Mindanao Times, June 1-2, 2022

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OPINION Can Baste do a PRRD? BY VIC N. SUMALINOG

Scan me for digital copy

on PAGE 6 VOL. 74

NO. 657

JUNE 01, & 02, 2022

DAVAO CITY - PHILIPPINES

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PERSONNEL from the Davao City Police Office flag down vehicles at the checkpoint in Ulas as part of the heightened security measures following the series of bombings in South-Central Mindanao. BING GONZALES

All of DavNor • Okay on bill to expand Davao Light’s area hailed BY CARMELITO Q. FRANCISCO

LOCAL officials and other groups in Davao del Norte have welcomed the congressional approval that expands the franchise area of Davao Light and Power Co. to the rest of the province. This was after the power company. Davao Light to service all Senate on Monday voted The proposal, if ap- the remaining towns and to include the rest of the proved by President Rodri- cities of the province as it province under the Aboitiz go R. Duterte, would allow has been servicing Panabo

w w w. m i n d a n a o t i m e s . c o m . p h

City, Sto. Tomas, Carmen and Braulio Dujali since 1976. At present, the North Davao Electric Cooperative (Nordeco), formerly the Davao del Norte Electric

Mindanao Times

Cooperative (Daneco), services the remaining areas of the province as well as Davao de Oro, which was carved out of the province in 1998 and was initially named Compostela Valley.

@mindanaotimes

Among those who posted the approval of the proposal on their respective social media pages were Davao del Norte Gov. Edwin I. Jubahib ( / ALL / 5) mindanaotimes


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News

MINDANAO TIMES

JUNE 01, & 02, 2022

DEPARTMENT of Health XI Assistant Regional Director Gerna Manatad says the COVID-19 status in the region is at low risk as there were only 31 cases recorded from May 23-29, during the Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Davao on Monday. At left is Philippine Information Agency XI acting regional director Fryan Abkilan. BING GONZALES

Security measures imposed BY RHODA GRACE B. SARON

THE Davao City Police Office (DCPO) has come up with a program that tightens the security of the city following the recent bombings in South Central Mindanao. Colonel Alberto Lupaz, ginawa ng DCPO because measures sa mga places of city police director, said of the fact that every now convergence, sa mga govthe Davao Defense System and then we receive reports ernment facilities through is a program that covers of bombings in our nearby overt and covert acts. I operational and tactical provinces, especially in mean may mga police na approaches that include Central Mindanao," he nakauniform na nakabantay securing the borders, sur- said. and meron ding nakasiveillance and other posHe said the program bilyan," he added. sible strategies to preempt ensures that checkpoints On top of these, the attacks by terrorist groups. are on heightened alert by DCPO chief added that “Right after we re- ensuring that operations are citizen reports of suspicious ceived that report na naay unhampered. objects are to be taken even bombing, unya nakita pud Other measures within more seriously. nato sa mga video clips Oplan DDS, according LuHe said that the city na naay nibuto na bus, we paz, include the enhance- police have been receiving immediately implemented ment of monitoring efforts more of these reports due ‘Oplan DDS’ … Davao in public spaces. to the heightened vigilance Defense Sytem. Actually, "We are also main- of Dabawenyos, which he matagal na yan na Oplan na taining active security ( / SECURITY / 5)

Motive in murder of cop still unknown: probers

INVESTIGATORS have been looking for close to solve the killing of a police officer in Barangay New Visayas, Matanao Davao del Sur Tuesday morning. The Davao Police Regional Office 11 identified the victim as Patrolman Hariz Jhun M. Adayo, 26, married, and assigned at the Don Marcelino Municipal Police Station.

Based on the report, the victim was riding a motorcycle on the way to Hagonoy from his home in Cadena de Amor St Población 1, Bansalan when someone on another motorcycle shot him several times. Investigators said the killer used a .45 caliber pistol in killing the victim. The killer immediately (

/ MOTIVE / 5)

VS. VIRUS

Agency continues focus on providing vaccines

THE Department of Health has continued its focus on luring more people to get vaccinated against COVID-19, especially the senior citizens and other priority groups. Health Assistant Regional Director said Monday that as of May about 71.6% of the priority groups have been provided with shots against the virus. "We also have a very good performance in terms

of protecting the senior citizens in different municipalities. We have (the) data that many municipalities have reached beyond 70 percent among senior citizens that are vaccinated," she said, adding that this group must be protected from the severe effect of the infection. She pointed out the collaboration of the office and the local government units in ensuring that the priority

groups are immediately inoculated. This developed as she expressed her gratitude to the medical workers, particularly the frontliners who have been doing their best to provide care to those that need it. "*(Because of) the courage of frontliners we are also able to accelerate the systems that need to be accelerated,” she added. By Rhoda Grace B. Saron

House urged to form group against smugglers MANILA – The Department of the Trade and Industry (DTI) and Department of Agriculture (DA) on Tuesday urged the House of Representatives to pass a bill institutionalizing the interagency Sub Task Group on Economic Intelligence (STGEI) to go after profiteers, price manipulators, hoarders and

smugglers. During the House Committee on Agriculture and Food's hearing on the perennial problem of agricultural commodity smuggling in the country, DTI Undersecretary Ruth Castelo and DA Secretary William Dar said the subtask group is crucial to pursue agricultural intel-

ligence on smuggling. The subtask group consists of the DA, in collaboration with the DTI and other related government agencies. However, Dar and Castelo pointed out that the subtask group is only temporary with insufficient personnel and funding. “This started last year

when we created the IATF (Inter Agency Task Force) on Food Security and the establishment of this STGEI is part of it. The [STGEI] has no regular budget, even the department has no regular budget for anti-smuggling (campaigns)," Dar said. The STGEI was ini(

/ HOUSE / 5)


Business

MINDANAO TIMES

Farmers’ productivity up 15.6% in 2021, say

JUNE 01, & 02, 2022

THE average yield of palay farmers during the dry season has increased from 3.65 tons per hectare (t/ha) to 4.22 t/ha as a result of the implementation of the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL) in 2019 to 2021. In the wet season, the other types of assistance, as billion RCEF budget, P3 average yield rose from mandated under the land- billion is allotted for the 3.69 t/ha in 2019 to 4.03 t/ mark measure. free distribution of inbred ha in 2021, or by 9.2 perUnder the RTL or Re- certified seeds. cent, based on data released public Act (RA) No. 11203, Another P5 billion is by the Department of Agri- tariffs collected from rice allotted to the free distribuculture (DA). imports starting from when tion of farm machinery and The increase followed this reform took effect on equipment, and P1 billion the release of financial and March 5, 2019, shall go each for credit support and technical resources from to the Rice Competitive- training of farmers and a P10-billion annual fund ness Enhancement Fund extension. for the distribution of high- (RCEF). ( / FARMER'S / 11) yielding rice seeds, among Of the yearly P10-

CebuPac ramps up domestic network

THE Philippines’ leading airline, Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB), continues to pave the way for the recovery of the local travel and tourism industry by ramping up its domestic route network,

Company awards contracts For Pangasinan solar project ABOITIZ Power Corporation (AboitizPower), through PV Sinag Power, Inc., a special purpose vehicle of its subsidiary, Aboitiz Renewables, Inc. (ARI), recently entered into Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) agreements for its 159-MWp Laoag and Laoag 2 solar power project in Barangay Laoag, Aguilar, Pangasinan. The EPC contracts were awarded to SUMEC Complete Equipment and Engineering Co., Ltd. (SUMEC Engineering) and Hansei Corporation for DC and AC, respectively.

