Edge Davao Vol 12 Issue 15 | Friday-Saturday, March 29-30, 2019

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EDGE DAVAO Serving a seamless society

SPORTS CURRY, DURANT POWER

P11 WARRIORS PAST GRIZZLIES

PRRD’S WISH Peace and prosperity for the nation P

resident Rodrigo Duterte wished peace and prosperity for the nation as he turned 74 on Thursday.

Duterte revealed his wish during the advance birthday celebration held at the Matina Enclaves in Davao City last Wednesday.

“It’s a very topsy [turvy] world...My wish is that we will just continue to progress and prosper.

Hindi tayo kasali diyan sa mga gulo-gulo sa ibang bayan. I wish you all happiness,” he said during his birthday event with Presidential Security Group and aides.

Duterte also reiterated he will be spending his birthday at home sleeping.

Some members of the Cabinet, meanwhile, extended their birthday greetings to the President. " I wish that each and every Filipino will see how hard you work for them and that they will understand how much you really love our country

and our people," Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea said.

Defense Secretary Del�in Lorenzana, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año, presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo and Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol wished good health for the President.

“Destiny designed your name: Rodrigo Roa Duterte, 74 years ago on this day, to lead that we may follow, and to follow that we may live, your noble cause within our lives. Happy birthday, President Duterte!”

Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said.

Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said the country was “truly blessed” to have Duterte as president.

He said he has known Duterte to be one of the “most intense and focused persons in government; his passion tempered by a soft heart for the ordinary Filipino.”

“His style of leadership is very much de�ined by his own strong personality, which we have witnessed

PRRD’S, P10

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PRRD. President Rodrigo Duterte gestures during an event in this undated photo. The Chief Executive turned 74 on Thursday, March 28. Lean Daval Jr

SURVEYS SHOW PRRD GETS HIGHEST RATING SINCE CORY

FINDING BUDDHA AT NGONG PING

► NEWS P3

► INDULGE A1

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 15 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MARCH 29-30, 2019

NEW WAREHOUSES. Eight new warehouses have been added recently to the agri-industrial center Anflo Industrial Estate (AIE), a 63-hectare Special Economic Zone registered under the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA). In photo, (left to right): Senior VP Anflo Group of Companies Ricardo Floirendo, Panabo Mayor James Gamao, Vice President for Damosa Land

Ricardo F. Lagdameo, Chairperson Anflo Group of Companies Linda F. Lagdameo, former 2nd District of Davao del Norte Congressman Antonio F. Lagdameo Jr and Panabo Vice Mayor Janrey Gavina. Leebai S. Ambolodto

urges PRRD Anflo inaugurates Son to take some rest 8 more warehouses P cal Foods Corp., Phildutch Polymer Inc., Davao Packaging Corporation, Davao Zhenzhi Plastics Corp., CAMECO Realty Development, PMR Pallet Ltd. Co., Fermon Corp., Southern Harvest, Lane Holdings Inc., and Packwell Inc. AIE has been receiving increasing interest since its establishment in 2016 with investors from nations such as Japan, China, United States, Netherlands, and more visiting the Estate.

“We only have 3 vacant

facilities. The rest are fully occupied,” Lagdameo said.

Located in Panabo City, the country’s banana capital, AIE is only 25 minutes drive from two major economic hubs, Davao City and Tagum City.

Adding signi�icant value is AIE’s proximity to only the Davao International Container Terminal, Mindanao's premier container terminal thus ensuring cost-ef�icient operations and world-class logistic services to AIE's locators.

residential son and former vice mayor Paolo Duterte urged his father “to take some rest sometime.”

In a Facebook post addressed to President Rodrigo Duterte, who was celebrating his 74th birthday on Thursday, March 28, 2019, Paolo said he was thankful because their father still �ind time to spend moments with members of the family despite his hectic schedule.

The President is known for showing up in successive public gatherings. He is also known to conduct meetings late in the evening or even at dawn, depending on the severity of the issues and problems.

ritics of the terms of the Philippine government's loan from China for the Chico River Project are simply "jumping the gun," Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said Tuesday, as he dismissed fears being raised by some quarters in case the government defaults on its obligations as being far-fetched.

"We are too well ahead of what may happen. I think we really don't have much to worry," Guevarra said. "According to the DOF (Department of Finance), there is nothing unusual about this contract. It's something like a template that has been used in so

many other loan agreements. So, I guess we are just really worrying too much."

"I don't think we even have to think about that problem in the future because the intention of the government is to honor all of its loan obligations," Guevarra added, following government critics sounding the alarm of a possible takeover of the gas-rich Reed Bank (Recto Bank) in case the Philippines defaulted on its PHP3.69-billion loan for the Chico River Project.

Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, citing provisions of the loan agreement, claims the contract

for the Chico River project "is expected to be the template for all other Chinese loans to the Philippines."

Under paragraph 8.1 of the loan agreement, the Philippines expressly waived immunity over all its assets except those used properties of Philippine embassies and missions; those under Philippine military control; and those assets for “public or governmental use as distinguished from patrimonial assets and assets dedicated to commercial use”.

Guevarra explained that the seizure of the Reed Bank is "far-fetched" because even if, "assuming for the sake of argument"

BY LEEBAI SINSUAT AMBOLODTO

A

n�lo Industrial Estate inaugurated on Thursday, March 28, eight new warehouses to its sprawling agri-industrial park in Panabo City.

The new warehouses brought to 15 the current inventory of ready-built facilities at the emerging major agri-industrial hub in the entire country.

“We started this project three years ago. What we have envisioned is to have a proper operational industrial park here in Davao del Norte”, Damosa Land Inc. (DLI) Vice Presi-

dent Ricardo F. Lagdameo said. “In Mindanao, there are only a few.”

DLI operates AIE under the An�lo Group of Companies conglomerate.

Lagdameo said the project cost at the moment is at P250 million.

To date, AIE has 11 locators. These are Del Monte Fresh Produce Philippines, First Panabo Tropi-

“Even if you don't have enough sleep but you always �ind time for us.

Thank you, Pa,” he said.

Paolo said his father should also pause from work.

“Don't mind people who are pretending to be intelligent. Inday Sara Zimmerman Duterte will take charge of them,” he said.

As for what he called “mad dogs,” Paolo said he will take care of them.

“I wish you good health at all times so you could continue serving the people. We love you Pa,” he added.

Former Special Assistant to the President Christopher Go also posted his

there will be a default, there are mechanisms in place to be followed such as restructuring of the loan or the arbitration.

Under the agreement, the arbitration will be held in Beijing and will be governed by the rules of the China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission (CIETAC).

"An arbitral ruling will have to be validated by a Philippine court. So, hindi yun diretsong enforcement agad [there is no immediate enforcement]. Any foreign judgment including an arbitral ruling will have to be enforced by a petition in a proper Philippine court," he said. (PNA)

SON, P10

Villar: Feasibility study for Criticism on PH loan deals with China 'too speculative': DOJ Davao-Samal bridge done C

T

he feasibility study for the multi-billion bridge in Mindanao is now ready for the next stage prior to its construction, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said Wednesday. "'Yung Davao-Samal bridge that's already in the �inal stages of our feasibility study, tapos na, and gagawin na 'yung detailed engineering design," Public Works Secretary Mark Villar told reporters at the sidelines of the groundbreaking for the Cavite segment of the Cavite-Laguna

Expressway (CALAEx) For the Panay-Guimaras-Negros bridge, Villar said, "'Yung feasibility study tapos na, meron na kaming feasibility study.

Then doon na kami sa detailed engineering."

The DPWH chief noted that the two bridge projects are now in the "advance stage of development."

"We can expect that we can start also and �inish it signi�icantly within the term of the President," Villar said.

The Davao-Samal Bridge project has an es-

VILLAR, P10

VOL.12 ISSUE 15 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MARCH 29-30, 2019

EDGEDAVAO

NEWS 3

Surveys show PRRD gets highest rating since Cory T

he overall surveys of Social Weather Stations (SWS) net satisfaction ratings of the national administrations show President Rodrigo Duterte getting the highest satisfaction rating since the time of President Corazon Aquino.

The surveys, conducted from February 1989 to December 2018, indicate President Duterte’s administration general performance got the highest +70 rating, posted on December 2017, which makes his administration the only one with an “excellent” rating.

The Duterte administration’s average surveys +62 rating from September2016 to December 2018 is the highest among six administrations rated

by SWS as the only administration with “very good” average rating so far.

The average ratings of past Presidents are the following: President Benigno Aquino, +45 rated by SWS as “good”; Gloria Macapa-

gal-Arroyo, -2 “neutral”; Joseph Estrada, +15 “moderate”; Fidel Ramos, +13 “moderate”; and Corazon Aquino, 5 “neutral.”

President Duterte’s lowest +50 posted on September 2018 was still within the “very good” rating bracket.

Other past Presidents’ highest and lowest ratings are the following: President Benigno Aquino, +66 “very good” in June 2013 and +19 “moderate” in March 2-15; Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, +27 “moderate” in November 2001 and -45 “bad” in March 2010; Joseph Estrada, +34 “good” in March 1999 and -8 “neutral” in December 1999; Fidel Ramos, +32 “good” in Septem-

PNP says crime rate downtrend means successful anti-drug ops

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s government has been relentless in its campaign against illegal drugs, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has noted the continued drop of crime rate as indicative of a successful anti-illegal drug operation.

In a Real Numbers press conference on Wednesday, PNP deputy spokesperson, Lt. Col Kimberly Molitas, reported that authorities are winning the war for the Filipino people. "[It is] important to note that focus crimes are due to the use of illegal drugs.

