Edge Davao 9 Issue 214

VOL. 9 ISSUE 214 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, DECEMBER 18 - 19, 2016

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EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

BYE-BYE AMERICA. President Rodrigo Duterte expresses his anger against the US government anew over criticism against him for reports of extra-judicial killings in his campaign against drugs upon his arrival from his state visits to Cambodia and Singapore at Davao International Airport in Davao city early morning of Saturday. Lean Daval Jr.

UNITED FRONT VS DRUGS, TERRORISM Rody seeks unified moves with Cambodia, Singapore in war on drugs

By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

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RESIDENT Duterte on Friday evening said that the Philippines had secured assurances from the governments of Cambodia and Singapore of support in establishing a regional coordinated effort against terrorism and illegal drugs.

This was emphasized by the President on his arrival statement at the Davao International Airport after his state visits in said countries from December 13 to 16.

He said addressing drug menace and cooperation to fight transnational crimes was among the important topics he discussed with Prime Minister Hun Sen of Cambodia.

“We recognized the impor-

tance of working closely together to address the menace of the illicit drug trade. We also discussed ways of strengthening cooperation against traditional and emerging transnational crimes,” President Duterte said.

To advance this shared agenda, he pointed out that Philippines and Cambodia had signed an agreement for both countries’ police agencies to cooperate on combatting transnational crimes.

“The Philippines is ready to work with all stakeholders in our region and beyond in order to address threats to the peace, safety and security of our nations,” he said.

In Singapore, where the

President met with President Tony Tan Keng Yam and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, the dangers posed by illicit drug trades on societies were also discussed, as leaders described the ill effects of illegal drugs as “tearing our social fabric apart and depriving the youth of our countries of their future.”

“Our efforts to combat illegal drugs will be relentless and comprehensive,” he said.

With the support and assistance of support groups and the country’s new budget, President Duterte said the Philippines is on track towards realizing the envisioned holistic strategy to effectively address illegal drugs.

“Terrorist elements and

other radical extremist forces undermine what we have worked hard for thus far. The Philippines and Singapore will work closely to effectively confront this big challenge,” the President added.

He said that both countries will intensify exchanges and coordinate on best practices and lessons learned to enhance capacities to address terrorism, violent extremism and radicalization.

“We will also use the resources at our disposal – including modern technology - to rid our maritime areas of threats such as piracy, kidnapping, human trafficking and gunrunning,” President Duterte said.

Fr. Lamata prays for Rody’s health F

R. Pedro Lamata, parish priest of St. Jude Thadeus Parish with main church along General Malvar St. in Davao City, prayed for the success, safety and good health of Pres.

Rodrigo R. Duterte when he celebrated the second midnight mass of the parish church on Friday, December 16.

“Let’s all pray for the success and good health of our national leaders,

F FR. LAMATA, 10

Fr. Pedro Lamata

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WHOOPING IT UP. The management and staff of sister companies Edge Davao and Zion Accuprint Publishing Inc. led by general manager Olivia D. Velasco and editor-in-chief Antonio M. Ajero pose for the traditional class photo during the companies’ Christmas party held at Seda Abreeza Mall on Friday evening. Lean Daval Jr.

Koronadal cops, inmates foil detainees’escape try

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OLICE and inmates foiled an attempt by four detainees to bolt out of the Koronadal City police lockup early Saturday.

Koronadal City police director, Supt. Barney Condes, told DXOM-AM Radyo Bida that the escape plot was discovered after detainees in another cell alerted police officers on duty at about 2:30 a.m.

Condes said the lockup watch officer quickly responded and prevented the escape of inmates Rex Valeriano, 29; Lyndon Calanza, 29; Alex Mangudadatu, 23; and Rodelo Moliji, 18.

Condes said all of them are facing drug charges and one of them is also facing robbery charges.

Recovered from the de-

tainees’ possessions were six spoons, a bamboo pole and a five-inch concrete nail that they used to carve a hole on a concrete wall.

Condes said the action of other inmates in alerting the police officers was the result of the humane treatment the police have been giving the detainees.

Following the discovery of the escape attempt, Condes temporarily suspended jail visits but noted that spoons are not among the banned items inside the half-way detention facility.

He also ordered the police to monitor the inmates strictly and institute measures that would prevent future attempts to flee from the lockup.

(PNA)

Multi-casualty incident drill tests Red Cross’capability

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MULTIPLE vehicular collision that resulted in a mass casualty incident was the scenario staged by the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) last Dec. 15 at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila, which showcased the agency’s capability in responding and managing multi-casualty incidents (MCI).

The MCI drill, which featured trained PRC volunteers, revolved around the scenario of a multiple vehicle crash that injured 70 people. The drill was done in partnership with the Magen David Adom (MDA), Israel’s national emergency, medical, disaster and blood service provider, with the support of the American Red Cross

and American-Jewish Joint Distribution Committee.

Earlier this year, the PRC’s partnership with MDA resulted in the conduct of several training courses and workshops that helped increase the PRC’s level of MCI response capacity. The training courses eventually led to the formulation of PRC’s multi-casualty incident protocol, which were put to test during the drill.

“We have enough number of ambulances, EMTs (emergency medical technicians), nurses on the ground if such mass casualty incident happens. We predict, we plan, we prepare and we practice. And we are very thankful that we

F MULTI-CASUALTY, 10

President to USA: Prepare to leave RP

By TIZIANA CELINE S. PIATOS

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RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte for the nth time slammed the United States early Saturday morning and told the country’s former colonizer “to get ready for the eventual repeal of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA).”

Duterte’s remark was in response to the decision of the US foreign aid agency, Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), to exclude the Philippines from receiving subsidies due to “concerns about the rule of law and civil liberties.”

“I understand that we have been stricken out by the Millennium Challenge [Corporation]? Well, good, I welcome it,” Duterte told the reporters upon his arrival in Davao City from his official state visits in Cambodia and Singapore. He added that his administration is “glad” that the country is

“free from proving anything to the United States.”

“Bye-bye, America,” Duterte said, mentioning that work will now begin on the protocols that will eventually move the United States out of the Philippines.

“If you can do this, so do it; it ain’t a one-way traffic,” he added. He added he could seek China as an alternative source of funding.

“China communicated to us. There giving us 50 billion [currency not specified]. So what do I need America for?

They did not look at us kindly; we have this huge problem,” he said and that the Philippines “can survive without American money.”

He also questioned what is the purpose of the US troops in the Philippines under VFA. “We [Philippines] will never

be ready to fight with China.

It is you [United States] who is egging a fight there and we will never compete with Russia that’s too far away. Besides, we are friends (with Russia),” he said. The President said he “does not want to see foreign military troops” on the Philippine soil, regardless of their nationality. Duterte added that Russia approached the Philippines and offered what he said was a “buy one, take one” deal, revealing that China has proposed to donate arms to the Philippines.

“China has been communicating with us every day, they said the guns are ready.

It’s here; we want to give it to you,” Duterte added that he has come to be “friends” with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“Russia can be a crucial ally - they do not insult people they

do not interfere,” he explained.

Duterte also criticized the U.S. for making the Philippines as its colony from years 1898 to 1946. “You stayed in my country for 50 years and made us a colony; you lived on the fat of the land. How dare you say you will cut the assistance and aid? We do not need it. You owe the Philippines an apology for all the massacres, especially the Moro of Mindanao. You’re the ones who owe us. You sat on my land for fifty years; oppressed us for fifty years,” Duterte stressed, citing Balangiga massacre in Samar during the Philippine-American War in 1901, where he said “all the male[s] above 10 (years old)” were killed.

The President also questioned the U.S. for interfering in the country’s internal affairs,

ernment did not provide them a timeframe on the pursuit of the bandits.

“No deadline is given on how long the focused military operations will proceed for so long as we will hunt and pursue them as needed,” Año said.

Military operations as of November 2016 have resulted in the killing of more than 60 Abu Sayyaf fighters in Sulu and Basilan, and nearly 7,000 residents have been displaced in

the area due to armed clashes.

Año, at the same time, wants Abu Sayyaf members to either pursue peace or face the consequences of terrorism, laying down conditions for those who want to surrender.

“Those in the Abu Sayyaf who want to quit, the AFP will accept them, as long they release their hostages; if not, our soldiers will hunt them down and pursue them until all of them are neutralized,” Año

said.

Año also noted that the local officials and residents in Sulu have been cooperating with the military to help release the 23 remaining kidnap victims in Sulu.

“The local authorities and residents appreciate the effort of AFP and are providing much-needed help in fighting the bandits and in rescuing the kidnap victims,” he said. TIZIANA CELINE S. PIATOS

F PRESIDENT, 10

AFP chief: No deadline in rescuing Sayyaf kidnap victims

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HE military offensive against the Abu Sayyaf Group has no deadline in rescuing the 23 remaining kidnap victims in Sulu but there will be no let-up in the campaign, an official said early Saturday morning.

