Edge Davao | Vol 12 Issue 3 | Wednesday, March 13, 2019

VOL.12 ISSUE 3 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13, 2019

P 15.00 • 16 PAGES

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EDGE DAVAO Serving a seamless society

GOVERNANCE AND OTHER THINGS THAT FOREIGNERS LIKE ABOUT DAVAO

ARAW NG DAVAO SUPPLEMENT P5

► DOTR WANTS NO MORE STRUCTURES BUILT ALONG RAILWAY PATHP2 ► MT. APO CLIMBERS SEEN TO DEFY CLOSURE ORDERP4

NCCC BUYS V. PLAZA Acquisition cost to be disclosed on March 27

SOLD. The iconic Victoria Plaza Mall along J.P. Laurel Avenue, Davao City, has been acquired by New City Commercial Corporation (NCCC) according to an official statement released by NCCC on Tuesday. Lean Daval Jr.

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avao City’s homegrown pioneering retail establishment New City Commercial Corporation (NCCC) announced on Tuesday its acquisition of the iconic Victoria Plaza, the first ever shopping mall complex in Davao Region.

The acquisition cost was not disclosed publicly but an insider who spoke of condition of anonymity said the cost will be announced during a press confer-

ence on March 27.

The landmark deal was consummated in a signing ceremony held on March 12, 2019 at the PNB Financial Center in Manila between NCCC

Chairman Helen A. Lim, and Malls President Sharlene Faye A. Lim and officials from the Lucio Tan-owned Philippine National Bank (PNB).

“This is a historic and strategic acquisition for NCCC. As a local, we are very confident in the city’s participation in our country’s growing economy,” Chairman Helen Lim said in a statement released to media.

“It is a privilege for a homegrown company like ours to have the opportunity to develop this property that is very much a part of Davao’s culture. We will strive to preserve this history while rewriting it to respond to the future,” said NCCC Malls President Sharlene Faye Lim. NCCC will formally take over ownership of Victoria Plaza on March

27, 2019.

Victoria Plaza Mall was built in the early 1990’s and is the first of its kind mall complex in Davao City. It is located along J. P. Laurel Avenue, Bajada, Davao City, the mall has a gross land area of 81,000 sqm.

The two-story mall has a supermarket, a department store, a hardware store, and six cinemas.

Before the emergence

of new malls in the city, Victoria Plaza was considered as the ‘mecca’ of shopping.

In July last year, NCCC, by way of its affiliate LTS Mall Inc. opened the third branch of the New City Commercial Corp. (NCCC) Mall at Tigatto-Mandug Road in Buhangin less than a year after its biggest branch in Ma-a caught

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2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 3 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13, 2019

OUTSTANDING WOMEN. President Rodrigo Duterte shares a light moment with Major Nancy Dacanay of the Philippine Air Force’s 15th Strike Wing, who is one of the Outstanding Women in Law Enforcement and National Security of the Philippines awardees, during the awarding ceremony at the Malacañan Palace on Monday night. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

damage in South DOTr : No more structures Crop Cotabato reaches P12M built along railway path A

By ADAM B. MORRELL

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he Department of Transportation (DOTr) has requested the Davao City Council for a resolution prohibiting construction of new structures aligned with the Mindanao Railway Project (MRP)’s railway path.

This was bared by Councilor Jesus Joseph Zozobrado, III, chairman of the public works and highway committee, yesterday during the Pulong-Pulong ni Pulong (PPP) in Sanguniang Panglungsod (SP).

Zozobrado said the request is still pending in the committee as there are issues that need to be resolved first although councilors have already passed a resolution favorably endorsing the MRP

segment.

The committee head was referring to the concerns raised by homeowners affected by the railway project particularly the Monteritz Classic Estates Davao community.

Residents of the South Pacific Golf and Residencial Estates, according to Zozobrado, also aired their concerns but was virtually resolved after certain adjustments made by the DOTr. “Dili sila gusto mag

tabok ang railway so ang solution kay cut and cover.

Sa ilalom mag agi, somewhat parehas sa subway, kaluton ang kalsada, butangan ug tube then tabunan para back to original,” he said.

Through the new design in that area, not a single household will be affected.

Despite the apparent enormity of the revision, Zozobrado clarified that the adjustment won’t slow down the completion of the project which is set to operate in 2021, before the term of President Rodrigo Duterte ends.

“It will take three segments, six months to one

year ang construction. Simultaneous ang trabaho so it won’t affect the original target date.”

Further, the MRP Ta g u m - D a v a o - D i g o s (TDD) segment was supposed to start early this year but was also barred by objections.

Homeowners of Monteritz Classic Estates Davao have offered an option to the project which entailed revising the project so that it now passes the Diversion Road or put it back where it was designed decades ago which is atop the Town Plaza at Monteritz instead of hitting the Phase 1 of the residential estate.

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Dong Mangudadatu vows to give Mindanao strong voice

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enatorial candidate Zajid “Dong” Mangudadatu has vowed to give Mindanao a stronger voice in the Senate to further push the island’s peace and development efforts.

President Rodrigo Duterte has endorsed the candidacy of Mangudadatu, who is currently the Representative of the Second District of Maguindanao.

The President has de-

scribed him as “one of the good leaders of the Moro people, who will promote peace in Mindanao.”

“Tulungan ninyo ako, maski ito lang. Kasi hirap ako sa Mindanao na magayos ng mga tribu-tribu.

So, hingin ko ay isa lang.

Masabi ko lang na may isang senador na aalagaan mo, kasi he will promote peace in Mindanao,” Duterte said during a sortie in Laguna last February.

Mayor Sara Duterte,

the founding chairperson of the Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP), also has full trust on Mangudadatu, describing him as the key to Mindanao’s peace and progress Mangudadatu is optimistic that attaining peace in Mindanao is not farfetched, banking on the full implementation of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), which he supports to give the south a respite from the wars and lift the

people from the bondage of poverty.

Mangudadatu said the support of the national government, Mindanaoans, and the Filipino Muslims is vital for Mindanao to catch up with the rest of the country, especially that part of the island is transitioning to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao ( BARMM ). “ BARMM, if given the

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round P12 million worth of agricultural crops have been damaged in South Cotabato province due to the effects of the prevailing dry spell triggered by the El Niño Phenomenon.

Justina Navarrete, head of the South Cotabato-Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAG), said Monday the recorded damage mainly came from palay and corn areas in 10 barangays of Surallah town, which was among the areas that were so far hit hardest by the dry weather.

She said over 300 hectares of farmlands were affected by the dry spell in Barangays Moloy, Talahik, Tubiala, Veterans, Canahay, Centrala, Colongulo, Lambontong, Lamsugod and Buenavista.

Navarrete said majority of the damaged crops were corn, which is highly vulnerable to dry weather, and palay in rain-fed areas.

“There were corn farmers who proceeded with their third cropping despite warnings of the coming dry spell,” she said in a radio interview.

Aside from Surallah town, she said there were other areas that were affected by the calamity but the concerned local government units have yet to submit their validated reports.

Among the areas that earlier reported initial effects of the El Niño were the municipalities of Tam-

pakan, Tantangan and Sto. Nino.

Citing their monitoring, Navarrete said there were no water resources that dried up as a result of the dry spell.

For palay farms in the irrigated areas, Navarrete said there were still substantial supply of irrigation and the National Irrigation Administration has scheduled the water releases to cope with the situation.

She said such strategy was implemented by the agency in all dams in the province’s upper and lower valley area.

For the rain-fed and unirrigated farm areas, she said they advised farmers to shift to planting vegetables and cash crops.

Farmers in unirrigated palay areas started planting watermelon and mongo as early as January as alternative crop, she said.

As part of their interventions, Navarrete said they distributed free seeds of open-pollinated vegetables to the affected farmers.

“We’re encouraging them to plant even in their own backyard to ensure that they will have available food in case the dry spell prolongs,” she said.

The official added that the provincial government is also preparing various assistance to the affected farmers, among them provision of emergency employment and agricultural inputs. (MindaNews)

VOL.12 ISSUE 3 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13, 2019

EDGEDAVAO

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4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 3 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13, 2019

Reenacted budget will bring down PH growth rate: PRRD

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DISCOUNT. A motorcycle rider drives pass a digital price sign and a streamer written with price discount promo of a gasoline station in Bo. Pampanga, Lanang, Davao City on Tuesday. Oil firms implemented another gasoline price hike early

morning of Tuesday but some gasoline stations in the city try to attract motorists by offering price discounts of up to P2 per liter of their petroleum products. Lean Daval Jr.

Mt. Apo climbers seen to defy closure order

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ta. Cruz town in Davao del Sur has remained optimistic it will exceed last year’s tourist arrivals of 108,846 despite the closure of Mt. Apo, the country’s highest peak, starting April 1, due to the El Niño phenomenon, municipal tourism officer Julius Paner said on Monday.

Paner said the local tourism office expects an increase of at least 10% from last year’s tourism arrivals by promoting other sites of Sta. Cruz, including the Tibolo Cultural Village, located on the

foothill of Mt. Apo, of the Bagobo-Tagabawa tribe.

