Edge Davao | Vol 11 Issue 216 | Sunday-Monday, January 20-21, 2019

VOL.11 ISSUE 216 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, JANUARY 20-21, 2019

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FOR THE FUTURE GENERATION. Two Muslim girls playfully cover the eyes of their peer on their way to a madrasah school in Brgy. 23-C Mini Forest, Davao City on Saturday. These Muslim girls and the future generation of Moros will soon enjoy the benefits of the ratification of Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) which is said to bring lasting peace in Mindanao and the end of decades-long struggle for independence of Muslim people. The plebiscite for the ratification of BOL is scheduled on January 21 and February 2. Lean Daval Jr

‘ YES ’ CAMPAIGN

Duterte: BOL to correct injustices vs. Muslims

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

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OTABATO CITY --President Rodrigo Duterte urged the Moro community to vote “yes” to the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) in the upcoming plebiscite on January 21 and February 6.

“Magboto kayo ng yes (You vote yes),” Duterte to a huge roaring crowd

during the Peace Assembly for the Ratification of Republic Act No. 11054

or the Bangsamoro Organic Law inside Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex (SKCC), Office of the Regional Governor (ORG) Compound.

Duterte said the Moro people must use the plebiscite as a peaceful means to finally correct the historical injustices

committed against the Bangsamoro.

“Your approval of this law will not just serve as an expression of your desire to end more than half a century of armed struggle in the region,” the President said, adding that “this will also serve as a testament of

your determination to bring genuine peace and development in Muslim Mindanao through an autonomous government that truly represents and understands the needs of its people.”

The President said the BOL would pave the way for fair and just

distribution of land and resources in Mindanao and eventually achieve lasting peace.

Duterte said the law is the product of a “long and rigorous process” involving “meaningful and exhaustive” consultations with Mindanao

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2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.11 ISSUE 216 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, JANUARY 20-21, 2019

PEACE ASSEMBLY. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte shakes the hand of Moro Islamic Liberation Front Chairman Al-Hajj Murad Ebrahim at the sidelines of the Peace Assembly for the Ratification of Republic Act No. 11054 or the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), held at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex in Cotabato City on Friday night. Also in the photo are Presidential Spokesperson and Chief Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo, Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año,

Du30’s“whole-of-nation”approach vs insurgency supported by DavOr

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ATI CITY, Davao Oriental – The members of Davao Oriental’s Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) unanimously support President Rodrigo Duterte’s Executive Order no. 70 which bids to finally put an end to the country’s decades-long Communist insurgency.

During this year’s first PPOC meeting on January 17 at Lanes Kita-anan in the City of Mati, Governor Nelson Dayanghirang expressed his full support to the President’s directive of institutionalizing the “Whole-of-Nation Approach” in attaining inclusive and sustainable peace.

While the country’s insurgency issues have always been tackled within the military context, the newly crafted executive order provides a paradigm shift to transition the peace campaign from being traditionally military-led to good governance-driven led by the local government units.

“The issue on insurgency is not only a military problem because it is, on its core, a political problem,” says Governor Dayanghirang.

With the President’s directive, all stakeholders – that include all government departments, bureaus, agen-

cies, among others— are compelled to assist and to take necessary interventions to address insurgency that has plagued the country for fifty long years.

Through the executive order which forms the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, chaired by the President himself, “the Government shall prioritize and harmonize the delivery of basic services and social development packages in conflict-affected areas and vulnerable communities.”

The province, which has already conducted an initial orientation briefing on the provisions of the executive order to the core agencies, warmly welcomed the President’s mandate which will give boost to the province’s initiatives in fighting insurgency.

While the national task force will work on the next six months to process and formulate action plans, Governor Dayanghirang said that the province will simultaneously organize a council patterned after the said task force. “We will implement this at soonest time possible,” said the Governor, noting that the local government units should take advantage of this

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Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Carlito Galvez Jr., Philippine National Police Director General Oscar Albayalde, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, and Former Special Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

Amit: DENR confirms Samal is E. Coli-free

By RALPH LAWRENCE LLEMIT

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he coastal waters of the Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCos) are free from contamination of E. coli (Escherichia coli) bacteria, according to IGaCoS Vice Mayor Orly Amit.

The vice mayor, also Amit said that he is happy with the re- an environmentalist, sult of the monitoring had been pushing for conducted by Depart- the monitoring of the ment of Environment coastal waters of IGaand Natural Resources Cos, prior to the shut(DENR), proving that down of Boracay Island, Samal is still safe for as per order of President Duterte, after callswimming.

“I’m happy to note ing the island a “cessthat DENR had already pool” due to the high established 16 stations level of E. coli bacteria.

Amit said that the surrounding the island,” heavy rains experihe said on Saturday.

enced in the island pose a problem, for there have been instances wherein animal wastes from livestock industry farms and households are carried by running water towards the island’s coastline.

He also said that the local government unit and the DENR have conducted a series of meetings with resort owners to discuss the waste water treatment in the island. The vice mayor said almost all registered resorts near and along coastline

were called to the consultations.

“In fact, DENR ordered that all structures, including comfort rooms (CRs) near the easement are no longer allowed,” Amit said.

He said that the local government will continuously monitor the island, especially that construction of the Davao-Samal Bridge is seriously being considered, a development that would surely bringing more tourists and potential polluters to the island.

forthcoming polls, as they expect the use of the system to improve future elections.

“When we go into the full implementation in the future, that is the only process that will be used. At that point, it will be even quicker since we have gone digital,” the Comelec official added.

The VRVS will automate the system of verifying voter registration at the polling precinct, instead of using the printed copies of Election Day Computerized Voters

List, before a voter is given the ballot.

Some 35,000 VRVS units were acquired by the poll body to be pilot tested in all polling precincts in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Manila, and Quezon City during the May 2019 elections.

Selected polling areas in Pangasinan, Cavite, Cebu, Negros Occidental, Zamboanga del Sur, and Davao del Sur will also be using the new system. (PNA)

Longer voting time due to new verification system: Comelec

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ANILA -- The Commission on Elections (Comelec) said Friday it will take voters an additional five minutes to cast their votes due to the introduction of the Voter Registration Verification System (VRVS) in the May 13 polls.

“We expect that the use of VRVS will not exceed five minutes. This is aside from the expected time for an ordinary voter of about 10 minutes,” Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez told

reporters.

The poll body official, however, assured that they are ready with the slight delays caused by the implementation of the VRVS. “This is the reason why our voting time was made 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. We hope that will accommodate the additional delay,” Jimenez explained.

He said delays are expected only during the pilot testing of the VRVS in selected polling centers in the

VOL.11 ISSUE 216 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, JANUARY 20-21, 2019

EDGEDAVAO

NEWS

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Davao dep. mayor: People against BOL are anti-Islam

By RALPH LAWRENCE LLEMIT

“K

ung sino ‘yung ayaw sa BOL (Bangsamoro Organic Law), ayaw sa Islam (Those who are anti-BOL, are anti-Islam).”

This was voiced out by Davao City Bangsa Iranun Deputy Mayor Pamikerin Arumpac Jr. on Saturday, two days before the BOL plebiscite.

“Why are they opposing the BOL, where in fact, 90-percent (of the provisions) of the law are based on the Qur'an (Islamic bible),” Arumpac said on Saturday’s Davao Media Forum at Basti’s Brew Café.

The deputy mayor also said that with the new form of government, leaders who will be elected will duly performed their responsibilities.

Arumpac made these statements when asked about Cotabato City Mayor Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi and Lanao del Norte 1st District Rep. Mohamad Khalid Dimaporo who are vocal on their strong opposition on the transitory government.

He even labelled these politicians “trapo” or “traditional politicians”.

“Because they are thinking that once the MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front) will be seated, they will be out of their positions,” Arumpac said “BOL will be the real form of government,” he added.

Arumpac alleged that Sayadi is using her stand on BOL for political reasons.

“During the first two plebiscites, majority voted for ‘no’. That is why her stand is ‘no’. If she will vote for ‘yes’, only few people will vote for her this upcoming midterm elections,” he said.

Arumpac also alleged that Sayadi was disappointed for not being credited with the crafting of then-Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).

Arumpac said that “Dimaporo has no participation in the struggles of his constituents”.

FDAVAO , P8 UPGRADING OF PORT. Sea vessels carrying container vans are docked at Sasa upgrading of facilities of Sasa Port phase 1 worth P1 billion has started and con-

Drugstores urged to apply VAT on diabetes meds now

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he Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is reminding all pharmacies to implement the Value-Added Tax (VAT) exemption for diabetes, high cholesterol and hypertension medicines.

FDA Davao supervisor Deborah Legaspi said that the list of the registered drugs included in the VAT-exemption are already posted in the Department of Health (DOH) Drug Price Watch website.

She said that the list gets updated from time-to-time, as FDA is the mandated agency that monitors registration of all manufacturing and selling of medical products.

“FDA is requiring all drug pharmacies to post the transparent list of VAT-exempted meds in their stores that can conspicuously be seen by the patients or those who will buy these meds,” Legaspi said.

