Edge10 issue 215, January 31, 2018

VOL. 10 ISSUE 215 • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2018

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

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EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

SMART GEAR. An admin staff member of a taxi company inspects the smartphones which she will release to cab drivers for the ‘Hirna’ taxi hailing app that is planned to be launched next month. The releasing of smartphones for ‘Hirna’ was made in time for the calibration of the taxi meters of the company. Lean Daval Jr

NO EFFECT PRIME says of Martial Law vis-à-vis investments

By JUDIE VEGA

T

he implementation of Martial Law in Mindanao did not dampen investments, particularly in Davao City.

This was underscored by the City Information Of�ice, citing Jet Yu, founder and managing director of PRIME Philippines as source.

Yu was quoted as saying that Martial Law has “minimal to no effect” on business in Davao City in particular, and the whole island of Mindanao in general.

The prognosis was arrived at during the business forum hosted recently by the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) and real estate �irm PRIME Philippines.

The forum was dubbed the “Mindanao Business Briefing: Updates on Security Situation, Business Resiliency and

Optimism” which was held last January 23 at Seda Hotel, Davao City.

“Martial Law has minimal to no effect on the gross sales of residential condominiums in Davao City,” said JetYu. He noted the increase in hotel gross sales in Davao City to 100 percent in December from only 25 percent in August.

“Hotel gross sales in Davao City have increased by 25 to 100 percent from August to December 2017 after expe-

riencing 10 to 25 percent decrease a few months after the declaration of Martial Law in Mindanao,” Yu said.

In a speech read for her

by Davao City Investment Promotions Center (DCIPC) head Lemuel Ortonio, Mayor Inday Sara Duterte commended the ECCP and PRIME Philippines for choosing the city as one of the event venues.

“Today we will hear the testimonies of resiliency amid security challenges among

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Sweet graze

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 215 • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2018

DESERVING. President RodrigoDuterte confers the Order of Lapu-Lapu Kampilan Medal on CAFGU Active Auxiliary Jimmy Gonzaga during his visit to the wounded soldiers at Camp Panacan Station Hospital at the

SM Lanang unveils three-day great sale

By ANGIE SAVERON

S

M Lanang Premier will be offering a great three-day sale from February 2-4, 2018 to its valued customers.

Davaoeños can enjoy up to 70 percent discount during the three day sale and shopping at least P1000 also gives a customer a chance to win brand new Macbook Air or a round trip ticket to Singapore for two.

SM Advantage and SM Prestige card holders gets exclusive discounts on the following dates; Prestige Sale on February 2; SM Advantage Card (SMAC) sale on February 3 from 10 o’clock in the morning until 12 noon and the Final Hour SMAC sale on February 4 from 5 o’clock in the afternoon until 7 o’clock in the evening.

“With this three days sale we are giving you more shopping hours, free to enjoy all the discounts.

So the mall will be opened from 10 am to 11 pm except on Saturday, February 3 where we schedule a

SMAC sale the mall will be open from 9 am till 11 pm,” said Eduard Aron Dalaza, Mindanao brand manager, SM Supermalls during the Connect Health, Science and Wellness press conference on Friday.

He said that during the SMAC sale all the shoppers will get to enjoy addition 10 percent off from SM store and their af�iliates.

He said there will be more than a hundred freebies for those who will shop early on February 2.

“You can get drinks from our partner establishments like Macao Imperial which is the recently opened milk tea house there, we have perks from Happy Lemon, we will ge giving out boxes of pizza for you plus all �lip �lops from Havainas and a whole lot more,” he said.

He said that on February 3 Saturday and February 4 Sunday they will double the chances of their shoppers to win prizes in the raf�le by giving out cou-

SM,P10

Naval Station Felix Apolinario in Davao City on Monday night. Gonzaga was wounded in an encounter with members of the New People’s Army in Makilala, Cotabato recently. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

Tight-lip on revenues, coffee shop padlocked Closed in the course of Oplan Kandado

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

T

he Bureau of Internal Revenue 11 has temporary closed down a coffee shop in Davao City for its failure to declare revenues.

Around 9 a.m. of January 30, personnel of BIR 11 served the closure order to the management of Cafe Demitasse along F. Torres Street. After the order was received by the manager, the establishment was immediately closed by its personnel headed by BIR 11

regional director Nuzar Balatero.

BIR Davao City Revenue District Of�icer Rodrigo L. Revamonte bared the coffee shop has not declared itself as Value Added Tax (VAT) payers despite its big sales income.

“For one whole year, dapat

naa kay P1.919,500 million sales para ka ma-qualify sa Vat. Sila nag sobra sila didto sa two quarters pa lang (For the one whole year, the establishment must have P1.9 million sales for them to be quali�ied as Vat tax payer and their income exceeded in just two quarters),” he said.

Revamonte said in the �irst two quarters of their business, the coffee shop should register as Vat payers and not as non-

P

tress.

During the second Senate panel hearing on fake news, Badoy apologized after Pacquiao said she owed him an apology for spreading what he described as “fake news.”

It may be recalled that Badoy shared the photo on her

personal Facebook account on February 2016.

Badoy admitted that she owed Pacquiao an apology but explained that she only made that post after the senator made a controversial comment about same-sex unions.

“What you said regard-

vat since they already have more than P1.9 million sales income during that period.

“Actually, they are supposed to pay vat due of P2.2 million but, they pay their taxes by way of percentage tax amounting to P43,000 plus, ” he said.

“So, there is an underpayment of P2.169 million, 110 percent of that is P2.3 million,”

ing LGBT community really, really hurts me,” Badoy told Pacquiao.

“We do affect each other very much so when you put hate out there, you’d better ready for that to come back,” she added, stressing that she

TIGHT,P10

PCOO exec apologizes to Pacquiao for FB post residential Communications Operations Of�ice Undersecretary and Spokesperson Lorraine Badoy on Tuesday apologized to Senator Manny Pacquiao for sharing on Facebook a photo of a house she claimed was owned by the senator’s mis-

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VOL. 10 ISSUE 215 • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2018

EDGEDAVAO

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4NEWS SM Lanang bares first desserts fair

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 215 • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2018

By JUDIE VEGA

S

M Lanang Premier is going to hold the �irst ever Desserts Fair on February 1 to 4, high for an amazing weekend of all things sweet and all things nice for ‘SUGAR RUSH’ in SM Lanang Premier Northwing Event Grounds featuring 21 purveyors offering sweet foods.

Clint Alagdon, SM Lanang Premier Assistant Mall Manager said that SM has opened its doors for the four day fair offering dessert adventures of best deals and varieties of mouth-watering sweet-foods and desserts.

“This would be our �irst time to hold a feast on all sweet things which all your sweet-tooth dreams come true, “he said.

Alagdon said that this will be the Davao biggest dessert festival that brings to the pub-

lic an unforgettable festival at their favorite sweet spots.

“Expect an abundance of all things syrupy, sugary and crave-able and taste a wide range of desserts,” he said.

The mall’s biggest dessert festival brings together all of your favorite desserts for a sweet weekend in the Northwing Event Grounds.

“Indulge and get sugar high with treats new and old alike from homegrown brands of : Yuyu Café, Maxi Mango, JR Pastry, Confex &Co. Bakehouse, Ice Queen, Yema Cake

by Sweet and Savory, Yolk’s Café, K Cotton Fries, Dairy (Fat Cow), The Good Food Co., Nanette’s Sylvannas, Sweet of Tirzah, and Sea Green Café.

Desserts and snacks from mall stores are also available: Cheddy’s Delight, Cherrie’s Ice

wo newly-promoted major generals formally got their new ranks during short ceremonies at the Philippine Army headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City Monday.

The event was spearheaded by PA vice commander, Maj. Gen. Robert M. Arevalo, Army spokesperson Lt. Col. Louie Villanueva said.

Promoted were PA chief-ofstaff, Maj. Gen. Danilo Chad D. Isleta, and 702nd Infantry Brigade commander, Maj. Gen. Henry A. Robinson.

The latter unit is based in

Manaoag, Pangasinan and is part of the Nueva Ecija-headquartered 7th Infantry Division.

Arevalo congratulated the two senior of�icers for their well-deserved promotion, saying the Army needs well-quali�ied senior of�icers.

“The Philippine Army needs the best senior leaders to lead our troops in combat and our transformation initiatives towards its goal of a more progressive worldclass Philippine Army that is a source of national pride,” he added. (PNA)

NON-COMPLIANT. Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Davao City East Revenue District officer seals the roll-up door of Cafe Demitasse along

F. Torres Street after the establishment was closed for under declaration of tax. Armando B. Fenequito Jr

DCPO conducts Two senior Army officers promoted urban training T SM,P10

By ANGIE SAVERON

T

he Davao City Police Office spearheaded an urban tactical defensive training participated by the Davao City police station commanders and DCPO command group on January 30-31, 2018 at Camp Captain Domingo E. Leonor, San Pedro Street Davao City.

DCPO Director Senior Superintendent Alexan-

der Tagum said that the two day training is due to

the heightened alert level of DCPO together with the whole security provider of Davao City.

He cited the threats posed by the terrorist group New People’s Army and other extremist groups as reasons for the training.

“This is also a part of our preparation tungod kay kabalo man ta na in any giv-

en day, pag mag desisyon na ang mga criminal ug mga teroristang a mu-atake or mu target sa atong mga kapulisan then I can at least be assured naatong mga kapulisan diri sa Davao City will be ready to confront them,” he said during an interview at the �iring range at DCPO on January 30, Tuesday.

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Banning of reserving public spaces sought

By JUDIE VEGA

C MAKING SURE. A vehicle undergoes emission test conducted by personnel of Land Transportation Office (LTO) 11 along Ponciano Reyes Street in Davao City on Tuesday. Lean Daval Jr

ity Councilor Conrado Baluran has proposed an additional amendment the city’s Comprehensive Transport and Traf�ic Code that sought to prohibit persons from reserving public spaces for exclusive parking.

Baluran, the chairman of the committee on transportation and communications proposed that the amendment should be part of the prohibitions under Section 188 of the ordinance.

His proposed amended also sought to prohibit the installation of “Reserved parking for customer only signage in public areas.”

Baluran also assailed commercial and business establishments that do not provide inner parking spaces

as part of their development plans.

