Edge Davao Vol. 16 Issue 35 | Saturday, May 27, 2023

WORKING TOGETHER

Tourism Malaysia looks to foster tourism cooperation with Davao City

By MAYA M. PADILLO

An official of Tourism Malaysia is seeing the looming cooperation between Davao City and Malaysia to boost the two countries’ tourism industry.

Dato’ Dr. Ammar Abd Ghapar, director general of Tourism Malaysia, said on Wednesday that this is the ideal time in promoting the tourism industry of Malaysia and Davao City with the resumption of the Singapore-Davao direct flight.

“It is time for us to work together as a team in promoting the tourism industry and we are talking about accessibility. We were made to understand that there is a direct flight from Singapore to Davao City. I think this is an area where we should

CSWO continues to give financial assistance to indigent learners

capitalize very much so that we can maximize the capacity of the passenger traveling from here to Singapore and vice versa. It is not only looking at Singapore as I mentioned earlier there should be some collaboration of promoting dual destination rather than the mono destination,” Ghapar said during Wednesdays media forum at Habi at Kape in Abreeza Mall.

He said the said cooperation

Road, bridge project links 4 villages in DavNor town

Four barangays in the Davao del Norte town of Sto. Tomas town stand to benefit from a PHP192-million road connector with bridge project funded by the Department of Agriculture- Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP) 11.

In a groundbreaking cere-

mony Wednesday, DA- PRDP program director Abel James Monteagudo said Barangays New Visayas, Bobongan, Balagunan, and Tulalian will directly gain from the 7.9-kilometer rehabilitation of the New Visayas–Tulalian farm-to-market road with two bridges.

“Residents of the four barangays will see a better future, especially for the farmers as they waited for this project for more than five years, believing that road accessibility will boost their economic condition,” Monteagudo said.

The City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), through its Educational Assistance Program, continues to assist disadvantaged children.

CSWDO Children’s Welfare and Youth Division Head Gilda Salvaña, during the I-Speak media forum held at the City Mayor’s Conference Room on Thursday, said that currently, the office assists a total of 3,239 elementary, high school, and college students for the school year 2022-2023.

“For 2022-2023 naa ta’y total nga 3,239 ang elementary is 236, ang high school 2645, and atong college nga 358. Again, a total of 3, 239 persons and a total budget of 6,000,709 pesos for one school year (For 2022-2023, we have a total of 3,239: elementary is 236, high school-2,645 and our college- 358. Again, a total of 3,239 and a total budget of Php 6,000,709 pesos for one school year),” she said.

She added that while they do not have data on how many were assisted since they started the program in 1996 as part of the devolved programs to their office, a total of 15 direct victims of the Sasa Bombing in the year 2003 graduated with the help of

this program and are now professionals.

Salvaña said that the target of this program is to help disadvantaged youth, specifically out of youths who probably have nowhere to go if they cannot finish their studies. The children at risk, children in conflict with the law and children at the residential care facilities like Balay Dangupan- residential care for victims of abuse, Lingap Center for Mentally Challenged Children, and Bahay Pag-Asa are also beneficiaries of this program.

From the initial Php 300 assistance for elementary, Php 500 for high school and Php 2,500 for college when the program started, they were able to increase the amount to Php1,000 for elementary, Php 2,000 for high school, and Php5,000 per semester for college starting last year.

“Basic man gud pag enrollment walay pambayad ug para sa books, mga basic educational needs sa mga bata para sa enrollment so kadto siya ang purpose kung asa siya mapadulong atong limited financial assistance for our educational needs (It is basic upon enrollment that they do not have money to buy

City government of Davao, represented by Vice Mayor J. Melchor Quitain Jr., receives the Certificate of Approval of the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) 2019-2028 by the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development last May 25, 2023. Davao City Planning and Development Office

FWORKING, P10

Davao City cockpit operators urged to set up unified application system

By MAYA M. PADILLO

5th

super health center to rise in DavOro town

Residents of this town and the neighboring areas will soon receive free and better health services as officials broke ground for Davao de Oro’s fifth Super Health Center (SHC) in Barangay Binuangan here Thursday.

Leading the groundbreaking ceremony, Senator Christopher Lawrence Go said a total of 322 SHCs are set to be built across the country this year, compared to 307 in 2022.

“There are eight SHCs that will be established here in Davao de Oro,” he said.

Construction of the four other SHCs in the province is ongoing in the towns of Nabunturan, Montevista, Compostela, and Mawab.

Once completed, the SHCs will provide comprehensive basic health services to the people, including the outpatient department, laboratory, X-ray, ultrasound, birthing services, diagnostic, pharmacy, and emergency services.

“Pregnant women here will no longer go to hospitals from neighboring towns. The SHC will

Cockpit

operators in Davao City are urged to set up a unified application system or face penalty.

also cater birthing services,” Go said.

The PHP11.5-million health facility is funded by the Department of Health (DOH) under its health facility enhancement program.

Other components, particularly the maintenance operation and staffing of the SHCs, will be shouldered by the town government.

Meanwhile, Go also witnessed the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 11’s (Davao Region) distribution of financial assistance sourced from the department’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program.

At least a thousand individuals, consisting of senior citizens, persons with disabilities, solo parents, and marginalized workers received PHP3,000 each.

The senator also distributed bicycles, volleyballs and basketballs, crutches, shoes, mobile tablets, food and grocery packs, vitamins, face masks, and face shields to the beneficiaries.

(PNA)

This is the gist of the amending ordinance to the Cockfighting Code of Davao City passed by Councilor Jessica Bonguyan, chair of the Committee of Games and Amusement of the City Council in collaboration with Councilor Myrna Dalodo-Ortiz, chair of the Committee of Finance.

The said ordinance, which was signed by Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte, urged all cock-

fighting operators in the city to establish the said system to enable them to continue their operations.

“Kining sabong, pasado na kini and signed by the mayor kini ang gist sa ordinance is automated na ang atoang mga sabungan. Since nag-renew sila kinahanglan para matagaan sila ug permit naa na silay computers ug automated na ilang system. Kani na ordinan-

sa ginawhag nato ang tanan cockfighting operators na pag gusto nila magpadayon sa ilang operation dapat naa silay unified application system,” Bonguyan said over Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR) on Thursday.

Bonguyan said through the said system, transparency can be assured as the entry of people in the cockpit and the bet will be monitored by the City Treasurer’s Office (CTO), in which its personnel will be assigned in the cockfighting arenas.