She also said that the drugstores should have already started implementing the exemption, even though the list was not yet posted.

“Technically, these drugstores should already implement it, because it is clear in the Joint Administrative Order that all diabetes, high cholesterol and hypertension medicines should be VAT-free starting January 1 of this year,” Legaspi said.

Port in Brgy. Sasa, Davao City. Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (DCCCII) president Arturo Milan revealed that the bidding process for the

struction is expected to start in July this year. Lean Daval Jr

Region 11 in full alert due to BOL plebiscite

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

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he Police Regional Office (PRO) 11 has placed the entire Davao Region composed of five provinces and six cities in full alert status in relation to the coming plebiscite of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) in some areas of Mindanao.

PRO 11 director been in full alert since Chief Supt. Marcelo Mo- 6:00 p.m. of Friday, JanFDRUGSTORES , P8 rales said all units have uary 18 in the region.

MOCK ELECTION. A member of the Electoral Board inspects the PCOS machine during a mock election held at a polling precinct at Ramon Magsaysay Elementary School in Digos City on Saturday. PIA

"Davao being part of Mindanao and an adjacent region to ARMM (Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao), although we haven’t detected any threats in our region, we cannot let our guards down," Morales said.

He said all police commanders within Region 11 are ordered to keep their personnel intact, strengthen target hardening on all vital installations, economic key points as well as places of convergence.

Morales also tAold the commanders to coordinate with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and other law enforcement agencies to ensure high state of operational readiness to thwart any hostile action that may be launched by terror groups such as the New People’s Army (NPA) rebels, the Abu Sayyaf and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) who are against the BOL. He said PRO 11 called for unity for a safe and orderly ratification of the BOL and take part in the capacity development towards building the foundation of the Bangsamoro Governance.

The plebiscite will happen on January 21 and February 6 in provinces of ARMM, Cotabato City, Isabela City, Basilan, towns in Lanao del Norte and certain barangays in North Cotabato.

At least 2.8 million people from these areas are expected to cast their vote during the plebiscite on the scheduled dates.

Morales also said PNP chief Director Gen. Oscar Albayalde issued an order to commanders to strictly implement the gun ban in their areas apart from intensifying their focused law enforcement operations to dismantle partisan armed groups, neutralize gun-for-hire syndicates and account for more loose firearms.

Based on records from January 13-19, a total of seven people were arrested f0r violating the election gun ban, three persons killed during police operations and three other people are still at large.

Also a total of nine short firearms and 256 rounds of ammunitions were confiscated as PRO 11 intensified enforcement of the gun ban.

4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.11 ISSUE 216 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, JANUARY 20-21, 2019

China Energy to invest USD4.4-B for cell towers

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HINO OPENS IN GENSAN. Hino Philippines Davao branch general manager Valentino Dionisio (3rd from left) pose for a photo with guests during the opening of Hino Philippines General Santos branch along Mabuhay Road, Brgy. City Heights, General Santos City on Friday. Lean Daval Jr

Business tycoon Henry Sy Sr. dies

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ANILA -- Business tycoon and SM Group USD19 billion.

He established founder Henry Sy Sr. passed away on Saturday morning at the age of 94, mul- ShoeMart in 1958, and eventually expanded tiple reports confirmed. into large malls and “With deep sad- SM Supermalls chief other business venness, I would like to operating officer, said tures like banking and inform the group that in a statement, accord- property investments. our beloved Chair- ing to a report by ABSAside from busiman Tatang, Mr. Hen- CBN News. nesses in the Philry Sy Sr., passed away Sy was the coun- ippines, Sy has also peacefully in his sleep try’s richest man for invested in China by early Saturday morn- 11 years in a row, establishing SM malls ing. Please pray for according to Forbes there. the eternal repose of magazine, with an esSy’s family, accordhis soul,” Steven Tan, timated net worth of ing to a report by Town

and Country Philippines, originally hails from Xiamen, China and moved to the Philippines during World War II. The report said Sy opted to stay in the Philippines with only 10 centavos even when his family returned to their homeland.

Sy finished his degree in commercial studies at the Far Eastern University. (PNA)

ERC seeking ISO accreditation for meter testing lab

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ANILA -- The Energy Regulato-

ry Commission (ERC) announced that it is seeking to secure an International Organization for Standardization (ISO) accreditation for its meter testing laboratory in order to gain international acceptance and recognition of its testing and calibration results.

“The move aims to strengthen the ERC’s testing and calibration system through the accreditation of its meter testing laboratory to ISO/IEC 17025 which pertains to the General Requirement for the Competence of Testing and Calibration Laboratories. In doing so, our capacities and standards shall be aligned to meet international standards” ERC Chairperson and CEO Agnes VST Devanadera said in

a statement Thursday.

Getting an ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation provides benefits to both the ERC and the electric power industry stakeholders, particularly: (1) National and international recognition; (2) Recognizes the technical competence of laboratory staff; (3) Assures the client that results of testing are reliable and valid; (4) Provides comparability of measurements; (5) Decision makers can rely on test results; (6) Improves staff motivation; (7) Reduce barriers in trade; and (8) Saves money by getting it right first time.

The ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation project pursues to achieve international obligation as member signatory to international agreement and a more efficient and effective way

of undertaking testing and calibration.

The accreditation will also promote cooperation between laboratories and other certifying bodies around the world by generating wider acceptance of results between countries.

Test reports and certificates will be accepted from one country to another without the need for further retesting, which in turn, improves international trade by way of liberalization of entry of goods.

The ERC’s ISO accreditation is also aligned and complies with Republic Act 11032 or the Ease of Doing Business Act which seeks to make the process of putting up and running a business in the Philippines easier and more effi-

cient.

Once the accreditation is completed, the ERC’s meter testing and calibration shall observe the standardized deadline for government transactions based on the Ease of Doing Business Act. The Meter Division of the Consumer Affairs Service of the ERC shall spearhead and oversee the completion and proper implementation of the ISO/IEC Project.

“The ISO/IEC accreditation will be an added feather in ERC’s cap as our meter test results gets international acceptance and recognition. We owe it to the citizenry to secure and maintain their trust and confidence by assuring them of an accurate and reliable meter test and calibration results” Devanadera added. (ERC PR)

ANILA -- Chinese state-owned firm China Energy Engineering Corp.

(CEEC) is eyeing to invest around USD4.4 billion in building common cell towers that may be leased to telcos to ensure improvement in the delivery of their communication services.

This, as the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with CEEC on the deployment of the cell sites on Friday.

The company said it has the capability of meeting DICT’s target of building 50,000 cell sites to make the Philippines competitive with its neighboring countries in providing quality telco services to the public.

“The number of towers that will be built by the CEEC will depend on the demand of telco operators. And of course, we will do it based on the requirement of the DICT and NTC (National Telecommunications Commission). According to DICT, there should be totally around 50,000 towers to be built. For our capability, we have no problem in building this total of 50,000 towers,” Huang Fei, vice president of CEEC, said in a press briefing.

DICT Acting Secretary Eliseo Rio Jr. said the government will provide assistance to common tower providers in facilitating permits, right of way, and support for infrastructure, should they secure a contract with any of the telco operators.

He stressed that the

DICT will implement measures to reduce red tape in the process of granting permits to telcos for the building of their cell sites.

The department is eyeing to create an inter-agency task force that will consist of various agencies, such as the Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and local government units to expedite the process of issuance of permits.

“This is the function of an inter-agency that we will be creating. There is the DILG, LGUs, DENR and Public (Works and) Highways.

All of these agencies that are in some way involved in giving permits will have a one-stop shop. For the ease of doing business, if before it takes eight months for the granting of permits, we can now compress it to seven days,” Rio said.

To date, the DICT has signed MOUs with five tower providers: local firm ISOC Infrastructures, Inc.; Singapore’s ISON ECP Tower Pte. Ltd.; IHS Towers of Nigeria; Edotco Group of Malaysia; and China Energy Engineering Corp.

The DICT has expressed its intention to sign more deals with tower providers to build and deploy cell sites and other facilities that will be leased to telco firms, which may then use them to improve their delivery of service.

The Philippines currently has 16,000 cell sites against 67 million

ANILA -- The Philippines’ average inflation last year settled above the 2018 inflation target range, even as price pressures eased during the fourth quarter, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) revealed in its latest quarterly report released Friday.

Year-on-year headline inflation moderated to an average of 5.9 percent in Q4 2018 from the quarter-ago average of 6.2 percent. This brought the full-year average inflation rate to 5.2 percent, which is above the government’s target range of 3 percent ± 1.0 percentage point for the year.

Food inflation mod-

erated during the fourth quarter as supply conditions improved for key food items. Meanwhile, non-food inflation also eased during the same quarter, as lower international oil prices exerted downward pressure on transport inflation through lower gasoline and diesel prices.

