2 TOPNEWS

Friday, June 2, 2023

How did Capiz cops fare in May 2023?

By Felipe V. Celino
ROXAS CITY, Capiz – The Capiz Pro-
vincial Police Office (CPPO) under Lt.
Col. Jerome Afuyog, Capiz police di-
rector, bared their accomplishments
in May 2023.
Leading in their accomplishment
report was the arrest of 57 individuals
for alleged illegal fishing activities in
the waters of Capiz.
Around P4 million worth of fish-
ing paraphernalia were recovered
from the operations.
The accomplishment report also
indicated that 18 persons wanted for
different crimes were arrested last
month.
Nine persons were arrested in an-
ti-illegal drug operations that result-
ed in the confiscation of some 95.584
grams of illegal drugs.
Meanwhile, 35 persons were ar-
rested in 26 anti-illegal gambling op-
erations while P5,910 in bet money
were seized.
Six unlicensed firearms were sur-
rendered to the police while 3 persons
were arrested for violation of Republic
Act 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms
and Ammunitions Laws).
For anti-illegal logging opera-
tions, 486 board feet of lumber worth
P4,580 were recovered in two opera-
tions.

Passenger ship
apprentice drowns
while saving
fellow trainee
By Jennifer P. Rendon

A 22-year-old man working as a passenger ship apprentice did

not survive after he drowned in the Iloilo River in Lapuz, Iloilo
City afternoon of June 1.
Sammy Bryle Gonzales, an apprentice of Weesam Express
from Zone 6, Sapabongga, Zamboanga City, died from drowning
while saving a fellow apprentice.
According to reports, Aira Salcedo, 24, who hails from Pasun-
anca, Zamboanga City, and her friend, swam in a portion of the
Iloilo River at Barangay Libertad, Lapuz around 2 p.m. Thursday.
Several minutes later, the woman claimed she could not tackle the
water and was on the verge of drowning. She then shouted for help.
From a distance of 200 meters, Gonzales jumped into the water
A MOTORCYCLE rider died after he was run over by a wing van truck following a failed overtake in Barangay Rizal, San Carlos City, Negros Occi-
and saved the lady apprentice.
dental Wednesday. (Photo courtesy of Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office)
As Gonzales was being pulled out of the water, witnesses

Two dead, four injured in road mishaps

claimed they saw the victim being swept by a strong water cur-
rent.
Members of the Philippine Coast Guard were called to conduct
a search and rescue operation.
At around 3:31 p.m. Gonzales was retrieved and taken to St.
Paul’s Hospital of Iloilo where he was declared dead around 4:18
p.m.
Gonzales, on the other hand, was rushed to West Visayas State
University Medical Center and is now in stable condition.
Both Gonzales and Salcedo are students of Zamboanga State
Polytechnic College.
By Glazyl Y. Masculino
BACOLOD City – Two persons died, while
four others were wounded after they fig-
ured in separate road accidents in Negros
Occidental last Wednesday.
In San Carlos City, Jesse Auditor, 26, of
Barangay Nataban was killed after he was
run over by a wing van truck at Sitio Kati-
clan, Barangay Rizal.
Police Lieutenant Colonel Jesus Mesa-
hon Jr., city police chief, said Auditor was
riding a motorcycle driven by his younger
brother Alex, 23, when they hit the left
side of the truck loaded with frozen prod-
ucts.
Mesahon said the Auditor brothers
were tailing the truck on their way home
when they overtook the vehicle while ap-
proaching the curve part of the road.
However, the brothers saw a car ap-
proaching on the opposite lane, prompting
them to return to their lane, causing them
to hit the truck.
Auditor fell from the motorcycle and
was run over by the rear part of the truck
while his younger brother was unharmed,
Mesahon said.
The accident happened while the truck
was on its way to Bacolod after it failed to
travel to Cebu due to a travel suspension
brought about by heavy rains.
Mesahon said the truck driver was re-
leased from police custody following an
initial settlement with the victim’s family.
Meanwhile, in Hinigaran town, Jenny-
bert Eliver, 31, of Barangay Santo Rosario,
Binalbagan town, died after his sports util-
ity vehicle (SUV) crashed into a Ceres Liner
bus in Kalaparan, Barangay Pilar.
Staff Sgt. Vedianold Peñalber, traffic
investigator of Hinigaran Municipal Po-
lice Station, said the SUV was on its way to
Hinigaran town to fetch his live-in partner
when the accident happened.
Peñalber said that some witnesses saw
the SUV already swerving before it en-
croached the opposite lane and collided
with the bus and eventually fell in a sug-
arcane field.
The victim was declared dead at a hos-
pital.
Peñalber said the bus driver and three
of the eight passengers suffered minor in-
juries.
They were on their way to Kabankalan
City, he added.
Peñalber said they could not tell yet the
cause of the accident since the victim was
just alone in the SUV. He said that a doctor
did not smell alcohol from the victim.
He said there was already an initial set-
tlement between the two parties, thus the
bus driver will be released from police cus-
tody after the lapse of the 18-hour regle-
mentary detention.

Lightning kills teen in Aklan

By Jennifer P. Rendon
A lightning strike claimed the
life of a teenage boy from Na-
bas, Aklan morning of May 31.
Police identified the victim
A Philippine Coast Guard officer tries to revive a passenger ship appren-
as John Rey Almoquera, 17, a
tice who drowned while saving a fellow trainee in Lapuz, Iloilo City Thurs-
day. (PCG-WV photo)
resident of Barangay Libertad,
Nabas.
According to reports, the
victim went fishing with seven
other men, some of whom are
his cousins, at the sea waters of
Libertad village.
His companions managed to
run away to the shoreline just
as the lightning strikes started.
Almoquera was left in the
boat and eventually got hit by
lightning.
According to his mother,
the victim was trying to pull
the fishing net out of the water
when the bolt struck.
Smoke emanated from the
part of his body that got hit.
His companions believed
that he died instantly.
But they still rushed him
to Malay Municipal Hospital
where he was declared dead
on arrival.

Drugs, shabu seized in Janiuay raid Ex-inmate nabbed

By Jennifer P. Rendon
Illegal drugs and firearms were seized
during a search operation early morning
of June 1 at Janiuay, Iloilo.
Cezar Mateo, 36, a lumpia wrapper dis-
tributor, was roused from his sleep when
police knocked on his home at Captain Ti-
rador Street, Janiuay, at around 4 a.m. on
Thursday.
Members of Janiuay Municipal Police
Station, together with the Iloilo Police Pro-
vincial Office-Provincial Intelligence Unit
(IPPO-PIU) and 2nd Iloilo Provincial Mobile
Force Company, served Search Warrant
No. 23-18 to Mateo for violation of Repub-
lic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous
Drugs Act of 2002) against the suspect.
Judge Gemalyn Faunillo-Tarol of the
Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 76, Ja-
niuay, Iloilo issued the search warrant on
May 29, 2023.
Operatives recovered from Mateo’s
house around six grams of suspected sha-
bu worth P40,800.
Police also seized a caliber .45 pistol, a
magazine, six live ammunitions and four
caliber .45 ammo cartridges, and two black
holsters.
Captain Alwin Salmon said the suspect
was arrested before for violation of RA
10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Am-
munition Regulation Act).
He said they’re checking on the status
of his case.
Recently, police got information that
the suspect was also into drug peddling. A
test buy was conducted where police con-
firmed that he was into the illegal drug
trade.
Salmon surmised that Mateo could be
getting his supply from different sources.
Mateo is now detained and will be
charged for violation of RA 9165 and RA
10591.
anew for illegal drug
By Felipe V. Celino
ROXAS CITY, Capiz – A former
inmate was arrested anew
Wednesday evening in a drug
buy-bust operation conduct-
ed by the Roxas City police in
Brgy. Punta Tabuc here.
Ryan Agana Aninacion, 40,
of said barangay was nabbed af-
ter allegedly handing over to an
undercover police a plastic sa-
chet of suspected shabu weigh-
ing 1.24 grams in exchange for
the P6,600 marked money.
Also recovered from Anina-
cion were two more big sachets
of suspected shabu weighing
7.52 grams and 3.44 grams, re-
spectively, with an estimated
total value of P83,028.
Police considered the sus-
pect a high-value individual
target.
Records showed that
Aninacion was arrested for the
same offense in 2019 in Kali-
bo, Aklan but he was released
from jail after availing of a plea
bargaining agreement.
 NEGROS Friday, June 2, 2023 3
‘Accelerate completion of
agrarian reform coverage’
By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD City – A multi-sectoral group here is asking the na-

tional government to accelerate the completion of the agrarian
reform coverage.
In a press conference at the Negros Press Club Thursday, the
Damayan ng mga Manggagawa, Magsasaka at Mangingisda sa
Bansa (DAMMBA) said that the backlog of the Department of
Agrarian Reform is still over 464,000 hectares.
“Most of its backlog is in Negros Occidental,” DAMMBA nation-
al chairman and president Roy Mahinay said.
He further said that “prolonging the Land Acquisition and Dis-
tribution (LAD) is prolonging the agony of the farmers and farm
workers and potential agrarian reform beneficiaries.”
Mahinay also lamented that “35 years and six presidents from
Corazon Aquino in 1987-1988 to Bongbong Marcos, but the agrari-
an reform professed by the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law
passed on June 15, 1988 has not yet been completed.”
Generally, DAMMBA demands to accelerate the completion
of the agrarian reform coverage, to fast track the LAD process,
to hasten the resolution of the long pending cases and issues and
concerns, and to complete the coverage of all Private Agricultural
Lands and Government Own Lands.
Mahinay added that in particular, they are very much con-
cerned about Negros Occidental because the province has the
largest coverage backlog.
Mahinay said that it is in Negros Occidental where there is the
strongest landowner resistance against land reform and also has
the most ejection/demotions of potential agrarian reforms bene-
ficiaries.
He added that the province has also the most farm workers
terminated from work due to petitions for coverage and also has
many farmers and farm workers killed due to their struggle for
land.
The province of Negros Occidental also has the slowest LAD
process and the most violations of the agrarian reform law, Mahi-
nay further lamented.

Five Bacolod station

commanders reshuffled
By Glazyl Y. Masculino
BACOLOD City - Police Colo-
nel Noel Aliño, acting director
of Bacolod City Police Office
(BCPO), ordered the reshuf-
fling of commanders in five
police stations yesterday.
The order dated May 25,
affected Police Stations 2, 4, 5,
7, and 8, the City Intelligence
Unit (CIU), and the General Ser-
vices Office (GSO).
Police Lieutenant Colonel
Robbie Brillo, BCPO deputy
city director for operations,
presided over the turnover of
command in rites held at the
BCPO headquarters here.
Captain Paul Vincent Pen-
don, who just finished school-
ing, returned as head of Police
Station 2, replacing Captain
Jonito Pastrana, who was re-
assigned as officer-in-charge of
the CIU.
Captain Greeky Cayao,
head of Police Station 4, was
replaced by Major Nestor
Bacuyag, who was previously
designated as BCPO spokesper-
son. Cayao was transferred to
the Bacolod City Mobile Force
Company (BCMFC).
Major Joery Puerto, who
came from the CIU, assumed
the post of Police Captain Fran-
cis Depasucat, head of Police
Station 5, while the latter re-
mains as assistant station com-
mander.
Captain Andy Ofalia, who
was a former deputy com-
mander of Police Station 6, was
designated as officer-in-charge
of Police Station 7, replacing
Captain Edward Bolivar, who
was reassigned to BCMFC.
Captain Glenn Montaño,
head of Police Station 8 was
transferred to GSO. His vacated
post was assumed by Captain
Melvin Mercado, who was
previously assigned as deputy
commander of Police Station 5.
Lieutenant Colonel Bonifa-
cio Ancajas Jr., was designated
public information officer (PIO)
of BCPO, replacing Lieutenant
Colonel Sherlock Gabana.
Meanwhile, Aliño said the
reshuffling was part of the
normal procedure, consider-
ing that some commanders al-
ready finished their investiga-
tion officer basic course, which
is a compliance to lead a police
station.