Sta. Cruz has one of the seven trails to the summit of Mt. Apo. The other trails are in Bansalan town and Digos City, Davao del Sur; Kidapawan

SMC to build PH’s first recycled road

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an Miguel Corp. (SMC) is building roads out of recycled plastics to help reduce the impact of plastic waste on the environment.

“This initiative is part of our push towards greater sustainability. Two years ago, we announced our major water sustainability project: to cut SMC water use by 50 percent by 2025. Recently, we reported that we beat our 2020 intermediate deadline of 20 percent reduction, by two years. Last year, we announced another initiative, and that is to address solid waste pollution. This project is part of that goal,” SMC president and COO Ramon S. Ang said in a news release issued Monday.

SMC will be working with leading materials science company, Dow Chemical, for the project that will use hard-to-recycle plastics as an alternative raw material input to asphalt for road building.

“Developing roads using plastics that would have otherwise ended up in landfills or our bodies of water is an environment-friendly method of disposing of scrap plastics,” he said.

“We can help our environment and at the same time improve the quality of our infrastructure projects. We are eager to begin this initiative,” he added.

Among the benefits of using recycled plastics for road surfacing are: improved stability and durability of roads; increased skid resistance, which improves road safety; longer lifespan of roads; lower asphalt costs, and less waste destined for landfills.

Dow has worked on projects that use plastics for modifying the properties of bitumen, used in making asphalt, which has been tested in India, Indonesia, and Thailand.

Initially, SMC will test out the technology in

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City and Makilala and Magpet towns in North Cotabato; and Barangay Tamayong, Calinan, Davao City.

Trekking activities in Barangay Tamayong are prohibited for its potential groundwater source for the city.

Paner said that aside from Mt. Apo there are other tourism sites in Sta. Cruz, including Passig Islet, Secret Island, Mt. Loay and Kiblan Waterfalls. The town has 10 beach and in-

land resorts and boasts of water tubing activities along Sibulan river.

He said the lifting of the closure order would have to wait for an advisory from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.

But Paner said they would reopen the trail for two days from April 13 to 14 for the Mt. Apo Sky and Vertical Race, an annual international race where

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f the Philippine government continues to operate on a reenacted budget, the country’s growth rate will take a blow, President Rodrigo R. Duterte said on Monday night.

Duterte made this remark warning that all Filipinos will suffer from declining gross domestic product (GDP) rate if delays in the approval of the proposed PHP3.757-trillion national budget will be prolonged.

He pointed out that even law enforcement authorities will suffer under a reenacted budget.

“Magkaron tayo ng slide sa GDP niyan (We’re going to have a slide in GDP) if we are going to reenact the budget everyone will suffer including the law enforcement,” Duterte said during the awarding ceremony for the Outstanding Women in Law Enforcement and National Security of the Philippines at the Heroes Hall in Malacañan Palace.

“It will decrease our GDP. Alam ninyo ‘yan e wala tayong pera panggastos to move one (You know, we won’t have money to move on). It’s everyday income that we expect so ‘yun ang pinagdedebatihan (it’s being debated on), he added.

Congress has yet to transmit the General Appropriations Bill (GAB) for 2019 to the President due to a budget impasse between the two houses of Congress.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III said he will not sign an enrolled copy of the budget bill for the President’s signature if the lower

chamber insists on its amendments.

Duterte acknowledged ongoing debates between the two houses and insisted that he would not sign “an illegal document.”

It was not clear whether Duterte was referring to the GAB for 2019.

“Nakadebate pa sila ngayon sa budget. Sabi ko (They’re still debating on the budget), I said my piece I will not sign anything that would be an illegal document,” Duterte said.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said that although he is confident that Congress would eventually agree on the budget bill, he hopes the government would no longer have to operate on a reenacted budget until August.

“I’m sure they will be agreeing eventually kung ano iyong dapat nilang gawin (what they need to do). All of them naman are concerned about the welfare of the country,” Panelo said.

Panelo also reiterated that the President will exercise his power to veto the GAB if he feels that indeed the 2019 budget to be given to him does not conform to the Constitution.

Earlier, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary and National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Director General Ernesto Pernia warned that Philippines GDP may fall below 6 percent this year if the approval of the 2019 budget continues to be delayed.

Economic managers have set a growth target between 7 and 8 percent from 2019 to 2022. (PNA)

GO LOCAL. A mall goer checks the native products on display at the exhibit area of this year’s Mindanao Trade Expo at the activity center of Abreeza mall on Tuesday.

Lean Daval Jr

VOL.12 ISSUE 3 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13, 2019

ARAW NG DAVAO

EDGEDAVAO

SUPPLEMENT

5

Governance and other things that foreigners like about Davao

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

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Jonathan Watson

ORROWING the sobriquet bestowed by the defunct Asiaweek magazine, Davao City has become “one of the most livable in Asia”.

Today, Davao City is one of the country’s top tourist destinations. The de facto capital of Mindanao, the city is one of the largest in the world with a total land area of 224,000 hectares.

Its boundaries encompass commercial areas, as well as beaches, mountains and forests.

Approximately, it is 7.8 times the size of Cebu, and three times that of the entire Metro Manila.

Situated beside the Davao Gulf, the city is dominated by the country’s highest peak, the

2,954-meter Mount Apo. The dormant volcano is home to tribes such as Bagobo, Manobo, Mandaya and B’laan.

Its fertile rolling foothills are teeming with exotic fruits, like durian, marang, mangosteen, rambutan, and pomelo, as well as the country’s second flower icon, the waling-waling.

Credited for transforming Davao City to its current progressive state is no less than President Rodrigo R. Duterte. After all, he was mayor of the city for almost two decades.

“His fight is for a better Philippines,” replied Klaus Doring, a German who now lives in the

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 3 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13, 2019

COMPETITIVE EDGE

Love Davao in SM

T Volunteer doctor prescribes medicine to patient during the medical mission.

Bagobo-Tagabawa community gets free healthcare aid

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embers of the Bagobo-Tagabawa community in barangay Sibulan in Sta Cruz, Davao Del Sur were relieved of their stress and discomfort after availing of the free medical and dental services from AboitizPower subsidiary Hedcor during the latter’s recent medical mission.

The event was even more fitting because it added color to the barangay’s 28th Araw ng Sibulan celebration last month.

“Kung sa tindahan pa ni [na mga tambal],

mahal kaayo ug presyo. Nagpasalamat mi na naay ing ani na mga tambala kay dako kaayo ug tabang sa amoa,” said Nancy Apal, one of Hedcor's resident beneficiaries.

“Need kaayo sa mga tao [ang medical services]. Kita man nimo ang volume sa mga tao na nagkinahanglan ug ing-ani na mga services,” said Barangay Captain Danila Abe as more people lined up to avail of the services offered.

The medical mission included a general health check-up and con-

sultation, dental checkup and tooth extraction with the help of volunteer doctors from Municipal Health Department of Sta. Cruz. Hedcor employees also distributed prescription medicines to the beneficiaries. Residents also availed of the free dental check-up and tooth extraction offered by the dental team of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples. The volunteer doctors and dentists were assisted by barangay health workers.

Aside from medical services, residents were

Enjoy in guilt-free indulgence with our fresh garden salad complete with our homemade dressings.

For those who are looking for the nonconventional, guilt-free and healthy ice cream, try Eden’s own concoction of ice cream flavors-- Marang, Carrot, Mint, Camote, Guyabano, Avocado, and Tablea. What better way to chill out after trying all the adventures is to indulge in Eden’s homemade ice cream. Bring home the freshness of Eden! These ice cream are available at P100 per pint.

Eden cultivates its own organic garden. You can buy herbs like arugula, plain parsley, dill, paragon, sweet basil, celery, stevia, thyme, rosemary at the Bulak Shop in front of the Day Tour Center.

Rising in the highlands, Eden Nature Park and

Resort is one of the most popular and most visited mountain resorts in the country that offers a plethora of exciting things to do and heart-pumping adventures. The resort has become a tourist attraction that offers tons of fun activities for all ages.

Don’t forget to take a picture of the Instagram-worthy spots in Eden! The Bamboo Maze is the newest spot perfect for that nature inspired outdoor portrait with friends and family.

The resort is designed to complement the wonders of nature, a home to bountiful picturesque landscapes, a variety of natural attractions and a host of recreational activities to suit any travel agenda. Don’t miss an adventure with us this weekend!

Brenda Ocampo 0998-5507823

Araw ng Davao food treats and nature experience at Eden

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den Nature Park and Resort joins in celebrating the 82nd Araw ng Davao with its exciting offers.

Happiness is a threeday weekend. Count the many ways to enjoy a perfect long weekend at Eden Nature Park and Resort.

Book your staycation at Eden and avail the March Awaited Room Promo.

Stay at Vista Cottage and Holiday Lodge for P2,520 with buffet breakfast for two persons. Commune with nature at Camellia or Gardenia Room for P3,220 with buffet breakfast for four persons.

Complete your week with good food and a relaxing nature experience!

Enjoy eating without derailing your health goals, thanks to fresh food that is delicious and nutritious.

Eden presents a farm-toplate dining experience.

also able to ease their stress through the beauty and wellness services offered by the senior students of Sibulan National High School. Their services included haircut, foot spa, and massage, among others. These students used the equipment and supplies donated by Hedcor to support the school’s technical-vocational strand.

