Edge Davao | Vol 11 Issue 214 | January 17, 2019, Thursday

VOL.11 ISSUE 214 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 17, 2019

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CURIOUS. A curious elementary student stares at his amazement on the gold fish which are being sold at the sidewalk outside a school along Magallanes Street in Davao City on Wednesday. Lean Daval Jr

RISING SKYLINE Davao has 40 new buildings 20 stories high and taller

By RALPH LAWRENCE LLEMIT

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avao City’s skyline is growing at a fast rate. In 2018 alone, the City Engineer’s Of�ice (CEO) received 40 applications for permits to build high-rise structures, with each building being 20 stories high.

This was bared by Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) dep-

uty executive director Romeo Montenegro during Wednesday’s ep-

isode of the weekly Habi at Kape media forum at the Abreeza Mall.

Montenegro said that that MinDA economists are closely monitoring this building boom as this has an impact on the area’s electricity supply need.

“We are expecting three to �ive years from

now, we will be having 40 more 20-storey buildings rising in the city for this year,” Montenegro said.

He said that each building of this height will require an estimated �ive to six megawatts (MWs) of electricity.

This that all the 40 high-rise buildings

would consume a total of about 300 MWs that need to be supplied by the Davao Light and Power Co. (DLPC) and other sources.

Montenegro said that DLPC, the electric utility of Davao City and some parts of Davao Region, needs to back up additional electric capacity,

as it will consume seven to eight percent of the electricity rate in Mindanao.

He said that Mindanao has currently an average 800MWs excess, enough to suf�ice the current energy demand in the island by 2025 or 2026.

RISING , P 9

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.11 ISSUE 214 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 17, 2019

NEW AUSTRALIAN AMBO. President Rodrigo Duterte receives the credentials of Ambassador-designate of The Commonwealth of Australia to the Philippines Steven James Robinson at the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday night. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

Roxas, other markets unsanitary: officials M

Duterte didn’t order Andal to lead backdoor talks: Go

By RALPH LAWRENCE LLEMIT

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wo city officials on Tuesday suggested that the night market of Davao City along Roxas Avenue be transferred on an area wherein toiletries and hand-washing facilities are nearby.

Davao City Councilor Mary Joselle Villafuerte, chairman of the City Council health, and City Health Office (CHO) representative Curtis C. Lazarraga confirmed reports there are some practices in the Roxas Night Market that might poses health hazards to the mar-

ketgoers.

Among these reported malpractices are the usage of single-usage plastic cups that are thrown to the garbage bin.

Lazarraga said that the CHO had opposed from the very start giving permits to night markets, because the sanitation of these areas cannot be guaranteed.

“As required by law, the foods that these street vendors sell should be the ones packed, closed and canned,” Lazarraga said.

He said that even if customers are using

gloves, they would still want to wash their hands.

Lazarraga also said that food items exposed and sold along roads near the nigh market have higher chances of contamination.

The health inspection office had also reprimanded vendors of the Bankerohan Market, after a photo went viral online, wherein ice cubes were seen being dragged on the streets without proper equipment and storage.

Lazarraga said that most of the ice

cubes for chilling storage of fishes are reportedly being used on halo-halo shakes as well.

Villafuerte hopes that the night markets would be transferred in parks, just like in Singapore.

“We hope that they would sell dry goods, or any food that are ready to eat, so that these will not cause tremendous garbage,” the council said.

The councilor also said that the Roxas Night Market needs total improvement, especially in the sanitation aspect.

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and Seismology (Phivolcs) said.

The epicenter was located 149 kilometers southeast of Governor Generoso town and had a depth of 49 km, Phivolcs said.

No damage was ex-

pected but there will be aftershocks, it said.

The quake was felt at Intensity IV in Davao City and Santa Josefa, Agusan del Sur. Intensity III was felt in Alabel, Sarangani, Intensity II in

General Santos City, Kiamba in Sarangani, Kidapawan City, Gingoog City, and Tupi, South Cotabato; and Intensity I in Cebu City, and T’boli, South Cotabato. (MindaNews)

5.6-magnitude quake hits Davao Oriental

AVAO CITY (MindaNews/ 16 January) – A 5.6-magnitude earthquake hit Davao Oriental at 4:03am on Wednesday, January 16, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology

ANILA -- President Rodrigo R. Duterte did not order former Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) head Avelino ‘Billy’ Andal to lead the backdoor talks with Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founding chairman Jose Maria Sison, his former aide said on Tuesday.

Former Special Assistant to the President Christopher “Bong” Go made this clarification following Andal’s earlier claim that the President had asked him to do back channel peace talks with communist rebels.

“Look, everybody is talking. So [I have] no instruction on Andal about back channeling,” Go quoted Duterte as saying in a phone interview.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana also echoed Go’s statement, describing Andal’s claim as being tapped by the President to do back channel peace talks as “fake news.”

“The President says he never ordered him to do so,” Lorenzana said.

In a Palace briefing, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo neither confirmed nor denied reports that Duterte has ordered Andal to lead the backdoor talks with Sison.

“I do not think so. He (Andal) is not involved in the negotiation process. Members of the panel would be (Labor) Secretary (Silvestre) Bello, he’s one of them,” Panelo said.

Panelo said the President has been open to peace negotiations “ever since”.

However, he said that the CPP, and its armed wing New People’s Army (NPA) should listen to President Rodrigo Duterte’s call to stop their illegal activities.

“The CPP-NPA, at this time, and for a change, should listen to the President. Enough of these ambuscades, enough of these extortion activities and we will sit down,” he said in a Palace briefing.

Both the US State Department and the European Union have tagged the CPP-NPA as a terrorist organization. (PNA)

NEWS

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DOH hands are tied over study medical marijuana

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ANILA -- The Department of Health (DOH), and its regulatory and enforcement arm, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), cannot go full-blast in studying the benefits of medical marijuana because it has yet to be considered a “registrable product” in the country, a health official said Wednesday.

Health Undersecretary Eric Domingo made this remark a day after House of Representatives Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo vouched for the effectiveness of marijuana for medicinal purposes, admitting that she herself had used it in a country where it was allowed to treat her spi-

nal condition.

Domingo said the hands of both the DOH and FDA are tied because Congress has yet to pass a law enabling government agencies to conduct clinical studies on medical marijuana.

“We cannot go full-blast into studying the actual product kasi (because) it’s not listed as a registrable product with FDA at this time. Walang batas (There is no law) listing it as a registrable product,” Domingo said in a press briefing in Malacañan Palace.

“The government cannot spend its own resources to conduct research on a product that is not registered FDOH , P 9

Congress leaders agree on revisions to Road Board

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ANILA -- Congressional leaders have agreed to introduce “short and simple” amendments to the bill seeking the abolition of the corruption-ridden Road Board.

This was the result of the meeting between Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri, Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto and House Majority Leader Rolando Andaya on Tuesday night at a hotel in Makati City.

