Edge Davao | Vol 11 Issue 227 | Tuesday, February 5, 2019

VOL.11 ISSUE 227 • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2019

P 15.00 • 16 PAGES

www.edgedavao.net

QUIBOLOY UNRAFFLED BY ONLINE MEMES

EDGE DAVAO

NEWS P2

Serving a seamless society

MEDICAL CANNABIS. Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Francisco Duque III gestures while interacting with member of the media during a news conference for Rehabinasyon: The 1st National Anti-Drug Summit at Marco Polo Davao in Davao City on Monday. Duque said the agency is in favor of the passing of House Bill 6517 or the Act Providing Compassionate

BUTCH STRESSES CORE VALUES AMONG YOUNG ATHLETES SPORTS P11

and Right of Access to Medical Cannabis and Expanding Research into its Medicinal Properties and for Other Purposes in Congress but added that the implementation it should strictly monitored and properly regulated. Lean Daval Jr

CHURCH CHAOS Confusion mars implementation of backpack ban

By RALPH LAWRENCE LLEMIT

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ecurity officials will seek clarifications with the Archdiocese of Davao after a series of complaints from security authorities and parishioners was received during the first Sunday of implementation of the backpacks ban inside churches and chapels.

The backpacks ban began a week after the terror bomb blast inside a Roman Catholic church in Jolo, Sulu.

Task Force Davao (TF Davao) chief Col. Nolasco Mempin said on Monday

that the implementation of the ban stirred confusion, both from security personnel and parishioners.

Last week, Public Safety and Security Command Center (PSSCC) head Beni-

to de Leon said that Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio had instructed all churchgoers not to bring any backpacks, big bags, bulky plastic bags and boxes in churches and places of worship in the city.

De Leon said that purses and small bag carriers will undergo inspections before getting inside the church.

However, Mempin said that they had received reports that even small bags

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Inday to cops: Run after driving violators

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

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avao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio has ordered the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) to intensify its anti-drunk and drugged driving operations against erring drivers.

Duterte said on Monday the police should seriously implement Republic Act 10586, otherwise

known as the “Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013” which is a campaign of the national government to avoid road incidents.

The mayor said she already talked to the Land Transportation Office (LTO) 11 and told the police to coordinate with the agency for the guidelines

on the use of breathalysers.

“Daghan ang mga aksidente sa dalan tungod sa mga motorista nga naka inom both sa motor og four-wheel vehicles (There are lot of road accidents caused by motorists who are drunk in both motorcycle and four-wheel vehi-

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2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.11 ISSUE 227 • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2019

NEW MOTORBIKES. Police officers from the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) Traffic Group conduct road test of the newly turned over motorcycles from the city government of Davao at Camp Domingo Leonor along San Pedro Street in Davao City on Monday. Lean Daval Jr

PDEA backs ‘Bahay D Pag-asa’for CICLs

Electoral board taps student gov’ts for May 2019 polls

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

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to cleanse the streets from young people sniffing solvent who are the usual suspects of petty crimes.

He said their agency wants kids to be reformed by rehabilitating them inside a facility where they will be looked after by trained staff and professionals.

Carreon said the establishment of Bahay Pag-asa in every LGU is crucial for the reformation and reintegration of neglected children.

The PDEA official said the agency wants to end the impression that there is no solution to the recurring problem of the crime involving this CICL who are into solvent abuse.

“Sa tagal na nating nakikita na sa daming ng mga kabataan na nagkalat sa lansangan, ang impression ng taumbayan na walang malinaw na solusyon (For how many years that we saw this children loitering in the streets, the impression of the people is we don’t have a specific solution for this),” he said citing that after CICLs are rescued by law enforcers, LGU social workers then release them to the parents

City on Sunday.

In a January 2019 data released by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, there are 854 children aged 9 to 17 who are involved in drug-related incidents in 2018.

Of the number, 452 are 17-year olds.

Enforcing drug tests in schools is not new to all as it has been practiced in a lot of universities, especially private institutions, even before President Rodrigo Duterte assumed office.

Under the Duterte administration, CHED has standardized the policies of

drug-testing across all public and private universities.

Meaning, there is just one system of doing it. All who perform the drug testing are health professionals from the Department of Health and other accredited agencies.

The testing will also follow through with an implementation plan that is duly consulted with students and approved by boards of respective universities.

It also guarantees that all results will be confidential and cannot be used to discriminate against the students.(PNA)

he Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) has urged local government units (LGUs) to put up a Bahay Pag-Asa or a rehabilitation center to cater to children in conflict with the law (CICL).

PDEA deputy director Derrick Arnold Carreon said during the Rehabinasyon: The First National Anti-Drug Summit in Davao City, February 3 and 4, their call is in line with their program dubbed as ‘Oplan Sagip Batang Lansangan’ which aims to rescue young people who are abusing prohibited solvent.

Carreon said the PDEA led by its director general Aaron Aquino initiated this program as he wants

Random drug test of students important: CHED

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AVAO CITY -- The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has taken the challenge to combat drug addiction among Filipino youths, as CHED Chair J. Prospero E. de Vera III expressed the need to require mandatory random drug testing for students in all public and private universities in the country.

“A drug dependent student is not a functional student in school, he will not be able to finish his studies,” de Vera said during the first Rehabinasyon National Anti-Drugs Summit in Davao

and these children go back to their usual wicked ways.

“It’s a vicious cycle and this should be stopped,” he said.

Carreon said the program will be launched within this month and the pilot area will be the cities of Metro Manila. He said if this will succeed, it would be implemented all over the country.

Carreon said PDEA will be partnering with private companies through their corporate social responsibility.

He said livelihood and skills training will be provided to them so that after rehabilitation, CICLs can start a new life.

UMAGUETE CITY -The Diocesan Electoral Board (DEB) of the Diocese of Dumaguete is inviting student governments of the different schools, colleges and universities here to actively take part in the May 2019 elections through voters’ education campaigns.

DEB lead convenor Msgr. Julius Perpetuo S. Heruela on Monday highlighted the importance of the students in the upcoming midterm polls considering that the youth comprises a large population of voters.

“We are calling for a meeting Tuesday afternoon with the different student governments of the colleges and universities as well as schools with Senior High para ma aghat sila sa atong voters’ education ug makuha nato ang ilang commitment (to encourage them to participate in the voters’ education and to

get their commitment) to help achieve a clean, honest, peaceful and orderly elections,” Heruela said.

He explained that it has been the trend in previous elections to start around this time of the year, when school is not yet off for the summer break, so that the students are equipped with the necessary information when they return home and “help and serve in their parishes”.

“We will have campus tours, us in the DEB and with the Comelec (Commission on Elections) on the highlights of the election, how to choose a candidate and vote wisely, and the use of the Vote Counting Machine,” he added.

Heruela also stressed the need to dissuade the youth from “selling their votes kay naandan man usahay sa ilang mga ginikanan (as sometimes practiced by their parents)”. (PNA)

amendments to our existing laws in response to our concern at hand,” Lacson said.

Lacson said his committee will look into the policies being implemented by law enforcement for prevention, treatment and response to politically motivated and election-related crimes.

He added that the recent policies regarding the ownership, possession and carrying of firearms will be reviewed.

The panel would also consider the measures being implemented to curb the problem of private armed groups or private armies;

and the relationship of these crimes to political monopoly.

Senator Benigno Aquino IV filed Senate Resolution No. 901 which seeks to investigate the assassination of and attacks against local government officials.

Senate Resolution No. 979, filed by Senator Grace Poe, urges the committee to look into the political killings that claimed the lives of incumbent public officials, with the end goal of formulating more effective measures of law enforcement and investigation. (PNA)

Lacson alarmed by spate of killings S enator Panfilo Lacson on Monday expressed alarm over the spate of killings involving incumbent public officials, particularly election-related violence ahead of the May 2019 polls.

Lacson made the statement as the Senate committee on public order started its inquiry into the political killings in the country.

“The significant increase in the number of victims of election-related violence has become very alarming. As a result, we are all here today to assess and discuss possible legislative measures or

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Ex-NPA reb, brod die in Sarangani ambush G ENERAL SANTOS CITY -- A former unit leader of the New People's Army (NPA) and his younger brother were killed while another sibling was wounded in an ambush by suspected rebels on Sunday in Alabel town, Sarangani province.

Chief Insp. Rey Salgado, chief of the Alabel municipal police station, said Monday brothers Rodel, Welmar and Adonis Niepes were on their way home aboard a motorcycle around 12:30 p.m. when they were waylaid by alleged NPA members in Barangay Paraiso.

Salgado said Rodel and Welmar, who was a Grade 11 senior high school student, suffered multiple gunshot wounds and were declared dead upon arrival at a local hospital.

Adonis was wounded in the attack and is currently undergoing treatment.

Citing accounts from witnesses, the police official said at least 10 heavi-

ly-armed men opened fire at the victims as they were traversing a road in Sitio Nayong, Barangay Paraiso.

"According to reports, the armed men were alleged members of the NPA," he said.

Police officers of the Alabel municipal police station and the Army's 73rd Infantry Battalion found assorted cartridges of high-powered firearms at the scene.

A relative of the victims', whose identity was being withheld, said in a radio interview that the three came from their coconut farm when attacked.

Sources said Rodel, also known as "Kumander Dong," was a former unit leader of the NPA's Front 71, which operates in Sarangani and Davao Occidental provinces.