“Owners of the buildings utterly maximize �loor area for more rentable spaces, and deliberately not minding to provide ample parking space.

Instead, they only provide an allowable minimum setback of meter from the property line and using the setback as parking facility,” he said.

Baluran told the Pulong-Pulong ni Pulong forum on Tuesday that he came with proposed amendment after his staff got into arguments with security guards of some of the business establishments in the city that put up signage saying the public spaces were “reserved parking for client/customer only.”

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VOL. 10 ISSUE 215 • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2018

NEDA okays Subic, Clark railway project A project providing a 71.13-kilometer rail connection between Subic Bay and Clark Freeport Zone has been given the green light by the country’s economic managers.

The National Economic and Development Authority Investment Coordination Committee-Cabinet Committee (ICC-CabCom) has approved the Subic-Clark Railway Project and will be elevated to the NEDA Board, chaired by President Rodrigo Duterte, for con�irmation.

One of the Duterte administration’s 75 �lagship projects, the railway project aims to support current industrial activities and the potential demand for freight services along the Subic-Clark corridor.

Apart from providing the needed infrastructure for Metro Luzon Urban Beltway and spurring the development of a freight railway system for Luzon, the project is seen to help

decongest traf�ic in Metro Manila.

It is a joint project of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA). Apart from the railway project, the ICC-CabCom noted the increase in the Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP)-Phase 1’s cost by PHP1.375 billion, or from PHP355.58 billion to PHP356.96 billion.

The increase in the project cost of the MMSP was based on the appraisal of the Japan International Cooperation Agency, which will �inance the said project through an Of�icial Development Assistance (ODA) loan package.

The MMSP- Phase 1 is a 25.3-kilometer subway that will run from Mindanao Avenue in Quezon City to Food Terminal Inc. (FTI) I in Taguig City and terminate at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. (PNA)

A group of fishermen unloads their fish containers in Brgy. 76-A Bucana, Davao City after a day of fishing exploration at the Davao Gulf on Tuesday. Lean Daval Jr

PH eyes to produce 100,000 MT of cacao

Expansion to 100,000 hectares production seen

T

he Philippine Cacao Industry has to produce 100,000 metric tons of fermented beans by the year 2022 for both the export and domestic markets.

Edwin Banquerigo, Department of Trade and Industry Region 11 assistant regional director and national cacao industry coordinator, said in a document obtained by the Philippine News Agency on Monday that the industry target is a 40-percent increase in the present production level of cacao.

Banquerigo was among the facilitators in the Cordillera

Cacao Investment forum at the Benguet provincial capitol last January 24-26.

The document shows the sector’s development directions, which include the expansion of production areas across the country to 100,000 hectares, increase in productivity level to two kilograms per tree per year, focus on �ine �lavor cacao beans, strengthening market presence through

improved branding, and more value adding.

The senior DTI of�icial in his post assessment of the forum enumerated some strategies to achieve the direction: industry strengthening; expansion, and aggressive promotion; improving farm productivity; increase in production; access to quality planting materials; stronger market linkage and promotion; and continuous research and development.

Banquerigo also cited the importance of cacao for inclusive growth. He said the industry is expected to provide more

he Department of Finance is the �irst Philippine government agency to formally adopt global principles and standards in internal auditing with the recent approval by Secretary Carlos Dominguez III of the charter governing such practices that aim to improve the performance and operations of the DOF and its attached of�ices and bureaus.

It also became the �irst state agency to comply with international standards on managing and protecting its critical and valuable data under its Information Security Management System.

The Internal Audit Service Charter, approved by Domin-

guez through Department Order No 02-2018, institutionalizes within the DOF a systematic and disciplined approach of independently evaluating performance, internal controls, operations and programs.

This IAS Charter is in keeping with the adoption by the Commission on Audit in 2016 of the Philippine Internal Auditing Framework for the Public Sector, which adheres to global professional practices.

The Philippine Internal Auditing Framework “provides authoritative guidance essential for the professional practice of internal auditing,” and is “aligned with the prevailing international principles and

standards.”

Under the IAS Charter, the head of the IAS “shall report functionally to the Secretary and administratively to a designated Undersecretary” to maintain and assure that the of�ice has suf�icient authority to ful�il its mandate.

The DOF-IAS is currently headed by Director Ma. Luisa Notario.

According to Notario, “the DOF-IAS is mandated to provide an independent objective assurance and advisory services designed to add value and improve DOF operations, including its bureaus and attached agencies.”

The DOF’s IAS Charter pro-

jobs and livelihood opportunities and promote countryside development.

More importantly, he stressed, cacao is driven by a stable domestic and export market demand.

Based on Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) data provided during the forum, Davao Region produced 80 percent of cacao fermented beans in 2014, while the remaining 20 percent is shared by the different regions of the country.

In last week’s forum, it was reported that production is focused in Mindanao. (PNA)

vides that the Department’s Internal Audit Service “shall remain free from all conditions that threaten the ability of the internal auditors to carry out its responsibilities in unbiased manner,” Notario said.

“Should IAS independence and objectivity be impaired, details of impairment shall be disclosed to the DOF Secretary,” she added.

The scope of internal audit activities covers, but are not limited to, “the objective examinations of evidence for the purpose of providing independent assessments to the DOF Secretary on adequacy and effectiveness of governance,

12 Sokor companies in PH trade mission T welve South Korea-based companies are in the Philippines for investment and market research mission.

The Korean �irms are also accompanied by ASEAN-Korea Centre (AKC), International Contractors Association of Korea, and Asia Center of Seoul National University.

AKC Secretary General Kim Young-sun is leading the delegation here.

The business mission will be holding an investment forum here Tuesday, with the Board of Investments (BOI) presenting opportunities for Korean companies in the Philippine market, particularly attracting them to participate in the administration’s Build, Build, Build program.

Korean companies doing the business mission here in-

clude Seohyun Energy, CNNET Co., Ltd., Aju Corp., Ye Won Co., GS E&C, Pyunghwa Engineering Consultants LTD, K-Water, Daelim E&C, Soosung Engineering Co., Ltd., CJ Human Tech Co., Ltd., KEPCO Philippines Corp., and Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction.

In January to September 2017, approved investments from South Korean companies amounted to PHP1.82 billion.

South Korea is the country’s fourth largest trading partner in January to November last year.

Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed that bilateral trade reached USD1.09 billion, with imports amounting to USD907.45 million and exports valued at USD186.59 million. (PNA)

LTFRB sees surge DOF first in PH to adopt global auditing standards of Grab, Uber units T DOF,P10

T

he Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board is eyeing to increase the number of transportation network vehicle services (TNVS) units amid rising passenger demand.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) said it would create a team to evaluate the number of request bookings per day and the number of served and unserved rides of transportation network companies (TNCs) Uber and Grab.

The data gathered will be used to come up with a set number for the TNVS units, I-ACT spokesperson and LT-

FRB board member Aileen Lizada said.

This comes as the DOTr ordered the LTFRB to review certain provisions stated in LTFRB Memorandum Circular 2018-003 which limits the common supply base of TNVS units in the country to 45,700.

“The decision to review the number is based on the fact that there are some TNVS units subject to coding. There is a market for this kind of denomination,” Lizada said in a text message to reporters Monday.

“Tuloy po ang pag-process

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 215 • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2018

Manufacturing triggers economic rise: NEDA

T

he Philippines should continue focusing on manufacturing to drive economic growth amid the plateauing of the business process outsourcing (BPO) sector’s development, said the country’s chief economist.

“We should continue to put emphasis on manufacturing not just of the traditional kinds of merchandise and goods, but also more advanced, more knowledge-based type, technically innovative goods,” Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia told reporters on Monday.

Pernia, also the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Director-General, said there are other kinds of manufacturing products that needed to be developed apart from electronics.

“We have to diversify our manufacturing sector. We have to specialize in something

where we have our inherent expertise. So in trade among countries, there will be specialization in terms of strengths and weaknesses,” he said.

Pernia earlier attributed the slowdown in the exports of services to the weakening of the BPO industry, an indication the sector was ripe to move into higher value-added services.

The NEDA chief thus urged BPO industry players to “equip themselves appropriately, so they can continue to be in business.”

“What we are saying is, you have to be conscious now of the technological advances, innovations. AI (arti�icial intelligence), for example, is a major challenge to an industry like BPO because then, there will be less need for people in the BPO if these things can be done by robots or machines,” he added. (PNA)

Manila Water bags deal for Ilagan, Isabela project

A

yala-led Manila Water Co. Inc and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Manila Water Philippine Ventures, Inc. (MWPV) secured on Monday a contract to provide bulk water in the City of Ilagan, Isabela.

Manila Water told the local bourse it had received the notice of award from the City of Ilagan Water District (CIWD) for the implementation of the joint venture project for the development, �inancing, operation, and management of a raw water source, provision of bulk water supply with system expansion, and the development of septage management.

It expects to spend over PHP600 million for the bulk water component of the project.

The company said once completed and operational by 2020, the bulk water supply facilities shall supply treated bulk water to the CIWD of up to 30 million liters per day.

The project’s septage management component, meanwhile, will be operational by 2021, with a capital expenditure program of almost PHP200 million.

Upon completion of the conditions, the consortium and the CIWD shall enter into a joint venture agreement to establish a joint venture corporation that will implement the project.

The joint venture �irm will enter into a bulk water sales and purchase agreement and septage management agreement with the CIWD. (PNA)

o bring the Technical Vocational Education and Training closer to the public, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) has scheduled two nationwide TVET enrollments with job fairs this year.

These are set on February 27-28 and August 25-26 in districts, municipalities, and provincial capitals.

TESDA earlier said among those who would bene�it from technical vocational courses are high school graduates, those who are employed, underemployed and career shifters.

“We will make it very easy for anyone interested to

enroll in technical vocational courses. They will see us near their homes and workplaces,” said TESDA Director General Guiling Mamondiong.

He also said that the agency wants to ensure a steady supply of technicians, technologists and world-class workers.

Mamondiong added that holding a job fair during this activity also aims to recruit quali�ied TVET graduates for construction-related jobs, and noted that there is a great demand for these in the government’s “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure program.