Zubiri, who described the meeting as “successful," said they agreed that “all monies collected from the road

user’s tax will be remitted to the National Treasury.”

Zubiri added that the fund, which would be included in the annual General Appropriations Act, will be used for the construction, repair and rehabilitation of roads, bridges, and road drainage.

He expressed hope that the senators would agree to recall the measure, raising the possibility of a “quick” bicameral conference committee meeting to approve these amendments.

The Senate earlier maintained its position FCONGRESS , P 9

OPTIMISTIC. Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (DCCCII) president Arturo Milan says he is optimistic of Davao City’s economy in 2019 especially the tourism industry because of the new air connectivities which will open this

year and the agriculture sector due to the planned building of a food terminal in Toril which will help the local farmers. Milan gave the details during Wednesdays @ Habi at Kape at Abreeza mall. Lean Daval Jr

Bill seeks to exempt reporters from testifying in narco cases

By RALPH LAWRENCE LLEMIT

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awmakers belonging to the House Makabayan bloc composed of party-list representatives filed last Tuesday a bill seeking to exempt journalists from acting as witnesses in anti-narcotics operations.

The proposal denominated as House Bill 8832 was filed by ACT Teachers Rep. Antonio Tinio, ACT Party-list Rep. France Castro, Anakpawis Rep. Ariel Casilao, Bayan

Muna Rep. Carlos Zarate, Kabataan Partylist Rep. Sarah Elago and Gabriela Partylist Reps.

Emi de Jesus and Arlene Brosas.

The bill aims to amend the current provision of the Section 21 (1) of the Republic Act No. 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, by removing the media from persons required to sign copies of the inventory of seized illegal drugs or items after op-

erations.

National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) members lobbied for the bill back in 2018 through “The Sign Against the Sign” signature campaign.

The media union opposed the practice, charging that some reporters have been forced to sign the witness form even if they were not present during the anti-drug operations.

NUJP chair Nonoy Espina said that the bill advances their campaign to correct a law that continues to endanger many journalists or subject them to

official abuse.

“We urge lawmakers to support the measure and help protect and advance independent journalism,” Espina said in a text message.

With just a few months before the Congress takes a break for the upcoming 2019 midterm elections, he is not worried that the bill will not be passed on time.

“This make it easier to refile it in the next Congress and push for its prioritization,” Espina said.

He said that NUJP will continue to lobby the bill, until it will be enacted into law.

Only 2 security personnel for each poll bet: Albayalde

T ELECTION PERIOD. Police Regional Office 11 (PRO 11) spokesperson Chief Inspector Jason Baria gives updates on the Election Watchlist Areas (EWAS) and election gun ban during this week’s AFP-PNP Press Corps media forum at The Royal Mandaya Hotel on Wednesday. Lean Daval Jr

he Philippine National Police (PNP) on Wednesday reiterated that candidates who need protection during the election campaign will be provided a maximum of only two security personnel.

“The candidates will be allowed a maximum of two. According to the President, we will follow the Alunan doctrine here and in uniform. Now, if you are going into a critical area or an area where you think you will be conducting an information campaign where it's massive, where there are a lot of people, we will al-

low them to coordinate with the local police for the local police to provide area security,” PNP Chief, Director General Oscar Albayalde, told reporters.

Albayalde also shrugged off allegations that the PNP favors certain candidates in providing security detail.

"This is the problem with all candidates.

When one sees that there are many policemen in an event, they will complain that the PNP is favoring their opponent.

That is provision of security for the whole crowd, FONLY , P 9

4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.11 ISSUE 214 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 17, 2019

TDF rates, bid coverage ratio decline

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PROJECTS FOR MINDANAO. Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) director for Investment Promotion and Public Affairs assistant secretary Romeo Montenegro provides updates on the government projects for Mindanao like the Mindanao Railway System

and the strengthening of barter trade. Montenegro also talked about the update on federalism during Wednesdays @ Habi at Kape at Abreeza mall. Lean Daval Jr

ANILA -- Both the rates and bid coverage ratio of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) Term Deposit Facility (TDF) fell acrossthe-board Wednesday as investors became more cautious over fresh volatilities in the financial market.

The rate of the seven-day facility dropped to 5.0638 percent from 5.0706 percent during the auction last January 9.

This tenor was oversubscribed at PHP29.739 billion, higher than the PHP20 billion offering but lower than the PHP35.34 billion tenders in last week’s trading.

The auction committee made a full award.

With the lower bids this week, the tenor’s bid coverage ratio fell to 1.4870 from last week’s 1.7670.

The same develop-

ments were registered by the other tenors, with the 14-day facility’s interest down to 5.1290 percent from last week’s 5.1530 percent.

Its bid coverage ratio went down to 0.8660 from 1.1649 last week.

This, after banks submitted a total of PHP17.319 billion worth of bids, lower than the PHP20 billion offering and the PHP23.297 billion tenders last week.

Also, the average rate of the 28-day paper declined to 5.1339 percent from last week’s 5.1694 percent.

It was offered for PHP10 billion and tenders reached PHP12.720.

However, this week’s bids are lower than the previous auction’s PHP14.877 billion.

Thus, bid coverage ratio declined to 1.2720 from 1.4877 last week. (PNA)

Exec sees 7-8 GRDP DA assures 'frost' won't for Mindanao in 2019 affect veggies supply, cost

By RALPH LAWRENCE LLEMIT

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indanao is projected to have a 7 to 8 percent growth in Gross Regional Domestic Product this year.

Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) deputy executive director Romeo Montenegro said the projection is based on the 2018 economic performance of Mindanao estimated to be between 6.9 and 7.5 percent as indicated by preliminary data available with the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

Montenegro said that complete data for

the entire year of 2018 are still verified by the PSA. He said the figures will be published sometime in the first quarter of 2019.

“But based on our assessment during the last quarter of 2018, Mindanao was able to hurdle that figure, amidst the implementation of Martial Law in the whole island, and the episode of an infla\tion that was experienced by the entire Philippines,” he said during the Wednesday’s at Habi at Kape media forum at Abreeza Mall.

Montenegro said

that Mindanao performed well in overall agriculture output, as against earlier gloomy predictions.

“Nationally, the agricultural output of the Philippines for 2018 was expected to decline.

However, doomsayers have been proven wrong, because Mindanao continued to be the Philippines’ food basket and the chief source of the country’s top 10 agricultural products for export,” he said.

The MinDA director said that the economic growth of the island

in agriculture has been matched by the tremendous growths of real estate development and the construction industry.

Montenegro said that Northern Mindanao contributed the biggest in-flow in Mindanao with 900-percent growth in 2018.

“We would like to see other regions in Mindanao to seize investment in-flows and demonstrate strong growth performance for 2019, with the improvement of infrastructure services in the island region,” he said.

ployees to avail of GFAL to ease their burden in paying their loans,” GSIS President and General Manager Jesus Clint Aranas said.

GFAL is a debt-consolidation and balance-transfer facility that seeks to help DepEd workers in settling their outstanding loan balance with accredited private lending institutions (PLIs).

