Edge Davao | Vol 11 Issue 236 | Sunday-Monday, February 17-18, 2019

VOL.11 ISSUE 236 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, FEBRUARY 17-18, 2019

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ENVIRONMENTALISTS ENDORSE ‘GREEN CHAMPS’ IN MAY POLLS P2

EDGE DAVAO Serving a seamless society

BEAUTIFUL MUSIC AND SO MUCH MORE INDULGE A1

RICE TARIFFICATION BILL. Laborers unhaul sacks of commercial rice in front of an establishment at Agdao Public Market in Davao City on Saturday. President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday has signed into law the rice tariffication bill.

The bill is a bid to address the urgent need to improve availability of rice in the country, to prevent artificial rice shortage and to reduce the prices of rice in the market. Lean Daval Jr

INTRA-CITY BUSES LTFRB okays special permits for 20 units for Davao City

By ADAM B. MORRELL

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ommuters from Toril District and Catalunan Grande will soon to say goodbye to long waiting hours and delay as the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), on Friday, February 15, issued a Memorandum Circular No. 2019-009, which is an opening of applications for the grant of special permits for the Peak Hours Augmentation Bus Service (PHABS) in Davao City.

This memo allows low-entry or “city type” of buses to operate within the city during peak hours by issuance of special permits.

This directive was initiated by the City Government of Davao, addressing the scarcity

of Public Utility Vehicles (PUVs) during peak hours in various locations in Davao City particularly in Toril and Catalunan Grande as identified by the City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTO).

LTFRB 11 regional director

lawyer Cattleya Acaylar, however, said only 10 units plying Toril and another 10 units serving Catalunan Grande routes may apply for special permits.

The government agency is already open for application.

“Once may nabigyan na kami ng permits, pwede na sila mag simula (operate),” Acaylar said, pertaining to operators who wished to apply for special permits.

The buses may start the trip at 6:30am and end at 9:00am, and may resume the operation at 5:00pm to 8:00pm.

The Toril route will start from Toril turn right to Davao-Cotabato Road, via Ulas, via Bangkal, through McArthur

Highway, through Quirino Avenue, turn right Quezon Boulevard turn left to MacArthur Highway, via Matina Crossing, via Bangkal, via Ulas, via Puan, then back to Toril.

The route’s bus stops are located at Toril District Hall, Corner Iwha MacArthur Highway, Gulf View, Ulas Shell, University of Mindanao (UM) Matina overpass and Roxas Avenue upon going to the downtown while Roxas Avenue, Layby Cor. Rizal Quezon Boulevard, Sandawa Pias Cafe, Ulas Coke Warehouse, Corner Iwha MacArthur Highway and Toril are the stops for going back to Toril.

On the other hand, the route

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DENR to designate Davao Gulf as area of concern

By RALPH LAWRENCE LLEMIT

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he Department of Environmental and Natural Resources XI (DENR-XI) has taken action in addressing the sanitation of the Davao Gulf by declaring it as Water Quality Management Area (WQMA).

DENR-XI regional director Ruth Tawantawan, through a text message, said that the Environmental Management Bu-

reau (EMB-XI) will designate the Davao Gulf as WQMA along with other areas such as Digos City and Tagum City.

“WQMA aims to protect, through stakeholders collaboration, the water body and its tributaries by keeping their water quality within the Water Quality Guidelines or Criteria conforming to the water

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VOL.11 ISSUE 236 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, FEBRUARY 17-18, 2019

PRRD’S V-DAY. President Rodrigo Duterte, together with his long-time partner Honeylet Avanceña, attends the Sergio Mendes: A Valentine’s Concert at the Solaire Resort and Casino in Parañaque City on Thursday evening. Also in the photo is Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

Environmentalists endorse ‘green champs’in May polls

By RALPH LAWRENCE LLEMIT

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mental non-government organization (NGO), and the Social Weather Stations (SWS), conducted a 2018 survey, show that Filipinos will be voting for candidates who will support pro-environment policies.

Survey shows that 73 percent of Filipinos said they will support candidates who will ban establishments from using single-use plastic across the country, while 82 percent for candidates who will advocate for strict implementation of laws on waste management.

Also, 72 percent would probably vote for a candidate who will be proactive in the usage non-biodegradable plastic bags in the whole country.

Golle also said they should also “walk the talk”, once elected this May 13.

She said that they are going to endorse Davao re-electionist

councilors who were very active in crafting local ordinances for the welfare of environment.

However, Golle admitted that they have not seen any “green champions” in the national senatorial line-ups.

Celine Murillo, travel writer and founder of Ecoheroes, an ecofriendly store in Mandaluyong, also agreed that “no big names” have been prioritizing environmental issues in their agenda.

The Angono, Rizal-born environmentalist said that the country needs more “green-minded” policy makers as they are keen in addressing these concerns that would have an economic implication in the future.

“I think voting for a ‘green’ candidate is similar to investing for our children’s future.

Considering advocates of environmental protection and conservation would be a step in ensuring that the next generation would still enjoy a ‘livable’ Philippines,” Murillo said in an online interview.

Aside from solid waste management and reduction of plastic consumption, she

said that wildlife conservation should also be a priority.

“The endangered Tamaraw needs protecting and yet this year, the Tamaraw Conservation Program has had its budget cut,” Murillo said.

Tamaraw, which can only be found in the Philippines, is considered endangered, according to a 2000 study from International Union for Conservation of Nature.As for Aezer Cajegas, wastewater treatment specialist and a Department of Science and Technology (DOST) awardee inventor, electionist should have a strong stand against mining.

Cajegas said that mining is one of the environmental issues that still needs to be resolved.“I don’t know why DENR (Department of Environment and Natural Resources) can’t shut them down. They make tons of money, and yet they (mining companies) cannot invest for a waste water treatment plant” he said.

President Duterte is also against destructive mining operations despite its contribution of 6.4 percent in the gross domestic product (GDP).

istration services, especially in the issuance of birth, marriage and death certificates.

Starting Wednesday, Rivera said a newly-opened office manned by ICCAD and LCR personnel assisted beneficiaries in the processing of civil registry documents.

The mayor said the program aims to address the problems of Muslim and IP residents in acquiring civil registry documents, especially for those who still do not even have birth and marriage certificates.

He cited the case of 68-year-old Tahir Kusien Ab-

dulhamid, who was among the first recipients of the program.

Abdulhamid was able to process his marriage certificate for the first time after 45 years.

Four certificates of live birth and five other certificates of marriage have been processed so far by the facility.

“We’re very grateful for this partnership. We will push for its institutionalization so it can also be replicated by other LGUs (local government units), especially here in Mindanao,” Rivera said.

Based on the program’s guidelines, Muslim and IP res-

idents applying for delayed registration of marriage are required to present a certification from the solemnizing officer and cite details, as well as the reasons for failing to register on time.

They also need to submit an affidavit from the Public Attorney’s Office, identification cards, community tax certificates and birth certificates of the applicants as well as their children.

For the delayed registration of birth certificate, the applicants should submit an affidavit, voter’s identifica-

nvironmental advocates are hoping that candidates in the 2019 midterm elections will include environmental concerns in their political agenda.

Interface Development Interventions (IDIS) acting executive director Chinkie Peliño-Golle said that pro-environment candidates whom they called “green champions” ought to be elected this May 14.

“For how many years, we have been electing officials who do not prioritize the environment in their policy making,” Golle said in a phone interview.

She said that candidates who can address social issues, such as poverty, are traditionally popular among voters since as they carry the issues that directly affect them.

Golle, however, said that majority of the electorate are now considering “green champions” due to the threats of climate change like to flash foods, and landslides.

Greenpeace, an environ-

Gensan provides free civil registration for Muslims, IPs

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uslims and Indigenous Peoples (IPs) may now avail of free civil registration services through a new program of the city government.

Dubbed “Rehistro Project: Free On-Time Registration for IPs and Muslims,” the program formally rolled out this week as a partnership between the city’s Indigenous Cultural Communities Affairs Division (ICCAD) and the Office of the Local Civil Registrar (LCR).

Mayor Ronnel Rivera said Friday the initiative mainly provides Muslim and IP residents with access to civil reg-

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Press freedom‘alive and well’ in PH: PCOO chief

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ress freedom is alive and well in the Philippines, Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar said Friday, following criticisms from various groups after the arrest of Rappler chief executive officer Maria Ressa.

In a statement, Andanar said Ressa’s case is not an exception in the normal threats’ journalists go through when performing their jobs.

“Not a few journalists have faced, or are facing, libel charges for articles they have written and caused to be published. And they go through the process of getting arrested, posting bail, and going to trial without fanfare and in many cases, without adequate legal assistance. This case of Rappler and Ms. Ressa is not an isolated one,” he said.

Andanar said the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) is regularly holding discussions with media groups to discuss their security concerns and to come up with a unified stance for the decriminalization of libel.

“The impulsive conclusion that their non-exemption from the judicial process constitutes a blanket attack on press freedom in the Philippines is a blatant disregard for the earnest efforts of the very stakeholders to come up with programs aimed at safeguarding it,” he said.

Andanar said both Ressa and the complainant, businessman Wilfredo Keng, in the case against her shall be considered.

“An adversarial proceeding always involves parties on opposing sides. In this particular case, we must bear in mind that while Ms.

Ressa and Mr. Reynaldo Santos Jr., the writer of the article in question, stand accused for libel on one hand, there is a private complainant (Keng) on the other, who felt aggrieved by the publication,” he said.