Armed Forces of the Philippines new Chief of Staff Gen. Eduardo Año told the reporters after President Duterte’s arrival speech at Davao International Airport that the gov-

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ComVal strengthens disaster risk reduction capability

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CATCH-UP. Some foyer honor guards fight boredom by turning their attentions to their mobile phones as they wait for the arrival of President Duterte from his state visits to Cambodia and Singapore at the Davao International Airport in Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

O further strengthen the province’s disaster management capabilities anchored on the national framework on safer, adaptive and disaster resilient Filipino communities toward sustainable development, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC) of Compostela Valley recently conducted a three-day strategic planning and workshop for the next six years.

The activity was facilitated last December 13 to 15 at the Villa Amor Hotel in Nabunturan town.

The training, that also became a venue where issues and concerns on strategies in

ferences.

“And it was also the day before my birthday,” he added.

Reports said that among the winners of last Wednesday’s raffle was Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman who won P250,000 during the raffle.

Lagman belongs to the opposition in the House dubbed as the “Magnificent 7.”

Floirendo denied the prizes were meant to silence the opposition, as he pointed out that “the intention was not to bribe, buy, or silence the opposition whose political ideals,

principles, and party I respect.”

He said media stories that labelled and focused the House celebration on lavish raffle prizes only showed the desperation of the efforts to ruin the simple objective and celebration of their members.

Floirendo also admitted he pledged to give away cash during the party.

“Yes, I pledged to give away cash for fun. It’s Christmas, after all. The money will be coming from my personal pocket and not from government funds,” he clarified.

INANCE Secretary Carlos Dominguez III has reaffirmed the government’s strong commitment to the rule of law in realizing the Duterte administration’s goal of reducing poverty and in weeding out corruption.

Responding to the announcement of the Millennium Challenge Corporation that it had deferred a vote on the reselection of the Philippines for compact development, Dominguez likewise pointed out that the Philippines had passed 13 out of the 20 country indicators in the latest MCC scorecard report published just last month, including control of corruption, rule of law and civil liberties.

“We thank MCC for the grant that the Philippines received under the first compact as we reassure them and the rest of our development part-

D

HE two Bureau of Immigration officials who were allegedly involved in extorting money from online gaming tycoon Jack Lam are set to resign from their posts.

In a text message sent to media Friday evening, Deputy

Commissioners Al Argosino and Mike Robles, who are currently on leave, said they will be tendering their resignations as soon as possible.

“To spare the Honorable President from the troubles brought about by the false allegation hurled by Mr. Wally

Sombrero, we are tendering our resignation effective immediately,” part of the message read.

They noted that the events unfolded in the past several days have been difficult for them and their families.

“We are Deputy Commis-

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AVAO del Norte 2nd District Rep. Antonio Floirendo Jr. cried foul over reports of bribery in a bid to silence the opposition by handing over to them lavish cash prizes and pledges of money during the Christmas party at the House of Representatives on Wednesday last week.

News reports told of cash and plane tickets given by Rep. Floirendo to the House members during the Yuletide celebration, especially to the members of the opposition.

“It’s deeply disconcerting to know how the media skilfully managed to put a spin to come up with sensationalized and malicious stories from what transpired during the Christmas Party of the members of the House of Representatives,” Floirendo said in a statement to the media on Friday.

He said that the Christmas party was a happy gathering and an opportunity to unify the members of the House, to strengthen cooperation and fellowship despite political dif-

F COMVAL, 10

Government committed to the rule of law -- DOF

No bribery at House Yuletide F celebration – Rep. Floirendo

By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

reducing disaster risks from the grassroots were thoroughly discussed, was joined by municipal officers and responders from various towns in the province.

Municipal responders and officers also focused their discussions on the provisions of Republic Act 10121 or the Philippine Disaster Management System, particularly on the four thematic areas of disaster prevention and mitigation; disaster preparedness; disaster response; and disaster rehabilitation and recovery.

The training was also graced by representatives from national agencies – to include Bureau of Fire Protection

ners that the government continues to vigorously implement its commitment to good governance, peace and order and the rule of law,” Dominguez said.

Dominguez noted that the MCC scorecard released in November 2016 in which the Philippines passed 13 out of the 20 indicators, was a slight improvement of last year’s performance report, where the Philippines passed 12 out of the 20.

The MCC Board is due to reconvene in March next year under a new US administration.

Dominguez said that in the first six months of the Duterte administration, the Philippines continued to be the economic “outperformer” in the region, with international institutions like the World Bank and Asian

sioner Al Argosino and Mike Robles. These past few days have been very difficult for us and our families,” the text message said.

The BI officials said since cases have been filed by both parties, they will just wait for

F GOVERNMENT, 10

Five years after‘Sendong,’ Two BI execs named in extortion to resign P11-B dike still unfinished T

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HE P11-billion peso “mega dike” project which was designed to save thousands of lives along the banks of Cagayan de Oro River may not be ready the next time a powerful typhoon much worse than “Sendong” strikes the city, officials said.

Vinah Jeanne Maghinay, spokesperson of the Department of Public Works and Highways Region 10, said segments of the dike that would have been financed by Japan International Cooperation Agency have not even started yet five years after typhoon Sendong devastated villages along the riverbanks on Dec. 17, 2011.

Maghinay said the Japanese development agency has required that the local government of Cagayan de Oro provide relocation sites for the more than 3,000 families that would be affected by the 12-kilometer flood control system.

More than 674 persons perished on the night of Dec. 16, 2011 when flash floods hit 41 barangays here, accord-

ing to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council .

Typhoon “Sendong,” the deadliest storm to hit this city, also affected 38,071 families or 228,576 persons and destroyed or damaged 12,635 houses in the villages beside the river.

Ermin Pimentel, of the Cagayan de Oro Shelter and Housing Development Multisectoral Task Force, blamed the political squabble between Mayor Oscar Moreno and the city council then dominated by Padayon Pilipino for the non-delivery of houses for those affected by the mega dike project.

“In the first three years of Mayor Moreno practically we have done nothing because the city council refused to give us any budget for the housing,” Pimentel lamented.

He said he is optimistic that things will change for the better in 2017 when the new city council now dominated

by Moreno’s allies will give them the money to buy the lands. (MindaNews)

F TWO, 10

DEAD WHALE. A backhoe pulls ashore a dead giant sperm whale that was discovered by residents in Babak District, Island Garden City of Samal on Friday afternoon. (Photo by Dean Ortiz)

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Mother from Davao Oriental named country’s best farmer

Bags the national Gawad Saka award

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FARMER from Banaybanay town here in the province has recently been hailed as the country’s best rice farmer.

Genevieve Y. Madelo bagged the accolade Most Outstanding Rice Farmer, during the 46th National Gawad Saka Awarding Ceremony held at the Philippine International Convention Center in Manila on December 12, 2016.

Madelo, a mother of four and a former Overseas Filipino Worker, said that the government’s assistance played a huge part in her success as a rice farmer. She said the province as well as the municipal government have provided her planting materials and fertilizers, as well as trainings and technical support that not only helped in her venture but also boosted her knowledge in terms of farming.

In 2001, Madelo started off with three quarters of land that she bought out of the money she earned from working abroad. She gradually expanded that parcel of land into the present 12 hectares.

She said practicing diversified farming, wherein planting other high-value crops surrounding her rice fields has proved to be efficient rather than sticking to one type of crop.

Practicing the techniques and technology she learned from attending trainings and seminars on farming as well as applying organic farming have also boosted her farming skills and has increased her yield.

Coupled with determination and the assistance she got from the government, Madelo’s pursuit in rice farming significantly increased production from 4 metric tons to 7.7 metric tons, thereby, also increasing her income.

Becoming a source of inspiration to other farmers, Madelo has been tapped as

resource speaker in various farmers’ organization activities to share her insights and best practices in rice farming.

Governor Nelson L. Dayanghirang, who was present during the awarding ceremony, says this achievement proves that with aid from the government coupled with entrepreneurial mindset, small farmers can actually become successful in their venture.

Proud of this achievement, he committed to continue providing support that will further prop up Davao Oriental’s Food Sufficiency Program which was started by the former administration.

BOOSTING DAVAO ORIENTAL’s PRODUCTION The Provincial Government’s effort in boosting rice production has long been mobilized not only in Banaybanay town, which is considered the province’s rice granary and the region’s rice capital, but also in the province’s east coast town of Cateel with wide swathes of plains that have huge potential for rice farming.

In 2014, the Provincial Government officially opened the big-ticket Cateel Irrigation Project. Jointly funded by the World Bank, Department of Agriculture, Mindanao Rural Development Program, and Provincial Government, the said project is said to be one of Mindanao’s biggest irrigation systems. Since its inauguration two years ago, farmers have been enjoying the bounty of harvests as it has allowed them to grow more crops and increase production and cropping season.

The irrigation project has led the province to increase its rice sufficiency level from 67% in 2011 to the present 95%. The Provincial Government is hoping to achieve 100% rice sufficiency as soon as both left and right-wing canals will be fully operationalized. By PIO

ALL’S WELL THAT ENDS WELL. Tourism Undersecretary Kat de Castro, tourism officials, Davao designers, and representatives of veteran designer Renee Salud pose for a groupie after their meeting to resolve their

differences and putting back the Miss Universe fashion show in Davao City.

