Edge Davao Vol. 16 Issue 31 | Sunday-Monday, May 21-22, 2023

Rep. Pulong to police grads: Use knowledge to serve, protect public

SERVICE FIRST

Rep. Pulong to police grads: Use knowledge to serve, protect public

By MAYA M. PADILLO

Davao City First Congressional District Representative Paolo “Pulong” Duterte urged police officers who completed the “Public Safety Senior Leadership Course” to keep in mind their lessons learned in order to safeguard the people and provide better service.

Through his second-born son Rodrigo “Rigo” Duterte II, the legislator welcomed the 40 graduates of the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) leadership course at the National Police Training

Institute, Regional Training Center (RTC-11) in Davao City on Wednesday.

“After the celebrations and as you return to your respective units and stations, always

remember the teachings you learned in the past six months, for sooner or later, you’ll apply such knowledge,” Rigo said on behalf of his father.

The police graduates were away from their home and families for six months to complete the course.

Rep. Pulong also reminded the graduates to use the knowledge they have gained to serve and protect the constituents

FSERVICE, 6

CFO reopens Mindanao extension office Monday

Emigrants from Mindanao will have easier access to the frontline predeparture services of the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) with the reopening of its extension office here on May 22.

The CFO-Davao Office is now located at Unit 309, 3rd floor, Pink Walters Building, Quimpo Boulevard, Ecoland area in this city and will be available for clients Mondays-Thursdays from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

In a press briefing Friday, CFO Undersecretary Valery Joy Brion said their digital processing efforts will also be intensified along with the office’s new opening,

“When you register, there will be two options, full online and face-to-face. All offices offered the two options,” she said.

Established on June 16, 1980 through Batas Pambansa 79, the CFO is an agency under the Office of the President tasked to promote and uphold Filipino immigrants’ interests, rights, and welfare and

strengthen their ties with their home country.

Services offered in the reopening of the CFO satellite office here include a predeparture orientation seminar (PDOS) for those permanently migrating to the United States of America (USA), Canada, and New Zealand which according to Brion are the top destinations. Counseling services will be provided for those who are marrying foreign spouses, exchange programs, and an Au Pair program for students who want to be immersed in the USA or Europe.

“It is the mandate of the state to protect our citizens. In migration, issues such as vulnerability to trafficking are our concern, so we assure that when we deploy them, they are safe, and they won’t be vulnerable to being trafficked,” Brion said.

She added that the counseling will also involve orientation about the cultural changes they might encounter when they migrate.

DavSur celebrates 1st anniv as insurgency-free province

Davao del Sur will celebrate on May 25 its first anniversary as insurgency-free province in Davao Region.

Davao del Sur Public Information Office chief Sherwin Cesar said it was on May 25,2022 that a resolution was passed and approved by the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) chaired by Governor Marc Cagas that declared the province as insurgency-free province.

“The activities set on May

25 are historical for all the local government units of Davao del Sur, comprising nine municipalities and one city. We choose the theme,”Davsuranon nga kalinaw, alang sa maanyag nga Paraiso,” Cesar said.

He added that all local government units (LGUs) in the province are expected to join in the celebration, which will open through a motorcade from the Eastern community of Sta. Cruz, Southern communities of Malalag, Sulop,

Kiblawan, Hagonoy and Padada and Western communities of Bansalan, Magsaysay and Matanao, all converging towards the Davao del Sur Coliseum in Barangay Matti, Digos City, Davao del Sur.

A Flag-raising ceremony, short program, song solo, dance contests and bands featuring former rebels and the indigenous peoples will follow.

Cesar revealed that all the LGUs are also expected to attend

the three-day Peace Fair set on May 26 to 28 at a mall in Digos City.

He said the Peace Fair will feature the booths showing the products of peace such as tourist spots and investors due to the good peace and order condition of the entire province.

“Personnel from local government units will explain the goodness of the insurgency-free and its lasting effect in every area, particularly in bringing jobs and

opportunities to the countryside communities,” Cesar said.

As a media practitioner, he said that he has not written any item regarding the rebel atrocities, which were a plenty in the past.

He said he has not heard even on the radio reports of rebel incursions in the communities.

“Bombings, burning of machineries, ambuscades on soldiers and police are things of the

The city government of Davao, in partnership with the New Zealand Embassy in Manila, holds the groundbreaking ceremony for the Bahayahay Learning and Workshop Center for Indigenous Women in Barangay Pandaitan in Paquibato District. New Zealand’s Ambassador to the Philippines H.E. Peter Kell and Mayor Sebastian Duterte led the groundbreaking event on Friday. CIO

FCFO, P6

JICA elevates ROW issue of bypass road project tunnel to Mayor Baste

By MAYA M. PADILLO

Christian Cambaya, unit head for Investor Assistance and Servicing of the Davao City Investment Promotion Center (DCIPC), said the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has elevated the right-of-way (ROW) issue to Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte during their trip to Japan last month.

“We have a meeting with JICA and discussed sa ilang infrastructure projects. One of the things they brought up to the mayor katong issue nila sa road right-of-way sa bypass road project na 45 kilometers. The

mayor assured na he will take the lead,” Cambaya said in an interview.

The ROW issue developed after some residents affected by the construction of the tunnel

FJICA, P7

Baste urges stakeholders to bring sustainable projects to Mindanao

After 10 years of being mothballed, the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) is bringing back the Mindanao Development Forum (MDF) on Thursday at the Acacia Hotel Davao, which aims to prompt Mindanao’s peace and development transformation through efficient alignment and coordination of development policies and programs.

Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte, who graced the opening of the forum, urged the stakeholders to always bring in sustainable projects in Mindanao.

“It falls upon us, as public servants and stakeholders of Mindanao to ensure that we not only bring in development but development that is sustainable and recognizes the complex, histories, and cultures of the various ethnolinguistic communities of Mindanao. We must seek development that is not at the expense of the environment and the gifts that nature has given to Mindanao,” the mayor said in his message.

The activity gathered industry leaders, policymakers and experts committed to supporting strategic partnerships for peace and development in Mindanao.

