Davao City First District Representative Paolo "Pulong" Duterte through its office's Pulong Pulong ni Pulong (PPP) program treats at least five hundred fire victims of three separate fire incidents in Davao City with 20 roasted pigs (lechon baboy) and meals on New Year's eve. Photo by Office of the 1st Congressional District of Davao City
Davao City First District Representative Paolo “Pulong” Duterte rolled out a special New Year’s eve treat to some 500 fire victims on Saturday (December 31, 2023).
Through the Office of the First Congressional District’s Pulong Pulong ni Pulong (PPP) program, at least 500 fire victims of three separate fire incidents in Davao City were treated with a banquet including 20 lechon.
Rep. Pulong’s team prepared 20 roasted pigs and other viands with cooked rice and ice cream for the fire victims’ New Year’s Eve celebration.
The children received new clothes as well.
The activity started in Barangay Leon Garcia in Agdao at 4 p.m. The PPP team handed out food and cash to the fire victims comprised of 133 owners, 165 sharers, 44 renters, and 34 boarders and caretakers.
The fire victims also received hot porridge.
Fifty-six-year-old Ma. Eliza Paylado, a resident of Leon Garcia, expressed her gratitude to the lawmaker. She said she did not expect to have such a sumptuous New Year’s Eve celebration after the fire incident.
She also shared that she was with her grandchild when the fire spread quickly.
Breliangean Bayocboc, a resident of the same barangay, said, “I am more than grateful that nobody got hurt in my family – my wife and my three children. We lost things, but what matters most is that we are together to celebrate this wonderful treat from Congressman Pulong for New Year’s Eve.”
Barangay captain Lita Empis thanked Rep. Pulong for the support and delicious meal. She said watching her constituents welcoming the New Year with hopeful anticipation is heartwarming.
The Bureau of Fire Protection in Davao Region (BFP-Davao) reported that at least 300 houses were gutted by fire on December 27, 2023, leaving around 800 individuals homeless.
It also reported that an electrical short circuit due to an overheated appliance caused the fire incident.
Rep. Pulong’s team also visited the fire victims of San Francisco De Asis Village in Barangay 74-A Matina Crossing, and distributed assistance to over 100 fire victims.
The said fire, which happened on December 31, 2023, razed 17 houses.
The fire victims, comprised of 17 owners, two sharers, 17 renters, and eight boarders received food packs. The team also distributed hot porridge and new clothes to them.
They will also receive cash assistance this week.
The PPP team served seven roasted pigs and other dishes (chicken barbecue, grilled fish, and bihon or rice vermicelli) with boiled rice and ice cream.
Rep. Pulong’s team then proceeded to Purok 33, Ramon Magsaysay, Calinan to extend immediate assistance to the fire victims of January 1, 2024 fire.
The fire razed three houses and a commercial building affecting around seven families.
The victims received cash aid on Tuesday.
Rep. Pulong expressed his regret for not visiting the victims during the New Year’s Eve celebration, however, he wished them all healthy and safe.
He said he intended to go with his staff to personally visit them but had a prior commitment with his family.
In a nationwide survey conducted last December 10-14, 2023, Sen. Bong Go placed second with 53% of respondents indicating that they will vote for him for the Senate.
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go continues to maintain a good standing among potential senatorial candidates for the 2025 midterm elections after placing second again in OCTA Research’s latest survey.
In a nationwide survey conducted last December 10-14, 2023, the incumbent senator placed second with 53% of respondents indicating that they will vote for him for the Senate.
“Bagamat malayo pa ang eleksyon, nagpapasalamat ako sa mga kababayan natin na patuloy na naniniwala sa akin at sa aking mga adbokasiya. Huwag muna natin isipin ang pulitika. Unahin muna natin ang pagseserbisyo sa mga Pilipino. Ang focus ko ngayon ay ang tumulong at magsilbi sa abot ng aking makakaya lalo na sa mga mahihirap at pinakanangangailangan,” Go asserted.
“Hinding-hindi ko sasayangin ang tiwalang ito na ibinigay ninyo sa isang simpleng probinsyano na walang ibang nais kundi ang magsilbi sa bayan at sa mga Pilipino,” added Go.