DepEd employees constitute more than half of GSIS’s total membership.

Under the voluntary loan program, borrowers may apply for a

maximum loan amount of PHP500,000.00, which is automatically deductible from their salary and payable in equal monthly installments for six years at a reduced interest rate of 6 percent per annum, computed in advance.

To qualify for GFAL, the applicant must be a permanent DepEd employee and active GSIS member; have an outstanding loan with PLIs; have no due and demandable loan account with GSIS; have paid premiums for at least three years; not be on leave without pay;

have a net take-home pay of not lower than PHP5,000.00 after deduction of monthly obligations; and have no pending administrative or criminal case.

Interested parties who have inquiries may visit the GSIS website (www.gsis.gov.ph) or Facebook account (@ gsis.ph); email gsiscares@gsis.gov.ph; or call the GSIS Contact Center at 847-4747, 1-800-8-847-4747 (for Globe and TM subscribers), or 1-800-10-8474747 (for Smart, Sun, and Talk ‘n Text subscribers). (PR)

GSIS releases P13-B loan to 36K DepEd personnel

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ANILA -- State pension fund Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) has released a total of PhP12.95 billion in GSIS Financial Assistance Loan (GFAL) since the program started in May 2018, benefiting 36,692 personnel of the Department of Education (DepEd).

“The combined nationwide figures posted in GFAL’s first six months of implementation signify positive acceptance by our members in DepEd. We continue to encourage qualified DepEd em-

B

AGUIO CITY -- The Department of Agriculture Cordillera (DA-CAR) has assured that there will be no vegetable price surge due to the "frost" phenomenon caused by the sudden drop in temperature.

“We are assuring the public that there will be enough supply and stable prices of vegetables,” DA-CAR officer-in-charge Dr. Cameron Odsey told Philippine News Agency (PNA) in an interview on Tuesday.

He said the frost phenomenon is a normal occurrence that happens when the temperature in the Cordillera drops.

“Frosting” happens when the cold temperature causes the morning dew on the leaves to freeze.

For several years, the occurrence was monitored in a small area in Barangay Paoay, Atok town in Benguet.

In recent years, there were also some reports of "frost" in Madaymen, Kibungan and at Mount Santo Tomas in Tuba, Benguet.

Odsey said the areas where the phenomenon happens cover a very small portion of the region’s land area used in vegetable production.

He also said farmers have learned how to manage frost to avoid total damage on the produce, particularly on leafy vegetables.

“Pauulanan nila gamit ang water sprinkler bago lumabas ang araw para matunaw ang yelo (They will water the plants using the water sprinkler to melt the ice),” Odsey said.

In case the outer leaves are damaged, the farmers simply remove them and the remaining leaves are still sold, he added.

To allay fears of the lack of supply, Odsey reiterated that frosting happens in a small area and will neither adversely affect vegetable supply nor lead to increase in the produce's costs.

He warned traders taking advantage of the frost to jack up the vegetable prices, calling on the local media to help them in informing the public about the reality of the frost and that is should not be a cause for panic.

Odsey said Benguet is the primary source of highland vegetables.

Out of the 13 town in Benguet, vegetables in commercial quantity are produced by the municipalities of Atok, Buguias, Mankayan, Tublay, Kabayan, Kibungan and a few from the towns of Bokod, La Trinidad, Kapangan, Bakun, Sablan, Tuba and Itogon.

Based on record, Benguet produced an aggregate of 50,788 metric tons of assorted

FDA , P9

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ECONOMY

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Solon wants‘storytelling’ to promote PH tourism

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ANILA -- Senator Sonny Angara on Wednesday urged the Department of Tourism (DOT) to use “storytelling” as a key marketing strategy to attract more tourists to the Philippines.

In a statement, Angara said the DOT should come up with a master plan using narratives that portray the “rich cultural heritage” of the country’s various tourist destinations.

“Storytelling is a great way of inspiring tourists to explore new things, activities and experiences in the Philippines, which is without a doubt a beautiful and unique country with so many great attractions,” he said.

Angara, sponsor of the DOT budget, said the Philippines continues to lag behind its neighbors in Southeast Asia in terms of tourist arrivals, citing the lack of narrative as a possible reason for this.

According to the World Bank, the Philippines only had 5.361 million foreign tourist arrivals in 2017 compared to Thailand’s 29.923 million; Malaysia’s 25.721 million; Singapore’s 12.051 million; Indonesia’s 10.407 million; and Vietnam’s 7.944 million.

“Compared to Bali, our own Boracay and other lesser known beaches in the country like those in my home province of Aurora are far more beautiful. However, it seems that we lack stories that tell so,” Angara said, noting that Indonesia’s marketing promotions tell compelling stories that drive tourist traffic.

“We expect the DOT to come up with a powerful, believable and interesting story about the country and its destinations to encourage more foreign tourists to visit the Philippines,” he said. (PNA)

Local markets lose in midweek trading

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ews concerning two major listed firms’ current woes hurt the Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) Wednesday while the Philippine peso was not spared from investors’ risk-aversion either.

The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) slipped for the second consecutive day and ended at trade at 7,864.70 points, down 1.86 percent or 148.72 points.

“As both Ayala Corporation and SM Prime Holdings carry a significant weight on the PSEi, it was natural to witness a big drop today,” Luis Limlingan, Regina Capital Managing Director, said.

The contraction of the main gauge was followed by almost all the sectors, led by the Property, which fell 4.49 percent.

Holding Firms trailed with a drop of

1.80 percent as well as Industrial, 1.32 percent; Mining and Oil, 0.36 percent; and Services, 0.08 percent. Only the Financials ended on positive note after it ended with a 0.06 percent gain.

Volume reached 1.13 billion shares but amount surged to PHP20.15 billion.

Losers led gainers at 127 to 64 while 50 stocks were unchanged.

Relatively, the peso ended the day lower by PHP0.10 to 52.13 from its 52.03 finish a day ago.

It opened the day little changed to a greenback at 52.14 from 52.17 in the previous session.

It traded between its closing level and 52.22, resulting to an average of 52.166.

Volume reached USD679.2 million, down from the USD1.06 billion in the previous day.

(PNA)

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte takes a picture for posterity with Ambassador-designate of The Commonwealth of Australia to the Philippines Steven James Robinson after the latter presented his credentials to the President at the Malacañan Palace on January 15, 2019.

Joining the President is Mr. Mathieson Kimberley, Chargé d’affaires for the Embassy of

The Commonwealth of Australia, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr., Mrs. Rhonda Robinson, Ms. Clare Duffield, Counsellor for Political and Public Affairs for the Embassy of The Commonwealth of Australia, and Captain Ian Goold, CSC - Defense Attaché for the Embassy of the Commonwealth of Australia. KING RODRIGUEZ/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

Diokno confident Congress will pass 2019 budget before recess D epartment of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Benjamin Diokno is confident that the proposed 2019 national budget will be passed by Congress before it goes into recess next month.

