Edge Davao Volume 14 Issue 275 | Thursday, February 10, 2022

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VOL.14 ISSUE 275 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2022

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Sara appeals to Filipinos: Protect Bongbong Marcos STORY ON PAGE 2

BE LIKE THE MIGHTY EAGLE. Vice presidential aspirant Sara Duterte-Carpio says during the UniTeam proclamation rally at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan on Tuesday night Filipinos should be like the mighty eagle that never give up. The outgoing mayor also said she want three things for Filipinos -- jobs and livelihood, quality education, and a peaceful life. Edge Davao

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 275 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2022

POLLS CHECKPOINT. A police officer from Sta. Police Precinct checks a motorcycle rider’s driver’s license and other documents at a checkpoint along R. Castillo Street in Davao City. Police Regional Office 11 (PRO 11) said authorities have intensified security measures in time for the start of the campaign period for the national positions in the May 2022 elections. Edge Davao

SHIELD BBM Sara appeals to Filipinos: Protect Bongbong Marcos

By MAYA M. PADILLO

M

ayor Sara Duterte-Carpio once again appealed to the people to “protect” her running mate Presidential candidate Ferdinand ‘Bongbong” Marcos Jr, during the proclamation rally of BBM-Sara Uniteam in the Philippine Arena on the first day of the campaign period on February 8, 2022.

“Bakit si BBM? Dahil naniniwala ako sa kakayanan niya na mamuno bilang pangulo. Napatunayan na ito ng kanyang malawak na karanasan

bilang local chief executive at bilang legislator.

The kind of experience we need to not only sustain the growth and development spurred by the cur-

rent administration, but also bring us to a more prosperous future. We must protect President Bongbong Marcos,” the mayor said in her speech.

The mayor also highlighted her track record in Davao City which was awarded the 4th Most Competitive City in the country, debt-free, the Best City Police Office with no human rights complaints, and brought

down the decades-long guerilla movement in Paquibato District in four years.

“Sa aking paglilingkod ginagawa ko ang natutunan ko mula sa aking mga magulang. Dapat pantay-pantay ang lahat.

Walang mayaman, mahirap, matanda, bata, lalaki, babae. Lahat tayo ay Pilipino,” she said.

Mayor Sara called for

Nat’l Vaxx Day III on February 10-11

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he Bayanihan Bakunahan or National Vaccination Day III is set to be conducted today and Friday. In the Regional Vaccination Operation Center (RVOC) Davao Region meeting today, all implementing offices are informed and are now preparing for the Bayanihan Bakunahan III kick off.

The NVD III targets to vaccinate all population (12 years old and above) especially for the primary series doses and booster doses for the 18 years old and above.

Priority population for the NVD are the A2, A5 population (primary and booster doses); and booster doses especially in workplaces and ecozones.

In the DOH XI data, the government is yet to reach out and vaccinate 91,889 senior citizens in Davao Region for the first dose.

Davao City has exceeded its target and covered 124% or 116,927.

However, other provinces in the region still fall short in their target of vaccinating this priority age group. Davao de Oro is still looking for 7,974 senior citizens; Davao del Norte has to vaccinate 35,397 individuals; Davao del Sur needs to vaccinate 35, 569; Davao Oriental to vaccinate 26,447; and Davao Occidental with 9,419 senior citizens.

Meanwhile, the Davao Region has already vaccinated 65.6% or 244,636 senior citizens for the first dose and the Janssen vaccine brand.

The government strategizes to administer Janssen vaccines to the senior citizens as it would only need one dose unlike the other brands which require for two doses. (PIA XI/FGM)

ith the neutralization of some high profiled leaders of the New Peoples’ Army and the remaining (3) three guerilla groups, the Philippine Army expects the NPA to have weakened leadership right after the fall of Menandro Villanueva or Ka Bok and the dismantled of Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) 5 and Southern Mindanao Regional Command (SMRC).

However, with the

coming National and Local election, the remaining forces could still pursue their extortion activities as disclosed by the Phil. Army 10th ID under the Joint Task Force Agila in a presentation of their accomplishments during the Regional Peace and Order Council held at the Police Regional Office XI in Camp Sgt. Quintin Merecido in Buhangin, Davao City last Friday ( February 4).

Remaining NPA group 81 job seekers hired on the spot during the weakened -- 10th ID office of Rep. Duterte’s 2nd Virtual Job Fair W

T

he Office of First Congressional District Representative Paolo Z. Duterte has noted 81 hired-on-the-spot on its second virtual job fair at St. John Paul II College of Davao last January 28.

Out of the 4,193 job seekers registered onsite, 229 got interviewed by nine employers par-

ticipating in the job fair.

Those who were hired include sales representatives, baggers, cashier, and checkers.

Larry Barn Baltazar, operator for the city’s Public Employment Service Office (PESO) Information System, said that the First Congressional District Office is coordinating with PESO to stage

another virtual job fair this month of february.

Rep. Duterte said that they utilized an online platform to provide opportunities and assistance to those who are still unemployed and those who lost their jobs, following the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Among the employers

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who participated in the event were SM Supermarket from Ecoland Branch and Lanang Branch, three branches of the Davao Manpower Incorporated (DMI), and VXI Global Holdings Inc. The First Congressional District Office recognized the resilience of the employers, employees,

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FREMAINING, P10

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NEWS

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VIRTUAL JOB FAIR. A personnel of a participating company interviews an applicant over the mobile phone during the First Congressional District Office’s second virtual job fair held at St. John Paul II College on January 28, 2022.

Handout photo

PRO 11 intensifies security for May 2022 elections Covid-19 is happening among kids- specialist

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ediatric infectious disease specialist Dr. Ma. Delta Aguilar bared in a town hall meeting in Davao Region that the Covid-19 has not spared the pediatric population.

Dr. Aguilar presented that there are 1,380 total cases of confirmed COVID19 amongst children as recorded in the Southern Philippines SEN. BONG GO Medical Center Department of Pediatrics. Of that number, 573 were recorded in 2020; 669 in 2021; and 138 in 2022.

There was also a recorded 50 number of deaths amongst children due to Covid-19 in the said facility.

“Studies showed that Covid-19 is really impacting children. Children who have been infected with Covid-19 found to have respiratory, cardiac, and neurodevelopmental

issues along with cognitive and physical fatigue,” said Dr. Aguilar.

The same specialist also noted that Covid-19 also affects the child’s mental health and adds stress and adjustment difficulties to their lives.

Other studies, she presented, is how children who get infected with Covid-19 can also develop serious complications like multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C).

