First Congressional District Representative Paolo Duterte’s son Rodrigo “Rigo” Duterte II welcomed the opening of a new career school at Socorro Building, El Rio Vista on Bacaca Road, which opened on April 28, 2023.
Rigo, who led the ribbon cutting and as guest speaker, warmly congratulated the Asian Skills Development and Entrepreneurship Academy, Inc. (ASDEAI) for opening its vocational school here in Davao City.
“In this age, we need more vocational schools since technical skills are becoming increasingly in demand in this fast-changing global economy,” Rigo said in his message.
Rigo said that the advantages
the academy will offer are indisputable. He also believes that the playing field has been leveled with the opening of the said institution.
“Underprivileged students will now have a venue to hone their talents, which can train them with the best knowledge for local or abroad job opportunities,” he said.
According to Rigo, the Philippines must get ready for a worldwide economy by giving working men and women the best technical
Davao City registered the highest heat index in Mindanao on Saturday at 43 degrees Celsius and 41 degrees on Sunday, data from the state weather bureau showed.
Saturday’s record shows that next to Davao City, Butuan followed at 42ºC, Zamboanga City at 41ºC, Laguindingan Airport in Misamis Oriental at 39ºC and Hinatuan in Surigao del Sur at 38ºC.
fines heat index as “a measure of the contribution that high humidity makes with abnormally high temperatures in reducing the body’s ability to cool itself.”
According to PAGASA, “fatigue” is possible with prolonged exposure and activity in areas with 27ºC to 32ºC degrees heat index. Continuing activity could lead to heat cramps.
education so they can compete on par with, if not outperform, the labor forces of other nations.
“Under this internet phase, we see how working conditions are transformed. Gone are the days where one has to travel to other countries to work or provide service,” Rigo said.
He added that one can now perform a job for an employer abroad while working in the comfort of their respective homes.
Rigo thanked ASDEAI for walking the extra mile by opening the school, providing technical education, and educating aspirants in a globalized and competitive economy.
Meanwhile, all the academy staff warmly welcomed Rigo.
On Sunday, April 30, Butuan and Zamboanga City tied with Davao City for having the highest heat index at 41ºC, followed by General Santos and Laguindingan Airport in Misamis Oriental at 37ºC and the cities of Malaybalay and Surigao at 35ºC.
Last Friday, Butuan was second highest nationwide, at 47ºC, next to Guiuan in Eastern Samar’s 49ºC. In Mindanao, the area that registered the highest heat index after Butuan was Zamboanga City at 44ºC, Davao and Dipolog at 42ºC, Cotabato City at 41ºC and Malaybalay City at 39ºC.
PAGASA has 32 monitoring stations nationwide, six of these in Mindanao, in the cities of Davao, Dipolog, Zamboanga, Malaybalay and in Hinatuan in Surigao del sur and Laguindingan Airport in Misamis Oriental.
The state weather bureau de-
It said “extreme caution” must be undertaken in areas with heat index of 33ºCto 41 ºC as heat cramps and heat exhaustion are possible.
PAGASA classifies areas with heat index of 42ºC to 51ºC under “danger” as heat cramps and heat exhaustion are likely and heat stroke is probable with continued exposure.
It warns of “extreme danger” in areas with heat index of 52ºC and beyond as “heat stroke is imminent.”
The cities of Davao and Butuan fell under the “extreme caution” and “danger” classifications on Saturday and Sunday.
Heat stroke
The Department of Health (DOH) in its advisories reminds the public that heat stroke is “the most severe form of heat illness when the body overheats and cannot cool down.”
Close in taste and price with those from neighboring Southeast Asian nations, Philippine durians can compete with the Malaysian and Thai variants in the Chinese market, officials from the Department of Agriculture (DA) said.
“Ours is better and has taste close to the Malaysian durian but is cheaper. In that case, we have the
advantage and competitive edge,” said Ana Abejuela, the Philippines’ agriculture attaché here.
Citing initial market feedback, she said the Filipino variant is also at par with the Thai durian and the first shipment from Davao last April got a “fantastic response” from Chinese nationals.
“[T]hey love it, they love durian
and in fact, because this is the small season, not the main season of durian so we only have a trial shipment to test the market and there was a fantastic response,” she said.
The Philippines is also hoping to export frozen durians and catch up with Malaysia that currently ships frozen Musang King durians, the most expensive in China.
The Philippines began exporting fresh durian to China in the first week of April immediately after the approval of the export permit.
This follows President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s state visit to China in January, which resulted in the signing of a USD2 billion fruit export to step up imports of high-value agricultural products
from the Philippines.
Abejuela is optimistic Manila would be able to boost export to China as both countries work on a stronger agriculture cooperation.
She then highlighted the prospects of tapping the Chinese market as the world’s second largest economy and for its 1.4 billion population.
Thecity government of Davao is exploring with All Nippon Airways (ANA) the planned establishment of Osaka-Davao direct flight, according to an official.
Councilor Bernie Al-ag told media on Monday that Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte, together with some City Councilors, discussed with ANA the possible opening of Osaka-Davao direct flight from Kansai International Airport
during their trip to Japan last week.
“Nagmiting si Mayor (Baste) with the Davao City Councilors kauban ang ANA airlines to discuss ang ginaplano na Osaka-Davao City direct flight. We are also looking at other airlines like Cebu Pacific and
Davao City Councilor Bernie Al-ag said on Monday that the city government of Davao is hoping to jumpstart chicken exportation to Sennan City in Osaka, Japan this year.
Al-ag, chair of the Committee on Trade, Commerce and Industry of the City Council, said this is among the gains in the Sister City Agreement between Davao City and Senna City, Osaka, Japan signed by Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte and Sennan City Mayor Yamamoto Yuma at the Sora Rinku Conference Room in Sennan City on April 25, 2023.
“In terms of business, we want to send our products to Osaka thru Sennan City. Right now, naa ta’y nakita na potential sa chicken. Ang mga restaurant didto kulang ang ilahang mga manok. Kasagaran sa ilang chicken didto gikan sa Brazil, 30 days ang travel while Davao to
Japan is only five days. Gusto nila kanang naka-cut na daan. Kung unsa tung cut na ilang gusto mao to ang ilang paliton,” Al-ag said in an interview.
