Edge Davao Vol. 16 Issue 51 | Thursday, June 15, 2023

GOAL SETTING

CTOO targets 3M visitors by 2026

By MAYA M. PADILLO

The City Tourism Operations Office (CTOO) is solidifying its goal to make Davao City as the premier MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, exhibitions) destination in Mindanao by setting a target of 3 million visitors by 2026.

CTOO officer-in-charge Jennifer Romero said on Tuesday that CTOO has updated its vision as part of its mandate of making Davao City a premier socio-economic and tourism center in Mindanao and the Asia Pacific.

“We updated our vision, ang vision nato is to become a premier MICE destination in Mindanao and somehow to attain 3 million

visitors by 2026,” said Romero over Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR) on Tuesday.

To achieve this, Romero said there is a need to strengthen the study and the collection of MICE bookings in the city.

“Para ma-analyze ug tarong on how many conventions we get monthly. So that we can see na ang atoang efforts really attract MICE

Davao City Youth Dev’t Office feted for outstanding assistance to SK

The Davao City Youth Development Office, under the City Social Welfare and Development Office, was named one of the 25 Outstanding Youth Development Offices during the 4th Philippine Sangguniang Kabataan Awards held June 12, 2023 at the Iloilo Convention Center, Iloilo City Philippines.

that we are included.

bookings is effective,” she said.

With this, Romero said the thrust now of CTOO is to improve the collection of the figures (tourist arrivals) through digitalization or other platforms.

“For us to get a proper understanding on how we can be able to formulate plans and programs we need to really into the figures. Ang mandate sa city mayor karon is into digitalization, so we will be riding on that platform for us in the tourism how we will look into that aspect on how we can be able to collect tourism data kay right now naa naman ta’y collec-

FPRRD warns implication of US access

to PH military bases

Former President Rodrigo Duterte has warned that the Philippines could become a “battleground” if the brewing tension between the United States and China progresses to war.

This after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. allowed the US access to military bases in the country under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement

(EDCA), Duterte noted.

During his program “Gikan sa Masa, Para sa Masa” streamed live over SMNI News on Monday, Duterte claimed that the US wants to establish a military presence in the Philippines with “an intention to make the country a buffer zone” to thwart Chinese forces or prevent them from advancing into the Pacific.

The former President, a known critic of Washington who pivoted to China during his term from 2016 to 2022, warned that the Philippines “would be caught in a crossfire if China would attack US military installations in the country,” once war breaks out between the two military superpowers.

The Positive Youth Development Network, Galing Pook and GoodGovPH, the groups behind the 4th Sangguniang Kabataan Awards, gave the city the award for Outstanding Youth Development Office “in recognition of the commendable efforts and exemplary leadership of the Local Youth Development Office in delivering impactful results, inspiring positive change, and advancing the voice and interests of the youth”.

The awarding body cited that the outstanding commitment of the Davao City LYDO to participative youth governance and meaningful youth participation significantly contributed to the shared vision of a better Philippines for all.

CSWDO Officer-In-Charge Julie P. Dayaday said that their office is overjoyed upon receiving the award because the Local Youth Development Office (LYDO) was only established in the year 2021.

“Actually si Davao City naka-start ta ani, 2021 pa the rest of the LGUs nakahimo na sila og LYDO nila. Nagpasalamat ta kay naka-apil actually when we submitted our entry kay alanganin mi kay bag-o gud but still we submitted our entry sa Sangguniang Kabataan na group para i-review nila kung naa bata sa standard ang LYDO (Actually Davao City we started this only on 2021 and the rest of the LGUs already created their LYDO. We are very thankful

Actually when we submitted, we are quite hesitant because we are still new, but despite that, we submitted our entry to the Sangguniang Kabataan group for them to review if we are up to the standard as an LYDO,” Dayaday said, adding that the assessment is centered on the functionality and provision of technical assistance to the SK of Davao City.

She said that this year is the first time that PSK recognized outstanding LYDOs. Along with Davao City, the LYDOs of Agoo, La Union; Angeles Pampanga; Province of Antique; Dumaguete City, Cebu; Gamay, Northern Samar; Ilocos Norte; Laoag, Northern Samar; Nabua, Camarines Sur; Cagayan De Oro City; Puerto Princesa City, Palawan; Sto. Tomas, Batangas; Province of Sulu; Taytay, Rizal; Valencia City Bukidnon; Lucena City; City of Malolos; Muntinlupa City; Banaybanay, Davao Oriental; Binan City, Laguna; Carmona, Cavite; San Fernando City, La Union; and Sipalay City, Negros Occidental also received the said award.

Dayaday said the main function of the LYDO under the Child and Youth Welfare Division (CYWD) is to help the SK in their projects and programs.

“Kini siya mao ang mo-monitor muhatag ug technical assistance para sa atoang Sangguniang Kabataan para to ensure na plastada sila aron ang ilang mga programs and services sa atoang youth haom ug responsive (This [office] monitors and provides technical assistance to our Sangguniang Kabataan to ensure that they have right placement of their programs and services and that these are fit and responsive),” Dayaday said.

The aircraft carrying President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for an event in South Cotabato returns to Villamor Air Base in Pasay City after experiencing technical issues on Wednesday, according to Presidential Communications Secretary Cheloy Garafil. The chief executive used a different aircraft after the incident. PNA-Malacañang

FGOAL, P10

FDAVAO, P10

Sore eyes’ cases in Davao Region schools on the rise

By MAYA M. PADILLO

Conserve forest habitat to preserve PH Eagle

To ensure the conservation of future generations of Philippine eagles and their territories, and allow new generations to thrive and co-exist with other threatened wildlife, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), through its Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB), calls on all Filipinos to help protect forest habitat.

In a press release issued on Tuesday, DENR Assistant Secretary and concurrent BMB Director Marcial Amaro Jr. said that as the country celebrates the 25th Philippine Eagle Week (PEW) from June 4 to 10, the department looks back at its achievements in conserving the iconic and critically endangered Philippine eagle for a quarter of a century now.

Amaro said that by conserving national patrimony, the DENRBMB improved and harmonized conservation efforts and has put forward strategies to curb the direct and indirect threats to Philippine eagle populations.

He said relevant conservation actions include habitat restoration, law enforcement, manage-

ment of captive and wild populations, research, and conservation education.

“The habitats conserved locally and protected by communities significantly contribute to environmental stability and security of human well-being, in the looming threats of climate change,” Amaro said.

However, Amaro said more work needs to be done to ensure the survival and viability of the prized raptor which is considered a “national treasure.”

He said the Philippine eagle, whose scientific name is Pithecophaga Jefferyi, is continually being threatened by hunting and loss of habitat.

In line with the celebration, several activities were held that include an art exhibit showcasing artworks depicting the Philippine eagle by Filipino artists, among others.