If you look at the nature [of the crimes], the perpetrators are doing drugs. They resort to theft to support their addiction, they rape, murder because they are tripping," Molitas said in an interview after the brie�ing.

A total of 1,040,987 crimes were reported from July 2016 to June 2018, low-

er than the 1,325,789 cases reported during the same period in 2014 to 2016, or a 21.48 percent drop.

Crimes against persons like homicide, physical injuries, and rape also went down, except for murder which saw an increase of 19,210 or 1.5 percent during the last two years.

Molitas said the war on drugs is far from over, but the interagency task force publishes daily reports of its progress.

"We put an effort to make sure that the campaign against illegal drugs is sustained. Hindi po yan nagbabago, bumababa po yan ng bumababa (It is consistent, the numbers are dropping each year)," she said.

With the minimal number of crimes, the PNP also reported that the bene�its that the Philippine economy reaps from their efforts.

PNP, P10

ber 1992 and -1 “neutral” December 1996; and Corazon Aquino, +23 “moderate” in February 1989 and -5 “neutral” in April 1992.

The surveys include ratings of satisfaction in the following areas of administration: Helping the poor, �ighting in�lation, ensuring that no family will ever be hungry and have nothing to eat, foreign relations, ful�illing commitments in international treaties, eradicating graft and corruption in government, defending Philippine sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea, building and maintenance of public works like roads and bridges, protection of human rights, promoting women’s rights, deciding quickly on important problems of the country, transparency in providing information about government activities, �ighting crimes that victimize ordinary citizens, like killings, holdups,

robberies, and physical violence, as well as �ighting terrorism, reconciliation with Muslim rebels, and reconciliation with communist rebels.

The surveys were conducted usually every three months in each administration. Each survey is composed of about 1,500 samplings of adults, 18 years old and above, nationwide.

Survey areas include Luzon, Metro Manila, Visayas, and Mindanao.

“The quarterly SWS survey items on public satisfaction with the general performance of the national administration, and its performance on speci�ic subjects, are non-commissioned. These items are included on SWS’s own initiative and released as a public service,” SWS indicates on its website. (Words and artwork by Juan Pulso for PinoyPulse.com)CONTRIBUTED

resident Rodrigo Duterte made it clear to China that his government had nothing to do with the suit �iled by former Philippine of�icials against Chinese leader Xi Jinping before the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Duterte conveyed this message to Chinese Communist Party's Minister of the International Department Song Tao, who paid a courtesy call on the chief executive in Davao City on Wednesday, according to a press release issued by Malacañang on Thursday.

“However, he said, the Philippines is a democratic country. Therefore, ‘we cannot stop people from just �iling cases’,” the Palace said.

The Palace said Duterte and Song also discussed matters of mutual interest such as trade, infrastructure development and the

South China Sea dispute.

“If there will be a need of assistance in improving the people's lives, China is willing to help," said Song, adding he is looking forward to Duterte’s attendance to the second Belt and Road Forum in China in April.

Former Foreign Secretary Albert Del Rosario and former Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales have accused Xi, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and China's Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua of committing crimes against humanity in connection with Beijing's activities to gain control over most of the resource-rich South China Sea. They said Xi and other of�icials have been responsible for the marine environment that has suffered destruction and the loss of the �isheries resources

PH gov't had no hand in ICC suit vs. Xi: PRRD P in the area due to the creation of arti�icial islands, militarization, and various other activities.

The communication was �iled before the ICC Prosecutor on March 15 - two days before the Philippines' exit from the tribunal.

Under its rules, the court may still act on cases related to the Philippines while the Philippines was a member from November 1, 2011 until March 17, 2019.

But Duterte and Malacañang raised the issue of lack of jurisdiction given that China is not a state party to the Rome Statute—the treaty which created the ICC. Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo and Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra viewed the communication more as a political action than a legal one.

Panelo also said the ICC

cannot hear cases involving environmental damage.

“They [critics] can claim that it was a mistake for the Philippine government to withdraw its membership from the Rome Statute as the ICC can no longer serve as a venue to prosecute President Xi for an alleged commission of crime against humanity,” he said in a statement last week.

“We reiterate, however, that the Philippines under the Duterte administration is engaged in a diplomatic negotiation, through a bilateral consultation mechanism (BCM), over the West Philippine Sea issue.”

Accompanying Song during the courtesy call were Zhao, Chinese Consul General to Davao Li Lin and other of�icials of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (IDCPC) Central Commit-

PH, P10

4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 15 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MARCH 29-30, 2019

SUNSET INDUSTRY. Farmers collect coconuts at a farm in Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur over the weekend. The domestic price of copra fell by 36 percent despite efforts of the government to help raise its farm-gate price. Lean Daval Jr

partners with UNDP for DA: Beware of inflated damage DICT free WiFi internet services reports ahead of May elections T

T

otal crop damage due to El Niño is at P1.3 billion based on the latest data collected, the Department of Agriculture said Thursday, downplaying a newspaper report that cited P2.8 billion in crop losses.

The DA’s computation is more accurate since it entails insurance policies, Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol said.

Piñol warned the agency of in�lated damage reports from the local government units as calamity funds could be used for political pur-

poses, he said.

“Sabi ko sa mga staff ko - let’s be careful with the numbers coming from the local government units. You have to understand na malapit na ang election at pwede mong gamitin ‘yung calamity fund for political purposes and you can justify that by

inance Secretary Carlos Dominguez on Wednesday said that those burdened with implementing infrastructure projects and other government programs should always think of public interest, as they ensure that such projects are completed on time.

“People have to remember that when projects are delayed, the ones who suffer are the people. So it is not PPP, it should be PPPP -- Public-Private Partnership for the People. And I think many people forget that the bene�iciaries are really the public,” he said during a press brie�ing at the site of the Clark International Expansion Project in Pampanga.

Dominguez, who accompanied Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade among others of�icials during the site visit of Singapore Ambassador to the Philippines Gerard Ho, and senators Joseph Victor Ejercito and Emmanuel Joel Villanueva, among others, said the expansion of the Clark International Airport serves as the template for all the infrastructure programs of the Duterte administration’s “Build, Build, Build” program.

He cited the contribution of the private sector in the speed of the implementation of the project.

The government awarded the project to Megawide-GMR, which is the consortium of local

issuing a huge damage report,” he said.

“Yung P2.8 billion na nabasa ko sa dyaryo pinapa-validate namin because as far as we are concerned in our last collation of data ang total damage is P1.3 billion. We’re not saying it’s inaccurate. What we’re saying is we need to validate this,” Piñol said.

Measures to help farmers are currently in place including the use of solar-powered

irrigation system. However, the implementation “is not as fast as we would like because of lack of funding,” he said.

Meanwhile, the implementing rules and regulations of the Rice Tarri�ication Law could be presented to the Cabinet for signing by April 1, Piñol said. Importers are still operating under the current quota basis since the IRR has not been �inalized, he said.

he Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has partnered with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) for the rollout of free Wi-Fi internet services in the country.

In a statement on Wednesday, the DICT said it signed an agreement with the UNDP to expedite the implementation of the Pipol Konek Free Wi-Fi Internet Access in Public Places Project last Friday.

The signing was led

by DICT Acting Secre-

tary Eliseo M. Rio Jr. and UNDP Philippine Country Of�ice Resident Representative Titon Mitra.

“As we set to seal this meeting of minds, the Department is optimistic that our goals of providing free internet access and promoting knowledge-building among our citizens will soon be realized,” Rio said.

Under the agreement, the UNDP will conduct an area-based network analysis of target sites for Wi-Fi hotspots, oversee monitoring of project impact, and contin-

coffee farmer from Bansalan, Davao del Sur will be showcasing her green coffee in a Specialty Coffee Exposition in Boston, Massachusetts in the United States next month.

Marivic Dubria, who bagged �irst place in the Arabica Category of the Philippine Coffee Quality Competition (PCQC), told reporters during Wednesday’s Habi at Kape in Abreeza that she will bid her winning green beans at the Boston coffee expo.

This is the second time for Dubria to join

the international exposition. The �irst time was in Seattle, also in the US, after winning second place in PCQC 2018.

She said joining an international event like the Specialty Coffee Expo in Boston will give farmers more knowledge in coffee growing, processing and marketing.

“I was challenged to grow coffee the right way because I believe we could command a good price in the market,” Dubria said.

She said they began selling green beans at PHP100 per kg. but their specialty coffee is now

priced at PHP600 per kg.

Dubria’s coffee farm is about 2.5 hectares with a total yield of 1,000 kg. per hectare per year.

She said it is not easy but following good agricultural practices and the “pick red only” fruit made their green beans special.

Dubria is one of 200 farmer-members of the Balutakay Coffee Farmers Association (BACOFA), who grow coffee at the foot of Mt. Apo. She said the area is suitable for specialty coffee because it is in a high elevation.

DICT, P10

Public welfare top priority on Coffee farmer from DavSur town BBB projects' implementation to showcase green coffee in US F A company Megawide Construction Corp. and GMR Infrastructure of India.

The project is considered a hybrid because while engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) was awarded to Megawide-GMR, the operations and management (O&M) was awarded to the North Luzon Airport Consortium, which is composed of Singapore’s Changi Airport and local conglomerates JG Summit Holdings Inc. and Filinvest Development Corp.

Dominguez noted that the expansion of the Clark International Airport, which is seen to be the next premier gateway of the country, has been on the

PUBLIC, P10

COFFEE, P10

ECONOMY 5

VOL.12 ISSUE 15 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MARCH 29-30, 2019

Aboitiz taps“daa Int’l“ for regional airport bids

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boitiz Equity Ventures on Thursday said its subsidiary Aboitiz InfraCapital Inc (AIC) has tapped Ireland-based "daa International" for its regional airport bids.