He said this will also generate employment in Davao City as laborers to cut the chicken will be needed.
Al-ag said the Davao delegation also went to the Philippine Embassy with Mylene J. Garcia-Albano, Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines to Japan, to know what its process is.
“Ginaasikaso na karon and we hope to jumpstart this product exporting within this year,” he said.
In terms of promoting Davao City in Japan, Al-ag said Sennan City committed to promote Davao City to the whole Osaka prefecture.
“Kay ang Sennan City isa lang man siya ka syudad sa Osaka,” he said.
PAL,” Al-ag said in an interview.
However, according to Al-ag ANA is not yet ready to fly outside Manila because it is still recovering from the impacts of the pandemic.
He said the city government of Davao is now looking at holding a meeting with Cebu Pacific and the Philippine Airlines for the possible establishment of the route.
“We will meet because naa na ta’y partner sa Osaka that they will promote Davao City. Daghan walay kaila ug Davao City didto mga local Japanese. Because Japan now is the number one tourism destination sa mga Pilipino, nabasa nako na half million Filipinos na ang mibisita sa Japan as tourists since January and
that is a big volume and we want to know pila from Mindanao niana. So dili lang kita ang mu-benefit pati sila,” Al-ag said.
It was in 2019 when ANA expressed its intention of making Davao City in their route expansion plan in a roadshow by a delegation led by the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (DCCCII) in Tokyo, Hitachinaka, and Saitama.
It can be recalled that former DCCCII president Arturo M. Milan shared then that Davao was not even in ANA’s “radar screen” for flight expansions and the company’s officials were quite surprised to learn that there are now several
international flights to and from the city.
The DCCCII official also emphasized that the potential passenger load for direct flights to Davao includes not just business travelers and tourists, but also Filipinos residing in Japan.
The Osaka-Davao City direct flight is expected to boost tourism in the city and its nearby provinces.
Al-ag said the discussion with ANA is among the gains in the sisterhood agreement signed by Duterte and Sennan City Mayor Yamamoto Yuma between Davao City and Senna City, Osaka, Japan at the Sora Rinku Conference Room in Sennan City on April 25, 2023.
Philippine airspace will be shut down on May 17 to give way for maintenance activities on the country’s air traffic management system to avoid a repeat of the infamous New Year’s Day shutdown.
At a press briefing on Tuesday, Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) General Manager Cesar Chiong announced that the entire Philippine airspace will be shut down for a “major activity.”
Sought to elaborate, MIAA Senior Assistant General Manager
Bryan Co said that “for May 17, it’s the entire Philippine airspace that will be shut down because of the scheduled maintenance or replacement of the UPS of the CNS/ATM or ‘yung air traffic management center natin.”
UPS stands for the Uninterruptible Power Supply while CNS/ATM refers to the Communications, Navigations, Surveillance/Air Traffic. Management)
Co said that the airspace shutdown will be from 12 midnight until 6 a.m. on May 17, 2023.
He said the maintenance activity could be shorter, “but as far as planning is concerned we’re planning for six hours.”
Chiong said the MIAA management will meet with all of the 43 airlines operating at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) to discuss the plan.
The MIAA chief said the agency will be requesting from the airlines how many flights will be rescheduled due to the airspace shutdown and how they plan to implement their recovery flights.
On the opening of the Asian Skills Development and Entrepreneurship Academy, Inc. (ASDEAI) for opening its vocational school here in Davao City:
“In this age, we need more vocational schools since technical skills are becoming increasingly in demand in this fastchanging global economy. Underprivileged students will now have a venue to hone their talents, which can train them with the best knowledge for local or abroad job opportunities.”
RODRIGO “RIGO” DUTERTE II
The Ring of Fire” – that is what scientists call that thin region of dynamic volcanic and seismic activity around the rim of the Pacific Ocean.
“The activity is the result of the movement of the tectonic plates, the surface crust on which our world is formed, which slowly grow and butt against one another causing cracks that allow deeper molten rock to rise to the surface through what we call volcanoes. Any movement of the plates creates seismic activity we know as earthquakes,” wrote Lindsay Bennet in her travel book entitled Philippines.
Unfortunately, the Philippines – a country with more than 7,100 islands – is located in this rim, sometimes called the circum-Pacific seismic belt. Disasters are not just waiting to happen; they happen every now and then.
As Kathleen Tierney, director of the Natural Hazards Center at the University of Colorado, puts it: “The Philippines is one of the most disaster-prone places on Earth. They’ve got it all. They’ve got earthquakes, volcanoes, floods, tropical cyclones, landslides.”
Perhaps, not too many Filipinos are aware that our country has around 200 volcanoes scattered all over the archipelago. Fortunately, only 24 are considered active and another 27 are
potentially active volcanoes.
Of the 24 active volcanoes, “only 10 are being monitored,” wrote Allan Mauro V. Marfal, of the Science and Technology Information Institute (STII) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). “Of the 10 monitored active volcanoes only two —Taal and Mayon—have complete monitoring systems.”
The two active volcanoes are both located in Luzon: Taal (the second most active volcano with 38 recorded historical eruptions) and Mayon (a popular tourist spot and is renowned for its “perfect cone”).
“The human and economic impacts of an insufficiently equipped active volcano is high,” Marfal wrote, citing the case of Cabalian Volcano, an active volcano located in Southern Leyte.
“(Cabalian Volcano) does not have sufficient monitoring instruments. If its activity is not monitored, 240,000 individuals, and 30 airports could be affected by volcanic ash,” Marfal wrote.
Perhaps, most Filipinos are now aware of earthquakes as they become common these days.
“The Philippines suffers around 20 earthquakes a day but most are too weak to be felt,” Bennet wrote.
The Philippine Archipelago lies between two major tectonic plates: the Philippine Sea Plate
and the Eurasian Plate, according to Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PhiVolcs).
“Philippine Sea Plate is moving towards the Philippine Archipelago at the rate of about 7 centimeters every year,” PhiVolcs states. “The Eurasian Plate is being subducted along western side of Luzon and Mindoro at the rate of 3 centimeters per year except on Mindoro and northwest of Zamboanga where collision is taking place.”