Hedcor is the run-ofriver hydropower arm of AboitizPower which operates four power facilities in Sibulan with a combined rated capacity of 57.4 MW.

his Araw ng Davao season, SM Supermalls in Davao give you move reasons to love this city through food, shopping, music, and more!

Round up the gang and shop the best deals in Davao from March 11 to 17 in SM's mall wide Sale in The City.

Indulge in Davao's best bites and booze all in one place in SM's food festivals: Araw ng Davao Food Park in SM City Davao (March 7-10) and The Davao Gourmet Colletive's Pop Eats in SM Lanang Premier (March 15-17).

Channel the big fan in you and your family and delight in celebrity shows as Kapuso stars make some noise in SM City Davao on March 16 while This Band performs in SM Lanang Premier on March 15.

A celebration of arts takes place in March 13 as SM City Davao takes you down memory lane with the Davao Then And

Now painting competition. Art MADE public also returns to SM Lanang Premier on March 2628 with lectures, workshops and exhibitions.

Witness a showcase of colorful dances in SM City Davao with Sayaw Pinoy Folk Dance Competition (March 15) and Filipinas Ballroom (March 17).

A showcase of greens will take place in SM Lanang Premier with the Araw ng Davao Bonsai and Stones competition on March 9 to 17 while Davao's produce will be featured in the Farm and Garden Agri Trade Fair on March 8 to April 8 in SM City Davao.

Experience different cultures as the first ever Sister City Trade Fair happens on March 15 to 17 in SM Lanang Premier.

Love Davao and celebrate life in SM Supermalls this Araw ng Davao.

Follow @smcitydavao and @smlanangpremier on social media for more updates.

7 AGRITRENDS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 3 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13, 2019

There’s money in growing pineapple Photos and text by HENRYLITO D. TACIO

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ext to banana, pineapple (scientific name: Ananas comosus) is the second most popular tropical fruit. It is no wonder why pineapple is grown commercially in the country. In fact, pineapple is one of the primary agricultural exports of the Philippines.

More than 75% of the pineapple produce in the country come from Mindanao, particularly Northern Mindanao and SOCCSKSARGEN (South Cotabato, Cotabato Province, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and General Santos City). Other pineapple producing regions in Mindanao include Davao, Caraga, and Zamboanga Peninsula.

Outside Mindanao, the two major producers are Bicol and CALABARZON (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon). Pineapple is also grown commercially in Cagayan Valley, and Central Luzon. In Visayas, the top producers are Western Visayas, Eastern Visayas, and Central Visayas.

The Philippines ranks third in pineapple production, next to Brazil and Thailand. Pineapple is grown extensively so much so that some of the largest pineapple plantations in the world can be found in the country. Primary exporters, Dole and Del Monte, have an influential presence at local levels, particularly in Mindanao.

Pineapple is one of the three export fruit commodities of the Philippines; the other two are banana and mango. Interestingly, only 17% of the pineapple industry is composed of fresh fruit that is designated for export to Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, New Zealand, and China. But it also exports processed products mainly to the United States. Pineapples are processed into juice, jellies and jams, dried fruit, pineapple vinegar and fruit cocktail.

“The Philippines is a top exporter of juice concentrates and pineapple juice in Southeast Asia,” the Department of Agriculture (DA) reports. “Both fresh and processed export industry is increasing in value. It is mainly produced in the Mindanao Region.”

If you’re wondering where the other percentage of pineapple produced in the country go to, here’s what the Taiwan-based Food and Fertilizer Technology Center (FFTC) said: “The bulk (41%) of the Philippine pineapple industry is dedicated to total net food and is treated as a disposable

product. Another bulk (37%) of the products produced are designated for general processing, while the remaining 5% is dedicated to feed products or waste materials.”

Most of the farmers growing pineapple are actually catering for the local market. In fact, most of the pineapple plantations in the country are classified as small, with a total size of two hectares or less. A farmer who goes into pineapple growing can produce a return of P25,000 from an investment of P10,000.

Since pineapple can be grown throughout the year, harvesting is also a year-round experience. For smaller farms, the peak time for harvest is usually April through July. Generally, the suckers and slips are used as planting materials for the next cropping season.

Among the many pineapple varieties grown in the country, the Smooth Cayenne (locally called “Hawaiian”) is the most preferred locally for fresh fruit and processing. The Queen (more popularly known as “Formosa”) is also grown in some areas for its fresh fruit. The “Philippine Red” pineapple is cultivated not for its fruit but for its strong and delicate fiber.

Although pineapple is grown in other tropical countries (particularly Thailand, China, Brazil and Mexico), the pineapple industry in the Philippines remains vibrant. “As with any tropical fruit industry, the Philippine pineapple may experience economic downturns from time to time,” observes Brandon Gaille, an American national who conducts small business and marketing advice. “Because of the popularity of the product, however, there will always be local and international market that are seeking to import more of this sweet fruit.”

The United States is a case in point. “If shipping methods can be improved for Philippine pineapples, the United States market could provide the foundation for tremendous growth for the industry,” Gaille writes. “The United States is the top importer of fresh pineapple, canned pineapple, plain pineapple juice, and concentrated pineapple juice. Less than 3% of Philippine pineapples designated for export ever reach the United States.”

The agriculture department has identified high demand in the world market as one of the big opportunities for Filipino pineapple growers. There is also an increas-

ing demand on export both for fresh fruits and processed products. More importantly, there is now niche markets for organically-grown pineapple fruits.

But before doing so, the local problems in terms of fruit production must be addressed first. For one, there is still an insufficient supply of quality fruits even in the local market. For another, there are ever pests and diseases – mealy bugs, root grubs and Phytopthora – that keep bugging the industry.

Not to mention is the poor transport infrastructure facilities. Most farmers also complain that they lose 40% of their total production due to hauling, rat infestation and damage. “We have to solve these problems if we want to be a big major player in the world market for pineapple industry,” a farmer commented.

Some farmers also voice out the lack of support from the government in terms of financing/ credit and market assistance for small growers and processors. “How can we improve our methods and production if we lack capital?” they asked.

Pineapple grows anywhere in the Philippines but it grows best in areas where the temperature is mild (24-30 degrees Centigrade); rainfall is between 1,000-1,500 millimeters per year and evenly distributed during the growing period; elevation is 150-240 meters above sea level; and there is full sunlight.

“The soil should be fertile and well-drained,” says the Laguna-based Philippine Council for Agriculture and Aquatic

Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD). “It has pH of 4.5-5.5 and the cultivated soil layer is not shallower than 50 centimeters.”

The land must be thoroughly prepared before planting. “Drainage canals are established whenever necessary,” PCAARRD reminds as pineapple doesn’t grow well in waterlogged areas. Planting is immediately done after the land has been prepared.

Planting density may be as low as 33,333 plants per hectare to as high as 76,923 plants per hectare. Plants may be grown in double rows at a distance of 80-100 centimeters between double rows, 50 centimeters between rows, and 30 centimeters within rows. Planting in single rows is a common practice among small farms while double rows is recommended in commercial farms.

Harvesting pineapple is dependent upon what the fruit is intended for. PCAARRD shares this information: “Fruit maturity at harvest influences the quality of pineapple. Pineapple exhibits slight ripening changes after harvest. Thus, it is important to harvest pineapple at the right maturity for its intended use.”

Pineapple, unlike abaca and pili nut, is not a native of the Philippines. It is believed to have originated from Brazil, where tribal peoples have always regarded pineapple highly and have used it as a staple food and as an ingredient in some wines. When early explorers brought the pineapple back to Europe, its sweetness and unusual appearance made the fruit a symbol of roy-

al privilege.

How pineapple got its name is an interesting story.

When Christopher Columbus came across pineapple in 1493 on the island of Guadeloupe, he called it la piña de las Indians (“the pine of the Indies”) because, as he later told Ferdinand and Isabella, they resembled “green pine cones, very sweet and delicious.” The odd name stuck, and pineapples are still called piñas in most Spanish-speaking countries.

In fact, the word pineapple originally meant “pine cone” in

England.

Being popular in Europe, the Spaniards (who carved pineapples over doorways) brought the fruit in the Philippines after the latter was rediscovered in 1521. For years, Hawaii supplied 70% of the world’s canned pineapple and 85% of canned pineapple juice, but labor costs have shifted a large segment of the industry from Hawaii to the Philippines.

Pineapples’ nutritional benefits are as fascinating at

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8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

EDITORIAL I

VOL.12 ISSUE 3 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13, 2019

Hitting a snag

f the two chambers of Congress do not agree soon on the General Appropriations Bill of 2019, expect a tailspin in the economy.

With the House of Representatives and the Senate at loggerheads over some items on the national budget for 2019, the government continues to operate under a reenacted budget which is based on 2018. Hence, the government’s growth targets and projects for the year is far from achievable given the mismatch. It’s a problem that worries President Rodrigo Duterte who admitted that continuing with the reenacted budget, the country’s gross domestic product or GDP is expected to go down.

