Edge Davao | Vol 11 Issue 215 | Friday-Saturday, January 18-19, 2019

VOL.11 ISSUE 215 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JANUARY 18-19, 2019

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18,845 OFFICERS TO SECURE OPENING OF DAVRAA MEET Page 2

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LPG PRICES UP. Workers unhaul 21-kilo cyclinders of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in front of a supermarket along Lapu-lapu Street in Brgy. Agdao, Davao City on Thursday. Prices of LPG have increased after the implementation of the second tranche of excise taxes under the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law that took effect on the first day of 2019. Lean Daval Jr

TERROR DRONES Davao City councilors to tackle drones ordinance

By RALPH LAWRENCE LLEMIT

O

WNERS and operators of drones, including flying enthusiasts, would not be totally free to operate their drones unless they follow the rules and regulations of an ordinance which will be tackled initially this month during public hearings scheduled by the Davao City Council committee on peace and order headed by Councilor Ma. Belen “Mabel” S. Acosta.

The passage of an order on the operation of drones has been requested by Davao City Mayor Sara Z. Duterte-Carpio herself.

Councilor Acosta said that there is a need to pass the ordinance to address safety and security concerns.

The operation of

drones worldwide is now being subjected to strict regulations as these flying contraptions are capable of carrying explosives which are used in terrorist attacks.

Acosta told reporters recently that the first public hearings are already scheduled during the resumption of city

council sessions after the Christmas holidays Several stakeholders, among them drone owners and operators, are being invited to join the hearings, Acosta said.

“We would like to invite them all so that we can come up with a sound ordinance,” the lady lawmaker said.

Among the provisions considered is the designation of selected areas where the drones may be allowed to be flown, Acosta said.

In a related development, retired police officer Angel Sumagaysay, deputy head of Daao City’s Public Safety and

FTERROR , P 9

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.11 ISSUE 215 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JANUARY 18-19, 2019

BILATERAL MEETING. President Rodrigo Duterte and Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena shake hands after witnessing the signing of agreements following the successful bilateral meeting at the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday night. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

arrest sought for leaving 18,845 officers to secure Trillanes PH without court approval opening of DAVRAA meet M

By RALPH LAWRENCE LLEMIT

A

total of 18,845 members of security forces, including auxiliary personnel, will be deployed during the holding of the Davao Region Athletic Association (DAVRAA) meet starting January 27, 2019.

Davao City Public Safety and Security Command Center (PSSCC) deputy head Angel Sumagaysay said on Thursday that the security personnel will begin to be deployed a week before the opening of DAVRAA, which will kick off at the University of the Philippines Mindanao (UP Min) Sports Complex in Mintal, Davao City.

He said that the city government as event host will install closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras within and outside the complex vicinity, to ensure the safety of everyone, including athletes, coaches, athletic officials and guests. “We can now mirror quarters wherein we could monitor in our PSSCC offices,” Sumagaysay said on Thursday during the iSpeak media forum at the City Hall of Davao.

He said that the security office has communicated with PLDT-Smart Communications to stabilize the internet connection in the area.

“We already com-

municated with PLDTSmart about to the internet connection, since we would be needing it transmitting our CCTV footages direct to our office,” Sumagaysay said.

He also said that only drones authorized by PSSCC will be allowed to operate during the DAVRAA meet. Media or other organizations who seek to have aerials footages of the event will be provided the office.

“Even if their drone is registered in CAAP (Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines), we will confiscate it, because these are now being used by threat groups,” Sumagaysay said.

Department of EducationI (DepEd) 11 chief of the curriculum and learning management division Janette Veloso said that they had coordinated with various committees to ensure the safety and medical concerns for DAVRAA. “DRRM (Disaster Risk Reduction and Management) is our primary concern,” Veloso said.

“All our officials are given instructions on what to relay to the coaches and athletes, as to what to do when calamities or any untoward incidents will happen during DAVRAA,” she said.

of which the AFP is considered as one of its line agencies.

"The AFP extends its thanks to the 17th Congress for the approval of the defense department and military's budget for 2019. This will ensure the continuity of our programs and operations vital in keeping our communities safe and secure.

The budget also includes provisions for the second tranche of increase in the salary of our soldiers," Madrigal said in a statement forwarded to reporters Wednesday night.

A Department of Budget Management statement dated Oct. 19, 2018 said that for 2019, the Philippine Army, Philippine Air Force, and the Philippine

Navy have been allocated PHP89 billion, PHP24.6 billion, and PHP27.8 billion, respectively.

"Rest assured that this will be put to good use and that safeguards against corruption are in place to prevent and punish wrongful acts in the management of our resources," the AFP chief added. (PNA)

Madrigal lauds solons for passage of DND, AFP 2019 budgets

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ANILA -- Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Benjamin Madrigal expressed his appreciation to legislators for approving the defense department and the military's budget for 2019.

The Department of National Defense (DND)'s budget for 2019 is placed at PHP183,893,177,000,

ANILA -- Government lawyers asked the Davao City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 54 trying Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV on four counts of libel to order the lawmaker’s arrest and cancellation of his bail for jumping the gun on the court’s permission on his travel abroad last month.

In a motion dated Jan. 10, Davao City Assistant City Prosecutor Joseph B. Mamburan cited the motion of the lawyers of former Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte which claimed that Trillanes left the country on Dec. 11, 2018, a day after posting bail before the Pasay court and before the Davao court could actually rule to allow him to travel.

Trillanes flew out of Philippine jurisdiction without waiting for prior leave or permission from the Davao court, the prosecution’s motion argued.

“Having departed for abroad without (waiting for) court permission, accused is guilty of flight.

He has stepped out of Philippine jurisdiction, hence beyond its reach,” Duterte’s counsel, lawyer Rainier L. Madrid said.

The former Davao vice mayor’s camp added

that the Trillanes’ departure for abroad without seeking this court’s prior permission is a serious and material breach of his bail and temporary liberty, noting that Trillanes himself “repudiated his own bail”.

“Bail does not grant absolute freedom and liberty. It merely suspends the efficacy of the arrest warrant. It does not relieve the accused from his duties to this court, let alone, give him absolute and complete freedom. Restriction on his right to travel abroad is implied. It is a necessary consequence and impact of his bail,” Madrid added.

The Davao City RTC earlier turned down prosecutors’ request for the issuance of a hold departure order (HDO) against Senator Antonio Trillanes which he said is not a flight risk.

Judge Melinda Alconcel-Dayanghirang also noted that Trillanes’ travels were allowed by Senate President Vicente Sotto III. “While it is true that the accused has already left the country on December 11, 2018 and thus beyond the reach of this Court, however, FTRILLANES , P9

VOL.11 ISSUE 215 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JANUARY 18-19, 2019

EDGEDAVAO

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NEWS

VOL.11 ISSUE 215 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JANUARY 18-19, 2019

DOH wants smokers reduced to less than 15% by 2022

M MOCK PLEBISCITE. Commission on Elections (COMELEC) - Maguindanao personnel hold a mock plebiscite for election inspectors who will serve in the January 21 plebiscite on

the Bangsamoro Law at the COMELEC-Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao office in Cotabato City on Wednesday. MindaNews photo by MANMAN DEJETO

Treasurer collects P299.6M from permits in first 12 days A

By RALPH LAWRENCE LLEMIT total of 18,845 members of security forces, including auxiliary personnel, will be deployed during the holding of the Davao Region Athletic Association (DAVRAA) meet starting January 27, 2019.

