Edge Davao Volume 12 Issue 139 | Friday - Saturday, September 20-21, 2019

EDGEDAVAO

ARUM TO MANNY: FIGHT FLOYD OR RETIRE

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VOL.12 ISSUE 139 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20-21, 2019

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Only 16 out of 76 released on GCTA in Davao Region returned

By ADAM B. MORRELL

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nly 16 out of 76 convicts released by virtue of the controversial Good Conduct Time Allowance (CGTA) in Davao Region surrendered to the Police Regional Of�ice (PRO) 11 before the 15-day ultimatum given by President Rodrigo Duterte expired on Wednesday.

Workers prepare galvanized iron sheets that will be used to fence a property at the junction of E. Jacinto Street and Quezon Boulevard in Davao City ordered by the Supreme Court to be seized on Thursday.

Tension sparked between the groups of the property owner and the sheriff as the former was ordered to vacate the building. Lean Daval Jr

T h a t means, there are 60 released convicts now considered fugitives and will be under manhunt. A P1 million bounty also awaits police captors of each fugitive.

PRO 11 disclosed that

the 16 convicts who gave themselves up voluntarily are now under the custody of the Davao City Police Of�ice (DCPO), Davao del Norte Provincial Police Of�ice (DNPO), Davao del Sur Provincial Police Of�ice (DSPPO), Com-

PISD ON ITS 20TH YEAR: CONTINUE PRODUCING VALUE LADEN LEADERS INDULGE A1

postela Valley Provincial Police Of�ice (CVPPO), Davao Oriental Provincial Police Of�ice (DOPPO), and Davao Occidental Provincial Police Of�ice (DOCPPO).

Most of the surrenderees turned themselves

to the DCPO including Danilo Palicte, Mateo Pasaporte, Ian Caasi, Julius Apud and Jobert Mendoza.

PRO 11 also revealed that Agustin Esperta, Anthony Mutya, Richard

DEADLINE, P9

A THREAT OF AFRICAN SWINE FEVER

BIGGER PICTURE P8

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 139 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20-21, 2019

SoCot town mourns death of folk in tragic road crash

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he municipal government of Surallah in South Cotabato province has declared a period of mourning over the tragic death of 20 people in a road crash in Tboli town on Tuesday.

Surallah Mayor Antonio Bendita said Wednesday they placed the Philippine �lag hoisted in front of the municipal hall at halfmast as they mourned the deaths of the victims, who mostly came from Zone 2-Barangay Libertad.

Bendita said only two of the fatalities were not from the area while the rest were from families who had long-time roots in the municipality.

“This is a big loss for all of us. The entire municipality is in mourning right now,” the mayor told reporters.

Bendita said the local government was assisting the needs of the victims and their families.

At least 14 people were injured as a result of the accident, with 12 still con�ined in various hospitals.

Bendita said the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (MDRRM) Council approved an initial �inancial assistance of PHP10,000 for each of the victims.

The victims were on their way home to Surallah when the Isuzu Forward truck they were riding suddenly turned wayward and fell into a ravine in Barangay Lamsalome, Tboli town past 9 a.m. Tuesday.

Fifteen of the passengers died on-the-spot while �ive others were declared dead at a hospital in Surallah. Fourteen more sustained various injuries, with three of them still in critical condition.

The fatalities were identi�ied as Genelyn Gabio, Jay-r Gabio, Wilbert Babon, William Babon, Wilyn Jade Babon, Leo Pedregosa, Lamberto Afus, Mirasol Afus, Trisha Afus, Jeffrey Cainoy, Fanny Ayupan, Randy Ayupan,

Rejie Ayupan, Ivy Lamigue, Richard Silvano, Jacob Cyrus, Roberto Lausing Jr., Ruby Lausing, Baby Boy Fabio, and Hershey Pasquin.

The injured victims were Hernanie Pasquin, Haily Zoe Pasquin, Cheryl Gabio, Pretty Gabio, Princess Gabio, Jessa Joy Gabio, Sky Demafeliz Afus, Blas Demafeliz Afus, Randave Ayupan, Analyn Pendatun, Rodel Rabarra, Argie Gaylan, Dave Decolongon, and Darrel Better.

