Edge Davao Volume 14 Issue 286 | Wednesday, February 23, 2022

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VOL.14 ISSUE 286 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2022

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A market vendor weighs live crabs for a customer at the wet market section of Agdao Public Market in Davao City on Tuesday. Edge Davao

BAR BREACH

Bar owner to face charges for breaching Covid-19 protocols, operating without permit STORY ON PAGE 2

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 286 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2022

BAR BREACH

President Rodrigo Duterte talks to the people after holding a meeting with key government officials at the Malacañan Palace on Monday night. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

side the said bar violating wearing of face mask and social distancing protocols has gone viral over the weekend.

Based on the press statement of CIO, Davao Covid-19 Task Force Spokesperson Dr. Michelle Schlosser reported that during the initial investigation, it was found that Supladoz had no business permit to operate and the management also did not comply with the MPHS implementation within its es-

tablishment.

Schlosser also reported that the Business Bureau has released a cease and desist order against the bar and that the owner has already received it.

The Covid-19 task Force, together with the Business Bureau and the enforcement team, will meet bar owners and establishments in Davao City on February 22, 2022 to remind them of the continued implementation of the minimum public health standards and that they won’t be receiving a safety seal without adhering to the standards.

The viral video happened days after the city

government lifted the modified liquor ban.

Meanwhile, the regional office of the Department of Health (DOH-Davao Region) reminded bars and establishments in Davao Region to closely monitor the implementation of the minimum public health standards.

Dr. Gerna Manatad, assistant regional director of DOH-Davao Region, reiterated that there is a need to closely coordinate and inform DOH-Davao Region’s counterparts of the areas and establishments that are not compliant with the minimum public health standards (MPHS).

2022.

The survey includes discussion on watershed protection, solid waste management and zero waste lifestyle, urban livability, good agricultural practices, sustainable/clean energy, policy bottlenecks and good governance.

“IDIS launched the Green Vote 2022 Survey for us to know what are the environmental and sustainability plans of our local candidates. Also, this survey aims to provide Dabawenyos information who among these candidates have the passion and

commitment to address the environmental challenges we are facing right now,” said lawyer Mark Peñalver, executive director of IDIS, in a text message.

The survey will highlight the candidates’ platforms on environmental management and their views and decisions on various environmental issues in the city. It will also tackle local issues, such as the halting of the cutting of old-growth trees at declared conservation zones such as in Mt. Makabol-Alikoson and Kalatong, the increasing wastes

and pollution of the sanitary landfill, the proposed Waste-to-Energy (WTE) facility in Davao City, the resumption of aerial and chemical-based spraying in monocrop plantations, quarrying and extraction of resources, the proposed Samal Island-Davao City (SIDC) Connector Project and other large infrastructure projects affecting the environment.

“It is important that we know where our candidates stand in terms of environmental protection and sustainability as these candidates will lead us ei-

ther to the path where we all enjoy life without threat from the effects of climate change or to drown us because they fail to protect us from pressing environmental challenges,” Peñalver said.

“As the climate crisis is one of the defined issues of the next admin, it would be proper to know what they can do to resolve this,” added Ruel Kenneth Acero Felices, IDIS digital campaigner.

IDIS program coordinator Lemuel Manalo clarified that the Green Vote 2022 will not endorse a

By MAYA M. PADILLO he owner of Supladoz Ilustre Restobar will face charges for illegally operating without a business permit and failure to implement the Covid-19 protocols.

The City Information Office (CIO) reported that the city government of Davao will file cases against the owner of the restobar for illegally operating without a business permit and for violating Covid-19 protocols, such as the implementation of the minimum public health standards (MPHS) and Safe DQR scanning among its clients inside the establishment.

This is in line with the video showing people queueing and partying in-

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ice Presidential hopeful Sara Duterte on Monday called on government officials from the different political camps to unite after the May 2022 elections.

The Davao City mayor, who attended the birthday celebration of Pampanga Vice Governor Lilia Pineda, urged key leaders in Region III to support development plans and to put the interest of the Filipino people first.

“After the election, dapat po tayong lahat mga public officials ay kunin natin lahat ang ating mga kababayan, yung ating mga constituents doon sa ating mga lugar at i-herd natin silang lahat tungo sa ating direksyon na tuloy-tuloy na kaunlaran para sa ating bansa,” Duterte said.

She said unity is vital in continuing infrastructure development and in fighting criminality and illegal drugs.

Duterte also asked those in the birthday party to support her advocacies if she gets elected as vice president.

“Simulan po natin sa pagbalik ng trabaho na

Bar owner to face charges for breaching Covid-19 protocols, operating without permit

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Sara urges gov’t officials to unite after May polls nawala dahil sa pandemya.

Pangalawa is ang pagpapatuloy ng reporma na nasimulan ni Pangulong Duterte, particularly the Build, Build, Build project o infrastructure development spending ng ating bansa, at yung pagsugpo sa krimen at illegal na droga sa ating komunidad,” she said.

“Paano ito masisimulan? Kapag tayo pong lahat ay magkakaisa,” she added.

Pineda’s birthday celebration was attended by politicians from all over Central Luzon.

Duterte was joined by her running mate Bongbong Marcos, senatorial candidates Mark Villar, Gibo Teodoro, Loren Legarda, Migz Zubiri and Jinggoy Estrada.

In a separate event, Duterte met with the Pampanga barangay captains and community leaders. She was joined by BBM, former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, senatorial bets Teodoro, Estrada, Zubiri, Harry Roque, Robin Padilla, and Tingog Partylist third nominee Karla Estrada. (PR)

candidate or candidates but will serve as a guide for Dabawenyos in choosing whom to vote this coming May 9 elections.

IDIS urged the local candidates to participate in the said survey and set this as their avenue to present their commitment to addressing Davao City’s environmental challenges.

“This will help us also, as an envi NGO, to identify new green champions that will help us pursue environmental protection in the city thru legislation,” said Felices. By Maya M. Padillo

IDIS’ Green Vote survey to test local bets’ environment sustainability plans

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he Interfacing Development Interventions for Sustainability (IDIS) Inc. launched its version of the election survey dubbed as Green Vote 2022, which aims to measure the environment aptitude of candidates.

The survey form will be forwarded to all official candidates of the city government of Davao, both legislative and executive branches, including Mayor, Vice Mayor, Representatives, and Councilors. Then IDIS will consolidate their answers and publicly release the results in April

VOL.14 ISSUE 286 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2022

EDGEDAVAO

NEWS

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Senatorial candidate Emmanuel Piñol interacts with the crowd during a sortie in Davao del Norte. The former Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) chair and Agriculture secretary’s Senate bid is endorsed by the Federation of Free Farmers based on “outstanding record of public service and firm support for the agriculture sector”. Edge Davao

Energy requirements in Mindanao tops Acosta’s list of priorities

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ecretary Mabel Sunga-Acosta of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) said while traveling around Mindanao, she found out that it is still important to put energy requirements on her list of priorities.

“Kasi napaka bilis ng development ng Mindanao ang daming nagpapatayo ng mga malls, business enterprises, economic zones, and we are continuously inviting investors. So bago pa tayo magkaroon ng shortage kailangan maplano na natin ang energy requirement for Mindanao,” Acosta said.

Romeo Montenegro, Assistant Secretary and Deputy Executive Director of MinDA, said what is needed to do for Mindanao between now and 2030 when wanting to add additional capacity to address the growing demand of energy is to attract, facilitate, and promote the entry of more Renewable Energy (RE) in Mindanao

particularly hydropower plants.

“Seven years ago we are about 60/40 in favor of RE as energy sources of Mindanao. That is why seven years ago, mas mura ang atoang kuryente versus Luzon because we derived so much of our electricity from RE particularly hydro. However, naga increase ang demand sa Mindanao, nagadaghan ang atoang malls, nagadaghan ang atoang mga towers in Davao, nagadaghan ang mga industries like manufacturing, BPOs, and we need more electricity in Mindanao,” he said.

Meanwhile, Acosta also cited livelihood and tourism as among her priorities.

“Kasi pagdating ng recovery phase ng ating pandemic mag-a-allot tayo sa national government pero dito sa Mindanao gusto natin paigtingin ang livelihood.

