Edge Davao Volume 14 Issue 87 | Friday, June 25, 2021

BENJAMIN R. LAO: PORTRAIT OF A SUCCESSFUL COCONUT FARMER GAME CHANGER P9

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

CITY IN GRIEF

VOL.14 ISSUE 87 • FRIDAY, JUNE 25, 2021

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Davao City pays tribute to former president Benigno Simeon ‘Noynoy’ Aquino III STORY ON PAGE 2

Former President Benigno Simeon Aquino III passes away at at the Capitol Medical Center in Quezon City on Thursday morning. Aquino, who is the country’s 15th president from 2010 to 2016, died at the age of 61. Edge Davao

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 87 • FRIDAY, JUNE 25, 2021

A cyclist traverses along MacArthur highway in Matina, Davao City outside the bicycle lane. Dionisio Abude, chief of the CTTMO, said cyclists’practices like this defeat the purpose of the use of dedicated bike lanes for them. Edge Davao

CITY IN GRIEF Davao City pays tribute to former president Benigno Simeon ‘Noynoy’ Aquino III

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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Lawrence “Bong” Go enjoined the nation in prayers for the late Benigno Simeon ‘Noynoy’ Aquino III who passed away at the age of 61.

The Senator also prayed for strength of the Aquino family in this time of grief.

“May the late president’s siblings and relatives find comfort in the thought that we are thankful to him for

having dedicated his life in the service of the country and our people. Mataas po ang respeto namin ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte kay former president Noynoy Aquino. Nakasama namin siya sa maraming mga okasyon lalo na sa kanyang pagtakbo bilang pangulo noong 2010 at nasilayan namin ang kanyang tunay na pagmamahal sa kapwa Pilipino. Salamat po sa inyong serbisyo sa taumbayan,” Go said in a statement.

Elsewhere, Vice Governor Emmylou “Lala”

Taliño-Mendoza of the Province of Cotabato, urged Cotabateños to join the whole nation in grief on his passing.

In a statement, she said democracy loving Filipinos will always remember “Noynoy” or “PNoy” with respect and affection for his crusade against corruption and irregularities in government which he himself embodied and restored our self-respect and pride as a nation.

“His presidency raised the bar for the conduct of

the surrenderee as Pedro Arnado, regional chairman of Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas - Southern Mindanao Regional (KMPSMR), an alleged NPA support group.

Loria said Arnado also served as national treasurer of KMP. She said Arnado’s surrender was “due to

physical exhaustion, weakened party leadership, weakening of mass bases, series of neutralization of other high profile NPA Cadres, false promises of the Communist Terrorist Groups, and especially isolation from loved ones.”

Arnado pledged his full cooperation and support to the government.

His surrender, according to Loria, is also the result of the relentless effort, dedication and commitment of the provincial, municipal and barangay Local Government Units (LGUs) and Armed Forces of the Philippines in eradicating and totally ending the 52year insurgency.

he city government of Davao paid tribute to former president Benigno Simeon ‘Noynoy’ Aquino III who passed away Thursday morning.

A statement released by the city government of Davao stated that the city is one with the nation in praying for the eternal repose of the soul of the former president who passed away at the age of 61.

The city will also fly the Philippine flag in the entire Davao City at half-mast until his burial.

Senator Christopher

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High-ranking cadre surrenders to gov’t

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suspected highranking cadre of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) voluntarily surrendered to government troops in Arakan, North Cotabato on Tuesday (June 22).

2Lt. Aileen Loria, civil military operation officer of the Philippine Army’s 72 Infantry Battalion, identified

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84 vintage bombs found in Davao City

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total of 84 World War 2 vintage bombs were unearthed by a backhoe operator at a construction site in Poblacion Calinan, Davao City on Wednesday, June 23.

The Davao City Police Office (DCPO) said the discovery was reported to them by UIbaldo Nueva Navia, a foreman of JV Angeles Construction Company.

Calinan Station chief of police Maj. Jake Golez said the backhoe operator accidentally dug up the unexploded bombs in the area.

Personnel of DCPO’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and K9 unit who went to the site retrieved 81mm mortar

high explosives and mortar illuminators.

Golez said all the bombs were turned over to Task Force Davao for proper disposition.

Golez lauded the prompt reporting of the community that led to the safe disposal of vintage explosives that might be hazardous and might compromise the safety of the people especially those working in the area where the bombs were discovered.

Unearhted vintage wartime bombs that were unreported have led to accidental explosion resulting in several deaths and injuries to Dabawenyos in the past.

Thousands of bombs

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DavOr Covid-19 variants not variants of concern - DOH 11

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he Department of Health XI clarified in a letter sent to the Davao Oriental Provincial Government that reported variants specifically from the confirmed cases from the said province are not identified as variant of concerns.

This came after a news item released by the Mati City Information Office citing that variants taken from the confirmed cases from Davao Oriental are B.1, B.1.78 and A.4.

“The reported variants are not identified as variant of concerns because current

data are insufficient to determine whether the variant will require more appropriate and specific health action,” DOH XI regional director Annabelle P. Yumang wrote in the letter.

The Davao Oriental Provincial Task Force COVID19 also issued a press release saying that there is no Brazilian variant detected in the province contrary to the news item released recently.

Provincial Task ForceCOVID19 Action Officer Dr. Reden Bersaldo said that “although there were

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 87 • FRIDAY, JUNE 25, 2021

NEWS

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Davao City Police Office (DCPO) spokesperson Captain Rose Aguilar bares that DCPO has apprehended more thqn 20,000 violators of the guidelines under the Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) from June 5 to 22, 2021.

Edge Davao

Sen. Go enjoins nation in praying for PNoy’s repose

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enator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go enjoins the nation in prayers for the late Benigno Simeon ‘Noynoy’ Aquino III who passed away at the age of 61.

The Senator also prayed for strength of the Aquino family in this time of grief.

“May the late president’s siblings and relatives find comfort in the thought that we are thankful to him for having dedicated his life in the service of the country and our people. Mataas po ang respeto namin ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte kay former president Noynoy Aquino. Nakasama namin siya sa maraming mga okasyon lalo na sa kanyang pagtakbo bilang pangulo noong 2010 at nasilayan namin ang kanyang tunay na pagmamahal sa

kapwa Pilipino. Salamat po sa inyong serbisyo sa taumbayan,” Go said in a statement.

In Malacañang, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque observed a moment of silence for Aquino’s passing on Thursday. The Palace paid tribute to the former president after the announcement of his passing. ”We commiserate and condole with the family and loved ones of former president Benigno Simeon ‘Noynoy’ Aquino III as we extend our condolences on his untimely demise,” Roque said.

Roque also hailed Aquino for his excellent public service.