Andanar said both Ressa and Keng have their respective rights on the case.

“As a corollary, this resort to the judicial process is well within Mr. Keng’s right to prosecute his claim and in fact also serves as the perfect opportunity for Ms. Ressa and Mr. Santos to exercise their right to present evidence that will exonerate them from the charges when the case proceeds to trial.

There are available remedies that they can exhaust to protect their rights and certainly they are not lacking in legal advice from their formidable team of lawyers,” he said.

The Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 46 on Wednesday issued a warrant of arrest against Ressa and Santos after being charged under the provision on content-related offenses, which include libel committed through a computer system or similar means.

This stemmed from a cyber libel complaint filed

by Keng in October 2017, who was named by Santos in the article titled, “CJ using SUVs of ‘controversial’ businessmen”, as the owner of a sports utility vehicle used by the late Chief Justice Renato Corona.

The article was published in 2012 and updated in 2014.

Ressa was released after posting PHP100,000 bail on Thursday, not long after she publicly denounced the Philippine justice system for allegedly persecuting her. (PNA)

VOL.11 ISSUE 236 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, FEBRUARY 17-18, 2019

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VOL.11 ISSUE 236 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, FEBRUARY 17-18, 2019

Only 2 bodyguards allowed, PNP reminds poll bets

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DEVELOPMENT. Heavy equipment are used in filling and leveling a portion of land inside Sta. Ana Port on Saturday which will be developed by the city government of Davao into a tourist destination. Lean Daval Jr

ACT keeps hope city gov’t will extend aid to teachers

By RALPH LAWRENCE LLEMIT

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will end on June,” Escalante told reporters.

ACT and Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio had a spat in October last year after the disgruntled teacher’s union posted on their Facebook page that Davao City is the only city that does not give any financial assistance to public school teachers.

Prior to the rift, the mayor and ACT Davao Chapter President Reynaldo Pardillo had a short discussion after the regular Monday flag-raising ceremony where the group lobbied for a P2,000-monthly financial assistance and a P2,500-quarterly rice subsidy for all

teaching and non-teaching personnel.

The mayor turned down ACT’s proposal after admitting that the city’s budget cannot subsidize it. However, she urged ACT to submit another proposal. Escalante said the new proposal was for a P1,500 monthly allowance, and a half-kilo rice subsidy, good for threemonths, both for teaching and non-teaching personnel.

“We hope that the mayor would reconsider our proposal. It would be of huge help for our teachers who are in need of it due to the high rise of goods and commodities,” he said.

the NPA surrenderers were suffering fatigue because of the relentless pursuit operations against the communist rebels who engaged government troops on February 8 in Makilala town.

They also surrendered three M14 Rifles, one M16 Rifle, an improvised Bushmaster, two rifle grenades, an improvised explosive device, various types of ammunition, landmine equipment, and propaganda materials Santos also lauded the contribution of community members who facilitated the surrender of the two NPAs.

“We call on our peace-loving communities to continue to assist and help our units by facilitating those NPAs who want to surrender and be part in our quest for durable peace which everyone is longing for,” Santos said.

Eastmincom has already received 938 regular members of the NPA through its various field units.

Based on its records, Eastmincom also received a total of 1,217 Militia ng Bayan members and 434 Sangay ng Partido sa Lokalidad--NPA’s community-based support groups--and 8,932 mass sup-

porters, from January 2018 to early February this year.

Col. Ezra Balagtey said the NPA surrenderers cited disillusionment with the rebel group, community pressure, government peace efforts, sustained military operations, as well as the sustained call of President Rodrigo Duterte to give up rebellion and rejoin the mainstream society.

NPA, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, is listed as a terrorist organization by the European Union and the United States. (PNA)

ters.

CJI General Services, a Batangas-based contractor who won the contract to clear sectors 2 to 9 of the MAA, began with the demolition of a ruined property owned by Marawi Mayor Majul Gandamra in Osmeña Street in Barangay Sangkay, located inside the Sector 5.

NHA Engr. Ikmat Bantuas said Gandamra’s building is one of the 409 structures whose owners consented to their properties being demolished and cleared.

“Ipapakita natin sa mga

residente ang proper way to demolish. We are doing it in a proper manner, may guidelines tayo. Una, dapat nandun ang may-ari during the demolition at second, lahat ng mga concerned agencies ay pumirma para sa demolition permit,” Bantuas said.

(We must show to the residents the proper way to demolish. We are doing it in a proper manner, we have guidelines for it. First, the owners must be present during demolition, and second, all the concerned agen-

he regional chapter of teachers’ union Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) remains optimistic that the City Government of Davao will support their cause for financial aid.

The regional chapter of teachers’ union Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) remains optimistic that the City Government of Davao will support their cause for financial aid.

During a candle lighting ceremony, staged on Friday evening at the Freedom Park in Roxas Avenue, Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT)

Davao region president Elenito Escalante said that they are thankful to the local City Council, especially to Councilor Pilar Braga, head City Council education committee, for lobbying their call for financial allowance.

“We are positive that the City Council will grant our proposal before the term of the current legislative body

Eastmincom chief calls on Reds to yield‘while there’s chance’

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AVAO CITY-- In what appears to be his Valentine’s Day message to communist rebels, the Eastern Mindanao Command chief called on members of the New People’s Army (NPA) to surrender while there is still a chance for them to live normal lives.

Maj. General Felimon Santos made the call on Thursday following the surrender of two NPA regulars in New Baguio, Makilala, North Cotabato on Wednesday.

According to Lt. Col. Rhojun Rosales, battalion commander of the Army’s 39IB,

Philippine National Police (PNP) official on Friday reiterated that aspirants in the May 13 elections are limited to having a maximum of two security escorts.

“Let me reiterate the PNP’s strict adherence to all election related resolutions covering the carrying of firearms and employment of bodyguards.

Everyone is reminded of the Alunan doctrine which allows only two security personnel under extreme cases subject to background investigation, threat assessment validation, and approval of the Commission on Elections (Comelec),” PNP spokesperson, Senior Supt. Bernard Banac said in a media forum in Manila.

With this, the PNP spokesperson assured that they are ready to perform their election duties.

“We have perfected the science of performing election duties. Our latest assessment is we do not foresee any major issue or concern that will seriously affect our performance of our election duty.

So even before the election period, the PNP continues to establish plans and strategies in ensuring the security and order within our communities,” Banac added.

At the same time, he noted that aside from the mandated responsibilities of the PNP as a deputized agency of the Commission on Elections, police enforcement and public safety duties for election

security operations are contained in the following eightpoint position.

These include strict implementation of gun ban, intensified focused law enforcement operations, dismantling of private armed groups, early preparation of security and contingency plans, provide security to vulnerable candidates, limited reshuffle of PNP personnel, accounting of loose firearms and neutralization of guns for hire and criminal groups.

“This will strengthen our deep sense of responsibility in the upcoming elections and to minimize if not prevent the occurrence of violent incidents that may disrupt the conduct of the peaceful elections,” the PNP official added.

He also asked the support of the public on the security preparations of the government for the peaceful holding of the May 2019 elections.

“Your cooperation especially at the check points and compliance with the rules and regulations of gun ban,” Banac said.

“The PNP is also continuously reminding the active uniformed and non-uniformed personnel to remain apolitical and non-partisan during the entire election period,” he added.

Banac, who is also PNP-Public Information Office chief, expressed hope that their tasks would be successful just like what happened in past electoral exercises. (PNA)

Senate probe on influx of illegal foreign workers set Feb. 21

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he Senate Committee on Labor, Employment and Human Resources Development is set to hold a hearing on February 21 on the influx of illegal foreign workers in the Philippines.

The hearing will be conducted jointly with the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights.

Senator Joel Villanueva, chair of the Senate Committee on Labor, Employment, and Human Resource Development, expressed concern over the growing number of Chinese nationals working in the country.

Villanueva cited a National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) data showing that 95 percent of foreign nationals--or approximately 159 out of 167 cases--arrested or charged in court for various offenses last year were Chinese nationals.

He noted that of the cases involving Chinese nationals, 114 individuals have been arrested for illegal online gambling.

He stressed that the intention of the hearing is not to single out any nationality but to preserve and protect the jobs for Filipinos, as he cited the constitutional provision on the

preferential treatment for Filipino workers.

“We recognize that our country benefits from the transfer of knowledge and technology which are brought in by foreign workers,” he said.

“We do not oppose their entry for as long as they come to our country with proper documentation and undergone the right process as required by the DOLE (Department of Labor and Employment),” he added.

The panels will tackle Senate Resolution (SR) No. 243, which calls for a congressional inquiry into the reported presence of alleged illegal Chinese workers in Clark, Pampanga and other parts of the country.

Villanueva filed the resolution in 2016 after authorities arrested nearly 1,000 Chinese nationals working at a casino in Clark, Pampanga.

Another resolution, SR No. 751, seeks to investigate the influx of Chinese nationals in the Philippines and related issues on the effective implementation of immigration and labor laws.

The panels would also deliberate on the measure mandating the requisite proportion of Filipino laborers to foreign workers.

patients who would be offered “high-quality professional practice.”

“We’ve been through years of accomplishment and today marks another milestone in our brilliant journey towards success as an institution,” Alegre said.

The 10-story building, which will rise on top of Bajada Hills, features a basement, roof deck, helipad for air ambulance, and operating room complex. It will also house 100 clinics, specialty centers, an additional 200 patient rooms, coffee shops, a rooftop library, and conference

rooms.