Amaro said the artists themselves even paid a registration fee that will be donated for the installation of a water system to a community that helps protect a PhilipFCONSERVE, P10

An official of the regional Department of Education (DepEd 11) office reported on Wednesday that there are 52 students and one teaching staff in the Davao Region fell ill with sore eyes or conjunctivitis.

DepEd 11 spokesman Jenielito Atillo confirmed that these 53 cases of sore eyes are among the major concerns faced by the department.

“Mao ni karon ang major concern sa Department of Education, we have 52 cases of sore eyes affecting our learners and one teaching personnel in the whole

region naay sore eyes sa pagka karon,” he said during the AFP PNP Press Corps media forum on Wednesday at the Royal Mandaya Hotel. He said these students were immediately attended by the medical personnel on the ground and were advised not to attend their classes to prevent other stu-

dents from getting infected.

“There is medical personnel on the ground specifically the learners we immediately separate them they must not go to the schools because we knew for a fact nga ingon ani nga problema is highly contagious. Immediately we helped them on the alternative learning mode, modules o online sa sila and they must not with the group because they might affect the others,” he said.

In April this year, the Department of Health (DOH) warned the public to be careful with sore

DOST-Davao to develop packaging system for vegetables, fruits at DFTC

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST)Davao said on Wednesday that DOST-Davao will develop a packaging system for the vegetables and fruits at the Davao Food Terminal Complex (DFTC) in Barangay Daliao, Toril in Davao City.

In partnership with the City Agriculturist’s Office (CAgrO), DOST-Davao will develop a packaging system for proper handling

and longer shelf life of high-value vegetables and fruits.

“Ang gagawin na project ng DOST doon ay para siyang packaging development para yung mga gulay lalong lalo na yung high value vegetables and fruits magagawan ng proper packaging para ma-lessen yung losses. Significant ang losses ng fruits and vegetables kapag hindi properly packaged and stored. Ang intervention is we

are trying to develop packaging systems para maging efficient ang handling ng fruits and vegetables and also hahaba ang shelf life ng vegetables,” Arnel M. Rodriguez, city director of DOST-Davao, said during Wednesdays media forum at Habi at Kape at Abreeza Mall.

Rodriguez is hoping that by next year, properly packaged fruits FDOST-DAVAO, P10

Department of Education 11 (DepEd 11) spokesman Jenielito Atillo confirms during this week’s AFP-PNP Press Corps at The Royal Mandaya Hotel that 52 students and one teaching staff in the Davao Region got sick with sore eyes or conjunctivitis, which is currently among the major concerns faced by the agency. Lean Daval Jr.

FSORE, P10

P5.5-M facility to boost swine production in Davao Oriental

Theswine industry in Davao Oriental is seen to improve after the Department of Agriculture (DA) 11 (Davao Region) turned over PHP5.5 million worth of brand-new bio-secure and climate-controlled finisher operation facility over the weekend.

In a Facebook post Tuesday, Vice Governor Niño Sotero Uy said the aid was handed over to the Davao Oriental Market Multi-Purpose Cooperative (DOMMUPCO) to boost swine production, ensuring that pork products are readily available and affordable in the province.

The facility, turned over on Saturday, forms part of the implementation of the Integrated National Swine Production Initiatives for Recovery and Expan-

sion (INSPIRE) to assist in the repopulation and restocking of swine.

The initiative also aims to address the significant losses suffered by pig farms, the reduced supply of pork, and the resulting increase in pork meat prices due to the African swine fever (ASF) outbreak.

Uy said the facility would help accelerate the recovery of the swine industry in the province.

“This is very significant, not only to the beneficiaries but also to the community,” he said.

Uy noted how the facility’s proper housing for a good supply of pork can help the farmers become self-reliant, respond to food crises, and reduce pork prices in the market, ultimately benefiting all consumers.

The swine facility, which can hold a total of 240 heads at maximum capacity, is the first project completed in the province and the region.

DA-11 data showed that Davao Oriental has approved 11 similar projects for the INSPIRE program, including DOMMUPCO, with a total budget allocation of PHP64 million.

PT&T inks partnership with Aussie firm to sell Starlink to customers

Philippine Telegraph and Telephone Corp said on Wednesday it signed a partnership deal with Australian technology firm NetLinkz to bring SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet services to customers across the Philippines.

NetLinkz has a partnership with Starlink to bring the satellite technology to large-scale enterprises globally. With the partnership, Filipinos can now purchase a Starlink kit directly through PT&T, the listed firm said in a dis-

closure to the stock exchange.

Previously, the Starlink kit was available for purchase from the SpaceX website.

Starlink announced earlier this year that its services are now available in the country. The technology, which uses low-earth orbit satellite broadband, is focused in remote and underserved areas.

“We are thrilled to bring Starlink to the Philippines and offer our customers with the need for connectivity with a reliable inter-

MIF for ultimate benefit of PH economy, Pinoys: econ team

The proposed measure establishing the Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF) adheres to the fundamental principles of economic policy and financial market participation, the economic team of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said on Tuesday.

In a joint statement, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Department of Finance (DOF), National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reaffirmed their support for the establishment of the Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF) as “a vehicle for economic growth.”

the MIF bill, saying the measure “violates fundamental principles of economics and finance.”

The economists and academics from the UP School of Economics, including former Socioeconomic Planning secretary and NEDA director general Ernesto Pernia, said the measure is “defective,” has “confused goals,” and abounds with “red flags.”

They also warned that the proposal posed serious risks to the economy and the public sector, “notwithstanding its proponents’ good intentions.”

net solution,” said James Velasquez, PT&T President and CEO.

“Our partnership with Netlinkz allows us to provide high-speed internet access to areas where traditional broadband services are limited or unavailable.”

PT&T said monthly plans vary for Enterprise and Maritime customers depending on their specific requirements. Plans include offers with 50GB to 6TB data caps, it added.

“The legal framework provided by Senate Bill (SB) No. 2020— approved by the Senate and adopted by the House of Representatives—follows fundamental principles of economic policy and financial market participation in favor of and for the ultimate benefit of the Philippine economy and the Filipino people,” the economic managers said.

The statement was issued after some 21 economists from the University of the Philippines (UP) urged Marcos and his economic team to “seriously” reconsider

The economic managers said SB 2020 imposes enough safeguards to minimize risks for shareholders and fund contributors, including the public sector.

They said the investment policies that will be formulated by the proposed Maharlika Investment Corp. (MIC) will include disclosure and transparency mechanisms.