“We’re grateful to the former president for

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DepEd 11 sets 18 schools for face-to-face classes

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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he regional office of the Department of Education (DepEd 11) reiterated President Rodrigo Duterte’s recent announcement of not allowing the resumption of face-to-face classes in August this year but made 18 public schools ready in case the President will change his decision.

Duterte pronounced that he will only allow the resumption of face-to-face classes once everyone gets vaccinated.

“Whatever will be the decision of the President as the highest ranking authority of the country

One public hearing needed for crafting of full Bicycle Ordinance

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n official of the City Transport and Traffic Management Office bared that one more public hearing is needed by the 19th City Council before it can craft a full version of the Bicycle Ordinance, the rules and regulation on the use of bicycle lanes.

Dionisio Abude, chief of the CTTMO said cyclists who still traverse outside the bicycle lanes defeat

the purpose of the use of dedicated bike lanes for them.

“Cyclists must know their responsibility in using the bike lanes,” he said.

Abude revealed 14 bicycles lanes have been finished throughout the city like the Davao-Cotabato Road, Quimpo Boulevard, Sandawa, Roxas, Quezon Boulevard, Quirino, Jacinto Streets, Dr. Gahol Street,

Torres, Inigo, and Porras Streets.

He said the CTTMO mulls of putting an additional bicycle lane in Matina-Aplaya going towards Matina-Crossing.

Abude said citation tickets are issued to motorists especially those who parked at the bicycle lanes which have big markers which say NO

FONE, P10

and as the President of the Republic, we will always abide. There will be no face-to-face classes unless and until the President will change his decision but with respect to his particular decision we’re very much aware that it is because of

the presence of so many variants of the virus that we have at current. That is the position of DepEd as of the moment,” said DepEd 11 spokesperson Jenielito Atillo in a virtual media briefing on Wednesday.

Atillo said DepEd 11 has identified schools to be utilized for the face-to-face classes whenever DepEd gets the green light from the President himself.

“If the face-to-face will be okayed, there are 300 schools out of 60,000 public schools in the entire country readied for the face-to-face plan and out

of the 2,181 public schools in the region there are 18 schools on standby mode.

As you can see konti lang ang mga schools that we have readied and all of these are on standby mode as the President has spoken already,” he said.

The 18 schools are located outside Davao City.

Atillo said most of the parents want a faceto-face mode of learning due to some factors that include they have difficulty facilitating their children and because of their jobs.

“Daghan na nagpadayag

individuals for violating the curfew, 37 for violating the liquor ban; 4,084 for the social distancing/ gathering; 5,042 for not wearing face mask; 6,867 for not wearing face shield; 916 for pillion riding without barrier; four individuals for presenting fake RT-PCR; and 646 for non-essential travels.

Under MECQ classification, the city will be guided by the regulations under the IATF Omnibus Guidelines dated May 20, 2021, particularly Page 9, Section 3 and the Department of Trade and Industry Memorandum Circular No. 21-19 dated May 14, 2021.

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DCPO apprehends 20,101 violators during MECQ

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he Davao City Police Office (DCPO) has apprehended 20,101 violators of the guidelines within the Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) period.

According to Captain Rose Aguilar, spokesperson of DCPO, from June 5 to 22, 2021 DCPO has apprehended 2,505

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4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 87 • FRIDAY, JUNE 25, 2021

Agriculture Secretary William Dar says infrastructure development and modernization, including agriculture, are among the achievements of the administration that would help rebuild the economy. Edge Davao

Pacific : 31% of line Infra, modernization to help Cebu pilots, crew vaccinated rebuild better economy: Dar A

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nfrastructure development and modernization, including agriculture, are among the achievements of the administration that would help rebuild the economy, Agriculture Secretary William Dar said at the agency’s 123rd founding anniversary celebration on Wednesday.

This, as the Department of Agriculture (DA) persevere to solve several problems that recently hit the country, which include typhoons and health pandemic.

“We worked tirelessly together over these five years of Duterte administration. Now, we must once again endeavor with increased urgency not just to rebuild our economy -but to rebuild it for the better,”

Dar said in his speech during the ceremony.

He underscored the implementation of Rice Competitive Enhancement Fund (RCEF), which he defined as “a difficult necessity due to the re-arrangement of legislative priorities and development policies”.

The gains from this initiative proved worth it with the 19.4 million metric tons (MT)

of palay produced last year.

“It is equivalent to 90 percent sufficiency. We are looking at increasing it this year to 20.4 million MT, for a 93 to 95 percent sufficiency level,” Dar said.

Infrastructure development Understanding that the agriculture sector needs more than just top-quality seeds, Dar prioritized investments in public infrastructure to modernize the sector.

Dar said from 2016 to May 2021, the DA partnered with the Department of Public Works and Highways and the Philippine Rural Development Project for the construction of 4,100 kilometers of bridges and farm-to-market

Quintana said 82 percent of the group’s members were “greatly impacted” by the lockdowns, and 94 percent had to close from March to June.

Despite these difficulties, PFA members were still charged by their local government units with high tax assessments when they tried to renew their business permits in January this year.

“So I hope we get a relief program, assistance also in terms of this,” Quintana said.

Secretary Karl Chua meanwhile said the assessment the businesses received was according to the local government code.

“I suggest to also discuss with the LGUs if there is some way to help with the businesses while complying with the code,” Chua said. ]Edgar Chua, president of the Makati Business Club, meanwhile suggested that the government help struggling small businesses by providing easier credit.

roads nationwide.

The country’s irrigation networks have widely expanded. It has now reached 51,000 hectares of prime farmlands over the same timeframe.

Some 35,700 communities and organizations have better earning opportunities by building nurseries, seed storage facilities, stock farms, school gardens, greenhouses, feed mills, and postharvest facilities.

“I can say with pride, that in the almost two years that we have been in here, we have the biggest infrastructure investments on-going today,” Dar said.

Intensified farm mechani-

FINFRA, P10

t least 31 percent of Cebu Pacific’s line pilots and crew have been vaccinated against COVID-19, the carrier said Wednesday.

Vaccinating aviation frontliners is part of reinvigorating the air transport segment which was badly hit by the pandemic, the airline said.

“CEB has been actively working with the local government of Pasay to vaccinate its employees under the A4 category,” the airline said in a statement.

Aside from its vaccination drive, the country’s largest carrier said it has transported over 1.5 million COVID-19 jabs to 15 key domestic provinces since March 2021.

“We are happy to have reached another

milestone in such a short period of time, which reflects significant progress in the Philippines’ vaccine distribution efforts outside NCR. We are keen to keep supporting our government through the safe and timely distribution of life-saving vaccines from abroad and across our Philippine network,” said Cebu Pacific Chief Strategy Officer Alex Reyes.

