Based on the Regional Situation Update on Covid-19 in the Davao Region as of May 29, 2023, the record showed that the healthcare utilization of regional hospital capacity was at 27 percent for non-ICU bed use and 43 percent for ICU bed use.
Out of the 30 admissions, only nine were confirmed cas-
es, while 21 were probable and suspects.
There were 166 new cases recorded on May 22 to 28, 2023, which was higher by 6.41% compared to the cases reported last May 15 to 21, 2023.
There were three actual death cases recorded in the past seven days.
DOH 11 reminded the
The provincial local government unit (PLGU) of Davao del Sur celebrated the first anniversary of the declaration of the province as insurgency-free held at the atrium of Gaisano Mall in Digos City on May 26 to May 28, 2023.
cased its transformation from formerly conflict-affected into progressive and peaceful areas.
public to continue practicing minimum public health standards such as wearing the best-fitted mask, isolating when sick, doubling up protection with vaccination and boosters, and ensuring good airflow.
Meanwhile, the Covid-19 vaccination efforts are continuing throughout the Davao Region.
As of March 10, 2023, there were 3,353,416 individuals, or 88.3% of the target population in the Davao Region, who are fully vaccinated.
Former rebels, Indigenous People (IP), stakeholders, government agencies, and the 39th Infantry Battalion under the 1002nd Infantry Brigade joined the three-day Peace Fair with the theme “Davsuranon nga kalinaw, alang sa Maanyag nga Paraiso.”
The celebration was highlighted with film showing of documentaries related to the “Tupad Pangako Program,” which aimed to educate and entertain the public on how the PLGU of Davao del Sur initiated the peaceful and progressive reintegration of former rebels back into their respective communities.
The province also show-
“The resilience of Davao del Sur made it possible for us to celebrate this spirit of insurgency-free. We cannot attain and sustain peace if we are not united and steadfast,” said Major General Jose Eriel Niembra, commander of 10th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army.
10ID reported that from 2016 to date, three Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs) previously operating in Davao del Sur were dismantled and 127 CTG members were neutralized.
The city government of Davao has also celebrated the first anniversary of Insurgency-Free Davao City on Wednesday.
Under Resolution No. 11522, the City Council declared Davao City insurgency-free as of March 24, 2022.
Vice
Sara Duterte is implementing nationwide one of her previous best local practices while still Mayor of Davao City—livelihood program Magnegosyo Ta ‘Day (MTD).
The MTD, which was one of Duterte’s many flagship local projects, aims to financially assists women and members of the
lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual plus (LGBTQIA) community.
The Office of the Vice President (OVP) has adopted the project for nationwide implementation.
During her participation to the Rosquillos Festival 2023 in Liloan, Cebu City on May 27,
2023, she lauded in her message the municipal government of Liloan for making local tourism a priority advocacy to support the growth of local entrepreneurs, particularly those involved in the production of delicacies and cuisines.
Acknowledging the importance of livelihood in sustaining
a family’s day-to-day needs, Duterte also shared the OVP’s Mag Negosyo Ta ‘Day (MTD) project, which helps women and members of the LGBTQI+ by augmenting their daily income, making them economically empowered and independent.
In March this year, coinciding the celebration of Interna-
tional Women’s Day, Duterte has launched the said entrepreneurship program in Laguna.
The program focuses on marginalized sectors such as women, single parents, the disabled, victims of violence, indigenous women, displaced Filipino workers, the LGBTQIA community and
In reminding the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) to exercise prudent and efficient utilization of public funds after the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) approved the release of PhP25.1 billion insurance premiums for 8,385,849 qualified and enrolled Filipino indigents:
“Nagagalak po tayo na nakapagrelease na po ng P25.1 billion na pondo po para sa one-year health insurance, PhilHealth premium po ito ng 8.3 million qualified Filipino indigents. Lalo na po sa panahon ngayon na dahan-dahan pang bumabangon ang ekonomiya, marami sa mga kababayan natin ang nawalan po ng trabaho at hanapbuhay, malaking bagay po ‘yon na sasagutin ng PhilHealth ang kanilang pagbayad sa medical services, (itong) mga mahihirap nating kababayan. Maa-avail po nila ang medical services rin po thru PhilHealth, ito pong Universal Health Care dahil bawat Pilipino po ay miyembro po ng PhilHealth.”
Jordan, Guimaras - Songs of Rivermaya like “Liwanag Sa Dilim” reverberated before a huge crowd at the municipal grounds of Jordan, Guimaras as the highlight of this year’s Manggahan festival.
With its English translation “there is always light even in the darkest times”, it is a song of inspiration encouraging the protagonist to bring hope to those around him, like a beacon in the storm. He is urged to stand up and be the light that guides others to a brighter future.
It encourages the listener to sing a new song, one that rewrites history and opens up new paths.
It became the icon music associated with the camp of former vice president Leni Robredo and Kiko Pangilinan during the 2022 presidential race.
In Guimaras, Robredo garnered 66,071 votes while Bongbong Marcos had 25,792 votes. Pangilinan received 52,982 votes while Sara Duterte had 25,537 votes.
Guimaras, formerly known as Himal-os, was a sub-province of Iloilo until it was made an independent province on May 22, 1992.
A prevailing legend has it that two of its inhabitants called Guima and Aras, who were lovers, went swimming and never returned. Thus, in their honor, Himal-us was changed to Guimaras by the pre-Spanish Ilonggos.
On August 11, 2006, the oil tanker M/T Solar 1, hired by Petron Corporation, sank off the coast of Guimaras spilling more than 2.1 million liters (about 555,000 gallons) of bunker fuel.
It is still known as the worst oil spill in the Philippines’ history since the oil that contaminated the water was not only devastating for the environment but also for the people and the economy of Guimaras.
Since 1993, the month-long Manggahan Festival is a yearly cultural, agricultural, and food festivity held every May as a celebration of the mango fruit and agriculture that are the key drivers of its local economy aside from tourism.
