Edge Davao Volume 14 Issue 292 | Wednesday, March 2, 2022

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

VOL.14 ISSUE 292 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2022

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WHO’S HIDING? Sara camp reacts to Walden Bello’s claim that Mayor Sara is coward STORY ON PAGE 2 Vice presidential aspirant Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio says during the thanksgiving gathering for the success of Mahalin Natin ang Pilipinas ride at Triple Crown Ranch in C.P. Garcia highway in Davao City on Monday afternoon that she had “personal reasons” for not attending the debates with her fellow candidates. Edge Davao

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VOL.14 ISSUE 292 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2022

Lungsod Aasenso, Inc. (Lunas) Partylist first nominee Bryan Yamsuan takes a“groufie”with barangay officials and multi-sectoral leaders during a meet and greet held at The Royal Mandaya Hotel in Davao City on Tuesday. Edge Davao

WHO’S HIDING? M

Mayor Sara ends ‘Mahalin’ ride, covers 34 provinces, 70 stops

Sara camp reacts to Walden Bello’s claim that Mayor Sara is coward

By MAYA M. PADILLO

M

ayor Sara Duterte-Carpio’s camp reacted to vice presidential bet Walden Bello’s claim that the mayor is a coward.

During the CNN Philippines vice presidential debates on February 26, 2022 Bello called out Mayor Sara for not attending the debate and facing her rivals.

He called Mayor Sara a coward. He added that the mayor is like her running mate presidential aspirant Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

“Matud pa ni Walden Bello, talawan kuno si Mayor Sara. Pero kinsa nila ang nagtago sa mga tawo karong kampanya?” said Liloan Mayor Christina Frasco, spokesperson of Mayor Sara, in a statement.

Frasco said candidates are at liberty to decide whether or not to accept invitations to debates.

She added that it is also within a candidate’s discretion to limit his exposure to tweets and soundbites only. “ As Walden Bello has done, or to have a direct and personal engagement with the people, as Mayor Sara has shown this entire campaign season,” it said.

In a press conference in Davao City on Monday, Mayor Sara said she had “personal reasons” for not attending the debates with her fellow candidates.

The mayor said she had “personal reasons” that she

would rather not disclose to the public for now.

“Mayor Sara has already decided to do a campaign without attending debates and instead work her hardest on the ground to continue to earn the trust and win the vote of the people as the next Vice President of the Philippines,” Frasco said.

The statement also cited Mayor Sara’s track record that speaks for itself, and that she has carried over her exceptional work ethic to the campaign.

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Partylist representing ‘no work, no pay’ sector meets barangay officials

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he Lungsod Aasenso Inc. (LUNAS) Partylist held a “meet and greet” activity with barangay officials and multi-sectoral leaders in Davao City on Tuesday at The Royal Mandaya Hotel.

Brian Yamsuan, the first nominee of LUNAS party list, chose to hold an activity in Davao City as he is a long time friend of Davao City First District Representative Paolo “Pulong” Duterte.

“Nagkasama kami ni Cong. Duterte dahil nung whole seat niya as deputy speaker ng House of Representatives, ako ang lagi niyang kasama. Mahaba-haba ang pinagsamahan namin,” he said in an interview.

Meanwhile, Yamsuan said LUNAS Partylist is representing the “no work, no pay” sector brought about by the pandemic.

“Ang problema natin ngayon ay “no work, no pay” dahil sa pandemya.

Kapag wala kang trabaho, wala kang kikitain, wala kang maiuuwi sa pamilya mo. Yun ang dapat natin bigyan ng solusyon ngayon,” he said.

He said among the programs that the party would like to do is establish programs and laws that are sympathetic to the unemployed such as the provision of endowment fund to help the unemployed.

“Ang gagawin natin ay nagkakaroon tayo ng

mga batas na makakatulong sa kanila tulad ng pagkakaroon ng endowment fund, nagkakaroon sila ng lugar na pupuntahan para kung may problema dahil wala silang kinikita puwede sila mag loan,” he said The program covers the unemployed individuals from various sectors including musicians, masseurs, salon workers, and others affected by the impact of pandemic. By Maya M. Padillo

ayor Sara Duterte-Carpio ended her month-long “Mahalin Natin Ang Pilipinas (MNAP)” ride which commenced on February 1 covering 34 provinces nationwide.

“Finally, we are home.

After 28 days of being away from the comforts our homes, away from our families — nakabalik na tayo,” the mayor said in a press conference held in Triple Crown Ranch in Davao City on Monday.

The ride also made 70 stops.

“At dapat lang tayo magpasalamat dahil tagumpay ang Mahalin Natin Ang Pilipinas Ride na ginawa natin sa buong bansa. At natapos natin ang ating byahe nang walang problema. Nakauwi tayo sa ating mga pamilya nang safe,” the mayor said.

Mayor Sara shared that in her ride she saw the realities and situa-

tions in the communities she passed through.

“May mga parte sa Pilipinas na nangangailangan ng tulong dahil sa nararanasan nilang paghihirap. May mga lugar din na progresibo. Pero sa kabila ng mga reyalidad at pagkakaiba ng sitwasyon, nakita natin ang pagiging masayahin ng mga Pilipino. Naranasan din natin ang pagiging likas na mapagbigay ng mga kapwa natin,” she said.

The ride intends to advocate patriotism and for the Filipinos to unite.

“I will never forget the warmth of the people we met along the way. And I will always remember the courage, the strength, and the resiliency they’ve shown us as we passed by — rain or shine,” she said.

Mayor Sara also thanked all those who joined including riders, staff, and volunteers in her trip for 28 days across the country.

24 former rebels in DavOcc gets livelihood assistance

T

he 73rd Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army together with the provincial government of Davao Occidental has granted 24 former rebels a livelihood assistance amounting up to P615,000 to start life anew.

Each of the surrenderees who were former members of the New Peoples Army, received over P25,000 cash assistance in a recent turnover ceremony in Malita town.

“Daghang salamat sa atoang mga opisyal sa 73rd nga tinuod gyud ang ilang giingon nga kung mubaba

ko, dili ko maunsa. Wala ko maunsa ug giampingan ko nila ug giatiman (I’m very thankful to our officials of the 73rd because they were true to their words that nothing would happen to me when I surrender. They took care of me,” said former rebel alias “Ka Yoyong” during his testimony speech.

“Ka Yoyong” who was part of the dismantled Guerilla Front Tala, has also expressed gratitude to the provincial government for helping and keeping their agreement of not harming

F24 FORMER, P7

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 292 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2022

In ending her month-long “Mahalin Natin Ang Pilipinas (MNAP)” ride covering 34 provinces nationwide.

Finally, we are home. After 28 days of being away from the comforts of our homes, away from our families — nakabalik na tayo.”

Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio

EDGEDAVAO

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VANTAGE POINTS

VOL.14 ISSUE 292 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2022

HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

THE BOMBINGS OF DAVAO CITY On September 2, 2016, Davao City caught the attention of the world when an improvised bomb exploded at around 10:20 p.m. on corner Padre Gomez Street and Roxas Avenue. More than 60 people were reportedly injured and left 16 people dead.

In a statement issued to the media on the early morning of the following day, then Davao City Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte said: “Let us pray for the victims of this unfortunate incident, especially for those who died. Let us pray for those who are being treated in different hospitals and pray for their quick recovery.

Right now, we cannot yet give a definite answer as to who is behind this as we are also trying to determine what really exploded.”

Bombing, indeed, is nothing new in Davao City.

San Pedro Cathedral, situated at the very heart of the city right across the Sangguniang Panlungsod (City Council) building, is the oldest church in Davao City. The city’s premier historical landmark, it is now recognized as a National Cultural Treasure.

The original structure was built in 1847 during the arrival of the Spanish Conquistadors and was named after San Pedro, Davao’s patron saint.

Four months after Martial

Law was lifted, the first bombing incident happened on Easter Sunday of April 1981 when two grenades were thrown into the congregation at the San Pedro Cathedral as the traditional Easter service was concluding.

Floren Baltazar, who lived most of his life around the Cathedral selling religious items at the church ground, told Davao Today: “I can’t say how many died, but I remember that it took five fire trucks to clean up the blood, in the aftermath of the incident,” he was quoted as saying.

According to Manila Standard Today, the blast killed 17 people and injured 157 others.

There were several groups suspected of the bombing, among them were the New People’s Army (NPA).

Twelve years later, in 1993, during a mass in December in 1993, another bombing incident happened in the same Cathedral. It happened three days after Christmas; seven people were killed but about 151 others were injured, of which 32 of them were seriously wounded.