At the intersection of the two aforementioned plates is the Philippine Fault Zone, “which decouples the northwestward motion of the Pacific with the southwestward motion of the Eurasian Plate.” Movements along other active faults are reportedly responsible for the present-day high seismicity of the Philippine archipelago.
According to Marfal, our country also lags in earthquake monitoring. We have only 117 seismic stations. In comparison, Taiwan, which is one-tenth the size of the Philippines, has 194.
This is the reason why PhiVolcs is batting for the modernization bill to minimize and prevent casualties and property losses from earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
The modernization bill “aims to modernize the opera-
“We have to heal our wounded world. The chaos, despair and senseless destruction we see today are a result of the alienation that people feel from each other and their environment.” - MICHELANGELO. *******
On May 14, 2023 the State of Israel celebrates its 75 years of nationhood.
In 1948, the United Nations declared the free new state of Israel where the Philippines was one of the majority countries who voted favorably.
I don’t know with you but I agree with many bible scholars, theologians and preachers who collectively believe that there is biblical basis for this awe-inspiring development.
I don’t need to cite the book, the chapter and the verses to support and cement its foundational background to avoid turning this piece into a religious item. So much explanation and elaboration have been expounded in the past and in today’s contemporary times about Israel’s (mis)fortunes and the eventual homecoming pilgrimage
tions of the agency and enhance their ability to provide timely and accurate information, warnings, and recommendations to the public, government agencies, and other concerned stakeholders in the event of natural disasters.”
The bill includes allocating funds, which will be around seven billion, for the acquisition and maintenance of state-of-the-art equipment, infrastructure improvement, research and development, and capacity building of PhiVolcs personnel.
PhiVolcs Director Teresito C. Bacolcol said during a consultative meeting recently that there is a need to add more seismic stations in the country to effectively increase the detectability and locate small earthquakes particularly for faults that exhibit low activity prior to large events. In addition, a denser network would help reveal active faults that have no clear surface expressions.
On the other hand, for tsunami monitoring, through this modernization bill, PhiVolcs plans to establish at least 50 more stations for tsunami detection for coastal communities at risk to tsunamis, develop effective warning systems, and install sensors offshore close to tsunami sources.
According to Dir. Bacolcol, 21 out of 24 active volcanoes have incomplete hazard maps, putting
28 provinces at risk. Meanwhile, 27 potentially active volcanoes have incomplete hazard maps, putting 17 provinces at risk. He also emphasized that only 38 out of 82 provinces have complete earthquake hazard maps.
“Filipinos would greatly benefit from the passage of this modernization bill. Many of us are aware of the impacts of destructive earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Casualties, property losses, all of these will be prevented or minimized if we have adequate monitoring equipment across the country. This will greatly help us formulate policy recommendations and guidance to our local government units and communities,” said Dir. Bacolcol.
Unfortunately, most Filipino households are not prepared for calamities and natural hazards despite living in a disaster-prone country. This was what the survey conducted by Harvard Humanitarian Initiative Disaster Net found out.
“Only 36% of respondents felt fully prepared in the face of disasters, while 33% reported that they were somewhat prepared when calamities strike,” wrote Inquirer reporter Jhesset O. Enano. “The remaining third claimed that they were only slightly or not at all ready for natural hazards.”
(aliyah) of millions of Jews worldwide has come true.
Personally, I am happy to see that despite political differences polarizing this small Zionist nation, Israel’s leaders still cling to each other whenever the country’s security and the people’s safety are threatened.
Just a sliver of real estate surrounded by many hostile Arab and Muslim countries, Israel continues to preserve its sovereignty without any oppositiion leader and group hungry to overthrow the duly established authority. There is no one in Israel’s colofrul andf monumental history that an opposition politician betrayed his country by seeking help from Israel’s enemies that desire the former’s defeat and downfall.
I am establishing this facet of history in comparison to the Philippine situation where oppositionists go to the extent of conniving and colluding with foreign entities, groups and blocs to help them bring down the legitmate and duly-elected government of the Philippines.
(The efforts of the power-hun-
gry opposition to oust the Duterte government by elevating complaints of human rights violations to the International Criminal Court this corner looked as treasonous and unpatriotic.
For the sake of argument, had the ICC triumphed in imposing its kind of justice on PRRD and he gets executed for human rights violations much like past of ICC’s convicted respondents, would our country be not thrown into chaos and perhaps even a bloody and violent civil war?)
It is unfortunate that we need to present the glaring disparity between the people of Israel and the Filipino people in this light considering that we are going through a difficult period in our respective national life.
Independence is a term very sacred to the people of Israel, especially the Jews who suffered global persecution in various periods of their lives.
Filipinos have already changed several horses in the mainstream of political leadership but the country remains in tatters and continues to struggle politically
and economically.
With Bibi Netanyahu back as PM (the longest serving prime minister to date), Israeli citizens are being confronted with proposals for judicial reforms which have divided - down the middle - the country’s perception of democracy and trust in their political structure.
This is another area of national life where Pinoys and Israelis differ.
Although tens of thousands initially are marching on the streets to register their protests against the Netanyahu-sponsored judicial reforms in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and other urban cities, an equal number of rallyists and backers have also gone likewise declaring their support of the Netanyahu proposal.
Here, while there are already legislative efforts going inside the halls of Congress regarding proposals to amend the 1987 Constitution, Pinoys are still in the dark as to whether they should voice their support or not.
Why is this so?
Don’t Pinoys understand that amending the constitution and
making it more responsive to the needs of the people should be a primordial duty as a citizen of this country?
I think that one of the reasons why Pinoys seem adamant and nonchalant is because the very relevant issues are not being discussed and debated regularly in public and written extensively by the mainstream media.
Instead, pedestrian Pinoys and the big numbers of ‘Marites-es’ enjoy salivating on entertainment ‘chismis’ and blind items that are sensationalized by vloggers in various social media platforms.
Pinoys should appreciate what and how Israel came to be.
We should “envy” them in a positive fashion.
Israel has outlasted four huge tyranical empires that brutally persecuted and colonized it through the centuries. They no longer have any fears to detract and deter them.
Congratulations to Israel on its 75th independence anniversary!
SHALOM! (Email feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.) GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!
Atop nuclear energy firm based in the United States have expressed interest to invest in the Philippines after a meeting with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in Washington, D.C., Malacañang announced Tuesday.