Go’s latest figure is a significant increase from the 2023 third quarter survey conducted by the same firm where he also placed second with 49% voting preference. It was conducted from September 30 to October 4.
“Patuloy po akong magmamalasakit at magseserbisyo sa kapwa ko Pilipino. Tulad ng turo ni dating pangulong Duterte sa akin, kapag inuna mo ang kapakanan at interes ng ating mga kababayan, hinding hindi ka magkakamali,” he added.
Asked about his formula for his consistent strong election survey showing, “sipag at sinseridad lang talaga ang puhunan ko dito. Yung minsan napapagod din tayo bilang isang tao pero habang meron kang mga kababayang nakikita na nangangailangan, pipilitin mo talagang magtrabaho para sa kanila.”
“Nawawala ang aking pagod kapag nakikita kong napapasaya ang ating mga kababayan, nakakatulong sa kanila sa abot ng ating makakaya, nakakatulong sa mga pasyente, nakaka-suporta sa mga proyektong makapagpauunlad sa mga komunidad, at nakapag-iiwan ng ngiti sa oras ng kanilang pagdadalamhati,” Go explained.
“Sanay na akong magtrabaho—umaga, tanghali, hapunan, kahit hanggang panaginip… Katulad na sinasabi ko noon pa, ang tanging bisyo ko ay ang magserbisyo,” he added.
Go is a first-termer senator who placed third in the 2019 midterm elections after serving as the Special Assistant to the President during the erstwhile Duterte Administration for a little more than two years. Prior to this, he served as a trusted aide to then Davao City mayor and former president Rodrigo Duterte since 1998.
The senator from Mindanao is considered as the Father of the Malasakit Centers program, a pioneering initiative that places various government offices under one roof in Department of Health (DOH)-hospitals and those run by qualified local government units, making it more convenient and faster for particularly poor and indigent Filipinos to seek government medical assistance.
DOH reported late last year that around ten million Filipinos have already benefitted from 159 Malasakit Centers scattered in every region in the country.
Go is also a leading advocate for the establishment of Super Health Centers, a medium-type of a polyclinic and an improved version of a typical rural health center, since 2021. DOH identifies the strategic locations nationwide where to set up these centers.
“Hindi lang po sa Malasakit (Center) ang aking isinusulong. ‘Yung mga Super Health Centers, iba rin po ito. Ang Super Health Center po is a medium type of a polyclinic. Noon po naisipan natin noong 2021 ‘yan, dahil sa kakaikot ko sa buong Pilipinas, marami pong mga munisipyo—4th, 5th, 6th class municipalities—ang wala pong sariling health center. ‘Yung mga buntis, nanganganak sa tricycle,” he further said.
Super Health Centers are designed to focus on primary care, consultation, and early disease detection, further strengthening the healthcare sector in the country, especially in grassroots communities. Free consultations would be handled by the municipal health offices, local government units, and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation through its Konsulta program.
Finally, Go also principally sponsored and is one of the authors of RA 11959, also known as the Regional Specialty Centers Act, which was signed into law by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., on August 24.
The law mandates the establishment of Regional Specialty Centers within existing DOH regional hospitals. It stands as a testament to the commitment of the government to uplift the nation’s health infrastructure. According to Go, these specialty centers in regional hospitals will focus on specialized treatments for conditions like heart, kidney, lung, brain, spine, and orthopedic issues, as well as mental health, among other specializations.
“Bakit pa natin pahihirapan ang mga Pilipino? Ika nga eh, pera po ‘yan ng Pilipino. Dapat ibalik po kanila sa pamamagitan ng serbisyong mabilis, naaabot at maaasahan lalo na pagdating sa kanilang kalusugan. Tandaan natin na ang kalusugan ay katumbas ng buhay ng bawat Pilipino,” said Go.
Aside from his health advocacy, Go remains committed to advancing sports development. In June 2020, former president Rodrigo Duterte signed Republic Act 11470, which established the National Academy of Sports. Go was an author and co-sponsor of the measure in the Senate.