Eight hours after the incident, two motorcycle-riding men – suspected to be Christian militants – threw a grenade at a mosque, a few blocks away from the San Pedro Cathedral. No one

was hurt.

Aside from the two bombings that happened in San Pedro Cathedral, there were several other bombings that happened in the city.

On March 16, 2002, a bomb exploded inside one of the rooms of Evergreen Hotel. The explosion broke the legs of Michael Terrence Meiring, an American who identified himself as a treasure hunter and joked that he was part of the Central Intelligence Agency.

On the afternoon of March 4, 2003, a bomb placed inside a backpack blasted in the waiting shed outside the old airport terminal building. The bomb blew off the shelter’s roof panels, and shrapnel from the bomb blast tore into hose waiting in or near the shelter. Some 22 people were reported killed and at least 148 others injured.

Barely a month later, on April 3, another bomb – which was placed in a barbecue stall – detonated at the entrance of Sasa wharf, the main dock for Davao City, where cargo ships and passenger ferries land. About 16 perished, including four policemen, a nun, and children. In addition, 46 others were injured.

Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, then the president, said of the in-

cident: “This is a grim reminder that we must always be alert and watchful, and those who wish to do us harm in a manner that creates a wide swatch of fear must not intimidate us.”

She urged the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police to do a crackdown on the perpetrators.

“The 2003 twin bombings triggered of a series of mystery bombings all over Mindanao,” Sunstar Davao’s Tyrone Velez wrote. “The Mindanao Truth Commission probed that all over, arrests were made on Moro civilians as suspects, but all were released later on for lack of evidence. The Moro civilians testified that they were forced and assaulted by investigators to admit to the crimes.”

On February 14, 2005, while most lovers were busy having their Valentine’s Day celebration, an improvised explosive device exploded and ripped the Davao City Overland Terminal in Ecoland at around 6 in the evening.

A 12-year-old vendor was killed.

The incident was part of a series of bombings that were executed in a shopping mall in General Santos City and in a bus in the Makati financial district.

“These incidents clearly exposed the bankruptcy of the

terrorists’ cause,” Atty. Jesus Dureza, then the chair of Mindanao Economic Development Council, stressed. “They should not be allowed to rule our lives.”

On September 17, 2013, two bombs exploded inside the cinemas. The first one happened at SM Davao Cinema-1, with the improvised explosive device placed on the chair. The second incident occurred at Gaisano Cinema 5.

Police investigators found the explosives were placed in beverage containers.

No one perished from both bombings although five people from the Gaisano blast were brought to the hospital after they temporarily lost hearing because of loud explosion. They were released later on.

“Through all these attacks, Davaoeños have become much stronger and united,” veteran journalist Editha Caduaya observed.

Yes, today, Davao is still one of the safest cities in the country.

As Dr. Roy Estigoy, who’s from Luzon, puts it: “Davao City is my second home because I have familiarized myself with the place and have imbibed some of its local culture. I am not afraid to go out late at night or early morning because I felt so secure.”

Mabuhay ang Davao City.

ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA FAST BACKWARD

SARANGANI, CARAGA AS PLACENAMES Adjacent to the Davao region, or Southern Mindanao, there exist two recognizable placenames used as official titles of a province and a region, namely Sarangani (created under Republic Act 7228) and Caraga (constituted under Republic Act 7901), respectively.

Geographically, Sarangani also refers to a municipality of Davao Occidental while Caraga denotes a town in Davao Oriental created sometime in 1609.

Under RA 7228, Sarangani Province embraces the towns of Alabel, Glan, Maasim, Maitum, Malapatan, Malungon, and Kiamba, former lands of the province of South Cotabato.

The Caraga Region, on the other hand, which is in the northeastern sector of Mindanao, consists of the provinces of Agusan del Sur, Agusan del Norte, Su-

rigao del Sur, Surigao del Norte, and Dinagat Islands, and the cities of Bayugan, Bislig, Butuan, Cabadbaran, Surigao, and Tandag.

Caraga as placename dates to the early Spanish period. It was applied, according to historian Fr. Peter Schreurs, MSC, in ‘Caraga Antigua’ (19789), “to one continuous region from approximately Gingoog and Butuan via Surigao down to eastern Davao.”

He argues, however, the term was most likely used exclusively for the region directly facing the Pacific given that the survivors of Magellan’s crew failed to reach Butuan after they lost in the battle of Mactan.

There are two ‘schools of thought’ as to how ‘Caraga’ originated. First, it could have come from the ‘Calagan’ cited in Venetian chronicler Antonio Pigafet-

ta’s account of the Magellan voyage, and second, it refers to the Kalagan or Kagan (Hispanized orthography of Cagan) tribe.

Anthropologist Emmanuel Nabayra, in ‘Cosmology of the Mandaya’ (2014) explains that Caraga principally refers to a river and the people living near it, chiefly the precolonial Mandayas who alternately called themselves by that name.

“The Kalagan,” he explains, “must have derived their ethnic name from the same Austronesian root word, karagan. The words kagayan, karayan, and karagan are metastasized versions of the same Austronesian word, which means ‘river’” and that “the Mandaya in upper Caraga River Valley or Cagan Valley identify their river Kallagan, and refer to themselves as Mangallagan, or simply Kallagan.” He also

noted that double L (‘ll’) in Mandaya is pronounced among the Mansakas as R, from which the word Caragan has evolved.

The Mandaya tribe, then and now, is dispersed in many coastal areas of the eastern seaboard of Mindanao, places that are now under the provinces of Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, and Davao Oriental. This coheres with Fr. Schreurs’ hypothesis.

Sarangani, meanwhile, originally referred to the general area surrounding the bay of Sarangani, which includes the cluster of islands with the same name.

Etymologically, it is attributed to two theories: (i) ‘salangane,’ the swiftlet, an avian species that is the source of the expensive edible bird’s nest and (ii) a Sangil loanword for ‘sarang-ine,’ which means “this is our territory’ or “we stop here.” (A pound of bird’s

nest cost over US$4,500.)

The earliest mentions of Sarangani (misspelled as Sarangan) were on a 1554 woodcut and 1563 copperplate made by Venetian cartographer Giovanni Battista (1885-1557). It was a Dutch territory by 1682 and slave center and gunrunning hub in 1862, during the postDavao conquest.

Though Sarangani is a precolonial appellation with a strong historical foundation, the town that bears its name was only created under Presidential Decree 1550 on June 11, 1978, fifty-seven years after the territory was formed as a municipal district, then known as Batulaki, the place where the remnants of the Magellan crew sought shelter on October 26, 1521, after they met a tempest on their way to the Spice Islands in Indonesia.

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Republic of the Philippines City of Davao Office of the Sangguniang Panlungsod

19th City Council 29th Regular Session Series of 2021 PRESENT:

vs. Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa, Jr. et. al, G.R. Nos. 199802 and 208488) declared as unconstitutional the phrase “Internal revenue” appearing in Sections 284, 285, 287, 290, 378, 379, 380, 382, 409 and 461 of the Local Government Code; thus: a.

the share from the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) of the LGUs will increase as this will now include other national taxes like customs duties; and

b.

LGUs will fully assume the delivery of devolved services and facilities prescribed under Section 17 of the Local Government Code of 1991 and other legislative measures.

SECTION 3. DEFINITION OF TERMS AND ACRONYMS

Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor

Alberto T. Ungab Ralph O. Abella Nilo D. Abellera Maria Belen S. Acosta Bai Hundra Cassandra Dominique N. Advincula Wilberto E. Al-ag Dante L. Apostol Sr. Conrado C. Baluran Jessica M. Bonguyan Louie John J. Bonguyan Pilar C. Braga Augusto Javier G. Campos III Danilo C. Dayanghirang Jonard C. Dayap Edgar P. Ibuyan Jr. Edgar R. Ibuyan Sr. Richlyn N. Justol-Baguilod Pamela A. Librado-Morata Diosdado Angelo Junior R. Mahipus Jaffar U. Marohomsalic Myrna G. L’Dalodo-Ortiz Antoinette G. Principe-Castrodes J. Melchor B. Quitain Jr. Mary Joselle D. Villafuerte Jesus Joseph P. Zozobrado III

- Temporary Presiding Officer

ABSENT: Vice Mayor Sebastian Z. Duterte Councilor Bonifacio E. Militar Councilor Bonifacio E. Militar

- On Official Leave - On Sick Leave

ORDINANCE NO. 0670-21 Series of 2021 AN ORDINANCE CREATING THE AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING DIVISION OF THE CITY AGRICULTURIST OFFICE, AND THE CORRESPONDING POSITIONS UNDER SUCH DIVISION, DETERMINING THEIR POWERS, DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS Be it ordained by the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Davao City in session assembled, that: SECTION 1. TITLE – This Ordinance shall be known as “AN ORDINANCE CREATING THE AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING DIVISION OF THE CITY AGRICULTURIST OFFICE, AND THE CORRESPONDING POSITIONS UNDER SUCH DIVISION, DETERMINING THEIR POWERS, DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS”.