Photo from the Instagram account of Kat de Castro

PH seeks trade, investments in Singapore, Cambodia

By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

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HE Philippines is seeking an intensified two-way trade and investments between Cambodia and Singapore, and that the country is now in a position to welcome investments in key sectors of Private Public Partnerships (PPPs), infrastructure, telecommunications, information technology and services from said countries.

President Duterte emphasized this at his arrival message at the Davao International Airport on Friday evening from his four-day state visits to Cambodia and Singapore.

“In both my state visits, I underscored that the Philippines is open for business and that we seek intensified twoway trade and investments,” the President said, as he also emphasized that the country’s private sector is now poised to grow and seek new frontiers for Philippine businesses to

thrive beyond shores.

“Side by side, I have secured the commitment of businesses from Singapore, our fourth largest trading partner, to sustain their current investments and seek new areas of partnership,” he said.

He added that Philippines will work with Cambodia and Singapore bilaterally and in the ASEAN setting, in order to achieve common goals of greater peace, progress and prosperity.

Ensuring the safety of Filipinos Particular in Camboadia, the President was able to ensure the safety of Overseas Filipinos Workers (OFWs) in said country.

President Duterte met with King Norodom Sihamoni and Prime Minister Hun Sen during the state visit last December 13 to 14.

“We, therefore, resolved to do all that we can to uphold, promote and protect their rights and interests. We signed an agreement in the area of labour to ensure ready assistance to our nationals, particularly in situations of distress and in areas of social unrest,” he said.

Both countries also noted the growing links between its peoples and the need to strengthen the vital human bridges of understanding and mutual respect.

The state visit to Cambodia also resulted to the signing of an executive program on tourism cooperation and agreement on sports cooperation, he said.

“We will open new windows of opportunities for greater exchanges and interactions between our peoples,” he added.

Campaign vs corruption

NFA accredits more rice outlets

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CHAMBER MEETING. The first board meeting of the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (DCCCII) under newly-elected chairman Antonio T. dela Cruz was held last Friday afternoon in the chamber’s swanky boardroom to tackle various concerns including the formal induction

of officers next January with Pres. Rodrigo R. Duterte as guest of honor and inducting officer. With Chairman Dela Cruz are outgoing president Bonifacio T. Tan, executive vice president Sofronio M. Jucutan and newlyelected president Ronald C. Go. Photo by AMA

The President, on his arrival message, again emphasized that he ran on a campaign of a clean government.

“I said before that corruption will have no place in my government. Now that I am President, I reaffirm this commitment. Consistent with this electoral campaign promise, I have directed the dismissal of the two associate commissioners of the Bureau of Immigration who are now tainted with corruption,” he said.

Corrupt government officials, he added, will be held accountable for their actions and they will face the full force of the law.

“On this and on all my promises, I gave you my word.

As your President, I shall work tirelessly to ensure all these become realities. Help me take our country and our people to a better place we all deserve,” he said.

O make affordable government rice more accessible to the consuming public, the National Food Authority is increasing the number of its accredited rice outlets nationwide.

NFA Officer In Charge Tomas R. Escarez directed all field offices to accredit additional rice retail outlets not only inside the market but even in remote barangays to make NFA rice readily available especially to the marginalized sector.

NFA rice is still being sold at Php27.00 per kilogram for 25 percent brokens; and Php32.00 per kilogram for 15 percent brokens.

To enable those who are interested to become an NFA accredited rice retail outlet, Escarez said that field offices were instructed to ease the requirements for accreditation.

He said that interested applicants can be issued a temporary accreditation pending

completion of inspection and submission of requirements so they can immediately sell NFA rice to the consuming public.

NFA currently has a total of 16,775 accredited rice outlets nationwide. Aside from the traditional rice outlets inside and outside the markets, NFA has also other non-traditional rice outlets such as the Bigasan sa Barangay, Bigasan sa Parokya, and Barangay Food Terminal.

NFA also participates in the Diskwento Caravan in the different municipalities organized by the Department of Trade and Industry to bring affordable government rice closer to the public especially during this holiday season.

Escarez reported that the food agency has already distributed a total of 21,405,835 bags of the good quality but lowpriced NFA rice from January to November of this year through its accredited outlets across the country. (PNA)

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 9 ISSUE 214 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, DECEMBER 18 - 19, 2016

7 SUBURBIA Yule spirit oozing from decors in DavNor offices

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ROAD OPENING. Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon (5th from left) leads the ground-breaking ceremony of the Calabanit - E. Alegado farm-to-market road (FMR) on December 6. Gov. Solon along with Provincial Engineer Jerry Belbider, Mayor Victor James Yap, local officials and contractors broke ground for the 4.0525-kilometer farm-to-market road from the national highway of barangay Calabanit to barangay E. Alegado. The P40-million

project is mutually funded by the Philippine Rural Development Program of the Department of Agriculture and the Sulong Imprastraktura component of the Sulong Sarangani Program of Governor Solon in partnership with Senator Emmanuel Pacquiao, Congressman Roel Pacquiao, Vice Governor Elmer de Peralta, board members and municipal officials. (Kim Tiblani/ PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR’S OFFICE)

ARMM sets P10.1B for ‘17 infra projects O

FFICIALS of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) on Friday approved PHP10.1 billion worth of infrastructure projects to be implemented next year, officials said.

ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman and members of the Regional Legislative Assembly (RLA), the region’s lawmaking body, on Friday signed Public Works Act of 2017 that authorizes the appropriation of PHP10.1 billion for infrastructure projects in ARMM. The region’s Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH-ARMM), through its district engineer-

ing offices across the region, will implement the approved projects.

Hataman said the projects include the construction of major roads and bridges, water supply, seaports, shores, drainage canal, flood control, strategic infrastructure projects in support of tourism, agriculture, peace and security, public health or sanitation, and other socioeconomic development activities and those in conflict- or calamity-affected areas.

He said the appropriation will be effective even beyond Fiscal Year 2017 until fully released, obligated, and disbursed for the purpose. The

infrastructure funds, Hataman stressed, will be properly distributed to the region’s five provinces and two cities.

“We will make sure that all the provinces will receive development projects from the regional government,” Hataman said.

DPWH-ARMM Secretary Don Mustapha Loong noted that the implementation of the projects will be undertaken through competitive public bidding with the local and national media in attendance.

To effectively oversee the projects, the Regional Project Monitoring Committee, inclusive of the legislative assembly members or repre-

sentatives, will conduct periodic checks and validation of the status of the project’s implementation, based on the approved program of work, project specifications, and time frame of completion.

Since Hataman assumed office as officer in charge and eventually as elected governor, members of the local and national media, along with ARMM watchdogs, have been well-represented to ensure transparency and accountability.

He urged the local media to monitor and report any anomaly they observe in the implementation of public works. (PNA)

resentative Vincente” and “Mayor Lawrence” as just two of the political figures involved in the illegal drug trade in Nothern Mindanao.

Duterte also said his exposé would eventually lead to the prosecution of the two former officials.

In an interview on Love Radio-Iligan on Tuesday, Cruz said that he was the “Lawrence” being alluded to by the President, but denied that he (Cruz) is a drug protector.

“I just want the people to know that [the accusation] is not true. I am innocent. Even if I have to undergo a drug test today, I will test negative,” Cruz was quoted as saying.

Now that his name was mentioned by Duterte, Cruz said he was afraid that he would end up like the slain Albuera, Leyte mayor, Rolando Espinosa, who was killed by operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection

Group (CIDG) inside his cell at the Baybay, Leyte sub-provincial jail last month.

He said that he now feared that his house would be raided and searched and if the law enforcers would find nothing, they would resort to “planting” illegal drugs, and then later “kill me.”

Cruz said that politics might be behind the accusation and assured his political opponents that he had no plans of running in the next elections.

Jose Pantoja, the Iligan City Information Officer, said that Regencia challenged Belmonte and Cruz to file a legal action against Duterte for implicating them in the illegal drug trafficking in the region.

Pantoja said that there was no truth to the allegation that it was Regencia and Iligan city police director Senior Superintendent Leon Roy Ga who provided Duterte

the names of Cruz and Belmonte.

Cruz should not blame Regencia and Ga on why their (Cruz and Belmonte) names were mentioned in Duterte’s drug list and urged the lawmaker to file charges against the President, Pantoja said.

Pantoja said that it was not as easy as anyone might think to simply tell the President to include the names of Cruz and Belmonte in the narco-list.

“Duterte has the power to order the law enforcement authorities [like the CIDG, PDEA and the NBI] through their intelligence units to verify the name of politicians involved in the illegal drug trade. He (Cruz) must not blame Regencia right away,” he added.

As of this writing, Belmonte has yet to issue a statement regarding Duterte’s statement. (PNA)

Iligan City Mayor denies implicating 2 former lawmakers in illegal drug trade

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LIGAN City Mayor Celso Regencia on Friday denied a hand in the report about the alleged involvement of two former lawmakers in that city in the illegal drug trade.