There were forum discussions guided by the 10 Mindanao Priority Development Agenda which includes people’s well-being; food, water, and energy; jobs and industry; international partnerships; connectivity; digital innovation; ecological integrity; preparedness and resiliency; peace, governance, and institutions; and enabling conditions.

“The MDF shall provide a venue for government to discuss its development priorities and to lay down areas

FBASTE, P6

Sara, Arroyo get together after VP left Lakas-CMD

Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio and former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo got together hours after the former bolted the Lakas-CMD party, which she once shared with Arroyo and Speaker Martin Romualdez.

Arroyo posted a picture of their lunch on her Facebook page.

“Picture was taken after May 19 lunch hosted by Mr. Manny Pangilinan to celebrate the birthdays of Vice-President Sara Duterte, former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, San Pedro Mayor Art Mercado (far right) and Mr. Bong Santamaria (far left). Second from right is former Undersecretary Pearl Viernes,” Arroyo’s Facebook page said.

Arroyo’s birthday was last April 5, while Duterte-Carpio’s birthday is on May 31.

Duterte-Carpio hours earlier announced her resignation from the Lakas-CMD, which came days after the House of Representatives demoted Arroyo from Senior Deputy Speaker to Deputy Speaker.

In her resignation statement, she said, “I am here today because of the trust of the Filipino people in me to lead and serve them and the country, and this cannot be poisoned by political toxicity or undermined by execrable political powerplay. “

The Vice President however did not make any reference to the events in the House.

Arroyo earlier said she heard she was being tagged

FSARA, P7

A hotel staff worker cleans the pool in preparation for the influx of guests that will use the facility to fight off the warm weather that is being experienced in Davao City. Lean Daval Jr.

On the graduation if new Philippine National Police recruits:

“I am not questioning God’s power! It is God who gave us reason and circumspection! It is God we serve by exercising prudence!” – Dan Brown, Angels and Demons ***

Most Filipinos, especially today’s generation, may have never heard of Arthur Robert Ashe, Jr. Some tennis players may probably know him.

Ashe was an American professional tennis player who started to play tennis at six years old. He became the first African-American to win the NCAA singles title (for the University of California at Los Angeles in 1975). His professional career featured 33 titles, including the 1968 US Open, the 1970 Australian Open, and the 1975 Wimbledon.

Despite his peak physical condition as a professional athlete, Ashe did not escape the grasp of cardiovascular disease. In fact, he was biologically predisposed to cardiovascular disease as it ran in his family. Both his parents suffered related illnesses.

In 1983, he contracted the human immunodeficiency virus

HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

(HIV) through infected blood administered during heart surgery. When people learned about it, a lot of his fans wrote him letters.

When he was confined in the hospital, he received a letter that struck him. It had this question: “Why did God have to choose you for such a horrible illness?”

He once described his life as “a succession of fortunate circumstances.” And so, Ashe replied with a very long explanation. It’s worth sharing here:

“Many years ago, about 50 million children started playing tennis, and one of them was me. Five million really learned to play tennis, 500,000 learned professional tennis, 50,000 arrived at the circuit, 5,000 reached the grand slam, 50 arrived at Wimbledon, 4 reached the semi-final, and two reached the final and one of two was me.

“When I was celebrating the victory with the cup in my hand, it never crossed my mind to ask God, ‘Why me?’ So, now that I’m in pain, how can I ask God, ‘Why me?’”

The said anecdote is being shared in social media. One author even wrote an insightful thought about it. “Happiness keeps you sweet. Trials keep

you strong. Pain keeps you human. Failure keeps you humble. Success keeps you glowing. But only faith keeps you going.”

The unknown author further said, “Sometimes, you are not satisfied with your life, while many people in this world dream to have your life. A kid on a farm sees a plane flying over him and dreams of flying. But the pilot on that plane, flies over the farm and dreams of coming home.”

Life is what we make, so goes a saying. Enjoy whatever you are experiencing right now. Life is not always a bed of roses; it goes up and down. Sadness and happiness happen but they don’t stay forever. Both have endings.

“If wealth was the secret to happiness, the rich should be dancing in the streets. But only poor kids do that,” the unknown author penned. “If power ensured security, important people should walk without bodyguards. But only those who live humbly, dream quietly. If beauty and fame attract ideal relationships, celebrities should have the best marriages and it’s not.”

Don’t be envious of what others have accomplished or what they possess. You may

have wished for what they have without knowing that they also wish what you have. Listen to this advice from Og Mandino, author of The Greatest Salesman of the World:

“I will love the kings for they are but human; I will love the meek for they are divine. I will love the rich for they are yet lonely; I will love the poor for they are so many. I will love the young for the faith they hold; I will love the old for the wisdom they share. I will love the beautiful for their eyes of sadness; I will love the ugly for their souls of peace.”

There are good days and there are bad days. Both are there for you to learn and adjust. Again, here’s Mandino: “I will love the sun for it warms my bones; yet I will love the rain for it cleanses my spirit. I will love the light for it shows me the way; yet I will love the darkness for it shows me the stars. I will welcome happiness for it enlarges my heart; yet I will endure sadness for it opens my soul. I will acknowledge rewards for they are my due; yet I will welcome obstacles for they are my challenge.”

Do the best not because you want to impress others but be-

CHRISTOPHER RYAN MABOLOC, Ph.D

THEORY AND PRACTICE

Kuala Lumpur – Thomas Friedman once suggested that the Arab world should have changed after the Taliban fell when the United States invaded Afghanistan in 2001. Instead, the Arabs hated the US more. America has remained the symbol of global domination. With its intent of doing in Afghanistan what it wanted to do in Iraq, the US experimented on a Western-inspired type of government that it tried to support with hundreds of billions of dollars and military weapons, only to fall in less than 10 days to the Taliban after US President Joseph Biden finally pulled out US troops in Afghanistan. Now, the Taliban are back, and with it, its harsh brand of leadership, curtailing women’s rights and putting to risk millions of lives in a country that is in a state of disrepair.

