Edge Davao Vol. 16 Issue 52 | Friday, June 16, 2023

PERSONAL VENDETTA?

Undetermined explosive goes off under a lawyer’s vehicle

PERSONAL VENDETTA?

Undetermined explosive goes off under a lawyer’s vehicle

By MAYA M. PADILLO

An undetermined explosive went off under a parked vehicle outside a condominium along Ecowest in Ecoland, Davao City on Thursday.

Davao City Police Office (DCPO) director Col. Alberto Lupaz said that 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.

The explosion came shortly five minutes thereafter.

Asked of the type of explosive used by the suspects, Lupaz said the police forensic unit will reconstruct the fragments obtained from the crime scene to determine what type of explosive was used.

The vehicle’s owner was identified as the wife of lawyer Alberto Magulta who is said to

PBBM mum on P20/kg campaign pledge

be handling “big” cases in Region 12. The lawyer was also reported to have received threats from unknown persons recently. With Magulta’s statement, Lupaz has ruled out the incident as terrorist acts.

“Base sa pakighinabi sa tag iya na si Atty. Magulta aduna syay gigunitan na mga kaso na bugat ug naa syay nadawat na mga threats regarding ani. In line sa iyang mga kaso ang mga suspects ani probably,” Lupaz said.

FPERSONAL,

Davao City SK rejoices over triple feat during SK Awards

The Davao City SK Federation and the SK Councils of Barangay Mintal and Barangay Cabantian were given a boost for their initiatives for the youth during the 4th Philippine Sangguniang Kabataan Awards.

The Davao City SK Federation was hailed as one of the Outstanding SK Federations all

over the Philippines while the SK Barangay Council Mintal and SK Barangay Council Cabantian were hailed as one of the Outstanding Barangay SK Councils with Barangay Cabantian hailed as one of the Faces of Good Governance Hall of Fame Awardees.

The awarding was held at the Iloilo Convention Center in Iloilo

City and conducted on June 12, 2023.

Councilor Jafar Marohomsalic, who leads the SK Federation of Davao City, said in an interrview with the City Information Office that they highlighted and presented initiatives in conducting community emergency response

FDAVAO, P6

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. led Wednesday the launching of South Cotabato’s rice production and modernization program, but kept silent on his campaign promise to bring down the price of the nation’s staple food to P20 per kilogram.

Spending less than an hour in nearby Banga town with farmers and other stakeholders, Marcos, who is also the Agriculture Secretary, pushed the mechanization of rice farming in line with the administration’s efforts to achieve food security in the country.

He said the administration has been working to lower the price of rice and increase the volume of production, and mechanization is the key to achieving these goals.

“Ginawa nating prayoridad at kailangan tiyakin natin na unang-una, magkaroon ng sapat na food supply. May sapat na pagkain para ating mga kababayan (Food security is our priority. We want to ensure there would be enough food for our countrymen),” Marcos said in a speech aired live on social media by Radio Television Malacañang.

Stressing that the Philippines is a rice-eating country, he said there is a need to make the price of rice cheaper, but stopped short from discussing his campaign

promise to make rice available to Filipino consumers at P20/kg.

“Wala din bibili kung P60 ang kilo ng bigas, kailangan ibaba din ang presyo,” he said.

Marcos said his administration “is continuously working to lower the price of rice and at the same time increase the income of Filipino farmers through better yield.”

At the Kadiwa ng Pangulo trade fair in this city where the President and his party proceeded, well-milled rice from the state-owned National Food Authority was sold at P25/kg.

In the different markets in the province, premium rice sold by private traders fetches about P40/kg.

Marcos visited South Cotabato to launch the Consolidated Rice Production and Mechanization Program (CRPMP) of the provincial government, his first time in official capacity since assuming power a year ago.

He turned over a ceremonial check worth at least P115 million for the facility, which he hailed “as a model agricultural initiative of a local government unit in the country.”

The consolidation and mechanization of rice farming, he said, can reduce by half the production

Authorities gather fragments of an undertermined explosive after it exploded under a parked vehicle outside a law office at a condominium building along Ecowest Drive in Ecoland, Davao City on Thursday. Lean Daval Jr.

Rigo assures child laborers of Rep. Pulong’s assistance

FPRRD calls Davao police ‘inefficient’

Former President Rodrigo R. Duterte criticized the police force in Davao City for their “inefficiency” in addressing the criminality or failure to provide prompt solutions to the crimes in the city.

During his program “Gikan sa Masa, Para sa Masa” streamed live over SMNI News, Duterte said the authorities should increase their presence in public by intensifying foot patrols around the city, which he claimed is lacking at this time.

He said that it is important that at least two or three police officers roam around the streets, particularly at night time, to give residents a sense of safety and make the “criminals feel that you are looking at them.”

“If there is an increase or decrease in the incidence of crimes, you have to credit it to the police or you have to b*t them for not doing their duty,” he said.

Before being elected President in 2016, Duterte served as mayor of Davao from 1988

By MAYA M. PADILLO

Rodrigo“Rigo” Duterte, son of Davao City First Congressional District Representative Paolo “Pulong” Duterte, assured child laborers of his father’s willingness to assist them.

to 1998, representative of the first district from 1998 to 2001, mayor from 2001 to 2010, vice mayor from 2010 to 2013, and mayor from 2013 to 2016.

Duterte added that there should be more funds in intelligence to look into the activities of criminals, particularly those involved in illegal drugs.

“You fund intelligence activity. You increase it. Look for the criminals or the potential criminals, and might as well just kill them,” he added.

During his time as local chief executive, Duterte said that he warned criminals, including holduppers and kidnappers, to leave the city instead of staying here and risk facing death.

“I told them, I would not feel comfortable with your presence here, either you go out now or [be killed]. What crime? For no reason at all, except that I am not comfortable with you in the midst of the community. You want to live? Go somewhere else, go to Manila or Cebu, there are plenty of beautiful women there. Go and enjoy yourself,”

F

FPRRD,

P6

Speaking before child laborers and their parents during the 2023 Araw ng Kalayaan para sa Batang Malaya at Mapua Malayan Colleges Mindanao in Matina, Davao City on Monday, Rigo said the office of Rep. Pulong is always open for them.