Guimaras’ mango production comprises 21% of Western Visayas’ total production.
With a total of 7,290 mango growers, 60% to 70% is contributed by backyard growers while the 30% to 40% is produced by orchard.
About 70% of the production is sold fresh while 30% is sold to local processors.
Mango is the Philippine national fruit, locally known as “mangga” and scientifically named Mangifera indica L.
It is the third most important fruit crop in the Philippines next to banana and pineapple.
There are three well known variety of mango in the Philippines: Carabao mango, Pico and Katchamita (Indian Mango).
According to the Department of Agriculture, the Philippines ranks 10th among the top producers of mango in the world with a 2.5% share in production. Asia accounts for approximately 77% of global mango production.
The DA added that as of 2021, Ilocos Region remained the top mango producer with 124.68 thousand metric tons, contributing 22.4 percent to the national production, followed by SOCCSKSARGEN and Zamboanga Peninsula, which both shared 9.8 percent to the national output.
Carabao mango is a wide variety, with 450.48 thousand metric tons produced from April to June 2021, accounting for 80.9 percent of
the total production in the Philippines.
However, the DA noted that the volume of production of mango have significantly deteriorated during the last several years due to increasing cost of production, typhoon, rainfall, insect pests, diseases and inadequate orchard management. These factors prompted many growers to abandon their mango orchards or planted them to other crops or uses.
In the 1960s, Dr. Ramon Barba, a Filipino horticulturalist from the University of the Philippines, developed a simple method for inducing early flowering in mango plants. His invention, widely used today, revolutionized the Philippine mango industry, making the crop one of the country’s top export earners.
A highlight of the Manggahan festival is the cultural dance contest among the five towns – Buenavista, Jordan, Nueva Valencia, San Lorenzo, and Sibunag – depicting the abundance of mangoes and the rich fishing community in the island-province.
A similar festival centered on mangoes is held every April
in Zambales called Dinamulag Festival that was first held in 1999.
Its name is lifted from the Dinamulag variety of carabao mangoes— damulag as translation of the word carabao.
Zambales has around 7,500 hectares of mango plantations with more than 5,000 farmers engaged in the industry.
In 1995, the Guinness Book of World Records cited Sweet Elena carabao mangoes grown in Zambales as the world’s sweetest. In 2013, the DA cited Zambales mangoes as the country’s sweetest variety.
In Central Luzon, Zambales had the highest production of mango(36%) followed by Nueva Ecija and Bulacan.
In both events, the cultural presentations depict the heart shaped mangoes representing the “golden heart” of every Filipinos, meaning that each of us can be the light that guides others to a brighter future. (Peyups is the moniker of University of the Philippines. Atty. Dennis R. Gorecho heads the seafarers’ division of the Sapalo Velez Bundang Bulilan law offices. For comments, e-mail info@sapalovelez. com, or call 09175025808 or 09088665786.)
“There are two things a person should never be angry at, what they can help, and what they cannot.” - POPE JOHN PAUL II.
*******
Already - as the issue of raising the minimum wage is being seriously talked about and pondered in the Senate - eight buisness groups have immediately made known their disagreement.
They collectively expressed concern that the legislated wage hike may negatively impact the operations and continued existence of micro, small and medium enterprises or MSMEs.
The group wrote to Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, chairman of the Senate committee on labor, employment and human resources, their sentiments that whatever good intentions there was in the bill, raising wages may appear to be the logical solution.
“However, only a small percentage of the national workforce may be able to benefit,” the busi-
ness group said.
They explained that only 16 percent or about 8 million in the formal sector out of the 50 million total number of workers will receive the envisioned benefits.
The proposal, authored by SP Juan Miguel Zubiri and SP pro Tempore Loren Legarda, seeks a P150 hike which to this corner appears like a “fast pain relief” comparable to a headache pill.
Why?
Every Juan, Pedro and Jose (and the many Marites-es included) know that the wage hike which shall be borne by Pinoy employers will push them (producers and manufacturers, service providers) to also raise their products and produce to recoup what they shelled out to their employees, retrench or simply close down.
All countries were hurt by the global inflation precipitated by the two-year pandemic and lockdown that caused world-wide economic collapse.
Ninety eight percent of the MSMEs, the business group ex-
plained, suffered from the consequences of the global pandemic and are only on their way to complete recovery.
Among the signatories to the letter were the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry president George Barcelon, Employers Confederation of the Philippines chairman Edgardo Lacson, Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. president Sergio Luis Ortiz Jr, Fderation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry president Cecilio Pedro, IT and Business Process Association president Jack Madrid, Philippine Hotel Owners Association president Arthur Lopez, Foreign Buyers Association of the Philippines president Robert Young and United Port Users Confederation of the Phils. Inc. president Nelson Mendoza.
Quite a list, huh?
The senators behind this wage increase should allow the global economic circumstances to settle down before even attempting to placate Pinoys who have been complaining of the weaken-
ing purchasing power of the peso, inflation, the lack of employment and livelihood opportunities.
The business group also advised that the prices of goods in our local market are higher than the other ASEAN economies which they see as a direct effect of higher minimum wage in the Philippines.
The unsettled and worsening Russia-Ukraine war that has dragged for more than two years is indirectly yet adversely affecting our economic recovery.
The Middle East situation is also contributing to the world wide “touch and go” economic order because oil produced by Arab and Muslim countries in this region is being used as a leverage.
As the Philippines is entirely dependent on foreign (fossil) fuel, we cannot help but endure what we ought not endure.
Instead of raising the daily minimum wage, the good senators should endeavor to help attract foreign investments by joining hands with economic experts looking to reform the con-
stitution.
Legislating wage hikes is so easy the senators won’t even sweat.
But like the business group hinted, this may look like a palliative cure because inflation never ceases.
In the 60s, if I remembered correctly, the price of rice per ganta (salop) before the measurement shifted to kilo, was a peso and ten centavos.