By contrast, core inflation rose to 4.9 percent in Q4 2018, higher than the rates posted in the previous quarter and a year ago. Similarly, the central bank’s three alternative measures for core inflation were higher during the quarter, the BSP added in its report covering the October-December 2018 period. (BSP PR)

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Inflation averages 5.2% in 2018: BSP M

VOL.11 ISSUE 216 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, JANUARY 20-21, 2019

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PH urged to boost innovation capabilities amid Industry 4.0

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ANILA -- Filipinos need to upgrade their innovation capabilities, especially those in the corporate sector, to ready themselves in harnessing the potential of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (FIRe).

Dr. William Maloney, chief economist for Equitable Growth, Finance and Institutions of the World Bank (WB) Group, said the Philippines has “done astronomically” in terms of its business services sector.

“But a lot of new technologies are going to threaten some of the jobs that you have. So (boost) human capital and to be able to move nimbly and flexibly enough so that you can move into sectors, which will not be taken over by AI (artificial intelligence), machine learning, and that sort of things,” he said in an interview Friday at the sidelines of a symposium on FIRe organized by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS).

Maloney particularly cited Asian Tigers, including South Korea, Taiwan and Hong Kong, which send people abroad to

study new changes that may be brought about by new technologies.

“The Philippines needs to be doing that kind of thing, as well to make the networks and to see where (Industry) 4.0 is going,” he said.

“Part of making that possible is ensuring that the regulatory environment facilitates firms making these changes.

Firms making these kinds of decisions, they need to invest in capital, invest in new knowledge, (and) invest in people,” he added.

Maloney pointed out that the country needs to help firms innovate as they generate growth and value-added jobs.

He also underscored the importance of strengthening the managerial and organizational capabilities of firms, and having strong linkage between public research institutions and universities and the private sector.

“You have to have a playing field. The regulatory structure needs to be good. It would actually be very useful for the Philippines to benchmark the quality of its entrepreneurs,” he added. (PNA)

USD10-B investment possible with political, economic stability

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ANILA -- With political and economic stability, the Philippines is projected to generate foreign direct investments (FDI) amounting to more than USD10 billion this year, the Joint Foreign Chambers of the Philippines (JFC) said.

In a statement Thursday, JFC said foreign multinational and small companies recognize the Philippines’ potential as an investment hub, with the country’s rising economy and per capita income as well as growing middle class.

“The prospects are high that, with continued political and economic stability, FDI will be above USD10 billion in 2019,” JFC stated.

“However, the Philippines is just beginning to catch up with the Asian tiger economies that slipped behind during past periods of political instability and weak governance. The Philippine economy has yet to run on all cylinders,” it said.

JFC cited that the “Build, Build, Build” program of the administration has helped in attracting FDIs in the country.

The rising cost in China because of its trade friction with the United States is also an opportunity for the Philippines to attract investors to locate in export zones.

The business process outsourcing (BPO) and tourism sectors will also continue to attract FDI into the country, the JFC said.

“We urge the Congress to pass reforms that will lead to many tens of billions of additional foreign investment, better technology and jobs, and more competition, including amendments to the Foreign Investment Act, Open Access in Data Transmission bill, Public Services Act, Retail Trade Act, constitutional restrictions on foreign investment, and to revisit Comprehensive Tax Reform (TRAIN 2) in a manner not to discourage export-oriented investors,” it added.

“Overall, we are hopeful that with continued politico-economic and regulatory stability, 2019 will be a year of more high growth, tempering inflation, and high FDI for the Philippines,” the JFC said. (PNA)

OVER SUPPLY. A trader fixes her display of dressed chicken inside the meat section of Agdao Public Market in Brgy. Agdao, Davao City on Saturday. Prices of dressed chicken in the leading public markets of Davao City have decreased of up to P20 per kilo due to over supply. Lean Daval Jr

Singapore wants to import avocado from Davao: Milan

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He said Singaporeans INGAPORE importers are interested in buying avocado from Davao in large volumes, saying Singaporeans love prefer of importing avocado through shipping. Milan addto eat avocado. ed they are currently talking This was bared by busi- Davao area. with the Chief of Mission of ness leader Arturo M. Mi"One fruit that has a very Singapore of developing this lan, president of the Davao big potential in Singapore is into a full business and trade City Chamber of Commerce avocado," Milan said. opportunity between Davao and Industry, Inc. (DCCCII) Currently, Singaporeans and Singapore. during an assessment with are importing avocado from Milan said they also visbusiness reporters in Davao Australia. They normally use ited the food terminal or City during the weekly Habi avocado as ingredients for "bagsakan" which plays a viat Kape media forum as their salads. tal role for trading activity in Abreeza Mall.

"Malaysians and Singa- Singapore.

Milan said DCCCII to- poreans malakas ang con"One learning that we gether with officials of Davao sumption nila sa avocado. got wala silang storage beCity went to Singapore late In other words if they are cause according to them last year to meet with mem- importing the fruit from storage is adding to the food bers of the Singaporean Fruit Australia, there must be a big cost kaya pagdating ng prodand Vegetable Importers As- market in Singapore. So we ucts deliver na kaagad," he sociation to explore trading were telling them that Davao said. of avocado and other fruits has a lot of avocado," Milan Milan is optimistic that which are abundant in the said.

Davao City's own food ter-

minal in Toril that is targeted to start operating this year will serve as a platform by the city's agricultural sector to market their produce. The establishment of the food terminal aims to improve farmer-consumer trading market thru organized and strengthened farmers’ organizations.

"This is a bagsakan where the farmers can sell their goods and this is a way of giving assurance to farmers that they already have a market," he said.

The P70 million fund allocated by the Department of Agriculture in Region XI (DA-XI) paved the way for the construction of the said food terminal.

50K more cell sites needed to improve services: DICT

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ANILA -- The Philippines needs at least 50,000 more cell towers in operation to truly improve the delivery of telecommunication services, according to the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).

DICT Acting Secretary Eliseo Rio Jr. said his office has taken the initiative to directly sign agreements with tower providers, in an effort to address bureaucratic delays in the construction of cell sites.

“We need at least 50,000 additional towers in the Philippines. We can accommodate so many tower companies as the industry can accommodate. We are saying that we must let the market decide on how many towers can be put up in the country,” Rio said in a press conference on Thursday, during the signing of the memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with IHS Towers of Nigeria and Edotco Group to

provide towers that may be leased to telco firms.

“Currently, there is so much red tape. Globe and Smart are also complaining that there are 25 permits they need to be granted to them. There is also the problem of corruption -- under the table deals. This one specifically what these MOUs will address,” he added.

The DICT official likewise stressed that common tower providers will be able to help telcos save on the cost of building their own communication infrastructures.

“So here, we have the common towers that can solve the problem. Plus the fact that you will have added investments come in that will be a big help.

This will be driven by market forces,” according to Rio. The DICT will be providing assistance to the common tower providers in facilitating permits, right of way, and provide other government sup-

port for infrastructure should they secure a contract with any of the telco operators.

For his part, Suresh Sidhu, Chief Executive Officer of EDOTCO Group, has committed to build at least 10,000 towers as he believes that the common tower policy being pushed by the DICT will ensure the expansion of coverage of telco services at a lower cost for consumers.

“It’s an amazing opportunity from the towers, you get the first benefit for people; coverage.

You get the second benefit for operators; lower cost.

And actually you get the third benefit for the country which is community benefits.This initiative will benefit telco operators and the communities we will be serving,” according to Sidhu.

The DICT is set to sign another MOU with China Energy Engineering Group on Friday.

Last December, the department has signed deals

with local firm ISOC Infrastructures Inc. and Singapore’s ISON ECP Tower Pte. Ltd ISOC Infrastructures has proposed to build 25,000 towers within seven years, with a budget of PHP100 billion, PHP20 billion of which will be invested in the first three years. The company tapped OCK Vietnam Pte Ltd. as technical partner for the common tower project.

For its part, ISON has committed to deploy as many as 15,000 towers in five to seven years amounting up to USD800 million.

The DICT eyes to implement a common tower policy that will allow more tower companies to build and deploy cell sites and other facilities that will be leased to telco firms, which may then use them to improve their delivery of service.

Stakeholders in the industry have expressed

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6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

EDITORIAL T

VOL.11 ISSUE 216 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, JANUARY 20-21, 2019

Are we ready for the FIRe?

he world id moving towards the Fourth Industrial Revolution or what is loosely known as FIRe, and we cannot stop it. The question is, is the Philippines ready for it?

To understand what FIRe means, it is best to visit the World Economic Forum website and read extensively what it is and what its implications on the future are especially for Third World economies like ours.

In a nutshell, WEF explains this evolution as beginning with hydro and steam (First), electric (Second), digital (Third), and now, artificial intelligence (Fourth).

Inevitably, WEF says that the world stands on the brink of a technological revolution that will fundamentally alter the way people live, work, and relate to one another. In its scale, scope, and complexity, the transformation will be unlike anything humankind has experienced before. It is not clear at this point how it will unfold, but one thing is clear: the response to it must be integrated and comprehensive, involving all stakeholders of the global polity, from the public and private sectors to academia and civil society.

The evolution is outlined this way: The First Industrial Revolution used water and steam power to mechanize production. The Second used electric power to create mass production. The Third used electronics and information technology to automate production. The Fourth Industrial Revolution is building on the Third, the digital revolution that has been occurring since the middle of the last century. The Fourth is seen as “a fusion of technologies that is blurring the lines between the physical, digital, and biological spheres.”

