Edge Davao Volume 12 Issue 135 | Sunday-Monday, September 15-16, 2019

EDGEDAVAO

A DELIGHTFUL START

Serving a seamless society

WISH LIST VOL.12 ISSUE 135 • SUNDAY- MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15-16, 2019

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LET IT FLY SPORTS P10

Completion of Mindanao Railway tops Davao business leaders’ wishlist for this year’s MinBIzCon Chinese Consul General Li Lin (2nd from right) introduces the fruits of Davao to Communist Party Secretary of Chongqing Chen Min’er during the former’s visit at the Kadayawan Cultural Village inside R. Magsaysay Park in Davao City on Saturday. Also in photo is City Tourism Operations Office head Generose Tecson. Lean Daval Jr

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By MAYA M. PADILLO

f there’s one common wish Davao City’s business community share approaching this year’s Mindanao Business Conference (MinBizCon), it is the completion of the Mindanao Railway that will connect Davao to other regions in Mindanao.

MinBizCon is an annual business sector event in Southern Philippines serving as a venue for discussing the economic concerns and opportunities. It is also the venue for the business sector in the

island to formulate policy actions that help eventually help develop the island in terms of business, infrastructure, agriculture and other business concerns.

Davao City Cham-

ber of Commerce and Industry Inc (DCCCII) President Arturo Milan, who attended MInBizCon 2019 in Iligan City, told Edge Davao that he is expecting to get clari�ication on the status of Mindanao Railway

and other �lagship infra projects in Mindanao.

Last May, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade broke the news that construction of the Mindanao Railway System (MRS) has been moved to the fourth

WISH, P9

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 135 • SUNDAY- MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15-16, 2019

“THE BUNKER.” President Rodrigo Duterte chats with Bataan Governor Albert Garcia during the inauguration of the Bataan Government Center and Business Hub “The Bunker” in Balanga City, Bataan on

September 12, 2019. With the President is Senator Christopher “Bong” Go. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

Bidding for Mindanao railway 14 BIFF members yield project opens in November F T he Department of Transportation (DOTr) will open for bidding phase 1 of the 1,550-kilometer Mindanao Railway Project in November 2019, Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) secretary Emmanuel “Manny” Piñol announced early Friday.

Piñol made the announcement after his meeting with Transportation Assistant Secretary Eymard Eje on Thursday to discuss the progress of the delayed railway project.

Phase 1 will cover 102 kilometers connecting Tagum City, Davao City, and Digos City, and would have eight stations, namely: Tagum; Carmen; Panabo; Mudiang in Bunawan, Davao

City; Davao Terminal; Toril; Sta. Cruz; and Digos.

The government had set aside P6 billion from the 2018 General Appropriations Act for the road right of way acquisition for properties along the railway path.

Piñol said the groundbreaking is expected to take place early next year.

He added a group of Chinese engineering consultants is preparing the groundwork for the succeeding phases of the railway project.

He asked them to “consider the coastal areas of Surigao down to Davao Occidental and Sultan Kudarat province in the railway project” as the provinces have the potential to become a major food production and tour-

ism hubs once connected to the railway system.

He said MinDA will provide the consultants “a commodity map of Mindanao to help them identify key production areas in the island.”

Last July 10, the National Economic and Development Authority-Board’s Investment Coordination Committee-Cabinet Committee approved the increase in the project’s estimated cost from P35.9 billion to P82.9 billion.

The increase in the budget was intended to cover the cost for the changes in the project scope including changing from a single track to dual-track railway; from diesel to electri�ied railway with 25 kV electri�ied

overhead for the catenary system transmission of electrical energy to the trains wherein the wires are situated above the rails and 26 electrical multiple units; from 102 km fully at-grade railway to 100 km railway with viaduct for the 26-km elevated portion; and addition of the satellite depot in Davao City aside from the main depot to be located in Tagum City.

The DOTr, which expected to complete the project by 2022, projected that the daily ridership of the Tagum-DavaoDigos segment to increase to 134,060 once it becomes operational.

It projected the daily ridership to further in-

ural Resources, in coordination with the National Food Authority (NFA) and the Department of Agriculture, to directly buy palay (unhusked rice) from local farmers.

“Despite the efforts made by the government to protect the local rice industry, large stocks of imported rice have depressed the buying price of local palay to levels way below the cost production,” Marcos said in the resolution.

Marcos said the government can use the allocation of PHP33.9 billion for rice subsidies in the

which is given to the bene�iciaries of the DSWD under the “Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

She added that the remaining allocations of PHP2.89 billion for the rice subsidy programs of military uniformed personnel, such as the provision of twenty kilos of rice per month, in the form of �inancial assistance, to the uniformed personnel of the Philippine Army, Philippine Air Force, Philippine Navy, Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine National Police, Bureau of Jail Management and

be utilized.

The senator also noted that President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered the NFA to expend their budget of PHP7 billion for procuring palay from local farmers to provide immediate support and assistance to the local rice industry.

She stressed the need to give assistance to two million farmers suffering due to the drop in farm gate prices of palay after nearly four million bags of rice �looded the Philippine markets.

“Dapat ngayon ang

BIDDING, P9

ourteen members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters surrendered Thursday with their high-powered �irearms, the military said.

The surrenderers were led by Alimudin Malang of the BIFF 4th division and mostly came from the marsh area in Sultan sa Barongis town in Maguindanao.

Community dialogues and outreach missions by the Bangsamoro regional government led to the surrender, according to Lt. Col. Elmer Boongaling, battalion commander of the 33rd Infantry Battalion.

Joint Task Force Central commander Maj. Gen. Diosdado Carreon said the decommissioning process for the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front inspired some BIFF members to surrender or rethink their position.

Carreon cited the earlier case of one Commander Simpal who returned to his unit in the MILF, adding he expected

more BIFF members to do the same.

Malang said he and his followers realized it was better to surrender and support the Bangsamoro government.

The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao is offering programs under its convergence initiative HELPS (Health, Education, Livelihood, Peace Governance and Synergy) to boost the rehabilitation of former BIFF members, BARMM Interior Minister Naguib Sinarimbo said.

The BIFF broke away from the MILF in 2011 over disagreement on the handling of the peace process with the government.

In March 2014, the government and the MILF signed the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro.

In January and February this year, the law creating BARMM was rati�ied in a plebiscite. (Ferdinandh B. Cabrera/MindaNews)

As a Philippine delegation composed of non-government organizations (NGOs) gears up to raise alarm against what they claim to be a “sham drug war” of President Rodrigo R. Duterte, government of�icials are braced to be purveyors of truth in the ongoing 42nd Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva, Switzerland.

According to Undersecretary Severo Catura of the Presidential Human Rights Committee Secretariat, amid the challenges while gaining more and more allies to the cause of human

rights in good governance, the Philippine government continues to deal with NGOs that are rabid critics of President Duterte and whose handful of members make it a point to propagate fake information on alleged human rights violations in the country during these UNHRC sessions.

“Sadly they are Filipinos who represent a minuscule group of oppositionists back home, but unfortunately the loudest, whose main objective has always been to humiliate and embarrass our country before the world,” Catura said

Gov’t urged to use rice subsidy to buy palay from farmers PH gov’t unfazed by NGOs’ joint resolution, tion, and the Department 2019 General Appropri- Penology, and the Bureau urging government of Environment and Nat- ations Act, the largest of of Fire Protection can also alarm vs.‘human rights crisis’

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agencies to use a total allocation of PHP37 billion for the rice subsidy program to buy rice from local farmers, has been �iled at the Senate to protect them from the recent liberalization of rice importation.

According to a statement on Friday, Senator Imee Marcos �iled Senate Joint Resolution No. 4, which urges the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of National Defense, Department of Transporta-

GOV’T, P9

PH, P9

VOL.12 ISSUE 135 • SUNDAY- MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15-16, 2019

EDGEDAVAO

Bidding for Mindanao railway project opens in November

T

he Department of Tra n s p o r t a t i o n (DOTr) will open for bidding phase 1 of the 1,550-kilometer Mindanao Railway Project in November 2019, Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) secretary Emmanuel “Manny” Piñol announced early Friday.

Piñol made the announcement after his meeting with Transportation Assistant Secretary Eymard Eje on Thursday to discuss the progress of the delayed railway project.

Phase 1 will cover 102 kilometers connecting Tagum City, Davao City, and Digos City, and would have eight stations, namely: Tagum; Carmen; Panabo; Mudiang in Bunawan, Davao City; Davao Terminal; Toril; Sta. Cruz; and Digos.

The government had set aside P6 billion from the 2018 General Appropriations Act for the road right of way acquisition for properties along the railway path.

Piñol said the groundbreaking is expected to take place early next year.

He added a group

of Chinese engineering consultants is preparing the groundwork for the succeeding phases of the railway project.

He asked them to “consider the coastal areas of Surigao down to Davao Occidental and Sultan Kudarat province in the railway project” as the provinces have the potential to become a major food production and tourism hubs once connected to the railway system.

He said MinDA will provide the consultants “a commodity map of Mindanao to help them identify key production areas in the island.”

Last July 10, the National Economic and Development Authority-Board’s Investment Coordination Committee-Cabinet Committee approved the increase in the project’s estimated cost from P35.9 billion to P82.9 billion.