So, the issue again boils back to the economic problems which sourly points to its root cause - the restrictive economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution that need reconstruction.
Wow, how can our senators not understand that palliative remedies are temporary?
That is why they are palliative. They don’t last long.
Raising the minimum wage will create a backlash that the recipient beneficiaries will themselves feel and suffer from, eventually. (Email feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.) GOD BLESS
PHILIPPINES!
CELEBRATIONS OF MANGOES: “THERE IS ALWAYS LIGHT EVEN IN THE DARKEST TIMES”.
ATTY. DENNIS R. GORECHO KUWENTONG PEYUPSFRED C. LUMBA SPECKS OF LIFE
Despite having their own unique sets of skills and experiences, the control engineers of Hedcor’s new National Operations Control Center (NOCC) are all equally on a learning curve, having been given the huge responsibility of operating a control center that is the first of its kind in the Philippine power generation sector.
“Every plant and unit of our assets are unique and I find it difficult to commit to memory all of their intricacies and quirks when it comes to operation,” shared NOCC Engineer King Joshua D. Arzadon. “Nonetheless, my colleagues continuously guide me through such and I, definitely, will learn all of those by heart through time and experience.”
King placed second in the September 2022 Registered Electrical Engineer Licensure Examination. Like most of his colleagues at the control center, being an NOCC Engineer is his first job.
“We oversee the efficient operation and dispatch of all generation assets to secure maximum energy generation and minimize resource losses while keeping up with regulatory compliance and requirements,” he explained. “Centralized and continual monitoring of the plants allows better management of resources leading to higher generation and faster communication of detected plant anomalies.”
Centralization of controls and data
Inaugurated in August 2022, the NOCC allows for the remote operation, monitoring, and con-
trolling of 21 Hedcor run-of-river hydropower facilities in Luzon and Mindanao, as well as one solar farm in the Visayas, all in one location.
Despite most of the plants being in faraway, mountainous areas — the farthest of which is 1,181 kilometers away — observing and controlling them is now possible just with the clicks of a mouse and some keyboard strokes. Data from all assets are also centralized, making it easier to consolidate such for regulatory requirements asked by government bodies.
“Centralization of controls and the data coming from the plants is a real game changer in Hedcor’s operations. It streamlined operations and monitoring of Hedcor’s plants across the Philippines and opened up avenues to incorporate improvements such as data analytics, data science, and even artificial intelligence in our operations,” said NOCC Engineer Jezreel John P. Sannadan, who finished eight in the August 2021 Mechanical Engineer Licensure Examination.
“Operation of a plant, coordination of its activities, along with numerous regulatory requirements can already get your hands full. Imagine multiplying that by more than 20 times,” remarked NOCC Engineer Nathaniel Beaver Mendoza, who placed first in the August 2021 Mechanical Engineer Licensure Examination. “We are the first to implement this kind of system in the Philippines so it’s a daily experiment for us to see if we are effective or not. Though our system is new, we are constantly learning
and growing with it.”
Months into the job, Jezreel realized that simultaneously operating many plants of different characteristics “requires excellent multi-tasking skills, great attention to detail, and the ability to make quick but correct decisions especially in critical situations.”
The young NOCC Engineers also shared how they see the potential significance of the NOCC in being an enhancer to the growth and development of Philippine society.
“The NOCC can lessen the complicated operation and disordered communication within its regulated ecosystem, helping companies
maximize generation, as well as lessen downtime and losses of its power plants. This can help bring us out of the concurrent issue of energy supply struggling to keep up with demand,” shared NOCC Engineer Rhyan Jason G. Delizo, who ranked ninth in the September 2021 Registered Electrical Engineer Licensure Examination.
“Energy is one of the major factors in the development of a society. It may leapfrog or stunt the economy by stopping business operations with power outages,” Nathaniel added. “With systems like the NOCC, generation companies can run a power plant with lower costs. Mostly, it would just be a matter of plugging it in and adding another screen at the NOCC.”
Kaizen, or continuous improvement
Rounding up the NOCC team, which is mostly made up of young professionals who are new in the industry, are young veterans, namely, NOCC Engineers Dwight A. Oide and Arnold John C. De Leon.
“Working abroad prior to working at Hedcor helped me gain insights into company practices, management styles, and decision-making processes,” Dwight said. “For example, Japanese business culture emphasizes continuous improvement, known as ‘Kaizen.’ Having this kind of mindset as an NOCC engineer encourages me to seek ways to take a proactive ap-
proach to personal and professional development.”
Kaizen adheres to the values of making the work environment more efficient, team-oriented, fulfilling, and safe. It treats improvement as a gradual day-to-day process that involves the participation of each individual team member to combine for a bigger and better impact.
“I have gained from my previous employment valuable experience in hydro construction, electromechanical installations, and solar installations. I have also obtained a deep understanding of the equipment used in various parts of the energy system, including power generation, transmission, and distribution,” Arnold elaborated. “This understanding allows me to effectively assist maintenance and support teams to proactively identify and resolve issues that may arise.”
The NOCC Engineers identified several challenges faced by the NOCC, including connection losses resulting from severe tropical storms, the challenging geography of the plants, and even the hiccups brought on by the transition from analog systems into digital ones.
“Digital transformation can be challenging, but with proper training and adaptability, we can harness these technologies to optimize plant operations at NOCC,” said NOCC Engineer Jayshey Baguidudol, who placed third in the
“When we first saw the daycare center, we felt that there were things that we could do to improve it, to make it more conducive for learning. After all, that is what we do with the study spaces we have in our residential condominiums,” says TLDC COO Cathy Casares-Ko.
TLDC sought the assistance of Ms. Corazon Aguinaldo-Lim and Ms. Karen Ann Vera who volunteered their expertise in selecting the appropriate educational materials and toys for the facility and by conducting a teacher’s training and sharing session for child development workers of Mabini, Davao de Oro.
