Edge Davao | Vol 12 Issue 1 | Sunday-Monday, March 10-11, 2019

VOL.12 ISSUE 1 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MARCH 10-11, 2019

P 15.00 • 28 PAGES

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ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL SUPPLEMENTINSIDE

► DILG 11 REMINDS VILLAGE OFFICIALS TO HOLD ASSEMBLIESP2 ► WOMEN SUMMIT TARGETS ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENTP4

READYING FOR UHC

ANNIVERSARY. A simple cake marks the 11th foundation Day of Edge Davao.

It is made by sister company, Yolks Flower Cafe and Cupcakery along Juan Sarenas St. A collage of photos by Lean Daval Jr. and Christian Jay Rafal

PhilHealth’s income up 4,800 %, covers 104 M Pinoys: Ferrer

By ANTONIO M. AJERO

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he Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) earned a net income of P11.6 billion in 2018, or 4,800 percent over its income in 2017. PhilHealth now covers 104 million Filipinos, equivalent to 98 percent of the country’s total population of 106 million people.

This was the report of Dr. Roy B. Ferrer, PhilHealth president and chief executive of�icer, during a media “kapihan” (press conference) yesterday at the Royal Mandaya Hotel in

Davao City.

Ferrer who is from Davao City described the huge income as “ a sterling �inancial performance that re�lects intensi�ied premium collections, ag-

gressive investments, and prudence in our spending without compromising our commitments to our health care providers.”

“Our total investment portfolio is at P149 billion, while our reserve fund is at P97 billion at the end of 2018,” the PhilHealth head said.

On the expense side, he said “we paid a total of P121 billion in health care bene�its, which is 10 percent higher that what we

paid for in 2017.”

PhilHealth-accredited health facilities now number 1,859, which correspondence to 99 percent of all hospitals licensed by the Department of Health (DOH) in the country.

Ferrer said PhilHealth together with the DOH is currently in the thick of preparing for the full implementation of the newly-approved Republic Act 11223, more popularly

READYING, P9

More investments eyed in Davao Or

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AVAO ORIENTAL – After seeing Davao Oriental’s promising investment potentials, some groups of investors have eyed to set their businesses here.

The Governor’s Chief of Staff Ednar Dayanghirang, during the regular meeting of the heads of of�ices on Monday, divulged that there are two separate Fili-

pino-Chinese investors who are planning to set up their businesses here.

The Yeung Marine Holdings, Inc. has expressed its interest in investing on fruit farming, requiring at least 1,000 hectares of land for a fruit plantation. Moreover, they also plan to engage in fruit processing which needs the establishment of a fruit

MORE, P5

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 1 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MARCH 10-11, 2019

PARTNERS FOR PROGRESS, BROTHERS FOR PEACE. President Rodrigo Duterte and Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad pose for posterity prior to the start of the expanded bilateral meeting at the Malacañan Palace on Thursday evening.

PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

DILG 11 reminds village officials to hold assemblies O

Bong Go: Healthcare still a big issue that should be addressed

By ANTONIO L. COLINA IV

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f�icials of the 1,162 barangays in Davao Region are required to hold assemblies this month to update their constituents on their accomplishments after winning in the May 2018 barangay elections, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG)-11 director Alex Roldan said on Friday.

In a press brie�ing, Roldan warned barangay of�icials that they would face serious violation if they fail to hold assemblies, which are mandated under Section 397 of Republic Act 7160 or the Local Government Code of 1991.

The law requires barangays to hold two annual assemblies – in March and October – and shall be attended by “actual residents of the barangay at least 15 years of age or over, citizens of the Philippines, and duly registered in the list of barangay assembly mem-

bers,” he said.

President Rodrigo R. Duterte signed Proclamation 599 in October 2018 declaring Saturdays and Sundays of March and October of every year as Barangay Assembly Days.

He said of�icials must update the public of the achievements and the plans they want to undertake in their respective barangays.

“This is a requirement to all the barangays that they should have these two barangay assemblies where they will report on the state of the barangays. This will

also be the venue for constituents to ask questions and hold dialogue between barangay of�icials and the community,” he said.

Roldan said assemblies also give constituents the chance to raise their concerns with barangay of�icials.

“We are encouraging the communities to check with their barangays on the schedule of the barangay assembly so that they can attend and they can raise their concern or whatever support they can give to help their barangay,” he said.

The of�icial urged the public to participate in the assemblies and offer suggestions to the barangay of�icials on what they must do to spur development in their communities.

“Sad to say, very few

attend the assemblies. By the time the problem arises, they want to know why there was no discussion on this matter, only to realize that they have the option to engage the of�icials in this venue but they do not participate,” he said.

DILG 11 legal of�icer Louie Limbaro said of�icials who fail to comply can be charged with dereliction of duty, and possible violation of the RA 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards, which requires public of�icials and employees to submit annual performance reports, and RA 7160 or the Local Government Code of 1991.

He said a constituent of the barangay may �ile their complaints before the Of�ice of the Ombudsman. (Antonio L. Colina IV/ MindaNews)

information exchange and cooperation among LGUs and NGAs based in Davao Oriental.

The gathering tackled vital issues like the vulnerabilities of Davao Oriental to natural disaster and the digitalization of information dissemination.” Davao’s vulnerability was discussed by Jonathan Cabrera, an alumnus of Davao Oriental State College of Science and Tech-

nology, while digitalization was discussed by PIA Davao Regional Head Frances Mae Macapagat.

Another matter raised in the conference was the Mindanao-Visayan Interconnection Project, which, according to National Grid Corporation of the Philippines Communications Of�icer Michael Ligalig, “is due to be completed next year.”

Addressing the con-

ference, Tarragona Mayor Nestor Uy encouraged the information of�icers to “deliver the right information.”

“Give the exact information para makatabang ta,” Uy said. “If we start wrong, mahuman ta sayop (we end up wrong); if we start right, mahuman ta’g ensakto (we will end up right).”