ABE

Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (ABE Field of engineering which integrates engineering science and designs with applied agricultural, biological, and environmental sciences. It represents an evolution of the Agricultural Engineering discipline applied to all living organisms and addresses areas such as food safety and security, biodiversity, new and renewable energy, ecosystems protection, climate change mitigation, and human health and safety. (Commission on Higher Education)

AFMA AFMeC AMTEC BAFE BFAR Biosystems CAFC CAO CSC DA DA RFO-RAED

Agricultural and Fisheries Modernization Act Agricultural and Fishery Mechanization Committee Agricultural Machinery Testing and Evaluation Center Bureau of Agricultural and Fisheries Engineering Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Any system of mutually interacting biological organisms City Agricultural and Fishery Council City Agriculturist Office Civil Service Commission Department of Agriculture Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office-Regional Agricultural Engineering Division Department of Budget and Management Detailed Engineering Design Department of the Interior and Local Government Local Government Unit Manufacturer, Fabricators, Assemblers, Distributors, Dealers, Importers and Exporters Philippine Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Standards A person to whom a particular aspect of a professional task is delegated but who is not licensed to practice as a fully qualified professional Philippine Society of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineers Regional Agricultural Engineering Division Salary Grade Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Technical-Vocational Education Training

DBM DED DILG LGU MFADDIESs PABES Paraprofessional PSABE RAED SG TESDA TVET

SECTION 4. CREATION OF AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING (ABE) DIVISION – An Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (ABE) Division under the City Agriculturist Office (CAO) of Davao City shall be created.

SECTION 2. DECLARATION OF PRINCIPLES AND POLICIES –

A. The Division shall be headed by an Agricultural and Biosystems Engineer (Engineer IV) with Salary Grade 22.

1. The City Agriculturist Office of Davao was established as one of the departments created by the City Government of Davao focusing on agricultural services. It envisions the agriculture sector to be dynamic and have cohesive communities, self-reliant and empowered farmer entrepreneurs committed to sustainable growth and development in alleviating the plight of marginal farmers, fisherfolks and ruralbased entities of the city. It seeks to transform them into socially and economically progressive members of society by setting up favorable scenario/s towards sustainable agricultural development within the context of a balanced ecology. The office commits to pursue sustainable agri-fishery development for self-reliant rural and coastal communities by providing quality and relevant programs and services. The objectives and goals of the office are as follows:

B. The Division shall be under the City Agriculturist Office.

•

Initiate and provide access to agricultural and fishery programs and projects that will improve the quality of life of clients;

•

Develop agri-fishery entrepreneurs;

•

Strengthen farming systems that maintain bio-diversity;

•

Provide institutional development support to clients;

•

Empower farmers and agri-clientele through a dynamic information and technology access;

•

Enhance competencies of personnel in the delivery of services.

The vision of the office is to have motivated and competent government professionals and partners guided by the value of care for the environment, working harmoniously towards an empowered agri-fishery sector of Davao.

2. The provision of agricultural and biosystems engineering services is vital and necessary in the development and modernization of agriculture and fisheries, and the implementation of the Food Security Program of the city; 3. Section 454(c)(2) of Republic Act 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, empowers the Sangguniang Panlungsod to create such other offices as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of the City Government.

4. Section 458(a)(1)(vii and viii) of Republic Act 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, authorizes the Sangguniang Panlungsod to determine positions, powers, duties and salaries of officials and employees of the City.

5. Section 46 of Republic Act No. 8435, otherwise known as the AFMA Law states “Agriculture and Fisheries Infrastructure Support Services- x x x Provided, that the department and the LGUs shall also strengthen its agricultural engineering groups to provide the necessary technical and engineering support in carrying out the smooth and expeditious implementation of agricultural infrastructure projects”.

6. Section 29 of Republic Act No. 10601 (AFMech Law or Agricultural and Fisheries Mechanization Law) in relation to Republic Act No. 10915 (Philippine Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Act of 2016) mandates all Local Government Units to strengthen and establish Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Groups.

7. Section 34 of Republic Act No. 10915 (Philippine Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Act of 2016) mandates all concerned national government agencies, Local Government Units (LGUs) and State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) implementing, regulating, funding and undertaking research, development, training and extension, testing, evaluation and inspection as well as technical audit of irrigation, farm mechanization, post harvest and agro processing facilities, agricultural and biosystems infrastructures, farm-to-market roads, agro-meteorology, forest mechanization development programs, and environmental protection and conservation programs and projects to employ the required number of agricultural and biosystems engineers, and for this purpose, create various levels of agricultural and biosystems engineer positions.

C. The Division shall have the following minimum sections and units: 1. Programs and Projects Management Section 1.1 Programs/Projects Planning Unit 1.2 Programs/Projects Management and Information Unit.

2. Engineering Plans, Designs and Specifications Section 2.1 Agricultural and Biosystems Machinery and Agro Processing Plans, Designs, and Specifications Unit 2.2 Irrigation and Agricultural and Biosystems Infrastructure Plans, Design and Specifications Unit.

3. Standards, Regulations and Enforcement Division 3.1 Accreditation and Registration Unit 3.2 Regulation and Enforcement Unit.

SECTION 5. POWERS, DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS OF THE ABE DIVISION The ABE Division shall be responsible for the planning, coordinating, implementing, monitoring, and regulating the agricultural, fisheries and biosystems engineering, mechanization and infrastructure programs and projects within the City.

Specifically, the ABE Division shall have the following duties and functions: A. Provide agricultural and biosystems engineering services which include engineering survey, valuation/ appraisal, preparation and evaluation of plans, designs, technical specifications, feasibility studies and cost estimates/program of work of irrigation, soil and water conservation and management, small water impounding, small farm reservoir, farm machinery, slaughterhouses, poultry dressing plants, post-harvest facilities, auction markets, farm-to-market roads/farm access roads and other agricultural, fisheries and biosystems infrastructure projects.

B. Administer, supervise, and coordinate the construction, operation, maintenance, improvement and management of irrigation, soil and water conservation and management, small water impounding, small farm reservoir, farm machinery, slaughterhouses, poultry dressing plants, post-harvest facilities, auction markets, farm-to-market roads/farm access roads and other agricultural, fisheries and biosystems infrastructure projects.

C. Undertake the registration of agricultural and fishery machinery, equipment and facilities and the enforcement of the Philippine Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Standards (PABES) and other agricultural, fishery and biosystems engineering regulatory activities in coordination and collaboration with the DA Regional Field Office-Regional Agricultural Engineering Division (RFO-RAED), concerned national government agencies and other offices of the LGUs. In line with this, the ABE Division shall: 1. Provide assistance to the Bureau of Agricultural and Fisheries Engineering (BAFE), through the RFO-RAED, on the validation and surveillance of applications at the City level relative to the issuance of Permit to Operate small and medium sized agricultural and fishery machinery and equipment manufacturers, fabricators, assemblers and importers; 2. Monitor the City-wide compliance on the provision of after-sales service and warranty of concerned agricultural and fisheries machinery assemblers, manufacturers, importers, suppliers, distributors and dealers in the City in collaboration with BAFE; 3. Conduct inspection, performance testing and evaluation of agricultural fisheries and biosystems machineries and equipment procured by the City Government, in coordination and collaboration with the RFO-RAED and Agricultural Machinery Testing and Evaluation Center (AMTEC); 4. Provide technical assistance to the City Building Official in the evaluation and processing of application permits and certificate of occupancy of agricultural, fishery and biosystems buildings and structures to ensure enforcement of PABES and Republic Act No. 10915; and

8. The Department of Agriculture (DA), the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Civil Service Commission (CSC) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) have issued Joint Memorandum Circular No. 02, Series of 2020, entitled “Implementing Guidelines on the Strengthening and Establishment of the Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Groups of the Local Government Units (LGUs)” addressed to all Provincial Governors, City Mayors, Municipal Mayors, Members of the Sanggunian, Local Agricultural Offices, Local Finance Committees, and all other national and local government officials concerned;

D. Establish, maintain and regularly update the city database on irrigation, post-harvest, agricultural machinery and other infrastructure projects at local levels.