Oregon-based NuScale Power Corporation, which is known for developing a safe modular, and scalable small nuclear power system, is expected to invest USD6.5 billion to USD7.5 billion to provide 430 megawatts to the country by 2031, according to the Presidential Communications Office.
Marcos said the country has a “shortfall in power supply,” which could be addressed with the support of NuScale.
“We need everything. We just
have to have everything and this new technology is something,” the president said.
In the meeting, NuScale said it is planning to study and locate a site in the Philippines.
Clayton Scott, NuScale executive vice president for business, expressed confidence that NuScale’s small modular reactor (SMR) technology will perform as expected.
The firm’s SMR is the first and only one of its kind to receive design approval from the US Nuclear
Regulatory Commission.
It has existing projects in the US state of Utah, Romania, Indonesia and Poland providing safe, reliable and cost competitive clean energy to consumers.
NuScale was accompanied by local partner Enrique Razon, representing his Prime Infrastructure Capital, Inc..
Joining Marcos in the meeting were House Speaker Martin Romualdez, Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual, Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla, Special Assistant to the President Secretary Antonio Lagdameo Jr., Communications Secretary Cheloy Garafil, and Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez. (PNA)
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday (Washington, D.C. time) witnessed the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MOA) between Integrated Micro-Electronics Inc. of the Ayala Group and California-based Zero Motorcycles on a strategic manufacturing collaboration on electric motorcycles.
In a news update released by the Presidential Communications Office, the cooperation agree-
ment has a projected amount of USD65 million to support the Philippines’ development of its electric vehicle ecosystem.
The US-based company will take the lead in establishing the first electronic vehicle (EV) motorcycle manufacturing site in the Philippines.
IMI, for its part, will assemble Zero’s electric motorcycle models as well as other assemblies in its facility in Laguna in conjunction with the manufacturing facilities
Consumers of financial products and services now have greater protection following the issuance of the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of Republic Act (RA) 11765, otherwise known as the Financial Products and Services Consumer Protection Act (FCPA).
This, following the approval by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) en banc, during its meeting last April 25, of the IRR which will take effect 15 days after its publication in the Official Gazette or at least two major dailies.
tection of consumer assets against fraud and misuse, to data privacy and protection, and to timely handling and redress of complaints of consumers.”
“In turn, the IRR reinforces the commission’s mandate of, and unwavering commitment to, protecting financial consumers, and inculcating in financial service providers the values of fairness, transparency, accountability and ethics,” he said.
for Zero in California.
The IMI-Zero operations are expected to employ 200 workers for its assembly line, from manufacturing, packing and shipping 18,000 EVs per year.
During the meeting, Zero said the Philippines is a “clear choice” for its operations as the firm aims to globalize its manufacturing business, targeting Europe, Asia and other markets, while supporting US demands for sub-assemblies.
The memorandum states that the IRR “shall apply to all financial products and services, and financial services providers”, with the latter pertaining to, among others, the issuers of securities; securities brokers, dealers, and salesmen, investment houses, and firms offering similar services; financing and lending companies; and microfinance-non government organizations (MF-NGOs).
In a statement Monday, SEC chairperson Emilio Aquino said “true to the objectives of the FCPA, the IRR advances financial consumers’ right to equitable and fair treatment, to disclosure and transparency in the marketing of financial products and services, to pro-
The commission said the IRR and the FCPA “reinforces the powers of the SEC to exercise authority over issuers of securities in tokenized or digital forms.”
It said the IRR also increased the enforcement actions allowed for the commission, and these include preventing the financial service providers from collecting exorbitant fees or unreasonable interest fees or charges and issuance of writs of execution, attachment, levy and garnishment.
The rules also allowed the commission to provide efficient and effective consumer redress or complaints handling mechanisms like mediation and conciliation and may adjudicate actions as a result of financial transactions that are civil in nature.
The local business community on Monday expressed hope that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s five-day official visit to Washington would yield more than just closer defense ties, but would open up fresh investment opportunities between the age-old allies.
In an interview, Jesus Arranza, chairman of the Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI), said the Philippine leader should invite more American investments in the local manufacturing sector.
He said the Philippine economy would benefit greatly if fresh foreign investments are geared towards the manufacture of high-value finished goods, instead of merely exporting raw materials or intermediate goods for further processing overseas.
“The President should target investors who are willing to bring in money, in the true sense of investment, and not those who will come in and borrow capital from local financial institutions,” he added. Arranza also expressed confidence that the Marcos-Biden meeting will result in a more militarily capable Philippines, saying “each country has the right to de-
United States President Joe Biden on Monday (Washington, D.C. time) will send a “first of its kind” presidential trade and investment mission to the Philippines in a bid to promote broadbased economic growth.
fend themselves with the help of friends.”
For his part, Francis Chua, chairman and founder of the International Chamber of Commerce’s local arm, said the mere deployment of more US troops here already promises to infuse a huge amount of foreign exchange into the local economy.
He said that American servicemen who will be stationed in the Philippines, either on brief or extended tours of duty, will surely end up supporting the domestic tourism, retail, food, and hospitality industries through the dollars they will be spending.
“They (US troops) have a lot of money, which they will spend in hotels, restaurants, malls and other establishments. This will also create many new job opportunities for Filipinos, who will cater to new customers with plenty of disposable income,” he said.
Chua, who is also chairman emeritus of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), said Marcos should also take advantage of his meeting with Biden, and the warmer bilateral relations it heralds to promote the Philippines as an investment hub.
Biden announced this initiative following the bilateral meeting with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in Washington, D.C.
The mission is expected to enhance US companies’ investment in the Philippines’ innovation economy, clean energy transition and critical minerals sector. It would also feature the highest caliber of US business leaders.
Biden underscored the
“strong partnership” and “deep friendship” between the Philippines and the US that has been “enriched by millions of Filipino-Americans and the communities all across the United States.”
Biden also committed to step up America’s support in a wide range of issues, including climate change mitigation and economy.
“We’re tackling climate change, we’re accelerating our
countries’ chances… and we’re standing up for our shared democratic values and workers’ rights… and together we’re deepening our economic cooperation,” Biden told Marcos.
Both leaders have agreed to deepen collaboration to fight climate change, expand clean energy production and protect the environment.