Aside from hosting the conference, the municipal

Vulnerability of Davao Or tackled in IOs conference

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xactly 40 information of�icers from local government units (LGUs) and national government agencies (NGAs) gathered recently in Tarragona town for a conference.

The conference was a partnership of the Philippine Information Agency’s Davao Oriental Information Center and Davao Oriental Organization of Information Of�icers (DavOrg) to put forward an

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n Saturday, former Special Assistant to the President (SAP) and aspiring senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go reiterated that healthcare is still a major issue in the Philippines and that measures must be put into place to make quality healthcare more accessible to Filipinos, especially the poor.

“Kailangan pa ring magpasok ng mga pagbabago sa medical services natin.

Malaking issue pa rin ang healthcare sa bansa at kailangan itong matugunan,” Go declared.

On Saturday morning, the former SAP was in his hometown of Davao City when he witnessed a medical mission held at the Barangay Buhangin Gym in the city’s District II. The medical mission, organized by concerned individuals and organizations in cooperation with city government of�icials and doctors from Southern Philippines Medical Center, featured various individuals from different backgrounds assisting in the service oriented activity.

“Para sa akin, malaking bagay po ang tulong na ibinigay ninyo sa event dahil marami po talagang Davaoeño ang nakinabang at natulungan dito,” said Go, lauding the event organizers and participants.

“Panahon na po talaga para ang mga tao sa iba’tibang sector ng lipunan, lalo na po ang nasa private sector, na tumulong sa kapwa nilang Pilipino. Magtu-

lungan po tayo, gobyerno at private, para maiakyat ang antas ng serbisyong medikal sa Pilipinas, serbisyong tunay na nagmamalasakit sa mga maysakit,” Go added.

Bong Go, who had worked with President Rodrigo Duterte back when Duterte was still mayor of Davao City, discussed why healthcare has always been a top priority of his.

“Matagal po akong nagserbisyo kay Boss (President Duterte). Sa haba ng panahon na nagtrabaho po ako sa kanya, nakita ko na ito talaga ‘yung isa sa pinaka-kailangang ayusing isyu sa Pilipinas,” Go stated.

“Isipin po ninyo: simula pa lang po ng linggo, ang dami nang nakapila sa munisipyo (ng Davao City) at marami po sa mga nakapila doon, humihingi ng tulong sa pagpapagamot o pagpapa-ospital ng kanilang mga mahal sa buhay. Minsan pa nga, ‘yung mga nakapila doon, galing pa sa labas ng Davao City o sa labas ng Davao Del Sur,” Go added.

Go noted that despite advancements in healthcare and despite policies being implemented by the government, more can be done to address issues.

“Totoo po, marami na po tayong advancements sa medisina sa mundo and I laud the government for doing its best para matulungan ang mga kapatid nating nangangailangan ng tulong medisina; subalit, may igaganda pa po ito at, kung mabigyan po ng pag-

BONG, P5

VOL.12 ISSUE 1 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MARCH 10-11, 2019

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4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 1 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MARCH 10-11, 2019

University-industry links key to economic growth: CHED

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HAPPY INT’L. WOMEN’S DAY. Matigsalog women are all smile as they represented their tribe during the International Women’s Day celebration at People’s Park in Davao City on Friday. Lean Daval Jr

Women summit targets economic empowerment

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he 20th Women Summit, which gathered more than 400 women leaders and women rights advocates from different sectors in Davao City on Wednesday, focused their discussion on economic empowerment of women.

This year’s summit, bannering the theme “Ekonomikanhong Pagpagahum sa Kababayen-an, Dalan Ngadto sa Tiunay nga (Economic Empowerment for Women, A Path to Genuine Development),” was aimed at urging women to engage in business and get the chance to improve their economic status.

Lorna Mandin, chief of Davao City Integrated Gender and Development Divi-

sion (IGDD), stated that educating women on business is also one way of developing economic empowerment, especially to those unemployed women and plain homemakers.

“It’s very crucial when you say women empowerment, and one part is the economic aspect. If women have money or business, she can decide for herself, for her children, her family.

But if women are econom-

Mindanao bizmen see future in‘Dubai Gulfood’

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indanao businessmen who participated in the recent investment mission and exposition in Dubai are eyeing business ventures with traders in the Gulf States.

This was disclosed by Amhed Jeoffrey J. Datukan, development management of�icer of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) on Wednesday.

Datukan, who was with the Mindanao team in Dubai together with Minda’s Executive Assistant Akhzanuniza Macatbar Alonto, said the mission was held simultaneously with the Outbound Business Matching Mission to Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.

Among the Mindanao-based companies and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) that joined the Gulfood were Alsons Aquaculture Corp. in

Alabel, Sarangani province represented by deputy export manager, Mary Grace Bingco; Century Paci�ic Food, Inc. with Sherrylou M. Marzo, Export Sales and Marketing Section manager; First Panabo Tropical Fruits Corp. An�lo Industrial Estate with Bernadette Tan, key accounts manager; MEGA Global Corp. with Janet Begasas, export development manager; and See International Food Mfg., Corp., with its president Ruben See. “On the side, we see some prospects where our Mindanao businesses got to talk to their counterparts building linkages and connections,” he said, adding there is a need to sustain the link to penetrate the large Dubai market.

“The market is huge and the potential is big,” he

MINDANAO, P9

ically dependent on their husbands, they can be controlled, they can be abused,” she stated in an interview.

The IGDD of Davao City , which has been spearheading the yearly women summit, has invited Yana Santiago, a social entrepreneur and owner/founder of Davao-based ethical brand Olivia and Diego to share some insights and experiences in her business.

“We have invited a young woman entrepreneur to inspire women and start sustaining their business because there were women who started their business but stopped in the middle because of fear,” Mandin explained.