It is a condition where different body parts become inflamed, including the heart, lungs, kidneys, brain, skin, eyes, or gastrointestinal organs.

The vaccination for 5 to 11 year old roll-out in Davao Region will kick off on February 14, 2022.

Department of Health XI Focal for the Vaccination Program Dr. Janis Olavides announced in the

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By MAYA M. PADILLO

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he Police Regional Office 11 (PRO 11) is intensifying security in Davao Region by establishing PNP (Philippine National Police) checkpoints for the upcoming May elections.

Police Major Eudisan Gultiano, spokesperson of PRO 11, said there are already 3,563 Comelec checkpoints set up in the Davao Region with a total of 25,969 police personnel deployed since the start of the election peri-

Gultiano said the police continued to monitor the peace and order situation in the region by also establishing police and military checkpoints in different areas in the region.

She said a total of 20,367 personnel from the forces of PNP and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) are being deployed in the said checkpoints.

“Dito pa lang sa dami na ng mga checkpoints na gi-set up talagang we are preparing na maging peaceful and secure ang Davao Region sa posibleng mga threats dahil sa upcoming elections,” she said.

Meanwhile, Gultiano reported that there are already 32 individuals apprehended due to gun ban violations and confiscated during the police operations were 45 firearms, four deadly weapons, and 131 ammunitions.

Gultiano also said that there were no proclamation rallies conducted in the Davao region on the first day of the campaign period on February 8, 2022.

1.8 million gamay lang kaayo ang police and they are focusing dili lang sa pagdakop sa violators sa minimum public health standards, they are also tasked sa other crimes.

Ang gusto mahitabo karon sa Response Cluster is to help them out.

Ang atoang City Tourism

Office would want to be able to help in deputizing people na makatabang sa pagpanakop sa mga mag violate sa minimum health protocols,” said Dr. Michelle Schlosser, spokesperson for the Davao City Covid-19 Task Force said on Wednesday.

Schlosser said the

member offices of the Response Cluster already expressed intention to have their personnel trained for the apprehensions. These member offices include the Vice Mayor’s Office, City Transportation and Traffic Management Office

od.

City eyeing to deputize more personnel for health protocols

T

he city government of Davao will deputize more personnel in enforcing the minimum public health standards (MPHS) as well as authorize them to apprehend individuals violating the said protocols.

“Kasi we only know sa population nato na

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4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

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DECLINED. A worker walks by newly-harvested bananas at a farm plant in Sto. Tomas, Davao del Norte. National Economic Development Authority (NEDA)-Davao said registered investments in Davao Region declined by 29.63 percent from P4.96 billion in 2020 to P3.49 billion in 2021. Edge Davao

PH to import sugar to augment shortfall due to typhoon Odette T he Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) of the Department of Agriculture (DA) will allow the importation of 200,000 metric tons (MT) of standard and bottlers grade (premium refined) sugar in anticipation of a shortfall.

Sugar Order No. 3 was signed following the result of the assessment on the damage and losses caused

by Typhoon Odette to sugarcane crops in December last year, according to an SRA statement on Tuesday.

The pre-final crop estimate of raw sugar production is now down to 2.072 MT, less than the 2.099 MT pre-final crop estimate prior to “Odette”.

The lower level of raw

sugar production as well as damaged sugar mills and refineries added to the factors considered by the board.

SRA Administrator Hermenegildo Serafica said in a statement that the importation will cover the shortfall on the supply and “will leave the country with enough buffer stock to tide over until the start of the next milling season”.

The Philippine Associ-

ation of Sugar Refineries also revised its refined sugar production forecast for Crop Year 2021-2022 to 16.748 million bags per ton cane (LKg/TC), down from the initial production estimate of 17.572 million LKg/TC before “Odette”.

“As the economy is once again starting to open up, the demand for raw sugar and refined sugar for January this year have also increased when compared to the same month in the three previous years. Hence the need to augment sugar stocks to ensure food security and availability of sugar,” Serafica said.

SRA explained that a crop year starts September

J

“As a major consumer market in Southeast Asia, Malaysia is an important part of Jollibee’s growth and our vision of becoming one of the top five restaurant companies in the world,” Jollibee Group CEO Ernesto Tanmantiong said.

“We are excited to serve more of our Chickenjoy and other favorites to Malaysians, and we’re looking forward that its delicious taste will make them smile as our mission is to bring the joy of eating to everyone,” he added.

The company aims to

1 and ends August 31 of the following year.

Sugar mills and refineries generally stop operations around May to June and the mills start operations for the next season around September to October.

The refineries start around two weeks after the mills.

The DA previously said that importation will only be a last resort.

“Imports will only fill in the deficit or what cannot be produced locally as the country needs to rely less from other nations to improve its economy,” DA Secretary William Dar said in an earlier statement. (PNA)

entice more locals to try out the offering of the Jollibee, its Europe, Middle East, Asia and Australia (EMEAA) president Dennis Flores said.

The Jollibee Group currently operates in 34 countries with 5,800 stores globally.

Jollibee says hundreds queue during opening of first store in West Malaysia

ollibee Foods Corp said hundreds of customers queued as early as 7 a.m. during the opening of its first restaurant in West Malaysia on Tuesday.

The store is located at the Level LG2 Sunway Pyramid, Petaling Jaya, JFC said in a statement.

ADB OKs $2M grant to support PH gov’t’s Odette relief efforts

T

he Asian Development Bank (ADB) said Wednesday it has approved a $2-million grant to support the Philippine government’s emergency response following the onslaught of Typhoon Odette, the strongest typhoon to make landfall in the country in 2021.

In a statement, the Manila-based multilateral lender said the grant is under its Asia Pacific Disaster Response Fund.

The grant will provide humanitarian assistance to about 15,000 households, or about 75,000 people, in Visayas and Mindanao severely affected by the December 16, 2021 typhoon, according to the ADB. The lender added that the grant will also fund food vouchers to be distributed to target communities, which beneficiaries can exchange for food in selected markets.

The grant, likewise, includes logistics support for the food assistance de-

livery.

“Typhoon Odette’s damage on housing, agriculture, and infrastructure amid the COVID-19 pandemic has made life more difficult for Filipinos in affected areas,” said ADB director general for Southeast Asia Ramesh Subramaniam.

“This assistance will help finance the humanitarian needs of those residents, especially people living in remote areas,” added Subramaniam.