“DMSFI is a center for professional health care and envisions building a healthy community and enjoying quality life,” Alegre said.

Dr. Jose Rene Lacuesta, chairperson of the DMSFI Board of Trustees, highlighted the DMSFI’s growth amid challenges since 1976. He said there is no other medical school that provides the latest in medical education.

“The hospital expansion will cap everything else,” he said, adding he also envisions DMSFI to offer better training

Demolition begins in Marawi’s‘most affected areas’ 10-story hospital expansion to rise soon in Davao City

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ARAWI CITY -- The National Housing Authority (NHA) started on Thursday (February 14) the demolition of structures inside the most affected areas (MAA) here, as part of an inter-agency task to rehabilitate the city.

The demolition of structures, destroyed during the five-month war between government forces and the Islamic State-inspired Maute terrorists, promises a fresh start for a ruined city whose majority of residents remain displaced in temporary shel-

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ontributing its share in advancing healthcare in the city, the Davao Medical School Foundation Inc (DMSFI) said it is expanding services with the construction of another 10-storey hospital building equipped with state-of-the-art facilities.

During Thursday’s groundbreaking, DMSFI President Jonathan Alegre said the hospital expansion will provide more efficient and quality service to patients and ensure improved access to wider and sustainable medical services.

Alegre said the hospital also aims to accommodate more

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5 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

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DA to establish swine multiplier farm in SoCot T he Department of Agriculture (DA) has approved a grant of around PHP3 million for the establishment of a swine multiplier farm in South Cotabato province.

Dr. Flora Bigot, officer-in-charge of the Provincial Veterinary Office, said Friday that preparations are underway for the implementation of the project, which will be spearheaded by the Allah Valley Small Livestock and Poultry Association based in the province’s upper valley area.

Bigot said the provincial government is set to sign a memorandum of agreement with DA-Region 12 to implement the project after the Sangguniang Panlalawigan authorized Governor Daisy Avance-Fuentes to sign the deal.

Bigot said the swine multiplier farm will mainly

benefit small raisers in the municipalities of Tantangan, Norala, Surallah, Tampakan, and Sto. Nino.

She said the DA grant covers the provision of 40 heads of breeder swine, pig pen as well as one-year supply of feeds, drugs and other biologics.

The provincial government of South Cotabato will provide technical assistance to the Allah Valley Small Livestock and Poultry Association, the lead proponent, as a counterpart.

“The project will provide additional income to the proponent group when these breeders eventually produce piglets that will be sold to local farmers or raisers,” Bigot said in an interview.

The official said farmers who cannot afford to buy the piglets may avail of loans from DA through the

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STILL A HIT. A vendor serves siomai and other streetfood to customers at a stall at Roxas night market in Davao City on Friday night. Dabawenyos continue to patronize the Roxas night market despite warning from authorities that some vendors are engaged in unsanitary practices when preparing the food. Lean Daval Jr

Davao is clear of plastic coated fishes

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n light of reports of plastic-like substances allegedly coating imported mackerels which surfaced in social media, Department of Agriculture in Davao Region (DA-XI) and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources XI (BFAR-XI) clarified that Davao City is cleared from such issue during a meeting in DA compound on Friday afternoon.

MinDA secretary Datu Abul Khayr Alonto confirmed that the current budget for Mindanao has increased to 16 percent or P1.2 trillion, an increase of four percent from 12 percent, or P586 billion.

However, he said that the three-year budget is still not enough to fund the agency’s catalytic projects.

Some of these priority projects include the Trans-

Mindanao Hi-Speed Railway System or the Mindanao Railway Project (Phase 1); improvement of major airports in Zamboanga, Davao, General Santos City and Cotabato; establishment of freeports and ecozones in Tawi-Tawi; and the building of Mindanao Tourism and Cultural Village Center and flood control projects.

“We will not be settling

with this, for this fund will be spread out throughout Mindanao, in the remaining years of the Duterte administration,” Alonto said.

He also said that they are pushing for Islamic financing in the country in case the General Appropriation’s Act (GAA) will not be able to provide the funding for the development of Mindanao, especially in the agricultural industries.

“MinDA is looking at the potential of Islamic finance as alternative and fund source for the catalytic projects in Mindanao,” Alonto said.

A policy framework for it is being lobbied by MinDA in Congress.

Ayala Land sets P130-B capex for 2019

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yala Land Inc. (ALI) has earmarked a PHP130-billion capital spending for 2019, to fund the development of more real estate projects following a banner performance last year, as a rosier economic outlook is expected to support continued growth of the property market.

“In 2019, we are hopeful, we feel way positive that the economy will continue to be supportive with property industry therefore, allow us to continue to make progress in our 2020-PHP40 billion plan,” ALI President and Chief Executive Officer Bernard Vincent Dy said in a press briefing Friday.

Dy was referring to the company’s 2020 growth plan to reach PHP40 billion in net income.

“From 2018 to 2020, we need to grow 17 percent per year to get to the PHP40 billion, this is now within striking distance,” he said.

ALI chief finance offi-

cer Augusto Bengzon said 40 percent of this year’s planned PHP130-billion capital expenditures (capex) will be spent on residential projects, about 20 to 25 percent for the leasing segment, and the balance spread across land acquisition, estate development and others.

The company spent a record PHP110.1 billion in capex last year.

“And then, we planned to launch about PHP130 billion (projects) also this year. But the launch will be dependent on the kind of demand of the market this year,” Dy added.

Meanwhile, ALI reported a 16-percent increase in net income to PHP29.2 billion in 2018 from PHP25.3 billion the previous year, driven by sustained demand for residential products and the healthy performance of its leasing businesses.

Its consolidated revenues climbed 17 percent to PHP166.2 billion from PHP142.3 billion.

Property development revenues rose 18 percent to PHP113.4 billion owing to strong sales across its residential, office for sale and commercial lot segments.

Meanwhile, leasing revenues grew 17 percent to PHP34.9 billion on the back of robust local consumption, increasing demand in business process outsourcing (BPO) offices and a thriving tourism sector.

“As we celebrated our 30th year in 2018, we remained focused on developing more sustainable communities that enrich the lives of Filipinos. We introduced two new estates to bring our total to 26, registered the highest level of residential sales in our history, and stayed on track to open more commercial developments.

These led to strong financial results and positioned our company for continued growth in the coming years,” Dy further said. (PNA)

DAR to finish granting Hacienda Luisita land in March

Department of Agriculture XI (DA-XI) spearheads a meeting with Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources XI (BFARXI) and stakeholders to clarify issues about the plastic-like

substances allegedly coating imported mackerels which surfaced in social media recently. (Photo by: Ronell B. Tangonan DA-11)

Forest products outgrow other exports in 2018

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eceipts for forest product exports regis-

tered the highest growth rate among major types of goods the country shipped to foreign markets in 2018.

Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) data released Thursday showed that the January to December freeon-board forest product receipts grew 47.5 percent to USD271.24 million last year from USD183.83 million in 2017.

Last year’s growth rates were lower for total agrobased products (-9.9 percent), mineral products (-5.9 percent), petroleum products (15.4 percent), manufactured goods (-1.5 percent), special transactions (17.1 percent), and re-exports (-2.9 percent).

Forest products grew in 2018 despite the 82.2 percent drop in receipts for outbound shipment of veneer sheets/ corestocks that year, PSA data showed.

Fanning such growth were gains in lumber (35.6 percent), plywood (72.7 percent), and other forest products (178.2 percent).

Last year’s receipts for these products totaled USD140.78 million, USD94.11 million and USD33.99 million, respectively.

Outbound shipment of forest products contributed to the total USD67.49 billion receipts from all Philippine exports in 2018. (PNA)

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he Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) will award the remaining portions of land in Hacienda Luisita to farmer-beneficiaries in Tarlac in March this year, an official said on Friday.

“Yes, the farmers will finally have it. The formal rites will be conducted in March 2019 with President [Rodrigo Duterte].

It will be along with other beneficiaries in Region 3 (Central Luzon),” DAR Secretary John Castriciones said in a phone interview.

The DAR will be distributing a total of 472 hectares of land in Nueva Ecija province, with parts coming from the Cojuangco-owned hacienda in Tarlac, that will be given to 546 beneficiary farmers.

“Ito na po yung pinakahuli na portion ng Haci-

enda Luisita na hindi pa napamimigay. At ngayon po sa administrasyon na to ipapamigay na ang lupa sa Barangay Bantog (This will be the remaining portion of land in Hacienda Luisita left to be distributed to farmers. This administration grants the land in Barangay Bantog),” Castriciones said in a press conference on Wednesday.

At least 41,077 hectares will also be distributed to 31,132 Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) this year.

The projected number has a positive note as DAR exceeded the target of hectares in 2018 with 60,777 hectares distributed to 41,787 ARBs. The certificate of land ownership awards were already distributed to some farmers this year, according to DAR data.

Some 715 beneficiaries

received 802 hectares of land in Negros Occidental on February 2. Of the 802 hectares, around 129 hectares will be given to 314 farmers in Sagay, Negros Occidental.

On February 11, President Duterte and Castriciones distributed a total of 834 land titles in Maguindanao.

In Davao Region, DAR is also set to distribute a total of 5,055 hectares of land to 2,525 farmer-beneficiaries.

