The Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) Magulta is looking at three persons of interest (POI) in the car explosion incident outside a law office in Ecoland, Davao City on Thursday.
“Ongoing pa gihapon ang investigation. However, naa nata tulo ka POI,” Major Catherine Dela Rey, spokesperson of the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) told Edge Davao.
DCPO has created a Special Investigation Task Group (SITG)
Davao City on Thursday. DCPO reproached the car explosion incident at around 10:14 a.m. on June 15, 2023 outside the law firm of lawyer Alberto Magulta.
Using chemical elements found in coffee and cacao beans, Filipino scientists are working to profile the beans’ unique geographical identity with the aim of authenticating their origins.
Ang mahalagaha na bentahe ng mga kape na ito bukod sa kanilang quality o sarap ay yung hindi natin mahihiwalay ang identity nila kung saan galing, galing ba siya sa Mt. Apo? o galing sa Balutakay? (The important selling point of the coffee aside from its quality or taste is we cannot separate its identity from the place where it originated. Whether it came from Mt. Apo or from Balutakay),” says Dr. Emmanuel Garcia project lead of the Food Authenticity and Traceability Project.
is different from other places, the characteristics of the soil is different, the water, the water chemistry, the weather conditions that will affect how the plants absorb the nutrients),” Garcia said.
“The elements and isotopes found in the beans are practically unique in the particular place because of the presence of elements and the conditions that let the plants absorb these elements,” Garcia added.
He said one aim of the study is to stop mislabeling coffee beans, as coffee and cacao beans from Davao Region are highly valued and known for their quality. Coffee beans from Mindanao particularly Davao have been dominating in the Philippine Coffee Quality Competitions.
that will solely focus on the investigation and resolution of the car explosion incident in Davao City as soonest as possible.
Reconstruction of the fragments collected from the exploded vehicle by the police forensic team is still ongoing.
The vehicle’s owner was identified as the wife of Magulta.
The lawyer said he is handling
The City Engineer’s Office (CEO) said it will rehabilitate several drainages, creeks and other waterways in metropolitan Davao.
This after thorough inspection discovered that some waterways are heavily-silted, causing flooding during heavy rain.
CEO-Urban Drainage Main-
An undetermined explosive went off under a parked vehicle outside the Magulta Law Office along Ecowest Drive in Ecoland, F
The research is based on the principle of stable isotopes and multi-elemental profiles which represent the physical, chemical, and biological processes in organisms and ecosystems.
According to Garcia, in analyzing the beans in terms of the elements like oxygen, hydrogen, and carbon, each region differs in the amount and presence of certain elements that uniqueness acts as a fingerprint for each geographical region.
Garcia said that winning coffee beans fetch higher prices in coffee auctions as these quality beans have heightened demand. This would lead some unscrupulous traders to mislabel their coffee beans as coming from Mindanao or Davao.
He said without a scientific process that could prove the authenticity of the beans some beans would be passed off as coming from another region well known for their quality beans.
tenance Division Head Engr. Leonard Palban said that the frequently-flooded streets of Old San Isidro, New San Isidro, NHA Buhangin (main road), Sandawa, Damosa, Torres corner Jacinto, Magsaysay Ave., Pelayo corner Bonifacio (Brgy. 3-A), Purok Sarphil (Brgy. Aquino) as well as several streets in Brgy. San Antonio
were found to have silted drainages that cause heavy flooding.
The drainages in these areas, Palban said, have become so shallow due to siltation that even minimal rainfall is enough to cause water to overflow from the waterway system to the streets.
The CEO is set to rehabilitate
He cited for example that cacao samples from Region XI have higher Potassium content than those from Region IX, and Region XI has higher calcium content than negligible content in the beans coming from Region IX.
“Syempre magkakaiba ang composition ng lupa sa ibang lugar magkakaiba ang characteristics ng lupa, magkaiba ang tubig, yung water chemistry, yung weather conditions na makakaapekto sa paraan ng pagsipsip ng halaman doon sa mga nutrients ( Surely the composition of the soil
Aside from mislabeling the study could be used for food safety purposes and also to determine the impact of climate change.
The food authenticity and traceability research project is funded by the Department of Science and Technology- Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOSTPCIEERD) and undertaken by the De La Salle Food and Water Institute- Philippine Nuclear Research Institute.
The two-year project is now
By MAYA M. PADILLO
The Educational Benefit System Unit (EBSU) is set to launch next month the E-scholar app where incoming scholars can submit their requirements.
EBSU Technical Assistant Emilio Domingo Jr. during the I-Speak media forum Thursday, June 15, 2023, said that the E-scholar app is part of the digitalization initiatives of the city.
“In line ni siya sa digitalization program of the local government.. gi-create ang E-Scholar App para malikayan tung makita ninyo every opening sa application sa scholarship nga linya gawas sa city hall (This is in line with the digitalization program of the government.. the E-scholar App was created to avoid long queues that can be seen every opening of the application for scholarship outside the city City Hall),” Domingo said.
He added that once launched the applicants may submit their requirements without the need to personally appear at the EBSU for submission of require-
ments.
Domingo said that the applicants will register to the app, they will choose the type of scholarship they wish to apply for and in one click they will be able to see the requirement and they will be required to upload their requirements.
“Hulaton nila ang reply kung qualified, ug muadto sila sa schedule nga gihatag sa amoang office (They have to wait for the reply to know if they are qualified, and they will go on the schedule that will be given by our office),” Domingo said.
He said that the existing scholars are already advised to register for the app and create a new account. They were also instructed to upload their documents.
Domingo said that existing scholars will also have to submit their requirements for renewal through the app.
Domingo said that the development of the app started in 2018 with the help of the City Information and the TechnoloFDAVAO, P10
Anofficial of the regional office of the Department of Education (DepEd 11) announced on Wednesday that the academic year for public schools starts on August 28, 2023, and will end on June 28, 2024.
DepEd 11 spokesperson Jenielito Atillo cited DepEd’s Memorandum Order 034 series of 2022 issued on July 11, 2022, which stated that the schedule is equivalent to 206 days per Republic Act 11480, which amended Section 3 of RA No. 7797, or
“An act to lengthen the school calendar from 200 days to not more than 220 days class days”.