The ADB said it is partnering with the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) to deliver the food assistance and builds on WFP’s ongoing work with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to provide emergency relief to typhoon-hit areas.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) estimated the typhoon caused P24.6 billion or nearly $500 mil-

FADB, P10

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ECONOMY 5

GAS VS. BIKE. A bike commuter drives past a gas station in downtown Davao City on Tuesday (8 February 2022). Fuel companies have raised prices for sixth straight weeks. Mindanews Photo

Fare hike unlikely amid fuel price hikes, petition: LTFRB SEC halts 5 more illegal online lending operators

T

he Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has ordered five illegal online lending operators to stop their operations without prior authorization from the commission.

In an order issued February 3, the commission en banc directed Tacoloan, VCash, 365 Cash, SwipeCash, and BootCash to immediately cease and desist from operating, engaging in, carrying out, abetting, and/or promoting lending/financing businesses and related activities until they have incorporated and secured from the SEC their respective certificates of authority to operate as a lending or financing company (CA).

The companies, their agents, representatives and promoters, as well as the owners and operators of their hosting sites, were further enjoined to cease offering and advertising their lending business through the internet or any other media and to remove all materials involving such.

The SEC issued the

order after finding that none of the groups are registered as a corporation, nor have they secured CAs from the commission.

Republic Act No. 9474, or the Lending Company Regulation Act of 2007 (LCRA), requires persons or entities operating as lending companies to register as corporations and to secure from the SEC the necessary authority to operate. “(T)he commission finds and so holds that the issuance of a CDO (cease and desist order) is warranted in the instant case not only to stop the illegal act but also to prevent the continued fraud on the public who are led by the online lending operators to the belief that they are a legitimate business,” the SEC en banc said.

“The commission is duty-bound to strictly implement the provisions of the (LCRA), ensure that public interest is at all times upheld and that the public is protected from persons who carry out unauthorized or illegal

FSEC, P10

I

mposing a fare increase in public utility vehicles after recent fuel price hikes is unlikely, according to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Wednesday.

LTFRB chairperson Martin Delgra said the Department of Transportation (DOTr) is avoiding putting a burden on commuters.

“Ang ginagawa po natin dito [ay] tugunan ‘yung hinaing ng ating operator

but without having a much more negative impact sa mga commuter,” he said.

(What we are doing here is to respond to the concern of our operators but without having a much more negative impact on

commuters.)

Delgra confirmed that the LTFRB received a petition to increase fare.

He said the DOTr is more inclined to assist in meeting the financial needs of the public transport sector through service contract programs and “Pantawid Pasada” cash aid than in increasing the fare.

Oil firms had another big-time price hike this

Tuesday to mark the sixth straight week of increases.

Prices per liter of gasoline went up by P1.05, diesel by P1.20, and kerosene

by P1.25.

Latest data available from the Department of Energy indicate that year-todate adjustments stand at a total net increase of P4.95 per liter for gasoline, P7.20 per liter for diesel, and P6.75 per liter for kerosene.

ber 2021, and the 14.8% decline recorded in December 2020.

Expansion was recorded in 11 of the 22 industry divisions, led by the manufacture of wood, bamboo, can, rattan articles and related products which grew by 122.6%.

The remaining 11 divisions posted decreases, led by the manufacture of basic pharmaceutical products and pharmaceutical preparations which slipped by 30.2%.

The same trend was recorded in the value of pro-

duction index (VaPI), which grew by 18.6% in December after the 27.2% growth in November and the 18% contraction in December 2020.

The increase was led by the manufacture of wood, bamboo, can, rattan articles and related products; and the manufacture of coke and refined petroleum products.

A decrease was recorded in the manufacture of basic pharmaceutical products and pharmaceutical preparations, which posted the fastest annual decline of

29.5%.

“The Philippine economy reopened further towards greater normalcy, especially since November 2021 with the shift to Alert Level System or small scale/granular lockdowns,” Michael Ricafort, chief economist at the Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC), said in an emailed commentary.

Metro Manila was under Alert Level 2 from November 5, 2021 to January 2, 2022, and was upgraded to Alert Level 3 on January 3, 2022. It returned to Alert Level 2 on February 1.

Philippine manufacturing growth cools in December

T

he Philippine manufacturing sector closed 2021 with double-digit growth, albeit at a slower pace than in November, reflecting a rebound from the contraction recorded in the same month in the previous year.

Preliminary results of the Monthly Integrated Survey of Selected Industries (MISSI) showed that the factory output or the volume of production index (VoPI) increased by 17.9% in December.

This compares with the 25.8% growth in Novem-

6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 275 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2022

On why she is supporting the candidacy of runningmate Bongbong Marcos:

Bakit si BBM? Dahil naniniwala ako sa kakayanan niya na mamuno bilang pangulo. Napatunayan na ito ng kanyang malawak na karanasan bilang local chief executive at bilang legislator.

The kind of experience we need to not only sustain the growth and development spurred by the current administration, but also bring us to a more prosperous future. We must protect President Bongbong Marcos.”

Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio

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VANTAGE POINTS

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HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

FORMULA FOR A LIFETIME OF LOVE MARRIAGE is one state of life that so scares some people that they either remain single, embrace the religious life, or just live-in.

These days, living-in has become a trend - not only abroad, but right here as well. Movie stars take the lead in this practice, moving into each other’s residence and moving out after a time, when they discover that they don’t really see eye-to-eye.

Other liberated men and women shed off partners like clothes that have gone out of fashion.

Majority of Filipinos, however, still toe the traditional line and get married in church, with or without the assurance that “they will live happily ever after.”

In the book, Better Than Gold, singer Roberta Flack said: “Getting married is easy. Staying married is more difficult.

Staying happily married for a lifetime should rank among the fine arts.”

How true, how true! But do some marriages succeed and others fail? Here are some secrets for a happy marriage, culled from different sources: Develop a mature concept of love. “For too many, love is a breathless romantic glow in

which they expect to have emotional needs gratified,” says Rev. Norman Vincent Peale, author of Dynamic Imagining. “Some people are little more than receiving stations for this kind of supportive attention.”

This is not love actually, according to Rev. Peale, but rather dependency. In mature love, he said, the beloved’s welfare and happiness become more important than your own.

Work on communication constantly. When Hollywood actor Alan Alda was asked why his marriage to Arlene Weiss has survived through the years, he gave only one formula: talking.

“We love to talk,” the actor says. “When we go out to big dinners, the two of us very often wind up talking to each other with intense interest.”

Cultivate humility. “Love does not insist on its own way,” says the Holy Bible. Having to be right all the time may be due to a fear of losing control, but if you can never be wrong, you cannot sustain love.