The increase in the budget was intended to cover the cost for the changes in the project scope including changing from a single track to dual-track rail-

way; from diesel to electri�ied railway with 25 kV electri�ied overhead for the catenary system transmission of electrical energy to the trains wherein the wires are situated above the rails and 26 electrical multiple units; from 102 km fully at-grade railway to 100 km railway with viaduct for the 26-km elevated portion; and addition of the satellite depot in Davao City aside from the main depot to be located in Tagum City.

The DOTr, which expected to complete the project by 2022, projected that the daily ridership of the TagumDavao-Digos segment to increase to 134,060 once it becomes operational.

It projected the daily ridership to further increase to 237,023 by 2032 and 375,134 by 2042.

It said the railway’s �irst segment will reduce travel time from Tagum City, Davao del Norte to Digos City, Davao del Sur from 3.5 hours to 1.3 hours once it starts operating in 2022. (Antonio L. Colina IV/MindaNews)

NEWS 3

4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 135 • SUNDAY- MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15-16, 2019

Dar orders NFA to lower rice prices to P27 per kilo

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griculture Secretary William Dar on Thursday ordered the National Food Authority (NFA) to bring down rice prices to PHP27 per kilo by �looding Metro Manila markets with 3.6 million bags of the food staple.

He also directed the agency to increase palay support price to PHP19 from PHP17 per kilo.

“The NFA Council (NFAC) met and there are a number of big developments in relation to palay procurement and price of rice in the market,” Dar said during the press conference held at the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) in Quezon City.

The Agriculture chief said the NFAC decided for the NFA “to �lood Metro Manila markets and other key cities nationwide with imported NFA rice.” “(Some) 3.6 million bags of imported rice will be out in the market for one month starting today (Sept. 12). All bags will be up until October 10,” he added.

Dar said the NFA rice will be sold at PHP25 per kilogram wholesale, and PHP27 per kg. retail.

When sold at retail price of PHP27 per kilo, the 3.6 million 50-kilogram bags would amount to PHP4.86 billion, which the NFA can readily use to procure from farmers, he said.

Dar said the PHP2 increase in palay price support could translate to PHP8,000 additional income per farmer, based on current national average yield of four tons per hectare.

“Palay buying by NFA to farmers will now be at PHP19 per kg. from PHP17, pero wala na ang incentives (but no more incentives),” he said.

The NFA currently buys palay at PHP17 per kg. support price plus PHP3 per kilo buffer

stocking incentive.

This brings NFA’s maximum buying price for clean and dry palay to PHP20.70 a kilo for farmer cooperatives and PHP20.40 per kilo for individual farmers.

“We would like to believe that �looding the market with 3.6 million bags of imported rice will have an impact in lowering (the price of rice in the market),” Dar said.

Earlier, the DA chief has secured the commitment of some 30 provincial governments to buy palay from their farmers directly.

Dar said the Land Bank of the Philippines will launch a new loan facility for local government units (LGUs) for them to buy palay directly from their farmers.

The DA is also set to forge an agreement with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), in which the latter will give rice instead of the PHP6,000 cash to the bene�iciaries of its Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

“We are also working with DSWD to convert the PHP6,000 unconditional cash transfer (CCT). We hope that the money could be used to purchase palay. (About) PHP28 billion (will be the) rice subsidy under 4Ps,” Dar said.

The DWSD has the option to buy either from the provincial governments and the NFA, giving farmers an assured market for their produce either way, he added.

During the meeting last Tuesday, Dar, who heads the NFAC, said the NFA was also directed to undertake a comparative palay production cost study per region to come up with basis for a more responsive and precise rice and palay pricing policies to be set by the NFAC. (PNA)

Wilh Jacobin of Halad Health, an international organization closing the gap in global health inequality, provides details on the organization’s programs such as its preventative health education missions to some

of the most disadvantaged rural communities in the country during Connect media forum at SM Lanang Premier in Davao City on Friday.

Lean Daval Jr

DIAA boosts region’s competitive edge T

By MAYA M. PADILLO

he Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) has welcomed the enactment into law of RA 11457 creating Davao International Airport Authority (DIAA).

President Rodrigo R. Duterte recently signed RA 11457 into law which creates the Davao International Airport Authority (DIAA) whose mandate is to manage airports in the Davao Region, including the city’s Francisco Bangoy International Airport.

In a statement, MinDA stated that signing the DIAA adds to the region and Mindanao’s competitive advantages as an investment and tourism

destination in the ASEAN and BIMP-EAGA sub-region.

MinDA stated that as an airport authority with corporate nature, is now expects the development and improvement of the airport facilities, and responsive airport management.

The new law is one of the many advocacy efforts of MinDA, where the agency actively participated in the technical preparation and in the lobby-

ing with policymakers leading to the enactment of the law.

The city’s business and tourism sectors welcomed the development as it views the creation of DIAA as a catalyst for the improvement of airport facilities and services and opening of more foreign direct �lights.

Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc (DCCCII) President Arturo M. Milan said Davaoeños can now expect a much faster development in the Davao International Airport (DIA) in terms of upgrading the terminal and the facilities and opening more foreign direct �lights.

In an interview, Milan said the DIAA will make Davao as the premier gateway to Mindanao and to the BIMP-EAGA (Brunei Indonesia Malaysia Philippines-East Asean

Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao in a sit down interview with MindaNews on September 8, 2019 in Camp Darapanan, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao. MindaNews photo by MANMAN DEJETO

DIAA, P9

Dominguez raises need for SSS to hike income

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Ahod “Al Haj Murad” Ebrahim, interim Chief Minister of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and chair of Moro Islamic Liberation Front, talks about the achievements of as well as challenges faced by the

Growth Area) countries.

“Finally, the long wait is over.The terminal has to be expanded and I heard they will start second half of next year.

Our terminal is a little bit congested already with so much �lights coming from domestic and the four direct �lights that we have,” he said.

Milan is expecting two international �lights to be established in Davao within the year. He said this is why there is a need to expand the terminal that will also include the cargo handling facility because the city is looking at supplying international markets with food, hogs, and poultry.

In 2017, Milan has expressed urgency of converting the current set-up of DIA into an authority with local autonomy. He said there is a

inance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III has underscored the need for state-run Social Security System (SSS) to “dramatically increase income” to lengthen its fund life and ef�iciently cater to its members.

In a speech read by Finance Assistant Secretary Antonio Lambino II during SSS’ 62nd anniversary celebration Thursday, Dominguez said authorities “need to institute better �inancial management and market engagement.”

“With the rapid expansion of our domestic economy and improved business outlook, the SSS should be able to improve its earnings from investments,” he said.

Last year, the pension fund that caters to workers from the private sector regis-

tered a 5.4-percent increase in revenues to PHP212.55 billion.

As of June this year, revenues rose by 20.9 percent to PHP115. 53 billion.

The Finance chief attributed higher earnings to better collection of contributions.

Dominguez, however, noted that these gains “will have marginal returns eventually” partly because of increasing number of retirees.

He stressed the need to also explain to SSS members the importance of paying their contributions since they should consider it as savings and investments.

“When we are more ef�icient in delivering bene�its, we can all the more convince our members that contri-

DOMINGUEZ, P9

VOL.12 ISSUE 135 • SUNDAY- MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15-16, 2019

EDGEDAVAO

ECONOMY 5 Mindanao farmers expand to Visayas

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Huawei Regional Business head Pedro Chen walks media and bloggers through the Huawei Nova 5T and its features during a news conference at SM Lanang Premier in Davao City on Saturday. Lean Daval Jr

Smart partners with TrueMoney to expand retail load accessibility

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LDT Inc.’s wireless unit Smart Communications Inc. inked a partnership deal with �inancial technology �irm TrueMoney to expand the telco’s retail accessibility.

Under the partnership, Smart, TNT, and Sun subscribers can easily buy prepaid load, particularly Gigavideo+ 149, through the 20,000plus TrueMoney centers all over the Philippines, the telco said in a statement on Friday.

With Gigavideo+

149, subscribers can enjoy 2GB data allocation, plus 1GB video everyday and unli-call and texts to Smart, TNT, and Sun for a whole week on the country’s fastest network, Smart said.

Customers may also get additional P10 load when they avail of this

Giga load package from September 10 to December 31, 2019 exclusively from TrueMoney.

“This partnership is a ful�illment of a shared vision with TrueMoney, which is to bring more value and convenience to our customers. Our goal is to make our products and services more available to our millions of mobile prepaid subscribers nationwide,” Precy Katigbak, vice president and head of National Key Accounts

at PLDT-Smart, said.

“We look forward to this collaboration with an innovative and reliable partner like Smart as we connect more underserved sectors with digital and �inancial services in the country,” Jenilyn Valdez, chief �inancial of�icer and OIC-CEO at TrueMoney, said.

The partnership between Smart and TrueMoney was also made possible with the support of Uniwiz Trade Sales Inc. (LoadCentral).

General Charito “Ching” Plaza is not in favor of the measure.

Plaza has argued that businesses under PEZA, which are largely export-oriented industries, should be exempted from the measure because of its negative impact on tried and tested and globally competitive tax incentives of PEZA. “CITIRA is a major incentives revamp. Hence, it is dangerous to test on exporters who are ef�iciency-seekers and have chosen PEZA carefully to invest their huge capital because of its globally competitive, tried, proven, and tested incentives,” Plaza said in a separate statement.