Dr. Conrado Brana, chief of the South Cotabato Provincial Hospital, said 13-year-old Randave Ayupan, who lost his parents and sibling in the accident, remained unconscious as of Wednesday morning and was transferred to the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) in Davao City.

He said the truck’s driver, Rodel Rabarra, was also referred to SPMC to get proper treatment for his spinal injury.

On Tuesday night, oneyear-old Haily Zoe Pasquin and her father Hernanie, who owns the ill-fated truck, were transferred to a hospital here.

Leonardo Ballon, head of the Surallah MDRRM Of�ice, said the victims were from an overnight celebration in a beach resort here for the birthday of Haily Zoe when the accident happened.

He said the victims were relatives, close family friends, and workers at Pasquin’s junk shop and scrap business.

Bendita said police were still determining what really caused the accident, which happened at a steep portion of the road at the boundary of barangays Lambangan and Lamsalome in Tboli.

“The initial report was that the truck reportedly lost its brakes. That’s possible because the vehicle was an old model and quite dilapidated already,” he said.

(PNA)

MONITORING HAZE. An employee of the Environmental Management Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) checks samples of air quality at their laboratory in Barangay

Puntod, Cagayan de Oro City on Wednesday. Parts of Mindanao and the Visayas have been experiencing haze from the forest fires in Indonesia.

MindaNews photo by FROILAN GALLARDO

Temporary pork ban awaits mayor’s nod A

By MAYA M. PADILLO

proposed Executive Order (EO) that will temporarily ban all pork products and by-products coming from Luzon and other African Swine Fever (ASF) infected areas is now awaiting signing by Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio.

City Veterinarian Chief Dr. Cerelyn Pinili said they have submitted the EO to the City Legal for review last Friday and is now waiting for approval at the City Mayor's Of�ice (CMO).

The proposed order will also prohibit all backyard hog raisers to do raw swill feeding.

“It is one of our recommendations, the EO. We have already forwarded to the City Legal for review.

Lumabas na siya at waiting na lang sa CMO for signature,” Pinili said.

Once approved, according to Pinili, all pork products and by-products such as longganisa, tocino, and ham coming from Luzon and other ASF infected areas will be banned temporarily in Davao City.

Armie Capuyan, regional ASF focal for the regional of�ice of the Department of Agriculture (DA 11), said currently it is only Davao Oriental from among all LGUs in the region that has issued an ASF-related EO that bans pork and its by-products.

“I have a copy of the EO provided by Davao Oriental. Any products na papasok sa kanila from Luzon and ASF affected areas ay ipinagbabawal na. In Davao Region, merong EO on the banning is the Davao Oriental pa,” Capuyan said.

Meanwhile, to monitor the entry of all live animals (livestock) in Davao City, the City Veterinarian Of�ice has already set up an animal quarantine area with foot bath in Barangay Lasang in coordination with Task Force Davao.

Pinili said they will also set up animal quarantines in Sirawan and Lacson, Calinan. She said these quarantines will be operating 24/7.

For those individuals entering the city with live animals are required to show documents like vet-

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Marawi liberators get ECC cash assistance

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Scout Ranger personnel proudly show the EC Cash assistance in check they received handed by the staff of ECC XI.

erinary health certi�icate issued by a veterinarian, animal inspection certi�icate from a livestock technician of the province or municipality, and a shipping permit issued by the Veterinary Quarantine Service.

“These animal quarantines operate 24/7. All livestock coming from outside Davao City will pass through the checkpoint.

Kung walang dokumento, ipabalik namo ang mga hayop kung asa gikan., Dili jud sila makasulod,” Pinili said.

The City Vet of�ice also implemented measures against ASF such as creating a Task Force that is comprised of technical teams such as rapid action team, census team, surveillance team, quarantine team.

he Employees' Compensation Commission (ECC) extended cash assistance to members of 4th Scout Ranger Company who were wounded in action when Marawi was sieged by the ISIS-inspired Maute and Abu Sayyaf groups.

