An official of the Davao City Investment Promotion Center (DCIPC) disclosed to the media on Wednesday that three Japanese companies are looking at sourcing abaca from Davao City.
Christian Cambaya, unit head for Investor Assistance and Servicing of DCPIC, said that abaca is being used in Japan as a material to make fiberglass for high-end motorcycles.
“Not only sourcing abaca as an export product but to process
abaca because we found out that abaca is being used in Japan as a material to make fiberglass that is being used to build high-end motorcycle like BMWs,” he said during Wednesdays media forum at Habi at Kape at Abreeza Mall.
Cambaya said Japan has the
technology to process very thin abaca fiber.
“There is a specific requirement ang Japanese for abaca which is very thin and they can do it because they have the technology to do it and they will help our farmers to do it,” he said.
Cambaya said the city government of Davao is hoping that it can convince these Japanese companies to locate here not only to source abaca but also to put up
FBRIGHT, P6
The City Government of Davao, through the Peace 911 Service Caravan on Tuesday delivered public services to the residents of Barangay Pañalum, Paquibato on Tuesday.
The Peace 911 initiative was established on May 10, 2018 to counter insurgent forces, particularly in Paquibato District, by strengthening community rela-
tions and delivering government services in the area. It has since expanded to cover Marilog District and four other barangays in Calinan.
Residents in the area were able to avail themselves of services from national government agencies the likes of the Philippine Statistics Authority, Social Security System, PhilHealth, Pag-
IBIG Fund, Bureau of Internal Revenue, Land Transportation Office, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, National Bureau of Investigation, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the Public Employment Service Office.
The local offices of the City Mayor’s Office, Office of the Vice
The City Government of Davao, in partnership with the Philippine Mental Health Association and the Department of Education (DepEd), conducted a seminar last week with the theme “Closer Look at Suicide: From Awareness to Action.”
Its main objective is to give additional knowledge and guidance to DepEd personnel in case they will face suicide problems with their students. Present during the seminar are health section personnel and mental health coordinator of the DepEd Division of Davao City,
“Ang objective ani is awareness, especially to those who are in the frontlines og kani nga mga frontliners kaning naa sa DepEd (The objective is awareness, especially those who are in the frontlines and these frontliners are those who are from the DepEd),” PMHA Chapter Executive Manager Teofilo Lumikid said in an interview with the Madayaw Dabaw team.
Data from the City Health Office bared that in 2022, 53 cases of suicide were recorded in Davao City with a nine- year-old as the youngest. Meanwhile, from January until April of 2023, 29 cases have already been recorded with 13 years old as the youngest case.
Dr. Luis Antonio Flores, the head of the Mental Wellness Center, said most of the suicide cases
in Davao City experienced mental health problems like severe depression and anxiety and these had not been given immediate attention.
“Pag depressed man gud ang individual down ang tanan nilang system, ang emotions nila down pati ang ilang mood is unstable. Ang severe depression maka-cause pud og psychosis, pag naay psychosis naa na’y command nga hallucination naa nay musugo naa nay mohunghung, tendency ana mukusog jud ang kuan sa depression nga mu-suicide, mo self-harm (Once an individual is depressed, all of their systems are down, their emotions are down, even their mood is unstable. Severe depression can also cause psyschosis, once there is psychosis there is that command, the halluncination that whispers on their ears, there is a high tendency that the depression will lead to suicide, self-harm),” Flores said in an interview with Madayaw Dabaw.
The Davao City LGU, in partnership with the PMHA Davao Chapter, continues to cater to clients with mental health problems.
In 2022, the City Government of Davao opened the Mental Wellness Center for the Homeless. It is not only a facility for mentally challenged homeless individuals but also functions as an outpa-
Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA)
chair Maria Belen S. Acosta said on Wednesday that travel advisory and the peace and order situation in Mindanao are among the topics to be discussed in the 2nd Mindanao Development Forum 2023, which is scheduled on May 18, 2023 at Acacia Hotel Davao.
Mindanao is among those regions in the Philippines issued with travel advisories alerting would-be visitors to terrorism threats. The advisory affects Davao City as part of Mindanao.
“This is one of the objectives why we are having the Mindanao Development Forum to tackle the issue of peace and order, return of investments of the investors, and the travel advisory. Because as we go around I traveled to Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and the BIMP-Eaga area, the question will always be is it safe to go to Mindanao? Can I get my return on investment?” Sec. Acosta said during Wednesdays media forum at Habi at Kape in Abreeza Mall.
Acosta said development agencies will be divided into
small group discussions about their areas, and there will be sessions with the ambassadors who committed to attend.
“In that session with the ambassadors, we will be presenting the real situation of Mindanao. We will be inviting the top brass of the military and the police so that they can personally share what is the real situation of Davao City. Yung ambassadors na pupunta bukas sila itong mga open-minded because they took the challenge of coming over and see for themselves what Mindanao is like today,” she said.
Through the sessions, MinDA can explain to the ambassadors and the representatives of the international communities that
FMINDANAO , P6This year’s Davao Investment Conference (Davao ICON) will highlight “investments for the future” as the theme of the event which runs from July 17 to 19, 2023 at SM Lanang Premier’s SMX Convention Center.
Nicole Hao Bian-Ledesma, chairperson of Davao ICON 2023, said on Wednesday that this year’s conference aims to be forward-thinking to prepare businessmen not just to succeed today but to future-proof their businesses.
John Carlo Tria, president of the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (DCCCII), said in future-proofing the economy means attracting the kind of
investments that will create long-term growth prospects.
“Because we believe that the future will demand na yung investment mo hindi lang temporary kasi otherwise how can you attract talents to stay, for example, our children. If you are just going to attract investments, parang summer job then chances are they will leave Davao,” he said during Wednesdays media forum at Habi at Kape in Abreeza Mall.
