Edge Davao Volume 13 Issue 24 | Saturday, May 9, 2020

EDGEEDGE DAVAO DAVAO

STILL WAITING

Serving a seamlessRAFA, society FEDERER MOVE ON TO THIRD ROUND

Serving a seamless society

CRAWFORD: I’VE BEEN TRYING TO FIGHT PACQUIAO SINCE 2015

SPORTSP11

SPORTS P12

SIGNS OF BOOM OFF TO SIGNS OF BO VOL.13 24• FRIDAY-SATURDAY, • SATURDAY, MAYMAY 9, 2020 VOL.12ISSUE ISSUE 59 31-JUNE 1, 2019 ISSUE 59 www.edgedavao.net edgedavao@gmail.com f •@EdgeDavao VOL.12 FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MAY 31-JUNE 1, 2019 f @EdgeDavao

P 15.00 • 16 2 PAGES www.edgedavao.net

SLEEP

Applications for building, for building, Applications zoning permitszoning increase permits increase

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he Office of the Davao City Planning and Development Coordinator is swarmed by applicants for locational clearance, zoning, building and other permits with at least 500 applications submitted on a weekly basis.

The increase in applications is an indication of Davao City’s booming construction industry and infrastructure development, the city noted.

Assistant City Planning and Development Coordinator Roy Ryan Rigor said the influx of permit applicants on a weekly basis is very high, causing delays in the issuances of permits.

Rigor said the issuance of some permits, such as for locational applications, needed actual surveys by their personnel and this contributed to the delay.

“There are really too

many applications that we receive and it is not only limited to the zoning permits, but there are also a lot more,” he said.

He also underscored submission of incomplete sets of requirements that further slows down the process of issuing the permits.

“There are some clients whose documents have discrepancies, and that causes the delay in the issuance of the permit. Another example is when the area needs to be reclassified and that needs the approval of the city council first,” Rigor said.

FSIGNS, P10

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he Office of the Davao City Planning and Development Coordinator is swarmed by applicants for locational clearance, zoning, building and other permits with at least 500 applications submitted on a weekly basis.

The increase in applications is an indication of Davao City’s booming construction industry and infrastructure development, the city noted.

Assistant City Planning and Development Coordinator Roy Ryan Rigor said the influx of permit applicants on a weekly basis is very high, causing delays in the issuances of permits.

Rigor said the issuance of some permits, such as for locational applications, needed actual surveys by their personnel and this contributed to the delay.

“There are really too

MINDANAO HERITAGE THROUGH MODERN FASHION ►INDULGE A1

RAISING A MILLENNIAL FAMILY FOREMOST IN ESDEVCO’S MIND

many applications that we receive and it is not only limited to the zoning permits, but there are also a lot more,” he said.

He also underscored submission of incomplete sets of requirements that further slows down the process of issuing the permits.

“There are some clients whose documents have discrepancies, and that causes the delay in the issuance of the permit. Another example is when the area needs to be reclassified and that needs the approval of the city council first,” Rigor said.

FSIGNS, P10

MINDANAO HERITAGE THROUGH MODERN FASHION ►INDULGE A1

RAISING A MILLENNIAL FAMILY FOREMOST IN ESDEVCO’S MIND

Marco Polo Davao announces closure ►PROPERTY P9

►PROPERTY P9

STORY ON P2

TOURISM. President Rodrigo Duterte responds to the discussions during the A meeting pedestrian walks by tourism the iconic with the Japanese partMarco Davao (MPD) ners atPolo the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo,along Japan Roxas Avenue in Davao City on on Wednesday night. PRESIDENTIAL Friday.

MPD disclosed that itPHOTO will cease operations indefinitely due to the financial effect of COVID-19 pandemic. Edge Davao

e

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 24 • SATURDAY, MAY 9, 2020

OFF TO SLEEP Marco Polo Davao announces closure

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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ne of the best places to sleep the night away in Davao City is off to sleep indefinitely.

Marco Polo Davao, an icon in Davao’s hospitality business, has announced on Friday it will soon cease operations as the coronavirus pandemic continues.

“The Heart of Davao” will stop beating on June 15, 2020.

In a statement posted on its Facebook page on Friday, Marco

Polo Davao confirmed the news on the “indefinite cessation of hotel operations effective June 15, 2020.” Edge Davao first reported the news of Marco Polo Davao’s decision to shut down on Thursday night.

“Our priority is to take care of our associates while the compa-

ny can. All of you have been the core, and our stewards in building Marco Polo Davao. We will forever be grateful for your unconditional contribution,” the post read. “To all our friends in the community and our valued business partners, daghang salamat from the Heart of Davao.”

Tagged as the first five-star hotel in Davao City, the 245-room 12-function facility hotel is synonymous to social gatherings and business meet-

ings since it opened its doors in 1998.

Through the years, the hotel is well known as venue of historical events and international meetings such as the ASEAN Tourism Forum and the Philippines Development Forum.

For Dabawenyos, it is a place of convergence among businessmen and a cozy spot to unwind.

Edge Davao’s post amassed nearly 700,000 reach and closing in on 250,000

engagements by Friday night.

Netizens ranging from the hotel’s employees, former employees, guests, and even its competitors poured out a tide of emotional farewell.

Comments flooded from nostalgic recollection of personal experiences and expression of gratitude. Some had comic remembrance of the city’s downtown landmark.

Graziella Izza Cadiente, marketing and communications

officer of Acacia Hotel, said the hotel’s management are saddened with Marco Polo Davao’s sudden closure. Even though MPD is one of their top competitors in the industry, they are hopeful it will be back soon.

Movenpick Hotel Mactan marketing and communications manager Meg Sta. Ines-Hernandez, who used to work at MPD as public relations officer for seven years, said on her Facebook account ?OFF, P10

Police officers, together with Davao Auxiliary personnel, man a checkpoint in Agdao, Davao City on Friday. The Philippine National Police (PNP) cited public cooperation and support as key factors behind the significant decline in traditional crime trend under the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ). Edge Davao

NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 24 • SATURDAY, MAY 9, 2020

6 provinces ready for ‘Balik Probinsya’ pilot testing

S

enator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go on Friday said six provinces have already signified readiness for the pilot testing of the “Balik Probinsya Bagong Pagasa Program.”

Go said he was informed by National Housing Authority (NHA) general manager Marcelino Escalada Jr. and Mindanao Development Authority Secretary Manny Piñol that the provinces of Leyte, Zamboanga del Norte, Lanao del Norte, Bukidnon, North Cotabato, and Camarines Sur are ready to participate in the testing phase.

“Natutuwa ako na may mga provinces na po na nagsabing handa na para sa pilot testing. Nagpapasalamat ako sa mga gobernador ng mga probinsya sa paghanda ng kanilang mga lugar upang magtanggap ng kanilang mga kababayan na gusto nang umuwi.

Ang mga ahensya ng gobyerno ay nakikipag-coordinate sa LGUs para malatag na ang mga protocols at proseso sa pagbalik nila,” he said.