City Council urges city

vet office to intensify
border inspection vs ASF
By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD City – Bacolod City councilor Kalaw Puentevella

urged the City Veterinarian Office (CVO) here to intensify bor-
der inspections of inbound pork products and live hogs within
the jurisdiction of Bacolod City to curtail the spread of African
Swine Fever (ASF).
Puentevella also requested the CVO to conduct intensified test-
ing and monitoring of live hogs within the jurisdiction of the city.
The councilor made this call in two separate resolutions ap-
proved by the Sangguniang Panlungsod, Wednesday.
Puentevella contended that ASF is a highly contagious viral
disease of domestic and wild pigs, with a mortality rate that can
reach 100 percent.
City/p10
4 Friday, June 2, 2023 BUSINESS
Republic of the Philippines
Province of Iloilo
MUNICIPALITY OF OTON India seeks biz
opportunities in Iloilo
OFFICE OF THE SANGGUNIANG BAYAN

EXCERPT from the Minutes of Session of the Sangguniang Bayan ng Oton, Iloilo recorded during its
Regular Session held at the SB Session Hall on April 26, 2023 at 9:00 in the morning.

PRESENT: By Rjay Zuriaga Castor the province.

Vice Mayor Jose Neil Portugalete Olivares ............ Vice Mayor and Presiding Officer Around 30 leading Indian businesses from
Hon. Jimmy Robles Olivares..................................... SB Member The Embassy of India in Manila brought to Iloi- varied industry sectors showcased their prod-
Hon. Ma. Lorna Tumambo Geonigo....................... SB Member lo the India Business Roadshow on May 31, in ucts and portfolios to connect with businesses in
Hon. Dennis Quillo Geroche................................... SB Member a bid to explore investment opportunities and Iloilo particularly in industries such as informa-
Hon. Ernesto Cordova Ticao ................................... SB Member potential business partnerships in the city and India/p11
Hon. Lee Cereneo Alison – Bretaña........................ SB Member
Hon. Grace Marie Escanlar–Cruz ........................... SB Member
Hon. Rodolfo Zurita Alconga, Jr.............................. SB Member
Hon. Vanessa Turita Salinas ..................................... SB Member
Hon. Antonio Prias Masculino, Jr............................ SB Member (LNB Representative)
Hon. Ella Mae Seguisa Yeoh..................................... SB Member (PPSK Representative)
ON OFFICIAL BUSINESS:............................................. None.
ABSENT:............................................................................ None

ORDINANCE NO. 2023 – 416

AN ORDINANCE PRESCRIBING A NIGHT TIME FRANCHISE AND ROUTE OF TRICYCLES FOR
HIRE (TCH), AMENDING FOR THIS PURPOSE SECTION 391 OF MUNICIPAL ORDINANCE NO.
2007-182.
SECTION 1 – INTRODUCTION
A. There is a number of Ogtonganons working at night going to and coming from Iloilo City, or other
areas, or students who take the night classes who should not be deprived of TCH services.
B. Applicants for TCH franchise who cannot be accommodated to operate on day time, can apply to a
newly opened franchise and route at night.
C. With this Ordinance, TCH operating at night will be regulated and will legitimize the operation of illegiti-
mate or colorum TCH.
D. This Ordinance is ordained to ensure public safety and welfare in the transportation sector at night time.

SECTION 2 – AMENDATORY CLAUSE

A. The last sub section of Section 391 of Municipal Ordinance No. 2007-182 shall be:
k. Night time – Población to any point in Oton (HIRED).
k. 1. Color: Magenta
k. 2. Terminals: a. Side of the gym at JC Zulueta Street;
b. Crossing Botong- Cabanbanan;
c. Crossing Mohon.
k. 3. Fare: Equivalent of the total seating capacity fare of the area of destination.
SECTION 3 – REGULATORY CLAUSE
A. The Registration procedure shall be:
1. The motorcycle shall be registered with the Land Transportation Office (LTO).
2. Applicant applies for franchise at the SB Office. Iloilo City hosts the 6th edition of India Business Roadshow at the Courtyard by Marriott Iloilo, in a bid to
3. Jointly, the MDRRMO and SB Staff conduct the seminar and inspect the unit (s). strengthen the India-Philippines business-to-business (B2B) opportunities. The roadshow was organized by the
4. If the requirements are complied, the franchise document known as MTOP will be issued by the Embassy of India in Manila in partnership with the Philippine Chamber of Commerce & Industry-Iloilo Chapter,
Sangguniang Bayan through the Vice Mayor. Inc. (Rjay Zuriaga Castor)
5. Payment of necessary fees for TCH Operation at the BPLO and MTO.

DTI’s Pascual lauds CP Group’s

6. Issuance of permit to operate by the Office of the Mayor or by a duly delegated office.
B. THIRTY (30) UNITS for new NIGHTTIME franchise shall be opened for Ogtonganon residents only
with standard TCH Unit and fixtures and accessories as required by governing Ordinance/s.
C. Administrative Provisions
1. The side car shall have a couple of orange lights at its front and rear.
2. The TCH driver is allowed to have a companion.
investment worth USD2.5 billion
3. The following white reflectorized sticker shall be stuck on the side car: During the courtesy call our people. This is an outcome distribution, telecommunica-
a. NIGHT-TIME TCH at the front and back, with a height of at least five (5) inches and width per of Charoen Pokphand (CP) of the President’s visit to Thai- tions, e-commerce and digital,
letter of not less than half an inch. Group to President Ferdinand land in November last year. pharmaceuticals, finance and
b. MTOP Number at the side of the side car above the side wheel with the same dimension provided R. Marcos, Jr. held in Mala- There, they have committed to investment, automotive and
in the preceding subsection. cañang Palace on 30 May expand their operations in the industrial products, and prop-
4. Drivers shall be issued an Identification Card issued by the Sangguniang Bayan and the MDRRMO 2023, Department of Trade country, and now it’s happen- erty development.
which shall be displayed in the front seat of the side car. and Industry (DTI) Secretary ing.” During the meeting, CP
5. The following shall also be displayed in the front seat of the side car: Fred Pascual welcomed with In 2022, Thailand, where CP executives and public sector
a. Contact numbers of the MDRRMO Rescue Team and Oton Municipal Police Station. great optimism the plans of CP Group is based, was the coun- representatives discussed busi-
b. The Fare Matrix duly issued by the SB as recommended by the OMFRB. Group to invest in more than try’s 8th major trading part- ness integration, particularly
6. Night – time operation shall be from 8:00 in the evening to 5:00 in the morning of the next day. USD2.5 billion worth of tech- ner, 6th export market, and food, aquaculture, and live-
7. The Night-time TCH drivers shall form an association which shall be recognized by the SB through a nology for the country’s agri- 7th import supplier. Charoen stock activities in the Philip-
Resolution. cultural sector. Pokphand (CP) Group Co., Ltd is pines. This is anchored on their
8. Smoking and liquor intoxication are strictly prohibited on the part of the driver and his companion. During the meeting, Secre- primarily dedicated to enhanc- pledge to invest in and help
9. The Franchise and Regulatory Fees prescribed for TCH operating at daytime shall also be the fees for tary Pascual stated that, “We ing and developing the quality improve aquaculture, rice, and
TCH operating at nighttime. welcome this potential invest- of life of the people in Thai- swine production in the Phil-
10. Ordinances on TCH applicable for Night-time TCH shall continue to be in full force and effect as ment from CP Group as this land and communities around ippines in order to support the
long as not in conflict with the provisions of this ordinance. will boost our economic re- the world. Their operations in development of the country’s
covery initiatives, generating Bangkok involve a wide array agrifood value chain.
SECTION 4. PENALTY CLAUSE – Any person violating this ordinance shall be meted a fine of One The Charoen Pokphand
more economic activities and of businesses such as agro-in-
Thousand Pesos (P1,000.00) or imprisonment of three (3) days, or both fine and imprisonment at the
employment opportunities for dustry and food, retail and DTI/p10
DTI /p10
discretion of the court.
SECTION 5. SEPARABILITY CLAUSE. – If any section or part of this Ordinance is held unconstitutional or
invalid, the other or provisions not otherwise affected shall remain effective.
SECTION 6. REPEALING CLAUSE– All other ordinances, which are inconsistent with the provisions of
NEDA assures foreign investors of gov’t
this Ordinance are hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly.
SECTION 7. EFFECTIVITY. – Based on Section 511 of the Local Government Code, this Ordinance with
support in labor upskilling, industry dev’t
penal sanctions shall take effect either on the day following its publication, or at the end of three (3) The National Economic and Development Au- age of skilled workers in the country. To help ad-
consecutive weeks period of posting, whichever occurs later. thority (NEDA) has assured the international dress this issue, Balisacan shared the measures
SECTION 8. COPIES. This Ordinance shall be furnished to the Office of the Mayor, All Departments, Liga business community that the Philippine gov- being taken by the government to better align
ng mga Barangay, MLGOO, OFTODA, 37 Barangays, Oton-PNP, TMTF-MDRRMO, OMFRB and the ernment is taking steps to address concerns in education systems and upskilling programs with
Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Iloilo for information, guidance and review respectively. the country’s labor and industry sectors, as out- the needs of the private sector.
lined in the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) The NEDA chief explained that a significant
UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED. 2023-2028. problem stems from the mismatch between the
******************************************** NEDA Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan par- demands of industries and the skills being devel-
ticipated in an open forum with investors to dis- oped by educational and training institutions.
I HEREBY CERTIFY to the correctness of the foregoing Ordinance.
cuss the social and economic development of the He stated that concrete solutions to this issue
Philippines as well as the government’s efforts to include improving access to opportunities for
(sgd.) KERRY ANN T. LACIFICAR
improve the business climate in the country. lifelong learning through apprenticeships and
Secretary to the Sanggunian
The panel discussion took place on May 31, increasing investments in Technical and Voca-
Concurred: (sgd.) VANESSA T. SALINAS
2023, during the German-Philippine Chamber of tional Education and Training (TVET) programs.
Chair - Committee on Rules and Privileges
Commerce and Industry Inc. (GPCCI) Luncheon Balisacan also mentioned the potential for
Attested: (sgd.) JOSE NEIL P. OLIVARES Forum, alongside Mr. Dante Tinga, Jr., Senior active collaboration with the private sector or
Vice Mayor and Presiding Officer Vice President for Investor Relations and Corpo- industry associations, as they could play a role in
rate Planning of BDO Unibank Inc. assisting education and training institutions to
Approved: (sgd.) SOFRONIO L. FUSIN, JR. During the forum, the participants raised effectively identify and address skill gaps.
Municipal Mayor various concerns regarding the social, economic, A concern was also raised regarding the Phil-
and policy-related challenges in the Philippines, ippine industries that have been left behind,
Date Approved: April 28, 2023 Date Posted: April 28, 2023 which were addressed by the NEDA chief. such as the textile industry. Balisacan recalled
Among the concerns discussed was the short- NEDA/p10
NEDA /p10
 BUSINESS Friday, June 2, 2023 5
PH manufacturing
index improves in May
The country’s manufacturing sector improved in May 2023 to
52.2 from an index of 51.4 in April, the S&P Global manufactur-
ing purchasing managers’ index (PMI) reported Thursday.
S&P Global said the stronger manufacturing score in May is
driven by faster expansions in both factory orders and manufac-
turing output, while suppliers’ delivery time improved for the first
time since July 2019.
“Companies reported that improved logistics routes helped
shorten delivery times,” S&P Global economist Maryam Baluch
said in a statement.
S&P Global also observed that demand from foreign markets
improved last month, with export volume in May posting solid
growth.
The hiring activities of producers also rose for the first time
since January this year.
“The sustained uptick in new orders resulted in a turnaround
in manufacturing employment. Businesses expanded their hiring
activity for the first time in four months, and the strongest pace
since October last year,” the S&P Global survey added.
In terms of prices, S&P Global’s report noted that price increas-
es in inputs continue to solidify in May 2023, with pressures most-
ly coming from higher costs of energy, as well as raw materials
and suppliers.
“While the latest data did signal a re-intensification of price
pressures in May, rates of inflation were weaker than their histor-
ical averages,” Baluch said.
Meanwhile, Philippine-based manufacturers remained broad-
ly optimistic for the next 12 months.
“In terms of future output, firms remain largely upbeat, though
confidence did take a slight hit and dipped to an 11-month low,”
Baluch added. (PNA)