9. The Supreme Court En Banc in its April 10, 2019 Resolution (Congressman Hermilando I. Mandanas, et.al

E. Coordinate with concerned national government agencies with regard to the implementation of national

5. Coordinate with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) on the City-wide registration of fish hatcheries, fish breeding facilities, private fishponds and post harvest facilities for fishing communities pursuant to Sections 28 and 33 of Republic Act No. 8550 (Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998).

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government programs and projects on irrigation, farm mechanization, post-harvest facilities, farm-to-market roads and agricultural, fisheries and biosystems infrastructure within the city.

A. Office of the Division Head Position City Government Division Head (Engineer IV) Engineering Assistant

F. Be in the frontline of the delivery of basic agricultural and biosystems engineering services.

G. Oversee, coordinate or provide City-wide training, conduct social preparation, institutional development and extension activities to farmers and fisherfolks to sustain the operation and utilization of irrigation, postharvest facilities, agricultural, fishery and biosystems machinery projects. In line with this, the City ABE Division shall coordinate and collaborate with State and Local Colleges and Universities, TESDA and other concerned government agencies for the competency assessment and certification of agricultural and biosystems engineering technicians and operators, including the establishment and operation of accredited Technical-Vocational Education Training (TVET) and assessment centers, learning sites/farm schools, farm tourism sites for agricultural and biosystems engineering within the City.

Programs and Projects Management Section (PPMS) Engineer III (Section Head) Engineer II Engineer I

H. Conduct pilot testing and commercialization of matured agricultural and fisheries engineering technologies.

I. Provide assistance in the organization and operation of the Agricultural and Fishery Mechanization Committee (AFMeC) of the City Agricultural and Fishery Council (CAFC) and serve as Vice Chairperson and Secretariat of the said committee, as well as in providing technical assistance and support to the City chapter of the Philippine Society of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineers (PSABE) and ABEs in the local implementation of agricultural and fisheries mechanization and infrastructure projects.

J. Responsible in planning, design, institutional development, and management of communal irrigation system devolved or to be devolved to the City Government pursuant to Section 33 of Republic Act No. 8435 or the Agricultural and Fisheries Modernization Act (AFMA).

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

1

Standards Regulation and Enforcement Section (SRES) Engineer III (Section Head) Engineer II Engineer I

19 16 12

1 1 2

TOTAL

14

Position Duties and Responsibilities Engineer IV, Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Division Head

Engineer III, Section Head, (Programs/Projects Management Section)

3

Engineer III, Section Head, (Plans, Designs and Specifications Section)

4

Engineer III, Section Head, (Regulation and Enforcement Section)

5

Engineer II

6

Engineer I

7

Engineering Assistant

B. Supervise or administer the construction, operation, maintenance, improvement and management of irrigation, soil and water conservation and management, small impounding, small farms reservoir, farm machinery, slaughterhouses, poultry dressing plants, post-harvest facilities, auction markets, farm-to-market roads/farm access roads, and other agricultural, fisheries and biosystems infrastructure projects of the City Government.

C. Undertake the management, operation and maintenance of communal irrigation systems/projects.

D. Establish, maintain and regularly update the City database on irrigation, post-harvest, agricultural machinery and agricultural fishery and biosystems infrastructure projects at all local levels.

E. Coordinate with the concerned national government agencies with regard to the implementation of national government programs and projects on irrigation, farm mechanization, post-harvest facilities, farm-to-market roads and agricultural, fisheries and biosystems infrastructure within the City.

F. Oversee, coordinate or provide city-wide training and extension activities to farmers and fisherfolks particularly in the installation, operation and maintenance of their irrigation, postharvest facilities, agricultural, fishery and biosystems machinery projects in coordination with the agriculture and fisheries extension worker; including the establishment and operation of accredited Technical-Vocational Education Training (TVET) and assessment centers, learning sites/farm schools, farm tourism sites for agricultural and biosystems engineering within the City.

H. Provide assistance in the organization and operation of the Agricultural and Fishery Mechanization Committee (AFMeC) of the City Agricultural and Fishery Council (CAFC), as well as in providing technical assistance and support to the City chapter of the Philippine Society of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineers (PSABE) and ABEs in the local implementation of agricultural and fisheries mechanization and infrastructure projects.

SECTION 7. DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS OF THE ENGINEERING PLANS, DESIGNS AND SPECIFICATIONS SECTION – The Planning, Design and Specification Section shall:

B. Prepare Detailed Engineering Designs (DED) and program of works of communal irrigation systems/projects in coordination with National Irrigation Administration (NIA).

SECTION 8. DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS OF THE STANDARDS, REGULATIONS AND ENFORCEMENT SECTION – The Standards Regulation and Enforcement Section shall facilitate and monitor at the City level the registration of agricultural and fishery machinery and facilities, and undertake the enforcement of the Philippine Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Standards (PABES) and other agricultural, fishery and biosystems engineering regulatory activities, in coordination and collaboration with the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office-Regional Agricultural Engineering Division (RFO-RAED), concerned national government agencies, and other offices of the LGUs. In line with this, the City ABE Division shall: A. Provide assistance to BAFE, through the RFO-RAED on the validation and surveillance of applications at the City level relative to the issuance of Permit to Operate of all agricultural and fishery machinery and equipment manufacturers, fabricators, assemblers, distributors, dealers, importers and exporters (MFADDIESs).

B. Monitor the City-wide compliance and provide assistance in the enforcement of the provision of after-sales service and warranty of concerned agricultural and fisheries machinery MFADDIESs dealers in the City in collaboration with BAFE. C. Conduct inspection, performance and acceptance testing and evaluation of agricultural, fisheries and biosystems machineries and equipment procured by the City Government, in coordination and collaboration with the RFO-RAED and AMTEC. D. Provide technical assistance to the City Building Official in the evaluation and processing of applications for permits and certificates of occupancy of agricultural, fishery and biosystems buildings and structures to ensure the enforcement of PABES and Republic Act No. 10915.

E. Coordinate with BFAR on the city-wide registration of fish hatcheries, fish breeding facilities, private fishponds and post-harvest facilities for fishing communities.

SECTION 9. CREATION OF AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEER PLANTILLA POSITIONS – Pursuant to Section 13 of Civil Service Commission Memorandum Circular No. 13, Series of 1992, entitled “Guidelines and Standards in the Establishment of Organizational Structure and Staffing Pattern in the Local Government Units, the City ABE Division shall have the minimum plantilla positions to be created.

1 1 2

1 1 2

2

A. Formulate City Agricultural and Fisheries Mechanization Plan/Program and City Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Master Plan/Program.

A. Provide agricultural and biosystems engineering services which include engineering survey, valuation/ appraisal, preparation and evaluation of plans, designs, technical specifications, feasibility studies, cost estimates/program of work of irrigation, soil and water conservation and management, small water impounding, small farm reservoir, farm machinery, slaughterhouses, auction markets, poultry dressing plants, post-harvest facilities, farm-to-market roads/farm access roads and other agricultural, fisheries and biosystems infrastructure projects.

19 16 12

19 16 12

M. Exercise such other powers and perform such other duties and functions as may be prescribed by law or Ordinance.

G. Undertake and/or coordinate the pilot testing and commercialization of matured agricultural, fisheries and biosystems engineering technologies; and

Number of persons 1 1

SECTION 10. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE POSITIONS – The duties and responsibilities of the positions under the City Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Division are as follows:

Agricultural, fishery and biosystems mechanization Soil and water conservation and irrigation Farm-to-market road or farm access road development Post-harvest, agro-processing and agro-industrial development Agricultural and biological waste utilization and management Farm electrification and bio/renewable-energy development.

SECTION 6. DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS OF PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS MANAGEMENT SECTION – The Programs and Projects Management Section shall:

Salary Grade 22 8

Engineering Plans, Designs and Specifications Section (EPDSS) Engineer III (Section Head) Engineer II Engineer I

K. Formulate City Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Master Plan for approval of the Sangguniang Panlungsod pursuant to Section 33 of Republic Act No. 10601.

L. Formulate City Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Master Plan/Program for Approval by the Sangguniang Panlungsod pursuant to Joint DA-DILG MC No. 11, Series of 2004, in relation to Republic Act No. 10915. The master plan/program which supports and complements the Comprehensive Land Use Plans, Local Development Plans, Local Food Security and Agri-Fisheries Modernization Plans shall have the following sub-components:

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1) As head of the Division, oversees the day-to-day operations of the Division.

2) Provides over-all leadership in the planning and implementation of the programs and projects of the City ABE Division.

3) Represent the City ABE Division in conferences, meetings and external functions.

4) Ensure a conducive environment for effective working relationship between the City ABE Division and coordinating/ collaborating agencies.