In a not-so-distant past, a terrorist organization called Dawlah Islamiyah, locally

known as the Maute Group, raised the ISIS Flag in Marawi City on May 23, 2017. A narrative published by Mindanao State University – Marawi researchers suggested that international terrorists joined that siege, including young women who entered Marawi City as students. The Maute Group had one aim – to establish the first Islamic caliphate in this part of Southeast Asia. Led by two brothers, Omar and Abdullah Maute, the group made an alliance with another terror organization – the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG).

The Abu Sayyaf, famous for the Sipadan hostage crisis and numerous beheadings, has been prominent in international headlines. The notorious terrorist organization, with links to Al-Qaeda, was organized by Abdurajak Janjalani. Janjalani fought alongside Osama Bin Laden against the Russians during the 1979 Soviet invasion of Afghanistan,

cause that’s what God wants you to do. As Martin Luther King, Jr. puts it: “If a man is called to be a street sweeper, he should sweep streets even as a Michaelangelo painted, or Beethoven composed music or Shakespeare wrote poetry. He should sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth will pause to say, ‘Here lived a great street sweeper who did his job well.’”

Again, have you ever questioned God before? You may find a consolation for these words of wisdom from Matie Stepanek: “I never question God. Sometimes, I say, ‘Why me? Why do I have such a hard life? Why do I have this disease? Why do I have siblings who died? But then I think and say, ‘Why not me?’”

Someone said, “If you are unwilling to question your beliefs, you will never know if you are following the truth or lies.”

Pundits say that in relation to God, we need to ask the following: 1) that His name will be honored, 2) that His kingdom will come, and 3) that His will should be done.

In relation to ourselves, we have to ask: 1) that God will provide what we need, 2) that God will forgive our sins, and 3) that God will deliver us from evil.

THE WORLD IN THE AGE OF TERROR

which the Soviets lost. It has been reported that Janjalani received six million dollars from Bin Laden to establish the Abu Sayyaf. The militant organization follows the Wahhabi doctrine of Sunni Islam. The ASG attracts young Muslim Filipinos, mostly from the provinces of Basilan and Sulu.

Before the US 9/11 attacks, according to Peter Bergen, Bin Laden “was consolidating power as the absolute leader of Al-Qaeda.” Many Muslims did not believe that Bin Laden planned 9/11, writes Friedman, thinking that it was a conspiracy concocted by the CIA and Israel’s Mossad. Confiscated tapes and other documents, of course, after Bin Laden was found and subsequently killed by US Navy Seals in 2011, at a compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan, with then US President Barack Obama watching the whole operation via live feed at the White House.

But who was Bin Laden?

The son of a wealthy Saudi industrialist, Bin Laden inspired his disciples, who often described the experience with the terrorist as a spiritual awakening. Bergen writes that the “first encounters with the Al Qaeda leader by his followers were found to be awe-inspiring.” The same were felt with God-like reverence. Bin Laden gave up a life of privilege in his pursuit of his terrorist agenda. Bergen says that the terrorist was viewed as an extraordinarily charismatic man. Bin Laden, in fact, was the symbol for Jihad or Holy War. Extremist groups conduct their war as the struggle against what they claim is US hegemony in the world. Terrorist leaders persuade their young recruits to wear suicide vests by presenting to them a type of an unjust socio-political order in which US imperial interests undermine the rights of Muslims. But terrorists have no ideology to speak of. They

sow fear and only intend to disrupt peaceful civilian life. Nick Fotion thinks that “there are, of course, degrees of innocence and guilt; but terrorists who choose all their victims in a random or near-random fashion cannot help but victimize people who are innocent of any political wrongdoing.”

In modern times, violence is seen as an effective way to coerce and intimidate not only people, but governments and societies as well, in order to advance political interests and religious goals. Terrorism, however, is not a modern-day phenomenon. Alison Jaggar explains: “The word terrorism was introduced in late eighteenth-century France when Robespierre initiated his Reign of Terror that was meant to deter all of his counter-revolutionary critics.” Jaggar adds between 1793 and 1794, “thousands of French citizens were executed, mainly by the newly invented guillotine.”

“WHY ME, GOD?”

Swedish foreign trade minister visits PH for high-level mission

Ahigh-ranking Swedish government executive is on a two-day visit in the Philippines to explore potential investments and cooperation, citing the domestic economy’s robust expansion.

Sweden’s Foreign Trade Minister Johan Forssell, who is on a two-day high-level mission in the country since May 18, highlighted the importance of Sweden’s bilateral relations with the Philippines and the ASEAN region.

“(T)here is a strong and growing interest among many Swedish companies in investing here. This has to do (not only) with the strong economic growth, but also the fact that there is a huge population here,” he said.

Forssell said he had met with the Secretaries of the Trade and Industry, Energy, Finance, Foreign Affairs and National Defense to discuss future cooperation between the Philippines and Sweden.

He said his meeting with Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual focused on strengthening business-to-business relations to promote flow of trade and investments in different sectors.

The foreign trade minister discussed with Energy Secre-

tary Raphael Lotilla the interest of Swedish companies in energy transmission, where Sweden is a world leader, as well as generation of renewable energy (RE) from solar and wind.

His talks with Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno, on the other hand, focused on the opportunities in infrastructure projects in line with the Marcos administration’s “Build Better More”.

He is scheduled to meet with Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo and Defense Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. to look into opportunities where the two countries can further boost partnerships. (PNA)

ARTA expects Marcos to sign EO to hasten building of telco towers

The Anti-Red Tape Authority said it hopes President Ferdinand Marcos Jr will sign an executive order that will fasttrack applications for the building of telco towers.

A Joint Memorandum Circular was approved by the previous administration during the COVID-19 pandemic but it is set to expire this September.

ARTA Director General Secretary Ernesto Perez said it is important to institutionalize a faster application process to

build and energize telco towers.

“I am very confident that with the support of the private sector, we will see the President signing [this order] because we have already submitted the final draft,” Perez said.

The joint memorandum circular with different government agencies reduced requirements for tower infrastructures from 30 permits to 8.