IPOPHL kickstarts
acquisition of office
space that will lead to
almost P5B in savings
Long before the Commission
on Audit’s (COA) September
2022 letter following up the
purchase of an office space,
the Intellectual Property Of-
fice of the Philippines (IPO-
PHL), an attached agency of
the Department of Trade and
Industry (DTI), said it has been
scouting for its new, perma-
nent headquarters since 2016.
The Office has saved up an
amount that will allow the
purchase of its own proper-
ty without compromising its
operations. IPOPHL carefully
reviewed its options, which in-
cluded constructing a building
within the UP Diliman prop-
erty where the land will be
on a 25-year lease agreement.
In this arrangement, however,
the structure shall be owned
by UP Diliman thereafter.
IPOPHL also considered
joining the proposed One DTI
Building along Macapagal Av-
enue; purchasing an entire
building; or buying a lot to
construct a building. However,
these proved either infeasible
or too costly for IPOPHL’s mod-
est funds, hence, the decision
to purchase two entire build-
ing floors of a finished struc-
ture for IPOPHL’s exclusive use
instead.
On the potential sites, IP-
OPHL surveyed areas within
the Makati, Ortigas and Tagu-
ig central business districts
where majority of IP law offic-
es are, but it was either prices
were beyond IPOPHL’s range
or available spaces were not
enough nor appropriate.
After numerous ocular in-
spections and consultations
from various relevant gov-
ernment agencies, IPOPHL
pursued negotiations with
Arthaland Development Corp.
over the purchase of two floors
totaling 5,999 square meters in
Savya Financial Center located
in Arca South.
Touted as the next BGC,
IPOPHL/p11
IPOPHL /p11

World Bank approves $176-M

fishery resiliency project
The World Bank on Wednesday approved a USD176 million
fisheries and coastal resiliency project.
In a statement, the World Bank said the Philippine Fisheries
and Coastal Resiliency Project (FISHCORE) seeks to improve fish-
eries management, enhance the value of fisheries production, and
elevate incomes in selected coastal communities.
The project is expected to benefit more than 1.5 million fish-
erfolk, small-to-medium businesses, and residents in coastal com-
munities.
Fishing gear and aquaculture equipment providers, cold chain
suppliers, seafood processors, and market operators and export-
ers located outside the immediate project area are also expected to
benefit from the project.
The World Bank said while the Philippines has a large poten-
tial for aquaculture development, production went down by 10
percent over the last decade.
It noted that due to poor post-harvest facilities, 20 percent to
40 percent of total fish caught and farmed are lost.
FISHCORE will support investments to expand aquaculture
and fish farming and increase the value of fishery products.
The project also aims to support the formation of businesses
among fishers’ associations, provide livelihood grants to eligible
World/p11
‘Order your chicken
nuggets and let
the Game begin’
“Technology is changing the world; it’s changing our sport. It’s
changing the way people are following the NBA.”—Adam Silver
W
HAT is so special with the Nuggets that the team is so
popular even among the Pinoy cage fans?
Must the pro-Heat crowd sit down and wait for the
sharp blades to chop off the head of their favorite team from the
Atlantic Coast?
Even before the start of the 2023 NBA Finals Game 1 at Ball
Arena in Denver, Colorado Thursday evening (US Eastern Time)
June 1, oddsmakers have heavily installed the Denver Nuggets to
roll past Erik Spoelstra’s Miami Heat in their best-of-seven cham-
pionship series.
My LA-based kumpare and former me-
dia colleague in the Philippines, Lynon Cor-
tez, meanwhile, has something to contrib-
ute to this subject matter:
”Filipinos might root for Heat ‘coz of
Spoelstra but I have a big prediction: Nug-
gets will sweep Heat as what they did to
the LA Lakers. Here’s my account: Jokic 2x
MVP has the back up of Murray, Gordon
& Porter. Nuggets is the # 1 in the Western
pre-season and the West Champion after
Alex Vidal sweeping the Lakers. Back to the semifi-
nals of the West, Lakers beat the defending
ABOVE champ Warriors but got swept by the Nug-
THE BELT gets. On the East, Heat is the # 8 and had to
force a Game 7 against Boston. On the aver-
age, Butler is far from Jokic in any aspect of
the game. Besides Heat Butler, Abedayo, Calib & Love are all good
physically but not in scoring. The No. 1 seed in the West vs the
lowest in the East. Anyway, make your order of chicken nuggets
at wings stop before the game begins.”
-o0o-
We don’t have the illusion of tapping our own crystal ball here
for the much-awaited championship series, thus we bring the at-
tention of the readers who are NBA fans to the panel of experts
tapped by The Athletic that have clearly underestimated the
eight-seeded Heat, a most recent survivor in the nail-biting East-
ern Conference title match versus Boston Celtics.
They included an NBA scout, coach and executive who pre-
dicted the outcome of the Finals with a common conclusion: Nug-
gets will win the crown in six games.
“Perhaps it is because Miami is only the second No. 8 seed to
ever reach the NBA Finals, duplicating the accomplishment of the
1999 New York Knicks. Maybe it’s because Miami almost didn’t
make it out of the Eastern Conference Finals after winning the
first three games of that series,” explained Mike Battaglino of Heat
Nation.
“Or it could be because the Nuggets got to the championship
round by sweeping the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Con-
ference Finals.”
The Heat avoided a collapse for the ages when they defeated
the Celtics 103-84 in Game 7 on May 29 to avoid becoming the first
NBA team to lose a best-of-seven series after taking a 3-0 lead.
Miami has been doubted throughout the playoffs, and Battagli-
no pointed out that previous predictions by The Athletic panels
had them losing to the New York Knicks in the second round and
then not getting past the Celtics in the conference finals.
The scout said the advantage the Heat have built with its role
players could be countered by the Nuggets’ similar strength in
that area.
The expert also said the coaching of Denver’s Michael Malone
is good enough to counter that of Spoelstra. ESPN/ABC analyst
Jeff Van Gundy this week said Fil-Am coach Spoelstra is the best
head coach in Heat history.
-o0o-
Coach’s outlook as reported by The Athletic: “I really think it’s
going to go six (games). I think Denver pulls it out. I love what Mi-
ami does, and I love what they’re doing and how hard they play.
And Spo is unbelievable at what he’s doing. But I think, at the end
of the day, Denver was No. 1 for a reason: the way they pass and
share the basketball. And Joker is, obviously, the (driving force) in
all of that.
“Every team has tried to (slow Jokic). I think it’s just a matter
of how much you allow him to score or if you decide to let him
facilitate. Knowing what he does most and what he has been do-
ing, as a walking triple-double, I think (the Heat are) going to play
him individually at times. I think they’ll mix up the double-teams.
I think the zone is going to be effective for them, because it allows
them to navigate and dictate where those shots are coming from
for the team. Like you saw (in Game 7 of the East finals) against
Boston, they’re just going to have to keep mixing it up. The traps
and the adjustments probably will come a little bit more so on (Ja-
mal) Murray than on Joker. I think that’s the other factor that’s
going to play a big part of it: how they can guard Murray as well.
“I just love the way the Heat share the basketball. It doesn’t mat-
ter who is scoring. They allow the game to come to them. They
read, and then take, what the defense is giving them offensively.
Defensively, I love how Spo just keeps mixing it up. He doesn’t sit
with one coverage. He went to zone in the fourth, and I was so
impressed by that: just knowing that that was what was going to
be effective versus what tradition says that we should be playing
(another) type of style in this moment. …
“The Nuggets are clicking on all cylinders with their abil-
ity to share and move the basketball. Then, on top of that, they
have shot makers with Porter, Bruce Brown, Kentavious Cald-
well-Pope. When you have that as a problem (for the other team)
Above the belt/p10
6 Friday, June 2, 2023
OPINION
It’s the season of re-alignment
W
ill the recent resignation, or Analyzing Philippine politics if quite easy
some would argue, replace- actually in that everything and anything is
ment of former President Glo- dependent on political personalities. That
ria Macapagal Arroyo (GMA) as Senior however, is also what makes it difficult to
Deputy House Speaker impact on the hold firmly; as everything depends simply
Presidency? Will it affect the passage of on personalities, there is so much volatility
priority legislations? Will it result in the that it is not easy to have a full grasp.
resignation of (supposedly) loyal follow- That is why there’s truth in the saying
ers of the former President? These were that there are no permanent friends in pol-
the barrage of questions asked soonest the itics, there are only permanent interests.
news was out and with it a statement from The foregoing questions may be answered
her. She was replaced by someone I know by making sense of their common and in-
to be very close to her, someone who could dividual interests. This may be done in ref-
arguably be no less her lieutenant in her erence to their being part of the adminis-
home province Pampanga. tration, of being allies
A friend even messaged with the President.
me saying that some oner- Edmund Tayao To me, there is so far
ous transactions triggered nothing that suggests
her being replaced. I replied COMMENTARY anything amounting
saying simply that, if there to any erosion of the
indeed was something sinis- President’s political
ter that led to that political development, I capital. What is suggested in the preced-
could have already heard of it somehow or ing questions is that there is assumption
at least some indication of it. All I heard is that there could be a break in the overall
that there were some political discussions alliance, the only thing that could amount
and it was agreed that she gives up her to the weakening of the President’s politi-
number 2 position in the House of Repre- cal strength. For it to happen, the common
sentatives. and individual interests should have been
This recent development in the House severed. Let’s take a look at that proposi-
and even say the bigger political equation tion.
is not unusual or unexpected. As we have Has the President already lost his un-
seen in all previous administrations, it was precedented popularity? One can always
just a matter of time. argue that well, he managed to get so much
How about the resignation of the Vice votes, more than 50%, the first time to be
President as a member of Lakas-CMD par- elected as a majority President under the
ty? Is it not in any way related to the de- 1987 Constitution, because he was sup-
velopments in the House? That is of course ported by Duterte’s supporters. Yes, that
likely, considering that the former pres- is true, but he was still elected nonetheless
ident is a leading member of Lakas, and by an absolute majority. The support that
that she is a key supporter and ally of the came his way may have been from the
Vice President. Does it suggest something supporters of the previous President, but is
more? Say perhaps a re-alignment of forc- it because they were told by their champi-
es that could erode the President’s political on to support the current President? Didn’t
strength? It definitely is an indication of the former President support someone else
re-alignment of forces, of alliances. But I in the recent Presidential elections? Espe-
don’t think it amounts to or even intended cially in the run-up to the recent elections?
to erode the President’s political strength. It’s not the former President’s support
LEMUEL T. FERNANDEZ DANIEL Y. LABINDAO
Founding Publisher Marketing OIC-Manila Bureau
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that was crucial. It was and is the support
of the Vice President that is crucial; the
daughter of the former President and the
one chosen by the people to pass on their
support. This is what others will argue and
that is true. But, it could have been differ-
ent. If we assume for example that the Vice
President chose to be with another candi-
date in the last elections, would it have
worked? Would it reach such unprece-
dented proportions? I’m just asking ques-
tions here, and I’m sure there are so many
possible answers as much as the number of
possible tandem in the previous elections.
It should also be noted that the DDS sup-
port did not amount to more than 50% of
the total votes in the 2016 elections. The
result of the recent elections could only be
a combination of the core support of both
in the tandem. VP Sara contributed to and
benefited from the support of PBBM.
Could the Vice President have chosen
a different running-mate? This can be an-
swered only by the VP herself. There can
be no doubt that she really gave significant
thought as to who she will be running
with then. This is of course a subject of a
lengthier piece, looking at each of the other
candidates as a possible tandem. The Pres-
ident was the one chosen however, and
the Vice President would know best why.
More than that, the vaunted DDS could
not have just accepted such choice, con-
sider again the choice of the older Duterte.
If the DDS just follows what they are told,
then we could have had a different polit-
ical equation now entirely, a different ad-
ministration. But no, the people actually
have a way of weighing who is worthy of
support. Cryout as much as they like, but
the opposition had their chance before and
they have shown to offer nothing different
than what they have professed to opposed.
I have tried to explain in so many writ-
ings and public discussion that howev-
er we’d like to think, the people actually
Commentary/p7
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www.dailyguardian.com.ph
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 OPINION Friday, June 2, 2023 7