Ms. Emma Dula spoke on
behalf of the parents: “We’d like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Torre Lorenzo for initiating this and giving its full support for this project. Our children will have a spacious and safe classroom where they can learn.”
TLDC ensures that it gives back and contributes to the progress and development of the communities where it operates. In 2022, TLDC turned over an ambulance unit in the Municipality of Mabini in Davao de Oro.
Torre Lorenzo has various community development programs in place that focus on providing livelihood, supporting access to education and health services, and protecting the environment. In
the unemployed.
Duterte said the program also supports the Marcos administra-
August 2021 Mechanical Engineer Licensure Examination.
Still, the NOCC Engineers are also aided by multiple backup systems and other engineering methods made possible by supporting information technology (IT) and maintenance teams.
With the important task entrusted to them, the NOCC Engineers are aware of how they are playing a role in pioneering digital transformation in the renewable energy sector.
“The NOCC sets the path for upcoming developments in the energy sector by encouraging the adoption of new practices and technologies through the use of sophisticated monitoring systems and data analytics. This promotes collaboration in innovative research and development,” Dwight pondered.
tion’s national goal of ensuring a level playing field for all market participants.
“It is an aggregation of the advancements and technologies of the 21st century. As such, it is a testament to how Hedcor is equipped to transform energy that can cater to society’s demands whilst upholding sustainability and good resource management,” King added.
“In line with the Aboitiz Group’s vision of becoming the Philippines’ first Techglomerate, Hedcor rallies around a shared goal of pioneering the NOCC in the country to promote digital transformation, productive use of technology, and further the nation’s economic growth and development,” said Hedcor President and Chief Operating Officer Rolando Pacquiao. “The success of this world-class facility is driven by the collective talents, skills, and dedication of our Engineers, as well as Hedcor team members as a whole.”
Dusit Thani Lubi Plantation Resort, 70% of the employees are from the nearby town of Mabini, while the rest are from other municipalities of Davao de Oro providing equal employment opportunities to residents.
“As Torre Lorenzo grows, Mabini will also grow with us. We are here for the longhaul and be assured that we will continue support the community’s growth and development,” says TLDC CEO Tomas Lorenzo.
Davao City Water District advises the public of low water pressure to no water from 9:00 AM of June 2, 2023 to 5:00 AM of June 3, 2023 in some areas served by Cabantian Water Supply System.
Specific affected areas in Indangan are Nueva Esperanza Village, Indangan Relocation, Anita’s HOA, Molave Homes Phases 1, 2, and 3, Hidalgo Homes, Celerina Heights, Adap Village, Millenium Village, Lemon Village, Madradeco Village, Villa Alevida Subd., Dasi HOA, Greenhills Neighborhood Association (Nagkahiusa Village), San Isidro Indangan, Sto Niño Village, Saint Ignatius, Purok San Miguel, Purok Santiago, Purok Sta. Cruz, R. Gonzales HOA, and Malagamot Street (from Panacan Production Well No. 6 to junction Cabantian-Indangan Road).
Water supply has to be temporarily shut off in the affected areas to give way to the scheduled preventive maintenance servicing (PMS) of DCWD’s Indangan Production Well No. 1. Said facility will not be able to operate throughout the duration of the PMS reducing the available
water supply for Cabantian WSS, thus this water service interruption.
The DCWD management asks for the understanding and cooperation of would-be-affected customers and advises them to store enough water prior to the schedule. Water supply may be restored earlier if work goes smoothly or later if unforeseen problems arise.
DCWD conducts flushing after service works are completed. However, once water is restored, customers are advised to open all faucets and allow water to run for at least two minutes. While doing this, do not drink tap water immediately. Water may be boiled as an additional safety precaution.
For the latest water service updates or any DCWD-related concerns, the general public may contact DCWD’s 24-hour call center telephone hotlines at 235-3293 and 244-6767, text support at 0927-7988966, 0925-511-3293, or 0908-441-0653, and chat support in the DCWD’s website (www.davao-water.gov.ph) or Facebook page (www.facebook.com/officialDCWD). (Kurt Ryan M. Dominguez)
Philippine economic managers are looking to improve the country’s value-added tax (VAT) after studies showed it has the lowest efficiency level in the region, Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno on Tuesday.
The Philippines posted the lowest VAT efficiency ratio in the ASEAN region from 2016 to 2020 at 0.40 despite having the highest VAT rate in the region at 12 percent, based on the International Monetary Fund Tax Reform Database.
VAT efficiency was defined as the revenue obtained as a percentage of consumption or GDP, for each tax rate point, the Department of Finance said.
On average, the government collected P723 billion from VAT annually from 2016 to 2020, or only 40 percent of all expected VAT collection, Diokno said in a briefing.
“So while we the Philippines has the highest VAT rate compared to the other countries in this part of the world, collection is the most inefficient,” Diokno said.
Compared to the Philippines, Indonesia has a 0.50 VAT efficiency level with 11 percent VAT rate, Singapore’s efficiency level is at 0.71 while its VAT rate is just at 8 percent. Meanwhile, Vietnam has a 0.70 efficiency level and an 8 percent VAT rate and Thailand has a 0.79 efficiency rate with its 7 percent VAT level, DOF data showed.
The DOF also cited a 2018 World Bank study which revealed
that the Philippines’ tax system is “plagued” with exemptions outside the tax code.
Prior to tax reforms, the Philippines have 56 lines of exemptions and an additional 84 exemptions under special laws, he added.
“We actually talked with the International Monetary Fund and we asked them to conduct a study on where we can improve on broadening the tax base meaning maybe find areas where we can recover from too much [many] exemptions,” Diokno said in a briefing.
“I say 0.40 that’s really poor performance, but you know the value-added tax is the best tax in the world. It’s I think being imposed in 90 percent of the countries in the world, so it is in our best interests to improve on the efficiency of the VAT,” he added.
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Monday highlighted efforts to modernize the sector to boost trade and investment opportunities with Europe.