Employers, businessmen

FOR EXCELLENCE. Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao hotel manager Bryan Yves Lasala receives his gold pin and certificate of excellence from renowned trainer and industry guru Josephine Ive during the opening of the intensive training course on Hotel Butler Service Mon-

day . Lasala has been awarded the GOLD status in 7-Star Luxury Butler Service by Magnums Butler Academy, making him the first Certified Butler of MBA standards in the Philippines. Eva Ces Gamalong

DOLE issues IRR for kasambahay T

he Secretary of the Department of Labor and Employment has approved the Implementing Rules and Regulations on wage order No. 01 governing the wages of kasambahay on December 22, 2017.

On December 16, 2017, Wage Order No. RB XIDW-01 took effect granting the new monthly minimum wage rates for domestic workers or the kasambahay in the region, as follows: a) P 3,000.00 for chartered cities and �irst class municipalities; and b) P 2,000.00 for other municipalities.

This is the �irst Wage Order issued by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board-XI under Republic Act 10361 also known as the Kasambahay Law. In accordance with Wage Order No. RB XI-DW-01, an increase of P1,000.00 is added to the existing wage rate of P 2,000.00 for chartered cities

and �irst class municipalities while an increase of P 500.00 is added to the existing wage rate of P1,500.00 for other municipalities.

The prescribed wage rates under this Wage Order shall apply to all domestic workers, whether in a livein or live-out arrangement, such as, but not limited to: a) general househelp; b) yaya; c) cook; d) gardener; e) laundry person; and d) any person who regularly performs domestic work in one household on an occupational basis. The following

n�low of remittances from Overseas Filipino Workers is not expected to take a hit from the �irst package of the government’s tax reform program since migrant workers are exempted from paying documentary stamp tax .

This was stressed by Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Nestor A. Espenilla Jr., even with the increase of DST to PHP0.60 from PHP0.30 for every PHP200 remittance under the �irst package of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law.

He said the �irst package

of tax reform does not cover OFW remittances under the Bureau of Internal Revenue’s (BIR) Revenue Regulation (RR) No. 11-2012 issued in 2012.

The RR, he said, exempts OFWs from paying DST if they are able to present valid proof of entitlement, such as Overseas Employment Certificate, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) membership certi�icate, or electronic receipt issued by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA).

Remittances are also not

expected to take a hit from the anticipated rise in in�lows from the business process outsourcing (BPO) sector.

The Information Technology and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) projects BPO receipts to grow annually by 9 percent until 2022.

However, the BSP chief said that although this growth is higher than the 4-percent assumption by monetary of�icials for remittances, actual in�lows have been higher for several years now.

Citing BPO export receipts as of end-September

are NOT covered: a) service providers; b) family drivers; c) children under foster family arrangement and; d) any other person who performs work occasionally or sporadically and not on an occupational basis.

It is the intention of the RTWPB-XI to alleviate the plight of the domestic workers or kasambahay through the issuance of its �irst Wage Order for kasambahay. The “Araw ng Kasambahay” will be celebrated on February 4, 2018 here in Davao Region.

(DOLE) 2017, Espenilla said it grew by 8.5 percent to USD16.9 billion.

He cited that “based on initial (preliminary) estimates, BPO export receipts could be about USD22 billion” posting a little above nine-percent growth.

However, actual cash remittances alone as of end-November 2017 reached USD25.3 billion.

BSP data show that total remittances in the �irst 11 months of 2017 amounted to USD28.24 billion, up by 5.1 percent than year-ago’s USD26.88 billion. (PNA)

TESDA sets 2 TVET enrollments, job fairs Growth of remittances to continue-- Espenilla T I TESDA,P10

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EDGEDAVAO VOL. 10 ISSUE 215 • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2018

A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT. In rural areas, just like this one in Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur, people still use the water of rivers as their main source of washing clothes and in taking a bath. Photo by Henrylito D. Tacio

Region 9 wage board sets public consultations

Z

AMBOANGA CITY -- The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) has scheduled the conduct of public consultations to determine whether there is a need for a wage hike here in Region 9.

The schedule of the public consultations are February 20, Isabela City, Basilan; March 7, Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay; March 13, Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur; and March 14, Dipolog City,

Zamboanga del Norte.

Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Regional Director Ofelia Domingo, who chairs the RTWPB, told the Philippine News Agency that the schedule was agreed in a meeting last week of the wage board.

Domingo said they were taking actions motu proprio despite the lack of wage hike petition from the workers sector.

Domingo said they considered the impact

REIGION9,P13

Another ASG member linked to plantation raid nabbed

Z

AMBOANGA CITY -- Government security forces have arrested an alleged bomber of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) involved in the kidnapping and killing of plantation workers 16 years ago in Basilan, a top police of�icial announced Tuesday.

The suspect was so far the ninth ASG member involved in the plantation workers’ kidnapping the authorities have apprehended since January 1 this year in this city.

Chief Supt. Billy Beltran, Police Regional Of�ice-9 (PRO9) director, identi�ied the arrested ASG member as Abdulhan Ataram, who carries the

aliases of Sauman Usman, Fraser, Abu Jar, Jarin, Abu Salman.

Beltran said Ataram was arrested at around 6 p.m.

Monday at the historical Plaza Pershing, located a stone throw away from City Hall downtown.

He said Ataram was a member of the ASG’s Special Operations Group under ASG leader Isnilon Hapilon, who was killed in the Marawi City siege in October 2017.

He said that Ataram had standing warrant of arrest for the crime of kidnapping and serious illegal detention, murder, multiple frustrated mur-

ANOTHER,P13

Lanao Norte sets post-Vinta rehab planning workshop C

AGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To better respond to natural calamities, such as Tropical Storm Vinta that devastated parts of Northern Mindanao last December, the local government units and other government agencies of Lanao del Norte conducted a rehabilitation planning workshop recently.

Lanao del Norte was one of the provinces that suffered heavy casualties when Vinta hit the region last Dec. 22.

Among the towns affected by the devastation brought by Vinta were Salvador, Lala, Munai, and Tubod, where over a hundred individuals were killed and thousands of families were displaced.

Abeliza Manzano, head of

the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Of�ice (PDRRMO), underscored the importance of the workshop in putting together an action plan outlining Lanao del Norte’s recovery and rehabilitation program for future disasters.

During the activity, participating agencies were tasked with coming up with possi-

ble ideas that could be used during the implementation of the recovery and rehabilitation efforts.

For her part, Lanao del Norte Gov. Imelda Quibranza-Dimaporo said the workshop would raise the readiness of provincial and municipal disaster responders.

A well-managed disaster, Gov. Quibranza-Dimaporo said, would enable victims to quickly get assistance, whether they were in evacuation centers or those still awaiting rescue.

“The continuous proper coordination of all responders with the Incident Management Team has made the

operations of the provincial government in providing assistance to typhoon affected families more ef�icient and effective. Let us continue to work together as a team for the good of the people of Lanao del Norte,” she said.

Among the participants of the workshop were the municipal of�icials of Kapatagan, Lala, Tubod, Salvador, Sapad, Maigo, Balo-I, Munai, Bacolod, Kauswagan, and Kolambugan.

Among the national government agencies that participated include the Bureau of Fire, the departments of Health, Education, Labor and Employment and the Public Works and Highways. (Jigger J. Jerusalem/PNA)

according to Odin Abdullah, OWWA-ARMM chief program and services division of�icer.

Abdullah said active OWWA members or those with active membership would receive PhP10,000 cash assistance; while inactive members with expired membership would be given PhP5,000 each.

Abdullah said if an OWWA-member OFW was not in the country now, his or her immediate family must secure a special power of attor-

ney to prove that the receiving party was a legitimate OFW family member.

Abdullah said his of�ice was validating the list earlier submitted by village of�icials from Marawi City.

Bene�iciaries will come from the villages of Tolali, Daguduban, Nubonga Madaya, South Madaya, Norhaya Village, Lilod Madaya, Banggolo, Raya Madaya 1, Raya Madaya 2, Lumbaca Madaya, Sabala Manao 1, Sabala Manao Proper, Dansalan, Datu A Dansalan, Sangcay Dan-

salan, Datu Naga, Marinaut East, Wawalayan, Marinaut, Kapantaran, Moncado Kadingilan and Moncado Colony.

Local of�icials submitted around 7,000 people for the OWWA �inancial aid but Abdullah said after veri�ication, recipients were trimmed down to some 3,500.

Abdullah said his of�ice was ensuring that only rightful bene�iciaries would get the assistance so as not to defeat the purpose of the OWWA �inancial aid program. (PNA)

Marawi OFWs, families to receive gov’t assistance

C

OTABATO CITY -- The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (OWWA-ARMM) is now �inalizing the list of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families affected by the Marawi siege who are to receive assistance from the government.

Some 3,500 OFWs and their families are set to bene�it from a �inancial assistance from the government through OWWA-ARMM,

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

EDITORIAL

M

VOL. 10 ISSUE 215 • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2018

MCV is safe

CV or the Measles Containing Vaccine is safe.

This is the assurance of the Department of Health Assistant Secretary of Health for Mindanao and Regional Director, Abdullah B. Dumama, Jr. MD, who wrote an explanatory brief and public appealto help contain the virus which has affected over 30 patients.

Dumama’s brief revealed that there had been a total of 317 suspected cases of measles recorded by Regional Epidemiology Surveillance Unit (RESU) of DOH Regional Of�ice XI from January 1 of 2017 to January 19, 2018. He went on to say that it is alarming to note that of these data, 14 were recorded as suspected measles-related deaths that is still for con�irmation if the cause is directly related to the complications of Measles or co-incidental. 13 of these deaths are from Davao City and one from Davao del Norte. Of these suspected cases, 49 are from January 1-19, 2018. Most of the cases in the year 2017 spiked in the months of November and December.

Dumama wrote: “To immediately address the ongoing transmission and control the occurrence of wider measles outbreak, an Outbreak Response Immunization (ORI) is being conducted in the affected localities in the region. All children ages 6

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months – 59 months, regardless of their vaccination status is given one dose of Measles Containing Vaccine (MCV). House-to-house measles immunization is currently being conducted in affected areas of Davao City. Last December 5-29, 2017, a total of 10,127 children were given MCV. Based on the evaluation, there was a recommendation to continue the house-to-house measles immunization, thus, it was agreed to carry on the activity which started last January 17, 2018 and will end on February 7, 2018. As of January 23, 40,959 children were already given MCV. This weekend, Regional Of�ice staff composed of 25 teams will be deployed to Barangay 23-C to augment the activity and ensure that no child is left unprotected from measles.”