It also reduced the documentary requirements from 86 to 35.

This cut turnaround time from 241 working days to just 60 working days.

Perez also encouraged the private sector to report LGUs who fail to deliver within the prescribed period.

“When it is difficult to deal with the government because there is red tape, there is corruption,” Perez said.

ARTA held a press briefing and workshop on the matter at Globe Telecom Tower in Taguig City Friday morning.

BSP chief cites importance of interest rate differential with US

Ensuring adequate interest rate differential between the Philippines and the US will help put market uncertainties at bay, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Felipe Medalla said.

In an interview over CNBC on Friday, Medalla said the current 1.25 percent difference between the BSP’s overnight reverse repurchase (RRP) rate and the Federal Reserve’s 5-5.25 percent key rate is what “the market seems to think that its appropriate differential between our policy rate and the US policy rate.”

When asked how long will the BSP can hold its key rates steady after the policy-making Monetary Board (MB) on Thursday maintained the central bank’s rates, Medalla said that “if inflation were purely a domestic issue, the pause will probably be no longer than two or three meetings.”

“But what we’ll have to be very vigilant about is the extent to which a small differential between our policy rate and the Fed’s could cause significant weakening of the peso, which may actually become the new anchor of inflationary expectations,” he said.

Thus, Medalla said that any developments overseas that will affect domestic rate of price increases and result to second round effects are factors that the BSP will definitely consider vis-avis its policy stance.

“It’s prudent to pause (but) at the same time it doesn’t make sense to raise because, as already pointed out, if you look at the month-on-month inflation that’s actually quite low already. In fact, it’s slightly negative,” he said.

The MB’s decision on Thursday to pause the central bank’s rate hiking cycle, which started in May 2022 and has resulted to the 425 basis points increase in the key rates, is the first time that the BSP did not mirror the Fed’s move, which is a rate hike earlier this month, after noting the deceleration in domestic inflation rate.

After hitting its 14-year high of 8.7 percent last January, domestic rate of price increases has slowed and registered a 6.6 percent annual rate last April.

Monetary officials forecast monthly inflation rate to return to within the 2-4 percent target band of the government in the last quarter of the year.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Felipe Medalla gestures while speaking during an event in Davao City in this undated photo. Medalla said ensuring adequate interest rate differential between the Philippines and the US will help put market uncertainties at bay. Lean Daval Jr.

BARMM okays P1.77-B worth of investments from Jan-May ‘23

DA eyes white onion importation this month

Orders for the importation of white onion will likely be issued within this month as part of the government’s efforts to ensure there’s ample supply in the market, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said Friday.

In an interview with journalists, DA Assistant Secretary Rex Estoperez said they are currently in talks with stakeholders to finalize the exact figure, but noted that the initial volume will be 8,800 metric tons.

“These are ballpark figures. The consumption is around 4,400 metric tons [per month] so if [we import good for] two months, that’s 8,800 metric tons. That’s what we are looking at now,” he said.

Estoperez explained that the majority of the initial volume that will be imported will be allotted to institutional buyers.

Data from DA’s Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance (AMAS) price monitoring

showed that the retail price of white onion in the National Capital Region (NCR) is currently at PHP160 to PHP200 per kilogram (kg), significantly higher than the PHP90 to P150/kg recorded in April.

Estoperez said DA is doubling its efforts to make sure that prices of onion will not go back to an all-time high of PHP600 to PHP700/kg.

“One of the drivers of inflation is the price of onion, therefore, we cannot sacrifice that it will go back to steep prices. We are considering all measures to bring down prices,” he said.

Aside from white onion, Estoperez said they are also studying whether there is a need to import red onion.

He said the government will also coordinate with managers of cold storage to oblige them to release their stocks.

“We are considering all strategies to compel them to sell their onion. Let’s see if they will cooperate,” he added.

(PNA)

The Bangsamoro Board of Investments (BBOI) has approved PHP1.77 billion worth of investments in the past five months, more than double during the same period last year.

“From January to May 2023, BBOI has approved nine new projects worth P 1.77 billion investments,” BBOI chairperson Mohamad Omar Pasigan said in a statement Friday.

The projects included an academic school located in Cotabato City; an oil depot in Polloc Port, Maguindanao del Norte; a shipping company in Tawi-Tawi; and a beach resort located in Sitio Timako, Barangay Kalanganan in this city, among others.

Pasigan said the new investments are expected to provide initial employment to some 300 workers.

Last year, the region managed to generate over PHP850 million

worth of investments in the same period.

Pasigan attributed this year’s higher investment approvals to the leadership of BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim and his advocacy of attracting both local and foreign investors to the region.

“We believe that we are now reaping the results of the BARMM administration’s investment initiatives,” he said, adding that two more projects are lined up for approval later this month.

On Thursday, the investment body met for updates on the region’s status.

“Once the two projects are approved, we will generate a total of P2.7 billion investments that

will surpass the region’s PHP2.5 billion investments target for the fiscal year 2023,” Pasigan said.

Following a successful trade mission in Dubai, Pasigan expressed confidence that more investments will pour in during the second semester of this year.

On May 1-3, the BBOI showcased potential investment venues in the BARMM at the 9th Annual International Conference and Exhibits 2023 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Held at the Grand Hyatt Dubai, the event provided a platform for BBOI to present and open more doors for investments in the region.

“Our region is a thriving hub of innovation, progress, and growth, with a diverse range of industries that provide endless opportunities for businesses of all sizes,” he said. (PNA)

Fuel prices expected to go up on Tuesday

Motorists should brace for another round of increase in the pump prices of petroleum products on Tuesday, local oil industry sources said.

Department of Energy-Oil Industry Management Bureau Assistant Director Rodela Romero said that “there will be an increase in the prices of gasoline and diesel” based on the four-day Mean of Platts Singapore (MOPS) trading of fuel products.

“Kerosene has a minimal rollback but the real direction whether rollback or increase would depend on Friday’s trading,” Romero said.