Davao City Public Safety and Security Command Center (PSSCC) deputy head Angel Sumagaysay said on Thursday that the security personnel will begin to be deployed a week before the opening of DAVRAA, which will kick off at the University of the Philippines Mindanao (UP Min) Sports Complex in Mintal, Davao City.

He said that the city

government as event host will install closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras within and outside the complex vicinity, to ensure the safety of everyone, including athletes, coaches, athletic officials and guests.

“We can now mirror quarters wherein we could monitor in our PSSCC offices,” Sumagaysay said on Thursday during the iSpeak media forum at the City Hall of Davao.

He said that the security office has communicated with PLDT-Smart Communications to stabilize the internet connection in the area.

“We already com-

municated with PLDTSmart about to the internet connection, since we would be needing it transmitting our CCTV footages direct to our office,” Sumagaysay said.

He also said that only drones authorized by PSSCC will be allowed to operate during the DAVRAA meet. Media or other organizations who seek to have aerials footages of the event will be provided the office.

“Even if their drone is registered in CAAP (Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines), we will confiscate it, because these are now being used by threat groups,” Sumagaysay

said.

Department of EducationI (DepEd) 11 chief of the curriculum and learning management division Janette Veloso said that they had coordinated with various committees to ensure the safety and medical concerns for DAVRAA. “DRRM (Disaster Risk Reduction and Management) is our primary concern,” Veloso said.

“All our officials are given instructions on what to relay to the coaches and athletes, as to what to do when calamities or any untoward incidents will happen during DAVRAA,” she said.

ing of biometric fingerprints, facial feature, and digitized signature.

Caballero said the mock polls will test how effective is the system and correct or make adjustments. The poll body has selected at least 100 voters as participants for each pilot area, she added.

"It will be the first time that Comelec will use the biometric fingerprints for the upcoming election. There are other enhancements that Comelec is introducing in its voting system," Caballero on Wednesday said

during the AFP-PNP press corps briefing.

Aside from the BVRS, the voting machine will also issue or print receipts for the voters to countercheck the list of candidates they elected. But the receipts will be kept by Comelec to maintain the secrecy of the ballots, Caballero said.

Another improvement, she said, is that machines will already read ballots with only 25 percent shading.

This year’s election will see a total of 3,026,393 registered voters in Davao Region

going out to vote.

Of the total number of registered voters, 984,604 are in Davao City; 425,586 in Davao del Sur; 182,122 in Davao Occidental; 605,643 in Davao del Norte; 462,942 in Compostela Valley; and, 365,496 in Davao Oriental.

Caballero said there will be 19,701 established precincts in the region and 3,777 clustered precincts.

Comelec is currently working on the composition of the Board of Election Inspectors, she said. (PNA)

Comelec to test biometric system in DavSur mock polls

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AVAO CITY – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is ready for the nationwide mock elections on Saturday, January 19, to test all procedures for the midterm election in May. In Davao Region, the mock polls will be conducted in Digos City and Bansalan in Davao del Sur, which are also the pilot areas for the use of the Biometric Voter Registration System (BVRS).

Comelec-11 spokesperson Krisna Caballero, said the BVRS is an automatic data captur-

ANILA -- The Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday said the government aims to reduce number of Filipino smokers from 21 percent to less than 15 percent by 2022.

“The goal by 2022 is to have less than 15 percent of Filipinos smoking. Right now, we're at 21 percent,” DOH Undersecretary Eric Domingo in a weekly economic briefing in Malacañang.

Domingo said the implementation of excise tax on tobacco have significantly reduced the number of smokers in the country.

"The immediate impact is the number of smokers. That is why we are requesting for taxes to be raised again so the youth can't afford buy it," he said.

He described the increase in sin taxes is a 'win-win' solution as it discourages people from having vices while raising government’s revenue at the same time. " Globally, we can see that if taxes on tobacco go up, the num-

ber of smokers, especially among the youth, are reduced as they do not pick up the habit, the poor are also the one to quit first,” Domingo said.

“Now, since there is no total prohibition of these products, when taxes imposed are higher, revenues still go up even if we have a smaller number of users," he added.

In the same briefing, Department of Finance (DOF) Assistant Secretary Tony Lambino said that revenues from the proposed higher sin taxes on tobacco and alcoholic beverages will boost government’s funds for healthcare program.

Lambino said DOF supports Senator Manny Pacquiao's bill seeking to increase the tobacco excise tax by at least PHP25 per pack.

"We support the increase in the excise by at least PHP25 compared to where we are now. The current excise on a pack of cigarettes is at PHP35 – so at least PHP25. That is where Senator Pacquiao’s bill sets the level," he said. (PNA)

LEOSAN, North Cotabato -- Hundreds of cases of beers fell off from a hauler truck Wednesday and a portion of the Cotabato-Davao highway here was flooded with broken bottles and the brew.

“Nasubukan mo na bang lumangoy sa dagat ng beer? (Have you tried swimming in a sea of beer?” North Cotabato Vice Governor Shirlyn Macasarte Villanueva said of the 4 p.m. mishap.

“We cannot pass through, it’s better that we start drinking beers here,” she said in jest in her Facebook page.

Villanueva was traveling to Midsayap town from Kidapawan City when she noticed stranded vehicles and people milling around a cargo truck. She then took photos of the incident.

Ernie Saban, a local

resident, said he saw the cargo truck heading to Cotabato City from Davao City and while negotiating a downward curve in Barangay Bagolibas, Aleosan, the cases of beers fell.

“The bottles were broken causing a halt to traffic flow,” he told newsmen in an interview. “We tried to salvage unbroken bottles but were prevented by police,” Saban added, though admitting that several villagers managed to take home some cases of beer.

Initial police investigation showed that a piece of rope strapped around the cargo hold of the open back hauler truck snapped, causing the cases of beer to fall successively on the pavement.

Traffic was reopened an hour later after volunteers cleared the highway of broken bottles. (PNA)

Beer‘floods’North Cotabato highway A

VOL.11 ISSUE 215 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JANUARY 18-19, 2019

EDGEDAVAO

Bicam OKs Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act

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ANILA -- The Bicameral Conference Committee has approved the reconciled Senate and House of Representatives' versions of a measure institutionalizing a framework to advance energy efficiency and conservation practices in the country.

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian said the approval of the reconciled version of Senate Bill (SB)1531 and House Bill 8629, known as the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act, is quite timely, especially at a time when the Philippines is experiencing sustained economic growth in the past few years.

The Senate Committee on Energy, chaired

by Gatchalian, and the House Committee on Energy, led by Marinduque Rep. Lord Allan Velasco, agreed to adopt SB 1531 as the base of the reconciled bill.

"This bill is quite important in terms of growing our economy because we all know we need a lot of power supply in the next few years, but the power supply will not come in as a form of physical plants, that power supply can come in the form of savings. Dahil kung nagse-save po tayo, hindi na rin nating kailangan magtayo ng bagong planta (Because if we are saving, we don't need to put up new power plants)," said Gatchalian, the principal sponsor of the measure in the Senate.

"With this in mind, I'm very excited that both the Senate and House panels have a general meeting of minds of approving this bill," he added.

Gatchalian said Congress has been trying to pass such measure since the idea was brought up in the 8th Congress in 1988 but to no avail.

This leaves the Philippines the only ASEAN country, which does not have a law encouraging the efficient utilization of energy while providing tax incentives for energy-efficient projects until now, Gatchalian said.

In a nutshell, SB 1531 mandates the creation of a National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Plan that defines national targets, details feasible strategies, and imposes a regular monitoring and evaluation system.