Gross domestic product — the value of all finished goods and services produced in the country — expanded 6.1 percent in the fourth quarter of 2018 from 6 percent in the preceding three months. The Philippines has placed a growth target of 7-8 percent in 2019.

With a reenacted budget, the outlook looks different and that 7-8 percent growth is unachievable.

So what is a reenacted budget?

The Constitution provides that in the event the Congress fails to pass the budget for next year then the budget for the previous will be reenacted. Hence, the government has a reenacted budget when the passage of the general appropriations is delayed or the National Budget was not passed by the Congress

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ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

BAI FAUZIAH FATIMA SINSUAT AMBOLODTO Social Media Manager/Lifestyle KENNETH IRVING K. ONG MEGHANN STA. INES NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN Lifestyle

ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. JAN MIKKO CANARIAS CHA MONFORTE Correspondent

DR. MAURO L. PUYOD LEANDRO S. DAVAL JR. Cartoonist 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

and consequently not approved by the President before the start of the fiscal year. When this happens, government agencies simply operate on the basis of the previous year’s budget.

What are the implications of a reenacted budget?

In general, government agencies that would have received additional funding for the operation of new programs or for the expansion of existing ones under the proposed President’s Budget for 2019 would clearly lose if government would be forced to work on the basis of a re-enacted 2018 budget this year.

On the other hand, the government might also be able to generate savings under a 2018 reenacted budget for 2019 as some projects that were already done this year cannot be done again next year. However, in order to be able to use these savings, the Executive Branch has to ask the Congress for the approval of a Supplemental Budget before it can spend the same.

Overall, it is a scenario that is not favorable to the Philippines which is one of the fastest-growing economies in Asia after India, Vietnam and China last year.

This, despite a GDP growth rate of 6.2 percent that is below the 6.5-6.9 percent target and the weakest in three years.

In the bigger picture, it is imperative that the two chambers agree on their differences and get the national budget passed no sooner than we start seeing its adverse effects on the economy.

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

VANTAGE

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 3 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13, 2019

9

Rice cartel, circa 1927

R

ice cartel, which is synonymous to control, smuggling, hoarding and monopoly of rice, is a centuries-old commercial trick designed to gain profit through inequitable competition.

During American rule, the government suffered losses from rice monopoly. To cover the deficit, appropriations were included in the annual budgets. In the 1923 budget, entries covering losses due to rice control (por perdidos en el control arroz) included actual loss (1921), authorized loss (1922) and estimated loss (1922). In the graph titled Comparative Statement, the actual loss was pegged at P202,121.89, while the authorized and estimated losses were P380,000 each.

Rice control during American Occupation, like today, was largely blamed on the Chinese, especially in the retail of the staple.

An article in the August 1927 edition of The American Chamber of Commerce Journal, explains the practice vividly: “Merchandizing rice in the Philippines is practically controlled by Chinese. They control importing, storing and milling, and retailing too to a great extent as they do widely throughout the orient, being able to organize ef-

fectively in order to do so.

Their average gains in the rice trade vary from 12 to 14 per cent, which is not an exorbitant profit, 12 per cent being the legal rate of interest.”

Rice cartel is not new, though. During the war, the list of opportunists was not limited to the usual culprits; it also included public officials. In a wartime headline, the Japanese-controlled ‘Tribune’ came up with a strong warning, making rice hoarding a hostile act and rice speculators subject to punishment under the Imperial martial law.

“Determined to give full support to the government in the execution of its rice policy, the Imperial Japanese Army… will consider any attempt to speculate in rice as a hostile act punishable under martial law… “’The Army’s policy is to deal rigorously with these activities in accordance with military law, considering them hostile acts which adversely affect, directly or indirectly, the military operations of the Army, thus [the need] to liquidate the sinister groups which disturb national peace and order...

“As reason for the soaring of the rice price, a section of the public is reported to mention that Japanese firms are buying

the cereal at high prices in the provinces. We take this opportunity to state that the rice thus purchased is to be supplied to Filipino employees of the firms.

“Needless to say, the companies have bought at a justifiable price. Hence, we regret to hear the report that the chiefs of some municipalities and barrios in the provinces are taking advantage of the purchase by Japanese firms to induce sellers to offer exorbitant prices to the purchasers... At the same time, any Japanese firms engaged in unjustifiable purchase without permission by military authorities will be punished strictly...

“As a fundamental measure to bring down the rice price, military authorities plan to import rice in large quantities from abroad.

We earnestly desire that, trusting the policy of the Philippine government, the Filipino people will collaborate with it without being utilized by speculators for their selfish purposes.” (Paragraphing mine.)

The issue of rice hoarding—this time linking the November 1964 elections—also caught the attention of the government, especially reports of critical rice shortages caused by rat infestation in Mindanao and other regions.

The more significant development was the order of defense undersecretary Alfonso Arellano to Philippine Constabulary chief, Brig. Gen. Segundo Velasco “to coordinate with the [Rice and Corn Administration] in enforcing the law against rice hoarding and to locate the supposed sizeable carry-over of the huge rice importation of the [Macapagal] Administration if the total 595,000 metric tons was actually imported.”

Official records indicate that in 1961, RCA imported about 289,000 metric tons, which was less than half the 1965 procurement, with a sizeable carry-over the following year.

Felomino G. Domingo, in a June 1966 article (‘Rice and Corn’) in ‘The American Journal of Chamber of

Commerce,’ explained that “it was surprising that only an insignificant quantity of the left-over of the huge 1965 importation could be located. Could it be that the stated amount was only on paper and not actually imported? Could credence be given to reports that RCA rice was given away free to the voters during the last elections? An accounting is in order.”

In short, there was obvious rice hoarding.

Recently, rice hoarding was linked to illegal importation (smuggling) and price manipulation.

On April 21, 2016, the Coalition of Filipino Consumers tagged Davao city mayor Rodrigo Duterte (then presidential bet), son Paolo, former National Food Authority administrator Lito Banayo and Davidson Bangayan, alias David Tan, for being involved in the billion-peso rice smuggling at the Davao Port.

The justice department, in 2017, declared the case submitted for resolution based on the refiled complaint of the NBI dated August 29, 2017.

More than a year later, the department indicted Bangayan and five others (minus Duterte and Co.) for “conspiring to rig the bidding of rice imports to increase the market price of rice in 2014.”

of POEA contract is from the time when the contracted seafarer actually departs from Philippine, either airport or seaport, for employment. It shall cease when the seafarer completes his period of contractual service aboard the ship, signsoff from the ship and arrives at the point of hire.

The POEA contract requires the seafarer to arrive at the point of hire as it signifies the completion of the employment contract, and not merely its expiration.

Similarly, a seafarer’s employment contract is terminated even before the contract expires as soon as he arrives at the point of hire and signs off for medical reasons, due to shipwreck, voluntary resignation or for other just causes Other “just causes “ for termination of POEA contract include vessel sale ( Section 23) and change of principal (Section 26) under the following rules: A. The seafarer shall be

basic wage until the date of joining the other vessel.

Thus, the seafarer has two options after he receives his earned wages either one month basic wage as separation pay or to continue the unexpired contract.

The operative phrase for third scenario is “until the date of joining the other vessel” for the seaPINOY MARINO RIGHTS farer’s entitlement to basic wage while he is awaiting Atty. Dennis R. Gorecho redeployment due to vessel entitled to earned wages, sale or change of principal. repatriation at employer’s Thus, it can be considered expense and one month ba- as “standby pay” as compensation for the waiting sic pay as termination pay.

B. If by mutual agree- period.

The employer has the ment, the seafarer continues his service on board the burden to prove that the tersame vessel, such service mination of the contract is shall be treated as a new based on a valid cause. To contract. The seafarer shall discharge this burden, the be entitled to earned wages employer must present substantial evidence – or only.

C. In case arrangements such amount of relevant has been made for the sea- evidence that a reasonable farer to join another vessel mind might accept as adeto complete his contract, the quate to support a concluseafarer shall be entitled to sion – that the cause of the

termination was valid. Otherwise, it can be a case of illegal dismissal wherein the seafarer must be paid the income for the unexpired portion of his contract.

Under POEA rules, the licensed manning agency of the new principal automatically assumes full and complete responsibility over the seafarer originally recruited and deployed by the previous licensed manning agency, if the seafarer opts to sign an employment contract with the new principal. Otherwise, the licensed manning agency which originally recruited and deployed the seafarer shall retain full and complete responsibility over the contractual obligations of the original principal.

(Atty. Gorecho heads the seafarers’ division of the Sapalo Velez Bundang Bulilan law offices. For comments, email info@ sapalovelez.com, or call 09175025808 or 09088665786)

FAST BACKWARD Antonio V. Figueroa

Termination due to vessel sale or change of principal

T

he seafarer is entitled to receive his basic wage until the date of joining another vessel in the event of vessel sale or change of principal and he opted to complete his contract by joining another vessel of the same principal.

The employment of Filipino seafarers is governed by the Standard Employment Contract (SEC) they sign and duly approved by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) every time they are rehired and their employment is terminated upon its completion.

As a general rule, the period of employment shall be for a period mutually agreed upon by the seafarer and the employer but not to exceed 12 months. The Maritime Labor Convention 2006 (MLC2006) prescribes that the seafarer has the right to be repatriated within a contract period of less than 12 months.