Likewise, an oil industry source, citing MOPS trading from May 15 to 18, said the there is an expected P0.10 to P0.40 per liter hike on both diesel and gasoline. The source said kerosene may have no price movement or a P0.10 per liter increase, depending on Friday’s oil trading.

Romero said the following

developments contributed to the anticipated increase in fuel products:

Leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) nations plan to tighten sanctions on Russia at their summit in Japan this week US plans to purchase oil for its strategic petroleum reserve and the raging wildfires in Canada that fuelled supply worries US starts refilling the SPR (Strategic Petroleum Reserve) and the IEA’s more upbeat demand forecast

Travelers make a stop off at the stalls selling fruits, vegetables and root crops in Marahan, Marilog District, Davao City on Saturday. Lean Daval Jr.

SERVICE... FROM 2

in their respective areas of responsibility, to continue having a better place to live, and that the towns/cities they belonged to be the most livable cities in the country.

“Congratulations on a job well done to each of you for completing the mid-level management course and training on responsible leadership. You have all the reason to be proudly sitting there beaming with pride as you accomplished a remarkable deed worth another feather in your cap,” Rep. Pulong said in his message.

The 40 police officers will return to their respective units in Davao del Sur, Davao Occidental, Davao del Norte, Davao de Oro, and Davao Oriental.

Meanwhile, RTC–Davao regional chief Police Colonel Marvin Fontalva also congratulated

the graduates of the Public Safety Senior Leadership Course.

“These policemen went through such a leadership course to improve their competence and skills in handling their respective duties, given they are now on a managerial level. We expect that upon their return to their units, they could apply what they have learned,” Fontalva said.

Fontalva encouraged the graduates to share what they learned during the training and apply the acquired knowledge to improve services in their office and to the general public.

He also said that their work would be great if everyone worked together.

Rep. Pulong also thanked Fontalva for inviting him to be part of such a remarkable success of the police force in Davao Region.

CFO... FROM 2 DAVSUR... FROM 2

past,” Cesar said. Philippine Army’s 39th Infantry Battalion commanding officer Lt. Colonel Ezra Balagtey said that a validation is done prior to the declaration of the area as insurgency free between the Philippine Army and the Philippine National Police.

He said there was no rebel formation anywhere in Davao del Sur during the last quarter of 2021; no more influenced-barangays and no recovery efforts on areas once held by the rebels.

Balagtey disclosed there was a great improvement in the lives of the people in terms of livelihood and agricultural production since the province was declared as insurgency-free. (JSGD/PIA XI)

For the PDOS, Brion said they can accommodate 25 clients and eight people for counseling daily.

“The service we render is very important that’s why we partner with the Department of Justice and Bureau of Immigration to have a whole-of-nation approach to protecting our citizens,” she said.

The public is advised that attendance to the PDOS and Guidance and Counseling Program is strictly by appointment only, and requests for specific time slots will not be entertained.

Walk-ins are available for senior citizens, pregnant women, persons with disability with identification cards, and minors aged 12 and below. (PNA)

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where development partnerships can be most useful, leading to increased efficiency in development interventions and contributing to the sustainable and inclusive development of Mindanao,” said Secretary Mabel Sunga-Acosta, chair of MinDA.

Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) in his opening message said that aligned with NEDA’s development plans for Mindanao, the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) specifically focuses on improving the investment climate in the regions.

He assured that the government is committed to scaling up domestic investment promotion and business-matching activities at the local level.

“We aim to map out value chains across sectors and foster regional industrialization. This approach includes supporting regional and urban centers specializing in industries where they are most competitive. Recognizing the value of regional industries as producers for the local market will help address regional growth and development disparities in our country,” he said.

Balisacan also mentioned that the PDP also emphasizes the government’s commitment to ensure peace and security, particularly in Mindanao.

“It outlines strategies to support the smooth and complete transition of the Bangsamoro government,” he said.

He added that this involves providing assistance to the Bangsamoro Transi-

tion Authority in institution building, personnel development, economic management, fast-tracking of normalization and transformation programs, and strengthening intergovernmental relations mechanisms between the national and Bangsamoro governments.

“These strategies, in partnership with our local and international development partners, are crucial for sustaining the gains of the peace process, especially in achieving social and economic development in conflict-affected communities,”

he said.

Meanwhile, Acosta pointed out how a false image of Mindanao continues to persist, hindering its ability to realize its potential.

According to her, the event is an opportunity to change these views and present the island as an investment destination.

“We should portray Mindanao now not as a land of strife, not as a land of doubts, but a land of plenty, a land that is peaceful, beautiful, bountiful, and that’s what we all want,” she said.

By Maya M. Padillo

JICA... FROM 3

complained that they have not yet been paid.

Included in the list of flagship infrastructure projects of former president Rodrigo Duterte’s “Build, Build, Build” program, the Davao City bypass construction project aims to mitigate traffic congestion in Davao City, with the travel time between Barangay Sirawan in Toril District, Davao City and Barangay J.P. Laurel in Panabo City reduced to about 49 minutes from the previous nearly two hours via the Pan-Philippine Highway Diversion Road.

The group of Shimizu-Ulticon-Takenaka is undertaking the construction of contract package 1-1 covering 10.7 kilometers (km) of the four-lane highway, inclusive of the 2.3-km tunnel that has a diameter of 10 meters.

The project is funded by the Japanese Official Development Assistance (ODA) under the Special Terms for Economic Partnership loan from JICA.

“Councilor Myrna Dalodo-Ortiz suggested for the creation of a Technical Working Group composed of the DWPH, City Planning, City Engineers Of-

297-7845

IN THE MATTER OF: SP. PROC. NO. R-DVO-23-01812-SP PETITION FOR RECOGNITION OF FOREIGN DECREE (DIVORCE) AND CANCELLATION OF ENTRY OF MARRIAGE OF CATHERINE LUGA GUY-AB

a.k.a. CATHERINE TOMINAGA Petitioner, -versusTHE CIVIL REGISTRAR GENERAL DULY REPRESENTED BY THE LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR OF CITY OF DAVAO

Respondents. X---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------X

O R D E R

By this Verified Petition and for the reasons therein stated, petitioner Catherine Luga Guy-ab a.k.a. Catherine Tominaga, assisted by counsel, prays for this Court to render judgment:

1. Recognizing the divorce of CATHERINE LUGA GUY-AB and TOSHIAKI TOMINAGA on May 21, 2007 in Japan as valid.

2. Declaring the marital bond between the parties severed as a result thereof and declaring that the Petitioner is capacitated to remarry.