Now on its 7th year, the conference will put to spotlight the key investment areas such as manufacturing, agro-processing, tourism, innovation/ICT, and cutting
FDAVAO, P6
Government officials here, led by Mayor Sebastian Z. Duterte, have successfully concluded a recent official visit to Malaysia for the establishment of a two-way connection between this city and Putrajaya in that country.
In a statement Tuesday, the City Information Office said the meeting, which took place on May 12, holds the makings of stronger trade and tourism relations with Putrajaya City, and Malaysia as a whole, which could benefit this city’s local economy.
Duterte said he was impressed by the best practices of the Putrajaya City government, particularly by its One Government Center and the Putrajaya Command Centre, and envisions establishing the same in this city.
“We also hope to establish the ‘one government center’ away from the city proper that will host all government offices. This will provide residents easier access to government services and will greatly decongest the city proper in terms of government transactions,” he said.
The visit came after Consul Ahmadulkuddus bin Husain of the Consulate General of Malaysia in Davao City invited Davao City officials to Malaysia, in coordination with the Davao City Investment Promotion Center.
The delegation also conducted a tour of the Putrajaya Command Centre, which serves as an integrated operation facility that monitors the city’s safety, security, traffic flow, information technology infraFDAVAO CITY, P6
On
Consultant
“This is one of the objectives why we are having the Mindanao Development Forum to tackle the issue of peace and order, return of investments of the investors, and the travel advisory. Because as we go around I traveled to Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and the BIMPEaga area, the question will always be is it safe to go to Mindanao? Can I get my return on investment?”
SEC. MARIA BELEN S. ACOSTA Chair, Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA)
the impact of travel advisory and peace and order situation in Mindanao to tourism and investments:
The month of May has three significant dates for our family: Mothers’ day, Mama’s birthday and her death anniversary.
My mother, fondly called Mama Linda, died on May 17, 2002 due to pericarditis and lymphoma three days after she celebrated her 61st birthday on May 14. One year and a half later, Papa joined Mama.
Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system, which is part of the body’s germ-fighting network. The lymphatic system includes the lymph nodes (lymph glands), spleen, thymus gland and bone marrow. Lymphoma can affect all those areas as well as other organs throughout the body.
Out of nine siblings, Mama is one of four sisters who passed away due to cancer.
I celebrated this year’s Mother’s Day, which coincided with my mother’s birthday, with the cancer-afflicted children and their mothers at the CHILD Haus, or Center for Health Improvement and Life Development Haus.
No ailment has sustained as strong of a negative stigma as cancer, specially on children.
The World Health Organization (WHO) noted that an estimated 4,700 children (aged 0 to 19 years) are diagnosed with cancer each year in the Philippines.
Leukemia accounts for approximately 49% of childhood cancers while other cancers affect the brain and nervous system (9.7%), lymph nodes (9%), retina (7.5%), kidney (3.4%), and bone and soft tissues, gonadal, and germ cell sites.
Deaths from childhood cancer
Imagining what Davao was like a century earlier provides us a peek into a past that was characterized by growth. From just being a subport of Zamboanga, by 1924 it was turning into an export hub for hemp and coconut, and Santa Ana pier was classified as independent.
As the port of entry, Santa Ana Pier was supplying one-eighth of the country’s hemp production. Freight rates and the delivery of telegraphic and mail notices were fairly fast from Davao.
E. C. Walters, who wrote ‘The Present Status and Volume of Davao Commerce,’ in the August 1925 edition of The American Chamber of Commerce Journal, noted that Manila export-ers, since 1923, were already exporting directly from Davao to other parts of the world by virtue of a special authority issued by the government.
are estimated at 1,700 each year. A cousin of mine, Lawrence, died of leukemia at the young age of 8 years old.
The Department of Health (DOH) said that malignancies in children are difficult to detect because they may present similarly as other common childhood diseases.
The DOH noted that parents should have their children undergo regular medical check-up and be alerted to the following symptoms which may be associated with cancer in children: prolonged, unexplained fever or illness; unexplained pallor; increased tendency to bruise, unexplained localized pain or limping; unusual masses or swelling; frequent headaches, often with vomiting; sudden eye or visual changes; sudden or progressive weight loss.
A child’s chronic disease, like cancer, affects every sphere of their life.
Childhood cancer is a “stressful experience” for parents as caring is an emotionally exhausting task, causing physical, mental, social, and economic well-being to decline as the disease progresses.
The effects and consequences include the risk of developing anger, resentment, guilt, adjustment pain, anxiety, psychosocial distress, and burnout, often leading to a deterioration of mental well-being.
Recurring issues include limited access to health facilities, long waiting times, prolonged hospital stays, lack of chemotherapy drugs, and limited or inadequate information about their child’s disease condition and treatment.
The long-term emotional effects of childhood cancer can include depression, and fear of the cancer coming back.
Established in 2002, CHILD Haus is a temporary shelter for indigent patients from different provinces who have cancer or other dreaded diseases and have no place to stay in Metro Manila while undergoing medical evaluation or treatment. It provides free room and board to its residents.
CHILD Haus run along the principles of hospice care and promotes the concept of holistic healing through its various programs, services and activities.
CHILD Haus is a seven-story multi-purpose complex located on Agoncillo Street in Paco, Manila which is walking distance from the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) where most of
the kid patients seek treatment.
Members of the Maritime Law Association of the Philippines (MARLAWPh) usually gather every May at CHILD Haus as part of the “birthday wish party” of our former president Atty. Pedrito Faytaren,
In 2015, I celebrated my 45th birthday in CHILD Haus in honor of my mother who died of cancer.