Diokno said in a briefing Tuesday that Congress is likely to pass the 2019 budget ahead of the adjournment of session on February 9, as politicians will then be busy campaigning for the midterm election.

“This reenacted budget will not be extended. Because there’s an election. And they will,

I think, they will go on a recess by February...

They have to hit the road ahead of their campaign by middle of February,” Diokno said.

“Because if they don’t pass the budget, we’ll call them to a special session again and again and again. So, that will take time away from their campaign. So they must be thinking of let’s get this done,” he added.

Diokno said the lawmakers are obliged to hold a special session to pass the 2019 national budget if they fail to approve it before their break.

The DBM chief is hoping that Congress can pass the national allocation as early as the end of January, so it can reach President Rodrigo Duterte’s table by first week of February.

Commenting on the Senate’s removal of the alleged “inserted” PHP75 billion in the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) budget, Diokno said this will slow down the government’s commitment on infrastructure projects, therefore holding back efforts to create employment and reduce poverty.

“I hope the senators will realize that when you take away PHP75 billion of infrastructure, that reduces our commitment by about half percentage point, roughly. That has an impact on employment, on poverty, because if you don’t get jobs of course you will be one of those poor,” said Diokno.

“And it will delay a little bit our commitment to make up for the past neglect of the past administration. I hope they know the shortterm and long-term consequences,” he added. (PNA)

average gross domestic product (GDP) growth in the first two years of former President Benigno Aquino III at 5.2 percent; Arroyo administration at 4.3 percent; Estrada administration at 3.8 percent; Ramos administration at 3.3 percent; and Corazon Aquino’s administration at 5.6 percent.

The DBM chief attributed the fast economic growth pace during the current administration’s first two years to the robust spending for infrastructure projects under the “Build, Build, Build” Program, as well as its policy of investing heavily in human capital.

“It would appear that President Duterte hit the ground running, no adjustment period. He didn’t need the usual adjustment period,” Diokno added.

He also mentioned that the current administration was able to create high quality jobs. He cited

as examples the two-year average growth rate posted by two key sectors.

These are the Industry sector with 7 percent and the Service sector with 7.15 percent -- the strongest since the administration of former President Corazon Aquino.

“This is crucial for the Philippine economy to achieve its poverty-reduction goals,” said Diokno.

But the DBM chief admitted that the agriculture sector is the “weakest link” of the Duterte administration, averaging at 2.2 percent in 2017 and 2018.

“If we are able to grow agriculture by 4 percent, the economic growth target of 7 to 8 percent is very much attainable. This administration intends to work on its weakest link to realize the fullest potential of our sectors, and further drive growth for the people,” he added.

“I think we really have to focus now on mecha-

nization. We have to focus on adapting higher quality of seeds, more on irrigation, more demonstration on farms. We have to show the farmers that these things really make a difference and maybe he has not done that,” said Diokno.

Meanwhile, the DBM reported that the government registered PHP10.7 billion worth of procurement savings in 2018 as a result of the administration’s procurement reforms.

Diokno reported that the government awarded a total of 446 contracts last year amounting to PHP175.8 billion.

The procurement savings in 2018 was higher compared to the PHP3.74 billion and PHP3.2 billion savings earned in 2016 and 2017, respectively.

“In the past decades, one of the bottlenecks of public service delivery has

Duterte economic program gains early momentum: Diokno

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resident Rodrigo Duterte gained his momentum early as far as driving the economy forward in the first two years of his term, Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Benjamin Diokno said in a briefing Wednesday.

Diokno said the first two years of an administration is usually the adjustment period, wherein economic growth is expected at a modest pace.

However, the Duterte administration instead buckled down and proceeded with its economic program at an accelerated pace.

“The first two years of the administration of President Duterte registered the highest level of economic growth among post-Marcos administrations, averaging 6.6 percent from the years 2017 and 2018,” said Diokno.

He noted that this is stronger compared to the

FDUTERTE , P9

6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

EDITORIAL M

VOL.11 ISSUE 214 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 17, 2019

Emphasis on employment

ayor Inday Sara Duterte understands the value of human resources in developing a city. The warm infrastructure matters just as the cold counterparts.

It takes a critical mind to understand that human resources is the lifeblood of a growing city. It’s the energy that moves the wheels of progress. It’s the oil that keeps the engine of development.

Take it from the lady chief executive. In her �irst message of the year, Mayor Duterte wants more employment and lesser dropout rates. That is a tall order considering the many challenges besetting the education and labor sectors of the country, and in a micro scale, the city. Mayor Duterte understands that it takes better policies and implementation to keep employment rate up and dropouts down.

Taking a close look at the macro situation, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) in 2017 published the Philippine Development Plan, 2017-2022, detailing the country’s aspirations for the next �ive years. The plan envisions the Philippines becoming an upper-middle income country by 2022, based on more inclusive economic growth that will reduce inequalities and poverty, particularly in rural areas. Human capital development is a key element in this strategy and has been the impetus behind various political reforms over the past years. Needless to say, recent education reforms have sought to boost enrollment levels, graduation rates and mean years of schooling in elementary and secondary education, and to improve the quality of higher education.

However, it takes massive cooperation to make things work and get the goalmarks achieved.

Education in the Philippines is administered by three different government agencies, each exercising largely exclusive jurisdiction over various aspects of the education system.

First, there is the Department of Education (Deped) which oversees all aspects of elementary, secondary and informal education. It supervises all elementary and secondary schools, both public and private. Deped also has a number of agencies supervising programs that fall outside the country’s formal education system. The Bureau of Alternative Learning System (BALS), for instance, oversees education programs designed for “out-of-school children, youth and adults who need basic and

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RALPH LAWRENCE LLEMIT Reporter

LEANDRO S. DAVAL JR. DR. MAURO L. PUYOD CHRISTIAN JAY H. RAFAL Cartoonist Layout Artist Photography Columnists: MA. TERESA L. UNGSON • EDCER C. ESCUDERO • AURELIO A. PEÑA • ZHAUN ORTEGA • BERNADETTE “ADDIE” B. BORBONHENRYLITO • MARY ANN “ADI”• GREGORIO C. QUISIDO LEANDRO B. DAVAL SR., • NIKKI ANGELO AGUSTIN • EMILY Columnists: D. TACIO G.•DELIGERO • JOHN CARLO TRIA • VIDAGOTIANSE-TAN MIA S. VALVERDE•• NICASIO FRED C. LUMBA • ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA ZEN CHUA • CARLOS MUNDA Economic Analyst: ENRICO• DENNIS “GICO” R. G.GORECHO DAYANGIRANG • JONALLIER M. PEREZ MUJAHID NAVARRA • HAROLD CAVITE

OLIVIA D. VELASCO D. MARATAS RICHARD C. EBONA OLIVIA D. VELASCO JASPERSOLANI V. BACSAL General Manager Finance Advertising Specialist VP Operations General Manager JOCELYN S. PANES Director of Sales

functional literacy skills, knowledge and values.” Two of its major programs are the Basic Literacy Program (BLP), which aims to eliminate illiteracy among out-of-school children and adults, as well as the “Continuing Education: Accreditation and Equivalency (A&E) Program”, which helps school dropouts to complete basic education outside the formal education system. Second is Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in the Philippines which is supervised by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). TESDA oversees TVET providers, both public and private, and acts as a regulatory body, setting training standards, curricula and testing requirements for vocational programs. And then there’s the tertiary education supervised by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). Directly attached to the Of�ice of the President, CHED has far-reaching responsibilities. It develops and implements higher education policies and provides quality assurance through its oversight of post-secondary programs and institutions, both public and private.