Some 30,000 hectares of land in Region 12 (Socsksargen) will also be distributed to 10,000 farmers soon. This includes the distribution of unutilized lands at the University of Southern Mindanao and the Cotabato Foundation College of Science Technology with 4,618 hectares of land to 2,730 farmers. (PNA)

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VOL.11 ISSUE 236 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, FEBRUARY 17-18, 2019

EDITORIAL Comelec’s challenge

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s the Commission on Elections still credible to run the country’s electoral exercise?

That has been a nagging question which surfaces every time the nation conducts an electoral exercise--one of its strongest acclaim to democratic freedoms as expressed through the right of suffrage.

A simple look at the Comelec’s MVG (Mission, Vision and Goals) speak wonderfully of why it even existed. Read its Mission: “We, the guardians of the sovereign will of the Filipino people commit ourselves to conduct clean, credible, free, honest, orderly and modernized electoral exercises and to empower the electorate toward a vibrant Philippine democracy.” Those words “clean, credible, free, honest, orderly and modernized” are still elusive to say in general considering the experience with Comelec’s handling of the recent polls which still had reported irregularities. From computer anomalies to hash code infractions, wet ballots and all, how these problems continue to hound the elections in the country is utterly frustrating.

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Modernity still comes with a maze of confusion and the absence of a fool-proof system that would not only make the elections a more convenient and easy exercise but also efficient and reliable.

However, we are still encountering the same old problems and the march to modernization is not consistent. The use of the automated system should ensure that the elections are true to the expression and intent of the people and not rigged by its susceptibility to mechanical glitches--intentional or unintentional.

And then there are the issues of irregularities committed by its officials, most recently with the agency’s resigned former chair Andres Bautista.

The May 2019 elections will be another true test to the Comelec’s credibility. It could be make or break for the Comelec as there are some lobbyists who desire for its abolition to finally bury the ghost of what they call as the agency’s ugly existence and the creation of a new poll body.

SOLANI D. MARATAS Finance

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL.11 ISSUE 236 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, FEBRUARY 17-18, 2019

VANTAGE POINTS

7

1936 presidential press briefings

T

ranscripts of presidential press briefings are rich sources of official presidential statements, on or off the cuff, on seething issues hogging the headlines. At the time, before the tape recorder became widespread, recording was made using the Gregg’s shorthand before the stenographic notes were transcribed into typewritten texts. Unlike today, taped recorded briefings, with the use of software, are easily transcribed directly into texts in the computer from where hard copies of the press briefings are produced.

In the 1936 confidential files of Jorge B. Vargas, Commonwealth President Manuel L. Quezon’s executive secretary, two important subjects are briefly discussed before the Malacañang press, namely the Mindanao Railway and the Japanese settlers in Davao.

The transcript of press conference on the Mindanao railway was held on July 10, 1936. Part of the interview, including edited portions made by Vargas himself, goes this way: “THE PRESS: Anything more in the Mindanao railway?

“PRESIDENT: I am going to have that. If the Assembly will authorize me to issue the bonds, I am

W

going ahead with that. I have the report of the Manila Railroad and Mr. Paez advised us to build that.

He thinks we can have very cheap transportation, thereby developing the Maria Cristina water power. I gave instruction when I went o Lanao to protect the forest around that waterfall. The have started making caiñgin, and I stopped that right away because that is a government reservation, and Paez said that that would be he means of transportation as it will serve the purpose. The idea is to build roads as feeders for that.

“THE PRESS: How long do you think it would take to finish the project?

“PRESIDENT: I think that can be finished in five years. Also, the power plant. That is why development of Mindanao will really mean a great increase in the wealth of the country. The long study I have devoted to the situation of Mindanao convinces me that the wealth of the country would be a least five times as it is today, if we start developing Mindanao in reference to Luzon— if you compare what the profit of Mindanao would be, I mean if you compare it with other Islands, since there are no floods and no typhoons there whereas in

FAST BACKWARD Antonio V. Figueroa Luzon, for instance, every three years, we lose our crops either because of the typhoon or the flood.

By gosh! You don’t have that in Mindanao and then with this cheap power available, Mindanao is really the greatest thing that the country has.

“THE PRESS: Would that be a rice granary in the Philippine Islands?

“PRESIDENT: Not necessarily, because Luzon can produce much rice.

But I want to transfer there two million people during the next four years, and if I can drive them there at the point of the bayonet, I will do it. Two million more people, you see—that is my ambition.”

Then and now, the thrust of realizing the Mindanao railway project

Comelec dilemma

hy not abolish Comelec has painComelec? fully degenerated into a body that is perceived This is a suggestion, not to serve the interest of a question. (By the way, a few privileged, monI hasten to ask: Where is eyed class. former Comelec ChairDoes sovereignty man Andres Bautista?) still reside in us?

Comelec has had a Comelec has distainted, corrupt repu- torted the concept of tation since way back the freedom of suffrage that no one believes as constitutionally enelections conducted by shrined in the fundathis agency have been mental law of the land. fair and clean.

I doubt if, in the Free elections are strictest sense, we are the essence of a democ- truly a free country and racy. I believe this and a free people. so do you. But through Today, we see a the years, cheating and Comelec that stands manipulation – manu- on thin ice. Instead of ally and by computer- confronting the issues ization – have eroded had-on, it has been the people’s faith in the side-stepping them.

Comelec’s inept han- Despite its quasi-judidling of this democratic cial power, the Comelec process. has dragged its feet on It is regrettably many electoral protests painful that Filipinos of that have been elevated this era and age no lon- for their resolution. ger entertain the prinThe callousness of ciple that democracy Comelec is infectious is a government of, for and contagious. Again, and by the people. at the risk of being re-

SPECKS OF LIFE Fred C. Lumba dundant, I ask: Where is former Comelec chairman Andres Bautista?

What is stopping Congress – the House of Representatives and the Senate - from abolishing an inefficient, corrupt-laden agency peopled by incompetent officials?

Isn’t this about the most appropriate time to get rid of the dead woods therein and replace them with a new crop of personnel possessed of a progressive

was anchored on opening southern Philippines to development. Given the potentials of the island, the Quezon administration was optimistic that by connecting population centers via railroads would bolster the national government’s revenue collections.

In another press conference held on October 2, 1936, Quezon was also queried by the media on the issue of Japanese settlers in Davao, specifically permanent residency. The transcript, interestingly, highlights the President gingerly asking the journalists not to quote him, some kind of “off the record” request that’s common in press conferences.

The entire transcript goes: “THE PRESS: Mr. President, is there any truth as to some Japanese being allowed to settle in Davao?

“PRESIDENT: No there is only one case from the Consulate General of Japan. I do not know if it is to be published by the Consul of Japan. Just say there is only one case of Japanese.

“THE PRESS: Mr. President, under the law, is there any provision prohibiting the Japanese to settle there?

“PRESIDENT: I will tell you confidentially. This is not for publication. We tried to prevent this case,

upon he ground that while he was an American citizen, under the laws of Japan he was still a Japanese subject, but to my surprise a fellow came here with a certificate of citizenship showing that he is no longer a Japanese subject.

When that came, we simply had to take him in.

“THE PRESS: Will the Japanese Government agree with him, Mr. President? (Laughter.)

“PRESIDENT: That is very serious question because they can just present a certificate of citizenship.

This is how the Japanese in Hawaii got hold of gold mines, fisheries, etc.

“THE PRESS: Is there any great deal of interest shown by Japan in Philippine mines, Mr. President?

“PRESIDENT: I suppose there is. Now, don’t let me have things appear in print. But if any one wants to write in his paper tomorrow, don’t let it appear that we have discussed it here to some extent. It is true that there is only one case, and as far as you have been informed, there are no other cases.”

The full story of a Japanese with American citizenship being fortunately allowed to reside on Davao during the Commonwealth period is something that we do not have complete details.

mindset and idealism?

We are precariously sitting at the edge of a cliff.

I sense that Filipinos from all walks of life are tired of contending with the rotten values and practices that have been superimposed on them by their elders.

this so?

The Comelec is like the three monkeys who cover their eyes, ears and mouths because they see nothing evil, hear nothing evil and speak nothing evil.

It appears there is no one brave among the congressmen and women, no one brave enough among the 24 senators to even propose (or verbally suggest) the Comelec’s abolition.

We don’t have a knight in shining armor in there.

I surmise that either they are afraid of the backlash or that they pretend nothing is amiss. A third suspicion could be that they wanted the Comelec to stay this way because they get away with their tricks.

Yes, none of our legislators want to touch the Comelec with a ten-foot pole.

The Comelec needs a complete re-making of itself, from inside out and upside down. As we are all witnesses to its brazen ineptness, election rules and regulations are not enforced to the letter which emboldens shrewd political camps to violate them with incredible impunity.

Poor but better qualified candidates don’t stand even the slimmest of a chance against moneyed and established politicians and clans in their areas, hometowns and districts. Pray, tell, isn’t

8

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.11 ISSUE 236 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, FEBRUARY 17-18, 2019

COMPETITIVE EDGE

ePLDT becomes first in the country DA... to provide DNSSEC-compliant and Secure-DNS Infrastructure ePLDT, the industry-leading enabler of digital business solutions in the Philippines, remains at the top of the local ICT industry in delivering best-in-class cyber security solutions as it becomes the first DNSSEC-compliant provider of DNS Security in the country. ePLDT commits itself to delivering a more secure internet experience for residential, mobile, and corporate users of DNS security as it implements a fully DNSSEC-compliant DNS infrastructure.