NAS, located in New Clark City, Capas, Tarlac, is a government-run academy aimed at developing the country’s future athletes by offering quality secondary education with a particular curriculum in sports for gifted young Filipinos who want to enhance their physical and mental capabilities. It officially started its first academic year on September 13, 2021.
“Bilang Chair ng Senate Committee on Sports, gusto kong bigyang diin na konektado ang health at sports. Isa sa paraan para labanan ang iligal na droga ay sa pamamagitan ng sports. Gaya ng madalas kong sabihin, get into sports and stay away from drugs to keep us healthy and fit. Pag tayo ay fit, healthy tayo. Pag healthy tayo, hahaba ang ating buhay at magiging mas produktibo tayo,” he explained.
On the last session day of 2023, Go also sponsored in the Senate plenary the committee report for the proposed institutionalization of the Philippine National Games. The bill, if enacted, is geared towards strengthening an interconnected and all-encompassing national sports program, linking grassroots sports promotion to elite sports development.
Davao City Police Office (DCPO) director Colonel Alberto Lupaz congratulates all members of Davao City Security and Safety cluster for successful security coverage during the entire celebration of the Yuletide Season and the monthlong Pasko Fiesta 2023 series of events. LEAN DAVAL JR
Davao City Police Office (DCPO) spokesperson Capt. Hazel Tuazon reported on Tuesday that all the police stations in Davao City logged zero casualties for the New Year revelry in the city.
Tuazon said they attributed this to the cooperation of the Dabawenyos in following the policy of the city particularly to the firecracker ban ordinance.
Davao City is implementing the City Ordinance 060-02 also known as the Firecracker Ban which prohibits the possession, use, sale, manufacture and distribution of pyrotechnic devices within the city aiming to ensure the people’s safety as they celebrate the Holiday Season.
“Nagpasalamat ang DCPO sa tanang nagtabang kay generally peaceful ang pagsaulog ug pagsugat sa New Year 2024. Kini tungod sa pag cooperate sa mga Dabawenyos sa mga do’s and don’t’s, sa dili pagpabuto kay naa tay firecracker ban, indiscriminate firing, zero casualty ta sa pagsaulog sa 2024,” Tuazon said over Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR) on Tuesday.
She said there were no fire cracker-related injuries recorded in Davao City from December 1, 2023 to January 2, 2024.
“Wala gyud ta’y recorded incidents. Naa tay mga kapulisan sa hospitals especially sa Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) para magmonitor kung naa bay mga naospital kay nabuthan or naigo ug bala. Nagpasalamat ta kay wala gyud na report,” she said.
Meanwhile, based on the monitoring of the regional office of the Department of Health (DOH 11) from December 21, 2023 to December 31, 2023, there are a total of six fireworks related injury (FWRI) in Davao Region as of December 31, 2023.
However, no deaths were reported.
On the other hand, DCPO reported a generally peaceful celebration of the New Year in Davao City.
Tuazon also said that DCPO is thankful to the force multipliers who provided some free services to ensure everyone’s safety.
In a statement, city director Colonel Alberto Lupaz said the stringent security preparations including all the necessary measures undertaken by the men and women of the security and safety cluster, including force multipliers and other volunteer groups, with the full support of the city government of Davao through collaborative efforts, interoperability of resources and cooperation paved the way for an orderly and peaceful conduct of the Pasko Fiesta events during the Holiday Season.
Lupaz congratulated all members of Davao City Security and Safety cluster for successful security coverage during the entire celebration of the Yuletide Season and the monthlong Pasko Fiesta 2023 series of events with zero incidents nor a report of casualty of stray-bullet, indiscriminate firing, and firecrackers, particularly during the New Year revelry.
He said the indispensable cooperation and support extended by the community to the law enforcers, coupled with their adherence to the guidelines and SOPs’ on the Culture of Security, particularly the do’s and don’t’s, during major events, had profound effects, contributing to the smooth and effective execution of all the activities.
“Snappy salute to everyone who gave their best and sincerely put their hearts into providing service, spent sleepless nights, and sweated just to make the celebration safe, secure, and successful,” Lupaz said.