“Further, approved investment policies of the MIC shall be posted on its website which shall be immediately updated and made accessible to the public. In the same vein, investment and risk management plans, strategies and activities of the MIC, in-

Dive instructor Ronel Bacalla, who also owns a dive shop, says one of the islands in Britania holds a secret cave where many believe there could be treasures. The cave, he says, was where fallen Japanese soldiers were buried during World War 2. MindaNews Photo by ROMMEL REBOLLIDO

FFACILITY, P10

Opportunity opens for Mindanao coffee farmers after PCE 2023

DOE: Biz invests P6.8B in energy efficiency

The Department of Energy’s (DOE) Energy Utilization Management Bureau on Tuesday said designated establishments (DEs) have invested PHP6.8 billion in energy efficiency and conservation (EEC) initiatives from 2021 to 2022.

DEs —identified by the DOE as energy-intensive sectors— submit an annual EEC and annual energy consumption reports to the bureau to monitor their adoption of EEC initiatives and how these programs have improved their utilization of energy resources.

These private entities are in the commercial, industrial, transport, power, agriculture, public works, and other sectors.

DEs are divided into three classifications: other DEs, which have an annual energy consumption threshold between 100,000 and 500,000 kilowatt hour (kWh) for the previous year; Type 1 DEs, which have energy consumption of 500,001 to 4 million kWh in the previous year; and Type 2 DEs, which energy consumption reached more than 4 million kWh

Withthe success of Mindanao coffee farmers in the recent Philippine Coffee Expo (PCE) 2023, the Department of Agriculture in Davao Region (DA-11) said Tuesday a big opportunity has opened for the island region’s coffee farmers.

in the previous year.

The DOE said the bulk of the EEC investments between 2021 and 2022 came from Type 2 DEs amounting to PHP6.1 billion.

Type 1 DEs had aggregate investments of PHP360 million, while some 4,782 other DEs invested PHP306 million from 2021 to 2022.

“I am very pleased that our DEs are moving forward on EEC. These accomplishments bring multiple benefits for the companies such as enhancing the sustainability of the energy system, supporting strategic objectives for economic and social development, promoting environmental goals, and increasing prosperity,”

DOE Secretary Raphael Lotilla said in a statement.

Among DEs’ investments using energy-efficient technologies and practices include new installation, upgrading, or retrofitting specific equipment or devices such as lighting retrofit; automated lighting control system or smart control system; heating, ventilation and air-conditioning

Mindanao’s coffee farmers successfully secured PHP8 million in negotiated sales during the June 2-4 coffee expo held at the World Trade Center Manila.

“Once the market is established, quality of supply will follow. So then it revolves, more production of quality beans will then solicit another round of demand,”

Abel James Monteagudo, DA-11

director, said in an interview.

During the PCE activity, the DA–Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP) in Mindanao linked 11 coffee farmer-beneficiaries to various buyers.

Apart from market linkages, DA-PRDP supported the coffee farmers’ associations to improve

the quality of their products through the provision of post-harvest facilities and equipment.

“Aside from international buyers, PCE 2023 also linked our farmers to institutional buyers which include Comfoods, a manufacturer and distributor of packaged roasted coffee under different brands such as Café Puro, Café Excelente, and Café Bueno,” Cherrilyn Baylon, PRDP enterprise development specialist, said in a statement.

Baylon added that the sales generated at the expo served as a testament to the dedication and hard work of both the coffee farmFOPPORTUNITY, P10

PH economic team to entice more Singaporean investors

The economic team of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. will be holding its second economic briefing in Singapore to attract more foreign investments.

The second Philippine Economic Briefing (PEB) with the Singaporean business community will be held on June 15, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) announced on Tuesday.

“After the successful run of the first Philippine Economic Briefing in Singapore last year with Pres-

ident Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the country’s economic managers will once again engage with Singapore-based business leaders, bankers, and investors on June 15, 2023,” the DBM said.

“To further strengthen economic collaboration, the Philippines’ Economic Team is gearing up for the second PEB Singapore which carries the theme, ‘Unfolding New Chapters in the Philippines’ Growth Story,’” it added.

The DBM said Department of

Finance (DOF) Secretary Benjamin Diokno would give an overview of the country’s economic performance and key economic liberalization reforms, while Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Deputy Governor Francisco Dakila Jr. would brief the Singaporean leaders about the performance and outlook of the monetary, external and financial sectors.

DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman would discuss the pri-

Food delivery riders register for the Pag-IBIG Fund’s “Asenso Rider Raffle Promo” held at the Abreeza Mall in Davao City on Wednesday. Lean Daval Jr.

“We updated

vision, ang vision nato is to become a premier MICE destination in Mindanao and somehow to attain 3

by 2026.”

ROMERO

My first encounter with Jose Rizal’s novels was during our high school years since these were required readings.

The book “Noli Me Tangere”, published in 1887 and written in Spanish, is a sweeping and passionate unmasking of the brutality and corruption of Spanish rule in the Philippines (1565–1898) which are seen as a disease of the society, thus the title, Latin for “touch me not.”

The story follows Crisostomo Ibarra, who went back home after his European studies. He rekindled his romance with childhood sweetheart Maria Clara, but triggered an old rift with the town friar, Padre Damaso. As the story progressed, Ibarra realized that the malady of oppression and colonial brutality has been killing not only his town, but his motherland as well.

Jomar Fleras was also still in high school in 1979 when he submitted an entry entitled “KANSER” to the playwriting contest of Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) for the category of adaptation of a Filipino novel. He made the script for one month hoping that he will win the cash prize of Five Thousand Pesos (P5,000.00).

Fleras won for his piece which is now considered as the longest running theater classic in Philippine history.

He said that playwriting “is a way to dramatize the plight of our people as well as to use the power

ATTY. DENNIS R. GORECHO KUWENTONG PEYUPS

of theater in awakening them from apathy and complacency.”

In 1989, his entry El Fili also won in the same category.

Kanser had its world premiere in 1980 at the CCP staged by the theater group Bulwagang Gantimpala.

Due to the limited space of CCP’s Tanghalang Huseng Batute, there was just a small ensemble in 1980 that included Tommy Abuel as Ibarra, Cora Alforja as Maria Clara, Susan Africa as Sisa, Johnny Delgado as Elias, Caloy Abrera as Pilosopong Tasyo and Felindo Obac as Padre Damaso.

Crisostomo Ibarra was portrayed the longest by Tommy Abuel for almost ten years while other lead actors include Teroy de Guzman (1994) , Ernie Garcia, Miguel Castro (2007), Allan Paule (2007, 2008), Jojo Riguerra (2008, 2011) Jao Mapa (2009), Randy Villarama (2010), Jay Gonzaga (2011, 2012, 2013) Joel Molina (2014, 2017), Michael Pangilinan (2015), Carlo Manalac (2016), Jacob Benedicto (2015), Vance Larena (2018), Kiel Alo (2019) and Piolo Pascual (2023).

