Edge Davao Vol. 16 Issue 47 | Saturday, June 10, 2023

A student covers her head with pompom that she is using as props while practicing cheerdance with her classmates to protect herself from the mid-day sun’s extreme heat in Matina, Davao City on Friday. Lean Daval Jr

ROAD TO PROGRESS TAKES PATIENCE

Dabawenyos urged to bear road closure hassles for 16 months

ROAD TO PROGRESS TAKES PATIENCE

Dabawenyos urged to bear road closure hassles for 16 months

By MAYA M. PADILLO

Dabawenyos are urged to bear the inconvenience brought by the closure of the Matina Biao-Barangay Langub road for 16 months owing to the construction of the overpass bridge.

Dabawenyos are urged to bear the inconvenience brought by the closure of the Matina Biao-Barangay Langub road for 16 months owing to the construction of the overpass bridge.

The City Council approved on Tuesday an ordinance approving the road closure of Matina Biao-Langub Road for a period of 16 months from May 2023 to December 2024 for the construc-

tion of an overpass bridge (OV2) along the said area.

The ordinance was approved as part of the Davao City Bypass Road Project, which is supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), to begin various building projects, including the Matina 1 and Matina 2 River Bridges.

Councilor Edgar Ibuyan Jr, chair of the committee of Anti-ter-

Imee confirms she convinced Duterte to run as PBBM’s VP

Senator Imee Marcos on Thursday confirmed that

rorism and committee on Public Works and Highways, apologized on Tuesday and asked for the understanding of the Dabawenyos as well as urged them to look forward to the benefits it will bring once the project is completed.

“Kay magkaroon dinha ug bypass road and above niana naay i-construct na bridge and bypass road from barangay Langub to Matina Biao so dili naka muagi sa Carmen, Catalunan Grande, ug Tacunan. Kung i-across ang duha ka barangay didto naka muagi. Ang travel time na 45 minutes would

Cops still clueless on who abducted suspects in rape-slay of Bragas

The police are still clueless on the persons who abducted Kent Laurence Metegreto Espinosa and Dennis Roy Panzan, who are among the suspects in the rape-slay of 28-year-old Architect Vlanche Marie Bragas here.

Police Major Catherine dela Rey, Davao City Police Office (DCPO) spokesperson, said in an interview at the sidelines of

I-Speak Media Conference on Thursday that investigation is still ongoing to determine the identities of those behind their abduction.

The 18-year-old Panzan, a resident of Purok 7 in Barangay Lacson, was reported missing at 9:30 a.m. of May 27, while Espinosa, 26, meat vendor, a resident of Purok 18, Megaville Street, Calinan, at 3:30 p.m. of the same

day.

At 8:05 a.m. of May 29, Panzan was found in Matina Pangi, but he died an hour later at the Davao Adventist hospital, the police reported earlier.

“We cannot dismiss the fact that they are also victims because they were abducted. We are still conducting an investigation,” dela Rey said.

she convinced Vice President Sara Duterte to run as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s running mate in last year’s national elections.

In an event, Marcos affirmed Duterte’s narration of the events that led to her vice-presidency.

“Totoo lahat ng sinabi ni Vice President Sara, subalit hindi ko na inisip na angkinin pa o pag-usapan pa dahil ang mahalaga nanalo naman ang dalawa na malalapit sa akin. Ang aking kapatid at ang kinakapatid ko na turing si Inday Sara,” the senator said.

Duterte in an event on Wednesday narrated Sen. Marcos’ role in convincing her to run for vice president and her decision-making process, and how the senator coined the tandem’s moniker of UniTeam.

“So tumakbo si President Bongbong Marcos and then natapos na, sarado na yung filing of candidacy ... I think it was after or some 5 days after nagtext sa akin si Sen. Imee Marcos minessage niya ako and she said pwede bang ikaw na lang ang tumakbo ng vice president?” the eldest daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte said.

“I told her let me just talk to my mother and my family about running for vice president and then kinausap ko yung pamilya. It was very important to me na makuha ko yung suporta ng

nanay ko and when she gave that support, she gave me her all out support, bumalik ako kay Sen. Imee, I said na pwede ko ba kayong makausap ni Pres. Bongbong. So si Sen. Imee and Sen. Bongbong, we talked online lang,” she recalled.

BACKGROUND

Duterte’s speech mirrored her published statement rebuking a public statement by Cavite congressman Elpidio Barzaga, who credited House Speaker Martin Romualdez for “tremendously helping in pushing” for her vice presidential candidacy.

Barzaga claimed that Romualdez became close to the Vice President because he was among those who convinced her to run for the post under the UniTeam ticket. The House Speaker is a first cousin of Sen. Imee and President Marcos Jr.

He made the statement due to Duterte’s remark in a speech last Monday, where she mentioned she will no longer mention the President’s middle initial “R”, which is Romualdez.

He also referred to the Vice President’s social media post wherein Duterte reportedly posted a cryptic message on her social media accounts which read, “In your ambition, do not be tambaloslos.”

Tambaloslos is a “mythical creature with a large mouth and penis found in Visayan, Bicolano and Mindanao folklore”, Barza-

FIMEE, P10

The opening of the first segment of the Davao City Coastal Bypass Road relies on the availability of former president Rodrigo Duterte, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, and Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte, according to a Davao City official. Lean Daval Jr.

FROAD, P10

Covid-19 vaccination efforts continue in the Davao Region

City’s Measles-Rubella vaxx drive extended

The City Health Office has extended its Measles-Rubella (MR) – bivalent Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) Supplementation Immunization Activity campaign until June 15.

The campaign, which aims to immunize children 0-59 months old against measles, rubella, and polio, was initially planned to last for the entire month of May. However, since the target population of children to be inoculated is yet to be reached, the Department of Health has extended the program until the second week of this month.