SUMEC specializes in EPC contracting for both international and domestic markets, while Hansei Corporation is a Philippine-based EPC and Operation and Maintenance (O&M) company and contractor for electric power transmission, distribution and substation utilities services that support the global initiatives towards renewable energy. The said project will be AboitizPower’s second solar venture in the province, following the Cayanga Solar power plant in the town of Bugallon, and is targeted for

Globe network logs 2M devices In first quarter GLOBE has logged over two million devices in its 5G network as of endMarch this year, ahead of target, showing that many customers are already enjoying the higher speed, lower latency, and more reliable data service that the new technology brings. At least 96% of the National Capital Region and 85% of key cities in Visayas and Mindanao now have Globe 5G outdoor coverage. The digital solutions platform has also allocated a large portion of the P89 billion in capital expenditures this year to roll out more 5G sites and in-building solutions, upgrade more cell towers to 4G LTE, add more 4G cell sites, and lay down more

fiber to the home lines. This buildup is part of Globe’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which highlights how infrastructure and innovation are key in driving economic growth and development under SDG No. 9. “We anticipate higher 5G device penetration among our customers this year with the continuous expansion of 5G coverage in the country and the release of more affordable handsets,” said Ernest Cu, Globe President and CEO. For more people to benefit from 5G, Globe has made several entry-level and mid-range 5G models available for free if sub(

/ GLOBE / 10)

commercial operations by June 2023. Majority of the plant’s output is already contracted for 20 years to a leading retail company in the Philippines. Once completed, the project is expected to generate approximately 261 GWh of clean energy annually, equivalent to the yearly power consumption of around 100,000 average Filipino households. ARI Executive Director David J. Smith shared, “Here at ARI, we are excited for this incredible journey ahead with our second solar project in Pangasinan. It marks another

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significant milestone of our increasing renewable energy portfolio in support of the country’s energy transition to more environmentally sustainable sources.” “This project is proof that AboitizPower is well underway in terms of our renewable energy growth ambitions. We look forward to its completion so we can continue to serve our country’s growing needs with zero-emissions renewable energy, and contribute to achieving a sustainable energy transition,” said AboitizPower President and Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel V. Rubio.

enabling more Juans to safely, affordably, and easily fly across its widest Philippine network. CEB has restored 100% of its pre-pandemic capacity right in time for

the summer season as it added more flights across its seven hubs in the Philippines – Manila, Cebu, Clark, Cagayan de Oro, Davao, Iloilo and Kalibo – (

/ CEBUPAC / 11)

BDO Securities named as best PH retail broker BDO Securities was declared the Best Retail Broker in the Philippines at the recently held 15th Annual Alpha Southeast Asia Best Financial Institution Awards 2021. BDO Securities is a full-service, multi-product securities distribution house, and a wholly-owned subsidiary of BDO Unibank’s investment banking arm BDO Capital & Investment Corporation.

Commenting on the win, Alpha Southeast Asia said BDO Securities’ leading position as a retail broker on the Philippine Stock Exchange is undisputed. As one of the leading brokers in the local industry, its average volume turnover during the pandemic is Php 20 Billion. It posted a higher percentage of the fast growing retail volume, with a 2-year compound annual (

/ BDO / 10)

CARD MBA opens 81st PO To further extend the reach of affordable microinsurance in the country, CARD Mutual Benefit Association (CARD MBA) opens its 81st Provincial Office in El Nido, Palawan on May 2, 2022. CARD MBA CEO Jocelyn D. Dequito attended the office’s opening via Zoom. During her speech, she mentioned looking forward to what potential members from El Nido, Palawan can experience as part of the Association. “With our 81st PO established; we are giving more than 40,000 members the access to affordable insurance products. Combine that with our 8-24 strategy that aims to release their claims withing 8 to 24 hours of application, our members will be able to feel the security of microinsurance that they deserve,” she said. Located at Sitio Pasto, Brgy. Villa Libertad, the office is now opened to cater to CARD MRI’s members, clients, and staff, to accommodate their transactions. CARD MBA Coordinators, members of CARD MRI who help CARD

MBA with the insurance of their co-members, can submit filed insurance claims validated claims to the office to improve the claims’ processing. Members may also head to the provincial office to get

their claims. Here, they can also ask and avail other insurance products that fit their financial plans. Products such as the Basic Life Insurance and Retirement Fund are available for members of CARD MRI.

CARD MBA’s Palawan 2 P.O is the third provincial office opened for 2022 and will primarily serve the 41,883 clients of the Center for Agriculture and Rural Development (CARD), Inc. (A Microfinance NGO).

In the photos are (L to R): Unit Manager Dencio Cabanes, Microinsuranse Supervisor Marilyn Antioquia, Unit Manager Francisco Silo, Senior Operations Director Oliver Reyes, Father Jose Eddie Peñafel, Provincial Manager Eunice Grace Quiocson, Unit Manager Marjorie Bernal, Senior Regional Director Jowie Guevarra, Provincial Manager Jonah Mosqueda, with MBA coordinators Chona Ponce de Leon, Coro Marie Garcia, Mary Grace Gabuco, Rosela Martinito and Claims Officer Caroline Nagal.


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MINDANAO TIMES

Community

FILIPINOS love weddings! Perhaps it’s because of the romantic in us and these have a way of bringing families and friend together. While many still prefer traditional weddings, new concepts like destination weddings and ready two wear bridal gowns have become popular in recent years. Weddings have become more intimate occasions attended by only immediate family members during the past two years because of the pandemic. But with the recent easing of restrictions, we see couples planning grander ones closer to their dream weddings. Whether you’re planning a simple or grand ceremony, you can still walk down the aisle in style with Kultura’s Selebrasyon collection. There are beautifully designed bridal gowns and barongs - traditional or reinvented for modern brides and grooms – and marked by the elegant craftsmanship of our local designers and artisans. All of these can also be worn by entourage, sponsors, and guests. Brides-to-be will love Kultura’s exquisite Filipiniana embroidered, beaded, or hand painted ensembles. There are exquisite gowns that will make walking down the aisle breathtaking when worn with delicate veils from the store. For the modern bride, there are pieces like terno sleeved tops that can be mixed and matched with silk pants and long skirts. Grooms can choose from Kultura’s selection of elegant barongs in Piña Silk, Silk Cocoon, Cotton Silk, Or-

JUNE 01, & 02, 2022

gandy, and Jusi materials with intricate embroidery details. Favors, tablescape dining accessories, entourage gifts, and decors are also available making Kultura a one-stop shop for your Filipino-themed wedding. Check out Kultura’s Selebrasyon Wedding Collection in store, online or thru call to deliver for all your Filipinothemed wedding needs. Kultura ships here and abroad.

Sky completes digitization of Internet, cable in Zambo City SKY announced today that it has completed digitization of its facilities in Zamboanga City to deliver upgraded cable and fiber internet services for Zamboangueños. “Our customers deserve to experience the best of SKY’s services, no matter where they are in the country. Moreover, it’s vital for the flourishing city of Zamboanga to have access to quality cable and internet, which are main sources of information and entertainment these days,” said Allan Fernandez, SKY’s business unit cluster head for Mindanao. With the digitization in Zamboanga completed, SKY has accomplished digitization of all SKY serviceable areas in Mindanao, which also include other cities like Davao and General Santos.