Siguro ang kaakibat diyan ay tourism. Kasi may maglalaba, maglu-

luto, may inuutusan for errands, for every one tourist marami kaagad ma-e- employ. Pagdating sa livelihood kailangan din bigyan ng pansin ang tourism,” she said.

Agriculture is also included in her list of priorities and will focus majority of the projects in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

“In a meeting with Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez, I was informed that there will be many projects coming in especially for the BARMM areas. In fact, sabi niya (Dominguez) sa sobrang dami nito at sobrang laki na funds from EU, Worldbank and other funding agencies, this is going to be the highest per capita na development assistance for BARMM. Pagdating sa BARMM hindi lng infrastructure, buildings, roads and bridges, pati na ang social development projects like education,” Acosta said. By Maya M. Padillo

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Davao del Norte consumer advocacy group has challenged the North Davao Electric Cooperative (Nordeco) to present the signatures that the electric cooperative supposedly collected from its consumers to oppose the move to replace it as electricity provider of the province.

What Nordeco has done so far has been to present bundles and bundles of paper supposedly containing the signatures and has not even shown any authentic one, said Ave Rose Castillo, convenor of the DavNor Energy Modernization Movement.

“If signatures are authentic they should present it to the public so that the authenticity could be examined and proven that truly their position has the support of the majority of its consumers,” said Castillo whose group has been pushing for the change in provider for the province because of what it termed as inefficient service and expensive electricity that the people of the province have been paying for.

Castillo made the statement after a friend told her that she was made to sign a a sheet of blank paper when she paid her bill.

“I would not be surprised if my signature was among those it included in the documents because I signed an attendance sheet when I entered the office,” Castillo quoted her friend as

saying.

For the longest time, instead of listening to the complaints of its consumers, “what the cooperative has done has been try to sweep these complaints under the rug and collaborate with dubious groups just so they could continue deceiving their consumers,” she added.

Castillo’s group is just one of those supporting the move that would allow Davao Light and Power Co. (Davao Light) to expand its services to the rest of the province as it has been serving Panabo City, Sto. Tomas, Carmen, Braulio Dujali and parts of Kapalong since 1976 aside from being the provider of power to Davao City.

But the major supporters of the move are the local officials of the province regardless of party affiliation as all the remaining local government units, except for one town, and Maco in Davao de Oro passed resolutions supporting the call.

Other groups backing the proposal were the different business organizations and other consumer groups

in the province.

Because of the massive support, the House of Representatives has passed a proposal that would allow Davao Light to provide service to the rest of Davao del Norte and Maco in Davao de Oro. The bill is now pending for review by the Senate.

The move has agitated the cooperative which claimed that about 90,000 of its consumers have signed a campaign that opposed the plan.

Last month, the cooperative organized a rally backed by progressive organizations to voice its opposition to the proposal, but Gov. Edwin Jubahib, one of the main backers of the proposal, ordered that the protest action be stopped because it might cause the spread of the virus.

Jubahib also pointed out that those opposing the plan can bring their sentiments to proper fora, including the Senate discussion on the bill and the provincial investigation into the affairs of the cooperative after a boardmember accused it of using its resources to attack officials supporting the proposal.

Aside from Governor Jubahib, other government officials clamoring for the removal of Nordeco as Davao del Norte’s electricity provider are Tagum Mayor Allan Rellon, Island Garden City of Samal Mayor Al David Uy and mayors of municipalities of the province.

4 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

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On the need to improve the energy supply for Mindanao:

Development is so fast with the opening of malls, business enterprises, economic zones, and we are continuously inviting investors. We need to prepare the energy requirement for Mindanao.”

Secretary Mabel Sunga-Acosta Chair, Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA)

EDITORIAL Sanctions Establishments in Davao City must now face sanctions if they fail to follow minimum standards imposed by the authorities in the continuing fight against the pandemic, particularly COVID-19 infection.

This is stipulated in Executive Order No. 3, signed by Mayor Sara Duterte last January 31. The executive order implements a safety seal program designed to ensure that customers and clients of business establishments and offices are protected from infection of COVID-19.

Establishments and offices found compliant with health standards will be given safety seals free of charge. The safety seal is then to be displayed in the compliant establishment. Establishments without business permit will not be entitled to a

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Establishments and selected offices caught operating without the safety seal are liable for possible sanctions even as the public is encouraged to report violators to the authorities.

The program is a joint undertaking of several government agencies such as the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Health (DOH), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and Department of Tourism (DOT) and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). With so many government agencies involved in the enforcement of the program, one wonders how can erring establishments get away with violations. But, let us see what happens.

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

safety seal.

SOLANI D. MARATAS Finance

CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING OFFICE MANILA MARKETING OFFICE RICHARD C. EBONA LEIZEL A. DELOSO | Marketing Manager Unit 6, Southbank Plaza Velez-YacapinProduct Sts. Development officer Cagayan de Oro City Address: No. 18 Purok 4B, Madelo Street, Lower Bicutan, Taguig City Tel: (088) 852-4894 Mobile number: +63 947 265 2969(smart); +63 916 955 8559(globe)

EDGEDAVAO

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VANTAGE POINTS

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HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

MOTHERS EXPOSED TO AGGRESSIVE FORMULA MILK MARKETING Mothers and pregnant women watch out. You have been targeted with marketing from formula milk companies, according to a joint report released by two United Nations agencies.

The report, How marketing of formula milk influences our decisions on infant feeding, was based on a survey conducted for the United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) and World Health Organization (WHO).

The report draws on interviews with parents, pregnant women and health workers in eight countries. It uncovers systematic and unethical marketing strategies used by the formula milk industry – now worth a staggering US$55 billion – to influence parents’ infant feeding decisions.

The report finds that industry marketing techniques include unregulated and invasive online targeting; sponsored advice networks and helplines; promotions and free gifts; and practices to influence training and recommendations among health workers.

The messages that parents and health workers receive are often misleading, scientifically unsubstantiated, and violate the

International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes (the Code) – a landmark public health agreement passed by the World Health Assembly in 1981 to protect mothers from aggressive marketing practices by the baby food industry.

“This report shows very clearly that formula milk marketing remains unacceptably pervasive, misleading and aggressive,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “Regulations on exploitative marketing must be urgently adopted and enforced to protect children’s health.”

The report details how a sustained flow of misleading marketing messages is reinforcing myths about breastfeeding and breast-milk, and undermining women’s confidence in their ability to breastfeed successfully.

These myths include the necessity of formula in the first days after birth, the inadequacy of breast-milk for infant nutrition, that specific infant formula ingredients are proven to improve child development or immunity, the perception that formula keeps infants fuller for longer, and that the quality of breast-milk declines with time.

Globally, only 44% of babies less than 6 months old are exclusively breastfed, the WHO reports. Global breastfeeding rates have increased very little in the past two decades, while sales of formula milk have more than doubled in roughly the same time.

Alarmingly, the report notes that large numbers of health workers in all countries had been approached by the baby feeding industry to influence their recommendations to new mothers through promotional gifts, free samples, funding for research, paid meetings, events and conferences, and even commissions from sales, directly impacting parents’ feeding choices.

The report said that more than one third of women surveyed said a health worker had recommended a specific brand of formula to them.

Meanwhile, studies have shown that increasing rates of exclusive breastfeeding could save the lives of 820,000 children every year around the world which would generate US $302 billion in additional income.

Breastmilk saves children’s lives as it provides antibodies that give babies a healthy

boost and protect them against many childhood illnesses. After all, breastmilk, the UN health agency explains, is more than a simple collection of nutrients. It contains all the essential nutrients like protein, fats, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and sugars, in exact proportion. It meets the needs of the growing infant at every stage.

“Early and exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of a child’s life reduces child mortality and has health benefits that extend into adulthood,” explains the Healthy Newborn Network (HNN).

“Breastfeeding benefits not only the child but the mother and family also, as it is free of cost and reduces the risk of infection in newborns, enhances neurodevelopment, and reduces the risk of acquiring certain non-communicable illnesses in adulthood,” HNN adds.

The HNN says that breastmilk substitutes and animal milk (from cattle, carabao, and goats) not only lack essential immune-building components, they also expose the infant to an increased risk of infection and morbidity.