It has also brought home some 6 million vaccine doses from China.

Flag carrier Philippine Airlines is also helping to distribute vaccines nationwide to support the government’s vaccination plan. The Philippines aims to inoculate 50 to 70 million this year to achieve herd immunity.

briefing.

The company said it has 20 commercial deals in the Asia Pacific and Japan. In the Philippines, it has deals with Globe Telecom and DITO Telecommunity to expand the delivery of 5G services nationwide.

Reyes said the company is also “collaborating” with PLDT and Smart on enterprise-specific internet of things as well as other related services with pure fiber provider Converge ICT.

“In the pandemic, we have seen industries like e-commerce have raised their growth in an impressive way, that is going to continue happening I the following years,” Reyes said.

“I am really positive in the Philippines in potential in technology. We are here for them to help them. Nokia Philippines’ vision is to help our supplier and customers to develop networks and solutions in the best way possible,” he added.

PH franchise sector calls for tax Nokia working with PH firms for 5G relief as pandemic closures mount rollout, eyes hiring more local talent he Philippine FranPFA president Sherill Socioeconomic Planning

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chise Association (PFA) asked for more government support as they see tens of thousands of small businesses shutting down due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

At a webinar organized by the Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP), the group also cited the taxes their members are being required to pay by local government units (LGU) despite having ceased operations for several months in 2020.

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okia is working with top local technology and telecommunications firms to hasten the Philippines’ digital transformation and elevate the country’s 5G connectivity amid the COVID-19 pandemic, its new country head Carlos Reyes said Wednesday.

Nokia has “decades of experiences” that it can bring to the country in terms of elevating 5G applications and the entire ecosystem, Reyes told reporters in a virtual

VOL.14 ISSUE 87 • FRIDAY, JUNE 25, 2021

ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO

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A delivery rider holds a client’s order of BTS meal outside a McDonald’s outlet in Matina, Davao City. McDonald’s Philippines said daily sales hit the highest level since the COVID-19 pandemic, following the launch of the BTS meal inspired by the popular Korean pop group last week. Edge Davao

20-B yen loan package to help PH in Covid-19 response efforts F cial requirements when it distributed emergency cash aid to families affected by the enhanced commu-

nity quarantine (ECQ) and modified ECQ (MECQ) that were imposed in the National Capital Region (NCR) and nearby provinces on March 27 to May 14 of this year, following the surge in Covid-19 infections in these areas.

The 20-billion yen disbursement, which the Philippine government received this month, represents the third tranche of the PDSL-2 loan extended by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to the Philippines last Sep-

tember.

The first and second tranches amounting to 10 billion yen each were released last October 27, 2020 and January 5, 2021, respectively.

PDSL-2 aims to quickly disburse Japanese funding support for post-disaster response efforts in the event of a national calamity or health emergency.

Under this agreement, the disbursement of the standby loan to the Philippines will be made avail-

cover and businesses to get back to their feet,” Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick Chua said during the 42nd National Conference of Employers on Wednesday.

Speaking before employers from over 100 different companies on the government’s strategic policy adjustments for economic recovery, Chua shared that

the implementation of the economic recovery package is the second component of the three-pillar strategy to facilitate the economy’s recovery by 6 to 7 percent in 2021 and return to pre-pandemic levels by 2022.

The recovery package consists of a combination of fiscal, monetary, and financial instruments totaling about PHP2.8 trillion, or

15.4 percent of the country’s gross domestic product.

Specific reforms include recently enacted Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises or CREATE Act, which provides the largest-ever fiscal stimulus package for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in recent history, through a 5 or 10 percent-

inance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III has thanked the Japanese government for approving the disbursement of 20 billion yen (about PHP8.71 billion) under the second phase of the Post-Disaster Standby Loan (PDSL-2) package extended to the Philippines to assist it in its coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) response efforts, especially in providing emergency assistance to vulnerable sectors.

Dominguez said the 20 billion Japanese yen will help meet the Philippine government’s huge finan-

F20-B YEN, P10

NEDA affirms gov’t support to biz amid Covid-19 crisis

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he government’s economic recovery package must be accelerated to support businesses and enable them to retain or employ new workers, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said.

“Our recovery program has been in place since last year and implementing this will help the economy re-

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BTS Meal drives McDonald’s McNuggets sales up 1,000%

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cDonald’s Philippines said daily sales hit the highest level since the COVID-19 pandemic, following the launch of the BTS Meal inspired by the popular Korean pop group last week.

According to McDonald’s Philippines Managing Director Margot Torres, the company sold nearly 3.5 million pieces of McNuggets when the BTS Meal was launched on June 18, equivalent to a 1,000% growth versus the daily average.

The company has sold close to 1 million BTS meals in the five days since the product was offered, a growth that was also seen in other food products offered by the fast-food operator.

The BTS Meal includes 10 pieces of Chicken McNuggets, medium-sized fries,

medium soda, and dipping sauces sweet chili and cajun, inspired by recipes available in South Korea.

“I just wanna point out that the lift in sales was also seen in our other chicken products like Chicken McDo, and other product categories like burgers and desserts,” Torres said in a phone interview.

“We want to make sure that it continues, because we had record-breaking daily store sales since the pandemic, even for that weekend, so we’d like to continue that it will in the recovery coming from the pandemic,” she elaborated.

At present, Torres said most of the sales are from drive-through and delivery which account for 70%.

“Generally, because of the pandemic, we have a strong

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6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 87 • FRIDAY, JUNE 25, 2021

I had a simple goal in life: to be true to my parents and our country as an honorable son, a caring brother, and a good citizen.”

BENIGNO AQUINO III 1960-2021

EDITORIAL Huge number of violators A total of 73,440 individuals have been arrested for violating various health protocols imposed to fight the pandemic in Davao City during the past more than one year.

The arrests, made from May 16, 2020 to June 19, 2021, were reported by retired police colonel, Angel Sumagaysay, chief of the City’s Public Safety and Security Command Center, during last Monday’s weekly department heads meeting at City Hall.

Sumagaysay said facemask violators topped the list with 26,176 arrests. This is followed by face shield violators with 17,425 arrests.

A close third is 17,274 violators of social distancing requirement.

Of these, a total of 7,380 persons have been charged for the violations.

Against this backdrop of tens of thousands of arrests is the current surge in Covid 19 infections in our city, according to the City Health

EDGEDAVAO

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Transmission in workplaces and community and household transmission have been behind the spike in numbers, according to the CHO. Mercifully, there has been a decline of infection in workplaces.

However, as of the other day, 60 percent of the cases reportedly come from community transmission, particularly households. It is also noted there is an alarming clustering of cases in government offices and private establishments.

Let’s not make the mistake of engaging in unproductive blame game.