It was also that year that the movie “CHILD HAUS’ written by Socorro Villanueva and directed by Louie Ignacio was shown that features child stars Miggs Cuaderno, Therese Malvar, Vince Magbanua, Felixia Dizon, Erica Yu and Mona Louise Rey.
A mother has the ability to love selflessly as the pillar of strength in everyone’s life.
No one could ever surpass the love of a Mother to her own child;
a love that requires a sacrifice that only a Mother can do. She is the one without whom life is incomplete as she bears the pain of child birth.
With childhood cancer, her pain continues as she endures a child’s “why me” and “disease as a divine punishment” self-pity perceptions. Her spirituality is a source of the child’s strength and bravery. For the cancer-afflicted children and their mothers, CHILD Haus accords them hope of a future free from cancer.
(Peyups is the moniker of University of the Philippines. Atty. Dennis R. Gorecho heads the seafarers’ division of the Sapalo Velez Bundang Bulilan law offices. For comments, e-mail info@sapalovelez.com, or call 09175025808 or 09088665786.)
The expanding hemp production in Davao was not lost on the government which, by 1924, broached the idea of a new wharf after local merchants appealed to the government for the immediate rehabilitation of Santa Ana pier before it would collapse. They feared that should a catastrophic event happen the impact of a destroyed wharf could paralyze Davao commerce while the overhaul and eventually serviceability of the repaired dock was still an-ticipated.
At the time, Davao already boasted of a passable road, fit for automobiles, stretching to as far as Daliaon, 19 kilometers away from the town center. To reach that destination, transport negotiated a light pontoon bridge spanning the Davao River and a concrete ford crossing the Talomo River. Rivers are typically not passable during heavy rain when
waters from the town’s upper section swell the channels. Trucks were not allowed to use the pontoon bridge for clear reasons.
But the idea to connect the areas adjacent to the Gulf of Davao was progressive. Engi-neers planned to lengthen the existing road by opening an extension that would traverse San-ta Cruz, then to Padada Valley and beyond. Upon completion, Waters wrote: “[A] few kilo-meters of roads in other directions would open up a vast acreage of very fertile land now ac-cessible only along the coastline of the gulf and inland along the banks of a few rivers naviga-ble to small launches.”
During this time, Davao, already home to over 400 automobiles, was in need of a suitable bridge spanning Davao River to address the transport clamor and to serve as a conveyance for products hauled from many ar-
eas of the district, chiefly from the southern sector.
Serving as a medium for telegraphic communication for the town was a small radio re-ceiver station set on a hilly section north of town, now commonly known as Wireless. The gadget was outdated and weak in signal, and messages sent from it had to be relayed through Zamboanga. Its maintenance was sourced from the Bureau of Posts in Davao, and the delivery of messages was undisputedly old-fashioned.
“[T]he telegraph service at Davao is small, so small that it affords the services of only one bicycle messenger, who must deliver messages from the wireless station around Davao, a dis-tance of nearly two kilometers, and then on the Santa Ana, three kilometers farther, return to Davao to pick up the messages filed
at the Davao post office during his absence and deliver them to the wireless station for relay to Zamboanga. Bicycle messengers generally are not gifted with the wings of Mercury, and, though they were, the territory this one messenger must cover would wear the best set of wings to a frazzle were he to keep up with the needs of the service.”
The employ of bicycles meanta longer time for the delivery of a message from the station to Santa Ana pier than the time needed to transmit the same to Manila via Zamboanga.
As an added feature, a landline linking the wireless station to Santa Ana was also in use but its repair allotment was so small that it did not improve the transmission. Given that the port was where all the exporters hold offices, inadequacy in maintenance palpably affected efficiency.
Department of Information and Communications Technology (DITC) Secretary Ivan John Uy on Tuesday said they are looking to improve internet connectivity in 94 identified tourist destinations in the country before the end of this year.
He said this will be done through the activation or deployment of the needed internet infrastructure which will boost connectivity in these destinations.
Uy, in a Palace briefing, said the deployment of the needed internet infrastructure for the initial 46 tourist destinations will be completed by the next quarter.
“In a matter of a few months, we have already put into the program for the first phase, we will be able to deploy 46 out of the 94 destinations that will be light-
ened with free internet connectivity,” he added.
Uy said the first phase will cover major tourism sites which include Baguio, Palawan, Boracay, and Cebu, among others.
Meanwhile, the remaining 48 tourist destinations will “most likely” have better internet connectivity by the end of the year to achieve “full 100 percent coverage”.
“This is a joint initiative with the DICT in order to ensure that our tourists will have a complete
experience in the tourism areas,” he said.
Uy said boosting connectivity in tourist spots will be a good strategy to market the Philippines as a tourist destination, considering that many tourists are also “vloggers.”
“Many of the tourists now are also vloggers. They vlog about their experience while they are there experiencing or enjoying the tourism sites so it is critical that we provide them with internet connectivity. So while they’re there, enjoying those experiences, they can actually be also our marketing tool in propagating the message to them how they’re having fun in the Philippines and how they are enjoying the Philippine experience,” he said.
The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Tuesday said it might consider “regulated” importation amid renewed spike in the prices of onions.
In a media interview, DA Deputy Spokesperson Rex Estoperez said the import volume might be at 22,000 metric tons for red and white onions or equivalent to a month-long consumption volume.
“Other alternatives that we have considered also is that, will we import? Kung ganoon patuloy
‘yung presyo (If the price continues to be this [high]), we might import… but on a regulated or calculated basis,” he said.
Based on the DA’s latest price monitoring, the prevailing price of local red onion in Metro Manila ranges from PHP160 to PHP200 per kilogram, while local white onion is pegged from PHP150 to PHP200 a kilo.
Estoperez noted that the farmgate price of onions is now at PHP120 per kilo as the country approached the
off-season.
He, however, insisted that the DA wanted to intensify its coordination with the local government units (LGUs) amid reports of price manipulation by unscrupulous traders.
The Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (SINAG) earlier called on traders for the “overpriced” onions, noting that they originally got it at only around PHP60 per kilo farmgate price during the harvest season.
Local airlines on Tuesday welcomed the Marcos administration’s National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) for 2023 to 2028, highlighting the plan’s support to enhance connectivity.
The NTDP lays down the seven objectives that focus on the essential pillars of development. These objectives involve not only the promotion of the Philippines domestically and internationally, but addressing the essential issues of tourism development including the development of infrastructure, connectivity, as well as digitalization, the equalization of tourism development and promotion, the enhancement of the overall tourist experience, as well as the strengthening of tourism governance.
“Enhancing our flight route network is in line with our mission to serve the needs of our flying public. We support the government’s tourism development plan,” Philippine Airlines (PAL) spokesperson Cielo Villaluna told the Philippine News Agency.
PAL’s goal as a national carrier is to create air connectivity by tapping on the strategic location of our hubs, she said, adding that the airline continues to study
potential domestic, regional and international routes.
Villaluna noted that operating domestic, regional and international flights in and out of Manila, and revitalizing flights out of our other hubs, enables PAL to provide passengers greater connectivity and convenience as well as flexibility of choice.
As an example, she said PAL has been leveraging the strength of Cebu by enhancing its connectivity across the Philippines.
From Cebu, the carrier flies to Baguio, Busuanga, Borongan, Caticlan, Puerto Princesa, Bacolod, Iloilo, Tacloban, Siargao, Cagayan de Oro, Zamboanga, Davao, Cotabato and Butuan.
PAL’s Cebu-Cotabato flights, on the other hand, connect to Tawi-Tawi.
Cebu Pacific (CEB), meanwhile, also welcomed the government’s initiatives in the NTDP.
“CEB welcomes these initiatives that will make the Philippines a tourism powerhouse within the next five years. These initiatives will help drive increased trade and tourism of which air travel will be a key component,” spokesperson Carmina Romero told the PNA.
Renewed Malampaya contract seen to add $600-M investments
The extension of the Malampaya natural gas field service contract will add at least USD600 million worth of investments for drilling two wells and subsea facilities, the Department of Energy (DOE) said Tuesday.
In a virtual press briefing, DOE
Undersecretary Alessandro Sales said the SC 38 Consortium is looking at between USD80 million and USD90 million investment to drill one well.
Under the work program commitment for the first phase, the Consortium is required to drill at least two wells.
“In fact, in their submissions to us, they are indicating that they are prepared to drill for three wells... because it works out cheaper when they drill more wells,” Sales said.
Aside from well drilling, he said the Consortium would need to spend another USD330 million to USD360 million for the tieback and subsea facilities.
These infrastructures would
deliver the natural gas for production in the Malampaya facility, Sales explained.
He estimated the additional natural gas that would be produced by the Malampaya gas-topower project given the extension of its contract would be about 200 billion cubic feet of gas.
Meanwhile, DOE Secretary Raphael Lotilla said his office would push for early exploration in Malampaya to keep the gas flowing and meet the country’s rising energy requirement.
“We really want to start as soon as possible. We cannot wait for 2024 because it takes two to three years (or) three to four years to drill successfully and get the gas flowing. When we start only in 2024, what is going to happen? We would have lost a lot of time,” Lotilla said.
On Monday, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed the Renewal Agreement for the Malampaya Service Contact No. 38 (SC 38) for a final 15 years, or until Feb. 22, 2039.
The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has issued a memorandum circular allowing the monthly filing and payment of value-added tax (VAT).
To recall, Republic Act 10963 or the TRAIN Law removed the monthly filing of VAT returns starting this year.
The law states that “beginning Jan. 1, 2023, the filing and payment required under this subsection shall be done within twenty-five (25) days following the close of each taxable quarter.”
The BIR, in a statement on
Tuesday, however, said numerous requests are coming from taxpayers that they be allowed to file their VAT returns and pay the corresponding tax dues every month.
As a response, BIR Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui Jr. issued Revenue Memorandum Circular (RMC) 52 – 2023 on May 10, giving VAT-registered taxpayers the option to file and pay
VAT every month using BIR Form 2550M.
“Taxpayers have the option to file and pay their VAT on a monthly basis with no penalties. This would improve our goal of Excellent Taxpayer’s Service. My aim is not only a goal-oriented BIR, but also a service-oriented one. Again, I welcome all comments, suggestions, and feedback from our dear taxpayers. I want to create a conducive avenue for our compliant VAT taxpayers, and, of course, reduce their financial burden,” Lumagui said.
Continued expansion of the domestic economy, sustained good fiscal policy, and an inflation-targeting central bank will help ensure the Philippines’ resiliency against systemic risks.
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Felipe Medalla made the remarks during the
closing event of the International Conference on Financial Stability hosted by the BSP and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) here on Tuesday.
He said measures to improve the strength of the country’s buffers against different economic challenges will also need cooperation from the pri-
vate sector.
He explained that the domestic economy is able to recover fast from the recent pandemic due in part to the reduction of the central bank’s key policy rates, which was targeted to encourage more borrowings and ensure that economic activities remain up despite the pandemic.
Government officials witnessed the signing of Memorandum of Understanding between Chevron Philippines Inc. and Batangas Land Company Inc.
From left to right: Government Corporate Counsel Justice Rogelio Quevedo, Secretary of the Department of Energy Raphael P.M. Lotilla, US Ambassador Mary Kay Carlson, Secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry Alfredo E. Pascual, General Manager of National of Development Company Anton Mauricio, Governor of Batangas Hermilando Mandanas, CPI Chairman Billy Liui and Batangas Land President Lilia Arce.