3. Ordering the Civil Registrar General – Philippine Statistics Authority and the local Civil Registrar of Davao City to annotate the divorce decree on the Certificate of Marriage of the parties.

4. Ordering the Local Civil Registrar to register and record the judgment (recognizing the divorce) of the Honorable Court on this Petition.

5. Ordering the Petitioner to revert to her maiden surname prior to marriage.

Finding the petition to be sufficient in form and substance, the same is hereby set for hearing before this Court, sitting at the Hall of Justice, Candelaria St., Ecoland, Matina, Davao City, on July 26, 2023, at 2:00 o’clock in the afternoon, at which place, date and time, any interested person may appear and show cause, if any, why the petition should not be granted.

Let this Order be published at the expense of the petitioner once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks in a newspaper published in the City of Davao and of general circulation in the said city as determined by raffle in accordance with law.

Likewise, petitioner is directed to furnish her former husband Toshiaki Tominaga and the Office of the Solicitor General, a copy of this Petition and its annexes and to submit proof of compliance thereof within thirty (30) days from receipt of this order. Failure to comply with these directives shall cause the dismissal of the Petition.

Furnish with a copy of this Order the Office of the Clerk of Court, Regional Trial Court, Davao City, for the raffling of the publication.

SO ORDERED.

Davao City, Philippines, 24 April 2023.

NANETTE GUSTILO LEMANA Presiding Judge

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11TH JUDICIAL REGION OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT-SHERIFF Davao City

HOME DEVELOPMENT MUTUAL EJF REM CASE NO. 18,867-23 FUND (PAG-IBIG FUND), Mortgagee, - versusALMA F. CAUBAT, Mortgagor/s. X-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------X

NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL FORECLOSURE & SALE

Upon extra-judicial petition for foreclosure and sale under Act 3135, as amended, filed by the mortgagee HOME DEVELOPMENT MUTUAL FUND (PAG-IBIG FUND), against the mortgagor/s ALMA F. CAUBAT, of legal age, Filipino citizen, single, with postal address/es at # 10, MALIGAYA AVENUE, MATINA CROSSING, DAVAO CITY and LOT

6, BLOCK 13, CRESTVIEW HOMES, ULA TUGBOK, DAVAO CITY to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness which as of MARCH 08, 2023 in the total amount of ONE MILLION TWO HUNDRED EIGHTY TWO THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED SEVEN PESOS AND 68/100 (Php

1,282,607.68), Philippine Currency, inclusive of interest and other plus other legal expenses incident to foreclosure and sale; the undersigned Sheriff IV of the Regional Trial Court, Davao City, will sell at public auction on June 15, 2023 at 10:00 A.M., or soon thereafter, at the main entrance of the Hall of Justice, Ecoland, Davao City, to the highest bidder for CASH or MANAGER’S CHECK and in Philippine Currency, the following real property mentioned and described below together with all the improvements found thereon, to wit:

TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. 146-2020021960

“A certain land situated in BARANGAY OF BIAO, CITY OF DAVAO, ISLAND OF MINDANAO, more particularly bounded and described as follows:

LOT NO: 6 BLOCK NO: 13 PLAN NO: PSD-112402-128827

PORTION OF: LOT 98, PCS-3076 AMD.;

LOCATION: BARANGAY BIAO; CITY OF DAVAO, ISLAND OF MINDANAO XXX

AREA: ONE HUNDRED SQUARE METERS (100) MORE OR LESS XXX

All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above-stated time and date.

That In the event the public auction should not take place on the said date, it shall be held on JULY 13, 2023, without further notice.

Prospective buyers are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the title of the above-described real properties and encumbrances thereon, if any there be.

Davao City, Philippines, MAY 15, 2023

ATTY. FRANCISCO M. CAMPANER Clerk of Court V Clerk of Court & Ex-Officio Prov’l Sheriff

(SGD.) ALBERT C. ABEJARON

fice para ma aksyunan. The TWG will coordinate with the CEO and the contractor para ma-resolve na ang ROW issues,” Cambaya said.

Last week, Councilor Myrna Dalodo-Ortiz has pushed for a resolution requesting the mayor to create a Technical Working Group (TWG) dedicated to JICA-funded projects in Davao City. Through this resolution, the mayor shall be given the authority to determine the members of the TWG for a JICA-assisted project. This is likely because the

FUND, Mortgagee, - versus -

LILIVETTE P. REGIDOR, of legal age, Filipino, single Mortgagor/s.

JICA project involves representatives from different sectors, and the city mayor may need to

SARA... FROM 3

in an alleged coup against Romualdez, which she in turn flatly denied, stressing that the speakership is not her objective anymore.

Arroyo had been Speaker once, in 2018, in a controversial coup that delayed then President Rodrigo Duterte’s State of the Nation Address that year because

add members to the TWG that he deems necessary to ensure the success of the project.

of a standoff with then-Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez. Duterte-Carpio had been credited for her elevation to the Speakership. Romualdez meantime has been silent, but parties supporting him in the House have come out with their own statements of support.