“Unta inyung mahinumduman nga kami sa opisina ni Congressman Pulong magpabilin nga andam mutabang kaninyu,” he said.

He also expressed sadness

knowing that there are children working at a very young age to support their families instead of enjoying their childhood.

“Giimbitaran ako karon para muhatag sa akong mensahe kaninyu. Pero pagbasa nako sa invitation,murag naluya ko pagkabalo nako nga para diay kini sa mga child laborers nato ug sa ilang mga ginikana. Naluya ko kay dili nako gusto unta nga makita nga anaay mga nakigbisug na sa

kinabuhi sa ilang bata pa kaayo nga edad kay ang akong naandan nga ang mga bata dapat mag dula-dula lamang ug ienjoy ang ilang pagka inosente,” Rigo said. He commended the children saying their presence during the activity is proof that they will never be tempted to drugs.

“Kung aduna kamoy madungug o mabal-an nga nalambigit sa droga, isumbong gayud dayun sa inyung mga ginikanan. Isip kabatan-unan,dapat mabutang na sa atong isip unsaon nato paglambo sa atong kaugalingon para kita makatabang sa atong mga pamilya. Dapat huna hunaon nato nga

FRIGO, P6

City tourism office identifies Kadayawan sa Davao events

The City Tourism Operations Office (CTOO) has already laid out the planned activities for this year’s Kadayawan sa Davao festival, according to an official.

Jennifer Romero, officer-in-charge of the CTOO, said on Tuesday that the holding of Kadayawan sa Davao is among the priorities now of the city government of

Davao

and in fact, the Kadayawan execom has already conducted two meetings in preparation for the said festival in August this year.

“We are preparing right now for Kadayawan sa Davao and our thrust right now is we will be able to prepare our events ahead of time to promote it properly. In fact, we already did two Kadayawan

execom meetings ug in place na siya and we already identified the schedule of activities,” she said over Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR) on Tuesday.

The calendar of events for this year’s Kadayawan sa Davao that will be laid out by the CTOO soon includes “Pag Abli sa Kadayawan” FCITY, P6

Former President Rodrigo R. Duterte criticizes the Davao City police force for their “inefficiency” in addressing the criminality and failure to provide prompt solutions to the crimes in the city. Lean Daval Jr.

In reminding child laborers to stay away from illegal drugs and crimes:

“If you hear or learn of anyone involved in illegal drugs, let your parents know. As the next generation of Filipinos, we must bear in mind that we must focus on self development so that we can help our family. We should always think that despite the hardships we are going through in life, we can find a way to survive and fight poverty for our family.”

RIGO DUTERTE

Son of Rep. Paolo Z. Duterte

My niece was only five years old when she was bitten by a mosquito. Two days later, she had a fever. But the following day, it was gone. Then on the fourth day, it returned and she was not getting better.

We brought her to the hospital. The doctor thought it was just an ordinary fever. But the following day, her condition got worse. It was then the doctor conducted a blood test.

If there’s a deadly disease these days that needs no introduction, it’s dengue fever and its lethal form, dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF).

So much that June is declared as National Dengue Awareness Month as per Proclamation No. 1204, s. 1998.

From January 1 to March 25 this year, the World Health Organization (WHO) Dengue Situation Update has recorded 29,855 dengue cases in the country.

The Disease Surveillance Report of the Department of Health identified Davao Region third place with the highest number of dengue cases – after the National Capital Region and Central Luzon. In terms of case increases, Davao Region still ranked third.

Dengue fever is characterized by high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, and muscle

HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

DEADLY DENGUE

and joint aches. Many people, including doctors, mistake dengue for influenza and flu-like diseases, so it often goes untreated until symptoms become severe and the patient goes into shock.

It happens when DHF strikes in. “There’s often a rash in dengue while there’s none in flu,” explained Dr. Allan Schapira, an epidemiologist who was then with the regional office of the World Health Organization (WHO) when interviewed by this author. “Fever caused by dengue tends to last almost a week, while that of flu disappears after three to five days.”

After a dengue patient goes into shock, it’s usually a matter of time before multi-organ failure occurs and death becomes inevitable. This terrifying scenario is characterized by high continuous fever (40-41 degrees) lasting up to seven days that may be accompanied by loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and bleeding from the skin, nose or gums.

In the worst cases, the patients’ condition may suddenly deteriorate after a few days of fever, and they may die within 24 hours. “Death often results from bleeding in the brain, intestines or other organs,” said Dr. Lulu Bravo, a professor at the Univer-

sity of the Philippines College of Medicine.

Dr. Bruno Guy, an immunologist from France, said that dengue’s mortality rate is quite low: only 2.5% of severe dengue can lead to death. It’s even lower in the Philippines: the case fatality rate, according to the health department, is 0.44%.

But dengue is dengue. The mere mention of it makes parents terrified.

Dengue strikes mostly children although adults are not spared. As such, parents whose children are infected with the dengue virus resort to using unproven means to raise the blood platelets.

Among the reported medications used are “tawa-tawa” (Euphorbia hirta), balut, papaya leaves, camote tops, and magic balls. These are “effective,” according to some of those who have tried them.

A study conducted by students of the University of Sto. Tomas showed that administering “tawa-tawa” decoction to animal models helps improve their healing mechanisms. “Tawa-tawa was able to promote cell production, and prevent platelet destruction,” the study found out. “Likewise, the improvement in the cell bleeding time and clotting

FRED C. LUMBA SPECKS OF LIFE

“It is a mistake to look too far ahead. Only one link in the chain of destiny can be handled at a time.” - WOODY ALLEN.

*******

Political pundits and armchair observers are quick on the draw.

The not too recent (but not too old) resignation of Vice-President Sara Duterte from the Lakas-CMD party was too impactful not to be noticed.

It stemmed immediately after former President and now Pampanga 3rd District Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo was “demoted” from her congressional perch as senior deputy speaker to deputy speaker.

What pains some sectors is that her replacement was from Pampanga itself, Rep. Aurelio “Dong: Gonzales who is a much, much junior solon compared to GMA.

Unfounded rumors circulating around were that the daughter of the late former Chief Executive Diosdado Macapagal was

time provided evidence that the indigenous plant can preserve and promote the hemostatic function of platelets.”