“PEZA’s tax incentives are not perpetual and not given to companies per se but to every product, technology and expansion

because they serve to encourage companies to upgrade their products, bring in new technologies and expand their operations,” Plaza added.

CITIRA law author and Albay lawmaker Joey Salceda said the measure will lead to better productivity, considering that it covers at least 3,100 corporations.

The law is expected to add 1.1% to the gross domestic product growth in the �irst year and 3.6% annually from 2020 to 2030, while adding only 0.9% to in�lation.

“Incentives will be based on performance, not promises,” Salceda said in a separate statement.

Opposition lawmaker Edcel Lagman, also of Albay, noted the tax reforms consequences are completely opposite to what the government and other

lawmakers are saying.

CITIRA’s promises of employment generation and attracting investment are overstated, if not contrived, because the government has no control over what corporations would do with their windfall savings resulting from a lower corporate income tax, Lagman noted.

“These savings will more likely be considered by corporations as additional pro�it for the dividend distribution or for repatriation as the case may be,” he added.

The corporate income tax is not a major factor attracting or discouraging investment for it boils down to ease of doing business, adequacy of infrastructure, policy of predictability, cost of electricity, and internet speed, Lagman emphasized.

House approves bill lowering corporate income tax to 20%

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he House of Representatives on Friday has approved on third and �inal reading a measure lowering the corporate income tax rate to 20% from 30% over a period of 10 years.

Casting 170 “Yes” votes, against eight “No” votes and six abstentions, lawmakers approved the Corporate Income Tax and Incentive Rationalization Act (CITIRA).

The proposed measure is expected to generate investment as well as 87% in tax savings that corporations can use to expand business and conduct research and development.

It is also seen to generate around 1.5 million jobs.

CITIRA is one of the priority bills of the Duterte administration, but Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) Director

AVAO CITY – The fruit festival organized by the Mindanao Development Authority, which aims to link Mindanao’s fruit farmers with consumers outside of the island-region, is coming to the Visayas.

MinDA chair Emmanuel Piñol on Saturday said the Visayas leg would take place in Cebu City from September 28-29, 2019.

“Secretary Michael Dino, the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas, said he will host the Cebu staging of the MinDA Fruits Festival to give Cebuanos access to fresh fruits from Mindanao at lower prices,” Piñol said.

He said the Visayas leg was �inalized during a recent chance meeting with Dino at the Manila Domestic Airport.

“Sec. Dino said he will be able to choose the ideal location for the fruits festival next week,” Piñol added.

Meanwhile, the Pangasinan version of the MinDA fruits festival took place on Saturday, where residents of Lingayen and those from nearby areas started feasting on such popular Mindanao fruits as durian, mangosteen, pomelo, marang, and .

Piñol said in a Facebook post that it was still dark when prospective buyers came to the municipal hall grounds for the fruit festival.

The Lingayen version was the fourth of such event since last month.

“Next week, the MinDA Fruits Festival will be

staged in La Trinidad, Benguet and then Cebu City,” Piñol added.

He said the conduct of the fruits festival would be conducted in a regular and sustainable manner and that MinDA had negotiated with airline companies for a special cargo price for Mindanao’s fruits.

Piñol said part of the sustainability plan is the pursuit of trading arrangements with other local government units in Luzon and the Visayas.

He cited that local government of�icials, such as Baguio Mayor Benjamin Magalong and Lingayen Mayor Leopoldo Bataoil, were instrumental in the previous and the current fruits festivals.

Piñol said he was also looking forward to increasing the number of suppliers in the future to satisfy consumer demand, noting that in the Baguio experience, 20 tons of fruits were not even enough due to the volume of buyers.

“The more supplier, the better. That way, all sides will bene�it. Consumers will enjoy fruits at a reasonable price and fruit farmers will have new and bigger markets,” he said.

Mindanao fruit farmers usually experience supply glut during harvest seasons, pushing the prices so low.

For example, last February, rambutan only sold at about P20 per kilogram in Mindanao because of the large volume of harvest.

6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 135 • SUNDAY- MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15-16, 2019

EDITORIAL Understanding equality Equal protection? That’s easy to �ind in our law.

Article III, Section 1 of the Constitution speaks about equal protection of laws which, by the way, refers to the idea that a governmental body may not deny people equal protection of its governing laws. The governing body state must treat an individual in the same manner as others in similar conditions and circumstances.

So why crave for equal protection by way of a class legislation? This is the central theme of the SOGIE Bill debate. SOGIE, which stands for Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and Expression Equality, positions itself as a measure to protect members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community from all forms of discrimination. The SOGIE Bill is frowned upon by its critics for being a piece of class legislation. According to legal minds, all the rights being given under the proposal are already provided in other laws that cover all citizens and that the SOGIE bill would give “special rights” to LGBT people.

Class legislation refers to legislation that applies to certain persons or class of persons, either natural or arti�icial, or to certain districts of territory or state. Class legislation violates equal protection guaranteed. This kind of legislation is avoided for being violative by nature to equal protection clause.

To allow class legislation, there must be reasonable classi�ication or “intelligible differentia”.

In other words, there must be some rational nexus between the basis of classi�ication and the object intended to achieved. According to legal dictionaries, the expression “intelligible differentia” means difference capable of being understood.

Doctrine of reasonable classi�ication, guarantees equal protection of law but it does not mean that all laws must be general in character. It also doesn’t mean that the same laws should apply to all persons.

The test or standard, as always, is reason. Legislation must be �irmly grounded on public interest and welfare, and a reasonable relation must exist between purposes and means. And if distinction and classi�ication has been made, there must be a reasonable basis for said distinction.

In Fariñas, et al. v. Executive Secretary, et al., the Supreme Court ruled: “The equal protection of the law clause in the Constitution is not absolute, but is subject to

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reasonable classi�ication. If the groupings are characterized by substantial distinctions that make real differences, one class may be treated and regulated differently from the other. The Court has explained the nature of the equal protection guarantee in this manner: The equal protection of the law clause is against undue favor and individual or class privilege, as well as hostile discrimination or the oppression of inequality. It is not intended to prohibit legislation which is limited either in the object to which it is directed or by territory within which it is to operate. It does not demand absolute equality among residents; it merely requires that all persons shall be treated alike, under like circumstances and conditions both as to privileges conferred and liabilities enforced. The equal protection clause is not infringed by legislation which applies only to those persons falling within a speci�ied class, if it applies alike to all persons within such class, and reasonable grounds exist for making a distinction between those who fall within such class and those who do not.”

The Fariñas ruling on the equal protection challenge stands on solid ground even if reexamined.

To start with, the equal protection clause does not require the universal application of the laws to all persons or things without distinction. What it simply requires is equality among equals as determined according to a valid classi�ication. The test developed by jurisprudence here and yonder is that of reasonableness, which has four requisites: 1. The classi�ication rests on substantial distinctions; 2. It is germane to the purposes of the law; 3. It is not limited to existing conditions only; and 4. It applies equally to all members of the same class.

The court, in this particular case, concluded: “sad to state, this conclusion conveniently ignores the long-standing rule that to remedy an injustice, the Legislature need not address every manifestation of the evil at once; it may proceed “one step at a time.” In addressing a societal concern, it must invariably draw lines and make choices, thereby creating some inequity as to those included or excluded.”

Sounds like an enlightenment amidst this confusion.

SOLANI D. MARATAS Finance

CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING OFFICE MANILA MARKETING OFFICE RICHARD C. EBONA LEIZEL A. DELOSO | Marketing Manager Product Unit 6, Southbank Plaza Velez-Yacapin 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)

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 134 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13-14, 2019

VANTAGE POINTS

7

FRED C. LUMBA SPECKS OF LIFE

EXPLOITING POVERTY FOR POLITICAL ENDS (A renowned German philosopher said this: “A politician divides mankind into two classes: tools and enemies.”)

In these contemporary times, the Filipino is either poor or rich.

There is no middle class for this segment of Philippine life is yet to be created and established.

Poverty is second nature to us, the Indios of old as our Spanish colonizers loved to call us.

Poverty is cast in three cases: of the mind, of the spirit and of material things.

The last one is the most familiar among us citizens of this republic, formerly and fondly called the “Pearl of the Orient Seas.”

Poverty is de�ined generally as the state of being extremely poor; the state of being inferior in quality or insuf�iciency in amount.

Several synonyms of poverty are penury, destitution, de-

�iciency, deprivation, hand-tomouth existence, pauperism, impoverishment, dearth, lack of, inadequacy, de�icit, insolvency, bankruptcy, etc. Whew!

Poverty is also hunger, thirst, lack of education, homelessness.

I guess the easiest and most basic meaning of poverty as Filipinos confront it today is the “visible inability to meet basic needs because food, clean drinking water, proper sanitation, education, health care and other social services are inaccessible.” Correct?

The causes of poverty are the changing trends in economy and political circumstances, over population, under production, illiteracy, diseases and environmental problems such as rainfall, �loods and drought.

I think we all are agreed that the Philippines is a rich country pretending to be poor.

Even if this is said in sarcasm or in hyperbole, the fact remains that we have many natural re-

sources (mining, oil, energy and marine wealth are just a few) that have not been fully tapped to our advantage. This is the principal reason why this nation is still a Third World country.