Shirley R. Wilson, in Keeping Love Alive, wrote: “A popular saying, ‘Love is never having to say, ‘I’m sorry,’ is sweet but, I think, worthless. If I hold such high expectations of myself so

that I won’t have to say, ‘I’m sorry,’ to my partner, then when I inevitably fail and do offend, I have to deal with both failure and pride. Saying ‘I’m sorry’ after that is hard.”

Learn to laugh. “You may have to learn how and when to laugh; you may have to take steps to develop a sense of humor and keep it finely tuned,” advises Dr. Sol Gordon, a noted American marriage counselor.

If daily life always were a series of leaps from crisis to crisis, laughter admittedly wouldn’t be very practical, he says. “But, thank goodness, there are very few real catastrophes in life,” he declares. “Yet many couples spend far too much time and energy acting as though disaster has struck or is about to.”

Take responsibility. Marriage is going to be what you and one other person make it.

Face up to the fact that in any disagreement, you are not going to change your partner very much. The only person you can really change is yourself.

We know of a wife who stopped nagging her husband’s drinking habits. Instead, she prayed for him that he would quit drinking. “I’ve found patience,” she said. “And someday

I think he will change.”

Add a portion of tolerance.

When asked about his long marriage to award-winning actress Joanne Woodward, hunk Paul Newman replied: “You can’t get impatient with each other. We are all flawed, and you’ve got to love each other enough so that those flaws aren’t taken out of context.”

“There isn’t one of us who doesn’t occasionally fail to measure up,” says Dr. Gordon.

“We drink too much, spend too much, judge too quickly. We snap at each other, criticize unfairly. We make jokes at another’s expense. We behave in very silly ways, sometimes as a couple, sometimes alone. This is simply being human, and there is nothing wrong with it - as long as we don’t forget that our partner is human, too.”

Practice the art of appreciation. Everybody cherishes a word of praise. Why not master the art of the casual compliment, the little unforeseen gesture that says, “I think you’re wonderful just the way you are”?

Famous novelist Arnold Bennett remarked that it seemed to him marriage nearly always resulted in the death

of politeness between husband and wife. That doesn’t have to be the case. “Try complimenting your mate just once a day,” suggests Dr. Peale. “The resulting rush of affection will surprise you.”

Learn how to defer gratification. This is a combination of self-control and patience. “Both marriage partners,” Rev. Peale explains, “have to be willing to forgo immediate pleasures in order to obtain greater benefits in the future.”

Rev. Peale says that failure to do this may wreck the marriage. “Some people cannot bring themselves to save money or make long-range plans,” he says. “They’re too interested in having their pleasure or their recreation right now.”

If only quarreling couples would defer gratification for a few weeks or months, he says, they might learn that difficulties can trigger growth.

“They might realize that escaping out the back door of marriage is not likely to change their basic problems. Those problems will probably go right along with them into a new relationship.”

Now, who’s afraid of marriage?

ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA FAST BACKWARD

MEDIA ON NPA CROSSHAIRS In the years that the communist insurgents got a hold of Davao region as Mindanao’s prime hub for urban guerrilla warfare, they also embraced a tougher stance against those whom they thought were adversarial to the underground movement.

Though the main targets of assassination were the military and police, private citizens perceived to adopt strong opposition to the insurgency were also included in the hit list. One of the high-profile victims of this irrational principle was activist-columnist Alex Orcullo who was fatally shot in barangay Tigatto in front of his wife and children on October 18, 1984, his birthday.

Killing a journalist took a dangerous twist the following year after police operatives of

Tugbok Police Station, then led

by Lt. Domingo Villareiz, recovered from a slain New People’s Army (NPA) team leader a notebook that listed the names of journalists who were marked for liquidation by the NPA’s Special Partisan Unit (SPARU).

The killing was slated for August and September that year.

There’s no mention, though, why the media people were on the rebels’ crosshairs except perhaps that most of them were hard-hitting scribes and commentators.

The People’s Daily Forum, in its July 15, 1985, issue (‘Davao mediamen on NPA hit list’) identified the journalists, both print and broadcast, in the confiscated list as Ramie Tan, a radio reporter of DXMC; Antonio ‘Tony’ Ajero, editor of Mindanao Daily Mirror; Rogelio

‘Roger’ Flaviano, publisher-editor of People’s Daily Forum; Nerio Guimte, broadcast anchor at DXRD; Alfredo ‘Freddie’ Vergara, DXDC anchorman; Antonio ‘Tony’ Vergara, DXMF announcer; Max ‘Takuri’ Robles, DXRA announcer; and Dominador ‘Doming’ Lambayong, DXOW broadcaster.

Hated by the rebels then was broadcaster Juan Pajadora Pala who was the spokesman and co-founder of Alsa Masa, propagandist, voice of the right’s anti-insurgency campaign, eccentric vigilante, gungho guy, and radio disc jockey.

Later, The San Francisco Bay Guardian, in its May 9, 1990, issue, called Pala as “the public voice of the anti-communist crusade” in Davao and a “fanatic who looks up to Goebbels and Hitler for their Nazi

propaganda techniques.”

Pala went on to contest the mayoralty of Davao City in the 1988 local elections but lost.

Fifteen years later, he was killed on September 6, 2003, in a murder plot attributed to politics.

In defense of their ideology, the rebels did not discriminate in choosing the person or institution they wanted to harm, destroy, or kill, especially if these are deemed threats to the insurgency or regarded as hurdles against the pursuit of communist ideology.

Such was the case of Col. Rodolfo Biazon, a well-loved Marines commander assigned in Davao City at the height of insurgency, whose patrol base camp within a population center was not spared from communist atrocity. On March 18, 1985, five NPA members

torched to the ground the patrol base of the 49th Philippine Marines Company in barangay Callawa.

The camp, occupied by a Marine platoon under Capt.

Rodolfo Valenzuela, had twelve huts built from cogon grass, coconut fronds, and bamboo slats.

The burning took place a day after the soldiers left for patrol duty. Spared from the fire were the pigpen, chicken coop, and latrine. It was the fourth Marines patrol base camp set on fire by the insurgents.

Due to the unimpeded aggression that characterized the rebels in the years leading to the fall of the Marcos dictatorship, public sympathy towards them was greatly eroded, resulting in the rise of anti-communist movements that forced them to flee to the countryside.

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EDGEDAVAO

UP AND ABOUT

Valentine’s day is just around the corner with this year’s celebration of love promising to be more exciting thanks to Durianburg’s top hotels rolling out the red carpet for couples, friends, and families alike.