Under the regular routine immunization, two-dose of MCV should be administered to children. The �irst dose is given at the age of 9 months, and the second dose is given at the age of 12 months.

With this assurance, the public is enjoined to ensure that their children receive the vaccine in oder to prevent further outbreak of the virus. While it is understandable that parents are reluctant to have their kids vaccinated because of the Dengvaxia case, the assurance made by the health of�icial should assuage the fears raised by the public.

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

JIMMY K. LAKING Associate Editor PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE

KENNETH IRVING K. ONG ANGELIE SAVERON BAI FAUZIAH FATIMA SINSUAT AMBOLODTO JUDELYN VEGA MEGHANN STA. INES Reporters ARMANDO B. FENENQUITO JR. NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN Correspondents Lifestyle LEANDRO S. DAVAL JR. ARLENE D. PASAJE Cartoons Photography Columnists: MA. TERESA L. UNGSON • EDCER C. ESCUDERO • AURELIO A. PEÑA • ZHAUN ORTEGA • BERNADETTE “ADDIE” B. Columnists: D. TACIO G.•DELIGERO • JOHN CARLO TRIA • VIDAGOTIANSE-TAN MIA S. VALVERDE•• NICASIO FRED C. LUMBA • ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA BORBONHENRYLITO • MARY ANN “ADI”• GREGORIO C. QUISIDO LEANDRO B. DAVAL SR., • NIKKI ANGELO AGUSTIN • EMILY ZEN CHUA • CARLOS MUNDA Economic Analyst: ENRICO “GICO” G. DAYANGIRANG • JONALLIER M. PEREZ

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GENERAL SANTOS CITY OFFICE MANILA MARKETING OFFICE CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING MARKETING OFFICE Richard C. Ebona | Product Development officer LEIZEL A. DELOSO | Marketing Manager EDMUND D. RENDON Unit 6, SouthbankMarketing Plaza Velez-Yacapin Sts.Address: 04 Orilla St. Purok 4B Lower Bicutan, Taguig City Specialist Cellphone number: 09472652969 General Santos City Cagayan de Oro City Email Address: edgedavao@gmail.com Mobile: (Smart) 09101864939 Tel: (088) 852-4894

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 215 •WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2018

VANTAGE POINTS

9

The suicide boats of Lupon

D

uring World War II, the most active and the most lethal naval base in Davao Gulf was found at Piso Point, in the territorial con�ines of Davao Oriental. It was home to Japanese Patrol Torpedero (PT) boats that harassed the UN Navy doing their surveillance work in the gulf.

These pesky boats hid under tree canopies and thickly vegetated coves. Even commercial steamers, considered as non-combatants, were not spared from harassment by enemy patrols which had an operational base at Piso Point, in Lupon, on the eastern section of Davao Gulf.

On May 10, 1945, Lt. Cmdr. Edgar D. Hoagland, naval commander of the 24th Division with control over PT boats, was assigned to conduct a special survey to identify areas north of the city and on the eastern seaboard for Japanese in hiding. Though he failed to spot enemy positions during his surveillance, he belatedly learned a lesson when the attack boats assaulted his Landing Craft Infantry (LCI) vessel.

That same day, the guerrillas relayed information to the command center saying the suicide boats were camou�laging under thick mangroves to keep them invisible from a distance. A mis-

L

istening to the Dengvaxia hearings prompts me to react vigorously on the Aquino brand of leadership.

This was on full display, a repeat of the Mamasapano debacle and the Luneta siege aftermath that forever rained on his supposedly spotless image, a repudiation of “Daang Matuwid” and setting the stage for the electoral defeat of one Mar Roxas.

This particular CNN Philippines report dug deep: “Aquino, who attended the joint hearing of the Senate Blue Ribbon, Health, and Finance panels into the Dengvaxia vaccine controversy as a resource person, said no questions were raised

sion led by Marine Maj. Richard E. Maulsby, a Mitchell bomber pilot, and Marine 1st Lt. Doit L. Fish succeeded in �lushing out the crafts by torpedoes, killing all the Japanese boat operators and burning their equipment four days later.

Lt. Cmdr. Hoagland’s own account of the destruction of the suicide boats four days later was spine-tingling. When he and his crew found a totally equipped enemy PT boat base, he ordered one of his men to �ire �ive rounds into the camou�lage that was hanging just opposite their position. In his biographical book Sea Hawks, he wrote: “The netting was shot, fell down and caught �ire from the incendiary shells. It exposed a PT boat, bow on, with torpedoes and guns, backed into the mangroves… It was not a simple suicide craft, but a full-blown PT boat, which had to be supported by complete base and supplies…

“Five more rounds thundered in, the shells ignited the gas tank, and the boat caught �ire. More netting was shot down, which exposed a pile of gasoline drums. One round ignited the gasoline and started an enormous �ire, which spread to an ammunition dump. The dump blew three hundred feet in the air with a tremendous blast, and ammunition contin-

FAST BACKWARD Antonio V. Figueroa ued to detonate. The burning gasoline ignited a second boat, which blew up.

“We stayed in the cover for three hours and discovered four more boats, which we damaged heavily, but they could not be set on �ire; the gas tanks must have been empty. A chemical dump was exploded and it emitted dense white smoke… The roar and smash of our shells, with no return �ire, relieved the tension and increased our con�idence that we could pull this off… without casualties.”

The twin-engine Michelle bombers that replicated the detonations of Lt. Cmdr. Hoagland’s team on ground level dropped 500-pound bombs over the treetops and the pilots engaging in tracer �ire in enemy location.

More aerial drops were to en-

sure there was no turning back.

First introduced in the later part of 1943, the suicide boats, the counterpart of “the kamikaze planes, kaiten submarines, fukuryu suicide divers or human mines, and shinyo suicide boats.”

“These fast motorboats,” an online article said, “were driven by one man, to speeds of around 30 knots. They were typically equipped with a bow-mounted charge of up to 300 kg (660 lb) of explosives that could be detonated by either impact or from a manual switch in the driver’s area. These attack boats also carried two anti-ship rockets mounted on launchers located on either side of the boat behind the driver.”

“The similar Maru-ni, which were used by the Imperial Japanese Army,” the Wikipedia item continued, “were equipped with two depth charges, and were not actually suicide boats, as the idea was to drop the depth charges and then turn around before the explosion took place.

Although the chances of boat and crew surviving the wave from the explosion might seem slim, a small number of crewmen successfully escaped. The depth charges used were... armed by a delayed-action pull igniter.”

Estimates placed the num-

ber of suicide boats introduced during the war for the Imperial Japanese Navy at “6,200 Shinyo... while Maru-ni [were produced] for the Imperial Japanese Army. Around 400 boats were transported to Okinawa and Formosa, and the rest were stored on the coast of Japan for the ultimate defense against the expected invasion of the Home islands. The main operative use took place during the Philippines Campaign of 1944-45.”

This original Japanese concept of using suicide land or sea attacks in tilting the balance or saving a losing war was also used by the Germans.

Decades later, the Islamic terrorists used the same tactic to in�lict maximum damage on their targets. A Reuters report dated January 31, 2017, says it all: “Two crew members on a Saudi warship were killed after an attack by three ‘suicide boats’ which caused a large explosion.

The vessel was targeted off the western coast of Yemen by the armed Houthi movement. Three sailors were also injured in the attack. The attacks follow weeks of combat on Yemen’s western coast between the Iran-allied Houthis and the coalition backing Yemen’s internationally recognized government.”

plete Staff Work? What about due diligence? Research.

This becomes distressing when we realize the fact that 3.5 billion pesos in taxpayers money was realigned from somewhere else just to make the purchase. How they spin that off as proper will be one for the books.

Let the truth emerge and the lessons be learned. The axe wil fall on people after.

Congressional investigations being in aid of legislation should not be pushed forward or backward by anyone whether inside or outside government.

Remember Mark Taguba?

Was he not charged? Filing of criminal charges can always

take place after the congressional hearings, which is the proper venue for it.

Meddling in such an investigation will only taint the proceedings as a political exercise and mute its effectand destroy the credibility of the next steps needed to craft and implement laws to correct errors.

For now, we have been treated to a travesty of his presidency, where lame and hackneyed explanations are pushed by his partisans as “leadership”.

Dengvaxia proved to be PNOYs undoing. Coming after similar �iascoes, it only cements his reputation for chronic, repeated and deep lack of real leadership.

Dengvaxia and the chronic lack of leadership when the now-controversial vaccine was bought during his term.

“Bago nagdesisyon ang gobyerno sa Dengvaxia, habang nagdedesisyon, pagkatapos magdesisyon, at hanggang ngayon, walang nagparating sa akin ng pagtutol sa bakuna,” he said.

[Translation: No one advised me against Dengvaxia during the decision-making process, after we procured, and until now.]” (http://cnnphilippines. com/news/2017/12/14/ D e n g va x i a - d e n g u e - va c cine-Pnoy-Aquino.html) His response is a repeated story where he tries to absolve himself from any wrongdoing,

MY TWO CENTS’ John Carlo B. Tria using the lamest of excuses: not knowing, and not being told, or worse, waiting to be told. What about doing Com-

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EDGEDAVAO

business champions, encouraging us to continue the advancement of our economic prosperity in Mindanao particularly in Davao City,” Mayor Inday said.

The forum showed that “the optimism (on) Davao did not waver.”

Several projects commenced in the city since Martial Law was proclaimed in Mindanao, including a mixed community development, a condominium project with an international �ive-star hotel accommodation and other world-class residences.

Among these investments are the Dusit Thani Residence Davao by the Torre Lorenzo Development Corporation (TDLC), which topped off in November last year and the P20-billion Azuela Cove by the Aviana Dev’t. Corp, a joint ven-

ture of Ayala Land Inc. (ALI) and the Alcantara and Sons (Alsons) Group.