Actually, it’s not about low platelets that counts when it comes to dengue. “Low platelet is not the main problem during dengue infection,” clarifies Dr. Anna Nina Natalia L. Tayo, an internist, neurologist and psychiatrist. “It is just one of the warning signs of a possible transition of a mild dengue fever to its severe form but not the hallmark of dengue hemorrhagic fever.”

Based on available studies, “there is a mild to moderate decrease in platelets of dengue patients between the third to the seventh day and significant decrease on day 4. However, it starts to go up on its own on the eighth or ninth day of the disease. With or without herbal medications, platelets will naturally increase during the recovery phase.”

The problem actually lies on plasma leakage. “This phenomenon is the hallmark of severe dengue and at the same time a life-threatening complication that results in dehydration and low blood volume that may progress into circulatory collapse (shock) if not treated adequately,” Dr. Tayo explained.

“Once shock has set in, the

patient is now classified as having dengue shock syndrome,” Dr. Tayo went on. “If shock is not reversed, it leads to disseminated intravascular coagulopathy, multiple organ failure, and/or death.”

Plasma, medical science tells us, makes up more than half (55%) of the total blood volume and 20% of the total body water. “In the event of continued leakage,” Dr. Tayo said, “this results in dehydration and low blood volume.”

Dr. Richard T. Mata, a WHO consultant on dengue, says dehydration occurs when a person loses more fluid and his body doesn’t have enough water and other fluids to carry out its normal functions.

Dehydration causes intestinal ulcers that cause bleeding. “And because the platelets are low, the bleeding becomes severe. But if there was no dehydration, there would be no ulcer and thus no bleeding – even if the platelets are low,” he explains. “So, it still boils down to dehydration.”

Dehydration also causes kidney failure, which results from the decrease in urine output. “This causes the water to be retained in the lungs thereby creating congestion that can kill the patients,” he says.

AMBITION SHOULD BE RULED BY REASON

allegedly fomenting a coup to replace current Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, something that did not sit well with the current HOR leadrship.

The ex-President denied the allegation, saying some people are causing disunity within the establishment because she does not harbor any ambition to take over as Houser Speaker.

As if in a knee-jerk reaction VP Sara, with a thunderous reaction, shook the political terrain that left everybody astounded.

Quite naturally, nosey political analysts would connect the dots and quiz the X’s and the O’s to piece the jigsaw puzzle.

Yes, why would VP Sara, they ask in unison, resign from Lakas just because GMA was replaced as House senior deputy speaker?

After two post-Noynoy presidential elections, the prevailing political thought is that GMA did something mercurially material in the results of the 2016 balloting and the 2022 polls.

Various political fora, coffeeshop talks and barbershop chats are oozing non-stop confirming with profound persuasion and clarity that GMA contributed immensely in catapulting to the presidency Davao City mayor Rodrigo Duterte - and elevating to a large extent, her extensive “magical” influence as a “kingmaker.”

GMA did it again when she was able to unite the much-maligned Marcos family (starring Imee Marcos and BBM) and initially, the hesitant presidential candidate Inday Sara to join together and form the UNITEAM.

Now, what this brohaha all point to is a nonchalant, even ignorant reference to the 2028 presidential elections where analaysts are inclined to believe that it is going to be a battle between VP Sara and Speaker Romualdez.

There.

Never mind if there had been quite a metaphorical exchange in the media between the two camps.

The simple mathematical explanation might follow one plus one equals two. LOL.

Tell me.

Every Pinoy today is already educated, if not properly equipped with political marturity that he/she can read the body language of any politician.

An early survey (premature?) that came out recently purported to show that of the 1,200 respondents, 49% favored Duterte to be their preferred presidential bet for the 2028 elections.

Although it’s still five years away, watch out for the upcoming building up and strengthening of various political groups and parties that will mushroom anew.

They will be exposed when they begin inching their way towards alliances, either with the Lakas or with Hugpong.

These two political blocs are expected to become formidable in the next couple of years when the mid-term referendum comes around.

They might even slug it out by

putting up their respective candidates in the local level (governors/city and municipal mayors) and even in the congressional districts and senatorial derby.

How the 2025 balloting will shape up will tell who may be the presidential candidate to beat in 2028.

The early bird catches the worm, as it is often said.

But the cracks in the unity wall are slowly but surely showing.

Is this political reading adequately tells us that our Woody Allen quote above is applicable and true?

Should a Duterte versus Romualdez presidential battle happen in the horizon, who will PBBM side with?

The latter is a blood relative, a first cousin, while the entire Pinoy nation knows the incumbent Malacanang tenant gave his word to support the former when her time comes around. (Email feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com). GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!

US eyes assistance for internet providers in PH’s rural areas

TheUnited States is exploring possible assistance for internet service providers in Philippine rural areas, a specialist from the US Agency for International Development (USAID) said.

The US International Development Finance Corp. (DFC) is “looking for local partners” in digital connectivity, USAID senior economic growth specialist Jon Avila said.

“We’re in the exploratory stage for that... It’s very premature for me to mention any, but we’re facilitating meetings with some community networks. Hopefully, they will finance these community networks and at least for those areas, connectivity will be improved,” Avila

but with a DFC guarantee, they will provide a loan, for example,” Avila said.

Depending on the risk, loans could go as high as $100 million, he said.

VAT refund for foreigner tourists to help PH reach pre-pandemic numbers: DOT

said.

“The idea here is to get outside PLDT and Globe areas. That’s where the needs are,” he said in a media seminar sponsored by the US Embassy in Manila.

The DFC, America’s development bank, secures private investment opportunities for emerging markets.

“We basically play a role in de-risking and providing guarantees to private capital. If private capital says it’s a bit risky,

While many community ISPs can provide fiber broadband, “technical issues” in the regulatory process hinder their entry, advocacy group Better Internet PH lead advocate Mary Grace Mirandilla-Santos said.

An ISP would need to secure a franchise first from Congress even if it does not intend to offer telco services, she said.

The proposed Open Access in Internet Service Act seeks to simplify the registration process for ISPs, she noted.

Full feasibility study on accelerating PH’s coal exit done by Q2 ‘24: ADB

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is working on completing a feasibility study to accelerate the retirement of coal plants in the Philippines under the bank’s Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM) program.