In a statement released to the media here, the City Mayor’s Information Office, said that Regencia had nothing to do when President Rodrigo Duterte reportedly included the names of former Rep. Vicente Belmonte, of Iligan City, and former City Mayor Lawrence Cruz in the “narco-list” as alleged protectors of the illegal drugs there.

Cruz served as Iligan city mayor and representative, while Belmonte, who accused Regencia as the mastermind in an attempt to kill him in 2014, used to be a congressman in the city’s lone district.

In his speech before the business leaders on Monday, Duterte mentioned “Rep-

HE little red cherries and small pastel balls in evergreen leaf pine and fir leaf ornament in door are superb combination to cheer us up this Yuletide Season 2016, as I see, nay feel it.

I was absent for one SP session, failing to cover it Monday last week that I was amazed last Wednesday to see the door of the office of Davao del Norte Vice Gov. Alan Dujali decorated of fir leaf decors arched on its sides, just the scene I like then and now.

There are no little red cherries or berries there. Instead the shiny red and silver poinsettias and the red and silver balls adorn and the jingle bells at the upper center of the door hum in a joyful Christmas song that reaches in your heart.

Flower ornaments are positioned just near the door and décor sticks arising with bigger shiny balls all in red color and then the shoots of glittery shreds. There’s a foliage effect radiated by a pine flower in a base placed atop the floor standing aircon.

Vice Gov. Aldo’s door décor is one such simple but unique creation giving a twist of good vibes and oozing with Christmas spirit this Season.

It’s in the Legislative Building, Capitol compound, Mankilam, Tagum City.

The evergreen pine or-

nament inside the office of Tagum City Mayor Allan Rellon atop the wall division is lighted one. That jibes with the new, posh mayor’s office.

There are swags of green thin leaf ornaments while there are several Santa socks and Santa decors tacked in various parts of the wall. Another evergreen pine decors with multicolored balls circled around the white board where there’s that LED TV. Near it arise the pyramidal figures in silver, gold and red colors.

Indeed, without the reds, the decors and lush greenery would not be lively and oozing with the same spirit of joy and peace of the Season. The simplicity fits nicely to the newness of the mayor’s office.

It’s in the 2nd level of the New City Hall, Apokon, Tagum City.

So, from the two Allans in DavNor– one Vice Gov. Alan and the other Mayor Allan, I feel the Season’s cheer and spirit of peace, love and joy from their simple Christmas decors in their respective offices. Simplicity is beauty indeed.

Meantime, gee, it’s 8 days before Christmas from this day. I failed again to see hours ago how my parochial church oozes with Yuletide spirit, good vibes and wish for luck and happy life in 2017. I’ll try to wake up early tomorrow.

CHA MONFORTE

DOT-12: Tourism promotion on despite negative news

T

OURISM stakeholders in Central Mindanao region on Thursday appealed for the public to help contain arson cases against passenger buses and construction equipment in the region.

Admitting the rash of bus burning in the provinces of South Cotabato, Sarangani and Sultan Kudarat have negative impact on tourism industry, Nelly Dillera, Department of Tourism (DOT-12) regional director, said promotion programs of her office shifted to full gear.

“It has negative impact on tourism but we have confidence in our security officials,” Dillera told the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

The latest arson case in-

volving passenger bus by suspected communist rebels occurred Tuesday night, that 5th arson case in South Cotabato since Nov. 13.

She said the incidents should not affect the industry and her office’s massive promotions.

Generally, Dillera said, the tourists spots in the region remained safe and sound.

Tourists, both local and international, continued to arrive in the province of South Cotabato which listed 390,000 tourist arrivals since January this year.

She said while military and police were finding solutions, the tourism stakeholders would continue promoting spots that tourists could visit during the holidays. (PNA)

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

EDITORIAL

I

A conspiracy

F you are a Filipino who happens to live outside of the country, the chances are high that people will ask you about what is happening in the Philippines and what is wrong with our President.

It is not surprising. When President Duterte assumed office, the attention directed towards him or the country was not as much as when he started to open his mouth and people started to drop dead one after the other in war against illegal drugs.

As his words became trashy and his anti-drug war bloody, the spotlight fell on him and this country.

It did not help too that even the news broadcasts aired overseas contain news angled in a way as to amplify the bad and set aside the good. Even the appreciation of sta-

EDGEDAVAO

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tistical records like social response surveys focused on the negative side of things. So much for yellow journalism, but yes, the media hypes the bad because it is the one that sells.

It does not help too that there are foreign correspondents covering the current affairs of the state who despite their short stay in the country, wrote like they knew every bit of our government and our problems.

For Filipinos overseas, it is a difficult situation trying to make people understand that they are not seeing the real and bigger picture. But given the culture of Filipinos and their love for the country, no amount of bad publicity to a global audience can stall the country’s fight to rid itself of the menace of not just drugs, but also crime and corruption.

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GENERAL SANTOS CITY OFFICE CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING MARKETING OFFICE

LEIZEL A. DELOSO | Marketing Manager EDMUND D. RENDON Unit 6, SouthbankMarketing Plaza Velez-Yacapin Sts. Specialist General Santos City Cagayan de Oro City Mobile: (Smart) 0948-823-3685 Tel: (088) 852-4894

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EDGEDAVAO

P

VANTAGE POINTS

9

Sara should take lead in implementing RA 9003

RESIDENT Duterte made a name for himself for his no-nonsense peace and order campaign and his war against drugs.

Now the big fish in the big pond that spans the archipelago, he has incorporated two more: to excise out corruption and to cut down on poverty. It goes with the territory.

Mayor Sara is her own woman and of a mind of her own. She too, like her father before her, has the best interest of her constituents at heart.

This may come as an unsolicited advice but it would do well not only for her city but for the whole country if she should take the lead in the implementation of Republic Act 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000.

One of the most meaningful laws to have come out from the legislative grind, this law laid it out for LGUs the options open in managing their solid wastes.

Most specifically, it banned open dumpsites.

One of its important provisions mandated “the setting up of guidelines and targets for solid waste avoidance and volume reduction through source reduction and waste minimization measures, including composting, re-cycling, re-use, recovery, green charcoal process.

The succeeding provision states: “Ensure

A

VOL. 9 ISSUE 214 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, DECEMBER 18 - 19, 2016

MUCH-ABUSED and over-extended tale in the Philippine cultural landscape is the supposed existence of the Japanese treasure. This narrative was given currency and linked to Gen. Tomoyuki Yamashita, the ‘Tiger of Malaya,’ was tried and convicted of war crimes in Manila on Dec. 7, 1945, and hanged on Feb. 23, 1946 at Los Baños, Laguna.

That Yamashita had reached Philippine shore was promptly equated by wags with the transfer of golden hordes the Japanese plundered from Buddhist temples, private collections, and state depositories in China and other Southeast Asian countries where the military officer, who graduate from the Imperial Japanese Army Academy, had left his ignominious mark.

The tale of Yamashita’s gold chest heightened after the war when stories of crude maps carrying ‘x’ markings became staple of rumors and the source of occupation for people who prey on the ignorants. As if on cue, new stories, mostly coming out of thin year, started to pervade the small realm of treasure hunters who were gullible enough to swallow hook, line and sinker every loose talk peddled as the fishmonger’s claim.

On the side, the tale spawned a multi-billion entertainment industry. In 2001, there was a parallel Filipino film entitled Yamashita: The Tiger’s Treasure, the American TV series Unsolved Mysteries, a console game known as the Medal of Honor: Rising Sun, the novels Dragon, The Garden of Evening Mists, and The Mystery of Yamashita’s Map (2007), a TV show titled Yamashita’s Treasure, and a horror film Dead Mine, all woven around the treasure nar-

the proper segregation, REVERSED PUNCH (GYAKU ZUKI) collection, transport , storage, t re a t m e n t and disposal of solid waste through the formulation and adoption of the best enviJimmy K.Laking ronmental practice in ecological waste management excluding incineration.”

Section 10 of the law’s Institutional mechanism is crystal-clear: “The LGUs shall be primarily responsible for the implementation and enforcement of RA 9003 with the barangays mandated to implement segregation and collection of solid wastes at their level especially for biodegradable, compostable and reusable wastes.”

It has been 16 years since the passage of the law but it appears no LGU has far complied religiously with it, or so this seemed to be the

impression we got with the revelation of the Ombudsman that it was investigating 600 LGUs nationwide for violations of the law.

It appeared all of these LGUs relied on open dumpsites as depositories of their mixed wastes.

In Davao City to investigate several LGUs of Mindanao, Deputy Ombudsman for Luzon Gerard Mosquera (who hails from General Santos City) told reporters the dumpsites were spoiling the beautiful Philippine scenery from the air.

He cited in particular the case of the LGUs in the vicinity of Mt. Mayon in the Bicol region whose smoldering dumpsites kept on giving a black eye to efforts to promote the region.

He also cast doubt on the propensity of some LGUs like Metro Manila and Baguio to haul off their garbage outside, instead of development their own sanitary landfills.

Is corruption party to blame because of the perception that LGUs get cuts from hauling contracts? Mosquera said that will be part of the investigation.