(I am happy that there are provinces that said they are ready for the pilot testing. I thank the governors of these provinces for their preparations to receive their prov-

ince mates who have expressed their willingness to return. Concerned government agencies are coordinating with the local government units to roll out the protocols and processes for their return.)

Go said the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has already identified around 3,000 persons who met the basic criteria of the Balik Probinsya program (BPP).

The agency will also be assisting workers stranded in Metro Manila for their return to their home provinces.

The chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography said basic protocols, like necessary quarantine measures, coronavirus disease (Covid-19) testing and health certifications before the travel of these identified individuals and families, are being readied to ensure that their travel is safe and would not result in the spread of Covid-19.

“The DSWD will be doing a rapid assessment of these individuals as they make travel arrangements and provide transportation, transitory assistance packages as well as livelihood assistance

Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go urges all concerned government agencies to act immediately to meet the objectives and timeline of the Executive Order No. 114 institutionalizing the

“Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa” program after President Rodrigo Duterte signed it. Contributed Photo

After Marco Polo Davao, other hotels could be next

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By MAYA M. PADILLO

s Davao City bids goodbye to one of its iconic hotels, a grim prospect looms and the city could lose more of its big players in the hotel industry.

its cessation of operations. Edge Davao first reported the closure on its social media page on Thursday night which has since amassed overflowing sentiments from netiPhilippine Cham- similar move of clo- zens.

“It's likely that othber of Commerce and sure from other big Industry (PCCI) Re- hotels in Davao City er hotels will follow as gional Governor Ar- is likely to happen af- they are the hardest turo Milan said it is ter Marco Polo Davao hit along with the air?6 PROVINCES, P10 not far-fetched that a announced on Friday line industry and trav-

pine government from China for the use of front-liners. (Philippine Navy photo)

el and tour operators during this pandemic,” Milan said in a phone interview.

Yet, he believes that MPD will re-open.

As to when and who will operate, he has no idea.

“Naa pa man ang building. Naa pa ang Marco Polo. I am sure naa mag-operate ana, ?AFTER MARCO, P10

Navy ship carrying PPE cargo arrives in Davao

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BRP Bacolod City docks at the Sasa Wharf in Davao City on Friday (May 8, 2020). The ship arrived in the city to deliver sets of personal protective equipment and KN95 masks procured by the Philip-

3

he Philippine Navy (PN) logistics ship, BRP Bacolod City (LS-550), loaded with 200,000 personal protective equipment (PPE) sets and 700,000 KN95 masks from China, docked at Sasa Wharf, Davao City on Friday.

In a statement, Navy public affairs office chief Lt. Commander Maria Christina Roxas said Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao head, Commodore Antonio Palces, welcomed the officers and crew of the ship through a non-contact procedure, without the usual arrival ceremony.

Meanwhile, policies on non-disembarkation of vessel

crew and no visitors allowed will be implemented while BRP Bacolod City is docked in Davao City.

Prior to its arrival, the Bureau of Quarantine facilitated health said no members of the Navy ship showed any symptoms of Covid-19.

Strict quarantine protocols were also enforced during the handling of the cargo prior to its turnover to the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Region 11 for distribution to the front-liners in Mindanao.

BRP Bacolod City will deviate from its scheduled port of call in Cebu and will, instead, set sail straight ?NAVY, P10

4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 24 • SATURDAY, MAY 9, 2020

Initial P10.1billion wage subsidies given to workers

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A hawker peddles oranges and other fruits along Monteverde Street in Davao City on Friday. Edge Davao

DCCCII pushes for innovation, creativity to go forward

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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he Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (DCCCII) is pushing for innovation and creativity as ways for tourism sector to go forward amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

DCCCII President John Carlo Tria said the chamber will be working with the tourism and hotel sectors, which employ almost five million workers across the country, for them to sustain jobs through the use of innovation and creativity.

He said the tourism sector has been hit hard by the pandemic and may take long to recover even after the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) is lifted. He said it is expected that people may not want to travel or congregate in groups for some

time.

Tria said that through chamber’s tourism task force, stakeholders will be able to determine ways forward for tourism to recover such as special financing and other programs and innovations that will require adjustments in business models online marketing and other methods.

“We are working with them as the moment. Our challenge as a chamber is to sustain and protect as many jobs as we can and innovation will be needed. Hopefully,

we can help them establish ways forward while complying requirements. A lot of creativity is needed,” he said.

Tria is hopeful that next week chamber can develop certain ways forward with the help of the Davao Tourism Association (DATA) and the hotel and restaurant sectors.

“Restaurant owners are not even sure if customers will come if ECQ is lifted. There is a need to be innovative and creative to keep the business going,” he said.

from the interconnected network of Visayas and Luzon.

In particular, he said MinDA--the lead agency of the Mindanao Power Monitoring Committee (MPMC)-will be making an assessment of the impact of the enhanced community quarantine on the island’s power sector in order to determine measures needed to support the industry.

He said the monitoring currently being undertaken by MinDA includes the possible impact of the current situation on the power sector in Mindanao.

"This is anchored on the fact that Mindanao has a power structure that is slightly different from Luzon, with most of the electric distribution being done by electric cooperatives especially in rural areas," he said.

While MinDA has noted a reduction of power demand by around 35 percent in urban centers due to the lockdown and suspension of operations of major establishments and industries, the agency said the situation may be slightly different in the provinces.

Montenegro said households account for the majority of load users’ profiles in most areas served by electric cooperatives, and with the current stay-at-home mode, there’s a possibility for consumption increase especially with extended use of electric-powered household.

"MinDA Chair Secretary Emmanuel Pinol has submitted a proposal to the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) seeking its assistance in carrying out the impact study," he said. (PNA)

MinDA to assess impact of ECQ on power sector

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he Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) said it will conduct an assessment on the power industry of the island vis-a-vis the current situation brought about by the 2019 coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.

MinDA Assistant Secretary Romeo Montenegro underscored Friday the need to take a look at how power industry in Mindanao is keeping up with the current health crisis.

Montenegro noted that the island’s distinct power structure is slightly different

ash grants totaling PHP10.1 billion have been credited to more than 1.2 million employees of small businesses so far under the Small Business Wage Subsidy (SBWS) program as part of the Duterte administration's efforts to provide relief to poor and low-middle-income families along with other vulnerable sectors hardest-hit by the economic fallout from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak.

Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, in a statement said, “according to a report from the SBWS interagency task force, the first tranche of subsidies has been credited to a total of 1,261,044 beneficiary employees as of May 6. The amount of P10.1 billion has been deposited to the employees’ bank or PayMaya accounts and sent to MLhuillier, for those who chose to receive the subsidy via money remittance.”

MLhuillier Kwarta Padala, through the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), is the partner-remittance center of the Social Security System (SSS) in the disbursement of wage subsidies to unbanked beneficiaries.

The SBWS interagency task force is chaired by the Department of Finance (DOF), represented

by Assistant Secretary Antonio Lambino II, and with SSS president and CEO Aurora Ignacio and Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Deputy Commissioner Arnel Guballa as members.