CHO Officer-in-Charge Dr. Tomas Miguel Ababon, during the I-Speak Media Conference on Thursday, said that from May 1 to June 7, the CHO immunized a total of 130,063 children with the (MR) vaccine, this makes up around 84 percent of the target population of 154,138.

For the OPV, the CHO inoculated 21,529 children or around 76 percent of the targeted 28,423 children for the same period.

“The national target is 95

By MAYA M. PADILLO

TheDepartment of Health-Davao Region (DOHDavao Region) announced on Wednesday that the Covid-19 vaccination efforts will continue throughout the Davao Region.

percent, and with this extension, probably Davao will achieve around 87 percent; hopefully we can reach 90 percent [for MR vaccination],” Ababon said.

Though the CHO has taken the vaccination drive to every purok of each barangay in the city, Ababon said the campaign met challenges due to the numerous far-flung barangays that are not easily accessible.

Another challenge to the campaign is the presence of a certain population of parents who refuse to vaccinate their children, with some preferring to have their kids immunized by the family physician.

The target population set by the DOH, according to Ababon, in itself is also a challenge since these numbers do not necessarily reflect the actual population size of children in various barangays of the city.

“Some of the targeted population is way above the actual population of the area, or of the districts. Kasi merong (This is because there are) in-migration

FCITY’S, P10

DOH-Davao has received a total of 6,750 doses of Pfizer adult and pedia Covid-19 vaccines, which arrived at the Davao International Airport (DIA) on June 7, 2023.

The vaccines were immediately transported to the Department of Health - Davao Center’s Health Development cold storage facility. According to the media release of DOH-Davao, the 5,850 doses of Pfizer adult are intended for those

aged 12 years and above, and the 900 doses of Pfizer are for the pedia or those aged 5-11 years.

Qualified individuals who want to avail the said vaccines can contact the nearest local health centers.

DOH-Davao reported that there are 3,353,416 individuals or 88.3% of the target population in the Davao Region are fully vaccinated as of March 10, 2023.

Meanwhile, based on the Regional Situation Update on Covid-19 in Davao Region as of May 29, 2023, the healthcare utilization showed a regional hospital capacity of 27% for non-ICU bed use and 43% for ICU bed use.

There were 30 severe and critical admissions out of 325 of Covid-19. There were 166 new cases recorded in the past week, May 22 to 28, 2023, which was higher by 6.41% compared to the cases reported last May 15-21, 2023.

There were three actual death

Coastal road 1st segment opening awaits VIPs: Dad

Davao City Councilor Edgar Ibuyan Jr. said on Thursday that the opening of the first segment of the Davao City Coastal Bypass Road relies on the availability of former president Rodrigo Duterte, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, and Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte, who will lead the cutting of the rib-

bon.

The first segment of coastal road, which is the 7.5-kilometer Segment A that stretches from Bago Aplaya to Times Beach in Matina, was supposedly scheduled for inauguration last month as reported by Dean Ortiz, spokesperson of the Department of Public Works and High-

ways 11 (DPWH 11).

“Ang mando ni Mayor Baste gusto na niya ma-open last month but there are things that were considered since the President now gusto niya siya mag cut sa ribbon sabay kay former president Rodrigo Duterte ug dapat naa pud daw si Mayor Baste.

Senator Imee Marcos confirms that she convinced Vice President Sara Duterte to run as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s running mate in last year’s national elections. Lean Daval Jr.

FCOASTAL, P10

FCOVID-19, P10

BPO firm underscores need to reskill workforce amid AI

American customer experience (CX) solutions firm Concentrix has underscored the need for Filipino talents for reskilling and upskilling amid the rising application of artificial intelligence (AI) in business operations.

Concentrix Philippines Delivery and Operations senior vice president and country leader Amit Jagga said talents in the business process outsourcing (BPO) industry should adapt with the advanced technologies and innovation being rolled out by companies.

“AI and automation have been in existence for the last 15 to 20 years and together with machine learning, are constant-

ly evolving,” Jagga told reporters Tuesday during a site visit at Concentrix Cebu Montage.

He said repetitive work in the industry will be automated, but these will be replaced by more complex transactions that would require the “human touch”.

“So while automation creates disruption to the existing work, the CX industry in total will still continue to grow with

new industries and more complex work,” he added.

Jagga said companies should invest in continuous training of their talents and help them to be future-ready.

“When you have so much skills, you do not risk the issue of people being left without a job in between because there will be sufficient opportunities,” he said.

“The risk would be for people who will not reskill because the technologies will change, the world will change, and therefore there’s constant reskilling needed to adapt and remain successful. “

FBPO, P10

Exec cites rising number of forex brokers in PH

An official of international online licensed broker FBS has cited the rising number of foreign exchange (forex) brokers in the Philippines and the region, thus highlighting the need to improve financial literacy to encourage more players.

In an online briefing on Thursday, FBS strategic marketing director Ksenia Molodkina

said that “since 2020, in case of trading volume and users activity, we saw the big impact from the users in Southeast Asia and the Philippines as well.”

“We have been witnessing a rising interest in trading among the users based in Southeast Asia.

For example, trading volume of traders with the Filipino IB (introducing broker) had a 2.6 per-

DOE chief to dev’t partners: Help PH in transmission capabilities

In line with the government’s goal to fully energize the country, Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Raphael Lotilla has urged the country’s development partners to participate in building transmission infrastructure across the nation.

In his keynote speech at the World Bank’s launch of Philippine Economic Update: Securing a Clean Energy Future in Taguig City Thursday, Lotilla said it is crucial to start building up transmission infrastructure in the country by cooperating with development partners such as the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to deliver electricity, especially in the remote areas.

and it has not been in that state for five to 10 years now,” Lotilla said.

The DOE chief said the time to invest in transmission is now to prepare the infrastructure once the additional capacity of clean energy comes in the coming years.

“I pose the challenge for our development partners therefore to be up to speed in delivering the needed transmission capabilities,” he said.