“Today’s cybercriminals and the threats they pose are ever growing in size. They have hundreds of ways to compromise DNS servers and it could lead to loss of personal information of users and mission-critical data of companies. We at ePLDT are committed to delivering groundbreaking and innovative digital solutions to our customers, while ensuring their security and protection online,” says Nerisse Ramos, ePLDT Group Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.

DNS (domain name system) is the phonebook of the internet, matching the web addresses users type into browsers with an IP address so that they can reach the correct website. This important function of DNS makes it prone to attacks by cybercriminals that could cause denial of service and redirecting of users to malicious websites.

DNSSEC or DNS Security Extensions provides a level of additional security where the web browser can check to make sure the DNS information is correct and was not modified. The advantage of this solution is that

the DNS infrastructure itself is no longer vulnerable to common attacks such as DNS cache poisoning or denial of service.

To create an island of trust that protects end-users and subscribers of the PLDT Group, Smart and Sun Cellular, ePLDT partnered with Secure64—a leading provider of genuinely secure DNS solutions that are purpose-built to be highly secure, self-protecting, and immune to malware. This initiative will prevent the users from accessing malicious websites and ensure that access to the enterprise websites are legitimate and secure, through the use of a DNS Signer which provides a digital certificate to all enterprise domains that are subscribed and enrolled to ePLDT Secure DNS Infrastructure.

First Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer of ePLDT Group, PLDT Group, and SMART Angel Redoble states, “This newly adopted DNS infrastructure greatly complements our existing Cyber Security portfolio and bolsters ePLDT’s Security Operations Center (SOC) capabilities in monitoring and responding to threat intelligence. This, in turn, will allow our PLDT and ePLDT Secure DNS Infrastructure subscribers to enjoy a more secure internet experience from end to end.”

“Every day, over 650 million subscribers around the world rely on Secure64 technology to process billions of DNS queries in an exceedingly secure, reliable, and performant manner.

We look forward to working with this major strategic partner for us in the APAC region,” says Secure64 CEO Thad Dupper. “With the selection of Se-

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11TH JUDICIAL REGION OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT-SHERIFF Davao City HOME DEVELOPMENT MUTUAL FUND OR PAG-IBIG FUND (HDMF) Mortgagee EJF-REM CASE NO. 17,110-19 - versus -

EMELIE U. LUGAR married to ALLADIN T. LUGAR, Mortgagor/s.

X---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------X Upon extra-judicial petition for foreclosure and sale under Act 3135, as amended, filed by the mortgagee Home Development Mutual Fund or Pag-Ibig Fund against the mortgagor/s EMELIE U. LUGAR married to ALLADIN T. LUGAR, both of legal age, Filipino citizens, with residence and postal address at LOT 24, BLOCK 08, PHASE 6, DECA HOMES RESORT RESIDENCES SUBDIVISION, BARANGAY TUGBOK, MINTAL, DAVAO CITY, to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness, which as of NOVEMBER 20, 2018 in the total amount of ONE MILLION EIGHTY THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED FOUR PESOS & 85/100 (P1,080,204.85), Philippine Currency, inclusive of interest and penalty charges, plus attorney’s fees equivalent to ten percent (10%) of the total indebtedness plus other legal expenses incident to foreclosure and sale; the undersigned Sheriff IV of the Regional Trial Court, Davao City, will sell at public auction 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 for CASH and/or MANAGER’S CHECK and in Philippine Currency, the following real property mentioned and described below with the improvements found thereon, to wit; TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. 146-2016013075 “A parcel of land (Lot 3, Block 1 of the subdivision plan Pcs-11005085, being a portion of consolidation-subdivision Lot 1061, CAD-174; Lot 1 PSD-31479, Lot 35, Pcs-3076 AMD, Lot 46, PCS3076 AMD, and Lot 51, Pcs3076 AMD.) situated in the Barangay of Tacunan, City of Davao, Island of Mindanao. xxx Containing an area of ONE HUNDRED (100) SQUARE METERS, MORE OR LESS. XXX” All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above-stated time and date.

In the event the public auction should not take place on the said date, it shall be held on March 28, 2019 without further notice.

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

Davao City, Philippines, January 28, 2019.

FOR: Atty. Francisco M. Campaner OIC-Clerk of Court & Ex-Officio Prov’l Sheriff (sgd.) ALBERT C. ABEJARON Sheriff IV

cure64’s carrier-grade, highly reliable, extremely secure, and performant DNS platform, this carrier will now have the security tools in place to aggressively pursue their digital transformation strategy.” ePLDT delivers best-inclass digital business solutions

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DEMOLITION... FROM 4

cies will sign for the demolition permit).

He added that residents who do not consent to demolition will be respected, but they may not be able to request government assistance should they change their minds later.

There are 6,800 structures inside the 250-hectare MAA, composed of non-habitable, hazardous and partially destroyed houses and buildings, according to the NHA. The affected structures will be evaluated and identified by the three government agency-members of the Inter-Agency Committee on Debris Clearing (IACDC), which includes the NHA and the local government unit.

Some owners refused to allow demolition of their prop-

erties for fear that they may not get them back. However, the Task Force Bangon Marawi has repeatedly assured that all demolished properties will be returned to their rightful owners.

Edsel Alan Manigbas, deputy project manager of CJI, said they expect to finish the demolition works it in eight months--or only four months if the weather condition permits. He also underscored the cooperation of property owners in completing the demolition earlier than scheduled.

He noted that one of the challenges they are facing is time spent on waiting for the owners because they could not proceed with the demolition without the latter’s presence. (PNA)

services in the near future.

“We will make everything first class and hope for joint ventures with other hospitals to do liver, brain transplant,” Lacuesta added.

Oliver Victoriano, DMS-

FI chief operations officer, said the project is expected to be completed within 18 months and is funded under the Health care program of the Development Bank of the Philippines. (PNA)

10-STORY... FROM 4

FROM 5

Production Loan Easy Access or PLEA program.

Under the loan facility, she said farmers may seek a loan of up to P50,000 at a minimal interest rate of two percent.

The PLEA program, which is implemented by DA’s Agriculture Credit Policy Council (ACPC), aims to address the fi-

nancial needs of marginal farmers and fisherfolk by providing them easy access to loans.

ACPC has established an office at the demonstration farm of the City Agriculture Office in Barangay General Paulino Santos in Koronadal to make its services more accessible to farmers in the area. (PNA)

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11TH JUDICIAL REGION OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT-SHERIFF Davao City OSIAS GO Mortgagee EJF-REM CASE NO. 17,099-19 - versus THE HEIRS OF ANDRES M. SORIA represented by ESTRELLITA Y. SORIA,

Mortgagor/s.

X---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------X NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL FORECLOSURE SALE & SALE Upon extra-judicial petition for sale under Act 3135, as amended, filed by the mortgagee Osias Go against the mortgagor/s HEIRS OF ANDRES M. SORIA, represented by ESTRELLITA Y. SORIA, are all Filipino, of legal age, with residence and postal address at 107 ST. MARY STREET, SASA, DAVAO CITY, to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness which as of JANUARY 16, 2019 the total obligation to pay is ONE MILLION SIX HUNDRED EIGHTY THOUSAND PESOS (P1,680,000.00), Philippine Currency, 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 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 for CASH and/or MANAGER’S CHECK and in Philippine Currency, the following real property mentioned and described below with the improvements found thereon, to wit; TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. T-131559 “A parcel of land (Lot 3, Block 1, Sheet 1, of the subdivision plan, (LRC) xxx being a portion of Lot 562-D, Psd-11317-Amd, LRC Cad. Rec. No. 317) situated in Davao City, Island of Mindanao. xxx Containing an area of TWO HUNDRED (200) SQUARE METERS, MORE OR LESS. XXX” All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above-stated time and date.

In the event the public auction should not take place on the said date, it shall be held on March 28, 2019 without further notice.

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

Davao City, Philippines, January 28, 2019.

FOR: Atty. Francisco M. Campaner OIC-Clerk of Court & Ex-Officio Prov’l Sheriff (sgd.) ALBERT C. ABEJARON Sheriff IV

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

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

HOME DEVELOPMENT MUTUAL FUND OR PAG-IBIG FUND (HDMF) Mortgagee EJF-REM CASE NO. 17,102-19

HOME DEVELOPMENT MUTUAL FUND OR PAG-IBIG FUND (HDMF) Mortgagee EJF-REM CASE NO. 17112-19

- versus -

- versus -

CHARINA T. AGUIRRE,

CHRISTIE ANN P. PAÑOSO, Mortgagor/s.

FOR: EXTRA-JUDICIAL FORECLOSURE OF REAL ESTATE MORTGAGE UNDER ACT 3135 as Amended

Mortgagor/s.

X---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------X Upon extra-judicial petition for sale under Act 3135, as amended, filed by above-mentioned against CHARINA T. AGUIRRE, with postal address at Lot 12, Block 39, Phase 9B, Deca Homes Resort Residences Subdivision, Brgy. Tacunan, Mintal, Davao City, to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness, in the total amount of ONE MILLION TWENTY ONE THOUSAND ONE HUNDRED EIGHTY TWO PESOS & 69/100 (P1,021,182.69), Philippine Currency, inclusive of interest and penalty charges as of November 20, 2018 plus attorney’s fees and other legal expenses incident of foreclosure and sale; the undersigned Sheriff of the Regional Trial Court, Davao City, will sell at public auction February 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 for CASH and/or MANAGER’S CHECK and in Philippine Currency, the following real property mentioned and described below with the improvements found thereon, to wit; TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. 146-2017012692 “A PARCEL OF LAND (LOT 12, BLOCK 39 OF THE SUBDIVISION PLAN PCS-11-005084, xxx xxx), SITUATED IN THE BARANGAY OF TACUNAN, CITY OF DAVAO, ISLAND OF MINDANAO. xxx CONTAINING AN AREA OF ONE HUNDRED (100) SQUARE METERS, MORE OR LESS.” All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the abovestated time and date.

