Edge Davao Volume 14 Issue 280 | Wednesday, February 16, 2022

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STRAIGHTFORWARD No kiddie plays, prizes in pediatric vaccination: Sara STORY ON PAGE 2

A store attendant chops roasted pig at a lechon house along Chavez Street in Davao City on Tuesday.

The price of “lechon” in the city has skyrocketed, which started during the Christmas season last year.

Edge Davao

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 280 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2022

STRAIGHTFORWARD No kiddie plays, prizes in President Rodrigo Duterte interacts with key government officials prior to holding a meeting with them at the Malacañan Palace on Monday night. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

LTFRB, MinDA discuss priority programs for public transportation in Mindanao

pediatric vaccination: Sara T

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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Last year, the city government of Davao gave away prizes to encourage large number of individuals to get vaccinated during the vaccination rollout designed for Dabawenyos 18

years old and above.

“I discussed this already with the city administrator office last week, and giingnan nako siya na there is no need na mag ingon ana ta ug dili nato i-romanti-

cize ang vaccination (for dren also got free chocothe 5 to 11 years old) let lates, ice cream, and candies us be straightforward with to ease the stress of kids. the vaccination,” the mayor The Davao Medical said.

School Foundation (DMSF) During the pilot rollout hospital welcomed kids of the Covid-19 immuniza- during the rollout of Resbation program for younger kuna Kids 5 to 11-year-old children last week, several vaccination on February vaccination sites in Metro 14, 2022 with free food and Manila greeted children toys, as well as film-viewing with people dressed as activity for the kids while clowns, puppeteers, and waiting for their turn to get superheroes and chilFSTRAIGHTFORWARD, P10

he National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NCGP) aims to complete at the soonest possible time, restoring a number of power lines felled and destroyed by the devastating blow of Typhoon Odette as it crossed Mindanao and Visayas in

December 2021.

Guesting during the recently held regional Kapihan sa PIA aired thru One Davao Presser, NGCP Communications Officer Milfrance “Bambie” Q. Capulong said NGCP had deployed about 1,500 linemen, three helicopters and

61 line trucks to fast-track repairs and restoration of transmission lines in 22 Odette-affected provinces in Mindanao and Luzon.

“They spent Christmas restoring power lines,” Capulong recalled how NGCP linemen and workers spent their days on field in an

ayor Sara Duterte-Carpio emphasized that there is no need to provide toys and chocolates for pediatric vaccination aged 5 to 11 at the vaccination sites in Davao City.

NGCP exerts effort to restore power soonest time possible T

effort to immediately repair power transmission lines, after typhoon Odette wrecked havoc to a number of provinces.

On behalf of NGCP, Capulong extended gratitude to partners from electric cooperatives which also

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he Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) met with the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) in Davao City last Friday, 11 February 2022, to discuss priority programs concerning land public transporation in Mindanao.

Present during the meeting were LTFRB chairman Atty. Martin B. Delgra III, LTFRB Board Member Engr. Sherwin Mylil Begyan, LTFRB XI director Nonito Llanos III, LTFRB XII director Col. Reynato Padua (ret.), MinDA Secretary Maria Belen Sunga Acosta, MinDA executive director Usec. Janet Lopoz, DED- MinDA Asec. Romeo Montenegro, and other representatives from the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

Among the programs discussed by DOTr and LTFRB and MinDA were the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP), Service Contracting Program (SCP), Davao City High Priority Bus System (HPBS), and the Fuel Subsidy Program, together with the presentation of the Central Public Utility Vehicle Monitoring System (CPUVMS). Included in the

presentations is the upcoming launch of inter-regional routes touching the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Chairman Delgra expressed his enthusiasm on a possible agency and program convergence between MinDA and LTFRB Regional Offices in Mindanao including BARMM. “Our agency is looking forward to work with MinDA more on the grounds so that we will be able to bring about not just improvement of the economy but bringing people together because that is what transport is all about. It is about moving people all across places”, Chairman Delgra added.

Updates on the Davao City HPBS and Metro Davao Bike Lanes which are both projects of DOTr was also presented to the MinDA team by the DOTr HPBS Project Management Office represented by Ms. Missiles Barro and Mr. Richard Villanueva.

The MinDA team lead

by Secretary Acosta also presented to the group the possible assistance they could give to the agency to expedite the implementa-

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 280 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2022

NEWS

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Former Davao City Police Office (DCPO) director Colonel Kirby John Kraft is named as the new Police Regional Office 11 (PRO 11) deputy regional director for operations. Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio said she is giving Col. Kraft a perfect 10 grade for his services specially during the start of the implementation of the Covid-19 response in Davao City. Edge Davao

Sara to new DCPO director: enforce the law firmly, fairly Resto group welcomes lifting of liquor ban

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he Restaurant Owners Association of Davao City, Inc. (RestoDC) welcomed the lifting of the city’s modified liquor ban as a positive development saying it will greatly help not only the restaurants but the bars and karaoke joints in Davao City Businesses were greatly affected when quarantine and dine-in restrictions including the serving of liquor and alcoholic beverages were implemented due to Covid-19.

Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio ordered the lifting of the modified liquor ban effective 12:01 AM of Tuesday, February 15, 2022 allowing business establishments, hotels, karaoke bars, bars, and restaurants in Davao City to serve liquor to the public.

“In terms of peso sales dili kaayo siya significant for the average restaurant, but it helps in getting customers in especially for reservations or functions birthday parties, weddings, etc. When people celebrate, they want to drink. It’s another story for bars/karaoke joints kay ang ilang main product is alcohol.

Kana daku gyud ang tabang sa ila. Positive development ni siya,” Benjamin Lizada, president of RestoDC told Edge Davao.

The restaurant sector including bars and karaoke bars have struggled for a long time due to restrictions to comply with the executive orders issued by the city government of Davao such as the limited dine-in capacity implemented last year and the liquor ban that include prohibiting restos and bars to serve liquors and alcoholic beverages.

“For restos, add-on ra ma nang alcohol as explained, but for bars, etc., kung wala sila nag-adjust sa ilang menu, daku gyud kaayo. Most of them in fact are closed,” he said.

Lizada, however, did not able to give the number of restos that opted to close permanently due to Covid-19.

He said the resto sector welcomed the lifting as this tends to get more people out of their houses and dine in the restaurants.

“Kay laay man sad magpuyo sa balay,” Lizada said.

He said sales from serv-

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By MAYA M. PADILLO

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Mao na ang gusto sa mga Dabawenyos,” the mayor said.

The mayor also reminded Lupaz that the Dabawenyos are expecting the highest standard of service from the uniformed and non-uniformed police personnel of DCPO. “Ang pinakadili gusto sa

mga Dabawenyo kay ang atoang mga pulis involved sa protection of all kinds of illegal activities. Dabawenyos are very exacting sa performance sa ilahang police personnel. Dili ganahan ang mga Dabawenyos kung amigo ka sa pulis kusgan ka pero ug wala kay kaila sa pulis dili ka kusgan, Dabawenyos don’t like that,” Mayor Sara said.