“The Department of Education issued Department Order and included in that DO is the opening of classes in the School Year 2023-2024 unless there
is no amendment to this information SY 2023-2024 will start from August 28, 2023 to June 28, 2024,” he said during the AFP PNP Press Corps media briefing on Wednesday at the Royal Mandaya Hotel.
Atillo shared the announcement to give clarification on information received by DepEd concerning the complaints of some parents and even students because of the short break following the end of classes for SY
The Department of Science and Technology-Davao (DOST-Davao) will be launching projects in Paquibato District, Davao City.
Arnel M. Rodriguez, city director of DOST-Davao, told the media on Wednesday that DOSTDavao will be launching a ramp
pump water system in Barangay Lumiad, Paquibato District, Davao City on June 22, 2023 as part of DOST’s intervention under the department’s Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) Program.
He explained that the ramp
pump project will not use electricity and it will source up to 3 kilometers of potable water as residents of Barangay Lumiad are currently getting their water from a spring.
“Sa area wala silang maayFDOST-DAVAO, P10
The contribution of tourism to the Philippine’s economic output grew larger in 2022 amid the reopening of both domestic and international borders as the world recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Data released by the Philippine Statistics Authority on Friday showed that tourism’s direct gross value added (TDGVA) to the Philippine’s gross domestic product (GDP) was estimated at 6.2%.
Last year’s TDGVA was higher than 2021’s 5.2%.
Tourism’s share to the 2022 GDP, in peso terms, amounted to
P1.38 trillion, up 36.9% from P1 trillion recorded in 2021.
The economy as measured by GDP —the total value of goods and services produced in a specific period— grew by 7.6% in 2022.
Broken down, inbound tourism expenditure, which refers to the spending of foreign visitors and Filipinos permanently re-
siding abroad within the Philippines, grew to P368.67 billion from P27.63 billion in 2021.
Domestic tourism expenditure, or the spending of resident visitors within the country, meanwhile, amounted to P1.50 trillion, growing 92.3% year-onyear.
Employment in tourism industries last year stood at 5.35 million, up 9.3% from 4.9 million in 2021.
The share of employment in tourism industries to total employment in the country in 2022 was recorded at 11.4%, according to the PSA.
Maya Bank’s next wave of growth in the central and southern Philippines could come from the transportation and healthcare sectors, an executive said.
Visayas and Mindanao account for about 62 percent of the digital bank’s total volume of transactions, Maya Regional Business Head Bryan Enerio said.
“It actually shows that the adoption here in VisMin is more com-
pared to Luzon,” he said at the sidelines of a media seminar sponsored by the US Embassy in Manila.
In Mindanao, Maya will prioritize the healthcare sector for growth, Enerio said.
“If you start from Cagayan De Oro down to Bukidnon, Zamboanga, healthcare is quite strong may it be for…hospitals and pharmacies. But pets, vets they’re actually strong in Davao, a bit in General Santos,” he said.
Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno on Thursday told foreign investors that the proposed reforms on the military and uniformed personnel (MUP) pension will boost the government’s fiscal space.
During the Philippine Economic Briefing held in Singapore, which was live streamed through the Facebook pages of the Department of Finance (DOF), Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Diokno said the military pension “is an elephant in the room.”
once they reached 20 years of service; and the active and new entrant will be required to pay the mandatory contribution to the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS).
Diokno earlier said total payouts to MUP amounts to around PHP213 billion for this year and this is expected to breach PHP1 trillion by 2035.
Aside from the MUP pension, Diokno said rightsizing of the bureaucracy is also seen to boost fiscal space.
Meanwhile, industries that have adopted Maya in the Visayas include tourism, hospitality, and retail, he said.
Maya is looking at “underserved” sectors like transportation to scale up in the region, Enerio said.
“We’re coming up with a transportation ecosystem... We don’t have LRTs and MRTs here. But we can actually empower the buses,” he said.
“Previous administrations don’t want to talk about it. We are addressing it now and I think, we are almost sure that we have the solution. That will open up a lot of fiscal space,” he said.
Under the proposal, all active personnel and new entrants will be covered by the proposed reform; the automatic indexation of pension to the salary of active personnel of single ranks will be removed; pensions will be given once the MUP turn 57 years old unlike in the current system wherein it is automatically given
“Together with that is digitalization. Again, that will open up a lot of space in our, the fiscal side. That’s why I said I sleep well at night because we’re solving the problems that we see,” he added.
NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said ensuring the strengthening of the government’s fiscal space is also among the reasons for encouraging the private sector to take part in the bid to improve the country’s infrastructure.
“There’s a lot of money there that are supposed to be used for public infrastructure but if this can now be implemented by (the) private sector, then that limited resource could be used to sup-
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has highlighted the crucial role of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) in hitting the export targets of the Marcos administration.
On Thursday, the Export Development Council (EDC) launched the Philippine Export Development Plan (PEDP) 2023-2028, which aims to nearly double the country’s export revenues over the next five years.
“RCEP utilization is an essential component in the successful implementation of the PEDP,” DTI Secretary Alfredo Pascual said.
Under the PEDP, the government targets an export revenue of USD126.8 billion by the end of 2023; USD143.4 billion in 2024; USD163.6 billion in 2025; USD186.7 billion in 2026; USD212.1 billion in 2027; and USD240.5 billion in 2028 or an average annual growth of 11 percent for the Philippine exports of goods and services.
According to the blueprint, exports of electronics and electrical goods will lead the export
Cash inflows from overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) rose by 3.7 percent year-on-year to USD2.48 billion last April, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reported on Thursday.
revenues, sharing 44 percent of the country’s total outbound trade.
Annual export targets for the semiconductor and electronic goods are at USD53.7 billion in 2023, USD61.1 billion in 2024, USD70 billion in 2025, USD80.3 billion in 2026, USD92.4 billion in 2027, and USD106.4 billion in 2028.
Following the electronics sector is the information technology and business process management (ITBPM) services, with revenue targets of USD36.1 billion in 2023, USD40.3 billion in 2024, USD45 billion in 2025, USD50.3 billion in 2026, USD56.4 billion in 2027, and USD63.2 billion in 2028.