Maria Clara was played by Cora Alforja (1980), Cherrie Pie Picache (1994), Adriana Agcaoili (1999, 2000), Monica Llamas (2007), Fame Flores (2008, 2009), Meliza Reyes (2009, 2010), Ellrica Laguardia (2013), CJ Mangahis (2013), Cris Pastor (2011, 2012, 2014), KL Dizon (2016), Dea For-

macil (2017), Andrea Manuel (2018), Rare Jireh Columna (2019) and Myramae Meneses (2015, 2023).

CCP was its home from 1980 to 1986. After the EDSA people power, it was shown in different venues like the Metropolitan Theater, Luneta Theater, AFP Theater, ALIW theater, SM, and various schools.

In 2015, it became a full blast musical adaptation by Gantimpala Theater with music composed by Joed Balsamo. There were only three songs in the 1980 version.

The 2023 production at the GSIS theatre from June 8 to June 18 by Tanghalang Una Obra and directed by Frannie Zamora will be the 40th year staging that coincided with the celebration of the 125th year of Philippine independence.

For the first time, the Manila Symphony Orchestra provided live accompaniment.

Fleras explained that “Kanser” was retitled into “Ibarra” so that the younger generation will associate more the play to the iconic character of Crisostomo Ibarra than the meaning of Noli Me Tangere (The Social Cancer).

It is also to accentuate Pascual’s role as Ibarra whom Fleras described as someone who metamorphosed into a professional stage musical actor.

“This is a wake-up call for me to do something for the country. To be able to use my voice as a platform to remind people of our right to

freedom of speech, our right to our culture, our independence, is one way of using my influence to attract more people to know about what we can do so that we can help each other. We can rise up,” Pascual said in an interview.

According to historian Xiao Chua, some have suggested that Rizal was a misogynist in his portrayal of women. All his women characters were undesirable: Doña Consolacion was cruel, Doña Victorina epitomized colonial mentality, Sisa was too weak she became mad, and what people think as the symbol of the Philippines and the Filipino woman, Maria Clara, was actually a weak and treacherous woman, who did not fight for her love and gave away to Padre Salvi her lover’s

letters to her, which were used to implicate him in a revolt.

Nicole Asensio plays Sisa. Her grandmother, national artist Fides Cuyugan Asensio, played Sisa in Felipe de Leon’s Noli me Tangere in 1957 while pregnant with Nicole’s father who was subsequently named Noli.

“‘Kanser’ evolves through the years but the message remains solid: Filipinos must not be silenced in the midst of ills and injustices in society.

(Peyups is the moniker of University of the Philippines. Atty. Dennis R. Gorecho heads the seafarers’ division of the Sapalo Velez Bundang Bulilan law offices. For comments, e-mail info@sapalovelez.com, or call 09175025808 or 09088665786.)

TWO THUMB UPS TO NUKES

I think I was in the middle of my REM (rapid eye movement) level of sleep when I was suddenly awakened by the stoppage of the air-conditioner. The reason why I woke up was because I could not see any light. It was totally dark.

Brownout – or blackout – must be the reason. It took about 30 minutes or so before the power returned. By then, I was already wide awake. I lost my momentum of sleep.

To think, our brain uses REM sleep to regulate emotions and consolidate memories. Because of what happened, I cut my sleep short, and as a result it has shortchanged me emotionally.

It’s high time for the Philippines to find another source of power, that is electricity. Most of the power in Mindanao comes from water, mostly from the hydropower plants. When there’s a drought or less rainfall, and the water in Lake Lanao and Maria Cristina Falls dipped, the outcome is brownouts every now and then.

Thus, when Daily Tribune had “Bataan nuke bid renewed” in its headline, I became curious.

“Surging economic growth

would mean that the country will require a bigger electricity supply that can be immediately covered with the reactivation of the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant or BNNP,” said the report, written by Kathryn Jose.

The call was from Alpas Pinas, a non-profit organization supporting a pragmatic solution to the energy security problem in the country.

It said that the revival of BNNP would help address the estimated additional demand of 44,903 megawatts of electricity by 2040.

“We believe that adding nuclear energy to our country’s energy mix has the potential to help address our power challenges,” Gayle Certeza, the group’s convenor, told a media group who toured BNNP.

Some environmentalists, who are opposed to nuclear energy, contend solar power could help address the power problem of the country. Rep. Mark Cojuango of the second district of Pangasinan said “nuclear plants produce more energy compared to solar power plants.”

Director Carlo A. Arcilla, of the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI), said that including

nuclear power in the country’s energy mix would be beneficial to consumers as it would bring down the “expensive” electricity rates and provide a stable electricity source of power.

During the time of the presidency of Rodrigo R. Duterte, Executive Order 164 was signed, thus including nuclear power in the country’s energy mix. Under the new policy, it stated that the country “shall ensure the peaceful use of nuclear technology anchored on critical tenets of public safety, national security, energy self-sufficiency, and environmental sustainability.”

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST), in support of EO 164, issued this statement: “Nuclear power is envisioned to bring down the cost of electricity and to contribute to energy security considering the various limitations now being encountered in the other sources which includes natural gas, geothermal, hydro, and coal.”

The DOST is a member of the Nuclear Energy Program Interagency Committee (NEPIAC), whose responsibility is mainly to study the adoption of a national

position on nuclear power.

During the time of Carlos Jericho L. Petilla as head of the Department of Energy (DOE), he said he was looking at nuclear energy on a long-term basis. “We have to look at the technical side, and then recommend later on if studies show that it’s good for the country,” he said.

He said he had to consider social acceptability, too. “One thing I can guarantee,” Petilla pointed out, “nuclear power will have a level playing field, but we just need to take into account social acceptability.”

He said that social dimension — or the possible non-acceptance of nuclear energy by the public — is the limiting factor why the government is excluding it from its energy mix.

But a recent public perception survey conducted by DOE indicated that close to 79% of Filipinos approved the possible addition of nuclear energy to its energy mix.

“The secret here is a mix,” pointed out Dr. Arcilla in a conversation with Asian Power. “We need the mix of the coal that is being phased out and renewables, but we need a

stable source and nuclear has to be considered. Nuclear is very clear, there are no emissions. Its waste disposal can be done safely.”

Nuclear power is one of the two major alternatives to fossil fuels; the other one is renewable energy (whose sources include solar power, wind power, hydroelectric, geothermal energy, and biomass energy).

“Actually, renewables and nuclear can complement each other,” explained Arcilla in an interview with DOSTv’s ExperTalk Online. “Wind and solar depend on the status of the weather. To add to that, it has only a 30% capacity factor unless you have an expensive battery.”

In the said interview, Arcilla also shared another issue concerning solar energy, which requires one hectare of land to produce one megawatt. “This will become more challenging since the Philippines is an archipelagic country,” he said, adding that “Nuclear is more of a baseload energy meaning it is more reliable due to its continuous production of energy. It could provide backup for wind and solar.”