CPALE tallies upward trend E-bus for

T
he results of the May 2023 Certified
Public Accountants Licensure Exam-
ination were released late in the eve-
ning last Tuesday, May 30. According to the
Professional Regulation Com-
mission (PRC), a total of 2,239 ex-
Interestingly, and somehow fortunately,
the CPALE is now at an upward trend in re-
cent years. As a matter of fact, the most re-
cent passing rate of 30.36 percent is the high-
est in five years, the highest
since May 2018. Meanwhile,
tors, and reviewers. The preparation for the
CPALE, arguably, starts not in the review healthier
mobility
school, but as early as in college. One reason
often given why the board exam for CPAs is
difficult is its broad scope.
With six subjects, from accounting to au-

aminees passed the test out of a
total 7,376 test takers.
Before dissecting the data, I
would like to congratulate ev-
eryone, especially those who
will enter the accounting pro-
fession as CPAs very soon. To
those who did not pass, your
feelings are valid, and it is totally
fine to grieve for the meantime.
Do not be discouraged because,
after all, the mere fact that
you took the CPALE is already Joshua
an achievement as it requires
courage, determination, and
ZOOMER
enormous effort. More impor- THOUGHTS
tantly, the CPA title can still be
attained; success is not denied, it
is merely delayed.
According to the results, the national
passing rate for the May 2023 CPALE stood
at 30.36 percent, an improvement of almost
5 percent compared to the October 2022
CPALE passing rate of 25.84 percent.
the October 2017 CPALE na-
tional passing rate stood at
30.45 percent.
The CPALE national pass-
ing rate plummeted to a very
low 14.32 percent in October
2019 and rose to higher per-
centages ever since. Due to
the pandemic, the next board
exam was held two years later
in October 2021 with a 15.25
passing rate, while the Decem-
Corcuera ber 2021 boards stood at 21.87
percent.
Moreover, the May 2022
CPALE recorded a passing rate
of 22.29 percent. One year lat-
er, an average of 3 out of 10 test
takers hurdled the notoriously difficult exam.
Still, we can see that a majority of test takers
would have to try again in the next CPALE to
be held from September 30 to October 2.
Though the upward trend is encouraging,
the challenge remains for students, educa-
diting, from taxation to certain law subjects,
the coverage of the CPALE is too compre-
hensive. Definitely, it is of the utmost impor-
tance to dedicate more time for accountancy
students to study these six board exam sub-
jects. Furthermore, changes in laws, as well
as taxation, require learners to be frequently
updated with their knowledge which is an-
other enormous challenge.
I would like to finish this column on a
positive note. Despite the struggles and sac-
rifices, we may have realized that success is
not guaranteed. But remain hopeful and try
again. One well-known CPA review shared
in its social media accounts the testimonial
of one of its reviewees who is now a CPA—a
CPA in his fifth take of the CPALE. In spite of
failures, he decided not to give up, and that
decision was worth it in the end.
This lesson applies not only to those tak-
ing the CPALE or an exam, but to people from
all walks of life. No matter how burdensome
the challenges brought by the world, keep on
fighting as hope lives on.
T
HERE is a cheaper but healthier alternative to
gas-powered means of transportation that would
soon be available to residents of Iloilo City.
This was the message we heard from Reynaldo “Rey”
Nolasco Jr. when he guested on the “Tribuna sang Banwa”
program on Aksyon Radyo-Iloilo last Sunday (12:15 to 1:15
p.m.)
Nolasco had been appointed “manager for e-bus” by
Roel Z. Castro, president and chief executive officer of
MORE Electric and Power Corp. (MORE Power), the city’s
power-distribution utility.
Indeed, there seems to be no limit to Sir Roel’s mind
when it comes to stretching electricity to the max. It is his
idea to extend power from homes to vehicles.
Castro recently accorded Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P.
Treñas the honor of being the first to ride the first e-bus
arrival.
By now, most Ilonggos must have heard of MORE Pow-
er’s intention to field at least 10 units of electric bus (e-bus
for short) to serve targeted
commuters residing and/or
working In Iloilo.
However, Nolasco clar-
ified, “We are not really
branching into the trans-
port business. We will

The anger and mercy of Christ

remain as an electricity
distribution utility which
would promote the e-bus as
an efficient and clean trans-

T
HE gospel of Friday of the
8th Week in Ordinary
Time (cfr. Mk 11,11016)
shows us Christ showing two
apparently contrasting qualities
of anger and mercy. When he got
hungry and saw a fig tree that
did not have any fruit, he got an-
gry and addressed the tree, “May
no one ever eat of your fruit
again!” And the tree, while still
having a luxuriant foliage, later
on withered away.
Then when he visited the
temple area and saw how some
people turned it into a market
place, he used some force to drive
the vendors and money chang-
ers away. He justified that action
by saying, “Is it not written: My
house shall be called a house of
prayer for all peoples? But you
have made it a den of thieves.”
But in the same gospel, Christ
also told his disciples, “When
you stand to pray, forgive any-
one against whom you have a
grievance, so that your heavenly
Father may in turn forgive you
your transgressions.”
Indeed, God as shown in
Christ, the ever-merciful and
compassionate God, can be an- but his mercy and compassion eryone, including those who are port system in Iloilo City
gry. His anger can even turn into are forever. openly opposed to him. It’s up to us and eventually in the entire
fury and wrath. Just If we truly to receive that divine offer. PEOPLE Western Visayas.”
read the Old Testa-
ment, and you will
are to be like
Christ as we
If need be, we have to make
a shout-out of this word of for-
POWWOW Would it be available for
sale, or rent?
have a good dose of should, then giveness if only for everyone to Herbert Vego “Possibly” was the an-
vivid instances of we should not follow this clear commandment swer.
this divine anger and let anger stay of Christ: “Forgive and you shall There are still no clear-
wrath. with us for be forgiven.” (Lk 6,37) He reiterat- cut guidelines on how this could materialize, pending co-
Which reminds long. What ed this injunction when he said: ordination with government agencies, notably the (Land
us that anger is not should dom- “For if you will forgive men their Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFB).
bad after all. If God inate in the offences, your heavenly Father Needless to say, an e-bus would need minimal mainte-
can be angry, we, end is mercy. will forgive you also your offenc- nance because it has no motorized engine. It would run
who are his image Let’s remem- es. But if you do not forgive men, on a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that would emit no
and likeness, can be ber what neither will your Father forgive pollution and almost zero noise. A fully-charged battery
angry too. Anger has Fr. Roy Cimagala Christ told Pe- you your offences.” (Mt 6,14-15) (45 minutes at a fast-charging station) would allow the bus
a place in our life. Ex-
cept that we have to
REFLECTIONS ter about how
many times
It’s clear therefore that we can
only be forgiven if we also forgive
to travel 100 kilometers at a maximum speed of 70 kilo-
meters per hour.
be most careful with we should for- others. This injunction is meant On the basis of cost efficiency, Nolasco said, an e-bus
it, since our anger give others. for everyone, and not only for a with a maximum of 30 passengers would only consume
can only be good and righteous “LORD, if my brother sins few whom we may consider to five pesos worth of electricity per kilometer. Whereas,
only when we are truly identi- against me, how often must I be religiously inclined. That’s why the traditional jeepney with lesser number of passengers
fied with Christ. And given our forgive him? As many as seven when asked how many times we would burn around 12 pesos worth of diesel per kilometer.
current condition, that identifi- times?” Jesus answered, “I say to should forgive, he said not only Branded “Comet,” the buses – boasting of European tech-
cation can only be at best tenu- you, not seven times but seven- seven times, but seventy times nology but assembled in China for cheaper labor -- would
ous. ty-seven times.” (Mt 18,21-22) seven, meaning always. be supplied by Global Electric Transport (GET), which has
To be sure, God’s anger is not With those words, Christ clear- When we truly identify our- been in the transport business in Manila since 2015.
a lasting, much less, permanent ly tells us to be always merciful of selves with Christ, mercy would But the idea behind is to provide shuttle service for
feature. It’s a passing emotion. everybody. Such attitude would have the last word. Our anger members of exclusive and non-exclusive transport groups
As Sacred Scripture puts it, he is truly make us like God as we are would just be a passing emotion. -- akin to traditional school buses and ride pools.
slow to anger, quick to forgive. supposed to be. God forgives ev- Email: roycimagala@gmail. Under this concept, for example, business process out-
His anger is just for a moment, eryone, or at least offers it to ev- com sourcing (BPO) companies may facilitate the rides of their
office employees and call center agents on time.