But wait. Why is it that less than ONE percent of our population is rich, (�ilthy, pro�ligate rich I would say) that the families and clans belonging to the aforesaid one percent control the entire economy of the nation populated by more than 100 million Filipinos?

We go back to the top where the quotation, in parentheses, is indicative of our situation.

In this country, only the few established politicians their families and their dynastic in�luence, clout and control are the ones �irmly entrenched in the hierarchy of Philippine political and social life.

Which does not anymore make us wonder because the mass base of our people is dirt

poor who have become unwilling tools of these politicians.

Those who are not “tools” – and they are few - have become the politicians’ enemies and critics.

Politicians in the Philippines belong to the so-called ESTABLISHMENT. Pray, tell me, are we a nation of ignoramuses and idiots who just allow ourselves to be toyed with, exploited and scorned?

If we are not ignoramuses and idiots, why do we still vote for and install into sensitive elective posts politicians with no proven integrity, academic and admirable performance in legislation and executive management?

Why? The answer �lows back to us, the electorate.

A losing senatorial candidate calls this class of people: MGA BOBO! It is painful and quite hard to swallow the un-glamorous description but I would

certainly agree that, based on our historical past, the guy had unimpeachable basis to declare so.

Filipinos in the grassroots have allowed shrewd politicians to employ poverty as a tool to keep them beholden to the former’s whims and wishes because they receive pitiable bene�its that they are made to be believe comes from the politician’s generosity.

Thus, Filipinos have converted themselves as prisoners of their own tragic experiences.

I am reminded of Karl Marx who said: “Democracy is the road to socialism.”

Do you believe him? Do I believe him?

In our present situation where inequality, injustice (the uneven distribution of wealth) and political aggrandizement prevail, I tend to agree. (Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.) GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!

OUR RICE FARMERS NEED MORE THAN JUST INCENTIVES, BUT GENUINE CHANGE IN AGRICULTURE Of�icial Statement of AgroEco Philippines on the effects of Rice Tarif�ication Law 6 September 2019 The Filipino rice farmers, one of the poorest sectors in the economy, have been expecting signi�icant reforms from the government with its “tunay na pagbabago” mantra but what they are experiencing now is the opposite of what they are wishing for.

President Rodrigo Duterte signed Republic Act 11203 or Rice Tarif�ication Law on Valentine’s Day of 2019 with the intention of ending rice smuggling and solving the increasing price of rice, by �looding the local markets with imported rice.

Rhetoric from his economic managers and cabinet secretaries �illed the media outlets and mesmerized the people who hoped for positive changes. But we all know now that the opposite is happening, badly affecting the toiling farmers who works hard to produce our staple food.

The passage of the law may be in compliance to our country’s commitment to international trade agreements, but with a high incidence of poverty and hunger that majority of the farmers are facing now, which is further aggravated by the impacts of climate change on agriculture, passing the Rice Tarif�ication Law is counterproductive to the farmers.

Few months after its implementation, the farm gate price of unmilled rice has dropped to a record-low of 7.00 pesos

per kilo from the previous 1820 pesos while the price milled rice sold in the markets still remains at 38-50 pesos per kilo.

Eloquent explanations no matter how convincing it is to the ears cannot hide the situation of the rice farmers who felt neglected, suffered a heavy blow, and extremely dismayed over the government’s move.

It’s absurd to think about that an agricultural country where rice is the staple food of its people is allowing this problem to prevail. It’s unacceptable to imagine that sooner or later we would be dependent from Thailand, Vietnam and China because RA 11203 is chocking our local rice farmers to death.

It can never be a sign of modernization either to see rice �ields converted into subdivisions, displacing the farmers and their families, and allowing golden rice and other GMO crops to contaminate our diverse plant genetic resources.

Government’s measures Under this law, a 10-billion Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) is allotted from tariff (tax from imported rice) to provide assistance and incentives to the affected farmers. But the sub-programs under RCEF are just recycled old programs like provision of commercial seeds, pesticides and synthetic fertilizers, research and loan packages which offers no signi�icant remedies at all. Rice farmers are very aware that these kind of programs have all failed over

and over again since the time of Masagana 99, not to mention issues of corruption and inef�icient implementation. It also resulted to the increased of the production costs which made the farmers to be heavily indebted to the usurers, many of whom are rice traders.

If we go to the communities and talk to the farmers they will tell us straight to the face that this scheme is one of the major reasons why most farming families can’t move away from the chain of poverty even if they wanted to and prayed for. The measures under RCEF will only exacerbate genetic erosion, biodiversity loss, greenhouses gasses emission and climate change. Clearly, the farmers have more to lose than to gain from these.

Agroecolgy is the way We join the rice farmers and the public in calling for the scrapping of Rice Tarif�ication Law while we are also working hard implementing agroecology with the farmers, CSOs and LGUs. But what agroecology actually means to the farmers?

In a laymen’s term, agroecology is about diversi�ication of crops, integrating livestock in it, harnessing local resources, processing and selling farmer’s produce directly to the consumers, policy reforms, and strengthening a circular economy at the local level – feeding, employing and creating more economic opportunities for the local people in a sustainable and just manner. It is an advanced state of organic agri-

culture.

This approach has already increased the income and improved the livelihood of about 200 organic farmer’s organizations in Mindanao, Visayas and Luzon. The case of the rice-based farmer’s organizations like BUSAFO in Mlang, North Cotabato; MMM in Molave, Zamboanga Del Sur; BCSFAI in Banaybanay, Davao Oriental; MAFO in Banga, South Cotabato; TSAFO in Malitbog, Bukidnon; MUFASA in Alegria, Surigao Del Norte; and SOFA in Sta. Josefa, Agusan Del Sur and the increasing no. of organizations in Leyte, Samar, Bohol, Mindoro, Casiguran, Aurora and Infanta, Quezon are some of the concrete examples of its unquestionable success that government should look into.

The 140 member LGUs of the League of Organic Agriculture Municipalities, Cities and Provinces (LOAMCP) are taking agroecology more seriously, extending their hands to collaborate with the Department of Agriculture. And no less than the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations are strongly recommending agroecology as the way forward. Development like this is a clear indicator that local governments, international organizations and increasing no. of countries are moving away from the conventional agriculture paradigm from which the central idea behind the Rice Tarif�ication and RCEF is built upon.

Embarking on a so-called

solution that only gives more opportunities to the foreign traders and their local partners at the expense of the Filipino farmers is not a solution at all.

And eliminating rice smuggling by legalizing the unrestricted entry of imported rice is like pouring gasoline to a �ire.

There are more better, effective and sustainable solutions to our rice problems which won’t jeopardize our local rice farmers. Those farmers, CSOs and LGUs who are already engaged in these are more than willing to work with the government. But this would not be made possible without the acceptance, seriousness, strong support, policy reforms, and sustainability on the part of the government.

As Filipinos, we support the goal of the national government to eliminate hunger and poverty, and we urge its line agencies to strengthen the National Organic Agriculture Program under RA 10068, land reform, training and extension work. But we do not support the Rice Tarif�ication Law and we can’t be silent on this issue while 2 million rice farmers out there are on the brink of losing their livelihood when there are actually more effective solutions that remains disregarded and under-supported.

In solidarity,

Geonathan T. Barro Executive Director

8 EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 135 • SUNDAY- MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15-16, 2019

Republic of the Philippines City of Davao Office of the Sangguniang Panlungsod 18 City Council 15th Regular Session Series of 2018 th

PRESENT: Vice Mayor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor ABSENT:

Bernard E. Al-ag - Presiding Officer Nilo M. Abellera Jr. Maria Belen S. Acosta Al Ryan S. Alejandre Dante L. Apostol Sr. Conrado C. Baluran Carmelo J. Clarion Danilo C. Dayanghirang Councilor Jaffar U. Marohomsalic April Marie C. Dayap Councilor Bonifacio E. Militar Jimmy G. Dureza Councilor Avegayle Dalodo Ortiz Edgar P. Ibuyan Jr. Councilor Antoinette G. Principe-Castrodes Edgar R. Ibuyan Sr. Councilor J. Melchor B. Quitain Jr. Leah A. Librado-Yap Councilor Marissa P. Salvador-Abella Rene Elias C. Lopez Councilor Halila Y. Sudagar Diosdado Angelo A. Mahipus Councilor Jesus Joseph P. Zozobrado IIII

- On Sick leave Victorio U. Advincula Jr. Joanne M. Bonguyan-Quilos - On Domestic Emergency Leave Ma. Cherry Ann M. Bonguyan - OB – Officer-in-Charge, City Mayor Pilar C. Braga Mary Joselle D. Villafuerte ORDINANCE NO. 0748-19 Series of 2019 AN ORDINANCE PROHIBITING THE RELEASE OF FLYING BALOONS AND LIGHTED SKY LANTERNS IN THE CITY OF DAVAO

Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor

Be it ordained by the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Davao City in session assembled that: SECTION 1. TITLE – This Ordinance shall be known as the “Flying Balloon and Lighted Sky Lantern Ordinance of Davao City”.

SECTION 2. DECLARATION OF POLICY – The General Welfare Clause of the Local Government Code states that “Every local government unit shall exercise the powers expressly granted, those necessarily implied therefrom, as well as powers necessary, appropriate, or incidental for its efficient and effective governance, and those which are essential to the promotion of the general welfare. Within their respective territorial jurisdictions, local government units shall ensure and support, among other things, the preservation and enrichment of culture, promote health and safety, enhance the right of the people to a balanced ecology, encourage and support the development of appropriate and self-reliant scientific and technological capabilities, improve public morals, enhance economic prosperity and social justice, promote full employment among their residents, maintain peace and order, and preserve the comfort and convenience of their inhabitants”.