To simplify things, the FIRe will be moving towards artificial intelligence which will inevitably decrease or eliminate the human element. Hence, the

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ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. Correspondent

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

RALPH LAWRENCE LLEMIT Reporter

LEANDRO S. DAVAL JR. DR. MAURO L. PUYOD CHRISTIAN JAY H. RAFAL Cartoonist Layout Artist/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

bigger picture is affecting labor in the process.

Actually, it is now happening. Technology has made possible new products and services that are accessed without personal contact. Ordering a cab, booking a flight, buying a product, making a payment, listening to music, watching a film, or playing a game—any of these can now be done remotely.

Experts foresee the future as causing some potential problems particularly in its potential to disrupt labor markets. Automation is seen to substitute for labor across the entire economy.It will cause displacement of workers by machines.

To prepare for this revolution, an expert from the World Bank said Filipinos need to upgrade their innovation capabilities, especially those in the corporate sector, to ready themselves in harnessing the potential of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (FIRe).

Dr. William Maloney, chief economist for Equitable Growth, Finance and Institutions of the World Bank (WB) Group believes the new technologies are going to threaten some of the jobs Filipinos have at the moment. The change is going to take its course and the way to adapt to this is to boost human capital and move into sectors not overtaken by automation.

The country needs to send human capital overseas to equip itself with the technology and knowledge. Another important adaptation is for the country to institute regulatory environment in order to lessen the impact of jobs loss and generate growth and value-added jobs elsewhere.

It may look a bit unclear at the moment but the key is to prepare for the inevitable rather than stay behind in the fast-changing global environment.

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.11 ISSUE 216 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, JANUARY 20-21, 2019

VANTAGE POINTS

7

Are street food safe to eat?

D

o you eat street food, particularly those sold in Bankerohan market and Roxas night stalls?

Don’t get me wrong. Although I eat street food, I have a second thought on it now after reading the news those you put in your mouth may be loaded with bacteria and other organisms that could harm your health.

The Davao City Health Office (CHO) has confirmed what people were talking about in the past. The CHO received reports that some tenants in Bankerohan market “just dragged their ice cubes to any area, including those near garbage bins.”

In the case of Roxas night market, it was found out that single-use plastics, which were already thrown in the trash bins, are used again.

Street food are everywhere. Wherever you go, there is always that food – weird in some ways, exotic in other ways – that can satisfy your cravings or ease the pain of hunger. Or something to try and talk about with your friends and families.

The first time I was out of the country (in 1988 in Thailand), I never dared to eat anything being sold in the streets of Bangkok. At least in the first two days.

But on the third day, I did

the unthinkable: eating sliced green mango and drinking pineapple juice.

That was my first attempt of eating street foods in another country. Yes, I don’t experiment eating when I am traveling abroad.

The reason: I don’t want to experience stomachache or some illnesses that will my trip ending in a fiasco or worse, landing in a hospital.

It was another story in Siem Reap, Cambodia. It was there that I saw some scorpions being grilled.

There were also some big spiders that were fried and ready for eating! But the worst of all were the baby snakes (minus the head, of course) that were barbecued.

And so, my idea of “balut” as the most exotic street food, was totally shattered.

But mind you, street foods are not only common in developing countries. They are also a common sight in industrialized countries. I saw people selling street foods in New York, where I ordered some hot coffee and dough nut.

“Street food is readyto-eat food or drink sold by a hawker, or vendor, in a street or other public place, such as at a market or fair,” Wikipedia states.

“It is often sold from a portable food booth, food cart, or food truck and meant for

THINK ON THESE!

Henrylito D. Tacio

immediate consumption.”

Most street foods are classed as both finger food and fast food, and are cheaper on average than restaurant meals. In a 2007 research conducted for the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), it was found that 2.5 billion people eat street food every day.

In the Philippines, selling street foods is becoming an important economic activity as it feeds hungry millions and provides employment and income to 80-90% of the country’s urban poor, according to a study done by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI).

“There’s nothing like the street food business: small capital, convenient location, no space rentals

and sometimes no power or water bills to pay for,” wrote Ronald M. Henson in article which appeared in The S&T Post, a publication of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

Local authorities, international organizations and consumer associations are increasingly aware of the socioeconomic importance of street foods but also of their associated risks.

“With the increasing pace of globalization and tourism,” FAO said in a statement, “the safety of street food has become one of the major concerns of public health, and a focus for governments and scientists to raise public awareness.”

A DOST study conducted a couple of years back discovered that most of the samples taken from the street food sold in four urban centers – in Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Laguna and University of the Philippines Diliman campus in Quezon City – did not pass quality standards.

Some previous studies conducted by FNRI showed that microorganism contamination of street food was mainly due to poor handling and unhygienic practices of both vendors and consumers.

In the DOST study, microbiological findings indicated the presence of coliforms such as Esche-

richia coli, Enterobacterae aerogenes, and E. cloacae in both barbecued and deepfried animal by-products.

This means that the bacteria load of the selected food samples was rather high, ranging from 240 to 2,400 per gram of food.

In a study done by the US-based Equity Policy Center, it was found that the largest single problem of the street food industry in most of the developing countries is the lack of access to clean water for washing utensils and hands.

“Where clean water is hard to obtain, a single bucket of untreated water might serve throughout the day, a banana leaf floating on top to hide the filth,” the study noted.

“Are street foods boon or bane?” asked Henson.

While they are boon to vendors, street foods are also a bane among consumers.

Because of this, concerned sectors – especially those selling near school campuses – are compelled to observe proper sanitation and cleanliness with stringent measures to discourage roadside food vendors from selling unsanitary and junk foods to students.

Quoting FNRI, Henson said that “any potential health hazards from street foods can be prevented if we only take the challenges of food quality and safety.”

Do-gooders in the Senate and elsewhere

A

s defined in the dictionary, do-gooders are well meaning persons but naïve and ineffectual.

Naïve means “unsophisticated,” “inexperienced.” A tyro or someone who is amateurish.

Ineffectual means “not being able to produce” the desired effect. In short, ineffective.

I think by our definition you would already know who the do-gooders are – whether past or present – in the Upper and Lower Chambers of the Philippine Congress and in your own political area or districts.

This description borders on mediocrity, if not mediocrity itself, depending on how high you set your own standards.

An English proverb says: “You can’t teach an old dog a new trick.” Perhaps this aptly applies to do-gooders.

As the 2016 midterm election nears, it is always a good time to point out how electing do-gooders has shaped our daily life, including our social mindsets and outlook.

Filipinos are enamored by politicians and candidates who tickle their funny bones and make them laugh hilariously.

They begin to accept them as one from their ranks because a candidate who talks their language somehow warms their hearts.

Do-gooders are oftentimes candidates with popular name recall but rarely have platforms and advocacies to live by. They short-change the voting public who do not know that they are being taken for a ride.

We have hundreds – no, make this, thousands - of laws that are proposed every year in both houses of Congress. In fact, we have many laws that are not even implemented to the letter.

That is why when a situation suddenly erupts and a violator is caught, he squirms: “Sorry po, hindi ko alam yan.”

The jaywalking law is one, the anti-littering law is another and the no smoking ban. These are just three basic statutes that are not consistently enforced.

SPECKS OF LIFE Fred C. Lumba Ambition and the hunger for power, authority and influence drive do-gooders who have the wherewithal to aspire for elective posts such as the senate and district representatives.

Do-gooders today know what power, authority and influence can do for them to protect their business interests, thus they gain more access to highly profitable business deals that will earn more profits for their family business.

Elvis Presley is attributed to have said this quote: “Ambition is a dream with a V8 engine.”

Unless our peo-

ple raise and elevate their political consciousness, do-gooders in our midst will continue to ram their thick rhino-skinned persona in our faces.

Let’s be frank about it.

We are a people that have allowed itself to be toyed around by stiffnecked politicians who promise “salvation” like they were preaching the Holy Gospel just to secure a win in the polls.

We are a people who, like sheep, meekly follow the bandwagon mentality because we hear the bells ringing up ahead. Without the bells ringing, the sheep go into a chaotic cadence, dispersing into various directions.

Sad to say, we are a people in a dire, sorry state.

We are unable to separate the do-gooders from the real ones.

Our appreciation is too skin-deep, often-times based on the appearance, shape and form.

More physical than cerebral.

Shall we allow ourselves – as a people – to wallow in this despicable state for another decade

and then blame the government for the unmitigated hardships we go through?

Elections are the democratic ways for a nation and its people to choose the men and women to lead them to peace, prosperity and progress. If those who were once voted upon have misled us, do they deserve a second chance?

This is the question that Filipino voters must respond to intelligently.

We know that there are several, if not many, “dreamers” aspiring to become senators of the Republic.

Are they do-gooders or real work horses and public servants?

In closing, I quote Elbert Hubbard, a famous American writer and publisher who said: “One machine can do the work of fifty ordinary men. No machine can do the work of one extraordinary man.”### (Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.)