What is clear is the dire need of intensifying the fight against the virus in all aspects. Intensify the basic health protocols, improve management and treatment of the infected and hurry up with the vaccination program. And it’s not bad at all to ask for Divine Providence.

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

MAYA M. PADILLO Senior Reporter

KENNETH IRVING K. ONG ATHENA JILLIAN BRAVO NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN MEGHANN STA. INES FERINA SANTOS Lifestyle

CHRISTIAN JAY H. RAFAL ANA MARIE G. SILPAO Layout

LEANDRO S. DAVAL JR. ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. Consultant Correspondent Columnists: MA. TERESA L. UNGSON • EDCER C. ESCUDERO • AURELIO A. PEÑA • ZHAUN ORTEGA • BERNADETTE “ADDIE” B. BORBON • MARY ANN C. QUISIDO • LEANDRO DAVAL SR.,TRIA • NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN NICASIO ANGELO AGUSTIN • EMILY Columnists: ANTONIO V.“ADI” FIGUEROA • HENRYLITO D. TACIO •B.JOHN CARLO • MUJAHID NAVARRA ••FRED C. LUMBA • DENNIS R. GORECHO ZEN CHUA • CARLOS MUNDA Economic Analyst: ENRICO •“GICO” G. S. DAYANGIRANG • JONALLIER GREGORIO G. DELIGERO VIDA MIA VALVERDE • HAROLD CAVITE M. PEREZ

OLIVIA D. VELASCO SOLANI D. MARATAS RICHARD C. EBONAJASPER OLIVIA D. VELASCO V. BACSAL General Manager PresidentAdvertising Specialist Finance General Manager / VP Operations JOCELYN S. PANES Director of Sales

Office currently headed by Dr. Ashley Lopez.

SOLANI D. MARATAS Finance

CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING OFFICE MANILA MARKETING OFFICE RICHARD C. EBONA LEIZEL A. DELOSO | Marketing Manager Unit 6, Southbank Plaza Velez-YacapinProduct Sts. Development officer Cagayan de Oro City Address: No. 18 Purok 4B, Madelo Street, Lower Bicutan, Taguig City Tel: (088) 852-4894 Mobile number: +63 947 265 2969(smart); +63 916 955 8559(globe)

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 87 • FRIDAY, JUNE 25, 2021

VANTAGE POINTS

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HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

FHI DONATES ONE MILLION BANGUS FRY AGAIN Despite the economic crunch brought about by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the Alsons Group of Companies is steadily helping Filipino fishers in providing reliable fry of bangus in areas where the national fish is being raised.

Early this month, the group – through its Finfish Hatcheries, Inc. (FHI) – donated one million fry of bangus to the National Mariculture Center (NMC) of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in Panabo City.

The donation was part of the group’s commitment

to help the country’s mariculture industry, according to Rene Bocaya, FHI National Sales Manager.

The donated bangus fry were stocked at NMC’s brackishwater pond located in barangay San Pedro.

“The stock will be reared for 20-30 days until they attain the size of one inch and will be dispersed to some brackishwater fishpond operators in support of Fisherfolks Marine Fish Cage Livelihood Project,” said Jericardo Mondragon, BFAR-NMC chief.

The recipients of the fingerlings are small fisherfolk in Davao del Norte.

“The possible grower beneficiaries are very excited to receive their bangus fingerlings for them to culture up to table sizes,” Bocaya said.

All beneficiaries are already engaged in bangus production. “They are excited because the fingerlings are the most important input in the aquaculture system,” Bocaya explained.

The aforementioned BFAR project is under the collaboration with Land Bank of the Philippines, First Trust Bank, and the local government unit of Panabo at Panabo Mariculture Park.

“The project will contribute to the food security program of the government and is expected to produce some 104 metric tons of fresh bangus,” Mondragon said.

Mondragon, together with Karen Candilosas, senior agriculturist and head of the technical services department, were very pleased with the donation.

“The BFAR-NMC is very grateful to Alsons Group/ Finfish Hatcheries Inc. for their continued support to the fishery industry and generously caring for our small fisherfolk,” Mondragon said in a letter sent to

FHI. Alex I. Alcantara, the FHI president, approved the donation.

This was the first time FHI has been doing this.

“We’ve donated many times already through BFAR,” Bocaya said.

According to Bocaya, FHI started working with BFAR on the fry dispersal program as early as 2008.

“This was after the very strong Typhoon Emong,” he recalled.

The reason why FHI works mostly with BFAR in terms of fry donation is that “BFAR could readily identify the beneficiaries.”

ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA FAST BACKWARD

DAVAO’S DIRECTORY, 1949 Beyond libraries and archives, histories are also appreciated in the pages of old issues of trade and commerce directories. Listings, such as Davao City’s 1949 guidebook, provides info and affords wider appreciation of the kind of establishments existing during that year.

For instance, Mercantile Corp. of Davao, first owned by an American, was not into Magnolia dairy products alone but also sold a variety of other articles, such as medicinal drugs and chemicals, cosmetics, toilet and laundry soaps, Philip Morris and Roy cigarettes, Monarch canned goods, Upson panels, paints, and household aids. Its address was at 625 Uyanguren Street.

Advertising itself as “the only Filipino grocery in Davao City” was The Raluma Grocery along San Pedro Street. For bicycle supply, the biggest was M.S. Mata at 237-249 Legaspi Street. A competitor was Maquiling Bicycle Store and Repair Shop at 280 Uyan-

guren Street.

For tailor-made suits, there was The Bronx Fashion, at 256 Anda Street, while the women had their counterpart sewer in Patricia’s Dress Shop at 273 Claveria Street and Rebecca’s Ladies Fashion Shop at Jacinto Street. There was also Raymundo’s Fashion Park, S.B. Flores Fashion, and Supreme Tailoring at San Pedro Street, with a complete line of men’s wear, and Ladies and Gentlemen’s Tailoring Shop at corner Claveria and Rizal Streets and Society Model at Legaspi Street.

Two of the famous drugstores then were The Zion Drug Company and the Metro Drug Corp.

The most popular watch store was Clair’s, authorized distributor of American-made watches like Bulova, Waltham, Gruen, and Elgin. It also supplied Swissbrand watches like Avia, Nectar, Censor, Dalila, Vulcain, Studio, Tourist, Bancor, Tugaris, Desco, Grema, Fricha, and Morly.

D’ Mour Studios, Inc., at 512 Claveria Street, advertised itself as having “the newest and latest equipment and apparatus” for taking pictures by appointment. It was owned by Tom Morales, a graduate of the New York Institute of Photography, USA. Alemar’s exclusive dealer in Davao for library and supplementary school texts was The Fair, at 417 Claveria Street. It also sold Motorola radios, Burgess batteries, Neptune outboard motors, and Royal sound masters as representative of Radiowealth, Inc. A.M. Magno Educational Supply at 269 San Pedro Street was dealer for the nation’s leading papers, magazines, and weeklies.