5) Report plans, programs, activities and accomplishments to the immediate supervisor.

6) Perform such other functions as the department or division mandates and other circumstances may warrant.

1) Supervise, coordinate and monitor the construction, operation, maintenance, improvement and management of irrigation, soil and water conservation and management, small water impounding, small farm reservoir, farm machinery, slaughterhouses, auction markets, poultry dressing plants, post-harvest facilities, farm-to-market roads/farm access roads and other agricultural, fisheries and biosystems infrastructure projects of the City Government.

2) Oversee, coordinate or provide city-wide training and extension activities to farmers and fisherfolks, particularly in the installation, operation and maintenance of their irrigation, postharvest facilities, agricultural, fishery and biosystems machinery projects, in coordination with the agriculture and fisheries extension workers, including the establishment and operation of accredited Technical-Vocational Education Training (TVET) and assessment centers, learning sites/farm schools, farm tourism sites for agricultural and biosystems engineering within the City.

3) Supervise or coordinate the city-wide pilot testing and commercialization of matured agricultural, fisheries and biosystems engineering technologies.

4) Perform other tasks and functions that may be required by the immediate supervisor.

1) Prepare, review and recommend engineering plans, designs, technical specifications, program of works, feasibility studies and cost estimates/program of work of irrigations, soil and water conservation and management, small water impounding, small farm reservoir, slaughterhouses, auction markets, farm-tomarket roads/farm access roads and other agricultural, fisheries and biosystems infrastructure projects of the City Government.

2) Perform other tasks and functions that may be required by the immediate supervisor.

1) Plan and supervise the enforcement of the PABEs and other agricultural, fishery and biosystems engineering regulatory activities, in coordination and collaboration with RFO-RAED, concerned national government agencies and other offices of the LGUs. 2) Supervise or conduct monitoring on the city-wide compliance on the provision of after-sales service and warranty of concerned agricultural and fisheries machinery assemblers, manufacturers, importers, suppliers, distributors and dealers in the City, in collaboration with BAFE through RAED. 3) Supervise or conduct inspection, performance and acceptance testing of biosystems machineries and equipment procured by the City Government in coordination and collaboration with the RFO-RAED, AMTEC or BAFE. 4) Perform other tasks and functions that may be required by the immediate supervisor.

1) Assist their respective Section Chiefs in the planning and implementation of all programs and projects of their respective Sections.

2) Perform other tasks and functions that may be required by the immediate supervisor.

1) Under immediate supervision of Engineer II, assist in the planning and implementation of all programs and projects of their respective Sections.

2) Performs other tasks and functions that may be required by the immediate supervisor.

1) Responsible for performing a variety of paraprofessional and clerical assignments in support of various functions within the division.

2) Responsible for managing the research and reproduction activities of engineering drawings including, but not limited to: researching plans for requested information for City departments and the general public; maintaining various databases; maintaining various lists and log books for tracking purposes; transferring electronic files; assigning street names and addresses for the subdivision review process; copying improvement plans, maps, quarter sections, and plats; and filing large drawings, valve cards, and lists.

3) Responsible in assisting professional staff members by providing information to employees and the public regarding various public works construction projects.

4) Assist in researching, analyzing, and resolving public inquiries or complaints.

5) Assist in writing, editing, and typing brochures, flyers, newsletters, community notifications, and other materials.

6) Act as a liaison to different city and national government offices.

7) Perform other tasks and functions that may be required by the immediate supervisor.

SECTION 11. APPOINTMENT AND QUALIFICATIONS – The positions in the City ABE Division shall be appointed by the City Mayor in accordance with Civil Service laws and rules where the appointee shall have met the qualification standards set by the Civil Service Commission pursuant to DA-DBM-CSC and DILG Joint Memorandum Circular No. 02, Series of 2020, and other CSC issuances. Minimum qualifications for each position are stated in Section 7.1 of the Joint Memorandum Circular No. 002 between the Department of Agriculture, the Civil Service Commission, the Department of Budget and Management and the Department of the Interior and Local Government for the ABE Division.

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A.Qualifications for the position of Engineering Assistant with Salary Grade 8: 1.

2.

3.

4.

Completion of two years studies in college One (1) year of relevant experience Four (4) hours of relevant training Career Service First Level Eligibility (Sub-professional).

B. Qualifications for the position of Engineer I with Salary Grade 12: 1. Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Engineering or Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering 2. Experience and training are not required 3. Eligibility as stated in Republic Act No. 10915 (An Act Strengthening, Modernizing and Aligning the Practice of Agricultural Engineering in the Country into the Internationally Recognized Practice of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, and for Other Purposes).

C. Qualifications for the position of Engineer II with Salary Grade 16: 1. Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Engineering or Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering 2. Four (4) years in position(s) involving management and supervision, one (1) year of which is relevant to agricultural engineering or agricultural and biosystems engineering 3. Forty (40) hours of supervisory/management training/learning and development intervention 4. Eligibility as stated in Republic Act No. 10915 (An Act Strengthening, Modernizing and Aligning the Practice of Agricultural Engineering in the Country into the Internationally Recognized Practice of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, and for Other Purposes).

D. Qualifications for the position of Engineer III with Salary Grade 19: 1.

2.

3.

4.

Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Engineering or Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Two (2) years of relevant experience in agricultural engineering or agricultural and biosystems engineering Eight (8) hours of relevant training Eligibility as stated in Republic Act No. 10915 (An Act Strengthening, Modernizing and Aligning the Practice of Agricultural Engineering in the Country into the Internationally Recognized Practice of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, and for Other Purposes).

E. Qualifications for the position of Engineer IV with Salary Grade 22: 1. Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Engineering or Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering 2. Three (3) years of relevant experience in agricultural engineering or agricultural and biosystems engineering 3. Sixteen (16) hours of relevant training 4. Eligibility as stated in Republic Act No. 10915 (An Act Strengthening, Modernizing and Aligning the Practice of Agricultural Engineering in the Country into the Internationally Recognized Practice of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, and for Other Purposes).

SECTION 12. INITIAL MANPOWER COMPLEMENT A. The existing Agricultural Engineering Divison of the Office of the City Agriculturist and its Agricultural and Biosystems Engineers shall be transferred to and form part of the initial manpower complement of the City Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Division following the rules and regulations of the Civil Service Commission for transfer of personnel.

B. The City Mayor may reassign registered and licensed agricultural and biosystems engineers presently employed in the other Offices of the City Government to augment the initial manpower complement of the City Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Division following the CSC rules and regulations on reassignment of personnel.

C. The existing City Assistant Agriculturist who is a registered and licensed agricultural and biosystems engineer may be designated by the City Mayor as City Agricultural and Biosystems Engineer, following CSC rules on designation of personnel.

D. The City Mayor may hire Agricultural and Biosystems Engineers as emergency, casual or contractual employees, pursuant to Section 77 of the Local Government Code of 1991 and other pertinent laws.

SECTION 13. APPROPRIATION - The appropriation necessary for the implementation of this Ordinance shall be included by the City Budget Officer in the proposed Annual Appropriation of the City Government.

SECTION 14. AUTOMATIC REVIEW AND OVERSIGHT – This Ordinance shall be reviewed every three (3) years.

The scope, functions, plans, organizational structure, administration and other pertinent tasks of the Agricultural and Biosystems Division shall be evaluated every three (3) years by a committee composed of the head of the Human Resource Management Office, head of the City Planning and Development Office, head of the City Agriculturist Office, division head of the Agricultural and Biosystems Division, representative from the City Mayor’s Office, the Chairperson of the Committee on Agriculture of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, and the Chairperson of the Committee on Appointments and Government Reorganization of the Sangguniang Panlungsod.

SECTION 15. EFFECTIVITY- This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon approval.

ENACTED, on the 3rd day of August 2021, by a unanimous vote of all the Members of the Sanggunian, there being a quorum.

CERTIFIED CORRECT:

ATTESTED:

Temporary Presiding Officer cns/kjtq

APPROVED : ________________

ATTESTED:

AN ORDINANCE CREATING THE AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING DIVISION OF THE CITY AGRICULTURIST OFFICE, AND THE CORRESPONDING POSITIONS UNDER SUCH DIVISION, DETERMINING THEIR POWERS, DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS

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Dev’t of renewable energy seen to boost industries growth: Piñol

S

enatorial candidate Emmanuel Piñol bared on February 22 that the country should free itself from the dependence on fossil fuel as the main source of power and take a look at the available renewable energy (RE) sources.

He said that when given a chance on a Senate seat, one of his advocacies is the establishment of renewable energy source facilities which would make the rural electric cooperatives less dependent on the national power grids.