It is the best time for Mayor Sara to show other LGUs how to do it right by doing it first in this city. First, implementation of the law would no doubt strengthen this city’s organic agriculture ordinance since it would ensure, if properly managed, a sustainable source of compost for organic farmers. Second, the implementa-

tion of the RA 9003 is itself in support of President Duterte’s vow to eliminate corruption for whether we like it the tendency of some LGUs to look for short-cuts in a bid to evade the mandate of the law has been tainted with questionable deals.

Mayor Sara need not look far and wide for the appropriate technology to produce compost from bios. The eco-composting receptacle introduced by former Barangay Loakan (Baguio City) punong barangay Fred Fangonon has shown the capacity to produce high-grade compost from bios. It is not only easy to set up, it can in fact accommodate unlimited volume depending on the design of the ECR. Nor does it emit obnoxious odor that can bedevil a neighborhood contrary to fears.

Its reverse is the system adopted by the city of Mati to produce vegetables for housewives in several communities.

Both Fangonon’s and the Mati system produce compost but Fangonon’s ECR has the capacity to handle not only a subdivision’s bio wastes but that of an entire city’s.

As examined by the Saint Louis University laboratory, the ECR’s compost showed virtually no traces of heavy metals and has proved negative of elements harmful to man. It is thus ideal for organic farming.

rative.

FAST BACKWARD In Davao, which was home to the largest prewar concentration of Japanese outside their homeland, this story of gold buried Antonio V. Figueroa meters deep inside concrete slabs persists to this day. Complete with maps, markings, landmarks, etc., this assertion has become used in fleecing and fooling idiots of their hard-earned money. With people willing to part with their hard-earned money in the hope of finding the gold horde, historical landmarks have been desecrated, lands damaged by digs, and residential structures ruined by underground tunnels.

Worse, many archaeological sites were not spared from the greed. And if we believe the rumor-mongers, the list of people that benefitted from Yamashita’s stolen wealth includes even the name of President Rodrigo Rodrigo, Davao City’s mayor for more than two decades.

Adding color to these claims are the conspiracy theories woven by irresponsible reports in media.

But Piers Kelly, a linguistic anthropologist at Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History in Jena, Germany, disputed the existence of the World War II treasure, saying the tale is a continuance of the pre-war Filipino folklore. In The Journal of Folklore Research, he

wrote: “Since at least the nineteenth century, Filipino story-tellers have shared tales of hidden valuables such as gold, church bells, silver coins and fine tableware. By tracing variations of this story, we were able to show that their popularity coincides with periods of war and crisis. The promise of future wealth may have served to boost local morale.”

He explained that Filipinos, in order to justify, albeit wrongly, the sudden wealth acquired by a neighbor, point to the discovery of the Yamashita treasure as the answer, adding that in the context of globalization, the lost-treasure stories “are also exchanged as a way of challenging a cultural ‘inferiority complex’ and of restoring a sense of national pride.”

In some account, the Yamashita gold is linked to the Legend of Gold Lily, which reportedly fell into the hands of the Americans just as the war as on its tail-end. The horde was kept “in a huge tunnel complex dug by the Japanese at the Cagayan Valley in the Philippines. Inside the tunnel [were] treasures of a staggering proportion.” This tall tale was woven by Sterling and Peggy Seagrave in their book ‘Gold Wars’. An internet article explains the claim more succinctly: “Labeled tunnel 8, this was just one of 175 tunnels dotted around the Japanese occupied islands of the Philippines. Each filled with billions of dollars worth of gold, jewels and priceless statues and art… That night in early June 1945, with Japan’s war against the Americans about to be lost, General Yamashita hurriedly oversaw the last burials of gold and treasure.

“Prince Takeda, of the Japanese Royal fam-

ily, had helped devise and build the tunnels to hide the treasure. They called the operation ‘Golden Lily’ after a poem written by Emperor Hirohito. Each site was carefully constructed using a host of specialist engineers along with enslaved Filipinos and allied POWS forced into backbreaking labor in the searing heat.

“That night, Takeda took all 175 of his staff into a bunker in tunnel 8 to celebrate their latest achievement. After several hours of drink and song, Takeda and Yamashita quietly slipped away. The tunnel’s entrance was then blasted with dynamite and sealed. The men inside, if they did not commit suicide, were left to suffocate to death taunted by the vast riches surrounding them. The slave laborers suffered the same fate. Takeda and Yamashita did not enjoy their grim work, but they had no alternative — it was the only way to be certain the location of the treasure houses would not get out.

“Prince Takeda fled back to Japan by submarine. Yamashita took what was left of his army to the north of the country where he held on against overwhelming American opposition before surrendering on September the 2nd… American intelligence had already learned of the incredible Japanese plunder before the end of the war. Undercover operatives had tracked boats disguised as hospital ships to the Philippines and watched as the treasure was unloaded. For the Americans, the loot was fair game. Asian gold was largely unaccounted for in international finance, and the possibility of it falling under communist control had to be avoided at all cost.”

If this is not fantastic, what is?

Yamashita’s gold

10 NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 214 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, DECEMBER 18 - 19, 2016

Fr. Lamata... FROM 1

specially President Duterte, who is from Davao City,” Fr. Pete said, addressing the parishioners who filled the church to the rafters during that midnight mass.

Some 200 of the parishioners stood outside the church because they could no longer be accommodated inside. St. Jude is one of the city’s three air-conditioned Catholic churches.

Fr. Pete and then Mayor Rody had a running political controversy in the past but they reconciled immediately before the presidential elections.

The priest fell ill sometime before Mayor Rody was proclaimed the 16th President of the Philippines. He said the

Holy Mass last Friday dawn in a wheel-chair.

In his homily, Fr. Pete said the nine-day dawn masses was a novena in honor of the Virgin Mother Mary.

In the homily, he also touched on his childhood days in Barangay Bunawan in Davao City where his father was a teniente del barrio and his mother was grade school teacher.

The first misa de gallo in St. Jude Church is at 3:00 a.m. while the second is at 4:30 a.m.

St. Jude is just one of the more than two dozen parish churches in Davao City that celebrate the traditionally jampacked midnight masses in the run-up to Christmas Day on December 25. AMA

saying that the Western Country should raise its concerns on the state of human rights in the Philippines through proper channels, such as the United

Nations.

“When the report is there, you can call our attention and give us the right to be heard,” Duterte said.

have experts here, that the Magen David Adom came here to help us to conduct this kind of drill,” said PRC chairman Richard Gordon.

Twelve of PRC’s ambulances, fire trucks, rescue trucks, 6x6 trucks, Humvees, ambulance motorcycles, together with the organization’s well-trained first aiders, EMTs, Emergency Response Unit (ERU), Welfare Services Team, Operations Center (OPCEN), and Red Cross 143 volunteers from different chapters in National Capital Region (NCR), were all mobilized to respond to the scenario.

“The Red Cross is always there. We are on duty 24/7, our Operation Center is open 24 hours. We can mobilize all our ambulances and all our first aiders if such incidents do

happen,” said Gordon.

The Red Cross chairman added that the drill was conducted not only for show, but also to assess and improve PRC’s emergency responses.

Gordon said that they plan to conduct similar large-scale, multi-casualty incident scenarios all over the country to also test Red Cross chapters’ capacity to respond and manage emergencies.

“Right now, we are on a high alert. We are trying to prepare, not just for road crashes, but as well as bombings, and other major incidents with mass casualty,” Gordon said.

Last 2015, the PRC’s Operation Center recorded a total of 1,631 road crash responses, while 2,432 similar incidents were recorded as of early December this year. (PNA)

the truth to come out.

“Last 13 December 2016, we have filed criminal case for corruption of public officials and wire tapping against Jack Lam, Wally Sombrero, Norman Ng, Alexander Yu and Charles Calima for Corruption of Public Officials and Violation of R.A. No. 4200,” they said.

The BI officials added, “Today, we learned that Wally Sombrero filed an Ombudsman Case for Anti Graft and Corrupt Practices against us.

Now that both cases have already been filed, it is time for the truth to prevail.”

Argosino and Robles were allegedly involved in an extortion controversy for asking P50 million from Lam. The said amount is allegedly in exchange for the release of 600 Chinese nationals who were illegally working in an online gaming center which was reportedly operated by the Macau-based foreigner in Clark, Pampanga. (PNA)

(BFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine Red Cross, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Trade & Industry (DTI), Department of Science &Technology (DOST), Department of Education, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and National Food Authority (NFA).

Officers from the offices of the provincial government of Compostela Valley also joined the said disaster management

training.

“With the reality of natural calamities and climate change, we need to continue our efforts and work together to effectively respond to the challenges posed by disasters,” Gov. Tyron Uy said.

He lauded the efforts of the provincial and municipal responders in the province, saying that their preparedness will help save more lives and properties whenever disaster strikes. (Wina Gonzales/IDS ComVal)

President... FROM 2

Multi-casualty... FROM 2

Two... FROM 4

ComVal... FROM 4

TRADITIONAL FARE. Church goers buy native delicacies from a makeshift stall after hearing a dawn mass at San Pedro Cathedral along San Pedro Street in Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

Government... FROM 4 Development Bank projecting growth above 6 percent and credit raters maintaining their investment grade rating for the country.