Last September 14, 2019, each of the t2 Wounded in Action (WIA) troopers received P10,000 in cash assistance under the Quick Response Program (QRP) of ECC at the 4th SRC, 2nd SRB, FSRR, PA, San Agustin, Tagum City.

Receiving the assistance during the second anniversary celebration of camp were Jhosua Tamayo, Eduardo Narag III, Dee-Jay Alan, Warren Suello, John John Germono, Rocelito

Aliparo, Reymal Lopez, Robert Dalang, Reynan Manalad, John Aries Galleno, Delven Daguia and Alvin Latorgo.

It may be recalled that in May 2017, a bloody war erupted when the combined force of the Maute and Abu Sayyaf groups attacked and occupied several places in Marawi. The war lasted for �ive months and claimed hundreds of lives among government forces. The military suffered 168 killed in action (KIA) and 1,400 WIA. “The cash assistance extended to us by the Employees’ Compensation Commission indicated the Government’s appreciation on the sacri�ices that we put forth in performing our sworn duties for the

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VOL.12 ISSUE 139 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20-21, 2019

EDGEDAVAO

NEWS

DavNor town conducts forum on banana disease

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eeking to �ind viable solutions, the local government here convened banana farmers in Davao Region directly affected by Fusarium wilt or Panama disease on Tuesday.

More than a hundred farmers joined the forum, attended by the Department of Agriculture in Region 11 (DA-11) and Roni Manching, a farmer-scientist from Panabo City and the event’s resource speaker.

Mayor Leah Marie Romano urged the farmers to �ind ways to save the banana industry, noting that it provides bigger income for farmers.

“This forum will give you an idea as to what measures to take in combatting this disease,” Romano said.

Romano also committed to help the affected farmers in terms of fertilizer and technical training to fully understand the fungal disease.

Fusarium wilt is a soilborne pathogen, a breed of fungus that is attracted to banana plants. It has the ability to live or exist in long time dormancy (3050 years).

Fusarium fungi block plants vascular system

(Phloem) depriving the plant of the necessary minerals, nutrients and moisture, causing it to turn yellow until it dies down.

This municipality has a total of 2, 365 hectares tilled by individual banana farmers, while about 2, 375 hectares is owned by a big banana company.

The Municipal Agriculturist Of�ice (MAO) noted that about 50 percent of the banana plantations here were infected by the disease.

Manching said there is still a big hope for the banana industry despite the occurrence of Fusarium wilt.

“Even if you only have 30 percent left in your banana plantation and the 70 percent was totally damaged by Fusarium, you can still earn from it,” he said.

While Fusarium is a persistent disease, Manching said it can be managed by introducing farming practices that rely on the soil’s natural potentials.

He said the acidity of the soil is the main cause why the pathogens become active and that is when Fusarium arises and

DAVNOR, P9

NorCot town declares NPA ‘persona non grata’

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he municipal government of Makilala, North Cotabato, declared the New People’s Army (NPA) as persona non grata on Tuesday.

In a resolution passed during Tuesday’s Municipal Peace and Order Council (MPOC) meeting, village of�icials of the town’s 38 barangays signed the declaration expressing the local government’s stand to declare the NPA unwelcome in the town.

“Do not be afraid of the NPA as they hinder the development of our town through their nefarious activities,” Mayor Armando Quibod told village leaders in the vernacular during the meeting.

In the same event, Lt.

Col. Rojon Rosales, commander of the Army’s 39th Infantry Battalion, lauded the move of the Makilala town of�icials, saying their military unit would strive more to rid the area of NPA rebels now that they have the local villages’ support.

“With the persona non grata declaration, the NPA would surely feel it is losing its grip of the communities, particularly those in the far-�lung areas,” Rosales said, referring to communist rebels operating under NPA Guerilla Front 53 in the Makilala area.

He also warned the village of�icials to stay away from the communist

NORCOT, P9

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Haze blankets the skyline of Davao City on Thursday. The haze was caused by the forest fire in Sumatra and Kalimantan, Indonesia. Lean Daval Jr

DavSur board member arrested for estafa

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ational Bureau of Investigation (NBI) agents in Region 11 (Davao Region) arrested on Wednesday Davao del Sur 2nd District Board Member Arvin Malaza along with seven others in an entrapment operation at a radio station in Digos City.