Meanwhile, a fire incident was reported on New Year’s eve and another one on the first hour of January 1, 2024.
The first fire happened around 12:43 p.m. on December 31 in San Francisco Village in Barangay Matina Crossing wherein 13 houses were gutted and partially destroyed five.
Around 1:30 a.m. of January 1, a fire broke out in Purok 8, Magsaysay, Calinan, Davao City.
The Calinan Police Station reported that one commercial building and three house were totally damaged while two other houses were partially damaged due to the said fire, which has an estimated structural damage worth P662,000.
A commotion incident also happened in Matina Crossing involving a minor and adults based on the report of Talomo Police Station. Both parties were endorsed to the Women and Children’s Protection Desk (WCPD) Section for proper disposition.
Accident or crime scene cordon tape, police line do not cross. It is nighttime, emergency lights of police cars flashing blue, red and white in the background
The New Year celebration in the Davao Region was tainted with firearm incidents amid Police Regional Office 11’s (PRO 11’s) reminder of responsible firearm use for a safe and peaceful celebration.
A mother expressed her anger through a post on Facebook after her son was hit by a bullet while celebrating the New Year early hour of January 1, 2024 outside their house in Hijo, Maco, Davao de Oro.
In a Facebook post, Yam Yam posted “Shout out Hijo, Maco Davao de Oro. Kung kinsa man ang tag iya aning saag na bala nakaigo sa abaga sa akong anak, sir, naa kay pamilya unta gihunahuna nimo nga what if isa sa imong pamilya maigo ang saag nga bala, unsa kaha bation nimo? Bago ka nagpahambog nga naa kay armas kay mao imong gipaboto sugat sa bag-ong tuig. Pasalamat na lang mi kay sa abaga lang natunong ug simbako sa ulo, unsaon na lang?”
The victim was hit on his shoulder and was immediately brought by his family at Davao Regional Medical Hospital in Tagum City and later released from hospital after treatment.
The Maco Police Station is currently conducting thorough investigation of the incident.
It can be recalled that Police Brigadier General Alden Delvo of PRO 11 reminded about the zero tolerance for indiscriminate firing during the holidays.
“As a disciplined organization and police Dabawenyos, I am holding each PNP member accountable for his/her actions against indiscriminate firing. We vow to impose the highest penalty against personnel committing such infractions. We likewise warn all gun owners and the general public that the PNP will hit hard on those who will commit this violation during the holiday celebration. Together, let’s ensure responsible firearm use for a peaceful celebration.” he said.
PRO 11 has imposed a one-strike policy on all station and unit commanders in the Davao Region if they fail to resolve within 36 hours recorded incidents will result in deaths due to the illegal discharge of firearms on Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve.
“Naa na’y directive nga “one strike policy” at all levels sa PNP sa mga commanders kung naay mahitabo nga namatay due to illegal discharge of firearms kung dili nila ma solve within 36 hours. Isa na siya sa atoang mga ginapa monitor para sa safe and secure ug happy celebration sa Pasko ug pagsugat sa bag-ong tuig 2024,” dela Rey said during the AFP PNP Press Corps media briefing last November 29, 2023.
On the other hand, a rookie police officer in Zapanta Subdivision, Barangay Mabuhay, Bansalan, Davao del Sur died after his firearm accidentally discharged on January 1, 2024.
Based on reports of PRO 11, Patrolman Jhaniel Salip Pepito was cleaning his service revolver, a Canik 9mm gun, inside his room when suddenly it went off hitting him in the face.
Hard at work. With a fully furnished EIM laboratory, students would no longer have to share wiring boards and equipment. Teachers can also more accurately assess each individual’s skill and progress.
Aboitiz Power Corporation distribution utility Davao Light and Power Co., Inc. (Davao Light) was the Philippine private sector winner of the 6th ASEAN Rural Development and Poverty Eradication Leadership Awards (RDPELA) for the corporate social responsibility programs it conducted with various partners to help enhance the living standards and the quality of life of people within its service area.
The RDPELA is a regular biennial activity of the Senior Officials Meeting on Rural Development and Poverty Eradication intended to recognize, encourage, and promote community development and anti-poverty initiatives in the ASEAN member states.