BGC, Philippines, May 17, 2023 — Chevron Philippines Inc. (CPI), marketer of the Caltex brand of fuels and lubricants, and Batangas Land Company, Inc. (BLC) today signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to work towards a mutually satisfactory agreement for the renewal of CPI’s lease in San Pascual, Batangas; Lapu-Lapu, Cebu; San Fernando (Poro), La Union; and Sasa, Davao City.
The MOU signing was held at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Bonifacio Global City between CPI Country Chairman Billy Liu and BLC President Lilia Arce.
On hand to witness the event were National Development
Company (NDC) General Manager Anton Mauricio, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Alfredo Pascual, Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Raphael Lotilla, Batangas Governor Hermilando Mandanas, Office of Government Corporate Counsel Justice Rogelio Quevedo and U.S. Ambassador Mary Kay Carlson.
“This MOU between CPI and BLC underpins the intention of both parties to work towards a mutually satisfactory agreement for the renewal of CPI’s lease. Our terminals form the core of a network of over 600 service stations and terminals that play a crucial role in supplying the fuel needs of the transportation, maritime, aviation, and power generation sectors in the Philippines,” shared Billy Liu, CPI chairman.
BLC President Lilia Arce said, “Today is a momentous occasion that marks a continuous and longtime partnership. I’m glad we are signing this MOU because despite our differing interests [as], you, in the private sector, and we, in the government, have come together to strengthen our ties further and align our goals in the rebuilding of our nation’s economy.”
CPI intends to maintain significant investments on the leased premises consisting of energy in-
frastructure which are indispensable for the continued, safe, and environmentally sound operation of its terminals.
Aside from the Chevron Batangas Terminal, CPI’s other major terminals services the fuel needs of major growth regions. The Lapu-Lapu Cebu Terminal provides fuel for Central Visayas. The Sasa Terminal in Davao services Mindanao while The Poro Point Terminal provides quality fuels to Northern Luzon.
DTI Sec. Fred Pascual said, “Chevron and BLC’s partnership is a testament to continued investor confidence in the Philippines.
It signifies the country’s abilities to provide a long-term enabling environment for growth of global companies that chose to do business and stay in our country. Such collaboration is essential to fulfilling national objectives such as energy security. First, this will ensure Filipinos to have access to reliable, safe and affordable energy. And second, this will attract investors to expand their operations in the Philippines.”
The DOE, in a 2023 letter to the DTI, has favorably endorsed and supported CPI’s continued use and operation of its terminals in these areas to ensure the
stability, advancement, energy development objectives and security interests of the country which are all critical for the economic growth and development of the Philippines.
DOE Secretary Raphael Lotilla said, “Chevron’s presence over the many years in the Philippines is one that I see as a seal of good housekeeping. We have supported this step and I hope this will encourage Chevron to actually increase its footprint the Philippines. Our demographics show that the country continues to grow and that I expect Chevron will grow fully with us.”
The Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) posted a 30% growth in value for its major digital banking platforms in the first quarter of 2023 compared to the same period last year.
The increase to 735.95 billion from the previous year’s P567.6 billion was facilitated by a total of 41.2 million transactions representing a 5% rise year-on-year via the LANDBANK Mobile Banking App (MBA), weAccess, Electronic Modified Disbursement System (eMDS), Link.BizPortal,
iAccess, and the LANDBANK Bulk Crediting System (LBCS).
“The growing adoption and utilization of our digital channels is a testament to LANDBANK’s steadfast commitment to provide safe and convenient banking services. We remain focused on investing in our digital infrastructure to meet the evolving and diverse needs of our customers,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Cecilia Cayosa Borromeo.
The LANDBANK Link.BizPortal, the Bank’s web-based
payment channel, facilitated 2.18 million transactions which translate to a 58% climb amounting to P3.0 billion in value.
Both the LANDBANK weAccess and iAccess recorded value increases of 39% and 2%, amounting to P199.38 billion and P4.6 billion, respectively.
The LANDBANK MBA’s facilitated value also went up by 31% to P61.79 billion with an 8% jump in total transactions of 32.2 million.
The LBCS saw the biggest
increase in value at 1,402% amounting to P19.7 billion from 1.8 million recorded transactions.
The Bank’s eMDS platform likewise experienced significant growth in value by 22% to P447.5 billion from a total of 597,496 transactions, which is equivalent to about 85% of all disbursements of the National Government in the first three months of the year.
Meanwhile, a total of 4 million accounts have been opened
via the LANDBANK Digital Onboarding System (DOBS) since 2018, which include accounts opened for clients of the Overseas Filipino Bank (OFBank), the official digital bank of the Philippine government and a subsidiary of LANDBANK.
LANDBANK’s continuing digital innovations has enabled it to provide convenient and accessible banking services to more Filipinos, in line with its thrust of advancing financial inclusion in the country.
BDO Unibank has refreshed its website (bdo.com.ph) with a new look and interface, giving its clients a new way to explore the bank’s financial solutions. With a simple yet modern design that works on both desktop and mobile, it has never been easier for new and existing customers alike to find the card, digital product, promo, or service that is right for them.
“Our objective has always been to make banking as easy and convenient as possible for the clients, and the refreshed website is among the key steps supporting that direction. Our customers will continue to see the improvements with a better experience across different banking applications in the coming months,” said Roy Villareal, first vice president and head of BDO’s Digital Banking.
The new website’s navigation allows customers immediate access to information, products, or features relevant to them, and makes it much easier to start or expand their relationship with the bank.
Application forms made available in the website can be filled up completely online. Submission of required documents for some products can also be made online, which makes the entire application process seamless.
While continuously investing
in digital technologies to meet the changing needs of its clients, BDO also recognizes the need to expand its network of branches and ATMs across the country to bring banking closer to communities.