Meanwhile, Mayor Sara gave a perfect 10 grade to Kraft for his services especially during the start of the implementation of the Covid-19 response in Davao

City.

“He is the pandemic city director and he did his best na bisan pa man lisod gyud kaayo ang sinugdanan sa atoang Covid-19 response because it was unprecedented. Wala pa ta’y template na masundan sa atoang Covid-19 response sa sugod but DCPO as I said is in one with the city government of Davao in delivering everything that was asked for them under his leadership,” she said.

The mayor complimented Kraft for standing

have agreed to a cessation of hostilities.

The government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) ceasefire panel are negotiating with both sides for a diplomatic solution to their existing dispute.

This gave the opportunity for the municipal social welfare office and the local police to extend aid to some 100 families dis-

placed by the armed conflict in Barangay Sinditan.

Police said the warring families have traded shots Sunday due to a long-standing land dispute.

Police are determining if followers of both groups all belonged to the MILF or any other groups.

Major Gen. Juvymax Uy, Army’s 6th Infantry Division commander, appealed Monday to local

officials to help defuse the tension so displaced families can return home.

Police assisted Faudzia Mocsin, Sultan Kudarat municipal social welfare officer, and Kadil Blaim, municipal disaster officer, in the distribution of food aid to the displaced families who were from the villages of Limbo, Calsada, and Mulaog, all in this town. (PNA)

ayor Sara told newly installed Davao City Police Office (DCPO) director Col. Alberto Lupaz to enforce the law fairly as this is what the Dabawenyos are expecting from the DCPO under his leadership.

Lupaz replaced former DCPO director Col. Kirby Kraft.

“The expectation of the Dabawenyos sa atoang DCPO under the leadership of Lupaz is that the enforcement of the law is fair and just sa tanan dili lang sa mga kaila nila o mga amigo sa atoang police personnel.

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Gov’t forces separates warring families in Maguindanao town

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olice and soldiers have separated warring families in a remote village in Maguindanao after they traded shots when a “rido” (clan war) erupted Sunday.

On Monday, Lt. Col. Sabri Lakibul, Sultan Kudarat municipal police station chief, said the warring families of local “Commander Gringo” and “Commander Barang”

4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

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PH, UAE to boost economic ties with investment, trade deals

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he Philippines and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have pushed for stronger economic ties after signing a bilateral investment agreement, and officially kicking off talks for a trade deal.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said the Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (IPPA) was concluded during the visit of DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez in UAE for the Philippines’ National Day at Expo 2020 Dubai last February 11.

“The IPPA is modern, business friendly, and comprehensive, covering promotion, facilitation and protection of investments.

The agreement provides for the establishment of a Joint Committee on Investments (JCI), which will serve as a platform to more closely coordinate and collaborate in implementing a focused investment promotion that create(s) greater impact to both our economies,” Lopez said in a statement Monday.

Lopez added this is timely as the Philippines passed the amendments to the Retail Trade Liberalization Act, Foreign Investments Act, and Public Service Act, the key economic

bills that will relax equity restrictions for foreign investors.

Aside from the conclusion of the IPPA, the two countries will start official negotiations for the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), a bilateral trade agreement.

“These initiatives are expected to boost trade and investments between two countries, leading to more diversified economic activities, development of new industries, employment generation, and higher consumer spending as we partner for shared prosperity,” Lopez said.

The DTI chief added that through the IPPA and CEPA, the Philippines may serve as a strategic hub for UAE in Southeast Asia.

In his official trip to UAE, Lopez met with UAE Minister of State Ahmed Ali al Sayegh and Foreign Trade Minister Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi. (PNA)

PH, Japan hold highlevel infra meeting

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he Philippines and Japan are holding their 12th high-level meeting on infrastructure development and economic cooperation today, February 16, via teleconferencing, focusing on the accomplishments on the latter’s supported big-ticket projects under President Rodrigo Duterte’s signature program “Build, Build, Build.”

The meeting of the Philippines-Japan High Level Joint Committee on Infrastructure Development and Economic Cooperation will center on the substantive feat made by the body on projects which include, among others, the Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP), North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) project, rehabilitation of the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3), Dalton Pass East Alignment Road, Central Mindanao Highway, and the Parañaque Spillway.

Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III will chair the Philippine side, while Mori Masafumi, the Special Advisor to Prime Minister Fumio Kishida of Japan, will lead the Japanese delegation in the meeting.

In this week’s meeting, the two sides will provide updates on the financing extended by Japan for the Philippines’ coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) response programs and the

progress of the Japan-funded programs in support of the Mindanao peace process.

Japan has been actively supporting these peace-building programs through the framework of the Japan-Bangsamoro Initiatives for Reconstruction and Development (J-BIRD).

Through various international organizations, Japan also provided the Philippines last month with a US$13-million emergency grant aid for the implementation of humanitarian assistance activities for the victims of Typhoon Odette that devastated thousands of communities in the Visayas and Northern Mindanao.

In July 8 last year, the Philippines received a shipment of over 1 million AstraZeneca doses donated by the Japanese government which, since the start of the pandemic, has been in close cooperation with Philippine officials in helping contain the spread of Covid-19.

These Japan-backed projects to help curb the spread of the virus include the Covid-19 Crisis Response Emergency Support Loan (CRESL), the Post-Disaster Standby Loan Phase 2 (PDSL 2), the joint clinical trial for the anti-flu drug Avigan, procurement of

FPH, P10

A petroleum products pumping station along E. Quirino Avenue in Davao City. The Department of Energy (DOE) bared that oil price hikes might continue until May 2022. Edge Davao

DA opens P500M loan for farmers affected by “Odette” in NorMin

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he Department of Agriculture in Northern Mindanao (DA10) has allocated PHP500 million worth of credit for farmers in the region affected by Typhoon “Odette” last year.

In a statement Monday, DA-10 Executive Director Carlene Collado said the fund forms part of the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC) whose implementation is guided by the Survival and Recovery (Sure) Assistance program across the country, includ-

ing areas in Norther Mindanao that were declared under state of calamity after the typhoon entered the country in December 2021.

“Of the total amount, we have an allocation for Region 10 amounting to PHP75-M in support of the government’s goal in helping agricultural households badly hit by the typhoon,” he said.

Data from DA-10 indicated that the region has a total of 17,000 affected farmers and fishers due to the onslaught of “Odette.”

Under the Sure program, small farmers and fishers may borrow with no interest and collateral, while loan amount is payable up to three years, wherein only one borrower is allowed per household.

Noel Clarence M. Ducusin, DA-ACPC program development division chief and Visayas-Mindanao head, said the loan amount is intended to provide relief and aid in rehabilitating the farming and fishing activities of affected farmers and fisherfolks thru credit for

the purchase of production inputs, repair of farm or fishery assets, and acquisition of livestock or work animals.

Priority shall be given to farmers and fishermen identified and endorsed by the agricultures offices of provincial and local governments and are duly registered in the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA) and the Fisherfolk Registration program.