Fernandez added, “We are committed to providing the best customer service and relevant products to all our SKY Kapamilyas. With the digitization complete, we’ll be focusing our efforts on ensuring all our customers in Mindanao are satisfied with our products and services. We’re also constantly studying and exploring areas where we can expand to make quality and affordable cable & fiber internet services more accessible in the country.” With SKY’s digitization efforts, residents now have access to digital cable TV that allows them to avail more channels and watch with high-definition (HD) resolution via SKYcable. For as low as P500/month, they can already subscribe to 57 standard definition channels and

13 high-definition channels. Existing SKYcable subscribers are treated with free SKY HD boxes so they can immediately experience HD cable entertainment. Customers can also enjoy next-level entertainment when they avail of the SKY Evo digibox as an add-on to their plans. It provides seamless access to streaming apps like HBO GO, Viu, VivaMax, YouTube, and Spotify; and has the ability to download over 5,000 apps on Google Play Store. Now that the city is fully-digitized, Zamboangueños can subscribe to any of SKY Fiber’s new plans, as compared to previous offerings which were limited up to 120Mbps speed only. SKY Fiber’s Super Speed Plans provide “swak” options for households needing fiber-fast internet connection at a price that suits their budget. Some SKY Fiber plans even include free WiFi Mesh device (number of units depends on the chosen plan) to ensure seamless connection anywhere in the home. Customers can choose from the most affordable 20Mbps Plan (P999/month) up to the fastest plan with up to 200Mbps speed (P3,499/month). And with SKY Fiber’s ongoing promo, speed of select plans are boosted up to 50% more for free so that subscribers can experience faster speeds at no added cost. Subscribers can enjoy this special treat until July 31. Those interested to subscribe to SKY may opt to bundle their cable and internet subscription together with their Unli Broadband + HD Cable TV Plans. The 40Mbps Plan for P1,699/month provides a suitable speed for your internet needs and a SKY Evo digibox with several SD and HD channels to complete your home entertainment.


JUNE 01, & 02, 2022

ALL...

MINDANAO TIMES

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and Mayor Al David Uy of the Island Garden City of Samal. Both officials thanked Congress for the action as Jubahib, in a statement sent to the Inquirer, said: “This bill represents the dreams and aspirations of Davao del Norte -- world class service and cheap electricity for our people. This is critical to our economic growth and the convenience of our people. “The provincial government of Davao del Norte will welcome Davao Light and we will work closely with them in providing the service the people of Davao del Norte deserve,” he said. On the other hand, Uy said the proposal “is the turning point in the history of Samal Island when we can now start fully realizing our potential as a tourism and investment destination. “Our poor power supply and poor power infrastructure have held us back and caused a lot of suffering to our people. Now we can look forward to a brighter future and the local

SECURITY...

nila ‘no. Unlike before when the people were not educated about the culture of security, wala silang pakialam. So mas conscious ang mga tao karon, mas matured at mas na-educate sila because of a series of activities conducted by the PNP and army and Task

Force Davao," Lupaz said. The DCPO is currently coordinating with the City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO) and Task Force Davao to ensure that temporary restrictions on the movement of passenger buses within Davao City are maintained.

the Davao Sur Provincial Hospital where he died

while being attended to. By Rhoda Grace B. Saron

requirements. “May we ask you Mr. Secretary [Dar] to submit the framework of the existing task group, personnel needed, and the budgetary requirements of the sub task force, we will take that into consideration to strengthen the task force against agricultural smuggling,” Enverga said. The committee tackled House Resolution 2282, filed by MAGSASAKA party-list Rep. Argel Joseph Cabatbat, to look into the state of border inspection and its facilities, food safety regulations, and the perennial problem of agricultural commodity smuggling. Benguet legislative care taker Rep. Eric Go Yap expressed his full support to HR 2282 and vowed to pursue the matter in the incoming 19th Congress to prosecute vegetable smugglers. “The entry and distri-

bution of smuggled vegetables hurdles our endeavor to empower our local farmers and to achieve selfsufficiency,” Yap said. He said illegally imported vegetables have prompted Benguet farmers to lower farmgate prices and forced them to throw away harvested produce. During the hearing, Cabatbat followed up on the Cambridge Consumers Cooperative’s complaint about the alleged extortion and refusal to release shipment containers by some Bureau of Plant and Industry personnel. He also cited the 7,871 metric tons of onions that were illegally released without a valid importation permit. Enverga urged the DA to take action regarding their questionable personnel and pledged to take up the issue in the next Congress. (PNA)

(from page 2)

left the place while rescuers brought the victim to

HOUSE...

The approval of the proposal would be crucial for Samal city because its source of power from the grid would be nearer at just about one kilometer through a cable system attached to the grid through the Davao Light transmission system. However, instead of improving the cable system attached to the Davao Light, Nordeco announced last year that it was pushing for the construction of a 15-kilometer transmission system between the island city and Maco in Davao de Oro which would cost about P1.8 billion. The announcement came about even as the Energy Regulatory Commission said it has not approved its implementation. Also welcoming the approval of the proposal was the DavNor Modernization Movement, a consumer group in the province. In thanking the legislators, Ave Rose Castillo, convenor of the group, the move would lead the power

(from page 2)

credited to the efforts of the PNP and the Armed Forces to promote a culture of security within the city. “I am very happy with the culture of security implemented here in Davao City. Kasi, every now and then makakita ng mga bag … talagang nirereoport

MOTIVE...

government unit is ready to work with Davao Light in giving the service our people deserve,” Uy said. During the public hearing, Davao Light officials assured the two Houses of Congress that the company would ensure that rates in its franchise area will be uniform and that it would heavily invest in infrastructure facilities. The comparative data between the two utilities showed that the cooperative collects about P4 more per kilowatt-hour compared with what Davao Light is collecting. Davao Light also assured to improve the rural electrification of the province which at present is at 68%, while its franchise area is at 99%. Electric cooperatives are supposed to reinvest their margin in rural electrification, but outgoing Mayor Allan Rellon questioned Nordeco’s efforts on this aspect as he claimed that it was the city government which set aside funds for the purpose.

(from page 2)

tially created to go after unscrupulous traders, viajeros, and wholesalers, who have unreasonably jacked up the prices of hogs and pork, hovering at more than PHP400 per kilogram (kg) that persisted even beyond the 2020 Christmas season. Castelo, who is part of the STGEI, seized a total of PHP600 million worth of smuggled agricultural products during at least 17 operations since the body's formation last year. “Even DTI Secretary [Ramon] Lopez has actually agreed to release funds to STGEI but there is no way that we can because of the audit rules. We cannot release funding even if we want it,” Castelo said. House Committee on Agriculture and Food chair Mark Enverga requested the DTI and DA to submit to Congress their formal proposal and the necessary documents regarding personnel and budgetary

consumer of the province to “experience the electrical services we need and deserve in order to power our homes, businesses, and industries. This is the turning point the residents of Davao del Norte have been clamoring for, and this is what Davao del Norte needs to move forward to progress.” “The people of Davao del Norte are grateful to both the House of Representatives and the Senate for giving us this chance to start over and create the best version of our province,” said Castillo as she also thanked local officials who worked to push for the approval of the bill. Aside from the group, other organizations that have supported the bill include the Davao del Norte Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Tagum City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Samal Island Tourism Council, the Samal City Resort Owners Association, the Hugpong Manggama sa Isla, the Samal and the United Association of Tricycle Operators and Drivers of Samal. However, Castillo earlier said that her group was dismayed when the Senate dropped Maco from the proposal after officials of

Davao de Oro opposed it even as its officials also passed a resolution supporting its inclusion. Maco is a town in Davao de Oro which is next to Tagum City, the capital of Tagum City, the capital of Davao del Norte. Castillo, however, said her group is confident the “newly-elected provincial leadership (of Davao de Oro) will not let politics prevent Davao de Oro and its people from enjoying cheaper electricity and better service.” Castillo also questioned the implementation of the Maco-Samal transmission system as she hopes that the bridge connecting Davao City and Samal, if built within the incoming administration, would become the backbone for the transmission system. The call for Davao Light to take over the Nordeco franchise area has long been pushed, but it started to snowball when the cooperative suffered due to an internal squabble among its officials. In 2012, one faction in the cooperative pushed for its separation from the National Electrification Administration (NEA), the government body that

supervises electric cooperatives, and sought that it be placed under the Cooperative Development Authority. The internal conflict resulted in a legal battle as the two sides started outdoing its other in all activities, including in the collection of electric dues. While the legal conflict was raging, its debt to its suppliers also started to balloon that in 2018, it was reported that its debt reached P2.1 billion that one company even stopped supplying power to the cooperative as its debt to the company hit P256 million. Upon assumption to the presidency in 2016, President Duterte immediately constituted a body that would oversee its operations which eventually resulted in the change of name to Nordeco. The courts also voted in favor of the group that stuck with the NEA. The leader of the team who eventually became the general manager of the cooperative, Mario Angelo Sotto, last year claimed the cooperative has improved its services as well as slowly paid its debts, although it has yet to release the official figure. Sotto died in January.