To also educate women on the process and requirements on how to involve in business, some government agencies from the economic sector such as the Bureau of Internal Revenue, Davao City Business Bureau, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Securities and Exchange Commission and Department of Trade and Industry shared their respective procedures.

“Because a lot of business women lacking the legal personalities and have misconceptions on the costly registration and numerous requirements. We want this regulatory agencies to be friendly as much as pos-

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ollaboration between higher education institutions and industries is vital in attaining economic growth, an of�icial of the Commissioner on Higher Education (CHED) said on Thursday.

In his speech at the United Kingdom-East Asia University Partnerships for Industry Engagement Regional Policy Forum in Pasay City, CHED chair J. Prospero de Vera III said students would bene�it from university-industry linkages and make them competitive.

De Vera said through this partnership, higher education institutions would be updated with industry trends and demands of the sector, and skills are enhanced in programs that would prepare students to join the labor market. This would address the prevalence of jobs-skills mismatch in the country.

"One of the foundations that facilitates university-industry linkages in Philippine context is the presence of faculty and staff who are highly competent and deeply engaged in research and innovation. Today, only 60 percent of full-time faculty have graduate degrees, among them only 20 percent are engaged in research at least on a part-time basis," he said.

Faculty members are sent to pursue graduate studies here and abroad through partnerships with selected universities in the Philippines and United Kingdom which promote transnational education development, de Vera said.

"CHED, in partnership with the British Council, has been helping Filipino students and faculty members through expanded scholarships to joint degree programs and research. This expands to university partnerships for industry engagement which is a step ensuring the Duterte administration's promise of sustainable human capital," he said.

Alison Barrett, British Council Director for Education and Society in East Asia, said stronger links with the industry enable the youth worldwide to build skills and connections.

"These are the social and economic capital they need to access better employment opportunities. Add an international dimension to the mix and the opportunities for growing intellectual understanding and related competencies can help to build truly global citizens," she added.

The forum is part of a series of interconnected activities supporting higher education internalization through focused discussions.

Close to 80 university engagement managers, researchers, policy-makers, and innovation and entrepreneurship managers across Asia attended the forum.

"We hope, depending on the discussions, there could be mutual recognition of degrees, how our degrees can be aligned. We need that for other Filipinos working in other countries so their degree programs will have value for their work, career advancement," de Vera said. (PNA)

INCREASE. A vendor displays dressed chicken at Agdao Public Market in Davao City on Saturday. Traders said there’s a slight increase in the price of dressed chicken as supply went down due to the dry spell. Lean Daval Jr

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 1 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MARCH 10-11, 2019

S. Cotabato’s Lake Holon to reopen on March 10

By BONG S. SARMIENTO

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’BOLI, South Cotabato (MindaNews/8 March) – The mystical and scenic Lake Holon here, one of the famous tourist destinations in Soccsksargen region, will open to the public on March 10 after a twomonth closure, of�icials said.

Mayor Dibu Tuan said the temporary closure of the town’s top tourism drawer had been a measure implemented by the local government unit in the past several years to protect its environment from degrading.

“Lake Holon deserves a break from the in�lux of tourists. This is the best way we can preserve the beauty of Holon,” said the mayor, a T’boli native.

Lake Holon, touted as the “Crown Jewel of the South,” was closed to the public on January 7.

Rodel Hilado, municipal tourism of�icer, said that a “Pilgrimage to Lake Holon” will be conducted on Saturday, where rituals will be held, to signal its reopening to the general public on Sunday.

MORE... FROM 1

processing plant, thus, another prospect for job generation.

Chief of Staff Dayanghirang said that this same group has a market for sand and gravel with a requirement of more than 1 million metric tons per month. He divulged that the said group will put 15 to 20 stone-processing equipment in various locations to produce the needed sand and gravel.

He added that this will not only bring another source of revenue for the province but will also help small-time local contractors secure a year-round project as they will be tapped for the hauling from the site to the port.

Despite not being entitled to pro�it, the Provincial Government, whose role is limited to facilitating businesses to locate here, welcomes the new investment prospects as they will enable the province to generate a new source of revenue and facilitate the generation of jobs for the locals.

Meanwhile, another investment prospect with the Feedmix Specialist, Inc., an integrated aquaculture �irm that has been operating for thirty years, is also budding for �ish and aquaculture, particularly bangus and vannamei shrimps.

Just recently, a composite team from the Provincial Governor’s Of�ice and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Provincial Of�ice visited the company’s aquaculture farms in Pangasinan and Bulacan.

“They own 250 cages that harvest 70,000 kilos per cage per yield,” he said, adding that 60 percent of the bangus yield goes to the market while the re-

He said that 300 “pilgrims” registered to join the event, which is among the highlights of Tboli’s 21st Seslong Festival and 45th foundation anniversary celebration from March 5 to 16.

During the closure that is implemented on the strength of a local ordinance, Tuan said the lake’s caretakers and tour guides were subjected to retraining courses.

The local government �irst restricted the lake to the public for nine months in June 2014 to March 2015. In 2016, it closed down the spot for about two months. In 2017, the lake was closed for over two months. Last year, it was closed for about twoand-a-half months.

Tourists largely �lock to the lake for the adventure trek, to swim at its cold waters and to commune with nature. Camping overnight, it is advisable to bring thick clothes due to the usually cold temperature in the area.

Lake Holon (previously named Lake Maughan)

S.COTABATO, P9

maining 40 percent goes to processing. “They have 400 processed products for domestic and export markets,” he added.

COS Dayanghirang said that given the abounding marine resources of the province, this type of investment is very doable here.

However, the Provincial Government is yet to study how the business works to ensure the viability of the said investment.

Governor Dayanghirang said that initiating these new developments are very rewarding as it would help his province address poverty. More importantly, he said, these initiatives are aligned with his administration’s bid to industrialized the province’s agriculture and tourism industries.

Meanwhile, aside from agri-based investments, the Province is also keen in supporting tourism events organized by the private sector.