The RDPELA recognized Davao Light’s efforts in helping local cooperatives and associations like Samahan ng may iba’t-ibang Kakayahan sa Dabaw (SAKADAB), as well as establishing technical vocational facilities for the Philippine Department of Education via Project e.Lab.
“We believe that enabling dignified, sustainable livelihoods and providing education and upskilling opportunities open up more doors for our kababayans to get out of poverty,” said Davao Light President and COO Rodger S. Velasco. “Since the Davao region’s poverty incidence is still quite high at 11.9% in 2021, we hope to do our own fair share in getting that number down through our corporate social responsibility initiatives with our partners.”
Hard at work. With a fully furnished EIM laboratory, students would no longer have to share wiring boards and equipment. Teachers can also more accurately assess each individual’s skill and progress.
SAKADAB
Davao Light, along with the Aboitiz Group’s social development arm Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (Aboitiz Foundation), has been supporting SAKADAB since 2012, starting when Aboitiz employees with other groups and organizations helped build their houses in the Gawad Kalinga community.
Since then, they have been recipients of livelihood materials, equipment, and training meant to build the capability of its differently-abled members and ensure the sustainability of the cooperative.
Help was most critical during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when the members of the consumer cooperative bore the brunt of putting food on the table for their respective families amidst great economic uncertainty. Davao Light and Aboitiz Foundation provided support to SAKADAB’s bakeshop business via the donation of baking materials.
The distribution utility also took initiative to upskill SAKADAB members in dressmaking to add to the cooperative’s income-generating projects. As a result, several members received their national certification or NC II in dressmaking from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) after having passed a National Competency Assessment. This deems them ready for work or employment in that endeavor.
SAKADAB also received a sewing business package worth P300,000, which included four sewing machines, as well as other tools, materials, and supplies.
Songs of gratitude. 18 SAKADAB members rendered songs during the turnover ceremony of their new production facility at the Gawad Kalinga community in Tugbok, Davao City. The cooperative members are also skilled in handicraft making, baking, and sewing.
Most recently, the group was gifted with a fully-renovated production facility at the Gawad Kalinga community in Tugbok, Davao City, complete with better lighting, a ventilation system, and additional office equipment for product marketing. The facility will serve as the cooperative’s work and production area for its handicrafts and sewing businesses.
“We are very grateful and we appreciate all the things that you have done just to make our lives comfortable and [our livelihoods] sustainable… using our talents and skills so that in the future, we can stand on our own,” said SAKADAB President Mirasol Magalasin.
Project e.Lab
To date, a total of 43 high schools were beneficiaries of a fully furnished laboratory for electrical installation and maintenance (EIM) under Davao Light’s Project e.Lab. The project was accomplished with Aboitiz Foundation as part of the advocacy to help nurture young minds and encourage careers in electrical engineering, technical vocational livelihoods and the like.
As these laboratories are enhanced with modern equipment at a quantity that corresponds to the classes’ population, high school students taking up EIM would no longer have to share wiring boards and other tools. As a result, they are able to do more wiring activities, with teachers also able to more accurately assess each individual’s skill and progress.
“It’s a big help and advantage for us. Because of this [facility], our instructor can share actual lectures [while we work], unlike before when we had to take turns since we only had one wiring board,” said Oliver Pepito, a senior high school student from one of the beneficiaries, Biao National High School. “Now, we can simultaneously perform, which enhances our knowledge.”
Project e.Lab enables a hands-on learning environment for students to understand and apply radical electrical installation and maintenance concepts, as well as industry standards of how to mitigate risks, prevent accidents, and maintain quality control in electrical assets.
Ultimately, the facility can help aspirants earn a national certification from TESDA and make them more competitive and technically-proficient professionals.
Academic achievers. Nearly 50 scholars of Davao Light gathered for a kamustahan event at the power utility’s office in C. Bangoy Sr. Street, Davao City last September. Some of the scholars were recognized for graduating and recently passing the board exams of their respective courses.