In a media briefing at the sidelines of the Asia Clean Energy Forum in Mandaluyong City on Wednesday, ADB principal energy specialist David Elzinga said the multilateral lender concluded its pre-feasibility study for the ETM in the Philippines “in fall 2021.”

Elzinga said the ADB is currently working on completing the full feasibility study by “the second quarter next year.”

The ETM facility, launched in Glasgow, United Kingdom in November 2021 during the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26), is a financing mechanism aimed at retiring existing coal-fired power plants on an accelerated schedule and replace them with clean power capacity.

The mechanism will comprise

two multibillion-dollar funds: one devoted to early retirement or repurposing of coal-fired power plants on an accelerated timeline, and the other focused on new clean energy investments in generation, storage, and grid upgrades.

According to the latest ETM update posted on the ADB’s website, the bank is also working with the Philippine government to prepare an investment plan under the Climate Investment Funds Accelerating Coal Transition (CIF-ACT)

The proposed Value-Added Tax (VAT) refund mechanism for non-Philippine resident tourists would help the county reach the pre-pandemic numbers of incoming foreign tourists, an official of the Department of Tourism told a Senate panel Wednesday.

“Our projection is we will hit the 8.2 [million] by next year and the added value of this measure because of the shopping tourism will just greatly contribute to reaching the 8.2 as well as to go beyond that number,” Tourism Undersecretary Shereen Gail Pamintuan said during a Senate hearing on the bills seeking to create a VAT refund mechanism for foreign tourists.

“We believe that because of the competitiveness that the VAT refund incentives scheme will bring, it will encourage tourists to actually spend more and stay longer which means this will directly improve the growth of the local economy and also contribute to job generation,” she added.

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, who presided over the hearing, asked the DOT to provide a study on the possible effects of the VAT refund scheme on the number of tourists that will come into the Philippines.

According to Pamintuan, the Philippines is the only country in the ASEAN which does not implement a tax refund mechanism for foreign tourists.

The country’s top competitors on tourism, particularly China, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Taiwan also impose a VAT Refund Scheme.

Based on DOT’s study, Pamintuan said the country’s top competitors have the same offerings to foreign tourists as the Philippines such as beach, recreation, and nature. What sets them apart is the availability of a shopping portfolio and better VAT refund scheme.

She said the department will improve the product portfolio and add “shopping tourism” as one of the country’s strongest offerings to foreign tourists.

Meanwhile, the Department of Finance projected around P2.9 to P4.1 billion in foregone revenues should the country implement a tax refund scheme.

In the P2.9 billion, the DOF only accounted for the apparel and general merchandise share of total shopping, while the P4.1 billion accounted for the apparel, general merchandise, and gro-

Jennifer Romero, officer-in-charge of the City Tourism Operations Office (CTOO) says the city government of Davao is now preparing for this year’s Kadayawan sa Davao and its thrust right now is to prepare the events and activities ahead of time so that it can promote them properly. Lean Daval Jr.

5-year plan to help PH compete globally on ‘even basis’ - PBBM

ADB stands ready to help PH in clean energy transition

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) remains committed to assist the Philippines in rolling out initiatives for clean energy transition.

At the sidelines of the Asia Clean Energy Forum (ACEF) 2023 at the ADB headquarters Wednesday, ADB Principal Energy Specialist David Elzinga said the institution is currently doing a feasibility study for the Philippines under the Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM).

ADB launched the ETM partnership with the Philippines and Indonesia in 2021 in Glasgow, United Kingdom.

A pre-feasibility study was done at that time, but the national elections here delayed the completion of the study.

Elzinga said the ADB targets to finish the feasibility study by the first half of 2024.

Under the ETM, ADB partners with developing countries like the Philippines to accelerate the transition from fossil fuels to clean energy.

Investments from governments, multilateral banks, private sector investors, philanthropies, and long-term investors also

ThePhilippine Export Development Plan (PEDP) 2023-2028 will enable the Philippines to compete globally on an “even basis,” President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said Thursday, as he maintained his administration’s bid for trade expansion.

efforts of our exports community, the PEDP embodies a comprehensive, multifaceted and pragmatic plan that fleshes out the specific strategies to achieve the broad target of this administration’s agenda,” he added.

finance country-specific ETM funds to accelerate the retirement of coal power assets.

Elzinga said the feasibility study aims to look into potential and specific coal plants that could be accelerated on their retirement.

Within Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam, the ETM aims to retire 50 percent of the coal fleet, which has a capacity of around 30 gigawatts over the next 10 to 15 years, or equivalent to a reduction of 200 million tons of carbon emissions annually.

“We’re developing what we call a SESA, which is a Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment. We have completed that work in Indonesia, and we’re just starting that up in the Philippines,” Elzinga said.

He said the SESA evaluates the environmental and social impacts of the energy transition.

Moreover, ADB Just Energy Transition Partnerships (JETP) Advisor Andrew Jeffries said his group is facilitating the Philippine government’s request to tap funding from international partners group including the United

Speaking at the International Trade Forum carrying the theme “Empowering Philippine Export Industries,” Marcos said the PEDP 2023-2028 contains strategies aimed at transforming the local exports industry into a “strong and a highly-competitive pillar of [the Philippine] economy” in the next five years.

“The growth of our very own

exports industry holds the key to our attainment of our national development targets. So cognizant of our pivotal role, we have to make sure that this economic linchpin that we are counting on for so much will be properly and firmly in place,” Marcos said in a speech delivered at the Shangri-La The Fort in Taguig City.

“Borne by the collaborative

Marcos said the export plan would also help the industry work in “well-coordinated and efficient” manner to achieve a “higher and practical” objective of improving its global competitiveness.

He said the PEDP 2023-2028 would also allow the exports sector to become “not only suppliers but also industrial consumers of F5-YEAR, A3

NGCP expects full transfer capacity for Min-Vis interconnection project this year

Transmission firm National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) expressed confidence that the Mindanao-Visayas Interconnection Project (MVIP) will reach its full transfer capacity before the end of the year.

MVIP links the Mindanao power grid to the Visayas grid—connecting the three major electricity grids and allowing power supply sharing among them. It was energized in May.

“’Pag may kakulangan ng suplay sa isang panig ng grid, halimbawa sa Visayas, dahil sa mga planned outages… ‘yung ex-

cess power ng Mindanao, makakapag-supply sa Visayas,” said NGCP Transmission Planning Department Head Redi Allan Remoroza.