The seven persons who were not named by the NBI were all workers of the Kakampi Meuws Radio, which is owned by Malaza.

In an interview, NBI-11 director Jonathan Balite told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) that Malaza and other suspects were arrested after they con�irmed the illegal resumption of operation of the Kabos Padatoon or the Kapa Community Ministry International Incorporated.

Balite alleged that Malaza, who also goes by the name Jun Blanco and describes himself as Kapa’s chief media of�icer, has re-

A fully armed police officer stands guard as personnel from the court issued an order to seize a property at the junction of E. Jacinto Street and Wuezon Blvd. in Davao City on Thursday. Lean Daval Jr

sumed the group’s illegal investment solicitation activities under Kapa Worldwide.

Kapa Worldwide, the NBI of�icial said, has no business license and is not allowed to solicit investments.

In June, President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the Philippine National Police (PNP) and NBI to shut down illegal investment �irms such as Kapa.

Dozens of dubious investment schemes promising huge returns were shut down, including Kapa, whose founder Joel Apolinario is facing charges of

large-scale estafa.

After Kapa’s closure, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) had warned Kapa of�icials to refrain from reopening their of�ices as their registration had been revoked.

However, in several social media posts in the previous month, there were announcements on the revival of KAPA under its new name KAPA Worldwide Ministry Association wherein of�ices in various areas will be reopened and relaunched.

NBI-11 spokesperson, special investigator Joel Ayop said Malaza continued to receive “pay-ins” from investors through his radio station.

Ayop said an NBI operative posed as an investor and gave the PHP10,000 marked money to Malaza’s staff.

Right after giving the receipt, the NBI agents swooped down on the area

and arrested Malaza and radio station employees.

“Prior to the entrapment, we already did a payin of PHP30,000 yesterday (September 17) to make sure that they are really operating. And we tried it again using our marked money and we have proven that they are really operating so we conducted the entrapment,” Ayop said.

Seized from Malaza’s radio station were the PHP10,000 marked money, Kapa member identi�ication cards, ledgers, books of account, a shotgun with four rounds of ammunition, and other pieces of evidence.

Ayop said Malaza will undergo inquest proceedings on Thursday (September 19) and will face charges of syndicated large scale estafa and violating provisions of the Securities Regulation Code (SRC).

he leader of the Catholic Church in South Cotabato has reiterated Wednesday his opposition over the planned operations of the USD5.9-billion copper and gold mining project in Tampakan town.

Bishop Cerilo Casicas of the Diocese of Marbel speci�ically trained his sight on the ongoing efforts of mining �irm Sagittarius Mines Inc. (SMI) to allow the controversial open-pit mining method in the area.

In a press conference here, Casicas said the problems that might emerge as a result of the mining project mainly overshadow its supposed bene�its to the communities.

“Mining operation in Tampakan is a threat to the environment and agricul-

ture in the low-lying areas,” he said.

The planned open-pit mining operation of SMI covers around 10,000 hectares of land in the hinterlands of Tampakan and parts of the provinces of Davao del Sur, Sarangani, and Sultan Kudarat.

The Tampakan Copper-Gold deposit is considered as one of the largest underdeveloped copper-gold deposits in the world.

But its operation had been delayed since 2010 following the signing by then South Cotabato Governor Daisy Avance-Fuentes of the province’s Environment Code, which is a ban on open-pit mining.

The ordinance, subject for amendment every

�ive years, is now being challenged by pro-mining groups in court and the provincial board.

Casicas appealed to the members of the provincial board to carefully study the ordinance, speci�ically the provision in Section 22 on the open-pit mining, before pushing for its amendment.

“God created man to protect the environment,” said the bishop, noting responsibility of the board members as representatives of the people.