Dr. Hiroshi Nakajima, former WHO director-general,

described breast milk in these words: “The sole truly universal food for the entire human species.”

Dr. Nakajima said breast milk, until recently, has served as “a vital link for nutrition and survival across the entire span of human existence, nurturing the newborn, the infant, and the young child during the most vulnerable years, all the while providing a powerful source of protection from infectious disease.”

Breast milk, the United Nations health agency explains, is more than a simple collection of nutrients. For thousands of years, in all continents, babies have been breastfed for a simple reason: mother’s milk is natural.

“Mother’s milk is a living substance of great biological complexity that not only provides unique protection against disease, but also stimulates the baby’s own immune system,” the WHO points out.

The WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, after which “infants should receive nutritionally adequate and safe complementary foods while breastfeeding continues for up to two years of age or beyond.”

ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA FAST BACKWARD

REP. VELOSO’S ‘LOST’ BILL The journey to divide the old Davao Province started in the 5th Congress (1962-65). Rep. Ismael L. Veloso, the city’s postwar kingmaker, filed in 1961 in Congress House Bill No. 36 titled “An Act to create the Provinces of Davao Oriental, Davao del Norte, and Davao del Sur.” Though the bill cleared the House of Representatives, it failed to muster support in the Senate.

The bill’s explanatory note yields interesting details about Davao Province, then containing thirty towns and a city, as the second-largest in the country with a land area of 19,499 square kilometers (i.e., 194,990 hectares), a population of 438, 610, and an electorate of 194,326.

Under the legislation, Davao Oriental comprised the municipalities of Gov. Generoso, Lupon, Mati, Manay, Caraga, Ba-

ganga, and Cateel, with Mati as capital while Davao del Norte Province would comprise the towns of Babak, Samal, Tagum, Sto. Tomas, Asuncion, Kapalong, Pantukan, Panabo, Nabunturan, Mawab, Compostela, Monkayo, and Mabini, with Tagum as capital town.

On the other hand, the proposed province of Davao del Sur would comprise the towns of Santa Cruz, Digos, Matan-ao, Bansalan, Hagonoy, Padada, Sulop, Malalag, Malita, and Jose Abad Santos, with Padada as capital town.

Under the Veloso initiative, the provincial officials elected in the 1959 elections would continue to specifically govern the new province of Davao del Sur until their successors have been elected and qualified. The incumbent provincial treasurer and provincial fiscal, meanwhile, would continue to receive

their salaries until a new readjustment of salaries was made.

Meanwhile, the officials of the provinces of Davao del Norte and Davao Oriental, with the concurrence of the commission on appointments, were to be appointed by the President and held office until their successors have been elected in the next general elections and qualified.

Significantly, the bill, specifically Section 6, also required congressional representations, thus: “The Provinces of Davao Oriental, Davao del Norte, and Davao del Sur shall each have one Representative: Provided, That for purposes of Congressional representation, the City of Davao shall be included in the Province of Davao del Sur: Provided, further, That the present Representative for the province of Davao shall, during his term of office as such, be the Repre-

sentative for the Provinces of Davao Oriental, Davao del Norte and Davao del Sur until the Representatives for the provinces of Davao Oriental and Davao del Norte shall have been elected together with the local officials in the next general elections in 1963 and shall have qualified, in which event, the incumbent shall remain as the representative for the Province of Davao del Sur.” As to the funds, obligations, and properties assigned to the three provinces, if the bill had been enacted and approved into law, all the assets were subject to equitable distribution upon the recommendation of the auditor general and the approval of the President.

The proposed law was supposed to take effect on July 4, 1962, or on any date set by the President through proclamation. Failing to hurdle the Sen-

ate, the bill was archived but was later refiled by Rep. Lorenzo S. Sarmiento and earned the credit as the ‘father of the Davao provinces.’

On May 8, 1967, President Ferdinand E. Marcos signed the initiative as Republic Act 4867; it was ratified on July 1, 1967.

Under this law, Davao del Sur’s capital town was moved to Digos.

Two new provisos, the extensions of the two sections cited in the Veloso bill, were introduced: (i) If the obligation of the province were contracted to finance the project of any one of the three provinces, the province concerned was exclusively responsible for such obligation; and (ii) the incumbent officers and employees needed to organize, or to complete, the provincial staffing of any of the three provinces shall be appointed in accordance with the law.

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An AirAsia aircraft touches down at Davao International Airport in Davao City. The airline has announced that it is increasing its flight frequencies in anticipation of the influx of foreign travelers after the government opened the country’s borders to tourists. Edge Davao

DavNor’s KAAGAPAY Program backs BP2P

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part from the various sources of financial and livelihood assistance supporting the Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa (BP2) Program of the national government, the Kawsa sa Agrikultura ug Panginabuhian sa Barangay (KAAGAPAY) Program of the Province of Davao Del Norte also backs the BP2P beneficiaries in the province.

The KAAGAPAY Program is a livelihood and food-sufficiency flagship program of Provincial Governor Edwin I. Jubahib’s administration backed by the Sangguni-

ang Panlalawigan Board Members.

It was established to support the residents of the province with their daily needs as the COVID-19 pandemic con-

tinues to surge.

KAAGAPAY beneficiaries received seedlings of vegetables and fruit trees.

Residents were also given chickens for them to raise where a stable market is waiting for their chickens after 3-5 months.

As returnees to the province, the BP2P beneficiaries also received seedlings and chickens after being organized as a group and formed an association to easily identify them and respond to them.

The assistance they received from the KAAG-

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sia said beginning March 2022 its flights to Caticlan will be increased to 34 times weekly.

The low-cost carrier said that its flights to Iloilo will be increased to 14 times weekly, Tacloban to 24 times weekly, Panglao to 14 times weekly, Puer-

to Princesa to nine times weekly, Bacolod to 14 times weekly, Davao to 11 times weekly, Cagayan de Oro to nine times weekly, Kalibo to 11 times weekly, and Cebu to 21 times weekly.

“The increase in our flight frequency is part

APAY Program is just part on top of the assistance handed to them by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Department of Agriculture (DA), the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and the Provincial Agriculture Office (PAGRO).

Davao del Norte has pioneered the implementation of BP2P being the first to have facilitated on March 19, 2021 the return of 19 individuals who once were residing in the congested urban

of our commitment to make sure that we will be able to prop up and support the demand towards summer,” said AirAsia Philippines spokesperson Steve Dailisan.

AirAsia said its destinations which include

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AirAsia PH raises flight frequencies to support influx of foreign travelers irAsia Philippines said Tuesday it has increased its flight frequencies in anticipation of the influx of foreign travelers after the government opened the country’s borders to tourists.

In a statement, AirA-

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DTI confident PH to keep EU GSP+ privileges

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epartment of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez is confident that the country will sustain the Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) privileges granted by the European Union (EU).

This is amid new threats from the EU Parliament to temporarily withdraw trade perks for the Philippines due to alleged human rights abuses and lack of press freedom.

“While it is not new, their allegations on human rights and lack of press freedom are fake news, and those only give false impressions on the real situation in the Philippines,” Lopez said in a Viber message.

He said the Philippine government has continued to update the EU Commission on the situa-

tion in the country.

On the part of DTI, it has facilitated regular GSP+ monitoring missions, with a forthcoming mission by the end of the month.

“This process is more systematic and organized in obtaining accurate information regarding the real situation in the country. They get to visit as well the projects and the marginalized sectors that get to benefit from the EU GSP+ and other stakeholders,” the DTI chief added.

Lopez said the Philippine government has also ensured that “there is compliance to the rules and protocols of engagement and prosecution procedures to those who violated”.

“It is unfortunate that the politicians of a huge economic block are the

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ECONOMY A2

A pump attendant refills a motorcycle with gasoline at a pumping station in Matina, Davao City. Oil companies announced the eighth straight week of increases, with gasoline already up by nearly P8 and diesel by over P10 per liter so far this year. Edge Davao

DTI lifts price freeze on basic necessities in Caraga Region World stocks skid, oil pops as Ukraine crisis deepens

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lobal stocks tumbled while safe-havens rallied and oil surged on Tuesday as Europe’s eastern flank stood on the brink of war after Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered troops into breakaway regions of eastern Ukraine.