(If there’s a supply shortage on one side of the grid, for example in Visayas, then the excess supply from Mindanao can make up for it.)

To date, the NGCP said the MVIP has a transfer capacity of 112.5 megawatts (MW). It will double by the end of the month and may reach a full capacity of 450 MW by the end of 2023.

“We’re very confident matatapos ‘yan this year yung full capaci-

ty at 450. May mga challenges lang sa certain areas mostly at the Cebu side,” said NGCP spokesperson Cynthia Alabaza.

(We’re very confident the transfer capacity of 450 will be reached this year. There are just some challenges in certain areas, mostly in Cebu.)

The MVIP project was first planned in 1984 but was delayed for decades, according to Alabaza.

“Unfortunately, it was postponed for many decades, and under the NGCP concession agreement we were able to bring this

Vendors from the mainland sell urchins and shellfish to tourists and picnickers who flock for lunch at Hagonoy islet, one of about two-dozen landmass and limestone formations known as Britania islands off Lianga Bay in Surigao del Sur.

photo by ROMMEL G. REBOLLIDO

UNIQLO celebrates One Year of PEACE FOR ALL charity t-shirt project with release of four new designs

aid

peace activities

Global apparel retailer UNIQLO today announces the worldwide release of four new designs for its ongoing PEACE FOR ALL charity T-shirt project. The latest collection features new graphics designed especially for this project by collaborators including photographer Daido Moriyama, Marni Creative Director Francesco Risso, artist Julian Opie, and actress and UNIQLO LifeWear Ambassador Haruka Ayase.

UNIQLO launched PEACE FOR ALL on June 17, 2022, as a project to take action to contribute toward global peace. UNIQLO parent company Fast Retailing contributes 100% of profits from the sale of these T-shirts (equivalent to 20% of the selling price) to three international aid organizations providing humanitarian assistance to people impacted by poverty, discrimination, violence, and conflict. Donations are made equally to UNHCR the UN Refugee Agency, Save the Children, and Plan International, through their respective representatives in Japan.

VAT...

FROM A1 cery.

Global Blue, a company which provides services for taxfree shopping in several countries across the globe, shared to the Senate panel a study which showed the economic impact of imposing a VAT refund scheme in the European Union.

Global Blue vice president for Strategic Planning Gavin Ingram said that in the study, the VAT refunded in the EU was at 2.8 billion euros but its economic contribution has reached 5.2 billion euros.

The study also projected that in 2025, the VAT refund will be at 3.8 billion euros but the economic contribution is expected to reach 6 billion euros.

The 2019 tourism spending in the EU likewise produced 233,000 jobs and contributed 13.1 billion in EU’s GDP, Ingram shared.

“Many countries in the world are looking at implementing for the first time a VAT refund scheme and also at modernizing their VAT refund scheme because… the significant economic benefit introduced in this scheme far outweighs the amount of VAT that is refunded,” Ingram said.

5-YEAR... FROM A2

the products.”

“The reason why we’re doing this is want to open markets that the Philippines will be able to export to and import from. So it is not one way. It’s trade. That is the most important thing. What we have to do is to allow ourselves (to do) the restructuring of some of the elements that are within the law, that are within the rules so that we can compete on even basis,” Marcos said.

During the event, Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual, serving as chair of the Export Development Council (EDC), handed over to Marcos the council’s statement of commitment to implement PEDP 2023-2028.

In a sectoral meeting held at Malacañan Palace in Manila on June 6, Marcos approved the PEDP 2023-2028.

The PEDP 2023-2028 aims to transform the Philippines into a major exporter of high-value products and services by 2028 by laying the groundwork for the country to become a dynamic exporting nation, leveraging on the country’s superior knowledge and talent to provide a wide variety of high-value products and services that cater to the needs of consumers and producers worldwide by

2040.

Catching up Marcos acknowledged that while the total exports are growing, the Philippines still lags behind its Southeast Asian neighbors when it comes to international trade.

“We still have to grapple with critical issues such as comparatively less diversified export portfolio and trade barriers and frictions,” Marcos said. “We have had several good export plans over the many decades. But nonetheless, we are still playing catch up in the global scene. It is high time that we confront and address these issues head on,” he added.

He emphasized the importance of leveling up the country’s “export game” by taking a whole-of-government and wholeof-nation approach.

He said his administration would take advantage of the country’s existing free trade pacts, including the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).

He added that the government is slated to forge a free trade agreement with South Korea and continues negotiating with the European Union and the United States for the free trade deals. (PNA)

To date, PEACE FOR ALL T-shirts have featured designs by 27 world-renowned figures with ties to UNIQLO and who share its vision of peace, including architect Tadao Ando, novelist Haruki Murakami, and tennis legend Roger Federer. As of the end of February 2023, a total of 1,073,687 T-shirts have been sold as part of the PEACE FOR ALL project, raising ¥322,106,100 (or more than US $2.4 million when calculated using the April 3, 2023 exchange rate of $1 = 132.96 yen). These donations have so far been used by the international aid organizations as part of projects to help people suffering due to conflict and disasters in locations such as Ukraine, Sudan, Vietnam, and Bangladesh.

Koji Yanai, Group Senior Executive Officer of UNIQLO parent company Fast Retailing, said: “We started this project one year ago because we believe that UNIQLO LifeWear has the ‘Power of Clothing’ to protect people, color their lives, and enrich society. I am extremely pleased and deeply grateful for the support we have received from so many people, and the large amount of donations we have been able to make. We hope to continue to grow the circle of collaborators as we expand and continue this project.”

ADB... FROM A2

States, Japan, France, Germany, Italy, Canada, Norway, Denmark, UK, and the European Union.

“The Department of Energy has asked us, has expressed interest,” Jeffries said. “The Philippines has to reach out to these IPG. All we can do is to try to facilitate that.”

He added the Philippines would qualify given its big population and the big share of coal plants in its energy mix. (PNA)

FULL... FROM A1

program.

Pressed for details, Elzinga said the ADB is targeting to submit the Philippines’ investment plan to the CIF Trust Fund Committee by November this year.