“One of the reasons why few investors are coming in the country both foreign and local is due to the unreliable and expensive power supply that we had,” Piñol stressed.

He cited that the Inter-

national Energy Consultants Managing Director and lead consultant Dr. John Morris, listed the Philippines as having the second most expensive power rate in Asia behind Japan (P12.31 per kWh); (Philippines (P8.96 per kWh);) Singapore (P8.83 per kWh; Hong Kong (P6.53 per kWh); and Thailand (P6.23 per kWh).

He suggested that other renewable energy sources could either be Solar Power or Wind Turbines which are suited in areas located outside of the power grid, especially in the many islands of the country.

“Government must provide support funds for this program to prepare for the growth of industries in the countryside, especially after the pandemic,” Piñol urged.

The former Mindanao

Development Chair (MinDA) said that his advocacy is linked with another major advocacy which is the National Water Management and Conservation Program that called for the establishment of water catchments, medium-sized and mini-dams which could also be used for hydro-power generation.

During his stint as the MinDA chairperson, he emphasized the need to increase the power supply to keep up with the possible influx of investments in the island regions.

Piñol said that sustainable power facilities especially RE will be necessary to complement the fastpaced development initiatives that are expected to enter the regions in the coming years.

ll odds were stacked once again as Tagum reaped the First Place Overall Most Competitive Component City in Davao Region during the 5th Davao Region Competitiveness Awarding by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) through a virtual ceremony held last February 22, 2022.

It can be recalled that Tagum earned the 3rd spot on the same category last year amidst profound uncertainties and diversities encircling the locality.

The said award is given to LGUs that exhibit excel-

lence towards improving their respective local competitiveness. It measures the performance of all cities and municipalities in the country and its respective initiatives.

Furthermore, Tagum also bagged the 1st spot in all competitiveness index for component cities category; namely, Economic Dynamism, Government Efficiency, Infrastructure, and Resiliency. These awards greatly proved that Tagum has undeniably fulfilled its mission to pursue sustainable and inclusive growth.

Through the shared

leadership of Mayor Allan Rellon and Vice Mayor Eva Lorraine Estabillo, the mentioned awards attest Tagum’s reliable government services and its adaptive strategic implementations for the betterment of the whole city.

Anchored with its vision in providing competitive trade and services in a disaster-resilient environment, Tagum City once again embodied its core values which are Transparency, Accountability, God-centered and Good Governance, Unity, and Model of Excellence.

“Far from the convenience of preaching platitudes from the pulpit,” it said.

Meanwhile, Frasco said that when Mayor Sara steps down as Mayor on June 30, 2022 she will leave Davao City debt-free.

She also cited some recognitions received by the city that include the 4th Most Competitive City in

the Philippines, and the 7th richest City in the country.

In 2016, when Mayor Sara assumed office, Davao City has received 118 awards, citations, and recognitions. In 2020, Davao City was awarded the Best City Police Office in the Philippines. Most recently, the DSWD awarded Davao the 2021 Gawad Paglilingkod sa Sambayanan (GAPAS)

Award naming it the Best LGU implementing the Daycare Service.

“Dabawenyos enjoy a peaceful and progressive way of life because Mayor Sara has put in the hard work, going beyond the usual lip service of people like Walden Bello who like to talk and argue over problems without actually solving them,” Frasco said.

the FRs during their surrender.

“Ka Cheche”, a commander of the said dismantled guerrilla front, has shared her testimony on how the 73rd IB has taken care of her since she surrendered.

“Ang akong pasalamat sa mga livelihood program nga gihatag sa gobyerno.

Paningkamutan namo ug sa akong sarili nga maamuma ug akong ibalik ug ipakita sa gobyerno kung unsa makigtinabangay sa programa sa gobyerno nga dili na makabalik ang New People’s Army diri sa Malita (I am thankful for the livelihood program provided by the government.

We will try to take care of it, and show the government our cooperation with the government, that we will not return to the New Peoples Army in Malita,” she stated.

“Ka Cheche” also mentioned how she urged other family members and acquaintance who are still with the NPAs, to surrender and be one with the government in ending the insurgency in the country.

73rd IB Commander Lt. Col. Antonio F. Quimado Jr. said that the financial assistance was a manifestation of the government’s promise to help the former rebels to prepare themselves in reintegrating back to their respective community and earn a living.

Davao Occidental Vice Governor Franklin Bautista who also graced the event, hoped that the FRs would take the program seriously and with importance.

Bautista said that the government continues to provide the needs of the

communities that would also benefit the FRs, such as farmto-market roads, healthcare system, sanitation and water development program.

The local official also urged the FRs to help the government achieve long lasting peace in the province.

“Let’s help the government because we cannot do this alone. We need you in maintaining peace and order.

All of us should be involved,” Bautista stated.

The said assistance was an initiative of Congresswoman Lorna B. Bandigan and Governor Claude P. Bautista, aiming to help the FRs start anew, through the implementation of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) and the 73rd Infantry Battalion.

(PIA XI/Franchette Delfin)

Tagum tops as Region 11’s overall Most Competitive Component City

A

WHO’S... FROM2

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A fish vendor takes a nap while waiting for market goers at the wet section of Agdao Public Market in Davao City on Tuesday. Edge Davao

BSP eyes February inflation rate at 3.2%

T

he Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) forecasts a faster inflation rate for February at 3.2 percent, mainly driven by the increases in prices of oil, rice, and some meat products.

The projection is higher than the previous month’s 3 percent and is the midpoint of the central bank’s 2.3 percent to 3.6 percent forecast range for the month.

“The series of oil price hikes, along with the higher price of rice and meat,

are the primary sources of inflationary pressures in February,” BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno told journalists in a Viber message on Monday.

The upside risks to the inflation rate this month are expected to be countered

by lower electricity rates in areas being serviced by the Manila Electric Company (Meralco) and the decline in the prices of fish and vegetables as supply improves, he said.

“Looking ahead, the BSP will continue to monitor emerging price developments and possible second-round effects to achieve its primary mandate of price stability that is conducive to balanced and sustainable economic growth of the

economy,” he added.

BSP’s policy-making Monetary Board (MB) recently hiked the central bank’s average inflation rate projection for this year from 3.4 percent to 3.7 percent due to the continued hike in global oil prices and its impact on food prices.

Amidst the change, monetary authorities said the projection remains within the government’s 2 to 4-percent target band for this year.

(PNA)

This development has already prompted Germany to halt the approval of Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project from Russia, and other countries have also slapped varying economic sanctions on Russia involving banks, oil refineries and military equipment.

“It (suspension of excise tax on oil) will begin with the recommendation from the DOF (Department of Finance). The basis [for next move] is its recommenda-

tion, then they will have a dialogue with the DBCC (Development Budget Coordination Committee),” Nograles said during the Palace briefing.

“From there, they will submit their recommendation to President Duterte.

Let us take it from there, Nograles added.

A petition for a P5 fare hike in public transport and increase in minimum wage amid the increasing oil prices have also been called for

by various sectors, but the Palace is adamant that such measures need further discussion.

“On fare hike, there is already a pending petition before the LTFRB (Land Transportation and Franchising Board). Let us let the process take its course,” Nograles said.

“On wage hike, it needs to pass through the regional wage board which determines the wage level for each region,” he added.

Palace: Suspending excise tax on oil needs reco from DOF, DBCC

T

he Palace said that suspending excise tax on oil amid the unabated oil price increases will need a recommendation from Finance-related government agencies.

Acting presidential spokesperson Karlo Nograles made the response in connection with oil prices reaching above $105 a barrel for the first time since 2014 last February 24 when Russia launched attacks on Ukraine.

Germany assesses potential of hydrogen as PH energy source

T

he German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GPCCI) said it is exploring the potential of the Philippine market for green hydrogen as a future source of energy.

“The German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV), is currently assessing the market potential of green hydrogen and fuel cell applications in urban and remote areas in the Philippines,” GPCCI said in a statement Monday.

GPCCI executive director Christopher Zimmer said the technology know-how of Germany on green hydrogen can help the country in increasing the share of renewable energy in its energy mix, as well as reducing the greenhouse gas emission.

“We are convinced that German technology providers can contribute greatly to the country’s energy transition,” Zimmer said.

He added the amendments to the Foreign Investments Act and Public Service Act will facilitate opportunities between German and Philippine businesses to partner in exploring and investing in this sector.

German hydrogen technology firm H2 Core Systems GmBH vice president of energy systems Mark Shiels said the Philippines should take advantage of investing in hydrogen technology as this plays a major role in climate protection.