Aside from electronics and ITBPM, among the major exports of the country listed in the PEDP include agriculture and agri-based exports; transport export products; home furnishings; wearable, fashion accessories and travel goods; minerals, and chemicals.
All these exports account for 88.5 percent of the country’s total export revenues.
The central bank attributed the rise in cash remittances, coursed through banks, to strong growth of remittances both from land-based and sea-based workers.
Data released by the BSP showed that cash inflows from land-based workers rose by 4 percent year-on-year to USD1.94 billion, while those from sea-based workers rose by 2.7 percent to USD55 million.
In the first four months this year, cash remittances reached USD10.49 billion, 3.2 percent higher compared to the USD10.17 billion same period last year.
Bulk of these inflows came from the United States, Singapore, and Saudi Arabia.
Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) chief economist Michael Ricafort said cash remittances last April is lower than the nearly USD2.4 billion in the
same period last year. He attributed the lower inflows partly to the risk of recession in the US and its impact on global growth and employment opportunities.
“The continued slowdown in OFW remittances data may also have to do with the still relatively higher prices/inflation/cost of living in major host countries for OFWs that fundamentally reduced the remittances sent back to the Philippines,” he added.
Ricafort said weakening of the Philippine peso against the US dollar likely contributed to the decline FCASH, P10
Department of Finance (DOF) Secretary Benjamin Diokno has urged Singaporean businesses to explore opportunities in the Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF).
At the Philippine Economic Briefing in Singapore on Thursday, Diokno cited the MIF’s role in the country’s economic development over the next years.
He said the MIF is another source of funding for the Marcos administration’s 194 infrastructure flagship projects (IFPs) that will require a total of USD165 billion in investments.
“The 194 infrastructure proj-
ects, I think we want the Maharlika Fund to finance some of them, not all of them. So, we have identified another source of funding for these very important infrastructure projects that will make a difference in the landscape of the Philippine economy,” the DOF chief said.
He said as the country will graduate into an upper middle-income economy within the next two years, it will no longer be entitled to the same official development assistance (ODA) to fund the IFPs.
“So, that is another source of funding,” Diokno added.
He also proposed to create sub-funds such as infrastructure and green funds under the MIF.
“The Maharlika Investment Fund is designed to advance the Philippines’ long-term development goals through the effective intergenerational management of our government financial assets. This will be an important addition to our existing funding mechanisms, with the aim of promoting socio-economic development through investments in strategic, high-return, high-impact sectors, including infrastructure,” he said.
On careful balancing of interests and humanitarian considerations in response to US request for temporary Afghanistan refugee shelter in the Philippines:
“As a vice chairman po ng Senate Defense Committee, it is my interest na anumang arrangement we will have, ‘di dapat malagay sa alanganin ang seguridad ng ating mga kababayan. Importante muna ngayon seguridad ng Pilipino.”
Every third week of June, the world celebrates Father’s Day. It’s a counterpart of Mother’s Day, which is celebrated every second week of May.
So, let’s talk about fathers –good, bad and in-between.
In my Facebook account, I asked some of my friends regarding what they remember most about their fathers. JB, an elementary school teacher from Davao del Norte, said his father died when he was still in Grade 3.
“That was in 1986,” he said. “As far as I could remember, he always pinned my ribbon as an honor pupil. After that, my mother took his place and played both a mother and a father to eight of us.”
Remedios was a former neighbor in my hometown; she now lives in Sta. Cruz. I used to see his father when he passed by our house when he was still alive.
“Dad was a loving person and generous,” she admitted. “I can still vividly remember the day when he bought my favorite bag: daddy holding my hand and walking along the still graveled national highway on our way to La Suerte Store. It was the happiest day of my life, walking with dad.”
Janoz, on the other hand, was still in high school, when I met him. His father, a farmer, was named as one of The Outstanding Young Man in the 1980s.
“The most memorable experiences I had with my father were:
1) the daily farming (doing upland farming, feeding goats, harvesting fish, etc.); 2) I had to get out of our room because he used it as recording room for the radio program for farmers; 3) when we walked together for hours to reach an extension church; and
4) when he left me do the groceries at a mall while he was attending his doctoral degree.”
Being a father is a tough job.
“A father acts on behalf of his children by working, providing, intervening, struggling, and suffering for them,” Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote in Ethics. “In so doing, he really stands in their place. He is not an isolated individual, but incorporates the selves of several people in his own self. Every attempt to live as if he were alone is a denial of the fact that he is actually responsible. He cannot escape the responsibility, which is his because he is a father.”
Dan Pearce, author of Single Dad Laughing, shared some thoughts about his father: “I’ve
watched my dad move our family from extreme poverty to extreme wealth and then everywhere in between. Never once did I see or hear him be anything but a cheerleader for the accomplishments of others. It didn’t matter if he was down or up in life, he wanted everybody around him to succeed.
“To be a successful father,” advised American author Ernest Hemingway, “there’s one absolute rule: when you have a kid, don’t look at it for the first two years.”
But Sigmund Freud contradicted that idea. “I cannot think of any need in childhood as strong as the need for a father’s protection,” he once said. William Shakespeare, the father of English literature, agreed: “It is a wise father that knows his own child.”
Joe Kennedy knew this. For all his shortcomings, his loyalty to his children was absolute. “My business is my family and my family is my business,” he said. At one time, he told Steve Smith, “You know, when I was just trying out for the freshman team for some of those swimming meets, my dad was always there. He was always there. He did the same for
College life is undeniably one of the most demanding parts of a student’s journey; some even think it is innately stressful because of heightened responsibilities, increased pressure, and the likelihood of failing time management. Even so, all these do not always wrap up one’s grit, ardor, and determination to succeed in life.
This sums up the story of Bryan C. Eguna, a former Supreme Student Government president, a cum laude from Surigao del Norte State University – City Campus, and the 3rd Most Outstanding Student Leader in Caraga Region (Caraga Federation of Tertiary Student Leaders, 2023).
Believing in his dreams
After moonlighting as a student leader, Eguna was on Cloud 9 when he received his medal as cum laude for an elementary education degree on Wednesday, June 7.
The Latin honor was something he had dreamed of reaching ever since he began studying. “I always dreamed of graduating
all the kids.”