Future forward: investing in the youth
Rounding out these efforts, Davao Light and Aboitiz Foundation have also been supporting more than a hundred scholars in college throughout the years by providing financial assistance to each beneficiary for their tuition fees, books, uniforms, and miscellaneous expenses.
To date, some of these scholars have become licensed architects; registered civil, mechanical, electrical, and geodetic engineers; nutritionists; and professional teachers.
“We [had] different struggles [and] different stories, but we ended up [in] the same [place] and it’s the success we have achieved [and recognize] today. Davao Light and Aboitiz Foundation have helped each one of us… they literally gave light to our future,” said Jonas Meneses, a Davao Light scholar and an architecture board exam passer, during a get-together kamustahan session.
“We are very grateful to hear stories of you supporting yourselves, your families, and your communities through your professions after we have supported your education. You have embodied the aspirations of Davao Light’s scholarship program,” Velasco of Davao Light told the scholars during the same event.
The scholarship program is in line with the fourth Sustainable Development Goal of the United Nations, which is to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.
Davao Light’s nomination for the 6th RDPELA originated from the endorsement of the Philippines’ Department of Education – XI and the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC). The country was tasked to nominate two candidates, with the other being a non-governmental or civil society organization.
Accomplished champions aof corporate social responsibility. (L-R) Singapore Minister for Social & Family Development and AMRDPE Chair Masagos Zulkifli (1st) and ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn (4th) hand the ASEAN RDPELA recognition to Davao Light, represented by Reputation Enhancement Department Head Fermin Edillon (2nd) and Community Relations Specialist Sherilyn Puno-Lariosa (3rd).
On its website, the NAPC indicated that it will coordinate with ASEAN RDPELA winners and its partners “to explore possible avenues to advocate, replicate, scale up, imbue, or mainstream the winners’ successes into government programs or policies.”
In receiving the award at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre in Singapore, Davao Light was among the Philippine delegation led by NAPC Secretary Lope Santos III that attended the Official Dinner of the 13th ASEAN Ministers Meeting on Rural Development and Poverty Eradication or AMRDPE.
ASEAN, or the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, is a political and economic union composed of the countries Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Myanmar, Lao PDR, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Viet Nam.
A sea vessel docks in one of the Davao City’s ports. Sangguniang Panlungsod’s finance, ways and means committee on Tuesday reported that the city’s tax collection from January to February hit P2.594 billion, a 21-percent more than the P2.135 billion recorded for the same period last year. Lean Daval Jr
The national government’s (NG) budget deficit went down by 24.75 percent in November due to the growth in revenue collection and a decline in public spending.
In a report on Thursday, the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) said the budget deficit during the month amounted to PHP93.3 billion, lower than the PHP123.9 billion recorded in the same month last year.
The government incurs a budget deficit when spending exceeds its revenues.
Revenues during the month went up by 2.82 percent to PHP340.4 billion from PHP331.1 billion, driven by the 218-percent increase in non-tax collection.
Collections from January to November this year reached PHP3.56 trillion, higher by 8.75 percent than the PHP3.2 trillion revenues in the same period last year.
According to the BTr, the amount represents 95.58 percent of the P3.729 trillion revenue target for 2023.
“Of the YTD (year-to-date) collection, 89.28% (PHP3.182 trillion) was generated through taxes with the remaining 10.72% coming from non-tax sources,” said the BTr.
The national government’s expenditures, meanwhile, went down by 4.69 percent to PHP433.6 billion from PHP455 billion in November 2022.
“NG expenditures for November slowed by 4.69% or P21.3 billion on a YoY basis partly due to the lower National Tax Allotment shares of LGUs (local government units), lower direct payments made by development partners for the foreign-assisted rail transport projects of the DOTr (Department of Transportation), as well as the different timing or schedule of big-ticket disbursements in the DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways) and the DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development),” said the BTr.
Year-to-date, spending amounted to PHP4.67 trillion, up by 3.59 percent from PHP4.5 trillion in 2022.