The St. Luke’s Hospital is also a con�irmed locator at the Cove. Data from the Davao City Tourism Operations Of�ice also showed that the city’s tourist arrival has increased by 10 percent from 464,985 during the third quarter of 2016 to 511,228 during the same period in 2017.

“When I think of Davao’s resilience, I think of the Mindanao malong. It is only when all these colors are in harmony that the thread creates a beautiful pattern in the same way that the efforts of the government, the private sector, foreign investors and the public have altogether made the city an ideal investment destination in the Philippines,” Mayor Inday said.

pon starting 9 pm to 11 pm.

Clint Alagon, assistant mall manager said that there will be three winners of 10,000 shopping spree and one winner for Mabook Air and one winner Singapore for

two.

“The mechanics to join is all you have to do is present a minimum purchase of P1000 in any of our stores it could be single or accumulated receipts” Alagon said.

Revamonte said.

He also said the establishment has a total assessed vat liability of P3.5 million for the two quarters.

Revamonte said his of�ice made personal communications to the owner, lawyer and accountant of the coffee shop to remind them of their tax obligation.

“Suf�icient notices were given to them as provided by the law,” he said.

He said despite of the un-

der-declaration, the BIR will not �ile charges against the establishment because closure is already an enough punishment.

Revamonte said the establishment supposed to be closed last year but the closure order was approved by BIR Commissioner Caesar Dulay last week.

“It took as some time before we released the order because of internal matters,” he said.

was not saying it to excuse herself.

The PCOO spokesperson said that she was “very sincere” on her apology and was trying her best to take the hate out of her post.

Pacquiao, however, asked Badoy to “correct” her post to which she agreed to do.

“I accept your ‘sorry’. Who am I to put grievance against you? But I want you to correct that blog in your account,” Pacquiao said.

Pacquiao said that he thought of �iling a case against Badoy but opted not to after “someone” convinced him not to. (PNA)

Cream, Natureal, La Lola, Aling Fopings, and Milky,” Apart from the palate-satisfying offerings which the mall-goers can enjoy, they were also given the chance

to win a10, 000 shopping spree and one winner for MabookAir and one winner Singapore for two for their Great three Day Sale slated on February 2-4.

Senior Inspector Teresita Gaspan, Davao City Police Of�ice spokesperson said that the training is participated is in preparation for the scheduled citywide anti-terrorism drill, Operation Southern Storm, from February 5 to 8 2018.

Gaspan said there are approximately 20-30 participants wherein they will be trained in all aspect of handling gun safety, engagement with the enemy

and other security tactics.

He said that with the high level of training that the participants are going through he expects the station commanders and the unit commanders of DCPO to be more prepared in case of contingency.

Tagum said the instructors for this training are the ones who train the law enforcement agency and the Presidential Security Group .

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VOL. 10 ISSUE 215 • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2018

URGENT REQUEST. Councilor Mabel Sunga-Acosta apprises the City Council of the Davao City Police Office’s (DCPO’s) requests such as the expansion of the DCPO structure, the urgent need for additional four police stations and recruitment and training of new police personnel

to augment the current number of personnel to cope up with the growing demands and population of the city. Acosta shared DCPO’s requests during Tuesday’s regular session at Sangguniang Panlungsod. Lean Daval Jr

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son are two young players that give us size and depth.’’

For the Clippers, moving Grif�in continues a makeover of a franchise that has never made it past the second round of the playoffs.

The Clippers traded AllStar point guard Chris Paul to Houston last summer. He had been credited with bringing respectability to the team that was once the laughingstock of the league. Without Paul, Los Angeles won its �irst four games to open the season, and then lost nine of its next 11. The team is one game above .500 going into Tuesday night’s game against Portland.

Paul’s replacement, Patrick Beverley, has missed the entire season after right knee surgery. Also missing time have been DeAndre Jordan, Danilo Gallinari, Austin Rivers and Milos Teodosic.

Los Angeles receives a protected �irst-round draft choice and a second-round

pick from the Pistons.

The Clippers drafted Grif�in �irst overall out of Oklahoma in 2009. However, he missed the 2009-10 season after surgery on his broken left kneecap, the �irst of several injuries that have marred his career.

Grif�in missed 21 games last season and 47 in 201516 because of injuries.

As a rookie, he was an All-Star, won the slam dunk contest and was named NBA Rookie of the Year.

He has averaged 21.6 points, 9.3 rebounds and 4.2 assists in his career.

Even before the Pistons announced the deal, there was plenty of reaction on social media Monday night.

Harris had a message on his accounts thanking Detroit for its support. Grif�in’s Twitter account had its own message with no words - just an image of actor Will Smith with a surprised expression on his face. up 51-31 in the second quarter and led 56-45 at halftime. Irving paved the way with 15 points on 6-of7 shooting.

The Nuggets climbed back on the strength of a 14-5 run to end the half and outscored Boston 37-24 in the third to go up 82-80.

For the second time, Ricci Rivero, who was not initially part of the “23 for ‘23” cadets pool, showed up.

Also paying a visit were Ola Adeogun, Chibueze Ikeh, and San Beda’s current foreign player Eugene Toba to help the Nationals in training.

In total, 34 players were in the practice, the last weekly training before the daily sessions begin next Monday.

(PNA)

He added that to avoid unfortunate incidents, he advised against picking a quarrel with security guards.

Baluran said that all roads, streets, and highways are funded by taxpayers’ money and generally not paid for directly for the exclusive use of establishments with wide frontage that put up “parking for customers only” signage.

His proposed amendment is currently on the second reading .The city’s traf�ic code is now eligible for revision and amendments which is scheduled for committee hearing.

Once approved, its becomes part of the prohibitions on Section 188 of city’s traf�ic code provision on traf�ic obstruction that will charge violators with immense cost.

risk management and control processes of DOF,” Notario said.

Under the IAS Charter, the head of the DOF-IAS “shall have the responsibility to submit annually to the DOF Secretary a risk-based internal audit plan for review and approval.”

“The DOF-IAS shall main-

tain a quality assurance and improvement program that covers all aspects of internal audit activity, and which includes evaluation of the conformance with applicable standards and internal auditors’ conformance with applicable code of ethics,” the Charter states.

(The processing will continue) but the number is not pegged at 45,000. We are eyeing to increase the units,” she added.

The LTFRB has said that it will start accepting applications for new TNVS units on Feb. 5, 2018. (PNA)

and industry partners were invited to join the job fairs, according to TESDA. During the Education Summit held last December at the Manila Hotel, TESDA Dep-

uty Director General Rosanna Urdaneta highlighted that TVET is a good investment, since TVET graduates take lesser time to get their �irst jobs. (PNA)

but we didn’t,’’ Jokic said. ‘’We had a chance, but we didn’t take it.’’

The Celtics beat Denver for the second time this season, also prevailing 124118 on Dec. 13.

In this one, Boston made 10 of its �irst 16 shots from beyond the arc to go

our team and excite our fans.’’

Detroit’s season was looking promising until a late-December injury to point guard Reggie Jackson.

The Pistons have stumbled while he’s been out with a sprained right ankle, and the team is facing the prospect of missing the playoffs in its �irst season at its new downtown arena.

Detroit’s next six games

are at home, so the Pistons will have a chance to turn this season around - and an opportunity to build for a future with both Grif�in and Drummond. ‘’His presence will help us offensively and his size gives us another rebounder and weapon in the paint,’’ said Stan Van Gundy, Detroit’s coach and team president. ‘’Willie Reed and Brice John-

hot, Robert Bolick, and Javee Mocon made a return to Gilas practice after missing the previous week together with Abu Tratter, CJ Perez, Arvin Tolentino, Will Gozum, Juan Gomez de Liaño, JJay Alejandro, Matt Nieto, Thirdy Ravena, and Isaac Go. Josh Sinclair was once again present, although in an observer’s role as he recuperates from his knee injury, among the cadets.

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INdulge!

VOL. 10 ISSUE 215• WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2018

WOMEN

Sweet graze

DAVAOEÑA MOMPRENEUR, Chiqk Ybañez, makes sure that she is always ahead of the game. From fruits and veggies in a bottle to flowers in a box, her creations are a testament of her talent in spotting opportunities in every new concept and turning them into entrepreneurial success. Creative collaborations inspire and excite her, and she is not one to turn her back when a promising and unique idea presents itself.

Just in time for the Valentine season, Chiqk is introducing her new premium gift variety under her flower company, Eufloria Ph. Dubbed as “Sweet Fleur Box”, each package features an assortment of flowers adorned with decadent confections of different colors.

One look at each box, beaming in pastel hues, you’d feel like you’re in Marie Antoinette’s court in France.

“You’ll love our spectrum of sweet delights,” Chiqk adds. Their beautifully curated flower boxes boast of sugar-free indulgences such as doughnuts and dark chocolate truffles, egg-free meringue, white chocolate shards and assorted chocolate bars.

Inspired by the artful fixing of graze boxes, popular in the Western world, Chiqk is first to bring this concept to Durianburg. “It’s the latest collaboration between my flower company and Meringue Desserts Boutique Davao, who supplies all the treats for my graze boxes. It’s very exciting because this will be the first of its kind in this side of the country. Priced at only Php750, this will be, for sure, a wonderful surprise for your loved one and perfect for all types of occasions. We can also customize each box, especially for event giveaways and other requests.”

Order your Sweet Fleur Box and flower and balloon bouquets at the Eufloria Ph shop along Jacinto St. corner Padre Gomez St. You may also contact 0920 958 6014 or connect through @eufloriaph on Instagram.

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VOL. 10 ISSUE 215• WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2018

Digital tools workshop teach SMEs how to stand out

Ana Marie Alcantara

BORACAY is undoubtedly one of the areas most densely populated by sellers, thanks to its unstoppable and diverse market. But how can one retailer stand out in a sea of shops and vendors, many of which are selling the same thing?

To help business owners with this dilemma, Globe myBusiness brought its tried and tested digital business solutions to the country’s prime tourist destination through a four-day workshop titled Digital Tools to Future-Proof Your Business at The Tides Hotel.

Well-known entrepreneurs and inspirational speakers were tapped to share their experiences to motivate the participants.

Francis Miranda, an advertising consultant and an entrepreneur himself, has spent much of his life doing two things he loves most: helping businesses and guiding others with theirs; and travelling to as many places as he can.