The delivery mechanisms of education and employment generally falls within the platforms of technical vocational education and training and higher education. These two pathways actually have been designed to complement each other under the Ladderized Education Act of 2014.

Employment under the TVET program can be attained through three modes and they are the institution-based (at schools and centers), enterprise-based (at companies), and communitybased (at local government and community organizations) programs. The city government can help develop these channels by accessing government grants to school-based training and linking up with the private sector for the enterprise-based training while creating its own platforms for community-based training.

In terms of higher education, the government’s free tertiary education program should come into play.

To achieve lower dropout rates and higher employment, it all boils down now to how decisive and determined is the local government in achieving these ends.

SOLANI D. MARATAS Finance

GENERAL SANTOS CITY OFFICE MANILA MARKETING OFFICE CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING MARKETING OFFICE Richard C. Ebona | Product Development officer LEIZEL A. DELOSO | Marketing Manager EDMUND D. RENDON Unit 6, SouthbankMarketing Plaza Velez-Yacapin Sts.Address: 04 Orilla St. Purok 4B Lower Bicutan, Taguig City Specialist Cellphone number: 09472652969 General Santos City Cagayan de Oro City Email Address: edgedavao@gmail.com Mobile: (Smart) 09382022120 Tel: (088) 852-4894

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.11 ISSUE 214 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 17, 2019

VANTAGE POINTS

7

Happy Farmer in 2018: Made Stronger for the Next Level

2

018 has been a year of recognition, lessons, and challenges for Happy Farmer (HF). In its 4th year of operation as a social enterprise wherein we try our best to take care of people, planet, and profit, HF is slowly but surely being recognized as a gamechanger in promoting fair trade and a healthy lifestyle. We have been asked to share our story at the 2018 Davao Agri-Trade Expo, the annual �lagship event of the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and the largest and longest-running Agricultural Trade Expo in Southern Philippines.

The OCEAN 18 (Open Collaboration with East Asian Networks) Summit of indiepreneurs tapped us to be a resource panelist as a Davao-grown social enterprise. HF was also a semi-�inalist at the BPI Sinag nationwide competition for social enterprises. 2018, indeed, was a year of milestones for Happy Farmer.

2018 also saw the closure of our SM City

Davao shop when we were transferred by the mall management from our initial and pro�itable location to a smaller, less desirable location with high rental and fees that were very hurting to a �ledgling social enterprise. Thank goodness our other branches picked up the slack, a testament to our customers’ belief and faithfulness in us. We have already gained a certain traction and name recall. The HF shop at the Abreeza Ayala Mall is currently our �lagship store and highlights an organic and artsy aesthetic courtesy of renowned local artist, Gil Bumanlag. A grateful shoutout to Abreeza Ayala Mall management for understanding the process of growing a social enterprise.

Happy Farmer also �iltered partners and suppliers who are not aligned with its direction of growth, honor, and excellence. It has been dif�icult, but necessary, to achieve the Happy Farmer vision of building

CATNIP

Vida Mia S. Valverde a community of healthy, lively, happy people that create a socially just world.

Come 2019, HF is moving up the next level. We are incorporating and bringing in board directors who can bring the HF vision to fruition.

Jun Ralota and Vida Valverde started HF in December 2014 and have built it to its current status today.

Kristine Calleja is a social entrepreneur with a solid background in advocacy and communications . Kristine is a member of political and advocacy-oriented orga-

nizations, such as Laban ng Masa (LnM), Freedom from Debt Coalition (FDC), Kababaihan sa Sining at Bagong Sibol na Kamalayan (Kasibulan), and the Philippine Coalition of Advocates for Nutrition Security (PhilCAN).

Rebie Ramoso is a product designer and visual artist. As a product designer, she practices design thinking, while managing her product design studio, Quarkus, as founding partner and chief product designer. As a visual artist, she exhibits widely in Asia, Europe and North America. Her artworks have been featured in solo and group exhibits across the globe, most recently in New York, Rome, Florence, Bruges and Manila.

Jay Lacsamana is a social enterprise �inancing and development professional, having managed an endowment fund for pro-poor, yet progressive and planet-friendly enterprises and for eight years. Jay is currently a

fellow and project consultant for the Institute for Social Enterprise in Asia (ISEA) and board member of the newly-formed Center for Empowerment, Innovation and Training on Renewable Energy (CENTRE).

Vim Santos is the executive director of Peoples’ Global Exchange and brings with her the networks and experience in the NGO and development work in the Philippines. She sits on the board of various high-pro�ile advocacy organizations.

Happy Farmer is happy and thankful for the farmers, suppliers, cooperatives, investors, staff, customers, and other stakeholders who put in honest-to-goodness effort to make HF grow.

Despite con�licts and challenges, you stood by Happy Farmer. Thank you. A cleaner planet, healthier and happier people, and a respectable pro�it are what we can show for our efforts.

More power to all of us.

Conquering negative thoughts

E

verybody has had, in one or more occasions, encountered attacks or incursions of negative thoughts, am I right?

In this age of materialism, when everyone aspires for wealth and prosperity, the likelihood is that negative thoughts bordering on fears, doubts and discouragement have confronted us in the face.

For the uninitiated, may I offer these twelve steps on how to conquer negative thinking.

One, when you wake up in the morning and while sipping coffee, devote �ive minutes of your time to pray. Praying will get your mind focused that God is going to help you get over whatever is bothering or badgering you.

Jot down the negative items and declare upon yourself that they will go away. Overtime, as you make the habit of praying, you will realize

that the stress is fading away even as you begin feeling relaxed and ready to do your work for the whole day.

Two, learn how to play chess. Being a mind game, chess has taught me how to focus clearly on the things that needed to be resolved. It also revs up your mental engines to think logically, else you will easily lose the game.

Three, Refrain from reading newspapers, watching TV news and listening to radio shows that rattle off negative stories. A 2015 study in the US said watching just 3 minutes of negative news in the morning helps spoil an otherwise good day at home or in the of�ice.

Four, discard your negative thoughts as quickly as you throw away a crumpled piece of paper into the trash can.

Actress Anne Hathaway says she writes down her negative thoughts

SPECKS OF LIFE Fred C. Lumba on a piece of paper, then sets it on �ire. She swears, this works.