Spending time with your kids as they grow is one of the best things a father can give to them. When Dr. Gordon Neufeld, a Canadian developmental psychologist, became worried about his 13-year-old slavish imitation of her peers’ language and bearing, he booked a week-long vacation with her at a rented cottage.
Predictably, his daughter balked at the plan, “but we gradually rediscovered the closeness we’d had when she was younger,” Neufeld recalls. “When the week was over, we both agreed that it had been a great idea.”
Ah, to be a father. “That is the thankless position of the father in the family – the provider for all, and the enemy of all,” deplored J. August Strindberg.
Humorist Erma Bombeck, the author of several books including the best-selling, You Know It’s Time to Go Home When You Looked Like Your Passport Picture, once told a story of a little lost girl who doesn’t know whether she would miss her departing father:
“One morning, my father didn’t get up and go to work. He went to the hospital and died the next day. I hadn’t thought that
much about him before. He was just someone who left and came home and seemed glad to see everyone at night. He opened the jar of pickles when no one else could. He was the only one in the house who wasn’t afraid to go into the basement by himself.
“He cut himself shaving, but no one kissed it or got excited about it. It was understood when it rained, he got the car and brought it around the door. When anyone was sick, he went out to get the prescription filled. He took lots of pictures but he was never in them.
“Whenever I played house, the mother doll had a lot to do. I never knew what to do with the daddy doll, so I had him say, ‘I’m going off to work now,’ and threw him under the bed.
“The funeral was in our living room and a lot of people came and brought all kinds of good food and cakes. We had never had so much company before. I went to my room and felt under the bed for the daddy doll. When I found him, I dusted him off and put him on my bed. He never did anything. I didn’t know his leaving would hurt so much.”
Happy Father’s Day to all fathers!
[college] with a Latin honor,” Eguna said.
Behind his success in his studies, Eguna knew that something had fueled him along the way. “I come from a family that’s not that financially stable, and so I always did great in my academics and likewise in leadership to prove to anyone else that I am more than me,” he shared.
Bound to fulfill his dream, Eguna gradually perceived the truth that the road taken was not easy as he played the roles of student and leader, not to mention his shared responsibility at home.
“Over time, I understood that there were many holes to fill as a student, as SSG president, and of course as a son,” he said.
But challenges do not always win over the yearning to make a difference. Armed with faith in God, Eguna chose to continue, saying he had to because God is with him and “a lot of people motivated” him—family, friends, fellow student leaders, just to mention a few support system.
Moreover, Eguna stressed
that “time management” was one key that enabled him to balance everything. “I had this strategy where I listed the things I do every day, both academically and in leadership. In that way, I was flexible and productive, as I could manage both,” he narrated.
Advocacies
While busy juggling roles at school, Eguna also has a heart for the community and a spirit of volunteerism.
As an eco-warrior he volunteered for several clean-up drives and tree-planting activities in the city. He believes that these simple steps can have a huge impact on the place we live— the present and future generations will profit from these actions.
Not only that, as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, Eguna advocates promoting inclusivity across the social spectrum, believing that everyone, regardless of gender, should be given equal rights in the workplace, school, and the like. “I realized that I should be cognizant and be an advocate with regard to this based
on my experience,” he said.
As a consistent honor student, he also had a fair share of boos. “All throughout my life, I’ve experienced being discriminated against and judged, which led me to question how I look physically. But I realized that in order to be someone who is empowered and unstoppable, I must accept who I am and not be affected by what people say about me. I’ve always taught myself that the only validation I ever need is one from myself,” he remarked.
Love for Nadine Lustre
Aside from his family, Eguna shared that there’s a celebrity whom he really loves as well as idolizes, and that is Nadine Lustre. “I have been a fan of her since 2014. What I admire about her the most is her realness and bravery,” he confessed.
More importantly, Lustre’s constant humanitarian acts strengthened his admiration.
“She’s doing charity work— helping our community—and that’s what made me truly love her,” he continued.
He added he is thankful to Nadine for serving as “inspiration” throughout his academic career, particularly with regard to developing greater self-assurance while making a difference in the community by engaging in charitable endeavors at the same time.
Future plans
Eguna plans to take the Licensure Exam for Teachers next year. For now, he will venture out into accepting tutorials for elementary levels to earn money to finance his review.
College life may be tiring for many. But to Eguna, it is more than just how it feels to be in college—it was a supplemental, important point in his life that made him even the best version of himself and beyond. ”And though I will not be studying [in college] anymore, I will still continue what has been started, which is to serve the community.”
He is eager to join other organizations to expand his horizons while enriching his capabilities as an individual and more so as a leader.
Nine-time world champion and top Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt Lucas Lepri brought together over 80 Jiu-jitsu enthusiasts for a three-day camp at Club Punta Fuego, Nasugbu, Batangas last May 12 to 14, 2023. The practitioners got the chance to enjoy the calming, scenic sights of the world-class resort, while learning the ‘gentle art’ of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu from the legend himself, Lucas Lepri.
“I am very happy to be back and I’m looking forward to doing more sessions this year not just in Luzon but in other parts of the Philippines as well”, Lepri explains.
The three-day seminar included
four training sessions led by Lucas Lepri and Lucas Lepri Philippines’ instructors such as Philip Alegre, Ali Khatibi, and Chris Luna. The participants also experienced the luxurious accommodations and facilities of Club Punta Fuego, while soaking in the sun, sights, and sounds of the sea.
The event gathered beginners, advanced, and top black belts who share the love for the sport.
“We always remind our students that Jiu-Jitsu is for everyone. In this sport, there is nothing to be scared of.”, Coach Philip Alegre says.
True to their commitment towards providing everyone with the
opportunity to learn and reap the benefits of the martial art, Lucas Lepri Philippines sponsored four students from Mano Amiga Academy, where they hold free BJJ classes every Saturday, to attend the getaway.
The kids left Nasugbu with an experience of a lifetime meeting and learning from the legend himself.
Mano Amiga students with Coach Philip Alegre, Professor Lucas Lepri, and Coach Pat Alegre Lucas Lepri Philippines started holding this Jiu-Jitsu getaway in 2022 with the goal of bridging different practitioners from all skill levels and teams, allowing everyone to train together as one community.