With one of his beliefs being to “tailor fit your life to how you want it,” he’s a firm believer in the idea that success comes to those who actively work for it and take all the opportunities they are given.

He discussed many of the learnings he’d picked up over the years and detailed the following common trends happening across business in the Philippines today: Demand for Personalization.

Customers are increas-

CJ Juntereal ingly demanding products and services that are made for their unique needs and lifestyles, thus, businesses should make their products cater more specifically to each customer and make their patrons feel appreciated and special.

Rise of the Omni-channel and the Importance of an Online Presence.

Customers these days tend to research online and may already have certain expectation or judgment before visiting the physical shop. The best businesses provide a seamless and convenient shopping experience whether online or offline.

Automated Business Operations.

To work around the rising needs of customers, business owners have gone digital as well.

While the prospect may sound complicated to entrepreneurs who are new to the idea of digitization, it’s actually the opposite -- digital business owners are simplifying their operations by automating work processes that otherwise would be taxing or time-consuming.

Francis Miranda Power of Customer Advocacy.

Customers love to take photos and post reviews in order to get Likes and Comments. They serve as free advertising that drives potential customers toward the brand -hence the importance of providing a “wow” experience to ensure positive reviews.

When it comes to creating the ultimate “wow” experience, Francis has only three guidelines: extraordinary, progressive, and consistent. Make sure customers’ experience is beyond that of an ordinary shopping trip, treatment or procedure.

Make sure it becomes progressively better as time goes by. And finally, make sure that quality never falters and can be relied upon.

Other speakers similarly presented the many ways a business can go digital and make the most use of Globe myBusiness’ products and solutions to enhance business operations and profit. But they put a little more on the table by talking about how working in the service in-

dustry isn’t just a matter of having the best tools but is also about putting in the best effort.

ECAMIA Hotel Management Corporation President Ana Marie Alcantara gave the audience an inside look at how she started, ran and managed her hotel business and gave some tips for working in the tourism industry. Among these tips are: Being tech-savvy.

One does not have to be a digital genius, but must know (and provide) digital means for customers to find the business, give feedback, and do what they love most: share through social media.

Catering to a diverse market.

From millennials to digital nomads to people traveling for “bleisure” (a merging of business and leisure), the market has become more diverse than ever so a business must be able to provide for people from all walks of life.

Working with and not against the competition.

In a somewhat surpris-

ing statement, Ana Marie claimed that when customers come in asking for something her hotel can’t offer, she leads them to places that will, even if these other hotels are actually her competitors.

On their side, they do the same thing and refer customers to her place as well.

Being yourself.

Being unique is the only way to set one apart so customers will not go elsewhere. As she says, “You have to be authentic. You have to have your own unique selling proposition.”

CJ Juntereal, on the other hand, talked about working as a food columnist. She highlighted the one thing all businesses should prioritize as much as product or service quality: a great customer experience.

“Investing in customer service is an act of bravery because the returns don’t happen right away,” she admits. But she proves that this is definitely an investment worth making, saying, “Customer satisfaction is the prime driver especially in the

hotel and restaurant industry. Without customer satisfaction, there is nothing for your hotel or restaurant.”

Her tips for achieving this satisfaction included knowing the market well by studying data analytics, allowing customers to be as digital as they want to be, making it easy for people to reach the business, setting one apart by creating an amazing experience, and being creative with digital tools to enhance online presence.

Naturally, to achieve all these things, it’s best to get help from the right source. As Francis says, “Adapting to the future is all about choosing the right tools.” Thus, Globe myBusiness’ products and solutions are here to MSMEs with any and every business concern.

Globe myBusiness is a business unit under Globe Telecom which caters to MSMEs not only for their telco needs but also for solutions that will help create ease of business operations.

Ready to digitize your business? Visit https:// mybusiness.globe.com. ph/restaurants-and-cafes/ to learn more.

VOL. 10 ISSUE 215• WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2018

UP AND ABOUT

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INdulge! A3

Hoteliers take 7-Star Hotel Butler Service course EXCELLENT CUSTOMER SERVICE is vitally important in just about any industry. But for Hoteliers, being at the heart of hospitality bears a much greater responsibility and requires a particular set of skills that special programs and training courses can help provide.

The regional Department of Tourism begins this year’s series of training programs for its tourism stakeholders with a 5-day intensive course on Luxury 7-star Hotel Butler Service from January 29 to February 2, 2018 at Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao. DOT has earlier granted the hotel-resort the privilege of having their team undergo the certification program by Magnum Butlers Academy’s Josephine Ive, a household name in the world of luxury service.

Recently, Hotel Manager Bryan Lasala welcomed participants to a pre-course orientation with then DOT XI Regional Director Roberto Alabado III. “The training course is essential to properties seeking to create a seamless service”, said Alabado.

Lasala, who had previously taken the course early in his profes-

sional career, further noted that the course equips one with the art of discretion, diplomacy and detail; the ability to take gentle care of guests from arrival to departure; displaying that essential empathy; engaging with guests and providing them an unforgettable experience for a lifetime.

MBA Australia is globally

recognized for its expertise in training butlers to impeccable standards. The academy follows an exclusive accreditation system where students are assessed and granted ‘lapel pins’ for recognition – Black for passers with Credit (75% mark); Silver for passers with Merit (83% mark) and Gold for passers with Distinction (93% mark).

A4 INdulge!

ENTERTAINMENT

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 215• WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2018

RK ADMITS “WILDFLOWER” IS HIS BIGGEST BREAK RK Bagatsing always treats every project he gets as his big break but playing the role of Mayor Arnaldo Ardiente-Torillo in ABSCBN’s hit primetime series “Wildflower,” he admits, is the biggest so far in his career.

“Who would have thought that I will end up acting with Maja, Aiko, and Tirso, and can also be called ‘pogi’ besides Joseph and Vin?” he quipped.

“A few years ago, I was just going around Makati, going from one rejection to another in VTRs and auditions hoping I could land just one TVC or film project to make ends meet. That’s why I am super grateful to the show,” he added.

Just like avid viewers who embraced his character, RK would definitely miss playing his role as Arnaldo and most especially, the people he worked with every day.

“I will miss Arnaldo because he taught me a lot of things. Because of him, I learned to follow my instincts and get out of my comfort zones.

But of course, Arnaldo wouldn’t be Arnaldo without the characters surrounding him. From my director to my co-actors, I will definitely miss all of them more than I

will miss playing Arnaldo,” RK shared.

He may already said goodbye to the show but the lesson he learned from being part of the top rating drama will forever remain.

“I learned to relax and not put pressure on myself because it only leads to being a failure. Somewhere along the road, I learned to let go and follow the process. I realized that mistakes and disap-

pointments are part of our lives and it only shows that you have tried. As long as I do my best and come in prepared, even if I commit mistakes, I know that things will be okay. These are the tools I’m bring with me as I move-on to my next projects,” he stated.

As the story approaches its much-awaited finale, things are getting wilder and wilder in “Wildflower.” Will Lily finally succeed in bringing down the Ardientes?

Or can the Ardientes turn things around?

Don’t miss “Wildflower,” weeknights before “TV Patrol” on ABS-CBN or ABS-CBN HD (SkyCable ch 167).

For updates, follow @ wildflowerabscbn on Instagram, @RSBDramaUnitNew on Twitter and like the show’s official Facebook page at https://www.facebook. com/wildf lowerchannel2/. Catch its latest episodes on iwantv.com.ph or skyondemand.com.ph for Sky subscribers.

11 PROPERTY

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 10 ISSUE 215 • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2018

Esdevco upbeat as new sales year begins MATINA ENCLAVES. The first building inaugurated by the Escandor Development Corporation (Esdevco) last year.

By NEILWIN JOSEPH BRAVO

E

scandor Development Corporation (Esdevco) is taking off its new sales year with an upbeat outlook confident of registering another banner performance.

“It’s another year and we are off with a positive headstart. More and more developments are opening each year so we know it’s going to be very competitive,” said Gerald Kent Garces, project head of Esdevco’s maiden venture Matina Enclaves.

“We are con�ident that with the product we have, we can sustain our momentum,” Garces added as he cited the efforts of the �irm’s real estate sales partners.

Sales of the property, strategically located at a sprawling complex along Quimpo Boulevard next to one of Davao’s most popular golf courses and

shopping malls, has been brisk with the company extending exciting and affordable packages as well as discounts.

Special deals aside, the property is sought after because of its affordability, location, amenities, and �inancial strength.

Matina Enclaves is owned by local investor Escandor family whose diverse business include The Royal Mandaya Hotel and security agency DASIA (Davao Allied Security and Investigation Agency Inc.).

Esdevco likewise has delivered its promise to customers.

“We have so far been

on track. We have turned over one building and are about to �inish another,” said Garces.

The Matina Enclaves Towers project has turned over one condominium by far and has sold out �ive. Building C, the second high-rise building under construction is expected to be completed within the year. Based on its January 15 circular, construction is moving full throttle in the interiors of Building C. The Matina Enclaves already boasts of a clubhouse, which has been very popular as it has served as temporary of�ice of President Rodrigo Duterte and a favorite venue of the latter’s functions, and soon, the state-of-the-art Arcadia sports and recreation complex.

EDGEDAVAO

12 AGRITRENDS

VOL. 10 ISSUE 215 • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2018

Going back to the basics

Second of Three Parts TEXT and PHOTOS By HENRYLITO D. TACIO “Organic agriculture is the answer,” pointed out Jessica Reyes-Cantos of the Manila-based Rice Watch and Action Network. “It won’t only retain soil productivity but it can make farming viable. If farmers will have additional income from their land they will continue to plant rice.”

That’s not the only reason why organic farming is becoming popular these days. “The fear of pesticide residues in foods is a common environmental concern,” notes a primer published by the Cotabato Agriculture and Resources Research and Development Consortium (CARRDEC).

“Organically-grown foods taste better and are more healthy and nutritious. Moreover, they are more resistant to insects and diseases. Organically grown means grains, vegetables, or fruits were grown without commercial fertilizer and synthetic pesticides,” the primer adds.