Alongside this will be the development and maintenance of a National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Data-

base, where relevant information about energy consumption as well as the application of energy efficient and renewable energy technologies shall be centrally stored.

The measure would also institutionalize energy efficiency and conservation standards and strategies in local governance, through the creation of a Local Energy Efficiency and Conservation Plan and the inclusion of Guidelines on Energy Conserving Design on Buildings in the issuance of building permits.

To further encourage complete compliance to the energy standards to be proposed, the senator added that the measure would include incentives, as well as technical assistance from government agencies.

The bill would also create an Interagency Energy Efficiency and Conservation Committee that will be tasked to provide strategic direction in the implementation of the Government Energy Management Program (GEMP), a program to reduce the monthly consumption of electricity and petroleum products by the government.

The European Union's Access to Sustainable Energy Program estimates that a 10 percent improvement in efficiency will save the country PHP55.5 billion, which translates to a PHP140 savings in the monthly electricity bill of the average household, or PHP1,680 per year.

The World Bank also reports that government energy efficiency projects can save the government PHP3.4 billion per year.

Aside from electricity cost savings, Gatchalian said energy efficiency would also result in reduced dependency on foreign coal, avoiding as many as 290.2 million metric tons in imports over the 12-year period.

This would result in average annual savings of USD392 million to USD1.3 billion between 2018 to 2030 at the 50 percent and 100 percent efficiency standard, respectively.

"Energy efficiency and conservation strategies will not only achieve much needed savings for the government, but it can also significantly bring down the prices of electricity and give consumers extra money in their pockets to spend for other basic necessities," Gatchalian said. (Senate PR)

5 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

STABLE. Commercial rice prices in Davao City remain stable despite the recent increase in fuel prices due to the implementation of the second tranche of excise taxes under the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law. Lean Daval Jr

Davao airport authority, boon to trade, connectivity

By RALPH LAWRENCE LLEMIT

T

he creation by law of the Davao City International Airport Authority will greatly improve trade and commerce and tourism in the Davao region. For one, it will enable the region to amass annually billions of pesos in revenue which can be plowed back to fund development projects in the area.

This was the statement of Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (DCCCII) president Arturo M. Milan when asked by reporters about the significance of the cre-

ation of the Davao airport authority, similar to the decades-old Mactan Cebu International Airport Authority which has been credited for much of the development and progress of Cebu city and province through the years.

The bill creating the Davao airport authority was approved by the House of Representatives on third and final reading and has been forwarded to the Senate for its version of the bill expected to be approved before the end of the month.

As contemplated by its

authors who are mostly lawmakers from Davao City and other parts of the Davao region, the airport authority, just like its Mactan Cebu counterpart will be empowered to craft its own policies and retain its income to fund its programs and projects, Milan said.

“We’ve been trying to push for the creation of the DIAA, because when it becomes a separate authority, there will be a local board who will not be dependent on CAAP (Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines) Manila to

make decisions in the operation of the airport,” said the business leader.

However, he said that the transition towards DIAA would be challenging.

“The local board must be organized once it becomes an authority, because operations like this need a fast reaction,” he said.

The chamber head also said that this is a one-step towards having Davao as the central international gateway airport in Mindanao.

Lasang areas, specifically, NCCC Panacan, Benjamin Hills, Camp Panacan, Celedonia Village, Doña Mercedes Village I and II, Don Ramon Village, DPWH Depot, Emma Village, Panacan Public Market, Panacan Relocation, Pizarro Village, PMPC Village, RUC XI Panacan, San Miguel Village, St. Michael Village, Luzville Subd., Sarmiento Subd., Veterans Village, Bugac-Ilang, Amparo Village, Upper Manggahan, Manggahan Village, Vicente Gloria Compound, Pena Village, Cal Village, Doña Consuelo Village, Malupiha HOA., Tibungco Public Market, Tambongon, Sto. Niño Awad, Sto. Niño Hudson, Bucana, San Juan, Riverside, Inabangga, Muslim Village, Buhisan, NSV Ilang, Central Ilang, Panacan Valley, Budbud, Virgo Licanan, portion of C.P. Garcia Highway (from Panacan

Relocation to DPWH Depot), and portion of Davao-Agusan Road (from Landmark Village 1 to Lasang).

DCWD’s production wells under Panacan WSS will be affected by the Davao Light and Power Company’s (DLPC) power interruptions on said date needed to facilitate the reconstruction of their sub-transmission lines near Holcim Plant. With the power interruptions, the affected facilities will not be able to operate and produce water, and in turn, will not be able to supply water to the affected areas.

Although the power cuts are shorter in duration, DCWD needs additional time for re-switching on of the affected facilities, pressure build up, and line delivery, thus the longer duration of water service interruptions.

On behalf of the

DCWD management, general manager Engr.

Edwin V. Regalado asks for the understanding and cooperation of would-be affected customers. They are also advised to store enough water prior to the scheduled water service interruption. Water supply may be restored earlier if DLPC’s work goes smoothly or later if unforeseen problems arise.

The general public may visit DCWD website (www.davao-water.gov. ph) and official Facebook page (www.facebook.com/davaowater) or call the Central Information Unit / Call Center through the 24-hour hotlines 297-DCWD (3293), 0927-7988966, 0925-5113293, and 0908-4410653 for the latest daily water updates, concerns, queries, and other matters pertaining to DCWD services. (Shaira Angelica S. Magno)

FDAVAO , P9

DCWD announces water service interruptions in some areas

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avao City Water District advises its customers of two schedules of water service interruptions on January 19, 2019 that will affect all areas served by Panacan Water Supply System (WSS). First schedule is from 12:01 AM to 3:00 AM and second schedule is from 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM. Affected are some Sasa areas, particularly, Airview Heights, BAT Compound, Bayview Village, Cabayugan I, II, and III, De Guzman Village, Delbros Village, Doña Caridad Subd., Doña Socorro Village, Landmark Village I and II, Mahayahay Settlers, Doña Mercedes Village, Nelia Ville Subd. I and II, Purok Bangoy, Sagrada, San Jose Village, San Lorenzo Ruiz Village, San Vicente, SAPAHA, St. John, Suha Village, and Sunrise Village; and Panacan, Ilang, Tibungco, Bunawan, and

6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

EDITORIAL F

VOL.11 ISSUE 215 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JANUARY 18-19, 2019

Combatting hunger

ewer Filipinos experienced hunger in the last quarter last year according to a recent survey. For a country that has been constantly battling hunger and poverty, this is a good sign.

A month before the survey was out, Borgen Magazine, an influential humanitarian organization working to make global poverty a focus of U.S. foreign policy, said in its website that the Philippines has serious poverty and hunger problems.

It outlined the top 10 facts about hunger in the Philippines, among them are: 1. The Philippines’ Global Hunger Index (GHI) is currently 20.3, ranking the country 69 out 119 and placing it under the “Serious” category in the Global Hunger Index. Although, this number is down from the 25.9 rating that the Philippines had back in 2000.

2. Hunger poses dangerous health consequences for the Philippines, with 20.6 percent of people being underweight and 32.2 percent being stunted. Low weight and stunting can restrict growth and prevent people from developing fully.

3. Children also face serious risks from malnourishment. Although the rate of underweight children has decreased from 29.1 percent in 1992 to 20.2 percent in 2003, that rate has remained mostly unchanged since. In fact, the percentage recorded in 2015 was 21.5 percent of children being underweight. In addition, 29.9 percent of children aged five to 10 were stunted in that same year, ranking the Philippines ninth in the world for stunted children.