Lotilla said there is also an opportunity to synergize transmission lines with other infrastructure projects like bridges to lower the cost of building up parallel transmission lines.

cent since 2020,” she said.

In foreign exchange trading, IB refers to a person or a firm that serves as a middleman by introducing new clients to a foreign exchange broker.

Molodkina declined to give specific numbers on their Filipino IBs but said that “Philippines has made the top five of our region.”

FEXEC, P10

Citing the Marcos administration’s Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028, the government targets to upgrade the transmission and distribution lines to support an efficient to clean energy.

“The tragedy of Negros Island where you have 80 megawatts of stranded power is one that we do not wish to be replicated in the rest of the country

“So, the potential for building bridges, whether it’s across Manila Bay, Guimaras, Negros, Panay, and Pangil Bay, these are opportunities for building new transmission lines, along with the rights of way that are going to have been identified for the new BOT (build-operate-transfer) and PPP (public-private partnership) projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways. So, we see synergies here,” he added. (PNA)

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Felipe Medalla bares that interest rates will likely remain unchanged when the central bank’s Monetary Board meets on June 22. He added that a cut in interest rates this early could also result in the weakening of the peso against the dollar. Lean Daval Jr.

Gov’t, private sector sign MOA on financial education program

BSP to lower RRR on June 30

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has slashed regulated financial institutions’ reserve requirement ratio (RRR) effective June 30, the day that regulatory relief measures allowing banks’ lending to small business as RRR compliance expire.

In a statement on Thursday, the central bank said RRR of universal and commercial banks (U/KBs) and non-bank financial institutions with quasi-banking functions (NBQBs) were slashed by 250 basis points to 9.5 percent; digital banks, 200 basis points to 6 percent; thrift banks (TBs), 100 basis points to 2 percent; and rural banks (RBs) and cooperative banks (coopbanks), 100 basis points to 1 percent.

“The new ratios shall take effect on the reserve week beginning 30 June 2023 and shall apply to the local currency deposits and deposit substitute liabilities of banks and NBQBs,” it said.

The BSP said the RRR cut is aimed to “ensure stable domestic liquidity and credit conditions” as the alternative modes of RRR compliance ends this month.

Earlier, BSP Governor Fe-

TheNational Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) signed a multi-party memorandum of agreement to institutionalize a curriculum that will help students achieve financial independence.

lipe Medalla indicated the need to cut RRR to address any rate tightening effects on banks’ liquidity position once the pandemic-related measures allowable period ends.

The BSP statement said the RRR cut “is in line with the BSP’s ongoing efforts towards a more active and flexible approach to liquidity management through market-based monetary operations.”

Last week, the central bank announced that it would offer starting on June 30 the 56-day BSP Bill, an additional facility aimed at mopping off excess liquidity from the financial system.

The central bank said the reduction in RRR “do(es) not constitute any shift in the BSP’s monetary policy settings.”

“The BSP continues to prioritize bringing inflation back towards a target-consistent path over the medium term and will continue to signal its monetary policy stance through the key policy interest rate, or the rate on the overnight reverse repurchase facility,” it added.

Meanwhile, Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) chief economist Mi-

In a statement, NEDA said the MOA signed on Thursday seeks to establish the Personal Finance 101: “My Peso and I” curriculum as a three-unit elective course for selected higher education institutions (HEIs) nationwide.

NEDA is partnering with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), Commission on Higher Educa-

tion (CHED), BPI Foundation Inc. (BPIF), and members of the Financial Sector Forum (FSF), such as the Insurance Commission, Philippine Deposit Insurance Commission, and Securities and Exchange Commission.

Personal Finance 101 is a curriculum that aims to provide college students with the fundamen-

tal knowledge and skills necessary to achieve financial independence. Students will learn the basics of financial planning tools and techniques, as well as develop analytical skills to make crucial financial decisions regarding savings, credit, investments, insurance, and retirement planning.

“We commend this initiative that supports Chapter 11 of the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028, on promoting an inclusive, innovative, and healthy financial sector. Financial literacy has been identified as a major

FGOV’T, P10

BSP likely to keep rates unchanged -- Medalla

Interest rates will likely remain unchanged when the central bank’s Monetary Board meets on June 22, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Felipe Medalla said on Thursday.

Medalla told reporters on Thursday afternoon that while inflation has been declining for the past four months, it is still best to prepare for potential

economic headwinds.

“My own view is the pause is very likely to continue because the recent data actually is consistent with it. But of course, I cannot speak for the Monetary Board,” Medalla said.

The BSP has forecast the inflation rate to ease to below 4 percent by September or October. Despite this, Medalla said a cut in interest rates is still not

on the horizon.

“Kung talagang siguradong-sigurado na tayong na-attain na ‘yong target very very firmly, we’ll cut. Pero kung tingin nating alanganin pa, then hindi pa rin pwede. In other words, it will depend on the data and it will depend on which risks we are afraid of,” Medalla said.

A vendor repacks cooking oil at the Bankerohan Market in Davao City on Thursday, 08 June 2023. Vendors say that prices of cooking oil have dropped from at least P100 per kilo to P90 recently.. The inflation rate in Davao Region decelerated to 6.3 percent in May 2023 from 7.5 percent the previous month, according to the recent Summary Inflation Report from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). MindaNews Photo

On the statement of Cavite Rep. Elpidio Barzaga Jr. that House Speaker Martin Romualdez had a significant role in her decision to run for Vice President:

“A person who cannot distinguish between attack and humor has no place in politics — especially if one fails to understand that political bickering is just a facet of democracy and should not be used to equate with governance. On the one hand, how the recent political developments have become an opportunity for sycophants is quite amusing.”