For dancing lessons, the most popular was The Navarro Dancing School at 550 Claveria Street and Igbuhay & Soco at 238 Legaspi Street.

For music and piano tuning, there was Modern Music and Davao Piano Rebuilding Shop at 542 San Pedro

Street.

Transport during this period was available through Pax Transit Company, based in Toril, and The Southern Bus Lines, which offered “cushions seats and efficient service,” with its terminal at Hospital Avenue. Car dealers included Davao Motor Sales (dealer of Ford) at Bankerohan and Southern Motors, Inc. (dealer of Chevrolet, Pontiac, Buick, Cadillac, and GMC) at Santa Ana. In accommodation, there was Traveler’s Inn which served “Filipino and American dishes.” Its address was at 515 Claveria Street. For printing needs, there was Davao Press and Photo Engraving Company, Inc. along Anda Street.

For night-owls, there was Waling-waling Cabaret at Agdao (Santa Ana area), which described itself as “the only night spot in town where you have the best music.”

Other establishments that offered specialized merchandises were Filipi-

no Gun Store (firearms) at Santa Ana, Aledia Associated Service Station (fuel and gas) near Jones Monument or Acacia, Ambassador Dry Cleaning and Laundry at 564 San Pedro Street, and two Indian-owned establishments, the Filidian Bazar and Idan Bazar, both along San Pedro Street.

An interesting detail in the directory is about The Consulate of the Republic of China (Taiwan) which was originally housed across the Apo View Hotel, at what was called Legaspi Extension. It later moved to Lapu-lapu Street, fronting the Santa Ana Church.

Of course, dozens of branches of Manila-based companies were already opened in the city’s central business district at this time.

Professional offices and agencies dealing in insurance, import and export, refrigeration, machining, and a host of other engagements were dotting the major thoroughfares in the city’s primary business district.

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VOL.14 ISSUE 87 • FRIDAY, JUNE 25, 2021

AEON TOWERS

OFFERS LONG-TERM LEASE

The 33-level Aeon Towers (left). Single bedroom condo unity (right).

E

xciting things don’t stop at Aeon Towers.

Living up to its promise, Aeon Towers has extended its Aeon Retal Management Program into long-term lease.

This is aside from the overnight staycations at Aeon Towers. The expanded Aeon Rental Management Program now offers weekly and monthly stay for long-staying guests.

Under this program. home seekers who are only in Davao City for work, business or leisure can enjoy the upscale living experience at the iconic 33-level skyscraper Aeon Towers which is strategically located at the metro’s central business

district—J.P. Larel Avenue, Bajada, Davao City.

Weekly stay in either studio unit is at its promo rate at Php2,999nett/night while the 1-bedroom unit is at Php3,499nett/ night good for two persons. This will give guests access to Club Aeon for two (2), Free Filipino breakfast for two (2), Wi-fi connectivity, use of fitness gym and pool at 6th floor and one-time complimentary minibar consumption.

For a monthly stay in a fully furnished condo unit, proces range from Php50,000nett/month (Studio) Php60,000nett/month (Studio Executive) and Php60,000nett/ month (1-bedroom). It comes with the same perks as weekly long staying guests excluding breakfast.

Lease is at minimum of 6 months stay.

Residing at Aeon Towers not only gives one the chance to experience luxury living but it also gives you easy access to restaurants, banks, malls, business establishments, hospitals, schools, and houses of worship. You also get to enjoy scenic views of the cityscape without having to worry of your safety as the building has a central command center for security, RFID card operated parking barriers and 24/7 surveillance.

Aeon Towers also ensures the safety of their guests by observing Covid-19 health protocols in the vicinity and sanitation in common areas.

For inquiries visit Aeon Rental Management Program FB page www.fb.com/AeonRentalMgtProgram or call 0968-575-8518 | 0926-685-8413.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 87 • FRIDAY, JUNE 25, 2021

GAME CHANGER

9

BENJAMIN R. LAO: PORTRAIT OF A SUCCESSFUL COCONUT FARMER Text and photos by HENRYLITO D. TACIO

W

hen Benjamin R. Lao inherited the 5-hectare farm land in barangay Eman in Bansalan, Davao del Sur, from his parents in 1998, there were already coconut trees growing. Every three months, he harvested from as low as 400 to as high as 600 nuts. Since commercial fertilizers were very expensive, he planted different nitrogen fixing species like Flemingia macrophylla, Desmodium rensonii and Indigofera anil in various parts of the farm.

The leaves from these leguminous shrubs that fell below the ground became instant organic fertilizer for the coconut trees. Several months later, the coconut yields markedly increased to 15,000 nuts per quarter.

“Some of my neighbors told me it was a miracle,” Lao says.

Although the money he made from copra was good, he wanted to earn more.

After attending a seminar conducted by Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), he thought of producing coconut sugar from the coconut sap or toddy.

Lao learned from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) that coconut toddy contains 12%-18% sugar in its natural form with important vitamins and amino acids. It is also rich in nutrients and high in potassium. Phosphorus, magnesium, sulfur, calcium and vitamin C. The flowers of the coconut tree provide the sap that is made into sugar. In his research, Lao found out that a coconut tree in good stand

can yield an average of two liters of sap daily. At least four coconut trees are needed to produce one kilograms of sugar per day.

“The production of coconut sugar is very simple,” he says. “It is just a natural process of heat evaporation to convert liquid sap to solid form of sugar granules.

It requires no complicated and high-cost machineries or equipment nor a huge capital.”

What one thing about coconut sugar is that is all natural. That is why it is recommended to people with diabetes, a disease that afflicts more than 5 million Filipinos. “Coconut sugar has low glycemic index, a measure of blood sugar, thus good for diabetics and those having prostate problems,” Lao says. “It has also glutamic acid, the same ingredient that can be found in Viagra.”

In the beginning, he only sells the locally-produced coconut product inside his farm. Believing there was an untapped market for such product, he hired people

and started producing other alternative sweeteners like coco honey and coco sap drink that are used for desserts and other delicacies.

Lao later registered these products with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) under the moniker Donnabelle – a combination of the names of his two daughters. He started distributing his products in some outlets in nearby areas and the cities of Davao, Digos, General Santos and Butuan. Outside of Mindanao, his coconut sugar is being sold in Cebu and Metro Manila.

Due to the increasing demand for his products, he decided to incorporate Lao Integrated Farms Inc. in 2009. Since then, he has been exporting his products to the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and other countries. “My coconut sugar is guaranteed 100-percent free from chemicals,” he assures.