With the emergence of new political leadership in the province after the May 13 elections, Casicas said there is a need for the diocese to reiterate its stance on open-pit mining and continue the legacy of his

DAVSUR, P9

Bishop maintains stance vs. open-pit mining in SoCot

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BISHOP, P9

4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 139 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20-21, 2019

Realme strengthens foothold in Davao market; teases realme 5 & 5 Pro series

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TAWI-TAWI: MINDANAO’S FRONT DOOR TO THE WORLD. MinDA Chairman Emmanuel “Manny” Piñol presents a copy of the concept study for the Tawi-Tawi Special Economic Zone and Freeport/Transshipment Hub to Provincial Governor Yshmael “Mang” Sali during his visit to the island-province last September 17, 2019. The plan looks at Tawi-Ta-

wi as a front door of trade and investment activities in Mindanao to the rest of the world through high-impact infrastructure projects including a transshipment hub with cargo management and ship maintenance services, among others. Photo by MinDA.

PRRD wants to avoid repeat of 2019 nat’l budget delay

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economic program of this Administration, affected the timely delivery of basic services to the people, and ultimately, slowed our growth during the �irst quarter of this year,” Panelo said in a statement.

“Government operations must never be hampered and our constitutional mandate to serve the Filipino people must prevail over partisan considerations and constant differences or varying interpretations on the budget,” he added.

At the start of the year, the government operated

on a reenacted budget after lawmakers failed to pass the bill on time last year, due to allegations of pork “insertions”.

The passage of the 2019 budget was delayed further due to allegations of realignments made by the House of Representatives after both chambers of Congress rati�ied the bicameral conference committee report.

Last March, Duterte said operating on a reenacted budget would deal a blow on the country’s growth rate and that “everyone will suffer including law enforcement authorities.”

It was only on April 15 that the 2019 General Appropriations Act (Republic Act 11260) was passed.

On Tuesday, the House of Representatives began plenary deliberations on

the proposed 2020 budget.

House Appropriations Committee chairman Isidro Ungab, who sponsored the proposed budget, called on his colleagues to support its timely passage.

Albay Rep. Joey Salceda, chair of the House Committee on Ways and Means, earlier said the House of Representatives expects to pass the budget bill on second reading on Friday, September 20.

Salceda expressed hope that the Senate would also pass the proposed budget as early as possible to prove that Duterte’s allies are “working”.

“We just wanna prove that the ‘Duterte Super Coalition’ in the House is working, and I hope the so-called ‘Duterte Super Coalition of 20’ in the Senate will do the same,” he added. (PNA)

Republic Act 11203 or the Rice Import and Export Liberalization Law. Remus Morandante, the company’s vice president for public and government affairs, in an interview on Wednesday said the �irm wishes to replicate the good practices and the technology employed by rice farmers in Mindanao in Papua New Guinea.

He said Papua New Guinea has a vast potential for rice production but remains a net importer, averaging 400,000 metric tons annually from Australia, Thailand, and Vietnam.

He said SeedWorks, a company based in Laguna and a major supplier of hybrid seeds to rice farmers in Mindanao, has initiated

a series of trainings with some farmers in Papua New Guinea. He said �ield trials are scheduled next month.

He said the company’s market share in Mindanao averages 40%.

Upon assuming as MinDA head in August, Piñol urged rice farmers of Mindanao to export their rice to Papua New Guinea instead to cushion the effect of the Rice Import and Export Liberalization Law, which allowed entry of more imported rice to the local market.

He said the consumers would prefer cheaper imported rice to local rice.

Piñol said MinDA and private groups, including an organic rice farmers’

cooperative, will hold a one-day forum on organic and premium rice and Adlai farming dubbed “Looking beyond Rice Liberalization: Growing and Marketing of Premium, Organic Rice and Adlai” at the Grand Regal Hotel here on Friday.

He said the forum marks a shift in the direction of “rice farming in Mindanao, as the massive in�low of imported rice has boxed out local farmers producing ordinary rice from the market resulting in very low farm gate prices, to as low as P10 to P12 in many parts in Mindanao.”

The shift to premium and organic rice farming in Mindanao is expected to open a niche market for

resident Rodrigo R. Duterte certi�ied the proposed PHP4.1 trillion national budget for 2020 as urgent to avoid a repeat of last year’s delay, Malacañang said on Thursday.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said Duterte’s reason for calling for the immediate enactment of House Bill No. 4228 or the General Appropriation Bill (GAB) for Fiscal Year 2020 was for lawmakers to understand the importance of its timely passage.