Other institutions that have remained bullish on the Philippines on the Duterte watch include the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corp., Nomura, Citibank, Fitch Ratings, International Monetary

Fund, and the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific.

Dominguez acknowledged that the Duterte administration’s three priority goals of reducing poverty, developing a society that is law-abiding and a country at peace with itself and its neighbors, would only succeed with the assistance of the country’s development

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11th Judicial Region OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT-SHERIFF Davao City

NATIONAL HOME MORTGAGE FINANCE CORPORATION Mortgagee,

EJF-REM CASE NO. 16,125-16

-versusROWENA PAGHUBASAN PADOGDOG, married to, SOFRONIO L. PADOGDOG Mortgagor/s.

X--------------------------------------------X NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL SALE

Upon extra-judicial petition for foreclosure and sale under Act 3135, as amended, filed the above mentioned mortgagee against ROWENA PAGHUBASAN PADOGDOG,married to SOFRONIO L. PADOGDOG, with postal address at Jade Valley homes Lot 18 Blk. 16 Ph. 4 Brgy. Tigatto, Buhangin, Davao City, to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness which as of 10/16/2016 amounted to P 2,489,038.15 Philippine Currency, plus other legal expenses incident to foreclosure and sale; the undersigned Sheriff IV of Regional Trial Court, Davao City; the undersigned will sell at public auction on JANUARY 12, 2017 at 10:00 A.M. or soon thereafter, at the main entrance of Hall of Justice, Ecoland ,Davao City to the highest bidder for Cash or MANAGER’S CHECK and in Philippine Currency, the following real property together with all the improvements thereon, to wit: Transfer Certificate of Title No. T-216374

“A parcel of land xxx (Lot 18, Blk. 16 xxx Pcs -11001543 , xxx) situated in the Barangay of Tigatto, City of Davao, Island of Mindanao xxx. Containing an area of ONE HUNDRED EIGHTY FOUR (184) SQUARE METERS, more or less xxx.”

All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above-stated time and date.

That in the event the public auction should not take place on the said date, it shall be held on February 09, 2017 without further notice.

Prospective buyers are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the titles herein described real property/ies and the encumbrances thereon , if any there be.

Davao City, Philippines, November 25, 2016.

Noted by:

FOR THE EX-OFFICIO PROV’L SHERIFF: (SGD.) ROBERT M. MEDIALDEA Sheriff IV

(SGD) ATTY FRANCISCO M. CAMPANER. Clerk of Court V & OIC- Clerk of Court & Ex-Officio Provincial Sheriff ( Edge- 12/5,12,19)

partners in the international community.

“In realizing these three priority goals, the government has to make tough decisions which will not please everybody,” Dominguez said.

He said that insofar as the Filipino people are concerned, an overwhelming majority of them believe the Duterte administration has been doing

a very good job in restoring peace and order—as borne out by the results of the quarterly tracking polls by the Social Weather Stations (SWS) that gave the new government a record “very good” rating of 77 percent in the last quarter.

Mr. Duterte’s net satisfaction rating was at a high +63, which is “very good” based on SWS standards.

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11th Judicial Region OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT-SHERIFF Davao City

NATIONAL HOME MORTGAGE FINANCE CORPORATION (NHMFC) Mortgagee,

EJF-REM CASE NO. 16, 115-16

-versusGLORIA DADISON CATBAGAN married to EFREN MANUEL A, CATBAGAN Mortgagor/s.

X--------------------------------------------X NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL SALE

Upon extra-judicial petition for foreclosure and sale under Act 3135, as amended, filed by National Home Mortgage Finance Corporation (NHMFC) against the mortgagor GLORIA DADISON CATBAGAN married to EFREN MANUEL A. CATBAGAN, with postal address at LA VERNA HILLS LOT 4 BLK. 13 BO. PAMPANGA, Davao City, to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness which as of OCTOBER 22, 2016 amounted to TWO MILLION FIVE HUNDRED ONE THOUSAND ONE HUNDRED EIGHTY THREE PESOS and 52/100 (Php 2,501,183.52) Philippine Currency, inclusive of principal due,interest, penalty and other charges plus other legal expenses incident to foreclosure and sale; the undersigned Sheriff IV of Regional Trial Court, Davao City; the undersigned will sell at public auction on JANUARY 12, 2017 at 10:00 A.M. or soon thereafter, at the main entrance of Hall of Justice, Ecoland ,Davao City to the highest bidder for Cash or MANAGER’S CHECK and in Philippine Currency, the following real property together with all the improvements thereon, to wit: Transfer Certificate of Title No. T-208248 “A parcel of land of the consolidation-subdivision project (lot 4, BLK. 13, of the consolidation-subdivision plan Pcs-11-001299, being a portion of lots 1-A (LRC) Psd-153577 & E., Psd-11-004314) situated in the Barangay of Mamay,Cabantian , City of Davao, Island of Mindanao xxx. Containing an area of ONE HUNDRED THIRTY FIVE (135) SQUARE METERS, more or less xxx.”

All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the abovestated time and date.

That in the event the public auction should not take place on the said date, it shall be held on FEBRUARY 9, 2017 without further notice.

Prospective buyers are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the titles herein described real property/ies and the encumbrances thereon, if any there be.

Davao City, Philippines, NOVEMBER 28, 2016.

FOR THE EX-OFFICIO PROV’L SHERIFF: (SGD.) ALBERT C, ABEJARON Sheriff IV

Noted by:

(SGD) ATTY. FRANCISCO M. CAMPANER Clerk of Court V & OIC Clerk of Cout & Ex-Officio Provincial Sheriff (Edge 12/5,12,19)

INdulge!

VOL. 9 ISSUE 214 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, DECEMBER 18 - 19, 2016

EVENT

EDGEDAVAO

GIVING:

Love in motion

Edge Davao gives back

By JERMAINE L. DELA CRUZ

IT IS ONCE AGAIN THE HAPPIEST SEASON OF THE YEAR. While most people crowd the malls to buy presents or go home to loved ones in their hometowns, Edge Davao team takes one step back to give happiness to those who need it the most—the young ones of Missionaries of Charity Inc. - Home of Love, Juna Subdivision, Davao City last Decem-

ber 15, 2016.

Dubbed, “Home for the Sick and Malnourished Children, Missionaries of Charity in Davao City is one of the countless institutions established for the cause of helping the poor and the needy, especially children.

On that day, around 40 children ages two to ten welcomed the Edge Davao team with their bright smiles and hello’s. The Edge Davao in return organized parlor games

for them. What a fun experience it was! Many of them could not just get enough of being tended to. The children one by one introduced themselves and shared their dreams to everyone. What a fulfilling moment it was to learn that at a young age and despite their situation, these kids have great dreams in life. While most of the boys said they want to follow the footsteps of “Cardo” the poiceman, Coco Martin’s role in the television series

“FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano”, most of the girls said they want to become teachers.

After the games and sharing, McDonald’s mascot, Grimace came to the scene. The children could not help but hug him while some kept on peeking to confirm that someone is indeed inside the mascot. Kids. Grimace danced with the children and took a photo with them afterwards.

What could be the best way to end the day? Food, of course as the children enjoyed

their chicken fillet meal courtesy of McDonald’s.

McDonald’s has been partnering with Edge Davao for years in bringing a dose of happiness to the children of Missionaries of Charity.

Indeed, as the Bible says, whatever we do to our brothers and sisters, we do it to God for He is the source of love and life. In this season, what could be the best way to show love?

Giving: love in motion.

EDGEDAVAO

A2 INdulge!

ENTERTAINMENT

GMA Davao rolls with Davao Mayo NOW SHOWING

December 17, 2016

MANO PO: CHINOY Richard Yap, Jean Garcia Guaranteed Seating & One Time Viewing Only

PG

12:10 | 2:35 | 5:00 | 7:25 | 9:50 LFS

STAR WARS: ROGUE ONE 2D / *STAR WARS: ROGUE ONE 3D Felicity Jones, Diego Luna Guaranteed Seating & One Time Viewing Only

PG

1:00 / * 3:50 | 6:40 LFS

MOANA/ *THE SUPER PARENTAL GUARDIANS Dwayne Johnson, Auli'i Cravalho/ *Vice Ganda, Coco Martin Guaranteed Seating & One Time Viewing Only

G/*PG

12:40 | 3:00 LFS / *5:15 | 7:30 | 9:45 LFS

STAR WARS: ROGUE ONE 2D Felicity Jones, Diego Luna Guaranteed Seating & One Time Viewing Only

PG

11:20 | 2:00 | 4:40 | 7:20 | 10:00 LFS

THIS DECEMBER 1 GMA Davao airs the newe magazine show that furthe puts the spotlight on argu ably the most-talked abou city in the country this yea Davao, with the launch o “Byaheng DO30”.

At the helm of “Byaheng DO3 is Davao City Mayor Inday Sa Duterte. The show takes a clos look at the projects and program of Davao City under her watch, wi each episode giving viewers acce to the process of accomplishing h administration’s goals for Dabawe yos.