In a joint statement, Marcos and Biden particularly reaffirmed to undertake urgent action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as well as expand renewable energy production to accelerate the clean energy transition while bringing down energy costs and expanding energy access for families.
The Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP) has expressed support for the giving of incentives for electric motorcycles along with their localized production in the future.
According to EVAP President Edmund Araga, giving incentives to e-motorcycles should be welcomed as it would help with
the “electrification” of Philippine transportation. It will be welcome on our part kung bibigyan din sila [e-motorcycles] kung mabibigyan din sila ng exception. Kasi sa ngayon, wala pa talagang legit na makakagawa sa amin ng e-motorcycles, in particular. And that this would be a good opportunity... kung sakaling ipu-push ang
e-motorcycles,” Araga said in a press release.
“Kung mag-iimport sila [dapat] mayroong direksyon o directives na maglo-localize sila in a number of years after importing the units para magkaroon naman ng job creations and the capabilities of Filipino craftmanship and skills, ma-enhance,” Araga said.
An explosive gastronomic treat most certainly.
Well then raise the roof for Dusit Davao.
Dabawenyos were treated with unique gastronomic journey as Dusit Davao along with co-presenter, Torre Lorenzo Development Corporation, brought 12 of the country’s best chefs showcasing their passion with the oncein-a-lifetime event Chefs on Tour on April 13 and 14, 2023.
The two-day event commenced with a sunset cocktails and curated island experiences at Dusit Thani Lubi Plantation Resort. Guests were welcomed to the perfect ambiance matched with delectable food and entertainment.
I was lucky to experience this delightful affair on the second day, together with hundreds of guests at the Dusit Thani Grand Ballroom.
The 12 culinary geniuses featured were Chef James Antolin (Ikomai, Tochi desserts), Chef Sau del Rosario (Sawsaw, Cafe Fleur), Chef Tom Bascon (M Dining), Chef Carlo Miguel (Cloud Eats), Chef Josh Boutwood (Helm, The Test Kitchen), Chef Gilbert Pangilinan (Kai, The Blue Room), Chef Kenneth Cacho (Unilever Food Solutions Phils), Chef J Brando Santos (Unilever Food Solutions Phils), Chef Tatung Sarthou (Lore, Tatung’s), Chef Piya Suthasiri (Dusit Davao), Chef Buddy Trinidad (Park Avenue Desserts)
and Chef Jackie Ang Po (Fleur de Lys) who all prepared memorable dishes for us.
It was the first time I fell under the oyster’s spell, got cozy with wagyu steak, and went on a frenzy over a simple bone marrow.
Each of us was given a card, our ticket to the 12-course meal served up at each chef’s culinary station.
The experience? It’s like sitting at the best table in the finest restaurant at the heart of a destination.
“It is our sincere pleasure to be doing this one-of-a-kind event not only in the Davao region but in Mindanao. Chefs On Tour is a culinary experience like no other, and we are proud that Dusit Davao has made it happen. We are honored to be in the presence of world-renowned Chefs sharing their expertise and passion,” said Christoph Kuch, general manager of Dusit Davao.
Torre Lorenzo Development Corporation CEO Tomas Lorenzo delivered his message as well.
“We wanted to create this event because we at Dusit Davao do things out of the box. We do interesting events that would really change the landscape of dining, of entertainment,” he said.
The two delightful events, attended by government and corporate partners, the consular core, national and local celebrities and media, influencers, and culinary enthusiasts from different parts of the country, were hosted by multi-awarded broadcaster Ces Oreña-Drilon.
SM Cares just launched the latest leg of “The Blackout Zone”, the organization’s highly successful exhibit designed to simulate blindness in SM City Tanza, Cavite last April 24, Monday.
Present at the launch were Engr. Bien Mateo, Senior Vice President of SM Supermalls, Arch. Jaime Silva from the Philippine Foundation for the Rehabilitation of the Disabled, Inc., Marlo Lucas from the Resources for the Blind Inc., and Jayme Marino of the National Council on Disability Affairs. Also present during the launch are Dr. Florencio Costa of the Tanza National Comprehensive High School, Mr. Joebert Guzon of FEAPITSAT, and Coralyn Perez of Tanza Municipal Social Welfare and Development representing Mayor Yuri Pacumio.
“The Blackout Zone” is the first ex-
hibit simulating the blind experience in the Philippines which is mounted inside a mall, promising an immersive and experiential tour of a day in the life of a blind person for free. Participants get to fulfill simple tasks, like tying a shoe, creating a sandwich, making coffee, and watching movies in a safe setting without sight. At the end of the tour, the participants are debriefed by the blind master, a representative of the blind community who shares their personal insights and how the challenges within the exhibit reflect the daily experience of blind people. In this way, mall-goers, tenants, and employees are encouraged to have a deeper understanding and affection for members of the blind community.
“We at SM Cares firmly believe that empathy and awareness are
crucial to enabling a barrier-free and disability inclusive environment,” said Mateo during the launch. “As such, we humbly invite everyone to visit ‘The Blackout Zone’ to show solidarity, appreciation, and inspired action to the blind community.”
Following the success of “The Blackout Zone” from previous legs in SM Southmall and SM City Clark, SM City Tanza’s setup is the biggest one to date. First launched in October of last year, “The Blackout Zone” has been visited by almost 2,000 attendees. The Tanza exhibit will be open until May 14, and plans for future exhibits in
Leading online food and grocery platform foodpanda unveiled its pandaPatrol: Hub on Wheels, a foodpanda-branded bus that will visit several provinces and cities nationwide to connect with its Ka-panda delivery partners.
The pink-colored coaster will be making stops at select gas stations and will include fun and exciting games and activities that Ka-panda partner riders, bikers, e-scooters, and walkers can enjoy.
The roadshow kicked off in Metro Manila this month and will proceed next to Luzon provinces and areas in Visayas and Mindanao until the end of the year.
At the official launch last April 28, foodpanda Philippines operations director Patricia Jacinto shared that the initiative aims to reinforce its commitment to supporting and assisting its delivery partners while driving engagement for its Ka-pandas.
“We wanted to bring the experience closer to our Ka-pandas by visiting them in their local provinces and cities,” Jacinto said.