The CIF, he said, is managed by the World Bank but is available to all development institutions supporting various developing member countries.

“We’re gonna look, try to find a number of energy transition projects that both ADB and the World Bank can support in accelerating the shift from coal to clean energy,” Elzinga said, noting that “it’s at early discussions at this stage.”

NGCP... FROM A2

long standing dream into realization,” she added.

Meanwhile, the NGCP is also planning to connect the Mindoro electricity grid to prevent frequent power outages.

“Gusto namin ikonekta, 2011 pa lang, nag-apply na kami sa ERC [Energy Regulatory Commission] para makonekta. Bakit? Kasi kailangan namin diyan dumaan sa Mindoro for our plants papunta sa Palawan and also sa Panay eventually, kasi gusto namin may looping,” said Alabaza.

(We wanted to connect it as early as 2011. We applied at the ERC. Why? Because we need to pass Mindoro to go to our Palawan and Panay plants. We want them to loop eventually.)

“Unfortunately, hindi siya naaksyunan, iyang application na iyan. What we did, in 2021, ibangiba na yung landscape ng Batangas, ibang-iba na yung landscape ng Luzon, we had to withdraw the application and re-apply kasi nagbago na yung profile, the demand, the supply, nagbago na,” she said.

(Unfortunately, it was left unactioned. We had to withdraw it in 2021 and re-apply because the profile had changed.)

100% of project profits donated to international

groups, with over US$2.4 million contributed so far to

Haruka Ayase

Francesco Risso

Daido Moriyama

Julian Opie

Palawan Express Pera Padala and BPI join forces to provide fast and convenient fund transfer service

Palawan Express Pera Padala (PEPP), the Philippines’ leading remittance and money transfer brand, is proud to announce its official partnership with the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) as one of its esteemed Remit-to-Bank Account (RTA) partners. This collaboration aims to provide customers with greater convenience and efficiency in money transfer and remittance services.

Through PEPP’s BPI Remit-to-Account service, customers can now conveniently visit any of the 3,300 authorized branches of PEPP nationwide and transfer money to their BPI Account. The remitted money will be credited to their accounts on the same day, ensuring swift and seamless transactions. Furthermore, this service allows customers to have additional channels for their remittance needs. PEPP’s branches are available even on weekends and

holidays, allowing customers and sukis (loyal patrons) to access them whenever they need them.

The partnership with BPI, one of the country’s largest and most trusted banking institutions, marks a significant milestone for both PEPP and BPI. This collaboration holds the promise of improved and more convenient remittance services for Filipinos nationwide.

“We firmly believe that this partnership will empower more Filipinos to achieve their financial goals and strengthen their connections with their loved ones by combining PEPP’’s expansive reach and user-friendly platforms with BPI’s customer-centric approach. Together, we will realize our shared vision of making financial transactions more accessible, efficient, and secure for every Filipino, regardless of their location or circumstances,” stated

Lisa Lou Castro-Sabado, Palawan Pawnshop Group’s Vice President

for New Products and Services.

“We are very glad to share with Palawan Express Pera Padala the very important goal of financial inclusion. This new arrangement, along with our prior collaboration ventures, truly makes the lives of our fellow Filipinos better by facilitating the delivery of funds from Palawan’s network via BPI’s network. This can be done even after banking hours, on holidays, and on weekends. As we pursue BPI’s thrust of building a better Philippines one family, one community at a time, we are committed to providing more convenient solutions to address the financial needs of the communities and businesses that we serve.” said John-C L. Syquia, BPI’s Head of Institutional Banking.

In addition to BPI, PEPP customers can also remit money to over 60 banks and e-wallets. This diverse range of options further enhances the flexibility and acces-

sibility of the remittance services provided.

Palawan Pawnshop - Palawan Express Pera Padala is not only dedicated to innovation and improving its services but also to promoting financial inclusion in the Philippines. The company continuously seeks ways to better serve its customers and expand access to financial services for all. By leveraging technology, embracing innovation, and nurturing partnerships and synergies, Palawan Pawnshop - Palawan Express Pera Padala aims to set new industry standards, making financial transactions more accessible, efficient, and secure for every Filipino. With a strong commitment to its sukis and the goal of empowering individuals to achieve their financial aspirations, Palawan Pawnshop - Palawan Express Pera Padala is at the forefront of driving positive change in the remittance industry

IKEA celebrates all dads this Father’s Day

Dads come in many forms. There are those who you were born to, those who raised you, or those who have become father figures. Whichever man you consider as your dad, it’s time to celebrate them for the person he is and how he continues to make a difference in your life.

Celebrate your husband, dad, or partner and enjoy

30% off on select items such as kitchenware, tools, accessories, furniture, and more.

Watch IKEA’s Father’s Day video and head on over to IKEA Pasay City or www. IKEA.ph and choose from a wide selection of home solutions and other treats your dads will surely enjoy.

For more details, visit www.IKEA.ph/fathersday

(From left) Palawan Pawnshop - Palawan Express Pera Padala Executives : Catherine Caporas, Account Specialist for Banks; Missy Baldemor, B2B Department Head; Lisa Lou Castro-Sabado, Vice President for New Products and Services; Bank of the Philippine Islands Executives (BPI): John-C Syquia, Head of Institutional Banking; Reggie Cariaso, Head of Strategy, Products & Support - Institutional Banking; and Roderick Lucido, Head of Domestic, Manning, and SWIFT.

Lisa Lou Castro-Sabado, Palawan Pawnshop Group’s Vice President for New Products and Services

PBBM...

FROM 2

and labor costs incurred by farmers, which could increase their income aside from the proceeds of an improved yield.

If the Philippines will have to compete with Thailand and Vietnam in rice production, Marcos stressed that mechanization “is the answer.”

The President said that the two neighboring rice-exporting nations have been able to maximize their production because of mechanization.

For the Philippines, mechanization will work for the rice sector if small farmers adopt the concept of consolidating their farms, he added.

South Cotabato Gov. Reynaldo Tamayo Jr. said they conceptualized the CRPMP to increase rice production, ensure food production in the area, and improve farmers’ income while making rice affordable to consumers.

“So far, 100 hectares of consolidated farms have already been planted with palay,” Tamayo said, adding that the provincial government is targeting to consolidate at least 1,400 hectares in the different parts of the province under the CRPMP program.