But it’s not only coconut sugar that is very popular abroad. Teriyaki all-dip sauce, another coconut-based product, is also a hit among foreign consumers. People who buy his products are assured that they are fit for human consumption as his farm has earned various local and international organic and safety certifications.

Today, 80% of his coconut products are exported.

He credited this achievement to continued research.

Despite the success and awards he received, he never stopped doing studies on how to improve the quality of his products.

In fact, he was named

by DOST as a magsasaka-siyentista. “As a farmer-scientist,” he says, “I was able to focus on researching about coconut sap products. It took us eight months to study on how to make export-quality coconut syrup.”

Lao has gone a long, long way. The son of a farmer, he used to walk two kilometers to get to his school during his basic education.

When he was attending high school, he went to the town proper and helped the poultry business of his aunt.

He went to Davao City and attended the erstwhile International Harvardian University where he got his Political Science degree. He later became a town councilor and then vice mayor of his hometown in Bansalan.

He was working in Davao City as director of the Bureau of Immigration and Deportation but fate intervened. His mother called him to divide equally the 40 hectares of their land among the eight siblings as inheritance. “I am the fifth child but I was unanimously chosen to assign which portion of land should be given to each sibling,” he recalls.

For some unknown reason, Lao selected the land that was so infertile that only cogon grass would thrive on it. His brothers and sisters never bothered to ask him his reasons; they were happy to get their own shares.

“My parents wanted me to be a lawyer,” he admits.

“But I wanted to toil the land to produce food to feed my family and earn sustainable income.” In another interview, he says, “Farming is really my first love.”

Lao is not only a coconut

farmer; he is also an organic farmer. In his farm, you won’t see his farm workers using chemical pesticides. “I had a tragic experience with chemical pesticides when I was still a teenager while cultivating rice in our farm located at the neighboring barangay,” he reveals.

Instead, he recommends using Eman, an acronym for “epitibo, mura at natural” (effective, cheap, and natural). “This is a concoction composed of fresh goats’ manure, kakawate, makabuhay, and hot pepper,” he says.

“These are soaked together for 48 hours and after that the concoction is ready for use.”

According to Lao, Eman is effective in repelling plant pests and diseases. “We are committed to help preserve our environment,” he points out. “We want to teach Filipino farmers through natural method and that is by not using commercial fertilizers or pesticides.”

To people who have been to his farm, they have described it as a haven. You don’t see only livestock and crops but ornamentals as well. “It’s nice to see beautiful flowers underneath the trees,” Lao says. “In addition, the flowers serve as breeding areas for beneficial insects like spiders and dragonflies.”

He believes in adding value to a product. “Value adding is an important component in a farming system,” he explains. “For instance, if you have goats, you must know how to produce fresh milk and having other saleable products from the animals. In the case of coconut, don’t think only of copra because it is cheaper; you can always have another product to sell.”

Aside from his coco-based major products, he also has ice cream using goat’s milk with flavors such as malunggay, turmeric, du-

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public officials and restored our confidence that we could be honest and forthright in governance. As we bid him our sorrowful salute, we in the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Cotabato renew our commitment to be guided by his living vision of exemplary leadership,” Mendoza said.

Meanwhile, Malacañang on Thursday paid tribute to the former president.

Spokesperson Harry Roque was reported disclosing that Malacañang commiserate and condole with the family and loved ones of Aquino and extended condolences

on his untimely demise.

Roque also hailed Aquino for his contributions and services to the country.

He also asked the entire nation to offer a prayer for the eternal repose of the former chief executive.

Aquino was reported died at the Capitol Medical Center in Quezon City on Thursday.

Aquino, who is also known as PNoy, is the country’s 15th president from 2010 to 2016. He served as a senator from 2007 to 2010 and as a representative of Tarlac 2nd District from 1998 to 2007.

Meanwhile, LtCol Jose C Regonay Jr., commander of the 72IB, thanked the former NPA rebel for returning to the folds of the law and trusting the government in his desire to start anew.

Regonay also called on the remaining members of terrorist

groups operating in North Cotabato and Bukidnon to peacefully surrender and embrace the government’s peace initiative under Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC) program and start living a more meaningful life together with their families and

na kung puwede mag face-to-face due to a lot of reasons including naa’y kalisdanan sa ilaha ug pagfacilitae sa pagtudlo ug kasabot mi ana kay they are not actually teachers and they are not trained for that.

Lisod pud mag-facilitate ug tudlo when you don’t have really the knowledge and capability to do that ug ang ilahang trabaho affected because they would have to spend time with their children,” Atillo said.

He also said that majority of the teachers want to go back to faceto-face classes because their tasks doubled in the

blended learning scheme.

“Majority sa atong mga teachers would like to go back to the traditional normal face-to-face kay honestly speaking, mas nadoble ang mga trabaho karon sa mga magtutudlo, mas lisod pa sa ilaha kining blended learning and mas dali para sa ilaha na makaremediate sa atoang mga bata. Now they are being separated with the distance due to the modules and online scheme there is huge difficulty on that part, but we are moving heaven and earth just to respond to that appropriately,” Atillo said.

The salient points of the guidelines include limiting the movement of all persons to accessing goods and establishments and for work in such establishments (Sec. 3, IATF Omnibus Guidelines dated May 20, 2021).

It also states that any person below 18 years old and over 65 years of age and persons with comorbidities, pregnant women shall be required to stay at home, except for obtaining essential goods and services (Sec. 3, IATF

Omnibus Guidelines dated May 20, 2021).

“Ang DCPO nagpabilin nga nagpatuman sa mga Executive Orders mahitungod sa minimum health protocols ug nagacomply mi kung unsa ang ginamando sa amoang higher ups,” Aguilar said during the AFPPNP Medica Press Corps virtual media briefing on Wednesday.

The MECQ status of Davao City was extended until June 30, 2021.By Maya M. Padillo

zation, modernization In 2016, the DA also embarked on a massive program to mechanize and modernize the Filipino agriculture sector.

“We have pursued this objective aggressively over the past five years -- and we have done so without watering down our emphasis on job creation and human resources,” Dar said.

As of May this year, the DA shared it already distributed more than 10,000 units of modern farm equipment and machinery for the benefit of nearly 3,400 farmers’

cooperatives and associations (FCAs).

At least 82,000 farmers, seed growers, and extension workers were also trained in the use of these machineries, in conjunction with yield-enhancing technologies for rice production.

“The road to progress will not be without pitfalls and hazards. It will demand discipline, hard work, and sustained unity and cooperation. It will require a renewed sense of responsibility from every man and woman in this agency,” the secretary said. (PNA)

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variants which have been detected, these are from lineagesofnon-cernvariants as per the guidelines of the Department of Health (DOH) and the World Health Organization (WHO).