4. Hunger occurs the most in the agriculture and fishing sectors where 70 percent of workers are poor. In fact, 33 percent of the working population resides in these sectors, facing low wages, risks of natural disasters and poverty, all contributing to their high rates of hunger. Typhoon Bohpa alone created a loss of $663 million in agriculture. This effect is amplified for coconut farmers, who must cultivate their plants for eight to ten years before selling.

5. Food insecurity varies by region. Although around 21.9 percent of households overall are food insecure, 44.5 percent of The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) is food insecure. It is also the regions with the highest tendency for underweight children. Urban regions in the ARMM are more likely to be food secure, with a 40.1 percent food security rate compared to a 28 percent food security rate in rural regions.

6. ARMM’s high food insecurity may be attributed to the history of conflict in the region. For years, various reformist groups in the area had fought for the independence of the Muslim provinces well into the late 1990s.

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Even after gaining autonomy, however, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front continued to fight for independence.

These conflicts have displaced more than 500,000 people.

7. The Philippines is prone to natural disasters including earthquakes, floods and tsunamis. Since 1990, natural disasters have taken the lives of 70,000 people and put 60 percent of the land, which houses 74 percent of the people, at risk. The resulting damage in agriculture and displacement has exacerbated hunger and poverty in the Philippines.

But while Borgen believes the Philippines is suffering from serious hunger and poverty, the latest social weather station survey show otherwise.

According to the recent survey by the Social Weather Stations (SWS) made from December 16 to 19 last year with 1,440 respondents and a margin of error of ±2.6 percent, hunger rate in the Philippines has significantly dropped in the fourth quarter of 2018. The survey revealed that 10.5 percent or an estimated 2.4 million families experienced involuntary hunger at least once in the past three months, a significant drop from the 13.3 percent or about 3.1 million families experiencing hunger in the September 2018 survey. The hunger rate for 2018 is placed at 10.8 percent which is the lowest since the 7 percent hunger rate recorded in 2003.

The 2018 hunger rate is also significantly lower than the 12.3 hunger rate recorded in 2017.

By regions, the quarterly hunger rate fell by 10 percent in Mindanao, from 18.3 percent in September to 8.3 percent in December while Luzon’s quarterly hunger rate also dropped by 3 percent from 12.7 percent in September to 9.7 percent in December. Visayas and Metro Manila was a bit higher with quarterly hunger rates at 3.2 percent and 1 percent, respectively.

Borgen itself acknowledged that efforts to decrease hunger have shown some success. Food security rates have been improving in the country while undernourishment decreased as well, dropping by 17.9 percent from 1992 to 2016.

With an economic growth of 6.6 last year--the highest in the first two years of all post-Edsa administrations, the country is making progress in addressing hunger and poverty.

Slowly but surely, government efforts in addressing the nagging problems on poverty and hunger are reaping results. Local food security plans in the LGU levels plus the pivotal implementation of the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN) 2017-2022 as the country’s framework of action for nutrition improvement are critical in the delivery of government action addressing the issues on food insecurity.

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VOL.11 ISSUE 215 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JANUARY 18-19, 2019

VANTAGE POINTS

7

Such is life!

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ore often than not, we think the world revolves around us. We are so self-centered that we become egoistic. But this should not be. We should think beyond our surrounding, beyond our comfort zone.

A friend posted in his social media wall the following story, which was supposedly written by a certain Shachin Shah: “This afternoon, I walked into a hotel. After going through the menu, I ordered some food. After about 20 minutes, a group of men and women walked in and ordered theirs. To my dismay, these folks got served first. I watched as they began to eat and laugh heartily. I even overheard one of them bragging about how he is connected to everyone in the hotel, and I felt mocked.

“I decided to leave.

Unable to take it anymore, I called the waiter. He calmly told me, ‘Yours is a special order being prepared by the chief chef himself. Their orders were prepared hurriedly by students on attachment because the top chefs are busy with yours. That is why they

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 five 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

were served first. Please have some juice as you wait.’

“I calmed down and waited patiently.

“Shortly after, my food was served by six waiters. Unknown to me, the owner of the hotel (who happened to be an old long-lost friend of mine) saw me when I entered and decided to surprise me.

“She changed my simple meal to a five-star meal. The party at the other table were shocked.

They could not stop staring. Suddenly, they were the ones murmuring, asking why they did not get the kind of meal and service.”

“Gulong ng palad.”

Those who are in the higher echelon are sure to go down. And those who are below are sure to go up.

The author of the above story continued: “Some people are ahead of you and are eating now, laughing at you and talking about how they are better, wiser, and smarter than you, how they are blessed, well connected, have money, and are enjoying life.

You are waiting tirelessly wondering why it’s taking

THINK ON THESE!

Henrylito D. Tacio

so long to breakthrough.

You endure mockery and humiliation.”

There are those who cannot endure the pain that they may contemplate suicide, go through depression, or suffer severe mental anxiety.

“Don’t worry!” the author said. “The owner of the world has seen you and doesn’t want you to be served a simple meal like those making a mockery of you.

“You are waiting long because yours is a special meal. It takes time to prepare. And, only chief chefs prepare them.

“Relax and wait for your meal. When it comes, that laughing party will be silenced for good. Stay blessed! Enjoy your day!”

People react differently in various situations. Again, here’s another story that was posted in the wall of another friend in his social media (however there was no author mentioned): A teacher shows three toys to a student and asks the student to find out the differences. All the three toys are seemed to be identical in their shape, size, and material. But after keen observation, the student observes holes in the toys.

The first toy has holes in the ears. The second toy has holes in ear and mouth. The third toy has only one hole in one ear.

Then, with the help of needle, the student puts the needle in the ear hole of the first toy. The needle comes out from the other ear.

In the second toy, when the needle was put in ear, the needle came out of the mouth. And in the third toy, when the needle was put in, the needle did not come out.

The three toys actually represent the three types of people: The first toy represents those people around you who gives

an impression that they are listening to you, all your things and care for you. But they just pretend to do so. After listening, as the needle comes out from the next ear, the things you said to them by counting on them are gone. So be careful while you are speaking to this type of people around you, who does not care for you.

The second toy represents those people who listen to all your things and gives an impression that they care for you. But as in the toy, the needle comes out from the mouth. These people will use your things and the words you tell them against you by telling it to others and bringing out the confidential issues for their own purpose.

The third toy has needle of not coming out.

These kinds of people will keep the trust you have in them. They are the ones who you can count on.

Moral: “Always stay in a company of people who are loyal and trustworthy. People who listen to what you tell them, the ones who you can count on when you need the most.”

seek counsel, make sure the person giving it out to you is a positive thinker or doer.

Seven, Work only on happy, cheerful thoughts. Confine your mindset to the good things that you believe in that will contribute to your well-being. A negative idea first 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 difficult 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 adequately 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

Who is Prophet Muhammad?

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 office.

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

UNDERSTANDING ISLAM

Mujahid Navarra

on a piece of paper, then sets it on fire. 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

8

EDGEDAVAO

COMPETITIVE EDGE

VOL.11 ISSUE 215 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JANUARY 18-19, 2019

PCSO General Manager Alexander Balutan poses with the employees in the newly opened Agusan del Sur Branch Office

Balutan shares secrets to leading a successful agency A fter successfully hitting its revenue, which is P63.55 billion, from its target P60 billion in 2018, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) General Manager Alexander Balutan shared the secrets to leading a successful agency, despite all the challenges and detractors.