SECTION 3. DEFINITION OF TERMS – As used in this Ordinance, the following terms shall mean: a. b.

Flying Balloon – a nonporous bag of light material that can be inflated especially with air or gas; such as a bag that is filled with heated air or gas lighter than air so as to rise and float in the atmosphere; Sky lantern – a lantern designed to float up into the air when lit, typically consisting of a rice paper shell over a bamboo, wire frame, or other materials, illuminated by a small candle or other naked flame at its open base which also causes the lantern to rise by heating the air inside the shell.

SECTION 4. COVERAGE – This Ordinance shall cover all flying balloons and sky lanterns within the territorial jurisdiction and airspace of Davao City with the exemption of those used for research purposes in the field of science and technology and hot air balloons intended for transportation and recreation.

SECTION 5. PROHIBITED ACT – Any act of intentionally releasing flying balloons and lighted sky lanterns is prohibited.

SECTION 6. PENALTY CLAUSE – Any violation of the provisions of this Ordinance shall be punished as follows, without prejudice to the prosecution of other criminal actions: • 1st Offense - P3,000.00 fine • 2nd Offense - P3,500.00 fine • 3rd Offense - P5,000.00 fine SECTION 7. REPEALING CLAUSE – Any Ordinance, local issuances or rules inconsistent with the provisions of this Ordinance are hereby repealed or modified, accordingly.

SECTION 8. SEPARABILITY CLAUSE – If, for any reason, any section of this Ordinance is declared unconstitutional or invalid, other sections or provisions hereof which are not affected therby, shall continue to be in full force and effect.

SECTION 9. EFFECTIVITY – This Ordinance shall take effect fifteen (15) days upon approval, posting and publication in a newspaper of local circulation.

ENACTED, on the 23rd day of April 2019, by a unanimous vote of all the Members of the Sanggunian, there being a quorum.

CERTIFIED CORRECT:

ATTESTED:

(sgd.)BERNARD E. AL-AG Vice Mayor Presiding Officer cns/ror

ATTESTED:

(sgd.)ATTY. ZULEIKA T. LOPEZ City Administrator

(sgd.)CHARITO N. SANTOS Secretary to the Sangguniang Panlungsod (City Government Department Head II)

21 MAY APPROVED: ______________, 2019

(sgd.)SARA Z. DUTERTE City Mayor

PH... FROM2

Thursday.

These NGOs, he added, will never talk to the government back home for they know their cause becomes irrelevant if they do so because the government can effectively address the same.

“These NGOs will always need and abuse the UN, pity this body, if only to justify their sad and sorry existence,” Catura said, referring to the intergovernmental organization of 193 sovereign states that fosters cooperation between nations in order to solve economic, social, cultural, or humanitarian international problems, among others.

Catura challenged these NGOs to stop using the UN as a sounding board for lies against the Philippines and the Filipino people who have had enough of the same lies propagated in the last elections by the political opposition that miserably lost all their bids for an elective post.

Instead of running to Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD Regional Franchising and Regulatory Office No. XI Balusong Ave., McArthur Highway, Matina, Davao City

Petition for Extension of Validity of a Certificate of Public Convenience to operatea PUJ DUAL Ordinary Regular Service.

Case No. R11-EV-PJ-2019-9-1314 (99-XI-01314) LEE LAN Y. ANG,

Petitioner.

the UN like spoiled brats, he called on them to engage with the Philippine government and take advantage of the remedial mechanisms back home to address their alleged cases of human rights violations.

“The Philippine government has always been open, in fact, waiting for these engagements, to no avail.,” he said.

Catura, who is now in Geneva for the UNHRC’s 42nd session, recalled attending an hour-long side-event forum in the session on Sept.

11, co-sponsored by iDefend, Task Force Detainees of the Philippines, PAHRA, and Association of Major Religious Superiors of the Philippines.

He added that in the forum titled “The human rights crisis in the Philippines” were the usual anti-government and anti-Duterte tirades.

“I knew there would be the usual tirades, but I never expected the capacity of these NGO panelists to spew the lies and deception at such level so unheard so, Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD Regional Franchising and Regulatory Office No. XI Balusong Ave., McArthur Highway, Matina, Davao City

Petition for Extension of Validity of a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate a PUJ DUAL Ordinary Regular Service.

Case No. R11-EV-PJ-2019-9-648 (2000-XI-00648) VILLAGE OPERATORS AND DRIVERS TRANSPORT SERVICE COOPERATIVE (VODTRANSCO), Petitioner.

x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - x

x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - x

NOTICE OF HEARING

NOTICE OF HEARING

Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of a PUJ Dual Ordinary Regular service on the route: LASANG VIA BUHANGIN and for cargoes as dual service from said route to any point in Region XI with the use of ONE (1) unit, which Certificate will expire on February 24, 2020. In the petition filed on September 10, 2019, petitioner requests authority to extend the validity of said Certificate to operate along the same route with the use of the same unit previously authorized.

Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of a PUJ Dual Ordinary Regular service on the route: MANDUG and for cargoes as dual service from said route to any point in Region XI with the use of THREE (3) units, which Certificate will expire on July 24, 2020. In the petition filed on September 9, 2019, petitioner requests authority to extend the validity of said Certificate to operate along the same route with the use of the same unit previously authorized.

NOTICE is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on OCTOBER 15, 2019 at 8:30 a.m. at this office at the above address.

At least TEN (10) days prior to the above date petitioner shall publish this Notice once in a newspaper of general circulation in Mindanao.

Parties opposed to the granting of the petition must file their written opposition supported by documentary evidence on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same to the petitioner, and may if they so, desire appear on said date and time.

This petition will be acted upon by this Board on the basis of its records and the documentary evidence submitted by the parties, unless the Board deems it necessary to receive additional documentary and/ or oral evidence.

Witness Atty. ARMAND B. DIOSO, Regional Director, this 11th day of August 2019 at Davao City, Philippines.

Atty. CATTLEYA B. ACAYLAR OIC-Regional Director Petitioner, Lee Lan Y. Ang Counsel, Atty. Albert G. Yenco

NOTICE is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on OCTOBER 9, 2019 at 8:30 a.m. at this office at the above address.

At least TEN (10) days prior to the above date petitioner shall publish this Notice once in a newspaper of general circulation in Mindanao.

Parties opposed to the granting of the petition must file their written opposition supported by documentary evidence on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same to the petitioner, and may if they so, desire appear on said date and time.

This petition will be acted upon by this Board on the basis of its records and the documentary evidence submitted by the parties, unless the Board deems it necessary to receive additional documentary and/ or oral evidence.

Witness Atty. ARMAND B. DIOSO, Regional Director, this 10th day of August 2019 at Davao City, Philippines.

Atty. CATTLEYA B. ACAYLAR OIC-Regional Director Petitioner, VODTRANSCO Counsel, Atty. Napoleon F. Sango

and with tears for good measure,” Catura was quoted from his Facebook post.

He said he had the chance to make brief comments on the status of the anti-illegal drug campaign and the State’s protection of children being used by drug addicts and drug dealers.

After the deception and drama on the alleged human rights crisis that happened on stage, he said he told the audience they should not take his word for it, nor that of the panelists.

“Just go and visit the Philippines to �ind out for yourselves,” narrated Catura, adding that he has never been so con�ident saying it.

The UNHRC 42nd Session, which runs from Sept.

9 to 27, is composed of updates by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights; thematic reportings by and interactive dialogues with special rapporteurs and independent experts, including side-meetings and consultations with them; and NGO/ sectoral side-events. (PNA)

THE... FROM11

ever gone up against. I cannot wait!.”

The Terri�ic 12 features key positional matchups and players are eager to �ind out how they’ll fare. Shenzhen big man, Li Muhao, stated “I really look forward to going up against Filipino big man, June Mar Fajardo. He’s a legendary player, but I don’t think he knows what he’s getting himself into.” San Miguel Beermen’s big man responded, “We’ve got a pretty tough group. We’ll be up against some strong big men, especially the guys from Shenzhen. But, we’ve seen it all in terms of competition and will be relying on our team effort and championship experience to carry us through.”

The Zhejiang Guangsha Lions return to Macao led by star guard, Sun Minghui. It’s championship or nothing for this team as Sun noted “This is my third year participating in an EASL event and I’m not going home empty handed.”

Shen Zijie of the Shenzhen Aviators also returns to EASL and is eager to compete, “We’re ready to prove that we deserve to be here and showcase what the CBA brings to the table.”

Last year’s champion, The Ryukyu Golden Kings, return to defend their title.

However, this time around, everyone wants their shot at the champs. San Miguel Beermen’s “Golden Boy” Terrence Romeo stated “I really feel like I’m on my game and the experience with San Miguel enhanced my skills and con�idence. Ryuichi Kishimoto is good so it will be an interesting matchup individually and a team basis.”

KCC Egis All-star, Lee Junghyun, stated “The best way to become an elite club is through competition. The Terri�ic 12 provides that opportunity and the ability for the KBL to showcase its clubs and star talent.” The games are sure to provide an action-packed week of basketball featuring the best club to club competition East Asia has to offer.