RDC 11 launches 5-yr Davao Region’s medium-term goal

The Regional Development Council 11 (RDC 11) launched the Davao Regional Development Plan (DRDP) 2023-2028 as a guidepost for all Davao Region stakeholders in pursuing the region’s sustained recovery from the disruptions brought about by the pandemic, and a vehicle for

accelerated transformation to a more progressive, broad-based, and strong Davao Region.

The DRDP 2023-2028, which is the second medium-term goal towards a long-term vision, aims to reinvigorate job creation and hasten poverty reduction by steering the region’s economy back to its high-growth trajecto-

ry and maintaining its national position as among the five fastest-growing regional economies in the country.

Maria Lourdes D. Lim, vice chairperson of RDC 11 and regional director of the National Economic and Development Authority 11 (NEDA 11), said on FRDC 11, P10

Store attendants take a nap during lunch break along the sidewalk on Monteverde Street in Davao City on Thursday, May 25, 2023. Most business establishments in the Chinatown area of the city are closed during lunch break from 12 noon to 1pm. Mindanews Photo

FDAVAO, P10

Exec reiterates ECOP stance against legislated wage hike

The Employers’ Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) on Thursday clarified that it is does not opposed the idea of granting wage hikes, but rather, it is against salary adjustments that were not approved by Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards (RTWPBs).

In an interview, ECOP president Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr. said RTWPBs, in which the labor, employer and government sectors are equally represented, were created by Congress precisely to determine the timeliness and amount of salary adjustments.

He emphasized that House Bill 7871 or the Wage Recovery Act of 2023 recently filed by the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines

(TUCP) Party-list seeks to legislate a PHP150 across-the-board daily wage hike without the benefit of multi-sector consultations, which is the accepted practice under RTWPBs’ system of wage-setting.

“The current system of wage-setting (under the wage boards) is working. Trying to legislate a wage hike only serves to politicize the issue,” the businessman said.

Ortiz-Luis reiterated that the proposed legislated wage hike will only benefit workers in the formal sector, which only number around 8 million individuals.

“If they give PHP150 per day to the formal sector, what is to stop the informal sector from demanding the same financial assistance? It will prove very costly to the government,” he added.

Ortiz-Luis was reacting to comments by TUCP vice president Luis Corral, wherein he called out ECOP and government economic managers for supposedly “ganging up” on the labor sector’s attempts to raise wages in view of recent inflation surges.

BSP, BDO Foundation team up for interactive e-learning course

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and BDO Foundation have partnered to develop a nine-module interactive financial education (FinEd) online course, eyed to be available on mobile devices in early 2024.

The BSP said Thursday it has signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with BDO Foundation for the development within this year of a free online personal finance course eyed to

increase the financial literacy of Filipinos.

“This project is in line with the central bank’s thrust to promote broad, convenient, and informed access to high-quality financial services among our kababayans (fellow Filipinos). We welcome such collaborations that allow us to reach and serve more Filipinos,” BSP Governor Felipe Medalla said.

Relatively, BDO Foundation president Mario Deriquito said

EU business groups list 11 priority sectors seen to attract more FDIs

The European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) and the European Union-ASEAN Business Council (EU-ABC) have turned over to the Philippine government advocacy papers on 11 priority sectors eyed to help attract more foreign investments.

ja, Trade Undersecretary Maria Blanca Kim Lokin, and Anti-Red Tape Authority Deputy Director General Gerald Divinagracia.

the online learning course aims “to enhance the financial literacy and financial health of our partners, stakeholders, beneficiaries, and the public.”

“Through borderless learning, we will make FinEd on-demand and accessible to everyone – whether you are in Luzon, Visayas, (and) Mindanao, or even abroad. We are excited to see the impact of this project on the lives of many Filipinos,” he

During the 10th European-Philippine Business Dialogue in Makati City Thursday, the business groups said the advocacy papers focused on the sectors of agriculture, automotive, customs and logistics, environment and water, food and beverage, healthcare, human capital and education, infrastructure and aviation, renewable energy and energy efficiency, tax and financial services, and tourism.

“We are hopeful that these advocacy papers will serve as constructive tool for stakeholders to identify areas of cooperation and enhanced economic outcomes,” ECCP executive director Florian Gottein said.

The advocacy papers were received by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Special Assistant to the President Antonio Ernesto Lagdameo Jr., Finance Undersecretary Zeno Ronald Abeno-

“Over the years, the government and industry stakeholders have taken tremendous strides towards promoting the Philippines as a smart investment choice in the face of adversities. We are optimistic that the enhancement of economic reforms along with the recent establishment of green lanes for strategic investments will prove instrumental in further opening the country’s doors for increased trade and high-value investments,” ECCP president Lars Wittig said.

One of the recommendations in the agriculture sector is the further liberalization of rice and corn industries to ensure food security and address the current high food inflation.

“We reiterate our recommendation to review and amend laws impeding foreign participation in certain agricultural activities. An example of this would be in the rice and corn industry where foreign participation is heavily limited by 1960 law that prohibits foreigners from engaging in

A couple chooses from a wide selection of rubber shoes on display at Mindanao’s first Nike Rise outlet inside SM City Davao on Thursday afternoon. Lean Daval Jr.

FEXEC, P10

Number of jobless adult Filipinos down to 8.7M in March ‘23 - SWS

Responsible selling of alcoholic drinks online pushed by ABAPI

The Alcoholic Beverages Alliance of the Philippines, Inc. (ABAPI) reiterated its pledge to promote responsible selling of their products online amid the increasing illicit trade in the sector.

On Thursday, 14 distributors of alcoholic beverages and the online shopping platform Lazada signed the e-Commerce Pledge to combat illicit trade of alcohol, which poses wide range of negative socio-economic impact in the country.

Asia Pacific International Spirits and Wines Alliance (APISWA) Director Hermance Dela Bastide said the Philippines has one of the largest fiscal losses from illicit alcohol in the ASEAN and also a high share of unrecorded alcohol consumed in the market.

Data from the “Tackling Illicit Trade in ASEAN” show that the Philippine government lost USD438 million in 2016 due to illicit alcohol, behind Vietnam at USD441 million but higher than Thailand and Indonesia at USD83 million and USD69 million, respectively.

Illicit alcohol means that the products do not comply with the regulations and taxes of a country. It also include unrecorded alcohol that is not accounted in the

official taxation statistics, such as bottles of alcoholic beverages included in Balikbayan packages.

Based on data from the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Health Observatory 2022, 31 percent of alcoholic beverages consumed in the Philippines in 2019 were unrecorded, the highest compared to Brunei at 22 percent, Thailand, 21 percent; China, 20 percent; South Korea, 14 percent; Singapore,14 percent; and Japan, 14 percent.