Manila, Philippines, – HONOR Philippines just unveiled the Guinness World record-breaking HONOR Magic5 Pro on June 8, priced at Php 59,990. Pre-order until June 15 to avail the FREE HONOR Band 6 and Earbuds X3 Lite both worth Php 6,000.
“Since the launch of HONOR Magic5 Pro, we have received an overwhelming amount of pre-orders which meant the world to us. This feat encourages us even more to provide the service our HONOR fans deserve,” said HONOR Philippines Vice President Stephen Cheng.
In a magical evening, HONOR Magic5 Pro was officially introduced to the market on June 8, 2023. HONOR stars Julie Anne San Jose and Rayver Cruz serenaded the guests with a back-to-back performance while photographers Belle Dinglasa and Ryan Audencial discussed
the powerful camera capabilities of HONOR Magic5 Pro.
One of the night’s highlights was the water dip test where HONOR Philippines Brand Marketing Manager Joepy Libo-on challenged Julie Anne and Rayver to showcase the water-resistant feature of HONOR’s new flagship.
HONOR Magic5 Pro Specs
The HONOR Magic5 Pro features a powerful Triple Main Camera combination comprising a 50MP Wide Camera, a 50MP Ultra Wide Camera, and a 50MP Telephoto Camera. With an increased sensor size for superior light sensing performance, the camera system produces photos in refined detail every time, no matter the lighting conditions. Ultra Fusion Computational Optics, a computational optical algorithm complementing the camera system, drastically im-
reduces Wi-Fi latency by 30%.
Supporting 66W Wired and 50W Wireless HONOR SuperCharge, the HONOR Magic5 Pro packs with a super large 5100mAh battery to deliver a full day of uninterrupted usage.
Available in Midnight Black and Meadow Green, HONOR Magic5 Pro will be available for pre-order until June 15 for Php 59,990 with FREE HONOR Band 6 smartwatch and HONOR X3 Lite Earbuds both worth Php 6,000 at select HONOR and partner dealer stores or online via Lazada (https://s.lazada.com.ph/s.hsr3z), Shopee (https://shope.ee/1LApXmPIen), and Tiktok Shop (https://
vt.tiktok.com/ZSLN2DNm1/).
HONOR Magic5 Pro will also be available via Globe Postpaid Plan 2499 with a one-time cashout of Php 17,900, and via Home Credit for as low as Php 1,718 monthly and on a 0% interest installment payment. For more updates and announcements, you may visit HONOR’s website www.hihonor.com or social media platforms: Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorph/) and TikTok: (Tiktok.com/@ honorphilippines). To check out HONOR’s complete list of retail stores, go to https://www.hihonor. com/ph/retailers/
HONOR Philippines Vice President Stephen Cheng, Brand Marketing Manager Joepy Libo-on, and PR Manager Pao Oga with HONOR Stars Julie Anne San Jose and Rayver Cruz proves image clarity at 3.5x-100x zoom, setting the device apart from other smartphones on the market. Featuring a 6.81-inch LTPO Display with a unique Quad-Curved Floating Screen, the HONOR Magic5 Pro guarantees an immersive viewing experience whether users are browsing, gaming or reading. This new HONOR flagship sports the latest Snapdragon® 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform from Qualcomm®, enabling enhanced productivity and entertainment at all times. With the industry’s first Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standalone antenna architecture, the HONOR Magic5 Pro improves Wi-Fi performance by 200% and
ZAMBOANGA CITY – Substantial improvements in power stability in Zamboanga over the past five years have resulted in significant growth for the region’s business and tourism sectors.
In 2022, the region posted accelerated economic growth of 7.5 percent, up from 5.7 percent just a year prior, according to the Philippine
Statistics Authority (PSA)-Regional Services Office IX. Sitting at the helm of this rapid development in the South, the highly-urbanized Zamboanga City continues to attract more big-ticket projects and major bids from high-profile investors.
Zamboanga City Electric Cooperative (ZAMCELCO), the leading energy company in the region, has
played a pivotal role in driving these improvements. Through its efforts to ensure a stable, reliable, and affordable electricity supply, ZAMCELCO has created a solid foundation for businesses and the tourism industry to thrive.
“We’ve been working diligently to improve the infrastructure and grid management in Zamboanga for the last five years,” ZAMCELCO Chief Management Officer Atty. Rommel S. Agan said. “It’s great to see that our efforts have translated into positive effects to businesses and tourism in the province.”
Since 2019, ZAMCELCO has expanded its capacity to deliver 3.21% Annual Average Growth Rate to over 125,442 total billed consumers. The enhanced power production and distribution have spurred infrastructure development, attracting investments and generating job opportunities.
These include the Sadik Grand Mosque—pegged to be the largest in the country, Grand Astoria Hotel Tower 3, a second SM City mall, ACE Medical Center, Grand CityMall Guiwan, Futura Vinta—the city’s first mid-rise condominium, and plans for a new Zamboanga International
Airport. The tourism sector has also benefited from the improved power situation. Hotels, resorts, and other tourism-related establishments now have access to reliable electricity, allowing them to provide a comfortable and enjoyable experience to visitors. This has further enhanced Zamboanga’s reputation as a desirable destination, leading to increased tourism activities and
economic growth. Since January of this year, more than 160,000 tourists have visited Zamboanga City, according to the City Tourism Office. With pandemic restrictions easing, the number can only be expected to grow.
According to analysts, the collaborative efforts of ZAMCELCO, the local government, and other stakeholders have been instrumental in achieving these positive outcomes.
Manila, Philippines. Realme
Philippines confirms the arrival of its latest Champion in the budget segment, the all-new realme C53. Launching publicly via Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube simultaneous livestream on June 22, Thursday at 6PM, the realme C53 is positioned as a stylish, segment-leading device for the young.
Following the success of the realme C55, launched last April to numerous sold-out records within the first day of its online and offline availability, the realme C53 brings together yet again the Champion-level aesthetics and features for a bang-for-your-buck smartphone.
Here are three things to get you hyped up for the upcoming realme C53!
1. It will be realme’s thinnest phone to date
At only 7.49mm thin, the realme C53 will be realme’s thinnest phone to date. This makes it slimmer than anything the brand has released before—and yes, that includes models from the midrange Number Series and the flagship-level GT Series.