VOL.12 ISSUE 135 • SUNDAY- MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15-16, 2019

EDGEDAVAO EVENT

A DELIGHTFUL START WITH the promise of giving guests visiting Durianburg “Delightful Experiences”, the DusitD2 and Dusit Thani Residence Davao opened its doors in grand fashion last September 6.

It was an afternoon to evening affair with many of Durianburg’s well-heeled, members of the consular corps, and VIPs making their way to Davao’s newest luxury accommodation, and eager to experience the properties’ offerings.

Vice Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte was present for the ceremonial cutting of the ribbon which was followed by cocktails and a gala dinner at the hotel’s stunning, state-of-the-art, 720-banquet capacity Dusit Grand Ballroom, the largest pillar-less ballroom in the region.

The evening was fun and casual with the Philippines’ top acts, The Company and Kuh Ledesma serenading guests who also enjoyed a wonderful four-course wine dinner. To spice up the evening, weekend staycations at the DusitD2 at Lubi Plantation were raffled away, as were plane tickets by Thai Airways, SilkAir, and Cathay Pacific.

The highlight of the evening was the unveiling of the hotel’s ceremonial plaque by no less than President Rodrigo Duterte joined by Tourism Secretary Berna

Puyat, Torre Lorenzo Development Corporation (TLDC) CEO Tomas Lorenzo, and Dusit International COO Lim Boon Kwee.

Located off JP Laurel, Lanang in Davao City, the 120-room Dusit D2 Hotel and the 174-unit Dusit Thani Residence Davao offer guests a blend of Thai and Filipino hospitality and level of service paired with modern leisure and business amenities that is distinctly Dusit.

Aside from the fabulous rooms,

URBANISSIMO A4

EDGED

A2 INdulge!

UP AND ABOUT

GLOBE CELEBRATES A NEW DAY WITH THE NEW HUAWEI P30 PRO AMBER SUNRISE

SMARTPHONES are the tools of the modern story teller, the device that helps capture the special details of your unique life. For those brave enough to show the world their distinct perspective, Globe introduces the new Huawei P30 Pro Amber Sunrise.

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nized “creative city” of Baguio.

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COMMON FILIPINO HAIR CONCERNS AND HOW TO P It’s not called the crowning glory for nothing – our hair is more than what meets the eyes. According to psychologists, the role hair plays is a form of identity and self-expression. It frames the face and it becomes a prominent part of first impressions. We cut it, dye it, shave it and style it. We always want to have it at its best because a good hair day helps make good impressions especially when meeting new faces and building new relationships.

Keeping your hair healthy (and clean) at all times, however, takes a little bit of a challenge. To help you get that healthy hair amidst external conditions, here are some tips and a couple of tricks that you can easily do to resolve these 5 most common hair problems that Filipinos encounter: Shampoo Residue a.k.a “tirang shampoo” If you’re crazy with styling products and/ or shampoo, you’ve probably experienced having gunky flakes on your scalp. Because even our well-loved haircare products can leave residue on the scalp that accumulates over time which may turn into dandruff flakes.

It is usually the unsightly white flakes on your hair and sometimes even on your shoulders. And what makes it even worse is

that it takes a while before we finally notice it and your close friends are too shy to even mention them to you.

These “invisible flakes” may come occasionally, but instead of applying another chemical-based product on your hair, you may try a simple home remedy like apple cider vinegar. This DIY hair remedy is getting popular for its natural way of removing product residues. Just dilute it with water, apply onto scalp and allow to sit for a minute or two then rinse thoroughly.

Scalp Odor It occurs when you have overactive sweat and oil glands on your scalp. Just like body odor, this smelly problem can affect your confidence and make you seem a little bit socially awkward. Now that you’re aware, you have it stop it, ASAP. If you’re the type to try out natural remedies, you can use lemon or tomato juice or both to combat the bacteria that are causing your hair to smell bad. Lemon can also combat dandruff, one of the many causes of a smelly scalp, while tomato pulp exhibits antibacterial properties that can help in getting rid of the odor-causing bacteria on your scalp. Or a smarter and faster way to do it is to wash your scalp and hair with an

contains added mo restore dry, frizzy dandruff-free and Shoulders Suprem tioner with its luxu Crème active ingre perfume. Argan, p “Tree of Life”, is kn ous ingredient for tion.

anti-dandruff shampoo, Head & Shoulders Cool Menthol.

It revitalizes your scalp and cleanse with a tingly menthol fresh scent that cools and leaves your scalp clean, odor-free, and dandruff-free. It is dermatologically tested, PH balanced and boosted with antioxidants for gentle care of hair and scalp so it can ensure to provide the best haircare you need.

Frizzy hair In tropical countries like the Philippines,

the weather, if not hot, is humid. We can attribute the unwanted curls and frizz to this external condition. This is because the weather causes hydrogen bonds to form between water molecules and the proteins of our hair.

Of course, we understand how unmanageable frizzy hair is, and although incorporating coconut oil in your haircare routine is a good idea, having a hair product that gets you is still the best way to go. Look for a shampoo or conditioner product that

Dandruff Dandruff is a co by various factors scalp, stress, and d Although it appea non-contagious, it sometimes.

When the skin c more quickly than usually fall off. The prevent this from h ment, healthy diet, products, and use poo that can addre Head & Shoulders ic Lifting Foam tha and oil while keepi Oily Scalp

EDAVAO

ENTERTAINMENT

STARSTRUCK FINAL 4 HOPEFULS COMPETE ON THE FINAL STRETCH OF THEIR ARTISTA JOURNEY THE seventh season of GMA Network’s original reality-based artista search, StarStruck, is one step towards hailing its newest Ultimate Male and Female Survivor. After a series of eliminations, the remaining Final 4 Survivors are in it for the challenge of a lifetime as they compete one last time.

On its last week, StarStruck 7 features a two-part Final Judgment special where 12 Avengers and StarStruck Graduates will return and participate in the competition.

17-year-old Shayne Sava from Rizal shares what it means to be the next Ultimate Female Survivor, “Matatag sa kahit anong laban, hindi susuko, handang tanggapin ‘yung mga kamalian niya, opinion, at advice ng iba.”

19-year-old Lexi Gonzales from Manila, on the one hand, believes that the next Ultimate Female Survivor is someone who continues to learn and gives her best in all she does, “Patuloy na natututo, mapagkumbaba, at hindi kinakalimutan ‘yung mga taong nandiyan para sa kaniya. Siyempre patuloy din na binibigay ‘yung lahat niya.”

Meanwhile, 19-year-old Kim de

PREVENT THEM

oisturizers to cleanse and hair and leave it 100% luscious, just like Head & me shampoo and condiurious Moroccan Argan edient, fuse with floral picked from the Moroccan nown as a natural luxurihair and skin moisturiza-

ondition that is caused such as irritated or oily dry skin among others. ars to be common and t can be embarrassing

cells on the scalp shed n usual, dandruff flakes ere are a lot of ways to happening: stress manage, reduce your hair care an anti-dandruff shamess your scalp’s needs. s is equipped with Magnetat lifts away dandruff, itch, ping your hair moisturized.

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Men and women’s scalp differ in needs. If you’re one of those who are regular gymgoers or one who loves to stay under the sun, it’s time to check on your scalp condition because heat and sweat combined together leaves your scalp oily and itchy.

Men’s scalp loses more moisture and releases more sebum than women. If you’re into looking for simple and easy solutions to address this, baking soda is your go-to home remedy but for a hassle-free solution, start a healthier haircare habit or grab this ULTRA solution over-the-counter anti-dandruff shampoo.

Perfect to meet the ever-evolving standards of men, Head & Shoulders Ultra Men Old Spice leaves you a dandruff-free hair that contains ingredients that deeply purifies, balances oily scalp and reduces scalp itch with a manly scent.

While it’s not easy to prevent these hair problems that we encounter every day, it’s better that you prevent them with consistent and right hair care habits and treatments.

That’s why it’s never too late to check up on your hair situation and trust only the anti – dandruff shampoo that believes nothing should stop you from feeling confident and enjoying life to the fullest – Head & Shoulders.

Leon from Batangas cites the qualities that the next Ultimate Male Survivor should hold, “Humility - always keep your feet on the ground, talent, and character. Of course, hindi dapat mawala ‘yung page-enjoy para mas maganda ‘yung kalabasan ng performance.”

For 16-year-old Allen Ansay from Camarines Sur, the next Ultimate Male Survivor will go all out for his dreams, “Ibibigay ko ‘yung buong makakaya ko.

Ibubuhos ko na talaga lahat.”

Following a string of demanding artista tests which include singing, dancing, and acting, the highly-talented Final 4 have proven to be deserving of their coveted spots. On the final stretch of their StarStruck journey this week, they will be given off-beat roles. Their outputs will be presented to the StarStruck council – Ms. Heart Evangelista, Ms. Cherie Gil, Mr. Jose Manalo – and will be given comments, recommendations, and evaluated for their scores.

Like always, the Judges’ scores will only comprise 50% of each Hopeful’s total score, while the other 50% will come from audience votes. Voting has been

GIBBS DEBUTS NEW SINGLE “NO HEARTS”

SONGWRITING duo Gibbs voice out their bold insights on heartbreaks while triggering nostalgia with their debut single under Star Music—“No Hearts”.