Countries in Asia with the highest share of unrecorded consumed alcohol are Vietnam, 57 percent; Indonesia, 56 percent; Cambodia, 43 percent; Malaysia, 38 percent; and Laos, 33 percent.

Thus, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Assistant Secretary Jean Pacheco underscored the importance of responsible selling of alcoholic beverages as the country’s e-commerce sector is growing.

She said that from 2020 to 2022, there were 3,559 new business name registrations related to the sale of alcoholic beverages.

She added that 5 percent of the total food and beverage orders online are alcoholic beverages.

Although consumer com-

Anationwide

survey conducted by the Social Weather Stations (SWS) found that the number of jobless adult Filipinos declined to 8.7 million as of March this year from 9.6 million in end-December 2022.

According to the First Quarter 2023 SWS survey, conducted from March 26 to 29, 2023, the latest joblessness rate stood at 19 percent.

This is 2.3 points below the 21.3 percent recorded in December last year and 7 points below the 26 percent recorded in April last year.

However, the latest figure is 1.5 points above the 17.5 percent rate recorded in end-December

2019 or before the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic, with SWS saying the recovery to pre-pandemic levels is “still incomplete.”

SWS said the country’s adult joblessness is generally on a downward trend from a catastrophic level of 45.5 percent in July 2020, and even declined to as low as 18.6 percent in October 2022.

Adult joblessness, according

to the pollster, refers to those seeking jobs for the first time, those who voluntarily left their old jobs, and those who lost their jobs due to economic circumstances beyond their control.

The March 2023 survey also found that the Labor Force Participation Rate, or the portion of adults within the labor force who have jobs, is at 62.4 percent of the labor force, with around 45.9 million workers.

Joblessness in the first quarter this year decreased from 24.8 percent to 17.5 percent in Metro Manila; from 23.1 percent to 21.7 percent in Balance Luzon, and from 18.6 percent to 13.5 percent

PAL Holdings, Inc. posts P17B income; appoints new prexy

Flag carrier Philippine Airlines’ (PAL) parent firm, PAL Holdings Inc. (PHI), announced Thursday its total consolidated operating income of PHP17 billion, and also appointed Lucio Tan III as president, replacing his grandfather.

The PHI recorded a PHP4 billion operating loss in 2021, and the turnaround was attributed to PAL’s financial restructuring plan and the increased demand for air travel as

borders reopened.

PAL’s passengers increased by 214 percent or 9.31 million in 2022, compared to 2.97 million in 2021.

“I am grateful to our shareholders, our customers, the flying public, for their trust and support. We face major challenges just the same. We need to rebuild our product and our fleet. Philippine Airlines needs to be a stronger competitor and a leader in service and innovation,” said tycoon Lucio C. Tan, who retained

his post as PHI chairman and chief executive officer.

In a statement, the younger Tan said he is looking forward to working closely with the PAL team to ensure a collaborative and cohesive approach in serving the best of its customers.

“We also aim to safeguard our shareholders’ investments by fostering a culture of transparency, accountability, and long-term value creation,” he said. (PNA)

Former president Rodrigo Duterte and Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, together with Jose Soberano III, chairman and chief executive officer of Cebu Landmasters, Inc. (CLI); Jose Franco Soberano, director, senior executive vice president and chief operating officer of CLI; Frederick H. Yuson, president of YHEST Realty De-

velopment Corp; and Huang family, lead the ceremonial cutting of the ribbon for the Davao Global Township (DGT) by Cebu Landmasters Inc. (CLI) at MacArthur Highway, Matina, Davao City on Thursday afternoon. The ribbon cutting signaled DGT’s opening of its roads to private vehicles. Lean Daval Jr.

FNUMBER, P10

On fostering cooperation between Tourism Malaysia and Davao City government:

Consultant

BILLACURA Sports Editor

Senior Reporter

General Manager / VP Operations

GREGORIO GARAY DELIGERO Editorial

“It is time for us to work together as a team in promoting the tourism industry and we are talking about accessibility. We were made to understand that there is a direct flight from Singapore to Davao City. I think this is an area where we should capitalize very much so that we can maximize the capacity of the passenger traveling from here to Singapore and vice versa.

DATO’ DR. AMMAR ABD GHAPAR Director general, Tourism Malaysia

It is not only looking at Singapore as I mentioned earlier there should be some collaboration of promoting dual destination rather than the mono destination.”

President Ramon Magsaysay’s schedule on September 20, 1954, was even more hectic.

After taking breakfast with visiting Manila dignitaries and Davao provincial and city offi-cials at the residence of Rep. Ismael Veloso at Juna Subdivision, Davao City, he proceeded to Madapo Hills, in Davao City, to lay the foundation stone of the Davao Metropolitan Water-works, forerunner of the Davao City Waterworks District (DCWD).

Not mincing words during the cornerstone laying, Magsaysay again attacked his prede-cessor, President Elpidio R. Quirino, a member of the Liberal Party, for giving Davao only P4 million public works during his entire administration.

From there, he spoke at the Davao Maternity Hospital and also delivered an impromptu

ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA

MAGSAYSAY IN DAVAO (2)

message at Tagum Development Company (TADECO) where he revealed the setting up of an abaca decorticating plant to improve the hemp industry. He then proceeded to Tagum to in-augurate the Bincungan steel bridge, now known as Miranda Bridge I, after briefly talking to well-wishers and welcomers who lined the streets of Panabo.

The announcement to establish a decorticating plant in the penal farm was made after the Davao Penal Colony (DAPECOL) signed an agreement with TADECO for it to handle the decortication of excess abaca produced by the colony’s hemp farm. The accord was extended several times despite dubious claims and unfounded complaints that the deal (which led to the leasing of penal lands as banana plantations) was detrimental to the government.

A luncheon conference with the Davao Producers Association at the TADECO plantation was tendered for the President. That evening, he conferred with prisons director Alfredo M. Bunye at DAPECOL, but later delivered a short message that likely stunned the attendees.

He announced the removal of undersecretary of agriculture and natural resources Jaime Ferrer as acting manager of the National Resettlement and Rehabilitation Administration, blaming him for the continuing operation of the NARRA project in Davao for no reason.

Due to inclement weather, the President and his party were forced to extend their stay for another night at TADECO and set their departure for the following day at 9:00 o’clock in the morning. Col. Benito Ebuen, Philippine Air

FRED C. LUMBA SPECKS OF LIFE

“We cannot live better than in seeking to become better.”STEPHEN KING.