Ireland's daa International will work with AIC in the future upgrade, expansion, operations and maintenance of the Bohol-Panglao International Airport and the Laguindingan Airport in Misamis Oriental, the company said in a statement.

The daa International is the airport operations management subsidiary of Ireland's Dublin Airport

Authority, Aboitiz said.

Aboitiz InfraCapital was granted the original proponent status (OPS) for the Panglao and Laguindingan airports in September 2018 and March 2019, respectively.

“The Philippines represents a new environment with great potential and promise for daa International. It �its perfectly with our model and long term strategy of sharing international and regional airport management and operational expertise,” daa International said.

Daa International operates Ireland's Dublin Airport.

BDO to offer P5-B LTNCDs BDO Unibank, Inc. (BDO) is set to offer P5.0 billion Long-Term Negotiable Certi�icates of Deposit (LTNCD) as part of the Bank’s efforts to lengthen the maturity of its funding sources and support business expansion plans. BDO has the option to increase the issue size, depending on market demand. BDO last issued P8.2 billion worth of LTNCDs in May last year.

This latest tranche of LTNCDs will have a term of �ive and a half (5 ½) years with indicative pricing of 5.125% 5.50%. The �inal coupon rate will be set prior to or at the end of the offer period. Interest will be paid quarterly in arrears. The minimum investment is P100,000 with increments of P50,000. The offer period will be from March 27 up to April 5, with the issue date set for April 12, 2019. The Bank however, reserves the right to adjust the timing

of the offer as needed.

LTNCDs are negotiable certi�icates of deposit with a designated maturity, and represent a bank’s obligation to pay the face value upon maturity, with periodic coupon or interest payments during the life of the deposit. LTNCDs are an attractive investment especially for individuals, as interest income is exempt from withholding taxes if the LTNCDs are held for at least �ive (5) years. LTNCDs are covered by deposit insurance with the PDIC, subject to PDIC’s applicable rules and regulations, including maximum insurance coverage per depositor.

Deutsche Bank AG, Manila Branch (DB) is the Sole Lead Arranger and Selling Agent for the issue, while BDO and BDO Private Bank are the other selling agents. BDO Capital and Investment Corp. serves as BDO’s �inancial advisor.

REAL PROPERTY ASSESSMENT. City Assessor’s Office head Engr. Jaime Adalin Jr bares that there has been a 47 percent increase on the assess value of properties in Davao City based on the latest real property assessment. Adalin also said during

I-Speak media forum on Thursday that real estate value in the city is constantly increasing due to the private developments and the infrastructure project of the national government. Lean Daval Jr

Lacson to question 2019 nat’l budget

S

en. Pan�ilo Lacson on Thursday said he cause that’s well within his would question the 2019 national budget authority pero (but) it will if it would be enacted in its current form. not also prevent us, me par-

Senate President Vicente Sotto III earlier signed the P3.7 trillion spending bill on Tuesday for transmission to the Of�ice of the President, but with “strong reservations,” citing unconstitutional provisions and a P75-billion “internal realignment.”

Sotto also asked the president to veto such “un-

constitutional” provisions within the spending plan.

The Senate will respect President Rodrigo Duterte’s decision in case he decides to sign the enrolled bill in its current form, but it will not prevent lawmakers to question its approval, Lacson said in a press brie�ing Thursday.

“We’ll respect that be-

WARNING. Street vendors along San Pedro Street in Davao City are reminded by personnel from the city government of Davao’s Ancillary Services Unit to follow the 1/3-2/3 sidewalk policy on Thursday after authorities received numerous complaints of violations from pedestrians. Lean Daval Jr

ticularly, to question na dahil kung pork naaprubahan, na-implement sayang na naman ang pondo (if pork barrel was approved and implemented then we’re wasting funds),” he said.

Lacson claimed there were items that were not “vetted” by implementing agencies.

“In the preparation phase, pinag-aralan nila

lahat ‘yan (they studied that)... pagkatapos pagdating sa House o sa Senate babaguhin mo bigla (then upon reaching the Senate or the House you will suddenly make changes) whimsically, capriciously and without any consultation with the agencies, just imagine what would happen to those items, it cannot be implement,” he said.

Lacson earlier said some P75 billion in funds

LACSON, P10

Gov’t bullish on P1-T investment approvals

The government remains con�ident about achieving the PHP1-trillion target in approved investments this year even after total levels declined by 23 percent in January to February this year.

“We have key projects in the pipeline, particular in area of power, that are still undergoing BOI’s (Board of Investments) rigorous evaluation process on technical and �inancial aspects; and equally important, on their compliance with requirements for BOI registration,” Trade Undersecretary and BOI Managing Head Ceferino Rodolfo said Thursday in a statement.

Rodolfo noted that given the projected investment costs, they are “very optimistic” of a

renewed surge in total approvals in the months ahead.

The BOI said its total approved investments, including from domestic investors, dropped 23 percent in the �irst two months of the year despite the whopping 1,456-percent increase in investments from foreign sources.

Approved foreign investments reached PHP10.926 billion in January and February, compared with the PHP702.28 million generated last year.

Combined foreign and domestic investments to be approved, however, reached only PHP101.72 billion, lower than the PHP131.61 billion posted in the �irst two months last year.

6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 15 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MARCH 29-30, 2019

EDITORIAL Local players giving the cue for others Davao City’s homegrown economic movers are keeping the city a�loat.

On Wednesday, the city’s �irst ever shopping mall complex Victoria Plaza of�icially changed hands. The sprawling 9.6 hectare property formerly owned by the Limso family has been acquired by the NCCC group of the Lim family.

Everyone remembers fondly the good old Victoria Plaza from the fountain where many photographs were snapped long before Facebook and Instagram were born, to the carousel, the cinemas, the giant Christmas tree and the midnight sale evenings.

With NCCC acquiring the property, the old Victoria Plaza could be just fond memories to many. But that’s development. Everything moves on. The memories though will last a lifetime.

The new owners have bared the concept for a makeover where a twin tower corporate center, condominium and luxury hotel will

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ADAM B. MORRELL Reporter

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

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

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

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

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

rise. The old mall will be replaced with a new one that is going to be a four-storey building.

What is signi�icant with the landmark sale is the power of local entrepreneurs to rise above and keep the city a�loat economy-wise.

The trust and con�idence of the local business community to the city in terms of capital spending only reinforces the reputation of Davao as a prime investment opportunity.

Given that the locals are infusing more money into doing business in the city only encourages those from outside to pour in capital.

It’s a re�lection of a good business climate which is also a re�lection of good governance. True enough, with the city government through its functionalities endeavouring to make the business climate conducive for expansion and diversi�ication, homegrown entrepreneurs are bound to be in the mix with most of the big players.

SOLANI D. MARATAS Finance

GENERALDE SANTOS MANILA MARKETING OFFICE CAGAYAN OROCITY MARKETING OFFICE MARKETING OFFICE LEIZEL A. DELOSO | Marketing Manager RICHARD C. EBONA EDMUND D. RENDON Product Development officer Unit 6, Southbank Plaza Velez-Yacapin Sts. Marketing Specialist Address: No. 18 Purok 4B, Madelo Street, Lower Bicutan, Taguig City General Santos Cagayan de Oro CityCity (Smart) 09382022120 Mobile number: +63 947 265 2969(smart); +63 916 955 8559(globe) Tel: Mobile: (088) 852-4894

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 15 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MARCH 29-30, 2019

VANTAGE POINTS

7

DENNIS R. GORECHO PINOY MARINO RIGHTS

CREDIBILITY OF FINDINGS OF COMPANY DOCTORS The �indings of the company-designated physician do not always bind the courts in determining the merits of compensation cases �iled by Filipino seafarers.

In most seafarer cases for disability or death bene�its claims, one of the arguments often raised by the companies is that they are not liable to pay bene�its by pointing to the medical reports of the company-designated physician that the seafarer’s illness is not work-connected, that he is �it to work or that the compensation is limited to a lower amount based on a low disability grading.

They usually point out that the POEA mandated that the seafarer’s disability can only be assessed by the company-designated physician considering that the latter had the time and the opportunity to constantly monitor the health and physical condition of the seafarer.

In the recent case of Magsaysay vs. Oliver Buenaventura (G.R. No. 195878. January 10, 2018), the seafarer met an accident wherein a mooring winch crushed his right hand.

As a result, he suffered a fracture of the right �irst metacarpal bone and open fracture of the right second metacarpal bone, which required emergency surgical procedures both done in Japan and he was later medically repatriated.

After six months, the company doctor declared him �it to work after undergoing conservative management, continuous rehabilitation physiotheraphy, and occupational therapy.He �iled a case for disability bene�its.

The Supreme Court denied the claims for disability bene�its of the seafarer as it stressed that failure to refer the con�licting �indings between the company-designated physician and the

seafarer’s physician of choice grants the former’s medical opinion more weight and probative value over the latter.

Nevertheless, the Supreme Court noted that it does not mean that the judicial bodies should adopt it hook, line and sinker as it may be set aside if it is shown that the diagnosis of the company designated physician is attended with clear bias, has no scienti�ic basis or are not supported by the medical records of the seafarer.

The Court also pointed out in a case that their �indings cannot be taken as “gospel truth” due to the proliferation of obviously biased company doctors whose loyalty rests completely upon the company they serve and these are palpably self-serving and biased in favor of petitioners and certainly could not be considered independent” (Wallem vs. NLRC 318 SCRA 623).