In a statement, the BOC said it conducted a collaboration meeting with the European Union-ASEAN Business Council and the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines last May 23.
“This collaboration represents a significant milestone in our ef-
forts to strengthen economic ties with European businesses,” BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio said.
Rubio noted that the meeting highlighted both parties’ support for the “resumption of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations between the Philippines and the European Union.”
Through this, the Philippines is expected to further boost ties with Europe, with the aim to make
Voting282-0-0, the House of Representatives has approved on third and final reading House Bill 7941 or the proposed “Philippine Bamboo Industry Development Act.”
“There is a lot of potential in the local bamboo industry. Currently, we are the fifth largest bamboo exporter in the world. With smart planning and malasakit especially to our bamboo planters, the Philippine bamboo industry could be a behemoth a few years down the road,” Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez said in a statement.
The Speaker’s office explained that House Bill (HB) No. 7941 aims to achieve such development by strengthening the Philippine Bamboo Industry Development Council.
7941 read.
The bill tasks the Philippine Bamboo Industry Development Council to create the Philippine Bamboo Industry Development Program, which shall include plans of actions and projects for the scientific propagation, development and management, processing, utilization, business development, and commercialization of Philippine bamboo and bamboo products, through the cooperation of all stakeholders of the industry.
The bill also creates the Bamboo Industry Research and Development Center, to serve as the secretariat of the Council.
the country a “premier business destination” for the latter.
The commissioner, meanwhile, emphasized the significance of transitioning to paperless transactions through a modernization program.
“By enhancing our modernization program and streamlining our processes, we aim to create a seamless and efficient trade environment that benefits both parties,” he said.
It also said that according to the measure, the State shall recognize the strategic importance of the bamboo as a sturdy, versatile, and replenishable material that can be a sustainable source of livelihood and catalyst for agricultural productivity.
“The State shall likewise ensure the integrated and continuous development of the Philippine bamboo industry through policies and programs that encourage the planting of bamboo, accelerate the development of bamboo-based products and designs, and promote Philippine bamboo products in international markets,” HB No.
HB 7941 also enumerates incentives for bamboo plantation development such as : a) exemption from the payment of rent for the use of government lands for commercial bamboo plantation for the first five (5) years of operation reckoned from the date of the first harvest of the plantation; b) In the case of private plantations, exemption from the requirement to secure a cutting permit for the harvesting of bamboo and a transport permit for as long as the plantation is registered with the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR); and c) exemption from the payment of forest charges and other fees for taxes that LGUs may impose.
The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) have joined efforts to boost the coconut industry in North Cotabato, officials said Monday.
Evangeline Bueno, DAR provincial agrarian reform program officer, said validation activities are ongoing for potential agrarian reform beneficiaries organizations (ARBOs) that will be developed as coconut processing centers under the proposed coconut value chain boosting project.
“Potential ARBOs will be assessed for further interventions to strengthen their operations and to establish tie-ups with private sectors to expand their markets,” Bueno said in a statement.
Over the weekend, the validation team composed of DAR regional and provincial officials visited the Bagong Pagasa Credit Cooperative (BPCC), a DAR-assisted organization engaged in virgin coconut oil (VCO) production in Barangay New Panay, Pigcawayan town.
Thevolume and value of local trade posted double-digit growth in the first quarter of the year, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported.
Data released late Monday showed that the value of domestic trade amounted to PHP199.72 billion, up by 46.7 percent from the PHP136.18 billion a year ago.
This was followed by food and live animals and manufactured goods classified chiefly by material.
“By commodity section, food and live animals led in terms of quantity of domestic trade in the first quarter of 2023 with 1.31 million tons or a share of 24.6 percent to the total domestic trade,” PSA said.
Roldan Ali, DAR assistant regional director for administration and support services, said DAR wanted to improve the process and product of the ARBOs to have a steady market for expansion.
Seminiana Bawik, BPCC project manager, lauded DAR for the continued assistance given to her group.
“We are thankful to DAR for considering us as a potential recipient of the proposed coconut value chain boosting project,” Bawik said.
The BPCC is a recipient of the Village Level Farm-focused Enterprise Development (VLFED) project.
It also received VCO processing machines and equipment under the Climate Resilient Farm Productivity Support Project and is now in the process of registration with the Food and Drug Administration.
Aside from palay, Pigcawayan has vast coconut plantations and is known for copra production and its by-products. (PNA)
By mode of transport, almost all of the commodities were traded through water, while the remaining were traded through air.
“Machinery and transport equipment topped in terms of value of traded commodities with PHP68.24 billion or 34.2 percent share to the total domestic trade value in the first quarter of 2023,” PSA said.
Among the regions, Western Visayas recorded the highest value of traded commodities with PHP44.70 billion, followed by Central Visayas with PHP42.90 billion and Eastern Visayas with PHP26.01 billion.
In terms of volume, the PSA said total quantity of domestic trade in in the first quarter reached 5.34 million tons, higher by 56.7 percent from last year’s 3.41 million tons.
This was followed by mineral fuels, lubricants and related materials with 1.25 million tons and machinery and transport equipment with 1.04 million tons.
Central Luzon registered the highest quantity of traded commodities with 1.29 million tons or 24.1 percent share to the total domestic trade in the first quarter of 2023.
This was followed by Central Visayas with 1 million tons and Western Visayas with 660,000 metric tons. (PNA)
The Malampaya natural gas field will be supplying condensates to the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company Global Trading (AGT), according to Malampaya operator Prime Energy in a statement Monday.
Prime Energy said it forged a supply agreement with AGT to supply condensates from the Malampaya gas field.
Condensates are recovered from natural gas and crude oil that are used for petrochemical feed stocks to produce plastic, as
well as heating and production of gasoline.
The supply agreement is until Feb. 23, 2024.
“This agreement with AGT establishes our force in the global petroleum industry, and we are privileged that AGT, one of the top oil companies across the globe, has decided to partner and grow with us,” said Donnabel Cruz, Prime Energy managing director and general manager.