House Resolution 1019 signed by forty two lawmakers is calling for a thorough investigation of the fire that gutted and completely destroyed the historic Manila Central Post Office building last May 22.

The MCPO was declared a historical and heritage site by the National Museum in 2018 and is strategically located on Plaza Lawton (now Liwasang Gat Andres Bonifacio) where traditionally it has become the venue of hundreds of various militant rallies, protests and political gatherings.

As this was being written, the Bureau of Fire Protection BFP) has not yet made any official determination as to what caused the fire and why it took all of 30 hours to extinguish and fully control the conflagration.

Damage reports said assets worth P300 million, including unclaimed parcels and nation-

Force chief, had advised the President against fly-ing that night for Manila on account of the bad weather over the city.

To pass the night, the entourage slept in the TADECO plantation house owned by Anto-nio O. Floirendo, near the Davao Penal Colony land. Interestingly, the residence still survives to this day and has undergone improvements. It was used as a convergence for visitors dur-ing notable events, including the June 13 feast of San Antonio de Padua, the plantation’s pa-tron.

Breakfast for the presidential entourage on the third day was served at the TADECO plantation house before the President and his train motored to DAPECOL to inspect the plants in the area, expressing fascination at seeing the animals in the colony’s zoo.

Thereafter, he conferred with the officials of the Bureau of Prisons led by the director after doing a round of the penal colony. He was also briefed on the developments and needs inside the penal farm. Before traveling to Davao for the flight home, he had a busy time receiving callers.

In that visit, Magsaysay addressed three important issues that affected Davao province, namely (i) the proliferation of squatters, (ii) the setting up of ramie textile plant to confront the huge burden the country was experiencing as a result of heavy importation; and (iii) the ironing of kinks related to the distribution of former Japanese lands to veterans.

All in all, the President, along with his entourage who were flown by three Air Force planes, spent two nights and three days in Davao province.

PROBING MANILA CENTRAL POST OFFICE FIRE

al ID cards for delivery, were destroyed.

DILG Chief BenHur Abalos has ordered the BFP to immediately conduct and conclude a swift investigation.

Rep. Christopher de Venecia, chair of the House creative industry and performing arts, revealed that the historic MCPO “did not have any kind of fire suppression system or even water sprinklers.” Tsk, tsk, tsk.

This corner is very much familiar with the area and is wondering why sketchy reports did not state why nearby fully equipped firefighting stations in Binondo, Sampaloc, Paco and Pasay did not collectively come rushing to put out the fire as the conflagration was spreading too fast and consuming the other portions of the building.

There are now speculations flying in the mainstream media that the MCPO where the Philippine Postal Office is headquartered, is being eyed by business prospectors as a very ideal site for a new five star hotel or for a mix use busi-

ness location for a mall and condo housing concept.

Already, Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna has promtly stood up to deny any such speculation because the MCPO is a much valued historical significance.

Be that as it may, naughty fencesitters cannot help but toy around with the suspicion that speculation about an arson cannot be entirely ignored.

In ten minutes, when the fire alarm summons the aid of nearby fire stations, the firetrucks would already have arrived, particularly the Binondo sstatiobn which is deemed the biggest because it has adequate fully trained volunteer-firefighters and many fully equipped firetrucks donated by the affluent Chinese community.

That particular location has a panoramic view of Manila’s network of tourist attractions.

Considering that it lies beside the Pasig River and is just a stone’s throw away and walking distance to nearby Es-

colta, Intramuros, Luneta Park, Avenida Rizal and the University Belt, the MCPO cannot be resisted to be thought of as a billion dollar prospect for the eventual construction of a modern 5-star hotel or mix use mall and condo concept.

I am not totally against the idea because the MCPO has not been properly taken cared of by the authorities.

If you have been inside the premises as I have, you will be greatly disappointed by the disorganized squalid and rusty surroundings from the basement up.

The area could be transformed into a huge business complex that will help refurbish the “squalid and squatters” image of Manila.

Manilenos who are unemployed and under-employed may be in agreement if the idea will afford them and their families additional income and livelihood opportunities.

The truth is that the original functions of the postal office have dwindled and decreased because of modern technology.

No longer are people sending letters and birthday or Christmas cards the traditional way.

For a reasonable fee, parcels and boxes are now sent through private couriers delivered efficiently by motor-riding messengers.

If at all, a new building for the National Post Office may be erected somewhere, not necessarily in Manila itself.

Again, the ball is in the court of government authorities who will have the final say.

Oh, by the way, do you remember the old Jai Alai edifice fromnting Luneta Park on Taft Ave. that was also demolished and where now a high rise condominium stands in its place?

That was also a subject of court TROs until the protest noises died down somewhat naturally.

Well, time will tell.

You know what happens when everything around you becomes quiet and hushed. (Email feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com), GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!

Realme strengthens regional presence, opens stores in SM City Bataan and Gaisano Mall Puerto

Manila, Philippines - Realme Philippines, the two-year consecutive champion according to Canalys and IDC sell-in reports published 2021 & 2022, stays committed to reaching as many Filipinos as possible. The smartphone brand continues its expansion and growth in the local market with over 5,000 offline stores all over Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

Realme recently opened a new concept store located at the first SM Prime Holdings’ mall in Bataan Province, SM City Bataan on May 19. This also marks the brand’s 11th concept store in the Central Luzon region. As part of the grand opening scheme, the

Squad who are visiting the SM Bataan realme concept store on the first day of opening can join the PICK-A-PRIZE promo, for a chance to win freebies such as a realme Mobile Game Trigger, realme Mobile Game Finger Sleeves, TechLife Power Bank or a realme Pocket Bluetooth Speaker. Promo runs until May 21 only!

Moreover, realme fans in Mindanao should watch out for the opening of realme’s 25th kiosk in the region at the Gaisano Mall Puerto, Cagayan De Oro City this month of May. The kiosk will be catering a variety of realme products from smartphones, audio, wearables, and AIoT that can be one’s instant day-to-day tech

companion.

Narzo expands kiosks to Bulacan and Bataan

As for the nartizens, the newest narzo kiosks opened at Waltermart Sta. Maria last May 18 and at SM City Bataan on May 19.

Lucky customers at the Waltermart Sta. Maria narzo kiosk won a free realme Mobile Game Trigger as part of the giveaway promo. Meanwhile, those who will visit the narzo kiosk in SM City Bataan can join the PICK-APRIZE promo where they can win either a narzo t-shirt or a realme Mobile Game Trigger. The promo will run until May 21 as well. Visit any narzo kiosk and win freebie giveaway

From Itchy to Itch-Free: Netizens finally #LetItchGo, thanks to JoshDrea and Head & Shoulders

ICYMI: the Internet just launched the newest love team, who started with the most intriguing twists and turns to date. We’re talking about JoshDrea.