Five, Shift your attention to a possible solution. Discuss it mentally so that the solution dissolves the negative thought right where it is originating. Overwhelming the negative source builds up your energy to meet the pressures of work.

Six, make it a point to write down an action plan based on a feasible time line. If you have to seek counsel, make sure

the person giving it out to you is a positive thinker or doer.

Seven, Work only on happy, cheerful thoughts. Con�ine your mindset to the good things that you believe in that will contribute to your well-being. A negative idea �irst teases you.

If you allow it to stay a minute longer teasing you, it will embolden itself to linger in your mind until it becomes a headache that is dif�icult to cure.

Eight, enjoy a happy moment. Remember when you are watching a comedy or a romantic scene in a movie, negative thoughts cannot enter your mind because you are so rapt in the enjoyable video that no one can stop you from watching it in totality.

Nine, be sure to get 8 hours of good sleep every night. Medical doctors do not stop reminding us about this.

When you are adequate-

ly rested, your physical body gets attuned to your mental rhythms, enabling you to be proactive in responding to daily concerns.

Ten, get a doctor’s prescription for multi-vitamins that you need. I think everyone realizes the important of vitamin supplements to maintain heart health, blood circulation, mental alertness, increased immunity, disease prevention, etc.

Eleven, stop seeing and talking to friends and associates who do not have a good sense of logic. They contribute to your mental pollution.

And twelve – this is not the least – always think about someone you dearly love and who loves you dearly in return.

(Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.)

1 Samuel 15:23: “Rebellion is like the sin of divination and arrogance like the evil of idolatry.” GOD BLESS THE PHILIPINES!

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COMPETITIVE EDGE

VOL.11 ISSUE 214 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 17, 2019

Filipino farm grows one of only 16 Heirloom Cacao in the world

Cacao from Puentespina Farms given heirloom status

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acao beans submitted for evaluation by Puentespina Farms have been designated as Heirloom Cacao by the Heirloom Cacao Preservation (HCP) Fund, an initiative of the Fine Chocolate Industry Association. The announcement was made at ceremonies held in San Francisco last January 12, 2019.

The cacao beans underwent extensive evaluation by a tasting panel comprising nine chocolate experts from around the world. The farm on which the beans have been harvested, Puentespina Farms, is located in Davao, in the southern Philippine island of Mindanao.

With this significant designation, Puentespina Farms joins 15 other heirloom cacao farmers around the world, from Bolivia, Ecuador, Hawaii, Costa Rica, Belize, Nicaragua, Vietnam, Tanzania and Madagascar.

“We are elated to be part of this very small group of farmers who have been given this designation as Heirloom Cacao. We are only the 16th to be given this honor, and the first in the Philippines,” said Charita Puentespina, founder of Puentespina Farms. The company started their cacao farm in 2003. Since then it has gone on to attract international attention by supplying the fine quality dried fermented cacao beans that are used in the manufacture of the company’s own chocolate brand, Malagos Chocolates. To date, Malagos Chocolates has won 28 International awards.

The HCP is an initiative of the Fine Chocolate Industry Association. It is a non-profit organization founded in collaboration with the US Department of Agriculture/Agricultural Research Services. Together, chocolate industry professionals, chocolate makers, farmers, and chocolate enthusiasts from around the world are determined to save the quickly diminishing Theobroma cacao trees that produce the most high-quality, flavorful chocolate and identify the farmers who grow them. To that end, HCP has designated trees on a number of farms around the globe as Heirloom Cacao. The HCP’s mission is to “identify and preserve fine flavor (“heirloom”) cacao varieties for the conservation of biological diversity and the empowerment of farming communities”.

The fine flavor Theobroma cacao variety is the source of high-quality, flavorful chocolates. Sadly, they have been replaced by varieties grown mainly for their productivity and not by their flavor.

Heirloom cacao is important because they are primarily grown by small-scale farms in the lowland tropical regions, where cacao is an important source of livelihood. They are also good for the ecosystem because they are grown in the shade along with other fruit trees like bananas, coconuts, or forest trees.

As such, they provide much-needed habitat for both flora and fauna and are a natural solution for areas

plagued by deforestation and a vanishing biodiversity.

To become designated “heirloom cacao” is an incredibly high standard to meet. Flavor-wise, there must be a balance, uniqueness, complexity and clarity all at once − a unique flavor profile that commands a premium in the world of fine foods.

Helping preserve t h e s e heirloom cacao helps the livelihood of the farmers that continue to grow them.

Puentespina Farms’ entry was designated the 16th heirloom cacao in the world by a super majority of the HCP’s tasting panel.

Many of the HCP panelists remarked about the light color of the chocolate liquor (the pure cocoa mass) and chocolate itself, noting the mostly pleasant yet slightly astringent chocolate taste with a very herbal liquor flavor. According to the HCP, the most

common note commented on by the panel was “fruity”. The chocolate was further praised for its flavor notes and very smooth melt. In addition, the panel commented consistently on the low acidity and touch of fruits in the liquor.

“We are of course very pleased with all the feedback, both positive and negat ive ,” said Puentespin a .

“This is exactly what we set out to do: anticipate any criticism and build on these to adjust our processes to make our beans even better. In the end, we want our products to be worthy of the heirloom designation that has been given to us.”

To celebrate the certification, MalagosAgri-Ventures Corporation, makers of Malagos Chocolates and a sister company of Puentespina Farms, has issued a limited-edition bar of Malagos Heirloom Chocolate 72% Dark Chocolate.

VOL.11 ISSUE 214 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 17, 2019

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Montenegro said that having excess supply would provide electric cooperatives better forecasting in energy distribution.

“They will be able to do forecast based on projected demand and investment inflows of the construction happening in their respective franchise areas,” he said.

“It is important for the Mindanao Power Monitoring Committee (MPMC) to work together to facilitate entry of generation investments for the next year or three years from now, so that

for a construction timeline of three years, it can be available or commissioned after 2025,” Montenegro said.

However, he said that the energy players in Mindanao should not rely on the current excess supply, something they were not able to prepare between 2001 to 2010, as it resulted to rotational brownouts.

“We don’t want to go through that again, and we’re doing it well with the better coordination and planning with the private sector,” Montenegro said.

in the Philippines,” he added.

Domingo, however, bared that other agencies, including the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), and the Philippine Institute of Traditional and Alternative Health Care are already studying the benefits of marijuana for medicinal purposes.

He said that the DOH

and FDA will have to wait for an enabling law before they can conduct their own clinical studies on medical marijuana.

There is a current measure at the House that seeks to legalize cannabis strictly for therapeutic purposes – House Bill No. 6517, otherwise known as the Philippine Compassionate Medical Cannabis Act. (PNA)

that there is no need for a bicameral conference committee on the Road Board abolition bill since it has already adopted the House version.

Andaya, for his part, said the agreement to “genuinely abolish the Road Board” is a “victory for transparency.”