Prov. 17:16: “Of what use is money in the hand of a fool, since he has no desire to get wisdom?” GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!

8 NEWS DU30... FROM 2

opportunity to tap funding support for meaningful projects that will bring hope to communities where hopelessness and poverty has led many to resort to violence and insurgency.

Meanwhile, under the order, the local government unit is also empowered to take the lead role in countering insurgency. “This is definitely a big thing, especially for the barangays who will take an active part in the execution of the policy since they are the crucial component who have the access and intelligence at the grassroots,” said Governor Dayanghirang.

INSPIRED BY DAVOR’S BEST PRACTICES The Province of Davao Oriental’s strategy of tackling its own insurgency problem that gained it a solid foothold on its peace campaign formed a huge part on the President’s Executive Order.

The Governor’s flagship program Nagkakaisang Lingkod-Bayan ng Davao Oriental Barangay Outreach Caravan’s which highlighted convergence of all peace and development stakeholders has been one of the inspirations in the newly crafted policy.

Months leading to the signing of the executive order, Governor Dayanghirang was invited to several fora initiated by the Office of the President, the Department of National

Defense, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines to share the province’s best practices of which good governance is at the heart of all development initiatives.

Governor Dayanghirang said he is happy to be able to contribute to the crafting of a national security policy that will help address the urgent need of ending the Communist insurgency which has disrupted the lives of many for decades.

Philippine Army’s 10th Infantry Division Commander Major General Jose Faustino, who attended the PPOC meeting, congratulated the Province of Davao Oriental for being a benchmark of peace and development in the country.

“What is admirable in Davao Oriental is that even before the EO 70 was crafted, Davao Oriental is already doing it,” he said, citing the significant reduction in violent incidents here.

“That’s because the LGUs and chief executives are hands on and really go to the grassroots. And you can see the effects here. Hand in hand with the military, we can see that there are quick results in the development,” he said.

He called on all stakeholders to do their fair share and exert more efforts to solve insurgency at the soonest possible time. By Karen Lou Deloso/Photos by Eden Jhan Licayan

EDGEDAVAO

DAVAO... FROM 3

The deputy mayor believes that the BOL will be favored, amidst the short period of campaign for its passage.

Sayadi, in an interview with CNN Philippines, strongly opposed the inclusion of Cotabato City in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM),

VOL.11 ISSUE 216 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, JANUARY 20-21, 2019

because she said that the MILF, one of the proponents of the law, cannot be trusted for its past terrorist atrocities in the city.

Although she said that she will respect the outcome of the plebiscite, she believes that the people of Cotabato will vote against BOL.

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11th Judicial Region Branch 16 Davao City

SP. PROC. CASE NO. R-DVO-19-00020-SP

IN THE MATTER OF THE PETITION FOR THE CORRECTION OF ENTRY IN THE BIRTH RECORD OF ROSALIE CORTEZO PEREZ WITH REGISTRY NUMBER 55-11479, ETC. ROSALIE CORTEZO PEREZ-ADVINCULA, Petitioner,

- versus -

LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR-CITY OF DAVAO, NOLITO CORTEZ PEREZ-THE FATHER, AND ANY PERSON HAVING OR CLAIMING ANY INTEREST UNDER THE ENTRY WHOSE CORRECTION IS SOUGHT,

Respondents, X---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------X ORDER

Petitioner in her verified petition prays of this Honorable Court, after due notice and hearing, to issue an Order granting the Petition and to further direct the Local Civil Registrar-City of Davao for the correction of entries in the birth record of the petitioner, ROSALIE CORTEZO PEREZ-ADVINCULA, under Certificate of Live Birth with Registry Number 55-11479, to wit:TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. 146-2017017830

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

THE DATE AND PLACE OF MARRIAGE OF PARENTS FROM “JANUARY 1976-Tagum,Davao” TO “N/A” OR “NOT APPLICABLE”; THE LAST NAME OF PETITIONER FROM “PEREZ” TO “CORTEZO”; THE MIDDLE NAME OF THE PETITIONER FROM “CORTISO” TO NO ENTRY; THE MIDDLE NAME OF THE MOTHER FROM BLANK TO “DANAG”; THE MIDDLE NAME OF THE FATHER FROM “C.” TO “CORTEZ”; TO ANNOTATE ON HER CERTIFICATE OF LIVE BIRTH THE FACT OF HER LEGITIMATION BY REASON OF THE SUBSEQUENT MARRIAGE OF HER PARENTS; and TO ALLOW HER TO USE THE SURNAME OF HER FATHER, “PEREZ”,

BY REASON OF HER LEGITIMATION, ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF PATERNITY, AND AS SHE IS PUBLICLY KNOWN AS SUCH.

Finding the said petition to be sufficient in form and in substance, it is hereby ordered that said petition be set for hearing on April 25, 2019 at 8:30 in the morning on which date, time and place, all persons who are interested may appear and show cause if any, why said petition should not be granted.

Let a copy of this Order be published in a newspaper of general circulation at least once a week for three (3) consecutive issued at the expense of the petitioner.

Furnish the Office of the Solicitor General a copy of this petition together with annexes.

The Local Civil Registrar, Davao City, and the Assistant City Prosecutor are cited to appear on said date of hearing in order to show cause, if any, why said petition should not be granted.

SO ORDERED. Davao City, Philippines, January 09, 2019. (sgd.) EMMANUEL C. CARPIO

DRUGSTORES... FROM 3

DOH 11 pharmaceuticals deputy head Rosemarie Balite said that the four agencies, namely the FDA, DOH, Department of Finance (DOF) and Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) are still finalizing the guidelines on how these lists will be posted.

“We are proposing that

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

BDO UNIBANK, INC., Mortgagee EJF-REM CASE NO. 17,095-18 - versus SPOUSES ROBERT CONRAD A. BAUGBOG AND BEVERLY A. BAUGBOG, Mortgagor/s.

X---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------X Upon extra-judicial petition sale under Act 3135, as amended, filed by the above-mentioned mortgagee against SPOUSES ROBERT CONRAD A. BAUGBOG AND BEVERLY A. BAUGBOG with postal address at: 1.)

Block 4, Lot 48, Celerina Heights Subd., Cabantian, Davao City; 2.) Block 8, Lot 11-A Green Orchard, Cabantian District 2, Davao City, and 3.) Purok Saint Ignatius, Indangan, Davao City, to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness as of December 5, 2018, the subject obligation is in the amount of PESOS: FIVE MILLION SIX HUNDRED SEVENTY THREE THOUSAND EIGHTY SIX and 68/100 (Php5,673,086.68), plus other legal expenses incident of foreclosure and sale; the undersigned Sheriff IV of the Regional Trial Court, Davao City, will sell at public auction on February 14, 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 with all its improvements found thereon particularly described below, to wit: TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. 146-2017017830 LOT NO: 48 BLOCK NO: 4 PLAN NO: PCS112402-005802 PORTION OF: LOT 3098-F-1, PSD-11-058113, LOT A-5-B, PSD-11-058114, AND LOTS A-1 TO A-4, PSD11-026680 LOCATION: BARANGAY OF CABANTIAN, CITY OF DAVAO, ISLAND OF MINDANAO XXX XXX AREA: TWO HUNDRED FIFTY EIGHT SQUARE METERS (258), 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 February 7, 2019 without further notice.

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

Davao City, Philippines, January 7, 2019.

FOR: Atty. Francisco M. Campaner The OIC /Clerk of Court & Ex-Officio Prov’l Sheriff

Presiding Judge

Jan. 21, 28 & Feb. 04, 2019

it would be displayed just like a menu form,” Balite said.

Legaspi said that any complaints of non-complying drugstores should be addressed to BIR. She said that complainants should keep their receipts, to support their complaints. RLL

(sgd.) RONNA M. NEMEÑO Sheriff IV

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

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

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

HOME DEVELOPMENT MUTUAL FUND OR PAG-IBIG FUND (HDMF) Mortgagee EJF-REM CASE NO. 17,070-18

HOME DEVELOPMENT MUTUAL FUND OR PAG-IBIG FUND (HDMF) Mortgagee EJF-REM CASE NO. 17,078-18

HOME DEVELOPMENT MUTUAL FUND OR PAG-IBIG FUND (HDMF) Mortgagee EJF-REM CASE NO. 17,068-18

- versus -

- versus -

- versus -

FELY C. LINGAS represented by Attorney In Fact JOEFFRY L. KAMID, Mortgagor/s.

X---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------X NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL FORECLOSURE SALE Upon extra-judicial petition for foreclosure and sale under Act 3135, as amended, filed by the mortgagee Home Development Mutual Fund or Pag-Ibig, against the mortgagor/s FELY C. LINGAS, single, of legal age, Filipino citizen, represented by Attorney In Fact JOEFFRY L. KAMID with residence and postal address at LOT 03, BLOCK 01, PHASE 12, DECA HOMES RESORT RESIDENCES SUBDIVISION, BARANGAY TACUNAN, MINTAL, DAVAO CITY, to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness which as of OCTOBER 15, 2018 in the total amount of ONE MILLION THREE HUNDRED FORTY FIVE THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED EIGHTY FOUR PESOS & 72/100 (Php1,345.684.72), 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 of foreclosure and sale, the undersigned Sheriff IV of the Regional Trial Court, Davao City, will sell at public auction on FEBRUARY 14, 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;

LOUISE ANGELI G. BOUFFARD, Mortgagor/s.