A p p rox i m a t e ly 183,677 more beneficiaries were expected to receive their cash subsidies by May 7, Dominguez added.

He said, “The SSS has partnered with the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) to automate the payout of the subsidy, which has allowed the distribution to scale up in a short span of time.”

Many employers and employees took to social media to acknowledge that they

have received the subsidy from government.

Some were featured by the DOF, SSS, and BIR on their Facebook pages: Anthony Gaw, the owner of a company that specializes in large-format printing, said, “Nais naming magpasalamat sa tulong ng pamahalaan.

Sa dalawang buwan na lockdown, imposibleng mabuhay ang mga tauhan namin ng walang support.

Salamat at natulungan niyo ang sambayanang manggagawa.

(We would like to thank government for the assistance. During this two-month lockdown, it is impossible for our employees to survive without support.

Thank you for helping the working people.)

“Napakalaking tulong nito lalo na sa tulad kong single parent, para maitawid ang pangangailangan ng pamilya ko hanggang sa matapos ang ECQ, (This will really help single parents like myself supply the needs of our families until the ECQ ends,)” said Rona Espinosa, Human Resource Assistant at Brand Ambassadors Corporation.

Meanwhile, Josefina Perido, Authorized Managing Officer of EJB Okawa Construction Corp., said that she is “masayang masaya na kahit papaano ‘yung mga [nasa] private [sector] hindi nakakalimutan. Like, in our case, nahinto lahat ng production namin.

Natutuwa kami na na-recognize ang [aming sitwasyon]. (happy that the government has not forgotten those in the private sector. In our case, all production was halted.

We are just happy that the government has recognized our situation).”

SSS President and CEO Aurora Ignacio said “more than 101,400 employers have submitted applications for the SBWS program as of May 7, 7 a.m. These applications, all submitted electronically, are being processed by the SSS. So far, the applications for around 2.2 million employees have been approved ?INITIAL, P10

VOL.13 ISSUE 24 • SATURDAY, MAY 9, 2020

EDGEDAVAO

ECONOMY 5

POGOs, service providers T must pay taxes: Dominguez

Peso rises, stocks gauge down

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inance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III has reiterated that Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGO) and their service providers must pay their 2019 tax liabilities before they are allowed to operate.

Aside from paying the POGO franchise tax, Dominguez said: “both service providers and licensees must also remit to the BIR (Bureau of Internal Revenue) all current 2020 withholding tax liabilities.”

In a Viber mes-

sage to journalists Thursday, he said these businesses “must also execute an understanding to pay the BIR all their arrears.”

“Once these are complied with, the BIR (Bureau of Internal Revenue) will

issue a tax clearance to enable them to operate,” he added.

POGO operations were halted along with most businesses after Metro Manila was placed under community quarantine last March 15, which was expanded to an enhanced community quarantine for mainland Luzon on March 17 to arrest the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

The government is training its eyes on POGOs and their service providers af-

ter some have been found to be operating illegally.

The sector is regulated by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor), which forecasts the government’s gaming-related revenues from this sector to exceed the PHP75.54 billion collected last year.

BIR Deputy Commissioner Arnel Guballa earlier said there are about 60 POGO licensees to date that are “mostly registered with Pagcor.”

(PNA)

he Philippine peso ended the week up against the US dollar while the main stocks gauge ended in the red on anxieties on the reopening of some sectors of the Philippine economy after May 15.

The local unit ended at 50.42 on Friday from 50.56 the previous day.

It opened the day at 50.50, sideways from its 50.54 start on Thursday, trading between 50.51 and 50.41 and resulting in an average of 50.458.

Volume totaled USD433.2 million, lower than the USD558.39 million on Thursday.

On the other

hand, the Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) lost 0.55 percent, or 31.22 points, to 5,621.94 points.

All Shares declined by 0.30 percent, or 10.08 points, to 3,403.80 points.

It was a mix among the sectors, with Industrial rising by 0.20 percent; Mining and Oil by 0.19 percent; and Holding Firms, 0.05 percent.

On the other hand, Property fell by 1.21 percent, Financials by 1.09, and Services by 0.18 percent.

Volume totaled 470.94 million shares amounting to PHP5.86 billion.

Losers surpassed gainers at 90 to 75 ?PESO, P10

Clifford Gonzales, an angler from Pilar, Siargao Island catches a 4.5-kg Ruby Snapper on Thursday, May 7, 2020. A Dugtooth Tuna earlier broke his line. MindaNews photo by ROEL N. CATOTO

6 VANTAGE VANTAGE EDGE EDGEDAVAO DAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 24 10 • SATURDAY, MAY 20, 9, 2020 VOL.13 ISSUE • FRIDAY, MARCH 2020

“

Our priority is to take care of our associates while the company can. All of you have been the core, and our stewards in building Marco Polo Davao. We will forever be grateful for your unconditional contribution,” the post read. “To all our friends in the community and our valued business partners, daghang salamat from the Heart of Davao.

EDITORIAL

OFFICIAL STATEMENT, MARCO POLO DAVAO

Be significant

With the situation the Philippines is facing amidst the coronavirus threat, it takes everyone’s utmost patience, understanding and compassion to get the country through the hill.

Hence, businesses must first take consideration of their workers rather than their profits or losses. The reason why the community quarantine is not working 100 percent is that the lowly workers are forced to report to work under fear of losing their jobs and not earning their keep. The spectre of having no mey to feed their families is a far bigger threat than dying because of the virus.

In the minds of the ordinary folks: “We will die just the same.”

Only those who have enough food in their pantry, those who can afford to panic shop, and those who can afford to order online for deliveries will survive. But for the bigger chunk of the society, the equation remains “no work, no food.”

Thus, it is a welcome relief that there are initially 10 companies made the supreme sacrifice of to compensate their workers during the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine period. This will greatly help those in Metro Manila where people still go to work

EDGEDAVAO

Providing solutions to a seamless global village.

PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE

the national association of newspapers

Printed by Zion Accuprint Publishing Inc. Door 14 ALCREJ Building, Quirino Avenue, 8000, Davao City, Philippines Tel: (082) 224-1413 301-6235 Telefax: (082) 221-3601 www.edgedavao.net editorial@edgedavao.net marketing@edgedavao.net edgedavao@gmail.com

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

MAYA M. PADILLO Senior Reporter

KENNETH IRVING K. ONG ATHENA JILLIAN BRAVO NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN MEGHANN STA. INES FERINA SANTOS Lifestyle

LEANDRO S. DAVAL JR. Photography

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

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

despite the order.

The 10 firms reported by the Department of Labor to have made the compensation package are Aboitiz, Asian Terminal/Solaire Resort Hotel, Ayala Group of Companies, JG Summit, Jollibee, Lucio Tan Group, Manny V. Pangilinan Group, San Miguel Corporation, SM and Udenna Group.These firms answered the call of President Rodrigo Duterte to take care of their workers and employees during this time of national emergency.

DOLE Secretary Silvestre Bello III lauded the companies and said their compassion and good example should inspire other enterprises whose source of wealth is the labor of their workforce.