DA-10 Technical Direc-

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ECONOMY

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Workers sharpen wood saws at a stall offering saw repair and sharpening services at Agdao Public Market in Davao City on Tuesday. Edge Davao

DTI 11 expands marketing intervention, opens pop-up store for local entreps DTI cites economic reforms in PH to UAE businessmen

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rade Secretary Ramon Lopez has highlighted recent economic reforms of the Duterte administration to investors in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as the country works to attract more foreign investments.

In a statement Monday, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said it promoted the Philippines as a “premium investment destination” during the Country Business Briefing at the Expo 2020 Dubai last February 11.

In his meeting with business executives in Dubai, Lopez said the Philippine government has been pushing for key economic legislations that will relax foreign equity restrictions in the country.

The amendments to the Retail Trade Liberalization Act were already enacted into law, while amendments to Foreign Investments Act and Public Service Act were passed in the Congress and are now waiting for President Rodrigo Duterte’s signature.

“Increased competition in the Philippine market is expected in terms of services and products

which will generate better quality of and competitive pricing to the benefit of the consumers,” Lopez told UAE-based investors.

He added corporate income tax was reduced from 30 percent to 25 percent through the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) law and it provides competitive tax perks to investors.

The DTI chief urged investors from the Emirates to look into investment opportunities in electronics, hyperscalers, automotive, copper, nickel, aerospace, and agribusiness, among others.

“While the pandemic remains to be very challenging, we are already seeing signs of recovery, with some indicators even already exceeding pre-pandemic 2019 levels,” Lopez said.

He said the Philippines recorded a 7.7-percent gross domestic product (GDP) growth in the fourth quarter of 2021 and a fullyear growth of 5.6 percent, which is one of the highest economic expansions in Asean and East Asia.

During his visit in UAE, Lopez witnessed the signing of three letters

FCITES, P10

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The Buy Local by Lokals pop-up store inside the NCCC Mall-VP along J.P. Laurel Avenue was launched in late December to serve as a shopping destination for distinct and high-quality Davaomade items. At least 14 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from all over the region are part of the project.

This is of encourag-

ing local brands The department noted that the demand for locally made products The establishment of the shop located near the mall’s food court is a result of public-private partnership. While DTI 11 is on top of the project, two partners from the private sector have made it happen.

The LTS Malls, In-

corporated provided the space for the Buy Local

by Lokals pop-up store.

Meanwhile, the Mindanao Trade Expo Foundation, Incorporated is in-charge of the day-to-day operation of the store, which will be until March this year.

DTI 11 Regional Director Maria Belenda Q. Ambi said that the newest project on marketing and promotion is anchored on the department’s Go Lokal program.

“The Go Lokal program started with a simple vision: to mainstream the products of the MS-

he country is looking at a USD500-million worth of integrated dairy facility after sealing a partnership with Baladna Qatar Public Shareholding Company (QPSC).

The project can increase local milk production by 120 million liters from the current 26.71 million liters to address local demand and decrease imports, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA) on Monday.

“The investments will be able to generate 2,000

new jobs during the initial phase of its first full year of operations, providing significant opportunities for domestic employment,” Secretary William Dar said in a statement.

DA shared details of the deal, signed in Dubai, United Arab Emirates on February 11 with Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez and Baladna QPSC independent board member Aidan Tynan.

Lopez also graced the Dubai World Expo, where he delivered a message

during the Philippines’ National Day official ceremony.

Baladna QPSC is into raising livestock and the production of dairy products, including milk, yogurt, cheese, and labneh (cheese made from strained yogurt), as well as animal fertilizers.

The company is Qatar’s largest locally owned food and dairy producer, supplying over 95 percent of the country’s fresh dairy products.

The firm owns more

he Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) 11 has widened its marketing interventions by launching another avenue where local entrepreneurs can showcase and sell their products.

MEs. It is our goal to provide them with every opportunity where they can tap a wider market,” Ambi said.

The regional trade official was vocal in showing her appreciation to the private sector, particularly commending the agency’s partners for sharing their time and effort to help the MSMEs. “We know for a fact that accessing the mainstream market, such as the mall, entails a sizeable amount. With this, some of our local entrepreneurs don’t have the

than 24,000 Holstein cows on its 2.6 million square-meter facility with 40 state-of-the-art barns, has a daily capacity of producing up to 450 tons of fresh milk and juice products on a daily basis, and has more than 1,650 employees.

The Holstein breed that originated in the Netherlands is known for high milk production but has less butterfat and protein based on percentage in milk compared to

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PH, Qatar firm ink deal to hike milk production, create jobs T

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6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 280 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2022

On the rollout of pediatric vaccination:

Let them know that it is open, let them know that it is available, let them know how they can access the bakuna.

We have complied with our duty na mag rollout sa 5 to 11 sa ilahang vaccination.”

Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio

EDITORIAL Uncertain end You can’t blame people to kind of put their guards down on the pandemic. They think the end is near. Thus, many have downplayed Covid-19 by now as nothing but “like the ordinary flu.”

Wait. Not so fast.

The World Health Organization (WHO) in the Philippines has issued a warning against the “dangerous” assumption that Omicron would bring the world to the pandemic endgame as new variants could still emerge. According to its representative in the country Dr. Rajendra Yadav: “We have a lot of uncertainties about the future evolution of this pandemic. It is very dangerous to assume that Omicron will be the last variant or that we are in the endgame.”

According to WHO, new variants could still emerge and these new variants could evade current countermeasures, may even become fully resistance to the current vaccines which will necessitate vaccine adaptations.

EDGEDAVAO

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In Africa, for instance, only 11 percent of the African population are fully vaccinated.

Less vaccination means more transmission in these countries , and more transmission means we have high chances of new variants emerging there. This can cross over to any country. What happens in other countries affects the Philippines too, because we cannot virus-proof our international borders, WHO said.

Bottomline is that if other countries have low vaccination coverage and high transmission of the virus, then it is likely there will be new variants.

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

MAYA M. PADILLO Senior Reporter

KENNETH IRVING K. ONG ATHENA JILLIAN BRAVO NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN MEGHANN STA. INES FERINA SANTOS Lifestyle

ANA MARIE G. SILPAO Layout

LEANDRO S. DAVAL JR. ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. Consultant Correspondent Columnists: MA. TERESA L. UNGSON • EDCER C. ESCUDERO • AURELIO A. PEÑA • ZHAUN ORTEGA • BERNADETTE “ADDIE” B. BORBON • MARY ANN C. QUISIDO • LEANDRO DAVAL SR.,TRIA • NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN NICASIO ANGELO AGUSTIN • EMILY Columnists: ANTONIO V.“ADI” FIGUEROA • HENRYLITO D. TACIO •B.JOHN CARLO • MUJAHID NAVARRA ••FRED C. LUMBA • DENNIS R. GORECHO ZEN CHUA • CARLOS MUNDA Economic Analyst: ENRICO •“GICO” G. S. DAYANGIRANG • JONALLIER GREGORIO G. DELIGERO VIDA MIA VALVERDE • HAROLD CAVITE M. PEREZ

OLIVIA D. VELASCO SOLANI D. MARATAS RICHARD C. EBONAJASPER OLIVIA D. VELASCO V. BACSAL General Manager PresidentAdvertising Specialist Finance General Manager / VP Operations JOCELYN S. PANES Director of Sales

The explanation to the warning is the varying conditions across the globe. While vaccine supplies have risen across the world, some countries still have low vaccination coverage and high transmission of the virus, which he said could lead to new variants. Countries like Africa

SOLANI D. MARATAS Finance

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 280 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2022

VANTAGE POINTS

7

HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

ON RETIREMENT Someone once said: “The best time to start thinking about your retirement is before the boss does.”