X---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------X NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL SALE Upon extra-judicial petition for sale under Act 3135, as amended, filed by the above mentioned mortgagee against LOUISE ANGELI G. BOUFFARD with postal address at Lot 09, Block 01, Palm Ridge Subd., Upper Malagamot Brgy. Panacan, Davao City, to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness, in the total amount of SEVEN HUNDRED EIGHTY SIX THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED NINETY NINE PESOS & 72/100 (Php786,699.72), Philippine Currency, inclusive of interest and penalty charges as of November 20, 2018 plus attorney’s fees and other legal expenses incident of foreclosure and sale; the undersigned Sheriff of the Regional Trial Court, Davao City, will sell at public auction February 14, 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;

NELSON E. GORGONIO,

TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. 146-2016013075 “A parcel of land (Lot 3, Block 1 of the subdivision plan Pcs-11-005085, being a portion of consolidation-subdivision Lot 1061, CAD-174; Lot 1 PSD-31479, Lot 35, Pcs-3076 AMD, Lot 46, PCS-3076 AMD, and Lot 51, Pcs3076 AMD.) situated in the Barangay of Tacunan, City of Davao, Island of Mindanao. xxx Containing an area of ONE HUNDRED (100) SQUARE METERS, MORE OR LESS. XXX” 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 MARCH 07, 2019 without further notice.

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

Davao City, Philippines, January 10, 2019.

FOR: ATTY. FRANCISCO M. CAMPANER the OIC - Clerk of Court/ Ex-Officio Prov’l Sheriff (sgd.) ALBERT C. ABEJARON Sheriff IV

TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. 146-2012011522 “A PARCEL OF LAND OF THE SUBDIVISION PROJECT (LOT 9, BLK. 1 OF THE CONSOLIDATION-SUBDIVISION PLAN PCS-11004461, xxx xxx), SITUATED IN BARANGAY PANACAN, 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 March 07, 2019 without further notice.

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

Davao City, Philippines, January 07, 2019.

FOR: Atty. Francisco M. Campaner The OIC /Clerk of Court & Ex-Officio Prov’l Sheriff (sgd.) RONNA M. NEMEÑO Sheriff IV

Mortgagor/s.

X---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------X NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL SALE Upon extra-judicial petition for sale under Act 3135, as amended, filed by Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF) against NELSON E. GORGONIO, Single, of legal age, Filipino Citizen with residence and postal address at Lot 22, Blk. 24, Phase 03, Deca Homes Resort Residences Subdivision Brgy. Tugbok Mintal, Davao City, in favor of Home Development Mutual Fund (PAG-IBIG FUND), to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness which as of October 15, 2018, amounting to P1,026,252.19, Philippine Currency, inclusive of interest and penalty charges, plus attorney’s fees and other legal expenses incident of foreclosure and sale; the undersigned Sheriff of the Regional Trial Court, Davao City, will sell at public auction February 14, 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. 146-2017000661

“A parcel of land of the consolidation-subdivision project (Lot 22, Blk.24, of the consolidation-subdivision plan Pcs-11-003470, being a portion lots xxx, all of Psd-112402-040969; lots xxx all of PSD-002815), situated in the Barangay Tugbok, City of Davao, Island of Mindanao. xxx Containing an area of ONE HUNDRED TEN (110) 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 March 07, 2019 without further notice.

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

Davao City, Philippines, January 07, 2019.

FOR: Atty. Francisco M. Campaner The OIC /Clerk of Court & Ex-Officio Prov’l Sheriff (sgd.) RONNA M. NEMEÑO Sheriff IV

INdulge!

VOL.11 ISSUE 216 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, JANUARY 20-21, 2019

EDGEDAVAO

EVENT The feel good yoga session.

Healthy wholewheat wraps, sandwiches, and tea were served.

Park Inn and feel good vibes THE BEGINNING of a new year is the best time to turn a new leaf, start a new page, and learn to feel good again, which is why the Park Inn by Radisson Davao recently held a Wellness Wednesday event last January 16 to launch their newly refreshed branding.

After Yoga Photo with general Manager, Ms. Emelyn Rosales and Ms. Cherry Al-ag of Elysia Wellness Spa.

Invited to the party were members of the press, and Park Inn’s valued clients who participated in a feel good yoga session with licensed yoga instructor Ms. Marivic Olimba. The beginner class was then followed by a 20-minute dry massage pampering courtesy of Elysia Wellness Spa, Park Inn by Radisson’s spa partner.

“After all the busy festive days and holiday treats most of us are

guilty of indulging, we wanted to treat you to a night of meditative yoga and relaxing massage.

Plus, we have the nutritious sandwiches and drinks prepared by our team from RBG Bar & Grill as a treat to wrap up a healthy evening.” shares General Manager, Ms. Emelyn Rosales.

The event also served as the hotel’s way of introducing their new branding and new approach to the guest experience which is “Feel Good.”

“We at Park Inn by Radisson Davao still promise a colorful stay, but aside from that, we are now more mature and promise better experiences for our clients to really ‘Feel Good’ when staying at our hotel” shared Emelyn. “You will now start to notice changes such as healthier

options at our all-day-dining restaurant RBG, as well as more earth tones and upscale touches to the hotel in the coming months.”

And from the yogo high, the relaxing massage, and the delicious healthy treats, I can’t wait to see more “Feel Good” changes at the Park Inn by Radisson Davao soon.

A relaxing massage by Elysia Wellness Spa was given to participants after the yoga session.

Park Inn by Radisson Davao general manager, Ms. Emelyn Rosales and Ms. Cherry Al-ag of Elysia Wellness Spa.

EDGED

A2 INdulge!

EVENT

SECOND HALL OF FAME AW

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

IT TOOK TWENTY YEARS for me to receive my second Hall of Fame award.

Last January 11, the Jose E. Burgos Awards for Biotech Journalism bestowed the prestigious Hall of Fame recognition for my “outstanding contribution to biotechnology journalism in the Philippines.”

Along with Lyn Resurrection, another Hall of Fame recipient, and two more others, we were given the award for “having contributed significantly to the Department of Agriculture’s campaign for biotechnology through the print media,” said Dr. Edita T. Burgos, the president of the award-giving body.

For the record, I have received four biotechnology journalism awards. The first time was in 2013 when I got first prize in Best News Story Category for my article, “Golden Rice: The answer to malnutrition problem” which appeared in the

March 18, 2013 issue of Sun Star Davao.

Two years later, I got two awards: first place in the Best News Story Category (for my article, “Understanding Bio-

Hall of fame in science reporting.

technology,” which appeared in EDGE Davao in its June 22, 2014 issue) and third place in the Best Feature Story Category (“Golden rice,” EDGE Davao, April 23, 2015).

In 2016, my article, “Golden rice fights hidden hunger,” which appeared in the November 7, 2015 issue of EDGE Davao, got me another award (third place in Best Feature Story Category).

My friend, Dr. Jun Ruiz, attended during the ceremony that was held at the Sulo Riviera Hotel in Quezon City.

The Hall of Fame in Biotechnology Journalism is the second recognition of such kind that I have received. In 1998, I also got such distinction when the Philippine Press Institute gave me the Hall of Fame Award “in recognition of his outstanding contribution to science and technology journalism.”

Again, just for the record, I clinched two first prizes (one for my write-up on climate change and another for diabetes), one third prize (for my five-part

The four biotech journalism awards.

series on vanishing biodiversity), and two runners-up (one for the endangered marine turtles and another one for red tide menace).

Receiving the 2016 Biotech Journalism award with Dr. Jun Ruiz.

UP AND ABOUT

Angels Walk for Autism 2019

THIS year’s National Autism Consciousness Week brings more focus and understanding on persons living with autism.

In observance, SM Supermalls— through its CSR arm SM Cares—and Autism Society Philippines will be holding Angels Walk for Autism 2019 on Sunday January 20 in SM Lanang Premier.

Angels Walk is a mall parade for a cause that aims to raise public awareness on the condition and create ripples of change that makes communities inclusive.

This year’s activity is guided by the theme “Pagtuon: Tugon sa mga

Pilipinong may K* dulot ng Autismo” #kakayahan #kagalingan #kakanyahan #katalinuhan #kapansanan. This continues to guide efforts and projects on public awareness through its core message that invites understanding of strength, competency, essence, and intelligence despite disability.

This means finding ways to integrate persons living with autism in the workplace and in schools, giving them chances at various opportunities that everyone enjoys.

AutiSM at Work SM leads the way in creating these opportunities.

In partnership with Autism Society

Philippines, SM Markets continues what it started in 2016: a workplace inclusion program for persons with autism (PWAs) called “AutiSM at Work.”