While big companies can take some hit, it is a different story for smaller firms and this is where the government should come in. For sure, there are already some formulation to this effect being done.

For now, the best thing to do for everyone is to try to be significantly helpful instead of adding up to the problem and it all starts with following orders.

SOLANI D. MARATAS Finance

CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING OFFICE MANILA MARKETING OFFICE RICHARD C. EBONA LEIZEL A. DELOSO | Marketing Manager Unit 6, Southbank Plaza Velez-YacapinProduct Sts. Development officer Cagayan de Oro City Address: No. 18 Purok 4B, Madelo Street, Lower Bicutan, Taguig City Tel: (088) 852-4894 Mobile number: +63 947 265 2969(smart); +63 916 955 8559(globe)

VOL.13 ISSUE 24 • SATURDAY, MAY 9, 2020

For those who were born only in the sixties and later years, and who were not yet old enough to know the kind of media environment prevailing during that era, I politely advise them to refrain from making comments in favor of or against the giant media firm.

I am overwhelmed by comments in the social media from people who think they knew enough, boldly advancing their opinions either condemning or praising the QC-based TV and radio organization.

Since recovering ownership and operation of its broadcast facilities in the 1986 so-called EDSA revolution (many say the Lopez family got them back on a silver platter from the late Pres.

Cory Aquino), ABS CBN moved to strengthen further its clout in the communication business and was able, through the years, to establish itself as the first among its peers in the industry.

From a short distance, you can say that I have seen the rise of ABS CBN from its struggling infancy as a radio-TV communication outlet in the late 50s and sixties, battling against DZBB and Channel 7 (then being piloted by the late Bob Stewart) for supremacy in the broadcast ratings game.

With the late broadcast legend Rafael Yabut lording it over as the established and most credible anchorman of DZBB (ala Walter Cronkite) from the fifties up to the 70s, ABS CBN, then utilizing DZAQ (not DZMM) as its prima-

“Do not read, as children do, to amuse yourself, or like the ambitious, for the purpose of instruction. No, read in order to live.” – Gustave Flaubert *** The famous Irish television personality, Eamonn Andrews, tells this story on himself: His parish priest in Dublin asked him whether he would like to take one of the liturgical readings on Sundays, and Eamonn gladly agreed. So late one Saturday, the priest sent one of the altar boys to ask Eamonn if he would take the reading at next day’s Mass.

He refused. And this was the way he put it to his parish priest: “As far I am concerned, the Word of God is something absolutely precious. It means an awful lot to me. I have made a lot of sacrifices during my life because of convictions I have about the Gospel.

And, therefore, I will not take the Gospel for granted.

“You are asking me to come along tomorrow and go out and read something I have not seen,” Eamonn continued. “If I were doing a television program, I would spend a whole week planning and preparing it. I will not go out there just to read in front of people, without putting a lot of preparation into it, without having it explained to me. I want to know what the people are to get out of it. I want to pray about it.”

That, my friend, is how important reading is!

The topic on reading got me interested recently when I read that in a global survey, the Philippines ranks lowest out of 79 countries in reading comprehension.

“This is the first time that DepEd (Department of Education) participated in a global ranking testing system, with boldness and recognition that we have to see how we rank, how we fare compared

EDGEDAVAO

VANTAGE POINTS

ABS CBN – A COLOSSAL THREAT TO DEMOCRACY ry radio outlet, could not hold sway in the public affairs area and played second fiddle in this sector.

But in a twist of fate, changes

its way in the scheme of things.

Mimicking the aggressive American media posture as the people’s voice in the conduct of government affairs, ABS CBN, to

fied to run for another term.

And so, martial law was declared, catching many of us with our pants down on September 21, 1972 that thwarted the nearly

came rushing in into the country’s political and business terrain. The Lopez family pressed the right buttons and successfully installed Fernando Lopez, brother of patriarch Eugenio, Sr., as Vice-President in the 1965 presidential balloting where Ferdinand Marcos was elected to the highest post of the land.

From thereon, ABS CBN capitalized on the family’s newly-found political status and bamboozled, in a manner of speaking,

cut the story short, eventually had a severe falling out with the Marcos administration as a result of its sustained critical broadcasts.

Marcos discovered not painfully that the Lopezes had been stabbing him in the back, including plots to pit arch critic Sen. Benigno Aquino, Jr., who was then beginning to rise as the most popular man to succeed him in the scheduled 1973 polls where the former was no longer quali-

successful political plans of the Lopezes and protégé Ninoy Aquino.

But behold - in 1986, ABS CBN was back on its saddle – courtesy of Cory Aquino – a gesture the Lopez family looked with gratitude.

Thus, without the Filipino nation knowing it, ABS CBN became the largest, most influential “political party” of its era.

After Cory, the media titan helped install Fidel Ramos, her

to other countries,” Secretary Leonor M. Briones admitted.

In a reading literacy assessment conducted by the inter-government group Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), 15-year-old Filipino students scored a mean of 340 points, which was below the OECD average of 487 points.

transaction.”

But reading is more than just that. “Reading is like thinking, like praying, like talking to a friend, like expressing your ideas, like listening to other people’s ideas, like listening to music, like looking at the view, like taking a walk on the beach,” wrote Roberto Bolaño in 2666.

R.R. Martin thinks of reading. “A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies,” he pointed out in A Dance With Dragons. “The man who never reads lives only one.”

If you want to become a writer, you ought to read. Creative writing and reading go hand in hand. “You should write because you love the shape of stories and

The OECD used the two-hour Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA). It defines reading literacy as “understanding, using, evaluating, reflecting on and engaging with texts in order to achieve one’s goals, to develop one’s knowledge and potential, and to participate in society.”

The OECD added, “Reading proficiency is essential for a wide variety of human activities – from following instructions in a manual; to finding out the who, what, when, where, and why of an event; to communicating with others for a specific purpose or

“Reading was a joy, a desperately needed escape,” said Christian Bauman. “I didn’t read to learn; I was reading to read.”

In Books and You, W. Somerset Maughan shared this sentiment: “To acquire the habit of reading is to construct for yourself a refuge from almost all the miseries of life.”

Dr. Seuss, author of I Can Read With My Eyes Shut!, gives an idea on why reading is fun. “The more that you read, the more things you will know,” he wrote.

“The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”

But I like most what George

sentences and the creation of different words on a page,” Annie Proulx contends. “Writing comes from reading, and reading is the finest teacher of how to write.”

William Faulkner has the same contention. “Read, read, read,” he suggested. “Read everything – trash, classics, good and bad, and see how they do it. Just like a carpenter who works as an apprentice and studies the master. Read! You’ll absorb it. Then write. If it’s good, you’ll find out.

If it’s not, throw it out of the window.”

Yes, reading is just as important as writing itself. “Reading is

THE VALUE OF READING

7

anointed underdog successor (although many thought the late Miriam Santiago was cheated) and further enjoyed its status as a proven “political influencer.”