Commentary... from p.6

weigh in and think when they vote or decide
who to support. There is no such thing as “Bo-
botante”. Yes of course, popularity is a factor
but it is not all that is considered by the pub-
lic. There will always be issues, good or bad,
that will stick to a person, that will spell the
difference in his political career. However lit-
tle the information, and given the kind of po-
litical setup we have, the available informa-
tion will always be considerably little for the
people to adequately weigh in, but weigh in
they will. It is patently misguided to assume
and more so accuse the people that they don’t
think. On the contrary, the public always talk
about and weigh in on political issues and of
course political personalities.
With all these considerations then, do the
recent resignations or replacement amount
to anything more than a change at the po-
litical party level? Does it in any way impact
on the President’s governing capacity and or
political capital? If our supposition captures
the key considerations rightly, the answer
could only be that it’s nothing more than a
change within the political alliance and does
not amount to any change of support to the
President. The pronouncements of the two
women leaders say it all in the first place and
it should be forthright declarations. The com-
mon interest shared by the political leaders
could only be the administration of the Pres-
ident as its success will spell their future po-
litically. They have differences among them-
selves, fine, and that is expected. But it does
not change the fact that it is both in their in-
terests to continue supporting the President.
The militant groups and the opposition
seemed to have been tickled by the news that
broke their long time silence, declaring it al-
ready is the start of the administration’s break.
Another friend messaged me saying that there
is no more opposition so it could not have been
so. There may no longer be opposition in both
halls of Congress, but it doesn’t mean there are
no more opposition in the grander political
equation. Those who have been in power be-
fore will always be inclined to punch on any
opportunity to get back. Given what many
thought impossible happened - the election of
Marcos Jr. to the Presidency - it can only mean
that it would be difficult for the opposing politi-
cal groups to recover.
Yes there are those who are able to remain
in government even though they were once
identified with the previous leaderships, but
only because they shed themselves of any-
thing that could easily suggest they remain
with their previous allegiances. For the previ-
ous political groupings to get back to power is
a different story entirely. This can only be the
reason why they hope there’s now a crack in
the overall administration alliance and they’re
using the issue to stir the issue to that end. The
hope is that the public can be led to believe that
the leadership has been effectively weakened.
We have seen similar developments in
all previous political groupings as early as
Presidents Quezon and Roxas. The same
happened with the LDP during the time of
former President Cory Aquino. Presidents
Ramos, GMA, Noynoy Aquino and the last
administration of Duterte had re-alignments
in the early part of their administrations.
After every election, re-alignments happen
in preparation for the next coming election,
whether midterm or presidential elections.
Does every re-alignment necessarily amount
to and immediate erosion of the incumbent
President’s power? Not really. The only ex-
ception is that of former President Erap who
was successfully and abruptly unseated.
Former President GMA endured before
the most trying of political challenges. A
number of her people publicly rebuked her
and resigned. There were re-alignments
that took place of course, but it didn’t nec-
essarily amount to a withdrawal of support
then. Those who left her belonged to anoth-
er group it seemed, but those who remained
re-aligned but remained supportive of her
administration. The formula that was used to
have Edsa 1 and 2 have been proven to be no
longer effective. We have seen this in many
attempts thereafter which fizzled out. It will
take so much more for the leaders before to
get back much needed public support.
Commuters may pre-book their trips in such a way that
they would be picked up in designated locations.
“It’s just like booking for an airplane flight,” Nolasco en-
thused.
It’s because it has an app-based management and pay-
ment platform, where a QR code would be good enough
to get a ride.
“We are here with a mission to build a better world
through a clean and healthy environment,” Nolasco
quipped.
While waiting for the e-bus, kaon ta anay ibus, Sir Roel.
-oOo-
MORE NEWS
THIS corner has no doubt that a joint venture agree-
ment between IGNITE Power and Central Negros Electric
Cooperative (Ceneco) would push through.
The latest word is that a thousand barangay officials
from the cities of Bacolod, Silay, Talisay, and Bago and the
municipalities of Murcia and Don Salvador Benedicto ex-
pressed support to the proposed partnership in a gather-
ing at the West Negros University gymnasium.
Barangay Captain Deogracias Dela Vega of Bacolod
City expressed confidence that the partnership would
stop rampant power pilferages that have impoverished
Ceneco, which has more than 200,000 customers.
The efficiency of MORE Power in Iloilo City has been
cited as the prime reason behind such confidence. Like
MORE Power, IGNITE will have Roel Castro as president
and chief executive officer.
Castro assured the audience that he would do what he
had done to MORE Power, where he had brought down
the system’s loss in Iloilo City from 30 percent to 6.5 per-
cent within three years.
8 Friday, June 2, 2023 EDUCATION KWF,
Lalahok sa
Philippine
Books
Festival
2023
Lalahok ang Komisyon sa
Wikang Filipino (KWF) sa
Philippine Books Festival 2023
sa 2–4 Hunyo 2023 na gaga-
napin sa World Trade Center
Manila, Lungsod Pasay.
Mabibili sa napakababang
halaga ang iba’t ibang aklat
pangwika at pangkultura na
nailathala ng KWF kabilang
ang akda ni Tagapangulong Ar-
In photo (from left): TESDA Director General Danilo P. Cruz, BSP Governor Felipe M. Medalla, and BDOF President Mario A. Deriquito thur P. Casanova na Mga Dra-
ma para sa dulaang pambata

BSP signs financial literacy MOA with TESDA, BDO

at Mga Dula para sa teatrong
pambata.
Mabibili ng madla ang

Foundation; over 4M tech-voc learners to benefit

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) signed a mem-
orandum of agreement (MOA) with the Technical Ed-
ucation and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)
and BDO Foundation (BDOF) on the development of
a free online course on personal finance. The agree-
ment aims to boost the financial health of over four
million learners of technical and vocational (tech-
voc) skills.
The MOA was signed in March 2023 by BSP Gov-
ernor Felipe M. Medalla, BSP Deputy Governor Berna-
dette Romulo-Puyat, TESDA Director General Danilo
P. Cruz, TESDA Deputy Director General Rosanna A.
Urdaneta, BDOF President Mario A. Deriquito and
BDOF Trustees Lucy Co Dy and Lazaro Jerome C. Gue-
varra.
“The BSP recognizes the vital role of TVET learners
whether they decide to pursue employment or entre-
preneurship here or abroad. Through the FLC, we em-
power them to take charge of their own personal and
financial growth. This ownership, in turn, empowers
mga de-kalidad na mga aklat
kabilang ang Ang Imahen ng
Filipino Sa Sining, Ang Apat
na Himagsik Ni Francisco
them to unlock better outcomes and opportunities for ers. Thank you, BSP and TESDA, for giving BDO Balagtas, Ang Dakilang Inaas-
themselves, for their families, and for our economy,” Foundation this opportunity to take part in yet am/Hinihintay, Arte De La
said Governor Medalla. another project that will contribute to creating Lengua Zebuana, Balarila ng
“Sustainable public-private partnerships are a financially inclusive future,” President Deriq- Wikang Pambansa, Digmaan
instrumental in developing more financial educa- uito added. at Kapayapaan, Introduksiyon
tion programs that are free, effective, accessible, The “Financial Literacy Course” (FLC) will be made sa Leksikograpiya ng Filipi-
interactive, and scalable. This greatly expands the available to technical-vocational education and train- nas, Introduksiyon sa Saliksik,
reach of our financial inclusion efforts,” the Gov- ing (TVET) learners and the general public via the TES- Kahapon,Ngayon at Bukas,
ernor added. DA Online Program (www.e-tesda.gov.ph) by 2024. It Kapayapaan Sa Ilang Wika ng
“The 21st-century workplace demands workers to will be launched under the platform’s “Lifelong Learn- Filipinas, Kasaysayan ng mga
demonstrate self-management and develop attitudes ing Skills” courses. Topics covered in the FLC include Pamayanan ng Mindanao at
toward lifelong learning and career development. financial planning, saving and budgeting, debt and in- Arkipelago ng Sulu, Manwal sa
This enables them to make sound financial decisions vestment management, digital financial literacy, and Masinop na Pagsulat, Orosman
toward the attainment of their life and career goals,” consumer protection. at Zafira: Komenda ni Francis-
said TESDA Director General Cruz. The FLC is aligned with the objectives and prior- co Balagtas, Taludtod at Tal-
“This joint initiative forms part of our continuing ity initiatives under the BSP’s National Strategy for inghaga, Tesawro ng Batayang
contribution to the BSP’s financial inclusion advocacy,” Financial Inclusion 2022-2028, which aims to pro- Konsepto sa Kulturang Filipi-
said BDOF President Deriquito. mote financial education and consumer protection no, Vocabulario De La Lengua
“Through this partnership, we hope to help by strengthening the financial and digital literacy of Tagala (Hardbound 2017), at
enhance the economic well-being of our learn- underserved sectors. marami pang iba.

Empowering learning through

connectivity: Globe donates
100 Home Prepaid WiFi units
to DepEd’s MATATAG Agenda
Reliable and high-speed connectivity has become an essential
component of effective education in today’s digital age as stu-
dents and teachers need access to the internet to engage in vari-
ous online learning activities and resources.
But many schools in underserved areas still struggle with con-
nectivity issues. To address this challenge, Globe is supporting the
Department of Education’s (DepEd) MATATAG Agenda, which
aims to improve the delivery of basic education facilities and ser-
vices in far-flung places in the country.
The company recently donated 100 Home Prepaid WiFi units to
DepEd, which have been distributed to various schools in the Cordil-
lera Administrative Region (CAR) and Region 1. Globe Home Prepaid
WIFi offers budget-friendly yet fast and reliable internet access.
By bringing technology and the internet closer to teachers
and students, Globe is helping facilitate better and more efficient
learning. High-speed internet connectivity allows teachers and
students to access digital textbooks and multimedia learning re-
sources, as well as engage in collaborative online activities.
This provides students with a more comprehensive and mean-
ingful education and supports the development of critical digital
literacy skills that are necessary for success in the 21st century.
Empowering/p11

Best practices in improving children’s reading

and literacy takes center stage in LINKS CON 2023
LINKS, a non-profit organization commit-
ted to raise volunteers and build libraries
for Filipino children, will hold its first-ev-
er LINKS CON 2023 on June 3.
After completing Hooked on Books
(HOB) Library and Reading Programs in 12
public schools across the country, LINKS
Philippines President Ningning Doble said
that it is time for the HOB implementers
to get together, share their best practic-
es, lessons learned and challenges with
each other, and all the partners who have
helped them with this program.
“This event is a first time for us. We also
want our partners to hear the proof of con-
cept straight from the horses’ mouths, to
hear the stories of transformation straight
from the implementers,” shared the devel-
opment and humanitarian expert.
Doble revealed her greatest motiva-
tion for leading LINKS by adding “In oth-
er words, with our kids not doing so well
right now in reading skills as compared to
kids from other countries, we are hoping
to draw inspiration from each other at this
event so we may keep on going on.”
The event will be livestreamed from
1:30PM in their official Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/linksbuild-
ingbridges
With the theme “Building Bridges For
Children…Together”, LINKS CON 2023 will
also be an avenue to support their proj-
ects. Individuals and organizations will
have the opportunity to help children read
better by donating cash, by giving brand
new or gently-used children’s storybooks,
school supplies, or by offering volunteer
services.
Contact details for countries the LINKS
operates are as follows:LINKS Philippines:
Ningning Doble (ningning.linksforchil-
dren.ph@
gmail.com)
LINKS USA: Jocelin Olivier (linksusa@
linksforchildren.com)
LINKS UK: Douglas Inness (douglas@
linksforchildren.com)
LINKS Official Facebook Messenger:
https://www.facebook.com/linksbuild-
ingbridges
For more information about LINKS, vis-
it their website: https://www.linksforchil-
dren.com/
CLASSIFIED ADS Friday, June 2, 2023 9
10 Friday, June 2, 2023
DTI... from p.4 NEDA... from p.4

Foods Philippines Corpora-
tion (CPFPC), a subsidiary of
Charoen Pokphand Foods Pub-
lic Company Limited (CPF) is
considered as the most signif-
icant Thai investment in Phil-
ippine Agriculture. In 2022, a
memorandum of agreement
was signed by CPF in partner-
ship with the Department of
Agriculture (DA) and Land-
bank of the Philippines (LBP) to
support poultry, aquaculture,
and hog farming business ex-
pansion. Currently, CPFPC has
three (3) BOI registrations also
focusing on agricultural proj-
ects.
how the Philippine textile in-
dustry used to be one of the
most competitive industries in
the country.
Although other industries
have since overtaken textiles,
there are ongoing efforts to
policy developments in the
Philippines, taking special
interest in the country’s
recent game-changing re-
forms to drive investor in-
terest.
In his keynote address
Additionally, Balisacan em-
phasized the important role of
public-private partnerships in
the nation’s development, es-
pecially given the limited fiscal
space.
“The public, through pub-