VICE PRESIDENT SARA DUTERTE

Next to the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), established on August 1, 1851, as El Ban-co Español Filipino de Isabel II and the country’s oldest, Monte de Piedad y Caja de Ahorros, a Catholic outfit, is the second oldest, organized in 1882 and is the first savings bank in the archipelago. Seven years earlier, Hongkong Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC), a foreign lending institution, started operating in Binondo in November 1875.

In Davao City, the Monte de Piedad branch used to occupy the space beside the lot of the now defunct Mila’s Tailoring, which is now leased to Medisense Laboratory Clinic, Inc., right next to the Jehovah’s Witnesses’ compound along Claveria (C.M. Recto) Street.

The idea of having a charitable banking institution was

ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA

BACKWARD

MONTE DE PIEDAD, A CATHOLIC BANK

proposed in March 1880 by Span-ish governor-general Domingo Moriones Murillo to help the needy through a model that ex-tends a modest interest and gives out loans using the loanee’s tangible properties as collateral. As a result, he issued a decree creating the Monte de Piedad with P33,959, Mexican currency, from the Obras Pias of the Casa de Misericordia as an initial deposit of the new institution.

On July 20, 1882, the bank was opened in Intramuros, Manila, based on the Monte de Piedad de Madrid rules, and started operations on August 2, 1882.

When the Americans came, the charitable institution had outstanding loans of about P900,000 that were extended to the poor at 6% a year, “secured by the pledge of jewelry, house-

hold articles and apparel delivered into the possession of the institution, or, to a small extent, by real estate mortgages.” It operated like today’s pawnshops and was at the time managed by the Catholic church or whoever was the head of the Manila See.

A man named Manuel Luis M. Quezon, who later became the Commonwealth president, had worked in the bank in 1900 with a monthly take-home pay of P25.

Against the odds, the bank, with the archbishop of Manila as its president, survived the global war and later financial crises; it even expanded its portfolio by counting loans to the poorest of the poor, including tricycle drivers and teachers. But the program was eventually abused, which affected the liquidity of the lending bank.

In October 1994, the pro-

gram was stopped, and the bank temporarily ceased operations in April 1997. Through the brokering of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, it was sold to Keppel Group of Singapore. At the time, it only had assets of US$90 million and 30 branches. The new owner invested US$40 million to cover unfunded manager’s cheques issued before the bank closed.

On October 5, 2005, General Electric Co. of Connecticut, USA, acquired Monte de Piedad, renamed as Keppel Bank, for $25.8 million. In March 2007, GE Money Bank, the reincarna-tion of Monte de Piedad, reported asset growth of over 10% with assets reaching P8.9 billion.

Two years later, BDO Unibank took over the erstwhile Catholic banking outfit and agreed to a share-whap deal

with GE to acquire a minority stake in BDO Unibank, the equal of 1.5% stake, with an option to increase its holdings to up to 10%. The takeover involved the inclu-sion of GE Money Bank’s 31 branches, 30,000 customers, and 38 ATMs nationwide.

Following the completion of the deal, BDO Unibank refurbished the Davao branch of the defunct charitable institution and gave it a new name. But as soon as the new owner had opened a more spacious building on a prime lot situated just over 100 meters away, the old, one-story Monte de Piedad was relinquished and leased to a high-end housing company.

A reminder that the lending institution has contributed to the city’s progress is the Monte de Piedad Housing at Maa.

RCEP AND PHILIPPINE AGRICULTURE

On June 2, 2023, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement entered into force.

Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno was very ecstatic when he stated on Feb. 23 “the ratification of the RCEP is key to a more open, transparent, and predictable trade and investment environment. Deeper economic integration among RCEP member states will expand the country’s market access for goods and services, attract more investments, and create more and better jobs.”

The RCEP was ratified by the Senate on Feb. 22 by 20 senators with only Senator Riza Hontiveros voting against it, while Sen. Imee Marcos abstained.

It is the largest free trade agreement in the world composed of 10 ASEAN member countries, including free trade agreement (FTA) partners such as China, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand.

Overall, RCEP members account for one-third of the world’s population and economy. Specifically, the RCEP re-

gion accounts for 50 percent of global manufacturing output, 50 percent of global automotive output, 70 percent of electronics, and the main global value chain hubs of Japan, China and Korea.

The RCEP is the ninth FTA that the Philippines has ratified since the early 1990s. The Philippines has existing FTAs with several RCEP members, such as China, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and New Zealand. With RCEP, it is expected that customs duties imposed by each member state on imported goods will be reduced by approximately 92 percent for 20 years.

While RCEP was lauded by some members of the business sector and government officials, the agriculture sector opposed the agreement, stating that unbridled import liberalization is causing the gradual demise of Philippine agriculture. There is indeed a reason for the agricultural producers to oppose the agreement since tomatoes, potatoes, onions, garlic, cabbages, carrots, lettuce, cucumbers, and many other agricultural prod-

ucts are included in the Schedule of Tariff Commitments of the Philippines.

A lot of these vegetables are produced abundantly, particularly in the provinces of Benguet, Nueva Vizcaya, Mindoro and elsewhere. There were unfortunate times when farmers could not sell their produce, such as tomatoes and cucumbers, due to very low prices. During a Senate hearing on the prices of onions, farmers said that they can produce all the onions the country needs sans hoarding or the price manipulations of traders. It is already a fact that cheap imported agricultural products compete with those locally produced.

Import liberalization of all sorts of products has weakened Philippine industries, increased reliance on imported products, and threatened the nation’s food security. Reducing import tariffs to near zero will undoubtedly impact Philippine agriculture and the lives of millions of farmers who depend on the land as their source of livelihood. The result of the October 2022 Labor Force Survey

showed that the agriculture and forestry industries lost 511,000 workers.