Rodel and brother Adonis surrendered voluntarily last year and availed of the government's reintegration program. (PNA)

North Cotabato IP leader tells tribal members to vote for BOL

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orth Cotabato 2nd district Rep. Nancy Catamco on Monday urged her fellow tribal members in North Cotabato to vote in favor of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL).

Catamco said she is personally supporting the BOL and even actively participated in its passage in Congress.

Catamco, a Manobo native who previously chaired the Indigenous Peoples committee at the House of Representatives, said that in her view, the passage of the BOL would bring peace and development to indigenous peoples communities.

“It is high time that we achieve peace and order and development in our communities through supporting the BOL. I am for

Peace. Yes for BOL on February 6, 2019,” she said, as she urged her fellow lumad to rally behind the BOL's ratification.

Voters in at least 20 North Cotabato villages, in the towns of Pigcawayan, Aleosan, Pikit and Carmen, will be voting for or against the BOL on Wednesday.

Carmen, in particular, have a sizable IP community belonging to the Aromanon Manobo tribe. Pigcawayan also has pocket sizes of Teduray and Manobo communities.

Catamco said the BOL and the eventual establishment of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) will “in no way diminish the rights and privileges grant-

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ONLINE MEME. Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy sharing a light talk with the media during the opening of the Chinese New Year Village on Friday evening at the Prayer Mountain in Barangay Tamayong, Calinan, Davao City. The pastor said that he is aware of being an online meme personality in social media right now, and he is happy that he brought happiness to the netizens. Ralph Lawrence Llemit

Quiboloy unraffled by online memes

By RALPH LAWRENCE LLEMIT

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e goes by such monikers as “Appointed Son of God” and “Owner of the Universe.”

Despite the controversial tags, Davao-based international brood evangelist Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy sees nothing wrong with the memes involving him. In fact, he just laughs them off and just “ride with it.”

Webopedia.org defines internet meme, or meme, as an activity, concept, catch-

phrase, or piece of media that spreads, often as mimicry or for humorous purposes, from person to person via the Internet. An Internet meme usually takes the form of an image (traditionally an image macro), Graphic Interchange Format (GIF) or video.

The founder and head of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, the Name Above it All, Inc., sent social media rocking after one of his video went viral online which showed him proclaiming himself as the “owner of the

universe”. Previously, the pastor dubbed himself as the “appointed son of God”.

In recent weeks, Davao City was hit by earthquakes and flashfloods which triggered social media netizens to come up with comic memes tagging the pastor as the person behind the spate of calamities. Some netizens jokingly begged him to lower down the power of the air conditioner.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), re-

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PDEA, DOH, DDB cautious on marijuana legalization

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PLEDGES. Participants of Rehabinasyon: The 1st National Anti-Drug Summit place stickers which represent their pledges on Rehabinasyon pick and stick participatory board at Marco Polo Davao on Monday. Lean Daval Jr

ported that the cold spell the country experienced recently was due to the northeast monsoon.

Quiboloy said that he is aware of these circulated memes online, and he is happy that these brought happiness to netizens on cyberspace.

“I just laughed it off. I know some of these posts were just for comedic purposes,” he said during the opening of the Chinese New Year Village at the Prayer Mountain in Barangay Ta-

drug enforcer is encouraging Filipino medical expects to conduct a study on the efficacy of medical cannabis, while the bill for its usage is being discussed right now in the Senate.

Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) director Derrick Carreon said that the basis for lawmakers in conducting studies for its passage are studies done by foreign experts, which may not be applicable in the Philippines.

“We have to realize that the studies made by foreigners, might not necessary be totally applicable for Filipinos, or Asians for that matter,” Carreon said on Monday during the Rehabinasyon: The First National Anti-Drugs Summit at the Marco Polo Hotel in Davao City.

Last week, the House of Representatives approved

on third and final reading the House Bill 6517 or the Act Providing Compassionate and Right of Access to Medical Cannabis and Expanding Research into its Medicinal Properties and for Other Purposes.

The bill only allows the legal usage of marijuana for the benefit of patients suffering from debilitating medical conditions, such as diseases that cause wasting syndrome, severe and chronic pain, severe nausea, seizures including the characteristic of epilepsy, or severe and persistent muscle spasms.

Carreon said that PDEA is closely coordinating with the Department of Health (DOH), through the Philippine Institute of Traditional and Alternative Health Care.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, also present

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4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

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Port of Manila posts P143-M surplus in January: BOC

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he Bureau of Customs-Port of Manila (POM) has posted a revenue surplus of PHP143 million in its January collection.

District Collector Rhea Gregorio said the port's actual collection of PHP7.592 billion is higher than its target of PHP7.449 billion for the period.

She also reported that the total amount of import duties and taxes they collected last month were up by PHP1.79 billion from PHP5.8 billion a year ago.

Gregorio attributed the January surplus to "strict implementation and fair appli-

ROLLBACK. A pump attendant refills a motorcycle at gasoline station in Lanang, Davao City on Monday. Oil firms announced a P0.60 per liter rollback of gasoline price and P0.35 per liter for diesel which will take today. Lean Daval Jr

Davao City earmarks road rehab budget

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he local government unit allocated Php 396.3 million for the rehabilitation of road networks in Davao City this 2019.

Mayor Sara Duterte – Carpio announced the infrastructure allocation during her speech at the 51st Installation of Officers and Board of Trustees of the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industries Inc. (DCCII) held on Jan. 29 at the Marco Polo Hotel in Davao City.

The mayor bared that the budget will be spent on the

concreting and rehabilitation of the roads in all the city’s three districts.

“We want to interconnect all the barangays in Davao City with roads and bridges,” the Mayor said.

She cited the importance of road networks to business thus the big share of road infrastructure taken from the Annual Development Fund

for 2019.

Other infrastructure projects of the city include drainage systems and the construction of healthcare facilities, multipurpose buildings, day care centers and tribal halls. The City will also be allocating P61.9 million for the establishment of Waste-To-Energy facilities.

Infrastructure development particularly the rehabilitation and development of the city road network is part of the 10- development priorities of Davao City which the

Palace on passage of 2019 budget:‘Hope springs eternal’

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alacañang on Monday said it remains confident that the PHP3.757-trillion budget for 2019 will be passed even with only three days left before Congress goes on recess in time for campaign season.

“There’s still three days left, let’s just wait. We’re still confident that it will be passed,” Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a Palace briefing.

“We eagerly await the passage of the General Appropriations Bill. They know it will bring adverse consequences if we have a reenacted budget,” he added.

Panelo reiterated that failing to pass the GAB will delay infrastructure projects under the government’s “Build, Build, Build” program.

However, should Congress fail to approve the 2019 budget before recess, Panelo was optimistic it would be passed when sessions resume on May 20 af-

ter the mid-term elections.

“Then it (projects) will be delayed. So hopefully when Congress resumes meeting again, they will have to pass,” Panelo said.

“Hope springs eternal.

We’ll hope for the best,” he added.

Panelo earlier said Palace expected “smooth-sailing” bicameral conference committee deliberations.

However, there remains to be a budget impasse over alleged "insertions" in the 2019 budget.

Panelo said despite this delay, the President will not interfere with the legislative process.

In a separate message, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea echoed Panelo, hoping that the lawmakers will eventually pass the 2019 budget.

“We are still hopeful that the legislators will perform their constitutional duties as President Duterte and his economic team did by submitting the President's budget on the day of the SONA, or 30 days before

the constitutional deadline,” Medialdea said.

Medialdea also said the President is “dismayed” by lawmakers’ passivity on the 2019 budget.

“He (Duterte) is aware and I am sure he is dismayed at the legislators' inaction which will delay his infrastructure projects,” he said.

Earlier, the House panel in the bicameral conference committee on the national budget asked the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to submit a report on the remaining balance of the 2018 national budget otherwise it will not approve the bicam report on the 2019 budget.

House committee on appropriations chairman Rolando Andaya insisted that the savings report is needed in order to pass the 2019 national budget.

Panelo assured Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno will soon issue a statement on the matter. (With reports from Jhopay Arellano-OJT/ PNA)

Mayor outlined in her State of the City Address in 2018.

The road infrastructure plan of the city for 2019 is on top of the national government- funded big ticket projects implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in the city. These include the ongoing Davao City Coastal Road Project, the Davao High Standard Highway Network and the 10 bypass roads built all over the city, some of which has been completed.

(PIA/RG Alama)

cation of laws, rules and regulation and identifying overlaps and redundancies that causes red tape and avoidable delays."

She also acknowledged the support and cooperation of all stakeholders and hardworking personnel in achieving the collection for the first month of the year.

Gregorio also served as district collector of Port of Subic from September to December last year, where she led the port to achieve an all-time high for its annual collections of PHP22.4 billion or a surplus of PHP1.3 billion. (PNA)

DA chief distributes aid to NoCot farmers

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IGCAWAYAN, North Cotabato -- Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol and Department of Agriculture-Region 12 (DA12) Director Milagros Casis on Saturday awarded more than PHP60-million worth of agricultural projects for several barangays in this town.

Piñol said the program included interventions from banner platforms and special projects of DA such as the rice and corn program, high-value crops development package, and the Special Area for Agriculture Development (SAAD) undertaking for North Cotabato.

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, on the other hand, released more than PHP700,000 worth of fingerlings and fishing boats to fisherfolk.

In Makilala, North Cotabato, Piñol and Casis also graced and led the distribution of various projects under the agency's SAAD in Barangay San Vicente.