“The character I have painstakingly built through the years in the military service along with the Academy’s motto of ‘Courage, Integrity and Loyalty’ are the most effective and powerful management tools in leading a successful agency,” emphasized Balutan.

A graduate of Philippine Military Academy “Matikas” Class of 1983, Balutan is a battle-tested Mindanao veteran and a former marine general who earned the moniker “Mandirigma” in the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

In 2016, Balutan was appointed by President Rodrigo Duterte as General Manager to help fight corruption in PCSO.

“No need for a doctorate degree or luxurious titles if one has weak leadership and poor discipline/ character,” he added.

Over the years, PCSO was plagued with alleged corrupt activities that even the President described it as the “most corrupt agency in the government”.

“My battle-cry that time was touching lives, winning the peace. But up to now, we are touching lives. Dati sabi nila, ‘Mandirigma’ pampaiksi ng buhay, ngayon, pampahaba na ng buhay dahil sa mga tinutulungan nating mga pasyente na nangangailangan ng tulong medikal mula sa PCSO,” added Balutan.

Balutan emphasized how valuable the PCSO products namely Lotto and digit games, Keno, Instant Sweepstakes, and Small Town Lottery are in the agency’s Charity Fund.

PCSO Charter, or RA 1169, particularly on revenue allocation, provides that the revenue of the PCSO shall be allocated to 55 percent for prize fund

(payment of prizes), 30 percent for charity fund (various charity programs and service) and 15 percent as operating fund (maintenance and operating expenses).

“We generate funds for charity services of the country, health programs of national character. That’s our mandate. We do not get anything from the national coffer.

We earn our funds through gaming.

Ang tawag po dito ay ‘gaming’ hindi gambling,” explained Balutan.

“Kaya itong nire-remit sa atin na monthy PMRR (Presumptive Monthly Retail Receipt) ng mga STL operators is really a big boost to PCSO’s 30 percent Charity Fund that provides payment for hospital bills of thousands of patients every day – patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation, dialysis, those who are in need of implant and transplant operations, among others.

This is the reason why PCSO exists stronger than ever,” he added.

STL is a regular

game by PCSO authorized by the national government through Section 1 of Republic Act 1169; while AACs are corporations or cooperatives duly registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or with the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), respectively that applied, been duly qualified and expressly authorized by the PCSO to conduct STL in a particular area.

In a data provided by Branch Operations Sector headed

by Assistant General Manager Remeliza Gabuyo, STL has employed 314,596 employees as of December 2018. Of that, 13,720 are organic employees, 26,227 are sales supervisors, and 274,649 are sales agents.

This workforce comprises those who could not pass the nitty-gritties of job fairs because of their lack of education, old age, or they are physically disabled At present, there are 86 ASAs (Authorized STL Agents) and 12 terminated corporations.

Negosyo Centers hosting LGU Business-One-StopShops in Compostela Valley

T

rue to to its purpose of promoting ease of doing business and facilitating access to services for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), the DTI-established Negosyo Centers in Compostela Valley province has been busy hosting the Business One Stop Shop (BOSS) held yearly by the LGUs to fast track the processing of business registration application.

While each business counselors assignedin the LGU-based Negosyo Centers in the province has been participating the yearly BOSS, the Negosyo Centers particularly in the municipalities of Compostela, Nabunturan, Maco, Maragusan and Pantukanis the venue for the one stop processing of business registration this year.

The first three weeks of January each year has been traditionally the period when the businesses in the cities and municipalities flock the LGU to register or renew for business permit. The BOSS is conducted wherein agencies and offices involve in the business registration, such as

Licensing unit, Municipal Treasurers Office, Planning Office, Health, Bureau of Fire, DTI and other regulatory offices, are housed one area in the LGU to facilitate new business or renewal applications.

The Negosyo Centers (NC) in Compostela Valley, which adopted the Integrated Community Negosyo Center (InCoNeC) project developed by DTI ComVal, incorporated the business permit and licensing services of the LGU where the NC is also located. This concept practically enabled LGUs to have the BOSS conducted not only during January but all year round in the Negosyo Centers.

The establishment of Negosyo Centers in each municipality is in adherence to Republic Act No. 10644 otherwise known as the “Go Negosyo Act”which seeks to strengthenMSMEs to create more job opportunities in the country.

DTI Compostela Valley has so far established LGU-based Negosyo Centers in 9 of the 11 municipalities in the province. (KimEvangelio/DTICV)

INdulge!

VOL.12 ISSUE 125 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JANUARY 18-19, 2019

TRAVEL

EDGEDAVAO

A buddah statue at the Tokyo National Museum.

Inside the National Western Art Museum.

Budget hacks:

TOKYO A Shinto wedding ceremony at the Meiji Shrine.

SO you were able to purchase an affordable ticket to your dream destination and then you realise that you just booked yourself on a holiday in one of the most expensive cities to live in: Tokyo. But all is not lost as there are budget hacks and a tonne of things to do and eat even on a shoestring budget.

Here are a few of my budgetfriendly tips of things to experience and enjoy in Japan’s high speed capital city.

UENO PARK Located right next to JR Ueno station, Ueno Park is one of Tokyo’s most popular places to visit. Originally part of the Keneiji Temple, the park is famous for its many museums located on its grounds as well as its temples, pagodas, a pond, and Ueno Zoo, Japan’s first zoological garden. The park is also a popular and lively cherry blossom viewing spot with more than 1,000 cherry trees lining its central pathway.

A visit to the Keneiji Temple, Kiyomizu Kannon Temple, Toshogu Shrine, and Bentendo Temple Hall cost nothing. And while the museums such as the Tokyo National Museum, National Museum of Nature and Science, and the National Museum of Western Art all have entry fees, these just range from ¥500 (Php240) to ¥620 (Php298), with the National Museum of Western Art waiving its entry fees after 5PM on Friday and Saturday and on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month.

MEIJI SHRINE Dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji (the first modern emperor of Japan) and his consort, Empress Shoken, Meiji Shrine and the adjacent Yoyogi Park make up a large forested area within Tokyo’s urban landscape. The spacious shrine grounds offer walking paths that are great for a relaxing stroll.

The main complex of shrine buildings is located a ten minute walk from both the southern entrance near Harajuku Station and the northern entrance near Yoyogi Station. Entry into the shrine Appreciating a chrysanthemum flower exhibit at the Meiji Shrine grounds is marked by a massive torii gate, after which the sights and grounds. sounds of the busy city peel away and are replaced by a tranquil forest.

One of the Japan’s most popular shrines, it is common to see a traditional Shinto weddings as well as various rituals and ceremonies throughout the year within the shrine’s grounds.

TRAIN STATION CUISINE

URBANISSIMO A2

The Tokyo National Museum.

EDGED

A2 INdulge!

EVENT

Pag-asa turns 27

PAG-ASA, the first captive bred Philippine Eagle in the world turned 27 on January 15, 2019. 38 junior and senior high students from Baguio National School of Arts and Trade, Lighthouse Homeschool Network, Philippine Science High School Southern Mindanao Campus and the University of South Eastern Philippines participated in the hatchday celebration.

The PEF held a series of talks and workshops at the Philippine Eagle Center with Dr. Jayson Ibanez, PEF Director for Research and Conservation, Mr. Domingo Tadena, PEF Consultant for Conservation Breeding and Engr. Lorna Maxino, DCWD Watershed Management Chief as resource speakers. They talked about the opportunities, challenges and the huge impact of conservation efforts have on wildlife and on the environment.