The commencement

10 PROPERTY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 3 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13, 2019

The same great stay at the refreshed Microtel Davao

M

icrotel by Wyndham Davao, one of the 14 Microtel hotels in the Philippines, recently completed the second phase of its renovation that included the redesign of the hotel’s lobby and guest rooms.

Refreshed and more functional, the Microtel lobby now features an eye-catching lighted wall design, retro-styled furniture, and comfortable spaces to work and meet. Front Office desk was lowered to make it more welcoming for the guests.

Guest rooms were also modernized so guests can do more, and relax more. To complement Microtel’s chiropractor-approved healthy-for-the-back beds that guests love, furniture have been much improved. And for a more productive stay, guests now have more USB ports

in the rooms and higher-speed internet access.

“Microtel is a simple, no-frills hotel that cares about the needs of today’s travelers. It is always our priority to create a consistent, brilliantly efficient product to make our guests’ stay comfortable and productive. We want to keep our guests happy that is why we revitalized our look. At the same time, we continuously strive to provide the same great, genuine and streamlined service that the Microtel chain is known for.”

Microtel by Wyndham Davao is located in Damosa Gateway Complex, just 5 kilometers from the Davao International Airport.

It also has a spacious function room that can accommodate small to medium-size meetings or events for up to 120 persons.

Microtel by Wyndham is part of an international chain of hotels under the Wyndham Hotel Group. Microtel has over 300 hotels worldwide including 14 in the Philippines while the Wyndham Hotel Group is the largest hotel franchising company in the world, with nearly 9,000 hotels across more than 80 countries on six continents.

Other Microtels in the country are located in Gensan, Baguio, Tarlac, Pampanga, Cabanatuan, Batangas, Cavite, South Forbes (near Nuvali), Boracay, Puerto Princesa, Acropolis QC, UP Technohub QC, and Mall of Asia. All Microtel hotels in the Philippines are managed by PHINMA Hospitality Inc. Visit www.microtel-davao.com or call +082 233 2333 / 0917 795 3550 for more information.

M

Megaworld, Empire East to build P20B township

egaworld, the country’s largest developer of integrated urban townships, along with its subsidiary Empire East Land Holdings, Inc., is developing a 24-hectare property along F. Felix Avenue in Cainta, Rizal, to become the Highland City township.

The company’s 24th township development, Highland City, will host

the expansive Highland Mall with a gross floor area of around 58,000 square meters, rows of residential towers on a highland area, mixeduse towers, a church as well as open and green parks.

“We are building another Megaworld Lifestyle Mall that showcases another unique character, complementing the ‘highlands’ or sloped

landscape of the property. The Highland Mall will offer around 58,000 square meters of retail spaces,” reveals Kevin L. Tan, executive vice president and chief strategy officer, Megaworld.

Highland City will be highlighted by the Highland Park, an 8,000-square meter green and open park, which will house

certain ‘rules of thumb’ which when applied, can make one’s journey much more fruitful and the road to reach the investment objectives a lot less rocky.

Aeon Luxe Properties is the developer of the iconic Aeon Towers which is approximately 90 percent complete and the soon-to-rise Aeon Bleu. Aeon Towers is a 33-level mixed use development that combines residential condominium with luxury hotel.

“Property investment is a business proposition,” said Cruz.

Aeon Luxe provides would-be investors and homebuyers free consult in choosing the

right property.

Investors who seek to buy property in Davao City for rental business in the future need to be well aware of their target demographic when it comes to ‘selling’ the product. Hence, choosing the right product, which in this case is the residential property, is crucial.

The bottomline, Cruz said, is that it is about selecting the appropriate property.

Aeon Luxe is set to participate at the Araw ng Davao Trade Fair and Bazaar this coming March 14-17, 2019.

Interested parties may visit its booth inside the Davao Convention Center.

FMEGAWORLD, P13

Property investment is a business proposition: Aeon developer

T

here is no generic, one-size-fits-all approach to property investment.

Most real estate broker in the market probably say the property they are selling is the best investment out there. However, residential real estate, as with any other investment vehicle, requires an individualistic approach.

Aeon Luxe Properties president Ian Y. Cruz had this simple guide to share. “You must identify and address your own specific needs, goals and circumstances in order to achieve the successful investment you aspire to.”

Cruz said there are

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 3 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13, 2019

NCCC... FROM 1

THERE’S... FROM 7

fire. A total of 33 people died in the fire that hit the NCCC Mall on December 23, 2017. LTS Pinnacle Holdings Inc., Mother

Company of the NCCC Group, plans to rebuild the mall but has not given any timeline for the construction.

During the last committee hearing on February 21, DOTr Assistant Secretary Eymard Eje said

he will bring this matter to the attention of DOTr secretary Arthur Tugade for favorable consideration.

right implementation and full support of the people not only the Muslim Filipinos, the whole of Mindanao’s growth will accelerate and push this country into unprecedented growth and progress,” he said.

Thus, Mangudadatu said, Mindanao needs another voice in the Senate so that peace and development initiatives for the island can be given a stronger push.

Mangudadatu, who is seeking a Senate seat in the May election, said Mindanao is a land of opportunities but, these have remained untapped because of perceived peace and order issues.

The Mindanao leader, who once served as the Sangguniang Kabataan Federation President of Bu-

luan town in 1996 and the town mayor of Pandag before his stint in the House of Representatives, said Mindanao is on its way to peace and progress.

If peace is achieved, Mangudadatu said, the government will save billions of pesos and these can be used to fund other priority programs in education, free medicines and healthcare services, affordable basic needs and accessible services to lift the living conditions of the Filipinos.

It is time for the people to set aside perception of Mindanao as a troubled land, Mangudadatu said.

Mangudadatu’s legislative agenda is rolled in one word P.E.A.C.E which stands for Prosperity, Education, Agriculture, Cultural Unity, and Energy.

DOTR... FROM 2

DONG... FROM 2

SMC... FROM 4

small municipal roads, as well as sidewalks and parking lots.

If the technology proves effective and meets all safety and quality requirements, the company may roll it out for larger infrastructure projects, Ang said.

“While we are proud to be the first-mover in this area, we are very hopeful that we won’t be the last or the only ones. The research is there and available to everyone, and we’ll be glad to share our own processes and experience.

At the end of the day, this kind of innovation will benefit the same environment we all share,” Ang added. (PR)

11

their history. According to Megan Ware, in an article published by Medical News Today, one cup of fresh pineapple chunk is cholesterol-free and contains approximately 82 calories. It also contains 0.2 gram of fat, 2 milligrams of sodium, 0.89 grams of protein, and 21.65 grams of total carbohydrates (including 16 grams of sugar and 2.3 grams of fiber).

As a percentage of a person’s daily requirements, the same chunk of fresh pineapple provides 131% of vitamin C, 2% of vitamin A, 2% of calcium, and 3% of iron.

Pineapple is also a source of important vitamins and minerals, including thiamin, riboflavin, vitamin B-6, folate, pantothenic acid, magnesium, manganese, potassium, beta-carotene and other antioxidants.

But most importantly, fresh pineapple is the only known source of an enzyme called bromelain, which was discovered to be proteolytic – that is, it breaks down protein.

Hence it is a natural meat tenderizer (the pineapple rings atop a baked ham are not there just for the flavor) and a digestive aid.

Bromelain can also break down blood clots-proteins are what hold blood platelets together to form clots – and clean away the dead tissue left by burns, abscesses, ulcers, and various kinds of surgery.

It also has been proven to be effective in killing parasites such as worms.

Studies have shown that

bromelain in pineapples can interfere with the preparation of some foods, such as jelly or other gelatin-based desserts.

The bromelain breaks down in the canning process, thus canned pineapple can generally be used with gelatin.

Just a word of warning: Bromelain can be hazardous to someone suffering from certain protein deficiencies or disorders, such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Pineapples should also not be consumed by those with hemophilia or by those with kidney or liver disease, as it may reduce the time taken to coagulate a consumer’s blood.

When unripe, the pineapple is not only inedible but poisonous, irritating the throat and acting as a drastic purgative. Excessive consumption of pineapple cores has caused the formation of fiber balls (bezoars) in the digestive tract.

Women who want to get pregnant should not eat pineapple. In some parts of the world, the flesh of very young fruits is deliberately ingested to achieve abortion (a little with honey on 3 successive mornings).

Despite such drawbacks, pineapple has a thousand medicinal uses. Florence Daniel in her book Food Remedies has named pineapple juice as the specific remedy for diphtheria. The sour, unripe fruit improves digestion, increases appetite, and relieves dyspepsia.

In Indian herbal medicine, pineapple is thought to act as a uterine tonic. The ripe fruit

cools and soothes, and is used to settle gas and reduce excessive, gastric acid. Its significant fiber content makes it useful in constipation. The juice of the ripe fruit is both a digestive tonic and a diuretic. The leaves are considered to be useful in encouraging the onset of menstrual periods and easing painful ones.

Another benefit of eating

pineapple is that it helps to build healthy bones. Pineapples are rich in manganese, a trace mineral that is needed for your body to build bone and connective tissues. The benefits of pineapple when you have a cold or cough are the same as the benefits of orange juice, as pineapple contains significant amounts of vitamin C.