In the DOH data, the variants of concern are the United Kingdom or Alpha variant (B.1.1.7), South Africa or Beta variant (B.1.351), Brazilian or Gamma variant (PI), and India or Delta variant (B.1.617.2) while the variant of interest is Theta

P.3.

were released by American pilots during the Liberation Period in 1945 in Davao City but many of them failed to explode.

People who discovered them did not report to the authorities and instead sawed them off to retrieve the gunpowder they intended to use in dynamite fishing. This led to accidental explosion.

One of these accidents

happened in Kilometer 11 Barangay Sasa in 1980s.

A total of 26 persons died when a vintage bomb being sawed exploded as a result.

The explosion was so strong about a dozen houses surrounding the spot were blown off.

Aside from killing and maiming many people, the explosion also caused a small fire in the slum area.

PARKING for four-wheeled vehicles.

Abude also cited the need to speed up the road construction at the San Pedro Street and the crooked road.

He said these roads need blinkers to warn motorists of possible danger especially at night and during heavy rains.

Abude told the Davao City Disaster Radio that the Department of Public Works and Highways is responsible on when the project must be finished.

He said the CTTMO only ensures that the traffic flow is hasten on these areas especially during peak hours. (PIA XI-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)

his contributions and services to the country,” he said. “Rest in peace, Mr. President.”

Roque also asked the entire nation to offer a prayer for the eternal repose of the former chief executive.

Aquino, also known as PNoy, died at the Capitol Medical Center in Quezon City on Thursday morning, according to reports.

The Aquino family has yet to make an official announcement regarding his passing.

Aquino is the country’s 15th president from 2010 to 2016.

Prior to assuming the presidency, Aquino served as a senator from 2007 to 2010 and as a representative of Tarlac 2nd District from 1998 to 2007.

Current and former government officials also mourned the death of the former president.

In a statement, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said his agency joins the country in grieving and mourning Aquino’s demise.

“Serving as our country’s leader from 2010-2016, President Aquino advocated the strengthening of our defense and security capabilities to support national development,” Lorenzana said.

During Aquino’s term, Republic Act No. 10349 was enacted to revitalize the Armed Forces of the

Philippines Modernization Program.

“As Commander-inChief, he recognized the importance of equipping our military to better respond to the evolving domestic and regional security challenges,” Lorenzana said.

He added the DND is extending their deepest sympathies to the Aquino clan during this difficult time.

Meanwhile, former vice president Jejomar Binay also extended his condolences to the Aquino family.

“Noynoy and I may have had political differences but that will not diminish the many years of friendship between our families.

My deepest condolences to the family. Godspeed, Pareng Noy,” he said in a statement.

Binay was among the staunch supporters of the late former president Corazon Aquino, Noynoy’s mother.

It was under the Aquino administration when the Philippines challenged China’s sweeping claims over almost the entire South China Sea (SCS) before the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague, Netherlands.

On July 12, 2016, PCA ruled in favor of the Philippines after it invalidated China’s claims over SCS. (with Priam Nepomuceno and Lloyd Caliwan/PNA)

The DOH confirmed that all of which are not present in the province of Davao Oriental.

However, Dr. Bersaldo emphasized that the absence of any variant of concern should not turn people to be complacent.

Instead, the official reiterated the importance of consistently adhering to the minimum public health standards so as to avoid infection. (PIA XI/Frances Mae Macapagat)

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rian and sour soap. He also incorporates his coconut sugar into a tea: mangosteen tea, malunggay tea, turmeric tea, and lemon grass tea.

His success gone unnoticed. In fact, he received several recognition from different award-giving bodies: Most Outstanding Coconut Farmer from the Department of Agriculture in 2008, Productivity Olympics National Winner in 2009 from the Department of Labor and Employment, Micro Entrepreneur of the Year Presidential Award in 2009, Business Excellence Award from the Bank of the Philippines in 2010, and Organic Farmer of the Year in 2011 from the Department of Agriculture.

Despite all these awards, Lao remains humble. “Even if I now have a higher income,” he says, “I still need to feel the ground beneath my feet. For me, success is mea-

sured by how many people you can help.”

In fact, he has employed some 67 regular employees in his farm who are paid higher than other agricultural workers in Davao region. Some of the children of these employees are “scholars of the farm,” who receive 100% tuition subsidy and allowance.

As his farm is located in areas where indigenous peoples abound, he is trying to educate them how to make money and change their communities. As a matter of fact, he once hosted a seminar for the Bagobos and helped them raise their own capital.

Lao is a farmer with an entrepreneur mind. “Have a businessman mindset and always think of the future,” he advises. “Don’t be contented with small things.

Even if you’re from a small village, you can always have big dreams.”

age-point reduction in the regular corporate income tax rate.

Meanwhile, the Financial Institutions Strategic Transfer or FIST Act will allow financial institutions to dispose of non-performing loans and assets to address liquidity concerns of firms.

Apart from implementing the recovery package, the two other pillars to enable the country’s recovery are the safe reopening of the economy to modified community quarantine or MGCQ, or better, at the appropriate time; and the timely implementation of the vaccination program.

“The data shows that employment responds very well to the level of quarantine. When we further reopened the economy, unemployment in the National Capital Region (NCR) went down. But when we reverted back to the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ), it went back up. So, we have seen that the people will find employment if we allow them to do so,” Chua said.

He said vaccination of

the A4 priority group of workers is moving quickly and will continue to ramp up once an additional 17 million doses arrive in the next six weeks. This must be sustained to instill confidence among workers and consumers and safely reopen the economy.

“Hopefully, we can vaccinate as many workers as we can in the next few months. If workers are vaccinated, then they bring home much less risk to their family members. I have been a strong advocate of not only LGU but business or organization-based vaccination centers,” Chua added.

In addition, the NEDA chief presented updates on the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) or National ID program. As of June 10, 2021, over 36 million Filipinos have completed the initial step to register.

In response to a question from the audience, Chua said the Philippine Statistics Authority may assist employers by hosting PhilSys registrations in their respective offices. (PR)

takeout sales -- delivery, drive-through, takeout combined,” she explained.

The BTS Meal launched last week with aplomb.

Filipino ARMYs made the

hashtag #BTSMeal trend on Twitter one day of its launch with over 24,300 tweets about the meal and what they had seen so far all over the country.

able through the declaration of a state of calamity; or declaration of a state of public health emergency.

In case of the current Covid-19 pandemic or any other public health emergency, the imposition of an ECQ or its equivalent in the National Capital Region (NCR) or in any other highly urbanized area in the country will trigger the disbursement of the loan.