“In the Philippines, a geographically dispersed country, the use of green hydrogen and fuel cell technology can be an environmentally friendly alternative to diesel generators, whose use is widespread as backup power in urban areas and as power source in remote offgrid areas,” Shiels said.

Green hydrogen is part of Germany’s goal of zero greenhouse gas emission by 2050 by investing in research and technology development, as well as hydrogen trade cooperation and partnership with other countries.

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ECONOMY A2 IN THE... FROM8

A store attendant changes the price of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) on a price board at a convenience store in Davao City on Tuesday. Oil firms implemented a big-time price hike that took effect on Tuesday. Edge Davao

BOI, Elon Musk’s SpaceX Corp in talks over investment plan in PH

T

he Board of Investments (BOI) on Monday said it continues to engage with Elon Musk’s SpaceX Exploration Technologies Corp. on the latter’s plan to set up its satellite internet services in the country. “(Trade) Undersecretary (Ceferino) Rodolfo had a series of follow-up online meetings with the company, immediately following Senate ratification in December last year and an update session on February 2, 2022, upon the ratification of the proposed amendments to the Public Service Act (PSA),” BOI said in a statement.

Last November 16, Rodolfo had a meeting with SpaceX senior manager for government affairs Rebecca Hunter and senior manager for market access Brian Schepis at the Philippine Em-

bassy in Washington D.C. In the initial meeting, SpaceX subsidiary Starlink plans to put up a Philippine-registered company offering satellite internet services that will provide broadband connectivity to remote areas.

Internet over satellite will address the limited access for connectivity in the far-flung areas in the country.

“With the entry of Starlink into the Philippines, high-speed satellite broadband connectivity is expected to be delivered to customers nationwide, specifically in areas where connectivity has been a challenge,” BOI added.

Starlink provides the most advanced satellite broadband internet system, which has over 1,600 satellites as of the middle of 2021.

DTI encourages more on-site work in new normal

T

he Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is now encouraging more on-site work and lessened work-from-home setup as the country now moves to the new normal.

Speaking with President Rodrigo Duterte during the Talk to the People Monday evening, DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez said urging employees to physically report in their workplaces will stimulate economic activities.

“We will encourage more on-site presence. Before, we encouraged work-

from-home. This time, it’s physical presence. This means many will go back to their offices, there will be resumption of many events that will stimulate spending. With the increased mobility, people are spending when they go to their workplaces and going back home,” he said.

Lopez said small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and the transport sector will greatly benefit from the increased mobility now that Metro Manila and key provinces were de-escalated to Alert Level 1.

Gov’t ends 2021 with P1.67T budget deficit

T

he Philippine government closed the year 2021 with a wider budget deficit as state spending for COVID-19 recovery measures exceeded revenue collections, data released by the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) showed Tuesday.

Treasury data showed the government posted a budget shortfall of P1.67 trillion, 21.78% or P298.7 billion wider than the P1.37-trillion fiscal deficit recorded in the full-year 2020.

The BTr noted that last year’s shortfall resulted from the 10.60% growth in government expenditures despite an increase of 5.24% in revenue collections.

Expenditures In particular, the government’s spending during the January to Decem-

ber 2021 period reached P4.675 trillion, higher by P448.2 billion or 10.60% than the P4.227 trillion expenditures posted in 2020.

The Treasury said the increase in state spending last year was owed to “infrastructure and other capital expenditures, continued spending for various recovery measures including vaccine procurement and equity infusion in support of GFI (government financial institution) lending assistance programs, as well as higher IRA (internal revenue allot-

ment) shares of LGUs (local government units).”

Compared to the fullyear program of P4.737 trillion, however, government expenditures were lower by 1.30% “mainly due to lower-than-programmed interest payments.”

Primary expenditure accounted for 91% or P4.2 trillion of total expenditures for 2021, up by 10.38% year-on-year.

Interest payments, on the other hand, stood at P429.4 billion, up 12.89% year-on-year, but 19.21% lower compared to the fullyear program of P531.5 billion, generating P102.1 billion in savings, according to the Treasury.

Revenues The government’s revenue collections in 2021

onsumers would have to pay more for cooking gas as a bigtime price hike took effect on Tuesday.

Petron implemented an increase of PHP7.95 per kilogram of LPG while

Shell’s Solane-branded LPG rose by PHP7.14 per kilogram.

The price hike this month reflected an increase of PHP78.54 to PHP87.45 for a regular 11-kilogram LPG cylin-

der.

According to the Department of Energy (DOE), the common price of 11-kg LPG in Metro Manila stood at PHP976 in February.

Likewise, Petron in-

stood at P3.005 trillion, up 5.24% or by P149.6 billion compared to P2.885 trillion recorded in 2020.

The collections last year was 4.30% higher than the target of P2.881 trillion.

The BTr said that 91% or P2.7 trillion of the total revenue collection was generated through tax revenues, which grew by 9.40% year-on-year.

Non-tax sources, meanwhile, comprised the remaining 9% and posted a 24.40% contraction as collections normalized from the previous year.

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), the country’s main tax collection agency, collected P2.078 trillion after deducting P8.2 billion in tax refunds paid to various claimants.

creased its AutoLPG price

by PHP4.44 per liter.

The escalation of conflict between Ukraine and Russia has pushed global oil and gas prices as this could disrupt global supplies. (PNA)

Big-time LPG price increase greets consumers in March C

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EDGEDAVAO EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 292 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2022

ENVIRONMENT

“Ang Mahalin Natin Ang Pilipinas ay simula pa lang ng ating byahe.

Mahaba pa ito. At tiyak

WHAT’S YOUR WATER FOOTPRINT? Text and photos by HENRYLITO D. TACIO

S

o far, how much water have you used since you were born?

If you can’t guess, you’re not alone. But the book, Your Water Footprint by Stephen Leahy, gives some ideas. For instance, to produce one smartphone requires 910 liters – or 240 gallons – of water.

“Cellphones and smartphones use water throughout their production process, from creating the microchips to mining the metals used in the batteries to polishing the silica glass used in their touch screens,” Leahy wrote. “In total, each phone requires 910 liters of water to manufacture.”

It has been predicted that the number of activated cell phones is soon expected to exceed the world’s population. “To manufacture these phones will require 6.7 trillion liters (1.8 trillion gallons) of water, much of it blue and grey,” Leahy said.

Let’s talk about soft drinks, one of the most popular drinks among the younger generations today. One 500-milliliter (17-ounce) bottle of soft drink requires 175 liters (46 gallons) of water.

Soft drink is almost entirely water so a half-liter bottle effectively contains a half-liter of water.

“That’s the direct water input,” pointed out Leahy, an independent journalist for over 20 years who has reported on environmental issues from dozens of countries.

“But soft drinks are not just water in a bottle. When you

include the production of all the flavoring ingredients (the highest consumptive factor), the manufacturing and supply chain, each bottle requires about 175 liters.”

But it’s in food production that water is most critical.

“The link between water and food is strong,” says Lester R. Brown, president of Washington, D.C.-based Earth Policy Institute. “We drink, in one form or another, nearly 4 liters of water per day. But the food we consume each day requires at least 2,000 liters to produce, 500 times as much.”

For instance, to raise a ton of rice, you need a thousand gallons of water, according to the Laguna-based International Rice Research Institute. About 89% of Filipinos consume rice on a daily basis, some studies show.

It takes so much water to grow crops. Global food: Waste not, want not, published by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IME), showed that a farmer who plants cabbage has to water his crop with 237 liters to come up with 1 kilogram of the leafy vegetable. To produce a kilogram of tomato, about 214 liters of water is needed.

“We’re surrounded by a hidden world of water,” pointed out Leahy. “Liters and liters of it are consumed by everything we eat, and everything we use and buy. Cars, furniture, books, dishes, TVs, highways, buildings, jewellery, toys and even electricity would not exist without water. It’s no exaggeration to say that water is far more valuable and useful than oil.”

A water footprint, as Leahy defined it, is the amount of water ‘consumed’ to make, grow or produce something.

“I use the word consumed to make it clear this is water that can no longer be used for anything else,” he said.

Leahy explained it further in these words: “The water footprint of 500 ml of bottled water is 5.5 liters: 0.5 for the water in the bottle and another five contaminated in the process of making the plastic bottle from oil. The five liters consumed in making the bottle are as real water as the 500 ml you might drink but hardly anyone in business or government accounts for it.”

Leahy has been published in many leading publications around the world including National Geographic, New Scientist, The London Sunday Times, The Guardian, Vice Magazine, Al Jazeera, Maclean’s Magazine, Earth Island Journal, The Toronto Star, Wired News, and China Dialogue.