In addition to the interactive and playful games on the ground, the pandaPatrol coaster will generally serve as a support hub for deliv-
ery partners where they can personally meet foodpanda representatives to raise any concerns on the spot. “Right then and there, we can hear them out and provide the appropriate solution to their queries – whether they are having technical issues with their accounts, need assistance on their delivery sessions, or simply want to provide feedback for process improvement.”
Other activities include redemption of exclusive merchandise and other items from their Bamboo points, foodpanda’s rewards program for partner riders where they can earn
points for completing specific tasks or successful deliveries. Even interested applicants can also apply onsite to become a part of the Ka-panda community.
Aside from these, on-ground booths for fodpanda’s partners for rider support and assistance are also present during the roadshow so Ka-pandas can get to know and avail the several initiatives and services available at their disposal.
Bolstering support & engagement for Ka-pandas Jacinto also revealed that various initiatives and programs were provided to ramp up the efforts on supporting and engaging Ka-pandas. Just recently, they concluded their annual panda legends online tournament that brought together partner riders for a friendly competition and a chance to win amazing prizes.
Adding to their list of government partners, the online food and grocery platform also sealed a partnership with Pag-IBIG Fund and the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) to help its delivery partners gain access to the government’s social security programs and benefits.
different SM malls around the country
are already underway.
The Blackout Zone is just one of the many initiatives of SM Cares under its Program on Persons with Disabilities. Others include the annual Emergency Preparedness Forum for PWDs and senior citizens; the annual Happy Walk for Down Syndrome in partnership with the Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines; and the annual Angels Walk for Autism in partnership with Autism Society Philippines. Through The Blackout Zone, SM Cares supports the United Nations’
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly “SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities.”
SM Cares is the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, supporting initiatives focused on communities and the environment. Aside from the program on PWDs, its advocacies include Programs for the Environment, Women & Breastfeeding Mothers, Children & Youth, Senior Citizens, and the SM Bike-friendly initiative.
To learn more about these programs, visit www.smsupermalls.com/ smcares.
MANILA, Philippines – Summer is a season of mobility and logistics, as people attend outdoor events like family gatherings, festivals, concerts, and fairs. To assist with the preparations, Lalamove, the leading on-demand delivery platform, provides abot-kayang truck delivery fleet, from 1,000KG, 2,000KG to 6-wheel and 10-wheel wing van trucks, with affordable price to deliver equipment, such as lights, sounds, chairs and table, and booth materials.
In line with this, Lalamove has teamed up with Pawssion Project and Unbox Group PH as the trusted delivery partner of their events:
“We are grateful to Lalamove for their support in making our Pawchella Benefit Concert 2023 happen. Thanks to their efficient and reliable delivery services, all the necessary supplies and equipment got there on time,” said Malou Perez, PAWSsion Project Foundation Inc. Founder. “We look forward to having more partnership with Lalamove and making a difference together in providing a better life for animals in need.”
Unbox Con 2023 is a gathering of Filipino collectors, sneakerheads, and hobbyists on May 20-21 at the SMX Convention Center. Lalamove will provide logistics assistance to mount the event , as well as sameday promo codes for same-day truck deliveries to help the exhibitors present.
Unbox Group of Companies Founder and Chief Executive Officer Carlo Ople is thrilled about the partnership. He shared, “With over 200 exhibitors, Unbox Con 2023 is also in support of our SME community –not just for the community of collectors and hobbyists. That’s why this partnership with Lalamove makes sense. More than the support for the mounting of the event, this team-up
is also proof of our aim to continue to empower entrepreneurs in the Philippines.”
Lalamove Philippines Managing Director Djon Nacario remarked that Lalamove is always ready to help businesses and organizations mount their activities, and events, highly relevant to the Filipino people.
“Here in Lalamove, we believe in efficiency and easy access to logistics support, especially during peak seasons like summer,” Nacario said. “Our wide range of vehicles are gateways for event planners, and especially for business owners, to efficiently and affordably implement their operations.”
Your go-to partner for festivities and celebrations in the Philippines
Aside from these events and with 48 coverage areas throughout the country, Lalamove provides truck vehicle services that are easily accessible for popular festivities and celebrations that Filipinos love, some of which include:
• Dinengdeng Festival in La Union on May 1;
• Mandaue City Fiesta on May 9;
• Mother’s Day celebration on May 14;
• Pahiyas Festival in Quezon on May 15;
• Pintos Festival in Bogo City, Cebu on May 26 to 27
• Flores de Mayo in May; and
• Pinyasan Festival Camarines Norte on June 15 - 24
Managing and handling logistics concerns for these events will surely be a breeze through Lalamove’s on-demand delivery services. Apart from 4-wheeler trucks, Lalamove also offers motorcycles, sedans, and MPVs that can address all delivery needs with just a few taps on the app. Party planners can also carry out events with ease with Lalamove’s scheduled delivery feature.
From summer festivities to business opportunities: Lalamove offers abotkaya and reliable delivery solutionsStudent participants from Tanza National Comprehensive High School at The Blackout Zone booth at SM City Tanza The Blackout Zone opens at SM City Tanza from April 24 until May 14
20th City Council
3rd Regular Session Series of 2023
PRESENT:
Vice Mayor J. Melchor B. Quitain Jr. - Presiding Officer
Councilor Marissa S. Abella
Councilor Nilo M. Abellera Jr.
Councilor Luna Maria Dominique S. Acosta
Councilor Bai Hundra Cassandra Dominique N. Advincula
Councilor Bernard E. Al-ag
Councilor Wilberto E. Al-ag
Councilor Al Ryan S. Alejandre
Councilor Dante L. Apostol Sr.
Councilor Conrado C. Baluran
Councilor Jessica M. Bonguyan
Councilor Louie John J. Bonguyan
Councilor Pilar C. Braga
Councilor Augusto Javier G. Campos III
Councilor Jonard C. Dayap
Councilor Edgar P. Ibuyan Jr.