DEED OF SELF-ADJUDICATION

The public is hereby notified that EMILIA L. TE, of legal age, Filipino, Single and a resident of Buhangin, Davao City, Philippines, after having been duly sworn to in accordance with the law, depose and say:

1. That she is the legal and only surviving heir of the late EMMA L. TE who died intestate on November 11, 2022, in 67 L. Tatad Sr., Prk. San Miguel-Dumanlas, Buhangin, Davao City, Philippines;

2. That said deceased left real properties, particularly described as follows:

X-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------X

NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL SALE

Upon extra-judicial petition for sale under Act 3135, as amended filed by HOME DEVELOPMENT MUTUAL FUND OR PAG-IBIG FUND, against LILIVETTE P. REGIDOR, with postal address at # 23, TANGIGUE ST., LAPU-LAPU AGDAO, DAVAO CITY, to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness in the total amount of NINE HUNDRED NINETY SEVEN THOUSAND NINE HUNDRED NINETY THREE PESOS and 51/100 (₱997,993.51), Philippine Currency, inclusive of interest and penalty charges as of March 08, 2023, inclusive of interest and other charges incident of foreclosure and sale, the undersigned Sheriff IV of the Regional Trial Court, Davao City, will sell at public auction on June 15, 2023 at 10:00 A.M., or soon thereafter, at the main entrance of the Hall of Justice, Ecoland, Davao City, to the highest bidder for CASH or MANAGER’S CHECK and in Philippine Currency, the following real property mentioned and described below together with all the improvements found thereon, to wit:

TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. 146-2017007977

“A PARCEL OF LAND (LOT 2, BLK. 69, OF THE CONSOLIDATION PLAN NO. PCS112402-005669, XXX) SITUATED IN THE BARANGAY OF INDANGAN, CITY OF DAVAO, ISLAND OF MINDANAO. XXX CONTAINING AN AREA OF ONE HUNDRED (100) SQUARE METERS, MORE OR LESS.”

All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above-stated time and date.

In the event the public auction should not take place on the said date, it shall be held on JULY 13, 2023, without further notice.

Prospective buyers are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the title of the above-described real properties and encumbrances thereon, if any there be.

Davao City, Philippines, MAY 17, 2023

ATTY. FRANCISCO M. CAMPANER Clerk of Court V Clerk of Court & Ex-Officio Prov’l Sheriff (SGD.) JOSEPH T. CASTRO

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11TH JUDICIAL REGION OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT-SHERIFF Davao City

HOME DEVELOPMENT MUTUAL EJF REM CASE NO. 18,856-23

FUND or PAG-IBIG FUND, Mortgagee, - versusFRANCVEL RYAN S. CHIONG married to CHRISTINE P. CHIONG Mortgagor/s. X--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------X

NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL FORECLOSURE SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

Upon extra-judicial petition forforeclosure and sale under Act 3135, as amended, filed by the mortgagee HOME DEVELOPMENT MUTUAL FUND or PAG-IBIG FUND, against the mortgagor/s FRANCVEL RYAN S. CHIONG married to CHRISTINE P. CIONG, with residence and postal address/ es at # GULTIANO RESIDENCE, DSIA BALUSONG EXTENSION, MATINA, DAVAO CITY and/or LOT 3 BLOCK 7, VILLA GRANDE HEIGHTS, LIZADA, TORIL, DAVAO CITY, DAVAO DEL SUR 8000, to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness which as of MARCH 14, 2023 in the total amount of

or MANAGER’S CHECK and in Philippine Currency, the following real property mentioned and described below together with all the improvements found thereon, to wit:

TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. 146-2019007912

“LOT NO: 3 BLOCK NO: 7 PLAN NO: PCS-11-005271

PORTION OF: LOT J-3-C, J-3-D, J-3-E, J-3-F, J-3-G, J-3-H, J-3-I, J-3-J, J-3-K, J-3-L, J-3-M, PSD-11402-035971; LOT J-12-A, J-12-B, J-12-C, J-12-F, J-12-G, XXX XXX; LOCATION: BARANGAY LIZADA, TORIL, CITY OF DAVAO, ISLAND OF MINDANAO AREA: FIFTY EIGHT SQUARE METERS (58), MORE OR LESS

OWNER: FRANCVEL RYAN S. CHIONG MARRIED

and encumbrances thereon, if any there be.

a) Portion of Transfer Certificate of Title No. T-386772 situated in the Barangay of Buhangin, City of Davao, Island of Mindanao, containing an area of ONE HUNDRED SIXTY FOUR (164) SQUARE METERS, more or less;

b) Portion of Transfer Certificate of Title No. T-386776 situated in the Barangay of Buhangin, City of Davao, island of Mindanao, containing an area of ONE HUNDRED NINETY (190) SQUARE METERS, more or less;

c) Bank Deposit with BPI (Bank of the Philippine Islands) with Account No. 5468-0485-09 in the amount of Two Thousand Fifty Two Dollars & Forty Nine Cents ($2,052.49); and

d) Bank Investment/Securities with PNB (Philippine National Bank) specifically described as RTB25-01-TA, P1ID2537J015 issuer Bureau of Treasury with Face Value of 200,000.00 and Total Cost of 200,000.00.

3. That there are no known debts or obligations due against the estate of the said decedent; and

That above-mentioned properties have been the subject of a Deed of Self-Adjudication executed by her legal and only surviving heir, as duly ratified, acknowledged, and entered as Doc. No. 123; Page No. 26; Book No. 6, Series of 2023; in the notarial registry of Atty. CRISTINE FAITH R. SABELLA, a duly-commissioned Notary Public in the Philippines.

EXTRA JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF THE ESTATE OF NATIVIDAD CUAJAO SAYTAS

The public is hereby notified that the intestate estate of the late NATIVIDAD CUAJAO SAYTAS who died on January 18, 2023 at Davao City, which estate consists of one (1) parcel of land located at Barrio of Modiang, City of Davao, Island of Mindanao, containing an area of SIXTEEN THOSAND EIGHT HUNDRED FIFTY-TWO (16,852) SQ.M. more or less, embraced in and covered by Transfer Certificate of Title No. T-184340 has been the subject of an Extrajudicial Settlement of Estate, by and among her heirs, as duly ratified, acknowledged, and entered as Doc. No. 86; Page No. 19; Book No. VII, Series of 2023; in the notarial registry of Atty. IRA R. CALATRAVAVALENZUELA, a duly-commissioned Notary Public in Philippines.