“A huge part of the population still prefers to do physical
banking as they wish to have person-to-person interaction, especially when dealing with complex financial transactions. We continue to provide access to whichever bank channel our clients prefer,” said Cora A. Mallillin, executive vice president and head of BDO’s
Branch Banking.
The bank has always stood by its mantra of “We find ways,” and with both the new website and an ever-expanding network of branches and ATMs, there are always more ways to get information about and transact with the
bank.
Flag carrier Philippine Airlines, Inc. (PAL) registered an operating income of US$ 135.2 Million (PHP 7.4 Billion) and total comprehensive income of US$ 108.2 Million (PHP 5.9 Billion) for the first quarter of 2023.
The US$ 135.2M operating income in Q1 2023 is a substantial improvement from the US$ 33.8 Million (PHP 1.7 Billion)
logged by PAL in the first quarter of 2022. The positive financial performance reflects the continuing strength of the recovery of air travel. During Q1 2023, PAL re-introduced routes to several cities in mainland China and launched nonstop flights to Perth, while maintaining regular services to North America, the Middle East, Australia and vari-
ous destinations around Asia and the Philippines.
The total comprehensive income of US$ 108.2M in Q1 2023 shows remarkable growth from last year’s first-quarter result of US$ 22.6 Million (PHP 1.2 Billion).
PAL generated US$ 776.9 M (PHP 42.6 B) in revenues for Q1 2023, a 66.5% improvement from Q1 2022 (US$ 466.6 M),
driven by a 156.2% increase in the number of passengers carried on PAL’s global network. PAL carried 3.4 million passengers in the first quarter.
Operating expenses for the quarter increased by 48.3% to US$ 641.7 M (PHP 35.2 B), vs. the US$ 432.8 M incurred in Q1 2022. The rise in expenses reflected an increase in operated flights amid
BDO hopes that by finding online and offline ways to be present, its customers can find products and services that will simplify and enrich not just their banking experiences, but other aspects of their lives in the process. higher fuel prices.
“Once again, we thank our valued customers for their support and for the privilege of serving them during this time of recovery and renewal,” said Captain Stanley K. Ng, PAL President & Chief Operating Officer. “The stronger recovery brings transition challenges that impact our operations, and we commit to make productive use of our improving revenues to invest in fleet upgrades, product improvements, operational support and above all safety.”
PAL signed a memorandum of understanding to acquire nine (9) Airbus A350-1000 long-haul jetliners, the largest version of the A350 family of high-performance aircraft, to operate nonstop flights to the U.S. and Canada, and potentially to Europe.
Added Captain Ng: “We are acquiring additional aircraft so that we can serve our flying public better. For the long-term, we are ordering new long-range Airbus A350-1000 aircraft to operate our transpacific routes, offering our passengers a premium travel experience on the newest-generation aircraft to fly the Philippine skies.”
The Philippine flag carrier is the only airline operating nonstop services between the Philippines and North America, along with the largest network of flights and routes from the Philippines to Japan, the Middle East and Australia.
a plant and process the abaca for the fiberglass material.
Cambaya said this is among the positive results during their attendance at the Tokyo Business Forum, which was part of the itinerary of their four-day travel to Japan on April 24 to 27, 2023 led by Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte, to promote Davao to Japanese people as an exciting tourist destination and a feasible investment hub.
“We presented the services that we provided here to our investors,” he said.
The trip to Japan was initially planned for the signing of a sister city relationship between Davao City and Sennan City.
DCIPC collaborated with Sennan City, the Philippine Consulate
Mayor, City Social Welfare and Development Office, City Health Office, City Legal Office, City Planning and Development Office, Lingap Para sa Mahirap, Educational Benefit System Unit, and others also offered their services during the caravan.
Peace 911 Focal Person Atty Jonah Presto said that the activity which was participated in by hundreds of Panñalum residents is a clear indication that the people in Paquibato District are united in sustaining the peace in the area.
Presto said the Peace 911 remains a key program in maintaining the city’s insurgency-free status.
Peace advisor Irene Santiago said that secuirty is just one of the many factors to be considered in order to fully cement peace and order in Paquibato.
She said that a peaceful community is not just one that is free
in Osaka, PTIC in Osaka headed by Commercial Counsellor and director Michael Alfred V. Ignacio, PTIC in Tokyo headed by Commercial Counsellor and Special Trade Representative Dita Angara-Mathay, Philippine Embassy in Tokyo, and the Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene Garcia- Albano in organizing an Investment and Tourism Roadshow in Osaka and Tokyo.
The Osaka leg was held on April 25, 2023 at the Sura Rinku Building and was attended by around 20 businesses from the Osaka prefecture. Among those businesses who attended were from various industries including retail, airlines, real estate, trading, manufacturing, tourism, transportation, and others.
from armed conflict but also one that is strong and capable of defending its peace, augmented by economic prosperity and educational opportunities for all residents.
City Mayor Sebastian Duterte addressed the Pañalum residents and said that the City Government will make sure to stimulate economic growth in the area in the area. He said that the Paquibato District, as a peaceful and conflict-free territory can now look at its potential for tourism.
Pañalum Barangay Captain Analou Trespeses said that the over 2,000 residents of Pañalum, since the inception of the Peace 911 program in 2018, have enjoyed peace in the community. She said that with the continuation of the program, inhabitants of the Paquibato District will continue to unite and cooperate to keep the peace. CIO
tient counseling service center.
In year 2019, the Sangguniang Panlugsod passed the “Mental Health Ordinance of Davao City”. This ordinance provides for an integrated and comprehensive approach to the development of the City Mental Health Care Program and Delivery System to deliver appropriate services and interventions, including provision of mental health protection, care, treatment and other essential services to those with mental illness or disability.
Just recently, the Sangguniang Panlungsod also approved the “Anti-Bullying Ordinance”.