Beginning in the 1960s, succeeding governments chose to adhere to the policies of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) until the Philippines committed to opening its economy, meaning, open to foreign capital and foreign loans with economic impositions, to gradually liberalize the economy. The more the Philippines opened its economy to the influx of imported goods, reducing tariffs on agricultural products, the more the economy deteriorated, and local industries declined. The neoliberal era of the 1990s, marked by the establishment of the World Trade Organization (WTO), has led to more poverty among the people, threatened self-sufficiency, and increased food insecurity among nations.

It cannot be denied that the influx of agricultural products from other countries is making life difficult for agricultural producers. The decline in Philippine agriculture is more expressed by Walden Bello when he stated in an article that “In

the years prior to our joining the WTO (World Trade Organization), our annual agricultural trade was most often in surplus. The last time our agricultural trade was in surplus was in 1993. Since we joined the WTO in 1995, our agricultural trade went into deficit, growing from USD149 million in 1995 to USD960 million in 2005 to a whopping USD7.9 billion in 2019.”

The RCEP opens the floodgates for more imported products, especially in agriculture. While economic protectionism remains a viable option but may not be feasible in the era of globalization, I think what is more doable is to awaken the patriotic sentiments of Filipinos to patronize locally produced commodities.

There is now an emerging and developing movement to buy Filipino-made products, buy locally-produced vegetables, and help local farmers sell their produce in the cities, among other initiatives. There is hope, after all, since the patriotic and bayanihan spirits of the Filipinos persist.

Every

In Davao City, a good call for unique dishes is at Habi at Kape. Thanks to the incredible passion of long-time culinary and culture connoisseur Mary Ann Montemayor for combining ingredients and creating dishes inspired by Mindanao culture.

I was able to try out some of these dishes during Habi at Kape-Rogen Inn’s first anniversary wherein guests were treated to a buffet of well-loved Davao food and some favorite Filipino signature dishes on June 7 and 8, 2023.

Some of the highlights include “sinuglaw” for appetizer which has a twist of Habi at Kape’s spiced “gata” (coconut milk) as a dressing; and “pako” (fern) salad with pomelo and Davao mango dressing.

For the main course, we had the “Dabaw binalot”, which is Habi’s fusion of Kapampangan’s bringhe and the Maguindanaoan’s pastil. The “binalot” incorporates all-time favorite chicken humba and is topped with salted egg and ginger-scallion palapa, which is a Maranao condiment.

Of course, a celebration will not be complete without the signature Davao pansit (noodle) called “hinaoob na oodong awon manok hasta butong,” “bungos na Bangus” or bangus belly stuffed with fruit bits and veggies; and “lumpiang hubad.”

Desserts are crowd favorites that have been featured in many food festivals and catering by Habi at Kape’s sister company, Villa Margarita. This is includes the award-winning kamote-durian roll, turon baduya, Habi maja blanca, and buko-pandan verrine.

Celebrating one year with well-loved Davao food

Looking back, Montemayor started Habi at Kape while negotiating with the management of a newly-opened Abreeza Mall aiming to give a ‘home’ for the Davao Ecocrafts Association that will highlight local crafts of Davao at a friendly price.

The mall agreed under one condition that she will also put a café.

Nine years later, Montemayor opened two more branches within the city, including the branch at Rogen Inn, which was established amid the pandemic.

Habi at Kape - Rogen Inn branch has been able to highlight many

Davao dishes with a fusion that has been only available in catering.

“Opening the café was as if rediscovering my first love but the cafe back then was not the same as the cafe we have now. We envisioned a cafe that doesn’t only serve coffee but tells a story about the Mindanao culture,” she said.

Focusing on the entrepreneurial virtue of “Kaayo,” which means “kindness,” “the extra mile” and “for good,” Habi at Kape continues to elevate the Davao experience through food and beverage and collaborations with local suppliers and farmers to showcase cuisines and create

a fusion that tells the story of the complexity of Davao’s history and the various cultures that found their way to Davao.

Montemayor recently received the Habi Inspirational Tourism Entrepreneur Award during the Ministry of Tourism and Go Negosyo Tourism Summit in Cebu City, which recognizes outstanding establishments and their owners who excel in food tourism.

Habi at Kape at Rogen Inn is open daily from 9:00 AM to 8:30 PM and is available for exclusive functions and catering through Villa Margarita Catering Services.

single town boasts of a single signature local dish. Some even have more.

SSS preps TESDA IX job order workers for their social security membership

The Social Security System (SSS), through its Branch and Service Offices in Western Mindanao, conducted SSS orientations to 116 job order (JO) and contractual workers of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Region IX on May 10, 2023.

The orientation was simultane-

ously held nationwide at different TESDA Regional and Provincial Offices in preparation for the JO workers’ SSS coverage under the KaSSSangga Collect Program once a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) has been signed.

Through the KaSSSangga Collect Program, JO workers who are not covered by the Government

Service Insurance System (GSIS) will be ensured of their active SSS membership, which will entitle them to various social security benefits such as sickness, maternity, disability, retirement, death, and funeral, including short-term loan privileges like salary and calamity loan. They may also receive Employees’ Compensation (EC) bene-

fits for work-related contingencies.

Photo shows SSS Zamboanga Branch’s Accounts Management Section Senior Analyst Erwin L. Salcedo discussing with JO workers in attendance the SSS mandate, the value of SSS membership, and the advantages of the KaSSSangga Collect Program.

For more information, visit any

of the official SSS social media accounts like the SSS Facebook Page at “Philippine Social Security System – SSS”; SSS Viber Community at “MYSSSPH Updates”; Instagram at “mysssph”; Twitter at “PHLSSS,” YouTube at “MySSSPhilippines, and uSSSapTayo Portal at https://crms. sss.gov.ph/.”

Xiaomi expands Redmi Note 12 Series in the Philippines with new midrange powerhouses

Manila, Philippines – Xiaomi has announced the arrival of new mid range devices with flagship features in the Philippines: the Redmi Note 12 Pro and Redmi Note 12S. These new smartphones add to the lineup of the popular fan-favorite devices, the Redmi Note 12 series.