A romantic rendezvous A romantic rendezvous awaits guests at the dusitD2 Davao this February 14 with a room package at Php 11,388 net per stay, inclusive of an overnight stay in the hotel, a dinner for two at Madayaw Café, treats for the occasion, and discounts at the Namm Spa. Diners can celebrate the love month at the Madayaw Café on February 12 and 13 with a sumptuous buffet spread featuring puff pastry baked salmon fillet, roasted suckling pig, roast beef tenderloin, a risotto station, and fillet mignon among other sought-after dishes, curated and prepared by Dusit Davao’s team led by its executive chef, Alex Destriza. The pre-Valentine’s’ dinner is at Php 1,200 net per person Couples who want a more intimate experience can book a table for two on February 14. Aside from the lavish buffet spread, the couples can listen to romantic tunes and get a chance to win delightful Dusit giveaways. The exclusive experience is available at Php 1,400 net per person.

Gifts of love Seda Abreeza opens the Love Month with its Valentine’s Gift Boxes available throughout the month of February. An ideal gift for her or him, Seda’s Valentine’s Gift Boxes are packed with sweets and treats that will surely make your loved one feel extra special for only Php 3,500. The Valentine’s Gift Box is also available together with the Special Valentine’s Room Promo complete with buffet breakfast for two, for only Php 6,800.00.

From February 11 to 14, 2022, Seda Abreeza’s all-day-diningrestaurant, Misto, will offer a sumptuous “Valentine’s Season Set Meal” for couples featuring Misto’s famous entrees and lavish desserts. The lunch and dinner set meals start from Php 1,180 to Php 1,480 net. And because the best way to a lover’s heart is through

Clockwise from top: Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao’s Love in a Box. Alfresco dining at Acacia Hotel. Dusit d2 Davao’s Executive Chef Alex Destriza with Madayaw Café’s Valentine offerings. Love is in the air at Seda Abreeza with Seddy dressed for the occasion.

VALENTINE TREATS IN DURIANBURG

sauce. The set menu culminates with dessert featuring RBG’s decadent Banoffee caramel cake.

the stomach, Misto is throwing a lavish Valentine’s Dinner Buffet for couples and families, complete with romantic live music. Available for only Php 1,480 net, with a special rate for children ages 7 to 12 at Php 980.00 net.

Want to go all out in professing your love? Seda Abreeza comes full circle with its royal valentine offer on February 14 that comes with a fancy 4-course Valentine’s dinner, and overnight stay at the hotel and a buffet breakfast for two for only Php 7,800 net.

An alfresco dinner date Nothing is more romantic than having dinner by the beach and enjoying the cool sea breeze?

Celebrate Valentine’s’ a day early with an al fresco dinner at the Waterfront Insular Hotel’s La Parilla.

Impress your significant other with an unpredictable date filled with a delightful spread of the finest concocted buffet selection accompanied by live entertainment for only Php 1,500.00 nett per person.

This offering conveniently falls on a Sunday, so you’ll be able to take your sweet time with zero conflicts in schedule.

For the die-hard Valentine’s Day

fanatic who has to celebrate the day of hearts strictly on February 14, the Waterfront’s Garden Pavilion is open from 6:00PM to 10:00PM to treat your Valentine to a romantic date night feast she, or he, won’t forget. This indulgent dinner features classic Filipino dishes together with timeless international cuisines. Adding more flare to the occasion is a live acoustic band, serenading diners with timeless classics that’s sure to get everyone swooning. The special Valentine’s Day dinner at Waterfront Davao is priced at Php 1,500.00 nett per person.

Celebrating Valentine’s at home?

Go beyond just a box of chocolates with the hotel’s passionate curation of limited edition Valentine’s Day desserts. Composed of red velvet cake, ube cream cake, black forest cake, chocolate truffles, cake pops and a cheesecake duo, each dessert item centers around a common theme - the sweet taste of love.

“Love in a Box” is available for pre-orders for the whole month of February at Php 2,500.00 per box.

Sweets for your sweetheart

For the Love Month, Park Inn by Radisson Davao is offering sweet deals for you and your loved one to enjoy.

Go on a fun staycation from February 11 to 14 from Php 3,500 to Php 5,700 nett and enjoy early check-in and late checkout, buffet breakfast for two, and 10% discount at Park Inn’s all-day-dining restaurant, RBG. If a fun and fancy dinner is what you want, then go to RBG for their five-course dinner set for two for Php 2,500 nett from February 11 to 14. Start your Valentine diner-date with a kiss from RBG’s signature mocktail. Then proceed to choose from the Valentine set’s diverse featured courses, like Thai beef salad with pomelo or Classic Caesar salad with grilled pesto chicken for starters.

Start with your choice of cream of mushroom soup or roasted pumpkin soup with basil oil.

Followed with a main course of braised chicken thigh with creamy mushroom sauce, Grilled pork chop with herbs butter and peppercorn gravy, or Blue marlin steak with apple salsa in lemon butter

Blossoming love Making the Love Month extra memorable, Acacia Hotel Davao promises to make you and your loved one smile and blush like never before with their “Dine TWOgether” promotion. Immerse in a romantic setting and toast to true love with a four-course set dinner for two for only Php 1,888.00 nett per set. Setting the mood for a more romantic experience is a live musical performance on February 14, 2022, 6:00 PM at the Waling Waling Café.

If you’re looking for a more intimate way to impress your special someone, Acacia Hotel Davao is offering a candlelit dinner by the pool that is perfect for a lovely date. Partake in a beautiful four-course alfresco dinner that is sure to impress your sweetheart.

Have this sweet moment for only Php 2,488.00 nett per set for two persons. Available from February 13 and 15 to 28, 2022. Advance reservation is advised.

Go on a special getaway with your one true love. Rekindle the love and surprise your better half with an overnight stay in a deluxe room made more remarkable with a fresh breakfast buffet at Waling Waling Café, a special four-course in-room dinner, an intimate inroom set up and a Valentine Gift for only Php 6,688.00 nett per room per night from February 12 to 20, 2022 and at Php 7,688.00 nett per room per night on February 14, 2022 with a 4-course set dinner for two at Waling Waling Cafe.

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COMPETITIVE EDGE 2nd grand in a row: Holy Child and USAID partnered again to provide out-of-school youth with education, employment, and entrepreneurship

DAVAO CITY – HOLY CHILD and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) partnered again for another opportunity to the Out-of-School Youth through Opportunity 2.0 project in providing quality education and competitive employment for the Alternative Learning System (ALS) completers.