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 28, 2019.

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

X---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------X Upon extra-judicial petition for foreclosure and sale under Act 3135, as amended, filed by the mortgagee – Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-IBIG Fund) against CHRISTIE ANN P. PAÑOSO, with postal address at Lot 22, Blk. 21, Santiago Villas, Catalunan Grande, Davao City, to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness which as of September 28, 2018 amounted to EIGHT HUNDRED THIRTY TWO THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED EIGHTY THREE PESOS & 99/100 (P832,683.99), Philippine Currency, inclusive of interest and penalty charges plus Attorney’s fees equivalent to ten percent (10%) of the total indebtedness, plus other legal expenses incident to foreclosure and sale; the undersigned Sheriff IV of the Regional Trial Court, Davao City, will sell at public auction 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 for CASH and/or MANAGER’S CHECK and in Philippine Currency, the following real property mentioned and described below with the improvements found thereon, to wit; TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. 146-2013004704 A parcel of land xxx (Lot 22, Blk. 21, xxx, Psd-11-106025, xxx ) situated in Brgy. Catalunan Grande, City of Davao, Island of Mindanao, xxxxxx, containing an area of ONE HUNDRED TWENTY (120) SQUARE METERS, more or less.

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

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.

January 29, 2019, Davao City, Philippines.

FOR: Atty. Francisco M. Campaner – the OIC Clerk of Court / Ex-Officio Prov’l Sheriff (sgd.) NICOLAS L. SUMAPIG Sheriff IV

INdulge!

VOL.11 ISSUE 236 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, FEBRUARY 17-18, 2019

EVENT

EDGEDAVAO

BEAUTIFUL MUSIC AND SO MUCH MORE

By KENNETH IRVING ONG BEAUTIFUL MUSIC soothes the senses and warms the heart.

To awaken amazing for its shoppers in the season of love, Ayala Malls Abreeza recently gifted Dabawenyos the eclectic selections and gorgeous sounds of the acclaimed Manila String Machine.

In a free pre-Valentine’s concert held last February 10, the Manila String Machine placed their classical-meetsmodern spin to 30 songs spanning everything from OPM hits to pop

and rock anthems to unmistakable movie themes. The group introduced smoothness and sophistication to their re-imaginings of iconic Filipino songs such as the Eraserheads’ “Ang Huling El Bimbo,” on their first set, Bruno Mars’ “Uptown Funk,” Guns n’ Roses’ “Sweet Child o’ Mine,” and even the Game of Thrones theme for their second set. They earned a standing ovation at the end of their penultimate set, which culminated in an encore performance of Queen’s “We Are the Champions.”

Officially formed in 2008, the Manila String Machine is made up of members who began performing together during their time at the UP Dili-

man College of Music and eventually gained experience playing with prestigious orchestras such as San Miguel Philharmonic Orchestra, Manila Symphony Orchestra, Manila Philharmonic Orchestra, Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, FILharmoniKA, and ABS-CBN Orchestra. The group is famed for its ability to perform tributes to various contemporary and modern artists and play an assortment of musical genres—from classical to standards, from pop to heavy metal.

With Valentine’s Day and National Arts Month falling on the same month, Ayala Malls Abreeza’s February lineup is a celebration of love for all senses with an Art for the Heart Fair last February 9, which offered workshops covering phone photography, floral arrangement, makeup, and bag painting, as well as love poetry performances.

On Valentine’s eve, shoppers tested their love and art knowledge at the HeART Trivia Night last February 13. And on Valentine’s Day itself, Davaobased talent Thea Pitogo

charmed audiences with her ukulele melodies.

There is also the United Durian Artists’ Inkspression Art Exhibit that ran from February 1 to 16 at the 3F Hallway and the upcoming Art Market by

the Philippine Women’s College of Davao happening on February 21-24 at the Activity Center.

For inquiries and updates on Ayala Malls Abreeza news and events, please visit the Main Con-

cierge at the ground floor or call (082) 321-9332. Stay updated by connecting with Ayala Malls Abreeza on Facebook (@AbreezaMall), Twitter (@abreezatweets), and Instagram (@ iloveabreezamall).

EDGED

A2 INdulge!

EVENT

Destination 2019 at the Davao Mega THE WORLD is becoming ever smaller and more accessible for the Dabawenyo traveller. With many airlines and travel agencies giving adventurers the best deals and choicest destinations one can get overwhelmed with the many options out there.

I was able to visit the opening of the 10th Davao Mega Travel Sale organised by the Davao Travel Agencies Association last February 15 and I can now say that we Dabawenyos are now spoiled for choices. With direct international flights, more visa-free or no appointment visa processing options, the world is truly our oyster.

I talked to some travel agents and airline executives and here are some of their suggested destinations: Joy Loyola DTAA president Beyond the international destinations, Dabawenyos should learn to discover more of the Philippines, not just the big cities but also the small and quaint towns around them.

An international destination which we should consider more is China, with two airlines flying direct from Davao to points in China, there is really a world out there to be explored and experienced.

L. Ravindran Manager-SilkAir Mindanao Dabawenyos should fly to Europe now with SilkAir’s better connectivity from Davao to majority of Europe. They can take a flight out of Davao in the afternoon, transit in Singapore Changi Airport for just 55 minutes, and be off to Europe arriving the next day.

Christine Bangayan Skyteam Services Inc. Singapore is always a good place to visit. Cebu Pacific’s direct flight from Davao has a good schedule to the lion city for a weekend getaway.

The food in Singapore is really good and is actually not expensive, especially when you eat at Singapore’s many hawker stalls.

For the more adventurous, you can go visit Bintan Island in Indonesia to enjoy the beach. There re also many hiking trails within Singapore that are really worth the experience.

Ruth Velasco Angel Garnet Travel and Tours For me, Dabawenyos should visit Siargao and Bohol more thanks to the new flights available. The beaches of both destinations are truly amazing.

As an international destination, I would still suggest a visit to Japan. As a tour operator, I was able to visit Japan eight times in 2018, but I still find many things to do. From their food, to shopping, there is always something interesting in Japan Early Day Uyking

Trip Factory Personally, Dabawenyo travellers should visit more cultural places like Cambodia and Myanmar. They may be a little off the beaten track but the culture, architecture and food of these countries create unique travel memories which you do not usually see in urbanised places.

Pia Lourdes Partoza-Montano Pars Travel and Tours Places like the Czech republic, Hungary, Spain and Portugal are destinations for those

travellers who want to go on a religious journey. Another hot destination is the Holy Land focusing on Israel, Egypt and Turkey whose visas are easy for travellers to apply for.

You can still catch the last day of the 10th Davao Mega Travel Sale at the Activity Center of the Ayala Abreeza Mall on February 17 and avail of huge discounts from airline partners AirAsia, Cathay Dragon, Cebu Pacific; hotel partners Seda Hotels, Waterfront Hotels, Club Samal, Pearl Farm; as well as instalment deals from BPI Credit Cards.

UP AND ABOUT

CINEMAWORLD FEATURES LOVE IN DIFFERENT COUNTRIES O CinemaWorld, the 24/7 channel that features award-winning movies from around the world, trains the spotlight on love in different places – Jaipur and Bora-Bora – with its “Love at first Sight” series, available for free on SKY On Demand this February.

Romance blooms amid family grief in the 2016 film, “Love in Jaipur,” where

French TV series “Clem” stars Lucie Lucas and Rayane Bensetti reunite.

Lucie stars as Anne, who is set to get married in Jaipur.

Along with her upcoming marriage, she needs to bring her mother’s urn to India but unfortunately loses it. As she tries to find her mother’s ashes, she meets Ravi (Rayane) who helps her search for it. Amidst all her problems, she unexpectedly falls for Ravi.

Directed by Arnauld Mercdier, the film garnered around 4.5 M viewers in its first run in France.

In“Love in Bora Bora,” viewers will get to see the team-up of Laetitia Milot and Philippe Bas. Laetita plays Valentine who is convinced that she has feelings for her bestfriend Jerome played by Amaury de Crayencour. She, then, decides to confess her feelings in their business trip in Bora-Bora but Jerome’s

girlfriend tags along in the trip.

Get to know what happens in their trip and how Philippe’s character comes in the picture.

Watch these romantic films for free via SKY on Demand.

Visit skyondemand.com.ph or download the mobile app.

Add CinemaWorld toyour SKYcable plan via SKY Select. Go to mysky.com.ph or call 418 0000.

DAVAO

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a Travel Sale

ON SKY ON DEMAND

ENTERTAINMENT

Megan Young still a Kapuso

STARSTRUCK II alumna and Miss World 2013 Megan Young remains a loyal Kapuso as she renewed last February 8 her exclusive contract with GMA Network, Inc. The beauty queen and versatile Kapuso actress and TV Host said that she is very happy to renew her ties with GMA, “Of course, dito ako sa GMA nagsimula so it’s nice to be here with my family. Last year, naging busy talaga ako dahil sa The Stepdaughters.

I’m really thankful to GMA for giving us a program that would showcase our talent. This year, I’m looking forward to something different. I don’t mind doing another Afternoon series kasi nag-enjoy ako. But I’m also looking forward to hosting jobs this year.”