But the thing is, three of my bosses are not from the Philippines. Even before I retired from the Mindanao Baptist Rural Life Center (MBRLC), they had already left the country. Harold Ray Watson, the 1985 Ramon Magsaysay awardee for international understanding, retired first and returned home to Mississippi.

Jon Jeffrey Palmer, a book author and church pastor who hails from Tennessee, also left early when he headed the Baptist Global Response in Singapore. Steve Lee Musen, an agriculturist from Kentucky, also followed suit.

So, when I retired early this year, they were not around. But to my surprise, an American friend, Bradley Eivens, wrote their message for retirement.

Eivens himself read the message of Watson: “It hardly seems possible you will no longer be a part of the MBRLC!” Watson wrote. “I first met you when you requested an interview after I received the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 1985. You were still a student at the college in Bansalan, and you were so nervous you could hardly sit in the chair to conduct the interview. The article you wrote, which was the first of many over

the years, was entitled ‘A Hero of Sorts.’

“Thank you, Henry, for being a faithful co-worker and friend through the years, and for the many speeches you helped me with. Sometimes I only gave you a title and an outline, and you took it from there.

“You have had a huge impact on making the MBRLC known – not only in the Philippines but throughout Asia. The many articles you have written through the years have publicized the Rural Life Center and told its story so thousands of Filipinos, as well as others, could be aware of what was going on at this small project in Kinuskusan, Bansalan, Davao del Sur. “Your passion and dedication for disseminating information which would improve the lives of farmers in the uplands of the Philippines and all over Asia has been well documented through your journalistic skills.

“On behalf of the millions of upland farmers all over the world, I want to thank you for conveying hope as well as farming technologies through your God-given journalistic talents.

“Lastly, on behalf of the old MBRLC staff and the many Filipino and Asian farmers who have read your articles through the years, I want to bestow on you the same honor you gave me more than thirty years – ‘A hero of sorts’!”

Watson ended his message

with these words: “May God bless you, Henry, in your retirement years, and remember: ‘The best is yet to come.’”

Palmer and his wife also received a communication from Eivens but they weren’t able to respond a day before they received the notice, “we were out with several pressing scheduled events.”

I got an email from Palmer two days after my retirement party. “Nevertheless, both Regina and I deeply appreciate you, your friendship, and all of the great work you have done through the years. Obviously, there is no other greater decorated reporter in the history of the Philippines and to think that he is our friend and co-worker from Bansalan!

“I don’t know if you remember, but our first meeting with you was when you were working with the youth at Bansalan Baptist Church back in the early 1980s (maybe around 1983 or 1984). We had moved to the area and lived in Bansalan, Nebrada Sub-Division, in a house rented from Pat and Maria Suson.

We attended Bansalan Baptist (when we weren’t out church planting) where Monching Solana was pastor and you were there trying to get the youth to form a youth choir. We thought at first you were a worship/music director but found out later that your true passion and talent

was journalism.

“I also remember you being at the RLC and the many times you tried to convince Sir Watson that he needed a journalist. It was your persistence and vision that led to your interesting and event-filled career!

“We left the Philippines and our Journeyman time the summer of 1985 and by the time we returned to the MBRLC in early 1990, you had already become entrenched as the staff writer/ journalist at the MBRLC and were showing signs at that time already of a unique talent.

“As the MBRLC grew into the Asian Rural Life Development Foundation (ARLDF), your skills and influence as a journalist grew. When I reflect on those days, I believe it was a symbiotic relationship in all the right ways.

Just like the rhizobium living in the roots of the leguminous plant makes nitrogen and helps the plant host to grow, and just as the plant gives moisture and nutrients to the rhizobia living in its roots, you and the MBRLC/ ARLDF fed each other, were mutually beneficial, and caused each other to grow in a very unique season of life for the two.

“One of my favorite memories is the day you had won some many national journalism awards, they had to create a new category to give you more awards! There are not many people who redefine the arena

of their profession. You are one of those people!

“It has been an honor and pleasure to call you co-worker and friend for these almost 40 years! Again, it is hard to believe that that skinny kid from a sidestreet in Bansalan, would have ever impacted the Philippines and the world in the way you did!”

Through Facebook messenger, Musen also sent his greetings.

“Henry, I’m so sorry that I wasn’t able to be at the MBRLC today to help honor you on the occasion of your retirement. I just wanted to add my expression of thanksgiving for your friendship and partnership during my family’s time in the Philippines. I am reminded of so many experiences where I enjoyed your companionship, trusted your wise counsel and appreciated your important role in the ministries of the MBRLC and the ARLDF. I have counted you as a true friend.

“As you enter into this next phase of your life’s adventure, I hope your days are well spent in time with family, travel, and in continued productivity in the world of scientific writing. If your future journeys bring you back to the States, please know that we would love to meet up.

In fact, we have a guesthouse where you would be welcome to stay as long as you want.”

ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA FAST BACKWARD

MATRIARCH OF RALOTA-BENDIGO CLAN (1) Matea Gonzales Almendras, aunt of the late Sen. Alejandro D. Almendras, may not ring a bell. But she is arguably the matriarch of two powerful Davao del Sur clans, the Ralotas and the Bendigos. She was first married to Nestor Ralota. Their union bore two children, namely Salud, the eldest, and Jesus.

The couple’s blissful life was terribly interrupted after Nestor contracted the Hansenites disease and was sent to the Culion Leper Colony, in Palawan, for treatment and confinement. Because leprosy was then thought to be a contagious disease, even writing letters was discouraged as it would cause the spread of the infection through mail handling.

Alone and without contact from Nestor, Matea, to fill the void in her life, fell in love with Miguel Batoto (love child of Eustaquio Moreno, a Spanish friar

from Amparo, La Rioja, Spain, and Mamertas Batoto of Cebu) who was already married to a first cousin. As their illicit relation-ship became public knowledge, the duo eloped and set-tled in Santa Cruz, Davao del Sur, where Miguel later died. She temporarily left her two children by Nestor with relatives in Danao until they were ready to join her in Davao.

Their prohibited affair bore a child named Ce-sar.