Last May 21, 2021, HOLY CHILD College of Davao was awarded a grant for their first project from the Education Development Center (EDC) through the USAID Opportunity 2.0 program which they provided, dis-

covered, and developed the technical skills of the Out-of-School Youth through the different trainings such as Animation NCII and Computer Systems Servicing NCII in preparation for their continuing education and competitive employment here in local or even abroad.

With this success of its first project, last January 20, 2022, HOLY CHILD College of Davao succeeded in its second project from the Education Development Center (EDC). This another opportunity coming from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Education Development Center (EDC) through the USAID Opportunity 2.0 program is to help the Alternative Learning System (ALS) completers in aligning their future jobs, continuing learning, or creating businesses to help sustain the needs of their families. In this project, HOLY CHILD College of Davao will open this opportunity to the 125 Out-of-School Youth

PIOLO TAKES ON SKY’S VIRTUAL RUN CHALLENGE TO HELP ODETTE VICTIMS

(OSY) from the selected barangays and youth organizations here in Davao City.

In addition, out of 21 organizations and institutions, only 10 got passed for all the phases of their application process.

This successful project will be led by Jacques Axid Rosello as the project manager, Jeanie Delos Arcos, DIT as the monitoring and evaluation officer, and with the help

and assistance of Ma. Chrystella Suzette I. Velasco, Vice President for Academics and External Affairs of the HOLY CHILD College of Davao.

Together with the team are the lead instructors which are Geneva Buscabus, LPT, Edward Gapoy, LPT, Armadet Generosa, and Ronald Larita.

Jacques Axid A. Rosello, College Faculty Photos by: Ma. Chrystella Suzette I. Velasco

and personalized e-certificate.

“Isang Daang Hakbang Sa Pagtutulungan: Kapamilya Virtual Run” is organized

by SKY in partnership with HBO and History Channel to support ABS-CBN and ABS-CBN Foundation’s “Tulong-Tulong sa Pag-ahon: Isang Daan sa Pagtutulungan,” the second phase of their fund drive for the benefit of Odette survivors. As of February 6, ABS-CBN Foundation has provided aid to 182,110 families with the

help of the donations. This campaign is under ABSCBN Foundation DSWD Authority/Solicitation Permit, DSWD-SB-SP-00026-21, valid nationwide until May 28, 2022.

For more information on this virtual run for a good cause, visit www.mysky. com.ph/100hakbang. Follow SKY on Facebook (fb. com/myskyupdates), Twitter (@myskyupdates), and Instagram (@myskyupdates) for further news and updates.

Join the ‘100 Hakbang sa Pagtutulungan’ virtual run fundraiser

Piolo Pascual, multi-awarded Kapamilya actor, completed the 100step challenge of SKY’s “Isang Daang Hakbang Sa Pagtutulungan: Kapamilya Virtual Run” and encouraged others to do the same until February 28.

“Typhoon Odette wreaked havoc in several

parts of our country. Until now, many Filipinos are still struggling and need help.

Kapamilya, let us do our part and take that step,” Piolo said as he joined the Kapamilya Virtual Run that is part of ABS-CBN and ABS-CBN Foundation’s fundraising efforts for the victims of Super Typhoon Odette.

When the virtual run officially began, the Kapamilya Ultimate Heartthrob further showed his support for the cause by posting a video of himself finishing all 100 steps on his Facebook and Instagram accounts.

Participants can take the 100-step challenge by depositing a donation of P100

or P400 to the fundraiser’s BDO (0039300-86136) or BPI (3051-1156-26) account. They may also send the donation via the Kapamilya Virtual Run’s GCash, PayMaya, or PayPal QR Code.

They can then proceed to www.runrio.com to sign up for the virtual run and submit their proof of donation.

Participants can then complete their 100 steps and share a photo or video of themselves on Facebook and Instagram doing the challenge with the hashtag #100HakbangSaPagtutulungan.

If participants want to do more than just taking 100 steps, they can also donate P800 or P1,200 to join the 5K or 10K Top Up Run Categories. Regardless of which virtual run category they choose, all participants will receive an e-badge. Top Up Category runners will receive an additional e-bib

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 275 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2022

One year free fuel, LPG await winners of LIMITLESS, DITO promo Holcim Philippines accomplished a number of sustainability and innovation initiatives in 2021 to raise its business performance and contributions to development such as an agreement to have its cement plants in Luzon run on solar energy.

Leading building solutions provider Holcim Philippines, Inc. aims to build on its remarkable 2021 accomplishments anchored on innovation and sustainability to further drive business performance and support the country’s progress.

Holcim Philippines President and CEO Horia Adrian: “Despite the challenges in 2021, our Company’s commitments remain solid. We pushed on with key initiatives that will contribute to our long-term success and enable us to have a more positive impact on the country’s development. We are excited to continue our innovation and sustainability programs in line with our mission to help build progress in the Philippines.”

The Company had several notable achievements to make its operations more respectful of the environment and beneficial to society. In May, Holcim Philippines published its first Integrated Annual Report which follows the sustainability disclosure standards of the Global Reporting Initiative.

In July, Holcim Philippines signed an agreement with Sinoma CBMIPH Con-

struction Corp. to upgrade its cement manufacturing facilities in La Union and Misamis Oriental to reduce the fuel consumption, raw materials and carbon footprint of operations.

Furthermore, Holcim Philippines appointed in August Zoe Sibala, former Vice President of Strategy to Senior Vice President of Sustainability, and expanded the role of Richard Cruz, Vice President of Health, Safety, and Security, to include the Environment portfolio.

In September, the Company completed storage and processing facilities at its Bulacan plant to increase usage of alternative fuels and raw materials in cement production through its waste management arm Geocycle. It is also participating in the rehabilitation of the Manila Bay through the Circular Explorer, a solar-powered catamaran sent by the Holcim Group that can collect up to four tons of plastic litter daily and advance marine research.

Finally, the Company signed in November a 20year power purchase agreement with Blueleaf Energy, a leading renewable energy company, to deliver solar

power to its Bulacan and La Union plants. This will make Holcim Philippines’s cement plants the first in the country to be powered by solar energy.

Aside from these, the Company is leaning on digitalization to raise its sustainability performance. The Company is participating in the Holcim Group’s Plants of Tomorrow Initiative and incorporating data analytics in logistics to make operations more efficient and further reduce its environmental footprint.