The Court will consider the

glaring apparent inconsistency in the company doctor’s medical report between the classi�ication of claimant’s disability and the fact stated that he had been unable to work for long period of time, which condition makes his disability permanent and total (Crystal Shipping, Inc. vs. Natividad, 473 SCRA 55).

Courts are called upon to be vigilant in their time-honored duty to protect labor, especially in cases of disability or ailment.

When applied to Filipino seafarers, the perilous nature of their work is considered in determining the proper bene�its to be awarded.

These bene�its, at the very least, should approximate the risks they brave on board the vessel every single day. Accordingly, if serious doubt exists on the company-designated physician’s declaration of the nature of a seafarer’s injury and its correspond-

ing impediment grade, resort to prognosis of other competent medical professionals should be made.

In doing so, a seafarer should be given the opportunity to assert his claim after proving the nature of his injury. These evidences will in turn be used to determine the bene�its rightfully accruing to him (Seagull Maritime Corp. vs.

Jaycee Dee, 520 SCRA 109).

The Court stressed that the company physician’s assessment does not evince irrefutable and conclusive weight in assessing the compensability of an illness as the seafarer has the right to seek a second opinion from his preferred physician (Cadornigara vs. NLRC, 538 SCRA 363) (Atty. Gorecho heads the seafarers’ division of the Sapalo Velez Bundang Bulilan law of�ices. For comments, email info@sapalovelez.com, or call 09175025808 or 09088665786)

MUJAHID NAVARRA UNDERSTANDING ISLAM

SALVATION IN ISLAM There are literally thousands of different religions which are unique in their respective doctrines, traditions, and acts of worship but they all promise one thing - salvation in some form or another.

Salvation is de�ined in Theology as the deliverance from the consequences of one’s sins. In the Semitic religions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, salvation meant deliverance from the punishments in Hell�ire and entering Paradise. The antonym of salvation is damnation.

Being saved or damned is a matter that shall be decided upon on Judgement Day after Allah destroys the Earth and ends all life in it including all the remaining human beings.

On Judgment Day, every single human being who has lived on the face of the Earth shall be brought back to life and are presented an account of their deeds to be judged by Allah, who shall reign supreme on that Day as the lone judge.

Although, in some exceptions, some people have already been damned long before Judgement Day such as those who received Allah’s punishment while they are still here on Earth. Notable among these and are also mentioned in the Bible are Sodom and Gomorrah, Pharaoh and his army

and the people of Noah.

Jews and Christians have a simpler doctrine of salvation. For the Jews, being a Jew is enough to merit for anyone who professes this faith to be saved. For the Christians, it is dependent upon one’s acceptance of Jesus Christ as his own personal savior. Sins are recognized in both these religions but could be atoned for easily through faith.

In Islam, salvation is quite complicated but does satisfy most natural questions that any thinking man may have.

SALVATION IS ONLY FOR THE BELIEVERS Like any other religion there is, Islam has some sort of exclusivity in its doctrine about salvation. With all due respect to other religions only Muslims deserve the chance to be saved. But it does not automatically mean that every Muslim shall be saved.

Salvation is only achievable through Islam, as it is the religion of the prophets. Technically, anyone who lived in a time when there is a prophet, he is saved and is considered a believer by following that prophet. Those who lived during the time of Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, Solomon and Jesus are guaranteed salvation if they believed in the respective proph-

et of their time and died while in a state of belief. Those who wish to be saved should follow the laws, doctrines, and acts of worship imposed upon them by the prophets. Those who lived during the time of Abraham should follow Abraham no Adam for example.

Since Islam believes that these prophets are Muslims and have the same teachings as Islam that we have today and have almost the same act of worship, it is logical to generalize that only those who follow Islam from the beginning of time shall have the opportunity to be saved.

Islam, as it is practiced today, have the same doctrine of the oneness of God taught by the prophets and the same acts of worship such as prostrating their faces on the ground just like Jesus, the wearing of veils for Muslim women just like Mary, the permission for Muslim men to marry up to four wives just like Prophet Jacob, and many others. Islam is nearer to the Biblical actions of the believers in old times than any of the Jewish and Christian sects we have today.

Now, since the last prophet has arrived, Muslims believe that those who want salvation should believe in Allah alone and to His prophet who was sent for this time, Proph-

et Muhammad. There shall be no other prophet to come after Prophet Muhammad. Even Jesus Christ, on his second coming, shall follow the law brought by Prophet Muhammad as that time is already the time of Prophet Muhammad and no longer his time. Despite this, Muslims love and respect all of the prophets.

SALVATION IS POSSIBLE FOR THOSE WHO DID NOT HEAR ABOUT ISLAM A common question about salvation is about those who were not able to hear about the message of salvation as they may be far from them or they may have physical disabilities such as deafness or even insanity. With regards to this, Allah is most just and he does not impose any judgment unless He sends forth a warner �irst of all and establishes the evidence for all those concerned to see. These people, who may not have heard of Allah’s message on Earth shall be given that message on Judgement Day, and they shall decide for themselves whether they would believe or not.

SALVATION THROUGH ALLAH’S MERCY As human’s, we naturally believe in cause and effect. You do good, you shall be rewarded and you do bad, you shall be punished. The same is true

in Islam with regards to salvation, but good deeds alone do not make one worthy of Paradise or salvation. It is through Allah’s mercy �irst of all. This teaching in Islam instills the importance of sincerity and humility in one’s good deeds that one does not become vain of his achievements. Of course, good deeds are some of the ways of attaining Allah’s mercy, but ultimately, it is the overall quality of the performance of these deeds that is judged and not mere quantity.

In Islam, some acts of worship are not even physical which are performed by the heart.

Reliance upon Allah, fear of Him and devotion to Him are all worship of the heart.

PREDESTINATION Another aspect of one’s salvation is Allah’s predestination whether one should be among those who are saved or among those who are damned.

But this predestination does not mean that man is deprived of his free will to choose to attain salvation. Predestination only becomes a factor because Allah already knew the actions of each human being long before they were even born. Allah also does not intervene except that He gives us signs along the way and the decision is ultimately on him to believe or disbelieve.

8 AGRITRENDS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 15 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MARCH 29-30, 2019

THE SPECTER of

EL NIÑO (Last of Three Parts)

Text by HENRYLITO D. TACIO It rose out of the tropical Paci�ic in late 1997, bearing more energy than a million Hiroshima bombs. By the time it had run its course eight months later, the giant El Niño of 1997-98 had deranged weather patterns around the world, killed an estimated 24,000 people, displaced six million and affected some 111 million. The guesstimated cost of property damage worldwide: US$34 billion.

“The 1997-98 event was a wake-up call,” Dr. Michael Glantz of the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder, Colorado was quoted as saying. “Awareness of El Niño can do to societies and economies are now high.”

No one knows precisely when El Niño �irst struck. Historians are dating the phenomenon at least as far back as the early 1500s, when the Spanish conquistadores entered South America amid raging storms.

Some 400 years before that, there were some records of terrible sweeping through pre-Columbian communities.

Originally, Spanish �ishermen named the event as “Corriente del Niño.” The word “corriente” describes the appearance of warm ocean current �lowing from time to time in the eastern equatorial Paci�ic region along the South American coasts. The word “Niño” was traditionally associated with the birth of Baby Jesus, as it was observed around Christmas. It was used to be considered a local event along the coasts of Peru and Ecuador. Through the years, “corriente” was dropped out, leaving only “El Niño.”

According to the Global Environmental Outlook 2000 (GEO 2000), El Niños are not natural disasters but natural variations in climate. They normally occur every three to �ive years, lasting 6-18 months. Between El

Niños, there are often periods marked by a cooling of the surface waters of the same area of the Paci�ic, a phenomenon called La Niña (“the girl”). The whole cycle is called the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO).

The ocean current is characterized as “a mysterious, massive pond of warm, nutrient-poor seawater” which produces a periodic shift in ocean temperatures and atmospheric conditions in the tropical Paci�ic. El Niño varies the surface temperature of the central eastern part of the tropical Paci�ic by up to 4 degrees Centigrade, with associated changes in the wind and rainfall patterns. This condition disrupts weather around the world leading to nasty extremes.

The energy reserve that El Niño carries is huge, almost beyond what mind can fully comprehend. Listen to the explanation of one American meteorologist: “(El Niño) contains more energy than has been procured from all the fossils fuel burned in the United States since the beginning of the century – that’s all the gasoline in all the cars, the coal in all the power plants, the natural gas in all the furnaces. It would take more than a million large power plants, at 1,000 megawatts each, running full tilt for a year, to heat the ocean that much.”

It’s no wonder El Niño has a herculean impact around the world. “El Niños have far-reaching effects,” notes GEO 2000, published by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP). “The build-up of warm water along the west coast of South America prevents the normal upwelling of cold water from the ocean depths. In the western Paci�ic, the normally rain-bearing cloud systems shift eastward the central and

eastern Paci�ic, bringing heavy rainfall to these areas while countries in the western Pacific, such as Australia, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea experience drought.”

Scientists claim the effects of the changes in wind speed and direction, sea surface temperatures and the depths of the warm water often extend into temperature latitudes. For instance, most El Niño winters are mild over western Canada and parts of the northern US, and wet over the southern US from California to Florida. Southern China is subject to storms and southern Africa has a tendency to drought.

One of the most significant El Niño occurrences happened in 1982/83. “This El Niño was a maverick: It behaved differently from recent predecessors,” recalled Dr. Eugene H. Rasmusson, a leading American authority on the phenomenon who was with U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). “That’s one reason we didn’t recognize it.

“Another reason was a trick of nature. When it was �irst stirring in spring of 1982, the Mexican volcano El Chichon belched an immense volume of dust into the atmosphere. The alien material misled our satellite sensors, thereby producing unreliable Paci�ic Ocean temperature,” Dr. Rasmusson recalled.