The new TV show is a spinoff “Byaheng Du30”—the 30-day car van composed of 30 volunteers o ganized by Mayor Inday and h mother, Elizabeth Zimmerma Duterte. The caravan was utilize during the campaign for the ca didacy of now President Rodrig Duterte.

“Byaheng DO30” also sees th return of Mayor Inday as a Kapus The incumbent mayor was one the segments hosts of GMA Dava morning program Una Ka Bai. “I am happy to be back here GMA and to work on a project th I have started months ago,” shar Mayor Inday. “This time, with ‘By heng DO30’, we wish to show ou

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INdulge! A3

ISSUE 214 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, DECEMBER 18 - 19, 2016

s out ‘Byaheng DO30’ or Inday Sara Duterte

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programs and plans for Davao and the Dabawenyos—how we intend to bring basic services to the communities through our projects and how we hope to bring development and meaningful change to the lives of the people and to our entire city.”

GMA Regional TV Department Officer-in-Charge Oliver Amoroso also expressed his excitement over this reunion. “Mayor Inday has been a loyal Kapuso ever since. We are glad that she is back via ‘Bya-

heng DO30’. GMA will support any endeavor that promotes the best in and of the regions, especially Davao, to all Filipinos and we believe that this show perfectly complements this goal,” he says.

“We are all excited of this new program since this will further put Davao on the map as one of the premier hubs in the country,” says GMA Davao Station Manager Mariles Puentevella.

The latest Kapuso show will

capture the 30 major projects and programs Mayor Inday intends to accomplish within 3 years—thus, DO30. All these projects and programs respond to the 10 priority sectors, which include poverty alleviation; infrastructure development; solid waste management; health; education; agriculture; tourism; transportation planning and traffic management; peace and order; and disaster risk and mitigation.

Furthermore, “Byaheng DO30” will give the public updates on the activities of various city departments. The program will also highlight and explain the ordinances of the Davao City council led by Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte.

A window to the City of Davao, “Byaheng DO30” will provide viewers a glimpse of some of the noteworthy places, products, and industries that have contributed to the local economic growth, bringing fame and pride to Dabawenyos in the process.

Mayor Inday will also feature exceptional individuals who have made an impact in the local community to become sources of inspiration among Dabawenyos.

“Byaheng DO30” kicks off its adventures on December 18 at 8 a.m. and will air every Sunday thereafter on GMA Davao.

ABS-CBN opens 2017 with new primetime family drama

ABS-CBN opens the year 2017 with the premiere of the much awaited family drama, “A Love to Last,” on Primetime Bida.

Topbilled by box office actress Bea Alonzo and sought after leading man Ian Veneracion, “A Love to Last” is a timely story about family and how love isn’t always what it seems to be.

Andeng Agoncillo (Bea Alonzo), a bread-winner and a successful events organizer, has always believed in love. For her, love is being with the man she loves and having a happy family with him.

Unfor tunately, her ideal fairy tale love story didn’t have its happy ending after she caught her fiancé cheating on her days before their wedding.

But despite this, Andeng remains hopeful that love will still come her way.

Anton Noble IV (Ian Veneracion), meanwhile, thought he already found love. After many years of marriage, his wife Grace (Iza Calzado) decided to leave him and demanded for an annulment. He’s then left with their three children and became a single father, on top of his job as a president and CEO of his company.

Fate then brings them together in the most unexpected time and place. Never have Andeng imagined that she will find love in an older man--- a much older man. As she takes this risk, she also finds herself caught in the middle of Anton’s complicated life--- dealing with the ex-wife and seeking acceptance from his kids.

Don’t miss the premiere of “A Love to Last” on Primetime Bida soon on ABS-CBN.

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11 COMPETITIVE EDGE

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 9 ISSUE 214 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, DECEMBER 18 - 19, 2016

MORE DAVAO BAKERS TO RECEIVE NC II CERTIFICATION. A total of 25 participants from different Aboitiz Foundation partner cooperatives in Davao City are set to be skills-certified by the government following the 6th session of Baking and Pastry Skills Training at the Philippine Baking Institute last November 26, 2016. This session included the baking of cakes and cupcakes and cake decoration. The Baking and Pastry Skills Training NC (National Certificate) II was started last October 22, 2016 and the participants are expected to finish the training and earn their NC II Certification by the end

of the month, when they will now have the opportunity to build their own business or be employed.

As part of its Enterprise Development for a #BetterWorld campaign, the Aboitiz Foundation has been assisting small enterprising organizations across the country earn additional income by providing them access to income-generating activities and livelihood opportunities. It also provides assistance in the form of trainings and seminars to partner organizations--on various topics such as management, basic cooperative course, cooperative

La Vie Dialysis Center Inc. expands D

UE to the increasing number of patients in need to undergo dialysis treatment, LaVie Dialysis Center Inc. officially opens another treatment area called “Station C” on December 16, 2016 at 8:00 in the morning.

La Vie Dialysis Center Inc. is the biggest free-standing dialysis center in the Philippines with new and fully operational 67 Hemodialysis machines; including several On- Line HDF machines for unstable patients. It is located at the ground floor of FTC Tower,

Davao City and has been operational since December 2010.

It is operated and ably supported by persons who have been in the Dialysis Industry for the last 20 years and by financial experts who are icons in the field of business.

Nephrologists, Resident Physicians, and most of our Nurses and Para-medical personnel have been caring for dialysis patients for decades.

In its dialysis treatment, La Vie Dialysis Center Inc. uses advanced B Braun Dialog machines and efficient dialyz-

er reprocessing which have gained wide acceptance in the United States in the last 15 years. This procedure greatly increases the number of times an artificial kidney can be used and significantly reduces the cost per treatment.

The aim of the company is to provide the highest quality of loving service through existing technology and skills coupled with care and compassion to uplift the well-being and life of our clients at an affordable and reasonable cost. Truly, it continuous to

grow strong and committed to ease the burden of dialysis patients in Davao City and surrounding areas.

The management team consist of Michael T. Manalaysay, MD, FPPS, FPSN, FPNSP, a Fellow of the Philippine Society of Nephrology, Pediatric Nephrology Society, Philippine Pediatric Society who has been in the academe and on clinical practice for the last 25 years and Mr. and Mrs. Francisco T. Cruz, well known in the business community of Davao.

management and governance, cooperative standards, entrepreneurial and business management, financial management, parliamentary procedure, records management, and rules formulation--to ensure that they gain the necessary skills in making their projects successful and sustainable. This, in turn, supports one of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, specifically on Decent Work and Economic Growth (Promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all).

Have tropafun this Yule with TNT Babad Apps

H

Cotabato power company decentralizes bill payment

T

HE Aboitiz-owned Cotabato Light and Power Company (Cotabato Light) has continued to improve its services to clients as it recently decentralized the payment of power bills, officials said Friday.

“In line with our thrust of providing customer convenience, Cotabato Light has partnered with another third party for easy transactions for our clients,” Anna Lea Lee Nataño, Cotabato Light’s branding and corporate communication chief,

said in a statement.

She said the firm has partnered with SaveMore, a grocery center inside the City Mall of Cotabato, where the power firm’s clients could pay electric bills.

The move was seen as Cotabato Light’s efforts to bring electric bill payments closer to consumers, saving them cost and time, considering the traffic problem hounding commuters in the city.

Other Cotabato Light collecting partners are EC Pay, CIS

Bayad Center, Cebuana Lhuillier, M. Lhuillier and USCC Western Union.

“Since this is available to all branches in the Philippines, a power consumer can pay the electric bill anytime,” Arlene Hepiga, Cotabato Light branding and corporation communication staff member, said, adding that the same policies apply, such as surcharges for late payment.

“Pay your bills while you shop at SaveMore,” a billboard

greets power consumers queueing at the power firm’s main office billing section.

Hepiga said all power consumers need to do as they settle their power bills at malls is to present the electric bill, the statement of account, or the old official receipt that indicates the client’s account identification.

Partial or full payment is accepted, cash or check is accepted and transaction receipt will be issued by partners upon payment. (PNA)

AVING Christmas fun with your whole tropa is lot easier and more affordable with TNT Babad Apps, which give you access to today’s popular apps for only P10 pesos per app, valid for 3 days.

TNT Babad Apps lets you choose from top social media apps that suit your needs, like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat; chat apps like Messenger, Viber, WeChat; and gaming apps like Clash of Clans, Clash Royale, Boom Beach and Hay Day. TNT Babad Apps also include access to the video-sharing app YouTube; storytelling community Wattpad; and popular search engine Google. To enjoy any of these TNT Babad apps, simply text BABAD to 4545.

With TNT Babad Apps, you can easily post and share your unforgettable Christmas bonding moments on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat.

You won’t also miss out on the latest happenings with

the tropa over the break, or s by being active on your chat groups on Messenger, Viber and WeChat. With these apps, you can also get more creative with your Christmas greetings through your choice of emojis, stickers, doodles and photos.

Planning to hang out with the whole tropa over the break? Having access to Google is handy for checking out exciting activities, food spots and top attractions to visit with the whole tropa.