Dominguez wrote JICA Philippines Chief Representative Eigo Azukizawa last May 11 to request for the disbursement of the 20-billion yen fund.

The declarations of

ECQ and MECQ in NCR and the provinces of Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna and Rizal, collectively known as the “NCR Plus Bubble”, served as the triggers for disbursements under PDSL-2, Dominguez said.

“We hope to utilize the amount to be disbursed under PDSL-2 to support a portion of the total requirement for the implementation of the SAP (social amelioration program) and other mechanisms necessary to properly implement Covid-19 response and recovery interventions in the country,” Dominguez said in his letter.

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SPORTS 11

Yuka Saso of the Philippines will vie for the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship.

Yuka Saso swing ‘as pure as it gets’ Gilas held to draw

by China in friendly

G

ilas Pilipinas failed to close out a tune-up game on Wednesday night as China came back within the last minute of the match to force a 79-all draw at the Angeles University Foundation Sports and Cultural Center.

Gilas had control for the most part of the game and held a seven-point cushion, 78-71, with 1:07 left in the tune-up.

However, China rallied with back-to-back baskets to cut the lead down to three, 78-75.

Jordan Heading gave Gilas some breathing room after a split from the freethrow line to up the lead back to four, 79-75.

China slightly capitalized on SJ Belangel’s fifth

foul as it also scored a split from the line, and had a chance for redemption after Gilas turned the ball over in the next play.

Gilas tried to play some mind games as Geo Chiu gave up a foul with 1.2 seconds left that would force China to go for the intentional second free throw miss.

Luckily for China, the team really scored on a tipin off the intentional miss just before the final buzzer sounded.

Both teams agreed not to play an overtime session.

Kai Sotto led Gilas with 13 points, 11 in the first half, while Heading and Ange Kouame each added 12.

Both teams are preparing for the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments

J

OHNS CREEK, Georgia — Yuka Saso has come a long way in a short time. One week after winning the U.S. Women’s Open, she turned 20. Now it’s time for another major test in the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, and there is still so much to learn.

For starters, winning the Women’s Open gave her a five-year membership on the LPGA Tour, a great surprise to her.

And then there’s this matter of a pro-am. Saso had never played in one.

It was only one year ago this week the Filipino made her debut as a Japan LPGA Tour member. Saso tied for fifth, won her next two events and is No. 4 on the money list. Because of COVID-19 restrictions, however, there were no fans and no pro-ams in Japan.

She played her first one at Atlanta Athletic Club, and

Saso said later she could only hope she had the score right.

The format was a scramble.

For now, the expectations of the newest star in women’s golf haven’t changed.

“I don’t really expect anything,” Saso said. “I’m just more focusing on what I have to do with my game. I’m trying to improve every day to be a better golfer, to be a better person. I’ll just do my best, and let’s see the result.”

Her game figures to be tested plenty at Atlanta Athletic Club in the third LPGA major of the year. The Highlands course is where David Toms laid up on the closing

ka of Japan in a playoff.

Just like that, Saso is the No. 9 player in the world, leads the LPGA Tour money list with her $1 million prize from the Women’s Open and is headed to the Olympics.

She still hasn’t watched highlights of her victory. Saso doesn’t like watching video of herself.

“I’d rather watch Rory’s,” she said with a laugh.

That would be Rory McIlroy, her golfing idol after whom she tried to pattern her swing. Saso was a surprise visitor to Torrey Pines last week at the U.S. Open, where the USGA arranged for her to walk a few holes with McIlroy during a practice round.

Sophia Popov, another surprise major champion at Royal Troon last year in the Women’s British Open, recalls seeing Saso on television earlier this year in Hawaii. The swing got her attention (“As pure as it gets,” she said) along with the result (tie for sixth) and her charm.

& get NBA League Pass at a special price! Try now > Giannis Antetokounmpo had 34 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists for the Bucks. Jrue Holiday added 33 points and 10 assists.

Young was two points off his career high.

Khris Middleton missed a potential tying 3-pointer in the closing seconds. Although Middleton scored 15 points, he shot 6 of 23 and missed all nine of his 3-point attempts.

Antetokounmpo scored the first six points in a 9-0 run that turned a 98-96

deficit into a 105-98 advantage with 4:18 left. Holiday capped that spurt by sinking a 3-pointer after Antetokounmpo got the rebound on his own missed free throw.

But the Hawks scored the next five points, and the game went back and forth from there.

Middleton missed a pull-up jumper with about 43 seconds left with Milwaukee up 111-110. Young missed a driving layup attempt, but Capela grabbed his 19th rebound and scored to put the Hawks ahead for good.

Young scores 48 as Hawks down Bucks in Game One

M Trae Young scored 48 points for the Hawks.

hole and made par to beat Phil Mickelson in the PGA Championship in 2001, and Keegan Bradley overcame a three-shot deficit down the stretch and beat Jason Dufner in a playoff 10 years later.

It’s keeping with a Women’s PGA that has taken a big step in stature by raising the prize money ($4.5 million) and going to historic golf courses, such as Hazeltine and Olympia Fields. Still to come is Congressional next year and Baltusrol the year after that.

South Korea has the top three players in the women’s world ranking, though parity is getting stronger on the LPGA as evidenced by the list of winners. Thirteen players won the the first 13 events on the schedule this year until Nelly Korda last week became the first multiple winner.

Saso added to that three weeks ago at Olympic Club in San Francisco, seizing on a late collapse by Lexi Thompson and beating Nasa Hatao-

ILWAUKEE — Trae Young scored 48 points, Clint Capela converted a go-ahead putback with 29.8 seconds left and the Atlanta Hawks beat the Milwaukee Bucks, 116113, on Wednesday night (Thursday, Manila time) to open the Eastern Conference finals.

The Hawks improved to 6-2 in road playoff games this year and handed the Bucks their first home loss of the postseason.

Game Two is on Friday night in Milwaukee.

Enjoy the Playoffs with superstar-level streaming

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BTS VERSION

Gilas Pilipinas names 12-man roster for Olympic qualifiers

G

ilas Pilipinas has released the names of the 12 players who will be flying to Belgrade, Serbia for the coming Olympic Qualifying Tournament.

They are Kai Sotto, Isaac Go, Jordan Heading, Geo Chu, Dwight Ramos, Mike Nieto, SJ Belangel, William Navarro, Justine Baltazar, RJ Abarrientos, Carl Tamayo, and naturalized player Ange Kouam.

The team is due to fly to Belgrade on Thursday for the competition, which will be taking place from June 29 to July 4.

Gilas will take on Serbia on July 1, then battle Dominican Republic the next day.

Cut from the pool for this particular tournament are Lebron Lopez, Jaydee Tungcab and Javi Gomez de Liano.