While Prime Energy ensures steady supply of power for the
country, Cruz said it also supplies and exports condensates to foreign industry players.
“Prime Energy and AGT share the same responsibility of harnessing our natural resources to transform societies around the world by providing resilient infrastructure to create a better future,” she added.
Prime Energy, a subsidiary of Prime Infrastructure Capital, Inc., is the operator of the Malampaya deep water gas-topower project.
Manila, Philippines – Eroc, an e-commerce company committed to home living improvement, is proud to announce its latest innovation, the Max Projector. Set for launch in June, the Max Projector packs features that will enable you to experience a movie night like never before.
The variety of media available today has broadened the ways in which people enjoy their favorite shows and entertainment. People have more options to select to suit their preferences and lifestyles. With the launch of the Max Projector, Eroc has just added an option to users who want to incorporate a new and exciting entertainment device in their living space.
You only need one thing when using the Eroc Max Projector: a wall. Its 4K Ultra HD resolution allows users to experience that cinematic experience as if they were in a theater. Its screen can be stretched 49 to 200 inches wide with a projection distance of 1.5 to 5.9 meters.
A fan of basketball tournaments? With the Max Projector, you can now watch your favorite sports and athletes on a bigger screen at the comfort of your home. It is equipped with Dolby Audio so you can experience sound as real and as crystal as the
moment.
Say goodbye to lag, buffering and pixelated images that could ruin your overall entertainment. The Max Projector features 3000 Lumens and 1080P resolution to enable users to play videos vividly even at day time.
The 4K decoding feature will make video content as crisp to provide users with the ultimate cinematic experience. The Max Projector has the latest ZEASN Android OS so that users can effortlessly navigate the device. It also comes with readily installed streaming applications, including Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, iflix, Disney+ and all other applications you can download from the App Store.
The Max Projector is enabled with features that allow users to adjust their screen horizontally and vertically depending on their wall without having to tilt the device itself.
Here are some of the other key features of Max Projector:
• AI Smart Dimming
• Electronic Focus Mode
• 2.4/5G Dual Wi-Fi
• Multiple Ports/HDMI
• iOS and Android Screen Mirroring
• Remote and mouse control
• Bluetooth
The Max Projector will be launched on June 6 to 8, 2023. To celebrate this launch, customers can get up to 44% discount, free shipping vouchers, cashback, 30 days easy return, and 365 days free replacement with every purchase from Eroc’s official Shopee and Lazada
Japanese global apparel retailer
UNIQLO launches its latest UT collection lineup which curates and celebrates individuality and freedom of expression through T-shirts for all ages, genders, and interests.
The new collection features a variety of designs that fit various tastes and styles, such as anime and cartoon prints, game characters, traditional Japanese art and works from renowned artists.
With UT’s philosophy of having a graphic shirt be the perfect canvas for self-expression, UNIQLO’s latest line-up perfectly resonates with different kinds of consumers and allows them to express themselves through casual styles.
FIND YOUR COMMUNITY WITH
For Gamers
Gamers can show their love for Super Mario, Splatoon and Minecraft with the exclusive collection of UT T-shirts.
The Mario Movie lineup celebrates the iconic game’s latest film adaptation. The collection features movie-inspired designs and its famous characters Mario and Luigi, who must save Princess Peach from the villainous Bowser. The collection also has exclusive branding tags with some of the game’s most iconic symbols.
UNIQLO also translates the iconic elements of Splatoon into vibrantly illustrated graphics. The beloved shooter game franchise is set in a post-apocalyptic Earth filled with anthropomorphic marine animals. This collection showcases squids, octopuses, and more.
For Minecraft fans, UNIQLO also offers shirts with graphic designs depicting the game’s unique characters, including brave adventurers, mild-mannered craftsmen, and ingenious engineers.
For Anime Lovers
UNIQLO has new designs of UT featuring Attack on Titan and Detective Conan and will have more shirts in collaboration with Dragonball, Pixar, and Pokemon.
UNIQLO’s latest collection for Attack on Titan celebrates the anime’s final season. The series concludes the world where cities are surrounded by walls to protect humans from giant man-eating humanoids known as Titans. This UT collection headlines original artworks from the manga version.
Anime fans can also update their wardrobe with the latest collection of UT with Detective Conan, the popular manga and TV series. Detective Conan follows high school detective Shinichi Kudo, who is forced to drink a mysterious drug that turns him into a first grader. UNIQLO updated its collection with fan-favorite scenes from the original manga and art from the anime.
For Families
Families can wear matching T-shirts with some of the world’s most famous characters.
UNIQLO’s latest collection of Peanuts T-shirts are filled with nostalgic retro art from the vintage comics. Families can choose designs with Snoopy, Charlie Brown, Lucy, Woodstock, and more.
UNIQLO is celebrating Disney’s 100th anniversary with the UT GRAND PRIX (UTGP) competition. The Japanese retailer invited talented designers from around the world to design T-shirts inspired by Disney, Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars™. Over 10,000 entries were submitted and select designs emerged as winners to be transformed into UT T-shirts, with one design coming from Filipina finalist Regine Binuya.
For Art Enthusiasts
Art enthusiasts have a rich selection of T-shirts to choose from, with pieces by some of the world’s most renowned artists.
UNIQLO brings back the works of Andy Warhol, a leading visual artist in the field of pop art, for UT Archive. The project revives popular T-shirts featuring the artist’s oeuvre, which have been on sale for 20 years.
UT will release a new lineup with masterpieces from the Musée du Louvre in France. The partnership is
a four-year collaboration that aims to better familiarize the public with the museum’s treasured collection and bring the joy of art in daily life.
UNIQLO also highlights its Japanese roots with a collection that brings the vibrant tones and bold lines of Ukiyo-e prints. Ukiyo-e is a genre of Japanese woodblock prints and paintings that were popular from the 17th to 19th centuries. The UT collection is filled with art from Hokusai, Hiroshige, and Kuniyoshi, three of Japan’s greatest Ukiyo-e masters.