MSCI’s broadest index of Asia Pacific shares outside Japan was on course for its worst day for this month, off 2.1 percent, weighed by markets in Hong Kong and mainland China. Japan’s Nikkei shed 2.5 percent.

US and European markets were also braced for sharp losses at the opening bell, with S&P 500 futures down 1.8 percent, Nasdaq futures off 2.5 percent, the pan-region Euro Stoxx 50 futures 1.53 percent lower, and FTSE futures down 0.89 percent.

In contrast, Brent crude futures rose 1.5 percent to $96.85, after touching a new seven-year high at $97.21 early in the session on worries Russia’s energy exports could be disrupted.

Spot gold added 0.2 percent to $1,909.10, having earlier

hit a new six-month top of $1,911.56.

Putin on Monday recognized two breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine as independent and ordered the Russian army to launch what Moscow called a peacekeeping operation into the area, upping the ante in a crisis that could unleash a major war. Read full story A Reuters witness saw columns of military vehicles including tanks early Tuesday on the outskirts of Donetsk, the capital of one of two breakaway regions, and Putin signed treaties with leaders of the two breakaway regions giving Russia the right to build military bases.

Washington and European capitals condemned the move, vowing new sanctions. Ukraine’s foreign minister said he had been assured of a “resolute and united” response from the European Union.

However, a Biden administration official said Russia’s move did not as yet constitute a “further invasion” that would trigger a

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ficer of DTI-13 told Philippine News Agency on Monday that even though the price freeze on basic necessities was lifted, the agency will continue the intensified regular monitoring of prices and random enforcement activities in the region to determine the compli-

ance of establishments.

“During our monitoring when the price freeze was implemented, there were no recorded violations on the basic necessities under the jurisdiction of the DTI, and I think it is the same with all the other basic necessities because our local government units have their own local price coordinating councils, with the DTI as part of these councils,” Plaza said.

He also pointed out that strengthening consumer rights advocacy is important as it will help consumers know their

rights and can identify violations committed by the establishments themselves.

“The SRP list for the said products can be viewed at e-Presyo website for the information and guidance of retailers, distributors, and consumers,” Plaza said.

The price freeze in Caraga Region was imposed following the declaration of the state of calamity on December 22 last year through the issuance of Proclamation No. 1267 signed by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.

manage the pandemic, SM Prime is set to pursue business expansions with broader funding options available locally and internationally,” SM Prime president Jeffrey Lim said.

“We will continue to work with the government in helping the nation rebound from the challenges in the past two years,” Lim added.

The company said its residential business unit led by SM Development Corp posted a record P45.9 billion in revenues.

SMDC’s sales take-up reached P98.9 billion last year.

Meanwhile, its mall business benefitted from the easing of restrictions late last year with P24.1 billion total revenues in 2021, which is higher than the P23.6 billion in 2020, SM Prime said.

The Sy-led firm said it launched 22 new malls in 2021 as well as the MOA Square in Pasay City where the biggest IKEA store in the world, IKEA Philippines, is located.

In China, its interna-

tional mall business hit a 20 percent increase in revenues for the year, SM Prime said, adding that malls in China’s net income grew 154 percent.

Other businesses, which include offices, hotels and convention centers reported consolidated revenues of P6.6 billion in 2021, 4 percent higher compared to 2020.

Economic activities, spending and foot traffic in malls gained traction in December 2021 after mobility restrictions eased.

he Department of Trade and Industry-Caraga (DTI-13) lifted the price freeze for basic necessities on Sunday, February 20, or 60 days after the region was placed under a state of calamity in December last year due to the devastation of Typhoon Odette.

With the lifting of the price freeze, DTI-13 has told manufacturers, retailers, distributors, and consumers that basic necessities in the region will be sold at their suggested retail prices (SRPs) based on the Jan. 27, 2022 list.

Mike Ariel Plaza, the Regional Information Of-

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SM Prime posts P21.8B net income last year

S

M Prime Holdings Inc said on Monday it posted a consolidated net income of P21.8 billion in 2021, higher by 21 percent compared to 2020.

Consolidated revenues reached P25.5 billion, 20 percent higher from the P21.2 billion in the same comparable period, SM Prime said in a disclosure to the stock exchange.

“As we begin to see the result of a joint effort by the government and private organizations to

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areas of Metro Manila.

(PIA XI Davao del Norte/ jmda/Ezri M. Coda, Jr. with reports from PIO Davao Del Norte).

Remittances, BPO revenues seen to boost PH BOP position Higher inflows from overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), the business process outsourcing (BPO) sector and foreign investments, along with continued vaccination against coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), are expected to support the country’s balance of payment (BOP) position.

Although the country posted a USD102-million BOP deficit last January, the first in four months, Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) chief economist Michael Ricafort is optimistic of improvements in the coming months as remittances from OFWs remain resilient and more countries strengthen vaccination programs against Covid-19.

Ricafort said global recovery prospects will be better if countries will eventually reach population protection against the virus which, in turn, will not only help increase OFWs remittances but also boost other structural inflows like BPO revenues, foreign investments, foreign tourism receipts, and Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGO) revenues.

“Continued growth in the country’s BPO sector amid the need for greater outsourcing worldwide in order to make global businesses more competitive amid Covid-19 challenges could also help bolster the country’s BOP and, in turn, GIR (gross international reserves) to

new all-time highs in the coming months,” he said.

BOP is the record of a country’s total transactions with the rest of the world at a given period.

Ricafort said continued improvement in foreign direct investments (FDIs), which recently rose to among the pre-pandemic highs and record highs, “could have also partly supported the BOP and GIR data.”

Data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) showed that FDIs posted net inflows amounting to USD1.1 billion last November, up by 96 percent year-on-year.

End-November 2021 FDIs reached USD9.2 billion, up 52.5 percent yearon-year.

“The CREATE (Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises) law has supported the stronger FDI data recently that could still continue in the coming months, thereby could add to the BOP and GIR data,” Ricafort said.

The CREATE Act, or Republic Act 11534, provides fiscal incentives to domestic and foreign corporations that open a business in the country.

Authorities consider this to be the government’s largest stimulus program against the pandemic since it will encourage more businesses to start domestic operations and create more job opportunities.

“Going forward, any improvement in BOP and GIR for the coming months could help provide greater cushion/support/buffer for the peso exchange rate vs. the US dollar especially vs. any speculative attacks,” he added. (PNA)

homestretch of their final PBA conference.

Teng is certainly eyeing a memorable exit as the Aces attempt to sail into the sunset with a 15th championship on deck after a decorated three and half decade stint highlighted by a grand slam in 1996.

“Every game, we’re inspired. We’re doing it for the Alaska company, of course for boss Fred Uytengsu, and for all the players that played before us, the Alaska legends, the management, the coaches,” said Teng, the fifth overall pick of the Aces in the 2017 draft. (PR)

former Cleveland star spun in circle to return the love coming from every corner of the arena.

When it was the centers’ turn to be welcomed, Shaquille O’Neal stuck out his tongue toward the camera and posed while Abdul-Jabbar, the league’s career scoring leader, mimicked his signature “sky hook.”

Allen Iverson, who once scored 54 points in the building, led the guards out and was followed soon after by George “Iceman” Gervin, who made sure the crowd remembered his famed finger roll.

Before Jordan’s entrance, Kobe Bryant’s photo on the giant scoreboard touched off an

emotional response and chants of “Ko-be, Ko-be” for the late Lakers superstar who died tragically in a 2020 helicopter crash with his young daughter, Gianna.

Even Steph Curry, who got booed during the first half of the All-Star Game, got a nice hand.

Jordan’s appearance was something of a surprise as the league kept a tight lid on any details of the celebration.

The still living members of the 75th team who didn’t attend were shown on video, with each saluting the fans with a wave.

This is the second time the league has honored its greats in Cleveland, after the 50th Anniversary Team was honored in 1997.

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Clark, Cebu, Cagayan De Oro, Caticlan, Davao, General Santos, Iloilo, Kalibo, Tagbilaran (Panglao), Puerto Princesa, Tacloban, and Zamboanga have started to accept fully vaccinated foreign visitors with only their vaccination cards as entry requirement.