IBARRA THE MUSICAL: FILIPINOS MUST NOT BE SILENCED IN THE MIDST OF INJUSTICES IN SOCIETY

Mapúa University unveils new business programs and welcomes a new Dean

Manila, Philippines – The world has become more connected and highly competitive in the digital age. Filipino students need quality higher education that offers a more globalized outlook, equipping them to compete on the world stage. Mapúa University steps up to the plate via its groundbreaking collaboration with Arizona State University (ASU), ranked no.1 in the U.S. for innovation for eight consecutive years by U.S. News and World Report. This created an opportunity for Mapúa to expand its business program offerings under its E.T. Yuchengco School of Business (ETYSB). To push this refreshed approach to a global-view education, Mapúa appointed Dr. Jagdeep Jassel as the new Dean of Business for the university.

Dr. Jag, as he is best known, brings

business to grow,” he said. “We have a university with 100 years of better pedagogical experience that we can leverage. It is a thoughtful decision and the right time to enter the business space, especially with our collaboration with ASU.”

Using the partnership as a kick-off point, the ETYSB is introducing pillar business programs that are suited to the needs of the rapidly shifting business landscape. The school already offers Business Administration and Accountancy as its core, focusing on building a successful enterprise –Operation Management, Marketing Management, and Financial Management. They expand this via courses to strengthen students’ skills in navigating data-driven businesses.

Mapúa’s business school now of-

fers degrees in Business Intelligence and Analytics, and Financial Technology. Both courses are aligned with the digital technologies and data that have become integral to critical business decisions.

Students taking a course in Financial Technology will gain knowledge of the most recent innovations in finance. This covers subjects in data analytics and digital currencies - how they are applied to enhance financial services, including the knowledge to use technology in creating new financial products. Resolving challenging financial issues is also part of their study. The BS program in Business Intelligence and Analytics focuses on the increasing need for data in all major business processes.

On the other hand, Global Management is designed to arm its graduates with the know-how to build a corporate career on international platforms. A specialized Marketing degree has also been introduced to engage students in the emerging field of Digital Marketing. Mapúa also offers a course in Real Estate Management, equipping its students with the knowledge they need to navigate the constantly shifting market while being able to determine operational efficiency and unlock new revenue streams.

Transforming Business Education

years of experience leading in the growth of organizations from across industries — from manufacturing and hospitality to education. He is one with Mapua’s vision to provide quality and relevant education to its students by not only teaching theory but also bringing real-world applications into the classroom.

A Matter of Business

As the Dean of Business faculty at his former university, Dr. Jag was responsible for driving excellence and improving students’ outcomes. He hopes to apply this expertise in Mapúa and to the business school. “In the Philippines, the landscape is ripe for

To complement these busi- ness programs, Mapúa leverages its connections with the Ayala Group, Yuchencgo Group, and other corporations for real-world experiential learning. The university has partnered with top-tier organizations to provide their students with, as Dr. Jag points out, “... very effective and powerful on-the-job training opportunities.” Industry experts are also brought into the classroom, sharing valuable insights on navigating the complicated business world. In this cutthroat world, honing knowledge-based skills could provide students the edge to succeed.

Accessibility to international education standards via these programs is made more accessible through the collaboration with Arizona State University. “If our students can’t afford to go to the U.S., then the U.S. can come to their classroom,” explains Dr. Jag. “We have state-of-the-art Global classroom initiatives where global signature courses and guest lectures presented by an international faculty.” ASU

also opens up opportunities for summer program immersions, semester abroad programs, and international student competitions.

As Dr. Jag draws greater focus on transforming business education, defined by Mapúan standards, he referred to the three student learning journey pillars: digital mastery, internationalization, and real-world experiential learning. The intention here is to inculcate business excellence as the core of every Mapúa graduate - as a means to transform the economic landscape, especially in the Philippines. Exposure to real-world industry experts will be crucial in preparing students to become future leaders.

Mapúa University looks to the future as it amplifies its business programs through strategic partnerships and a global outlook on education. It has heeded the massive challenge of transforming the world one graduate at a time and is ready to face it head-on.

GSIS

and Philippine Plaza Holdings

Inc. amend contract of lease for Sofitel Hotel

Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) and Philippine Plaza Holdings, Inc. (PPHI), doing business under the name and style of Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila, have announced an amendment to their existing contract of lease.

Originally signed in 1991, the lease covers the prime land occupied by the luxury Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila hotel.

The amended agreement, which was initiated on June 26, 2016, is valid until June 26, 2041, ensuring the hotel’s ongoing operations in the Pasay City area.

In an expansion from the initial agreement, the lease now encompasses the original building landsite and the complementary lots (Lots 19

and 41). This move reflects the commitment of both parties to the hotel’s continuous growth and the flourishing local tourism sector. “Sofitel hotel’s success is intrinsically linked to GSIS, as its income will be drawn from the hotel’s revenue. By safeguarding GSIS’s assets and generating income from these, we can assure our members and pensioners that their benefits will be provided when due,” President and General Manager Wick Veloso said.

Recognizing the integrity of the leased premises, the parties have agreed to treat the entire area as one indivisible unit. All alterations or improvements to the premises now require prior written consent from GSIS.

At the end of the lease period or in case of earlier cancellation, all permanent improvements introduced by PPHI on the building landsite and complementary lots will transfer to GSIS.

The updated agreement also includes a dispute resolution clause, outlining a path towards resolution through negotiation, mediation, or arbitration in accordance with the Philippine Dispute Resolution Center, Inc. (PDRCI) arbitration rules.

GSIS President and General Manager Wick Veloso and PPHI President Esteban Peña Sy have committed to upholding the terms and conditions of the contract and ensuring the continued success of the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila hotel.

Mapúa appointed Dr. Jagdeep Jassel as the new Dean of Business for the university.

PAL TO OPERATE MORE HAJJ FLIGHTS THIS JUNE

Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) will mount more non-stop special flights to Medina (MED) this month to carry Filipinos participating in the Hajj pilgrimage.

Medina is located in Western Saudi Arabia and is the second holiest city in Islam. The city will serve as the gateway to Mecca for pilgrims taking PAL’s special flights.

PAL utilizes the modern 363-seater Airbus A330 for this mission.

“We in Philippine Airlines recognize the importance of the Hajj to our Muslim brothers and sisters here in the Philippines. As the country’s flag carrier, we support this mission,” said PAL President and COO Capt. Stanley K. Ng. “We look forward to serving them well as they fulfill this religious tradition.”

The first PAL Hajj flight, PR 8654, took off at 12:12 PM last June 3, 2023 with 297 Muslim Filipinos on board. Capt. Peter Paul Basa, First Officer Herminio Paulo Disini,

Second Officers Zeres Mago and Paolo Padla comprised the flight deck crew team. The 10-member cabin crew roster was led by Flight Purser Aries del Rosario.