Xiaomi showcased the new Redmi Note 12 Series smartphones at Craft Academy at Ayala Malls Manila Bay. Guests got to experience the colorful lineup of smartphones while immersing themselves in the vividness of the location. They also got to participate in fun sensory activities, like slime making and cupcake decorating, where they can show off their

creativity and personality.

This addition of the new smartphones to the Redmi Note 12 series once again brings valuable enhancements to the features that matter most to Xiaomi fans. With remarkable updates that are unique across each device, from camera system and battery life, to charging speed and user-friendly design, the Redmi Note 12 series offers all types of users a unique experience depending on their personal needs – once again showcasing their commitment to offer everyone with accessible technology at an affordable price.

“We wanted Xiaomi fans to ‘Live Vivid’ with the Redmi Note 12 Series,

which suits the vibrant lifestyles of young people today. The new models expand their smartphone options, so they could find the right device that matches their personality and everyday needs,” said Tomi Adrias, Xiaomi Philippines’ Head of Marketing.

Equipped with a 108MP main camera and an 8MP ultra-wide angle camera, Redmi Note 12 Pro features a large sensor size of 1/1.52’’-inch Samsung sensor. With the 9-in-1 pixel binning and a dual native ISO and a 2MP depth camera to create a natural bokeh effect for portrait shots. For a first-class visual and audio experience, the Redmi Note 12

Pro comes with a large 6.67” FHD+ AMOLED DotDisplay with a 120Hz display refresh rate for smooth scrolling and lag-free transitions. It is also equipped with Dolby Vision® and Dolby Atmos® spatial audio technology support for a superb audio experience.

Powered by Snapdragon® 732G and 67W turbocharging, Redmi Note 12 Pro has a large 5,000mAh battery which easily provides long-lasting usage of social media activity, photography, video shooting and more, so users can go anywhere, do anything, and never miss a moment.

Redmi Note 12 Pro is available in four colors – Star Blue, Glacier Blue, Polar White, and Graphite Gray.

Vibrant and quality audiovisual experience with Redmi Note 12S

Redmi Note 12S delivers a complete entertainment experience with immersive stereo sound for gaming or watching videos. With vibrant colors and clear contents even in bright daylight, thanks to its large 6.43” FHD + AMOLED DotDisplay with peak brightness of up to 1,000

nits. The device also features an up to 90Hz refresh rate and a touch sampling rate up to 180Hz for s ko mooth lag-free transitions.

Redmi Note 12S features a 5,000mAh large-capacity battery along with 33W fast charging, which offers efficient and long-lasting battery performance. Powered by Octa-core MediaTek Helio G96 processor and up to 8GB of RAM, Redmi Note 12S offers a fast and smooth user experience. Whether it’s capturing incredible photos and videos, watching movies, or scrolling social media, Redmi Note 12S delivers a stable and reliable performance for all your daily entertainment.

Redmi Note 12S is available in four colors – Ice Blue, Pearl Green and Onyx Black.

The Redmi Note 12 Pro and Redmi Note 12S will be available in authorized Xiaomi stores, and online via Lazada and Shopee starting June 9, 2023. Fans can also get the chance to get a free Xiaomi Powerbank when they purchase any of the models from June 9 to 18.

ROAD... FROM 2 CITY’S... FROM 3 IMEE... FROM 2

be 5 minutes na lang,” Ibuyan said over Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR) on Thursday.

He said the Department of Public Works and Highways-Unified Project Management Office (DPWH-UPMO) asked for 16 months of road closure for the construction of the bypass bridge.

Ibuyan also shared that the first phase of the construction of the Maa Diversion Road flyover is ongoing including the digging and putting up of the columns.

He explained that there were factors in the digging activity that could not be avoided such as hitting the pipelines underneath that have caused the delay of the construction.

He also urged the Dabawenyos to look forward to the benefits when the flyover is completed.

“During the digging activities, naay naigo nga pipeline sa Davao City Water District that created delay and there are some offices and utilities nga maigo like Davao Light. But rest assured that the flyover will be finished. Although,

She said it remains unclear why the two suspects were taken, but added that their families are now coordinating with the police. Dela Rey urged the public to immediately report to the police if they have any information regarding the persons responsible for the abduction of the suspects in the rape-slay case.

A complaint for rape with homicide was filed before the City Prosecutor’s Office on Monday against the suspects, including Renato Ali Banyansao and one unidentified person, in the rape-slay of Bragas.

During a press conference last Monday, Police Major Neil Vistar, station commander of Calinan Police Station, said that two witnesses testified that they had seen the suspects assaulting the victim.

ga’s statement said. LAKAS-CMD DEPARTURE

Duterte was accepted into Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) in 2022 to be the party’s vice presidential candidate.

She quit Lakas-CMD came after rumors of an alleged House coup supposedly orchestrated by Pampanga 2nd District Representative and former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo surfaced last May.

Arroyo, a close ally of Duterte, was demoted to deputy speaker from senior deputy speaker. The former President repeatedly denied the alleged coup, blasting reports that it “had the blessings” of First Lady Liza Marcos.

Romualdez himself slammed alleged attempts to destabilize the House of Representatives, saying that the lower chamber was “in order.”

Duterte left the Lakas-CMD, saying her public service cannot be “poisoned by political toxicity or undermined by execrable political power play.”

He said that Bragas boarded an “Ombac” at 10:39 p.m. of May 16 at Crossing Fausta but shortly after the victim alighted at Megaville Street, Panzan allegedly punched her in the face while an unidentified suspect hit her in the stomach, about 50 meters away from her residence.

An Ombac is similar to a tricycle, and is sometimes called Baobao.

After she passed out, Vistar said the suspects carried her back to the motor vehicle and sped away.

The result of the autopsy examination conducted on the cadaver showed that the cause of death was “asphyxia by manual strangulation.”