Casis said more than PHP4 million worth of SAAD interventions comprising vegetable and high-value crops production packages were turned over by the secretary to the beneficiaries. Hundreds of farmers from the town's 38 barangays listened to the additional good news relayed by the secretary.

These include the initial allocation of PHP5-million fund under the Production Loan Easy Access (PLEA) Program, and concreting of identified key farm-to-market roads, some of which will be funded in 2020 while others would still undergo field validation.

“Optimize the usefulness of the livelihood projects entrusted to you by the government,” Piñol reminded the farmer-beneficiaries during his speech.

He added that the DA will monitor and assess the positive impacts that the projects would bring to their lives in the coming months. (PNA)

DBP offers aid for Manila Bay cleanup S tate-run Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) is prepared to provide the necessary financing to all establishments located near Manila Bay, in support of the government’s efforts to rehabilitate the area, a senior official said on Sunday.

DBP president and chief executive officer Cecilia C. Borromeo said the bank’s loan programs on environment protection and its experience in bankrolling water treatment and sanitation projects would be beneficial to companies seeking to comply with existing environment rules and regulations.

“DBP is ready to provide the necessary financial and technical assistance to all establishments near or along the

coast of Manila Bay to ensure compliance to environmental laws and regulations,” Borromeo said.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) recently spearheaded a massive clean-up of the 2,000 square kilometer Manila Bay, which has degraded over the years due to domestic sewage, toxic industrial effluents and leachate from dumps.

DBP recently joined the inauguration of the bank-funded Paranaque Sewerage Treatment Plant (STP) of the Maynilad Water Services, Inc. which is the pioneer largescale Biological Nutrient Removal (BNR)-compliant wastewater treatment facility in the country.

The plant uses Conventional Activated Sludge technology to remove pollutants from wastewater currently collected from about 100,000 Maynilad customers in Paranaque City before its discharge to the Malabon Creek, which eventually flows out to Manila Bay. Borromeo said DBP will further coordinate with the DENR, local government units, other government entities, and the private sector in finding a sustainable solution to improve water quality in Manila Bay. “DBP is prepared to do its share in this inter-sectoral initiative to clean up, rehabilitate, and improve the water quality of Manila Bay and its tributaries,” Borromeo said. (PR)

NDCP Compound, Camp Aguinaldo, in Quezon City.

Lorenzana said such law, if enacted, will no longer necessitates the proclamation of martial law and the suspension of habeas corpus.

Existing laws against terrorism have no teeth, which necessitates the creation of such measure, he added.

"This is the main argument that we presented to the Senate when we were there to defend martial law. I told

them if they can pass it within the (first) half of this year, then I can recommend the cessation of martial law," Lorenzana said.

Meanwhile, Lorenzana said the extension of martial law in Mindanao will help the government address violent extremism and terrorism.

He said martial law allows law enforcement agencies, local officials and the military to coordinate, collaborate and

DND: Lift ML in Mindanao if anti-terror bill okayed

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f legislators can pass an Anti-Terrorism Act within the first half of the year, Department of National Defense (DND) Delfin Lorenzana on Monday said he will recommend the lifting of martial law in Mindanao by July 1.

He made the statement during the National Defense College of the Philippines Alumni forum, titled "The National Security Outlook for the Philippines in 2019", which was held at Honor Hall,

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ECONOMY

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PH economy to grow further if drug menace solved: DTI

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he Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) expressed its commitment to continue supporting the government's goal of a drugcleared Philippines, as it underscored that the country will have a better economy and productive labor force if the illegal drugs problem is eradicated.

DTI-Davao del Norte provincial director Romeo Castanaga said the drug menace, which poses a threat not just to the country's security but also to the economy and the labor force, will be solved through actively participating in the "whole-of-nation and whole-of-government approach."

"It is threat to human capital, so it is not only a threat to business but also to our productive capacity," Castanga said during an open forum of the first National Anti-Drugs Summit held at the Marco Polo Hotel in Davao on Sunday.

If the drug menace is eradicated, Castanaga said the country would have more productive members of labor force that would even expand to create more medium and small enterprises, which can drive the country's economic growth.

He said the country would even attract more investors with its peaceful and secure environment.

DTI alone, he said, has already helped a huge number of drug reformists engage in small businesses.

Castanaga said since DTI launched its "Aid Campaign," it has already enlisted drug reformists to engage in one of its programs, the Negosyo Centers, which served close to 600,000 clients to include drug reformists.

He said there are already 1,049 Negosyo Centers set up by DTI across the country.

Presidential Communications Assistant Secretary Ramon Cualoping, program director of Rehabinasyon, said the whole-of-nation approach is an investment of the future that involves all stakeholders not only law enforcement.

"Law enforcement (on the drug war) is only the first step," he said, adding that “Rehabinasyon will show the world the government also offers rehabilitation reintegration."

Cualoping said the Duterte administration's campaign includes rehabilitation and reformation of drug reformists, it needs involvement of other support agencies like DTI. "President Rodrigo Duterte has been leading a hard yet a necessary stance against illegal drugs," he added. “The campaign is not rosy. It is constantly receiving criticisms. It is a thorny issue against this administration."

Culaoping expressed optimism that the government will achieve a drugfree Philippines with the cooperation of all agencies and stakeholders. (PNA)

SORTING OUT. A worker sorts out papayas by size which will be displayed at a fruit stall at Bankerohan Public Market in Davao City on Monday. Lean Daval Jr

APAD-Philippines regional platform launched in Davao

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he Asia Pacific Alliance for Disaster Management Philippines or APAD Philippines’ regional platform was launched in Davao City Jan. 24, Thursday, at the Grand Menseng Hotel, in Davao City.

APAD is an alliance of countries in the Asia Pacific region composed of Sri Lanka, Japan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Philippines and South Korea.

Each member country is a key stakeholder in disaster resiliency. It was first formed in Tokyo, Japan in 2011 during the Asia-Pacific Relief Summit.

According to Althea Peñalosa, national coordinator of APAD-Philippines, one of the aims of APAD-Philippines is to help small busi-

nesses to prepare for disasters.

“The local business groups of which is mostly comprised or about 90% small and medium businesses, really need to be prepared because in the eventuality of a calamity and they will be hit, they need to be back, so that the economy of the affected community can restart,” Peñalosa said.

The MOA signing at the Grand Menseng Hotel was held between A-PAD and its partners in the region composed of sectors from the media, academe, local chamber of commerce and industries, civil society, Local Government Units and national government agencies.

Art Milan president of the

Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industries Inc. said the APAD is big help to the region’s economy particularly in dealing with climate change.

“We actually promote risk reduction especially to the micro and small businesses which are the bulk of the member of the Davao City Chamber. So we promote the different programs of A-PAD Philippines so that we can really make businesses specially those in the agri more resilient,” Milan said.

The Davao Region Platform is the 5th A-PAD regional platform, joining Bicol, Central Visayas and Eastern Visayas.

Another regional platform is being planned in the Ilocos Region. (PIA/RG Alama)

holding tax on the interest income on the refund of meter deposits paid to residential and general service customers whose monthly consumption exceeds 200 kilowatts per hour will be retained at 10 percent.

The refund to Meralco customers was ordered by the Supreme Court almost 16 years ago. The High Court affirmed with finality on April 9, 2003 the decision of the then-Energy Regulatory Board or ERB (replaced by the Energy Regulatory Commission or ERC in 2001) to refund customers who were overcharged by Meralco since February 1994 because the company had wrongly passed on its income tax payments as costs tucked in the consumers' monthly electricity bills.

Under the existing RR issued by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), the creditable withholding tax for the refund paid to Meralco is 25 percent for customers with active contracts, and 32 per-

cent for those with terminated contracts.

These rates will be cut under the new RR approved

by Dominguez to a flat 15 percent effective January 1, 2019 as provided under Section 17 of TRAIN, said Tionko, who heads the Revenue Operations Group of the Department of Finance.

Section 17 of TRAIN further amends Section 57 (B) of the National Internal Revenue Code as amended, to read: (B) Withholding of Creditable Tax at Source.— The Secretary of Finance may, upon the recommendation of the Commissioner, require the withholding of a tax on the items of income payable to natural or juridical persons, residing in the Philippines, by payor-corporation/persons as provided for by law, at the rate of not less than one percent (1 percent) but not more than thirty-two percent (32 percent) thereof, which shall be credited against the income tax liabili-

Customers' withholding tax on Meralco refunds cut to 15%

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inance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III has approved a revenue regulation (RR) reducing by almost half the 25 to 32 percent creditable withholding tax on the refund due customers of the Manila Electric Company (Meralco) to a flat 15 percent as provided under the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law. The new RR also lowers the current 20 percent withholding tax on the interest income on the refund paid to non-residential Meralco customers to 15 percent, the Department of Finance (DOF) announced in a statement on Monday.

For other electric distribution utilities, the withholding tax on interest income on the refund paid to their non-residential customers, which is currently at 20 percent, was also cut to 15 percent under the new RR. Finance Undersecretary Antonette Tionko, who recommended the approval of the new RR, said the with-

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EDITORIAL One happy problem

T

he first Sunday of implementation of the backpack ban in churches turned out to be chaotic. But that’s a good sign. A happy problem to say the least.