The BTr said the amount is equivalent to about 89.42 percent of the expenditure program for this year. (PNA)
“Being on time to appointments and meetings is a phase of self-discipline and an evidence of self-respect. Punctuality is a courteous compliment the intelligent person pays to his associates.” – Marvin J. Ashton
***
In The White Man and the Pachinko Girl, Vann Chow wrote: “Japanese are one of the most punctual people he had ever worked with. They could, he imagined, put the Germans to shame in their high expectation for timeliness.”
Time is of essence. In the United States, American time means showing on time. If the meeting starts at 8 in the morning, you need to be there at 8 am. But Filipino time is different; it means that if the meeting starts at 8 in the evening, the person shows at 9 pm or even later.
I think we have followed what our forefathers had been doing in the past. You see, being late was once considered a status symbol during the Spanish colonial period, according to University of Santo Tomas sociology and political science professor Dr. Louie Benedict Ignacio.
Better late than never, so goes a popular saying.
But should we still follow this tradition today? Let’s listen to the words of Allan Mauro V. Marfal, of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST): “In an era marked by incessant distractions, the art of respecting and valuing one another’s time often takes a back seat, which may cause, in some instances, inconvenience to both parties.
“The pressing demands of modern life, coupled with a myriad of diversions, contribute to the oversight of responsible time management,” he continued. “The consequence, however, extends beyond the individual level, impacting relationships with family, friends, partners, and coworkers in ways often underestimated.”
The DOST believes that the first step of uniting the country to seize the opportunities for a smarter Philippines is to be on time, if not punctual. That’s why it launched the Philippine Standard Time (PhST).
“The Philippines is composed of diverse cultures and people. We may not all agree on everything but the Philippine Standard Time is one thing that will unite us and guide us in the conduct of our activities at home, at school, and at work,” said then Science Secretary Mario G. Montejo.
In 2024, the DOST is again reminding all Filipinos to observe PhST during the National Time Consciousness Week (NTCW) to synchronize all timepieces across the nation from January 1 to 7. With the resonating theme, “G na G! Oras Pinas para sa Bagong Pilipinas,” it wants to create a unified commitment to punctuality and respect for each other’s time.
“As the New Year unfolds, the DOST emphasizes the significance of instilling a habit of punctuality in the minds of every Filipino,” Marfal wrote in a press release. “Beyond the mere ticking of the clock, the department envisions a broader impact on the fabric of society, recognizing that the habit of being on time is a cornerstone in all aspects of businesses and activities.”
The NTCW theme, Marfal said, “encapsulates the spirit of enthusiasm, vibrancy, and commitment towards a new and punctual nation towards a progressive society.” He added the theme is designed to focus on the younger generation.
“The DOST aims to impart the value of punctuality to the youth, emphasizing the profound impact of time management on their future success,” he explained. “By cultivating an understanding of the essence of time, early on, the department believes that young Filipinos can harness this knowledge as a powerful tool in shaping their personal and professional trajectories.”
The advocacy aims to promote the new Pilipino time which is under Republic Act No. 10535 or The Philippine Standard Time Act of 2013.
The law requires all national and local government agencies as well as broadcasting companies to adhere to and display the PhST in their respective offices. This makes these entities not only united but also in sync with each other, a perfect gesture of synergy needed to efficiently run a bureaucracy.
The country’s weather bureau – the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) – is tasked to be the official timekeeper.
However, it was started in 2011 as an advocacy campaign which was called “Juan Time”, a play of words on “One Time” (single or unified time) and “Juan” being the common name for Filipinos.
Thereafter, the main campaign was rebranded two years ago into “Oras Pinas” which hopes to institutionalize the new Filipino culture of being always on time and having only one time as a nation.
According to Marfal, the PhST must be kept according to the Coordinated Universal Time (UCT) — the world’s official time.
How does this office ensure that we get the correct time all the time? Since 2003, DOST-PAGASA has been using a very accurate clock, specifically a rubidium atomic clock for timekeeping. The rubidium clock is one of the two most widely used atomic clocks in the world (the other one being the more accurate cesium clock).
Marfal said the rubidium clock in the DOST-PAGASA station is equipped with a receiver that receives timing signals from at least four orbiting satellites in the Global Positioning System (GPS) within its range. These satellites are each equipped with up to four atomic clocks which are periodically updated from a cesium atomic clock based in Boulder, Colorado.