When the said El Niño arrived, it was totally devastating. “The pressure anomaly registered the strongest ever,” Dr. Rasmusson remembered. “The trade winds faltered, and the equatorial current reversed direction across the entire Paci�ic. Sea-surface temperatures rose as much as 14 degrees Fahrenheit above normal, until a great tongue of warm water stretched 8,000 miles along the Equator.”

In the Philippines, one of the worse El Niño events happened between 1997 and 1998. “The fury of El Niño began on the third quarter of 1997,” noted a brie�ing paper published by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquaculture and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD). “El Niño weather condition struck mostly Southern and Central Philippines.”

Among the provinces badly hit by El Niño were South Cotabato, North Cotabato, Davao del Sur, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao, Sarangani, Davao del Norte, Davao Oriental, Davao City, Cotabato City, and General Santos City.

El Niño affected almost 74,000 hectares of agricultural lands in 18 provinces. Based on a report released by the Department of Agriculture, the country’s palay and corn production during the �irst half of 1998 went down by 27% and 44%, respectively.

The wrath of El Niño’s did not spare the Visayas region. Because of prolonged drought that affected 267 barangays, Negros Occidental was declared under a state of calamity.

In Mindanao, drought affected about 497,238 agricultural families, including tribal communities. Some 74 people died, some of them died of starvation. Other reports said sources of potable water in General Santos City and adjacent areas dried up. Davao del Sur also experienced shortage in potable water. Some portions of Mount Apo, Mount Matutum, and forested areas in Maragusan suffered from forest �ires.

The long drought brought about by El Niño was so severe that the indigenous communities had hard time �inding food that they had to force themselves to eat wild yam. In the

province of Cotabato, drought affected farm lands and cattle; lumads reportedly ate kayos just to survive.

“Not much was known about the events that stunned the whole world – the sudden changes in climate, the warm ocean currents, extreme drought, heavy rains and �looding, hazardous forest �ires, and snowstorms,” points out El Niño Southern Oscillation: Mitigating Measures, published jointly by the Department of Science and Technology and the Department of Agriculture.

“However, the damage to numerous human lives and substantial properties and livelihood brought great impact which necessitated that humanity be clari�ied on issues concerning the events,” the book adds. “Nowadays, science can explain what causes these atmospheric events and how these can be possibly be abated.”

Dr. Glantz, author of Lessons Learned from the 199798 El Niño: Once Burned, Twice Shy, calls for the development of regional organizations so that countries can work together in preparing El Niño. Other recommendations include involving top government leaders early in disaster planning; mapping the world’s most vulnerable populations; improving forecasting; educating local decision-makers on how best to use El Niño forecasts and developing a scienti�ic establishment within each country to use research from other nations.

A country needs to understand how this phenomenon affects it, how good the forecasts are and what it can do to prepare for El Niño, Dr. Glantz said. He cited Peru – where El Niño can mean inundating rains – as a good example of what was done right. The

government formed a task force to coordinate activities and obtained money from the World Bank to take actions such as cleaning up rivers and canals and shoring up bridges and roads.

El Niño’s effect may not be the same every time, Dr. Glantz added, but a country that is drought-prone, for example, can still take action if it knows something is likely to happen.

“The brighter side of the El Niño is that if we are prepared for it, we will survive more than ever before,” wrote Dr. Gloria Diokno in an article published in Health and Home. “We will even be better for it. For what could better test a nation’s coping ability and creativity than a natural disaster that announces itself ahead of time? Impending crisis is the mother of innovation, so goes the saying.”

In the farm, what can be done to mitigate the effects of El Niño? The agriculture department suggests planting alternative crops that are drought-tolerant such as sweet pepper, yam, winged bean, tomato, corn, garlic, ginger, melon, pigeon pea, cassava, mung bean, cucumber, cowpea, string bean and peanut. Water should be only during the cool part of the day – not on windy days.

In forest plantations and agrofarms, occurrence of �ire must be prevented by constructing �irelines and removing highly combustible materials from the area. Planting of drought-resistant or tolerant cover crops in open areas is highly encouraged to prevent loss of topsoil and help improve the land. Where feasible, construction of small water impounding reservoir and other soil and water conservation measures to catch and store water from rain or divert water from source is likewise recommended.

INdulge!

VOL.12 ISSUE 15 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MARCH 29-30, 2019

EDGEDAVAO

TRAVEL

The great hall of the Po Lin Monastery.

FINDING BUDDHA AT

NGONG PING

Vegetarian fare to copmplete the monastery experience.

WHENEVER I travel, I make sure to go to a place that I have not been to before. Funny as it may seem, but in the over ten years of my visiting the territory, Hong Kong’s famous Big Buddha and Po Lin Monastery on Lantau Island was far from my mind.

On my recent trip however, thanks some prodding from travel buddy Otoy, we decided to go on a Hong Kong Island hop to visit the Big Buddha.

Although accessible via Hong Kong’s efficient MTR system, we opted to explore Lantau Island more by taking the transport the locals take, the ferry.

From the Marco Polo Prince Hotel where we were staying, it was a short walk to the Tsim Sha Tsui Star Ferry terminus going to the Central Piers and from there we boarded a ferry to Mui Wo, Lantau Island. The scenic 50-minute ferry trip brought me to the days when Lantau Island was connected to downtown Hong Kong with

It takes 268 steps to get to the foot of the Big Buddha.

Shopping for souvenirs at Ngong Ping Village. the ferry ride as its only option. trip was indeed a journey as Upon arriving at Mui Wo, the bus snaked its way up and it was clear that this side of down Lantau’s coastline and Lantau Island was more idylmountains, giving glimpses of lic and relaxed, with bikes as the island’s beaches and hiking the main mode of transportatrails. tion from the different villages We finally arrived at the Big dotting the island to the main Buddha and Po Lin Monastery pier. From the bus terminus, and it was indeed a sight to we took the New Lantao Bus 2 behold. Dominating the sky up to Ngong Ping Village. The was the Big Buddha (officially

Friendly cows frequent the area around the monastery. called the Tian Tan Buddha).

Taking a total of 12 years to complete the majestic bronze statue was erected in 1993 and sits 34 meters high.

Opposite the statue, the Po Lin Monastery is one of Hong Kong’s most important Buddhist sanctums and has been dubbed ‘the Buddhist World in the South’. Home to many a devout monk, this monastery is rich with colourful manifestations of Buddhist iconography. Setting foot and seeing the intricate details of the monastery’s main temple and 10,000 buddha hall brought a sense of peace and awe to me. Foodies can also try some vegetarian fare at the monastery’s popular vegetarian restaurant. I suggest trying their soft tofu with sweet ginger syrup and sago with coconut cream tart.

After exploring the monastery, it was time to go back.

This time, we decided to take the Ngong Ping 360 cable car.

Located just a short walk from the Big Buddha, the Ngong Ping 360 cable car is the quickest and definitely the most scenic way to get from Ngong Ping Village to the closest MTR station, Tung Chung.

The views from the cable car were amazing with the busy Hong Kong International Airport and Launtau’s woodland trails below you.

The journey to visit the Big Buddha was indeed a journey taking half a day to visit and return, but the trip was indeed a fun one, revealing more of Hong Kong’s charm and beauty.

Cathay Pacific flies four times weekly direct from Davao and from April 4 to May 4, the airline is adding two more flights weekly bringing the total number of flights to six times a week. Giving Dabawenyos more reasons to live a life well travelled.

EDGED

A2 INdulge!

UP AND ABOUT

Get a glimpse of life under the sea with Toy Kingdom’s Hydro Swim Lil Glider Set and Metallic Mermaid Tail.

dusitD2 Davao Delightfully Opens Doors this March 31 POISED to redefine standards of upscale hotel living in the city, dusitD2 Davao is finally set to open doors on a limited basis to discerning local and international guests this March 31, 2019.

This move is held in anticipation of the hotel’s grand opening, scheduled towards the end of this year.

Envisioned to be an iconic landmark of Thai graciousness and Filipino hospitality, the hotel is set to deliver premium accommodations, contemporary facilities and amenities, as well as fresh dining destinations – all in the new emerging business district of Lanang, Davao.

Birthed from a strong partnership between the industryleading group Dusit Hotels & Resorts and specialist developer Torre Lorenzo Development Corporation (TLDC), the cosmopolitan hotel is an engaging and relaxing setting for both business and leisure travelers – built most especially for those who wish to unearth more of what the famous city has to offer.

Fashioned by renowned Philippine Architect Manny Samson of Emesaé Design to allude to “the vibrancy of life” – dusitD2 Davao carefully presents understated and elegant details that make one feel right at home. Recognizing the cultural richness of the region, the hotel also firmly embraces and takes real inspiration from the indigenous peoples of Davao.

“In dusitD2 Davao, there is life wherever you go. There is activity, there is movement. Each area celebrates interaction – no matter where you are, you will surely feel genuine warmth and welcome,” says Samson.

He further adds, “All the fine details – the patterns, the fabrics, the scent, the lighting – are curated for the guest’s best experience. One can see and feel these accents across the different rooms and facilities – marking a truly authentic encounter that’s both delightfully Dusit, and uniquely Davao. We could not be prouder that such a property is now opening in the Philippines’ southern centre.”

Starting this April, dusitD2 Davao’s guests will be able to choose from well-appointed deluxe guest rooms, suites, and the Dusit Club Room, and will be able to savor delicious specialties in the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant Madayaw Café. The sophisticated Siam Lounge will also be open for both relaxed and formal socials.