After the city’s Public Safety and Security Command Center (PSSCC) recommended to the Archdiocese of Davao the banning of big backs like backpacks inside churches, the Catholic church responded positively with no less than Archbishop Romulo Valles, concurrent head of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), coming out with a circular to all parishes. The ban was recommended in the aftermath of the twin bombings inside a Catholic church in Jolo, Sulu during a Sunday service which resulted to the death of 22 people aside from over 100 other getting wounded. The bomb was reported to be contained in a backpack and left in one of the pews of the church.

As a precautionary measure, the PSSCC came up with the memo to ban big backs inside places of worship and convergence--a sensible measure considering that Davao City experienced the same fate back

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with bombings of the San Pedro Cathedral in 1981 and 1993. On Sunday, the first implementation of the bag ban took off. But it meant some chaotic experience to churchgoers.

A rash of complaints came about with the implementation, mostly because of the stressful long and tedious queues and the confusion on the size of the bags to be confiscated.

However, these are signs that people are alerted. To those who complied with the circular and expected the long queues, the big bag and backpack ban is welcome. To the uninformed and defiant, it was a nightmare.

The chaos is expected as there is yet some clearcut guidelines on the size of bag which is allowable and this must be addressed soon by the PSSCC and implementors of the ban.

There will be some chaos for sure but that is understandable on the first go. Whether people like it or not, the delays and the inconvenience are necessary in ensuring safety for all.

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL.11 ISSUE 227 • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2019

VANTAGE POINTS

7

Suffer the little children

“C

hildren in conflict with the law are already victims of circumstances, mostly because of poverty and exploitation by adult crime syndicates.” – Lotta Sylwander, United Nations Children’s Fund representative to the Philippines.

From 15 years old to 9 years old – that’s what the House committee on justice recently approved.

“Let it be understood that with the present bill, we are not putting these children in jail but in reformative institutions to correct their ways and bring them back to the community,” explained House justice panel chairperson and Oriental Mindoro First District Representative Salvador Leachon. “They are not branded as criminals but children in conflict with the law.”

According to the unnamed bill, children from 9 years old and below 15 years old who committed serious offenses – murder, parricide, infanticide, serious illegal detention, carnapping, and violation of the dangerous drugs law – would be brought to Bahay Pag-asa for rehabilitation.

On the other hand, exploiter of the child – and there are many of them, including parents – would face 12 to 20 years in prison if the crime committed has a

punishment equivalent to 6 years in jail time.

Now, if the child in conflict with the law commits a crime where the punishment is more than 6 years in prison, his or her exploiter would face life imprisonment or up to 40 years in prison, Leachon said.

Parents of the children in conflict with the law would undergo a similar intervention program. Now, if the parents “will not perform” the interference given to them, they would go to jail instead.

If the child in conflict with the law reaches legal age of 18 and fails to reformed, “that is the only time he or she would be sent to agricultural camps or training centers.” Upon reaching 25 years old, he or she will be set free, “whether or not the sentence was completed.”

The law is a wakeup call for parents and parents-tobe. Parents are supposed to provide the needs of their children. Aside from that, they have to be responsible for their children and guide them to have a better future.

I have observed that most of those who grow up and become problems of the society come from broken home families or whose parents have not guided them. There are parents who provide their children

THINK ON THESE!

Henrylito D. Tacio

the necessities of life but fail to give the proper care and guidance.

Teach your children well, so goes a line of a song.

It must be recalled that on November 20, 1959, the United Nations proclaimed

by General Assembly Resolution 1386 the Declaration of the Rights of Child: “they he may have a happy childhood and enjoy for his own good and for the good of society the rights and freedoms…”

Allow me to share some of the principles stated in the Declaration: Principle 2: “The child shall enjoy special protection, and shall be given opportunities and facilities, by law and by other means, to enable him to develop

physically, mentally, morally, spiritually, and socially in a healthy and normal manner and in conditions of freedom and dignity.”

Principle 4: “The child shall enjoy the benefits of social security. He shall be entitled to grow and develop in health; to this end, special care and protection shall be provided both to him and to his mother, including adequate pre-natal and post-natal care. The child shall have the right to adequate nutrition, housing, recreation and medical services.”

Principle 6: “The child, for the full and harmonious development of his personality, needs love and understanding. He shall, wherever possible, grow up in the care and under the responsibility of his parents, and, in any case, in an atmosphere of affection and of moral and material security; a child of tender years shall not, save in exceptional circumstances, be separated from his mother. Society and the public authorities shall have the duty to extend particular care to children without a family and to those without adequate means of support. “ Principle 7: “The child is entitled to receive education, which shall be free and compulsory, at least in the elementary stages. He shall be given an education which will promote his gen-

eral culture and enable him, on a basis of equal opportunity, to develop his abilities, his individual judgement and his sense of moral and social responsibility, and to become a useful member of society.”

Principle 9: “The child shall be protected against all forms of neglect, cruelty and exploitation. He shall not be the subject of traffic, in any form. The child shall not be admitted to employment before an appropriate minimum age; he shall in no case be caused or permitted to engage in any occupation or employment which would prejudice his health or education, or interfere with his physical, mental or moral development.”

Principle 10: “The child shall be protected from practices which may foster racial, religious and any other form of discrimination. He shall be brought up in a spirit of understanding, tolerance, friendship among peoples, peace and universal brotherhood, and in full consciousness that his energy and talents should be devoted to the service of his fellow men.”

To end this piece, allow me to quote the words of Jane D. Hull. She said: “At the end of the day, the most overwhelming key to a child’s success is the positive involvement of parents.”

Political will + positive mindset & vice-versa

I

read somewhere that the greatest struggles are not fought on the world’s battlefields.

They are fought in human hearts as men and women deal with the pressures within, which often defeat them.

The real enemies are forces such as fear, worry, inadequacy, inferiority, anger, frustration, hate, greed and the inability to cope.

The Manila clean-up is a good example of what political will plus a positive mindset can do. It results to something really satiating and pleasing. Progress, yu could say.

Critics of this administration never cease to make a fool of themselves.

When Boracay was first broached to be closed for a total environmental clean-up, so many idiots raised alarm bells.

After Boracay was rehabilitated because of the thorough clean-up campaign that brought to the fore what political will and positive mindset can do, the idiots cringed in silence.

The fools that they are, they keep injecting fears and doubts into our countrymen’s consciousness because the government has been found wanting in many respects since, for so a long time ago.

Many of our readers may not know it but as a young child, I have for many decades savored watching the sun set from the same spot where the clean-up drive began.

Taking a walk along Roxas boulevard (then known as Dewey Blvd., after American Admiral George Dewey) up to the beach resorts in Pasay and Paranaque was already a big deal.

Many tourists – mostly Americans – were themselves taking those long walks because the weather was good and the breeze from the bay was cool as the sun quietly bids the day goodbye in the horizon.

Wow, that is why Philippine postcards then featured as a tourist come-on the world famous “sunset at Manila Bay.”

SPECKS OF LIFE Fred C. Lumba Again, the same idiots reappeared when PRRD ordered a thorough cleanup of the area that has, for years, become the dumping ground of trash and debris of any kind.

Will the positive yield to the negative?

This is where political will arises, combining itself with the positive mindset that results to progress. And productivity. And unity.

In today’s age and era, we need a leader whose political will does not bend to the whims of the political times and to the capric-

es of politicians.

As is often said and observed, desperate times need desperate measures.

If the people collectively want positive change to happen NOW, they must support the incumbent government to the hilt because this administration is instituting change however popular the change can be.

Political will plus positive mindset is the antithesis of the status quo.

The idiots are following the idiotic status quo being defended by idiots who benefitted greatly from the status quo.

Who wants to be an idiot?

The status quo had always had a bad connotation, mind you.

That is why CHANGE had to come.

Change has been chasing the status quo no end, to try and put an end to its debilitating effect.

The paradox of life is that while we all condemn the status quo as evil and degenerative, many of our leaders – from yesterday

until today – are still masquerading as pro-change but they are not.

We are still a blessed nation because God, in His infinite wisdom, destined an unknown leader from a small, remote city to become our President.

This, despite all the odds.

Ah (sigh). I wish the millions of millennial children and youth will understand what PRRD is doing for the country despite the odds and the tide of obstructive criticisms of a few disgruntled sectors.

Whatever this means, I quote the late French philosopher and social theoretician, Michel Foucault, who wrote in Discipline and Punish: “The soul is the effect and instrument of a political anatomy; the soul is the prison of the body.” (Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo. com.) Lamentations 3:5859: “O, Lord, you took up my case; you redeemed my life. You have seen, O Lord, the wrong done to me. Uphold my case!” GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!

8

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.11 ISSUE 227 • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2019

COMPETITIVE EDGE

New TESDA scholarship guidelines seek to ensure livelihood of beneficiaries

T

eachers, students, and parents in the Bukidnon-based Dalirig Elementary School all had their hands on deck on a Tuesday morning, as they prepared a feast to celebrate one of the biggest activities to happen at the school.

On that day, AboitizPower subsidiary Hedcor turned over a single-storey, two-classroom building, which came with tables, arm chairs, and spacious comfort rooms.

For two months, teachers and students at Dalirig Elementary School witnessed the construction of the new facility as it was built right behind their old classrooms. The project is a collaboration between Hedcor Bukidnon, Inc. and Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. as part of their initiative to advance their partner communities through education.

