario was Managing Director of Carousell Philippines, and Country Head of Agoda in various Southeast Asian markets. He also played a crucial role in supply chain management for Unilever.

Leading digital solutions platform Globe has announced significant progress in its SIM registration efforts. The company has successfully registered around 85% of its active users and is confident that it can cover the rest of its revenue-generating customer base well within the 90-day extension period.

Since the deadline was extended, there has been a slowdown in SIM registration volume, which is consistent across all players in the market. Despite this, Globe remains unfazed.

“We intend to have 100% of our revenue-generating base fully registered within the 90day extension. We are confident that we can achieve this with the initiatives that we are taking,”

said Darius Delgado, Head of Globe Consumer Mobile Business.

The company has implemented various steps to make registration as easy and accessible as possible, including opening up GCash as a channel for fully verified Globe and TM users to register their SIMs with just a few clicks. This is on top of the GlobeOne app and the https://new.globe.com.ph/simreg microsite which are also available 24/7.

Additionally, Globe continues to operate its SIM-assisted registration booths and plans to scale up these efforts, particularly in rural areas where registration has lagged behind.

The company’s 144 Stores and

25 EasyHubs across the country are also open to customers who need help registering their SIMs.

Globe is committed to ensuring its customers’ compliance with the SIM Registration Act and is working closely with local government units, groceries, and malls to set up assisted registration booths in various remote locations. It has also been regularly joining SIM registration assistance initiatives led by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) since January.

Globe continues to appeal to the government to allow the submission of alternative IDs for SIM registration as many Filipinos still lack government IDs.

“We applaud the government for extending the SIM registration deadline, as this gives millions of our unregistered customers more time to comply with the law. But we continue to ask for conditional registration that will allow us to accept other forms of identification such as school IDs and company IDs. This will help our customers who do not yet have a government ID to register across our channels,” Delgado said.

Unregistered SIM users have until July 25 to complete their SIM registration. Globe urges its subscribers to quickly take advantage of the extended time and not wait until the last minute to register to avoid the deactivation of their SIMs.

To learn more about Globe and its SIM registration efforts, visit https://www.globe.com. ph/.

Globe logs 85% registration among active SIM users, confident of reaching 100% by deadline

Shine this summer as the stylish champion with the realme C55

Glitter like sand and wax hot like the sun this season with PH’s first Android with a Mini Capsule

Manila, Philippines. May 15, 2023: Everyone knows summer is all about enjoying the sun and sea—and looking good while you’re at it. To stand out this season as you pose in your sunkissed skin and well-planned-out summer OOTDs, make sure to snap photos and more only with the new realme C55.

This latest coveted entry to the C-Series lineup of realme Philippines, the back-to-back champion according to Canalys and IDC sell-in reports published in 2021 & 2022, presents segment-leading features in camera, storage, charging and design at an entry-level price point. Between flaunting a cool aesthetic that goes well with any daily get-up to being a no-frills, all-around device that doesn’t break the bank, the realme C55 shines as the stylish champion that does not settle for the basic, allowing you to achieve more.

If you feel like taking yourself out on a date as part of your goal to prioritize self-care this summer, similar to what Angel Ramido did, the realme C55 will make you look extra gorgeous with its powerful 64MP camera. It’s the highest resolution main rear camera ever in the realme C-Series, which proves more

than enough to capture your IG-worthy content.

With a camera that good, it’s only natural to take a snap of anything you do and everything you see. But if you feel worried that those photos and videos might eat up all your storage, fret not and document away all of your summer adventures like Aiyana Perlas. The realme C55 houses a dedicated micro-SD card slot for expandable storage that can reach up to 1TB. How’s that for unrestrained photo and video shoots?

Meanwhile, if you channel your inner Cess Tan this summer by mixing and matching outfits with your accessories, gadgets included, know that realme C55’s top-tier design can keep up with any style. It comes in three dreamy colors of Sunshower, Rainy Night, and Rainforest, while sporting a modern aesthetic and ultra-slim design at 7.89mm,

which is even thinner than some flagship-level models in the market. The style comes with substance as well by retaining its squared-off, boxier design with rounded corners for easy handling. Finally, who says embarking on a fitness journey should only be done before the summer season? Buffing up or toning down is made much easier with one of

realme C55’s biggest features, the Mini Capsule. A nifty software feature inspired by today’s flagship smartphones, it displays expanding animation on step tracking, along with charging and battery status and data cap usage. If you’re searching for the perfect smartphone companion this summer and beyond, look no further than the realme C55. Those who enjoy the con-

venience of online shopping can check out realme’s Official E-store or realme’s Lazada flagship store and realme Tiktok Shop for online. Meanwhile, for those who prefer seeing the smartphone in person before deciding to purchase, you may head over to the nearest realme offline store near you! Stay posted on the latest realme updates by following the official realme Facebook page or visiting the official realme website.