Capt. Ng, National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) Secretary Guiling Mamondiong, NCMF Executive Director Tahir Ladisan, Jr. and Special Assistant to the President Anton Lagdameo were present at the flight send-off at NAIA Terminal 1.

Apart from the special Hajj missions, PAL flies regularly to

the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with daily flights to Riyadh and five weekly flights to Dammam. The flag carrier also serves Dubai in the United Arab Emirates with daily flights, as well as Doha in Qatar with five weekly flights.

Capt. Ng and National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) Secretary Guiling Mamondiong, together with PAL Senior Vice President for General Counsel Atty. Carlos Luis Fernandez and NCMF Executive Director Tahir Ladisan, Jr., signed a memo-

randum of agreement on the Hajj flights at the PAL headquarters recently.

“We will thoroughly prepare for this mission. As always, PAL will help in any way possible to support Muslim Filipinos in their spiritual journey,” Capt. Ng added.

Philippine Airlines is the only air carrier operating non-stop services between the Philippines and North America, along with the largest network of flights and routes from the Philippines to Japan, the Middle East and Australia.

BingoPlus continues support of top-rate entertainment by backing Binibining Pilipinas and Vice Ganda’s comeback concert

BingoPlus, the first and only live-streaming bingo in the Philippines, ramped up efforts to boost the country’s entertainment mainstream by supporting the pageantry of Binibining Pilipinas 2023 and co-presenting Vice Ganda’s comeback concert, “Your Memejesty, Queen VG” this summer.

The leading online bingo app was major sponsor of the 59th edition of the Binibining Pilipinas and sparked up coronation night by awarding the Bb. BingoPlus 2023 title to Bb. Bulacan Lorraine Jara who also received one hundred thousand pesos in cash.

Prior to finals night, BingoPlus ran an online poll in a specially dedicated BingoPlus pageant voting website that invited pageant fans to vote for their favorite Binibini. The Binibini that would garner the most votes would be awarded the Bb. BingoPlus title

and would secure a ticket to the top 11 spot of the competition.

In her post-pageant interview, Bb. BingoPlus revealed that she truly enjoyed playing bingo. “ I always play bingo with my tita’s. This is the game we play at home whenever we have free time, Miss Jara said as she thanked all her fans who supported her in her Binibini journey. “I always feel your heartfelt support for me, and I hope sa mga next journey ko, you will always still be there for me. Thank you for voting me,” she added.

For Vice Ganda’s comeback concert, co-presenter BingoPlus installed an event booth and distributed merchandise and freebies at the “Your Memejesty, Queen VG” concert venue, making sure the audience had all the necessary paraphernalia and fun items to enjoy the show. The brand was also a part of both on-

line and on-site event promotions for the concert.

“The fun and entertainment provided by local artists like Vice Ganda are fully supported by our brand because her mission is to put smiles on audiences’ faces, and that is what BingoPlus is all about. Meanwhile the ability of the Binibining Pilipinas beauty pageant to inspire and lift the spirits of Filipinos is also one of our primary goals at BingoPlus,” said Jasper Vicencio, president of AB Leisure Exponent Inc. (ABLE) that launched the BingoPlus brand.

Since its launch in 2022 BingoPlus has been focused and passionate about supporting brands that share its vision of providing quality entertainment to Filipinos.

For information visit www. bingoplus.com or download the BingoPlus App.

FROM 2

tion pero ato pa siyang i-digitalize or other platforms for us to really measure tourist arrivals,” she said.

Currently, CTOO measures tourist arrivals based on the reports given by the accredited hotels and establishments in Davao City.

In February this year, Romero reported the city registered 897,946 tourist arrivals for the entire 2022. She said the banner year was in 2019 when the city had 2.5 million visitors.

DAVAO... FROM 2

The four-man composition of the current LYDO provides training on leadership and good governance to help SK run the organization.

“Naa man sila’y budget for training kita sa LYDO kita ang ilang resource persons, ang uban pud ilang ginahimo magduol sila sa atoa for guidance unsa maam ok bani nga project kinsa ba ang pwede diha sa community na hatagan namo sa community kay naa mi budget for this kinsa kaha ang pwede, muadto sila sa amoa for assessment (As they have the budget for training we at the LYDO become their resource persons, other councils also come to us for guidance to ask the proper project and also to help identify the right people who will be beneficiaries of their projects in the community as they have budget, they will go to us for assessment),” Dayaday said.

“Naa man sila’y autonomy paggamit sa funds igiya pud nato sila unsaon nila paggamit and kadtong ilang mga programa nila kay responsive gyud sa mga community labaw na sa youth (They have the autonomy to use the funds and we guide them how to use it, and that their programs are responsive to the community, especially the youth),” Dayaday said. CIO

FACILITY... FROM 3

Ten of the cooperative beneficiaries have varying project statuses that include completion, mobilization, procurement, and finalization of documents, while one has ongoing construction. (PNA)

FROM 2 SORE ... FROM 3

The Marcos Jr. administration had granted the US access to the country’s Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija, Basa Air Base in Pampanga, Antonio Bautista Air Base in Palawan, Mactan-Benito Abuen Air Base in Cebu, and Lumbia Air Base in Cagayan de Oro.

“EDCA means soldiers and arms. That’s about it. It has nothing to do with economic grants or any other relationship between nations. It simply means the presence of foreign troops in our country,” he said.

Duterte noted that the relationship between US and China has been strained because of the issue on Taiwan.

The US and China have also been at odds over the issue on navigation in the South China Sea, where the Philippines has a claim.

In 2013, the Philippine government sued China before an international arbitral tribunal in The Hague regarding territories in the West Philippine Sea. The tribunal ruled in favor of the Philippines in July 2016 when it junked China’s nine-dash claim over the South China Sea. Beijing rejected the ruling.

Duterte said the Philippines is an important “buffer zone” for the US, as the Chinese forces would need to move past US military installations in the Philippines before reaching US territories in the Pacific and on to the mainland.

Duterte said he believes the initial armed confrontation between the US and China could happen in the Philippines before the latter could even “entertain the idea of conquering the Marianas Island and Guam of the United States.”

He said that “war seems to be just around the corner,” particularly with the growing tension over Taiwan, which sought help from the US to thwart mainland China.

“Mainland China wants to take Taiwan back, but Taiwan is resisting and asked America to help them or help the island-country to resist the advances of mainland China,” Duterte said. (Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)

CONSERVE ...

NUGGETS... FROM 11 FPRRD...

FROM 3

eyes, especially this summer.

According to the DOH, the symptoms of sore eyes are redness and itching in one or both eyes.

The health department also reminded the public to immediately consult a doctor for the right prescription for the medicine because this pain usually gets better within two weeks. The public was also advised not just put any eye drops and avoid touching or scratching the eyes so that the pain does not spread.

DOST-DAVAO ...

FROM 3

and vegetables from DFTC will be available for the public and consumers.

“Hopefully, by next year we will start seeing these products as a result of that project,” he said.

The DFTC, which is a P70-Million project funded by the Department of Agriculture in Davao Region (DA-11) and started trading operations in October last year, serves as the city’s official wholesale trading facility for all fruits and vegetables.

The DFTC has a spacious cold storage facility with eight refrigerated containers. All fruits and vegetables from neighboring regions will be directed through the DFTC before reaching the retail markets in the city.

Since it is a wholesale “bagsakan,” the facility is open 24/7. By Maya

M.

Padillo

PH...

FROM 5

ority expenditures supporting the Philippine Development Plan 2023 to 2028, while Socioeconomic Planning Secretary and National Economic and Development Authority director general Arsenio Balisacan would make a presentation on infrastructure investment and development.

“They will also join a panel discussion to be moderated by DBM Undersecretary Margaux Salcedo and BSP Managing Director Tony Lambino. The private sector, represented by the Founder and Managing Director of Stratbase Group and Bower Group Asia, Mr. Victor Andres “Dindo” C. Manhit, will serve as a reactor in the panel discussion,” the DBM said.

Aside from the PEB, the economic team would also join sideline meetings with DBS Bank, HSBC and Singapore Second Minister for Finance and Second Minister for National Development Indranee Rajah.

The PEB was co-organized by the BSP, DOF, DBS Bank, and the Investment & Capital Corporation of the Philippines (ICCP) with the assistance of the Philippine Embassy in Singapore.

The economic briefing serves as an avenue for the economic leaders to discuss investment opportunities in the Philippines.

The first PEB Singapore resulted in USD6.5 billion worth of investment pledges, topped by investment in the transportation sector for the manufacturing of electronic tricycles valued at USD5.0 billion.

The investment commitments also include investment in renewable energy through floating solar panels generating energy to power communities, amounting to USD1.2 billion.

Singapore is one of the top sources of Foreign Direct Investments in the Philippines.

Apart from Singapore, the country’s economic team also held

pine eagle habitat in Davao City.

In September last year, DENR Secretary Antonia Loyzaga called on lawmakers to prioritize the passage of proposed measures to help strengthen Republic Act (RA) 9147, or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act.

Loyzaga said the support of lawmakers in the amendment of RA 9147 is crucial in advancing collective efforts and initiatives to sustainably manage the country’s wildlife resources.

The Philippine eagle is endemic to the Philippines and is the largest forest raptor in the country.

Found in the islands of Luzon, Samar, Leyte, and Mindanao, the majestic bird has been classified as critically endangered under Department Administrative Order 2019-09 or the Updated National List of Threatened Philippine Fauna and Their Categories, and by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

Its uniqueness, strength, and love of freedom reflect the qualities of the Filipino people, that in 1995, the critically endangered Philippine Eagle became a national emblem through Proclamation No. 615. (PNA)

OPPORTUNITY

... FROM 4

ers and DA-PRDP.

“This achievement not only boosts the income and livelihoods of coffee farmers but also contributes to the overall growth and development of the coffee industry in Mindanao,” she said.

With PRDP’s continuous support and promising market tieups with groups such as Aj-Sewing LLC, Baylon said the future looks bright for Mindanao coffee farmers. (PNA)

DOE... FROM 5

(HVAC) upgrades; boiler replacement; and other similar devices or equipment.

The bureau also observed increased investments in solar photovoltaic system, variable frequency drives (VFDs), cogeneration system, district cooling system, pumping system, HVAC system, compressed air system, smart manufacturing system, and building energy management system.

Integrating energy management system policy into their business operations is required to acquire or maintain ISO 50001 or similar frameworks. Institutions are awarded this international standard due to their effective energy management system.

The ISO 50001 is geared towards enjoining private entities to disclose and reduce their emissions and to commit to developing policies that will make their operations energy efficient.

“Industry has a crucial role to play in our quest towards achieving a low carbon-intensive economy and more importantly, integrating this in their business models,” Lotilla added. (PNA)

a PEB in the United States and Europe. The economic managers are also targeting holding briefings in the Middle East and Asia.

(PNA)

Should Denver be picked to play on Dec. 25 next season, it would be the fourth time in the last five years that the Nuggets are part of the league’s holiday quintupleheader. If Miami gets picked, it would be the second Heat appearance on Christmas since 2015; the last Heat game on Dec. 25 was against New Orleans in 2020, that game getting played in an empty arena in Miami because of the pandemic.

Heat coach Erik Spoelstra is 8-0 in Christmas games.

20TH CHAMPION

Denver becomes the 20th current franchise now with an NBA championship.

The Los Angeles Lakers and Boston are tied with 17 apiece. Golden State, Chicago, San Antonio, Philadelphia, Detroit, Miami, New York, Houston, Milwaukee, Cleveland, Atlanta, Washington, Oklahoma City, Portland, Toronto, Sacramento and Dallas also have championships in their franchise histories -- although not all of those titles were won while playing in their current city.

Denver’s win leaves Phoenix, Utah, Brooklyn, Orlando, Indiana, Charlotte, Memphis, Minnesota, New Orleans and the Los Angeles Clippers as the 10 current franchises still waiting for a first NBA championship.

MIF... FROM 4

volving the MIF, shall be disclosed and published on its website for public consumption,” they said.

“To ensure transparency and accountability, the MIC shall regularly publish on its website the terms and conditions of the arrangement with co-investors/ joint-venture partners, as well as all financial statements and reports relative to the operations of the co-investment/joint venture,” they added.

They said the bill also contains a provision directing the absolute prohibition of pension and social funds from contributing to the MIC and MIF to ensure that fiscal resources, particularly the funds managed by the Social Security System and the Government Service Insurance System “are used solely for the purpose for which they were created.”

“The national government’s initial contribution of PHP50 billion shall be sourced from declared dividends of the BSP, government share in the income of the Philippine Gaming Corporation, and proceeds from privatization of government assets, as well as other sources of the National Government such as royalties/ special assessments,” they said.

Attracting more investments

They also stressed that the proposed MIF is “not only beneficial but necessary at this point in time,” given the rising cost of debt.

They added that while the Philippines can offer investment opportunities, it remains a growing economy that needs to “explore vehicles to attract equity financing.”

“Hence, the MIC/MIF is an investment for the future that we need to start building now. It is an ideal vehicle and well-positioned to bring in investments as the Philippine economic outlook remains robust amid the global economic slowdown,” the economic managers said.

The economic managers also noted that various foreign investors such as the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) and several US investors have already expressed interest for the proposed MIF.

Nuggets get $7.1 million, Heat $4.8M from NBA playoff fund

DENVER, as would be expected, claimed the biggest share of the NBA playoff pool this season.