This coming April 6-7, a group of events organizer will bring Bon�ire Music Festival in the City of Mati here which will feature a famous band called December Avenue.

One of the several festivals anticipated for this year, the Bon�ire Music Festival is expected to draw more tourists in the province.

Dayanghirang said that festivals such as this will have huge economic impact on local businesses.

The Provincial Government, as the partner for the event, said that proper coordination with all stakeholders, especially the partners on peace and security will be tapped to ensure the safety of all who will join the event. By Karen Lou Deloso

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kakataon, maari po akong makatulong dito,” Go said.

Go described the changes in Philippine medical services that he would help implement.

“Balak ko pong gumawa ng mga hakbang para madagdagan pa ang mga higaan sa mga pampublikong ospital. Bukod sa makakatulong ito para mas marami pa ang ma-accommodate ng mga ospital, makakatulong din ito sa pagpapagaling ng mga pasyente kasi makakapagpahinga sila nang maayos,” Go explained.

Go continued, “Oras na din po para i-upgrade ang mga kagamitan sa mga pampublikong ospital sa bansa. Dapat din, kahit sinong pasyente, mahirap man o mayaman, ay di hirap makakuha ng tulong medikal sa kahit anong ospital, pribado man o pampubliko.”

“Balak ko din pong makatulong para ang mga senior citizens po natin ay makakakuha ng mga li-

breng gamot sa mga ospital at health centers. Kung maayos at consistent ang supply ng gamot na natatanggap nila, bawas pasyente din po ito sa mga pampublikong ospital,” Go added.

Bong Go also mentioned the Malasakit Center program, foremost among the programs for improving the healthcare services.

"Kung noon po ay palipat-lipat ng opisina po ang mga pasyente at kamag-anak nila para humingi ng tulong sa PCSO, DOH, DSWD, and PhilHealth po, halos maubos na po 'yung panahon nila, mamasahe sila, papatak 'yung bill nila, ngayon po, with the Malasakit Center, sa iisang bubong, sa iisang kuwarto, nandoon na po ‘yung mga representative ng PCSO, DOH, DSWD, at PhilHealth,” Go explained.

The Malasakit Center, a program being implemented by the Duterte

administration, is a onestop shop in which PCSO, DOH, DSWD, PhilHealth, and other satellite of�ices of particular government agencies are housed together in one location to streamline the process for patients in need of quick medical and �inancial assistance.

Go, who initiated the Malasakit Center program when he was still a government of�icial, aims to properly legislate the Malasakit Center program so that more Malasakit Centers can be launched across the nation to allow more patients to bene�it from the speedy service provided by the center.

Currently, there are 27 Malasakit Centers operating in various areas of the Philippines. The latest Malasakit Center, the 27th, was opened on Friday, March 1, 2019, at the CARAGA Hospital in Surigao City.

“Nakakatuwa pong malaman na may mga

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nagtuloy po ng Malasakit Center program. Pagdating ng panahon, kung matawag man tayo para maglingkod sa Senado, isusulong ko po na gawing parte na ng mga programa ng bansa ang Malasakit Center para kahit iba na po ang Pangulo, tuloy-tuloy pa rin po itong mapapatupad,” Gostated.

“Ito po ‘yung mga gusto kong gawing pagbabago. Ako naman po, ‘yung nais ko lang po talaga ay makatulong at magserbisyo sa mga kapatid kong Pilipino,” Go added.

Aside from improving the medical services in the country, Bong Go has a legislative agenda with programs for agriculture, housing, education, longterm sports development, localized peace talks, anti-drug and crime drive, anti-corruption drive, barangay welfare, creation of a Department of OFWs, as well as the establishment of a senior citizens commission.

6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

EDITORIAL

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VOL.12 ISSUE 1 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MARCH 10-11, 2019

The real news

dge Davao celebrates its eleven years in the local media business and by far, it has been a ride.

Starting off at a time when the newspaper industry was severely challenged by the tremendous growth of digital media, Edge Davao repulsed the cloud of pessimism and built itself a place in the very competitive market in such a short time.

The battle against the emerging digital media, however, us far from over and Edge Davao realizes that. The digital transformation has radically altered the publishing industry and many people believe that the emergence of online news marks the impending death of the printed word. Edge Davao represents a print media that refuses to becoming a museum piece and stay resilient in the face of the digital era.

Admittedly, the way the world is consuming information is changing especially with the millennials who are slaves of the internet. They feed on blogs, vlogs and online news, read e-books. Anything that is ink-less is what their appetite dictates. These younger generation of consumers

EDGEDAVAO

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ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE

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ADAM B. MORRELL Reporter

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

BAI FAUZIAH FATIMA SINSUAT AMBOLODTO Social Media Manager/Lifestyle KENNETH IRVING K. ONG MEGHANN STA. INES NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN Lifestyle

ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. JAN MIKKO CANARIAS CHA MONFORTE Correspondent

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

OLIVIA D. VELASCO D. MARATAS RICHARD C. EBONA OLIVIA D. VELASCO JASPERSOLANI V. BACSAL General Manager Finance Advertising Specialist VP Operations General Manager JOCELYN S. PANES Director of Sales

has an entirely different feeding habit and newspapers are not in their menu list. At an era of delivery food and cash-less transactions, who bothers to go to newsstands to buy a newspaper? Oh yes, let’s admit it, social media has fundamentally changed the landscape of news consumption. Gone are the days when people once turned to newspapers, radio and TV for news. Today, they are getting their news via social media.

However, consuming news from social media is full of questionable integrity. The proliferation of fake news comes with regularity and left unabated. Because it is free, there is no system of control or a way of verifying truth. News in social media is no longer a commodity that can be bundled up and sold to people for a price. Hence, the difference on how news is gathered, written and presented on print.

So is this dead tree industry done? Nah. We’re not about to stick a fork in it.

Edge Davao offers the real news. Bite it. Chew it. It’s here to stay.