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Opinion

MINDANAO TIMES

JUNE 01, & 02, 2022

Can Baste do a PRRD?

Buy one take none MY family and I were once again at the mall over the weekend to get some stuff for the house. As was the usual, we would go our separate ways for a bit, to get what was on our personal lists and then meet up later. In less than an hour, we could either be at the cahier’s counter or at a certain fave watering hole for light snacks. It’s at these spots where we’d pow-wow and share whatever, they be interesting things we’ve seen so far, friends and people we might have met or any small incident that might have caught our fancy out from the ordinary. At least, the routine takes a significant bit out of the bore in going aisle to aisle and pushing an old cart with non-cooperative wheels. Anyways, during one such snack break, the mum joked about a buy-one-take-one bottle of disinfectant she had wanted to buy but didn’t get, because the bottle was the last one on the shelf. The sign should have read: buy one, take what, I quipped. She kidded the saleslady; couldn’t you just take it off the shelf? The supervisor’s decision ma’am, not ours. Strict-strict naman, this mall. When it came to priced-down items and other bargains, hands-down, the mum’s our solitary expert. And almost always, she would get our attention or text us to come huddle for a moment at wherever she was, and check out what she’s discovered. It could either be a shirt or any piece of clothing we needed to look-see and might be interested in buying or something for the house or the car that we might want. In short, anything under the mall roof that was on sale. This was just another amazing asset of our lone lady of the house: her strict and narrowed-down criCorrespondents:

Published by Mindanao Times Corporation, with Editorial and Business Offices at Ponciano Reyes cor. Palma Gil St., Davao City. Telephone numbers (082)227-3252 or 227-9535 local 24 and 300-0854, Fax - (082)225-0309. Publisher:

JESUS G. DUREZA Editor-in-Chief:

AMALIA B. CABUSAO Managing Editor:

CARMELITO Q. FRANCISCO Associate Editor:

JOEL B. ESCOVILLA

RHODA GRACE B. SARON SAMANTHA BURGOS NICOLE BURLAS WARREN ELIJAH VALDEZ

teria for purchases. As much as possible, the items we get to buy should preferably be on sale, should be on the grocery list and last but not least, should really be needed in the household. No compulsive buying for her. Too bad for that lone bottle of alcohol disinfectant, it should have made the cut. As for myself, the lone senior in this trinity, the weekend grocery runs double up as my welcome breaks that keep the old legs from atrophying. Mind you, in the old days which only seemed years ago, they could run and slide with ease on the tennis courts. Now, its owner is in constant search of the softest and most comfy insoles that, not only are with memory foam but also with massage quality dimples that remind the feet to stay awake. Sadly, none such exist as yet. Because of this, the weekend sortie always ends as pathetically as the previous other. While my son and the mum hurries off to the car in the underground parking space with all the heavier grocery bags, I’m always last in our family race that eventually leads to and beings us home."Life is good"

EDITORS’ NOTE:

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VIC N. SUMALINOG ATTY. CAESAR EUROPA LORETO D. TINITIGAN DR. ALAND MIZELL ED R. FERNANDEZ ADRIAN M. TAMAYO JOAN MAE S. BANTAYAN ICOY SAN PEDRO

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LYNETTE VIDA

Philippine Press Institute member

We have no doubt that two of the most prominent infrastructure projects of the outgoing Duterte administration in Davao City are the Toril-Matina Aplaya-Sta. Ana-Tibungco Coastal Highway, and the Bunawan-Tigatto-Matina Biao-Sirawan By-pass road with a tunnel component in it. As is frequently reported by our former media colleague and now Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) XI spokesperson Dean Ortiz a substantial portion of the coastal road is already completed and in fact allowed for the public to stroll. On the other hand, the By-pass road surface portion is undergoing construction as well as the tunnel component is also being bored at both its northern and southern approaches. Of course both big ticket projects already have its budget. But this does not mean that a possibility that their implementation will be “slowed” down under the new administration would not occur. It all depends on what would be the next administration’s top priority. Perhaps the only guaranty that there will be no stoppage in the project implementation is the apparent close team-up between Davaoena Vice President Sara Duterte and elected President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. Also Marcos Jr. is not likely to forget that it was only President Rodrigo Duterte who had the guts to allow the late former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. to be buried in the Libingan ng mga Bayani despite the noisy protest of Aquino fanatics. With this in mind we are positive the two major projects will be completed in due time. It is another story though as far as the Mindanao Railway Project which the Duterte administration tried its best to work out. Until now, the last month of Duterte at the helm of the national government, not a single railway track has been laid. We even doubt if the Department of Transportation has started the process of acquiring right-of-way for the rails’ route. As to the Davao mainland-Samal Island City bridge, for now the project remains a monumental failure as far as settling issues affecting its implementation. But with its perspective posted on social media we can only dream as big as we can. Who knows the Marcos Jr. administration will do a Marcos Sr. when the latter maneuvered to stomp all opposition to the construction of the first Mactan-Cebu bridge sometime at the onset of the 1970s. ***************************** Talking of infrastructure one locally initiated project which could have given top-of-the-line facilities for the city’s athletes is the mothballed astrodome along C.P. Garcia Diversion Highway in the borders of Barangays Ma-a and Langub. The huge sports structure stands on a donated property by the Uy family of Tagum. The sports structure was started during the administration of then City Mayor Benjamin de Guzman. The purpose of the donation revolved on one single condition; and that is to have a sophisticated sports facility on the donated land erected Of course the city then, perhaps for lack of funds, or simply exercising a business-like strategy of borrowing money from the bank and pays the indebtedness from the income that the dome will derive, proceeded with the construction of the astrodome with money coming from the proceeds of a loan from Land Bank. The facility was about to be completed and was in fact ready for the installation of its air-conditioning system. But it was overtaken by another election and then Mayor De Guzman was defeated by then come-backing mayoral candidate Rodrigo Duterte. The project was reviewed and new issues surfaced. The one with the most telling blow against the Astrodome project was its alleged sitting on an area where a fault line passes underneath. And there is no doubt that safety of people’s lives cannot be compromised. Of course there may have some other considerations in the project’s stoppage. And local politics could have been “it”. Yet again, as to the issue of having constructed the multimillion infrastructure in an area with a fault-line underneath, almost 20 years have passed and several strong earthquake incidents, the structure remains standing. Apparently the integrity of the building foundation appears to have held on. The reported fault had not given way despite the strong quakes. With this in mind may be the new mayor will also have the guts to review the issues behind the stoppage of the project and do the necessary in order that the city-paid infrastructure can be put to use even if it will not be solely for sports purposes. After all, the donation’s purpose may still be renegotiated. But can Sebastian do a Rodrigo. That is, go against certain opposition if the act will redound to the good of the majority? Let us to see.