After Miguel died, Matea got close to Amancio Bendi-go, a native farmhand working in her estate. Obviously, she was smitten by Bendigo’s industry as a landholding trustee. The acquaintance between the two led to court-ship and eventually consummated in a common-law un-ion.

When the couple decided to wed, Nestor, who was in-communicado at the colony, was still

alive, thereby mak-ing the supposed marriage of Amancio and Matea in San-ta Cruz not binding or void. Consequently, Cesar was adopted by Amancio and assumed his surname. The un-ion, besides, bore five other children: Amancio Jr., Dominador, Rodrigo, Rebecca, and Liliosa.

Jesus Ralota, Nestor’s only son, later became town mayor (1964—June 1967) of Santa Cruz but did not com-plete his term. He resigned and moved his residence to Digos where he became municipal mayor (1972-75). Cesar also became Santa Cruz mayor (1952-55) and so were the two other sons of Matea by Amancio. Dominador, who trailed Cesar, was elected twice (1956-59; 196063).

Amancio Jr., meanwhile, had the longest stint in the Sta. Cruz mayoralty. He was elected twice (1968-71; 1972-75) and

extended (1976-80). He won a third term in 1980 but had to step down in April 1986 following the popular up-rising that led to the fall of the Marcos dictatorship.

Salud Ralota, meanwhile, married Cosme Leopoldo Cagas, a faculty member at Silliman University where she was enrolled. The union produced successful children, one of whom was Douglas, a human rights lawyer who became deputy minister of local government and com-munity development (MLGCD, now interior and local government department) after the ascendancy of Corazon C. Aquino as president of the republic on February 25, 1986.

Prior to this, he was Batasang Pambansa assembly-man, and later governor and congressman of Davao del Sur. Douglas’s only child, the two-time legislator and

vice-governor Mark Douglas IV, succeeded him as governor when he died from the pandemic in 2021. Another Ralota scion is Digos City councilor Gary R. Cagas, brother of Douglas whose son, Josef Fortich Cagas, was elected city mayor of Digos in 2019. Former Davao del Sur senior board member John Tracy F. Cagas, who succeeded Douglas Mark IV as vice governor in 2021, is the brother of Josef.

Matea, who hosted Sen. Almendras while studying in college at the Mindanao Colleges (now UM), died in Sta. Cruz in 1961 a well-off and landowning matriarch. Her remains lie in the family mausoleum inside her sprawling estate. To honor her contributions to the progress of the town, a municipal street in Santa Cruz, Davao del Sur, has been named in her memory.

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COMPETITIVE EDGE

Over P6-M DOLE assistance allocated for Davao de Oro Youth

The Department of Labor and Employment XIDavao de Oro Field Office (DOLE-DOrFO) started off the month with the distribution of P6,225,120.00 DOLE assistance to three municipalities in the Province of Davao de Oro for

the implementation of the Government Internship Program (GIP).

The Local Government Units (LGU) of Compostela, Montevista, and Pantukan received the amount of P518,760.00, P1,556,280.00,

P4,160,080.00, respectively. The cash assistance will be of help to a total of 120 youth in the said municipalities. Through the GIP, the young workers will be provided with opportunity to demonstrate skills in the field of public service and

eventually attract them to pursue a career in government service. They will be employed for six months and the salary shall be based on the existing daily minimum wage o the region.

DOLE-DOrFO Chief Neil Allan R. Baban and Labor

LANDBANK further expands branch, ATM networks in 2021 State-owned Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) wrapped up 2021 by further expanding touchpoints in key strategic areas nationwide, as part of its thrust of promoting greater financial inclusion and providing a more delightful banking experience to customers.

LANDBANK’s total branch network reached 489 branches and branch-lite units across all 81 provinces nationwide as of 31 December 2021. The Bank also has the second largest automated teller machine (ATM) network in the country with 2,513 ATMs, complemented by 222 cash deposit machines (CDMs) for safe and convenient cash withdrawals and deposits.

“Amid the increasing usage of online banking under the new normal, LANDBANK branches and other physical touchpoints

remain equally important in servicing our customers.

With our aggressive network expansion, we also ensure that health protocols are strictly followed in all our facilities for the safety of our clients and employees,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Cecilia C. Borromeo.

Last year, LANDBANK, the only Bank present in all provinces in the country, opened a total of 15 branches and branch-lite units, composed of seven branches, one branch-lite, five agri-hubs and two mobile branches.

A total of seven new LANDBANK branches were inaugurated in Bunawan, Agusan del Sur; Paranas, Samar; Real, Quezon; La Carlota City, Negros Occidental; Poro, Cebu; and M’lang and Libungan in Cotabato, as well as a LANDBANK branch-lite unit in Sta. Ana, Cagayan.

Five LANDBANK AgriHubs were opened in Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur; Rizal, Nueva Ecija; Bago City, Negros Occidental; Baggao, Cagayan; and Candaba, Pampanga, to bring financial and technical services closer to farmers and other agriculture stakeholders.

Located strategically in the top rice-producing provinces in the country, the LANDBANK Agri-Hubs provide banking services such as account opening, withdrawals, and check encashments; lending services such as the processing of loan applications; and agrarian services such as processing of Agrarian Reform (AR) bonds and handling of agrarian-related concerns from landowners, bondholders, and agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs).

The Bank also added three Lending Centers in Tandag, Surigao del Sur;

Kalibo, Aklan; and La Trinidad, Benguet, for a total of 58 Lending Centers nationwide.

LANDBANK Lending Centers provide accessible financial services and affordable credit assistance to various sectors, notably local government units (LGUs), small and medium enterprises (SMEs), ARBs, and small farmers and fishers for agriculture production, equipment acquisition, and working capital.

To reach more unbanked and underserved communities, LANDBANK also rolled out two units of mobile branches housed in six-wheeler trucks. These units are to be deployed in areas with disrupted banking services and for emergency disbursements or cash subsidy payouts under the social amelioration programs of government agency partners.

and Employment Officer III Eric T. Valiente handed over the checks to the representatives of the LGUs and Public Employment Service Offices (PESOs).

DOLE XI OIC-Regional Director Atty. Randolf C. Pensoy said that the labor

department is determine to expedite the provision of both employment and livelihood assistance for the youth and disadvantaged workers in Davao Region as we navigate through these uncertain times and adapt to the new normal.

SM Supermalls Launches StartUp Market with 8 MSMEs at SM Lanang Premier SM Supermalls is going to launch the StartUp Market in partnership with eight homegrown micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) at SM Lanang Premier on February 16.

Eight purveyors namely the Design Theory Collective, The Signature Homestyle Ice Cream, Nousagi Japanese Pastry, Bender Balance Board, Emotions, Cookiephile Bakeshop, The Neat Box, and the Clayhouse Davao Handy Crafts are just among the 100 small business owners nationwide that were invited to set up shops in SM Malls.

The StartUp Market is a program that nurtures and supports small businesses and provides mentorship to help them flourish in their respective industries.