He said the House leadership maintained its position to treat the road user’s tax or the motor vehicle user’s charge (MVUC) collections as part of the general fund and be earmarked for trans-

port-related activities.

“The House-Senate consensus spared the President of signing a defective bill, which some powerful interests wanted him to. The attempt to hoodwink the President has been foiled,” Andaya said.

President Rodrigo Duterte repeatedly called for the abolition of the Road Board, tagging it as a "milking cow" for corruption.

He said he wants to divert the road user's tax funds to flood control projects. (PNA)

vegetables in 2017.

In 2018, the production was cut to 42,729. which was due to the series of calamities experienced in the province from July to November.

Odsey said highland vegetables are also grown in Bauko town in Mountain Province as well as Tinoc town in Ifugao- all adjacent to Benguet province, add-

ing to Benguet’s production.

The country’s weather bureau Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Tuesday said frost can be experienced in Atok as temperature reading in the town drops from eight to 10 degrees Celsius. (PNA)

been delays in procurement. Since we assumed office in 2016, we have been keen on introducing more efficient systems in

this area,” Diokno said.

“So far, I am pleased to say our reforms have been yielding our intended results,” he added. (PNA)

CONGRESS... FROM 3

NEWS

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audience, perimeter security for the maintenance of peace and order there,” he said.

The PNP chief also noted that the killing of Ako-Bicol Partylist Rep. Rodel Batocabe would have been prevented if policemen were deployed to the area where the crime occurred.

"Our policemen are not limited to providing security to critical areas visited by a candidate.

That is why we go back to the Batocabe case. If they just coordinated with us and the policemen were there, it would not have happened. There were no policemen there and at that time. But there was no coordination and it happened despite the fact that he has a security detail," he noted.

Albayalde said local police can ask for augmentation coming from the respective provincial or regional mobile group or even from the military, in case of simultaneous events.

Earlier, PNP spokesperson, Chief Supt. Benigno Durana Jr., said poll bets requesting for police security should comply with the requirements set by the PNP, which includes an assessment

9

to determine if there is indeed a threat to their lives.

“If they want to have more, then they have to hire the services of security agencies at their own expenses,” he added.

Durana said the PNP will also provide security services for non-incumbent candidates who may qualify for protective security detail.

Albayalde earlier ordered all police commanders down to the municipal level to talk with all the candidates, including the incumbent officials, as part of the threat assessment amid the spate of killings of local government officials.

The PNP also continues to monitor 77 active private armed groups (PAGs) with 2,060 members that have 1,574 firearms, and is keeping an eye on 226 inactive armed groups with 2,028 members and more than 1,000 firearms.

Albayalde earlier directed all territorial units to go “hammer and tongs” against gunfor-hire syndicates and PAGs, as the number of attacks against local officials and candidates tend to increase ahead of the elections. (PNA)

10 PROPERTY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.11 ISSUE 214 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 17, 2019

Amazing 2019 deals from

Matina Enclaves

By NEILWIN JOSEPH BRAVO

P

remium high-rise residential development Matina Enclaves welcomes the new year with amazing deals for homebuyers.

The signature project of Escandor Development Corporation (Esdevco) will hold its first Open House of the year on Friday, January 18, at the Matina Enclaves Showroom at Ecowest Drive in Ecoland, Quimpo Boulevard, Davao City.

“We had another banner year in 2018 and it’s just fitting as a way of expressing our gratitude to our clients and future clients to bring in more exciting add-ons to our unit packages,” said Gerald Kent Garces, project head of Matina Enclaves.

As many as nine freebies are on top of

new purchases on each unit at the Matina Enclaves which has by far turned over two buildings with a third one under full construction and set for turnover this year.

Investing in the Matina Enclaves property will have exciting freebies as air condition set, 52-inch LED television, sofa set, dining table, queen-sized bed, rangehood, convection oven, air fryer, combi blinds, deluxe matress set, 7.5 kg washing machine, induction hob, 8-cubic feet inverter refrigerator, one year association dues waived, and one year free membership with Arcadia Active Lifestyle Center.

On top of that, big cash discounts also await new buyers.

The Open House

is set at 1:00-6:00 pm where interested clients will be walked through the wise investment packages of Matina Enclaves.

“Our agents are always ready to help guide would-be investors as investing on condominium units for business is not as easy as it sounds. We are here to guide you and help you make intelligent decisions,” said Garces.

The sprawling complex features such grand amenities as a clubhouse, jogging lanes, perimeter fencing, adult and kiddie swimming pools. The Arcadia, located across the property, also complements the development where residences can enjoy gym facilities and restaurants.

11 SPORTS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.11 ISSUE 214 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 17, 2019

Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao arrives in Las Vegas for his fight against Adrien Broner this weekend. Philboxing.com photo by Jhay Otamias

Pac-May 2 is‘up in the air’

L

AS VEGAS – Conventional wisdom within the boxing industry is that if Manny Pacquiao defeats Adrien Broner, a rematch with Floyd Mayweather Jr. is inevitable later this year.

Stephen Espinoza has much more insight into that situation than most, and the Showtime executive isn’t so sure Mayweather-Pacquiao II will happen if Pacquiao beats Broner on Saturday night in Las Vegas. Mayweather, who’ll turn 42 on February 24, would have to end a third retirement to oppose Pacquiao again.

“Manny has made no secret of the fact that if he beats Broner, he wants a rematch versus Floyd,” Espinoza, Showtime’s president of sports and event programming, told BoxingScene.com.

“There’s no question on that. Floyd seems a little bit more torn.

There certainly was their encounter in Tokyo last fall,

which got everyone buzzing. But we also heard him a couple weeks ago, again in Tokyo, saying, ‘Look, I’m retired.’ So, I’m not sure it’s a foregone conclusion.”

Mayweather and Pacquiao caused a social media firestorm the morning of the Canelo Alvarez-Gennady Golovkin rematch four months ago. After meeting at a concert in Tokyo, Mayweather posted a video of their light-hearted encounter through his Instagram account.

Mayweather seemed committed to a rematch then.

Following his three-knockdown, firstround demolition of Japanese kickboxer Tenshin Nasukawa, however, Mayweather firmly stated that he’s retired.

His victory over the 20-year-old Nasukawa came in a boxing exhibition December 31 in Saitama, Japan, not an official fight.

Mayweather made well over $200 million for his

unanimous-decision defeat of Pacquiao in May 2015 at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Their fight was a huge financial success, as it generated more than $600 million in overall revenue.

It amounted to a boring bout that made consumers complain about a lack of action for a payper-view main event that cost $100. Furious fans also were dissatisfied with Pacquiao’s contention that a pre-existing shoulder injury hindered him in their 12-round, 147-pound title fight.

Las Vegas’ Mayweather (50-0, 27 KOs) and the Philippines’ Pacquiao (60-7-2, 39 KOs) would make plenty of money if they fought again. That still might not be enough, according to Espinoza, to make Mayweather commit to doing it.