The beneficiaries did not hold back on expressing their joy and gratitude over the new school building, with selected students performing the Kaamulan, a native dance in the Bukidnon province, which signifies thanksgiving. Parents and teachers alike were generous in their efforts to make the ceremony even more festive, providing a sumptuous lunch for everyone and

preparing the venue for the event.

No less than Manolo Fortich Mayor Clive Quino led the turnover ceremony and sincerely expressed his gratitude over the said initiative.

“Lahi ang business culture sa (The business culture is different at) Hedcor. They do not engage with community just for business but rather they want to bring change to the community, and change comes from education.

In Manolo Fortich, Hedcor has already given us 13 classrooms. These are one of the reason why we should consider ourselves very lucky to be partners with Hedcor,” Mayor Quino said.

Among the members of the school faculty, teachers Jamaima Okit and Jean Rizo were most thrilled by the new classrooms since they were tasked to look after these new facilities.

“I checked the classrooms from time to time during its construction. I just couldn’t wait for the classrooms to be completed. Seeing it now, the classrooms are amazing!” teacher Jamaima shared.

Teacher Jean added that the new learning facility will improve the quality of the education they provide to their learners.

“The classrooms are

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, - versus -

WITH BATED BREATH. A pawikan or sea turtle nest with about 30 eggs discovered on the coastline of AboitizPower subsidiary Therma South, Inc. (TSI) last December 14, 2018 could hatch any day in February. A temporary enclosure was built around the nest to protect the eggs from predators. As soon as they emerge, TSI will release the hatchlings and assist them on their way to the sea. Margelaine V. Arguillas (third from right), chief of the Protected Areas Management and Biodiversity Conservation Section of the Department of Environment and Natural

Resources-Region XI (DENR XI), with her team, checked the nest on February 1, 2019. TSI has been working closely with the DENR as well as with the Aboitiz Cleanergy Park, which has its own pawikan conservatory, on the protection of these eggs to ensure they survive. The discovery of the sea turtle nest inside the plant compound is a testament to AboitizPower's mission of providing reliable and reasonably priced power with the least adverse effects on the environment and its host communities. ###

conducive for learning.

With the comfort the classrooms provide, the students’ mind are more than set to learn new lessons,” she said.

river hydropower arm of AboitizPower which operates 21 power facilities in the country with a total gross capacity of 250 MW. To advance business

The turnover of these classrooms is one of Hedcor’s biggest community relations activities for 2018.

Hedcor is the run-of-

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

RCBC SAVINGS BANK, Mortgagee, EJF-REM CASE NO. 17,068-18

- versus -

EJF-REM CASE NO. 17,098-19

NELSON E. GORGONIO, Mortgagor/s.

SPS. BAINGAN W. IBRAHIM and DANNY P. USMAN, Mortgagor/s.

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

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

NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL SALE

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;

Upon extra-judicial petition for foreclosure and sale under Act 3135, as amended, filed by the mortgagee RCBC SAVINGS BANK against the mortgagor/s SPS. BAINGAN W. IBRAHIM and DANNY P. USMAN with residence and postal address at 182 VIRGO ST. corner PLUTO ST., GSIS HEIGHTS, MATINA, DAVAO CITY, to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness which as of NOVEMBER 20, 2018 amounted to THREE MILLION ONE HUNDRED TWENTY SEVEN THOUSAND THREE HUNDRED FORTY FIVE PESOS & 91/100 (Php3,127,345.91), Philippine Currency, inclusive of principal and interest and penalties and other charges, 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 28, 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. 146-2017000661

TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. 146-2013008645 “A Parcel of Land (Lot 5, Blk. 20-A of the subdivision plan (LRC) PSD-201405, being a portion of Lot 1000-B-2-N-2-C, (LRC) PSD-3703, L.R.C. (GLRO) Cad. No. 317), Situated in the Barrio of Matina, City of Davao, Island of Mindanao. xxx, xxx. Containing an area of Three Hundred Fifty Six (356) Square Meters, more or less, xxx, xxx”

“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.

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.

That in the event the public auction should not take place on the said date, it shall be held on MARCH 28, 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.

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 22, 2019.

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

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES Municipal Trial Courts in Cities 11th Judicial Region Branch 5 Davao City

IN THE MATTER OF THE PETITION FOR CORRECTION OF ENTRIES IN THE CERTIFICATE OF LIVE BIRTH OF JENNIFER ASAYAS JUNTILLA with Registry No. 99-5,570, with PRAYER FOR ANNOTATION OF LEGITIMATION AND THAT SHE BE LEGALLY KNOWN AS “JENNIFER ASAYAS JUNTILLA” JENNIFER ASAYAS JUNTILLA, NESTOR AGRAVANTE JUNTILLA, SR. and MARLINDA ASAYAS JUNTILLA, Petitioner, -versusTHE OFFICE OF THE LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR OF DAVAO CITY, Respondent, X-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------X ORDER The petitioner through counsel filed this verified petition seeking an order from this Court, that after due notice, publication and hearing, to direct the Local Civil Registrar of Davao City to correct the following entries in petitioner’s Certificate of Live Birth, particularly her name from “JENNIFER ASAYAS JUNTILLA” to “JENNIFER ASAYAS”; and the date of her birth from “December 1, 1988” to “December 1, 1982”; and to direct the Local Civil Registrar to annotate her Legitimation and that she will be legally known as “Jennifer Asayas Juntilla”.

Finding the petition to be sufficient in form and substance, the same is hereby given due course and set for hearing on FEBRUARY 25, 2019 at 8:30 in the morning, at which date and time any interested party may appear and show cause, if any, why said petition should not be granted.

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

Petitioner is directed to submit the Judicial Affidavits of her witnesses five (5) days before the scheduled hearing. The Branch Clerk of Court is hereby commissioned to hear and receive the evidence of the parties.

Furnish the Office of the Solicitor General, the Local Civil Registrar of Davao City and the City Legal Office of Davao City with a copy of this Order and each with a copy of the Petition, who may oppose the same within fifteen (15) days from notice hereof.

SO ORDERED. Davao City, Philippines, August 31, 2018.

For ATTY. FRANCISCO M. CAMPANER The OIC Clerk of Court / Ex-Officio Prov’l. Sheriff:

(sgd.) SERGIO LEONARDO J. TUPAS Sheriff IV

(sgd.) RETRINA E. FUENTES Judge

(sgd.) ORLANDO S. ACOSTA Sheriff IV Jan. 29, Feb. 05 & 12, 2019

and communities, Hedcor envisions “A Better Future” through Cleanergy, AboitizPower’s brand for clean and renewable energy.

Jan. 29, Feb. 05 & 12, 2019

INdulge!

TRAVEL

VOL.11 ISSUE 227 • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2019

EDGEDAVAO

Ni hao, Year of the pig!

Lanterns in the sky.

Chinese New Year at the Prayer Mountain

By RALPH LAWRENCE LLEMIT

IT’S NOT a Pinoy thing to begin with but because of the deep culture Filipinos share with Chinese, celebrating the Chinese New Year has of late become embedded in Pinoy tradition.

In Davao City, people looking for a great place to celebrate--whether with family, friends or even just with one’s self--should look no further.

On February 1 (Friday), the Chinese New Year Village at the Prayer Mountain in Tamayo, Calinan, opened its doors to the public -- four days before the actual celebration. The village is located in the same place where the first Christmas Village was opened November 15, 2018 to January 15 this year.

Chinese themed structures and displays adorn the village which runs until February 19.

To officially kick off the celebration, a colourful dragon dance greeted everyone in attendance. A parade of Chinese iconic characters, such as panda and women in traditional

Take your time and tour the village.

Chinese costumes. The biggest attraction and the undisputed star of this year’s Chinese New Year, the pig mascot representing the Year of the Pig in Chinese calendar.

A replica of the wonders of the world through a colourful 3D mapping presentation wowed the crowd.

Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy, founder and leader of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KJC) said the Chinese Village was built and designed to bring happiness and joy to all in the same tradition as the monumental hit Christmas Village.

“During the Christmas village, we had so many

Chinese visitors, and they were asking me if we will be having a Chinesethemed village, which was also part of our plan,” Quiboloy shared during a media interview.

The popular evangelist was impressed with the visitor turnout prompting him to consider making the celebration an annual event.

“We are doing this in honor to all the Chinese communities here in Davao City,” he said.

Quiboloy also said that they will be having more themes for the village in the coming months, including the Flores de Mayo and the Kadayawan festival.

A traditional Chinese lion dance to welcome everyone.

EDGED

A2 INdulge!

TRAVEL

THE BEST OF 2018: Some views you never tire of.

Travel year-in-review PART 2

Continuing the story from last week, I was sharing my best of 2018 Travel Year-in-Review.

THE SECOND YEAR OF PHL PROFESSIONAL SURFING If you haven’t yet heard, the Philippines now has an ongoing professional surfing league.

Designed to bolster talent from different parts of the country, the Philippine Surfing Championship Tour (PSCT) ran its second-year last year, and I got to be part of it.

The opening leg of the tour was in Siargao which I thought was befitting since Siargao was one of the nation’s premier surfing destinations. Lanuza in Surigao del Sur followed in November. Unlike it’s more famous neighbor, Siargao, Lanuza had this ultimate laidback vibe that only small, quiet surf towns had.

Despite having only three

Hong Kong International Airport’s Cloud Gallery. legs as opposed to last year’s four which had Baler and La Union, this year we had the privilege of having the closing leg in a new surf destination that was virtually unknown before. This small fishing vil-

lage in Sabang, Cabugao in Ilocos Sur was just under the surf radar until PSCT arrived.