“In certifying to urgency of the budget bill, PRRD wants to convey to the members of Congress the importance of passing the General Appropriations Bill on time to avoid a repeat of a reenacted budget that wreaked havoc to the

Pinoy company to help PNG build rice industry

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eedWorks, an agricultural company engaged in the breeding and production of hybrid rice in the country, will provide farmers in Papua New Guinea with technical assistance and technology to capacitate them on rice farming, the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) said.

MinDA Secretary Emmanuel, former Agriculture Secretary, struck a deal with Robert Agarobe, Central Province Governor of the Papua New Guinea early this month in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea for the shipment of 5,000 metric tons of Mindanao rice, including RC-160, 7-Tonner, Banaybanay, Dinorado and organic rice amid the falling rice prices due to the

PINOY, P9

ollowing its recent milestone of opening more than 150 kiosks nationwide, realme Philippines broadens its of�line presence in one of its key regional markets, Davao City. Realme is gearing up to open more kiosks and stores in the “King City of the South” before the year ends.

Regarded as the gateway to Mindanao, Davao City is strategically located to help realme reach more Filipinos in the region.

Realme has established 14 stores in the city. Its growing presence in the entire Mindanao island now comprises 26 stores and four service centers.

The rigorous expansion of realme Philippines in regional markets happened in just 10 months, an unprecedented expansion in smartphone history. This forti�ied regional presence attests to the brand’s commitment of bringing realme’s real-value experience to every Filipino nationwide.

Realme Philippines Marketing Lead Eason De Guzman shares: “We are so grateful to our realme squad in Mindanao for their warm support to the brand since its launch last year. Filipinos can expect to have more options for smartphones with high-tier features and unmatched performance previously unseen in their respective price segments.

This October, we’ll launch yet another disruptive series that deserves a high

�ive!”

Quad-Camera Speed Master realme 5 & 5 Pro launching in PH Soon Realme is committed to elevating the Filipinos’ smartphone experience with the upcoming launch of its newest quad powerhouse offering in the Philippine market – the realme 5 Pro. The newest addition to its local lineup is expected to arrive in the Philippines in the next few weeks.

Joining realme Philippines’s portfolio of innovative smartphones with the best value for its price segment, the realme 5 Pro introduces quad technology on performance, camera and power. The realme 5 Pro is engineered with an IMX 586 48MP quad-camera setup, including ultra-wide angle, portrait, ultra-macro, rear and front AI lens. It runs on a Snapdragon 712 AIE processor, which combines the effects of the latest Qualcomm upgrades for advanced gaming capabilities and stunning graphics for an overall affordable �lagship experience like no other.

Joining the realme 5 Pro in this series is the realme 5, which is the �irst in its price range to sport a quad-camera setup. It also packs a powerful Snapdragon 665 AIE processor and an allday 5000mAh battery.

To stay updated on the launch of its quad camera speed master and other exciting announcements, follow the of�icial social media accounts of realme Philippines on Facebook.

Diokno cites need to tap tech to push for digital payments

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angko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Benjamin Diokno on Wednesday highlighted the need to continuously tap technological innovations to further boost economic activities.

In his speech during the launch of the newest McDonalds NXTGEN store, which is the re-opened branch at the corner of 32nd Street and 5th Avenue in Bonifacio Global City, the BSP chief said “digital payment services is inevitable.”

He said digital payment platforms are now needed because “technology make us more ef�icient in various ways” since it also increases economic activities.

“Funds should quickly change hands to make sure that the money required to support the accelerating pace of productive activities is made available on time,” he said.

Diokno said “the only way we can cope with such a challenge is to provide digital payment services.”

He said private sector initiatives related to the central bank’s goal to hike digital payments transactions to account for about 20 percent of the total by 2020 is a big help.

“We, at the BSP, acknowledge the crucial role the private sector play in supporting the NRPS (National Retail Payment System) and driving the digital transactions in the country.