Smart Washing, Soft Caring for mom with TCL’s new C20 Front Load Washing Machine

Everyone will agree that mothers always give their selfless love and devotion to their families. And that no matter what circumstances anSd situations are presented to her, she

will make sure that her family is well-fed and nurtured in the best way that she can.

As we celebrate their significance and loving contribution on this special day for all mothers,

we always want to give something that can spark joy and be the best assistance in making her daily routine much easier and hassle free.

TCL, the leading consumer

electronics company, presents their newest washing machine model that offers Smart Washing and Soft Caring. Make way for the TCL’s C20 Front Load Washing Machine that is bound to change the way Moms do their laundry.

The new TCL front-load C20 Wash Pro makes washing clothes such a joy with its 10.5kg capacity and a drying capacity of 7kg. All together with its notable features namely Honeycomb Crystal Drum, Air Wash, Steam Wash, Fast Washing and Drying Low Temperature, Softly Drying, and Safety Lock. The Wash Pro C20 also has the DD Inverter Motor for energy and better washing efficiency.

Lovin’ Laundry Tasks

The TCL Washpro C20 is equipped with a Dryna Heat Inverter that intelligently adjusts the heat level in drying your clothes. Laundry can be frustrating and time-consuming, but the C20’s Drum Clean function ensures that clothes are washed thoroughly every time. The Drum Clean function rapidly flushes the inner cylinder with hot water thus preserving hygiene and ensuring your machine is pristine the next time you want to wash.

Also among the top features of the TCL Washing Pro C20 is

the Honeycomb Crystal Drum that has a specially engineered drum pattern for a scrubbing action that removes even the toughest of stains and dirt in every wash while also being gentle enough for delicate fabrics.

While the Steam Washing uses steam and water to clean your fabrics. Steam lifts wrinkles from your clothing, sanitizes fabrics, and allows for detergent to sink deeper into your linens. This means mom will have more time for herself instead of ironing the clothes.

Lastly, the TCL Washing Pro C20 is powered by Direct Drive Motor that operates more stable, quieter and more energy saving. This feature enhances the C20’s performance and durability and makes a purely silent and vibration-less washing machine.

It’s always nice to honor our mother’s unwavering commitment to our family in different ways that you can think of. But in addition to deeds, it’s also wonderful to express our gratitude to her in whatever circumstance we can.

The TCL C20 Wash Pro will be available at the TCL authorized dealers starting May 14. For more information, visit the TCL website at https://www.tcl. com/ph/en.

RUNNING... FROM 2

“Rigo’ Duterte, recently led the turnover of solicited items in Barangay 76-A Bucana. Rigo turned over t-shirts for persons with disabilities’ (PWD) uniforms, stethoscope, weighing scale, wheelchair as requested by the Sidlakan Women’s Crisis Center; and nebulizer requested by a certain Mary Namoc.

REP. ... FROM 3

P23,176 to Salary Grade 13, which is equivalent to P31,320.

Under HB 7573, a public social worker refers to “civilian government personnel whose position requires at least a bachelor’s degree in social work, and registration or license as a social worker, whether or not the position title carries the words ‘social welfare’, such as positions concerning community affairs and development, disaster risk and management, gender and development, labor and employment, peace, early childhood and development, volunteer service, youth development, and assistance to veterans.”

The proposal applies to all registered social workers in the government service, including those who are hired through job orders or contracts of service.

“Public social workers go to extreme lengths to make our citizens feel the government’s presence and assistance, and it is only appropriate to establish necessary measures to recognize their heroic deeds and invaluable dedication,” the bill’s authors said.

Despite the passage of Republic Act 9433 or the

RODRIGUEZ ... FROM 3

Batacan also mentioned that the project implementation has commenced without a valid PAMB clearance and a valid ECC.

It can be recalled that the Rodriguez family has asked the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. last year to intervene in the Samal-Davao bridge project by canceling its ECC and undertake a reassessment.

Also last year, lawyer Julito R. Sarmiento, one of the legal counsels of the Rodriguez family, said the ECC issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on January 4, 2021, was null and void as it did not undergo clearance from the PAMB.

The Rodriguez family is appealing for the realignment of the project’s landing site to protect the marine life in the area. The bridge’s

On the other hand, Omar Vincent Duterte, attended the 28th Araw ng Barangay Buhangin celebration at Buhangin Gym on Friday as his father’s representative.

Barangay Captain Francisco Gamad thanked Omar for his presence.

Omar also met other barangay officials and interacted with the residents.

Grand Charter of Public Social Workers, Duterte and his co-authors noted that social workers remain one of the least motivated government workers despite their important role in helping disadvantaged Filipinos in times of crisis.

Duterte said public social workers are the people that underprivileged Filipinos turn to in times of need, especially in government hospitals where they help families of patients find ways to get financial relief from mounting medical bills.