UNIQLO features a graphic motif that is based on the symbolic purple Hachimaki, red and white coloring, and crest from the costume of “Sukeroku”, one of the Kabuki Juhachiban. The shirt highlights the importance of the Kabuki costumes to the beauty of the Kabuki stage.
FIND
CON
To celebrate the new line-up, UNIQLO is hosting its annual UT Convention (UT Con) this May, spotlighting all of the various UT contents. The event will showcase the creativity of UNIQLO’s different collaborations in the fields of arts, animation and entertainment.
The UT Con exclusive launch is happening from May 17, 2023 at the Ground Level of Mega Fashion Hall, SM Megamall and will be opened to UNIQLO App Members until May 18, 2023.
Together with the event, UNIQLO is also launching a new and improved look of their Megamall store, featuring 3 levels where customers can experience a more convenient shopping experience for UT and other LifeWear items.
For more updates on the latest collection, please visit UNIQLO Philippines’ website at uniqlo.com/ ph. You can also download the UNIQLO APP via Google Play Store or Apple Store to experience the benefits of UNIQLO shopping anytime and anywhere, including the click and collect and self checking of inventory features.
MANILA – Infinix today unveiled the latest addition to its NOTE Series, the all-new NOTE 30. This device sets a new standard with innovative charging capabilities and impressive gaming performance upgrades. Designed to be a powerhouse, the NOTE 30 features the 45W All-Round Fast Charge & Bypass Mode ensuring quick and easy charging while gaming without the worry of overheating. Additionally, the NOTE 30 is equipped with the Helio G99 processor, together with Ultra Power Signal technology for faster processing speeds and advanced connectivity. The NOTE 30’s immersive viewing experience is further enhanced by its crisp and clear visuals and JBL-tuned sound. With these impressive features, the Infinix NOTE 30 is an excellent choice for users seeking a powerful and efficient smartphone.
“At Infinix, we are excited to offer our users the ultimate charging experience with the NOTE 30. The first-ever All-Round FastCharge solution ensures safety, intelligence, and flexibility, allowing users to charge their device quickly and efficiently. Combined with a premium display with smooth scrolling and a solid processor with advanced connectivity capabilities, the NOTE 30 is the perfect choice for power users who demand excellence at a competitive price point. We are confident that the NOTE 30 is the ultimate all-rounder that meets the needs of our users.” - Charisma
Buan, Sr. Public Relations Manager of Infinix Philippines
The Fast Charge Revolution
The NOTE 30 boasts a powerful 45W All-Round FastCharge feature that can charge the device’s large 5000mAh battery up to 75% in just 30 minutes . The phone’s battery cycle
times are 25% higher than the industry standard, with up to 1000 charges. Bypass charge technology controls the device’s temperature, filtering the current to supply power directly to the main board, resulting in an average temperature drop of 2℃ - 7℃ , which enables the device to charge while playing games. The phone’s Intelligent Power E-IQ technology learns users’ charging habits, offering a full charge before dawn and added security protections for safety. The NOTE 30 also supports PD3.0 agreement and reverse charging, providing additional flexibility to the charging experience.
Smartphone Gaming at its Best
The NOTE 30 is a powerful gaming smartphone equipped with the 6nm MediaTek Helio G99 processor to ensure ultra-efficient performance and lower power consumption. Infinix’s NOTE 30 is a gaming smartphone that comes fully equipped with the company’s proprietary Ultra Power Signal (UPS) technology. This innovative feature is designed specifically to work in weak signal environments and is optimized for weak signal user scenarios, including basements, elevators, suburban areas, and landscape handheld. The technology features a new antenna design and exclusive algorithms that significantly enhance signal performance in weak signal conditions. It can intelligently switch antennas, accelerate the network, and reduce lag when using low latency applications such as gaming and video streaming. USP tech boosts the NOTE 30’s cellular signal strength by an impressive 20% land a 100% increase in WiFi signal strength in landscape mode . Gamers can now enjoy an uninterrupted and lag-free gaming experience on their devices.
Furthermore, the NOTE 30 features a captivating 120Hz refresh rate display, enhanced by Infinix’s Smart Refresh and Magellan Engine technologies. These capabilities enable the device to adjust its refresh rate based on user activities, resulting in seamless performance while saving energy. Whether you’re streaming videos or playing games, the NOTE 30’s display provides an engaging viewing experience. Moreover, the Eye-care Mode, certified by TUV Rheinland, safeguards
users’ eyes from prolonged screen exposure. Stunning Smartphone Photography
The NOTE 30 smartphone boasts a highly advanced camera system, allowing users to capture stunning photos and videos. With its 64 MP primary camera and automatic color gradation technology, users can capture every moment with exceptional clarity and transparency. Additionally, the NOTE 30 includes several unique features, in-
cluding the Street Photography Filters, which encapsulate professional street photography tools. The Dual View Mode allows for simultaneous front and rear-facing camera usage, while the Sky Remap adjusts the sky in photos. The 16MP selfie camera is another highlight of the NOTE 30’s camera system, which comes with Style Makeup feature offering customized makeup options for both men and women, capturing their multi-faceted personality for social media and beyond.
MANILA – Today, Lenovo™ unveiled its latest ThinkStation and ThinkPad workstation solutions designed to provide the high levels of power and performance needed to run sophisticated workloads with ISV certifications. Lenovo workstations are engineered to push the boundaries of performance that help unleash users’ potential while maintaining the reliability, usability and configurability needed across a variety of industries.
“Lenovo’s latest workstations demonstrate our commitment to developing human-centered innovations that enable our customers to make a difference and have a longterm positive impact in their respective fields.“ said Michael Ngan, President and Country General Manager of Lenovo Philippines.
End users can create custom workstations using cutting-edge components such as 13th Generation Intel® Core® processors and professional NVIDIA® RTXTM GPUs, as well as the industry’s most recent operating systems, including Windows 11 and several Linux distributions.