100 racers from different parts of the world, including American and European runners, are expected to participate.

He said the international race helped boost the town’s tourism industry, as the visitors got to experience various attractions, including Mt. Apo. The runners will race from the beach line of Sta. Cruz to the summit of Mt. Apo, he said.

Winners of the Sky Race will get a sure slot to another mountain race on Mt. Ijen in Indonesia this year.

He said the Mt. Apo Boulder Face Challenge,

an annual activity held every summer, has been suspended this year due to the El Niño phenomenon.

He believed the closure of the trail would not greatly affect the tourist arrivals in Sta. Cruz, as the number of tourists received by the town for climbing activities, was minimal.

There were only 3,396 visitors who climbed Mt. Apo via Sta. Cruz trail last year, he said.

He said Sta. Cruz also joins international tourism roadshows to promote its tourism sites.

(Antonio L. Colina IV/ MindaNews)

MT. APO... FROM 4

Notice of Pending Application for Request for Reclassification Notice is hereby given that an application for a Request for Reclassification, per Article XII Section 1 of the Zoning Ordinance of Davao City No. 054613, series of 2013, for proposed mixed use development located at Brgy.

Marapangi and Catigan, Toril District, Davao City has been filed with the office of the City Planning and Development Coordinator by Accendo Commercial Corp.

LEGAL NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late DON ANTONIO O. FLOIRENDO who died on June 29, 2012 , has been the subject of an AMENDED EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT WITH SALE AND SPECIAL POWER OF ATTORNEY executed among his heirs, per Doc. No.17; PageNo.5; Book No.26 Series of 2019, of the NOTARY PUBLIC ATTY. NICOLAS A. BAÑGA

NOTICE OF AUCTION

EDGE 3/06,13,20

The VGM Pawnshop, Inc. will hold a Public Auction Sale NOTICE OF AUCTION The aforesaid application as well as the papers attached thereto is open for unredeemed and unrenewed on the schedu inspection during business hours by interested parties.

The VGM Pawnshop, Inc. will hold a Publicitems Auction Salefollowing to all below at 9:00 in the morning. unredeemedlisted and unrenewed itemsO’clock on the following schedule This publication is in compliance of Article IX Section 1.5 of the Zoning listed below at 9:00 O’clock in the morning.

Ang VGM Pawnshop, Inc. magasubasta sa tanang prenda Ordinance. wala nalukat maong sumusunod nga mga Ang VGM Pawnshop, Inc.sa magasubasta sa tanang prenda ngapetsa sa alas 9 NOTICE OF Issued this 21st day of February 2019.

NOTICE OFAUCTION AUCTION NOTICE OF AUCTION wala nalukatbuntag. sa sumusunod nga mga sa alas 9:00 sa to all Themaong VGM NOTICE Pawnshop, Inc. will holdpetsa a Public Auction Sale OF AUCTION

The VGM Pawnshop, Inc.OF will hold a Public Auction Sale NOTICE OF AUCTION NOTICE AUCTION buntag. Theunredeemed VGM Pawnshop, Inc. will hold a Public Sale to all to all and unrenewed items on theAuction following schedule unredeemed and unrenewed items on the following schedule The VGM Pawnshop, Inc. will hold a Public Auction Sale unredeemed and items the following schedule The VGM Pawnshop, Inc. hold aaPublic Auction allall to all listed below atunrenewed 9:00Inc. O’clock inon the morning.

The VGM Pawnshop, will hold Public AuctionSale Saletoto listed below atunrenewed 9:00 O’clock inon the morning. listed below at 9:00 O’clock in the morning. unredeemed and items on the following schedule unredeemed and unrenewed items the following schedule unredeemed and unrenewed items on the following schedule Ang VGM Pawnshop, Inc. magasubasta sa tanang prenda nga listed below 9:00 O’clock the morning.

Ang VGM Inc. magasubasta sa tanang prenda nga& PLA listed below atatPawnshop, 9:00 O’clock inthe the morning. listed Ang below at 9:00 O’clock inin morning.

VGM Pawnshop, Inc. magasubasta sa tanang prenda nga 9:00 BRANCHES DATE PAWNED wala nalukat sa maong sumusunod nga mga petsa saDATE alas sa BRANCHES DATE PAWNED DATE & PLACE OF wala nalukat sa maong sumusunod nga mga petsa sa alas 9:00 sa Ang VGM Pawnshop, Inc. magasubasta sa tanang prenda nga NOTICE OF AUCTION wala nalukat sa maong sumusunod nga mga petsa prenda sa alas nga 9:00 saAUCTIO Ang VGM Pawnshop, Inc. magasubasta sa tanang buntag.

Ang VGM Pawnshop, Inc. magasubasta sa tanang prenda nga wala nalukatsa samaong maong sumusunod sumusunod nga mga petsa sasaalas 9:00 sasa buntag.

AUCTION buntag. wala nalukat nga mga petsa alas 9:00 Thebuntag.

VGM Pawnshop, Inc. will hold a Public Auction Sale to all wala nalukat sumusunod nga mga petsa sa alas 9:00 sa buntag.sa maong unredeemed and unrenewed items on the following schedule DAVAO Mar. 20, 2019 buntag.

DAVAO Mar. 20, 2019(Wed.) listed below at 9:00 O’clock in the morning.

Sasa BRANCHES DATE PAWNED 9:00 DATE & PLACE9:00 OF AM Sasa BRANCHES AM BRANCHES DATE PAWNED DATE &nga PLACE DATE PAWNED DATE & PLACE OF OF September 01-30, AngBRANCHES VGMMaa Pawnshop, Inc. magasubasta saDATE tanang prenda September 01-30, DATE PAWNED & PLACE OF AUCTION VGM Pawnsho Maa BRANCHES VGM Pawnshop, Inc, DATE PAWNED & AUCTION AUCTION wala nalukat sa maong sumusunod nga mgaDATE petsa sa PLACE alas 9:00OF sa AUCTION 2019 2019 Panabo Main Panabo Main Sandawa Branch Sandawa Br AUCTION buntag.

DAVAO BranchDATE PAWNED Mar. 2019(Wed.) Panabo BRANCHES Branch VGM BLDG Sandawa St., Panabo VGM BLDG DATE &20, PLACE OF San DAVAO Mar. 20, 2019(Wed.) DAVAO Mar. 20,Mar. 2019(Wed.) DAVAO Sasa 20, 2019(Wed.) 9:00 AM Davao City Davao Ci DAVAOSasa Mar. 20, 2019(Wed.) Sasa 9:00 AM 9:00 AM AUCTION September 01-30, Sasa 9:00 AM Inc, Maa VGM Pawnshop,

September 01-30, September 01-30, September 01-30,VGM Pawnshop, Inc,Inc, Inc, 9:00 AM VGM Pawnshop, VGM Pawnshop, Sandawa Branch September 01-30, 20192019 Sandawa Branch 2019 VGM Pawnshop, Inc, 2019 Sandawa Branch Sandawa Branch DATE 2019 PAWNED DATE & PLACE OF St., VGM Sandawa BLDG Sandawa VGM BLDG St., Sandawa Branch Mar. 20, 2019(Wed.) Mar. 27, 2019(Wed.) VGM BLDG Sandawa St., St., VGM BLDG Sandawa Davao City AUCTION Mar. Davao City VGM BLDG Sandawa St., 27, 2019 Davao CityAM Sandawa 9:00 AM Sasa 9:00 Davao City September 01-30,01-30, Davao City Sandawa 9:00 AM September September 01-30, Matina VGM Pawnshop, Inc, Inc, Maa VGM Pawnshop, 2019 DAVAO Mar. 20, 2019(Wed.) Matina VGM DAVAO Mar. 27, 2019(Wed.) 2019 DAVAO Mar. 27, 2019(Wed.) Ecoland Branch Panabo Main Sandawa BranchPawnsho 2019 Matina DAVAO Mar.9:00 27, 2019(Wed.) Sasa 9:00 AM Sandawa AM DAVAO Mar. 27, 2019(Wed.) September 01-30, Ecoland 9:00 AMMatina Sandawa DAVAO Mar. 27, 2019(Wed.) September 01-30, Ulas Km. 6, Matina, Panabo Branch VGM BLDG Sandawa St.,Bra September 01-30, VGM Sandawa 9:00 AMInc, Matina Pawnshop, Maa VGM Pawnshop, Inc, Sandawa September 9:00 AM Sandawa 9:00 AM 2019 01-30, VGM Pawnshop, Inc,6, Mat Matina Ulas Km. September 01-30, VGM 2019 September 01-30, Ecoland Matina Branch Matina Pawnshop, Inc, Davao City 2019 Panabo Main Sandawa Branch Davao City Matina VGM Pawnshop, Inc, Matina VGM Pawnshop, Inc, 2019 Matina Branch Ecoland Ulas Km. 6, Matina, 20192019 Ecoland Matina Branch Davao Ci Panabo Branch VGM BLDG Sandawa St., Ecoland Matina Branch