City ... .3 from p

He cited that on May 26,
Bacolod City recorded the first
two swine fever cases in Ba-
rangay Taculing in this city.
Meanwhile, 12 sick pigs died
in Purok Paghidaet, Barangay
Tangub in this city while 23
others were culled on Wednes-
day, May 3.
This is a precautionary
measure against the spread of
suspected African swine fever
(ASF), Barangay Captain Noli
Villarosa said.
He said that the Bacolod
City government is waiting
for the Bureau of Animal In-
dustry test results on pig blood
samples from Tangub after two
were suspected to have died
from ASF.
Villarosa said the 35 affect-
ed pigs belonged to two hog
raisers.
He also said the hog raisers
revive this industry and other
industries that have fallen be-
during the same event, Secre-
tary Balisacan presented the
lic-private partnerships, can
benefit from the private sec-
hind global standards. Present- various infrastructure projects tor’s ability to efficiently exe-
were hesitant about killing
ly, Chapter 6 of the PDP 2023- and investment policy reforms. cute and implement projects,
23 other pigs that were still
2028 contains the strategies for These included the Build-Bet- harness new technologies, as
healthy, but they agreed to the
revitalizing various industries, ter-More Program, proposed well as identify and adapt to
culling of the pigs by electro-
including textiles. amendments to the BOT law, rapidly changing market con-
cution after the barangay gov-
The discussion also and the nation’s development ditions in an agile manner,” said
ernment offered to pay P3,000
touched on the effective im- targets. the NEDA chief.
for each pig.
plementation of the Ease of “These measures have im- The GPCCI is an interna-
Villarosa said he oversaw
Doing Business Act and con- proved the country’s invest- tional business community
the burying of the pigs to en-
straints on the entry and op- ment environment by opening that promotes bilateral trade
sure that health precautions
eration of foreign business up key sectors of the economy by supporting the market en-
were observed.
and investments. and clarifying ambiguities in try of German companies and

Above the belt... from p.6

and the space that they play in,
it’s very tough to lock in on one
man.”
ing streak in Miami Heat his-
tory, on the other hand, is 11
games, set during the 1988-89
Mar 15, 1989 with a 109-103
away win over the Los An-
geles Clippers.
Several investors had
also expressed their en-
thusiasm about the recent
the rules that may have pre-
viously discouraged investors
from entering,” he said.
representing Germany as the
strongest economic partner in
Europe.

-o0o-
season.
The losing streak reported-
Do the Miami Heat have any
losing streaks in the all-time Novak... from p.12

Meanwhile, we learned that
the longest losing streak in Mi-
ami Heat history is 17 games,
set during the 1988-89 season,
according to champsorchumps.
us.
The losing streak started on
Nov 5, 1988 with a 91-111 loss
to the Los Angeles Clippers and
ended on Dec 14 with a 89-88
win over the Los Angeles Clip-
pers.
The longest home game los-
ly started on Nov 5, 1988 with
a 91-111 home loss to the Los
Angeles Clippers and ended on
Dec 23 with a 101-80 home win
over the Utah Jazz.
The longest road game
losing streak in Miami Heat
history is 18 games, set
during the 1988-89 season.
The losing streak reportedly
started on Dec 15, 1988 with
a 90-94 away loss to the Sac-
ramento Kings and ended on
top 50 NBA losing streaks?
Yes, the 17-game losing
streak by the 1988-89 Miami
Heat is the 27th longest losing
streak in NBA history.
We hope Miami Heat will
rewrite history, prove the
soothsayers wrong, and win
another NBA title this year.
(The author, who is now
based in New York City, used to
be the editor of two daily news-
papers in Iloilo.—Ed)
Djokovic kicked off his sec-
ond-round campaign with a se-
ries of down-the-line forehand
bombs when he noticed Fucso-
vics’ indecisive movement in
the baseline.
The Serbian’s varied at-
tacking approach always kept
Fucsovics guessing and was
just out of sync trying to figure
out Djokovic’s next move.
Fucsovics tried going toe-to-
toe with Djokovic in the base-
line game but the Hungarian
can’t keep up with the speed of
the Serbian’s ball.
Fucsovics then tried to wear
Djokovic out after throwing
short balls inside the net area
but the more experienced 22-
time Grand Slam champion
showed him how it’s done and
countered every trick the Hun-
garian ace deployed.
Djokovic’s eight tallied break
points was also one of the high-
lights of the game as the Serbian
just neutralized Fucsovics’ ser-
vice possessions at will.
Despite the speed and the
spin on the first serve, Djokovic
knew how to return with ease
and just stomped over him in
the last four rally exchanges.
With the win, Djokovic will
be setting up a third-round
clash with Alejandro Davi-
dovich Fokina, the world’s no.
29 male tennis player.

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES

Supreme Court of the Philippines Supreme Court of the Philippines Supreme Court of the Philippines
REGIONAL TRIAL COURT REGIONAL TRIAL COURT REGIONAL TRIAL COURT
6thJudicial Region 6thJudicial Region 6thJudicial Region
San Jose, Antique San Jose, Antique San Jose, Antique

OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT & EX-OFFICIO SHERIFF
IN RE: PETITION FOR EXTRA-JUDICIAL
FORECLOSURE(NOTARIAL) SALE UNDER
ACT NO 3135, AS AMENDED BY ACT NO. 4118,
NF. NO. 2023-01
FIRST IMPERIAL BUSINESS BANK, INC. represented by its
Officer-in-Charge CHARLIE H. PADERNAL,
Petitioner.
X- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - X
NOTARY PUBLIC NOTICE OF SALE AT PUBLIC AUCTION
WHEREAS, upon Petition for Extra-Judicial Foreclosure
under Act. No. 3135 as amended, filed by FIRST IMPERIAL
BUSINESS BANK, INC., a corporation duly organized and
existing by virtue of Philippine Laws, herein represented
by its Officer-in-Charge Charlie H. Padernal, of legal age,
married, and with office address at the Gov. Villavert, San
Jose, Antique, to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness of Michelle
Quanico, which as of August 31, 2022 accumulated to Four
Hundred Twenty Five Thousand Six Hundred Seventy Eight
Pesos and Twenty Nine Centavos(Php425,678.29) inclusive of
interests and penalties, and excluding attorney’s fees, legal and
foreclosure expenses, plus all other fees and expenses incident
to the foreclosure and sale. The undersigned Notary Public in
the Province of Antique will sell at public auction on July 26,
2023 at 10:00 o’clock in the morning, or as soon thereafter at
the office of ATTY. JENALYN T. ALAGOS-TRAIFALGAR at
ALAGOS LAW OFFICE, 2nd Floor, Eagle’s Place, T. A. Fornier St.,
San Jose de Buenavista, Antique, Philippines to the HIGHEST
BIDDER for CASH and in Philippine Currency, the mortgaged
real property, with all its improvements thereon, described as
follows:
Transfer Certificate of Title No. T-28557
“A parcel of land (Lot No. 711-E-4 Psd-06-073516,
being a portion of Lot 711-E, Psd-06-063066), situated
in the Barangay of Mojon, Municipality of San Jose,
Province of Antique, Island of Panay. Bounded on the
NE., along line 1-2 by Lot 711-D, point 2, by Lot 711-A, both
of Psd-06-063066; on the E. along line 2-3 by Lot 711-B,
Psd-06-063066; on the SW., along line 3-4 by Lot 711-E-1,
along lines 4-5-6 by Lot 711-E-3; on ther NW., along line
6-1 by Lot 711-E-5 (Road Right of Way 3.00 m. wide), all of
this subd. survey, containing an area of TWO HUNDRED
SIXTY TWO (262) square meters more or less.”
Prospective bidders are hereby enjoined to investigate for
themselves the title of the above-described property and the
encumbrances thereon, if any there be.
All sealed bids must be submitted in an envelope before the
start of the public auction sale.
Let the Notice of Sale at Public Auction be posted in at least
three (3) public places in the Municipality of San Jose Antique,
and published in The Daily Guardian, a newspaper of general
circulation.
San Jose de Buenavista, Antique, Philippines, May 10, 2023.
OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT & EX-OFFICIO SHERIFF
IN RE: PETITION FOR EXTRA-JUDICIAL
FORECLOSURE(NOTARIAL) SALE UNDER
ACT NO 3135, AS AMENDED BY ACT NO. 4118,
NF. NO. 2023-04
FIRST IMPERIAL BUSINESS BANK, INC. represented by its
Officer-in-Charge CHARLIE H. PADERNAL,
Petitioner.
X- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - X
NOTARY PUBLIC NOTICE OF SALE AT PUBLIC AUCTION
WHEREAS, upon Petition for Extra-Judicial Foreclosure
under Act. No. 3135 as amended, filed by FIRST IMPERIAL
BUSINESS BANK, INC., a corporation duly organized and
existing by virtue of Philippine Laws, herein represented by
its Officer-in-Charge Charlie H. Padernal, of legal age, married,
and with office address at the Gov. Villavert, San Jose, Antique,
to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness of Spouses Eduardo
Cabrera and Emmanuela Cabrera, which as of October 31,
2022 accumulated to Five Million One Hundred Nineteen
Thousand Five Hundred Pesos (Php5,119,500.00) inclusive of
interests and penalties, and excluding attorney’s fees, legal and
foreclosure expenses, plus all other fees and expenses incident
to the foreclosure and sale. The undersigned Notary Public in
the Province of Antique will sell at public auction on July 26,
2023 at 10:00 o’clock in the morning, or as soon thereafter at
the office of ATTY. JENALYN T. ALAGOS-TRAIFALGAR at
ALAGOS LAW OFFICE, 2nd Floor, Eagle’s Place, T. A. Fornier St.,
San Jose de Buenavista, Antique, Philippines to the HIGHEST
BIDDER for CASH and in Philippine Currency, the mortgaged
real property, with all its improvements thereon, described as
follows:
Transfer Certificate of Title No. 088-2016000432
“A parcel of land (Lot No. 1176-B, Psd-06-086977,
being a portion of Lot 1176), situated in the Brgy. of San
Fernando, San Jose, Antique, Philippines. Bounded on
the NW. along line 1-2 by Lot 4700, San Jose Cad. 216;
on the NE., along line 2-3 by Lot 1176-A, Psd-07-086977;
on the SE, along line 3-4 by Lot 4553, San Jose Cad. 216;
on the SE, along line 4-5 by Lot 4491, San Jose Cad. 216;
on the SW, along line 5-6 by Lot 2031, San Jose Cad. 216;
and on the NW, along line 6-1 by Lot 6042, San Jose
Cad. 216 containing an area of EIGHT THOUSAND SIX
HUNDRED SIXTY NINE (8,669) square meters more or
less.”
Prospective bidders are hereby enjoined to investigate for
themselves the title of the above-described property and the
encumbrances thereon, if any there be.
All sealed bids must be submitted in an envelope before the
start of the public auction sale.
Let the Notice of Sale at Public Auction be posted in at least
three (3) public places in the Municipality of San Jose Antique,
and published in The Daily Guardian, a newspaper of general
circulation.
San Jose de Buenavista, Antique, Philippines, May 17, 2023.
OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT & EX-OFFICIO SHERIFF
IN RE: PETITION FOR EXTRA-JUDICIAL
FORECLOSURE(NOTARIAL) SALE UNDER
ACT NO 3135, AS AMENDED BY ACT NO. 4118,
NF. NO. 2023-05
FIRST IMPERIAL BUSINESS BANK, INC. represented by its
Officer-in-Charge CHARLIE H. PADERNAL,
Petitioner.
X- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - X
NOTARY PUBLIC NOTICE OF SALE AT PUBLIC AUCTION
WHEREAS, upon Petition for Extra-Judicial Foreclosure
under Act. No. 3135 as amended, filed by FIRST IMPERIAL
BUSINESS BANK, INC., a corporation duly organized and
existing by virtue of Philippine Laws, herein represented by
its Officer-in-Charge Charlie H. Padernal, of legal age, married,
and with office address at the Gov. Villavert, San Jose, Antique,
to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness of EDSELYN ESPONILLA
and BERNARDO ESPONILLA, and EDNA MAGARO, which as
of October 31, 2022 accumulated to One Hundred Eighty Eight
Thousand Seven Hundred Twenty Nine Pesos and Fifty Eight
Centavos (Php188,729.58) inclusive of interests and penalties,
and excluding attorney’s fees, legal and foreclosure expenses,
plus all other fees and expenses incident to the foreclosure and
sale. The undersigned Notary Public in the Province of Antique
will sell at public auction on July 26, 2023 at 10:00 o’clock in the
morning, or as soon thereafter at the office of ATTY. JENALYN
T. ALAGOS-TRAIFALGAR at ALAGOS LAW OFFICE, 2nd
Floor, Eagle’s Place, T. A. Fornier St., San Jose de Buenavista,
Antique, Philippines to the HIGHEST BIDDER for CASH and
in Philippine Currency, the mortgaged real property, with all its
improvements thereon, described as follows:
KOT Blg. P-50358
“A parcel of land (Lot No. 8293-E, CSD.06.013015,
Patnongon Cadastre, Cad. 756-D with improvements
standing thereon, situated in Mabasa, Patnongon,
Antique, Island of Panay. Bounded on the NE., along line
1-2 by Lot 8293-J; on the Se., along line 2-3 by Lot 8293-I; on
the SE., ,SW., along lines 3-4-5, by Lot 8293-H; on the SW.,
along line 5-6 by Lot 8293-F; and on the NW., along line
6-1, by Lot 8293-J, containing an area of TWO HUNDRED
(200) square meters more or less.”
Prospective bidders are hereby enjoined to investigate for
themselves the title of the above-described property and the
encumbrances thereon, if any there be.
All sealed bids must be submitted in an envelope before the
start of the public auction sale.
Let the Notice of Sale at Public Auction be posted in at least
three (3) public places in the Municipality of San Jose Antique,
and published in The Daily Guardian, a newspaper of general
circulation.
San Jose de Buenavista, Antique, Philippines, May 17, 2023.