Those staying will also be invited to avail of selected signature pampering services – soon to be made available in the upcoming Namm Spa, which is set to open alongside the hotel’s modern fitness centre - the D’Fit Gym. When the hotel holds its grand opening by year-end, more premium facilities will be available to guests, which include the prestigious Dusit Grand Ballroom, the premium Benjarong Thai restaurant, and the exciting Dusit Gourmet. dusitD2 Davao’s General Manager, Christopher Wichlan, expresses that now is the most opportune time for the hotel to be opening given the abundance of business and travel opportunities in the city.

“We are most excited to be in this preview period, and stand ready to provide a modern experience that showcases the best of Dusit. We warmly extend an invitation to those who will be traveling to Davao to stay with us, and be one of the very first to feel the difference,” Wichlan shares.

Please visit https://www.dusit.com/dusitd2/ and book direct to avail of Dusit’s best rates.

GOTTA LOVE SUMMER AT

TOY KINGDOM

Chill with friends and family in this amazing Big Red Truck Lounge

Escape from the dry and sandy deserts with this exclusive Camel Pool Float available at Toy Kingdom.

TOY KINGDOM as it brings you the most amazing inflatables, trendy floaters and splashy pools perfect, giving us more reasons why we Gotta Love Summer.

Plunge into the cool waters in style with unique and vibrant inflatables like the Flamingo Island, Mega Unicorn Island, Camel Pool float and Pop Rhino Ostrich floater. There are also trendy floaters inspired by kids’ favorite snacks; Popcorn Mat, Potato Chips Float, French Fries Float and Hamburger Island that will surely make you crave!

Summer is also more fun with exciting pool parties with family and friends. Check out this Prism Frame Oval Pool Set that is easy to assemble and comes in a huge size for the entire family to enjoy.

Toy Kingdom also has other stylish swim essentials for kids; Hydro Swim Glider set and Metallic Mermaid Tail for a more fun water adventure.

Keep cool in stylish inflatables and floaters at Toy Kingdom. These amazing summer treats are available at Toy Kingdom Express outlets in The SM Stores and Toy Kingdom stores in most SM Supermalls. Also visit HYPERLINK “http://www.toykingdom.ph” www. toykingdom.ph and follow ToyKingdomPH at Facebook for more updates.

REAL FOOD FOR EVERY MOOD WITH M JUST like how your choice of music can set your day on the right track, Max’s Restaurant also lets you groove to the tune of your appetite with its wide selection of Rice Bowls that are sure to satisfy your cravings for delicious and filling Filipino food starting at PHP149.

To put you in a good mood, try Max’s newest offerings, the Seafood Kare-Kare Rice Bowl made with a combination of shrimp, squid, and fish slow cooked in creamy peanut sauce; the Max’s Spicy Tofu headlined by deep fried tofu cubes tossed in a special spicy mayo base and served with a side of fried egg; the Sweet and

Sour Fish Fillet Rice Bowl made with breaded cream dory doused in a combination of sweet and tangy sauce; and the Chopsuey Rice Bowl which features a symphony of sautéed fresh vegetables, pork, shrimp, and chicken liver and gizzard.

Those looking to reward themselves can order a Rice Bowl that will make them feel like a winner in every bite like the Sizzling Chicken made with coarsely chopped fried chicken and chicken liver, spiced up with white onion, celery, and chili; the Beef Caldereta with fork-tender beef chunks in thick sauce topped with fried potatoes and carrots; and the

Adobo Ribs which offers a unique twist on the classic taste of the well-loved adobo.

Speaking of classic, in the mood for one? Max’s Restaurant also

pays tribu by many Crispy Pa les served atchara, a Bowl ma by slow b shanks in and vege Bangus B cooked u belly fille Black Bea breaded c ered with spring on black bea “We u ers when

EDAVAO

INdulge! A3

VOL.12 ISSUE 15 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MARCH 29-30, 2019

ENTERTAINMENT

Love and bittersweet revenge on GMA Afternoon Prime’s newest series, BIHAG SA ISANG IGLAP, maglalaho ang lahat.

Colorful and vibrant Pop Rhino Ostrich fun floater available at Toy Kingdom.

Bring along this Potato Chips Float for an exciting summer escapade.

Available in selected Toy Kingdom stores.

This delightful Hamburger Island highlights more fun time for foodies for a more fun swimming time.

Swim in style with this exclusive fashionable Flamingo inflatable available at Toy Kingdom.

MAX’S RICE BOWLS

ute to Pinoy food loved for generations with the ata, deep fried pig knuckd with banana slices and and the Kare-Kare Rice ade the traditional way braising ox tripe and beef n thick peanut sauce etables. There is also the Belly Paksiw Rice Bowl using premium milkfish et and the Fish Fillet in an Sauce with lightly cream dory fillet slathh red bell pepper strips, nions, ginger strips, and an sauce. understand our customn they say that their mood

affects the food they want to eat,” said Max’s Restaurant Chief Operating Officer, Paolo Serrano.

“That’s why we want to make sure that whatever mood they are in, they can always come to Max’s Restaurant and enjoy a bowl of rice topped with their all-time Pinoy favorites.”

With Max’s Rice Bowls, customers can now enjoy real food fit for their every mood. And with over ten flavors to choose from, Max’s has once again given its diners a reason to celebrate Every Day To The Max! For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/maxsrestaurant.

Experience drama at its finest as GMA Network proudly brings action, mystery, and suspense with its newest Afternoon Prime series, BIHAG. Kapuso viewers are in for a thought-provoking tale of how one mistake can lead to another as the program features the stellar performances of the network’s prime stars: Max Collins as Jessie, a simple and loving wife and mother; Mark Herras as SPO1 Larry Pineda, an honest police officer and Jessie’s high school classmate; Jason Abalos as Brylle, Jessie’s perfect husband who is a pediatric surgeon; Neil Ryan Sese as Amado, a short-tempered man who mourns the loss of his daughter; Sophie Albert as Reign, the woman who will come between Jessie and Brylle.

Kapuso child star Raphael Landicho plays the role of Ethan, Jessie and Brylle’s cheerful and cute son.

Jessie, Brylle and their son Ethan is the image of a happy family.

Jessie is a loyal wife who chose to be a stay-at-home mommy blogger. Brylle, on the other hand, is a pediatric surgeon and her faithful husband. But when an unfortunate hostage-taking involving

their son happens, lives are lost, betrayal arises, and soon they find themselves and their perfect family falling apart.

Innocent lives will be ruined and everything Jessie has will be taken away from her. How far will she go to take back what is rightfully hers?

The show’s creative team is composed of creative director Aloy Adlawan; creative consultant Kit Villanueva-Langit; Concept Creator and Headwriter Suzette Doctolero; writers Zita Garganera, Jason John Lim and John Roque; and brainstormers Honey Hidalgo and Brylle Tabora.

This original series, created by

the GMA Drama group, is headed by the SVP for Entertainment Group Lilybeth G. Rasonable, VP for Drama Redgie A. Magno, AVP for Drama Cheryl Ching-Sy, Senior Program Manager Redgynn S. Alba and Executive Producer KJ Corpus.

BIHAG is the under helm of esteemed director Neal del Rosario.

Don’t miss the world premiere of BIHAG this April 1, Mondays to Fridays, on GMA Afternoon Prime.

Kapuso viewers from across the globe can also catch their favorite Kapuso shows via GMA’s international channels GMA Pinoy TV, GMA Life TV, and GMA News TV International.

Exciting things ahead for Aicelle Santos AFTER starring in Miss Saigon’s UK Tour for a year, GMA Network’s homegrown singer and actress Aicelle Santos is back in the Philippines with high spirits.

With her stunning performance amidst excellent reviews, she has truly brought pride to the country by successfully portraying the iconic role of ‘Gigi Van Tranh’ in Cameron Mackintosh’s criticallyacclaimed musical.

“Playing Gigi was a personal, spiritual, and professional journey for me,” Aicelle shared. “It taught me a lot about myself as a person and as an actor.

I became more disciplined because of our daily shows that required physical and mental focus.”

The Kapuso star also talked about the struggles

of being away from home and what she learned from them. “Being so far from home and living outside of my comfort zone made me realize the more important things in life. I valued my personal relationships more with my family and friends.

I learned to appreciate the warmth of the sun after days of cloudy and gloomy skies. I enjoyed the quietness of a simple and independent life,” she said.

Now that she’s home, Aicelle is back to performing for her kababayans.

She is part of Ballet Philippines’ 2019 restaging of the 1977 pop rock opera ballet, “Tales of the Manuvu,” which showcases the folk tales of the Manobo tribe in Mindanao. It runs until March 31 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), Pasay City.

She is also set to make her TV comeback this April as a regular host of GMA’s musical-variety show, Studio 7. Apart from these, fans

can once again catch her reprise her role as Elsa in the rerun of “Himala: Isang Musikal”.

A4 INdulge!

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 15 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MARCH 29-30, 2019

9 COMPETITIVE EDGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 15 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MARCH 29-30, 2019

New BARMM to recognize

women’s contribution to nation-building

A

round 70 women from various communities in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) gathered today in Davao City to discuss and raise the need for a women’s agenda in the newly established political entity.

The Inaugural Bangsamoro Women’s Summit, led by UN Women, brings together women from the communities in the Bangsamoro and members of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority to discuss women’s priorities and aspirations for the new BARMM. The goal of the Summit is to produce a women’s agenda that would commit to gender-responsive governance and spaces for women’s participation in the new

Bangsamoro.

This includes highlighting women’s participation in policy, plan and program formulation of the BARMM; creation of mechanisms for women’s participation; and, development and implementation of regional laws, policies, programs and services as well as budgets that address Bangsamoro women’s issues and needs.