SOLANI D. MARATAS Finance

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) 09382022120 Tel: (088) 852-4894

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 1 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MARCH 10-11, 2019

December Avenue, a dance battle, and more at Abreeza this Araw ng Dabaw

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raw ng Dabaw season is always an exciting time at Ayala Malls Abreeza, and this year is no different as the mall serves up amazing art, electrifying entertainment, and good ol’ shopping throughout the month of March.

From March 11 to 17, Abreeza treats shoppers to its annual Araw ng Dabaw Sale, with merchants slashing up to 70% off on great �inds. Extended mall hours of up to 10pm on March 15 and 16 also amp up the shopping experience at the height of the Araw ng Dabaw celebration.

On March 15 at 6pm, fast-rising rock band December Avenue—famed for heart-tugging hits such as “Kung ‘Di Rin Lang Ikaw” and “Sa Ngalan ng Pagibig”—will turn up the feels December Avenue

for its Davao fans through a concert at the Activity Center. To gain a General Admission pass, shoppers need to present a P500worth single receipt from any Abreeza store or three Abreeza cinema tickets of the same date dated March 13 to 15, 2019. Redemption of passes happens on March 15, 10am-4pm at the Main Concierge.

On March 16, 1pm, Abreeza sets the Activity Center stage on �ire with the Battleground Street Dance Competition, where street dance crews face off to win the grand prize of P50,000. This event is free admission.

Local entrepreneurs also get their time in the sun this Araw ng Dabaw season.

From March 10 to 13, the Mindanao Trade Expo �ills

the Activity Center with its showcase of topnotch picks

by Mindanao’s micro, small, and medium enterprises.

Meanwhile, setting up shop at the Ground Floor across Skinfood beginning March 8 is the �irst Davao Region outlet of Go Lokal!, the Department of Trade & Industry project which aims to bring the country’s promising artisans and entrepreneurs to a greater platform by partnering with retail giants.

Art takes the spotlight on March 13 to 19, as wild bird photographer Martin Pineda and renowned Mindanaoan artist Kublai Millan team up for The Birds of Davao City exhibit at the GF Hallway near Fully Booked, which coincides with the launch of Pineda’s Birds of Davao City books.

Finally, Abreeza promises a summer bonus for its shoppers: Amazing Summer Escape, which will raf�le off trips for two to Bali, Siargao, and Cebu! To be on your way to that summer escapade, just present a single same-day receipt purchase of at least P500 from any Abreeza store or Robinsons Department Store or P1,000 from Robinsons Supermarket at the Main Concierge from March 11 to 31.

For inquiries and updates on Ayala Malls Abreeza news and events, please visit the Main Concierge at the ground �loor or call (082) 321-9332. Stay updated by connecting with Ayala Malls Abreeza on Facebook (@AbreezaMall), Twitter (@abreezatweets), and Instagram (@iloveabreezamall).

7

NIÑOFRANCO at Go Lokal!

Go Lokal! by the Department of Trade & Industry

8 EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 1 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MARCH 10-11, 2019

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 1 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MARCH 10-11, 2019

READYING... FROM 1

known as Universal Health Care.

He said the law will hasten complete health coverage of the Philippine populace, “wherein every Filipino is granted immediate eligibility and access to preventive, promotive, curative, rehabilitative,

and palliative care medical, dental, mental and emergency health services.

He said DOH, PhilHealth and other stakeholders are given 180 days to craft the necessary implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the UHC Law which took effect last Friday, March 8.

said.

Gulfood, Dubai’s largest food, beverage, and hospitality fair, draws food and beverage industries

and professionals from all over the world to the Gulf state, aiming to promote food and beverage industries. (PNA)

MINDANAO... FROM 4

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11TH JUDICIAL REGION OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT-SHERIFF Davao City

WOMEN... FROM 4

sible to women,” Mandin stated.

She urged the government agencies to make the business process easier for women.

The IGDD head also believed that economic empowerment for women will also help reduce cases on economic abuse against

women by their husband or partner.

IGDD data showed that economic abuse topped the cases on Violence Against Women and their Children with 964 cases in 2017, followed by psychological abuse with 519 cases and physical abuse with 324 cases. (PIA-XI/Carina L. Cayon)

government of Tarragona also provided a tour of Barangay Lucatan which Municipal Information Of�icer Nenita

Carasca said was “identi�ied as a marine protected area by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.”

VULNERABILITY... FROM 2 REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11th Judicial Region Branch 54, Davao City

S.COTABATO... FROM 5

is nestled on Mt. Melibengoy, also known as Mt. Parker.

The mountain and the lake were named after Frank Parker and Russell Maughan, both US military of�icers who died when their plane crashed while they were mapping the area in the 1930s.

Long before it became a tourism attraction, Holon, which means deep water in T’boli, is considered a sacred place by the tribe, though it had been associated with death and destruction.

9

On Sept. 6, 1995, Lake Holon’s crater wall collapsed, allegedly due to treasure hunting activities, sending an estimated 30 million cubic meters of water crashing downstream for 130 kilometers. At least 53 people were killed and P278 million worth of infrastructure and farm crops were damaged.

In 2003 and 2004, the national government recognized Holon, which is part of the Allah Valley Protected Landscape, as the cleanest inland body of water in the country.

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11TH JUDICIAL REGION OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT-SHERIFF Davao City

CASE NO R-DVO-19-00650-SP HOME DEVELOPMENT MUTUAL FUND (HDMF) OR PAG-IBIG FUND EJF-REM CASE NO. 17, 147-19 Mortgagee,

IN THE MATTER OF PETITION FOR RECOGNITION AND/OR ENFORCEMENT OF FOREIGN JUDGMENT (Divorce),

NIÑA F. PALEJARO, Mortgagor/s.

STEPHANIE LOVE LARIOSA TOBA, Petitioner,

SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM (SSS), Mortgagee, - versus ANGELITO P. GOMEZ, married to EMILIANA C. GOMEZ, Mortgagor/s.