ATTY. JENALYN T. ALAGOS-TRAIFALGAR ATTY. JENALYN T. ALAGOS-TRAIFALGAR ATTY. JENALYN T. ALAGOS-TRAIFALGAR

Notary Public Notary Public Notary Public

India... from p.4
tion technology and business
process management (IT-BPM);
pharmaceutical and health
care; fast-moving consumer
goods (FMCG); engineering
and automobile; solid waste
management; agriculture, irri-
gation, and chemicals; and in-
novative tech solutions.
The roadshow is the first
in the Visayas. Similar events
have been held in Baguio,
Davao, Cagayan de Oro, and
most recently, in Laoag.
Dileep Tiwari, president of
the India Business Forum As-
sociation Philippines Inc. (IBF),
said apart from the high-skilled
manpower in the region, one of
the reasons why they choose
Iloilo is because of its geograph-
ical location.
“Iloilo is located in the heart
of the Philippines. And that
also provides access equally
from Mindanao and Luzon. I
am sure the businessmen that
the IBF carries are more inter-
ested to invest more in Iloilo,”
he said.
The IBF and Philippine
Chamber of Commerce & In-
dustry-Iloilo Chapter, Inc. (PC-
CI-Iloilo) has entered into a
memorandum of understand-
ing to establish a collaborative
partnership that will strength-
IPOPHL... from p.5
Arca South is poised to be the
next large-scale business and
lifestyle district in Metro Ma-
nila being the site of a sub-sta-
tion of the subway train sta-
tion. It is also convenient for
most of IPOPHL’s clients, stake-
holders and employees as it is
not very far from its current
location of the IPOPHL office
along McKinley road.
The acquisition will expand
IPOPHL’s current office space
of 5,091 sqm by about 908 sqm.
The additional space will also
serve IPOPHL’s fast growing
manpower. In March 2021, its
plantilla positions jumped by
62% from 308 to 498 with the
approval by the Department
of Budget and Management of
additional 192 positions.
According to IPOPHL Di-
rector General Rowel S. Barba,
World... from p.5
beneficiaries, and support vo-
cational training programs for
livelihood diversification.
“This project aligns with the
country’s commitment to envi-
ronmentally sound practices in
fishing and aquaculture expan-
sion while ensuring improved
incomes for those involved in
the fishing industry, including
those involved in production,
processing, and marketing,”
World Bank country director
for Brunei, Malaysia, Philip-
pines, and Thailand Ndiamé
Diop said.
“The long-term goal is to fos-
ter enhanced community resil-
ience in these coastal regions,
which will be reflected in
thriving fish stocks, improved
food security, reduced poverty,
and heightened competitive-
Empowering...
from p.8
“Globe hopes to contrib-
ute to the achievement of the
MATATAG Agenda and make
a positive impact on the lives of
students and teachers in CAR
and Region 1. Globe is commit-
ted to continuing its efforts to
improve internet connectiv-
ity in schools across the Phil-
ippines and provide quality
education for all,” said Globe
Group Chief Sustainability and
en and facilitate support for
the former’s future business
communities in Iloilo.
IBF is a non-stock organi-
zation which aims to foster an
Indo-Philippine relationship
with close coordination with
the Indian Embassy in the Phil-
ippines.
Iloilo Governor Arthur De-
fensor Jr. said the province is
ready to accommodate IBF’s re-
quest for business-to-business
(B2B) or business-to-govern-
ment (B2G) interactions with
Indian companies as he sees “a
sea of potential between India
and Iloilo.”
Meanwhile, Iloilo City May-
or Jerry Treñas touted the
progress and innovations made
by the city government and
expressed that the coming of
Indian firms is an exploration
of new avenues of growth.
Indian Ambassador Shambu
S. Kumaran said the partner-
ship between India and Iloilo
will work in a manner that will
increase stability in respective
regions and will contribute to
the development in a mutually
beneficial and balanced manner.
“This is not about increas-
ing the benefit from a single
dimension but increasing the
mutuality of benefits. That is
“with a permanent home, we
see greater financial sustain-
ability and greater fiscal space
to work on our programs and
create a greater impact for our
innovative and creative com-
munities.”
Exercising fiscal prudence
to ensure long-term financial
sustainability, IPOPHL became
a self sustaining government
agency in August 2006, mean-
ing it does not get any single
centavo from the national
government and only gets to
spend money earned by the
agency. Part of its fiscal strat-
egy then required temporarily
leasing office space and at that
time, McKinley proved to be a
strategic and viable location as
Bonifacio Global City and near-
by areas were still being devel-
oped and rentals were still low.
ness in key seafood commodi-
ties.”
The World Bank said FISH-
CORE would broaden the
domestic and international
opportunities for fishery prod-
ucts, ensure there would be
a reliable supply of fish, and
boost the competitiveness of
small and medium fishery en-
terprises.
The Bureau of Fisheries and
Aquatic Resources (BFAR) ear-
lier created 12 fisheries man-
agement areas (FMAs) nation-
wide to sustainably manage
fishery resources.
The World Bank said the
FISHCORE would be imple-
mented in two of these FMAs
– FMA 6 and FMA 9, which
are major fishing grounds on
the northwest coast of Luzon,
Corporate Communications Of-
ficer Yoly Crisanto.
The MATATAG Agenda
has four critical compo-
nents, including making
the curriculum relevant
to produce competent and
job-ready citizens, accel-
erating the delivery of ba-
sic education facilities and
services, giving support to
teachers to teach better,
Friday, June 2, 2023 11 Htheouse ... .1
same day, where he asked
where the fundamental value
proposition for a new phase of
the India-Philippines relation-
ship rests,” he explained.
Citing the lack of awareness
of each other’s potential and
capabilities in the business in-
dustry, Kumaran said the Em-
bassy is actively working to ad-
dress this issue by organizing
multiple bilateral business con-
ferences and city roadshows
across diverse sectors.
Kumaran is likewise opti-
mistic that the roadshow will
create a bridge that connects
the oceans of opportunities
between India and Iloilo, estab-
lishing a seamless pathway for
collaboration and growth.
In a media conference on
May 30, Indian Ambassador
Shambu S. Kumaran said the
Embassy would like to bring
India’s dynamism to the Phil-
ippines.
“We would like to pass the
message that India is interested
in a much stronger, much deep-
er, and more dynamic partner-
ship with the Philippines. And
we want to explore all possible
pathways by which we can
build this partnership,” he said
as he emphasized India’s posi-
tion as the world’s fifth-largest
economy.
“With rent escalations of
5% per year, it is to the best in-
terest of IPOPHL and the gov-
ernment to invest its retained
earnings in real estate which
will result in lease savings
amounting to P4.7B over the
next 25 years. These savings
may very well be diverted to
service upgrades and expan-
sion, helping improve our on-
line services, pursuing our Dig-
ital Transformation program,
and helping more businesses,
innovators and creators in the
country protect their IP assets,”
the IPOPHL chief said.
“We hope this acquisition
will allow us to comply with
the issuance of COA to whom
we send regular updates to
ensure we observe public fi-
nancial accounting standards,”
Barba added.
and in archipelagic waters be-
tween the Visayas and Mind-
anao.
“FISHCORE will support
the Philippine government in
designing and establishing im-
proved fisheries management
systems in the selected FMAs’
coastal and municipal waters,”
World Bank senior environ-
mental economist Jingjie Chu
said.
“The funding will be uti-
lized to support fisheries
management and law en-
forcement, capacity building,
infrastructure resilient to
extreme weather conditions,
and other necessary invest-
ments to balance increasing
productivity while conserv-
ing the natural resources in
these FMAs.” (PNA)
and strengthening partner-
ships and collaborations of
the education sector with
other sectors.
This is aligned with Globe’s
commitment to the United
Nations Sustainable Devel-
opment Goals, including SDG
No. 4 which advocates for
equitable access to quality
education and tools for digital
upskilling.
from p
them to act with urgency on
the Ungka Flyover.
Roberto told the media
on May 15 that repairs of
the structural issues of the
₱680-million flyover, which
straddles Iloilo City and Pavia
town, may start in early 2024
due to lack of funds in the 2023
national budget.
Gorriceta previously told
Daily Guardian on Air that
funding for the repairs this
year is possible, but it would
depend on Bonoan if he lobbies
with President Ferdinand Mar-
cos Jr.
“I told [Bonoan] that we are
gradually going back to nor-
mal, and traffic during peak
hours has gotten worse, and
likewise there is public clamor
on the status of what is to be
done with the Ungka Flyover,”
Gorriceta said in a phone inter-
view.
“I’ve exhausted all my ef-
forts to reach out to them
[DPWH], non-stop, and with-
Iloilo... from p.1
nine municipalities in the buf-
fer (pink) zone reported a 43
percent decline; six towns in
surveillance (yellow) zone re-
corded a 28 percent decrease,
and three areas from protected
(green) zone logged a 50 per-
cent decline in their inventory.
Only the town of San Joa-
quin, which remains under the
free zone, reported an increase
in its swine population by 44
percent.
Provincial Agriculturist
Dr. Ildefonso Toledo stressed
that the province had already
stopped exporting hogs to
Luzon due to the decrease in
supply, which highlighted
the importance of holding the
summit so that all stakeholders
can collaborate and strategize
on the repopulation of the hog
industry in Iloilo.
“Maplano kita kung paano
natun mabalik ang mabakod
nga hog industry sang prob-
insya matapos masudlan sang
ASF. Maayo kay ari kamo
nga nagasabat sang aton nga
panawagan,” Toledo said.
Dengue...
from p.1
already logged dengue cases.
The town of Barotac Nue-
vo has the highest number
of cases with 40, followed by
Estancia with 34; Ajuy (25);
Calinog (21); Alimodian (20);
Carles (20); Banate (19); Barot-
ac Viejo (19); Oton (19); Balasan
(18); San Dionisio (17); Passi City
(17); Pototan (16); Cabatuan (16);
Dumangas (16), and towns of
Sara and Lemery with 14 cases
each, while the rest of the cases
spread in other municipalities.
Only the town of Mina re-
mains dengue-free as of the
writing.
The PHO noted that chil-
dren aged one to 10 years
old accounted for the most
number of cases with 287,
followed by people aged 11 to
20 years old with 109; 21 to 30
P4.5-M... from p.1
of suspected shabu worth
P2,720,000.
Arrested were subject Jojo
Segovia, 21, of Barangay 2, a
high value individual (HVI),
and Lijun Tayona, 35, of Baran-
gay Pahanocoy, a street level
individual.
Police recovered from them
the P100,000 marked money
and non-drug items. Both are
detained at Police Station 2.
Major Rommel Anicete, RP-
DEU head, said they transacted
out delay in hearing out the
public’s sentiments in conduct-
ing an inquiry, which would
give an opportunity to ask and
get answers from concerned
parties,” he also shared.
Half of the Ungka flyover,
as well as the whole of the
₱560-million Aganan Flyover,
sits in Pavia in the lawmaker’s
district.
But Gorriceta said there
is no definite date yet for the
hearing, but he believes it may
be known after July 24, 2023
when Congress returns from
its break.
The inquiry was triggered
by House Resolution No. 721,
filed on January 26 by Maka-
bayan party-list bloc Reps. Ar-
lene Brosas (Gabriela), France
Castro (ACT Teachers), and
Raoul Danniel Manuel (Ka-
bataan).
It was read during the low-
er house’s plenary meeting
on January 30, and was re-
ferred to the Committee on
Rules on the same day, where
In a press conference on
Thursday, June 1, 2023, Iloilo
Governor Arthur Defensor Jr.
said that the province needs
to recover the surplus in sup-
ply of hogs to resume trade in
Luzon.
“We have to recover trade
kay ti based on the figures, na-
dula ang trade sa aton because
nadula ang surplus sang supply
ta kay gin-igo kita sang ASF,”
Defensor said.
Data from IPVO showed
that from 8,980 hog heads
shipped out last December
2022, the province sent out
8,498 heads in January 2023
and only 897 hogs in Febru-
ary. The export was halted in
March 2023.
Defensor added that they
have already established re-
covery measures to address the
depleted hog inventory and for
the possible shortage of protein
sources in the province.
“We will recover based on
adjusted protocols kay siling ta
sang una, we will start again if
the whole municipality is neg-
years old (44 cases); 41 years
old and above (36 cases); less
than one-year-old (30 cases),
and aged 31 to 40 years old
with 15 cases.
Despite the increase in cas-
es, the province has yet to re-
cord dengue-related fatalities
this year, which is far from the
six deaths accounted for in the
same period in 2022.
IPHO chief Dr. Maria So-
corro Colmenares-Quiñon also
earlier appealed to the public
to monitor their surroundings
and practice preventive mea-
sures for their own safety, es-
pecially because there might
be more breeding places for
mosquitoes nowadays due to
heavy rain and flooding.
Quiñon stressed that the
public should follow the 4S
with Segovia twice and paid
him via virtual wallet. He add-
ed that Segovia is included in
their priority target list at the
regional level.
Anicete said they monitored
the subject last month after they
learned that he allegedly re-
turned to the illegal drug trade.
But he said that they will check
the background of the two sus-
pects to determine if they have
previous cases.
Early the following day, the
it remained pending until the
Wednesday referral to the
Public Works committee.
According to the HOR’s
website, Iloilo City lone district
Rep. Julienne Baronda (Nation-
al Unity) also added her name
as a co-author to the resolution
on February 28.
A congressional investiga-
tion into the flyovers had been
pushed since last year after
Ungka’s closure, which was fu-
eled by publicized complaints
on social media about its sink-
ing, wavy feel, and flooding, as
well as the sloping of the steel
girders at Aganan.
The Pavia town council in
December last year pushed
the HOR for an inquiry, and
on May 22 passed a resolution
urging the Senate to conduct a
similar investigation.
Senator Imee Marcos (Na-
cionalista), who was in Iloilo
last Sunday, May 28, expressed
support for a possible inquiry
into the flyover if it ever comes
up in their chamber.
ative, but that’s difficult, so we
can start sa barangay level na
kita,” he said.
The IPVO, on the other
hand, reported that 10 ASF-in-
fected Iloilo towns – Santa
Barbara, Alimodian, Leganes,
Barotac Viejo, Barotac Nuevo,
Mina, Badiangan, Dumangas,
San Dionisio and Zarraga –
have not recorded ASF cases in
the past two months per mon-
itoring by municipal agricul-
ture offices (MAOs) and PVO
technicians.
With fewer reported infec-
tions of the hog disease, Tabua-
da noted that some backyard
farmers have already started
to raise hogs again, noting that
MAOs are there to provide
them with proper guidance
and technical assistance.
The IPVO is also currently
processing documents to start
the sentinel program of the
DA and they are considering
the possibility of implement-
ing the program in the baran-
gay, instead of at the munici-
pal level.
strategy (search and destroy
breeding places, seeking early
treatment, self-protection mea-
sures, say yes to fogging) to pre-
vent the continuous increase
of dengue cases.
IPHO has already distribut-
ed dengue test kits and adulti-
cides to all RHUs and hospitals
in the province for early detec-
tion of possible dengue cases
and to curb the spread of the
viral infection.
Quiñon added that residents
should immediately seek medi-
cal attention if they experience
dengue symptoms.
Some symptoms of dengue
include headache, fever, nau-
sea, rash, aches and pains in
eyes, muscles, joints and bones,
and feeling tired, restless, or ir-
ritable.
City Drug Enforcement Unit
(CDEU) confiscated 262 grams
of suspected shabu worth
P1,781,600 at Purok Langis, Ba-
rangay, Banago.
Police identified the subject
as Malcomb Marshall, 24, of
the said village, an alleged High
Value Individual.
Aliño said they are target-
ing the suppliers of the illegal
drugs here, thus they are inten-
sifying their campaign against
illegal drugs.
Magnolia survives Novak Djokovic moves on to
gutsy Converge third round of 2023 French Open
rally to nip them
in thrilling clash
By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