LifeStyle

JUNE 01, & 02, 2022

MINDANAO TIMES

7

A touch of Europe

WHAT makes La Venue Davao extra special is that unlike other event venues, this one needs not much dressing up, especially if you want something with a European flair. "At the height of the pandemic, I was on the lookout for new ideas online, then I found pasta alla ruota, and decided that it will be our new European-inspired restaurant's specialty," businesswoman and restaurateur Jovy Escartin recalled. Escartin, with restaurants and resorts, such as Limitless Buffet, Wine Woods Apo, Secret Haven, Indo Bali, Morrocan House Samal, Wine Barrel Resort and Spa, Samal Mango Haven, among other businesses, under her belt is probably one of Davao's busiest female entrepreneurs. Along with business parter Junaida Pancho and consultant Chef Jenelle Paalan, a former Marco Polo chef who specialized in pastry, cold kitchen, Japanese and Halal cuisine, they were able to realize this Italian pasta dream. To prepare pasta alla ruota, normally, an enormous wheel of Parmesan cheese (said to cost almost PhP100, 000) cut in half - one side reserved for red sauce pasta, the other, for white sauce pasta. The surface is then set on fire to lightly melt the first layer of cheese while the chef continues to scrape the center of the wheel to create an indent. The chef then mixes al dente pasta right on top of the cheese until it absorbs the rich Parmesan flavor, before finally doing the plating. The chef continues to scrape the surface of the cheese, and used it to top the pasta. And, voila! Aside from their pasta alla ruota, a first in Mindanao, La Venue also serves Italian coffee

with liquor. Beverage consultant Emmanuel Lapena, who has worked in European cruises for 15 years, is introducing coffee with liquor, a favorite Italian aperitif. "We want to offer something unique, fresh, and new to Davao. We are also proud to say that almost all of our ingredients, even our breads, are imported," said Lapena. Aside from Neapolitano, Veneziano and Beinvenido Italiano - coffee with amaretto or almond liqueur, they also serve Mexican coffee (with kahlua coffee liqueur), Carribean coffee (with dark rhum), and Irish coffee (with Irish whiskey). "They are usually taken as dessert or

BLESSING of La Venue Davao led by owner Jovy Escartin, City Councilor Tek Ocampo and special guests

PAN-seared salmon fillet with butter lemon

EUROPEAN layout that's perfect for intimate celebrations

LA Venue Davao's facade

with afternoon snacks. At La Venue, they are best paired with our snacks, such as croffle, a mix of croissant and waffle," he added. Now, what can be paired with European cuisine than with a space with a touch of Europe, right? "What's unique about La Venue is that it's not just for dining or drinking coffee. As our name suggests, it is also LA Venue's Pasta alla Ruota a venue for gatherings, like birthdays or weddings, and other events pacity La Venue even more appealing espethat support Davao's MICE tourism," said cially to the young market. designer VJ Salonga, who conceptualized Located long F. Torres Street, La Venue the theme based from his travels. Davao is open starting at 8:00, serving allBy creating every nook and cranny day breakfast sets, and transforms into cafe Instagrammable, Salonga made the 100-ca- and bar by 9PM.

EMMANUEL Lapena explains the drink presented to the media


01, & 2022 WEDNESDAY,JUNE AUGUST 31,02, 2016

All pawned items items that expired during the month All pawned that expired during theof APRIL 2022, if not renewed or redeemed on or before month 2022 of MAY, notpublic renewed or reAPRIL will be2015 sold toifthe on JUNE 16, deemed on or before JULY 14, 2015 will be 2022 at 9:00a.m. at our pawnshop premises.

sold to the public on JULY 16, 2015 at 9:00 Gipahibalo ang tanan na ang FIRST COLOR a.m. at our pawnshop premises.

PAWNSHOP magasubasta sa tanan nga nag-expired sa bulan sa ABRIL ang 2022.tanan Ang tanan ibaligya Gipahibalo na prenda ang FIRST sa publiko karong HUNYO 16, 2022 sa alas COLOR PAWNSHOP magasubasta sa 9:00 tanansa buntag.

nga nag-expired sa bulan sa MAYO 2015. Ang tanan prenda ibaligya sa publiko karong HULYO 16 sa alas 9:00 sa buntag.

DAVAO FIRST COLOR PAWNSHOP

#47 Lao St., Toril, Davao City Tel. No. 295-2460

9GEMS Pawnshop Inc. Egger Bldg., Matina Crossing Davao City Tel. No. (082) 285-7069

NOTICE OF AUCTION SALE ALL PAWNED ITEMS EXPIRED ON APRIL 2022 AND GADGETS THAT EXPIRES ON MAY 2022 WILL BE DISPLAYED IN A PUBLIC AUCTION ON JUNE 14, 2022 AT 9:00AM.

All Pawned items that expired until the month of MARCH 2022, must be redeemed or renewed Two (2) days prior the Auction Schedule stated below. If not redeemed will be sold to the public on its respective auction schedule and premises at 9:00 A.M. Gipahibalo ang tanan nga ang GOLDVALUE PAWNSHOP, INC., maga subasata sa tanan nga nag-expired hangtod sa bulan sa MARSO 2022, kung dili malukat ibaligya sa publiko sa alas 9:00 sa buntag.

BRANCHES AUCTION DATE BAJADA MAY 03, 2022 (Beside NBI Office) BABAK SAMAL MAY 20, 2022 SAN PEDRO MAY 10, 2022 CABAGUIO MAY 25, 2022 TIBUNGCO MAY 27, 2022

TEL. NOS. 321-8705 301-4019 227-6772 321-6223 222-2494

NOTICE OF AUCTION SALE

Toy Bldg., Lapu-lapu St., Agdao, Davao City

NOTICE OF AUCTION SALE All Pawned Items that expired during the month of MARCH 2022 must be renewed or redeemed Two (2) days before the Auction Schedule stated below. If not redeemed or renewed, it will be sold to the public on its respective auction schedule and premises @ 9:00 A.M.

All pawned items that expired during the month of JANUARY 2022, if not renewed or redeemed on or before MARCH 15, 2022 will be sold to the public on MARCH 16, 2022 at 9:00a.m. at our pawnshop premises. Gipahibalo ang tanan na ang AL-JOS PAWNSHOP magasubasta sa tanan nga nag-expired sa bulan sa ENERO 2022. Ang tanan prenda ibaligya sa publiko karong MARSO 16, 2021 sa alas 9:00 sa buntag.

Gibpahibalo ang tanan nga ang DIAGOLD PAWNSHOP, INC. magsubasta sa tanan nga nag expired hangtod sa bulan sa MARSO 2022, ang tanang prenda ibaligya sa publiko sa mga petsa na nakabutang sa ubos, sa oras nga 9:00 sa buntag.

EXPIRY DATES MARCH 2022

AUCTION DATES MAY 12, 2022

NOTICE OF AUCTION SALE

All pawned items that expired during the month of JUNE 2022 , must renewed or redeemed two (2) days prior to the Auction Schedule stated below. If not renewed or redeemed, it will be sold to the public on its respective auction schedule and premises @ 9:00 a.m. Gipahibalo ang tanan nga ang NARDING PAWNSHOP, INC., maga-subasta sa tanan nga nag-expired sa bulan sa HUNYO 2022. Ang tanan prenda ibaligya sa publiko sa mga petsa nga nakabutang sa ubos, sa oras nga 9:00 sa buntag. BRANCHES Matina Crossing Tibungco

AUCTION DATE JUNE 21, 2022 JUNE 17, 2022

TEL. NOS. (082) 321-1814 (082) 296-4130

PANABO’S PAWNSHOP, INC. Panabo (Main) Panabo (Branch)

JUNE 30, 2022 JUNE 15, 2022

(084) 628-8418 (084) 628-842

NOTICE OF AUCTION SALE All pawned items that expired during the Months of MARCH 2022 (Regular Items) and APRIL 2022 (Gadgets) must be redeemed or renewed two (2) days prior to the Auction date schedule as stated below. If not redeemed or renewed will be sold to the public on its respectively auction date schedule at its premises at 9:00 AM

Main – San Pedro Cor. Anda Street Davao City Tel. Nos. (082) 221-1477; (082) 221-0355; (082)222-5039 Email us @ rosegoldpawnshopdavao@gmail.com

Highest Appraisal and Low Interest Rates at 3% Rosegold Pawnshop Lapu-lapu Street, Agdao Davao City Tel. No. (082) 225-3637

Rosegold Pawnshop Ilustre Street, Davao City

(Beside NCCC Hardwaremaxx)

Tel. No. (082) 295-6199

NOTICE OF AUCTION SALE All Jewelry and other articles pawned at Rosegold Pawnshop San Pedro-Main, Rosegold Pawnshop Ilustre, Rosegold Pawnshop Bolton, Rosegold Pawnshop, Agdao and Rosegold Pawnshop Buhangin from DECEMBER 16, 2021 TO JANUARY 15, 2022. If not redeemed or renewed on or before JUNE 17, 2022 will be sold to the Public Auction on JUNE 20, 2022 at Rosegold Pawnshop San Pedro-Main from 9:00am to 6:00pm.