X------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------X

X------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------X

X------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------X

-versus -

NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL FORECLOSURE SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

Upon extra-judicial petition for foreclosure and sale under Act 3135, as amended, filed by the mortgagee Home Development Mutual Fund or Pag-Ibig Fund against the mortgagor/s NIÑA F. PALEJARO, with residence and postal address at LOT 28, BLOCK 76, DECA HOMES ESPERANZA, BRGY. TIGATTO, DAVAO CITY, to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness which as of NOVEMBER 28, 2018 amounted to ONE MILLION ONE HUNDRED SIXTY THREE THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED FIFTY PESOS & 93/100 (P1,163,650.93), Philippine Currency, inclusive of interest and penalty charges, plus attorney’s fees equivalent to ten percent (10%) of the total indebtedness plus other legal expenses incident to foreclosure and sale; the undersigned Sheriff IV of the Regional Trial Court, Davao City, will sell at public auction APRIL 4, 2019 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 and/ or MANAGER’S CHECK and in Philippine Currency, the following real property mentioned and described below with the improvements found thereon, to wit;

TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. 1462013009601

“A PARCEL OF LAND (LOT 28 BLK. 76 OF THE CONSOLIDATIONSUBDIVISION PLAN PCS-11-005103 XXX XXX.), SITUATED IN THE BARANGAY OF TIGATTO, CITY OF DAVAO, ISLAND OF MINDANAO. XXX XXX, CONTAINING AN AREA OF EIGHTY (80) SQUARE METERS MORE OR LESS.”

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

In the event the public auction should not take place on the said date, it shall be held on MAY 2, 2019 without further notice.

Prospective buyers are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the title of the above-described real property and encumbrances thereon, if any there be.

Davao City, Philippines, February 26, 2019.

ORDER

By this verified petition and for the reasons therein stated, the above-named petitioner, assisted by counsel, seek for an Order of this Court, after due notice, publication and hearing, recognizing the decree of divorce issued by the Family Court of Shizuoka City, Japan, dissolving the marriage between herein petitioner and Koji Toba and to direct the National Statistics Office, Office of the Civil Registrar General, Manila to make the necessary annotations/registration of the Decision of the Court recognizing said Divorce..

Finding the petition to be sufficient in form and substance, the same is hereby set for hearing before this Court, sitting at the Hall of Justice, Candelaria St., Ecoland, Matina, Davao City, on June 3, 2019 Monday, at 8:30 A.M., at which place, date and time, any interested person may appear and show cause, if any, why the same should not be granted.

Let this Order be published at the expense of the petitioner once a week for three (3) successive weeks in a newspaper published in the City of Davao and of general circulation in the said City and the Provinces of Davao as determined by raffle in accordance with law.

Furnish, each, with a copy of the petition and of this order the Office of the Solicitor General, Local Civil Registrar of Davao City, and the City Legal Office for the City of Davao.

SO ORDERED. February 21, 2019, at Davao City, Philippines.

NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL FORECLOSURE SALE OF REAL PROPERTY Upon extra-judicial petition for foreclosure and sale under Act 3135, as amended, filed by the mortgagee SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM (SSS) against mortgagor/s ANGELITO P. GOMEZ married to EMILIANA C. GOMEZ, with residence and postal address at #76, LOT 3, BLK. 9, JERICHO ST., PHASE 1, ST. MICHAEL VILLAGE, MA-A, DAVAO CITY, to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness which as of FEBRUARY 1, 2019 amounted to THREE MILLION FOUR HUNDRED NINETY SIX THOUSAND FOUR HUNDRED NINETY SIX PESOS & 03/100 (PhP3,496,496.03), Philippine Currency, inclusive of interest, penalties and other charges, plus other legal expenses incident to foreclosure and sale; the undersigned Sheriff of the Regional Trial Court, Davao City, will sell at public auction on April 04, 2019 at 10:00 A.M., or soon thereafter, at the main entrance of Hall of Justice, Ecoland, Davao City, to the highest bidder to CASH and/or MANAGER’S CHECK and in Philippine Currency, the following real property/ies mentioned and described below together with all its improvements found thereon, to wit: TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. T-109883 “A parcel of land (Lot 3, Blk. 9, Psd-11-014945 being a portion of Lot 3249-B-6-A-4-B-4-B-3, Psd-11-014722), situated in the Barrio of Ma-a, City of Davao, Island of Mindanao.Containing an area of One Hundred Fifty (150) Square Meters, more or less.”

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 May 2, 2019 without further notice.

Prospective buyers are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the title of the above-described real property and encumbrances thereon, if any there be.

Davao City, Philippines, February 26, 2019.

FOR: ATTY. FRANCISCO M. CAMPANER – The OIC OIC Clerk of Court & Ex-Officio Prov’l Sheriff (sgd.) CHRISTIAN M. MADRAZO Sheriff IV

Mar. 11, 18 & 25 2019

EJF-REM CASE NO. 17.163-19

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11th Judicial Region Branch 54, Davao City

For ATTY. FRANCISCO M. CAMPANER – the OIC Clerk of Court & Ex-Officio Prov’l Sheriff

(sgd.) MELINDA ALCONCEL-DAYANGHIRANG Presiding Judge Mar. 4, 11 & 18, 2019

Mar. 11, 18 & 25 2019

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11TH JUDICIAL REGION OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT-SHERIFF Davao City

(sgd.) CHRISTIAN M. MADRAZO Sheriff IV

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11TH JUDICIAL REGION OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT-SHERIFF Davao City

CASE NO R-DVO-19-00056-SP PETITION FOR THE ALLOWANCE OF THE LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT OF WALTER ROBERTS BOWINS, WALTER ROBERTS BOWINS, Petitioner, X------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------X

ORDER By this verified petition and for the reasons therein stated, the above-named petitioner, assisted by counsel, seek for an Order of this Court, after due notice, publication and hearing that: 1. The subject Last Will and Testament be admitted to probate; 2. The Ten Thousand US Dollars ($10,000.00) be bequeathed to Mary Ann C. Cale; 3. All funds and investments held in Australia is to be given to his son Steven Lee Bowins.