Last year, the PMHA assisted 300 clients, not only from Davao
across all sectors with property development, human capital build-up, and sustainability training.
“Hence, we will focus on these industries as drivers of growth of Davao’s economy. It shows how diversified our economy is because we all have these industries already flourishing today,” Ledesma said.
The conference is eyeing to gather more than 500 attendees composed of business leaders, visionaries, local and foreign investors, foreign chambers of commerce, top level executives, business councils, and senior government officials, and game-changers to explore successful, in-demand and emerging industries in the region that positions Davao City as a powerful investment hub for global pioneers and innovators.
Ledesma said the participation of all these stakeholders is
City but also from other parts of the country.
“Aduna ta’y services, counseling, psychotherapy pwede pud ta mag psychiatric consultation. Dili pud siya limited sa one-on-one, pwede pud ta mag group session labi na kung naa tay family nga nakasinati og suicide…right now naa tay six active psychologists and one psychiatrist and two technical staff nga naga process online. We are glad to say nga receptive, nindot ang pagdawat sa information nga ingon ani kay ang bottom line is free siya (We have services: counseling, psychotherapy. We can also provide psychiatric consultation and it is not limited to one-on-one, we
already a testament to one of the key strengths of the Davao Region.
“That is having a good partnership with both private and public sectors and even extends to foreign linkages,” she said.
Ledesma added that by having dialogues with these stakeholders, the conference will be able to curate a program that is relevant to the times and one that showcases the strengths of Davao City as an investment hub.
“With this conference, will bring in businessmen, CEOs, and executives to come here in Davao to see what is going on here and to feel Davao for themselves. So that they are now more convinced to bring their businesses here in Davao,” she said.
can also accommodate group sessions, especially if there is a family that has experienced a case of suicide… right now we have six active psychologists, one psychiatrist, and two technical staff that process online, we are glad to say that– receptive, they receive the information well because the bottom line is that the services are for free),” Precious Manliguez, a member of the PMHA Davao Chapter, said.
Those who are encountering mental health problems may call the PMHA Davao Hotline: 0906 586 7136 or reach out to their Facebook Page: Philippine Mental Health Association – Davao Chapter. CIO
The conference promises commercial opportunities for the 35 exhibitors and sponsors to network directly with delegates and to showcase their products and services both on a digital platform and physical set-up.
“Davao ICON this year is more diversified, and inclusive, that we showcase the vibrant business community here in Davao wherein we have those from large conglomerates those from homegrown brands, and we are also focusing on women investors, young entrepreneurs, and the start-ups. This will show how vibrant and inclusive our economy and business community here in Davao,” Ledesma said. By Maya M. Padillo
Mindanao 20 years back is not the same Mindanao of today.
“If you think that there is still criminality, extremism, terrorism, etc, that are things of the past. We can prove it because the generals are here they can say for themselves what is happening in Mindanao. This is because there are still travel advisors that say this is the color red, blue, don’t go there, meron pa rin. It has not changed apparently, but the development workers have been traveling around Mindanao but the principals and the main offices in the international communities still have those,” Acosta said.
The forum carries the theme “Sustaining Strategic Partnership for Mindanao Peace and Development.”
structures, and environmental sensors round the clock.
Established in 2004, the center has been upgraded with the latest technologies in August 2018.
The Putrajaya Government Center, meanwhile, is home to several official buildings, including the prime minister’s office, the Putrajaya International Convention Center, the Putrajaya Command Centre, and other key offices.
Kuala Lumpur, however, remains to be Malaysia’s capital and premier financial and commercial center.
Putrajaya is a new federal government administrative center that is linked to a mini-command center located at the Putrajaya police headquarters using a fiber optic connection to ensure the whole system is running smoothly.
During their visit there, Davao City officials also met with Malaysian Palm Oil Board Director General Datuk Dr. Ahmad Parveez Ghulam Kadir to discuss the strengthening of trade relations between Malaysia and this city. (PNA)
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.
DENVER — Nikola Jokic recorded his sixth triple-double of these playoffs with 34 points, 21 rebounds and 14 assists, powering the Denver Nuggets
to a 132-126 win over the Los Angeles Lakers in the opener of the Western Conference finals on Tuesday night (Wednesday, Manila time).
Behind Jokic’s sizzling start and strong finish, and Jamal Murray’s 31 points, Denver beat the Lakers in the opener of a playoff series for the first time ever.
After a slow start, Anthony Davis had 40 points and 10 rebounds, and LeBron James finished with 26 points, 12 boards and nine assists. Austin Reaves chipped in 23 points and fueled L.A.’s desperate fourth-quarter
run that nearly erased Denver’s 14-point cushion after three.
The Nuggets led by as many as 21 but the Lakers pulled within three points twice in the fourth quarter, once on Reaves’ 3-pointer at 124-121 and again on James’ pair of free throws that made it 129-126 with 1:12 remaining.
After Jokic sank two free throws with 26 seconds left to give Denver a 131-126 lead, Mur-
ray poked the ball from James as he was about to take it to the hoop and Jokic gathered the loose ball before being fouled with 10.9 seconds left. He sank one of two and James misfired from 3 as the seconds ticked off.
Game 2 is Thursday night at Ball Arena, where the top-seeded Nuggets are 7-0 in the playoffs and 41-7 overall, the best home record in the league this season.
While I am tempted to provide more congratulatory space to Gilas for regaining the men’s basketball crown, I thought we should look into the more important facet of the SEAG results.
Scoring 58 golds - 6 more than last year’s haul of 52 - does not mean the Pinoys improved on their previous performance.
In fact, we can win 100 golds and yet place fifth but will indicate the first four placers came better prepared, better trained and mentally better focused.
This is usually a media spin the POC and the PSC employ to soften the impact of the slide. Sad.