That is what the Mindanao Baptist Rural Life Center (MBRLC) Foundation, Inc. in barangay Kinuskusan in Bansalan, Davao del Sur, is busy promoting since it opened to the public in the 1970s yet.

“We want people who come to the center to know that we are promoting organic farming,” says MBRLC Director Roy C. Alimoane. “Once, they return back to their respective places, they have learned something which they could use in their own farms.”

Some people may �ind their technologies backward but those are what the center is noted for. Take the case of Sloping Agricultural Land Technology (SALT), a farming technique that arrests soil erosion and restores soil fertility. It has been promoting the scheme since the 1980s,

“The principle of SALT is the same as that used by the Ifugao tribes in Mountain Province,” Alimoane explains. “All we are doing is suggesting using different nitrogen �ixing trees and shrubs instead of rocks.”

Examples of nitrogen �ixing trees and shrubs are “kakawate” (Gliricidia sepium), “ipil-ipil” (Leucaena leucocephala) and the introduced species Flemingia macrophylla, Desmodium rensonii, and Indigofera anil. These are thickly planted in double rows to form hedgerows. When a hedge is one-and-half to two meters tall, it is cut back to a height of 40 centimeters and the cuttings are placed in the strips between the hedgerows to serve as organic fertilizer.

The SALT scheme requires careful management of the space between the hedgerows.

A combination of permanent, semi-permanent, and annual crops is recommended so as to rebuild the ecosystem and maximize yields while enabling farmers to organize their work time ef�iciently.

“The nitrogen �ixing trees and shrubs help control erosion,” Alimoane says. A study conducted at the MBRLC farm showed the rate of soil loss in a SALT farm is 3.4 metric tons per hectare per year, which is within the tolerable range.

Most soil scientists place acceptable soil loss limits for tropical countries within the range of 10 to 12 metric tons per hectare per year. The non-SALT farm has an annual soil loss rate of 194.3 metric tons per hectare per year.

MBRLC studies showed that soil erosion makes farmlands infertile. Alimoane cites some studies which said that loss of a few centimeters of topsoil can reduce the productivity of good soils by 40% and poor

soils by 60%.

Chemical fertilizers are getting more expensive. As a result, farmers who are growing rice are discouraged to apply the recommended amounts to get the optimum yield in their farms. At times, they just simply raise their crops without using any chemical fertilizers and hope that there are still available nutrients in the soil that would sustain the plant’s productive growth.

“Filipino rice farmers should not be hopeless,” Alimoane points out. “They could still increase their rice production by using azolla, a small water fern usually found in waterlogged areas.”

What is special about

azolla is that it contains a bluegreen algae called scienti�ically Anabaena azollae, which has the ability to convert or “�ix” nitrogen from the air, as much as 30-40 kilograms per hectare.

Azolla also grows fast, doubling its weight in three to �ive days. “Farmers who grow azolla are actually growing their own fertilizer,” says Alimoane. Azolla contains 4% nitrogen on a dry weight basis (dry weight is 5% of fresh weight); 0.5%-0.9% phosphorus; and 2%-4.5% potassium.

For only three hours, Alimoane says, a farmer can grow adequate azolla to increase yields equivalent to that produced by 30 to 60 kilograms of nitrogen fertilizer per hectare.

Residual soil nitrogen is enriched. (Protein content of the grain is also hiked.)

“Any rice plant, modern or traditional, requires one kilogram of nitrogen to produce 15 to 20 kilograms of grain,” explained a soil microbiologist from the Laguna-based International Rice Research Institute (IRRI). “Most tropical soils imbibe suf�icient nitrogen natural to grow about one ton or 1.5 tons of rice per year. To augment yields above that, nitrogen must be provided.”

But rice is not the only crop that needs fertilizer – even vegetables. “For vegetables and other crops, we recommend vermicompost,” says Alimoane.

Vermicompost is the product

or process of composting using earthworms, particularly the African nigthcrawlers.

In the past, earthworms were regarded as pests in the garden and were only good for the birds. It was not until Charles Darwin, the Father of Evolution, that earthworms were given importance.

Studies on the use of vermicompost for crop production show that application of chemical fertilizers can be reduced up to 100% for certain vegetables and corn. A �ield experiment using vermicompost with corn at 5 tons per hectare increased ear lengths of plants by 114%, with the total yield comparable to that of plants fertilized at the recommended rate of inorganic fertilizer.

Fertilizers are not the only inputs used to increase yield.

Farmers also use chemicals to kill pests and diseases. Some studies showed that insecticides had become one of the major expenses of farmers that account for about 40% of total production cost.

Pesticides are toxic materials and extremely hazardous to the health of people. The Geneva-based World Health Organization reports that three people are poisoned by pesticides every minute around the world. All in all, about 10,000 die annually to pesticides.

At the MBRLC, people are using botanicals to drive away pests. “Natural pest controls

like the botanicals are safer to the user and the environment because they break down into harmless compounds within hours or days in the presence of sunlight,” wrote Eric Vinje of Planet Natural. “They are also very close chemically to those plants from which they are derived, so they are easily decomposed by a variety of microbes common in most soils.”

Two of MBRLC’s most popular concoctions are made from hot pepper and garlic. In preparing the hot pepper spray, one teaspoon of liquid dish soap is mixed in one liter of water. A pinch of dried and grounded hot pepper is placed into the water. The mixture is immediately used. Indications: useful against aphids and scale insects.

Here’s how to prepare the garlic spray: To one liter of water, two mashed garlic cloves are steeped for 24 hours. The water is �iltered but not diluted. The mixture is sprayed on plants, no more than twice a week. Indications: control of aphids, spider mites, and scales.

Aside from botanical pesticides, a farmer can resort to other means of pest control, according to Alimoane. These include tilling (which exposes pests that live in the soil and increases soil aeration), crop rotation (it stops the build-up of microorganisms around plant roots), crop combination, and companion planting. (To be concluded)

VOL. 10 ISSUE 215 • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2018

5... FROM 15

Ranger Bautista, who landed solid punches to stop Prieto Diaz’s John Mark Dollentas by a RSC due to injury in 2:26 of the opening round.

“There are a lot of promising young boxers here,” said Supervising technical director Roger Fortaleza of the Philippine Sports Institute.

Mandaluyong and Bulan of Sorsogon also had earlier scored two victories in the opening day last Saturday while Baguio, Prieto Diaz and Cambulaga each had one win.

The winners will advance to the Luzon Quarter Finals on February 17 and 18 tentatively slated in Binan City. The next leg of the nationwide grassroots development program is on February 3 and 4 in Bago City for the Visayas Preliminaries.

The categories in the Junior Boys and Girls Division (15 to 16 yrs. Old are the Pinweight (44-46 kg.), Light �lyweight (48 kg.), Flyweight (50 kg.), Light Bantamweight (52 kg.) and Bantamweight (54 kg.) while in Youth Boys (17-18 yrs. Old) are Light �lyweight (46-49 kg.), Flyweight (52 kg.), Bantamweight (56 kg.), Lightweight (60 kg.) and Light Welterweight (64 kg.)

The Youth Girls (17-18) only has four weight categories – Light Flyweight (45-48 kg.), Flyweight (52 kg.), Bantamweight (54 kg.) and Featherweight (57 kg.).

The cut-off date in the Junior is from 2001-2002 while in the Youth is 1999-2000.

For inquiry, contact the PSC Support Services – Annie Ruiz (09397627553).

ders and multiple attempted murders.

He said the cases �iled against Ataram stemmed from his involvement in the kidnapping of 15 workers on June 11, 2001 at the Golden Harvest Plantation in Barangay Tairan, Lantawan, Basilan.

The ASG executed by beheading �ive of the 15 workers while remaining 10 had either escaped or rescued by pursuing military forces.

Beltran said Ataram was also involved in the October 5, 2007 bombing along Quezon

Boulevard, Kidapawan City.

Ataram was the ninth ASG member involved in the kidnapping of plantation workers to be arrested by police authorities this year in this city.

The others were identi�ied as Mudrim Isnani, Emran Ismael, Bryan Mohammad, Puyat Saiyadi, Faizal Sariul, Rabulat Balito, Isa Sampang and Paisar Sampang.

They were identi�ied by the witnesses who were under the WPSBP of the Department of Justice (DOJ). (PNA)

ANOTHER... FROM 7

13

EDGEDAVAO

‘Science of addiction’ bared in Davao ALS curriculum D

avao City is trailblazing thru the inclusion of lessons on the “science of addiction” in the Department of Education (DepEd) non-formal and informal Alternative Learning System (ALS) starting next month and the formal education in June.

Janette Esteban, DepEd Education Supervisor for AL, revealed the Enhanced ALS will include modules on scienti�ic literacy with lessons on medicinal drugs, physical, economic, social symptoms of drug addiction, preventive and rehabilitation and effects of prohibited drugs.

She said the curriculum was comprised of �ive

strands. The curriculum would now be part of the ALS and the formal education.

Ronald Rivera, adviser of the City Anti-Drug Abuse Council (CADAC) for community organizing, said Enhanced ALS was an initiative of the city government to help not only drug reformists but the whole population to understand illegal drugs and

to the workers sector of the implementation of Republic Act No. 10963, otherwise known as the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion of the TRAIN Law as supervening event for a wage hike.

President Rodrigo Duterte signed into law R.A. No. 10963 on December 19, 2017. It took effect this year.

“De�initely, there will

be a wage increase but we don’t (know) how much and when since we have yet to study it,” Domingo said.

She said the wage board would meet again to address the issue of salary increase for workers in the region after the conduct of the public consultations.’

The last time the RTWPB issued a wage

REIGION 9... FROM 7

drug addiction.

The Enhanced ALS was approved by DepEd Secretary Leonor Briones following the request of the city government to include scienti�ic addiction curriculum in ALS and the formal education.

Rivera said there were 20 drug reformists who would pioneer the enhanced ALS curriculum offered for the �irst time by a Catholic school - the University of the Immaculate Conception.

It will be an incentivized program by providing meals to students to encourage them to continue going to school for �ive months.

Rivera said CADAC

order here in the region was on October 1, 2016.