From one pilot store to 17 stores nationwide, SM Markets’ PWA participants (3 PWAs for every store) have gone a long way from displaying products on the supermarket shelves to becoming productive, improving their social skills, making more friends, inspiring other workers and delighting SM customers.

Simultaneously, there is an in-store advocacy campaign to help educate customers on how to deal respectfully with their workers with autism.

#AutiSMatWo adults on the spe tive contributors “As longtime with disabilities support this pro be as inclusive a Tagbo, president “The program persons with au work; but it has employees becom als. Because of t program, the tra tions staff of SM country are lear to manage this u and developing

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ork provides young ectrum to be producs in a workplace. advocates of persons s, we are happy to oject and designed it to as possible,” said Jojo nt, Savemore Market m does not only help utism find productive helped SM Markets me better professionhe sheer scale of the aining and operaM Markets all over the rning first-hand how under-tapped group; policies and practices

Martin Del Rosario showcases acting prowess anew in big screen comeback

GMA Artist Center star Martin Del Rosario has time and again proven his versatility in acting, taking on challenging roles that capture and impress the viewers.

Biotech Award.

A Kapuso since 2014, Martin has been part of several notable and top-rating series such as Buena Familia, Pinulot Ka Lang Sa Lupa, Mulawin vs. Ravena, and Hindi Ko Kayang Iwan Ka. This time around, he takes on a new daring role with via his big screen comeback in ‘Born Beautiful’, the sequel to the critically-acclaimed and widely-successful 2016 movie, ‘Die Beautiful’.

Martin breathes life to the wellloved character of Barbs, a transgender who sets out on her own adventures following the death of her best friend, Trisha.

“I feel pressured, but at the same time, honored na ako ang napili nina Direk Perci (Intalan) and Direk Jun (Lana). Of course, people will be expecting a lot from the sequel and from me as the new Barbs, pero naniniwala naman ako na ginawa namin ang lahat para pagandahin, or at the very least, pantayan ‘yung success ng Die Beautiful,” he shared.

For Martin, the preparations went beyond the usual acting workshops and required a complete physical transformation, “I had to go on a strict diet to shed pounds para naman maayos akong tingnan sa mga damit na pambabae. I

avoided working out para mawala ‘yung muscles ko habang nagpapapayat ako. Pero ang pinakamahirap sa lahat, ‘yung waxing experience na hindi ko talaga kinaya. I ended up shaving the rest of my body hair na lang. And of course i had to psyche myself prior to actually getting into the character. Mahirap and complex ang character ni Barbs kaya kinailangan ko talagang pagaralan.”

On what fans can expect from the highly-anticipated movie, “Yung twist ng storya, ang pagpihit ng character ni Barbs from Die Beautiful to Born Beautiful, at ‘yung nakakabaliw na kwento. If

there’s one takeaway they can get, it’s na we all have the right to be happy. Walang pinipiling gender ang pagmamahal,” said Martin.

‘Born Beautiful’ follows the life of Barbs and her journey towards self-discovery. After Trisha’s death, she continues to join beauty pageants and becomes torn between two men. But complications arise and she finds herself trying to transition into becoming a man—but Trisha, or rather, her ghost, isn’t having it.

‘Born Beautiful’ is under the direction of Perci Intalan and Jun Lana. The movie premieres this January 23 in cinemas nationwide.

GMA Network airs ‘Pacquiao versus Broner’ today

Second Hall of Fame Award.

to support them that are best in class,” said Mona Magno-Veluz, national president, Autism Society of the Philippines AutiSM at Work piloted at Savemore Market Light Residences in 2016, and was eventually implemented at SM Supermarket Aura and Savemore Market Mezza. Now the group expands AutiSM at Work to thirteen more stores including provincial branches like Cebu, Iloilo, and Davao.

To date, SM Markets has accommodated 69 exceptional individuals.

The program is complemented by disability sensitivity training for all frontliners and in-store information for customers.

GMA Network, in partnership with Gerry Pens Promotions, Inc., is all set to air the much-awaited bout between Manny ‘PacMan’ Pacquiao and Adrien ‘The Problem’ Broner as the Philippines’ Pambansang Kamao seeks to defend his WBA Welterweight title against the former four-division world champion this Sunday, January 20.

Pinoy fans can catch ‘Pacquiao versus Broner’ via satellite on GMA-7 beginning 10 AM while an exclusive blow-by-blow coverage of the fight will also air on GMA’s flagship AM radio station Super Radyo DZBB 594 and in all Super Radyo stations nationwide from 9 AM to 1 PM. The first big boxing showdown of the year, which is slated to happen at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, marks the first time that Pacquiao returns to fight in the United States after two years.

Eight-division world champion Pacquiao, who holds a 60-7 record including 39 knockouts and 2 draws, is determined to defend his title after his knockout victory over Argentinian Lucas Matthysse in his last fight in July 2018.

A replay of ‘Pacquiao versus Broner’ will be aired on the same day at 10:30 PM on GMA Sunday Night Box Office (SNBO).

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stakeholders particularly the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

“I am thus proud to say that the BOL has undergone comprehensive analysis and thorough review to ensure that once implemented, it will lead to better governance, inclusive political empowerment, and enhanced systems for transparency and accountability,” he said.

He said with the BOL, Mindanao can finally enjoy lasting peace and inclusive progress that will benefit everybody.

Last year, the Presi-

dent signed into law the Bangsamoro Organic Law or RA No. 11054, “an act providing for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, replacing the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).”

The people of the present Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Cotabato City, Isabela City, Basilan will have their plebiscite on January 21 while some towns of Lanao del Norte and barangays in North Cotabato are set to exercise their right to vote in a referendum on February 6 to ratify the BOL.

Internet users, giving it the lowest cell site density in Asia.

The lack of cell towers has been identified

as one of the barriers to affordable and consistently reliable Internet services in the country. (PNA)

their view that allowing the entry of more providers would promote competition, benefitting consumers through improved communication services.

The Philippines currently has 16,000 cell sites against 67 million Internet users, giving it the

lowest cell site density in Asia.

The lack of cell towers has been identified as one of the barriers to affordable and consistently reliable Internet services in the country. (With reports from Catherine DatilesOJT/PNA)

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9

TUCP backs gov’t takeover of Hanjina

Proposes Filipino first rehab strategy for shipbuilder

T

RADE Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) has expressed all-out support for the proposal by Department of National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana's proposed partial nationalization of the HANJIN shipyards at Subic.

"We need to emphasize a Philippines-first strategy to ensure that Hanjin is rehabilitated under Philippine management-perhaps through a management contract with the Philippine Navy, “said TUCP President Rep. Raymond Mendoza.

"TUCP reminds the 5 creditor banks of Hanjin that national security interests and saving the jobs of Filipino workers makes economic sense. We urge the creditor banks to be prudent and cautious in their rush to look for a "white knight" investor lest they unwittingly actual-

ly compromise our national security and open us up to a "hostile dragon," said the TUCP President.

"TUCP believes that there are natural ups-anddowns in the ship-building industry. When demand for ships once more increases, and it will, the Philippines will have world-class workers and a world-class shipyard ready and perfectly positioned to take advantage of the renewed demand. Even now there are an existing order for 5 ships.

And recently the Philippine Coast Guard acquired 3 modern fast patrol craft from a French firm. This is proof that there is an existing market as under the Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program, our naval fleet and coast guard fleet have to be modernized to fight smuggling and the threat of

terrorism,"explained Mendoza."Instead of buying our ships from the French or the Israelis, we can produce it instead in Subic,improving our internal capacity to equip ourselves. In the process we also save the jobs of Filipino workers in Hanjin," added Mendoza.

"TUCP insists that if there are any existing corporate liabilities that is due to the workers earlier laid off, the creditor banks must proritize this. Again, we caution the creditors from following the path of least resistance and trying to cut off the assets of Hanjin into pieces and selling it at a firesale at discount rates. We fear the creditors may pick an investor to step up and come in who will begin by laying off the remaining workers, who will lower occupational safety and health standards to bring down operational

costs, or who will re-classify existing regular workers as contractual labor. These are highly-skilled workers so let us make use of their strategic value as a specialized team. Let us put Filipino worker interests first also," elaborated Mendoza.

While the 5 creditor banks have pledged they will "coordinate", the TUCP proposes that an interagency team be established to firm up the rescue efforts to refloat the Hanjin operations. "TUCP believes that the international goodwill of the Filipino seafarers should also be tapped to mobilize the international manning agencies and the shipping lines to market the services of Hanjin abroad,"said Mendoza.

TUCP is the umbrella labor center of the Philippine Seafarers Union-ALU-TUCP (PSU-ALU-TUCP). #

mander of the 71st Infantry Battalion based in Mawab, Compostela Valley.

Palabay said Quintano was waiting for a jeepney in Barangay Madaum, Tagum City in Davao del Norte when a black car stopped in front of her, dragged her inside and sped off.

She said Quintano’s whereabouts remain unknown despite efforts by a search team to locate her.

She blamed the incident on “State forces” and demanded Quintano’s return to her family.