It also offers a platform for budding micro entrepreneurs to take their market to the next level by providing them a

space inside an SM mall where they could showcase their goods and services to the mainstream market.

The idea to launch the project was born out of the desire of SM Supermalls to help the Philippine economy bounce back during the pandemic by empowering small businesses.

SM Supermalls launched the first batch of MSMEs during the opening of SM StartUp Markets on December 15, 2021 at the SM Megamall.

The StartUp Market at SM Lanang Premier is just one of the 13 StartUp markets situated in regional and premier malls in major cities of the country namely the SM North Edsa, SM Megamall, SM Mall of Asia, SM Southmall, SM Pampanga, SM Clark, SM Grand Central, SM Sta. Rosa, SM City Cebu, SM Iloilo, SM Bacolod, and SM CDO Downtown Premier.

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G

od has given each individual a talent.

But there are those who are given several. Such is the case of LJ Manzano, who is guitarist, singer and songwriter.

“Personally, I don’t feel complete without any of these,” he admits. “But if I have to choose only one, then that’s playing guitar because people say I am ‘one of a kind’ when I do such a thing.”

Well, playing guitars is also his first love. He was 12 when he became fascinated with guitars after hearing her mother playing the song “If” popularized by a group named Bread. “When I saw my mom playing that song, I was encouraged to play the guitar,” he recalled.

“Later on, I realized I started singing pop and rock music and even my own original songs secretly.”

If you hear and watch

him playing his guitars, you can really say LJ is one of a kind. On how he does it, he replies, “I combined everything that I have learned from the Internet.” He adds, “As I learn, I also create my own ideas. Mainly though, I teach myself and I love to improvise. I think I was born a very creative person.”

Michael Hedges and Ross Bolton are two of his favorite guitar players who influenced him. Hedges is an American acoustic guitarist and songwriter.

His discography included “Breakfast in the Field,” “Live on the Double Planet,” and “Torched.” Bolton, on the other hand, provided

GAME CHANGER

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LJ MANZANO

THEY’RE PLAYING HIS SONGS

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO courtesy of LJ Manzano guitar work for soundtracks of such movies as Switch, Into the West and Friday.

Paul McCartney – that’s the singer he wanted to play for if he is given a chance.

“He is also one of my most admired songwriters of all time,” he says. Among the famous songs he composed were some of the songs he sang with the British band, Beatles, including “Love Me Do,” “P.S. I Love You,” “I Saw Her Standing There,” “Hold Me Tight” and “All My Loving.”

Yes, LJ is more of a songwriter than a singer. “I was more of a song writer and a virtuoso guitarist during my school years,” he admitted. There was a time when he did some backup singing, and he considered it as “the bravest thing I’ve done in singing.” His reason: “That was the time when I formed my bands called ‘The Beatitudes’ and ‘Myxtreme.’”

So far, he has composed more than 40 songs already.

Among those who have sung his musical compositions include Morissette Amon, Ben&Ben, JBK, Mark Garcia, and Joan Da. Some local singers have also crooned his songs like JR Oclarit.

He singles out “Hay Nako” and “Naririnig Mo Ba” as his most favorite songs. “Hay Nako, which I sang personally, has already reached more than 50 million views online. It is being used by popular YouTubers

until today.

“Naririnig Mo Ba,” sung

by Morissette Amon and with Joan Da as co-lyricist, is also a favorite “because that song was very emotional and many people liked it as well. The song became trending when Antonette Tismo sang her own rendition on ‘Tawag ng Tanghalan,’ which gained two million views in less than a week.”

“Naririnig Mo Ba” earned him an award for Best Ballad Recording in the Awit Awards. His “Ngano” was adjudged champion in Iloilo for Star FM’s Bombo Music Festival Songwriting Competition. “Magtanim ng Bago” was one of the winners (second runner up)

during the Tofarm Songwriting Competition.

But LJ considers “Aalagaan Kita,” as the most memorable song he has composed so far. “This was the song I wrote for my wife,” he says, “and I sang it on our wedding day.”

If you are still wondering what LJ stands for, it’s Lover Jay. He is the second, youngest and only son of Fely Manzano and Angelito Te. His eldest sister is named Love Joy. “Ten years ang gap namin ng sister ko,” he said.

LJ graduated from Davao Central High School in 1999. In 2006, he graduated from Ateneo de Davao University (majoring in Mass Communications)

and North Valley College (Nursing). Yes, he finished two courses. “I didn’t like these courses but I have to do it since I was afraid that my sister wouldn’t support me financially if I didn’t finish college, especially nursing,” he revealed.

In 2009, LJ went to London to study health and social care. But deep down in his heart, he wanted to make music there personally, especially that as a solo guitarist, he has gained more than 4 million views on YouTube. “As guitar instrumentalist, I wanted to extend my guitar skills to other nationalities,” he said.

What he wanted to do came when he was invit-

FLJ, P10

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vaccinated.

The mayor urged vaccination sites to be straightforward in the rollout.

“Let them know that it is open, let them know that it is available, let them know how they can access the bakuna. We have complied with our duty na mag rollout sa 5 to 11 sa ilahang vaccination,” she said.

Mayor Sara also said that vaccination for kids depends on the willingness of the parents and guardians for their children to be vaccinated.

“The good thing about sa Pilipinas is that the vaccination is not mandatory in the case of minors depende sa ilang parents or guardians kung unsa ang ilahang mamahimong decision with regards to the vaccination sa bata. Ang pinaka maayo ana since dili man mandatory depende na siya sa assessment ug kagustuhan sa parents and guardians,” she said.

The mayor urged the parents and guardians to read and arm themselves with the correct information before deciding whether or not they let their children get vaccinated.

“Ang pinakamaayo is they read on mga papers that are already there out nga nagabuhat ug study para sa 5 to 11 years and tan awon pud nila ang mga nauna na nga mga roll out na pediatric vaccination program. I suggest sa mga ginikanan ug guardians to arm themselves with the correct information to make a proper decisio whether or not pabakunahan nila or dili ang ilahang wards or ilang mga anak,” she said.

Mayor Sara also said that going to the pediatrician or general medicine doctors to ask first what is best or what to do regarding the vaccination of 5 to 11 years old is also an option.

deployed linemen and support personnel to carry out immediate repair and restoration.

“Naging mabilis at magaan pero hindi po naging ‘cooperative’ ang weather after Odette. Umuulan habang sila’y nag-rerepair,” Capulong said in giving idea about the working situation of NGCP workforce.

In early February, NGCP so far restored 94 transmission lines of the 95 that NGCP maintained in the Odette-hit 22 provinces in Visayas and Mindanao. The province of Bohol is its remaining area of concern to permanently complete power line repairs and restoration.

Capulong admitted that the repair of sub-marine cable transmitting power supply to Bohol would take a long time, but NGCP has erected in Bohol, “emergency restoration system structures” or special towers to restore transmission of power supply.

In a news post on Facebook dated February 09, NGCP said that Bohol-Leyte link was energized ahead of time as it “successfully completed and energized the two special towers of the Ubay-C.P. Garcia 138kV Line toppled by Typhoon Odette”.