Pinoy athletes entered into a territory and terrain that compeltely caught them by surprise. Didn’t it look like this?
At one time, because the Phil-
ippine contingent won many more silvers, they strove to explain that these second place finishes were “near golds,” and if breaks had only gone their way, the silvers would have turned to golds and Pinoys would have emerged oveall winners.
But no, sir.
Golds are golds, silvers are silvers and bronzes are bronzes.
No matter how you stretch the imagination, it cannot erase the fact that the Philippines went to battle “less” prepared than their counterparts.
Sure, we had sure gold winners (even before the tournament began) like Caloy Yulo, EJ Obiena (and Hidilyn Diaz had she entered) regardless of the competition offered because they were individually a (world) class by
themselves.
Pinoy sports fans should understand though that in the ASEAN, the SEAG is a sports festival the member-countries created as a diplomatic tool to foster lasting friendship and good will among the members.
The SEAGF (Southeast Asian Games Federation) is the policy-making body and is headed by the host country. They make the rules and this protocol is respected by all.
Sports is a universal language. Believe me that all the athletes shed a tear as they hugged and bade goodbye to their new found friends.
The SEAG is a spawning (and training) ground of athletes aspiring to make it to the world stage like the Olympics and the world
championships.
It is cheaper to send athlete-trainees with potentials to get into the national team to compete and discover their strengths (and weaknesses) in the ASEAN arena.
Even if they lose in their first ever international foray, the experience they get competing against their ASEAN neighbors is the yardstick used to measure their future potential.
I saw Vietnam’s rise from the cellar to the top.
They are a fierce competitor. Reckon that stems from their colonial past where they had to violently overthrow the French and repel the Americans successfully. Legions of patriotic Vietnamese perished in their fight for independence and sovereignty.
The SEAG used to be domi-
nated by Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia in this order.
Singapopre and the Philippines originally struggled, shaking off each other for fourth, perenially.
We were not so lucky as we failed to snatch the 1991 crown jewel the second time the Philippines hosted the biennial conclave. The Philippines lost by a mere gold to Indonesia (I think 91 to 92 if my recollection is correct).
Anyway, we should not cry over spilt milk. The Asian Games are forthcoming in September. Here we will truly discover who among our national athletes will make it to the podium and rise higher in their respective fields. (email feedback to fredlumba@ yahoo.com.) GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!
It looks like Francis “Ef” Escandor has finally “arrived.”
The veteran four-year De La Salle Green Archer carried defending champion EcoOil-La Salle past Perpetual Help, 80-73, to earn a share of the lead in the 2023 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup on Tuesday at the Ynares Sports Arena.
The 6-foot-2 son of businessman and sports patron Glenn Escandor, sparkled with 15 points all coming from beyond the arc on the way to a 50 percent clip from the field to go with 5 rebounds.
Of his five triples, two came from off-balanced shots. He missed a four-point play after being fouled shooting three from the elbow.
The Green Archers erased an early 12-point deficit behind a big fourth-quarter surge to gain a piece of leadership with Marinerong Pilipino-San Beda.
Kevin Quiambao contributed 15 points and 12 rebounds, while CJ Austria (14) and Mark Nonoy (13) all reached double-digits for the Green Archers. It was an impressive performance for a La Salle team that is still missing the services of Mike and Ben Phillips as well as veteran guard Evan Nelle.
The Phillips brothers are fulfilling national team commitments in the 32nd Southeast Asian Games with Gilas Pilipinas, which just reclaimed the gold medal, while Nelle is nursing a groin strain.
“We know that we’re gonna struggle against a tough Perpetual team that’s been playing well here and in their other tournaments. Good thing, we’re able to figure things out defensively,” said deputy Gian Nazario, who has been tasked by head coach Topex Robinson to take over the D-League chores for La Salle.
“We’re just starting, we’re learning. We’re on that learning curve of figuring things out. We’ll have struggles and mas gusto namin iyon,” he added.
La Salle trailed 16-28 early before gaining its rhythm, and they surged ahead, 66-64, in the final five minutes. The Green Archers then uncorked a 15-4 run, capped by a transition basket from Austria, to pull ahead by nine points, 7970, in the closing stretch.
Cyrus Nitura had 21 points as the Altas lost a second straight game.
Meanwhile, Centro Escolar University racked up a second win in a row by outlasting Wangs Basketball @27 Striker-Letran in overtime, 92-85, also on Tuesday.
Ron Rei Tolentino scored 10 of CEU’s 16 points in the extra period highlighted by backto-back treys as the Scorpions kept the Knights winless in two matches under new coach Rensy Bajar.
Ayodeji Victor Balogun collared 18 points and 18 rebounds plus four assists, two steals and a block while Anjord Cabotaje, Franz Ray Diaz and Jerome Santos threw in 15, 13 and 10 points, respectively for CEU, which improved to 2-1 record.
“With this win, it’s our first time to beat a quality team like Letran. You dream of being in this situation eh, facing the three-time NCAA champion. It’s a matter of embracing the opportunity and I’m happy that the boys stepped up,” said coach Jeff Perlas.
Riding on a 107-68 breakthrough win against AMA Online, CEU held its ground against the three-peat NCAA champion for the majority of the match before capitalizing in the clutch behind Diaz’s crucial freebies.
CEU led , 74-73, in the last 21 seconds, when Diaz sank two free throws to give the Scorpions a 76-73 edge. But Letran’s Kurt Reyson his a 3-point shot in the ensuing play to tie the count and force overtime.
Tolentino took over in the extra period, scoring eight straight points capped by a 3-pointer to give the Scorpions an 84-81 lead with two minutes left. They were never threatened after that.
Reyson bannered the Knights with 27 points but his efforts were not enough as Letran fell to 0-2.