It was a leg we would never forget. I’ll let the photos do the talking.

THE RISE CONFERENCE IN HONG KONG My first out of the country trip! I may draw ire and rolling eyes from this statement.

It took me that long before I could travel abroad and the

truth is, I didn’t mind taking my time to travel around the Philippines first before visiting other countries.

We spent a total of eight days in Hong Kong. Five of those days were spent on the

Around Hong Kong in 72 hours

Celebrating the Year of the Pig in Asia’s dynamic world city FOR FILIPINO TRAVELLERS who would like to welcome the Year of the Pig like a local in Asia’s dynamic world city, Hong Kong, with just 72 hours, one can experience its colourful, atmospheric festive culture to its fullest.

DAY 1: THE DAY BEFORE Fai Hui Park, Mong Kok | 7am on 4 February to 7am on 5 February Victoria Park, Causeway Bay | 8am on 4 February to 8am on 5 February Arrive in Hong Kong and explore the many beautiful seasonal flowers and plants on display at some of the city’s most vibrant flower markets. Not only do they have flowers, they too have an assortment of products and sumptuous delicacies that reflect Hong Kong’s rich culture.

Trivia: Cherry Blossoms are believed to improve personal, particularly romantic, relationships while Water Bamboos are said to bring wealth.

DAY 2: FIRST DAY Spiritual walk and a healthy lunch - Lantau Island : Ngong Ping Village, Po Lin Monastery, Big Buddha Many locals believe that climbing uphill signifies progress in life. Lantau Island, home to the world’s tallest outdoor sitting Buddha, has been a favourite by the locals and visitors.

Start the spiritual journey by taking the cable car from Tung Chung, stop at Ngong Ping Village and visit the “Good Luck Garden” before sampling Chinese vegetarian dishes at Po Lin Monastery. Do not leave Lantau Island without admiring the Big

Buddha next to the temple.

Catch the biggest Chinese New Year soiree at Tsim Sha Tsui, running through Canton Road, Haiphong Road and Nathan Road from 8pm to 9:45pm Tsim Sha Tsui has been the setting for the Cathay Pacific International Chinese New Year Night Parade since 1996. Performers, dancers, and dazzling floats, including those from Hong Kong Disneyland and Ocean Park Hong Kong, take over the major roads and fill the district. Paid spectator seats are also available.

DAY 3: SECOND DAY Lam Tsuen Wishing Square, Lam Tsuen, Tai Po | 8:45am to 6:30pm Make a wish and aim high.

Initially a tradition of the village, placard throwing gradu-

Tsim Sha Tsui has been the setting for the Cathay Pacific International Chinese New Year Night Parade since 1996.

Photo by Hong Kong Tourism Board. ally came to attract people. Buy Floats from the International a placard, which is tied to an Chinese New Year Night Parade orange, write your wishes on are on display until 19 February it, and throw it at the imita2019. tion Wishing Tree at the Hong Catch the Lunar New Year Kong Well-wishing Festival in Fireworks Display along VicLam Tsuen, Tai Po. The higher toria Harbour from 8pm to the placard hangs, the greater 8:30pm. Firework, or “smoke chance for the wishes to come flower” in Cantonese, is an intetrue. gral part of celebrations in Hong

EDAVAO

INdulge! A3

VOL.11 ISSUE 227 • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2019

A photo of the grand champion of 2018 barreling in Cloud 9. Photo by Oli Bayer.

RISE Conference which was the best tech conference I’ve ever attended in my life. With over 15,000 attendees and more than 300 speakers from over 100 countries, this was the largest tech gathering in Asia.

With startup booths from A-Z, the conference occupied almost the whole third floor of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. It was an intellectual retreat for me, and I was absorbing everything like a sponge. My poor brain tried to be able to handle visit-

ing all the booths, and I was almost able to!

At the end of the five days, with lots of information and stories to last me a lifetime, we ended our Hong Kong trip by visiting Disneyland and playing tourist to a few other wellknown shopping destinations.

UNDROWNING IN BALER In most ways, this was the trip I never expected to surf.

I didn’t plan on going, and truthfully, I thought I lost the spark of stoke in my soul.

Chinese New Year Fireworks Display. Photo by HKSAR. Kong. For years, a fireworks DAY 4: THIRD DAY OF CNY display is staged above Victoria Spin the windmill and turn Harbour on the second day of your fortune around. PayChinese New Year. The about ing respect to the deities is a 30-minute spectacle can be best customary practice among the viewed for free along the harlocals. Visit Che Kung Temple bour front in Tsim Sha Tsui, the in Tai Wai, and try “Kau Chim”, Golden Bauhinia Square in Wan or fortune stick drawing, to see Chai, or IFC in Central. what fortune awaits in the Year of the Pig. Remember to spin the

up the beachfront, I squealed in delight as I saw head-high waves breaking and I knew The Baler I’ll remember—when from that moment on that I’d it’s firing and never never lost it. boring.

I went surfing of course, with new connections I made from PSCT last year. Through Harriet, I was able to join Mark Aguila (who was the longboard champion in 2017) accompanied me for a short Hanging out by surf session. It was amazing! I the shore—things was longboarding for the first you’ll never say it’s time in the longest time. Gettoo much. ting head-high waves in not My cousin, Ab, and his mom, so friendly conditions—I was Tita Carol, invited me around feeling so stoked and on top of October last year. I haven’t the world when suddenly my been surfing in a while, and I leash broke. thought I’d lost the magic.

I found myself tumbling Without checking the foreunderwater. I couldn’t concast, I hopped in the car and trol myself nor did I have just slept my way through the the strength to swim up to six-hour drive from Manila to the surface—I didn’t even Baler. Occasionally waking up know which way was up. I because Buddy, my cousin’s was already taking in water, huge golden retriever pup, half-choking and trying to would walk over me since we breathe. I thought it was the were both in the backseat. end, but when I asked myself if To my surprise, when we this was it, somehow my soul got to Baler and parked right responded fiercely with a “No!

temple’s famous copper windmill clockwise to summon good luck.

Try your luck at the Chinese New Year Race Day at the Sha Tin Racecourse from 11am to 6pm. Bet to get into the mood and cheer on the jockey of your choice. The special races, the first in the Year of the Pig, provide the perfect opportunity for visitors to experience horseracing.

Hong Kong has a lot more to offer. Many shops and restaurants remain open during the holiday period, while major attractions, theme parks and public transport operate as usual.

Buy a placard, which is tied to an orange, write your wishes on it, and throw it at the imitation Wishing Tree at the Hong Kong Well-wishing Festival in Lam Tsuen.

Photo by Hong Kong Tourism Board.

You can’t die like this!”

Long story short, I was able to get myself safely on to shore by asking for help and borrowing an acquaintance’s board (thanks, JP!) so I could recover better. I loved this tough love kind of welcome in Baler, and I promised I’d be back to redeem myself because the waves were just that awesome though I was too scared out of my skin to go back.

REVISITING DAHICAN In December, I took a special trip to visit Dahican—my home break, my classroom and the place where I spent most of my time after resigning from the corporate world in 2016.

This was one of my most recent trips and to quote what I said “You’ll always be the view I’ll never get tired of looking at. The sound of the waves crashing and the laughter of local children—it’ll always be a welcome sound to my ear.

You never get old, Dahican.

I miss you, especially during Amihan.”

A4 INdulge!

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.11 ISSUE 227 • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2019

9 HEALTH EDGEDAVAO

VOL.11 ISSUE 227 • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2019

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT PNEUMONIA

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

“

There is a pneumonia outbreak here in the Philippines,” the post cautioned.

The warning was posted in the social media by a person whose two friends reportedly died of it. Two others were confined in the hospital as both also suffered from the lung infection.

The emergency room of a well-known hospital and others are full because so many people are confined due to pneumonia.

“Is this true?” the person who shared the post asked.

“There is no reported outbreak,” the Department of Health reacted to the Netizen’s inquiry. “It is flu season and we urge everybody to take extra care not to get infected.”

In the Philippines, December and January are rainy season. As such, flu is the most common form of illnesses that happen during this time.

“The Philippines is one of the 15 countries that together account for 75% of childhood pneumonia cases worldwide,” the UN World Health Organization (WHO) reports. “In children under 5 years, pneumonia is the leading cause of mortality.”

Pneumonia is actually an infection of the lungs that involves the small air sacs (alveoli) and the tissues around them. But then, pneumonia isn’t a single illness but many different ones, each caused by a different microscopic organism.

As Donald and Diana Stroetzel explained in an article which appeared in Reader’s Digest: “Pneumonia is a catchall name for a number of look-alike conditions, some requiring different medications.”

“Pneumonia tends to be more serious for children under the age of five, adults over the age of 65, people with certain conditions such as heart failure, diabetes,

or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or people who have weak immune systems due to HIV/AIDS, chemotherapy (a treatment for cancer), or organ or blood and marrow stem cell transplant procedures,” the US National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) says.

Lifestyle habits, like smoking cigarettes and drinking too much alcohol, can also raise a person’s chances of getting pneumonia. “Smoking damages your body’s natural defenses against the bacteria and viruses that causes pneumonia,” the Mayo Clinic says.

Medical science said bacteria and viruses are the most common causes of pneumonia. In adults, the most common causes are bacteria, such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Legionella, and Hemophilus influenzae.

Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most common bacterial cause of pneumonia. A person who has been infected with one of the 80 known types of pneumococcus develops partial immunity to the others. Staphylococcus aureus causes only two percent of pneumonia cases acquired outside the hospital, but it causes 10% to 15% of those acquired in hospitals while people are being treated for another disorder.

Legionella accounts for one to eight percent of all pneumonias and about four percent of fatal pneumonias in hospitals. Despite its name, Hemophus influenzae isn’t caused by the virus that causes flu. The Hemophus influenza type b strains are the most virulent strains and cause serious diseases including pneumonia.

There are several viruses that cause pneumonia. In infants and children, respiratory syncytial virus, adenovi-

rus, parainfluenza virus, and influenza virus are the most common causes. The measles virus also may cause pneumonia, especially in malnourished children.

In healthy adults, two types of influenza virus – called types A and B – cause pneumonia. The chickenpox virus can also cause pneumonia in adults. In elderly people, viral pneumonia is likely to be caused by influenza, parainfluenza, or respiratory syncytial virus.

There are three types of fungi that commonly cause pneumonia: Histoplasma capsulatum, which causes histoplasmosis; Coccidioides immitis, which causes c o c c i d i o i d o myc o s i s ; and Blastomyces dermatitidis, which causes blastomycosis.

Most people who become infected have only minor symptoms and don’t

know that they’re infected. Some become gravely ill.

There are so-called “atypical pneumonias,” which are pneumonias caused by organisms other than the typical bacteria, viruses, or fungi. The most common causes are Mycoplasma pneumoniae andChlamydia pneumoniae. Both bacteria-like organisms are the most common cause of pneumonia in people ages 5 to 35. Mycoplasma epidemics reportedly occurs in confined groups such as students, military personnel, and families. “(Pneumonia) is a tough disease to diagnose,” says Dr. Marie Budev, a pulmonologist and the medical director of the lung transplant program at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio. “Age makes a big difference, as well as a person’s im-

mune system… and, of course, the symptoms themselves."

“The signs and symptoms of pneumonia may vary from mild to severe, depending on factors such as the type of germ causing the infection, and your age and overall health,” the Mayo Clinic says. “Mild signs and symptoms often are similar to those of a cold or flu, but they last longer.”

The Mayo Clinic says the signs and symptoms of pneumonia may include: chest pain when you breathe or cough; confusion or changes in mental awareness (in adults age 65 and older); cough, which may produce phlegm; fatigue; fever, sweating and shaking chills; lower than normal body temperature (in adults older than age 65 and people with weak immune systems); nausea, vomiting or di-

arrhea; and shortness of breath.

“Newborns and infants may not show any sign of the infection,” the Mayo Clinic informs. “Or they may vomit, have a fever and cough, appear restless or tired and without energy, or have difficulty breathing and eating.”

Treatment depends on whether bacteria, viruses or fungi are causing the pneumonia. “If bacteria are causing your pneumonia,” the NHLBI says, “you usually are treated at home with oral antibiotics. Most people respond quickly to treatment. If your symptoms worsen, you should see a doctor right away. If you have severe symptoms or underlying health problems, you may need to be treated in a hospital. It may take several weeks to recover from pneumonia.”

10 NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

CHURCH... FROM 1

INDAY... FROM 1

in some parishes were not allowed, as posted on its tarpaulin.

“In Redem (Redemptorist Church in Bajada), there was an alleged complaint wherein a lady was not allowed inside the church for bringing a small bag,” he said on Monday during the 28th Philippine National Police (PNP) Foundation Day celebration at the Police Regional Office XI (PRO XI) in Catitipan.

“Many were disappointed because of the inconvenience the incident caused. It was supposed to be a Lord’s Day, but people who fall in line were already stressed,” Mempin said.

He said that the issue was immediately addressed.

The TF Davao chief said that they are planning to communicate with Davao Archbishop Romulo Valles, who is also the head of the Catholic Bishop’s Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) to settle the church’s issued memorandum.

Mempin said that other religious denominations

have not requested for security deployment in their respective churches, but he said that they are ready to assign police personnel if a request is made.

PRO XI director Chief Supt. Marcelo Morales, meanwhile, is seeking for the public’s cooperation and understanding in the tightened security in these areas.

“Hope they would understand that we are doing this for the safety of our churchgoers,” Morales added, “We don’t want these places to be attacked by terroristic opportunies, as experienced in other regions.”

The latest casualty count in the Jolo blasts inside the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Cathedral was 22 dead and 100 others injured.

The incident happened days after the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) plebiscite. Sulu is one of the areas who voted against being part of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). However, authorities have not confirmed if the bombing incident is BOL-related.

cles)” she said.

As support, Duterte gave 20 new motorcycle units to DCPO and Task Force Davao and 12 of these will be deployed for the campaign.

Each Kawasaki Versys 650 CC motorbike unit costs P645,000 and is ideal for running after drunk drivers who will resist to be subjected for sobriety test.

mayong, Calinan.

However, Quiboloy clarified that posts of him and Davao City Mayor Sara Dutete-Carpio on social media page Twitter are fake.

“Those are fake tweets, made by my opponents from other religions,” he said, without naming names.

On the other hand, he sees this as an opportunity to strengthen and increase his followers.

“Although social media has its negative side, on the other hand, it helped so much in spreading our message to the public,” Quiboloy said.

during the presscon, said that the DOH will closely coordinate in the crafting of the implementing rules and regulations.

“We will support the House and Senate in their decision to approve and recommendation in the enactment of the bill. But the regulatory framework must be very clear on how we are to implement such law,” Duque said.

He said that DOH and FDA are ready to train doctors, once the law will be implemented.

“FDA has a Cannabis Compassionate Lane for doctors, if they think that patients are no longer responding to the traditional medicines such as analgesic or pain killers. They must clearly convince the drug board for the justification on why they need to result to cannabis,” Duque said.

Meanwhile, Dangerous

Drug Board (DDB) assistant secretary Walter Bebas said that now is not yet the time for the approval of the medical cannabis.

He said that lawmakers should thoroughly study the proposal, so that the Philippines will not suffer a “law enforcement nightmare” like in the United States.

States such as Idaho, Nebraska, and South Dakota are the only states that has prohibited marijuana for any purposes.

“The legalization of marijuana in the States is not based on study, but as a result of plebiscite,” Bebas said.

He also said that even the World Health Organization (WHO) has not yet come up with a medical proof that cannabis can indeed cure medical conditions. (Ralph Lawrence Llemit)

ed to indigenous peoples by virtue of the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the United Nations Declara-

tion on Human Rights, and other laws pertaining to indigenous peoples in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region."(PNA)

QUIBOLOY... FROM 3

PDEA... FROM 2

NORTH... FROM 3

VOL.11 ISSUE 227 • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2019

DND... FROM 4 communicate efficiently and effectively.

"It ensures that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) can provide an environment conducive to rehabilitation and development," Lorenzana noted.

Congress, in joint session December 12, approved the extension of martial law in

Mindanao until Dec. 31, 2019.

Convening in a joint session early December, the Senate and the House of Representatives granted the Chief Executive's request for the extension of martial law and the suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus for a period of one year from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2018. (PNA)

ty of the taxpayer for the taxable year: Provided, That, beginning January 1, 2019, the rate of withholding shall not be less than one percent (1 percent ) but not more than fifteen percent (15 percent)

of the income payment.

The new RR also covers the withholding tax on the interest income derived from any other debt instruments, which has been reduced from 20 to 15 percent. (DOF PR)

CUSTOMER... FROM 5

DEED OF SALE Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late ROSARIO P. BRAGANZA represented at this instant by its judicial Administratix LOURDES B. PASCUA ,the vendor ,The 75th IB PA HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC. REPRESENTED AT THIS INSTANT BY ITS PRESIDENT MAJOR FRANKLIN C. ESTRADA here inafter called the VENDEE, THIS DEED OF SALE EXECUTED and entered into by and between per Doc. No.496; PageNo.100; Book No.55 Series of 1992, of the NOTARY PUBLIC CAMILO F. NARAVAL

Jan. 22, 29 /2/5

11 SPORTS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.11 ISSUE 227 • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2019

Cotabato archers bag first BPinoy golds T PSC Chairman Butch Ramirez and Commissioners Ramon Fernandez, Charles Raymond Maxey, Celia Kiram and Arnold Agustin present a token to Davao del Norte governor Anthony Del Rosario during Sunday’s opening of the 2019 Batang Pinoy Mindanao Finals in Tagum City. PSC photo

Butch stresses core values among young athletes

By ADAM B. MORRELL

“T

he gold, silver and bronze medals you are searching is beautiful and good. But there is something more important than our search of gold medals.”

Those were the rather striking words of Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman William “Butch” Ramirez in his message to some 3,000 delegates from 89 Local Government Unit (LGU)s of Mindanao during the opening ceremony of the 2019 Batang Pinoy Mindanao Leg held at the Davao del Norte Sports and Tourism Complex in Tagum City late Sunday.

The country’s sports czar stressed the importance of friendship, disci-

pline, values and character formation which the athletes will be able to gain in the weeklong sportsfest designed for in-school and out-of-school Filipino youths aged 15 years old and below.

Apart from being the grassroots development platform of the PSC, Ramirez said Batang Pinoy is also a core model of the agency’s sports for peace program along with his brainchild Children’s Games which is recognized by the Unesco.