Love is in the Hair

Recently, A-listers, Joshua

Garcia and Andrea Brillantes have made history for almost breaking social media with their exciting team-up announcement. #JoshDrea landed on the top trending topics on Twitter as netizens instantly went into a

frenzy with curiosity and anticipation for the project.

Not long after sparks started flying for JoshDrea, however, the duo already had their first spat. During the filming of their latest collab, the camera caught

The fun continues as narzo has an exciting treat to all its fans as the narzo Freebie Giveaway officially rolls out until May 31, 2023. Within the time period, all customers who will be purchasing at any narzo kiosks will be getting a free realme Cooling Back Clip or a realme Motion Activated Night Light.

On top of this, there will be seven (7) lucky nartizens nationwide to be taking home their very own realme TechLife Handheld Vacuum. See below for the complete mechanics on how to join:

1. Customers who purchased any realme OR narzo smartphone from any narzo kiosk from May 11, 2023 to May 31,

2023 will be given a free realme Cooling Back Clip or realme Motion Night Light and a chance to win a realme TechLife Handheld Vacuum!

2. Freebies will be given outright.

3. After getting the freebie, the promoter must assist the customer in answering the Gforms.

4. Freebies shall only be given once the realme or narzo Smartphone was already given to the customer.

For more information on upcoming events, check out realme’s official channels on Facebook and Instagram or follow narzo’s official Facebook page

Joshua and Andrea in a tense ITCHuation. In the collab video, Andrea can be seen repeatedly uncomfortably scratching her head during her on-screen and off-screen moments with Joshua.

Who can blame Joshua for jumping to conclusions and thinking the actress was uncomfortable working with him. The ITCHuation comes to a head with Joshua ultimately confronting Andrea by asking, “May nagawa ba akong mali?” (Awww.*BRB sniffing)

“It’s not you, Itch me.”

Thankfully, in the same video, Andrea was quick to clear up the misunderstanding by blushingly revealing the real cause of her uneasiness– her persistently itchy scalp! Andrea has explained her unfortunate ITCHuation to Joshua, and the pair has since put this misunderstanding behind them. What a relief for us JoshDreamers! But at the same time*gasp* ITCHING? DANDRUFF?!

The horror!

Still, we don’t judge. ITCHuations can happen to anyone. In fact, even celebrities AC Bonifacio and Nico Bolzico have struggled with the awkwardness, embarrassment, and miscoms caused by having an itchy scalp and dandruff.

In a recent TikTok post, AC Bonifacio’s dance rehearsal even took a disastrous turn leading to a heated moment with her instructor when her constant head-scratching made it appear as if she was not happy with the choreography.

Nico Bolzico also recounted in a funny skit that moment when his head was almost bitten off by Wifezilla because of his seeming passive-aggressive displeasure over her home renovation plans (but it was really just dandruff).

Good thing, JoshDrea, AC, and Nico all have gotten past their ITCHuations and finally #LetItchGo with Head & Shoulders.

PAL Holdings Inc. appoints Lucio Tan III as President

PAL Holdings Inc. (PHI) today appointed Lucio Tan III as its President, taking over the post from his grandfather Dr. Lucio C. Tan, who retained his role as PHI Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

“As the newly designated President of PAL Holdings, I am committed to providing stability and upholding the highest level of integrity within the company. I look forward to working closely with the PAL team, under the leadership of its President and COO, Capt. Stanley Ng, to ensure a collaborative and cohesive approach in serving the best interests of our customers. We also aim to safeguard our shareholders’ investments by fostering a culture of transparency, accountability, and long-term value creation,” said the President.

PHI registered a total consolidated operating income of PHP17B in 2022, a turnaround from an operating loss of PHP4B in 2021.

In a virtual Annual Stockholders Meeting held today, PHI attributed the turnaround to the implementation of Philippine Airlines’ (PAL) financial restructuring plan and the increased demand for air travel with the reopening of travel borders.

InLife appoints Ong as new EVP, CAO

“I am grateful to our shareholders, our customers, the flying public, for their trust and support. We face major challenges just the same. We need to rebuild our product and our fleet. Philippine Airlines needs to be a stronger competitor and a leader in service and innovation,” said Chairman Tan.

PHI’s consolidated revenues improved by 137% to PHP139B in 2022 from PHP59B in 2021. The number of passengers increased by 214% to 9.31M in 2022 from 2.97M in 2021.

PAL has inaugurated the Manila-Perth nonstop service and has reopened routes between the Philippines and points in mainland China. On top of an extensive domestic network anchored on its gateway hubs in Manila, Cebu, and Davao, PAL is the only airline operating nonstop flights linking the Philippines to the United States and Canada, along with the largest network of flights from Manila to multiple cities in the Middle East, Japan, and Australia.

PHI is the parent firm of PAL and another subsidiary Air Philippines Corporation. It is also a member of the Lucio Tan Group of Companies.

PH motorcycle sales up by 16.7% in Q1: MDPPA

Muntinlupa City, Philippines

– As motorcycles continue to deliver one of the most convenient modes of transportation, the Motorcycle Development Program Participants Association, Inc. (MDPPA) recorded a 16.7 percent increase in the country’s motorcycle sales this Q1 of 2023 among its four members—Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and Yamaha.

Compared to the 127k units sold on average per month in the first quarter last year, around 149k motorcycles were purchased by Filipinos per month during the same period this 2023. This makes the three-month totals of 2023 the best-recorded sales in comparison to the first quarters of the three previous pandemic years, including 2020, 2021, and 2022.

According to MDPPA, 447,429 motorcycle were sold between January and March 2023. Such a number is only about 3,500 less than the 451,103 pre-pandemic figure from 2019.

Boying Mojica, President of MDPPA remarked that, “We hope that the performance of the first quarter will be sustained. The market is so volatile as influenced by internal and external variables. Our conservative forecast this year is 10% growth, in light of the headwinds of imminent recession in the US and other regions. If the existing business landscape will prevail, the 1.7 million units recorded sales in 2019 may be surpassed.”

Because of its easy-to-operate controls, the Automatic

Category or Scooters took 60 percent of the total first-quarter sales this year with 269,652 units sold. This was followed by the Business Units, which are used for commercial purposes. This category accounted for 18.6 percent of the total sales, with 83,616 units sold.