In another unforgettable chapter of political muscle-flexing, ABS CBN displayed its media value and strength and strategically helped oust the short-lived presidential incumbency of Joseph “Erap” Estrada in a bloodless 2001 coup.

And then, after demonizing GMA no end, ABS CBN installed its “puppet” president Noynoy Aquino 3rd in Malacanang in 2010 and the broadcast moguls enjoyed another six years of unabated bliss as the most influential sector in the country’s national mindset.

For all we know, you and I can assume ABS CBN could have been conjugally running the national affairs during both the mother and son’s respective presidential incumbencies.

Although not verified, rumors persist that ABS CBN’s franchise renewal was not secured during Noynoy’s tenure because the former did not accede to presidential sister Kris’ demand that she be given a much preferred prime time TV slot.

So, now ABS CBN is training its guns on Duterte as its scapegoat.

A colossal threat to our democracy, are they not? (Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.) GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!

arguably a far more creative and imaginative process than writing; when the reader creates emotion in their head, or the colors of the sky during the setting sun, or the smell of a warm summer’s breeze on their face, they should reserve as much praise for themselves as they do for the writer – perhaps more,” wrote Jasper Fforde, author of The Well of Lost Plots.

Reading is almost always equated with books. “I think we ought to read only the kind of books that wound or stab us,” Franz Kafka suggested. “If the book we’re reading doesn’t wake us up with a blow to the head, what are we reading for?

“We need books that affect us like a disaster, that grieve us deeply, like the death of someone we loved more than ourselves, like being banished into forests far from everyone, like a suicide,” Kafka went on. “A book must be the axe for the frozen sea within us. That is my belief.”

Anne Lamott has another belief when it comes to books. “For some of us, books are as important as almost anything else on earth,” she wrote in Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life. “What a miracle it is that out of these small, flat, rigid squares of paper unfolds world after world after world, worlds that sing to you, comfort and quiet or excite you. Books help us understand who we are and how we are to behave. They show us what community and friendship mean; they show us how to live and die.”

“Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counsellors, and the most patient of teachers,” Charles W. Eliot said.

But Stephen King considers books as “uniquely portable magic.” That was what he said in his book On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft.

8 COMPETITIVE EDGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 24 • SATURDAY, MAY 9, 2020

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION Malayan Colleges Mindanao ready to provide flexible online learning amidst Covid-19

(Left to right) Malayan Colleges Mindanao, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Engr. Dodjie Maestrecampo, Malayan Colleges Mindanao, College of Arts and Science, Faculty, Asst. Prof.

Denie Forton, Malayan Colleges Mindanao, Former Dean, College

M

alayan Colleges Mindanao, a Mapúa School is all geared up for the upcoming school year amidst the Coronavirus-2019 pandemic as they utilize their established flexible learning system.

In 2018, Malayan Colleges Mindanao pioneered blended learning in Davao City, inheriting this system from its sister-school Mapúa University.

Transitioning to a flexible online curriculum amidst enhanced community quarantine is fairly uncomplicated as MCM has been accustomed to employing such practices through its Digital Learning Days – days in which students can remotely accomplish tasks and academic requirements through the school’s online digital platforms. The aforementioned practice was also previously employed during the successive earthquakes in 2019 when students and faculty had to be temporarily distanced from the institution to ensure

their safety.

“Blending online with on-site learning enabled us to cater to a wider spectrum of learners. Those who encounter difficulty in learning during classes have the chance to go over the lessons in the comfort of their homes and catch up with the rest of class.

It provides our students with more avenues for learning and varied ways to demonstrate their learning outcomes.

Online learning also helped us cope with the harsh realities of life – earthquakes, storms, and now the COVID-19 pandemic. Our system makes up for the learners who have the resources and the desire to continue learning remotely without compromising their safety

of Arts and Science and Director of Learning Environments and Innovations, Prof. Abigail Joy Rodelas-Angelia and Blackboard, Chief Client Officer Mr. Tim Atkin.

and health.” shares Engr. Dodjie Maestrecampo, Executive Vice President and Chief of Operations of Malayan Colleges Mindanao on the institution’s use of blended-learning and its benefits.

MCM’s digital platforms are managed by a Learning Management System known as Blackboard Learn which the MCM Community has become very familiar with. MCM has been utilizing and developing this system since its establishment and was awarded the 2018 Blackboard Catalyst Award for Optimizing the Student Experience at the Blackboard’s annual Teaching and Learning Conference in Singapore which honors institutions whose educational and administrative innovations have markedly improved the total learner experience.

“MCM was intentionally built for 21st century learners.

Their learning habits, interests, motivations, and challenges were carefully considered

in crafting the different modalities where learning can be implemented. Some prefer the traditional faceto-face classroom sessions where they can personally interact with their professors and classmates, while some are more active in a virtual classroom set-up. MCM provides both.” says Engr. Dodjie Maestrecampo.

Learning management system is utilized by the institution to bridge the gaps between students and teachers in the digital realm.

“Not only does it (MCM) welcome traditional learners, but it also welcomes digital learners. May you be a student who is used to reading books or a student who is used to utilizing digital platforms… Students are able to utilize technology for their education, to communicate with your teachers and classmates through the app where we are able to gain new information and download our power-points

that we discussed in our face-to-face sessions… MCM is very brave to be able to incorporate this new technology into our traditional learning.” shares Franchesco Laquinario Lu, BS Industrial Engineering Student of Malayan Colleges Mindanao, on MCM’s blended-learning system.

Students accessing online lessons through MCM’s Learning Management System “The one thing that made my student life so great at Malayan Colleges Mindanao is the fact that we have a half-day schedule. Having this type of schedule, coupled with our Blackboard Learn, gave me more control over my time. I was able to balance my academics and social life without sacrificing either. I believe that with this kind of training, the school is priming us to have better time management for the future.” says Uean Carlo Bacsal, Grade 12 Senior High School Student of Malayan Colleges Mindanao, on the benefits of his half-day schedule along with Blackboard Learn.

This system along with the digital contents from the

world’s leading publishers like Wiley and Cengage and Elsevier—with more than 12,000 e-books and courseware and hundreds of thousands of e-journal articles— helps combine online and on-site learning.

These and other digital learning tools have helped the students of Malayan Colleges Mindanao achieve their academic goals since 2018. For the upcoming school year, MCM students will be provided with unlimited access to 3,600+ courses and specializations and certifications from 190+ leading universities and companies through Coursera, as Malayan Colleges Mindanao through Mapúa University has partnered with the world-class online learning platform to provide its students with transformative learning free of charge.

For students and teachers without stable internet connection, Engr. Dodjie Mae?DIGITAL, P10

VOL.13 ISSUE 24 • SATURDAY, MAY 9, 2020

9 SUBURBIA RISING EDGEDAVAO

NPA rebels who seized food packs from poor families surrender, get help from gov’t C ity of Mati, Davao Oriental — The Communist New People’s Army rebels who seized food packs being distributed by the local government to poor families in the town of Baganga in Davao Oriental have recently surrendered and are now set to get aid from the government.