Maa Sasa Maa Maa Panabo Main PanaboMain Main Maa Panabo Panabo Main BRANCHES Panabo Branch Panabo Branch Panabo Main DAVAO DAVAO Panabo Branch Panabo Branch DAVAO Panabo Branch

DAVAO

Ecoland Ulas Ulas Ulas Ulas

Matina Branch

Km. 6, Matina, Davao City Km. Matina, Davao City Km. 6,6,Km. Matina, 6, Matina, Davao Davao City City Davao City

Mar. 27, 2019(Wed.) Davao City

Sandawa AM DAVAO Mar. 27, 9:00 2019(Wed.) September 01-30, Sandawa 9:00Pawnshop, AM Matina VGM Inc, THE MANAGEMENT September 01-30, THE MANAGEMENT 2019 Matina VGM Matina Pawnshop, Inc, Ecoland Branch Mar. 12, 13 & 14, 2019 Mar. 12, 13 & 14, 2019 2019 THE MANAG THE MANAGEMENT Matina Branch THE MANAGEMENT THE MANAGEMENT Ulas Ecoland Km. 6, Matina, THE MANAGEMENT Ulas Km. 6, Matina, Mar. 12, 13 & 14, 2019 Mar. 12, & 14, 2019 Mar. 12,12, 1313 &13 14,14, 2019 Mar. & 2019 Davao Davao CityCity Mar. 12, 13 & 14, 2019

THE MANAGEMENT

12 SUPPLEMENT

ARAW NG DAVAO

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 3 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13, 2019

GOVERNANCE... FROM 5 Davao capital, when asked what he likes most about Duterte.

Doring knows what he is talking about, and all too well to fall in love with the place. He first came to the Philippines in 1976 and now lives in Davao City, together with his Filipina wife Rossana Balcom, since 1999.

“I think, I was one

Sean Ligtvoiet and his wife

of the few foreigners staying here,” he said. “Today Davao City has changed a lot, and is now one of the most progressive cities in the Philippines.”

Doring sees himself living there for the rest of his life. “I was born in Germany, but I consider the Philippines as my second home country,” he pointed out.

On living in Davao City, he added, “I feel safe here. I enjoy life here. I already got my grave ready here.”

By the way, it was not his wife who asked him to stay in Davao City for good, it was he who decided on it. “We were living in Germany for 16 years,” he shared.

“One day, I asked her if we could move to Davao City.”

Doring may be a

German by birth, but he considers Davao City not only his second home, but also his last. “Because it is the most livable city in the Philippines,” he declared. “I love its people and the multicultural situation. Best, it is the home of President Duterte.”

Another foreigner who fell in love with Davao City is Tom

part of Toril district, to downtown every day, he wrote down what he saw. One that caught his attention was the MacArthur Highway in Matina.

“General (Douglas) MacArthur was a personal boyhood hero and inspired me to go to West Point,” he admitted. “I found it ironic that I now live along a highway named after him.

I began to wonder how he would feel if he drove along this highway, today, and I started to write a report called ‘MacArthur Highway’.”

On why he chose Davao City as the setting of Sabine, he answered: “I think it is interesting to see a place you know through the eyes of a foreigner; it makes one see it differently.”

Anthony said he has friends in Manila and all over the world. “We visit and travel but return here in Davao City,” he said. “My American friends seem a little bit envious, and wish they could trade places with me.”

Then, there’s Jonathan A. Watson, Anthony, a retired who moved from US Army officer who the United States now writes novels. to Davao as a teenHe is the man behind ager in 2009. He the bestselling Reb- studied Bachelor of els of Mindanao. He Arts in Psychology also wrote the novel, at Ateneo de Davao Sabine, which was University, where he made into a movie. also took his Master When Anthony of Arts in English. first came to the PhilWatson said he ippines, he and his now lives in Davao wife Mailyn and their City because in the two daughters set- past, “I had heard a tled in the country’s lot about it being one biggest city. They of the most liveable have a beautiful cities in the Philiphouse, located near pines due to a low a beach. Currently, crime rate.” however, the famNow, “after livily is in California, ing here for many where the daughters years, in comparison are going to school. to other places I’ve But Tom will be back been to (or even have in Davao soon, when lived) here in the he will start filming Philippines,” he said another movie. in an exclusive inAlthough a fiction, terview, “Davao has Sabine happened in remained one of the Davao City. Accord- most ordered (cities) ing to him, while as far as peace and driving back and security go. forth from Dumoy, a “Although crime

can still happen, and even issues such as the Roxas (bombing) incident,” he continued, “I’d say the low rate of such has kept it a livable destination in the South.

Even my friends from Luzon, whom I have given tours of Davao to, had note d how people ride jeepneys with their phones out, or walk around without worry at night – something they themselves said they wouldn’t do in some parts of Manila.”

Finally, there Sean Ligtvoet, a Dutch national. He came from Rotterdam in Netherlands which is, in many ways, the exact opposite of Davao City.

“I like the spatial planning in Rotterdam more but I’m always inspired by the kindness and hospitality of the Filipinos,” explained Ligtvoet who is married to a Filipina.

“I’m actually not such a big fan of Manila b e cause I get

Tom Anthony

quite intimated by the amount of people and the traffic.”

He and his wife now live in Davao City. “I rather work for P40,000 a month in Davao than for 400,000 a month in Manila,” he pointed out. “In Davao, there is still space and possibilities for a small player to become big and in Manila it’s already a rat race.

“Furthermore, I really want things to be done and in Davao it’s still quite

easy to move around.

Last meeting in Manila, I spent 4 hours in traffic on my way, one hour in meeting and 4 hours back in traffic. I can’t get things done this way and nothing destroys your motivation more than spending half of your life staring at the bumper of the car in front of you.”

These expats turned residents love the city for different reasons. But one thing’s sure, they all love to stay here for good.

Klaus Doring

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 3 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13, 2019

MEGAWORLD... FROM 10 some retail areas and a 500-seating capacity church. The park will elevate towards the mall and will serve as a ‘grand welcome’ to the township. On both sides of the park will be a six-lane road which will serve as the main street entrance to the township.

“We are very excited about this new township that will evoke a character of a city sitting on highlands. Empire East will develop around 38 residential towers on the elevated portion of the township. These towers will serve as a dramatic backdrop to the vision of ‘Highland City.” Our proposed Highland Mall under the Megaworld Lifestyle Mall brand will also be a centerpiece of the development. We will integrate it with an expansive park that opens towards the township’s main entrance,” says Tan. Forty percent of the entire development will be dedicated to green and open spaces. Aside from the six-lane main road, the internal roads will be at least four lanes.

Megaworld and Empire East will spend P20-billion in the next 10 years to develop Highland City. Land development will commence by second quarter of this year.

Megaworld owns 82% of Empire East Land Holdings, Inc., which has been known for the development of mid-cost housing developments including several transit-oriented residential developments in Metro Manila and in other parts of Luzon during the last 25 years. Among its projects include Laguna Bel-Air and The Sonoma in Sta. Rosa, Laguna; San Lorenzo Place in Makati City; The Rochester and Kasara Urban Resort Residences in Pasig City; Little Baguio Terraces and Mango Tree Residences in San Juan; Covent Garden in Sta. Mesa, Manila; as well as California Garden Square, Pioneer Woodlands, The Paddington Place in Mandaluyong City.

During the last 30 years, the Megaworld Group has built over 660 residential developments, 57 office towers and 17 lifestyle malls in 23 masterplanned townships and integrated lifestyle communities across the Philippines. These include: Eastwood City in Libis, Quezon City, (18.5 hectares); Newport City in Pasay City (25 hectares); McKinley Hill (50 hectares), McKinley West (34.5 hectares), Uptown Bonifacio (15.4 hect-

ares) and Forbes Town (5 hectares), all in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City; The Mactan Newtown in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu (30 hectares); Iloilo Business Park in Mandurriao, Iloilo City (72 hectares); Sta. Barbara Heights in Sta. Barbara, Iloilo (173 hectares); Boracay Newcoast in Boracay Island (150 hectares); Twin Lakes in Alfonso, Batangas near Tagaytay (1,300 hectares); ArcoVia City in Pasig City (12.3 hectares); Southwoods City in the boundaries of Cavite and Laguna (561 hectares); Davao Park District in Lanang, Davao City (11 hectares); Alabang West in Las Piñas City (62 hectares); Eastland Heights in Antipolo, Rizal (640 hectares); Suntrust Ecotown in Tanza, Cavite (350 hectares); Maple Grove in General Trias, Cavite (140 hectares); The Hamptons Caliraya in Lumban-Cavinti, Laguna (300 hectares); The Upper East (34 hectares) and Northill Gateway (50 hectares) both in Negros Occidental; Capital Town Pampanga beside the Pampanga Provincial Capitol in the City of San Fernando (35.6-hectares); and Westside City in the Entertainment City in Paranaque City (31 hectares.)

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14 EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 3 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13, 2019

15 SPORTS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 3 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13, 2019

APO GOLF-ARCADIA. The Apo Golf and Country Club Men's Regular team was supported by Matina Enclaves in the recent 72nd Philippine Airlines Interclub Golf Tournament in Cebu City. Apo Golf placed a strong fourth in the tough Founders division. It is composed of Juan Karloz Alba, Jing Gavino, Denden De Castro, Kuresh Samanodi, Leo Fusilero, Miguel Fusilero, Junjun Grandeza, Chikoy Saavedra, Vince Gumapac and Rene Diago.