Meanwhile, Mopeds or Underbone motorcycles took 17.2 percent of the total sales due to their affordability, with 77,152 units sold. The Street and Big Bikes, commonly used for leisure and off-road adventure, took the remaining 4 percent with 17,000 units sold.

To learn more about MDPPA, visit its website at http://mdppa.com.ph/ and facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ MDPPA.Official page.

Insular Life (InLife) has appointed Stephen L. Ong as its Executive Vice President and Chief Agency Officer (CAO).

Ong’s exceptional sales track record in the life insurance industry spans 25 years. He began his career as a financial advisor who was a consistent MDRT qualifier and top 1 agent for three consecutive years in his first life insurance company, where he also took on the role of a sales director. He moved to another life insurance agency and became its agency director, territory head, and concurrent agency recruitment head, establishing a recruitment program that resulted in a significant agency headcount growth. His last assignment was as its Chief Distribution Officer managing Partnership Distribution, and successfully making its fifth-ranked Agency Team the industry’s third largest agency team, prior to joining InLife.

As InLife’s CAO, Ong is tasked with the Company’s agency expansion, and leading the following InLife Teams: Sales Territories, Agency Expansion, Group/Corporate Sales, Agency Engagement and Services, the InLife Academy, and Agency Licensing.

Ong graduated from the University of Santo Tomas with a degree in BS Biology.

(In the photo L-R) Toni Boi Acuesta (MDPPA Marketing Committee Chairman), with the MDPPA Board of Directors namely; Armi Reyes (MDPPA Alternate Board) Erwin Estrada (MDPPA Treasurer), Norminio

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will benefit Malaysia and the Philippines.

“I was made to understand that those who traveled to Singapore will always go to Legoland in Malaysia,” Ghapar said.

He said that in 2019 there were 421,000 Filipinos who traveled to Malaysia and the number decreased last year to 159,000 due to Covid-19.

“It is our obligation to make sure that this year we can match the number that we have in 2019 and if we can do much better,” Ghapar said.

Tourism Malaysia was in Davao City for a sales mission held at DusitD2 Davao on May 24, 2023.

The activity gathered Malaysian sellers and buyers from Davao City for business sessions and a gala dinner at Dusit D2 Davao.

“We are here as part of our sales mission in promoting the tourism industry of which we brought together a few travel agents, hoteliers, and owners to be here so that they can have a session with the tourism industry here of which they can exchange views and come up to any contract signing for requirements they want in traveling to Malaysia,” Ghapar said.

The program also targets to boost inbound tourism to Malaysia by highlighting niche segments such as those from the family, MICE, health care and medical tourism, education, and digital nomads.

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“These employers and economic managers are now scaremongering widespread closure of MSMEs and scenarios of spiking inflation should a wage increase be granted. Little or no regard is being brought to the discussion as to whether or not workers’ current minimum wages can even afford a decent meal for a family of five, healthcare and education for their children,” Corral said in a statement.

The heated exchange between the labor and employer sectors was triggered when Finance Sec. Benjamin Diokno cited government studies indicating that a PHP150 per day wage hike at this time would bring about a 1.4 percentage point increase in 2023 inflation.

The proposed salary increase can bring the 2023 inflation rate up to 6.9 percent from the 5.5 percent currently being projected, the finance chief said. (PNA)

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It, however, hardly moved from 18.1 percent to 19 percent in Mindanao, survey results showed.

Hunger among the jobless

The latest survey also found out that 9.8 percent of Filipino families, or an estimated 2.7 million, experienced involuntary hunger, or being hungry and not having anything to eat, at least once in the past three months.

Involuntary hunger is at 13.7 percent (consisting of 13.0 percent moderate hunger and 0.6 percent severe hunger) among families of the jobless, compared to the 11.3 percent (consisting of 9.5 percent moderate hunger and 1.7 percent severe hunger) among families of respondents with jobs or livelihood.

Joblessness is also higher

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He also thanked the provincial government for not giving up on the project for the benefit of its residents.

Likewise, Governor Edwin Jubahib said the project could bring great benefits to improve the economy of the four villages and the entire province as well.

Jubahib recounted that it took them five years to comply with all the requirements needed for the project.

He urged residents of the four adjoining barangays to plant high-value crops to help them increase their income.

(PNA)

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books, educational needs for the children during enrollment so that is the purpose, that is where our limited financial assistance for our educational needs goes),” Salvana said.

She added that to qualify, the student must have an interest to go to school and the guardians to have the willingness to support their education. The student must be a Dabawenyo, and only one student per family can avail of this program.

Social workers and direct service implementors conduct follow up on the children and parents. The parents are called for quarterly updating. The social worker checks if the parents are doing their roles and responsibility for their children. Since this is a financial program, they also ask for receipts from the parents.

She said that they urge compliance with the requirements because even how small this assistance is, it really has a huge impact on persons living in poverty. The graduates and professionals produced by this program are living proof of that.

“Isa siya ka living nato nga witness nga kagamay sa atong assistance pero ni-sustain ra gyud ang mga bata kay ang gamay man gud basta maampingan lang siya sa atong beneficiaries or clients dako gyud siya ug impact (They are a living witness that no matter how small our assistance is, it sustained our children because small things, as long as properly taken care of by our beneficiaries and clients, can really have a huge impact),” Salvaña said. CIO

among women at 30.2 percent, compared to men at 11.6 percent.

When it comes to age, the youngest age group, 18 to 24 years old, had the highest joblessness at 36 percent, and was followed by those belonging to the 25-34 years old group, 23.8 percent; 45 years old and above, 15.9 percent; and 35-44 years old, 11.7 percent.

Adult joblessness among the junior high school graduates is reported to be highest at 23.3 percent.

The First Quarter 2023 Social Weather Survey was conducted using face-to-face interviews of 1,200 adults (18 years old and above) nationwide.

The sampling error margins are ±2.8 percent for national percentages, and ±5.7 percent each for Metro Manila, Balance Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. (PNA)

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“Through that system makita nato ug what is due to Davao City will be given to Davao City. Dili man nato maingon na naay manipulation sauna pero karon wala na’y question kay ang atong City Treasurer’s Office (CTO) magman na didto (sabungan). Sila na ga-control sa entry sa tanan musulod sa sabong, sa tanan pusta, ug real-time ang pag-encode sa tax sa Davao City,” she said.

Bonguyan said the system will help boost the revenue of Davao City.

There are four existing cockpit arenas operating in Davao City namely New Davao Matina Gallera, RB Fours Complex Cockpit Arena in Ilang; Buhangin Cockpit Arena, and Calinan Cockpit Arena.