Davao Oriental Governor Nelson Dayanghirang says at least nine NPA rebels have surrendered to the government following a series of clashes between government troops and the NPA. Governor Dayanghirang says that in the coming days, the provincial government of Davao Oriental is set to give P7,000 each to nine NPA rebels who recently surrendered to government troops.

Aside from the nine surrenderees, 31 other former rebels who surrendered within the fourth quarter of 2019 and the first quarter of 2020 will also get the same financial aid from the provincial government.

The amount serves as our “immediate assistance to show to the rebels that we are sincere in our campaign to achieve our goals of peace. I hope many more rebels will follow to surrender,” says Governor Dayanghirang, adding that these former rebels are set get

more benefits through the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

The Governor has called on the surrendering rebels to ask their comrades in their mountain lairs to go back to the fold of law and for the rebels “to stop spreading fear and perpetrating atrocities against the hapless innocent civilians who are struggling to survive the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Series of Clashes The clashes first erupted on April 14 in the villages of Mahan-ub and Campawan in the town of Baganga and eventually it spilled over to the adjacent municipality of Cateel.

Capt. Maximo Trinidad Jr., civil-military operations officer of the Philippine Army’s 701st Brigade based in the City of Mati, says the rebels “seized the food packs in the 13 sub-villages” in the town of Baganga on April 14.

These food packs, which is composed of rice and canned goods, are part of the local government’s relief efforts to help the poor families severely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Per the statement of the villagers, the rebels also wanted to seize the cash assistance being given by the government to poor families through the Social

Amelioration Program,” says Capt. Trinidad.

Alerted by residents living in the hinterland villages of Baganga and Cateel towns, Army troopers had immediately pursued the “robbing” rebels which resulted in five encounters that left two rebels dead, according to the Army here.

Brig. Gen. Jose Eriel Niembra, Commander of the Philippine Army’s 701st Brigade which covers the provinces of Davao Oriental, Davao de Oro, and the Agusan and Surigao provinces, says the rebels are resorting to seizing food packs being given

by the government to poor families “because of severe hunger. That is why we are closely collaborating with the local governments and the DSWD, especially in the distribution of cash assistance for the poor families as the rebels are also aiming to seize them. We have to extend security to the DSWD personnel in the distribution of this cash assistance to the poor families.”

After a series of heavy encounters in the towns of Baganga and Cateel, at least nine rebels have surrendered to government troopers, says Gover-

nor Nelson Dayanghirang. The surrendering rebels have first sought the assistance of village officials who facilitated their surrender to government troops.

On April 25, seven rebels surrendered in the town of Cateel, and on the following day, three more rebels followed suit in the nearby Baganga town. The surrendering rebels were brought by village officials to the commanding officer of the Philippine Army’s 67th Infantry Battalion, Lt. Col. Louie Dema-ala.

Capt. Trinidad says of the nine surrenderees, only one had sur-

rendered with a firearm, a Garand rifle. On Wednesday, the body of one of the two slain NPA rebels was buried by his immediate family in the town of Loreto in the province of Agusan.

“Most of the rebels here in Davao Oriental are Mandaya natives. They are being manipulated by the rebel group who exploit their extreme poverty as they live in geographically isolated and depressed areas,” says Capt. Trinidad.

“The 67th IB also hosted the birthday parties for two of the surrendering rebels right inside of the military camp,” Trinidad adds.

strecampo shares that they are now in talks with both SMART communications and Globe Telecom to address this issue.

“Under normal circumstances, some of our students with no stable connections go to the campus to connect. MCM provides high-speed wifi connection inside the campus. We understand that connectivity is a huge challenge for some of our students during this crisis. MCM is now in talks with both SMART communications and Globe Telecom to address this issue

through issuance of prepaid Wi-Fi routers with broadband plans specially designed to cater to students’ data consumption in accessing online learning tools.” says Engr.

Dodjie Maestrecampo.

MCM will continue to provide alternatives to in-campus learning should the need arise.

On a different note, MCM is taking heed of its students and teachers who might be experiencing mental or emotional stress. The Center for Guidance and Counseling recently expanded their services by offering counselling through

phones, emails, and messaging apps for the students and teachers to access even during community quarantine.

MCM has also partnered with a 24/7 telemedicine company, KonsultaMD, to provide its students and employees with apt services from licensed and experienced Filipino doctors.

The enrollment process has as well been transitioned to fully online transactions. Illustrated in MCM’s official website and social media pages, a student may now enroll for their classes

in the upcoming term online through their phones or laptops.

Payments may be made through online banking or fund transfer to MCM’s bank account or through other remote payment channels.

Malayan Colleges Mindanao’s Senior High School and College programs will begin classes for the next academic year in July 2020, fully equipped with the best physical and digital learning infrastructure to provide the best flexible learning system for the students of Davao City.

cautions, it’s just not worth it -- particularly when our guys are staying in shape and they’re going outside and shooting on outdoor hoops and

working out in various ways,” Cuban told The Athletic website’s “77 minutes in Heaven” podcast. “I just don’t think the risk is worth the reward.”

es of the Philippines’ Pacquiao (62-7-2, 39 KOs), who owns the WBA “super” welterweight title, and Garcia (40-1, 30 KOs), Garcia gladly would fight there for that type of opportunity.

“I’m willing to fight anywhere,” Garcia said during a postfight press conference Saturday night. “Every

ring has four ropes and four corners. You know, it don’t matter where it’s posted. You know, if it happens to go to Saudi, we’ve just gotta be out there early, in time, to get adjusted to the time. But, you know, inside that ring it doesn’t matter where the fight is at.

We’re ready to go anywhere.”

DIGITAL from 8

LEAGUE from 11

STILL from 12

10

EDGEDAVAO

OFF from 2

VOL.13 ISSUE 23 • FRIDAY, MAY 8, 2020

that she met mentors and lifelong friends during her time with MPD. The hotel holds a special place in her eldest daughter’s heart.

Some of her daughter’s most treasured childhood memories were with MPD family in Davao.

Patty Basa Tan, who is also a former MPD as PR officer, said “The Heart of Davao,” where meaningful events took place like birthday parties, anni-

versary celebrations, engagements parties, weddings, corporate affairs and parties, charity events, meetings, staycations, reunions, get-togethers, the “production level” MPD Associates’ Christmas parties and so much more.

She added that it is so sad to say goodbye to a place where she spent seven years.

The highs and lows of working in the hotel industry with her

workmates turned family.

Basa said “our Marco Polo Davao Family, Marco Polo Davao, will always have my heart.”

“I have so many memories with you Marco Polo,” said travel agency owner Ruth Gabutero-Velasco.

From tourism product updates, meetings and events.

Gabutero-Velasco bared that MPD is her son and nephews’ favourite hotel. She said

their last time staying in the hotel was December 31, 2019 to January 1, 2020.

Some disheartened netizens also posted comic comments that include “sayang wala pako ka check-in diha,” “daghan kaayo mi ug memories diha,” “dili unta ni mahimong Durian Hotel 2.0.”