The examination also found “recent genital trauma,” which confirmed that the victim was raped.

(Antonio Colina IV / MindaNews)

cases recorded in the past seven days.

DOH-Davao reminded the public to continue practicing minimum public health standards such as wearing the best-fitted face mask, isolating when sick, doubling up protection with vaccination and boosters, and ensuring good airflow.

COVID-19... FROM 3 COASTAL... FROM 3

Kaning initial opening sa coastal road will be done hopefully this month ang gina-arrange na lang is the time and availability of these three very important persons,” Ibuyan, chair of the committee of anti-terrorism and committee on public works and highways, said over Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR).

Ibuyan clarified that it is the marching order of Mayor Baste whether he is present or not, the first segment of the coastal road must be opened.

“Although, ang instruction ni Mayor Baste naa man siya o wala, i-open (coastal) pero nihangyo daw si Presidente Marcos. Hopefully, magkaroon sila ug time nga magkasinabot sila para ma-open na initially ang coastal road. Hopefully, within this month magkabakante silang tulo. According sa DPWH nihangyo gyud daw si Presidente Marcos nga naa gyud unta si FPRRD ug si Mayor Baste sa opening,” he said.

Earlier this month, DPWH 11 announced that the first phase from Tulip Drive to Bago Aplaya is nearing completion and will be accessible to motorists this month.

Ortiz reported that the final preparations for the inauguration are currently underway.

“Makabawas gyud ni sa traffic labi na sa Bangkal area puwede naman sila mugawas sa

BPO... FROM 4

and out-migration in the city so that’s why we will not be able to reach the target in some barangays,” he said.

Because of this, only a handful of areas in the city successfully reached the target population for immunization. Among these are Marilog and Paquibato which reached 97 percent and 101 percent, respectively, of their target population for MR administration from May 1 to June 7.

Ababon urged parents of children 0-59 months to have their kids immunized by visiting the nearest health center from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CIO

GOV’T ... FROM 5

strategy to broaden and deepen financial inclusion,” NEDA Undersecretary for Policy and Planning Rosemarie Edillon said.

Under their respective charters, mandates, and advocacies, NEDA will consistently support the integration of Personal Finance 101 in HEIs.

NEDA will also guide the development of course modules and other deliverables in all phases to ensure the successful implementation of this initiative. (PNA)

Bago Aplaya and gawas sa Tulip Drive,” Ibuyan said.

Davao City Coastal Road spans 17.33 kilometers and is divided into four segments: Tulip Drive to ‘The Bago Aplya, Tulip Drive to Roxas Avenue, and Roxas Avenue to Sta. Ana, and Sta. Ana to Jerome, Agdao.

The construction of the Bucana Bridge, which will connect Times Beach and the Barangay Bucana area, is expected to start in October this year. By Maya M. Padillo

BSP ... FROM 5

The BSP governor also stated that a cut in interest rates this early could also result in the weakening of the peso against the dollar.

Last year, the peso fell rapidly versus the dollar as the BSP played catch up with the US Federal Reserve which had been aggressively raising interest rates to dampen quickening inflation in the world’s largest economy.

The Monetary Board, where Medalla sits as chairman, will convene for the next policy meeting on June 22.

This could be Medalla’s last policy setting meeting before his term as BSP governor expires on July 3.

With still no signals of a possible reappointment, Medalla said he has always set his mind to serve for one year.

“From, the very beginning I always behave as though I’ll serve for only 1 year. It will be a blessing to be able to serve more than that. I’ve been working for 40 years. The chance to have served for one year is a gift and I’d be too greedy to be asking for more,” Medalla said.

The latest comments on inflation and interest rates come on the heels of a cut in reserve ratio requirements. The RRR for big banks is now single-digits. Medalla and his predecessor Ben Diokno promised to make it so by July this year.

Jagga said that despite adapting new technologies, Concentrix in the Philippines continues to expand its headcount.

Concentrix is the country’s largest private employer with over 100,000 employees across the country. (PNA)

EXEC... FROM 4

She said the rising number of people who are interested in diversifying their investments, such as on foreign exchange trading, is the reason for the continued improvement on the features on the company’s various online platforms.

Molodkina said the company, which is present in over 150 countries, has also came out with its forex guidebook, which is accessible through the firm’s website, www.fbs.com, to help educate more people about forex trading through a step-by-step course. (PNA)

BSP TO... FROM 5

chael Ricafort said the RRR cut for big banks is expected to infuse about PHP325 billion into the financial system.

He said the liquidity boost can be used for additional lending by the banks as well as increase the financial institutions’ capacity to purchase government securities (GS), fixed income instruments, and equities, among others.

He said the issuance of the 56-day BSP bill will “help stabilize the exchange rate and overall inflation.”

“The RRR cut is also fulfilling the promise/target (of the BSP) a few months/years ago to bring down the large banks’ RRR to single digit levels by the end of the BSP Governor’s term on June 30, 2023; to better align with the rest of the region mostly at single-digit RRR, as well as to phase out/away from RRR as a major liquidity management tool and further shift/transition to the BSP ODF/TDF (overnight deposit facility/term deposit facility) every Wednesday and BSP securities/bills every Friday as the main liquidity tools under the Interest Rate Corridor (IRC) system since 2016,” he added. (PNA)

BEST... FROM 12

forever leave a mark on the sporting landscape of our country. You will continue to influence generations to overcome boundaries and limitations. On behalf of the entire nation, Congratulations!!! I salute you all for your remarkable performances and outstanding representation of the Philippines in the 12th ASEAN Para Games. You make us proud!,” he added.

Meanwhile, Indonesia has collected 153 golds, 141 silvers and 93 bronzes to capture its third consecutive title.

Thailand, which will host the 2025 edition in Korat, settled for second place with 123 golds, 107 silvers and 92 bronzes, followed by Vietnam (66-56-78) and Malaysia (47-38-35).