EXTRA JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF THE ESTATE OF THE LATE ALIPIO S. SOYLON AND JEORGITA R. SOYLON WITH SALE

The public is hereby notified that the intestate estate of the late ALIPIO S. SOYLON and JEORGITA R. SOYLON who died on December 2, 2015 and August 12, 2012 respectively, which estate consists of one (1) parcel of land situated in the Sitio of Basak, Barangay of Mintal, City of Davao, Island of Mindanao, containing an area of SIX HUNDRED (600) SQ.M. more or less, embraced in and covered by Transfer Certificate of Title No. T-213223 has been the subject of an Extrajudicial Settlement with Sale, by and among their heirs, as duly ratified, acknowledged, and entered as Doc. No. 37; Page No. 9; Book No. X, Series of 2023; in the notarial registry of Atty. KARL MAX LU LABANON, RN, a duly-commissioned Notary Public in Philippines.

Private citizen Butch Ramirez

It is lovely to read very kind words being posted on Facebook and from what I read, my friends have shown their gratitude to one Davao sportsman who has given them so many opportunities.

In this crazy world of politics and sports, believe me, there is so much politics in sports that some could not handle it that they prefer to be out of it. However, there are those who are passionate about it that they can endure the heat and survive along the way.

For full disclosure, I used to work for this gentleman in various capacities during the third term of Mayor Digong when he started manning the once controversial Sports Development Division at City Hall.

If you can recall, Mayor Digong had to issue Executive Order No.1, replacing all personnel of the Sports Division because of the various complaints that stemmed from the LGUlympics.

So, William “Butch” Ramirez, head coach of the Ateneo de Davao basketball and university sports director, was named OIC Chief.

That started a rewarding

sports career for coach Butch.

After Mayor Digong’s third term, he got a spot in the Philippine Sports Commission(PSC) as Regional Director and eventually was appointed Commissioner during the time of President Erap.

Of course, thanks to his political patrons and sports friends who believed in his capacity as a sports manager. Ah, the list is long, but if you are curious about it, I can name a few. First, Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte, who is his Boss. Second, coach Leo Tereso Abellera Magno, who eventually was appointed Regional Director of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) during President Erap’s time. Third, Super Balita sports editor and broadcaster Ferdie

“Batman” Lintuan, first president of the Davao Sportswriters Association (DSA) who heavily lobbied for the commissionership appointment. Fourth, Senator Gringo Honasan, whom he has established strong relations as a friend and compadre.

President Gloria M. Arroyo appointed him Chairman in 2005 until 2009 when he decided to go back to Davao and served Mayor

Digong again.

When Mayor Digong became President of the Republic, there was no other Davao sportsman in mind to manage the PSC except coach Butch, who already had the experience as chairman of the national sports agency.

And so from 2016 until the expiration of Mayor Digong’s term as President, coach Butch was the sports agency’s chairman.

Chairman Ramirez’s stint in the PSC is quite memorable because the Philippines won the overall title in the Southeast Asian Games (SEAG) and it was during his watch that the Philippines

finally won a gold medal in the Olympics.

Again, thanks to his political patrons because the sports agency is actually an office under the Office of the President, which means that financial funding is crucial in supporting the national athletes’ quest for glory and honor for the country. Davao sportsman and former Sports Development Division chief Christopher “Bong” Go, who eventually became Senator, has been silently doing his part to make sure that chairman Ramirez is fully backed in serving the interest of the national athletes, coaches and officials.

I am writing this piece because sir Butch has just turned 73 years old last May 18. When I was still very much around, physically, usually, we celebrated his birthday at his humble home in Bangkal with his loving wife ma’am Mercy, their children Omar, Farah and Joshua.

Sir Butch, that is how we address him, is a very simple man who from the time we started following him as a sports news source at Ateneo as sports director, as program director of the Basketball Scientific Training Center (BSTC), as league coordinator of the Nike 3-on-3, as tournament commissioner of the JS Gaisano Cup, as officer-in-charge of the Davao City Sports Division, then to the colorful PSC years, including his attempt to become a Davao City Councilor, has not changed despite his notable accomplishments.

He would constantly remind us to be “humble”, because we were young then, in our 20s, idealistic in sports development, that we sometimes become emotional and fiery that we do not care who we can stumble upon as long as we know that we do the right thing for the benefit of the sports community.

It is also worth mentioning that after the takeover of the controversial City Sports Division, we were constantly bombarded by critics and we are proud to say that we were able to handle it well because we listened to them. We were man enough to answer them in all honesty that we are a sports

division serving them.

Sir Butch was never in a fighting mood. We were in our 20s, young and idealistic, and we were in a fighting mood against critics, fortunately, then OIC chief Butch managed to tame us down. Believe me, it was stressful for the staff.

Sir Butch like any other human being has made mistakes and is man enough to face the consequences. And that is admirable.

He is a constant reminder to us sportswriters and sports community members that to be of service to the community is one of the greatest contributions in life.

He would tell us that while we are still young (this was in the middle of 1990s), we work hard to earn a living for ourselves and our families and once we have stabilized, we have to start giving back.

I am glad that the RAM(irez) Boys and Girls of Room 10 of City Hall have taken heed of that advice. Attorney Guillermo Iroy Jr. is Executive Director of the PSC, Undersecretary Joseph B. Encabo is chairman of the Cooperative Development Authority, Genevieve Tutica (Valles) is now a trial court judge, Rizalde Ramirez is a City Hall bureaucrat, and me, is still your humble sportswriter. I could not forget their names because during Davao City’s participation in the Philippine National Games in Cebu, we were the advanced team that slept in the school classrooms that were full of mosquitoes and we complained to the organizers about it, so by the time the Davao City athletes arrived in their quarters, the mosquito problem was resolved. I lost track of the other members of that group but I am pretty sure that they have chosen a career path that will benefit the community.

Sir Butch is now 73 and we wish him a peaceful, no more stress, retirement living with ma’am Mercy, the children and grandkids.

Happy birthday sir Butch!

* * * For any reactions, kindly email mpb_sports@yahoo.com.