Together with government and key industry enablers we must work hand-inhand towards our common goal of growing electronic payment transactions in the country by 20 percent by next year,” he said.

“As we empower more consumers and business to adopt digital payments, we are also promoting wide access to �inancial services,” he added.

Meanwhile, the McDonald NEXTGEN store concept allows customers multipoint ordering options like using the Self-Ordering Kiosks where they can use their debit cards as well as the PayMaya QR, which is currently available in select BGC branches and will be available in over 200 McDonalds stores accepting cashless payments within the next month.

To use the PayMaya QR users need to download the PayMaya app on their phones, register for an account and load funds to their account.

"We congratulate McDonald’s for being one of the trailblazers in pushing for innovations in the quick-service restaurant industry, and our expanded partnership with them brings the payment experience of customers to a whole new level,” PayMaya founder and CEO Orlando Vea said.

The companies earlier

DIOKNO, P9

VOL.12 ISSUE 139 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20-21, 2019

EDGEDAVAO

ECONOMY

SMC to start Bulacan Int’l Airport project

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he Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Wednesday gave San Miguel Corporation (SMC) the green light to begin construction of the Bulacan International Airport.

DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade announced the issuance of the Notice to Proceed after he and SMC president and chief operating of�icer Ramon Ang signed the concession agreement.

The agreement formally grants San Miguel Aerocity Inc., a company wholly owned by San Miguel Holdings Corporation (SMHC), the task of handling the �inancing, design, construction, operations and maintenance of the Bulacan International Airport.

The concession period spans 50 years after the completion of construction of the �irst phase.

Tugade said the construction of the new international gateway would boost connectivity and mobility for Filipinos, as this would give them additional travel options.

“Ang mahalaga po diyan ay ‘yung pasahero, ‘yung riding public (The passenger, the riding public is important). Alam niyo ‘ho kung bakit? ‘Pagkat kung meron nang (Why? If there are a variety of options to choose from -- ) Bulacan Airport, NAIA at Clark Airport, let it be a battle of commercial competitiveness. And if it becomes a battle of commercial competitiveness, who bene�its? It is the riding public, because the riding public will be given a freedom of choice. Pwedeng mamili kung saang gustong paliparan. Pwedeng mamili kung saang comfort and convenience ang tutukuyin niya. Ito ‘ho ‘yung mahalaga dito (Passengers can choose which airport to go to. That’s what’s import-

ant),” Tugade said.

“It’s all about comfort.

It’s all about convenience.

It’s all about putting life to the President’s wish and desire for a comfortable life for Filipinos,” he added.

During the signing ceremony, Tugade also lauded the SMC for ensuring that issues on right-of-way acquisition, “Material Adverse Government Action” (MAGA) or situations where the government deviates from contractual obligation that requires it to compensate a private entity, and subsidy, are expeditiously resolved.

“Napadali ang dayalogo.

Napadali ang agreement sapagkat kinuha ni Ramon Ang ang responsibilidad.

Sa dahilang ito, umusad tayo (The agreement was swift and easy because it was Ramon Ang who took responsibility. Because of this, we went forward),” Tugade said.

Ang touted the economic boost the new airport would bring, especially to Central Luzon.

“This will really bene�it our people and it will create a lot of business opportunities for Filipinos. It will bring so many foreign tourists,” Ang said.

The SMC top honcho also averred the conducive conditions for business with government under the Duterte administration.

“Marami na akong experience in dealing with government of�icials for the past 30 years. Alam niyo, importante sa government of�icial, ‘yung matapat na tao at masipag. Matapat, masipag, at magaling.

Itong administration na ito, ganun po sila (I have a lot of experience in dealing with government of�icials for the past 30 years. A government of�icial should be honest, hardworking, and good. This administration have those qualities),” Ang

SMC, P9

5

Marco Polo Hong Kong’s director of communications Samantha Poon provides updates on the hotel’s services and offerings during a media dinner held at Marco Polo Davao on Wednesday night. Lean Daval Jr

Gov’t offers interest-free loans to hog raisers affected by ASF

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he Department of Agriculture on Thursday urged hog raisers to cooperate with authorities in their bid to prevent African swine fever from spreading.