“I think Floyd likes the idea of a rematch and being in another big event, and certainly is attracted by

what he would earn in that fight,” Espinoza said. “But at the same time, I think there is a big portion of Floyd that is satisfied with what he accomplished in his career and he doesn’t particularly feel a need to go back into camp and do it all over again.

“So, from Floyd’s perspective, it’s up in the air. I think there is interest, but at the end of the day, Floyd is tough to predict. He is his own man. He’s gonna do it his way, and I think it will be sort of how he feels.

Maybe, you know, what’s in his head on January 20th and after that.”

The 40-year-old Pacquiao and Cincinnati’s Broner (33-3-1, 24 KOs, 1 NC) will headline a fourfight Showtime Pay-PerView telecast Saturday night from MGM Grand Garden Arena. It is set to start at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT, and costs $74.99 to watch through most cable and satellite operators.

del Norte Sports and Tourism Complex.

Philippine Sports Institute’s Deputy Director for Grassroots Marlon Malbog said that “it is through the directive of PSC Chairman

William Ramirez to equip national coaches, that the standard and competitiveness of our athletes will improve as well.”

“We look to intensify the course of this program from

what we did on the Grassroots Coaching Certification Program last November,” added PSI consultant Prof.

Henry Daut.

The activity kicked off with lectures in Sports Physiology led by Prof. Josephine Reyes, followed

by Prof. Robert Jurado on Sports Ethics, Sports Psychology with Dr. Katrina Trinidad and Daut on Sports Philosophy.

“As coaches, we need to hold on to the basic principles of training. That’s the central reason why we are here,” added Davao del Norte Provincial Sports & Youth Development Head Giovanni Gulanes, as he thanked the PSC “for imparting theoretical and scientific sports courses to the coaches of Davao region.”

The five-day program will continue today with Talent Identification spearheaded by Mr. Luis Serafin Cosep, Sports Pedology and specific sports orientations.

PSC Nat’l Coaching Certification underway

T

he Philippine Sports Commission returned to the Davao region on Monday as the second fiveday National Sports Coaching Certification Program gets underway at the Davao

PBA D LEAGUE. PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial briefs the coaches of teams taking part in the PBA D League prior to the Rookie Draft. PBA Media

Los Angeles Lakers guard Lonzo Ball (2) passes the ball while Chicago Bulls guard Kris Dunn (32) and forward Wendell Carter Jr. (34) defend during the second quarter at Staples Center. Kelvin Kuo, USA TODAY Sports/Reuters

Ball leads Lakers past Bulls L

onzo Ball had 19 points and eight rebounds, and the Los Angeles Lakers earned a 107-100 victory Tuesday night against the visiting Chicago Bulls, who suffered their eighth straight loss.

Lakers coach Luke Walton moved veterans Tyson Chandler and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope into the starting lineup at center and shooting guard, respectively, and moved JaVale McGee and Josh Hart to the bench.

Caldwell-Pope scored 17 points, Kyle Kuzma had 16 points and 12 rebounds and Brandon Ingram had 16 points and nine rebounds.

Jabari Parker scored 18 points off the bench to lead the Bulls, who haven't lost eight in a row since a 10-game skid from Nov. 19 to Dec. 6, 2017.

Lauri Markkanen added 17 points, and Chandler Hutchison and Ryan Arcidiacono scored 10 apiece for Chicago.

READ: Warriors use NBA-record 1st quarter to rout Nuggets 142-111 Neither team led by double digits until McGee scored on a tip in for a 7868 lead with 11:25 left in

the game.

Lakers backup guard Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk made two 3-pointers early in a 14-0 run that extended the lead to 94-76 with 4:36 left and Los Angeles held off a late push.

The Bulls scored the first five points of the second half to move ahead 48-44, but the Lakers followed with a 12-0 run to take their biggest lead of the game at 56-48.

Ball sank a floater with 18 seconds left in the third to re-establish an eight-point lead, which Los Angeles took into the fourth quarter.

Neither team had led by more than three points when the Bulls scored eight straight points to move ahead 30-24 with 7:48 left in the first half.

The Lakers came back with a 7-0 run for the 17th lead change of the first half.

They traded leads six more times before Los Angeles took a 44-43 advantage into the break.

LeBron James, who leads the Lakers in scoring (27.3), rebounding (8.3) and assists (7.4), missed his 11th consecutive game with a groin injury. Los Angeles is 4-7 without James.

12 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL.11 ISSUE 214 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 17, 2019

BLATCHE IS BACK

Andray Blatche returns for Gilas in sixth window

A

ndray Blatche makes his way back to Gilas Pilipinas after he was named to the 14-man pool for the vital sixth window of the FIBA World Cup Quali�iers on Tuesday.

Blatche, who served a three-game suspension for his participation in the infamous brawl between Gilas and Australia on July 2 in Bocaue, is set to swing back into action after also sitting out Gilas’ last game, a home game against Iran in Pasay on December 3.

Also making a Gilas return is Mark Barroca.

The Magnolia guard was part of the original Gilas lineup that played in the 2011 FIBA Asia Championship. The squad �inished in fourth place at that time.

Completing the pool are Jayson Castro, Paul Lee, Scottie Thompson, Marcio Lassiter, Gabe Norwood, Japeth Aguilar, Poy Erram, June Mar Fajardo, Raymond Almazan, RR Pogoy, Chris Standhardinger, and Troy Rosario.

Rosario’s case, however, is a complicated one as he said on Sunday night that he may sit out the sixth window due to a broken nose he suffered in a tune-

up game between TNT and NLEX on December 29. That makes him doubtful for the.

Feb. 21-25 window with an injury that is expected to keep him out for about two months.

Almazan is another question mark considering he hasn’t seen action since going AWOL with mother club Rain or Shine late last season.

Pogoy, on the other hand, will still need t o

sit out G i las’ r o a d game against Qatar, the last part of his �ive-game suspension for his own part in the Gilas-Australia brawl, and will only become eligible to play when Gilas goes to Kazakhstan.

SBP president Al Panlilio expressed his gratitude to the PBA board of governors led by its chairman Ricky

Vargas and Commissioner Willie Marcial for approving the release of players for practice sessions and the break the league will have during the quali�iers.

The national team resumes its practice session on January 21, and will travel to the Middle East by the second week of February to play a series of tuneup matches.

“A s this window is critical in our campaign, we would like to thank again the support of the PBA for making the PBA players available,” said Panlilio.

Blatche’s arrival relegated Standhardinger to back-up status and bumped off another natura l i z e d player in Stanley

NOT , P12

Pringle. Also out was Greg Slaughter as Guiao opted for Fajardo, Erram, Aguilar, Rosario and Almazan in the frontline.

(PNA)

Manny Pacquiao, right, works out with trainer Freddie Roach at a boxing club in Los Angeles, Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2019. Pacquiao is scheduled to defend his WBA welterweight title against Adrien Broner on Jan. 19, 2019, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)