Councilor Richlyn N. Justol-Baguilod
Councilor Diosdado Angelo Junior R. Mahipus
Councilor Rodolfo M. Mande
Councilor Jaffar U. Marohomsalic
Councilor Bonz Andre A. Militar
Councilor Temujin B. Ocampo
Councilor Myrna G. L’Dalodo-Ortiz
Councilor Alberto T. Ungab
Councilor Lorenzo Benjamin D. Villafuerte
Councilor Trisha Ann J. Villafuerte
Councilor Jesus Joseph P. Zozobrado III
ABSENT:
Councilor Edgar R. Ibuyan Sr. - OB- Attended the Liga ng mga Barangay National Executive Board (NEB) Meeting/Assembly in Manila
ORDINANCE NO. 0155-23 Series of 2023
AN ORDINANCE GRANTING PERSONS WITH DISABILITY, WITH DULY ISSUED IDENTIFICATION CARDS BY THE CITY GOVERNMENT OF DAVAO, FREE MOVIE PRIVILEGE TO ALL CINEMAS IN THE CITY OF DAVAO
Be it ordained by the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Davao City in session assembled, that:
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE – This Ordinance shall be known as the “Persons with Disability Free Movie Privilege Ordinance”.
SECTION 2. DEFINITION OF TERMS – For purposes of this Ordinance, the following terms are defined:
2.1 Persons with Disability (PWDs) are defined by Republic Act No. 7277 or the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons as persons suffering from restriction of different abilities, as a result of a mental, physical or sensory impairment, to perform an activity in the manner or within the range considered normal for a human being. An impairment is any loss, diminution or aberration of psychological, physiological, or anatomical structure of function. Disability shall mean (1) physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more psychological, physiological or anatomical function of an individual or activities of such individual; (2) a record of such an impairment; or (3) being regarded as having such an impairment.
Persons designated by law as PWDs, such as Cancer Survivors pursuant to Republic Act No. 11215 or the National Integrated Cancer Control Act, persons with Rare Diseases under Republic Act No. 10747 or the Rare Diseases Act of the Philippines, and other related laws shall be considered as PWDs.
2.2 A Cinema or Movie theater is a venue, usually a building or located within malls, that contains seating for an audience for the purpose of public entertainment. It is a commercial operation that plays films or movies for paying customers.
2.3 PWD Identification Card (PWD ID) refers to the official Identification Cards issued by the City Government of Davao to persons classified as PWDs. It shall bear the name, picture and type of disability of the PWD;
2.4 Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) refers to a company’s voluntary commitment to conduct business in an ethical way, and to contribute to the development of society and the local community.
SECTION 3. GUIDELINES AND REGULATIONS – The following acts shall be observed in the implementation of this Ordinance:
3.1 FREE MOVIE PRIVILEGE. Persons with Disability with duly issued PWD IDs shall enjoy the privilege of free movie access to any film of their choice, in a cinema or movie theater. The free movie privilege shall be non-transferable and may only be availed of by the PWD. If the PWD cannot personally transact with cinema personnel, he/she may be represented by his/her companion for transaction purposes, provided, they are present during the transaction. Cinemas or cinema operators must strictly implement a “NO PWD ID, NO ENTRY” policy. The PWD must also present his/her movie pass booklet upon entry.
The free movie privilege only applies to regular movie screenings, excluding special cinemas such as Dolby Atmos, IMAX Theaters, Director’s Club, and 3D and 4D theaters. For blockbuster films, the free movie privilege may only be availed of during its second week. The said privilege does not extend to screenings for special events such as sponsored movie premiers, pay-per-view shows, and the like.
3.2 MOVIE PASS BOOKLET. The Persons with Disabilities Affairs Office (PDAO) shall issue availing PWDs with a Movie Pass Booklet. The said booklet shall contain the serial number, PWDs full name, photo, address, PWD ID number, and signature. The booklet shall also contain the dates and number of movies that the PWD may avail of during the entire year.
The movie pass booklet shall be non-transferable and must be presented by the PWD to the cinema personnel upon entry.
3.3 VERIFICATION. For purposes of verification of PWD IDs, Cinema Operators must refer to the Philippine Registry for Person with Disability Website (PRPWD). Should cinema operators wish to conduct further verification, they may also contact the Records Section of the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) at (082) 286-3689.
3.4 AVAILMENT. The free movie pass may be availed of only by PWDs registered under the City Government of Davao. They may avail of the free movie privilege once a week, every Monday, and during the first screening only. However, cinemas are not prohibited from offering the free movie privilege on additional days of the week.
The free movie pass is good for one screening only per week. Should the PWD opt to screen another movie on the scheduled free movie privilege day, they will have to pay the regular movie entrance with the 20% discount provided for under the law.
3.5 PARTICIPATING CINEMAS. On the day that PWDs may avail of the Free Movie Privilege, cinema owners or operators should allot at least 5% of the total seating capacity of the movie theater for availing PWDs.
3.6 MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT. The City Government of Davao shall enter into a Memorandum of Agreement with all cinemas, cinema owners, and cinema operators within the jurisdiction of the City of Davao upon the effectively of this Ordinance. The Memorandum of Agreement shall provide the specific day and time when the privilege may be availed of, the allotment of seats for PWDs, and the proof of identification required to be presented to avail of the free movie access in the available movie theaters of the cinema operators.
The free movie privilege granted to PWDs under this Ordinance shall be counted under the cinema’s Corporate Social Responsibility program.
3.7 MONITORING SHEET. Cinema owners and operators must provide a monthly monitoring sheet where the PWDs will register their full name, signature, and PWD ID number upon availing of the privilege.
The Monitoring Sheet shall serve as proof of compliance to this Ordinance, and must be available at any time for tracking purposes.
3.8 POSTERS AND NOTICES FOR PUBLIC AWARENESS. All cinemas within the jurisdiction of the City of Davao are required to display posters or notices on the cinema booths where cinema viewers transact to buy tickets. The posters or notices shall be written in big, legible text and shall contain the privilege of PWDs to free movie access, the date and time of screening, and the number of seats allotted for PWDs who may avail of the said access.
The posters or notices shall serve the purpose of generating public awareness of the free movie privilege of PWDs and ensuring that the provisions of this Ordinance are duly implemented.
3.9 THEATER SEATS. Cinemas shall allocate and reserve comfortable and convenient seats for PWD viewers. The reserved seats shall also be easily accessible to PWD viewers. However, PWD viewers may opt to sit anywhere aside from the reserved seats within the cinema to their liking.