PEF Biologists, Animal Keepers, and Foresters conducted workshops on telemetry, reforestation. Through these activities, the PEF aims to stir up interest on wildlife conservation in the

city.

“We could lose these eagles in our lifetime. Hopefully, with your help that won’t happen.

Study hard and you’ll become leaders in your own right that

URBANISSIMO A1

A yakiniku tabehoda.

Tokyo’s food scene is one of the best in the world with a wide range of food options ranging from affordable to crazy-richAsian expensive. But fret not as dining in Tokyo can be friendly to the wallet if you know where to eat.

Tokyo’s many convenience stores are the first go-to for budget conscious travellers. Offering a wide array of eats from Onigiri (Japanese rice balls), to Dons (rice toppings), to Karaage (fried chicken), and baked goodies all well-made and of high quality that it is hard to imagine it came from a convenience store.

Another option is to find good eats around a train station. It is not hard to find establishments that serve set meals of rice and a viand

would be able to influence policies and influence actions of people around you, so that you can work to protect our environment and the eagles. Not only for your sake, but for your future chil-

for around ¥680 (Php326), the cold or warm service tea is also free.

Ramen joint also serve cheap eats with the most basic bowl of ramen between ¥500-¥800 (Php240Php383).

For the really hungry traveller, why not experience a Japanese “Tabehodai” or “all you can eat”? Tokyo is dotted with many such Tabehodai and the food choices are endless ranging from BBQ(Yakiniku), Sushi, Sukiyaki and Shabu-shabu, and even Pizza.

Tabehodais usually charge from ¥1,380 (Php662) excluding taxes for 90 minutes of eating to ¥2,400 (Php1,151) for 120 minutes but of course the prices differ per restaurant and lunch service is usually cheaper then dinner.

There you go! Although I still would advise to prepare a proper

dren as well.” said PEF Executive Director Dennis Salvador to the participants.

Pag-asa’s annual upkeep is sponsored by Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp.

budget for any international trip and not scrimp on enjoying your adventures, these are just a few simple things to do that can help you balance your travel spending in Tokyo. *** In case you have not yet bought your ticket out of Durianburg, BDO credit cards will be holding their BDO Travel Sale this January 18 to 20 at the Atrium of SM Lanang Premier with participating airlines such as Cathay Pacific, Air Asia, Philippine Airlines and Aseana giving massive discounts for tickets booked with a BDO credit card. BDO is also offering zero interest rates for the tickets bought at the event so do try to check it out.

EDAVAO

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VOL.12 ISSUE 125 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JANUARY 18-19, 2019

ENTERTAINMENT

Julie Anne San Jose thankful for Wish Music Awards win

KAPUSO singer Julie Anne San Jose received two awards at the 4th Wish 107.5 Music Awards.

Julie won both Wish Urban Song of the Year for her single “Down For Me” and Bronze Wishclusive Elite Circle award for her cover of “Your Song,” which has 16M views on YouTube.

In an interview with Asia’s Pop Sweetheart, Julie shared how thankful she is to people behind Wish, her family, her friends, and most importantly, her fans for their endless support.

“Sila talaga ‘yung walang sawang nandiyan for me and I’m just thankful doon sa time and sa effort and siyempre doon sa pagmamahal na binibigay nila sa’kin.

“Hindi din talaga biro ‘yung mga ginagawa nila. ‘Yung iba nag-aaral, ‘yung iba nagtatrabaho, ‘yung iba nagpupuyat sa Wish Music Awards, bumoboto sila, nasusunugan ng laptop, nagbabasa ako ng tweets na ganoon!

“Nakakataba ng puso [at] parang mas na-mo-motivate ako to do better sa craft ko,” said Julie.

Congratulations, Julie! What a way to start the year.

‘StarStruck’ Season 7 begins nationwide auditions THE talent search that started it all is back!

GMA Network’s original reality-based artista search StarStruck is all set to make its big and muchawaited television comeback this year.

The well-loved and pioneering talent search is ready to discover the next “Ultimate Survivors” as it once again opens its doors to all aspirants across the archipelago.

The competition is open to all male and female hopefuls, 16 to 21 years old and of Filipino descent.

The nationwide auditions will be held on the following dates and venues: January 21 to February 15 (Mondays to Fridays) at the GMA Annex Building in Quezon City;

Ten pieces of Gyoza cost ¥580 (Php278).

January 26 at Centrio Ayala Mall in Cagayan de Oro City; January 27 at Robinsons Place Butuan in Butuan City; February 9 at SM City Legazpi and February 10 at SM City Naga in Naga City. Auditions will be from 10AM to 6PM. Interested applicants must bring an original and photocopy of their birth certificate and two recent photos (one closeup and one full body).

For hopefuls below 18 years old, he/she should also bring a certification, signed by a Parent or Legal Guardian, that he/she is allowed to audition and a photocopy of the ID of the parent or legal guardian who signed it.

For more information, kindly follow www.gmanetwork.com.

A4 INdulge!

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VOL.12 ISSUE 125 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JANUARY 18-19, 2019

VOL.11 ISSUE 215 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JANUARY 18-19, 2019

TERROR... FROM 1 Security Command Center (PSSCC), said the operation of drones by those who wish to have aerial coverage of the forthcoming Davao Regional Athletic Association (DAVARAA) meet at the University of the Philippines-Mindanao sports complex in Mintal, Davao City later this month will not be allowed unless with a specific authority from the PSSCC. “Even if their drone is registered with the CAAP (Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines), we will confiscate it, because it is now being used by threat groups, “Sumagaysay said. AMA with Ralph Lawrence Llemit.ao has currently an average 800MWs excess, enough to suffice the current energy demand in the island by 2025 or 2026.

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.

SHARAPOVA... FROM 12

“So I’m happy that I’m able to come out into a match like this and say, ‘I’ve done this before, I know the drill, I know how this goes, I’m ready, and I need to step

it up. No matter what my opponent brings today, I have to get it done’.” (Reporting by Sudipto Ganguly; editing by Christian Radnedge and Ken Ferris)

NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

TRILLANES... FROM 2 the said travel is supported by Travel Order 2018-SR-090 (PS-OIRP) dated October 8, 2018 issued by Senate President Vicente Sotto III. The accused’s succeeding travel on January 27 to February 10, 2019 is likewise with authority of the Senate President,”

the magistrate said.

The court explained that from its viewpoint, the trips or speaking engagements abroad “cannot be equated to flight or the voluntary withdrawal by the accused in order to avoid continuance of the criminal proceedings”. (PNA)

nally trey at the 1:28 mark, assisted on a Treveon Graham corner 3 that sliced the deficit to four with 1:12 left to play.

After Jarrett Allen pulled the Nets to within 142-140, Dinwiddie scored through a P.J. Tucker foul. Dinwiddie’s subsequent free throw provided the Nets the lead and capped their miraculous rally.

James Harden recorded his second consecutive 50-point game, producing a season-high 58 points along with 10 rebounds and six assists. Houston set an NBA record with 70 3-point attempts, with Tucker hitting a 3 with 1:09 left in regulation to bypass the old mark of 61.

Houston shot 23 of 70 from deep. Tucker and Eric Gordon, who returned from an eightgame injury hiatus only to depart in the second half, scored 20 points each.

Graham added 21 points for the Nets while Allen recorded a double-double of 20 points and 24 rebounds. DeMarre Carroll scored 22 points in reserve

and teamed with Dinwiddie as Brooklyn backups totaled 63 points.