According to Bonguyan, all four existing cockpits in Davao City have already set up an automated system. She reminded that if a cockpit operator failed to comply but continue operating there he/she will be penalized with a P5,000 fine or imprisonment of more than one week.

“Dili nato sila maaprubahan sa ilahang permit kung wala pa sila’y set up for this unified application system. Mao ni ang bag-ong ordinansa na dapat i-follow sa tanan sabungan for their renewal. Supportive man pud ang cockpit operators sa maong ordinance. Its a win-win resolution,” she said.

In January this year, the office of Bonguyan started accepting applications for holding of a derby in Davao City.

Bonguyan reminded that online sabong is still not allowed.

It can be recalled that former president Rodrigo Duterte ordered an end to e-sabong operations citing its social cost to Filipinos.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has not lifted the order yet.

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the culture, milling, warehousing, transporting, exportation, importation, distribution, or acquisition for the purpose of trade of such crops,” the advocacy paper on agriculture stated.

The European business groups also urged the Marcos administration to establish the Water Resources Department to oversee the water sector, noting that creation of this department will increase investments in water and sanitation-related programs and projects.

Early this week, Gottein said the previous advocacy papers of the ECCP and the EU-ABC have pushed for the passage of the amendments to the Foreign Investment Act, the Public Service Act, and the Retail Trade Liberalization Act, as well as allowing 100 percent foreign ownership on renewable energy (RE) projects.

He said the proposed changes would help the Philippines entice more foreign direct investments (FDIs) not only from Europe but also from other parts of the world.

Relatively, Wittig said that “with all these positive developments, I say with strong conviction — the time for increased trade and investments is now.”

“There is no better time to invest in the Philippines (but) now. It is incumbent upon us to champion the Philippines as an investment destination, and put the Philippines on the spot-

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Tuesday that DRDP focuses on strategies that include transforming the region’s production sectors and institutions to generate more and better quality jobs as well as competitive products for local and international markets; and by developing and protecting the capabilities of individuals and families to enjoy a prosperous life by promoting human and social development.

She also cited a strategy unique to the region, to transform Davao Region as an international logistics hub for Southern Philippines.

“RDC agreed to adopt this strategy for Davao Region. Why? The main gateways, Davao International Airport as well as ports in the region, to promote trade and commerce by connecting our areas and adopting this logistics hub we would be able to export,” Lim said in a press conference during the launch of the DRDP 2023-2028 at the Mapua Malayan Colleges in Davao City on Tuesday.

Lim also mentioned the strategies that support the abovementioned goal: promote financial inclusion, expand and upgrade infrastructure, ensure peace and security, practice good governance and accelerate climate action.

“Practicing good governance will improve bureaucratic efficiency and the outcome of our Davao Regional Development Plan. In 2028 Davao Region shall have more efficient government service delivery as well as efficient and responsive bureaucratic practices,” Lim said.

start since Feb. 2.

Vincent, the Heat’s third-leading scorer this postseason, got hurt late in Miami’s Game 4 loss when he landed awkwardly while trying to save a loose ball near the Heat bench.

His presence was missed as Miami struggled early on the offensive end, swarmed by a Celtics’ defense that forced the Heat into 10 firsthalf turnovers that led to 17 Boston points. Lowry played 31 minutes, scored five points and finished with four turnovers.

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Heat: Were outscored 13-0 in second-half points in the opening 24 minutes.

Celtics: Al Horford added six points and 11 rebounds. … The Celtics took a 61-44 edge into halftime. … Boston’s first turnover of the game didn’t come until the 8:16 mark of the second quarter.

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said.

The BSP said the FinEd e-Learning Course would include such topics as financial planning, saving and budgeting, debt and investment management, digital financial literacy, fraud, and scam prevention, the Personal Equity and Retirement Account (PERA), and financial consumer protection.

It said the course aims to “expand the coverage and accelerate the implementation of FinEd programs in the country through free learning and teaching activities that can be accessed anytime, anywhere.”

“The ultimate goal of the initiative is to help cultivate a financially healthy and economically empowered Filipino citizenry that can actively contribute to nation-building,” it said.

The BSP said the modules would be uploaded to e-learning platforms of the central bank and its FinEd partners.” (PNA)

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By Maya

In support Davao Region shall pursue critical transformations to achieve the goal of a more progressive, broad-based, and strong Davao Region such as digitalization of the LGUs; strengthening public-private partnership (PPP); maximizing potentials of the sectors in ITBPM, tourism, creatives, real estate, and financial services; producing export quality domestic products; enhancing mobility and connectivity in land, water, and air; and strengthening collaboration between local and national government.

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light,” he said.

Moreover, the advocacy papers likewise support the renewal of the EU Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) and encourage the Philippines and the EU to resume negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA).

“The current EU-Philippines economic landscape prompts the need for the retention of the GSP+ grant in the Philippines and underscores the urgency of fast-tracking the EU-PH FTA negotiations,” the document read.

Lokin said the country’s utilization of the EU GSP+ stood at 76 percent in 2021, the highest utilization rate since the country benefitted from the preferential tariff granted by the EU.

The GSP+ is expected to expire in 2023. (PNA)

plaints involving alcoholic beverages are relatively low, the number is increasing year-on-year for the month of May. Most of these are related to deceptive, unfair and unconscionable sales acts or practices, liability for products and services, and consumer product quality and safety.

For the part of the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL), Director General Rowel Barba said his office has been closely coordinating with the country’s leading online shops to eliminate products with intellectual property (IP) infringement.

He said that between August to September 2021 and March to April 2022, Lazada increased its IP-infringing listings removal by 118 percent while another online shopping site, Shopee, removed 400 percent more products with IP infringement.

Commenting on the negative socio-economic impacts of illicit alcohol in the country, Barba said the trend is alarming if this will continue.

“This could mean irreversible health consequences, and even deaths to our people. This is also alarming in terms of the revenues we lost and could have used to further develop our country,” he added. (PNA)

La Salle sets PBA D-League record in 83-point win vs. AMA

EcoOil-La Salle tallied the most lopsided win ever in the PBA D-League after blasting AMA by 83 points, 126-43, on Thursday night at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

The Green Archers set the tone early on by racing to a 42-10 lead against the Titan at the end of the first quarter.

EcoOil-La Salle sealed the record-setting win by holding AMA to just two points in the fourth quarter.

Assistant coach Gian Nazario, though, said eclipsing the previous record winning margin of 76 set by

the Tanduay Rhum Masters against the Zark’s Jawbreakers in 2017 was not on the Green Archers’ mind.