Apo golfers finish strong

By NEILWIN JOSEPH BRAVO

I

t wasn't an easy fight in a division that surprisingly produced only the second lower-rung overall champion in the history of the Philippine Airlines Men's Interclub.

Apo Golf and Country Club finished a strong fourth place in the Founders division which saw Cebu Country Club rise to become the overall champion of the 72-year old

team golf tournament.

Cebu Country Club completed its date with PAL Interclub history, winning the overall championship coming from a lower division by turning back powerhouse Manila Southwoods over the weekend.

This marks just the second time that a team from a lower division won the overall title, as Cebu CC

duplicated a 1988 feat by an Aguinaldo team made up of future international luminaries like Ramon Brobio and swing coach Bong Lopez.

The Cebu CC victory also gift-wrapped for Orchard Golf Club the Founders Division crown with the Dasmarinas-based squad tallying 482 after a fourth round 129 for a 24-point win over Forest

Keep the sports for peace movement alive

Hills. Apo Golf moved to fourth place next to Forest Hills and Valley Golf with 429 points over four days.

Supported by Arcadia Active Lifestyle Center, Apo is composed of Juan Karloz Alba, Jing Gavino, Denden De Castro, Kuresh Samanodi, Leo Fusilero, Miguel Fusilero, Junjun Grandeza, Chikoy Saavedra, Vince Gumapac and Rene Diago.

Academic achiever is also a champion shuttlecock smasher

By ADAM B. MORRELL

A

17-year-old academic achiever shocked the crowd after bagging the University of Mindanao (UM) Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) P.E. Olympics badminton tournament title over much-experienced opponents on Monday, March 11 at the University of Mindanao Gym. With a very minimal athletic experience, Patricia Shecaniah Morrell Braganza, a consistent topnotcher of the Bachelor of Education strand, pulled off a surprise after annihilating the heavy favorites from the Bachelor

Patricia Shecaniah Morrell Braganza

of Accounting, Business and Management (ABM), and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) in the women's singles division.

Patricia, or fondly called Pat-Pat by the people close to her, entered the competition just for completion and fun. Little did she know that she will be the next badminton champion in her department.

For the coming department meet, Pat-Pat will represent HUMMS department and the rest of the winners in their respective sports.

Cavs pay tribute to Pinoy fans

T

he Cleveland Cavaliers hosted their first annual Filipino Heritage Night with Fil-Am guard Jordan Clarkson at the center of the festivities.

Clarkson met with members of The Philippine-American Society of Ohio prior to the Cavs' game against the Toronto Raptors, which they won, 126-101.

Perhaps motivated by the event, Clarkson went out and played 31 minutes off the bench, finishing with 14 points. He shot 5-of-11 from the field, 3-of-7 on three's, and added two rebounds, three assists, and a steal, versus no turnovers.

Collin Sexton scored 28 points and all five Cleveland starters scored in double figures in the Cavaliers' 126-101 win over the Toronto Raptors on Monday in Cleveland.

Kevin Love, with 16 points and 18 rebounds, recorded his ninth double-double in 14 games this season. Love also was a force on the defensive end, drawing four offensive fouls.

Cedi Osman added 19 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. Ante Zizic compiled 17 points and seven boards.

Kawhi Leonard led the Raptors with 25 points and nine rebounds. Pascal Siakam added 15 points, and Kyle Lowry scored 14 for the Raptors, who had their two-game winning streak snapped.

Meantime, the 10th annual Filipino Heritage Night went down as the final celebration at Oracle Arena before the Golden State Warriors move to San Francisco next season.

It was an evening of showcasing the best in Filipino

Fil-Am NBA player Jordan Clarkson celebrates the Cleveland Cavaliers' first Filipino Heritage Night with Filipino fans. culture and talent. Fans were treated to free haircuts by the National Filipino Barber Association.

Other entertainment included on-court performances from LIKHA and Notes &

Bytes.

Rising Fil-Am rapper and Bay Area native P-lo performed at the halftime show.

The Warriors lost to the visiting Phoenix Suns, 115111.

CLEAN SLATE Moses Billacura

F

ather Romeo Saniel, our co-worker in the Sports for Peace Mindanao Movement, posted on FB about the 40 days of the victims of the twin bombings in Jolo.

It’s really heart-breaking to remember what happened at the Roman Catholic Cathedral of Our Lady of Mount Carmel last January that killed 24 and injured 112 churchgoers.

Some of them were close friends of Fr.Romy.

In one occasion I told coach Boy Sarabia, sports director of the University of Mindanao and a sports for peace partner when the movement was founded

by Philippine Sports Commission chairman William “Butch” Ramirez, that we should visit Jolo because compadre Cholo Elegino, coach of the Ateneo de Davao Blue Knights, is the only one visiting Fr.Romy and coach the basketball team of Notre Dame. Pare Cholo, coach Boy, University of Immaculate Conception sports director Bing Grandeza and I would always stick together during the city, regional and national PRISAA games for reasons I don’t know. Wala lang, basta mag sige rag uban.

“Suroy sad ta didto coach Boy,” I told him, who at that time was busy in coordination work for the University of Mindanao Track Oval. Our busy schedules at that time would not just allow it and probably because “someone” was just whispering to my ear not to go to Jolo.

You see friends, we

believe that sports is a way for Mindanaoans to promote dialogue, harmony and understanding.

Gubot baya kayo ta diri. Samok. Ga sigeg away sa Mindanao. Labad. Then PSC chairman Butch thought of utilizing sports as a vehicle to promote peace.

Unfortunately, things beyond our control just happen like the twin-bombings in Jolo.

For sure, those attackers were not members of the sports community. Kung naa man sila sa sports, they don’t understand the reason why we are in sports. Sports is about friendship and love for one another. Sports is about building a healthy and vibrant society.

Sports is about healing.

Yes, sports is about peace.

Yes, chairman Ramirez and his team are continually working on the Children’s Games, which is actually the main beneficiary of the sports for peace movement. Sports is all about the children that they will be able to enjoy sports in a peaceful environment.

But there’s so much trouble in the world. Paita.

And so, this sports for peace movement must continue for years to come even beyond Mayor President Digong’s term. We should never give up.

And prayerfully one day, even before they think of hurting one human being, they would think first and realize that those who will be hurt are members of the sports community or have children or grandchildren who participate in the Children’s Games and they would say to themselves “dili na lang ko manakit ug tawo ani, kay ma undang ang sports, ma samok”.

Unta ang pangisip sa tanan ingon ana noh?

Let to continue to pray and work on our dream of a peaceful Mindanao. And hopefully, the beauty of sports development can make us all men and women of peace.

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL.12 ISSUE 3 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13, 2019

GRAND RETURN

Ex-Blue Knight Escandor joins DLSU Green Archers for‘Araw’hoops

By ADAM B. MORRELL

F

ormer Ateneo de Davao University Blue Knights forward Francis "Ef" Escandor is set to make a grand return to Davao's hoops scene as he dons the fabled green kit of the De La Salle University.

The 6-2 Escandor made it to the De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers' squad in the upcoming 82nd Araw ng Davao Invitational Basketball Tournament on March 18 to 21 at the Davao City Recreation Center formerly Almendras Gym. Escandor's stint was confirmed by his former coach Miggy Solitaria on Monday in a media briefing at the Arcadia Lifestyle Active Lifestyle Center. The son of Presidential Adviser for Sports and Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) Davao Region director Glenn Escandor will be among the youngest rookies to play for the 9-time University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) champions.

The Green Archers lead the 'Big Four' cast that includes the University of the East Red Warriors (UAAP), National Collegiate Athletic Association's (NCAA) Lyceum of the Philippines University Pirates, and the University

of Cebu (UC) from the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) backyard.

"Ef's presence will inspire basketball aspirants of Davao City to chase their dreams," Solitaria, a former assistant with the DLSU coaching staff, said.

Before he moved to the De La Salle University Zobel in 2017, Ef was the Blue Knight's main man and helped ADDU win the National Basketball Training Center (NBTC) Regional title over then threepeat titlist Assumption College of Davao Warriors.

He was also part of the 2016-2017 Blue Knights 'big three' together with Ion Angeles and Axel Doromal.

Meantime, SBP executive program director Ronel Leuterio said the schedules will be announced as soon as the teams arrive in Davao City.

He also invited everyone to watch the tournament presented by Matina Enclaves and The Royal Mandaya Hotel in partnership with the City Government of Davao.

It will be open free to the public on a first come, first serve basis.

The gates are open at 3:30 pm while the games begin at 5:00 pm.

ARAW NG DAVAO CAGEFEST. Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas (SBP) 11 regional director and Presidential Adviser for Sports Glenn Escandor (right) with SBP 11 liaison officer Ronel Leuterio (center) and former DLSU assistant coach

Miggy Solitaria (left) during the media briefing of the 2019 Araw ng Davao Invitational Basketball Tournament at the Arcadia Active Lifestyle Center's The Lobby Cafe. Koii Canarias