Finding the petition to be sufficient in form and substance, the petition is hereby set for hearing before this Court, sitting at the Hall of Justice, Candelaria St., Ecoland, Matina, Davao City, on August 5, 2019, at 8:30 o’clock in the morning, at which place, date and time, any interested person may appear and show cause, if any, to contest the allowance thereof.

Let this Order be published at the expense of the petitioner once a week for three (3) successive weeks in a newspaper published in the City of Davao and of general circulation in the City and the Provinces of Davao as determined by raffle in accordance with law but in no case the publication shall be made where the petition for probates has been filed by the testator himself.

SO ORDERED.

SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM (SSS), Mortgagee, - versus ROMEO E. RAFAEL, married to MARTINA A. RAFAEL, Mortgagor/s.

X------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------X

NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL SALE OF REAL PROPERTY Upon extra-judicial petition for sale under Act 3135, as amended, filed by the above-mentioned mortgagee against ROMEO E. RAFAEL married to MARTINA A. RAFAEL married to MARTINA A. RAFAEL, with postal address at #106, LOT 17, BLK. 17, B.S. AQUINO ST STO. DOMINGO I SUBD., BARRIO PAMPANGA, DAVAO CITY, to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness which as of JANUARY 1, 2019 amounts to PhP=2,587,458.58, Philippine Currency, including interest thereon, penalties and other charges, and plus other legal expenses incident of foreclosure and sale; the undersigned Sheriff of the Regional Trial Court, Davao City, will sell at public auction on April 04, 2019 at 10:00 A.M., or soon thereafter, at the main entrance of Hall of Justice, Ecoland, Davao City, to the highest bidder to CASH and/or MANAGER’S CHECK and in Philippine Currency, the following property with all its improvements found thereon particularly described below, to wit: TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. T-116918

“A parcel of land (Lot 17, Blk. 17, xxx Psd-11-016399, xxx), situated in the Barrio of Pampanga, City of Davao, Island of Mindanao. xxx Containing an area of ONE HUNDRED SEVENTY FOUR (174) Square Meters, more or less.”

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 May 2, 2019 without further notice.

Prospective buyers are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the title of the above-described real property and encumbrances thereon, if any there be.

February 18, 2019 at Davao City, Philippines.

NATIONAL HOME MORTGAGE FINANCE CORPORATION (NHMFC), Mortgagee, -versus-

NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL SALE OF REAL PROPERTY Upon extra-judicial petition for foreclosure and sale under Act 3135, as amended filed by the above-mentioned mortgagee against ALBIENTO I. PANORIL, married to ROSE B. PANORIL, with postal address at JULIVILLE SUBD., PHASE II, BLK. 11, LOT 22, TIGATTO BUHANGIN, DAVAO CITY AND/OR RADOR’S JUN LUMBER, KM. 13, PANACAN, DAVAO CITY, to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness which as of December 31, 2018, amounted to P 2,148,612.19, Philippine Currency, and plus other legal expenses incident of foreclosure and sale; the undersigned Sheriff of the Regional Trial Court, Davao City, will sell at public auction on March 21, 2019 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 and/or MANAGER’S CHECK and in Philippine Currency, the following real property/ies mentioned and described below together will the improvements found thereon, to wit; TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. T-177258

“A parcel of land xxx(Lot 22, Blk. 11, Psd-112402-032048, xxx), situated in the Barrio of Tigatto, City of Davao, Island of Mindanao. xxx Containing an area of ONE HUNDRED TWENTY (120) SQUARE METERS, more or less.”

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

In the event the public auction should not take place on the said date, it shall be held on April 25, 2019 without further notice.

Prospective buyers are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the title of the above-described real property and encumbrances thereon, if any there be.

For ATTY. FRANCISCO M. CAMPANER – the OIC Clerk of Court & Ex-Officio Prov’l Sheriff

Mar. 4, 11 & 18, 2019

(sgd.) JOSEPH T. CASTRO, JR. Sheriff IV

EJF-REM CASE NO. 17,138-19

ALBIENTO I. PANORIL, married to ROSE B. PANORIL Mortgagor/s.

X------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------X

Davao City, Philippines, February 18, 2019.

Davao City, Philippines, February 26, 2019.

(sgd.) MELINDA ALCONCEL-DAYANGHIRANG Presiding Judge Feb. 25,Mar. 4 & 11, 2019

EJF-REM CASE NO. 17.155-19

Feb. 25, Mar. 4 & 11, 2019

10 EDGEDAVAO

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DCGC wins Friendship title

By ADAM B. MORRELL

C

EBU CITY-- Davao City Golf Club reserved its best for last as it poured in its best round to bag the Friendship division title of the 72nd PAL Interclub on Saturday, March 9 at the Mactan Island Golf Club.

After spending the night with a precarious 9-point lead at 223 points, the campaigners from Matina went all out with its tournament-best 83 points for a 306 total over four rounds, a good 18 points ahead of eventual second placer South Cotabato Golf and Country Club with 288.

Edipolo Caturan was stellar after posting his best round of 24 points

for the Dabawenyos, who emerged the toughest to survive the tricky smallsized golf course lined with narrow fairways and mostly �lat terrain couched beneath the historic island of Mactan.

Rommel Lee was as remarkable with 23 points while Rodolfo Luna shot down 20.

Alvin Tesado scored 16 while Gofrey Costinares' 15 did not count in the �ive-toplay-four-to-count format.