“One of the biggest surprises (while writing the book) was learning how small direct use of water for drinking, cooking and showering is by comparison,” he said.

“Each day the average North American uses 300 to 400 liters.”

Surprising, flushing toilets is the biggest water daily use – not showers! “Four hundred liters is not a trivial amount; however, the virtual water that’s in the things we eat, wear and use each day averages 7,500 liters in North America, resulting in a daily water footprint of almost 8,000 liters,” Leahy said.

“That’s more than twice the size of the global average.”

While low-flow shower heads and toilets are great water savers, the water footprint concept can lead to even bigger reductions in water consumption. “For example, green fuels may not be so green from a water consumption perspective,” Leahy said.

“Biodiesel made from soybeans has an enormous water footprint, averaging more than 11,000 liters per liter of biodiesel. And this doesn’t include the large amounts of water needed for processing.

Why so much water? Green plants aren’t ‘energy-dense,’ so it takes a lot of soy to make the fuel.”

Beef also has a big footprint, over 11,000 liters for a kilo, according to Leahy. “If a family of four served chicken instead of beef they’d reduce their water use by an astonishing 900,000 liters a year.

That’s enough to fill an Olympic size pool to a depth of two feet.”

“Of all the social and natural crises that we face today, the water crisis is the one that lies at the heart of our survival and that of our planet Earth,”

surmised Koichiro Matsuura, former director-general of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

“Unlike copper, oil, and most other commodities, fresh water is not a resource that acquires value only when it is extracted and put to human use,” noted Sandra Postel and Amy Vickers, authors of the Handbook of Water Use and Conservation: Homes, Landscapes, Businesses, Industries, Farms.

Like air, water is essential for man’s survival. After all, water makes up more than two-thirds of the weight of the human body. Without water, humans would die in a few days.

As Dr. Willie T. Ong pointed out in his book, How to Live Longer: Practical Health Tips from a Heart Doctor: “No water, no life. Our bodies are made up of mostly water. Just look at these facts: The brain contains 74% water, blood contains 83% water, lean muscle has 75% and bone has 22% water.”

Liquid water has been on earth for at least 3 billion years, circulating between the sea, air, and land. Powered by the sun, the two atoms of hydrogen and one atom of oxygen have cycled through the atmosphere thousands upon thousands of times. Fresh water seems limitless as it falls from the sky year after year.

But water is a limited non-renewable resource, of which a fixed amount exists on the planet: some 1,400 million cubic kilometers, which can neither be increased or decreased. Most of the bulk, that is 97.4%, is salt water; another 2% is locked away in ice caps and glaciers. This leaves only 0.6%, or 8.4 cubic kilometers, of which some 8 million cubic kilometers are stored underground.

Put in another way: if all the earth’s water were fit in a gallon jug (4 liters), the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) says the available water would be just over one tablespoon.

Potable water is one of the most important liquids that human beings need if they have to live in this world.

“A person can survive only three to five days without water; in some cases, people have survived for an average of one week,” says the waterpage.com. “Once the body is deprived of fluids, the cells and organs in the body begin to deteriorate. The presence of water in the body could mean the difference between life and death.”

A household with five members needs at least 120 liters of water per day to meet their basic needs for drinking, food preparation, cooking and cleaning up, washing and personal hygiene, laundry, and house cleaning, according to Worldwatch Institute.

Unfortunately, the country is almost running out of water for survival. “On a macro-level, it appears there is plenty of water, but we are now experiencing problems and, in some instances, some areas (of the country) are suffering from lack of water,” said Elisea Gozon when she was still the environment and natural resources secretary.

The Philippines will likely experience severe water shortage by 2040 – that’s 20 years from now! – due to the combined impact of rapid population growth and climate change, the World Resources Institute reported.

Currently, the country ranks 57 out of 167 nations that are highly vulnerable to severe water shortage.

Postel, who is the director of the Massachusetts-based Global Water Policy Project, believes water problems will trail climate change as a threat to the human future.

“Although the two are related, water has no substitutes,” she explains. “We can transition away from coal and oil to solar, wind and other renewable energy sources. But there is no transitioning away from water to something else.”

“World demand for water doubles every 21 years, but the volume available is the same as it was in the Roman times,” observes Sir Crispin Tickell, former British ambassador to the United Nations and one of the organizers of the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro. “Something has got to give.”

SPORTS

VOL.14 ISSUE 292 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2022

A4

Dennise Zamboanga is over the moon after her older brother kicked off his lightweight campaign with a bold statement.

Zamboanga dishes on brother’s victory

W

lightweight campaign with a bold statement.

The Zamboanga siblings have unbreakable support for each other in victory and defeat. But the “Lycan Queen” is delighted that Drex issued an emphatic response to his naysayers.

“My brother Drex has been training well, and I’m proud that he just proved to all the haters that he can also

excel in the lightweight division,” she said. “He showed a statement there last Friday night. I can’t wait for him to slowly but surely become one of the best contenders in his new division.”

While her older brother is getting some rest in the Philippines, Denice is in Thailand preparing for her rematch against Ham Seo Hee at ONE X on 26 March.

Ham defeated Denice in a controversial victory in the quarterfinals of the ONE Women’s Atomweight World Grand Prix last year.

Even if Denice and Drex

he woke up and spent two hours in the comfort room trying to shed the excess poundage. He was able to take away a pound and then rested. Starting at 10 am, Ancajas again sweated it out until he finally hit the weight.

By then, however, Ancajas felt drained.

Taking the blame for Ancajas’ weight issue, Jimenez said it was the first time that this happened.

“Usually, on Friday we’ll just work out a bit before the weigh-in,” said Jimenez.

“Not this time, he wasn’t really able to recover and rehydrate.”

And the effect showed in Ancajas’ 10th title defense.

By the second round,

Ancajas said his legs were cramping, and by the fourth, he was fighting for survival. He relied on instinct and heart to finish standing.

“My body betrayed me,” said Ancajas, now 33-2-2 with 22 knockouts, in Filipino. “I could see his punches.

I knew they were coming, but I couldn’t react. Even my brain wouldn’t respond, no muscle memory. So I would just absorb them (punches).”

Ancajas said just like the way he made weight, he relied on pure will and heart to last the distance.

“At least, I gave it all,” said Ancajas, who isn’t inclined to pursue the rematch clause with Martinez, now 14-0 with 8 knockouts.

hile people were doubting Drex “T-Rex” Zamboanga’s choice to move up two weight classes, his sister Denice never wavered from her belief in him.

Drex couldn’t have dreamed of a better start, knocking out Rahul “The Kerala Crusher” Raju in just 65 seconds at ONE: FULL CIRCLE on 25 February to remain undefeated in The Home of Martial Arts.

Denice - the #2-ranked ONE Championship women’s atomweight contender - is over the moon after her older brother kicked off his

Ancajas to move up in weight

D

abawenyo Jerwin Ancajas is set to climb the bantamweight ladder.

After struggling to make weight and losing the International Boxing Federation super flyweight crown to Fernando Martinez at the Cosmopolitan Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday, February 26 (Sunday, February 27, Manila time), Ancajas has decided to leave the 115-pound division where he reigned for almost six years.

His trainer, Joven Jimenez, readily agreed, saying he pitied Ancajas for what he went through early Friday, February 25, before the official weigh-in.

According to Jimenez, Ancajas weighed 118 when

are countries apart, the support they have for one another will always remain intact.

“He has been my training partner since then, but in this rematch with Ham [Seo Hee], it will be a bit different as I’m not training with him,” Denice confirmed.

“After his fight in Singapore, he went back to the Philippines, but he still gives so much support and makes me feel like he is always beside me.”

It’s been months since the 25-year-old Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu expert stepped into the Circle. But even when she

wasn’t actively competing, the grind continued.

“I’ve been training hard since [my last fight]. I missed the Circle, and I cannot wait to be back to show everyone how much I have improved,” she said.

However, she does have an off switch to accompany her intense training mode at Marrok Force MMA in Bangkok. When she’s not working the mats and pads, she uses TikTok as her avenue to relax.

“Of course, it has been one of my stress relievers. I use it with my teammates,

Jerwin Ancajas was not his usual self in losing to Fernando Martinez.

and I think with TikTok, I can also share some exercises and workouts with the fans, which might help them,” she said.

But when she’s not uploading short video clips on the social media networking platform, her focus remains on Ham. However, don’t expect her to reveal the strategy that she believes will earn her the win this time around.

“I cannot mention [the changes],” she admitted. “But what I can say is that it’s been a hard and fun training camp.

I’m ready.”

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 292 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2022

Happy

greetings from