There were also encouraging slogan-like comments like “MPD will rise again,” and “Laban lang.”

upon their return to the region,” he said.

Besides the six provinces, Go said more provinces have expressed their interest in joining the pilot testing and were offering resources, such as land and organic farming to complement the BPP’s sustainable livelihood and housing components.

He also commended other concerned national agencies and LGUs for their preparations for the implementation of the BPP. Go said the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) will aid grantees through the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged or Displaced Workers Program and Government Internship Program (TUPADGIP) to help those who have lost their jobs upon their return to

their provinces.

DOLE will also be holding job fairs to match applicants with potential employers.

Meanwhile, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will continue generating businesses and employment opportunities in the countryside.

DTI’s Negosyo sa Barangay will assist grantees in setting up and sustaining their own businesses in their respective hometowns.

The NHA and the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development will soon be working out a housing development plan to create affordable housing for the beneficiaries.

“Lahat ng agencies po mag-aalign ng kanilang mga programs, activities and projects na pwedeng makatulong

sa mga kababayan nating nais umuwi, at para rin ma-encourage ang iba na mag-relocate sa mga probinsya sa tamang panahon (All agencies will align all programs, activities, and projects that could assist our countrymen who wish to return to their hometowns, as well as to encourage more families to relocate in the provinces at the proper time),” Go said.

The Balik Probinsya is being prioritized after President Rodrigo Duterte signed Executive Order 114, “Institutionalizing the Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa Program” as a pillar of balanced regional development.

EO 114 was signed

by President Duterte after the Senate adopted Go’ Senate Resolution No. 380 urging the Executive depart-

ment to formulate and implement the BPP as an important initiative, as the country prepares itself for the ‘new normal’ after the country overcomes the Covid-19 pandemic.

Those who wish to avail of the program may already apply online through the official website of the program (balikprobinsya.ph).

On the website, applicants can fill-up the form which will inquire about their personal details, technical skills, and their intended provincial destination.

Filipinos may also manually sign application forms to be distributed throughout Metro Manila, or through an SMS system that is being set up by the Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa inter-agency council.

(PNA)

according to program criteria. This represents around 65 percent of the program’s target of 3.4 million beneficiary employees.”

The SBWS aims to provide a monthly wage subsidy of PHP5,000 to PHP8,000 for two months to around 3.4 million eligible employees of small businesses affected by the work stoppages resulting from the enhanced

community quarantine (ECQ) in Luzon and similar containment measures in other parts of the country that were imposed last March to curb the spread of Covid-19.

The initial payouts, which represent the first tranche of the SBWS subsidies, began on April 30, one day ahead of the announced May 1 to 15 schedule of release.

Payouts for the second tranche are scheduled

for May 16 to 31.

The SBWS program is part of the government’s Covid-19-related interventions to support vulnerable groups and individuals, including micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) that employ the majority of Filipino workers.

Other ongoing efforts include: [1] The extension of tax filing and payment deadlines; [2] a 30-day

while 55 shares were unchanged.

Regina Capital Development Corp. head of sales, Luis Limlingan, said investors “grappled over the reopening of the economy.”

“While the market shrugged off the contraction in GDP (gross

domestic product), focus now has switched to the effect of the pandemic on domestic and regional growth,” he said.

Authorities on Thursday reported a 0.2 percent contraction in domestic growth in the first quarter this year due

6 PROVINCES from 3

INITIAL from 4

PESO from 4

AFTER MARCO from 2 Halifax Davao gihapon o laing company,” Milan said.

Milan is saddened to learn that MPD, which is one of the luxury hotels in Davao City, is closing due to the unstable business situation brought by the coronavirus pandemic.

Following MPD’s announcement for an indefinite cessation of its hotel operations, Milan led a virtual meeting with stakeholders from tourism, transportation, and MICE sectors and shared inputs to help them cope with the challenging times.

Milan added that it is being recommended in the meeting to re-configure hotel rooms into office rentals.

“That is one idea brought up during the meeting. Wala pa man inbound and outbound arrivals karon,” he said.

Milan mentioned other helpful inputs for the business sector such as implementing work from home (WFH) instead having an office for the travel and tour sectors; promote farm tourism for family outings and small groups; scale down operations until things go back to normal; use of technology, restaurants shift to delivery services and as-

signed the waiters as delivery boys.

“In general, all are hit in a very big way.

Most of the businesses are closed while some are partially opened. Some are able to adjust immediately while some did not. Ang uban hotels nag- open to cater the BPOs and frontliners.

At least they are able to open just to recover from their costs,” Milan said.

Milan said business sector is being urged to find opportunities amid COVID-19 such as creating niche market for inter-province tourism.

“Like going into the provinces in areas with less cases of COVID-19 after the families spent three months of home quarantine,” he added.

Milan said they also discussed of asking support in the form of subsidy from the government.

“In conclusion, businesses are affected, some closed down while others are partially operating. Tourism sector should stay alive not only physically but also business wise. Negotiate land lords on rental and amortization to banks.

Be creative and innovative and adopt the new normal. Do not expect any profit but maintain cash” he said.

back to Sangley Point, Cavite after the unloading of its cargo in Davao City.

Navy flag-officer-in-command, Vice Adm. Giovanni Carlo Bacordo commended BRP Bacolod City and its crew for its successful mission of fetching and delivery of PPE from China.

The BRP Bacolod City was sent to Xia-

men, China on April 21 to pick up a batch of PPE sets procured by the Philippine government after National Policy Against Covid-19 Chief Implementer, Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., tapped the Navy’s logistical capability into service.

It left Zhangzhou Harbor at the Port of Xiamen on April 30.

(PNA)

NAVY from 3

grace period for the payment of all loans, including credit card payments and pawnshop loans, falling due within the ECQ period, without imposition of interest on interest or any additional charges, fees or penalties; [3] a credit guarantee program to cover P120 billion-worth of loans to small businesses, and [4] proposals to the Congress to profrom 11 vide stimulus to the date, it’s hard to suseconomy. (PNA) tain your intensity in training. It’s hard to focus. But now with to the impact of the prevent the spread of a fight date, everyone’s excited and it’s Taal Volcano eruption the virus. last January and the Additional worries back to serious Monbusicoronavirus disease came from the rever- ster-hunting 2019 (Covid-19) out- sal of recovery in glob- ness,” said Gibbons.

Casimero was break. al oil prices, with the The pandemic West Texas Interme- supposed to take on made authorities ban diate (WTI) down to Inoue on April 25, but tourists from main- USD23.55 per barrel that was shelved due land China, Hong and the Brent crude to to the outbreak of the Kong, Macau, and Tai- USD29.46 per barrel. coronavirus.

Since Inoue could wan since February to (PNA)

CASIMIRO

not fly from Japan to meet Casimero in Las Vegas, Top Rank Inc. chief promoter Bob Arum suggested that the Filipino should take on Joshua Greer instead.

But Casimero said he’d rather wait for Inoue.

“I was told by Mr. (Akihiko) Honda that Inoue is coming and we’ll be fighting in Las Vegas,” said Gibbons.