Partially vaccinated tourists will also be allowed entry provided they submit a negative RT-PCR test result.

“We are thrilled about the latest development, as the months of March, April, and May are enticing months for foreign travelers especially those who love tropical islands and diving destinations,” said Dailisan.

“We truly commend the government’s effort to relax the country’s travel protocol and open its borders to fully vaccinated foreign travelers. The much anticipated foreign arrivals will likely jumpstart our tourism industry as we move forward towards post-pandemic recovery,” he added.

AirAsia said it is scheduled to open two new routes —Dumaguete in April and Roxas in June.

The airline added it will reopen its Bang-

kok and Bali flights next month and Incheon in April on top of the existing Singapore and Hong Kong flights.

Data from the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) showed that 79,337 international tourists arrived in the country from February 1 to February 17 with 91% fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

However, this is still far from the recorded 439,852 foreign arrivals in the same month pre-pandemic in 2020, but is also considered a significant jump from the recorded foreign arrivals in February 2021 with only 9,005, according to the Department of Tourism.

Foreign tourist arrivals are expected to increase after the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) decided to honor the vaccination cards of 12 additional countries, namely Argentina, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Chile, Denmark, Ecuador, Indonesia, Myanmar, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Portugal, and Spain as valid entry travel requirement.

one destroying the image of (a) small democratic country of peace-loving Filipinos, and it is like bullying a small country. They should ask the Filipinos in their companies or communities.

They should also ask the EU citizens, the EU business chambers in the country.

The 72 percent of (the) population who gave a high approval rating for PhilipThere’s more separation out West, where Phoenix has pulled away to a 6 1/2-game lead over Golden State by winning seven straight to run its record to 48-10.

Even those teams have concerns, with Phoenix bracing for a lengthy absence for Chris Paul and Golden State still going without Draymond Green because of a back injury.

The Nets hope their injury issues are almost over.

Durant is nearing a return after missing a month with a sprained left knee ligament, though coach Steve Nash said he isn’t expecting the All-Star forward to be ready when they resume their season Thursday against Boston.

Injuries are a part of every season, but the usual problems this season were compounded for some teams by the coronavirus.

An outbreak within the Nets contributed to them deciding to bring the unvaccinated Kyrie Irving back part time even though he still can’t play in home games. The Atlanta Hawks lost nine of 12 games during one rough stretch in December, having to sign multiple players just to field a team while their regulars

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Aside from Caraga, other regions such as Mimaropa, Western Visayas, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, and Northern Mindanao were also placed under the state

of calamity due to the onslaught of Typhoon Odette.

The price freeze lasted 60 days, which began on December 21 and ended on February 20. (PNA)

pine President Duterte cannot be wrong,” he said.

Under the EU GSP+, more than 6,000 Philippine exports to EU member states enter duty-free.

In 2021, around 25 percent of Philippine exports to the EU or an estimate of EUR2 billion (approximately PHP116.7 billion) exports benefited under the trade perks. (PNA)

broader sanctions package, as it was not a departure from what Russia had done already.

Following Russia’s latest move “we are much closer to military intervention, which of course is going to drive a lot of the risk off sentiment in the markets,” said Carlos Casanova, senior Asia economist at UBP, adding the short term volatility in markets caused by both geopolitical factors and the US Federal Reserve was ‘relentless’.

Casanova said the consequences would be higher oil prices, an equity sell off, and people flocking to safe haven assets like the Japanese yen.

In Hong Kong, shares of Russian aluminium producer OK Rusal MKPAO plunged as much as 22.1 percent to HK$6.18, their biggest daily percentage decline since April 2018.

Away from Russia, and not helping the Hong Kong market, Hong Kong-listed Chinese tech stocks fell 2.7 percent, with heavyweights Tencent and Alibaba both hit by speculation about a new wave of regulatory scrutiny.

CURRENCIES QUIETER In currency markets, moves were more muted, barring the Russian rouble which hit an 18-month low early in Asian trading, before steadying.

The Japanese yen walked back early gains

which had taken it to a near three-week high of 114.50 per dollar, fellow safe-haven the Swiss franc was holding steady near the previous day’s one-month high, and the euro fell 0.2 percent to a one-week low of $1.1286.

“Currency markets are not really showing the same level of caution as equity markets,” said Matt Simpson, senior market analyst at City Index.

“When you read the headlines .. you’d expect to see some follow-through in the markets. We are in equities but we’re not in currencies,” he said.

“Interestingly, overnight the Swiss franc was the safe haven, not the Japanese yen.”

The nerves also drove US Treasury yields lower, with benchmark 10-year Treasury yields diving as much as 7 basis points to 1.846 percent. Bets on Federal Reserve rate hikes also eased and the chance of a 50 basis point hike next month fell below 1-in-5.

US policy makers have been sparring publicly about how aggressively to begin tightening.

Federal Reserve Governor Michelle Bowman said on Monday that she will assess incoming economic data over the next three weeks in deciding whether a half percentage point interest rate rise is needed at the central bank’s next meeting in March. Read full story

were out.

They have been trying to climb out of that hole and are 10th in the East a year after reaching the Eastern Conference finals.

“At one point it was crazy. Like, just going out there and not knowing any of your teammates besides two of them,” All-Star Trae Young said. “It was different, but like the world might not always, always see that and see the struggle early on and understand that’s the reason. So now that we’re here, we’re starting to pick things up and guys are getting healthy. It’s going to be good for us if we keep it going.”

The play-in helps them.

For the second straight year, the teams in the Nos. 7-10 spots will play for the final two postseason spots in each conference. Right now, both the eighth-place Nets and ninth-place Lakers would find themselves there.

There’s still time to climb, but not much.

Some other things to watch down the stretch: PAUL’S PAIN The All-Star point guard injured his right thumb in the Suns’ final game before the break and had a soft cast covering it this week-

end. He could miss the rest of the regular season.

“We have to figure it out,” fellow All-Star Devin Booker said. “Everybody has to give a little bit more.

I look at the beauty in it.

He gets to rest his legs. He gets to get ready for a long postseason that we’re trying to make happen. So we got to hold it down without him. We got to hold the fort down.”

MVP RACE Denver’s Nikola Jokic has a strong case to win a second straight MVP award and Antetokounmpo could win his third. They both might be chasing 76ers center Joel Embiid, the league’s leading scorer with 29.6 points per game who gets an All-Star sidekick this week when James Harden debuts after being swapped for Simmons.

“Well, I don’t really want to push for the whole thing, but the way I’ve been playing speaks for itself,” Embiid said, “especially with everything we went through, the drama this whole year, and obviously missing a big piece, and everything we added to our team and the way our team is set up.”

SURPRISES OF THE SEASON All-Star Ja Morant has

fueled Memphis to a 41-19 record and third place in the West, while Cleveland is an unexpected 35-23. They don’t have any postseason polish, but Green doesn’t think that will hurt the young teams.

“We won a championship my third year,” he said, referring to the Warriors’ 2015 title. “The majority of us were going into that playoffs 15 to 20 playoff games in our career and we were able it win a championship. So I don’t view the inexperience as a problem.”

IN THE EAST Miami made a run to four straight NBA titles from 2011-14 when James was there, but the conference wasn’t nearly as deep as it appears this season.

“It’s compelling in the East right now. If you have real competitors, that’s what you want,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. “You want to be challenged, you want to be pushed and see how your team stacks up against the other best teams. That’s what it’s all about and there’s some great teams in the East.”

AND IN THE WEST Is it as wide open in the other conference?

“No, we’re going to win it,” Green said. “Seriously.”

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SPORTS

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Alaska’s star guard Jeron Teng

Teng named PBA ‘Player of the Week’ NBA honors Jordan, Magic, other members of the 75th Anniv Team

C

LEVELAND — The NBA celebrated its diamond anniversary with a sparkling tribute to honor 75 years on the hardwood floor.

During halftime of Sunday’s All-Star Game, 45 members of the 75th Anniversary Team — including Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar — stood side by side on a circular stage in the middle of Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.

It was a chance to take

a bow for the game’s biggest names, players who cut a path down the lane for today’s players.