The Nuggets got $7,129,558 (around P397.38 million), or about 26 percent of the money that the league distributes to playoff teams.

Miami will collect $4,837,547. Boston will get the third-biggest share, earning $2,217,347.

LEBRON TAKES OVER

Barring some unforeseen comebacks, the Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James will start next season as the oldest player in the NBA.

Udonis Haslem was the oldest in the league this season; his 20year career, all with Miami, is now complete. Haslem turned 43 last week.

Golden State’s Andre Iguodala has also said he is retiring; Iguodala is 39.

That leaves James as the new

holder of the oldest-player crown. The NBA’s all-time scoring leader — he passed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for that distinction this season — turns 39 in December.

Haslem was the fifth-oldest player to ever appear in an NBA game —- and the oldest to play in a playoff game, when he got into a Heat game last week at the age of 42 years, 363 days.

Vince Carter played until he was 43, as did Robert Parish. Kevin Willis appeared in five games late in the 2006-07 season as a 44-year-old.

FRED C. LUMBA SPORTS KEN

A million rounds of applause for the Denver Nuggets!

They waited 47 long seasons - with incredulous enduring patience - till a young hulking Serbian tyro came ambling along to gift them the much-coveted NBA crown.

Nikola Jokic fired 28 points, collared 16 rebounds to bail out coach Mike Malone and his title-hungry crew to beat the Miami Heat 94-89 for a 4-1 winloss tally in the best-of-seven Finals series.

Jolic, called the Joker, actually bailed the Mile High City ballclub out because the hosts were trailing ominously by at least seven

points and that was when nothing seems to be going right for the Nuggets.

For his herculean performance, the two-time MVP (20212022 was awarded the Bill Russell MVP Finals trophy.

“This (lifting the trophy) means even much more to me because we are not in it for ourselves but for the next guy next to us,” Jokic exultantly said, comparing the value of his MVP in the regular NBA season to the Bill Russelll award.

For awhile, this corner thought the Heat might get a reprieve, survive Game 5 and fight again for another day (Game 6, that is).

The oldest player in NBA history is little-known Nat Hickey, who was two days shy of his 46th birthday when he played his last game on Jan. 28, 1948. Hickey appeared in only two games in his brief career as a player-coach with the Providence Steamrollers; his first was the day before his finale. He scored two points in his playing career.

JOKIC THE SIXTH

Denver’s Nikola Jokic — the pride of Serbia — won the NBA Finals MVP award, and it’s the sixth time that an international player

CHAMPS AT (LONG) LAST

Denver was missing from beyond the arc and Murray and company were only good for 3 three pointers out of 22.

They also did not make 7 of their first 13 free throws.

This is where I strongly believed that Destiny played its role accordingly and picked the Nuggets to find their place - finally - in the NBA colorful history.

Imagine that Miami was still ahead as Jimmy Buttler canned two gift shots to help the Heat regain a one-point lead, time down to 1:58.

In a somewhat crude situation, Bruce brown was able to sneak past Miami defenders,

scooped the offesnive rebound and tipped it in.

That gave the lead to Denver for good.

In the return play, Butler, who finished with 21, attempted a trey to hopefully tie the score but he missed it.

In the ensuing plays Brown and Kentavious Caldwell Pope were desperately fouled in succession for the finally mark.

Miami coach Eric Spoelstra acknowledged that his boys lost to a better team.

Pity that the Heat failed to take advantage of Jokic’s two personals in the first quarter. He rode the bench alongside Murray and

claimed that honor.

Houston’s Hakeem Olajuwon (Nigeria) won finals MVP in 1994 and 1995. San Antonio’s Tony Parker (France) won it in 2007, Dallas’ Dirk Nowitzki (Germany) won it in 2011 and Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo (Greece) won it in 2021.

LOOKING AHEAD

It’s not exactly a rule, but it’s generally assumed that the NBA finalists will find their way into the Christmas Day lineup the next season.

Aaron Gordon for a time but Miami could only muster erecting a seven point margin in the first 24 minutes of action.

But you saw the Nuggets patiently pressure their opponents, grinding them slowly till Murray enabled Jokic to score relentlessly in their typical pick and roll.

My, I am oftentimes wishing Kai Sotto were as hugely built as Jokic to see how Gilas would fare against its much vaunted opponents from Europe, the US, South America and Australia.

Oh, am I dreaming? (Email feedback to fredlumba@yahoo. com.) GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!

FNUGGETS, P10

Newly-crowned NBA champions Denver Nuggets.

PINOY PRIDE

PBBM hails Filipino para-athletes for bringing pride, honor

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday hailed the Filipino para-athletes for bringing pride and honor to the country after participating in the recently concluded 12th ASEAN Para Games in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

In a Facebook post, Marcos congratulated the para-athletes for showcasing their talents and bringing home 34 gold medals, surpassing its 28-gold harvest in Surakarta, Indonesia last year.

“Binabati natin ang ating mga para athletes na nakilahok sa 2023 ASEAN Para Games sa Cambodia (We congratulate our para athletes who participated in the 2023 ASEAN Para Games in Cambodia),” he said.

“Sa 34 na gold, 33 na silver, at 50 bronze medals na inyong pinanalo, pinakita ninyo ang galing at husay ng mga para athletes sa bansa at pinatunayang hindi hadlang ang kapansanan sa pagabot ng mga pangarap (With the 34 gold, 33 silver, and 50 bronze medals that you bagged, you showed the talent and skills of the country’s para athletes and proved that disability is not an obstacle to achieving dreams).”

Apart from 34 gold medals, the Philippines also won 33 silvers and 50 bronzes, finishing fifth overall.

Marcos said the Philippine team’s participation in this year’s

ASEAN Para Games is a testament that unity prevails in the country.

“Dala ninyo ay hindi lamang karangalan para sa Pilipinas kundi mas malalim na pagkakaisa sa pagitan ng mga bansa sa rehiyon. Mabuhay ang atletang Pinoy (You brought not only honor for the Philippines but deeper unity among the countries in the region. Long live the Filipino athletes)!” he said.

Indonesia secured its third consecutive overall title after bagging 153 golds, 141 silvers, and 93 bronzes.

Thailand, which will host the 2025 edition in Korat, settled for second place with 123 golds, 107 silvers, and 92 bronzes, followed by Vietnam (66-56-78) and Malaysia (47-38-35).

Myanmar ranked sixth (15-2319), followed by Singapore (12-1517), Cambodia (9-18-43), Brunei (33-2), Timor Leste (2-0-0), and Laos (0-2-9).

In the Para Games hosted by Indonesia in 2022, the Philippines finished in fifth place with 28 golds, 30 silvers, and 46 bronzes for a total of 104 medals. (PNA)

Dabawenyo swimmer Ernie Gawilan woon two golds and a bronze medal in the recent 12th ASEAN Para Games in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.