Houston received 31 points from its bench, 15 from Gerald Green.

Following a pedestrian, 14-point first half on 6-for-15 shooting, Harden erupted for 22 in the third quarter.

He followed a Gordon 3-pointer with a three-point play and a pair of free throws that cut what was an eight-point halftime deficit to 64-62 and then took the baton from Tucker, who scored seven consecutive points to give the Rockets a four-point advantage.

Harden tallied five points before a Nunnally 3, then reeled off an 11-0 run that pushed the Houston lead to 92-80. When he took a seat immediately thereafter, the Nets responded with five quick points, prompting Harden to re-enter the game with 44.4 seconds left in the period.

He produced two free throws to cap his outburst to build the lead to 94-85 entering the final quarter.

LEBRON... FROM 12

DAVAO... FROM 6

9

“That is one the ultimate goal of having this authority,” Milan said.

Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (PCCI) Director for Tourism Sammie Lim, in a previous report, said that Davao City is being eyed as the next international gateway, to cater to more tourists ard investors in the country.

Milan said that the Davao airport authority will not only govern the operation of the international airport in Sasa, Davao City, but will also have supervision over other airports existing and to be built in the Davao area.

The chamber leader

also said that the future local airport board should consider studying for a new Davao airport in other parts of Davao City and the region.

“We cannot keep having the airport inside the city, because this will attract congestion,” he said.

Milan admitted that the chamber is still have to know the details on how the concept of the local airport board will work, since both the Senate and the House of Representatives would have to realign the provisions of the bill, before it will be signed by President Duterte.

thinking about Broner — his style, how he moves, and how he’s young.”

Undefeated Filipino fighter Jhack “El Capitan” Tepora, 25, from Cebu City will defend his interim World Boxing Association World featherweight title at the Pacquiao-Broner undercard on January 19. He will face Hugo “Cuatito Little Twin” Ruiz, 30, of Los Mochis, Sinaloa,

Mexico.

This will be the ninth title bout of Tepora. and this is the first time he is defending his interim WBA featherweight title, which he won on July 15, 2018 by knocking out Edivaldo “Indio” Ortega, 28, of Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico. It was fought in the undercard of the Pacquiao-Matthysse WBA welterweight championship.

PACQUIAO... FROM 12

ERRATUM

The kicker/teaser 'HARRASSMENT' of the headline of the January 16, 2019 edition of Edge Davao misprinted. The correct spelling is ‘HARASSMENT’. Our apologies.

The Editors

10 EDGEDAVAO

VOL.11 ISSUE 215 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JANUARY 18-19, 2019

11 SPORTS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.11 ISSUE 215 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JANUARY 18-19, 2019

Boston Celtics guard Kyrie Irving (11) drives to the basket against Toronto Raptors guard Danny Green (14) in the fourth quarter at TD Garden. David Butler II, USA TODAY Sports/Reuters

Kyrie leads Celtics past Raptors

K

yrie Irving made a goahead jumper and added a 3-pointer during an 11-0 run late in the fourth quarter as the Boston Celtics defeated the visiting Toronto Raptors 117-108 Wednesday night.

Irving finished with 27 points and a career-best 18 assists as the Celtics ended a three-game losing streak and snapped Toronto’s five-game winning streak.

Al Horford contributed

some big points down the stretch in a 24-point game for the Celtics. Gordon Hayward added 18 off the bench, and Jayson Tatum had 16 points and 10 rebounds.

Kawhi Leonard scored 33 points to top Toronto, which led by four in the middle of the fourth quarter and was tied 106-106 with 2 1/2 minutes to go.

Serge Ibaka added 22 points and 10 rebounds for the Raptors. Danny Green

n a clash of former world number one players, the fivetimes Grand Slam winner will next meet Dane Wozniacki, who eased past Johanna Larsson 6-1, 6-3 earlier in the day.

“It’s always a physical match,” Sharapova told reporters of her third-seeded opponent looming in the next round, with Wozniakci having won her first Grand Slam here last year.

“She gets a lot of balls back.

A great retriever of the game.

Just incredibly solid. Does a lot of things well. You kind of have to, to be number one in the world, to be a Grand Slam champion. I expect her to do all those things on Friday.

“I think the Grand Slam was the one trophy she was looking for. With determination she got there last year. She loves playing here, loves everything about this tournament. I certainly have a tough match ahead of me.”

The Russian 30th seed, who was suspended for 15 months for taking banned drug meldonium in 2016, broke 23-year-old

Peterson twice in the opening set and peppered the court with powerful groundstrokes in a superb display of hitting.

Sharapova, who also thrashed Britain’s Harriet Dart 6-0 6-0 in her opening round match, won seven consecutive games against the Swede to take a 4-0 lead in the second set before world number 64 Peterson could get on the board in the set.

LATE FINISH With the previous match between local hope Alex de Minaur and qualifier Henri Laaksonen lasting five sets at the Margaret Court Arena, Sharapova’s match ended long after midnight and the Russian was in a hurry to finish as it was way past her bedtime.

Asked what her bedtime was, Sharapova said: “10:30. Like in bed at 10:00, sleep by 10:30.

My boyfriend challenges it quite a lot, but 10:30 is my time.

“It was definitely a different type of match. Took a lot of warming up for this one. Bit of uncertainty going into a match

Sharapova sets up clash with Wozniacki I

scored 15 points, Norman Powell and Greg Monroe scored 11 each, and Kyle Lowry had 10 points and seven assists.

The Celtics, who led by as many 16 during the third quarter, took a four-point edge into the fourth quarter.

Monroe’s tip in completed a 9-0 run to give Toronto a three-point lead, but Aron Baynes tied it at 92 on a 3-pointer with 6:44 left.

Leonard’s two free

throws gave Toronto a fourpoint lead with 5:16 remaining.

Tatum’s 3-pointer put Boston up by two with three minutes to go before Green tied it with a jumper.

Irving’s step-back jumper gave Boston the lead again with 2:15 left, and he added a 3-pointer to give Boston a five-point margin with 1:39 left. Horford’s layup gave Boston a seven-point lead, and then his dunk made the

MELBOURNE—Former Australian Open winner Maria Sharapova continued her marauding form by handing out a 6-2, 6-1 thrashing to Sweden’s Rebecca Peterson on Wednesday to set up a blockbuster third-round showdown with holder Caroline Wozniacki. quite late. But, yeah, despite all those changes, I thought I played well.”

The 31-year-old Sharapova, who last won a Grand Slam at the 2014 French Open, only struggled against the Swede briefly in the second set during a lengthy hold of serve to go up 5-1.

But such was her dominance that the Russian, who won in Melbourne in 2008, did not face a break point in the match and sealed the contest in 71 minutes with a third break in the

second set.

“I think there’s certainly things I want to improve. I’ve been happy with the way I focused throughout the match, kept my concentration,” she added.

“It’s not easy to start one match at 11 am, then 48 hours later, a little bit more, to start one that’s just before midnight. Just all those things, they’re about adjustments. I have that experience.

FSHARAPOVA , P9

lead nine with 45.7 seconds left.

The Raptors used a 9-0 run to lead by 11 with 7:18 remaining in the first quarter and finished the period with a 36-30 lead.

The Celtics took their first lead, 41-40, when Baynes, returning from a fractured hand, nailed a 13-foot jumper with 8:39 left in the half.

Toronto had a stretch of 10 straight missed shots while shooting 28.6 percent

in a season-low, 17-point second quarter. The Celtics were up 64-53 at halftime after Hayward’s floating jumper at the buzzer.