PWD viewers in wheelchairs must have a designated space within the cinema, in accordance with Batas Pambansa Blg. 344 or “An Act to Enhance the Mobility of Disabled Persons by Requiring Certain Buildings, Institutions, Establishments and Public Utilities to install Facilities and Other Devices”.
SECTION 4. SCOPE AND COVERAGE – This Ordinance shall be enforced in all cinemas within the jurisdiction of the City of Davao.
SECTION 5. PENALTY – Any person who commits fraudulent means to avail of this privilege shall be penalized as follows:
5.1 First offense – a fine of Two Thousand Pesos (PhP 2,000.00);
5.2 Second offense – a fine of Three Thousand Pesos (PhP 3,000.00);
5.3 Third offense – a fine of Five Thousand Pesos (PhP 5,000.00).
If the violation under Section 5 is committed through fraudulent means, s such as falsification of a PWD ID, the offender shall also be punished in a accordance with the provisions of the Revised Penal Code (RPC).
Cinema operators or personnel who encounter violators of this Ordinance under Section 5 may report to the nearest police station.
SECTION 6. ORDINANCE VIOLATION RECEIPT OR CITATION TICKET. – An Ordinance Violation Receipt, otherwise known as a “Citation Ticket” shall be issued to the violators of this Ordinance. The Citation Ticket shall state the name and address of the violators, the specific violation committed and the provisions of the succeeding Section on the “No Contest Provision”.
If the violation of this Ordinance be deemed to have been committed by a corporation, partnership or juridical entity, duly recognized in accordance with law, the chief executive officer, president, general manager, managing partner, or such other officer-in-charge, if known, shall be cited for the commission of the offense.
SECTION 7. NO CONTEST PROVISION – Any person cited for violation of this Ordinance, who does not wish to contest the violation and is willing to pay voluntarily the fine imposed upon him or her under the Ordinance prior to the filing of a formal complaint before the Office of the City Prosecutor shall be allowed to pay said fine with the City Treasurer’s Office to avoid being criminally prosecuted. The availment of the “No Contest Provision” shall exempt an individual from criminal liability under this Ordinance.
For this purpose, the City Legal Office and the City Treasurer’s Office shall provide the procedure for the availment of the “No Contest Provision” and establish a case inventory and recording system for all violations of this Ordinance.
Provided, that if a violator has already availed of the “No Contest Provision,” he or she can no longer avail of the same and the corresponding complaint for any violation of this Ordinance shall be immediately filed.
SECTION 8. TRANSITORY PROVISION – Within a period of six (6) months after the enactment of this Ordinance, the executive must release the Implementing Rules and Regulations for the execution of this Ordinance.
SECTION 9. REPEALING CLAUSE – The provisions of any ordinance, resolution, order, rules and regulations that are inconsistent with this Ordinance are hereby repealed, modified or amended accordingly.
SECTION 10. SEPARABILITY CLAUSE – If for any reason, any section or provision of this Ordinance shall be declared unconstitutional or invalid, no other sections or provisions shall be affected thereby.
SECTION 11. EFFECTIVITY – This Ordinance shall take effect after thirty (30) days following its approval and publication in a newspaper of local circulation consistent with the provisions of the Local Government Code.
ENACTED, on the 24th day of January 2023, by a unanimous vote of all the Members of the Sanggunian, there being a quorum.
CERTIFIED CORRECT:
ATTESTED:
J. MELCHOR B. QUITAIN JR. Vice Mayor Presiding Officer cns/markATTESTED:
The best player of his generation should have nothing to prove. And yet Golden State always seem to end up standing in his way.
In his 20th NBA season LeBron James has officially reached the ageist chapter of his hero’s journey.
Since passing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to become the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, the 38-year-old hasn’t been able to take a dribble without being declared the oldest to do this or that, as his son literally waits in the wings to take up his father’s mantle. But nothing plagues the elder James quite like the Golden State Warriors, a royal pain that simply refuses to go away.
King James surely winced when the defending champions outlasted Sacramento in Game 7 of their playoff series to set up a showdown with his Lakers, which starts on Tuesday night.
Already, fan conspiracy theorists are hinting at Adam Silver’s invisible hand.
This heavyweight fight between sixth-seeded Golden State and the No 7 Lakers isn’t just mega for the Western Con-
ference second round; it will hijack the NBA playoffs for the next two weeks. The legacies at stake alone are enormous.
Recall: in 2018 the Warriors swept James out of the NBA finals for the third time in his august career, sweet revenge that came just two years after James made the 73-9 Warriors a laughing stock for blowing a 3-1 finals lead while delivering on his championship promise to Cleveland.
And even though both parties managed to summit the mountain again without getting in the other’s way – James won his fourth title in 2020 with the Lakers two years after his lowkey free-agent signing, while Golden State beat Boston in the NBA finals last year to keep the sun from setting on their dynasty – there was scant reason to believe the prevailing powers of the past 16 NBA seasons would be drawn into another battle royale.
Mindanao top qualifier Jose Maria Colleges Kings began its drive for a ticket to the big stage when they clash with Colegio de Sta. Ana de Victorias of Iloilo City in the 2023 PCCL (Philippine Collegiate Champions League)-Escandor Cup Visayas-Mindanao Finals on Tuesday (May 2, 2023) at the Davao City Recreation Center (Almendras Gym).
CSAV was leading 32-29 with 4:17 left in the second quarter as of presstime.
JMC earned its ticket to the Vis-Min Finals after beating Liceo de Cagayan University of Cagayan de Oro, 70-63 in the Mindanao Finals last Sunday (April 30).
The JMC Kings under the tutelage of Dodong Cagampang along with assistants Nick Serafica, Allan Josol and Roy Josol is parading a roster composed of Rico Quiamco, Braebon Thompson, Arvie Jay Poyos, Pat-
rick Torejas, Kim Montana, Ian Gaslang, Jay Bularon, Benette Mendiola, Joshua Morado, Kent Guibay, Christer Catarong, Julius Olivar, Wayne Gementiza, Harold Cayunda and Rey Yorac.
SBP regional director Glen Escandor presided over the ceremonial toss while SBP regional operations head Ronel Leuterio awarded the champion trophy after the match.
The champion team in the Vis-Min Finals will get to play in the PCCL National Finals.