11 SPORTS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 23 • FRIDAY, MAY 8, 2020

Fight cards back in June: Arum

T Will LeBron James and the rest of the NBA be back in action soon?

League, players to hold conference call

N

BA commissioner Adam Silver and the head of the players union, Michele Roberts, will host a conference call on Friday as the league attempts to map out a possible return to action, ESPN reported.

The call between Silver and NBA Players Association executive director Roberts is an opportunity for players to air concerns and quiz basketball chiefs about how the league may resume.

The NBA has been in shutdown since the coronavirus pan-

demic brought sport to a standstill in midMarch, forcing the suspension or postponement of every professional league in North America.

Since then, the NBA has been exploring ways for the sport to resume.

Friday marks the

Casimiro-Inoue eyed in July

O

nce the smoke of the coronavirus pandemic clears, Filipino rising star John Riel Casimero could see himself finally fighting Japanese world champion Naoya “The Monster” Inoue in a triple world bantamweight title bout sometime in July.

“We’ll get a clearer picture of the situation by next week,” said MP Promotions president Sean Gibbons in an article posted on PhilBoxing. com.

“But right now, we’re going with the target date of the last Saturday of July, which is July 25.”

Gibbons said a target fight date will be good for Casimero since it allows him to plan his training and diet.

Casimero is currently staying in Las Vegas, just waiting for the COVID-19 pandemic to die down before pushing for the bout.

“Without a fight ?CASIMIRO, P10

first day that teams in the league will be allowed to reopen practice facilities for limited workouts, which will take place under strict safety protocols.

A handful of teams have indicated they plan to take advantage of the green light to return to practice facilities but many franchises have said they intend to wait.

Los Angeles Lakers head coach Frank Vogel said Wednesday he is in no rush to reopen the team’s El Segundo training base, believing that any resumption of the NBA was

still a distant prospect.

“There’s a competitive balance element to this that I personally am not really all that concerned about,” Vogel said.

“I think we’re still a long way away from returning to play.”

Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban is also lukewarm about returning to practice while there remained so much uncertainty about the testing of asymptomatic individuals for COVID-19.

“Even though we can try and take all different kinds of pre?LEAGUE, P10

here’s no mention yet of a ring return for Jerwin Ancajas or John Riel Casimero, but this is good news for the two Filipino fighters.

Top Rank Inc. chief Bob Arum said his promotion will resume with their fight cards starting in June after being shutdown by the COVID-19 pandemic since February.

Arum said his company will work closely with ESPN to determine the schedule.

“They’ll all be top fighters, really top fights,” Arum said. “Will there be a (Tyson) Fury-(Deontay) Wilder? No. But they’ll be some of our top fighters . . . In other words, the fights will be similar as the fights we’ve been putting on ESPN and ESPN+,” Arum said in an article posted on ESPN. com.

Boxing: Will it be rest or rust for Ancajas, Casimero amid virus-in-

John Riel Casimiro hopes to get his shot at Japanese world champion Naoya Inoue by July this year.

duced break?

Arum clarified that the cards won’t feature a live audience, as restrictions on mass gatherings are still in place.

“Don’t kid yourself. For the rest of the summer, there won’t be a crowd,” said Arum.

“I don’t anticipate -- now, I don’t know -- being able to do fights with any kind of crowd ‘til the fourth quarter [of 2020].”

Among boxers whose fights linked to Top Rank were postponed are Filipino champions Ancajas and Casimero.

Ancajas was supposed to defend his IBF junior bantamweight title against Jonathan Rodriguez last April 12, while Casimero was scheduled to meet Japanese bantanweight superstar Naoya Inoue in a triple title bout on April 25.

But due to the pandemic, Top Rank was forced to temporarily shelve both bouts.

12 SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO VOL.13 ISSUE 23 • FRIDAY, MAY 8, 2020

Terrence Crawford is on top of the list on Manny Pacquiao’s next opponent.

STILL WAITING Crawford: I’ve been trying to fight Pacquiao since 2015 C hances are, the names on Terence Crawford’s wish list are identical to every other welterweight in the world.

Unlike most other welterweights, he’s in prime position to force public demand for such fights. “[Manny] Pacquiao, then [Errol] Spence,” Crawford (36-0, 27KOs) told ESPN’s Cameron Wolfe of the two fights he’d like to see happen in the near future and in that order. “I say Pacquiao because he don’t have that much longer in the sport. I would want that name on my resume.

“Then Spence

because that’s the fight that everyone wants to see.”

Fans have called for a showdown with Spence from the moment Crawford moved up from 140 pounds to capture a welterweight title. The pairing of poundfor-pound entrants and unbeaten welterweight titlists remains the fight most often mentioned by true boxing fans as well as many boxers themselves.

I n t e re s t i n g ly, Pacquiao (62-7-2, 39KOs) made his

way back into the conversation following his return to glory. The Filipino southpaw entered his fourth welterweight title reign following a 12-round win over Keith Thurman last July, upgrading his secondary version of the World Boxing Association (WBA) belt for the real thing in their title consolidation clash.

His third reign ended with a controversial 12-round loss to Jeff Horn, whom Crawford manhandled in nine one-sided rounds in June 2018 to become a three-division world champion. Neither that nor anything else the switch hitter from Omaha, Nebraska has accomplished to date has been enough to

entice Pacquiao into a fight, a dilemma with which he’s been pressed as far back as when he first entered the 140-pound division five years ago.

“Me, I’ve been trying to fight Pacquiao since 2015. That’s not a secret that it’s a big fight I’ve been looking forward to,” notes Crawford.

“Back when I was trying to fight him, he was fighting guys like Brandon Rios, Jessie Vargas, Tim Bradley two more times.

I don’t know what it was. I just think they didn’t like my style or whatever it was.

“Now that he’s at the last leg of his career, maybe it is about the money. For Pacquiao to get in the ring with me or Errol Spence, he’s going to

have to get paid for it.”

ANOTHER SCENARIO: MIKEY GARCIA VS PACQUIAO Meantime, Boxing Scene reported that Eddie Hearn announced that “Saudi’s the plan” for Mikey Garcia’s possible showdown with Manny Pacquiao. Hearn intends to spend the next couple weeks deeply exploring the option of bringing a Pacquiao-Garcia fight to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, sometime during the summer.

England’s Callum Smith, whom Hearn’s company promotes, defeated domestic rival George Groves in Jeddah to win the WBA super middleweight title and the World Boxing Super

Series’ 168-pound tournament in September 2018. Another Brit, Amir Khan, stopped Australia’s Billy Dib last July 12 in Jeddah, at the same venue, King Abdullah Sports City, as the Smith-Groves fight took place.

Hearn later arranged a deal for British superstar Anthony Joshua to fight Andy Ruiz Jr. in their heavyweight championship rematch December 7 in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia.

The financial success of that event encouraged Hearn to try to secure deals for other fights in that country.

If investors in Saudi Arabia can fund the types of purses that’d meet the respective asking pric?STILL, P10