Present in the contract signing were GMA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Atty. Felipe L. Gozon, GMA Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Felipe S. Yalong, GMA Entertainment Group’s Senior Vice President Lilybeth G. Rasonable, GMA Senior Assistant Vice President for Alternative Productions Gigi Santiago-Lara, and Arnold Vegafria, Megan’s manager.

Megan’s last program with GMA was the highly-successful and toprating Afternoon Prime series The Stepdaughters with Mikael Daez and Katrina Halili. This time around, she wants try light dramas and romantic

comedies for her next project.

“Ang gusto ko talaga yung mga romcom. Pero never pa ako nakagawa ng ganito. Hilig ko talaga yung mga Koreanovela. So that’s kind of my dream. I know some people aspire for heavy roles pero ako I love the lightness and endearing moments of Koreanovelas. So maybe a story like that is something I look forward to. I also love anime na gagawing live action.

I’ve never done anything like that.”

During the contract signing, Atty.

Gozon shared that he is delighted with the new chapter of Megan’s life in GMA, “Si Megan naman, hindi lang siya isa sa pinakamagagandang artista

Robi Domingo plays love guru on ABS-CBN Lifestyle IT IS a love and laughter filled month on ABS-CBN Lifestyle as the leading celebrity lifestyle website onboards “Pinoy Big Brother: Otso” host and MYX VJ Robi Domingo as its first ever male guest editor.

Robi gets to share his helpful insights on all matters of the heart—from love for family to love of career to the most important, self-love. It is also a month of revelations in the love department as he admitted to ABS-CBN Lifestyle, “I’m happy, really happy. No, seriously, I’m happy!”

Two celebrity couples who have stood the test of time also impart their inspiring love stories on the site. Kyla and Rich Alvarez and Gladys Reyes and Christopher Roxas, who are now married for 14 and 26 years, respectively, revealed their firsts and lasts as a couple in a series of honest, tear-jerking videos.

In line with the “Love Month” theme, ABS-CBN Lifestyle is set to launch the following original and in-depth visual stories on the stuff close to each Kapamilya star’s heart.

“Homes We Love” will showcase celebs and their spaces with cheat sheets on how to emulate their aesthetics; “I Love My Job” will center on personalities and their exciting sidelines and passions; and last but not the least, “Pet Mah Love” will feature these stars and their dearest pet animals inspiring them everyday.

Check out the exciting reads and videos with Robi, February’s ABSCBNLifestyleInspo. Catch more Inspiring Stellar Stories on ABS-CBN Lifestyle by logging on to Lifestyle.ABS-CBN.com and following the site through its social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter @ abscbnlifestyle.

natin dito. Kaya tayo ay natutuwa na siya ay nag-renew uli ng kontrata sa atin sapagkat sa tingin ko, malayo pa ang mararating niya sa showbiz.”

Rasonable, on the other hand, revealed that the Network is already gearing up for Megan’s next big projects in the Kapuso Station, “Siyempre iniisipan na natin siya ng susunod niyang soap. Kasi di ba very successful ang The Stepdaughters na almost one year na tumakbo. So happy tayo sa performance niya dun. She showed na magaling siya sa drama. Ang layo na ng inimprove niya from before. So we want to do more of that. And yes, she’s also a good host.”

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for Catalunan Grande starts from corner Elenita Heights Catalunan Grande, through Catalunan Grande Road, turn left to MacArthur Highway, turn right to Quimpo Boulevard, through Quezon Boulevard, turn left to Roxas Avenue, through MacArthur Highway, turn right to Petron Bangkal, through Catalunan Grande Road, then back to Santiago Villas, and at least one bus unit will traverse to Garcia Highway.

This route’s bus stops, meanwhile, are located at Elenita Heights, Santiago Villas, Sitio Awa, Catalunan Grande Barangay Hall, Phoenix Gas Station, Matina GSIS, SM Ecoland, Barangay Hall Almendras and Roxas when going to downtown.

Upon return to Catalunan Grande, the buses will stop at Roxas Avenue, Bankerohan, Malayan College, Petron Bangkal and San Isidro Labrador Church.

Further, the fare rate will be the regular rate for buses which pegged at P10 minimum distance of five kilometers and will add P2.20 for each kilometer.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has approved the request of the City Government of Davao to open the applications for special permits for 20 units of public utility buses that will service the underserved routes during peak hours in Davao City.

A four-page memorandum circular signed by LTFRB chairman Martin Delgra was released on Friday, following the survey conducted by the Davao City Transportation and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO) identifying Catalunan Grande and Toril routes as underserved.

The regular fare rate starts at P10 for the first five kilometers and additional P2.20 for every succeeding kilometer.

It said a letter dated February 13, 2019 was submitted

by Assistant City Administrator Tristan Dwight P. Domingo recommending for the Peak Hours Augmentation Bus Services (PHABS) to address the growing need for public utility buses from 6:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. to and from Catalunan Grande and Toril.

Retired Supt. Dionisio C. Abude, the CTTMO head, said in an interview that a meeting was held with local bus companies on the plan of the city to pursue PHABS, among them Mindanao Star, Bachelor Express, LCI Buses, and Davao Metro Shuttle, amid the increasing demand for public transport services during peak hours.

He said the Mindanao Star, which offered free bus rides to Dabawenyos during Kadayawan sa Dabaw celebration in August 2018, has already committed at least eight units of the “low floor, low entry, or city type” buses to provide augmentation services.

The rest will be provided by other local bus firms, he said.

Based on the LTFRB’s memorandum, the travel from Toril going to Roxas Avenue will have six bus stops: Toril District Hall, Corner Iwha MacArthur Highway, Gulf View (Gas station), Shell Station-Ulas, University of Mindanao (Matina footbridge), and Roxas Avenue. From Roxas Avenue going back to Toril, bus stops are Roxas Avenue, Layby Cor. Rizal-Quezon Boulevard (Merco), Sandawa Pias Café, Coke Warehouse in Ulas, Corner Iwha MacArthur Highway, and Toril.

For Catalunan Grande to Roxas Avenue, it will have nine bus stops: Elenita Heights, Santiago Villas, Sitio Awa, Barangay Hall of Catalunan Grande, Phoenix Gas Station, GSIS in Matina, SM Ecoland, Barangay Hall-Almendras, and Roxas Avenue. The travel from Roxas Avenue back to Catalunan Grande will have another nine bus stops: from Roxas Avenue, Mercury Drug in Bankerohan, Malayan College, Bangkal near Petron/Collado, San Isidro Labarador Church, Barangay Hall in Catalunan Grande, Sitio Awa, Santiago Villas, and Elenita Heights.

The City Government of Davao is also pushing for High Priority Bus System, which would replace the jeepney units in the city, to address the need for mass transit system and traffic congestion in the city. With reports from Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews

NEWS

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body’s classification or even improve the quality to higher classification,” Tawantawan said.

She said that her agency will sit down with the concerned local government units (LGUs) this February 21, to discuss certain measures in this project.

The environment official said that declaring areas to be included in the WQMA is in accordance to Section 5 of Republic Act 9275 or the Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004.

The DENR will work in coordination with the National Water Resources Board (NWRB).

Areas included are watershed, river basins or water resources regions.

Tawantawan said that plans of rehabilitating Davao Gulf is part of Environmental Secretary Roy Cimatu’s priori-

ty in protecting the marine and coastal ecosystem.

Recently, DENR conducted a rehabilitation of the Manila Bay. Last year, Boracay Island was closed for six months as directed by President Duterte due to the high level of coliform bacteria based on a study.

On Wednesday, Architect Leonida Santos, Philippine Institute of Environmental Planners (PIEP) past president and Rotary International district officer urged the local government to prioritize the rehabilitation of Davao Gulf after it is “slowly becoming a septic tank of the city.”

Although Davao Gulf’s situation is not yet as worse as the Manila Bay or Pasig River, Santos said that a sewerage system must be developed as soon as possible.

JASKIN PAWNSHOP

Notice of Auction Sale All Jewelry and other items pawned at Jaskin Pawnshop San Perdo Street, Davao City during the months of September 2018, if not redeemed or renewed will be sold to the public on February 20, 2019 at our pawnshop premises.

February 15, 17, 19

GENSAN... FROM 2

tion, certificate from the tribal chieftain or Ustadz, immunization forms, school-related documents, identification cars, community tax certificate and any available supporting documents.

Those applying for de-

9

layed registration of death certificate of family members or relatives need to present an affidavit, letter or certification from the chieftain or Ustadz, and a barangay certification specifying the cause of death. (PNA)

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11TH Judicial Region Davao City OFFICE OF THE EXECUTIVE JUDGE NOTICE OF HEARING PETITIONS FOR NOTARIAL COMMISSION

NOTICE is hereby given that a summary hearing on the Petitions for NOTARIAL COMMISSION of: 1. JOSEPH PATRICK C. ESCOVILLA 2. JULIUS FRENCIE M. RIZADA 3. MELISSA CAMILLE P. BASA 4. ERICK JOHN S. CABUSLAY shall be held on FEBRUARY 21, 2019 at exactly 2:00 p.m. at the courtroom of Regional Trial Court, Branch 16, Hall of Justice, Ecoland, Matina, Davao City.

Any person who has any cause or reason to object to the grant of the petition may file a verified written opposition thereto, received by the undersigned before the date of the summary hearing.

Davao City, Philippines, February 14, 2019.