Among the �ive-team contingent of Davao City, only Davao City Golf Club stood tall on the winner’s podium in the annual golf tournament that is backed this year by Radio Mind-

anao Network, Asian Air Safari, and Vanguard Radio Network. Also extending support are ABS-CBN Global Ltd. (The Filipino Channel), Rolls Royce, Primax Broadcasting Network, UM Broadcasting Network (Mindanao), Fox Sports, Cignal TV, GECAS, Boeing, Lufthansa Technik AG, Manila Standard, Marco Polo Plaza Cebu, Dusit Thani Manila, and Casino Filipino. Of�icial hotel is Quest Hotel Conference Center Cebu.

Completing the team are Ian Dagatan, Ryan James Guiang, Randy Ceniza, Russel Mon Salazar and Alro Paglinawan.

Iligan Golf wound up

Edipolo Caturan led DCGC with 24 points in their final push for the title. Tommy Inigo

third with 259 and S.F. Maharlika with 257 at fourth.

The Apo Golf, on the other hand, tallied a total of

429 and found themselves at �ifth in the Founders division.

Meantime, the aviator

campaigners Rancho Palos Verdes (RPV) team 1 and 2 were still playing as of presstime.

Araw hoops feature best of 3 collegiate leagues

Players of the Navara Nation Philippines (NNP) Davao basketball tournament in a group photo.

Navarra Turbo Diesel topple Supercharge 70-61

N

avara Turbo Diesel and Navara Overdrive drew �irst blood in last Tuesday's opener of the Nissan Navara Nation Philippines (NNP) Davao basketball tournament held in Azuela Cove.

The Turbo Diesel cagers banked on their balance scoring to put up

S

a 70-61 onslaught over Navara Supercharge in a battle of grit and determination.

Ravj Vailoces topscored for the winning squad with 12 points while Macky Cabaddu and Rison �inished with identical 11s.

Marco Echeveria and Lex Fernandez also shared

urely, the possibility of Jordan Clarkson wearing the RP uniform is most welcome.

He will put in his NBA talent and experience to the fore.

He will inspire his teammates to achieve the impossible, in a manner of speaking.

But while we Pinoys are so enthusiastic in this possibility, the opposition (China, South Korea, Japan, Iran et al) may be too wary about this development.

Efforts of the SBP (Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas) to enlist Clarkson as a Filipino player because of his biological roots may meet some resistance.

As far as we are concerned, Philippine laws allow dual citizenship which will entitle Jordan to play as a natural born Filipino.

Andray Blatche plays as a naturalized import allowed by

10 points each as the Turbo Diesels entered the winning column.

Supercharge, meanwhile, relied on Tañara who dropped 16 points in a losing cause. Romeo Vailoces Sr., on the other hand, single-handedly drove Navara Overdrive past Navara Intercooler 56-41 in another match.

Vailoces scored seven points in the get-go and exploded with eight points down the stretch to �inish with a game-high 19 points. The duo of Joffrey Delos Santos and Joel Fiel combined for 14 points to ensure the win.

Action resumes on Tuesday at the same venue. Adam B. Morrell

I

t will be a battle royale among the top collegiate squads representing the country's three collegiate loops for the much-awaited 2019 Araw ng Davao Invitational Tournament that gets going on March 18 at the Davao City Recreation Center formerly Almendras Gym. A co-venture of sister �irms Matina Enclaves and the Royal Mandaya Hotel, the four-team invitational tournament gives Dabawenyos a virtual sneak peak of what it looks like to combine the best amateur basketball playgrounds of the land--Universities Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP), National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), and Cebu Schools Ath-

letic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI). The three leagues will all be represented with the UAAP's multi-titled De La Salle University and University Green Archers and University of the East Red Warriors, NCAA's Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU) Pirates, and CESAFI's University of Cebu (UC).

SBP executive program of�icer Ronel Leuterio said they have received the go-signal of Presidential Adviser for Sports and Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) Davao region director Glenn Escandor to make the games open free to the public.

From March 18 to 21, action starts at 5:00pm. Adam B. Morrell

Clarkson adds points and power

the FIBA rules but our chief Asian rivals will try to prevent JC from entering the Team Pilipinas (TP) roster this year.

Politics always rears its ugly head anytime anywhere.

China, South Korea and Japan, I know for certain, will raise some issues that will delay, if not totally prevent, the entry of Clarkson into the national squad.

They know what an NBAer can do to TP because it has been up there during its glory years in Asian basketball. They have seen how Blatche has helped transform the Filipinos’ gritty play lately.

JC as the headline of this piece says, will add more points and power.

Unfortunately for all Pinoy basketball fanatics, SBP was not too quick to respond to the situ-

SPORTS KEN Fred C. Lumba ation.

When Clarkson entered the NBA some four (�ive?) seasons ago, it did not readily take steps

to recruit him as a member of Gilas Pilipinas then.

Had SBP been able to enlist JC into the fold then, everything would have been smooth by now.

Imagine a TP line up with a cast like this: Blatche, Clarkson, JunMar Fajardo, Japeth Aguilar, Greg Slaughter, Paul Lee, Jayson Castro, JP Erram, Raymond Almazan, Scottie Thompson, Marcio Lassiter, Matthew Wright, Mark Barroca.

Add to the list Kiefer Ravena (sadly serving FIBA suspension), brother Thirdy, Kobe Paras and understudy Kai Sotto who are eagerly waiting in the wings.

Of course, more talents will be coming up in the future.

I hope that by today the SBP already has a list of identi�ied potential national players even from the high school level. In

�ive years, these young hoopsters should be displaying their wares in the amateur leagues and then in the pros.

China, Japan and South Korea have exerted little or no effort to recruit imports in the past because they prefer to nurture their native grown talents.

However, lately, Japan and South Korea are moving towards that end as competition is getting more and more stiff especially from the Middle East region.

China will not need any import. They continue to produce talented seven footers who are being recruited in the NBA. Now, as to the prospects of JC eventually joining TP in the FIBA World Cup in August, it will all depend on how SBP plays its cards.

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VOL.12 ISSUE 1 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MARCH 10-11, 2019