RIGO... FROM 3

taliwala sa kalisud sa kinabuhi, kita mangita gayud ug paagi para musukol ug maningkamot para sa atong pamilya,” he said.

He also lauded the Department of Labor and Employment 11 (DOLE 11) for organizing the said event.

“Ang DOLE maghatag ug tabang kaninyu isip mga child laborers para makuha kuhaan inyung kalisod. Kini nga mga programa,gina consider gayud namu ni congressman pulong duterte nga priority concern labi na kung para sa kabatan-unan.

Busa kami manghinaut nga mamahimung mabungahun unta ang programa karon,” Rigo said.

During the said activity, Rigo also led a raffle of 10 laptops for the children.

The activity highlighted with a profiling of the child laborers and their parents for possible livelihood interventions or skills training and enrolment to the alternative learning systems.

The participants were also treated with DOLEkula short film shows, clown entertainment, games, raffles, gift giving, hair grooming, pedicure and manicure, and massage.

CITY... FROM 3

at Magsaysay Park, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on August 10; “Tabuan sa Kadayawan” at Rizal Park on Aug. 10 to 13; “Agong ug Kulintangan sa Kadayawan” Competition at Bantawan Ampitheatre Magsaysay Park on Aug. 11; Habi Kadayawan at Abreeza Mall on Aug. 12; Hiyas sa Kadayawan Cultural Presentation at SM City Davao on Aug.13; Bantawan Cultural Presentation at the Bantawan Ampitheatre at Magsaysay Park on Aug. 14 to 16; Dula Kadayawan at People’s Park and Hiyas sa Kadayawan Coronation Night at RMC Gym on Aug. 17; Kasikas sa Kadayawan at San Pedro Square on Aug. 18; Indak Indak sa Kadayawan at San Pedro Square on Aug. 19; Pamulak ug Hudyaka sa Kadayawan from Roxas to San Pedro and Konsierto Kadayawan at San Pedro Square on Aug. 20.

Romero also said it is the thrust of CTOO to elevate the event in the city since everything is back to normal since the pandemic.

“Our thrust is we really wanted to elevate the events so there is no going back and moving forward gyud ta in terms of events sa cities,” she said. By Maya M. Padillo

PERSONAL... FROM 2

Task Force Davao (TF Davao) commander Colonel Darren Comia told media that they are closely coordinating with their counterparts in Region 12 for additional leads.

Because of the incident, Lupaz said security forces in the city will have an adjustment in its security measures.

“Mag adjust ta sa security sa city basta naay ingon ani nga panghitabo although work related ni kay dako ang possibility nga nakaya nila buhaton in broad daylight,” Lupaz said.

He also urged Dabawenyos to be alert and report suspected individuals to the police.

“Ug maabtikon pirmi kung naay makita na mga tao nga kahinahinala i-report dayon sa kapulisan. Base sa among initial investigation personal ni ug dili terrorism,” he said.

He advised the public to refrain posting unverified reports on social media.

“Ang mensahe para sa Dabawenyo dili lang ta pataka ug post sa social media para dili mahadlok ang mga katawhan,” he said.

DAVAO... FROM 2

training with the youth as one of the flagship projects that helped the SK Federation vie as one of the Most Outstanding in the whole Philippines.

“Gina-train nato ang kabatan-onan nga mahimong responders so the very reason we conducted that… kinahanglan gyud nato ug mas paspas nga pagresponde pud sa mga accident nga mahitabo sa atoang barangay so we tapped the youth sector in the barangay para sila pud mismo ang force responder sa mga accidents nga mahitabo (We are training the youth to become responders. So, the very reason we conducted this is because we need a fast response during accidents that happen in our barangay so we tapped our youth sector so that they themselves become force responders in the event of accidents),” Marohomsalic said.

He said that the award is a testament to the hard work, effort, and dedication of the SK Federation.

“We are very happy because ang Davao City SK Federation, daghan naga benchmark sa atoa pud we wanted nga ma-recognize gyud ang atoang mga efforts sa atoang kabatan-onan this is not just an accomplishment sa amoang opisina but the accomplishment of the entire federation when you say the entire federation together with the 182 barangays—SK Chairpersons, SK Kagawads, and other SK members (We are very happy because the Davao City SK Federation, many have conducted benchmarking activities involving us and we wanted that the efforts of our youth will be recognized because this is not just an accomplishment of our office but the accomplishment of the entire Federation. When you say Federation, it is the entire federation together with the 182 barangays, chairpersons, SK Kagawads and other SK members),” he said.

He also said that SK Councils in Barangay Mintal and Barangay Cabantian are really the ones performing in the city and these barangays already received various recognitions.

He said that for years the SK Federation did not join any national awards and the award means they gave their best to deliver the services and programs to the Davao youth.

FPRRD... FROM 3

he added.

Two weeks ago, Duterte also castigated the city’s police force on the rape-slay case that victimized 28-year-old architect Vlanche Marie L. Bragas.

He told the police to “hang yourselves in shame” if they cannot solve the case.

Bragas was first reported missing on May 17, and police announced the name of the suspects on June 5, or almost three weeks later. Complaints for rape with homicide were filed against Dennis Roy P. Panzan, Kent Laurence Metegreto Espinosa, Renato Ali Bayansao, and one John Doe.

Panzan and Espinosa were declared missing on May 27, apparently abducted by still unidentified people. Panzan was found two days later already severely injured and died in the hospital, while Espinosa is still missing.

Bayansao, on the other hand, was apprehended by operatives of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency during a buy-bust operation on May 28. (Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)

“It boosts our confidence also mas maningkamot pa sa pagbuhat ug programa para sa kabatan-onan para sa siyudad sa Davao (It boosts our confidence to do more and implement programs for the youth for the whole Davao City),” he said, adding that they are hoping that their 3 year-Local Youth Development Plan will be continued by the next SK Federation.

Among the programs and services of the SK are the community emergency response team trainings and the reproductive health educators for Davao youth or RHEDY which is a group of youth peer educators composed of technical people from different agencies that give the right information on reproductive health and mental health to the grassroots.

They also have a scholarship program for the youth, in partnership with the Educational Benefit System Unit (EBSU), called the DabawenYouth ISKolar Educational Assistance Program, which entitles each scholar to Php 5,000 per semester.