Composed by Alyssa and Gabriella with their dad Janno, the retro-feels “No Hearts” is about self-worth and moving on after being played by a former lover. It partly took inspiration from Instagram’s liking feature where you double tap a post to like it.

The bop is a feel good song with influences from 70’s dance music and modern pop.

Debuting together as “Gibbs”, sisters Alyssa (Chi) and Gabriella (Gabs) Gibbs are familiar names in the lifestyle scene.

Alyssa is a print designer and entrepreneur who founded local clothing brand “Neon Island”. Meanwhile, Gabriella is a professional makeup artist who has practiced in Sydney and is now freelancing as an editorial and wedding makeup artist.

From the lifestyle scene, they extended their talent and gloss to the music industry. Alyssa and Gabriella grew up in a family of artists, so it was a no brainer that they are talented singers-songwriters who pursued music.

opened for viewers to show support for their favourite Hopeful. Viewers can vote until Sunday through SMS by typing Starstruck (space) Name of Hopeful and send to 4627, voting online can be also be done by visiting www.gmanetwork.com/starstruckvote or via Google by searching StarStruck Vote.

StarStruck Season 7 is hosted by Ultimate Star and StarStruck Season 1 Ultimate Female Survivor Jennylyn Mercado and Kapuso Primetime King Dingdong Dantes.

Get daily updates on StarStruck and the Final 14 via Inside StarStruck, hosted by Kyline Alcantara, from Monday to Friday at 6PM on StarStruck’s official YouTube channel.

Follow their last artista test this Saturday after Daddy’s Gurl and catch the grand finale this Sunday after Daig Kayo Ng Lola Ko, on GMA-7.

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.

For the program guide, visit www. gmapinoytv.com.

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URBANISSIMO A4 Dusit Davao is also where one can find the Namm Spa which offers the hotel’s signature Thai massage. There are of three spacious private treatment rooms, including one double treatment room, each equipped with its own shower room and massage area. A reflexology massage area is also available for foot massage treatments.

DINING DELIGHTS Dining in Durianburg is redefined by Dusit Davao’s four food outlets, from all-day-dining and buffets featuring a fusion of Filipino and Thai flavours at the Madayaw Cafe, to afternoon tea and signature cocktails at the Siam Lounge, or maybe a quick sandwich fix or a sweet take-away at Dusit Gourmet, there is always something delightful to taste.

Thai cuisine lovers will rejoice at the soon-to-open Benjarong Bar and Restaurant which will feature authentic Thai cuisine presented in a contemporary style. I, personally, cannot wait!

Congratulations to the TLDC and Dusit teams for bringing a new delightful experience to Durianburg!

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VOL.12 VOL.12 ISSUE ISSUE 9484 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JULY JULY 19-20, 5-6, 2019

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WISH... FROM1 quarter this year as the gov-

GOV’T... FROM2

ernment need to review the alignment in Davao City.

Two months ago, DoTr announced that the costs were adjusted upward for the Mindanao Railway Project Phase 1 due to the need to traverse rolling terrain, while the rail line was downgraded to a single track and non-electric system to speed up implementation.

“My wishlist for the conference is the fast-tracking especially all the investments on our infrastructure. I hope that we will be able to fasttrack and I think everything before 2021 everything would be �inished also before the end of the administration of our President because you know how it is in the Philippine politics, the government changes, the priority changes, so if we only have the plans now and nothing is moving, well the apprehension is the plans might not meet its reality,” said Joji Ilagan Bian, a business leader and a former chair of the Mindanao Business Council (MBC).

Bian said there is a need to prioritize other connectivity connecting Mindanao with

each other such as the railway and road networks.

“The road network is existing but the travel time is dif�icult,” she said.

Bian is optimistic that the projects for Mindanao will be completed by 2021 as promised by President Rodrigo Duterte, According to Bian, the trend is “to make sure that everything works out according to plan and I think if everyone would just support the government we should not have a probelm because the budget is there already.”

“The theme of MinBisCOn right now is focus on Mindanao development and they are bringing a number of foreign investors also,” Bian said while expressing optimism that investments in terms of infrastructure will grow speci�ically for Iligan and Cagayan de Oro cities. “Because it has been realized the movement of people and trade within our intra-Mindanao region is also very dif�icult and it hampers investment.”

Now on its 28th year, MinBizCon was hosted by Iligan City from September 12 -14, 2019.

need of a more focused management through the creation of an independent authority similar to the Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA).

“The long wait is over and we at the Davao City Chamber would like to thank the House of Representatives, the Senate, and the President for making Davao International Airport into an authority a reality,” he said.

On her end, Generose Tecson, City Tourism Operations

Of�ice (CTOO) head said she is also looking forward to see a more improved DIA. “Before tourist arrivals, I think most importantly is the impression of the tourists when they come in in Davao.

It’s the airport that gives you the �irst impression of what’s in a place and I am already looking forward to see a beautiful airport, one that showcases the culture of the region.

Once people get in they get the feel of what Davao is really is all about,” she said.

DIAA... FROM4

ERRATUM

presyo ng palay ay mataas na at mamili na ang NFA dahil ang fear natin na matambakan tayo ng lokal na bigas habang papasok na ang anihan(harvest season) next week, yari tayo (The NFA should immediate-

ly increase the buying price for palay and start purchasing it from local farmers. Our fear is that we might be �looded with local rice once harvest season starts next week),” Marcos said.

(PNA)

crease to 237,023 by 2032 and 375,134 by 2042.

It said the railway’s �irst segment will reduce travel time from Tagum City, Davao del

Norte to Digos City, Davao del Sur from 3.5 hours to 1.3 hours once it starts operating in 2022. (Antonio L. Colina IV/MindaNews)

butions are a worthwhile investment in their own futures,” he added.

The Finance chief pointed out that “only improved �inancial activity will convince our members that their contributions are indeed investments in the future.”

“Because of the size of the fund SSS manages, there should be no reason why our earnings should not be

better than market averages,” he said.

Dominguez, who chairs the Social Security Commission (SSC), further said it is also imperative to tap digital technologies to improve services and save on cost in the long run.

“The management, however, must very clearly justify these investments by demonstrating their returns,” he added. (PNA)

BIDDING... FROM2

DOMINGUEZ... FROM4

NOTICE OF LOSS

Notice is hereby given by LOYOLA PLANS CONSOLIDATED INC. that CERTIFICATE OF FULL PAYMENT No.(s) under LOYOLA PLAN ISSUED TO THE FOLLOWING PLANHOLDERS, TO WIT: PH NAME 1.CESARLINDO M. GUITIERREZ 2.NELLY M. OSMEÑA

CFP NO. 1003366 21017724

CONTRACT NO. 1241316 NNN430007527

were lost. Any transaction entered into shall be null and void.

Sept. 9, 16 & 23, 2019

9

In the September 5, 2019 issue of Edge Davao, in the Publication of City Ordinance No. 0719-19 Series of 2019 also known as “An Ordinance Approving the Pricing Scheme of Marapangi Homes Resettlement Project as Endorsed by the City Pricing Committee, Office of the City Mayor, as the Most Appropriate and Responsive to the Benefeciaries of Marapangi Home Resettlement Project, through its Resolution No. 2, Series of 2017 as Amended by Resolution No. 3, Series of 2018”, the Ordinance No. was erroneously printed as 0720-19 instead of 0719-19.

Our apologies.

– The Editors.

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE AMONG HEIRS Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late RAFAELA RETEDYES ALCONTIN who died on June 11, 1995 in Davao City has been the subject of EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT executed among her heirs, per Doc. No.395; PageNo.80; Book No.XX Series of 2018, of the NOTARY PUBLIC MARIANO L. APAO, JR., CPA 9/9,16,23

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SPORTS

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VOL.12 ISSUE 135 • SUNDAYVOL.12 ISSUE MONDAY, 78 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER JUNE 15-16, 27, 2019

Action will be intense in the 11th Eaglemasters Golf Tournament. In this previous edition, a participant’s face is partially blurred by the blast of sand from the bunker at the Apo Golf and Country Club. BOY LIM

Eaglemasters golf tournament set Sept 19-22 in 3 courses

By NEILWIN JOSEPH BRAVO

T

he 11th edition is both team and inof the Davao Ea- dividual competitions glemasters Golf with the following Tournament gets go- classes and their ing on September 19- handicap: Champion22 at the city’s three ship Flight (4.0 and premier golf courses. below hdcp), Flight Rancho Palos A (4.1 to 8.0 hdcp), Verdes, Apo Golf ad Flight B (8.1-14.0 Country Club and hdcp), Flight C (14.1 South Paci�ic Golf and up hdcp) and and Country Club will the Seniors Class (for be the �ields of batplayers 55 years-old tle for the expected and up). The tourna600-man �ield in the ment will be using tournament that is the Stableford scoring fast emerging as one format in the Chamof the major gol�ing pionship Flight to events in the south. the Flight C divisions Up for grabs are while the Molave fabulous prizes in the point system will be division and holeapplied in the Seniors in-one contests and Class.

P5,000 worth of giveA brand new Toyaways from K&G golf Manny Pacquiao says even Grandia at 40, he is not finished ota van,yet.a apparel.

Hyundai Reina sedan The tournament car, P500,000 in cash,

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�ive motorcycles, an air conditioner unit, �lat TV, and a refrigerator, and P150,000 worth of K&G golf apparel are at stake for the lucky �irst holein-one sinkers at designated par-3 holes.