Each of them wearing blue blazers with a 75th logo on their chests, the best of the NBA’s best were introduced to huge ovations, with the loudest cheers going to Jordan, who was the last player to walk onto the raised podium at center court.

The forwards were brought out first with Charles Barkley leading the way. Giannis Antetok-

ounmpo, one of six current All-Stars on the 75th team, changed out of his Team LeBron uniform for the on-court tribute.

Julius “Dr. J” Erving bowed to the crowd, and the always entertaining Dennis Rodman strutted down the wine-colored carpet wearing a basketball cap and hooded sweatshirt under his jacket.

LeBron James was the last of the forward group to be welcomed, and the

FNBA, A3

Honored at halftime of Sunday’s All-Star Game were 45 members of the 75th Anniversary Team — including Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

A

laska’s farewell tour in the PBA got off to a rousing start as star guard Jeron Teng seized the driver seat in a bid to help the storied franchise cap off its final conference in the league on a high note.

Days after the announcement of the team’s imminent exit in Asia’s first professional league after 35 years, Teng took the lead and ignited the Aces’ final hurrah with two quick victories in the Governors’ Cup. The former La Salle stalwart did it in style marked by a career-high scoring output to earn the Cignal

Play–PBA Press Corps Player of the Week for the period Feb. 16 to 20.

Teng, 27, prevailed in a hotly-contested voting among the men and women that regularly cover the PBA beat, with TNT Tropang Giga’s Mikey Williams and Magnolia’s Adrian Wong also in strong contention for the weekly honor.

The second genera-

tion player registered 18.5 points on a 55-percent shooting clip aside from grabbing five rebounds, and dishing 2.5 assists on top of 1.5 steals in Alaska’s backto-back wins over Rain or Shine and Terrafirma.

Teng’s stellar week included a new career-best of 30 points spiked by a 14-point eruption in the final period as the Aces clawed back from 20 points down to beat the Dyip, 10297.

The Aces previously held off Rain or Shine, 8074, as they claimed solo third place with a 5-2 winloss card heading into the

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Mad chase up for Nets, Lakers

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LEVELAND — When the All-Star break ends, the stretch run begins.

There isn’t much time left in the NBA season. The All-Star weekend came at about the 60-game mark for teams, far beyond the midpoint of the 82-game schedule. It’s a sprint to the finish now, and the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Lakers have to prove they have the legs to make a run.

The Nets could have Kevin Durant and Ben Simmons on the floor soon to

spark a surge. But the Lakers might be without Anthony Davis for more than a month because of a foot injury, putting a heavy burden on LeBron James.

Injured and inconsistent, neither team is a sure thing to even make the postseason. Both have performed far below expectations, with the Lakers only 27-31. But poor play in the winter is quickly forgotten if a team warms up come springtime, just as the Milwaukee Bucks did last year.

“As a team, we started

playing good basketball towards the end,” Giannis Antetokounmpo said.

“Maybe we can do it again.

Who knows? We’re in a good place. We have a hell of a team.”

The Bucks are actually only in fifth place, but that means little in the tightly packed Eastern Conference. Miami and Chicago are tied at the top, surprising Cleveland and Philadelphia are 2 1/2 games back and Milwaukee is just percentage points behind them.

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Republic of the Philippines City of Davao Office of the Sangguniang Panlungsod 19th City Council 36th Regular Session Series of 2021 PRESENT: Councilor Alberto T. Ungab - Temporary Presiding Officer Councilor Ralph O. Abella Councilor Maria Belen S. Acosta Councilor Bai Hundra Cassandra Dominique N. Advincula Councilor Wilberto E. Al-ag Councilor Dante L. Apostol Sr. Councilor Conrado C. Baluran Councilor Jessica M. Bonguyan Councilor Louie John J. Bonguyan Councilor Pilar C. Braga Councilor Augusto Javier G. Campos III Councilor Danilo C. Dayanghirang Councilor Jonard C. Dayap Councilor Edgar P. Ibuyan Jr. Councilor Edgar R. Ibuyan Sr. Councilor Pamela A. Librado-Morata Councilor Diosdado Angelo Junior R. Mahipus Councilor Jaffar U. Marohomsalic Councilor Bonifacio E. Militar Councilor Myrna G. L’Dalodo-Ortiz Councilor Antoinette G. Principe-Castrodes Councilor J. Melchor B. Quitain Jr. Councilor Mary Joselle D. Villafuerte Councilor Jesus Joseph P. Zozobrado III ABSENT: Vice Mayor Sebastian Z. Duterte Councilor Richlyn N. Justol-Baguilod Councilor Nilo D. Abellera

- On Official Business - On Maternity Leave - On Sick Leave

ORDINANCE NO. 0728-21 Series of 2021 AN ORDINANCE REGULATING AND ALLOWING MOBILE FOOD TRUCK VENDORS TO OPERATE WITHIN THE DESIGNATED FOOD ZONES IN THE CITY OF DAVAO, AS AMENDED Be it ordained by the Honorable Sangguniang Panlungsod of Davao City, in session assembled, that: SECTION 1. TITLE. This Ordinance shall be known as the “Food Truck Ordinance of Davao City” SECTION 2. DECLARATION OF POLICY. It is the policy of the State to promote the health, safety and general welfare of the citizens of Davao City by requiring that mobile food establishments provide its constituents with a consistent level of cleanliness, quality and safety.

Towards this end, this Ordinance is enacted to provide reasonable guidelines and restrictions for mobile food establishments in relation to established restaurant businesses and to ensure the safe and convenient use of the public right-of-way.

SECTION 3. DEFINITION OF TERMS. 1. Mobile Food Vendor – shall mean any vending unit, truck, trailer, temporary establishment or pushcart that is not a permanent restaurant that serves food or drink to the public. For the purpose of licensing, mobile food vendors shall be defined as one of the following: a. Food truck Vendor shall mean a retail food establishment that reports to and operates from a commissary and is readily moveable, a motorized wheeled vehicle or a towed wheeled vehicle designed and equipped to serve food. b. Service Truck Vendor shall mean a service establishment which is readily movable, a motorized wheeled vehicle or a towed wheeled vehicle designed and equipped to provide services on the go. c. Mobile Delivery Vendor shall mean a vendor who delivers and sells perishable and non-perishable goods, which is readily movable, is a motorized wheeled vehicle or a towed wheeled vehicle designed and equipped to provide the perishable or non-perishable items to go. d. Ice Cream Truck shall mean a motor vehicle in which ice cream, popsicles, ice sherbets or other frozen desserts of any kind are carried for the purpose of retail sale on the streets of the city. e. Pushcart shall mean a non-self-propelled vehicle limited to serving commissary prepared or pre-packaged food and non-potentially hazardous food, unless the equipment is commercially designed and approved to handle food preparation and service. Pushcarts shall not be required to comply with mobile vehicular safety requirements. f.

Temporary Food Establishment shall mean a retail food establishment, other than a licensed food truck vendor or pushcart, that is not intended to be permanent and that operates at a fixed location in conjunction with a single event or celebration.

2. Commissary – shall mean an approved catering establishment, restaurant or other location approved by the governing body of the jurisdiction in which it is located in which food, containers or supplies are kept, handled, prepared, packaged or stored as related to a mobile food vending unit.

3. Extended/Mobile Food Permit – A food service permit acquired from the Business Bureau on a yearly basis that allows a mobile food vending unit to be allowed at preapproved areas.

4. Food zone – is an area approved by the City Government through the Mobile Food Vendor Committee (MFVC) for the specific operation of mobile food vehicles and/or pushcarts within the public right-of-way.

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5. Hours of Operation – are the designated time frame when mobile food vehicles are authorized to operate within the City right-of-way.

6. Vending Site – shall mean a mobile retail food establishment location at which a mobile food vendor is permitted to offer food for sale. Vending site shall not refer to the commissary or place at which the mobile food vendor unit is approved to be stored when not in use.

7. Pedestrian – is a person who is walking or otherwise traveling in the public rightof-way.

SECTION 4. EXTENDED/MOBILE FOOD PERMIT – In case of mobile food vendors, this Section shall apply in lieu of the Business Permit requirement under Section 94 of the 2017 Revenue Code of Davao City. The term “extended/mobile food permit” shall be the business permit applicable for mobile food vendors.