“Through its Emergency

Restoration Systems (ERS), a temporary by-pass line was constructed to restore the interconnection of Bohol to Leyte, six days ahead of schedule,” NGCP says.

NGCP still aimed to completely and permanently restore these towers by April 2022, using “using a new tower design with a higher wind-rating to increase its ability to withstand stronger typhoons”.

Meanwhile, Mindanao NGCP transmission lines have been restored even in severely devastated areas of Surigao provinces and Surigao del Sur, Capulong said.

“Nahuman na ta… Even before New Year daghan nata na restore na mga linya and facilities,” Capulong said.

Immediate power line restoration was made possible by NGCP in the midst of wide area of typhoon devastation with the Integrated Disaster Action Plan that it had made to work during disaster.

“We prepositioned the materials, line hardwares in strategic places, wherever would be affected,” Capulong said while further explaining that part of prepositioned logistics are its transport system and facilities, and manpower. (PIA XI/ Jeanevive Duron-Abangan)

tion of DOTr and LTFRB’s programs and projects gearing up to the same goal which is to develop Mindanao-wide linkages and provide mobility and interconnectivity.

Sec. Mabel Sunga-Acosta expressed grateful response to DOTr and LTFRB for its confidence towards

a meaningful partnership of programs. The Secretary expressed that it is inspiring when she “finds the right people with the same passion , with the same fire in the belly, with the same vision”, saying it inspires her as she believes this will lead to faster accomplishments and streamline efforts. PR

of intent (LOIs) and one memorandum of understanding (MOU) from Middle East investors.

These LOIs and MOU are seen to draw USD580 million worth of invest-

ments to the Philippines in sectors of medical equipment retail, dairy production, theme park development, and renewable energy projects.

(PNA)

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up to the challenge in implementing the hardest Covid-19 restrictions and protocols during the time that vaccines and drugs against Covid-19 were not yet available in the city.

“We thanked him for his leadership dinha sa DCPO and we thanked the uniformed and non-uniform personnel of DCPO as well sa ilahang support sa city

government of Davao and for their hard work in making Davao City one of the safest cities in the country.

Dako kaayo ta ug kinahanglan ipagpasalamat sa atoang personnel dinha sa DCPO apil na ang ilahang support group na police auxiliaries that are hired by the city government of Davao but are working under DCPO,” the mayor said.

ing liquor and alcoholic beverages constitute 5 percent of the total sales for his restaurants.

“I don’t know about the others pero sa amo I think it only constitutes 5 percent of the total sales. I’m sure for other restos, it’s higher especially the high-end one that serves wines,” Lizada added.

Lizada also said that

with low sales, the only thing that the sector can do is to keep its costs down.

“Every peso counts.

Karon daghan naman bakunado and while there are reported infections, there are significantly fewer deaths. The vaccines are working and we should slowly learn to live with the virus,” he said. By Maya M. Padillo

medical equipment and establishment of laboratory surveillance sites, and the development of a cold chain system in the Philippines.

The first meeting of the high-level committee was held in March 2017 in Tokyo.

It was part of the commitment made two months earlier by then-Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to provide one trillion yen (about US$9 billion)

in financing support to the Philippines over the next five years, and to establish a Joint Committee on Infrastructure Development and Economic Cooperation to coordinate this assistance.

This commitment was completed in July 2021 under the administration of then-Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, who was the Chief Cabinet Secretary during Prime Minister Abe’s term. (PR)

other breeds.

Dar said the Qatar firm will support the Philippine government to level the playing field and foster domestic dairy production.

“DA has already identified five possible locations for the Baladna project and will welcome the Baladna team in the next few weeks for the site visits,” Dar said. (PNA)

capacity to pay for a space where there is a higher foot traffic. Thus, we at DTI, together with our private sector partners, do our share in helping them gain free access to the mainstream market,” she said.

Ambi further emphasized that the Buy Local

by Lokals project is also in response to the pandemic that has affected the MSMEs in several ways.

“We want to assist them in every way possible as they strive to weather the storm. We are here to create opportunities to aid them in their recovery and growth,” she said.

Ambi said that by patronizing local products, the locals can contribute to the achievement of a vibrant business climate considering that the MSMEs are the backbone of the Philippine economy, especially in job creation and poverty reduction.

Based on the newly released data by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the country’s MSMEs accounted for 99.51% of the 957,620 business enterprises operating in the country in

2020. This means that less than 1% were large enterprises.

The same report divulged that the wholesale and retail trade, together with the repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles, dominated the top 5 industries at 46.74%. In the meantime, manufacturing stood at 11.64%, which gained the 3rd spot.

“We can, therefore, conclude that there is so much potential to unleash from our MSMEs. Through the Buy Local

by Lokals initiative, we are optimistic to present more opportunities for them,” she noted.

In 2021, DTI 11 assisted a total of 25,184 MSMEs, which is 109% of its annual target of 23,000.

Ambi encouraged the existing and would-be entrepreneurs to coordinate with the nearest Negosyo Center for assistance.

They can be reached through their respective Facebook pages for convenience. They may also inquire with the Facebook page DTI Region 11 for their concern to be facilitated.DTI11

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ed to the biggest Christian gathering in O2 Arena (Hillsong Conference), where almost 10 thousand people attended. “When the Hillsong invited me to be part of their Music Team, I played for the opening part,” he said.

That was the start. Every time foreigners saw him playing his guitar instruments – whether live in pubs or in streets and concerts – his CDs were always sold out in just a matter of 30 minutes.

In 2011, LJ returned to the country since he had to renew his Visa. “I went home earlier since I badly miss the joy of being home,” he said, “As the saying goes, there’s no place like home.”

It was at this time that the group named MP3 came into existence. Surprisingly, MP3 was among the contenders in the Pilipinas Got Talent Season 4.

“As a musical arranger of this group, I really took the responsibility of what we will do on stage,” he said.

“The medley song (Come Together, Billie Jean, Moves Like Jagger, Yugyugan Na, and the Mission Impossible Theme) we always play on our gigs that caught the attention of people was the piece I arranged especially for the MP3 Band.”

Right now, LJ describes himself as lucky. “I am blessed to have a God-giv-

en gift in doing the best of both worlds,” he says. “My guitar video (Toxic by Britney Spears) is something that I had made that no one else in the world does. I am also blessed with my songs which have been monetized.”

When asked how he sees himself ten years from now, he replies, “I really don’t know. Because for me, I am happy right now with my career and I think I have already fulfilled creating a name in the industry.

“But tomorrow may have another surprise for me,” LJ adds. “I am also happy with our business that is going well and I am also looking forward to expanding our business. That’s apart from pursuing my career, of course.”

His final words: “Always follow who you are. Learn to ignore those people who will try to put you down.

When it comes to gifts and skills, find your strength and be true to yourself and to everyone because that’s the only way you can excel on something.