In 2015, UN Women began by training grassroots women from the �ive provinces in leadership and advocacy. These women became advocates for equality and peace and developed as leaders in their communities.

In 2017, these same women leaders gathered signatures from community members calling for the establishment of a

transitional justice mechanism to respond to the historical injustices, human rights violations and marginalization of the Bangsamoro. The women then formed a Speakers’ Bureau to generate support for the passage of the Bangsamoro Organic Law in Moro diaspora communities. This year, UN Women supported women’s livelihoods in select communities in Basilan and Maguindanao to prevent recruitment in violent armed groups as well as radicalization.

The expected outcome of the event is the Bangsamoro Transition Authority and international development organizations’ commitment and support to implement the women’s agenda in the BARMM.

acolod City. State pension fund Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) President and General Manager Jesus Clint Aranas emphatically pointed out in a press brie�ing that “discourtesy is totally unacceptable in GSIS”, in reaction to reports of Civil Service Commissioner Aileen Lizada that a certain frontliner in GSIS Legazpi branch took his lunch break instead of attending to the request of a DepEd teacher for a statement of account.

“We thank Commissioner Lizada for call-

ing our attention on the matter. We assure the Commission and our stakeholders that GSIS is absolutely committed to upholding the highest standards of ethics in public service.”

Aranas said that GSIS immediately �iled an administrative case against the frontliner for violating of�ice rules and regulations.

“We are doing everything without violating due process but let this be a stern warning. I will not think twice in meting out the heaviest penalties, including dismissal, for err-

Juan Knights, also went 1-0 up in their own MPBL quarter�inal series with a 94-86 win against the Quezon City Capitals in the �irst game.

Unlike Bataan, San Juan had a relatively smoother route as the team opened an 81-66 lead with 4:49 to play that it would maintain until the end.

Mac-Mac Cardona erupted with 25 points - with three rebounds,

nine assists, and one steal for the Knights, which can oust the Capitals at home.

In a losing effort against the Risers, Dionisio made 21 points, 12 rebounds, two assists, one block, and two steals.

On the other hand, Hesed Gabo put up 21 markers, while Andoy Estrella added 20 for the Capitals against the Knights. (PNA)

ing employees.”

The pension fund chief said that he immediately relieved the manager of Legazpi branch on the basis of command responsibility.

“As public servants, we are accountable to our members and pensioners, and uphold their public interest all the time.”

At the stakeholders’ dialogue held today in Bacolod city, Aranas stressed that GSIS is revisiting its systems and procedures to further reduce processing time pursuant to Republic Act 11032 or the Ease of Doing Business and Ef�icient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018.

He added that GSIS has achieved a 100% resolution rate under the President’s Hotline 8888 in 2018, based on the report of the Of�ice of the Presidential Complaint Center.

“All 1,234 GSIS referrals including complaints were closed and resolved last year.

Aranas said that GSIS continues to �ind ways to extend the most responsive service, including leveraging advances in technology to “provide greater convenience for our more than two million members and pensioners.”

PGM Aranas: Discourteous service has no place in GSIS

B

BATAAN... FROM 11

SCRATCHIT AND GO FOR GOLD 4th annual NCR retailers awarding held at Crowne Plaza Hotel last March 8, 2019

PPA doles out GSIS property to social housing without pension fund’s permission

T

he Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) allocated a property of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) at the Manila North Harbor to social housing without the knowledge and consent of GSIS. PPA executed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the National Housing Authority(NHA), City of Manila, International Container Terminal Services, Inc. and Manila North Harbor Port Inc. covering the entire area of a 5-hectare land as the resettlement site of the informal settlers along Isla Puting Bato and its surrounding areas without indicating nor disclosing that the GSIS owned approximately 1.2 hectares of the property.

“GSIS supports the government’s social housing program but it has to be done within the purview of the law. The property is registered under the name of the pension fund. PPA

cannot commit a property that it does not own,” Aranas stressed.

In a letter to PPA General Manager Jay Daniel Santiago, Aranas demanded that PPA rescind, modify or revise the MOU to exclude the portion of land owned

by GSIS. He added that if the MOU will not be recti�ied, the pension fund would be constrained to �ile the appropriate legal action to protect the interest of GSIS and its members.

Santiago, in its reply to Aranas, questioned the validity of the GSIS title.

“The title speaks for itself. PPA’s argument questioning the validity of GSIS’s original certificate of title is a collateral attack not allowed by law. GSIS’s title may only be questioned in a direct attack �iled before a regular court.

This has already been ruled upon by the Of�ice of the Government Corporate Counsel in 2015,” Aranas stressed.

The pension fund

chief said that from the very start, GSIS was made to understand that its property will not be included in the land committed by PPA as resettlement site of informal settlers along Isla Puting Bato and its surrounding areas. According to him, it has long been established that the �ive-hectare land assigned for social housing partly covers the GSIS property. This had been discussed repeatedly in the interagency committee meetings on the disposition of the Parola Estate where PPA, GSIS, the National Housing Authority and other government agencies sit as members. In fact, in one of said meetings, NHA con�irmed the overlapping of the properties based on its ocular inspection.

The overlapping parcel of the lot is owned and registered under the name of GSIS under TCT No.272972 with a land area of 109,212 sq. meters.

10 EDGEDAVAO PRRD... FROM 1

countless times in Davao City and beyond. This is the type of leadership we need as a country now,” Nograles said.

“The entire Cabinet in one voice reaf�irm our commitment to deliver our President's wishes. We won't let you down, sir!”

Año said Duterte’s “passion and dedication to solve all problems besetting our country” was “truly an inspiration for all of us to give our best.”

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra wished for the people to understand better that everything the President does as the “father of the nation” is “motivated only by love of country and genuine concern for the welfare of future generations of Filipinos.”

Panelo said Duterte has remained a simple man even though he is the country’s most powerful person.

“The presidency has not changed his simple lifestyle, no frills but certainly plenty of thrills,” he said.

“As we approach the midpoint of his term, we have witnessed the daily toil of this tough but compassionate man in making good his campaign promises, and now as Chief Executive, relentlessly and

VILLAR... FROM 2

timated cost of P9 billion, spanning 4.4 kilometers.

The Panay-Guimaras-Negros Interisland Bridge project, meanwhile, will be constructed in two phases — 14.3-kilometer Panay-Guimaras link and 5.7-kilometer Guimaras-Negros link — and is estimated to cost around P40 billion.

The Department of Finance earlier said the

tirelessly performing his constitutional duty to serve and protect the people.”

Panelo then enumerated Duterte’s efforts in combating illegal drugs and corruption, as well as the measures signed by the President to promote public welfare.

These include the free public college education, free universal healthcare and medicine, free irrigation to farmers, free feeding program for undernourished school children, salary increase of soldiers, policemen, �iremen and government workers, higher SSS pension of senior citizens and old-age pension of veterans.

“His sense of duty and �idelity to the country not only inspires and motivates workers in the government to serve the people well but moves the rest of society to march in cadence with him as he breathes life to the winds of change he has spurred,” Panelo said.

Panelo hoped that Duterte will continue to have a “sound mind and a healthy body” so that he “may �inish the goals he had set for the betterment of the country and people that he loved so well towards a future of progress and prosperity.”

projects are in the lineup to be funded by of�icial development assistance (ODA) loan from China.

In a statement, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said the Davao-Samal Bridge project in Mindanao and the Panay-Guimaras-Negros Interisland Bridge project in Western Visayas are two other projects in the pipeline for possible Chinese �inancing.

VOL.12 ISSUE 15 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MARCH 29-30, 2019

SON... FROM 2

DICT... FROM 4

greetings on Facebook.

“To the man responsible for introducing me to this higher calling called public service, Happy Birthday po!

Thank you sir for teaching me that the way to succeed is to put others �irst before one’s self,” Go wrote.

Go also wished the President long life “so that you can enjoy and appreciate the positive changes you’ve done for our country.”

“May you be �illed with more of life’s blessings in return for all the sacri�ices you’ve made for the betterment of the lives of every Filipino,” he added.

He also reiterated his pledge to be at the President's side at all times.

Sara, who was in the forefront of the campaign

for senatorial bets under her regional party Hugpong ng Pagbabago, has not publicly came out with any birthday greetings yet for the President, whom sources said, is in his home here and will most probably celebrate his birthday in private.

However, another source said the President might also visit children suffering from cancer or wards at the Co Su Gian Home for the Aged here as he did in his past birthdays.

A day after his birthday, the elder Duterte will visit Cotabato City for the inauguration of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). (PNA)

ue to provide technical training to achieve the expected outputs.

“Access to the internet is access to services and information. UNDP is pleased to assist DICT to meet the national objective of bridging the digital divide and leaving no one behind,” Mitra said.

The DICT has sought the assistance of the

UNDP in September last year to fast-track the rollout of free Wi-Fi in the country and to provide capacity-building initiatives for stakeholders involved in project management.

The UN body was also involved in the exploration of international partners through proposed convergence initiatives. (PNA)

"In the business sector, they feel safer and better now. It is one of the indications that the war on drugs is nearly over but the

problem is still there. War on drugs is a worldwide phenomenon addressed by ASEAN countries, it is not just us," she added. (PNA)

tee.

With the President were Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi, Foreign Affairs

Undersecretary Ernesto Abella and other of�icials of the Department of Foreign Affairs.

drawing board for about 20 years.

Its expansion is seen to help address congestion at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), the main gateway to the country, and is located at the southern part of Metro Manila.

Authorities have noted the speed of the construction of Clark International Airport’s new terminal building, which is projected

to be �inished by mid-2020.