Limitless Possibilities, Game-changing Power
The ThinkStation P3 series desktop workstations provide the value users need without compromising on performance or versatility. An all-new Tower form factor designed for mission-critical tasks is an excellent choice for cost-conscious designers, engineers, and students looking for flexibility and expandability without sacrificing compute power. The P3 series consists of:
The ThinkStation P3 Tower with its expanded chassis supports larger power supplies up to 1100W to handle more demand-
ing configurations and multiple storage options up to 26TB for data-heavy applications.
ThinkStation P3 Ultra enhances a revolutionary form factor that packs power and performance in a space-saving chassis that is less than four liters in volume. An intelligently compact workstation, P3 Ultra is designed to handle demanding workflows and easily adapt to changing hybrid workspaces.
ThinkStation P3 Tiny is engineered to go where other workstations can’t. Its class leading size of one liter allows the P3 Tiny to fit into virtually any location.
The ThinkPad mobile workstations are synonymous with power, premium design, and durability. The latest ThinkPad P Series models pro-
vide human-centric innovations designed for hybrid work and to foster positive employee experiences, while also providing high levels of power and performance that allow users to do more on the go. Among the key features are:
ThinkPad P14s i Gen 4 and P16s i Gen 2 will delight highly mobile professionals, educators and students who seek an ideal mix of performance and power at a comfortable price point without compromising security or durability.
ThinkPad P16v i is designed to close the gap between entry-level and high-end workstations. Built for creators who require more power to handle large workloads and multitask with ease, it includes Intel Core H-Series processors, advanced graphics and the latest security features to protect valuable data and identity on the
move. Extreme levels of mobile workstation performance are delivered by ThinkPad P16 Gen 2 and ThinkPad P1 Gen 6 allowing users to do complex workflows such as high-definition rendering and high-end VR on the go. P16 Gen 2 is focused on raw performance approaching that of some desktop workstations, with the highest-class mobile CPUs, professional NVIDIA RTX GPUs, and Lenovo’s highest ever memory capacity in a mobile workstation with as much as 192GB. ThinkPad P1 now in its sixth generation focuses on producing top performance in a thin and light form factor without compromising on power or durability.
Redefining Desktop Workstation
Versatility: Lenovo ThinkStation P3 Tower, P3 Ultra, and P3 Tiny
This latest generation of desktop workstations become Lenovo’s most
powerful entry-level workstation offerings and offers form factor size options that can scale across a variety of industries, hybrid workspaces and their respective workflows. Users in engineering and architecture, finance, advanced education, and in medical applications, can customize and configure the new ThinkStation P3 according to their specific requirements. Highlights include:
ThinkStation P3 Tower: Experience the power and expandability of a tower workstation at a more affordable price-point, including 13th Generation Intel Core processors and supporting up to NVIDIA RTX™ A5500 graphics to breeze through mission-critical tasks with the reliability, performance and expansion capability required across a variety of industries. P3 Tower can support up to 128GB DDR5 memory and a total of six storage drives, with four PCIe expansion slots and power supply up to 1100W.
ThinkStation P3 Ultra: Packing an exceptional level of performance in a chassis less than four liters, the P3 Ultra is ideal for demanding workflows in hybrid, remote or less accessible locations. The intelligent compact design features up to NVIDIA RTX A5500 graphics and an optional BMC (baseboard management controller) to be released later this year, that enables advanced remote monitoring and systems management.
ThinkStation P3 Tiny: Lenovo’s Tiny form factor is engineered to go where others can’t. The new P3 Tiny, at just one liter in total volume, is small but mighty. With a versatile array of mounting options, ISV certifications and up to NVIDIA T1000 graphics that supports up to six displays, ThinkStation P3 Tiny can empower architects and engineers, financial analysts, health professionals, and STEM education, virtually anywhere.
The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Board is going allin on its grassroots sports development programs, while seeking full involvement in its support to national athletes competing in major international events.
“It is our goal to touch every single province in the country, and provide a comprehensive program for Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao,” said PSC Chairman Richard Bachmann, gracing the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum at Rizal Memorial Sports Complex on Tuesday.
Bachmann said the agency will stage three regional competitions for the Philippine National Games in the fourth quarter of 2023 and national finals set in the first quarter of 2024. Meanwhile, Batang Pinoy will stage its regional legs in the third quarter of 2024 and national championships in 2025.
“We have to make sure our grassroots sports programs go in the right way. Our goal is to eliminate the gap of grassroots to the elite, and that is through connecting them to the national sports associations,” said the sports agency chief.
“It is building a career path for all these athletes. If we did this in Cebu, if we can replicate it all over the Philippines, we cannot only have one Hidilyn [Diaz], one [Elreen] Ando, we can have probably fifteen of them with the right program,” said Commissioner Edward Hayco, who was joined by fellow Commissioners Bong Coo and Fritz Gaston.
The PSC officials also shared their experiences and evaluation of Team Philippines’ recent stint at the 32nd SEA Games in Cambodia, highlighting the necessary adjustments the PSC needs to make.
“I don’t want the PSC to just be the funding arm to our elite level athletes. We really have to get involved in working with the Philippine Olympic Committee, see common ground and understand each sport and its NSAs. We should take full responsibility in caring for our athletes,” said Bachmann.
The chairman said the PSC will form a task-force with the POC in building a comprehensive criteria in support of our national athletes competing in the 19th Asian Games in China in September this year.
Gaston reiterated this and said “we are athletes, we know their needs. We need to provide better and more competitive facilities. But we also have to be critical in terms of selection.”
Coo said she was impressed at how national athletes displayed grit through the SEAG.
“Nakita ko talaga ang intensity at lakas at determination ng mga atleta natin. Hindi sila nawalan ng pagasa, lumaban sila hanggang mairaos nila. I was very proud that most of them are women, unang medalya nga puro kababaihan,” said Coo.