“At the end of the day, God created each of us with strengths and weaknesses. Some are doctors, some are lawyers, and some are teachers. I am for music and I am also for building my own business – two things that I am good at. You have to find what’s yours!”

motional debut at ONE: BATTLEGROUND back in July, Pacatiw looked like he had a fresh set of springs in his step as he imposed his presence on his opponent Chen “The Ghost” Rui, unleashing a barrage of strikes while also securing two massive takedowns to display his well-rounded game for the unanimous decision conquest.

“My win from my debut fight gave me that extra self-assurance and I’m feeling more confident than ever,” he said, while admitting that he feels he still has a lot to show for his fans in ONE Championship.

“I have more to offer

that will surely thrill our audience and it is expected every time we step inside the Circle that we really need to show another version of ourselves, and that another version is the improved version. We want to show the world that we are constantly evolving.”

Also adding to Pacatiw’s morale was the valuable advice that his fellow Team Lakay members gave him, with former ONE Bantamweight World Champion Kevin “The Silencer” Belingon and Stephen “The Sniper” Loman all doing their part in pushing him in preparation for this match.

elite athletes and the campaign of the women’s football team.”

The sports agency received the official endorsement of granting of cash incentives from the PFF last week, and is now forwarded to the PSC Board for approval.

The Philippine Women’s Football Team incentives will be anchored on their historic run after reaching the semifinals of the 2022 AFC Women’s Asian Cup and successfully qualifying for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. The national lady

booters, opened their AFC campaign with a historic win against Thailand in 17 years, 1-0. The Malditas fought valiantly against Chinese Taipei and won the penalty kicks, 4-3 in the quarterfinals. The semifinals qualification also became the pass for the Philippines to play for the FIFA World Cup next year.

Araneta commented during his speech that it would be an exceptional experience as a Filipino to “hear the national anthem being played in the FIFA World Cup for the first time.” (PR)

tor Carlota S. Madriaga said no calamity or pandemic can hinder the services of the agency, especially in these trying times where the agency is needed the most.

“This is our way of helping our small farmers and fisherfolk, as they play a crucial role in ensuring food availability and security in our region,” she said. (PNA)

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Jeremy “The Juggernaut” Pacatiw is proving to everyone that he truly deserves his spot here at ONE Championship.

Pacatiw looks forward to career-defining fight Malditas pay courtesy call to PSC chair

T

he women’s football team paid for a courtesy call to Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman William “Butch” Ramirez after joining employees during the agency’s physical flag-raising ceremony at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex on Monday.

“We recognize the outstanding performance of our women’s football team and their historic accomplishment,” said Ramirez, who was joined by Com-

missioners Celia Kiram and Arnold Agustin.

Lady footballers Chandler and Olivia McDaniel, Camille Rodriguez, Anicka and Sara Castañeda, Hali Long, and Inna Palacios were present in the flag-raising together with Philippine Football Federation (PFF) President Mariano “Nonong” Araneta Jr. “This is one of the pinnacles of our experience.

We couldn’t have done it without the PSC’s support and all of you behind the

scenes. You are all part of this achievement,” said Long, who served as the team’s co-captain in the tournament.

Ramirez also commended the leadership of the PFF, its officials, and Australian coach Alen Stajcic, for ensuring that each of our athletes are bringing their best performance on the world stage.

Araneta responded that, “the PSC has been very supportive of all our

FMALDITAS, P10

B

ut he knows that the journey necessitates him to constantly reaffirm his position in the promotion, thus the need to test himself against better and tougher foes.

Pacatiw will do just that at ONE: FULL CIRCLE when he takes on Fabricio “Wonder Boy” Andrade on 25 February at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.

The 25-year-old upstart is raring for his biggest test yet here at ONE as he battles the #4-ranked contender in the bantamweight division.

“He is a complete athlete so I need to prepare

FPAKATIW, P10

Thunder rookie Giddey enters rare air after latest triple-double

T Rookie guard Josh Giddey dazzles the MSG crowd with his third career triple-double.

myself in every aspect of the game,” he stated. “There is no easy war. It’s all tough but in different ways. In the case of my opponent this time, his arsenal is not just loaded but he’s very well loaded.”

Pacatiw knows how tough of a cookie Andrade is, with the Brazilian yet to taste a loss since joining ONE Championship in

2020.

Andrade is on a fivefight win streak, with his last victory coming at ONE: WINTER WARRIORS II back in December where he overwhelmed “The Underdog” Li Kai Wen with his lethal strikes to eventually pull off the first round technical knockout win.

Yet as big of a threat Andrade is in Pacatiw’s ascent, the Filipino fighter also presents a solid case to be considered as one of the weight class’ next big things.

Hyper-active in his pro-

he sixth overall pick of the 2021 Draft is redefining the NBA’s teenage record books.

Oklahoma City’s teenage, 6-foot-8 rookie guard is setting a new standard for young success.

The No. 6 overall pick of the 2021 Draft amassed a career-high 28 points, 11 rebounds and 12 assists in the Thunder’s overtime win at New York on Mon-

day. In the process, Giddey became the youngest player in NBA history to register consecutive triple-doubles after similarly filling the stat sheet Saturday in a narrow loss to Chicago.

Giddey’s performance was fitting in his Madison Square Garden debut. He became just the fourth player in league history to log a triple-double in his first appearance at New

York’s famed arena.

The Australian-born playmaker, who now owns the three youngest triple-doubles in league history, is averaging 12.0 points, 7.7 rebounds and 6.2 assists on the season. He owns eight double-digit assists games, the third-most ever by a teenager behind only LeBron James (11) and Stephon Marbury (9).

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The 23 players plus 2 reserves shall receive Php 50,000 each for their historic feat made at the 2022 AFC Women’s Asian Cup in India, after reaching the semifinals and making it to the World Cup next year.

CASH AWAITS

PH women’s football team to receive special incentives from PSC

T

he Philippine Sports Commission Board on Tuesday approved the awarding of Php 1,250,000 worth of special incentives for the Philippine Women’s Football Team for qualifying for the 2023 FIFA Women World Cup.

The board unanimously approved the incentive as it “recognizes the significance of their breakthrough performance during the Asian Cup and the qualification to the 2023 World Cup,” said PSC Chairman William “Butch” Ramirez on the approval of special incentives.

The 23 players plus 2 reserves shall receive Php 50,000 each for their historic feat made at the 2022 AFC Women’s Asian Cup in India, after reaching the semifinals and making it to the World Cup next year.

“I am proud of our women football team members. We met them yesterday and we can feel their humility and strong team spirit. I think this contributed much to their success, among other factors” the sports agency chief said.

Last Monday, Ramirez along with PSC Commissioners Celia Kiram and Arnold Agustin, warmly welcomed Philippine Football Federation (PFF) President Mariano “Nonong” Araneta Jr. and the members of the national team namely Chandler and Olivia McDaniel, Camille Rodriguez, Anicka and Sara Castañeda, Hali Long, and Inna Palacios during their courtesy visit at Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila.