Edge10 issue191 December 27, 2017

VOL. 10 ISSUE 191 164 • WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY-SATURDAY, DECEMBER NOVEMBER 27, 2017 17-18, 2017

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EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

CANDLE LIGHT FOR VICTIMS. Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, together with the families and relatives of NCCC fire victims, lights up a candle during a mass in front of the ill-fated shopping mall along Ma-aon Monday evening. Lean Daval Jr

CALAMITY

City to spend P83.4-M QR fund

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

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he Davao City Council has declared the city under a state of calamity after some of the areas suffered floods spawned by tropical storm Vinta.

The declaration was issued in a special city council session called on Christmas Day. With the approval of the resolution declaration, the city government can now use the remaining quick response fund (QRF)

amounting to P83.4 million.

In an interview, Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio said the QRF will be used for the relief operations at the evacuation centers.

“We requested for the QRF from the city council, we requested the use of

P83, 400,000 for the �inancial assistance for the relief operation from December 23 to 26 and 30 to 31 for a total of six days,” she said.

The lady mayor said the fund will also be spent for medicines for cough and colds as well as anti-tetanus toxoid which will be given to the evacuation centers. “Our QRF in the city this year is already fully utilized,” she said.

Based on the report of the CDRRMO, a total of 25 barangays have been inundated with 20,000 families as victims. They are now housed in 32 evacuation centers.

Vinta has reportedly caused damage of P99.5 million to various infrastructure projects, P16.25 million to agriculture and P2.024 million to livestock and poultry.

Motorhub Type S Shop opens

INDULDGE A2

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 191 •WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2017

PRESIDENT VISITS. President Rodrigo Duterte visits the remains of the victims who have died in photo are Special Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence Go and SPMC Chief Dr. Leopoldo the recent fire incident at the New City Commercial Center (NCCC) Mall Davao after their bodies Vega. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO where taken to the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) on Monday night. Also in the

NCCC mall fire raged Pulong on leave until for 31 hours, says BFP Official apologizes for failure to save lives

BY ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

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he huge �ire at the NCCC Mall Davao that took 37 mostly young lives raged for more than 31 hours. The �ire started at 9:35 a.m. of December 23 and was declared under control at 5:15 p.m. of December 24 by the Bureau of Fire Protection 11 (BFP 11).

On Sunday, Davao City Mayor Sara Z. Duterte bared in a press brie�ing that one body was found in the toilet of the fourth �loor. Then on Christmas day, Fire Sr. Supt. Wilber Rico Neil Kwan Tiu, BFP Region 11

director, told relatives attending a mass that the bodies of 36 victims were found at the lobby of the call center of�ice.

“I personally counted them before I gave the information to our honorable mayor and I counted them to be 36,” he said.

Kwan Tiu apologized to the families of the victims for the great tragedy that happened.

“As ground commander of this operation, I offer my deep-

NCCC,P10

PRRD okays resignation President knew of Pulong’s plan to quit: Sara

By ANGIE SAVERON

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AOLO “PULONG” Z. DUTERTE is still considered on leave from the position of vice mayor of Davao City until his resignation from the post is approved by President Rodrigo R. Duterte.

This was the clari�ication of Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio on the status

of the resignation of her older brother from the vice mayorship in a speech during a spe-

cial session of the Davao City Council on Christmas Day. “There are recent unfortunate events in my life that are closely tied up to failed �irst marriage. These among others, include the maligning of my reputation in the recent name-dropping incident in the Bureau of Customs smuggling case and the very public

squabble with my daughter.

The other person in this failed relationship is incorrigible and cannot be controlled.

And I take full responsibility for all that has happened as a result of a wrong decision to marry in a very young age,” Vice Mayor Duterte said in his speech.

single motorcycle, married and resident of San Rafael Domsat, Marfori Subdivision, Davao City . He died after being brought to the Southern Philippine Medical Center (SPMC). His backrider, identi�ied as Vilaliza Patalinghug, 33, resident of Barangay Bangkerohan, Davao City, was likewise hospitalized but sur-

vived.

The Suzuki Multicab Dropside bearing a plate number 120110 registered under the name of Rosalie Torre Garcia of Uson Subdivision San Isidro General Santos City was driven by Renante L. Anava, 43, married and resident of Blk. 5 Lot 12, Eagle View, Ilang, Davao City

Investigation conducted

by PO2 Jonathan P. Gaabucayan, indicated that the Honda TMX driven by Hernando was coming from the north heading towards south direction, while the Multicab Dropside was coming from the opposite direction.

Upon reaching the said

PULONG, P10

Japan PM condoles with PH over‘Vinta’, Davao fire

Biker killed in Christmas Day smashup

apanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe Monday night said Japan stands ready to provide assistance to the Philippine government over casualties and damages caused by Typhoon Vinta (internaitonal name Tembin) that raked southern part of the country last week.

On behalf of the Japanese government, Abe extended his

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“heartfelt condolences to the victims and their families,” expressing his sympathy to those who were affected.

Having shared experiences on devastating calamities, the Japanese leader said they are in solidarity with the Filipinos as a nation who “fully understand the hardship caused by the severe damage of ty-

JAPAN,P10

By ANGIE SAVERON

27-year old motorcycle driver died when his bike �igured in a collision with a dropside multicab vehicle In Barangay Ilang, Km 17, Davao City at about one o’clock in the afternoon of Christmas Day. Police identi�ied the fatality as one Arnold S. Hernando, driver of a Honda TMX

BIKER, P10

VOL. 10 ISSUE 191 •WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2017

NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

Volunteers, TFD preparing 20K food packs for victims

By ANGIE SAVERON

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ivilian volunteers have finished working on 5,000 food packs for distribution to thousands of families displaced by floods caused by tropical storm Vinta.

“The people affected by the �lood to bene�it from this relief operation are those the areas of Maa, Grabahan, Marilog, Paquibato, Lasang, S.I.R and Bucana,” said Lorna Mandin, city gender division chief, who’s in charge of repacking of relief goods being done at the city mayor’s of�ice.

Mandin said the other repacking site is located at the Task Force Davao Headquarters in the Sta. Ana port area. The TF Davao operation targets the preparation of 15,000 food packs for affected families in the downtown and Buhangin areas, she said.

A total of 20,000 families in 25 barangays were displaced by the �loods in the entire city.

Some 150 to 200 volunteers are involved in the packing activity every day.

The number does not include some 150 regular police personnel and a lot more police trainees. The police of�icers involved in preparing the food packs come from eight mobile units of Police Stations 1, 4, 6, 8, 9, 10 and 11. They are augmented by personnel manning the 16 other mobile units of the Davao City Police Of�ice.

FOOD FOR THE VICTIMES. Volunteers repack food packs for the victims of the recent flood brought by tropical storm Vinta at TF Davao headquarters inside Sta. Ana wharf in Davao City on Tuesday. Lean Daval Jr

PRRD assures thorough probe into Davao City mall blaze

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AVAO CITY -- President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday, December 25, vowed to conduct a thorough investigation into the New City Commercial Center (NCCC) shopping mall �ire which killed at least 37 people.

In a private meeting with the families of the victims at Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) here, President

Duterte said there will be an inter-agency body to investigate the incident.

“Now, I will assure you that I will call the investigators of NBI (National Bureau of Investigation), police, and Bureau of Fire to take charge of the investigation],” Duterte said in the vernacular, adding that the Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) will also

participate in the probe.

This is the second time the President met with the families of workers trapped inside the Davao shopping mall.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, the President said he will “let the truth come out” and there will be no cover-up in the investigation. He reiterated the government’s commitment to help the be-

reaved families in recovering the bodies of their loved ones.

He likewise assured them of �inancial assistance.

“Maybe the compensation and the expenses are answered. Pero ako nag-commit na ako that government is willing to chip in,” Duterte said.

Meanwhile, President Duterte said also during the

PRRD, P10

14 of 37 fire victims identified by SOCO DCCCII commiserates with relatives

By JUDIE VEGA

A

S of 8 o’clock last night, Tuesday, police of�icers of the Scene of Crime Operation (SOCO) have already identi�ied 14 out of 37 cadavers recovered inside Research Now SSI, a call center at New City Commercial Corporation (NCCC) Mall Davao.

They are Jim Benedict Quimsing, Joyne Pabelonia, Kurtchin Angela Bangoy, Mary Louielyn Bongcayao, Christen Joy Garzon, Jonas Basalan,

Rosyl Montanez, Christine Joy Ferraren, Ivan Roble, Jesseca Samontina, Elyn Joy Yorsua, Venus Joy Kimpo, Jimbo Limossnero, and Jeffey Sismar.

They were identi�ied by the SOCO operatives at the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC).

As this development, of�icers of the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (DCCCII) led by

14, P10

ASEAN to finalize document pushing rights of PWDs in 2018

FOUND BODIES. Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Davao director Wilberto Kwan Tiu announces that they have found the 36 bodies of the NCCC fire victims after a mass in front of the shopping mall in Ma-a on Monday. Lean Daval Jr

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ANILA -- The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) said an enabling master plan to push further the rights of persons with disabilities (PWDs) is expected to be concluded and submitted for adoption in 2018.

In mid-December, the bloc – a joint initiative by the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR), the Senior Of�icials

Meeting on Social Welfare Development (SOMSWD) and the ASEAN Commission on the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Women and Children (ACWC)v—continued with the convening of the 4th meeting of the task force on the mainstreaming of the rights of PWDs. This is back-to-back with the AICHR Workshop on the Enhanced Access to Education

ASEAN, P10

EDGEDAVAO

4 ECONOMY

VOL. 10 ISSUE 191 •WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2017

IGACOS-BOUND. A vendor selling sunglasses and hats peddles his merchandise to the Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS)- bound beach goers at the to Sta. Ana wharf in Davao City on Tuesday. Lean Daval Jr

WHO lauds passage M of sugary drinks tax

DTI optimistic to retain EU GSP+ status in 2018

M

ANILA -- The World Health Organization (WHO) has lauded the Philippines’ passage of a landmark law that has new tax provisions for sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB).

“The initiative makes the Philippines among the �irst countries in Asia to introduce SSB tax in their national agenda,” the WHO said in a statement issued Tuesday.

The Tax Reform for Accel-

eration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Act imposes a PHP6 tax per liter of caloric and non-caloric sweetened beverages.

“Evidence has shown that the SSB tax can reduce the consumption of sugars and help

prevent overweight, obesity, and non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease,” the WHO said.

This would address the rising rates of overweight and obesity in the Philippines, which account for four out of 10 deaths among Filipinos, as well as the tooth decay being suffered by 87 percent of Filipinos.

The world health body said

that the revenue to be generated from the SSB taxation can contribute to health-promoting purposes.

“Taxation of SSBs is a great step forward in protecting the health of Filipinos,” the WHO said, adding that experience in other countries has shown positive results.

Mexico had implemented a 10-percent excise tax on SSBs in 2014 and saw a 7.6-percent

program for local body makers of modern PUVs. This is aside from the DTI’s plan to reallocate some PHP9 billion for the third player under the PHP27-billion Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy (CARS) Program.

“We need a new EO on that (PUV modernization program) so that we can get

the budget as a support for the local manufacturing; for the local assemblers, body makers to supply modern PUVs,” Lopez told reporters.

The DTI chief said the support program for local assemblers may come later in the PUV modernization program while the replacement of old PUVs may already start as President Rodrigo Duterte

targets to kick-off the program in January 2018.

He added that jeepney operators can get orders from local manufacturers or opt to buy completely build up (CBU) modern PUVs while waiting for DTI’s support program for local assemblers to supply modern vehicles.

Lopez noted the need to

WHO, P10

ANILA -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) remains highly optimistic that the European Union (EU) will continue to grant the Philippines the bene�its of Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+).

DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez told reporters that both the Philippines and the EU signaled to continue engagement on EU GSP+.

Lopez said it was also echoed by EU Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmström when they met during the World Trade Organization (WTO) Ministerial Meeting in Buenos Aires, Argentina early this month.

“Overall message is we are optimistic they would like to engage us,” he noted.

During the last quarter of the year, the trade commission of EU regularly conducts a review of the GSP+ granted to the Philippines.

In a previous interview, Lopez said the EU GSP+ review would focus on the bene�its it provided the country.

An assessment report is expected by January next year and will be forwarded to the EU Parliament.

The report to be submitted to the EU Parliament will determine if it will continue to grant the GSP+ bene�its to the Philip-

hasten the creation of an EO to support the supply side of the PUV modernization in order for the locally manufactured vehicles to compete with the price of imported vehicles.

For DTI Assistant Secretary Rafaelita Aldaba, she said it is best to source modern PUVs locally as service centers are already present

compared to imported vehicles, which parts and services are not yet available here.

“It’s not our policy to restrict entry of imported vehicles. But for imported vehicles, there is also a need to invest in terms of services facilities, and parts should be ready and available locally,” Aldaba said in Filipino. (PNA)

DTI, P10

DTI wants to speed up EO on PUV modernization

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ANILA -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) wants to fast-track the creation of an executive order (EO) to support the supply side of the public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization program.

DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez said a new EO is needed to fund the agency’s support

VOL. 10 ISSUE 191 •WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2017

ECONOMY 5

EDGEDAVAO

Vista Land aims to become integrated mixed-use developer by 2020

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ANILA - Vista Land & Lifescapes Inc., listed property developer of the Villar family, expects to continue posting double-digit revenue and pro�it growth, as it aggressively expands in line with its goal to become an integrated mixed-use developer by 2020.

Vista Land Chairman Manuel B. Villar Jr. is con�ident its core residential business will hit 12 to 15-percent growth a year, while the leasing business through malls will be growing at a more rapid pace of 22 to 25 percent over the next three years.

“Our goal is to transform this housing developer into an integrated mixed-use developer,” he told reporters. “We will be a mixed-use developer like Ayala, SM, Megaworld. We hope to be in that league after a while, in three years.”

Villar said its residential business is further expanding to new cities and municipalities in the country, while malls and of�ice buildings are also rapidly being rolled out, particularly in areas where the company has already developed healthy communities.

“Right now, we have 72 commercial assets consisting of 22 malls, seven of�ice buildings and 50 community malls and other retail formats. Our malls alone will be increased to 60 in three years,” he bared.

Villar noted Vista Land continues to grow its busi-

VISTA, P11

MONEY IN CANNDERING. Customers wait for their laundry to be done at a laundry shop along Ponce Street in Davao City on Tuesday. Laundry shop business is among the most thriving industries this year according experts. Lean Daval Jr

AboitizPower gets IMS certification M

ANILA – AP Renewables Inc. (APRI), a subsidiary of AboitizPower recently earned its certification from the Integrated Management Systems (IMS) recognizing APRI geothermal units for its strict adherence to International Organization for Standardization (ISO) codes for the environment and health and safety.

The certi�ication includes the 2015 versions of ISO 9001 (Quality) and ISO 14001 (Environment) and the 2007 ver-

sion of Occupational Health and Safety Series (OSHAS) 18001 (Health and Safety) after an audit was conducted by

TÜV Rheinland Philippines, an af�iliate of TÜV Rheinland, a leading global testing service organization for quality,

ef�iciency, and safety.

APRI has been internationally certi�ied since 2015 and it continues to operate to the highest standards to ensure the quality of its products and services and the safety and wellness of its employees and host communities, as well as to help promote environmental awareness.

This year is special for

APRI because of the engagement and participation of its employees. 44 of its team members underwent trainings that are speci�ically designed for conducting internal surveillance audit to prepare the organization for external audit.

“The Integrated Management System guides and

ABOITIZ, P11

AirAsia launches inaugural flight BPO still highest job generator in 2017 from Kuala Lumpur to Davao

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EPANG, 22 DECEMBER 2017 - AirAsia has celebrated its inaugural �light from Kuala Lumpur to Davao, Philippines. The new route will operate with four times weekly �lights between Davao and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

A receiving ceremony was held at Francisco Bangoy International Airport to celebrate the maiden �light AK590 at 2.25PM with a 100% load factor. All guests on board the �light were presented with souvenirs.

Celebratory all-in-fares from

PHP1599* one-way are available for booking online at airasia.com from now until 31 December 2017 with travel period from now until 30 June 2018. The promotional fares are also available on AirAsia’s mobile app on iPhone and Android devices, as well as mobile site at mobile.airasia.com.

The new route signi�ies the fourth direct route from the Philippines to Malaysia after Manila, Cebu and Kalibo. AirAsia also connects guests to other cities in the Philippines including Clark,

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Manila, Caticlan, Kalibo, Tacloban, Palawan, Cebu and Tagbilaran.

For latest AirAsia news, activities and promotions, please

follow AirAsia on Twitter (twitter.com/AirAsiaFilipino) and Facebook (facebook.com/AirAsiaPH).

he internet-based job and applicant matching system of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) revealed that the business process outsourcing (BPO) industry is still the biggest generator of jobs.

According to PhilJobnet, the said industry has posted a total of 133,300 call center agent positions from January to December 2017.

It added that in all months of the present year, the position of call center agent topped the list of job openings, with the

months of August and September churning out the highest number of vacancies at 21,986 and 21,858, respectively.

Last week, the DOLE’s Bureau of Local Employment reported that the top 20 vacancies in the DOLE job portal are call center agent -- 781; of�ice clerk -- 756; service crew -- 756; non-formal education teacher -- 359; food service dispatcher -- 300; salesman -295; health consultant -- 200; staff nurse -- 159; and production/factory worker -- 150.

BPO, P11

EDGEDAVAO

6 SUBURBIA RISING

VOL. 10 ISSUE 191 •WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2017

Residents of Jade Valley Subdivision in Davao City are rescued after rains brought by Severe Tropical Storm Vinta (Tembin) caused flooding in the city on December 23, 2017.

Abu Sayyaf bandit 8 Christmas shoppers arrested in Zambo die in NoCot mishap P olice and Navy intelligence operatives have arrested an alleged Abu Sayyaf bandit in this city, an of�icial announced Monday.

Chief Supt. Billy Beltran, Police Regional Of�ice-9 (RPO-9) director, identi�ied the suspect as Baser Ahmad, 45, with aliases of Abu Pandak Duma and Bensar, and a resident of Cabatangan, this city.

Beltran said Ahmad was

arrested around 11:30 a.m.

Sunday in Sitio Talungon, Barangay San Roque, an adjacent village of Cabatangan.

He said Ahmad has a standing warrant of arrest for kidnapping and serious illegal detention with no recommended bail issued by the court in Isabela City, Basilan.

He said the suspect was arrested after he was sighted driving a motorcycle in Barangay San Roque. (PNA)

Displaced canning workers get alternative employment

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AMBOANGA CITY -- The �irst congressional district of�ice in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has provided temporary employment to 1,277 canning factory workers affected by the �ishing ban.

The temporary employment, initiated by �irst district Rep. Celso Lobregat, was made possible through the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) program of DOLE. The TUPAD program bene�iciaries are workers from the 11 canning factories that

temporarily ceased production since the closed season for sardine �ishing took effect on December 1.

The closed �ishing season, which ends on March 1, covers east Sulu Sea, Basilan Strait and Sibuguey Bay. The bene�iciaries were employed for a period of 15 days effective December 22 and each will receive salary based on the minimum wage of P296 daily with no deductions such as withholding tax.

They are to undertake clean and green program in their respective barangays.

DISPLACED, P11

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IDAPAWAN CITY -- Many were rushing home in time for the traditional “noche buena” here when the unexpected occurred in what many believed as a “killer highway” in Barangay Greenhills, President Roxas, North Cotabato.

Eight commuters died when the jeepney they were riding plunged into a cliff in President Roxas town Sunday.

Chief Inspector Andres

Sumugat Jr., town police chief, said the victims were from Kidapawan City. They were heading home after beating the holiday shopping when the accident happened.

Wenfred Inutan, 39, a resident of Barangay Doruloman, Arakan, North Cotabato and the driver of passenger jeep (MVK-186), told police that his vehicle’s brake system broke down as he negotiated a downhill portion of the highway at 4:20 p.m.

Sunday.

About 25 others were injured -- many sustained head injuries -- after the double-tire jeepney turned turtle several times hitting the roadside railings before

AMBOANGA CITY – Members of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) have seized P12.2 million worth of shabu, the biggest drug haul so far this month, in its continued anti-illegal drugs campaign in the Western Mindanao area.

In a statement sent to the Philippine News Agency (PNA), PDEA Regional Director Lyndon Aspacio said

they have also arrested a suspected big time drug pusher, Al-Jhmer Jakilan, 33, who disguised himself by working as a security guard.

Aspacio said Jakilan was arrested in a buy-bust operation around 1 p.m. Saturday in Estrada Drive, Barangay Tetuan, this city, following days of surveillance on the suspect’s illicit activities.

Seized from Jakilan were

2,443.8 grams of suspected shabu packed in nine self-sealing plastic sachets and two self-sealing plastic bags worth P12.2 million; two P1,000 bills placed on top of two bundles neatly-cut “boodle money” made to appear as P200,000 used as buy-bust money; and a biscuit can.

Aspacio said charges for violating Section 5 (Selling of Illegal Drugs) and Section 11

it plunged into an African oil plantation several meters below the road.

Sumugat said three of the passengers died on the spot.

They were Michael D. Dalig, Ryan Marfore, and Del�in Igian.

Five others expired at the town hospital. The crash site has been tagged by daily commuters as “killer highway” because it is prone to accident and had claimed the lives of dozens of motorists in the past. (PNA)

(Possession of Illegal Drugs) of Article II of Republic Act 9165 otherwise known as Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 are set to be �iled against the suspect.

He added that the con�iscation of the P12.2 million worth of shabu was the �ifth and the biggest drug haul of his of�ice, as their campaign against illegal drugs in the

P12.2-M shabu seized in Zamboanga Z P12.2-M, P11

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EDGEDAVAO

SUBURBIA RISING7

2 fishers dead, 71 rescued off Tawi-Tawi

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AMBOANGA CITY --Two fishermen died while 71 others were rescued from a wrecked vessel drifting at sea on Christmas Day, near an island in the province of Tawi-Tawi, officials said Tuesday.

Rear Adm. Rene Medina, Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM) commander, said the �ishermen were rescued at around 9 a.m. Monday

near Pamilikan Island in Mapun, Tawi-Tawi.

Pamilikan is the last island of Mapun town (formerly known as Cagayan de Tawi-Tawi) towards

world. In previous interviews, he strongly expressed his intent on going after the three other world champions in his weight class.

Since winning the interim title against Thai Teeraphong Utaida November of last year, Melindo’s hard work and determination earned him the IBF world Jr. Flyweight title from Akira Yaegashi earlier this year in May, and an impressive win over South African Hekkie Budler for his title’s �irst defense just last September.

Working closely with Milan, ALA Gym’s Edito Villamor discloses he has never seen a more dedicated and determined Melindo in training.

“It’s amazing how he’s (Milan) improved. You can see he’s pouring out everything

he has to make his dreams come true,” said Villamor.

The team arrived in Japan today, and according to Villamor, Milan is still actively preparing for the biggest match of his career yet, saying, “we’re right now focusing on his mental readiness, reviewing our game plan again and again, so he won’t forget what we’ve trained for the past months.”

“He’s ready to take anyone in his path to reach his goal. He wants to make history and he wants to do it now.

We can see how badly he wants it. There’s no turning back,” added Villamor.

The Melindo-Taguchi IBF/WBA uni�ication championship will be staged in OtaCity General Gymnasium, Tokyo, Japan. (Philboxing.com)

Tristan Thompson’s shot with 6:23 to go and dunked moments later.

No surprise, the up-tempo, running rivals provided high entertainment once again. The Warriors last June captured a second championship in three years against James and the Cavaliers. ‘’I forgot all about it,’’ Cavs coach Tyronn Lue said with a chuckle.

The teams will see each other again soon, playing Jan. 15 in Cleveland.

KD requested James for his defensive assignment, to which he explained simply, ‘’I just like guarding my position.’’

The Cavs, having won six of seven and playing for the �irst time since Thursday, had their run of scoring at least 100 points end at 26 games.

The Warriors were at nearly full strength again aside from Curry, who could return this week once he goes through some scrimmages at practice.

Center Zaza Pachulia was available but didn’t play after sitting out seven consecutive games, while Shaun Livingston came back after

missing four games with a sore right knee.

Bell - who addressed the sellout crowd at midcourt moments before tipoff - started at center and had eight points and six rebounds.

SHOOTING WOES The Cavs’ 31.8-percent shooting was the lowest by a Warriors opponent in nearly four years, since Charlotte shot 31.2 percent from the �ield on Feb. 4, 2014. ‘’We just didn’t make shots,’’ Lue said.

A REAL RIVALRY Sure, this one felt a little strange without Curry or Kyrie Irving, now in Boston. ‘’Golden State-Cavaliers, that’s a big game, no matter who’s playing, who’s out,’’ Lue said. ‘’It will be weird, without Steph, without Ky, especially the battles we’ve had over the last three years. So both teams look different.’’

Warriors coach Steve Kerr knows just the uniforms are enough to get everybody going - and this marked the third straight Christmas matchup between the franchises, alternating home �loors based on who won the title.

CAN... FROM 15

Palawan.

Medina said the �ishermen were rescued after the Coastguard Station in Mapun received an information that a �ishing

boat was battered by big waves spawned by Tropical Storm “Vinta”.

He said one of the 73 �ishermen was already dead when the coastguard rescuers arrived while the other one expired upon arrival in Mapun port.

He said troops from the Marine Battalion Landing Team-8 (MBLT-

8) assisted the rescued �ishermen when they arrived around 10 p.m.

Monday at the port of Mapun town.

Dr. Sangkula Ladja of the Integrated Provincial Health Of�ice said 41 of the 71 survivors were admitted at the Cagayan de Tawi-Tawi District Hospital.

Most of the rescued �ishermen are from Palawan while the others are from Navotas, Bulacan, Bataan, Malabon, Guimaras, Caloocan City, Cebu, Leyte, Davao and Tawi-Tawi.

The wrecked �ishing boat is from Mangseeh Island, Balabak, Palawan.

(PNA)

DURANT... FROM 15

Staff of the Cosmopolitan Funeral Parlor prepare the coffins for the victims of the December 23 NCCC Mall fire in Davao City on December 26, 2017. MindaNews photo by MANMAN DEJETO

44 flood victims still missing in Zamboanga

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AMBOANGA CITY -Rescue teams have continued the search for the remaining 44 people missing in rampaging �lood spawned by the Tropical Storm Vinta in Zamboanga Peninsula.

Chief Supt. Billy Beltran, Police Regional Of�ice-9 (PRO-9) director, on Tuesday said they were among the 74,893 people affected by the onslaught of the storm in the provinces of Zamboanga del

Norte, Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga Sibugay.

The three areas were among the 11 Mindanao provinces placed under storm warning signal number two by the state weather bureau when Tropical Storm Vinta entered last Saturday into the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).

Beltran said the 44 missing persons are from nine towns of Zamboanga del Norte and two munic-

ipalities of Zamboanga Sibugay that were inundated by rampaging �lood.

Beltran said 76 people were con�irmed dead and 65 injured as of Tuesday, December 26, based on the report of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

He added that the Tropical Storm Vinta has affected 139 barangays and caused displacement to 15,520 families consisting of 75,893 individ-

uals.

The municipality of Sibuco in Zamboanga del Norte , he said, was the hardest hit area and has the highest number of casualties with 14 dead, 58 injured and 25 missing.

He said the PRO-9 units in coordination with the local government units and and other government agencies have distributed relief goods to the affected 15, 520 families. (PNA)

They were killed just outside their store located along the highway at around 11:15 a.m., Tuesday.

Investigators said the gunman �irst shot Diana, who was resting outside their store.

The gunman posed as a customer, approached Diana and ishot her in the

head. She died on the spot, police said.

Eddie Mendoza, a relative, told reporters that minutes after he heard shots, he saw his nephew, William, trying to grab the assailant’s gun.

Mendoza said William saw what the gunman did to his wife adding, “Apparently, it was William’s

instinct that prompted him to retaliate and kill the suspect but unfortunately, he failed.”

He said the gunman wore a pair of black sunglasses and a jacket.

Authorities have yet to determine the motive of the killing and the people behind it. (Malu Cadelina Manar/MindaNews)

Couple shot dead in Kidapawan

K

IDAPAWAN CITY (MindaNews/26 December) – Gunmen aboard a motorcycle shot dead a couple in this city on Tuesday, police said.

The victims were identi�ied as William Mendoza and his wife, Diana, both traders and residents of Barangay Lanao here.

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

EDITORIAL

S

VOL. 10 ISSUE 191 •WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2017

Fire probe

EVERAL AGENCIES of the government have gotten into the act

President Duterte himself has vowed to get to the truth of the dead-

of investigating the big �ire that gutted the NCCC Mall Davao at ly blaze. He made the promise to the families of those killed in the �ire the corner of McArthur Highways and Ma-a Road in Davao City during a meeting.

However, even before the probers would come out with their �ind-

last Saturday.

A total of 37 mostly very young call center agents who were their ings, this early, Dabawenyos know deep in our hearts that our city

families’ bread-winners perished in that tragedy. The �ire raged for needs to level up its �ire-�ighting facilities in order to cope with the more than 31 hours, from 9:35 a.m. on Saturday, December 23 to past needs that come with our rapid growth as a city.

5 p.m. on December 24. It is not dif�icult to picture out the suffering of

There is a mushrooming of houses in subdivisions and informal

the 37 victims, and sob, all this time that the �ire�ighters were trying to settlement areas where �ire-�ighting is becoming doubly dif�icult. And, save their lives, only to fail in the end.

how do we handle �ire in multi-story buildings such as the condomini-

Aside from the Bureau of Fire Protection and the Davao City Police ums, hotels and of�ice buildings?

Of�ice, probers of the National Bureau of Investigation, and the De-

We would really like the NCCC Mall �ire to become a clarion call for

partment of Labor and Employment have started their own inquiry our �ire-�ighting capability to be improved so that the tragic death of into the tragedy.

EDGEDAVAO

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the 37 young men and women will not be in vain.

EDGEDAVAO

D

rown by today’s commercialism is the central message of Christmas, which is the nativity of Jesus Christ. In malls and other establishments, �inding a manger is as dif�icult as �inding a lost needle in the house. Every store corner shows something very colonial: snow�lakes, mistletoes, Christmas trees, reindeers, sleighs, Santa Clauses and winter landscapes.

The signi�icance of Christ’s birth—we must not forget—is highlighted in the Gospel (Matt 2:6) which declares: “But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.” And it this biblical extract that underscores the import of the season.

In pre-war times, the Yuletide season, as it is known in the western hemisphere, was replete with meaning. Filipinos identi�ied Christmas with their Christian faith.

A December 1924 article in The American Chamber of Commerce Journal, described this holiday season in prose.

“Christmas is and should ever be a pleasant season: even in harsh climates folks manage generous smiles amid the stinging blasts of winters wholly irrespon-

H

ow are you doing today? Not feeling good anymore as if the world has already abandoned you? Do you sense that no loves you anymore? Or, you’re carrying all the problems of everyone in your back?

Don’t worry. You are not alone. If only trees could talk, they will have many stories to tell too. Listen to one tree speaking: “When I was young, I didn’t notice it. But later on, I began to realize how different I was. I was short and crooked and all out of shape while around me stood those tall stately pines and those long-branched acacia trees. I should tell you, though, that I am hanging here onto the side of a cliff and my few roots are twined around the top of a stone.

“I often dreamed of being big and beautiful, with the wind bending me to and fro and the showers of rain washing my leaves. But here on the cliffside I felt so small, the wind didn’t often blow through my branches. Even the sun only warmed me for half a day and then it left me in the shade of my cliff and shone down on those majestic trees in the valley.

“Why did I have to stay here, hanging onto a cliff? I did not have enough soil to develop all the beauty inside me.

I was dissatis�ied with my lot in life. Why did I have to stand here and be like this?

“Then early one spring morning, the perfume from all the new meadow �low-

VOL. 10 ISSUE 191 •WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2017

VANTAGE POINTS

9

Santa Claus is not Christmas! sive to the mood of mankind: here in the Philippines, our ideal land of tranquil gray skies, purple seas and opal sunsets, there is not an inharmonious note obtruding dissonantly into the great psalm of praise to the Inscrutable Dispenser of Ill and Good Fortune.

“Christmas is an earnest of the justi�ication for Christian faith, which in essence is that the death of what is material in us is not in fact the �inal end of us. We being one with all that will not perish from the earth, because it is divine and not mundane nor mortal. It is, of course, only a hope; and science, though struggling forward manfully, has not as yet rescued it from that doubtful category. Our lives and ourselves, and certainly our careers, remain ‘such stuff as dreams are made of, and..... rounded with a sleep.’

“But at Christmastide our hopes are decked in knightly bravery, we all but know that our redeemer liveth; and in this blessed Philippine climate holy exhorters need not point over bleak wastes and the ghosts of once living things, to reviving ‘springs of life that will �low with the �irst south winds. Here life is eternally reviving: our trees are evergreen, our harvests perennial, the very manna of a benign heav-

FAST BACKWARD Antonio V. Figueroa en is daily spread before us.” (Paragraphing mine.)

How about Santa Claus who has become more omnipresent than the Child in the manger? A little girl once wrote the editor of the New York Sun: on Sept. 21, 1897.

“Dear Editor: “I am 8 years old. Some of my friends say that there is no Santa Claus. Papa says, ‘If you see it in the Sun, it’s so.’ Please tell me the truth. Is there a Santa Claus?

“VIRGINIA C. HANLON.” The editor’s reply, which was also

the message for all believers everywhere, stated: “Virginia: “Your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They will not believe except they see.

“Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus.

He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus.

It would be as dreary as if there were no Virginia. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment except in sense and sight. The eternal light with which childhood �ills the world would be extinguished.

“You might get your papa to hire men to watch all the chimneys on Christmas Eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if they did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men ever see. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders that are unseen and unseeable in the world. You may tear apart

the baby’s rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest that ever lived could ever tear apart. Only faith, fancy, poetry, love and romance can put aside that curtain and view the picture-the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, Virginia, in all this world there is nothing so real and abiding.

“No Santa Claus! Thank God, he lives, and he lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia--nay, ten times 10,000 years from now--he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.”

But Santa Claus is not Christmas.

Even his provenance is even unclear to biographers want. Yes, he was a saint, but isn’t it right that he was also partly a western creation?

Santa Claus was immortalized in the Jan. 3, 1863 illustration of Thomas Nast, which appeared the Harper’s Weekly. He appeared in an American �lag, had a puppet with him, and his residence was in the North Pole. This depiction would spawn more Santa Claus concepts in later years.

In 1869, George P. Webster wrote a poem in 1869 titled ‘Santa Claus and His Works.’

How about singing the hymn ‘O Come Divine Messiah’ in celebrating Christmas?

option. Although Franks felt he still had a lot to offer the army – combat experience, technical knowledge, an ability to solve problems – he knew that soldiers with severe injuries seldom return to active duty. They must pass a yearly physical-�itness test, which includes a three-kilometer run or walk. Franks wasn’t sure he would be up to the task with prosthesis.

After the surgery, Franks felt saddest of all about giving up his prowess on the baseball diamond. At weekly games, he batted while someone else ran the bases for him. Waiting to bat one day, he watched a teammate slide into base.

“What’s the worst that could happen if I tried the same thing?” he thought.

In his next turn with the bat, Franks hit the ball into center �ield. Waving away his runner, he began a painful, stifflegged jog. Between �irst and second, he saw the out�ielder throw the ball towards the second baseman. Closing his eyes, he willed himself forward and slid into second. The umpire called “Safe!” and Franks smiled triumphantly.

A few years later, Franks led a squadron through military exercises in rough terrain. His superiors wondered if an amputee was up to the challenge, but Franks showed them he was. “Losing a leg has taught me that a limitation is as big or small as you make it,” he said. “The key is to concentrate on what you have,

not what you don’t have.”

I like that. We have to count each day a blessing. No matter how small the things are now facing, consider yourself blessed. “The things that count most cannot be counted,” a friend once told me. William A. Ward agrees: “The more we count the blessings we have, the less we crave the luxuries we haven’t.”

“Re�lect upon your present blessings, of which every man has plenty; not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some,” Charles Dickens urges.

Thankfully, we all have a lot more going for us than it sometimes appears. Yet, with blessings aplenty, far too many people still plod along holding tight to their scarcity state of mind. They don’t see much good happening to them and not surprisingly, not much of anything ever happens in their lives. It never occurs to them that what they don’t see is exactly what they don’t get.

A timely thought from an unknown author should remind us all: “Count your blessings instead of your crosses.

Count your gains instead of your losses.

Count your joys instead of your woes.

Count your friends instead of your foes.

Count your smiles instead of your tears.

Count your courage instead of your fears.

Count your full years instead of your lean. Count your kind deeds instead of your mean. Count your health instead of your wealth.”

Count your blessings

ers wafted up to me, a tiny bird warbled its song from my branches, and the �irst warm sunrays kissed me long before they ever got down into the valley. What a beautiful panoramic view I had from up here. No other tree down there could see as far as I could.

“From that day on, I began to realize that I was something special. I was a special kind of tree made for a special kind of place. None of those big beautiful trees could do what I am doing. Why did it take me so long to realize that?”

A wise man once said, “Your presence is a present to the world. You are unique and one of a kind. Your life can be what you want it to be. Take the days just one at a time. Count your blessings, not your troubles. Appreciate every moment and take from it everything that you possibly can, for you may never be able to experience it again.”

The Daily Motivator also af�irms, “No matter what kind of troubles you may have, just think of how fortunate you are to be alive and living in a world where almost anything is possible. Consider for a moment the good things you have, and the good things that you can accomplish through your willingness, determination and action.”

Always see the brighter side of life.

As an ancient Persian saying goes, “I had the blues because I had no shoes until upon the street, I met a man who had no

THINK ON THESE!

Henrylito D. Tacio

feet.” This reminds me of the true story of Major Frederick Franks in an article written by Suzanne Chazin for Reader’s Digest. It went this way: Major Frederick Franks stared at the Christmas tree in his drab hospital room.

It was the time of year for joy, but Franks felt only sadness. Seven months earlier, in May 1970, while he was in Cambodia, grenade shrapnel had torn into the lower half of his left leg. Doctors were preparing to amputate it.

Franks had graduated from the US military academy at West Point, where he was captain of the baseball team, and he had planned to make the army his career. Now, retirement seemed the only

10 NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 191 •WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2017

NCCC... FROM 2 est apologies for not being able to save them,” the BFP of�icial said.

In an interview, Kwan Tiu said the victims might have died due to the thick smoke that they inhaled inside.

He said the �iremen had dif�iculty in �ighting the �ire because of the the heat inside the razed building with temperature ranging from 500 to 700 degrees Celsius.

Kwan Tiu said his �ire�ighting personnel just came from a few hours rest after trying to rescue families affected by �loods starting December 22.

He said after receiving

information that the trapped victims were at the restroom and locker room of SSI Philippines during the incident, the �iremen concentrated on suppressing the �ire in the said area.

He said the �ire�ighters tried their best to rescue the victims but the smoke really prevented them to going inside.

He said the cause and origin of the �ire are still being investigated.

Kwan Tiu said he will recommend for the total demolition of the mall because it is already dangerous for use.

phoons.”

“Japan is ready to provide assistance needed by your country including provision of emergency relief goods to the maximum extent possible and sincerely pray that the affected areas will recover as quickly as possible,” he said.

Typhoon Vinta wreak havoc in Mindanao last week and crossed several provinces causing landslides, which rendered roads impassable. More than a hundred was recorded dead and more still missing.

The United States, AUstralia, Canada, the United Nations and the European Union al-

ready extended sympathies to the victims. For its part, UN and the EU also expressed readiness to support in humanitarian needs.

Meanwhile, on the Davao �ire incident which claimed 37 lives, Abe also conveyed condolences to the families of the deceased.

On Saturday, a blaze started at the 4-story NCCC Mall and continued to rage until Sunday morning.

Authorities on Christmas eve retrieved one body, and were only able to recover the remaining 36 from the building on Monday. (PNA)

In quitting, the tearyeyed city of�icial thanked Dabawenyos for supporting him and his of�ice. Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio was also present during the session.

“Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte has resigned today and we are awaiting the acceptance of his resignation. He is still on leave from the of�ice of the vice mayor because only the of�ice of the President can accept the resignation of the Vice Mayor,” the lady mayor said during an interview.

She said that the President knew beforehand that Pulong will step down from his position. She said that all she says to her brother is that “whatever makes you happy sa iyang personal na kinabuhi, duna man siya’y statement and klaro man sa iyang statement kung unsa ang iyang

rason ngano nag resign siya and kasabot ko on where he is coming from,” she said.

“These are things beyond my control, dili man gud siya related sa akong work where I can do something about it, and it is not my life where I can do something about it. I can only be here for my brother to support him on whatever his decision,” she added.

The mayor con�irmed that once the resignation of Pulong is approved, Councilor Bernie Al-ag will take over his position. “By the rules of succession under the local government code Councilor Bernie Al-ag will become the vice mayor of Davao City,” she said.

She said that the staff under Paolo Duterte will be moved to the City Mayor’s Of�ice.

place more speci�ically near DLPC Post Anava maneuvered to the left going to crossing illang while on process he allegedly made a full stop so that Hernando can pass when suddenly Heranando made contact to the front portion of the multicab and fell unto the cemented part of the road and sustained bodily injuries including the back rider of the

motorcycle.

They were brought to the SPMC Hospital by the responding 911 ambulance and TRABMOC rescue team. Hernando was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician while Anava was temporarily held at the police station with his vehicle.

Based on the report when the motorcycle fell to the road

JAPAN... FROM 2

PULONG... FROM 2

BIKER... FROM 2

MAN AND DAUGHTER. A man carrying his young daughter stands in front of the main entrance of NCCC mall as they wait for the mass to thrown eight meters, some commuters waiting for Public Utility Jeepney were hit namely, Richard Sombillon De Arci, 51 years old, Rebecca Gonzaga De Arci, 46 years old, An-

gela Gonzaga De Arci 13 years old, Rebecca Hepgano Mise, 59 years old, sustained minor, scratchesm pain and contusion and were also brought at SPMC

media interview that he talked to his son, Paolo Duterte, regarding the latter’s decision to resign from post as Vice Mayor of Davao City.

“Sabi ko sa kanya, ‘Ikaw.

You are in a position to do

what is right. Kung ano lang ang tama sa iyo, gawin mo,’” he said. “Sabi ko, ‘Well, let the people decide. But if you think that there is a better way to do it, do what is right,’” he added.

(PND)

Capt. Ronald C. Go, president, commiserated with the relatives of the mall �ire fatalities who were call center agents trapped inside the SSI call center while �ire was raging for more than a day.

“It is with deepest sadness that lives were lost in a season where families gather to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

Most of them were about to end their shifts and go home to their families and prepare for the Christmas Celebration.”

The chamber of commerce also urged government authorities to get into the bottom of the tragedy and urge that justice be served.

“But all of these must go through the proper channels and undergo thorough investigation,” it said, enjoining everyone not to speculate and jump into hasty and unfounded conclusions.”

“The parties affected, the owners of NCCC, the lessees which include SSI and the families of the victims should be given the time to mourn for their loss and get themselves back on their feet and allow proper authorities to do their job,” the statement added.

Honey Fritz Alagano,

Davao City spokesperson of the Bureau of Fire Protection, earlier told reporters that the �ire might have started on the third �loor of the mall, which had a furniture section going to the fourth �loor where the SSI call center of�ice was located.

Alagano said that that BFP is currently determining the cause of the �ire and the extent of the damage.

“The mall is an enclosed space with no ventilation.

When our �iremen tried to enter they were pushed back by smoke and �ire,” said Alagano.

She also said the circumstances surrounding the �ire would be investigated but added that it was too early to say who was at fault.

“Deadly blazes occur regularly in the Philippines, particularly in slum areas where there are virtually no �ire safety standards,” said Alagano.

Alagano said that the 36 retrieved are now at SPMC for proper identi�ication and operations are still ongoing at the NCCC Mall.

“We are still waiting for the of�icial report from BFP and rest assured every effort is being exerted to keep everybody informed,” she said.

PRRD... FROM 3

14... FROM 3

start dedicated to the fire victims of the shopping mall on Monday.

Lean Daval Jr

ASEAN... FROM 3 for Children with Disabilities.

The task force, which is mandated to develop a regional action plan for the PWDs, emphasized on goals-setting, aspiration and shared efforts by all pillars of ASEAN towards an inclusive community by 2025.

During the meeting, the task force had an interface with an expert from the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Paci�ic (UN ESCAP) to exchange views on the zero draft of the regional action plan.

After deliberation, it adopted a structure for the draft regional action plan entitled “ASEAN Enabling Masterplan for an Inclusive Community by 2025: Mainstreaming the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.”

According to ASEAN, this will be in line with its ASEAN Vision 2025 and will put forward goals on disability rights for each Community pillar of ASEAN and will also make reference to major documents such as the ASEAN Charter, the

ASEAN Human Rights Declaration, and the Bali Declaration.

“The ASEAN Enabling Masterplan is aimed at �inalizing and submitting for adoption within 2018,” it said in a statement.

The meeting was cochaired by Dr. Seree Nonthasoot, Representative of Thailand to the AICHR and Undersecretary Florita Villar, SOMSWD Focal Point of the Philippines and Vice-Chair of SOMSWD, with the support of the Government of Japan through the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF).

The next meeting of the task force is scheduled in January 2018.

The data collected in the 2015 UN ESCAP Disability Survey showed that persons with disabilities are consistently less likely to be employed than persons without disabilities. In the Philippines alone, UN ESCAP said among its population, there are more than 1.4 million PWDs registered last 2015. (PNA)

drop in the purchase of taxed beverages in its �irst two years of implementation.

It congratulated Philippine legislators and health advocates for working hard to push

the inclusion of the SSB tax in the law.

“This tax will save many lives over the next years,” it said. (WHO)

pines.

But the DTI chief said that there is a higher probability that the EU would sustain granting the GSP+ status for the country, as the EU is now “less concerned” with some issues in the country like compliance to the labor law, among others.

The EU GSP+ allows 6,274

goods from the Philippines to enter the EU market tariff-free.

For the country to maintain the status, it has to adhere to the 27 international conventions, with EU annually reviewing the country’s compliance with these international pacts. (PNA)

WHO... FROM 4 DTI... FROM 4

INdulge!

VOL. 10 ISSUE 191 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2017

EDGEDAVAO

TRAVEL

Mermaid eats in La Union:

The Surf Shack AMIDST ALL THE ACTION between surfing La Union’s pristine waves and watching the Philippines’ top surfers battle it out during the final leg of the Philippine Surfing Championship Tour (PSCT), this mermaid had to experience a different kind of stoke.

San Juan in La Union (LU) offers a varied assortment of restaurants to stamp your taste buds with, almost everything from Greek to Mexican and of course, the traditional Ilocano cuisines that I believe every Filipino has to try visiting La Union for the first time.

At every new surf spot, I visit, the motto is always “I came here to surf.” This time however, I knew beforehand what La Union had to offer and I added that I need to have as much food experiences as my tummy and wallet would allow. People close to me would know that I love coffee.

Being close to Benguet, one of the heavenly place where good coffee comes from, La Union has one of the coolest coffee scenes (if not the best coffee scene where surf is found), in the country. Others might raise their eyebrows on this claim, I haven’t been everywhere in the Philippines yet and I still am planning to, so until I find a place better than here, LU holds the crown.

The best way to eat through La Union is to walk along the major highway. You can easily spot the wide displays of different restaurants, pop-ups, and cafes that line the road. Also, be sure to veer off the highway if you have time! There are a lot of local carinderias that are worth going back to! I’m not really fond of writing about food that much, just because I keep forgetting to take down notes of what we ate. Most of the time, even forgetting to take a photo before we devour what’s in

Surf Shack nachos.

Josh from Siargao and Connor from Dahican - my Surf Shack dates! front of us.

During my first day in La Union, I stayed close to ‘home’.

I stayed in the Circle Hostel which was a few meters walk off the main highway, located right in front of San Juan Surf Resort. Walking out of the hostel, the street was lined with different resto bars and cafes up until the highway. The first thing I saw was La Union’s Surf Shack and remembering I mentally pinned this place to eat when I got here, it was an easy decision where to have brunch that day.

Again, I blame myself for losing my go to camera phone a few months back so I wasn’t wearing my food blogger hat.

I wasn’t able to take photos of Surf Shack’s highway façade but I did take photos of their food. I ate here twice because they had pizza and I was too full from the nachos and burger to order one.

I brought my surfer friends Connor from Dahican and Josh from Siargao for a treat.

We were definitely hungry from not having anything in our stomachs since surfing that morning. It was around 2:00pm and the sun was scorching, we loved that the Surf Shack immediately served you cold water with a slice of lemon in hipster jars. The boys ordered Surf Shack’s best sellers on the grill station, grilled pork belly and chicken barbecue with a cucumber side salad and java rice.

I couldn’t make up my mind and my stomach ordered their best seller on the burger menu, Surf Shack burger.

To satiate ourselves while waiting for our food, we ordered the house nachos which had everything I wanted in a plate of nachos – olives, cilantro, sour cream and lots of cheese. I could do nachos with-

The grilled meals were definitely one to go back to. out the meat but I can’t do nachos without proper cheese and sour cream. Their basket of nachos could feed us all three and definitely lived up to its name of appetizing us for our main meals for the day.

Both the grilled pork barbecue and grilled chicken were definitely a blast in the taste buds. I would go back for these along with their cheese pizza!

People close to me know that I am crazy about pizza, especially cheese pizzas! Give me all that cheese! I finished the cheese pizza all by myself when I ordered this around my 6th day in LU as a reward for myself after my minor accident while surfing (more on this on the blog soon). I wiped out while taking off on a slightly critical wave and hit my face on my center fin.

It bled quite a lot since it was a head wound. It didn’t stop me

from continuing my surf session until the pain was throbbing and the waves wanted me to leave already by pounding on me set after set. I finally admitted that it did hurt and I might need stitches so it was better to get out of the water and avoid all the weird stares from people looking at my bleeding face.

Oh, and the burger? It wasn’t that memorable. I’ve had better burgers and theirs wasn’t something I’d order again, maybe it was the bun not being toasted even just a bit and maybe a little more flavor to the patty BUT everything else – the pizza, nachos and their grilled meals were definitely something I’d order again when I get to go back to La Union.

Upcoming hits: La Union’s coffee scene, eating my way further in La Union and Ian Saguan (an ElYu Classic). Don’t miss this next week!

A2INdulge!

EVENT

By BAI FAUZIAH FATIMA SINSUAT AMBOLODTO FOUR WHEELS, MOVE THE BODY. Two wheels, move the soul. And for the many big bike enthusiasts in the world, the movement of the soul is an inevitable drive that cannot be ignored. And as the biggest YAMAHA shop in Southern Mindanao opens, expect nothing but the best only from Motorhub Type S Shop.

Duly designated branch to carry big bikes by YAMAHA Philippines, the Motorhub Type S Shop proves of a prestigious testament to the country’s growing motorcycle industry.

The first in Southern Mindanao, the shop is expected to ignite the interest of the public to the many beautiful reasons of owning a big bike.

The launching of Motorhub Type S Shop (Big Bikes) is just the beginning. By early 2018, two more YAMAHA 3S (Sales, Services and Spare Parts) branches are set to open -- one in Tibungco, Davao City & another at the Island Garden City of Samal.

Experience ultimate satisfaction is what the shop is all about. More so, the opening of the first Motorhub Type S Shop in the city speaks of a tight partnership with Yamaha. A solid partnership that is aimed to excite and ignite the bikers in us.

Together with the partnership is the exclusive dealership with Yamaha for the distribution of its powerful Big Bikes in Southern Mindanao.

Inside, you’d find a number of amenities crafted to suit a biker or non-bikers need. The YAMAHA Runway is a luxurious special area where Yamaha motorcycle models will be displayed. The Big Bike Zone, on the other hand, displays genuine Yamaha big bikes brand with a small lounge for you to use.

There is also a Commuter Zone, a spacious area where customers can freely explore between the different Yamaha products and discuss with Yamaha personnel.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 191 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2017

Motorhub Type S Shop opens

The Sales and Service Area is made visible for customers to know that only the highest quality items will be offered to them. A waiting area is conveniently located between the showroom and the service area -- giving customers the delight of seeing of how their motorcycle is serviced while having full view of the showroom.

Growling tummy? Cafe 83 is cafe & gallery that caters to both riders and non-riders making it the ultimate leisure spot for any visitor of the Motorhub Type S Shop. Modern

yet rustic, this is where guests can relax and explore the many Yamaha memorabilia on display.

Also, a multi-purpose room (Function Rooms) is made available for use and acts as a club meeting room Yamaha club riders. Its sophisticated space can be used as a gathering area for any motorcycle related activity. The facility further offers its customers free use and enjoyment of pool tables, children’s play area, air hockey machine and darts section.

Lorenzo Y. Rubinos, Sr founded the LYR Group of Companies in Tagum City in 1983. What started as a homebased furniture manufacturing is now a formidable company with over 50 branches of its diverse business lines mainly in Marketing, Moto-R Republic Corporation, Financing and Lending, Alfalink, Petroleum and Real Estate.

The event was graced by President of Yamaha Philippines Mr. Toru Osugi, Davao City Mayor Inday Sarah Duterte and the Chairman of LYR Group of Companies Mr. Lorenzo Y. Rubinos Sr. The first Motorhub was established in Tagum in November 2010 while the second Motorhub was opened in Koronadal in January 2015.

Motorhub Corporation is located at Rubi Grand Showroom, McArthur Highway, Bangkal, Davao City

VOL. 10 ISSUE 191 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2017

ENTERTAINMENT

EDGEDAVAO

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Globe, Disney partner to support HERO Foundation GLOBE TELECOM and Disney reaffirm its strong partnership with the launch of the campaign Create. The Hero Within that encourages the public to support Filipino Soldiers’ children’s education through the HERO (Help, Educate, and Rear Orphans) Foundation.

In time for the premiere of the latest Star Wars installation Star Wars: The Last Jedi, Globe launched its newest video found on its official Facebook page showing the journey of a mom and her son through a myriad of challenges.

The story shows a mom who works as a medical volunteer that spends long periods of time in various assignments. Despite her frequent absence, the mother sees to it that she is able to “train” her son to be on his own by taking-in the Jedi lightsaber spirit.

“We want to shed light and give our support to our heroes who risk their lives when their service is

called upon. We hope that through this campaign, we are able to inspire others to share their strength and impart the values of kindness, compassion and courage. With Disney and HERO Foundation, we can create a better future for them and help them toward a brighter future,” explains Albert De Larrazabal, chief commercial officer of Globe Telecom.

The heartwarming video rallies more Filipinos to be a hero to oth-

ers by supporting the programs of the HERO Foundation. Globe customers can lend their support through the following mechanics on http://www.globe.com. ph/star-wars/be-a-hero.

A non-stock, nonprofit organization, HERO Foundation has been providing educational stipends to military orphans. The financial support helps keep these children in school as it covers much needed requirements such as

school supplies, transportation, meals and even a portion of their tuition fee.

Globe customers can also easily donate to the HERO Foundation from December 6 to December 31, 2017 using their Rewards points through the Globe Rewards App. Customers can just download the app, click on the What’s Hot section then choose DONATE. Available denominations include HERO10, HERO20, HERO30, and HERO100.

EDGEDAVAO

A4INdulge!

VOL. 10 ISSUE 191 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2017

EDGEDAVAO PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS Serving a seamless society

Advertise with

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

Tel No. 082.221.3601/224.1413 Email: edgedavao@gmail.com marketing@edgedavao.net

VOL. 10 ISSUE 191 •WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2017

VISTA... FROM 5 ness in anticipation of an expected reverse migration wherein millennials will eventually move out of Metro Manila to look for bigger but more affordable homes.

“We are now the biggest property developer outside Metro Manila, so it bene�its us that government policy is moving towards the countryside,” he said.

Aside from malls, Vista Land is also looking to generate more recurring earnings

from its hotel business which currently has a presence in Tagaytay and Boracay Island.

“We will be opening six new hotels in three years,” said Villar, adding that two hotels will be open in the �irst quarter of 2018.

He added these will be a combination of its own Hotel Mella brand and international hotel brands and will be located in Boracay, Tagaytay, Balanga in Bataan, Cebu and Vista Alabang in Daang Hari. (PNA)

challenges us to always look for better ways to further the quality of our operations and services and continually satisfy our customers and stakeholders,” according to APRI President and COO Felino M. Bernardo, noting that the certi�ication underscores APRI’s commitment to achieving world-class operational excellence while mit-

igating environmental risks.

APRI is one of the leading producers of clean and renewable energy in the Philippines. It generates baseload power from its Tiwi-MakBan geothermal facilities located in Tiwi, Albay, and the borders of Bay and Calauan in Laguna and Sto. Tomas, Batangas. (Aboitiz PR)

Rounding up the top vacancies are sales and marketing assistant -- 130; company nurse --128; market salesperson -- 122; sales associate professional -- 100; cashier -- 98; truck driver -- 97; facial/skin

treatment consultant -- 96; quality inspector -- 94; and casino dealer -- 90.

The positions of food service dispatcher, along with health consultant, market salesperson, cashier, truck driv-

ABOITIZ... FROM 5

BPO... FROM 5

EDGEDAVAO

er, quality inspector, and casino dealer are the new active vacancies recorded by PhilJobnet during the holiday season.

Employment opportunities and other labor market information that are not disseminated in usual job fair sites, such as schools, malls, city, or town halls, can be found at PhilJobnet, which is designed both for job seekers and for employers.

Filipino jobseekers, who are at least 15 years old, may register in the PhilJobNet. Employers can also use PhilJobNet to invite registered job applicants for the job interview on the desired date and have the option to print an applicant’s pro�ile.

PhilJobNet service is free of charge for both job applicants and establishments. Its facilities can also be accessed at

the Job Search Kiosks, an ATMtype stand-alone equipment, at DOLE attached agencies and regional of�ices, Public Employment Service Of�ices (PESOs), and selected schools throughout the country.

An employer or establishment duly recognized by Philippine business authorizing agencies and with existing Tax Identi�ication Number (TIN) can register in the PhilJobNet. Job seekers and employers can log in at http://philjobnet. gov.ph/ to know more about job vacancies and other employment facilitation services or visit Bureau of Local Employment at 6th Floor, BF Condominium cor. Solana & Soriano St., Intramuros Manila.

They can also call the PhilJobNet Hotline at (‎ 632) 5272543 Fax: (‎ 632) 527-2421 or at DOLE Hotline 1349. (PNA)

“Since the start of the �ishing ban last December 1, these factory workers are unemployed, but they have to sustain their families. So in my own little way, we are giving them assistance by means of livelihood in the spirit of Christmas,” Lobregat said.

Imelda Alfaro, 42, a mother of two and one of the program bene�iciaries, said she was glad that Lobregat in partnership with DOLE provided them alternative liveli-

hood assistance.

Alfaro said they are having dif�iculty in looking for alternative jobs while waiting for the lifting of the �ishing ban.

The workers who are recipient of the program are from the following canning �irms: MEGA Fishing Company; Universal Canning; Goldstar Canning; Century Pacific; PERMEX Corporation; YL Fishing Company; NY Fishing Company; Fortune Company;

DISPLACED... FROM 6

EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE OF FRANCISCA A. TOKUNAGA WITH SPECIAL POWER OF ATTORNEY

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late FRANCISCA A. TOKUNAGA has been the subject of an Extrajudicial Settlement of Estate with Special Power of Attorney executed among her heirs, per Doc. No.408; Page No.106; Book No. I; Series of 2016, of the NOTARY PUBLIC HAZEL BETH D. ORCULLO of Davao City, Philippines with the acknowledgements: * Acknowledgement per Doc. No. 211, Page No. 44, Book No. XX; Series of 2017 of the NOTARY PUBLIC MANNY V. GRAGA of Quezon City, Philippines. *Acknowledgement per Doc. No. 2416003823, Service No. 39830, Series of 2016, O.R. No. 7511904, of the VICE CONSUL DOMINI N. FAÑGON-KITADE of Tokyo, Japan. *Acknowledgement per Doc. No. 2416003904, Service No. 40240, Series of 2016, O.R. No. 7512202, of the VICE CONSUL DOMINI N. FAÑGON-KITADE of Tokyo, Japan. * Acknowledgement per Doc. No. 2881, Page No. 22, Book No. 02, Service No. 2881, Series of 2016, O.R. No. 7447832, of the VICE CONSUL DOMINI N. FAÑGON-KITADE of Osaka, Japan.

NEWS 11 Aquatic Corporation; SACC Corporation; and, BIGFISH Corporation.

“This livelihood (TUPAD) program is very relevant and bene�icial to its recipients,

that’s why I am trying to procure more funds from DOLE to augment the number of recipients which can bene�it the unemployed constituents of the city,” Lobregat said. (PNA)

Western Mindanao area rages on.

Western Mindanao covers the provinces of Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga Sibugay, including Zamboanga City, as well as the provinces of Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi that are part of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

The four other biggest drug hauls seized were include the P5 million worth of suspected shabu seized

in a buy-bust operation last Nov. 3 in Canelar, Zamboanga City; P1.5 million last Nov. 20 in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi; P5 million in Dec. 2 in Sta. Maria, Zamboanga City; and, P1.2 million last Dec. 6 in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi.

Aspacio said the seizure of the biggest drug haul was made possible through the assistance of the other law enforcement agencies such as the police and Naval Forces Western Mindanao.

(PNA)

15-1 when he plays and 10-6 when he doesn’t.

The Thunder held the Rockets below their leaguebest average of 115.4 points per game. The Rockets made just 12 of 37 3-pointers.

WIZARDS 111, CELTICS 103 In Boston, Bradley Beal scored 25 points, John Wall had 21 points and 14 assists, and the Washington Wizards beat Boston 111-103 on Monday in the Celtics’ �irst Christ-

mas Day home game in franchise history.

Otto Porter Jr. added 20 points and Kelly Oubre Jr. �inished with 16, helping Washington take the �irst meeting between the teams since Boston’s Game 7 victory at home in the second round of the playoffs last spring.

Boston lost for the third time in four games. Kyrie Irving and Jayson Tatum each scored 20 points for the Celtics, and Terry Rozier had 16.

P12.2-M... FROM 6

OKC... FROM 14

EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE OF MAXIMINA A. ORBEN WITH SPECIAL POWER OF ATTORNEY

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late MAXIMINA A. ORBEN has been the subject of an Extrajudicial Settlement of Estate with Special Power of Attorney executed among her heirs, per Doc. No.298; Page No.79; Book No. I; Series of 2016, of the NOTARY PUBLIC HAZEL BETH D. ORCULLO of Davao City, Philippines with the acknowledgements: *Acknowledgement per Doc. No. 2417001538, Service No. 14829, Series of 2017, O.R. No. 7779929 of the VICE CONSUL DOMINI N. FAÑGON-KITADE of Tokyo, Japan. *Authentication per Doc. No. 8349-M, Page No. 107, Service No. 269, Series of 2016, O.R. No. 4891, of the VICE CONSUL RAINIER J. CASIS of Los Angeles, California, U.S.A. * Acknowledgement per Doc. No. BN-Not/Misc0844-2016, Service No. 4588, Series of 2016, O.R. No. 7269343, of the CONSUL ADRIAN ELMER S. CRUZ of Berlin, Germany. * Acknowledgement dated Aug. 24, 2016, Series of 2016 of the NOTARY PUBLIC JENNIFER CLEAVELAND from the State of Texas.

EDGEDAVAO

12 ENVIRONMENT

VOL. 10 ISSUE 191 •WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2017

Climate change is here!

(Second of Three Parts)

TEXT AND PHOTOS BY HENRYLITO D. TACIO

“The Philippines is increasingly exposed to climatic hazards of climate change, from gradual changes such as sea level rise, coral bleaching, and salinity intrusion to extreme events such as typhoons, floods and droughts.” – World Bank report

M

ore often than not, Davao City is spared from the wrath of typhoons. But not from �loods.

So when Vinta entered the metropolis, it brought a lot of rain that some areas were inundated.

One of those greatly antagonized by the recent �looding was a professor from the Ateneo de Davao University. “It’s one day before Christmas eve, but we needed to leave our house because it was ruined by the �lood,” she wrote in her Facebook account.

Her old mother, who was living with her, was brought “to a safer place �irst.” She was away from home for less than an hour and when she returned it was already a nightmare.

“We can no longer enter the village on our way home but since my children were left in the house I needed to brave the wrathful and dirty waters,” she wrote. When she �inally got home, she saw her children already preparing the necessary things – and then the lights went off.

“We were caught unguarded. We didn’t see it coming,” she recounted. Some people helped them get through the rough waters before they �inally took refuge at the Southpoint School.

According to her, they tried to save their dogs. “We were carrying our heavy Labrador,” she said. “Some people were telling us to leave him but we just can’t. He is part of the family. The little dogs were alive ex-

cept for one (who get drowned in our chapel).”

And that was the beginning.

“Soaked with wet clothes, we stayed awake the while night because the water was still rising. We needed to go up the second �loor,” she said.

The recent �looding is just a precursor of what will happen in the subsequent years. Secretary Jesus G. Dureza of the Of�ice of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process believes that the constant �looding now happening in Davao City is due to sea level rise.

“My calculation is that (the sea level) has risen by one foot over a period of 20 years,” the former press secretary wrote in his column, “Advocacy Mindanao,” a few years back. “Hence, rain waters and �loods no longer easily �low or empty out into the sea. They are clogged in the waterways and spill out into the riverbanks.”

Dureza said that when �lood waters rush down during high tide, they get stuck, at times and worse, a “back�low” of seawater during high tide. When seawaters rise high, it �lows back inland through rivers. Hence, low-lying areas or subdivisions or residential areas around or near riverbanks are in trouble.

“I know this because I personally witnessed how the sea level had gone up over the years,” he pointed out. “Our family lived for four years in our resort house by the sea in Davao City in the 1990’s while we were slowly renovating our house in the GSIS area inland. Our beach

house was in fact built over the water, jutting out into the sea, with stilt cement posts and under our �loor was sea water rising and ebbing.”

According to him, the highest water level during high tides left water traces on the cement posts. “I would notice because every time I woke up in the morning, I could see the water markings,” he said.

At one time, Dureza asked his resort employee to check the water markings on the same post he was monitoring for years. “He told me the highest tide level has risen by about one foot or 12 inches from its highest level 20 years ago. Our science people may dispute this but I can show them the posts.

In fact, we had to demolish one resort hut which was also jutting out into the sea because the water level rose to touch the �loor over the years. It was way above the water when it was built.”

During the last century, “sea levels rose between 10 and 20 centimeters (4 and 8 inches),” according to “Fragile Earth: Views of a Changing World.” As global warming intensi�ies over the century ahead, this rate is predicted to accelerate. “Nature” said the current sea-level rise rate – which started in 1990 – is 2.5 times faster than it was from 1900 to 1990.

“Science Daily” reported that low-lying countries with an abundance of coastlines are “at signi�icant risk” from rising sea levels. Take the case of the Philippines, which has more than

7,000 islands. The World Meteorological Organization said that the water levels around the country “are rising at a rate almost three times the global average due partly to the in�luence of the trade winds pushing ocean currents.”

“On average, sea levels around the world rise 3.1 centimeters every ten years,” the Canada-based International Development Research Center pointed out. In comparison, water levels in the Philippines “are projected to rise between 7.6 and 10.2 centimeters each decade.”

In the near future, about 170,000 hectares of coastlands in 171 municipalities are expected to go underwater, particularly those low-rise island communities facing the Paci�ic Ocean. Metro Manila, Cebu and Davao City are also vulnerable.

A previous study pointed out that a six-meter sea level rise in the Davao Gulf, for instance, could submerge the coastal area of Davao City. According to the study, the Agdao district, Panacan, Sta. Ana wharf, part of the Lanang, Bajada and Matina areas, the whole downtown area, including the City Hall, will be completely under water. “These areas will virtually be part of the Davao Gulf,” it said.

As a result, 40% of the city’s total population will be forced to evacuate to higher areas like the Buhangin district, Catalunan Grande, Calinan, Mintal, and Paquibato. Once the downtown is inundated, businesses have to be relocated to higher areas.

“Climate change is occurring now and will intensify in the next few decades, threatening in particular developing nations, with Philippines being one of the most vulnerable countries in the world,” said the World Bank report, “Getting a Grip on Climate Change in the Philippines.”

American bestselling novelist Tom Anthony is very much aware of this. He came to the Philippines when he married his Filipina wife, whom he met in Singapore. Since his wife is from Mindanao, he decided to settle in Davao City.

About �ive years ago, Anthony built a house near a beach front. The place was so beautiful as it reminded him of another home in California. Trees were trimming all over; there was also a cemented pathway along the shoreline.

Then, something happened.

When he returned lately to his home in Davao City, he observed that there were already cracks the cemented pathway. Some portions are no longer passable as it was dangerous to walk above it. In fact, the dead end of the long road from the entrance is now placed with orange signage with the word: DANGER. The cemented fence of a house built near the seashore may soon give way as the waves of the sea kept on encroaching the backyard.

“This is a proof that sea level rise is for real,” says Anthony, the man who wrote the best-selling “Rebels of Mindanao.” “I think people should stop thinking that climate change is a state of mind. We need to do something about it now before it’s too late.”

Sea level rise is just one of the dire consequences of climate change. “Climate change is more disastrous to the agricultural industry of the Philippines and its neighboring countries than in other parts of the world,” warned Dr. David Street of the US Argonne National Laboratory.

According to agricultural scientist Julian Gonsalves, agriculture and climate change are closely linked. “The agriculture sector is expected to suffer the most serious impacts of climate

change, and food security, nutrition and livelihoods will be affected if we don’t act soon,” he told SciDev.Net As global temperature continues to rise due to climate change so are diseases. “Climate change endangers human health,” said Dr. Margaret Chan, former director-general of the Geneva-based World Health Organization.

“As climate change alters rainfall patterns and brings deadly, intensi�ied and frequent calamities, it will affect public health,” said Loren Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Climate Change.

In the Philippines, the rising cases of dengue and malaria are related to climate change.

In 1998, when the Philippines experienced El Niño, almost 40,000 dengue cases, 1,200 cholera cases and nearly 1,000 typhoid fever cases nationwide were recorded.

“The state of our health as human beings is under threat but it is not a death sentence – yet. We are alive and able to address the climate crisis. We can no longer deny the link between climate change and public health. As scientists, doctors and health workers act double time to limit the spread of weather-related diseases, we must do our share by addressing the factors that contribute to the spread of these diseases,” Legarda pointed out.

Meanwhile, the climate change continues to wreak its havoc around the world. “Climate change is taking place before our eyes and will continue to do so as a result of the concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, which have risen constantly and again reached new records,” deplored Michel Jarraud, secretary-general of the World Meteorological Organization. (To be concluded)

VOL. 10 ISSUE 191 •WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2017

NEWS13

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EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

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3 ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Qualifications: • BS Marketing Graduate • Male/Female • With Pleasing Personality

DRIVER Qualifications: • at least 21 years old, male • with Driver’s License • physically and mentally fit Submit application letter and resume to: ELLA P. TINGZON HR/Admin Supervisor Edge Davao Review Publishing Inc. Door 14 ALCREJ Bldg., E. Quirino Avenue, Davao City Or email at edgedavao@gmail.com or ella_tingzon@yahoo.com

14 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. 10 ISSUE 191 •WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2017

OKC wins over Rockets, Celtics bow to Wizards

O HOME GAME. Gilas Pilipinas will host Japan for the second round on Feb. 25 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

SECOND ROUND Gilas plays Japan at MOA on Feb. 25 G

ilas Pilipinas will open its campaign in the second leg of the first round of the Asian qualifiers for the 2019 FIBA World Cup against Japan at the Mall of Asia Arena on February 25.

Gilas whipped Japan in the �irst leg of the quali�iers in their opponent’s home soil, 77-71, after Jason Castro dropped 20 points to go along with seven boards and six

T

dimes.

The national team then returned to Manila and trounced visiting Chinese Taipei, 90-83, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

READ: FIBA World Cup

he recent ugly report about the Philippine Karatedo Federation’s alleged mishandling of athletes’ training allowances in Germany is one black eye that does not raise an eyebrow anymore.