(Fronting Queen Bank) Tel. No. (082) 222-1561 ; (082) 321-0128 Email: goldstandardpawnshopdavao@gmail.com

Accepts: Jewelry, wholesaler and retailer on all kinds of jewelry Highest Appraisal and Low Interest Rates at 3%

NOTICE OF AUCTION SALE

All jewelry and other articles pawned at Goldstandard Pawnshop San Pedro,Ilustre from DECEMBER 16, 2021 TO JANUARY 15, 2022

if not redeemed or renewed on JUNE 17, 2022 will be sold to the Public Auction on JUNE 20, 2022 at our Pawnshop premises from 9:00am to 6:00pm.

BRANCHES: San Pedro (Main) Agdao Toril Bolton Digos City Claveria Km. 7 Lanang

AUCTION DATE MAY 17, 2022 MAY 17, 2022 MAY 17, 2022 MAY 17, 2022 MAY 17, 2022 MAY 17, 2022 MAY 17, 2022

TEL. NO. 327-8832 327-6275 327-8503 392-3022 333-9945 296-8081 235-3473


JUNE 01, & 02, 2022

NOTICE OF AUCTION SALE All pawned items at METRO GOLDBRILL PAWNSHOP that expired until the month of JANUARY 2022, if not redeemed or renewed on or before MARCH 16, 2022, will be sold to the Public on March 18, 2022. Gipahibalo and tanan na ang METRO GOLDBRILL PAWNSHOP magasubasta sa tanan nga nag-expired hangtod sa bulan sa JANUARY 2022. Kung dili malukat sa dili pa moabot ang Marso 16, 2022, ibaligya sa publiko karong Marso 18, 2022. EXPIRY DATES JANUARY 2022

AUCTION DATES MARCH 18, 2022

Roque Bldg., Matina Crossing, Davao City Tel. # 234-6367

EURO CIRCLE PAWNSHOP SAN PEDRO ST., DAVAO CITY - TEL. NO.: 227-0521

EURO MAIN PAWNSHOP ILUSTRE ST., DAVAO CITY - TEL. NO.: 227-7511 MATI CITY, DAVAO ORIENTAL - TEL. NO.: 306-0665

EURO STAR PAWNSHOP ILUSTRE ST., DAVAO CITY - TEL. NO.: 227-0667

EURO SUN PAWNSHOP

SAN PEDRO ST., DAVAO CITY - TEL. NO.: 227-3321

PAWNS NOT REDEEMED/RENEWED WITHIN FIVE (5) DAYS AFTER EXPIRY D AT E S W I L L B E A U C T I O N E D O N MAY 17, 2022 AT 10:00 A.M. AT THE RESPECTIVE PAWNSHOPS WHERE THE ITEMS WERE PAWNED.

All Pawned items at GOLDVISION PAWNSHOP, INC., that expired until the month of MARCH 2022, must be redeemed or renewed Two (2) days prior the Auction Schedule stated below. If not redeemed will be sold to the public on its respective auction schedule and premises at 9:00 A.M. Gipahibalo ang tanan nga ang GOLDVISION PAWNSHOP, INC., maga subasata sa tanan nga nag-expired hangtod sa bulan sa MARSO 2022, kung dili malukat ibaligya sa publiko sa alas 9:00 sa buntag.

BRANCHES General Lao, Toril Agton. Toril Buhangin Magallanes Tagum Saavedra, Toril Agdao

AUCTION DATE

TEL. NO.

MAY 16, 2022 MAY 16, 2022 MAY 13, 2022 MAY 06, 2022 MAY 24, 2022 MAY 16, 2022 MAY 18, 2022

291-2406 291-2952 241-0223 224-3138 216-3425 291-1349 327-2348

MARCH 2022 APRIL 2022

MAY 13, 2022 MAY 16, 2022 DAVAO VAULT SP

MAY 16, 2022

Door #7Realty Bldg. beside Lakitan Mall San Pedro street, Davao City (Tel No.: 228-9322

GABBY’S BRILLIANT PAWNSHOP INC. / GABBY’S INFINITE PAWNSHOP INC. TEL NO.: 321-2185 / 234-4844

All Pawned items at GABBY’S BRILLIANT PAWNSHOP, INC. and GABBYS’S INFINITE PAWNSHOP, INC. that expired until the month of JANUARY 2022, must be redeemed or renewed Two (2) days prior the Auction Schedule stated below. If not redeemed will be sold to the public on its respective auction schedule and premises at 9:00 A.M. Gipahibalo ang tanan nga ang GABBY’S BRILLIANT PAWNSHOP, INC. and GABBYS’S INFINITE PAWNSHOP, INC. maga subasata sa tanan nga nag-expired hangtod sa bulan sa ENERO 2022, kung dili malukat ibaligya sa publiko sa alas 9:00 sa buntag. BRANCHES

AUCTION DATE

TEL. NOS.

SAN PEDRO

MARCH 16, 2022

321-2185

ILUSTRE

MARCH 01, 2022

234-4844


10

MINDANAO TIMES

JUNE 01, & 02, 2022

BDO...

Republic of the Philippines DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board Regional Franchising and Regulatory Office No. 11 Libby Road, Bago Gallera, Davao City

growth rate (CAGR) of 57%. BDO Securities covers a number of domestic equity funds that actively trade the stock market and has a solid equity research offering, with its analysts regularly making insightful “buy” and “sell” calls, added Alpha Southeast Asia. The reports and commentaries of BDO Securities provide clients insightful market, corporate and thematic information as prepared by its team of experienced research analysts and economist. It has the largest issuer

Petition for Consolidation of Existing Individual Franchise Holders into a Single Juridical Entity under the name of AC TRANS. CORP. pursuant to the PUV Modernization Program Case No. R11-CC-PB-2022-3-011 (2001-XI-01492/99-XI-01117) (2015-XI-00020-DN/2003-XI-00193-DN) (2003-XI-00299-DN) ROSALIO A. ONGCO, Petitioner. X------------------X

NOTICE OF HEARING

Petitioner is a grantee of several Certificates of Public Convenience issued in the above mentioned cases authorizing the operation of PUB AIRCONDITIONED/ ORDINARY Regular service for the transportation of passengers and freight along the line: DAVAO CITY – VERUELA (AGUSAN DEL SUR) via Panabo City, Carmen, Tagum City, Mawab, Nabunturan, Montevista, Monkayo, Trento, Sta. Josefa and vice versa with the use of NINE (9) units, which certificates are still valid and subsisting up to August 28, 2026, August 24, 2024, October 27, 2025, October 6, 2023 and December 11, 2024, respectively. In the petition filed on March 30, 2022, petitioner requests for authority to CONSOLIDATE the Certificate of Public Convenience under One (1) Certificate Pursuant to Memorandum Circular No. 2018008 re: Consolidation of Franchise Holders in Compliance with Department Order No. 2017-011, otherwise known as the Omnibus Franchising Guidelines (OFG). NOTICE is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on JUNE 09, 2022 at 9:00 a.m. at this office at the above address. At least TEN (10) days prior to the above date petitioner shall publish this Notice once in a newspaper of general circulation in Mindanao. Parties opposed to the granting of the petition must file their written opposition supported by documentary evidence on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same to the petitioner, and may if they so, desire appear on said date and time. This petition will be acted upon by this Board on the basis of its records and the documentary evidence submitted by the parties, unless the Board deems it necessary to receive additional documentary and/or oral evidence. WITNESS Dir. NONITO A. LLANOS III, Regional Director, this 4th day of April 2022 at Davao City, Philippines. (SGD) Atty. ERNEST BENZ S. DAVILA Attorney IV

EBSD/hoc Copy furnished: Petitioner, AC Trans. Corp., Salazar St., Poblacion Monkayo, Davao de Oro Counsel, Atty. Ibrahim K. Silongan, Jr., Door 4, Ciudadano Bldg., CM Recto St., corner San Pedro St., Davao City.