Novak Djokovic’s quest of a record-breaking 23 Grand Slam championships is still

alive after sweeping Marton Fucsovics- 7.6, 6.0, 6.3- during the ongoing French
By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña Open last June 1, 2023, to advance to the third-round of the tournament.
After an impressive sweep against Aleksandar Kovacevic in the first round,
The Magnolia Chicken Timplados showed their poise under pres- Djokovic showed no signs of slowing down after replicating his majestic court mas-
sure despite letting their double-digit lead slip away to edge the tery over Fucsovics held in London, France.
Converge FiberXers, 99-95, during the ongoing PBA On Tour Pre- The Hungarian tennis star just got no answers to Djokovic’s patience and beauti-
season last May 31, 2023, held at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig. fully-executed offensive game plan for three-straight sets.
After leading for three-straight quarters, the Chicken Timpla- Novak/p10
dos found themselves in deep trouble when the young FiberXers
suddenly found their rhythm at the three-point territory that
kicked off their insane scoring avalanche.
From being down by as much as 14 points entering the fourth,
Converge was able to complete the comeback and even led by a
point after Kevin Racal flipped the switch and drained three con-
secutive trifectas.
However, Magnolia wasn’t to be denied and maintained their
composure when the duo of Mark Barroca and Paul Lee answered
all those Converge treys to turn the game into a nip-and-tuck affair.
Aside from the dynamic guard duo, Jed Mendoza, Magnolia’s
backup point guard who is yet to earn his consistent minutes in
the regular season, put on a show after providing the offensive
spark in the last five minutes of the ball game.
With Magnolia trailing by a point in the last 50 seconds of the
game, 94-95, Barroca took matters into his own hands and sank
the cold-blooded perimeter jumper to help the Chicken Timpla-
dos regain the lead, 96-95.
Converge had one last chance for another lead change but their op-
portunity missed which led to a Barroca foul who sank both of his shots.
It was then pretty much over after the FiberXers missed an-
other shot to equalize the affair. Converge then fouled Mendoza
who sank one bonus free throw to secure their second-straight
preseason victory.
Lee led the Magnolia surge with 21 big points backstopped by
Mendoza who chipped in 14 while Barroca added 12 points. Novak Djokovic (Photo: skysports.com)

Ilongga Jovelyn Gonzaga set for

highly-anticipated PVL return
By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

Guimaras-native volleyball superstar Jovelyn “The Bionic Ilong-

ga” Gonzaga is ready for another Premier Volleyball League
(PVL) conference after missing the last one due to her commit-
ment to the beach volleyball program of the country.
The exciting update was confirmed last May 31, 2023, when
the Cignal HD Spikers revealed Gonzaga’s addition to their talent-
ed roster.
Gonzaga, a former national team skipper and one of the most
efficient outside hitters in the history of PHL volleyball, is expect-
ed to boost Cignal this year and will reunite with superstar Rachel
Anne Daquis.
The former Shakey’s V-League Most Valuable Player (MVP)
was a mainstay with the Army Lady Troopers but due to their ab-
sence this conference, the Ilongga had to find a new home.
Despite her focus in the beach volleyball scene for the past two
years, the HD Spikers management still had a lot of faith for Gon-
zaga and stressed that she will have no problem with the transi-
tion to the regular format.
This is a crucial campaign for the HD Spikers after only finish-
ing sixth during the last PVL conference and will have a better
chance of locking in the Final Four with the addition of Gonzaga.
Aside from Gonzaga, the HD Spikers also tapped the services
of former Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) standout Vanie
Gandler.
During her final year with the Blue Eagles, Gandler tallied an im-
pressive stat line of 154 total points, 12 service aces, and eight blocks.
Gandler immediately won a UAAP championship title way
back in Season 81 and helped lead the Blue Eagles to successive
Final Four trips.
Teaming up with Gonzaga, Gandler, and Daquis are Rian Me-
neses, Toni Basas, Jerrili Malabanan, Angelica Cayuna, Glaudine
Troncoso, and Geneveve Casugod.

IQOR will have momentum heading into the next games after defeating TruAlliant (Leobert Julian A. de la Peña)

IQOR hands TruAlliant its first men’s hoops

defeat in Iloilo Inter-Call Center Sports Fest
By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The IQOR men’s basketball team just
pulled off its biggest win so far in the Il-
oilo Inter-Call Center Sports Fest after
tainting the unblemished record of team
TruAlliant, 78-75, last May 27, 2023, held
in Mandurriao, Iloilo City.
After winning all of their last seven
games in the men’s basketball tournament,
team TruAlliant found its match after
team IQOR worked on both ends of the
floor to deliver a momentum-boosting vic-
tory heading into the next set of scheduled
games.
It was a close encounter from the get-go
as both squads answered baskets but Tru-
Alliant gained a slight advantage heading
into the final frame when they operated in
the fast break.
However, team IQOR got its groove in
the most perfect time of the fourth quar-
ter and drained timely shots to keep them-
selves within striking distance.
It was also an unfortunate time for Tru-
Alliant to go cold offensively and got out-
scored by IQOR in the last four minutes of
the game.
Jonas Mendoza stole the limelight for
team IQOR and won Best Player of the
Game honors after dropping 24 big points
in the win.
For the other games of the May 27 sched-
ule, team Carelon got the better of team Ex-
tend Ops in the men’s basketball, 85-76.
Meanwhile, team Ttech escaped the
tough challenge from team Sagility in the
second game of the men’s basketball, 71-66.
In the volleyball women’s event, team
Ttech overpowered team Sagility, 2-0,
with Lyca Molina winning Best Player of
JOVELYN Gonzaga will see action in the Premier Volleyball League
the Game honors. again. (Photo courtesy of morethanjustamazing.wordpress.com)