The country was represented by around 50 athletes and officials in the grand closing ceremony at the Morodok Techo National Stadium that officially closed the action packed, 11-nation competition.

500 jins see action in PSC Women in Action Kyorugi

Over500 taekwondo jins from all over Luzon are set to compete in the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) - Women in Action Kyorugi tournament which opens today at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum, Manila.

The two-day event is one of the first upcoming projects of the agency’s Women in Sports movement with PSC oversight Com-

missioner Olivia “Bong” Coo, that aims for stronger participation of young women, 18 and below in combat sports.

“Time and time again, our women athletes have proven their excellence and ability to win medals in combat sports, like in the recent 32nd SEA Games in Cambodia. We want to build on that momentum and further strengthen women’s participation through this event,” said Commissioner Coo. Taekwondo athletes from

the national training pool are also expected to compete in the games, which will have 84 gold, 84 silver and 168 bronze medals up for grabs across various categories for Novice 1 (Yellow & Blue), Novice 2 (Red & Brown) and Advanced (Black) events

“We thank the Philippine Taekwondo Association (PTA) for

partnering with us in the hosting of this tournament by providing coaching and technical assistance to all our participants,” added the lady commissioner, who was recently recognized by World Women Leadership Congress Awards with the “Woman Leader Award”, for her outstanding achievements as both an athlete and a sports leader.

Sander De Erit Severino of the Philippines bags two gold medals in the blitz and individual chess competitions at the Asean Para Games in Royal University in Phnom Penh Cambodia on June 9 2023.

At the rate Denver and Miami are battling in the best of seven 2022-23 NBA championship, any basketball fan might be led to predict the outcome of the upcoming game.

Many, I’m certain, are already expecting at this time a seventh outing as the win-loss results have see-sawed.

Denver is up 2-1 as Nuggets coach Mike Malone, who was bashed after losing Game 2 at home, proved his doubters wrong with a comeback triumph as they visited Miami in Game 3.

The 15-point winning margin Nikola Jokic and his band achieved in a 109-94 thumping

of Jimmy Butler and his Miami gang exposed the defensive holes in the Heat’s armor.

Unlike in Game 3 where Spoelstra wisely spaced and paced his starters for a final drive in the fourth, this time Malone outfoxed him as Jokic, Murray, Braun et al almost went berserk in dominating the last 12 minutes of the ballgame.

Sports Illustrated wrote highly of Jokic’s herculean performance. Jokic’s name is etched into NBA record books after finishing Game 3 with a remarkable 32 pts., 21 rebounds and 10 assists.

SI noted that this marks the

first 30-20-10 (triple double, they call it) game in NBA finals history.

The two-time NBA MVP has done it thrice with the first two instances in Game 4 versus the Lakers in the WC finals (30 pts., 14 rebounds, 13 assists) and during Game 6 of the WC semis against the Suns (32 pts., 10 rebounds, 12 assists).

His partner, Jamal Murray was a huge help who poured in 34 markers, 10 rebounds and 10 assists. Per StatMuse, they are the first teammates in history to record 30-point triple double in the same game.

So much for this superlative

discussion.

The Heat’s lethargic defense enabled their foes to score more than a hundred points while their own offense went p-f-f-t comparatively speaking.

Anytime this happens to a home team, expect the visiting ballclub to squeeze out a win.

But the Nuggets did not sweat and frown as much as they did in losing Game 2 to the Heat.

That is why the final Game 3 result reflected the painful truth: That while the enemy’s artilery kept hitting their targets, the Heat’s designated snipers - Vincent, Robinson, Martin, Love could not find adequately their

range.

Per the Sporting News, the Big Serbian has registered 10 triple doubles in this year’s playoffs, totaling 17 in all his playoff career. He now ranks third on the NBA’s all-time playoff triple double list.

Definitely. sans Jokic’s Denver would not have made it this long and how.

Of course, Miami fans, though sore at how ugly their fave team was bruised, bloodied and defeated, are highly expecting a Spoelstra comeback in tomorrow’s Game 4. (Email feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com). GOD BLESS THE

BEST FINISH EVER

PH posts best Asean Para Games effort with 34 golds

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia -- Team Philippines closed out its campaign at the 12th Asean Para Games here on Friday with 34 gold medals to surpass its 28-gold performance in Indonesia last year.

Thanks to Darry Bernardo, Cheyzer Crystal Mendoza and Sander Severino, who won two gold medals each at the Royal University on Thursday.

Bernardo, who is visually impaired, won the men’s individual B2-B3 and team with Arman Subaste and Menandro Redor.

Mendoza, a lawyer by profession, ruled the women’s individual blitz PI and team with Cheryl Angot and Jean-Lee Nacita.

The wheelchair-bound Severino, a former world champion, topped the men’s individual and team with Felix Aguilera and Henry Lopez.

The chess team mentored by Dabawenyo coach James Infiesto had a total of 13 golds, improving its 10-gold harvest last year.

The team also produced the top two most bemedalled athletes in the PH contingent, with Bernardo pocketing six golds and Mendoza contributing five.

Angel Mae Otom secured four

gold medals for the swimming squad, which bagged 10 gold, nine silver and seven bronze medals to finish sixth, behind Thailand (3429-33), Vietnam (28-19-26), Indonesia (27-37-24), Malaysia (26-1210) and Singapore (11-10-8).

With its 34-gold, 33-silver and 50-bronze output, Team Philippines has duplicated its fifth-place finish in Surakarta, Indonesia.

“I am honored and overjoyed to congratulate our athletes for their remarkable performances and astounding achievements in the 12th ASEAN Para Games. These achievements have not only brought glory once again to the Philippines but also serve as inspirations and motivations to future generations of para-athletes,” said Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Commissioner and Team Philippines chef-de-mission Walter Francis Torres on Friday.

“As we return home, remember that the results of these games will