Irving’s jumper and free throw increased the lead to 16 in the third quarter.

Green’s 3-pointer cut that lead in half with 6:01 left in the period.

Boston led 87-83 after three quarters.

The Raptors were without OG Anunoby (personal).

Lebron rejoins practice next week

L

OS ANGELES - LeBron James will miss at least two more games as he recovers from a groin injury but has been cleared to resume practice next week, the Los Angeles Lakers said Wednesday.

James has not played for the Lakers since limping out of his team’s Christmas Day victory over the Golden State Warriors last month at the Staples Center.

Since then the Lakers’ form has nosedived, with the Western Conference hopefuls losing seven out of 11 games where James has been unavailable for selection.

A medical update from the Lakers on Wednesday said the 34-year-old would miss the team’s upcoming road trip this week, which involves games against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday and the Houston Rockets on Saturday.

However James could soon be back for the Lakers as they attempt to reignite their playoff push.

“James ... has been cleared to return to practice commencing next week, and progress towards a return to game play thereafter,” the Lakers said.

The Lakers are due to face Golden State at home next Monday, before taking on the Minnesota Timberwolves on January 24.

NETS STOP ROCKETS IN OT Spencer Dinwiddie converted a three-point play with 28 seconds remaining in overtime and the Brooklyn Nets erased a seven-point deficit in the extra session for a 145-142 victory over the host Houston Rockets on Wednesday at Toyota Center.

Dinwiddie scored 25 of his 33 points in the fourth period and overtime, including three 3-pointers in the final 27 seconds of regulation.

Dinwiddie drilled a 3 with 8.4 seconds left to force overtime and, with the Rockets leading 142-135 following a James Nun-

FLEBRON , P9

12 EDGEDAVAO Sports Philippines goalkeeper Michael Falkesgaard gave up three goals to Kyrgyzstan's Vitalij Lux.

VOL.11 ISSUE 215 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JANUARY 18-19, 2019

IT’S OVER

Azkals lose to Krgyzstan, bows out of Asian Cup goal for the Azkals in the 80th minute.

The Azkals

T

he Philippine Azkals’ maiden campaign in the AFC Asian Cup came to an end on Wednesday night after bowing to Kyrgyzstan, 1-3, in Dubai.

Needing a win to

bolster their bid for the playoffs, the Azkals found themselves in the “Vitalij Lux Show” as Lux put up a hat trick to doom them.

Lux scored the opening goal in the 24th minute, finding some space

inside the penalty box.

Lux then made it 2-0 with a 50th minute strike while completing the three-goal showing with a 77th minute followup.

Stephan Schrock scored the consolation

w i l l leave the tournament winless after three games.

Meantime, Son Heung-min proved he was just the player South Korea needed to really get its Asian Cup campaign going.

In his first game since arriving from Tottenham, Son earned a penalty and then assisted on his team’s second goal to

help South Korea beat China 2-0 in Group C on Wednesday.

With both teams already qualified, South Korea dominated possession and bombarded China’s goal in a more confident performance than its dour 1-0 wins over the Philippines and Kyrgyzstan.

Son won the penalty in the 12th minute, his fleet footwork proving too much for Shi Ke to keep up with as the Chinese defender tripped him. Hwang Ui-jo took the penalty, shooting hard into the lower-left corner just past goalkeeper Yan Junling’s outstretched hand.

South Korea scored

again in the 51st when Son’s corner was headed in by Kim Min-jae. It was the defender’s second goal in as many games.

Son is playing in his third international tournament in less than a year.

After playing at the World Cup, Son missed the first part of the English season while playing for South Korea at the Asian Games.

He led the team to the title, securing exemption from military service.

Son could be away for up to five of Tottenham’s matches in all competitions if South Korea reaches the Asian Cup final on Feb. 1.

China faces Thailand in the last 16, while South Korea’s opposition will be a third-place team yet to be determined.

help.”

Pacquiao explained that his humble beginnings as a poor boy in Kibawe, Bukidnon makes his heart closer to the masses. “I’ve been there,” he explains. “I’ve been poor. I’ve been nothing. I’ve experienced that, and that’s why I want to serve them.”

He names some of his favorite fighters which include

world pound-for-pound rated champions, and wants to help his local boxers whom he promoted. “There’s a lot,” he explains, when asked to name his favorite boxers. “[Vasly] Lomachenko. . .Canelo [Álvarez] … There’s a lot more, and I have a lot of fighters in the Philippines that need more exposure here in the United States.”

He has thoroughly prepared for Broner whom he promised to give a good fight with. “I’m not taking him lightly,” Pacquiao says. “I just focus on my training and my fighting … I believe we can give a good fight and we can entertain the boxing fans. His style is similar to Floyd Mayweather, but I’m not thinking about Floyd. I’m

The final presser for the Manny Pacquiao vs Adrien Broner WBA world welterweight championship on Wednesday afternoon (Thursday morning) at the David Copperfield Theater at the sprawling MGM Grand Hotel and Casino. Eight division world champion Pacquiao and four-division world champion Broner will face each other Saturday night (Sunday in Manila) at the MGM Grand Garden Arena to an expected sellout crowd.

Pacquiao-Broner a‘sleeper’?

I

s the Manny Pacquiao-Adrien Broner a dull fight?

Don’t ask Promoter Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing USA/DAZN. He thinks it’s a dud.

The outspoken promoter critized Pacquiao saying he is a faded fighter, and his opponent Broner has poor discipline and gets beaten each time he is matched against better foes. According to Hearn, the Pacquiao vs. Broner fight does nothing for him. Hearn prefers the March 16 fight between IBF welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr. and Mikey Garcia which he called an interesting fight as told to Fighthype.

“Don’t get me wrong; what a fighter Pacquiao, his achievements. But no disrespect, faded. The other guy [Adrien Broner], he loses every time he steps up. Poor discipline.

It doesn’t do anything for me, that fight. It’s a decent fight, but does it excite you, I don’t know.

It’s a decent fight, but I prefer [Errol] Spence against [Mikey] Garcia. That[fight] excites me a little bit. I predict Manny Pacquiao wins on points, just like Mikey Garcia said,” Hearn said.

Everything is set and boxing fans are ready for the first big-named boxing match of the year 2019. Eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao will make his comeback fight in the United States in over two years as he stakes his WBA welterweight championship belt against challenger Adrien Broner.

Pacquiao (60-7-2, 39 KOs) won his WBA belt when he last fought in July 2018, with a seventh-round TKO victory over Lucas Matthysse in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. He will defend this title on Saturday evening at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Pacquiao will prove detractors and fans alike that he has much gas left in his tank.

The problematic Broner

(33-3-1, 24 KOs) will be fighting for his first victory since January 2017, if he can score an upset win over Pacquiao.

After suffering a unanimous decision loss to Mikey Garcia in July 2017, Broner clashed with Jessie Vargas, who was defeated by Pacquiao via a unanimous decsision, to a majority draw last April.

Pacquiao said that he is not retiring from the sport any time soon. “I’ve achieved what I wanted, beyond my expectations,” says the 40-year old Pacquiao, one of the oldest active boxers still fighting atop the ring. “This is my passion.

I’m happy bringing honor to my country … Every time that I have a fight, Filipino people are united in that moment.”

As a sportsman, he also serves as a senator of the republic. “Like I said, boxing is my passion,” he reiterates, “and public service is my mission. There’s a lot of people that need help — real, real

FPACQUIAO , P9