It shall be unlawful for any person or business to sell, or offer for sale, food of any type from a food truck, service truck vendor, mobile delivery vendor, ice cream truck, pushcart or temporary food establishment without first having secured a permit therefore from the City Mayor and paying the necessary fees to the City Treasurer.

There shall be collected an annual fee at the rate provided hereunder for the issuance of an Extended/Mobile Food Permit to every person whether natural or juridical that shall conduct a mobile food business within the City of Davao.

For purposes of the Extended/Mobile Food Permit, the following definition of business size is hereby adopted: CHARACTERISTICS: Cottage

Php 499,999.00 and below

Small

Php 500,000.00 up to Php 1,999,999.00

Medium

Php 2,000,000.00 to Php 9,999,999.00

Large

Php 10,000,000.00 and above

The following shall be the graduated fixed tax applicable for mobile food vendors: Cottage Php 2,000.00 Small Php 5,000.00 Medium Php 8,000.00 Large Php 10,000.00 SECTION 5. TIME AND MANNER OF PAYMENT. The fee for the issuance of an Extended/ Mobile Food Permit shall be paid to the City Treasurer upon application before any business or undertaking can be lawfully begun or pursued or within the first twenty (20) days of January of each year in case of renewal thereof.

For a newly-started business or activity that starts to operate after January 20, the fee shall be reckoned from the beginning of the calendar quarter. When the business or activity is abandoned, the fee shall not be exacted for a period longer than the end of the calendar quarter. If the fee has been paid for a period longer than the current quarter and the business activity is abandoned, no refund of the fee corresponding to the unexpired quarter or quarters shall be made.

SECTION 6. ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS. 1. Supervision and Control Over Mobile Food Vendors. The City Mayor shall supervise and regulate all establishments and places subject to the payment of the extended/mobile food permit fee. The Mayor shall prescribe rules and regulations as to the mode or manner by which they shall be conducted in so far as may be necessary to maintain peaceful, healthy and sanitary conditions in the City.

(1.a) Prior authority to close and/or open mobile food vending business – A closure order may be issued by the City Mayor through the Business Bureau to any mobile food vendor in violation of any provision of the Ordinance or existing laws, ordinances and orders. In adherence to due process, no establishment shall be closed without the observance of the two (2) notices.

However, business establishments operating without the necessary extended/mobile food permit shall be summarily closed upon notice of inspection.

The closure shall be effective through the posting of a closure notice and/or padlocking the unit.

The closure notice attached or the padlock used in the closure of the business shall not be deliberately detached nor removed by the taxpayer concerned. Failure of the taxpayer to observe such regulation shall be a ground for perpetual disqualification to secure an extended/mobile food permit or a business permit and payment of fine under Section 448 of the Revenue Code of 2017. A closure order may be lifted upon order of the City Mayor, through his authorized representative, provided a business permit has been issued in favor of the taxpayer concerned and a letter request to lift the closure order addressed to the head of the Business Bureau had been given due course.

When public safety or interest requires, the City Mayor or his/her duly authorized representative shall cause the immediate revocation and cancellation of the extended/ mobile food permit without prejudice to the immediate closure of the establishment and the filing of an appropriate criminal case/s as the circumstances warrant.

2. Application for Extended/Mobile Food Permit; False Statement. An application for a Mayor’s Permit shall be filed with the Office of the City Mayor through the Business Bureau. The form for the purpose shall be issued by the same Office and shall set forth the requisite information including the name and residence of the applicant, the description of business or undertaking that is to be conducted, and such other data or information as may be required.

1. For a newly-started business; a) b) c) d) e) f) g) h) i) j)

Name of the mobile food vendor: Type, make, model, and license plate number of vending unit; Owner’s contact information; Operator’s contact information; Paid-up capital of the business as shown in the Articles of Incorporation, if a corporation or partnership, or a Sworn Statement of the capital invested by the owner or operator, for a sole proprietorship; A Certificate attesting to the tax exemption if the business is tax exempt; Certification from the office in charge of zoning that the location of the new business is in accordance with zoning regulations; Tax Clearance showing that the operator has paid all tax obligations to the City; Barangay Clearance/s; List of proposed operating locations and time the mobile food vendor will be in operation;

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k) Valid Identification of the owner or operator, or in case of a partnership or corporation, the Valid IDs of the senior or managing partners and that of the President or Corporate Secretary; l) Health Certificate for all food handlers, and those required under this Code; m) Signature from property owners indicating consent for the use of their property; n) Signature of applicant indicating agreement to comply with the requirements listed in this article; o) Other pertinent documents, information or data as may be required or mandated by an existing Ordinance or laws for that matter.

The City may not issue an extended/mobile food permit unless a clearance is first obtained from the barangay or barangays where the mobile food vendor wishes to operate. For such clearance, the Barangay/s may impose a reasonable fee. The application for clearance shall be acted upon within seven (7) working days from the filing thereof. In the event that the clearance is not issued with the said period, the City may issue the said clearance or permit.

2. For renewal of existing Extended/Mobile Food Permit; a) The previous year’s Mayor’s Permit; b) Original copies of the annual or quarterly tax payments; c) Original copies of all receipts showing payment of all regulatory fees as provided for in this Code; d) Available Financial Statement of the previous year; e) Barangay Clearance/s; f) Other pertinent documents as may be required by existing law or by the Committee.

Upon submission of the application, it shall be the duty of the proper authorities to verify if other City requirements regarding the operation of the business or activity such as sanitary requirements, installation of power and light requirements, as well as other safety requirements are complied with. The permit to operate shall be issued only upon compliance with such safety requirements and after the payment of the corresponding inspections fees and other impositions required by this Ordinance, the Revenue Code and other City tax Ordinances.

Any false statement deliberately made by the applicant shall constitute sufficient ground for denying or revoking the permit issued by the Mayor, and the applicant or licensee may be prosecuted in accordance with the penalties provided in the Revenue Code and other Laws.

An extended/mobile food permit shall be refused to (1) any person who previously violated any Ordinance or regulation governing permits granted; (2) whose mobile food truck or business establishment does not conform with zoning regulations, and safety, health and other requirements of the City; (3) who has unsettled tax obligation, debt or other liability to the government; (4) who is qualified under any provision of law or Ordinance to establish or operate the business applied for.

Likewise, an extended/mobile food permit shall be denied to any person or applicant for a business who declares an amount of gross sales or receipts which are manifestly below industry standards or the Presumptive Income Level of gross sales or receipts as established in the City for the same or a closely similar type of activity or business.

3. Issuance of Permit; Contents of Permit. Upon approval of the application for an extended/mobile food permit, two (2) copies of the application duly signed by the City Mayor shall be returned to the applicant. One (1) copy shall be presented to the City Treasurer as basis for the collection of the extended/mobile food permit and the corresponding business tax.

The extended/mobile food permit shall be issued by the City Mayor upon presentation of the receipt for the payment of the extended/mobile food permit and the official receipt issued by the City Treasurer for the payment of the business tax. Every permit issued by the City Treasurer for the payment of the business tax. Every permit issued by the Mayor shall show the name and residence of the applicant, his nationality and marital status; nature of the organization, that is, whether the business is a sole proprietorship, corporation or partnership, etc.; location of the business; date of issue and expiration of the permit; and other information as may be necessary.

The City shall, upon presentation of satisfactory proof that the original of the permit has been lost, stolen or destroyed, issue a duplicate of the permit upon the payment of One Hundred Pesos (Php100.00).

regulations and requirements and shall obtain and maintain any and all licenses required by any other health organization or governmental organization having jurisdiction over the subject matter.

4. The Extended/Mobile Food Permit issued under this Ordinance do not allow selling of alcoholic beverage.

5. Food vending shall only be conducted from the mobile vending truck and customer seating shall not be provided by the mobile food vendor.

6. Except for ice cream trucks, a mobile food vendor shall not make sounds or announcements to call attention to the vending unit either while traveling on the public rights-of-way or when stationary.

7. Mobile food vendors shall not be located within fifteen (15) feet of any street intersection or pedestrian crosswalk or ten (10) feet of any driveway or any other places designated by the Committee.