Ramirez also lauded Davao del Norte governor Anthony Del Rosario for showing resiliency despite the calamity that hit the province weeks ago.

“Certainly, in the midst

of our convergence this afternoon, it is good to remember the peripheries the of the Davao del Norte and Davao Oriental which recently struck by flood,” Ramirez said.

Del Rosario, for his part, believes that sports is a powerful force in building an effective society, thus, the province of Davao del Norte will continue to extend its full support for the programs of the PSC. “The world class facilities of the Davao del Norte Sports and Tourism Complex will be always available for the PSC to use,” Del Rosario said.

The governor received a token of appreciation from Ramirez along with Commissioners Ramon

Fernandez, Charles Raymond Maxey, Celia Kiram and Arnold Agustin.

At dusk, colorful fireworks lit up the skies capping the traditional opening ceremony.

Meanwhile, a total of 729 gold, 729 silver and 1,063 bronze medals are at stake in the games.

This year’s edition of the games 20 events are entered including archery, arnis, athletics, badminton, baseball, basketball, boxing, chess, dancesport, karatedo, pencak silat, sepak takraw, softball, swimming, table tennis, taekwondo, tennis, volleyball and futsal.

Action goes full throttle in several venues around Tagum City beginning Monday.

AGUM CITY – Young archers from Cotabato bared their fangs early as they clinched the first gold medals in the Mindanao leg of the 2019 Batang Pinoy Monday at the Davao del Norte Sports and Tourism archery range here.

Grace Signacion and Rhyniyll Yvis Endaya bannered South Cotabato after topping the girls’ yeoman 20-meter and girls’ bowman 30-meter (72 arrows) events while Romee Jonathan Rioja and Justin Matthew Basadre of Koronadal City ruled the boys’ yeoman 20-meter and boys’ bowman 30-meter (72 arrows) events in the opening salvo of this prestigious tourney for young athletes 15-years old and below.

Signacion, who turned 10 last Sunday, fired 328 points to dominate the first round before marching back in the second round with 319 points to tally a total score of 647 points en route to a golden finish.

Samantha Isabel Loreno of Koranadal City and Khrizleyn Hope Ferrer of South Cotabato fell short, scoring 605 and 546 points for silver and bronze medals, respectively.

“I’m so happy that I won,” said Signacion, adding that the sweet victory in this tourney backed by STI College-Tagum and Alfalink Total Solutions Corp. and organized by the Philippine Sports Commission is a fitting birthday gift for her.

“I dedicate this victory to my mother, who

encouraged me to take up the sport.”

Meanwhile, the 12-year-old Endaya, who studies with Signacion at the Central Elementary School in Surallah town in South Cotabato, stuck gold after registering 324 and 310 points for a total of 634 total points.

She bested South Cotabato’s Ge-Anne Gasendo (601) and Davao City’s Althea Kelly Odiong (593 points), who settled for the silver and bronze medals, respectively.

In the boys’ side, Rioja posted 551 points from a two-round 244307 tally to claim the mint, edging South Cotabato’s Karl David Mejillano (497) and fellow Koronadal bet Paul Yrwan Bader (404).

Basadre, for his part, scored 624 points to grab the gold medal while South Cotabato’s Quin Myer Loreno (614) and Mark Jubert Lapiad (611) settled for consolation silver and bronze medals.

Mixed team and Olympic round events are still being disputed at press time with Signacion, Endaya, Rioja and Basadre looking to win a pair of additional gold medals.

Also still ongoing are the forms competition in arnis at the City Mall and the seven-round rapid event in chess at the Bulwagang Pangkarunungan.

Elimination rounds in tunggal, ganda and regu in pencak silat are also still being played at the Robinson’s Mall while dancesport still remains in full swing at the RDR Gym.

Davao City-UP Min Sports Complex, a dream come true

I

'm really happy that Davao City has played host to the Davraa Meet at the Davao City-UP Mindanao Sports Complex.

Finally, the dream of Dennis "Mr.Sports Complex" Lazo, now with Radyo Ukay, has finally came true. It's actually every sportswriter's dream that Davao City, the center of Mindanao, will have its own sports complex.

Dennis, a pioneering member and officer of the Davao Sportswriters Association(DSA) established in 1994, has been campaigning for it since 1996 when we covered the Palarong Pambansa at the South Cotabato Sports Complex in Marbel. He was relentless at that time, asking Davao politicians when they will work together so that Davao City will one day host the Palarong Pambansa. Naibog man gyud mi kay ang Marbel(Koronadal na karon), naay sports complex.

Finally, pare Dennis, mahitabo na gayud ang pag host the Palarong Pambansa sa Davao City natong mahal.

The Palaro will not only showcase the outstanding athletes but this will also be a show that Davao City, now under Mayor Sara Zimmerman Duterte-Carpio has the capacity to host a big sports event.

This is indeed a dream come true.

According to a PSC news release, Mayor Sara thanked the Philippine Sports Commission for the P100-million financial aid for the Davao City-UP Sports Complex.

But, believe, with a growing city, there's will be more work to be done at the sports complex.

Meaning?

Financial aid pa more PSC chairman Butch Ramirez, lol. *** The Davao Region Athletic Association (Davraa) Meet is used to be known as the Southern Mindanao Regional Athletic Association (Smraa) Meet during the time when we were using Smith Corona typewriters and fax machines.

I could not remember a time when Davao City lost the over-all

CLEAN SLATE Moses Billacura title. When the Davao City delegation is present, expect it to dominate and dominate it did.

The Davraa serves as an elimination round for the much-awaited and tough Palarong Pambansa.

Tough because of the presence of strong teams from the National Capital Region.

Whether you like it or not, the NCR has better trained coach-

es and players, and many of the squads have access to wellequipped sports facilities in Manila.

But it does not mean that the Davao Region has not scored big victories before. There were times that the Davao teams defeated NCR squads. Mo champion pud usahay ang Davao uy.

Aside from serving as an elimination round for the Palaro, the Davraa also serves as a scouting ground for college and university coaches who are eyeing the best players for recruitment.

This is actually what I love best with Davraa and the Palaro, the best Davao-based players are either recruited by big universities here in Davao like University of Midanao or a small college like Holy Cross of Davao College or sometimes, they get lucky, they'll get recruited by the University of Sto.Tomas or San Beda College coaches.

A lot of our Davao athletes will really do their best in the Davraa or Palaro because this will be their

ticket to a sports scholarship.

Libre tuition bai, libre food chit, libre quarters, naa pa gyuy allowance. Unya, maka sideline pag panalay sa liga sa fiesta, so naa nay pang gastos sa girlfriend, tan aw sine, kaon sa restaurant (dili na sa karinderya), etc.

We wish all our Davao City athletes the best as they prepare for the big league.

We congratulate our Davao City officials led by Mayor Inday for hosting the event, which is not easy believe me, and many thanks to the national officials like PSC chairman Butch, DPWH secretary Mark Villar, DepEd secretary Leonor Briones, Congressman Sid Ungab, UP Min officials and all other supporters including the media.

Davao City has built a reputation for offering Mindanaoans peace and order, awesome business climate, lovely universities and colleges and finally, as the years go on, we will soon be a sports mecca in the BIMP-EAGA region.

Sports pa more!

12 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL.11 ISSUE 227 • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2019

JUMPSTART

DC spikers win BPinoy openers, rains force re-sked of athletics

By ADAM B. MORRELL

T

AGUM CITY, Davao del Norte-- Rains did not dampen the spirits of Mindanao's next generation sports stars as hostilities went full blast in the 2019 Batang Pinoy Mindanao Finals on Monday morning.

The much-anticipated search for the first gold medal of the meet that supposed to come from the medal-rich athletics at the track oval of the Davao del Norte Sports and Tourism Complex was moved instead to Thursday, February 7 thus putting the medal race on a slow pace.

However, other individual events played indoors like taekwondo and boxing got off as scheduled along with all team events.

Despite the cold weather, Davao City's volleyball squad showed too much firepower to open their campaign on a high note in beach volleyball and indoor volleyball held in different venues.

Heavy downpour at the Beach Volleydrome failed

to slow down the pair of Jayrad Adeva and Billie Aldama from scoring their first win against Sultan Kudarat 21-18, 21-11, in the boys beach volleyball.

On the same venue, April Joy Locaberte and Khalia Sinsuat of Davao City scored a lopsided 21-7, 21-15 win over Sto. Tomas in the girls beach volleyball.

Over at the University of Mindanao (UM) Tagum Gym, the Davao City volleybelles drew first blood in the girl's indoor volleyball at the expense of Davao Oriental 25-18, 25-12.

Coached by D'Artagnan Yambao and Henry Labio, the Davao City's girls team leaned on the outstanding performances of Irina Glenne Escandor, Johanna Gerona Alcuizar, Katharina Charlize Espero, Rosmar Jelin Evangelio, Jana Eadrea Igna, Cahre Ishel Nablea, Khey Aleck Pablo, Marian Karylle Lupaz, Jaben David, Rika Sasaki, Allexa Mae Quilaton and Alshaila Noro to jumpstart their bid for the gold medal.

BATANG PINOY PARADE. Davao City athletes led by spiker Irina Glenne Escandor (right), daughter of Presidential Adviser for Sports Glenn Escandor, march in during the opening ceremony of the 2019 Batang Pinoy Mindanao Finals at the Davao del Norte Sports and Tourism Complex in Tagum City.