Holcim Philippines also took steps to have a more positive social impact particularly on the affordable housing front. It forged closer ties with shelter organization Habitat for Humanity, with a cement supply partnership for housing projects in Metro Manila and Negros Occidental and a number of virtual forums on addressing the country’s housing gap. The Company also continued to support the United Nations Human Settlement Programme’s housing project in Marawi and assisted the GMA Kapuso Foundation in building education facilities for indigenous communities in Cagayan.

and job seekers amid the pandemic. They thanked their partner agencies for

the support of the event and the St. John Paul II College for offering their

facilities as the venue for virtual job fair.

One Davao Virtual Presser yesterday that all provinces, cities, and municipalities in the region will simultaneously start on Monday (Feb 14).

Dr. Aguilar highlighted that COVID vaccination in kids is actually a cocoon protection to those who cannot be vaccinated yet.

“Aside from protect-

ing the child from getting a severe disease or death, vaccination also protects family members, including siblings who are not eligible for vaccination and family members who may be at increased risk of getting very sick if they are infected”. (PIA XI/Frances Mae Macapagat)

(CTTMO), Prevention and Enforcement, City Economics Enterprise Office, City Health Office (CHO), and City Tourism Operations Office (CTOO).

“Kasi whether we like it or not overwhelmed man ang atoang safety and security cluster and policemen, kay apart from Covid-19 management and the implementation of the MPHS, naa pa man gud main work ang atoang mga personnel such as crimes and all of those things po, labi na pud ang gina-implement nato na household lock-

downs,” she said.

The additional personnel will undergo a training schedule.

Public Safety and Security Command Center Angel Sumagaysay reported that the city is targeting to deputize more than 100 personnel for the implementation of the Face Mask Ordinance and will be assigned in the city streets and offices of the city government.

He said those who violate the wearing of face masks will pay the penalty of P500. By Maya M. Padillo

lion in damage to crops, public infrastructure, and private property, according to the ADB. It added that several areas remain blocked by collapsed roads and bridges, and with power supply yet to be fully restored.

The ADB said the typhoon destroyed more than 1.7 million houses in eight provinces.

The United Nations

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lending activities,” it said.

In addition to their illegal operations, the SEC has also received complaints about the unfair debt collection practices of the online lending operators.

This marks the second CDO against illegal lending operators that the SEC has issued for the year.

The SEC earlier directed Goodpocket and EasyMoney Online Lending to stop all lending activities

Lifestyle app LIMITLESS, in partnership with DITO Telecom, is extending its #celebrateLIMITLESSconnection promo, allowing its registered users to get more chances of winning the brand’s biggest promo prizes to date.

“Enabling deeper connections, especially during this time, we partnered with DITO to provide our users access to reliable connectivity. At LIMITLESS, our members are given value-added service in forms of points, rewards, and prizes. This is our way of encouraging them to choose the safer and more secure cashless option whenever they transact with our partner brands,” LIMITLESS Brand and Marketing Category Manager Marc Salboro said.

With the promo, valid transactions until February 15, 2022 earn

registered users a FREE DITO coupon redeemable via the LIMITLESS app, and one e-raffle entry. These transactions include a minimum of Php 1,500 Phoenix fuel purchase, a minimum spend of Php 700 on FamilyMart products, or at least Php1,800 worth of Autoworx Plus service--using the LIMITLESS app at participating stations and stores.

An order of Phoenix SUPER LPG 11kg via the LIMITLESS Home Delivery button also counts as a valid transaction.

“Our partnership with LIMITLESS reflects our goals towards building closer ties with other brands in order to serve our customers better. We would like to thank LIMITLESS for participating in this joint promotional activity to bring more rewarding incentives and experiences to more users,” DITO Chief Com-

mercial Officer Evelyn Jimenez said.

Prizes for the final draw include one year free Phoenix fuel or Phoenix SUPER LPG supply, a FamilyMart grocery package, three Samsung S series phones, and 25 LIMITLESS vouchers.

Last month, LIMITLESS and DITO awarded 25 lucky winners with Samsung phones and LIMITLESS vouchers for the promo’s first draw. A total of ten LIMITLESS members took home a Samsung A02 phone, while five winners each received Php 2,000 worth of Phoenix fuel, Phoenix SUPER LPG, or FamilyMart vouchers.

Download the LIMITLESS app now, and get more out of your every purchase. Get LIMITLESS for free on the App Store, Google Play Store, and the Huawei App Gallery.

Filipinos to stand tall, united, and resilient.

She also said she’ll want three things for Filipinos -- work and employment, quality education for young people, and peaceful living.

“Just three but it’s not easy. And we will not give

up, we will strive because we love the Philippines.

Let us all be Eagles. We shall fly, soar, fight, and win,” she said.

On his end, Marcos reiterated his message of unity, which is consistently carried by the Uniteam in all public forums.

The Uniteam’s proclamation rally drew thousands of supporters and volunteers.

Meanwhile, President Rodrigo Duterte announced he is not supporting any presidential candidate in the May 2022 elections “at this time.”

Data from the 10th ID showed that in 2016, the division confronted 9 Sub-Regional Command, 17 guerilla fronts, 6 Pulang Bagani Companies that composed of 33 NPA platoons. With the change of administration and the implementation of the whole of nation approach or EO -70 or the National Task Force to End local Communist Armed Conflict, SRC are now down to 3, GFs to 5, SRGU with 2 that composed of 7 NPA platoons and dismantled SRGU and Pulang Bagani Command.

Significant downtrend of atrocities and NPA initiated violent activities were effects of the relentless efforts of the military operation in their area of responsibility. It was noted that in in the 1st quarter of 2021 there were 132 incidence compared to this year’s 1st quarter with 46 incidence.

The 10th ID was hopeful and positive that the continued decline in insurgency will reach the end of the scourge before President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s term ends due to the latest trend which has recorded zero NIVIs from 01 Jan 2021 up to 31 Jan 2022.

RPOC Chair and Davao Oriental Governor Nelson L. Dayanghirang in a separate interview, is confident that the military particularly the 10th Infantry Division will be able to reach their zero insurgency target.

Governor Dayanghirang stressed the council’s support and lauded the contribution of the Philippine Army particularly the Commander of the 10th ID Major General Ernesto C. Torres Jr in maintaining the peace and order situation in Davao Region. (PIA XI/ Elvira May Suico)

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estimated over 9.9 million people across the six worst-hit regions were affected by the typhoon, with nearly 144,000 people still without a home as of 28 January 2022, it said.

In December 2021, President Rodrigo Duterte declared a state of calamity for a year in the six regions to accelerate the rescue, relief, and rehabilitation efforts. until they have secured the necessary licenses from the commission.