(SGD.) EMMANUEL C. CARPIO Executive Judge

BATCH: 7

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Davao karatefest lures region’s best

By ADAM B. MORRELL

O

ver 80 karatekas are seeing action in the Karate Pilipinas Sports Inc. (KPIS) rolls off it's first Davao Region Karate Championship which got going at the Gaisano City Gate in Buhangin, Davao City.

KPSI Davao Region director Rommel Tan, chief of the Association for the Advancement of Karate (AAK) Davao, said entries from the University of Mindanao (UM) Tagum, Inawayan Karate Team, Mati Shutokai Team, Comatcom Davao,

Reishinkan Karate Team, Shorin Chi Karate Team, AAK Davao Dojo, AAK UIC and AAK Fairlanes are out to crowd the hunt in the event which aims to provide avenue for young aspiring karatekas while recognizing the future national team of the country.

This program is part of the grassroots development of KPSI as the Philippines' new National Sports Association (NSA) for karate.

However, only teams affiliated with the organiza-

PAL BEATS CEBU PACIFIC. Philippine Airlines (PAL) cagers squeaked past the squad of Cebu Pacific (business and hardcourt rivals) in overtime play – 93-91 – to win the 3rd Philippine Aviation Basketball Association basketball tournament

tion are allowed to join the regional competition which serves as the qualifying leg for the National Championships.

On the other hand, various categories are entered in the kata and kumite events.

Kata or commonly known as forms, has boy's and girl's novice, intermediate and advance categories while kumite or sparring has four major divisions which includes age group, cadets, juniors and seniors.

Tan, meanwhile, shared that national officials with the likes of Bernard Alvarina, Ricky Elinon, Antonio Rodriguez, Jeff Lagasca, Cris Campomanes, Teodoro Belisario, Ariel Naputol and Edilberto Flores will officiate the competition.

The event is sponsored

by Mahugani Security Agency, Mulavi Maintenance Service, Davao City Sports Council, Incorporated, Gaisano City Gate, DMSI, Aquarius, Stratos Security and Ramzane.

organized by the Civil Aeronautics Board. The victorious PAL team, composed of pilots, bested Cebu Pacific in the best of three championship series held at the Philippine Air Force gym at Villamor Air Base.

Guiao confident of Gilas G

ilas PIlipinas head coach Yeng Guiao likes the national basketball team’s chances in the final window of the 2019 FIBA world Cup Qualifiers, with Andray Blatche around.

The national pool practiced with Blatche before the naturalized player went back to China for his commitment with his mother club. They will meet the former NBA player when they fly to Qatar on Saturday.

The nationals are set to play Qatar on February 21, before flying to Astana, Kazakhstan for a February 24 game.

“I feel good about our chances especially with the way we blended with Blatche.

W e know

Blatche is in a lot better shape now so mataas ang kumpiyansa ko that we can win these two games and go to the World Cup,” said Guiao in a television interview.

The coach was impressed with a more conditioned Blatche this time around, citing that he will be a threat from the outside and on the post.

“We know he can shoot the outside shot, may 3 point shot siya. He will demand the double team when he posts up and that's going to create a lot of scoring opportunities for out shooters and scorers,” he said.

Guiao added that defense will be a crucial factor in their final push for

Naturalized center Andray Blatche will be suiting up against Qatar on February 21 and Kazakhstan on February 24.

the World Cup especially against Kazakhstan.

He remembers how Kazakhstan brought them down by rain threes on them.

“We know when we played Kazakhstan here in the last window, they killed us with their 3 point shots so we're getting ready for those guys who can shoot threes we don't wanna make the same mistake,” he said.

Canlubang, Luisita renew rivalry in PAL Seniors

D

efending champion Canlubang and Luisita renew their rivalry in the 33rd Philippine Airlines Seniors Interclub golf team championships starting Feb. 27 in Cebu City.

Canlubang and Luisita, which have 26 titles between them, are fielding almost the same teams that fought last year in Davao City.

The Laguna-based squad won by eight points over 16-time champion Luisita.

Canlubang will again rely on brothers Abe and Pem Rosal, Rolly Viray, Mari Hechanova, Abe Avena, Zaldy Villa and Damasus Wong.

Tommy Manotoc, the team’s biggest star, returns after an absence of two years, taking the place of Dave Hernandez.

Luisita, which last won the title two years ago in Bacolod City, is fielding former pro Demy Saclot to replace Jingy Tuason.

Other returning Luisita mainstays are Eddie Bagtas, Benjie Sumulong, Rodel Mangulabnan, Raffy Garcia, Chino Raymundo, Edmund Yee and Chito Laureta.

The four-day tournament will be played at the Alta Vista Golf Club and Club Filipino de Cebu.

The last time Cebu hosted the event was in 2013 when Canlubang edged Luisita by six points.

Much has changed, however, in the roster of both teams, particularly Luisita which has no carryovers from that 2013 squad.

A total of 108 teams have signed up for the fourto-play, three-to-count tournament, including 60 from abroad.

As in the past, the Molave scoring system will be used. Par is worth 3 points.

Regulation score is equivalent to 54 points.

This year’s Interclub is sponsored by Asian Air Safari and Radio Mindanao Network. Also extending support are ABS-CBN Global Ltd. (The Filipino Channel), Rolls Royce, Primax Broadcasting Network, UM Broadcasting Network (Mindanao), Fox Sports, GECAS, Boeing, Lufthansa Technik AG and Manila Standard. Official hotel is Quest Hotel Conference Center Cebu.

The Lyceum Pirates after Saturday’s basketball clinic at the Rancho Palos Verdes.

LPU Pirates hold cage clinic

By ADAM B. MORRELL

M

ore than just a promotion of its soon-torise branch in Davao City, Lyceum of Philippines University (LPU) began its immersion into the Davao community through a free basketball clinic for aspiring Dabawenyo hoopsters on Saturday at the Ranchos Palos Verdes in Maa, Davao City.

A total of 60 aspiring hoopsters experienced firsthand the system of the LPU

Pirates, which personally facilitated the clinic.

“Basically, the purpose of the clinic is for the LPU to share it’s knowledge about basketball and to allow the participants to experience the training program of the school,” LPU officer Joseph Deligero, said.

LPU coaching staff composed of Topex Robinson, Allan Layco, Gilbert Malabanan, Kevin Lavap, Ricky Reyes and Andro Acoritay

were also in attendance.

The LPU Pirates, meanwhile, paraded its complete roster made up by Renzo Navarro, Jayvee Marcelino, Jaycee Marcelino, Reymar Caduyac, Niño Ibanez, Enoch Valdez, Mike Nzejsseu, Jeff Santos, Ralph Tsnsingco, Carl Lumbao, Spencer Pretta, Rhanzelle Yong, Jayson David and Cjay Perez against Holy Cross of Davao College Crusaders in one friendly game followed after the clinic.

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BLUE VS RED Ateneo, Holy Child book finals berths in NBTC Davao Qualifiers

By KOII CANARIAS

R

AIRBORNE. Rommel Solivel (16) of Davao Jones Academy tries to block the shot of high-scoring Holy Child guard Vince Petdeo Cuajao in the two teams’ semifinals showdown in the NBTC Davao Qualifying Leg at the UM Matina Gym on Friday. Koii Canarias.

ivals Ateneo de Davao University Blue Knights and Holy Child College of Davao Red Eagles will face off in the championship of the National Basketball Training Center (SM - NBTC) League Davao Qualifying Finals.

The Blue Knights earned the first ticket to the finals after defusing a late rally by Ford Academy of the Arts 88-83.

Blue Knight’s captain Ion Angeles torched the hoops with 17 points to lead Ateneo to a 33-18 at the end of the first quarter. Ford tried to slow Ateneo’s shooting barrage by switching to man to man defense. Ateneo took this opportunity to rest their key players for the last half of the game.

In the third quarter Raine Maga turned on his game and shoved Ford closer to just 4, 64-60.

In the fourth quarter, Blue Knights co-captain Lance Carr suffered an injury that sent him out to

the showers. Angeles, on the other hand, did not fail the Ateneo community by pouring in 9 more points to end the quarter.

In the second semifinals, the Holy Child Red Eagles and Davao Jones Spunkies, whose rivalry dates back to the Davao City Athletics Association (DCAA) Meet basketball finals last year battled for the last finals berth with the Reds emerging victorious 113-97.

The Spunkies, the team to watch before the start of NBTC, came prepared to match the Red Eagles this time. In the first quarter Spunky’s John Dave Palero fired 8 points while putting the cuffs on Cayle Manlimos of the Red Eagles.

Both teams battled fiercely to end the first quarter locked in a 22-22 standoff.

Reds’ main man Vince Petdeo Cuajao was heavily guarded and committed three turnovers as the Spunkies turned the tide

over to their side.

Spunky’s Askiah John Echavia, who will play for Palarong Pambansa on April, turned on his game sinking in four straight triples to push Davao Jones to the lead 48-47 at the end of the first half.

In the third quarter, the Red Eagles changed their phase, hustling up their defense and combining it with quick plays. The tired Jonians puzzled with the change, lost their defense to open up opportunities for the Red Eagles to score more.

The Red Eagles wrapped up the third quarter 78-64.

The Spunkies tried to close the gap by trapping but the Red Eagles did not bother and even piled up the scoring leaving the Spunkies behind by 24 points going into the last 3 minutes of the game.

The Spunkies’ reliable Rommel Solivel fouled out in the last 2 minutes to dash their hopes cold.