(from page 3)

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF THE ESTATE OF JUAN L. MA WITH DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late JUAN L. MA, who died intestate on July 29, 2019 at Davao City; That the deceased Juan L. Ma at the time of his death left portion of a real property, which are more particularly described as follows, to wit: Transfer Certificate of Title No. T-312303 A parcel of land, situated in the City of Davao, Islad of Mindanao, containing an area of TWO HUNDRED SIXTEEN (216) SQUARE METER more or less; Pursuant to Sec. 1 Rule of the Revised Rules of Court of the Philippines, that the above described property covered by TCT No. T-312303 has been the subject of EXTRA JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF THE ESTATE OF JUAN L. MA WITH DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE made and executed by and among his heir per Doc. No. 465; Page No. 94; Book No. II; Series of 2021 of the Notary Public IRA C. CALATRAVA-VALENZUELA of Davao City. (MT-May 25, June 01 & 08, 2022)

GLOBE...

coverage with forty-five (45) Philippine corporate names, the highest in the local industry so far. It also offers a diversity of reports and commentaries which takes into account both fundamental and market sentiment (technical analysis) perspectives. Meanwhile, for prospective clients who want to gain access to its research materials, there is a simple process available to them. Existing BDO Online Banking account holders can simply use their accounts and sign up for a BDO Securities online account within five (5) minutes.

(from page 3)

scribed to a postpaid plan. The phones may also be bought separately from the Globe stores at discounted prices when bundled with a SIM-only plan. The company also has a wide 5G roaming coverage internationally, and continues to partner with more 5G-ready telcos around the world so that customers traveling abroad can still have a convenient high-speed data roaming experience. Globe’s 5G speed is now three times faster than mobile WiFi, according to Ookla® Speedtest In-

telligence® data for the first quarter of this year.[1] Globe logged a 5G median download speed of 121.29 Mbps versus the 42.95 Mbps booked by all fixed providers in the Philippines for the first quarter of the year. It also emerged as the winner of Opensignal’s 5G Video Experience Award with 71.2 points.[2] This means Globe was able to give its users the best experience when streaming video over 5G networks. The report was based on data collected from Jan. 1 to March 31 this year.


MINDANAO TIMES

JUNE 01, & 02, 2022

FARMER'S...

(from page 3)

Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III has described the RTL as a “politically difficult” reform that he considers among the proud achievements of the Duterte administration. As Agriculture Secretary during the administration of the late President Corazon Aquino, Dominguez first proposed the liberalization of rice trading and using the tariffs collected to modernize the rice sector more than three decades ago. “But it took the strong political will of President Duterte for this bold reform to happen for the benefit of both our palay farmers and rice consumers,”

CEBUPAC...

country in recent years, according to DA data. The growing harvests since the implementation of RCEF have padded the country’s rice supply in time for the onslaught of typhoons. For instance, after tropical depression Agaton in April this year, the rice supply of Western Visayas (Region VI) remained sufficient even after the region incurred P150 million worth of damage to its rice, corn, and high-value crops. Moreover, Dominguez said that with rice tariffication, the government was able to handle the COVID-19 crisis “with strength on the food security front.”

Davao Ros-Ver Pawnshop, Incorporated Ilustre St., Davao City Tel # 224-1204; 222-6086

AUCTION SALE! The DAVAO ROS-VER PAWNSHOP, INC. and NEW PAG-ASA PAWNSHOP will be having its JOINT AUCTION on all unredeemed pawned items left during the month of January 2022. The said items will be sold to the public at the following VENUE AND DATE. Gipahibalo ang publiko na ang DAVAO ROS-VER PAWNSHOP, INC. og ang NEW PAG-ASA PAWNSHOP; magsubasta sa tanang prenda nga naremata atong Enero 2022. Ang tanang prenda dungan nga ibaligya sa publiko sa mga sumusunod nga dapit og petsa:

(from page 3)

providing passengers with more direct connectivity across the country. Just last month, the airline resumed more direct flights from its VisMin hubs, specifically to Calbayog, Surigao, Puerto Princesa, and Legazpi from Cebu; and to Bohol, Cagayan de Oro, Iloilo, and Zamboanga from Davao. The increase in flights not only boosts passenger operations but also CEB’s cargo business, which benefits local enterprises. “We take pride in operating the most flights across our largest Philippine network and we are happy to keep providing more convenient options for our

2 BLAST...

Dominguez said. “The law opened up the Philippine rice market and, in turn, slashed the retail cost of our country’s staple food for more than 100 million Filipinos. As a result, rice is no longer the main contributor to our overall inflation rate,” Dominguez said. The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) also reported that the national palay (unmilled rice) output has increased from 18.81 million metric tons per ha (MT/ha) in 2019, to 19.29 million MT/ha in 2020. In 2021, palay output reached 19.96 million MT/ ha and is by far, the highest recorded palay output in the

11

passengers. We recently resumed more flights from our hubs in the Visayas and Mindanao, so locals there will no longer need to connect to Manila to fly to their favorite domestic destinations,” said Xander Lao, Chief Commercial Officer at Cebu Pacific. CEB now flies close to 350 flights per day which include multiple flights to and from key Philippine destinations, such as Boracay, Bohol, Cebu, Davao, and General Santos. Its widest domestic network has over 50 routes spanning Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. “We are confident that our continuous ramp-up,

coupled with our lowest fares, will ensure there is a CEB flight for every Juan, for whatever purpose they may have for travel – be it for vacation, business, or to visit family and friends,” added Lao. CEB continues to offer its guaranteed low fares to stimulate travel across its widest domestic network in the Philippines, covering 34 destinations. It continues to implement a multi-layered approach to safety, while it operates with a 100% fully vaccinated crew, 91% of whom have been boosted – all to ensure its every Juan flies safely and conveniently on Cebu Pacific.