On the other hand, with YouTube and Wattpad, you can catch up on the latest viral videos and trending stories over the holidays, or challenge them to fun-filled games like Clash of Clans, Royale Clash, Boom Beach or Hay Day. Be sure to subscribe to TNT Babad Apps by texting BABAD to 4545now! Also keep updated with the latest promos and activities of TNT by following its official accounts on Facebook (www. facebook.com/TNTph); Twitter (TalkNText) and Instagram (TNTph).

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Aeon Towers: Rising up to 32 floors,1 more to go

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO

F

njb@edgedavao.net

UTURE residents of the much-anticipated Aeon Towers are headong to the holiday season and 2017 with a lot of excitement.

They have all the reason to be. They are just about to step into their new abode at the next iconic building of Mindanao.

The 33-level Aeon Towers, the maiden venture of Davao firm FTC Group of Companies into real estate development, is nearing completion with the last two levels remaining under construction.

As of December 14, the concreting of the 31st floor has been completed leaving only the remaining two levels of the premier residential-commercial building development.

Already, photographs taken from the top of the 31st level is a picture to behold. The images attracted a number of likes on the social media page of the project.

“Wow, the Aeon Towers, so cool, so beautiful,” said Patrick Rizardo on Facebook as he posted another image of the Aeon Towers pictured from ground level.

The excitement is expected to accelerate as the building is set for topping off by the ed

of the year. Topping off is the conclusion of construction works from ground to the top level.

After that, the next phase would be the fitting of furnishings and fixtures.

The company hopes to fast track the turnover of the project and possibly move on to a next tower project of the fledgling Davao-based real estate firm.

The 4,574-square meter condo has every luxury and convenience homebuyers would find in a suburban home with select, elegant fixtures.

From the view of Aeon Towers’ residential units, one is treated to the best panoramic views of Davao City—the island view on one side facing Island Garden City of Samal and the Davao Gulf, and the city view on the other side with the vast expanse of Davao and Mt. Apo in the horizon.

Designed by Syndicated Architects Far East Associates with Ian Campbell and Associates as project and construction manager, the condominium has been tastefully decorated in a sophisticated but comfortable and convenient style. Set for topping off on December and completion

by 2017, the condo has been laid out in a rounded edged shape around the building’s core to maximize its views of the south, west and north sides of the city.

The top floors of the futuristic building are the premium residential units and the skydeck infinity pool and offices.

FTC Group of Companies president and CEO Ian Y. Cruz said the project is a product of “extensive research on the best residential condominiums in the market and producing an amalgam of their finest features.”

THE SKYDECK. This is how it will look like from the top of the Aeon Towers.

Panoramic shots of the Aeon Towers’ ongoing construction.

“It’s a project we are truly proud of,” Cruz said of the iconic tower that is soon to become a symbol of Davao City’s real estate boom.

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EDGEDAVAO Sports 15

6-9 Fil-Aussie joins Batang Gilas U16

PROMISING CAGER. Six-foot-9 Fil-Australian Ethan Kirkness is donning the Philippines jersey for the Batanag Gilas U16 squad.

T

HE Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) bared that Ethan Kirkness could see action for Batang Gilas as early as next year’s Seaba Under-16 Championship.

Batang Gilas team manager Andrew Teh said the 6-foot-9 Fil-Aussie could suit up for the Philippine youth team in 2017 as he begins his intensive sixweek training in Manila to build on his skills.

“That’s the plan, at least for the Seaba. We want him to be exposed in tournaments, while training him,” said Teh. The 14-year-old Kirkness is being groomed to be part of the youth team, bringing in size that will enable Batang Gilas to challenge some of the Asia’s giants in China and Iran.

Kirkness, however, is in no hurry to join the national team especially if he is not yet ready.

“Things don’t often go as

THE NBA MVP RACE Harden jumps to no. 1, Westbrook in second

1

JAMES HARDEN, HOUSTON ROCKETS (Last week: No. 2) The Rockets are soaring with Harden dazzling as the point guard in Mike D’Antoni’s system. Harden picked up his fourth triple-double of the season and the Rockets their eighth straight win, over Sacramento Wednesday, their best run since January/Febuary of 2014.

Harden boasting that he was the best player in the league doesn’t seem nearly as farfetched now, does it (23.0 points, 12.2 assists, 8.6 rebounds, 2.2 steals in his last five games)?

2

RUSSELL WESTBROOK, OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER (Last week: No. 1) Westbrook is tired of talking about triple-doubles after piling up seven straight and then going three straight games without reaching that standard. He’s not obsessing over the numbers. His focus, and rightfully so, is on the Thunder’s bottom line (28.6 points, 9.4 rebounds, 7.8 assists, 1.4 steals in his last five games).

3

LEBRON JAMES, CLEVELAND CAVALIERS (Last week: No. 4) LeBron’s being blamed for ruining Christmas for kids in and around Memphis for not even making the trip for Wednesday’s game against the Grizzlies at FedEx Forum. But the real lump of coal will come Saturday, when he takes out any lingering frustration on the Lakers at home (29.8 points, 8.3 as-

sists, 7.3 rebounds, 2.5 steals in his last five games).

4

KEVIN DURANT, GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS (Last week: No. 3) Any talk of Durant and the Warriors being a bit fatigued by the grind of the early season schedule is just that. Durant’s shooting touch has been hit or miss lately — he’s shooting .452 from the floor in his past 10 games — but he’s still touching all the boxes on the best team in the league. Just ask the Knicks, who got an up close look Thursday night (21.2 points, 8.6 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.6 blocks in his last five games).

5

KAWHI LEONARD, SAN ANTONIO SPURS (Last week: No. 5) Leonard’s value on both ends for the Spurs has been on brilliant display in wins over the Celtics and Suns this week. And when you are shooting it as well as Leonard is right now — 57 percent in his past five games — there’s not much the opposition can do to stop him (25.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 1.6 steals in his last five games).

6

STEPHEN CURRY, GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS (Last week: No. 6) Curry suffered through a rare single-digit scoring night against the Knicks Thursday night on TNT and still came close to logging a triple-double (he finished two points and two assists shy). That’s the way it goes, even for a two-time KIA

MVP, when he’s playing with the best starting five in basketball (20.6 points, 6.2 rebounds, 5.8 assists, 1.0 steal in his last five games).

7

DEMAR DEROZAN, TORONTO RAPTORS (Last week: NR) DeRozan and the Raptors aren’t getting the love they deserve this season, but that ends now, at least around here. DeRozan has fueled the Raptors’ attack, scoring 30 or more points three times in his past five games. His ability to score in bunches without much production from beyond the 3-point line makes him stick out among his perimeter All-Star brethren around the league (28.6 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.6 assists in his last five games).

9

JIMMY BUTLER, CHICAGO BULLS (Last week: 7) Butler struggled against the length and athleticism of the Bucks Thursday night on

JAMES HARDEN. No. 1

TNT. The beauty of the schedule, however, allows Butler and the Bulls an immediate chance for redemption on their home floor tonight. We’ll see what sort of adjustments Butler comes up with in this return engagement (24.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 2.0 steals in his last five games).

RUSSEL WESTBROOK. No. 2

8

GIANNIS ANTETOKOUNMPO, MILWAUKEE BUCKS (Last week: 10) Anyone struggling with the pronunciation of his last name would be wise to get hooked on phonics. We’re going to be talking about the Buck’s budding young star often and for the foreseeable future. See his backto-back 30-point masterpieces against the Raptors and Bulls for proof (23.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, 5.4 rebounds, 1.6 steals, 1.2 blocks in his last five games).

planned. We’ll see how things will pan out next year,” said Kirkness.

Kirkness was spotted in 2014 when he visited the country and has since become a Philippine passport holder, making him eligible to play for Batang Gilas in international competitions.

Nardy Madrasto, one of the persons instrumental in bringing Kirkness to the Batang Gilas program, said the Fil-Aussie has improved consistently since the first time they saw him play.

Madrasto said one aspect of his game that will definitely help the Batang Gilas team is his outside shooting and range.

“He has improved a lot from the first time he was here. As of now, he can already get a lot of rebounds and block shots. And he enjoys dunking the ball. What is surprising is that he has a soft touch from the outside as he could hit shots from beyond the three point arc,” said Madrasto.

“I truly feel if he plays more games in the next few years, he could be the anchor of our national team,” he added.

LEBRON JAMES. No. 3

10

MARC GASOL, MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES (Last week: NR) The Grizzlies have won seven of their past eight games, a stunning run given the injuries and absences David Fizdale’s crew has had to deal with. Credit Gasol, who is making a strong bid for Western Conference Player of the Month,

with the work he’s done during this stretch and for driving the bus for one of the most surprising teams in the league (24.5 points, 10.0 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.0 block in his last five games).

Next five (listed alphabetically): Anthony Davis, New Orleans Pelicans; Blake Griffin, Los Angeles Clippers; Gordon Hayward, Utah Jazz; Chris Paul, Los Angeles Clippers; Kemba Walker, Charlotte Hornets

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