Com. Ramon Fernandez has documents that bared the Philippine Sports Commission allotted P3,217,874.75 for the entire trip with each team member given a daily allowance of $90 or $1,800 for 20 days.

According to Fernandez, some of the athletes claimed they only got 400 Euros or roughly $470 when they trained in Germany from July to August this year.

Assuming this claim is true, that means the complaining athletes were short-changed by $1,330!

Wow, I’m going to throw up.

My hanky, please!

I am not in the habit of passing judgment hastily. But in more than three decades of covering

quali�iers: Strong �inish keys Gilas win over Chinese-Taipei With back-to-back wins, Philippines is now enjoying a 2-0 record, tied with Australia on top of the standings in Group B. Japan and Chinese Taipei, on the other hand, both remain winless after the �irst leg.

Gilas is also set to host powerhouse Australia on

July 2 at the Philippine Arena for the third leg of the competition.

“By playing in the three venues – the Smart Araneta Coliseum, Mall of Asia Arena, and the Philippine Arena, this will serve as a dry run of our hosting of the 2023 FIBA World Cup,” Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas executive director Renauld N. Barrios.

KLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Oklahoma City is starting to have the look of a contender.

Russell Westbrook had 31 points and 11 assists to help the Thunder stay hot with a 112-107 win over the Houston Rockets on Monday night.

Paul George scored 24 points and Carmelo Anthony added 20 for the Thunder, who won their �ifth straight game and their 11th in their past 14. Oklahoma City shot 54.4 percent from the �ield against the Rockets, who entered the day with the best record in the Western Conference.

The Thunder started 4-7 after acquiring George and Anthony in the offseason, but they’ve charged back to the center of the West’s playoff picture as they’ve �igured out how to distribute the ball among their stars. ‘’Every night, teams guard us differently,’’ Westbrook said. ‘’Once we �igure that out and see how

teams are guarding us - �ind ways to make the game easier for (George and Anthony), and that’s my job.’’

James Harden led the Rockets with 29 points, but he made just 7 of 18 �ield goals. The league’s leading scorer was coming off backto-back 51-point games. ‘’Give them credit,’’ Harden said. ‘’They made big-time shots. We had our chances, though. We had several chances, we just couldn’t convert and we couldn’t get stops when we needed to.’’

Trevor Ariza and Eric Gordon each scored 20 points and Clint Capela added 19 points and 10 rebounds for Houston, which lost its third straight.

Houston point guard Chris Paul sat out with a groin strain. The Rockets are

OKC,P10

ONE ON ONE. Carmelo Anthony of OKC goes one on one against James Harden of Houston.

Karate money mess

Philippine sports seven days a week, I have gained a modicum of con�idence from sports people – athletes, coaches and even NSA of�icials.

I will tell you that many of them in the know spill the beans on scheming NSA of�icials who cheat and defraud their athletes of allowances especially when on foreign trips.

I recall that there were other NSAs (national sports associations) involved in this type of hokus-pokus many years ago while I was covering the sports beat in the 90s at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

I will tell you how and why this scam happens.

Usually, the total peso amount PSC dispenses is swapped for American dollars by an NSA of�icial authorized to do so. Then, the greenbacks are held in con�idence by a high-ranking NSA of�icial and are disbursed according to an accepted “scheme” when the team arrives in the foreign

SPORTS KEN Fred C. Lumba destination.

Athletes have told me that NSA of�icials have the habit of charging their meals (breakfast, lunch, snacks and dinner) on a “group sharing” basis where, based on the receipt, all team members pay equally.

This is done by deducting their individual meal expenses (pro-rated) from the total “pot” handled by the responsible NSA

of�icial.

Everyday, the NSA of�icial hands out a minimum amount of their daily stipend to the team members which is deducted at the end of the team’s sojourn.

When the total team receipts (meals, billeting, etc.) are computed (we don’t know whether these have been “doctored” or not), the remaining balance is then divided among the team members.

That is when the athletes realize that they have been had, because by then they only get a much-reduced amount as they had agreed to the pro-rated disbursement.

If only the PSC $90-daily allowance was given outright and left it to the athletes to manage their individual needs, no complaints will ever arise such as this one, right?

The problem comes when the NSA of�icial in charge meddles with how the athlete spends his/ her PSC stipend. Not incidentally,

there are honest-thinking NSA of�icials I know who good-naturedly act as parents to their athletes by keeping their money safe until the tournament ends.

(There was a time when the PSC sent along a disbursing of�icer who is responsible for distributing the team members’ daily allowances.)

However, some are tempted to play the role of Mandrake “The Magician” and voila! The athletes soon start scratching their heads in confusion.

According to press reports, PKF has submitted its liquidation documents to the COA internal auditor in the PSC Mark my word, folks. Unless a thorough and serious probe is done, this wrinkle of a problem will soon be swept under the rug, buried and forgotten. (Email your feedback to fredlumba@ yahoo.com.) Mk. 3:35. “Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.” GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!

VOL. 10 ISSUE 191 •WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2017

EDGEDAVAO

SPORTS 15

DURANT DELIVERS

Warriors beat Cavs 99-92 on Christmas Day

O

AKLAND, Calif. (AP) -LeBron James drove to the basket in the waning seconds and Kevin Durant swatted away any chance Cleveland had at a Christmas Day comeback.

Durant pumped his �ist again and again, emphatically shook his head and pounded his chest in delight. It looked a lot like the dominant Durant from the NBA Finals six months ago.

K l a y Thompson hit a go-ahead 3 - p o i n te r with 1:33 left, Durant delivered on both

ends of the �loor, and the Golden State Warriors beat the Cavaliers 99-92 on Monday in a festive holiday rematch of the past three Finals. ‘’There’s just so much joy in the arena today because it’s Christmas and we all feed off of that,’’ Durant said.

D u rant’s b l o c k against a driving James with 24.5 seconds left went out of bounds off James, who said he thought

he was fouled on the play. Durant �inished with 25 points, seven rebounds and �ive blocked shots. ‘’He’s one of the leaders in shot blocks a game and obviously he had �ive tonight, so he’s been doing a heck of a job of �irst of all taking the individual matchup and protecting the rim, too,’’ James said.

Kevin Love had 31 points and a season-best 18 rebounds, while James contributed 20 points, six rebounds and six assists in a rivalry missing one key piece: Warriors star Stephen Curry, who missed his eighth straight game

DELIVERY. Kevin Durant of Golden State -- blocking a shot against Lebron James and shooting threes -- shone on both ends of the floor on Christmas Day against rival Cleveland.

kle.

with a sprained right an-

Thompson scored 24 points and Draymond Green had a triple-double with 12 points, 12 rebounds and 11

assists.

It was Golden State’s 12th win in 13 games after its 11-game winning streak was snapped by Denver on Saturday night.

Warriors rookie Jordan Bell traveled with 2:13 left and James tied it. Bell made up for that mistake with a key offensive rebound and pass to Thompson for his fourth 3.

James’ 3-pointer with 10:39 left pulled Cleveland within one, b u t Green a n swered with a 3 and Andre Iguodala scored two of his nine points the next time down. In another key sequence, Durant blocked

DURANT,P7

Wolves roar past Lakers 121-104 Can Melindo

L

OS ANGELES (AP) -- The Minnesota Timberwolves got their �irst-ever Christmas victory, and with the way things are coming together, it could be the �irst of many showcase wins.

Jimmy Butler scored 23 points, Karl-Anthony Towns had 21 points and 10 rebounds and the Timberwolves beat the Los Angeles Lakers 121-104 on Monday night. ‘’I’m happy to be part of history for the franchise, but this won’t be the �irst and the only one that we ever win,’’ Towns said. ‘’We’ll have a lot more opportunities I’m banking on to do this again and again and again.’’

Former Southern California standout Taj Gibson had 23 points and nine rebounds for

the Timberwolves, who have won four straight. Jamal Crawford added 19 points off the bench.

Lakers rookie Kyle Kuzma scored 31 points, joining LeBron James in 2003 as the only �irst-year players to score at least 30 points on Christmas Day in the last 30 seasons.

Jordan Clarkson had 17 points, seven assists and six rebounds, and Julius Randle had 16 points and seven rebounds for the Lakers, who have lost three in a row and six of seven.

Minnesota pulled away when Towns and Crawford combined to score all 16 points during a 16-1 run after Randle put Los Angeles up 84-83 with 11:14 to play.

The Lakers cut the de�icit

to 105-99 with 4:30 remaining, but Gibson knocked down a hook shot and 3-pointer on consecutive possessions to restore a double-digit lead. ‘’He just has a knack of coming up with big plays when you need it the most,’’ Minnesota coach Tom Thibodeau said. ‘’What he has brought to the team and what Jimmy has brought to the team has really changed everything for us.’’

While the Timberwolves have been able to jumpstart their development with the addition of Butler, Gibson and Crawford, the Lakers showed their potential, even without Brandon Ingram and Lonzo Ball. Ball sprained his left shoulder against Portland on Saturday, and Ingram missed his

second straight game with quad injuries.

Kuzma scored 10 of the Lakers’ �irst 14 points, and kept a short-handed bunch in the mix. The Timberwolves led by 10 with 7:42 left in the second quarter, but the Lakers closed the half on a 22-13 run. Kuzma hit a 3 with 1:07 left to give Los Angeles its �irst lead before Butler hit a spinning layup to put Minnesota in front 53-52 at the break. ‘’I like what he’s about, how he likes to compete,’’ Lakers coach Luke Walton said of Kuzma, who is averaging 30 points during his last �ive games. ‘’For us and the way we want to play, we want it to come organically to him, so we’re not just running plays for him every time.’’

resurrect career?

M ilan Melindo, once a promising world contender, is on a rebound.

Melindo has been successful in his two world championship outings against some of the biggest names in his division this year.

One would think both �ights would be enough for the new world champion in one year, but Melindo has obviously set a different schedule before he celebrates a new one.

On December 31st, exactly 7 months and 10

days after he won his �irst world title, Melindo (37-3-0, 13KOs) faces Japanese and current WBA super world Jr. Flyweight champion Ryoichi Taguchi (26-2-2, 12KOs) in an IBF/WBA world Jr. Flyweight uni�ication championship.

31-year old Taguchi comes into the �ight hoping to keep his unblemished world title record of 5 wins and a draw since 2014.

On the other hand, Melindo’s goal to unify titles in the Jr. Flyweight division is no secret in the Boxing

CAN,P7

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 191 •WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2017