Marohomasalic invites Dabawenyo youth to enlist and avail of the program as many slots are still available. More details of this program can be found on SK -Pederasyon Davao Facebook Page. CIO

A million rounds of applause for the Denver Nuggets!

They waited 47 long seasons - with incredulous enduring patience - till a young hulking Serbian tyro came ambling along to gift them the much-coveted NBA crown.

Nikola Jokic fired 28 points, collared 16 rebounds to bail out coach Mike Malone and his title-hungry crew to beat the Miami Heat 94-89 for a 4-1 winloss tally in the best-of-seven Finals series.

Jolic, called the Joker, actually bailed the Mile High City ballclub out because the hosts were trailing ominously by at least seven

FRED C. LUMBA SPORTS KEN CHAMPS AT (LONG) LAST

points and that was when nothing seems to be going right for the Nuggets.

For his herculean performance, the two-time MVP (20212022 was awarded the Bill Russell MVP Finals trophy.

“This (lifting the trophy) means even much more to me because we are not in it for ourselves but for the next guy next to us,” Jokic exultantly said, comparing the value of his MVP in the regular NBA season to the Bill Russelll award.

For awhile, this corner thought the Heat might get a reprieve, survive Game 5 and fight again for another day (Game 6, that is).

Denver was missing from beyond the arc and Murray and company were only good for 3 three pointers out of 22.

They also did not make 7 of their first 13 free throws.

This is where I strongly believed that Destiny played its role accordingly and picked the Nuggets to find their place - finally - in the NBA colorful history.

Imagine that Miami was still ahead as Jimmy Buttler canned two gift shots to help the Heat regain a one-point lead, time down to 1:58.

In a somewhat crude situation, Bruce brown was able to sneak past Miami defenders,

scooped the offesnive rebound and tipped it in.

That gave the lead to Denver for good.

In the return play, Butler, who finished with 21, attempted a trey to hopefully tie the score but he missed it.

In the ensuing plays Brown and Kentavious Caldwell Pope were desperately fouled in succession for the finally mark.

Miami coach Eric Spoelstra acknowledged that his boys lost to a better team.

Pity that the Heat failed to take advantage of Jokic’s two personals in the first quarter. He rode the bench alongside Murray and

Aaron Gordon for a time but Miami could only muster erecting a seven point margin in the first 24 minutes of action.

But you saw the Nuggets patiently pressure their opponents, grinding them slowly till Murray enabled Jokic to score relentlessly in their typical pick and roll.

My, I am oftentimes wishing Kai Sotto were as hugely built as Jokic to see how Gilas would fare against its much vaunted opponents from Europe, the US, South America and Australia.

Oh, am I dreaming? (Email feedback to fredlumba@yahoo. com.) GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!

RETOOLING... FROM 8

and learning from latest development in sports that aspiring sports managers develop their skills which they can impart it to their athletes. Of course resources and equipment also form as an important part of an athlete’s training but it can be remedied if you have the network and knew

whom to approach when you need something.

WIIFM

“W.I.I.F.M or What’s in it for me? This question more or less sums up the need of the sponsor or donor when ask to sponsor an event,” said Bernardo.

Sponsors, she said, are willing

to shell out financial support or sponsorship through other means when they can see something in return in terms of reciprocity. It has to be a symbiotic relationship where everyone will benefit from each other. “That’s the main reason that sports manager should have adequate training on sports event

planning,” she added.

Bernardo advised sports managers to seek the low hanging fruits for harvest, look for sports that are popular and have easy access to the community or locality; be creative in tapping the support of the available resources and sponsors in the locality.”

She encouraged everyone to be open to ideas and tap the support of the organization in running their local sports management.

Bernardo capped her talk by singing a few lines from the movie The Little Mermaid: “I want to be a part of your world.”

RETOOLING

Over 50 sports leaders, coaches attend Mindanao Sports Management Forum

BY CHITO MALABANAN

That, in a nutshell, is the “process” prescribed by Lyceum Philippines-Davao sports director Noli Ayo for Mindanao local government unis and schools to flourish.

“We need to create a culture here in LPU, we need to invest on human development that will start first with the coaches training and development before we train our athletes. The level of skills and knowledge of athletes will be limited only up to the level of the competence of their coaches, their potential can’t be maximized to the fullest,” said Ayo, a graduate of the University of the Philippines-Los Banos and concurrent Assistant to the President of Lyceum of the Philippines University Laguna and Batangas..

Ayo was one of the speakers in the Mindanao Sports Management Forum on Wednesday at the LPU Davao City attended by more than 50 participants comprised of sports managers, coaches, LGU officials and athletes.

A huge number of the participants were from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) composed mostly of the BARMM sports council, university sports officials and LGU sports coordinators.

Ayo tapped the expertise of Geraldine Go-Bernardo, a SEA Games gold medalist in Dragon Boat competition and president of Sports Management Council of the Philippines as the guest speaker and lecturer.

Bernardo is a known sports advocate and leader, champion-

ing sports-for-development and positive change in sports governance.

She encouraged the attendees to explore their limits as managers and don’t rely nor limit their role as per available resources provided by their respective LGUs, schools or entity where they belong. She expounded on the value of “diskarte” when put on a situation which is outside one’s comfort zone.

“I remember one time during my time as an athlete in the deep of our training, where I showed the detached sole of my shoes to our coach, he taught me how to apply rugby or glue to repair the sole. I was expecting a replacement shoes but instead he taught me to be creative,” said Bernardo.

Ayo stressed that sports management is about planning, choosing the right managers, developing coaches and athletes thru training and studying the unique aspects of sports management like organizing, skillful marketing and exploring the right resources for financing and sponsorship.

Networking plays a vital role in sports management.

“Networking is a currency,” said Ayo. “The mere presence of participants on this forum coming from as far as Marawi, Maguindanao, Koronadal and Bukidnon aside from officials from Davao del Norte and Davao City is a testament to the value of networking” he added.

It is thru sharing of ideas

“W

e need to prepare the soil first before we start to plant the seeds, we need to cultivate and prepare the terrain.”

The Mindanao Sports Management Forum was held on Wednesday June 14, 2023 at the LPU Davao City attended by more than 50 participants.