(from back page)

vice (IED) that exploded. The blast damaged the rear part of Bus 81 and the immediate vicinity. Shards from three parked buses scattered within the area. Gobway added that the incident is a reminder to bus conductors never to accept packages especially when the person acting as sender is not known to him. Uso Dan Salasim, Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer, called on Isabeleños to stay calm. “Everything

MODERNA...

is fine. We’re requesting everyone to please stay at home. If you don’t have anything important to go to, esta anay na casa (stay at home).” Isabela City Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman urged the public through her social media page to help sustain the gains of peace “Matagal na pong tahimik ang ating siyudad at ang buong probinsiya ng Basilan. Patuloy pong umaarangkada ang ating ekonomiya at gumaganda

ang ating kabuhayan. Pagtulungan po nating manatili ito at ipaalam sa lahat na walang pananakot ang makakapigil sa ating pagbangon (Our city and the entire province of Basilan have been peaceful for a long time. Our economy has been continuously progressing and our lives have become better. Let us all help sustain these gains and let everyone know that no harassment can stop us from rising),” she said. (Frencie Carreon / MindaNews)

(from back page)

efficacy and safety of the Spikevax COVID-19 Vaccine Moderna in children aged 6 to 11 are similar to those in adults . Jeff Folland, general manager of ZP Therapeutics in the Philippines, said that the approval of the amended EUA of Spikevax COVID-19 Vaccine Moderna will further encourage parents to vaccinate their children and protect them

from the severe effects of COVID-19. “We would like to thank the FDA for the approval of the amended EUA on Spikevax COVID-19 Vaccine Moderna,” Folland said. “ZP Therapeutics will continue to work with relevant stakeholders across the local healthcare system to accelerate the access of future-ready Spikevax COVID-19 vaccines across

all eligible populations in the Philippines,” Folland ended. The approval of amended EUA by the FDA Philippines is an addition to the recent affirmations by the National Regulatory Authorities of Canada, European Economic Area, Australia, and other countries on the Spikevax COVID-19 Vaccine Moderna for pediatric use.

Rampaging waters due to heavy rain damage bridge in Sultan Kudarat town COTABATO CITY (MindaNews) – Rampaging waters spawned by a heavy downpour Sunday night damaged a major bridge in Lutayan town, Sultan Kudarat, which links the province to Koronadal City in South Cotabato. The movement of people, goods and services between the two areas were suspended as some of the foundations of the concrete bridge gave way due to the raging waters, which were compounded by flashfloods in Koronadal City. Commuters were surprised to see Monday morning the damaged bridge located in Barangay Manili. A low pressure area spawned heavy rainfall on Sunday that triggered flashfloods and minor landslides in some areas in Soccsksargen region. “We monitored the situation of the bridge as early as 1 a.m. Monday,” Leo Lego, a resident of Lutayan, said. “Commuters have no

SOCOT...

choice now, we have to take other routes in going to Koronadal City. Residents of Lutayan working in Koronadal need to take a longer route,” he added. Lutayan town is adjacent to Koronadal City. Lego feared the situation might get worse once the mining project of Sagittarius Mines, Inc. in Tampakan, South Cotabato starts. The Tampakan project is touted as the largest untapped copper-gold minefield in Southeast Asia. SMI said the most viable method to extract the minerals is through open-pit mining. River waters that go to Buluan Lake, which straddles the towns of Lutayan and Buluan in Maguindanao, emanate from the upland areas of South Cotabato, he said, adding “what will happen to us and our sources of income if mining wastes will flow down here?” Lego said Koronadal City serves like a bowl that

catches all the waters from the hinterlands of South Cotabato via various rivers. “Koronadal City will be the most affected once open-pit mining is allowed in Tampakan,” he said. Barangay Topland in Koronadal City, the city’s border village with Tampakan, experienced rampaging flashfloods Sunday night that damaged houses built along riverbanks. Recently, majority of the members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of South Cotabato amended the environment code that lifted the ban on open-pit mining in the province, a development that stirred massive condemnation from residents in and outside the province. The measure has been submitted to South Cotabato Gov. Reynaldo Tamayo, Jr. for his action. Church and various groups have urged Tamayo to veto the measure. (Ferdinandh Cabrera / MindaNews)

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In March 2020, it reported to have detected nearly 600 new TB cases in its surveillance activities with PBSP. At least 23 percent or 305 of the first batch of 1,329 residents who availed of the X-ray services then

were found positive for TB while 19 percent or 294 of the 1,550 tested in the second batch were also found infected. Aturdido added that they are working on the purchase of additional medicines for TB as sup-

plies at the provincial and municipal health offices are already limited. “We’re now reviewing our (fund) utilization and moving for an emergency purchase,” he said.(Allen V. Estabillo / MindaNews)


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JUNE 01, & 02, 2022

MINDANAO TIMES

2 blasts rock Isabela City

ZAMBOANGA CITY (MindaNews) – A bomb went off in a bus terminal in Isabela City, Basilan at around 6:15 p.m. Monday, some 30 minutes after an explosion in front of the Jollibee building, Task Force Basilan commander Brig. Gen. Domingo Gobway said. “The first explosion while investigators were in front of Jollibee was still checking on the first not [caused by] a bomb, explosion. but was a matter of faulty Gobway said a box writing,” Gobway said. was left behind Bus No. 81 But another blast was heard that had just arrived from

Lamitan City. Christopher Pasaol, a guard of the D-Biel Transportation Company’s terminal along Valderosa Street in Barangay La Piedad, told MindaNews a female passenger in Lamitan sought permission from the bus conductor to bring the box to Isabela City. Upon ar-

rival at the terminal in Isabela, the guard said the female passenger asked him a favor, to keep watch over the box, promising to return immediately but she did not. The guard checked on the box bearing the label of a famous rhum, found it sealed tightly with packing

tape, weighing about three kilos. He put it back on the same spot and attended to his other duties but barely a minute later, it went off, hurting 28-year-old Gudilla Francisco, a storekeeper of one of the stalls. Police said she was brought to Basilan General Hospital for treatment.

Isabela City Police Station chief Col. Jun Sittin said the Philippine National Police’s bomb squad and scene of the crime operatives were still investigating. Gobway said they cannot as yet say if it was an improvised explosive de(

/ 2 BLASTS / 11)

Moderna ok’d SoCot lists 200 new TB cases for 6-11: firm MANILA – The Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently approved the use of Spikevax COVID-19 Vaccine Moderna for kids 6 to 11 years old, effectively amending the emergency use authorization (EUA) filed by Zuellig Pharma Corporation, through its commercialization arm, ZP Therapeutics. “This is a welcome development in expanding COVID-19 vaccine access within our pediatric population,” said Dr. Philip

Nakpil, Medical Director of Zuellig Pharma Corporation. “The Spikevax COVID-19 Vaccine Moderna boosts opportunities in ensuring more children are protected against the virus,” Nakpil added. Published and peerreviewed clinical data show that two 50-μg doses of the Spikevax COVID-19 Vaccine Moderna have an acceptable safety profile and elicits a strong immune response for children aged 6 to 11 . It was found that the (

/ MODERNA / 11)

KORONADAL CITY (MindaNews) – Health personnel in South Cotabato have detected nearly 200 new cases of tuberculosis (TB) in the past several months as it continued to expand its active case-finding and surveillance activities in the province’s 10 towns and lone city. Dr. Rogelio Aturdido, Jr., head of the Integrated Provincial Health Office, said Monday they have deployed mobile teams down to the barangay level to conduct massive free chest X-rays for TB case detection. He said their teams

have so far catered to around 1,000 residents, with 20 percent or about 200 turning out positive for the disease. “This means that we have many residents who are experiencing this illness but were not detected probably because of misinformation and inaccessibility to diagnostic services and treatment,” he said during the weekly convocation program at the provincial capitol. The official said their teams from the infectious disease program are trying to reach the remotest areas in the province using a mobile X-ray van provided

by their partners Maranao People Development Center Inc. or Maradeca and the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP). He said the provincial government is waiting for the arrival of the mobile X-ray van with sputum testing laboratory that it acquired to further expand the ongoing case-finding and surveillance. Aturdido said they are set to deploy ultra-portable chest X-ray machines to augment these activities. The machines were provided by the United States Agency for International Development and the Stop TB Partnership

under the global initiative “Introducing New Tools Project.” “Our technicians can carry the machines in their backpack and bring them to our remote barangays and communities,” he said. Aturdido earlier said the province’s treatment success rate for TB was 95 percent but the case detection rate was only 56 percent. Since last year, the IPHO already catered to around 3,000 residents for the free chest X-ray in partnership with Maradeca and PBSP. ( / SOCOT / 11)


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