The existing wages of workers based on Wage Order No. 19 are PhP277, plantation workers; PhP267, non-plantation workers; PhP283, retail service establishments; PhP267, cottage handicraft enterprises; and PhP296, non-agricultural including private hospitals, educational institutions, security agencies, janitorial and retail/ service establishments.

thought of educating the children on drug addiction as a strategy rather than advocacy strategy because the drug reformists or the youth would be able to retrieve all information.

“Davao City will pilot this preventive drug education program,” Rivera told reports during the Kapehan Sa Dabaw at SM City Annex Monday.

Rivera said the 20 drug reformists are initially from Barangays 1 – 40. They would attend ALS classes from February through October in the UIC. Their families were also welcome to attend the classes.(PNA)

“There is really a need to review and consult the public,” Domingo added.

The wage board consists of two representatives each from the employers and workers sectors, and one each from the National Economic Development Authority and Department of Trade and Industry.

Domingo, as DOLE regional director, seats as the Board chairperson.

(PNA)

14

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 215 • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2018

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

SPORTS 15

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 215 • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2018

SHIPPED Blake Griffin traded to Pistons T

he Detroit Pistons shook up their struggling roster in dramatic fashion, acquiring star forward Blake Grif�in in a trade with the Los Angeles Clippers.

The Pistons announced the deal early Tuesday morning. Detroit sent forward Tobias Harris, guard Avery Bradley and center Boban Marjanovic to Los Angeles, with the Clippers also receiving draft picks. Detroit also acquired forward Brice Johnson and center Willie Reed in the deal. ‘’We are serious about winning, and this is a major move to improve our team,’’ Pistons owner Tom Gores said in a statement. ‘’Blake Grif�in is one of the NBA’s elite players, and when you get an opportunity to add that kind of talent, you take it.’’

Grif�in is averaging 22.6 points, 7.9 rebounds and 5.4 assists in 33 games this season, but the Clippers have been plagued by injuries and are ninth in the Western Conference standings.

Detroit is scuf�ling as well. The Pistons have lost eight straight heading into Tuesday night’s game against Cleveland.

The 28-year-old Grif�in has been the face

DETROIT BOUND. Blake Griffin, who signed a $171M deal last July with the LA Clippers, has been traded to Detroit.

Celtics survive Nuggets

D

ENVER (AP) -- At last, the Boston Celtics found a way to get a win in the closing moments.

Wasn’t easy.

Kyrie Irving scored 10 of his 27 points in the fourth quarter, Jaylen Brown hit a go-ahead 3-pointer with 34 seconds remaining and the struggling Celtics edged the Denver Nuggets 111-110 on Monday night despite blowing a big lead.

It was only Boston’s second victory in seven games. ‘’I thought we were gassed at the end of the game,’’ Celtics coach Brad Stevens said. ‘’We missed some defensive assignments, and I thought we missed some good opportunities on offense, but they found a way.’’

The Celtics had struggled in tight games over the last two weeks, with three losses in games decided by four points or fewer, including most recently a 109105 loss to Golden State on Saturday. Denver nearly added to their misery.

After Irving’s miss with seven seconds to go, the Nuggets - not using a timeout - raced up the court and got a look at the buzzer, but Torrey Craig’s tip-in of Will Barton’s long attempt from 3-point range was too late.

Afterward, Denver coach Michael Malone defended his decision not to use a timeout to set something up.

‘’(We) got a stop, didn’t want them to set their defense,’’ Malone said. ‘’Will Barton has made plays like that before for us and I stand by that decision.’’

Irving �inished 11 of 17 from the �ield to lead the Celtics. Jayson Tatum added 20 points and Marcus Morris had 14 off the bench.

Boston blew a 20-point lead and trailed heading into the �inal period. Then the Celtics couldn’t hold onto a six-point advantage in the �inal two minutes as the Nuggets tied the game at 108 with 43 seconds to go.

Moments later, though, Al Horford fed Brown for the decisive 3. The second-year small forward had missed his �irst four 3-point attempts. ‘’I was like, no way I’m missing this one,’’ Brown said. ‘’I was open. Everything that happened before didn’t matter. I had to make the shot.’’

Nikola Jokic had a double-double by the �irst minute of the second half for Denver, �inishing with 24 points and 11 rebounds.

Barton scored 19, Gary Harris 15 and Jamal Murray 14.

Mason Plumlee had 16 points and eight rebounds before leaving with a strained right calf in the fourth. ‘’We could have beat a really good and tough team,

CELTICS,P10

of the Clippers, and last July, he agreed to a $171 million, �ive-year deal, ending a brief �lirtation with free agency. He told his teammates, coach Doc Rivers and owner Steve Ballmer, ‘’I want my legacy to be a Clipper.’’

The deal didn’t include a no-trade clause.

The addition of Grif�in gives Detroit’s frontcourt another standout alongside Andre Drummond, but it also represents a clear change in course from the roster the Pistons had assembled. Detroit acquired Bradley in a trade with Boston last offseason, but he’s in the �inal season of his contract. Harris has been impressive for the Pistons this season, shooting a career-best 41 percent from 3-point range. ‘’The move is not without risk. We gave up a lot to get him, including Tobias Harris - one of the hardest-working, highest-character players I know - and two high-quality young men in Avery Bradley and Boban Marjanovic,’’ Gores said. ‘’But we are very excited to bring Blake Grif�in to Detroit. He is a great �it for our team and will bring a combination of toughness and athleticism that will elevate

SHIPPED,P10

Sotto, Abueva headline Gilas practice

A

ll but one of the Gilas seniors, the entire local college stars group of the Gilas Cadets, and arguably the most-sought after high school star right now showed up in the weekly national team pool practice at the Meralco Gym in Pasig on Monday night.

Highlighting the attendees for the seniors was Calvin Abueva, who was removed last week from the Gilas pool for the second FIBA World Cup Quali�iers window on Feb. 22 and 25 due to three consecutive absences.

On whether Abueva will be reinstated to the pool is to be determined soon.

Kiefer Ravena, Matt Wright, Allein Maliksi, Troy Rosario, Carl Cruz, Jayson Castro, Kevin Alas, Mac Belo, Jio Jalalon, Gabe Norwood, and RR Pogoy also participated, while Junemar Fajardo and Japeth Aguilar were relegated into the observer roles following their hard-fought game the night before.

Raymond Almazan once again missed the practice, a

S

ORSOGON CITY – Five out of six bouts all in the Youth Boys Light �lyweight category ended up via a Referee-Stop-Contest in Day 2 of the Luzon Preliminaries of the PSC-Pacquiao Amateur Boxing Cup held Sunday at the Sorsogon National High School covered court here.

PROMISING GIANT. 7-2 high school star Kai Sotto has joined the Gilas practice. sign that he may have already accepted his removal from the pool.

Meanwhile, Kai Sotto, the towering seven-foot-two

Ateneo high school beanpole, made his �irst appearance as a Gilas cadet, being the only juniors hoops player present in practice.

Also making his �irst appearance was FEU forward Kenneth Tuf�in.

Paul Desiderio, Jeo Ambo-

It was only Pili’s Ronald Quilano, who won by a convincing unanimous decision against Camarines Norte’s Jayson Hernandez in the 46-49 kg. category.

Quilano dominated the 3-round �ight by connecting a �lurry of body shots to give Pili’s second win in the two-day

competition sponsored by the Philippine Sports Commission in coordination with the Of�ice of Sen. Manny Pacquiao.

The other �ive matches ended via the short route.

Iriga’s Francis Aya-ay stopped Gubat’s Reyel Azana in 2:22 of the 1st round while Binan’s Darwin Boyones pum-

meled to submission Juban’s Chris delos Reyes in 1:01 of Round 2.

Sorsogon City’s Elmer Marbella bloodied the mouth of Barcelona’s Joel Lajota with solid jabs to win by a RSC due to injury in 2:59 of Round 1.

Likewise, Tuguegarao’s

5 pugs win in RSC

SOTTO,P10

5,P10

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. 10 ISSUE 215 • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2018

HOOP DREAMS

Escandor Cup Invitational tips off Feb. 17

BASKETBALL PROGRAM. Davao’s basketball grassroots program gets a fresh shot in the arm with the staging of the 2018 Escandor Cup Invitational under the leadership of SBP regional director Glenn Y Escandor (shown here in file photo doing the ceremonial tip off of the 2017 PCCL eliminations) and liaison officer Ronel Leuterio.

T

he city’s best young hoopsters will be back in action and the rivalry among Davao schools will be rekindled when the 2018 Escandor Cup Invitational Basketball Tournament gets going on February 17.

Ten squads composed of players aged 17 years old and below will crowd the hunt for the coveted crown in the tournament sanctioned by the Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas Davao Region under the helm of Director and Board of Trustee Glenn Y. Escandor.

“We still have to con�irm the venue of the tournament however, this will be an elimination for the Davao City representative to the Breakdown Basketball 2018 National Finals which will be held in Manila,” said Ronel Leuterio, SBPXI regional operations head.

Rivals Holy Child College of Davao and Ateneo de Davao University will head the cast of entries to be joined

by Davao City National High School, Bernardo Carpio National High School, Assumption College of Davao, Davao

Jones Academy, Rizal Memorial Colleges, Jose Maria Colleges, Philippine Women’s College and Holy Cross of Sasa.

Games will be played during weekends starting on that playdate following the bracket team elimination format with the top two teams in each bracket moving on to the crossover semi�inal round.

Semi�inal winners will then proceed to the winnertake-all �inals.

Games are sanctioned by the SBP-XI chapter.

UFC’s Rousey joins WWE

I

n an appearance that made the rounds both of�line and online, Ronda Rousey showed up in the closing segment of the WWE Royal Rumble at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia on Monday (Philippine Time).

It was then revealed that Rousey signed a contract with WWE on a full-time basis.

In the said segment, Kanako Urai, better known as Asuka, was about to choose on which belt she would vie for after winning the �irst-ever women’s Royal Rumble match, the headliner of the said wrestling show.

But Rousey showed up and pointed at the Wrestlemania logo just behind the arena’s roof, hinting that a storyline is being built up

for her leading to a potential title match at the said event in New Orleans in April.

The former UFC women’s bantamweight champion, however, implicitly said she was not yet retiring from MMA despite losing her last two matches, the recent against Amanda Nunes at UFC 207 in Las Vegas on Dec. 31, 2016.

(PNA)