To put that into perspective: the realme C53 is going to be thin-
ner than its predecessor, last year’s realme C33 which sits at 8.3mm; and even the realme 10 Pro+ 5G, which is at 7.95mm. This new Champion device will not only feel more comfortable in your hand, it will definitely fit your pockets better, too.
2. It’s designed to stand out realme made sure that its new Champion device will be a conversation piece you can show off to your friends by implementing what’s called the “Gold Filament Gradient Coating Process”.
Quite a mouthful, we know—
but basically, it’s a segment-first manufacturing process that envelops the realme C53’s exterior with six layers of optical gradient coating, allowing you to experience a million different raster textures when held under multiple angles and lighting conditions. (Remember those brilliant optical illusions we enjoyed as kids, called Cross View Stereograms? It will be like magically staring into stardust!) Combine that with the extremely popular right-angle bezel design and the Dual Camera with Flash
back module, and you’ve got yourself a true head-turner of a smartphone.
3. It comes in two gorgeous colors
Lastly, the realme C53 will have two colorways: Champion Gold and Mighty Black.
This time around, realme Philippines brings in the most in-demand colors for its latest budget segment Champion, knowing that the Squad will be looking for a new approach to the classics. Gold, traditionally associated with a podium finish, gets reimagined to be the color of everyday Champions: promising a daily tech companion that wins in both looks and features.
To discover more of the realme C53, including its specs, pricing, and first selling offers, make sure to tune in to the livestream on June 22, Thursday at 6PM only on realme Philippines’ official Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube channels.
For more information and all the latest updates, follow realme Philippines’ Official Facebook page at http://facebook.com/realmePhilippines or visit the official realme website at https://www. realme.com/ph/
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“big” cases in Region 12. The lawyer was also reported to have received threats from unknown persons recently.
Based on a footage from a CCTV, two people were seen walking by the parked vehicle, stopped beside it and threw an object under under a Honda CRV car. DCPO director Col. Alberto Lupaz informed the public that the incident is not an act of terrorism but a manifestation of a personal grudge.
DCPO is currently conducting a thorough investigation of the incident and for the identification of the suspects.
He also encouraged the public to be keen and vigilant of their surroundings, support the police force in preventing crimes, and report any individuals they deemed suspicious.
Meanwhile, Task Force Davao (TF Davao) commander Colonel Darren Comia disclosed on Friday that they already have a lead over the car explosion incident in Davao City.
Comia did not give more details about it but this developed in its coordination with its counterparts in Region 12 Soccsksargen in getting additional evidence that will help identify the suspects.
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“Particular for Visayas, we have a lot of boats, passengers, RoRos, and we want to digitize them. They have right now an aggregator of most of the boats, a company that we have empowered. But it would be nice if even up to ticketing in the piers would be digital,” he added.
The Regional Development Council’s economic development committee is urging Cebu port authorities to make online ticketing possible across all shipping lines, noted its private sector representative Melani Ng.
“It’s a bit difficult because of some reprogramming needs that need to be done on their system,” said Ng, who is also the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (PCCI) Central Visayas regional governor.
Meanwhile, the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry in July will relaunch its web-based marketplace with the help of the United States Agency for International Development’s (USAID). Maya was tapped as the platform’s payment channel.
in cash remittances in the fourth month this year.
Despite the decline in cash remittances last April, Ricafort continues to consider inflows from Filipino workers overseas as among the bright spots for the economy given its robust growth despite the challenges.
Remittances from OFWs are among the main drivers of domestic growth since these allow more Filipinos to have spending capacity.
“Going forward, any further recovery in OFW remittances in the coming months would also largely depend/be a function of the further/faster recovery of the economies of the major host countries around the world from Covid-19 lockdowns, for some OFWs to be able to work again, as well as the pace of restoring/regaining jobs lost by some adversely affected OFWs in the same or different industry/host country,” he added. (PNA)
the drainages in these areas, while continuously conducting clean-up activities in the waterway system.
The office is also slated to begin the P40-Million project to construct additional inlets beneath the city center, including the mentioned streets, to augment the already existing urban waterway infrastructure.
Drain inlets collect water from the streets to be conveyed to the main waterway system.
“Actually, naa mi’y P40 Million man gud na project na funded sa city. Ang purpose ani kay for additional inlets sa tong mga areas na lagyo ang inlets (Actually, we have a P40 million-project that is funded by the city. The purpose of this is to add more inlets to the areas were inlets are far in between),” Palban said.
Other areas, like Laverna Hills, Diversion Road Underpass and Sandawa, that are frequently flooded due to the lower elevation of their drainages in comparison to the surrounding areas, will also have additional inlets to let water pass more easily into the main drainage system.
Palban said drain projects in these elevated areas will be done in coordination with the Department of Public Works and Highways. He said the department will be helping the city in procuring water pumps.
The CEO is slated to open the pre-bidding process for the materials to be used in the drainage project on June 23. Palban said the project will be completed within one year, maximum.
Meanwhile, to palliatively address the flooding in city streets, the CEO, in partnership with the Ancillary Services Unit, has coordinated with the barangay functionaries of the aforementioned areas to keep the drainages of the city clean and free from clogging so as not to exacerbate the existing problem. CIO
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os na water source. DOST established a ramp pump para ma-transfer yung tubig mula sa source na spring patungo sa barangay para meron silang tubig na maiinum at magagamit,” Rodriguez said during Wednesdays media forum at Habi at Kape in Abreeza Mall.
Another project that will be implemented in the said barangay is the Cacao Processing Center, which will benefit more than 20 farmers’ cooperatives.
“Nakita namin through evaluation marami tayong cacao na tanim sa area but yung mga farmers they primarily produced wet beans or unfermented na or yung pinaka raw na product, which is on the value chain yun ang pinaka mababa ang presyo. So, we thought of a project na sana makatulong doon sa mga farmers natin na maka process sila ng cacao to a level na yung tinatawag ng market na fermented beans kasi yun ang kailangan ng market,” Rodriguez said.
He said DOST-Davao acquired processing equipment for the said barangay and established a partnership with a cooperative to host the processing facility. DOST will also train the farmers on how to use the
in its second and final year and according to Garcia many coffee and cacao producers are submitting their samples to the research team.