To see the list of licensed lending and financing companies and their registration status, visit the lending and financing companies corner on the SEC website at https://www.sec. gov.ph/lending-companies-and-financing-companies-2/lending-companies-and-financing-companies/. (PR)

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EDGEDAVAO

COMPETITIVE EDGE 11

Phoenix Asphalt introduces DIY product for pothole problems

Phoenix Asphalt launches DIY Cold Patch Mix meant to solve pothole problems in concrete and asphalt-based roads.

Offering a new solution to recurring problems in Philippine roads, new asphalt player, Phoenix Asphalt, is introducing an innovative product that aims to provide an effective and durable fix for road potholes.

Called Cold Patch Asphalt Mix, it is a densegrade, ready-mix product that can withstand heavy rain, floods, and temperatures of up to 64°C. Providing further convenience, it is also storable, and does not require heavy equipment for application.

“We at Phoenix Asphalt believe that the

way for national progress starts with strategic, functional, and well-maintained roads. Hence, together with our partners, we are offering a solution that could achieve this, and help boost our government’s ‘Build Build Build’ program, while providing better journeys for Filipino motorists,” Phoenix Asphalt General Manager Julius Aguas said.

An environment-friendly product, the Cold Patch Asphalt Mix can be applied directly to concrete and asphalt-based roads immediately and anytime when needed. It also eliminates the waiting time after asphalt application since it allows traffic immediately after product compaction.

“This type of product has a great potential in improving road maintenance as it can easily be used to repair cracks and potholes without the need for heating or mixing,” Department of Public Works and Highways Bureau of Research and Standards Officer-In-Charge Director Reynaldo Faustino said. “We call on our private partners to continue developing high-quality products that we can utilize and incorporate into our projects, and to support us in our pursuit of improving the lives of our fellow Filipinos through quality infrastructures.”

In 2019, Phoenix Asphalt was established as a joint venture company by the leading local independent oil firm Phoenix Petroleum Philippines, Inc., Thailand-based TIPCO Asphalt Public Co. Ltd, and PhilAsphalt Development Corporation.

In the same year, it broke ground for the construction of its own asphalt facility in Batangas, and officially started its oper-

ation mid-2020.

“We would like to congratulate Phoenix Asphalt for the launch of such an innovative product that is very in sync with the needs of the country in terms of road maintenance. As their international partner, we are one with the team in its pursuit to deliver high-quality products and services for Filipinos, and help improve the road conditions in the country. This is only the start as we have more groundbreaking offerings that are currently being developed to address specific problems and requirements of our customers,” TIPCO International Retail Division Regional Technical Manager Christophe Duboscq said.

For orders and inquiries about Phoenix Asphalt’s Cold Patch Asphalt Mix, call 1-800-10PNX FUEL (769-3835), 1-800-8-PNXFUEL (7693835), +63 917 862 0971 for PLDT and Globe users, or email info@phoenixfuels.ph.

Philippines sees increase in cyber tip reports in 2021; UNICEF calls for collective action on Safer Internet Day

MANILA, 9 February 2022—To commemorate Safer Internet Day, UNICEF calls on increased protection of children online amid the COVID-19 pandemic. A report from the Department of Justice – Office of Cybercrime saw an exponential increase in cyber tip reports for the Philippines to 2.8 million in 2021 from 1.2 million in 2020 and 400,000 in 2019. According to the Philippine Internet Crimes Against Children Center, there were 131 children rescued, 16 perpetrators arrested, and 49 operations conducted

from January to August 2021.

UNICEF joins the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) – Inter-Agency Council Against Child Pornography (IACACP), the SaferKidsPH consortium, and the Child Rights Network in celebrating #SaferInternetDay with the theme: Click, Respect, Connect – CRC Next Level: Ligtas na Ugnayan Online.

According to the Philippine Kids Online Survey, a study conducted by the DSWD-IACACP with support from UNICEF, the COVID-19 pandemic of

2020 has had a profound impact on the way that children use the Internet, specifically the length of time they may spend online, and the resulting levels of risk to which they may be exposed.

“We have heard from children and young people that while the Internet poses opportunities for growth and learning, it can also become a source of threat and potential abuse. Thus, it is imperative that we continue our efforts in safeguarding our children in digital platforms and supporting the government in employing

a whole-of-government approach to do so,” said UNICEF Philippines Representative Oyunsaikhan Dendevnorov.

UNICEF leads the implementation of the SaferKidsPH programme, an Australian government initiative. The pioneering consortium aims to reduce the online sexual abuse and exploitation of children in the Philippines and works with various sectors to ensure that children are safe and protected online.

Month-long activities for #SaferInternetDay include a forum with internet service providers

(ISPs) on technologies to combat and address online sexual abuse and exploitation of children; a webinar on child online protection by the Council for the Welfare of Children, SaferKidsPH, and UNICEF; Safer Internet Hour on Twitter by the Child Rights Network and UNICEF; and interactive activities in social media tailored for child rights advocates, parents, caregivers, and children.

UNICEF calls for the renewed commitment of the government and civil society to synergize and to put children’s rights and

protection at the forefront of digital efforts. UNICEF is urging the passage of a bill on online sexual abuse and exploitation of children at both chambers of Congress and its effective implementation if enacted.

To join UNICEF in making the Internet safer for kids, visit https:// www.saferkidsph.org/ help-stop-osaec/.

For more information on Safer Internet Day activities , you may visit the Facebook page of the SaferKidsPH, Child Rights Network and the Inter-Agency Council Against Child Pornography

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GYM READINESS

A gym member works out at the Arcadia Fitness Gym inside the Arcadia Active Lifestyle Center in Escandor Street, Quimpo Boulevard.

GAB to conduct gym inspections, ratings

T

he Games and Amusements Board will carry out a series of gym inspections in the coming days to assess the readiness of these facilities to provide essential training in preparing athletes get in their best physical shape.

As it is a vital for an athlete’s competitiveness to be well-trained, GAB aims to safeguard these professionals from competing without proper training because of poorly maintained facilities.

And because GAB is ahead of the game, its Chairman, Abraham Kahlil “Baham” Mitra has proposed to recognize gyms that will comply with the standards set by the agency for suitable training of athletes, particularly boxers, MMA fighters, and other contact sports competitors.

The purpose of this is to profes-

sionalize and regulate the quality of sports gyms across the country. GAB accreditation will be awarded to approved facilities with a certification that can be showcased to help promote their business.

They will also be rated from 1-star to 5-star classifications based on the criteria to be set by GAB and it’s partners.

“If the Department of Tourism accredits tourism establishments why can’t we accredit gyms? It is covered under our mandate to look after the welfare and Safety of our athletes,” Mitra adds.