This system keeps the PAGASA clock synchronized to the UTC. GPS is the same technology being used for modern navigation consisting of 24 satellites that broadcast their location, status, and precise time. Precise time is necessary for the GPS to work, as this will be used to compute the exact location of a receiver using geometry principles.
BANGKOK, Thailand – Filipino super flyweight Genesis “Cobra” Libranza’s travel to the “Land of Smiles” was a total success as he delivered a quick and devastating round one TKO win over Thai warrior Adisak Ketpiam on Thursday, December 28, at the plush SpacePlus Night Club in Bangkok, Thailand, live on MV TV.
The 30-year-old Filipino from Bayugan, Agusan del Sur, took his time in timing his opponent, figuring him out, then smashing his mid-section with a huge body shot that gassed out him out, dropping the Thai warrior to the canvas from where he could not get up.
The situation forced veteran Thai third man Mr. Worawuth Duankhao to waive the battle off at the 2:58 of the very first frame.
Libranza was assisted in his corner by veteran head coach Frank Jaro of Rizal.
It was a commendable triumph for the experienced Pinoy warrior, even though there was no title in play.
However, the victory brings Libranza into the winning column after two back-to-back loses by points in close contests in Pangasinan and South Africa.
After dinner with promoter, coach and Highland stablemates, Libranza headed to Bangkok’s Airport for his flight home tonight; and his new year celebration will surely be even more happy.
Libranza’s victory was part of the 16-bout international pro boxing show staged by Brico Santig’s Highland Boxing Promotions, in association with Supanat Chanram and SpacePlus Bangkok. (Philboxing.com)
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) inaugurated its official residence at Montclair Highlands, Buhangin, Davao City on Thursday (December 28, 2023).
The inauguration, considered a milestone in the history of Mindanao’s diplomatic and international relations, is expected to strengthen DFA’s commitment to Mindanao.
The official residence elevates the role of DFA Mindanao as it also serves to host diplomatic and social functions with high-level officials and visiting foreign dignitaries.
Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Secretary Maria Belen Sunga-Acosta said the inauguration underscores the joint efforts in strengthening Mindanao’s role in the Brunei- Indonesia- Malaysia- Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA), the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) with key bilateral partners.
“Through these platforms, we have been able to amplify Mindanao’s voice and interests on the regional and international stage, fostering understanding, cooperation, and mutual development,” Acosta said.
Acosta also said that through the years, MinDA and DFA’s collaboration has been instrumental in advancing peace and development across the island.
“Together, we have strived to create a region that is resilient, prosperous, and harmonious. The establishment of DFA Mindanao’s official residence in Davao City is a testament to our shared commitment to these goals,” she said.
Acosta said MinDA looks forward to the opportunities and challenges ahead.
She said MinDA is committed to continuing its productive collaboration with DFA in harnessing their combined strengths to promote the welfare of the people of Mindanao and to contribute positively to the broader regional and global community.
“We shall continue to work tirelessly for the peace and prosperity of Mindanao, and for the strengthening of our ties within BIMP-EAGA, ASEAN, and with all our partners around the world,” Acosta said.
The inauguration was attended by MinDA Deputy executive director Assistant Secretary Romeo Montenegro, who delivered the message of Acosta, Davao City Councilor Bons Militar, who represented Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte, and Christian Cambaya, unit head of Investor Assistance and Servicing of Davao City Investment Promotion Center (DCIPC).
DFA Mindanao has collaborated with MinDA and has been instrumental in advancing peace and development across the island to support the birth of BIMP-EAGA since its establishment in 1994.
It has also actively supported efforts to amplify Mindanao’s voice and interests on the regional and international stage, fostering understanding, cooperation, and mutual development.
A vendor displays plastic horns at a makeshift stall along Ilustre Street in Davao City on Friday in anticipation of the influx of people who will buy noisemaker items for the upcoming New Year's eve celebration. The Davao City Police Office (DCPO) has reminded Dabawenyos to observe the implementation of the firecracker ban to keep the New Year’s celebration safe and peaceful. LEAN DAVAL JR