“With the help of the different government agencies and local government units there has been a heightened interest in the project, we have received many beans and many samples are forthcoming,” Garcia said. (RGA/PIA11)
2022-2023.
“Kasi we are hearing naay June or July and we are also hearing complaints na unsa man ni wala na lay pahulay? We are greatly affected by the pandemic, as you can see we have open classes before the pandemic, but all of a sudden because of the pandemic, all the schedules were greatly affected,” Atillo said.
gy Center, Research and Publication Center of the University of Mindanao.
The city became the beneficiary of the app initially developed by the Research and Publication Center of the University of Mindanao after it received research from the Department of Science and Technology under its Good Governance through Data Science and Decision Support System (GODDESS) Program which aims to improve the operation of national government units (NGAs) and local government units.
Domingo said that the app will be used for the opening of applications for the EBSU scholarship on July 17.
The city will open more or less 300 slots for scholarships across all types.
Currently, the EBSU offers the Scholarship on Tertiary Education Program (STEP), Scholarship on Tertiary Education Program — Financial Assistance (STEP-FA), Special Educational Assistance Program (SEAP), Financial Assistance
equipment.
Rodriguez said it is a Halal processing center and will help the farmers reach the big market of Halal and generate bigger income.
“Ang ginagawa natin na sistema sa pag process ay align sa Halal na cacao processing. Malaki ang market for Halal and yung cacao natin isipin niyo na lang if Davao City can provide a significant amount sa market or maka supply tayo ng cacao certified beans or chocolate products the farmers there can tap a much bigger market and thereby have a much higher income,” he said.
The CEST Program was developed by DOST to empower the poor and the marginalized sector and to improve the quality of their lives through science and technology.
This is a flagship program wherein DOST identifies communities or barangays in Geographically-Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA).
“In Davao City GIDA areas are Paquibato and Marilog districts. In Paquibato District meron tayong project sa Barangay Lumiad, which is previously an insurgency hot spot,” Rodriguez said. By Maya M. Padillo
“We need to leverage the full spectrum of our preferential trade arrangements like the RCEP and our other FTAs (free trade agreements),” Pascual said.
RCEP entered into force in the country last June 2.
Through this FTA, Philippine goods can enter tariff-free to 14 other participating countries — the 10 ASEAN member states, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand.
“The RCEP is expected to provide a more conducive trade environment for cross-border e-commerce and facilitate the internationalization and participation of MSMEs (micro, small and medium enterprises) in global value chains,” the PEDP said.
Philippine exports fell short of its targets, except for the first year of the implementation, in the previous PEDP, which ran from 2017 and 2022. (PNA)
The Congress approved the MIF bill last May 31, which created the country’s first sovereign fund.
Diokno said the DOF is looking forward to the enactment of the bill in the coming weeks. The government will also explore co-financing opportunities with foreign investors, multilateral institutions, and other international sovereign wealth funds.
“There is a wealth of new investment opportunities for the Philippines and Singapore to explore, and we look forward to writing the next chapters of our growth story with you,” the finance chief said. (PNA)
Program for Lumads students, Technical and Vocational Skills Training Program, Educational Assistance for persons with disability SYSTEM UNIT (EBSU) or person with special needs; and Law and Medical Education Program. CIO
ing to Australia in the classification contest.
Still, the Filipinos ranked eighth in the end, with Ramon Cruz fronting the effort throughout by averaging 16.8 points. Flanking him were Bernardo “Joy” Carpio, Nathaniel Castillo, Alex Clariño, Gregorio Gozum, Leopoldo “Pol” Herrera, Federico “Padim” Israel, Federico “Bokyo” Lauchengo, Edward Merced, Cesar Teodoro, Steve Watson, and Cesar Yabut.
Fast forward to today and coach Chot Reyes will lead Gilas Pilipinas against the Dominican Republic assumed-to-be bannered by NBA All-Star Karl-Anthony Towns as well as mainstays Andres Feliz and Eloy Vargas in a meeting four-and-a-half decades in the making.
Fans can enjoy all of the above for as low as P999 for two games per single day pass. Tickets are already on sale at https://philippines-ticketing. worldcup.basketball/, with several packages and day passes from which to choose.
port other priority areas, particularly in the social sector like social protection, health, education, and so on,” he said.
During the economic briefing, Balisacan enticed the investors to place their funds in the 194 infrastructure flagship projects (IFPs) worth around PHP9 trillion and covers physical and digital connectivity and water resources, among others.
“Indeed, the Philippine government considers the private sector an invaluable partner in achieving its socioeconomic agenda. The private sector serves as the engine of growth and innovation in the Philippines, and by leveraging its financial muscle, technological expertise, and managerial capacities, we can deliver better public services, lower consumer prices, and improve the quality of life for all Filipinos,” he added. (PNA)
For the first time in 45 years, the Philippines will be the setting for the FIBA Basketball World Cup. Manila will play host -- alongside Okinawa, Japan and Jakarta, Indonesia -- to the best of the best players in the 2023 world meet scheduled for August 25 to September 10.
Specifically, Angola, China, Dominican Republic, Egypt, Greece, Italy, Jordan, Lithuania, Mexico, Montenegro, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, Serbia, South Sudan, and the USA will all be first up, front and center, for Filipinos to watch in the group phase.
The last time the Philippines served as venue was in 1978, in what was then called the FIBA
World Championship. It was the first time the showcase was held in an Asian country, with the Araneta Coliseum and Rizal Memorial Coliseum as the venues.
Now, the Big Dome in Quezon City will yet again welcome global basketball, this time alongside Pasay’s SM Mall of Asia Arena and, for the opening day, Bulacan’s Philippine Arena, which is expect-
ed to be at full capacity to witness top-ten ranked Italy versus scrappy Angola in the opener, followed by the home team Gilas Pilipinas battling the Dominican Republic.
Tip-offs are slated at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., respectively, on August 25, as a projected record-breaking number of fans is expected to cheer on the Philippine national team in its quest to claim its first world win on home soil in the nightcap.