“Social workers are like shock absorbers. They help our countrymen in times of personal crises, disasters, and other emergencies. Despite this, public social workers are the least appreciated as shown by the compensation they receive, which is grossly disproportionate to the tiring work and hours they put in as government front liners,” Duterte said.

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) in consultation with the Administrative and Advisory Board of Social Work is tasked with adjusting the salaries of public social workers according to the bill within 90 days after the bill becomes law.

landing site on the Samal side will cover a reef in between Paradise Island Park and Beach Resort and Costa Marina Beach Resort, both owned by the Rodriguez family.

Construction for the facility in Samal that will house workers of China Road and Bridge Corp., a unit of China Communications Construction Co., that will build the bridge is ongoing.

The P23 billion bridge project with a length of 3.98 kilometers and four lanes and will serve at least 25,000 vehicles daily is targeted to be completed by the year 2027.

On October 27, 2022, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. led the groundbreaking ceremony for the SIDC project that would link Davao City and Samal Island. By Maya M. Padillo

Bachmann, all praises for Filipino athletes after SEAG achievement

Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Richard “Dickie” Bachmann was all praises of Filipino athletes who fought tooth and nail to keep the country’s colors afloat in the 32nd Southeast Asian Games that’s about to end in Phnom Penh.

“I am proud of our athletes,” Bachmann said on Tuesday. “I saw how they worked hard— with my own eyes—while preparing for the games and when they did battle in Cambodia.”

“Each moment our flag was

raised in honor of a win was a proud moment for every Filipino,” he said.

Only in his fourth month as chairman of the PSC and Bachmann already saw first-hand how Filipino athletes train and com-

pete in international competitions as he visited different training sessions of national teams in his first few weeks of office.

The SEA Games is the first international competition under his watch and he made sure he had his eyes on each and every athlete in the games that end Tuesday.

Bachmann flew in three days before the opening ceremony and made the rounds—as many as he’s permitted to by the hec-

tic schedule and at times heavy Phnom Penh traffic.

It’s extremely hot in Cambodia—even hotter back home— but that didn’t deter his eagerness to witness every victory and every gallant effort by athletes who missed the podium.

The Philippines—although looking improbable to repeat as fourth placer to match the performance in Vietnam last year—has broken the 50-gold medal barrier on Monday night.

Two more gold medals mean —with dozens of finals still to be played Tuesday—Filipino athletes have surpassed their harvest in 2022.

That inspires Bachmann to vouch for the PSC’s full support to Team Philippines’ campaign in future international competitions.

“We reaffirm our support to our national athletes,” he said. “The PSC will continue to work as hard as you train. Salamat sa lahat ng inyong sakripisyo!”

Lakers-Nuggets and Heat-Celtics expert picks as playoffs move to conference finals

For the first time in NBA history, a No. 7 (Lakers) and 8

(Heat) seed are in the conference finals. You might be tempted to call these developments a fluke. They’re not. They are an illustration of what has become an extremely equitable NBA landscape. In sports, we love to say “anybody can win” but that’s rarely actually true. At this moment in the NBA, it is true. The 2023 title race was wide open at the start of the playoffs. and it remains wide open now that we’re down to the final four.

If you’re looking for the betting favorite, it’s the Celtics at +105, followed by the Nuggets (+240), Lakers (+300) and the Heat, who come in at +1600, via Caesars Sportsbook. If you ask me, that’s some pretty great value on Miami, which could reasonably win the whole thing. I don’t think they will. In fact, I’m picking them to lose to Boston in the ECF. But it could hap-

pen. Anything could happen.

With that in mind, let’s get to our staff picks for the two conference-final matchups, which begin Tuesday with the Lakers at Denver.

(All predictions were made before the series started.)

Nuggets vs. Lakers

Reiter’s pick: Nuggets in 5. There’s no time like the present to go all-in correcting a mistake. And the Nuggets have showcased to me and those around the NBA just how great they are. Nikola Jokic, of course, is an all-world talent, but this is a complete basketball team that compliments Joker’s immense talents. They made easy work of the Phoenix Suns, and there’s no reason to think they can’t do the same against the Lakers. LA’s run has been remarkable, of course — but LeBron’s age and minutes, AD’s fragility and unreliability and the reliance on so many overachieving role players catches up to them against a legit No. 1 seed.

Quinn’s pick: Nuggets in 6. Denver has been by far the best team of the postseason. The Lakers have been rockier, hitting enormous highs and troubling lows that often boil down to their inconsistent 3-point shooting and how much energy LeBron James is capable of expending at any given time. They are incredibly vulnerable to foul trouble in this matchup. As well as Anthony Davis played the last time the Lakers and Nuggets met in the playoffs, Dwight Howard spent major chunks of that series guarding Nikola Jokic. The Lakers have no such secondary option. If Davis ever has to sit, Jokic gets to destroy Wenyen Gabriel. It’s been a remarkable effort for the Lakers, but the Nuggets have been the class of the West all season, and they should enter this series as the favorite.