“Well, hindi naman namin iniisip ‘yung (we were not thinking about the) record. It’s good that we eclipsed it but we just focused on getting better. It’s an opportunity for us to get better and we talked about it before the game na ‘wag naming

pipiliin ‘yung kalaban namin (we should not pick our opponents),” Nazario said.

Ben Phillips and Raven Cortez each scored 19 points to power EcoOil-La Salle, which tied Marinerong Pilipino-San Beda for first place in the team standings at 4-1. Former Ateneo de Davao University standout Francis Escandor contributed 14 points.

Earl Ceniza and Reed Baclig scored 10 each for AMA, which wound up their campaign with a 0-6 record.

In the first game, Centro Esco-

lar University (CEU) survived two overtimes to edge Philippine Sports Performance (PSP), 109-107.

Ron Tolentino won it for the Scorpions after scoring the game-winning three with 18 seconds left in the second extension as they frustrated the Gymers, who failed to close them out in regulation.

“Wala na ‘yung Xs and Os dito eh (There is no more Xs and Os here). It’s all about heart. And hats off to our players for not giving up. Hindi sila sumuko (They didn’t give up) against a veteran team like PSP,” said CEU coach Jeff Perlas, whose

team could get a shot at stealing an outright semifinal spot if they beat Marinerong Pilipino-San Beda next Thursday.

Franz Ray Diaz scattered 21 points with five rebounds and seven assists to show the way for the Scorpions while Tolentino finished with 20-points, 10 rebounds, five assists and three steals.

Mark Meneses collared 22 points, grabbed 21 rebounds, three steals and six blocks while Wendell Comboy had 19 for the Gymers, who slid to 2-4 but is assured of a quarterfinals spot. (PNA)

Celtics rip Heat to stay alive

BOSTON — Derrick White had 24 points, including six 3-pointers, and the Boston Celtics dominated the Miami Heat 110-97 on Thursday night (Friday, Manila time) in Game Five to extend the Eastern Conference finals.

Marcus Smart had 23 points and five steals. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown finished with 21 points apiece as the Celtics claimed their second straight win and trimmed Miami’s series lead to 3-2.

It keeps alive Boston’s hopes of becoming the first team in NBA history to overcome a 3-0 deficit to win a series. Teams previously in that position are 0-150 all-time.

Game 6 is Saturday in Miami.

A day after the Florida Panthers punched the franchise’s first ticket to the Stanley Cup Finals since 1996, for the second straight game the Heat were denied a spot in the NBA Finals.

Duncan Robinson led the Heat with 18 points. Bam Adebayo added 16 points and eight rebounds. Jimmy Butler had 14 points, five rebounds and five assists but sat out the final

9:47 of the game. Caleb Martin finished with 14 points. It was Butler’s lowest-scoring game of the playoffs. He had 16 points in Game 3, a blowout win by Miami. Miami never led and had 16 turnovers.

Boston entered the day just 4-5 at TD Garden this postseason. But with a raucous home crowd behind them, the Celtics thrived on their energy. They dove for loose balls, outfought Miami for rebounds and found each other for layups and dunks in transition as they built as many as 20 points in the first half.

The Heat cut into it, but Boston kept knocking down 3s and grew its edge as high as 96-72 in the fourth quarter.

Boston’s fans reignited a “Beat the Heat!” chant that hadn’t been prevalent since Game 1.

The Heat started Kyle Lowry at point guard after Gabe Vincent was ruled out with a sprained left ankle earlier in the day. It was Lowry’s first

Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown finished with 21 points apiece as the Celtics claimed their second straight win and trimmed Miami’s series lead to 3-2.

If you are in the position of Bambol Tolentino, president of the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), naturally, you will act like a father to all members of the POC.

The POC, composed of National Sports Association presidents that included Dabawenyo Paolo Tancontian of Sambo Pilipinas, closely coordinates with the funding agency, the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), and other corporate backers in its preparation for international competitions.

The NSA presidents with the assistance of the coaching staff, prior to international competition, submit a line-up to the POC which is then transmitted to the PSC for the Board of Commissioners to know the budgetary requirements.

That is how it works since 1990.

Now, after the Southeast Asian Games (SEAG) in Cambodia, we are glad to know of the sterling performances of our national athletes and our country finished fifth place over-all behind host Cambodia at fourth, Indonesia at third, Thailand at second and Vietnam at first.

The Philippines garnered 58 gold medals, compared to Cambodia’s 81, Indonesia’s 87, Thailand’s 108 and Vietnam’s 136.

There has been some controversy in the Cambodia SEAG but you see ladies and gentlemen, it is what it is when the SEAG Sports Federation allows the host to only permit sporting events that “favor” them. If you would ask me, all sports should be played and hosted by a SEAG member and this should not be changed. That would resolve the issue.

Set the gold medal standard

Now, let us go back to the gold medal tally.

I only mentioned the gold medals because I strongly believe that the gold medal winners are the only eligible athletes to move to the next level, that is the Hangzhou Asian Games in September.

What about the silver and bronze medalists? They should be prepared to be gold medal winners in the next SEAG.

We should bear in mind that we will be up against the best that includes China and Japan, the only two countries that emerged over-all champions since the 1951 Asian Games in India.

The other top 10 countries in terms of medal count in the Asian Games are South Korea, Iran, India, Kazakhstan, Thailand, North Korea, Taiwan and Indonesia.

The Philippines used to be a powerhouse in the Asian Games but after 1954, we have been slowly overtaken by our neighbors in terms of sports development progress and medal harvests.

And you readers, precisely, know what are the reasons because it is public knowledge how our sports development

program for the SEAG and Asian Games has declined.

A lean and mean Philippine delegation, who are qualifiers to the Asian Games, should be the only ones to be sent. Gold medals should always be the standard because if we do not set it that way, millions of pesos would only go to waste and mind you, public money is very much involved in funding our national athletes to international competitions.

I know that this suggestion puts Mayor Tolentino in a tight spot, but if we indeed have to set our standards higher in international sporting competitions, the gold medal criteria is the only way, or else, we will never be in the Top 10 performing countries in the Asian Games.

You see, the PSC in its recent social media post said about “Gintong Medalya Kaya Ng Para Atleta”.

It didn’t say “Pilak” or silver or “Tanso” or bronze. It’s “Gintong Medalya”, just like the gold in Mount Diwalwal or Boringot.

That’s the message.

* * * For comments, email mpb_ sports@yahoo.com.

Dabawenya boxer Nesthy Petecio won her second Southeast Asian Games gold in Cambodia.