The highly-anticipated opening day matchups will be surrounded by other attractions as celebrities will be in attendance and tournament organizers are preparing a show comprised of
There is no final decision yet as to how many Pinoy athletes are going to the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.
(Because of the Covid 19 situation in China, the organizers deemed it appropriate to defer the quadrennial sportsfest to September 23 until Octber 8, 2023.)
The Philippine Olympic Committee, together with the Philippine Sports Commission, are yet to determine the roster and number which will be composed of athletes recommended by the different NSAs (National Sports Association).
The basic policy should ideally be that all Gold Medalists in the
top local musical acts, booths set up by both local and global event partners, and other gimmicks that will give fans a truly world-class experience aside from a chance to be part of FIBA World Cup record-breaking attendance history.
Ticket holders for the opening day games at the Philippine Arena can avail of free shuttle services from major transportation hubs, as there will be 400 buses deployed for this purpose.
Filipino fans are hoping for an improvement in their side’s unsatisfactory showing in the previous FIBA Basketball World Cup held in China.
On the other hand, the Domin-
icans -- No. 23 in the FIBA World Ranking -- are eyeing to better their 2-3 record from 2019, and it all starts by overcoming a loud and proud crowd in a country where they went winless 45 years ago. The Caribbean nation fell in all of their five assignments in the 1978 staging of the world meet, which saw Yugoslavia top the 14team field, while perennial powerhouse Team USA dropped to fifth.
As host country, the Philippines did not go through the preliminary phase and automatically qualified for the semifinals, where it lost all seven games before bow-
FGILAS, P10recent SEAG in Cambodia should be sent.
They deserve to get a shot at the Asian gold.
The Philippines finished in fourth place with 54 first placers and so it presupposes that 54 Pinoys wearing the national jersey are sure of participating.
I would disagree to a suggestion that Pinoy silver medalists in Cambodia be given a chance. The Asian standards are stiff and high, our silver medalists will be “eaten” alive and embarrassed in Hangzhou.
The Asian Games is considered the biggest contest among the world’s regional sportsfest where 51 countries in the planet’s
largest continent are taking part.
Five of this number are Russia, China, india, Kazakhstan, Saudia Arabia which are considered the biggest in terms of territory in square miles.
Therefore, emerging an Asian champion means almost like winning an Olympic gold because of the stiff and rigid competition.
Asian Games gold medalists are being held in high esteem in the Olympic and world athletic fora that is why Filipino athletes must be prepared and trained physically and mentally in 100 percent shape.
China, being close in terms of nautical distance to the Philippines offer some financial space
for our budget. Unlike when we take part, say in the London or Rio Olympics where air travel is exorbitant, flying to China is relatively cheaper.
So, the idea here is quite clear.
The POC will not wrestle with the PSC for a financial assistance so huge that determining the roster will become a tough task.
All that these two bodies should prevent is when freeloaders and tourists sneaked in, disguising themselves as chaperones and ‘alalays’.
Just three months separate this date from the September Asian Games playdate.
Are the Pinoys ready and reaching the peak of their abili-
ties?
There is not much news coming from the mainstream sports media regarding this aspect.
All we know is that those touted to deliver are polevaulter EJ Obiena, weighlifting Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz, gymnastics superstar Caloy Yulo and the stable of boxers.
Obiena just recently broke the 6.0m barrier.
Unless of course the official list of athletes is determined and approved by the POC, our chances of bringing home some sure golds are still up there in the air. (Email feedback to fredlumba@yahoo. com). GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!
KEN
Former FIFA referee Jun Laboy Mendez was quite unhappy after knowing that our women’s football team, The Filipinas, will not have a local TV coverage for our local fans to watch when they campaign in the FIFA Women’s World Cup in New Zealand.
The reason Mr.Mendez reacted that way was because in the history of women’s football development in the country, this is the first time that a Philippine team has qualified to the FIFA women’s group stage match scheduled on July 10 to August 20.
While I share Jun’s sentiment, we have to understand that FIFA as a sports organization is entrepreneurial by nature because if they will not be that way, there won’t be money coming in to fund their football program that has benefitted many countries, including the Philippines. A big source of that money is from broadcasting rights granted by FIFA to TV networks.
While there will be internet streaming, it would be great for Filipino football fans if the games are aired over our local TV network. But the thing is, to get it aired, the network has to pay FIFA or must enter an agreement to have broadcasting or rebroadcasting rights.
Asa man ta mo kuhag kwarta ani?
For years, while working for the community papers in Davao since the 1990s, there have been opportunities for us local sportswriters to cover our own local teams competing in regional and national championships.
The truth is, the community papers are small, and that funds are very limited to travel outside of Davao, samot na kung abroad. But, we have been very resourceful all those long years and we are fortunate to have sponsors and patrons backing local sportswriters’ trips here and abroad.
Our sponsors and patrons understood that we have the duty to report to the Davao community as to what happened to their athletes. We
cannot rely on our national papers because they will focus their coverage on Manila-based athletes.
So you can see that there is a cost to news coverages. Wala may libre diris kalibutan, apil na ang pag hatod ug balita sa katawhan.
We are fortunate these days because of the internet. If there is live streaming, then that would be awesome to local football fans.
Which brings me to the idea that the Philippine Broadcasting Service (PBS), in the future, should be the one taking care of this.
In the absence of TV coverage, we will be remiss of our duty to report to the sports public in the Philippines. The PBS should take a lead role in covering all sports activities involving our national squads.
But the multi-million peso question is, where will they find the money?
This, of course, cannot be done overnight because government regulations do not allow that, kay dili man emergency ng sports coverages.
Now, I know there is a bright boy in the PBS, named Bong Aportadera (we call him idol Bong) who can probably make a proposal. If this proposal gets through and approved, then the sports public can have live sports coverage through the PBS, granting the broadcast or rebroadcast rights are attained. As to how much, I don’t believe FIFA or any international sports organization can be so greedy knowing that funds are limited, and they are in Philippine peso. I am pretty sure the sports executives can understand.
If sports is for all, then sports coverage is for all.
I know Bong, this is a long shot, but I know that this is doable because you are there at the PBS. Ang 2028, dugaaay pa kaayo na. Right Toto Jun Mendez?
* * * For comments, kindly email mpb_sports@yahoo.com.