One motorcycle will be raf�led off in the exciting draw.

Meantime, Rancho Palos Verdes Golf and Country Club general manager Tommy Inigo said in Thursday’s Davao Sportswriters Association (DSA) Forum at the SM City Davao Annex that the club is already set as one of the tournament hosts. Iñigo SEE STORY bared that,ONinP11 order to accommodate the huge �ield, RPVGCC

expanded its �leet of golf cars.

“The course is ready for this year’s Eaglemasters Golf tournament. We already hosted last year’s edition and we were happy with the turnout seeing local and foreign players enjoying the course,” he said.

Interested golfers may register thru 09177705528 (Erzza, Rancho Palos Verdes), 09177703866 (Fredith, Rancho Palos Verdes), 09054060782/ 09228922955 ISSUE 241 ISSUE • SUNDAY-MONDAY, 6VOL.12 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MARCH 24-25, 17-18, ISSUE 51 •FEBRUARY TUESDAY, 21,2019 2019 VOL.12 ISSUE 45 • SUNDAYMONDAY, MAYMAY 12 -13, (Grace, Apo), or VOL.11 VOL.12 VOL.12 ISSUE 21 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, APRIL 7-8, 2019 VOL.12 ISSUE 55 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MAY 26-27, at davaoeaglemasters

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club@yahoo.com. club@yahoo.com

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11

Let’s work as one: Butch

C

HEF de Mission William Ramirez has trimmed further the rough edges on procurement procedures for equipment vital not only to the successful hosting of the 30th Southeast Asian Games but as equally important for Team Philippines emerging as overall champion.

In a major coordination meeting—the fourth by the Team Chef de Mission—on Friday at the PICC, Ramirez reiterated the full support of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), which he chairs, for all 56 sports on the SEA Games program.

“Tell us your problems and let’s get them solutions,” Ramirez told national sports association (NSA) presidents and secretary-generals and competition managers. “Let’s resolve all issues today and make sure we smoothly host the games.”

Ramirez was not alone in addressing the assembly, a guarantee that everyone in

Philippine sports hierarchy were fully behind the Games.

Present were Philippine Olympic Committee President Abraham Tolentino and Chairman Steve Hontiveros, PSC Commissioners Charles Maxey and Celia Kiram, Deputy Chef de Mission Stephen Fernandez and Philippine SEA Games Organizing Committee Executive Director Tom Carrasco.

“This [gathering] will be a test of leadership of Filipino sports leaders. This will be a challenge. Today we are not PSC, POC or PHISGOC. We are all Team Philippines” Ramirez added.

Further cementing support to Team Philippines was Phisgoc Chairman, House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano, who emphasized that solidarity among the PSC, POC and Phisgoc has become unbreakable. “We have had 3 Presidents of POC and I know, again, it’s not easy. But right now, then on November 30, dalawa lang naman choice

PSC Chairman and Team Philippines chef de mission William “Butch” Ramirez addresses the assembly of sports leaders for a coordination meeting geared towards a successful staging and participation in the Southeast Asian Games. PSC photo natin --- work together and be successful, or not work together and be unsuccessful,” said Cayetano.

PHISGOC functional areas on ticketing, accommodation, venues, transportation, lo-

gistics and sports briefed the assembly on developments toward the Games that kick off in two and a half months from November 30 to December 11.

Following discussions on

the progress of work for the Games hosting, minor hitches on completion of venue requirements at least in weightlifting, squash, kickboxing, skateboard and obstacle sports were addressed.

Cayetano, meanwhile, bared that the PHISGOC Executive Board will appoint its own point person to help hasten procurement of vital equipment. The board is led by Cayetano, Tolentino and Ramirez.

Teams are leaving nothing to chance and have assembled their best rosters, including national team players and foreign imports. “I can’t wait to play in The Terri�ic 12 with my new teammates. I’m excited to play in such a great tournament this early in the season. It should really help us unite as a team and help me acclimate to this new style of play more easily,” said Liaoning Flying Leopards’ new star guard, Lance Stephenson.

Lance Stephenson is one of many former NBA players who will join top teams as a foreign import player in The Terri�ic 12. After signing with the Leopards earlier this offseason, Lance is ready for his debut with the club and to bring The Terri�ic 12 trophy to Liaoning. He also added,

“Our plan is to win the championship, so that momentum will help us as a club heading into the regular season.”

The best clubs and players go up against their international champion counterparts which has players chomping at the bit. The Filipino star from TNT KaTropa known as “The Blur”, Jayson Castro, will go head to head with Lance Stephenson speci�ied, “I’m going to show them what speed really looks like.

They’ll never see me coming.

We’re going to show these other teams how the PBA does things.”

The Terri�ic 12 presents an opportunity to showcase respective leagues and players to basketball fans in other geographies.

International sensation from Utsunomiya

Brex, Makoto Hiejima, mentioned “Although the Japanese teams are getting stronger, there’s a need to experience more games against top opponents through EASL. We will energize not only Asia, but also the world via the games!”

Each club will clash with new challengers they’ve never faced before. The diverse opponents galvanize player development and improve club performance. The Super 8 Finals champion and leader of the Chiba Jets, Ryumo Ono, stated “I am so excited to enjoy and participate in the games of The Terri�ic 12, because it’s totally different from our league. Each team is very sophisticated and just as strong as any team we’ve

‘The Terrific 12’ to bring out best of Asia hoops

San Miguel Beermen and TNT KaTropa are two of three Philippine squads in the Terrific 12 tournament.

T

he world will soon witness a battle royale when top club teams from China, Japan, South Korea and the Philippines face

off in The Terri�ic 12 from September 17-22 at Macao’s Tap Seac Multi-Sport Pavilion.

The Terri�ic 12 is �illed to the brim with All-Star and nation-

al team talent from the best teams across East Asia, each of whom are championship contenders in their respective leagues.

THE, P8

CHARLY HOLGANZA THE ATHLETE’S FOOT

WHAT TEAM USA’S DEBACLE MEANS TO THE WORLD Team USA was embarrassed in China this week, losing twice in succession to end up �ighting for 7th place.

After taking the Gold in the last two FIBA World Cups, this version’s Team USA will once again be remembered as one of the disgraced ones.

In all of the world’s illustrious basketball history, the USA’s rank has never sunk as low as 7th ever before.

Kobe Bryant says the days of automatic gold medals for the US of A are over, regardless of who is on the roster. The rest of the world has been catching up to the US in the last couple of years.

The years of the 1992 Dream Team composed of Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Charles Barkley are

gone. Even the Redeem Team composed of Lebron James, Kobe Bryant, Dwyane Wade, Jason Kidd found the going tough in the 2008 Olympics.

Kobe is resigned to the fact that “It’s to the point now where the U.S., we’re going to win some and we’re going to lose some. That’s just how it goes.”

This US World Cup team was not star-powered, after top-tier stars dropped out before the on-court selection process. The Americans lost a tune-up game to Australia prior to the Games, a portent of things to come. They would win their �irst �ive games, but lost to France in the quarter�inals and then to Serbia in the consolation round. Clearly, there is no

more awe, no more respect for the Americans in the hardcourt. Reduced to mere mortals, the Americans were mercilessly cut down to size.

The debacle clearly shows that the international basketball environment has �inally caught up with the NBA standards. Gone are the days when the NBA’s new innovations and techniques would �ind its way across the ocean in a few years. Today’s technologies have seen to it that training methodologies and team philosophies and more advanced metrics are dissected and disseminated across the cage kingdom.

And in real time.

Team USA lost to France due to an erratic offense anchored on the isolation play,

and a woeful defense with a less-than-stellar frontcourt.

The coaching staff also came up short, opting to go for small-ball when the world has clearly found an antidote for this.

On offense, previous lineups of Team USA had so much versatility and 3-point �irepower. This was absent in this year’s edition of TeamUSA. In the game against France, they led 74-67 with 7 minutes to play, before blacking out on offense. Once Rudy Gobert and company tightened up on the transition defense, the small-balling Team USA could not �ind an answer, �inishing the game on the shorter end of a 22-5 French �inal assault.

On defense, they had

Myles Turner for their starting center. His credentials would pale in comparison with such talents as defensive Player of the Year awardee Rudy Gobert, or allstars Nicola Jokic and Marc Gasol. Team USA’s rebound stats were atrocious, with Myles more often pulled out for a smaller Harrison Barnes in the hope that more quickness could provide the answer.

Clearly, the world is capable of matching talents with the NBA’s best now.

European ballers know that they can compete - whether it’s speed-wise, size-wise, smarts-wise or otherwise.

You can see that in Facundo Campazzo, Argentina’s speedy point guard, whose

disrespectful inside forays almost always result in nifty drop passes to their bigs under the goal, or their freed-up 3-point artists at the wings. You can see that in Nando De Colo, the French combo guard, whose wily inout game baf�led the US defenders no end. You can see that in Marc Gasol, Spain’s big man, who can shoot the 3-points, protect the paint, and defend the wings easily, despite his bulk.

Euro basketball is on the rise. If the NBA doesn’t make a move to regain the respect by sending their best talents, then the mantle of invincibility will slowly be eroded.

Until it will be gone. Forever.

If that happens, the allure of the NBA will surely suffer.

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