Dominguez said all the procedures to ensure a “fast and sure approach to rapid infrastructure modernization” were done with full transparency and accountability for this airport project.

“This is not only a model for rapid implementation of projects. It is also a model for effective governance in the modern age,” he added. (PNA)

had been realigned by the House to various lawmakers.

The amount was earlier questioned by House members as an alleged insertion by former Budget Secretary and now Bangko Sentral

Governor Benjamin Diokno into the proposed budget of the Department of Public Works and Highways, delaying deliberations.

Diokno denied any irregularity in the budget increase.

TJ Ryan, Chief of Party of the PhilCAFE (Philippine Coffee Advancement and Farm Enterprise) Project, said the Philippine Cupping Competition is already on its third year.

He said the objective

is to encourage farmers to improve coffee quality from the farm all the way to processing.

“The trend of improvement is a positive and great sign for Philippine coffee,” he said.

(PNA)

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11 SPORTS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 15 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MARCH 29-30, 2019

Bataan edges Manila 73-72 in MPBL North semis series

T

he Bataan Risers survived an endgame push from the Manila Stars and scored a 73-72 win in Game 1 of the Northern Division Semi�inals of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) at the Bataan People's Center in Balanga on Tuesday night.

Up 65-47 after the �irst three quarters, the Risers suddenly found themselves in danger of dropping the opener of their best-of-three series at home as the Stars came to within two, 70-72, with 15 seconds left.

The door remained open for Manila to force an overtime as Pamboy

Raymundo only made 1-for-2 from the free throw line with seven seconds remaining.

However, Bataan's defense held fort down the stretch as the visiting side failed to launch a three-point attempt in the end, with only an Aris Dionisio layup at the �inal buzzer, the shot that the host conceded.

Raymundo �inished with 12 points, three rebounds, and three assists for the Risers, which can sweep the Stars in Game 2 at the FilOil Flying V Centre in San Juan City on Thursday night.

The team that calls the arena home, the San

BATAAN, P9

FC Valencia wins Bukidnon title

F

C (football club) Valencia booters, powered by Nigerian missionary Chun Chun, won the Men’s Open Division crown in the third Mayor Clive D. Quiño Football Cup held at the Camp Philips pitches in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, Sunday.

Chun was un-stoppable from the eliminations up to the �inals, where he led the Valencia boys in scoring. He then punctuated his heads up performance when he blasted the winning goal in their 3-2 win over Monte Carlo FC during the shootout in

the championship to win the title.

It was the team's second title since its formation last year with the support of the Valencia City’s Azucena P. Huervas. They won their �irst title in the Lotto Cup held at the Xavier University pitch last January.

The Valencia booters swept the elimination round defeating MOHGS, 3-0, Pinutos FC, 1-0, and Kabir FC, 2-0. They then topped Titans FC, 2-0, in the quarter�inals and then Manolo FC, 3-2 in the semis to arrange a showdown with Montecarlo.

Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) handles the ball against Memphis Grizzlies forward Justin Holiday (7) during the second half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, March 27, 2019, in Memphis, Tenn. AP Photo

Curry, Durant power Warriors past Grizzlies

M

EMPHIS, Tenn.

(AP) — Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant each scored 28 points, with Durant going 12-of13 from the �ield, and the Golden State Warriors beat the Memphis Grizzlies 118-103 on Wednesday night (Thursday, PHL time) to take sole possession of the Western Conference lead.

Curry also had 10

rebounds, and DeMarcus Cousins added 16 points and nine rebounds to help the Warriors break a tie with idle Denver for the top spot in the West.

Jonas Valanciunas led Memphis with 27 points and 13 rebounds, and Mike Conley added 22 points to take the franchise’s career scoring lead and added eight assists.

Bruno Caboclo had 17 points and 13 rebounds.

Durant scored seven straight points in a 9-0 run that made it 100-92 midway through the fourth quarter.

Curry’s three-point shooting created a buffer near the midway point of the third period, scoring 12 points in the quarter to help the Warriors take an 89-

84 lead in to the fourth.

Golden State led 66-60 after a spirited �irst half of good shooting, bickering between players and coaches, players and refs and players and a fan or two. Durant and Valanciunas had technicals in the half.

Valanciunas was banging inside for 16 points in the half, and Durant and Curry had 14 apiece.

FRED C. LUMBA SPORTS KEN

KAI SOTTO MEETING NBA DESTINY Seven-foot two youngster Kai Sotto has seized the bull by its horns.

Already a by-word in the local basketball community, Sotto is leaving Ateneo to ful�ill a childhood dream most shared of by aspiring hoopsters: a career in the world’s best basketball league – the National Basketball Association.

Only sixteen summers, Sotto is taking a bold step not always available to all Filipino dribblers. His youthfulness and exuberance are usually the signs associated with dreamers and romanticists, with hope always springing out of the human breast.

A skyscraper when among his peers in the local junior league, Kai should ide-

ally have learned good lessons from the (failed) footsteps of those ahead of him.

He needs to beef up his skeletal frame, underweight as he is presently. He will not be able to withstand the shoving and the bumping even only in the US collegiate circuit because Sotto will play the number 5 position – team center because of his awesome height.

Which ever college team Kai will get into will greatly bene�it from his recruitment.

He is not expected to make a big splash in his �irst collegiate season but he will de�initely be someone to contend with after getting his baptism of �ire.

We know that such a talented kid as Kai will get

offers from collegiate scouts in the US and even in Europe.

He is considered a project as of now. How he will evolve into a towering asset will depend largely on his attitude.

His parents, who will choose for Kai which school is best, are very supportive, realizing that Kai is a very special and talented child that should be nurtured properly.

Rumors early on said a scout has made offers to enlist Kai’s services in the tough European circuit as an under-study. The �inancial terms were hazy but printed reports about a $1M dollar for �ive years were very speculative.

In a personal social media post days ago, the young

Sotto said: “Nakapag-decide na po ako at ang pamilya ko.

I will be leaving soon to start training fulltime to focus on my goal of joining the NBA by 2021 or 2022.”

Kai could even skip college (but that is not advisable) and join the NBA as a hardship case, jumping straight to the world’s best pro league from high school as did Kobe Bryant, Lebron James and many more stars who were already physically-equipped and mentally ready while in high school.

However, it is best that Kai enrolls in a Division I NCAA institution where he will not only widen his practical basketball knowledge but also mentally increase the wisdom that everyone

needs to grow in this highly competitive world. He will need a good college coach that will harness his prodigious youthful skills to the hilt.

Shaquille O’Neal, if I remember correctly, was not able to �inish his college degree when he joined the NBA. Only some years back did the hulking former Laker center get his college diploma.

Kai must develop into a thinking player.

To do this he should also keep on reading, acquiring mental skills and knowledge as he goes through the phases of his basketball goals.

Let us wish Kai Sotto well and pray for his success.

Cheers! ####

12 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL.12 ISSUE 15 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MARCH 29-30, 2019

FANS WANT FLOYD

Manny’s fan poll shows Mayweather is their foe of choice M anny Pacquiao’s recent fan poll shows the Filipino has Floyd Mayweather on the brain for a rematch in 2019.

Despite getting into the ring with Errol Spence on March 16 to offer the American an option for his next bout, Pacquiao asked his fans to name his opponent for him.

Conspicuously, Spence was absent from the list.

The ‘Pacman’ named Mayweather alongside Keith Thurman, Shawn Porter and Danny Garcia.

No mention on Spence means Pacquiao is clearly leaning towards Mayweather as fans voted unanimously for a return of their 2015 clash.

And Pacquiao isn’t the only one seeking a second offering with Mayweather.

Oscar De La Hoya has been actively pitching Canelo Alvarez in for another battle with Mayweather.

They previous traded blows in 2013, when Canelo was a mere pup in terms of where he is now.

Canelo has improved tremendously as displayed when the Mexican superstar defeated Gennady Golovkin last September.

A third �ight is on the cards with ‘GGG’ in 2019, although Canelo would accept an offer from Mayweather in a heartbeat.

Those half a dozen years passing would make a huge difference today, though. Mayweather won’t �ight above 150 pounds on his best day and Canelo recently campaigned as high as 168.

This leaves Pacquiao in prime position to fend off Canelo despite De La Hoya’s projections Mayweather II could make $1 billion if they fought.

Hard to see when Canelo is now campaigning on DAZN and no longer on a Pay-Per-View platform. PPV would be essential for any future Mayweather �ight.

Those two major factors, the weight and TV issue, are the main reasons why Pacquiao is more likely to be in the opposite corner for a Mayweather comeback.

The man himself is unfazed. Mayweather addressed reports Pacquiao, Canelo and even Conor McGregor wanted another bite of the cherry, indirectly earlier this month.

“Yeah, yeah, yeah. Everybody’s saying some-

thing,” Mayweather told TMZ. “I don’t worry about that. I already made over a billion! You already know that!”

“I’m not worried about all that my man. Floyd is undefeated. Nobody can beat me. You already know that, man!”

TIME IS NOW At 42, and with time running out to earn one �inal nine-�igure check, Mayweather has to make a decision soon.

Training, sparring sessions and ice baths, which weren’t apparent since retirement, are only serving to fuel the speculation further.

Mayweather and Pacquiao have also been spotted together many times over the past few months.

Something that has only previously happened when they fought four years ago.

Could we see Mayweather v Pacquiao II at the T-Mobile Arena or MGM Grand in Las Vegas over the summer? – You couldn’t rule it out, even if Mayweather denies it.

The second-guessing will only stop when Pacquiao �inally announces his next encounter.

According to his Twitter fan poll, fans want Manny Pacquiao to fight Floyd Mayweather again.