“We know Racquel as a staunch rights advocate. She assisted two torture victims in the filing of their complaints at the Commission of Human Rights last year. She has worked tirelessly to seek accountability for the injustices done against the two victims, one of whom was a minor when the incident occurred,” Palabay said.

But on Thursday, 1Lt Jhocell de Asis, spokesperson of the 71st IB said Quintano was a tax collector of the NPA’s Sub-regional Committee 2 in Southern Mindanao, and sur-

rendered on Wednesday to Ducusin.

“Target of their extortion activities are businessmen, politicians, mining and logging (firms) and store owners wherein the collections are remitted to their higher command in the region,” De Asis said in a statement.

The 71st IB posted on Wednesday in its Facebook page an article on the alleged surrender of Quintano whom it initially identified as alias Fiona together with a supposed photo of hers with the face blurred. (MindaNews)

Human rights worker tagged as NPA tax collector seized in Tagum City

A

worker of Karapatan in Mindanao was abducted by still unknown assailants on Wednesday morning, an official of the human rights group said on Thursday.

In a statement Karapatan secretary general Cristina Palabay identified the victim as Racquel Quintano, spokesperson of Kalumonan, an organization of kin of political prisoners in Southern Mindanao.

The military, however, said Quintano, an alleged New People’s Army (NPA) tax collector, voluntarily surrendered to Lt. Col. Esteveyn Ducusin, com-

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Esdevco shares guide to condo investments

I

nvesting in real estate and starting a rental property business attracts people looking for long-term equity in real estate with someone else paying the mortgage. Owning a property is the first step to being a rental property business owner.

Some of the things to look at when considering a condo as an investment are the annual rent you may receive, and the annual expenses you will incur.

These expenses include real estate taxes, insurance, maintenance and repairs. In addition, condo rental investors need to factor in the occasional expenses you may occur, such as: legal fees if an eviction is required, advertising costs to get tenants, and repair costs if a tenant damages the property.

“It’s good to know these things when investing on a condo unit,” Matina Enclaves project head Gerald Kent Garces said.

The bottomline, he concluded, is investing on the right property.

“Matina Enclaves is the answer to that,” said the man on top of the homegrown development whic is the initial venture of Escandor Development Corporation (Esdevco).

Matina Enclaves is ideal for those looking for homes in the city or for those planning to get into real estate in-

vestment.

“Those who wish to buy condo units for investment or for rent can come to us for advise. Our agents and representatives are on hand to readily answer queries regarding the business,” said Garces.

The Matina Enclaves has by far sold out four buildings and turned over two in a short span of time--a remarkable achievement for a new player in the toigh real estate market.

Getting into the game with a huge headstart this year, Matina Enclaves is a feisty competitor in the business. With up to nine appliances thrown in as freebies the Escandor-owned business, home investment packages can’t get any better than this.

Investment hunters and homebuyers are in for a massive treat as Matina Enclaves opens the new sales calendar year with perked up deals that’s just so hard to resist.

Imagine this. As many as nine freebies are on top of new purchases on each unit at

the Matina Enclaves which has by far turned over two buildings with a third one under full construction and set for turnover this year.

“We are officially opening the new sales calendar with some very exciting deals for all homebuyers.

Amidst the various offers out there in the market, we are proud to come up with the most exciting packages to choose from and as

always, there’s the assurance that we deliver what we promise,” said Garces.

Garces explained that depending on the packages, the new deals include, among others, air condition set, 52-inch LED television, sofa set, dining table, queen-sized bed, rangehood, convection oven, air fryer, combi blinds, deluxe matress set, 7.5 kg washing machine, induction hob,

8-cubic feet inverter refrigerator, one year association dues waived, and one year free membership with Arcadia Active Lifestyle Center.

“And then there’s the big cash discounts we offer to homebuyers,” Garces added.

The signature project of Escandor Development Corporation (Esdevco) staged its first Open House of the year on Friday, January 18, at the Matina

Enclaves Showroom at Ecowest Drive in Ecoland, Quimpo Boulevard, Davao City.

The sprawling complex features such grand amenities as a clubhouse, jogging lanes, perimeter fencing, adult and kiddie swimming pools. The Arcadia, located across the property, also complements the development where residences can enjoy gym facilities and restaurants.

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Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman William “Butch” Ramirez gives the media a walk through of the preparations for the 2019 Southeast Asian Games the country will be hosting. PSC Photo

Butch: SEAG ‘19 on track O n track and doing fine.

That’s how Philippine Sports Commission Chairman William Ramirez describes the country’s preparations for the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.

Ramirez on Friday assured the public that the 2019 Southeast Asian Games Organizing Commit-

tee (PHISGOC) where he shares vice chairmanship with Philippine Olympic Committee President Ricky Vargas is “on track, we are doing fine.”

Ramirez made this statement in a press briefing which he called to provide the media with information on the status of the PHISGOC. “We still have

Alab stays on top of ABL with win over Macau

A

lab Pilipinas maintained its hold on the top spot in the ASEAN Basketball League after beating Macau, 106-99, at the FilOil Flying V Centre in San Juan City on Friday.

Alab broke loose in the second half to turn back the Black Bears and open a half-game lead over the Saigon Heat for first place.

Engaging in a tight contest for most of the match, Alab began pulling away with a 10-1 run covering the last 1:55 of the third quarter and the first 26 seconds of the fourth to break out of a 72-all tie and lead, 8273.

Macau did not give up and was within two, 8890, with 4:48 to play.

But Alab responded with a 14-3 run to pull away for good. Macau ended the game with eight straight points for the final score.

Renaldo Balkman, de-

spite playing the rest of the game with an injured finger, put up 37 points, nine rebounds, three assists, and four steals for Alab, which went up to 7-2.

PJ Ramos added 21 points, 14 rebounds, three assists, and one block, while Lo Domingo and Ray-Ray Parks, w h o played with a protective facial mask, each got 13 markers.

Ryan Watkins made 24 points, 15 rebounds, two assists, and three steals for Macau, which fell to seventh place at 6-5.

(PNA)

around seven months to prepare. They have been working, but the pace will quicken now as we near the date,” shares Ramirez.

Yesterday, upon the instructions of the Senate, the PSC submitted the breakdown for the 7.5 billion budget of the event. “This was submitted to us by the PHISGOC, but we submit it

T

with a note that everything will be subject to the review of the PSC,” said the agency chief as his office prepare to disburse the monies once this is released to the PSC. With the management of the sizeable budget now falling on the shoulders of the sports agency, Ramirez bared that he will take “more active role” in the ad-

ministration and preparation of the Games. He also said that he expects more PSC officers to take critical roles as he assures everyone that the agency shall ensure the proper management and judicious spending of funds.

Asked on the issuance of an Executive Order for the Games, Ramirez said

that he defers to PHISGOC Chairman, Sec. Alan Cayetano, on the matter and that he is confident that this will soon be released. The issuance of an EO will help the agency and the PHISGOC on their preparations as this usually calls on the cooperation and support of all government instrumentalities.

Forgettable debut for TR

errence Romeo had a forgettable first game for San Miguel Beer on Friday.

Besides a 124-118 loss to prized rookie CJ Perez and

C o lumbian Dyip, the high-scoring guard left the Cuneta Astrodome court with a sprained ankle.

Romeo suffered the injury when he accidentally stepped on Rashawn McCarthy's foot in the third quarter.

He was subbed out and

never returned.

"Gusto ko sanang pilitin pa na ilaro, pero inisip ko pagka pinilit ko, lalo lang ako . . . makakasama lang ako sa team dahil di ako makakahabol sa depensa," Romeo said.

He tallied 7 points and 4 assists, making 2 of 7 shots in 12 minutes before hurting himself in the McCarthy play.

Columbian scored the first upset of the 2019 season o f the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA)

after pipping the Beermen, 124-118, on Day 3 of the Philippine Cup. Behind the hot hands of top draft pick CJ Perez and veteran Jack Corpuz, the Dyip pulled off a 17-7 run to overturn a 100-106 deficit into a 117-113 lead, while free throws down the stretch helped them complete the upset against the Beermen.

“I saw that the boys, they are willing to change their attitude than the last conference,” said Coach John Cardel, whose Columbian side was at the bottom of the standings last Governors' Cup. Perez scored 26 points, 24 coming in the second half, while Corpuz added 21 points and 11 rebounds for the Dyip.

Arwind Santos put up a career-high 34 points and seven rebounds for the Beermen.

In the nightcap, James Yap turned back Father Time to lead Rain Or Shine over NLEX, 9687.

Yap fired 11 points in the pivotal second quarter, where the Elasto Painters took over from the Road Warriors, and finished with 20 points.

"James stepped up big time," said ROS head coach Caloy Garcia.

Javee Mocon added 13 points and five rebounds in just 18 minutes in his PBA debut.

"From his San Beda days, he showed (na) malakas ang katawan niya at kayang makipagsabayan (he is strong and competitive). The nice thing is that he doesn't stop working hard," Garcia said.

JR Quinahan put up 19 points, while Kevin Alas chipped in 12 in his comeback game and Poy Erram made 10 in his NLEX debut. (PNA)

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