8. The placement of the retail mobile food establishment shall not impede the flow of traffic, be placed on the right-of-way, or cause any potential safety hazards to pedestrians or vehicles.

SECTION 8. MOBILE FOOD VENDORS COMMITTEE. There shall be established by this Ordinance a Mobile Food Vendors Food Committee consisting of nine (9) members.

1. The City Mayor as the Chairperson; 2. The Business Bureau Head as the Executive Director; 3. Central 911 Operating Officer, Member; 4. City Health Officer, Member; 5. City Planning and Development Officer, Member; 6. City Transport and Traffic Management Officer, Member; 7. Davao City Investment Promotion Center Officer, Member; 8. A representative from the mobile food vendors, Member; and 9. A representative from the Restaurant Owner’s association, Member; The Mobile Food Vendors Committee shall meet as required. A special meeting may be called by any of the committee members. The Committee is empowered to promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the implementation of this Ordinance. Furthermore, additional conditions and guidelines may be imposed by the Committee with the end goal of effectively regulating mobile food vendors in the City. It shall also be the responsibility of the Committee to coordinate with the appropriate national agencies to ensure the seamless and orderly operation of mobile food vendors in the City.

The Committee shall have the following functions and responsibilities: a) Draft the Implementing Rules and Regulations of this Ordinance which includes, but is not limited to the following matters: a. Barangay consultation and approval from the Punong Barangay where the mobile food truck will park and operate. b. The allowed type, make, model or design of vending units; c. The required equipment, machinery, tools, apparatus, facilities, or appurtenant; d. The allowed areas for operation of mobile food vendors and/or the establishment of “food zones”; e. The required practices to ensure that the health, safety, and general welfare of the citizens of Davao City is protected. b) Provide advice and policy directions, including mediation; c) Review and approve the plans and programs in the implementation and enforcement that may hereafter be drawn or prepared for the operations of mobile food vendors.

SECTION 9. Surcharge for Late Payment. – Failure to pay the fee prescribed in this Ordinance within the time prescribed shall subject a taxpayer to a surcharge of twenty-five percent (25%) of the original amount of the fee due. Such surcharge shall be paid at the same time and in the same manner as the tax due.

SECTION 10. PENALTY. Any mobile food vendor who violates any prohibition or requirements under Section 7 of this Ordinance or the duly published Implementing Rules and Regulations promulgated by the Mobile Food Vendors Committee shall be penalized with an administrative fine of Five Thousand Pesos (Php5,000.00) for each offense. Three separate occasions when the authorities find any violation within the year shall be enough reason for the revocation of the Extended/Mobile Food Permit.

4. Posting of Permit. Every permittee shall keep his permit conspicuously posted at all times in his unit. Upon demand by the City Mayor or City Treasurer or any of their duly authorized representatives, the permittee shall immediately produce the permit.

SECTION 11. APPROPRIATION. The Local Government of Davao City shall allocate funds for the implementation of this Ordinance.

For non-posting of business permit in a conspicuous place within the unit, a penalty of Five Hundred Pesos (Php 500.00) shall be imposed.

SECTION 12. Repealing Clause. – All ordinances contrary to or inconsistent with this Ordinance are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

5. Duration of Permit and Renewal. The extended/mobile food permit shall be granted for a period of not more than one (1) year and shall expire on the thirty-first (31st) of December following the date of issuance unless revoked or surrendered earlier. Every permit shall cease to be in force upon revocation or surrender thereof. The permit issued shall be renewed within the first twenty (20) days of January or unless the Committee provides otherwise. It shall have a continuing validity only upon renewal thereof and payment of the corresponding fee.

SECTION 13. SEPARABILITY CLAUSE – If, for any reason, any section or provision of this Ordinance is declared unconstitutional or invalid, other sections or provisions hereof not affected by such declaration shall continue to be in the full force and effect.

6. Revocation of Permit. When a mobile food vendor refuses to subject his unit to inspection or to pay an indebtedness or liability to the City or abuses his privilege to do business to the injury of public moral or peace or used the said privilege to convict any unlawful acts or unlawful manner, is a nuisance, or is permitted to be used as a resort for disorderly characters, criminals or place used for prostitution, the City Mayor may, after investigation and notice, revoke the extended/mobile food permit. Such revocation shall operate to forfeit all sums which may have been paid in respect of said privilege, in addition to the fines and imprisonment that maybe imposed by the Court for violation of any provision of the Ordinance governing the establishment and maintenance of mobile food business and other existing laws, and to prohibit the exercise thereof by the person whose privilege is revoked, until restored by the City Mayor.

Refusal to subject a business establishment to inspection, cancellation of Franchise Agreement/Dealership Agreement or want of lawful possession of the property/ies of which extended/mobile food permit was issued shall be sufficient ground for cancellation or termination of the business permit.

7. Upon recommendation of the Licensing Officer and with the approval of the Head of the Business Bureau, the office is empowered to adjust and increase taxpayer’s capital investment every five (5) years or as often as necessary to effect the increase of capital investment.

SECTION 7. PROHIBITED CONDUCT AND REQUIREMENTS.

SECTION 14. EFFECTIVITY – This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon approval.

ENACTED, on the 28th day of September 2021, by a unanimous vote of all the Members of the Sanggunian, there being a quorum.

CERTIFIED CORRECT:

ATTESTED:

DEC. 8 APPROVED : ________________, 2021

Temporary Presiding Officer cns/kjtq ATTESTED:

1. No owner of mobile food truck shall employ any cook or food dispenser without a Food Handler’s Certificate from the City Health Officer, renewable every six (6) months.

2. Vendors selling cooked and readily edible food shall have them adequately covered and protected from dust, flies and other insects, and shall follow strictly the rules and regulations on sanitation promulgated by the City Health Officer and existing laws and ordinances.

3. The mobile food vendor shall comply with all the national and local health and safety

AN ORDINANCE REGULATING AND ALLOWING MOBILE FOOD TRUCK VENDORS TO OPERATE WITHIN THE DESIGNATED FOOD ZONES IN THE CITY OF DAVAO

8 SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 286 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2022

The Philippines’ Alvin Barbero toppled England’s Isa Ishtiaq, 3-1, to reach the knockout stage of the 2022 World Snooker Federation Open Championship.

BACK IN BUSINESS Barbero reaches knockout stage of World Snooker Open

T

he Philippines’ Alvin Barbero came back from earlier defeats to take down England’s Isa Ishtiaq, 3-1, to reach the knockout stage of the 17,750 British pound sterling total pot event 2022 World Snooker Federation Open Championship at the state-of-the-art Ding Junhui Snooker Academy in Sheffield, England on Monday.

The 37-year-old Barbero, who suffered a sorry loss in his first matches, won the lag then took the first rack.

However, the young Ishtiaq, the 2019 MIUS Junior Cup champion, held at the SWSA South West Snooker Academy in Gloucester, England, won the second rack to level the count at 1 all.

But the affable snooker artist from Barangay Plainview, Mandaluyong City fought back winning two consecutive racks in his TV table matches against the hometown bet to advance to the knockout stage.

“Ang hirap ng laban buti na lang pumabor yung bola sa huli,” said Barbero in a long distance interview of this writer, a bronze medalist in the 2015 Southeast Asian Games in Singapore and a silver medalist in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games in Manila, both in the doubles competition.

Earlier, Barbero yielded to Tyleer Rees of Wales, 3-2, in the opening round

last Sunday.

The lone Filipino snooker representative took full control of the match, leading by a comfortable 2-0 in the race to 3 affair. But Rees “rose from the dead” winning three straight games en route to a 3-2 victory in the alternate breaks format.

“Na Hardway ako ayaw niyang bumitaw. Ang galing,” said the Isabela native Barbero, playing under the tutelage of the Billiard Sports Confederation of the Philippines (BSCP) headed by sportsman-businessman Aristeo “Putch” Puyat and the Philippine Sports Commision (PSC) led by it’s chairman William “Butch” Ramirez.

Barbero won by default against his last group stage elimination opponent Lhabouze Guillaume of Belgium who failed to show up in the 300 player’s field competition which offers 7,500 British pound sterling to the champion. (Philboxing.com)