Ward-Henninger’s pick: Nuggets in 7. I vastly underestimated the Lakers before seeing them

methodically eviscerate the Warriors, but the Nuggets are a much better team with an unstoppable MVP playing the best basketball of his career. Denver should have success drawing Anthony Davis out of the paint defensively, opening up back-door cuts and drives to the lane. Offensively the Lakers should have much more success than they did last round, but the question of LeBron James’ durability given his foot injury and age is pretty much the only thing making me lean toward the Nuggets with home court advantage.

Botkin’s pick: Nuggets in 6. Nikola Jokic is the best player in the league. He will guarantee Denver good shots all series long, and the only way that kind of consistent, high-quality offense doesn’t result in a win is if the defense can’t hold up at all. Have you been watching the Nuggets play defense? They’re more than holding up. I think L.A.’s run ends here.

Herbert’s pick: Nuggets in 6. Los Angeles might be able to find a lineup that can muck up the Nuggets’ beautiful offense, but it would likely struggle to score. And if the Lakers prioritize spacing, then it’s hard to imagine them getting enough stops. Unless Anthony Davis makes a zillion jumpers, I don’t see a realistic path to an upset.

Kaskey-Blomain’s pick: Lakers in 7. I’ve learned not to bet against LeBron James and I’m not going to start now. The fact that the Lakers are even in this position after completely retooling the roster at the trade deadline is impressive, and the team appears to be growing increasingly comfortable as a unit with each passing game. Anthony Davis has been inconsistent this postseason, but when he’s been good, he’s been really good, and if he can channel that level of play for the bulk of the games, the Lakers should have the edge.

Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Richard “Dickie” Bachmann with Philippine athletes in Cambodia.

PRIDE RESTORED

Gilas gets vengeful win over Cambodia for SEAG basketball gold

PHNOM PENH - The most important gold medal in the Southeast Asian Games is back in the Philippines’ hands.

A determined Gilas Pilipinas side restored basketball pride to a country which considers the gold medal in this sport as equivalent to winning the overall title. Gilas scored a vengeful 80-69 win against a Cambodian team made up mainly of naturalized players on Tuesday and regained the SEA Games men’s basketball title that it lost to Indonesia a year ago in Hanoi.

Justin Brownlee scored 23 points while Marcio Lassiter, Christian Standhardinger, Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser, CJ Perez, and Chris Newsome added at least nine points each as Gilas relied on its experience and depth to dominate the hosts before a raucuous home crowd that included no less than Prime Minister Hun Sen.

More importantly, the Filipinos restored pride in Philippine basketball just days after the team led by coaches Chot Reyes and Tim Cone took a lot of heat for a 79-68 loss to this same Cambodian team in the group stage.

Just a day after settling an old score against Indonesia in the semifinal with an 84-76 victory, the hot-starting Filipinos opened leads as big as 13 points and never allowed the hosts to get close enough to threaten.

Naturalized player Brownlee was mainly responsible for that, endearing himself to Filipino fans by keeping Gilas afloat time and again in an all-around performance that also included 7 rebounds, 4 assists, a steal, and a block.

Newsome added 16 points

and 4 assists; Lassiter scored 10 points on two three-pointers; Standhardinger had nine points and seven boards, Perez chipped in nine points and five rebounds before fouling out, while Rosser came away with nine points and six boards in a pivotal role off the bench.

Peterson Jerome led Cambodia’s silver medal-winning team with 18 points and 14 boards while Darrin Dorsey added 17 points, although he was nowhere as consistent as in the two teams’ first meeting, making just 4 of 14 shots.

As a team, Cambodia went 4-of-19 from three-point distance. Still, the hosts, unbeaten up until the finals, didn’t go away quietly, pulling within 59-64 in the final quarter behind a run of eight points.

But before things could get out of hand for Gilas, CJ Perez hit a clutch three-pointer from the top of the free-throw circle and Brownlee added another trey to bring the lead back to 70-59 with 6:04 remaining.

The scores:

Philippines (80) - Brownlee 23, Newsome 16, Lassiter 10, Ganuelas-Rosser 9, Perez 9, Standhardinger 9, Lastimosa 4, Oftana 0, Tolentino 0, Ross 0, Philips 0, Amos 0.

Cambodia (69) - Peterson 18, Dorsey 17, Morgan 13, Sayeedalkabir 13, Henderson 6, Lopes 2, Dominic 0, Pek 0, Chin 0, Chanyvathana 0, Ravuth 0, Toun 0.

Quarterscores: 21-22, 44-33, 64-51, 80-69

Naturalized Filipino player Justin Brownlee takes it home with a slam.