Agriculture Secretary William Dar said hog raisers can avail of a P30,000 interest-free loan, payable in 3 years, and will be given P3,000 per culled pig.

“We are again request-

ing lahat po ng nag-aalaga ng baboy, ‘wag na katayin ‘yung mga baboy na ‘yan.

Ikakalat lang natin itong sakit na ito,” he said.

(We are again requesting all hog raisers not to

slaughter pigs with ASF, it will just spread the disease.)

“Makipagtulungan na po kayo sayo gobyerno para sa ganun ay maprotektahan natin itong P260 billion worth of hog industry.”

(Let’s cooperate with the government so we can protect out P260 260 billion worth of hog industry.)

The agency’s Bureau of Animal Industry earlier con�irmed the presence

Gov’t should be ready in case POGOs leave, says Salceda

T

LANTERNS. These Christmas lanterns brought by Merwin Tayag from Pampanga in Luzon are being sold in Barangay Bago, Davao City on Tuesday night. MindaNews photo by GG BUENO

of ASF in Rodriguez town, Rizal, Barangay Cupang in Antipolo, and Guiguinto town in Bulacan.

Dar said Guiguinto town has been cleared while there are still “remnants” of ASF in Rizal.

“Kung hindi makipag-cooperate ang hog raisers, this will linger for a while,” he said.

(If hog raisers will not cooperate, this will linger for a while.)

he Philippine government should enjoy the revenues coming from Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGO) but it should also be prepared in case they leave the country, Albay Rep. Joey Salceda said on Wednesday.

Salceda, chair of the House of Representatives’ Committee on Ways and Means, said there is a possibility that POGOs would leave the country because of China’s policy against online gambling.

Earlier, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang called on the Philippines to ban online gambling, describing it as “most dangerous tumor in modern society.”

President Rodrigo Duterte, however, rejected the proposed ban, saying it would result in people losing livelihood but warned operators to pay the right taxes.

“Enjoy while it lasts and

prepare when they go,” Salceda said in an economic brie�ing in Malacañang.

He reminded that POGOs are still considered legal in the Philippines and that dealing with them should be thoroughly studied.

“Remember, this is legal in the Philippines but considered illegal in China. So we need to see whether we need to… what is the correct strategy with dealing with them rather outside of taxing them properly because this de�initely will pose systemic risk,” Salceda said.

He noted that POGO returns reach 1 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP) and even hire more people than the business process outsourcing (BPO) sector.

“In terms of returns, my goodness! It’s now breaching 1 percent of GDP. So, it’s paying more wages than BPOs,” he added.

GOV’T, P9

6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

EDITORIAL

VOL.12 ISSUE 139 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20-21, 2019

Pork scare

In a pork-eating country like the Philippines, anything that’s pork is news. Even government budget is called pork.

There’s a lot of pork talk these days because of ASF. Those three letters are trending in all news platforms these days for the simple reason that it involves pork. ASF stands for African Swine Fever.

Most Google searches will lead to this. “African swine fever is a viral disease impacting only pigs, not people—so it is not a public health threat nor food-safety concern. ASF cannot be transmitted to humans through contact with pigs or pork. ASF only affects members of the pig family.”

That’s as clear as day. ASF only affects members of the pig family.

However, as with any food product, everyone should always follow safe handling and cooking instructions to protect the family’s health.

The big impact of ASF is in business. The World Organization for Animal Health considers African swine fever to be a trade limiting foreign animal disease of swine. Countries with con�irmed cases are

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subject to international trade restrictions aimed at reducing the risk of introduction of the disease through trade.

That is where the big impact is--economy. And it’s going to hit hardest where the industry of hog raising is doing well for the local business.

The numbers tell it all. Davao Region’s top livestock industry according to the regional of�ice of the Philippine Statistics Authority’s Livestock and Poultry Situation Report is hog raising.

As of April 2018, total hog production has grown by 2.19 percent to 895,740 heads compared 876,511 hogs in 2017. Backyard hog growers are those growing 200 hogs or less. Those that produce over 200 hogs are considered commercial growers.

With the ASF scare, the worst case scenario is a trade restriction and eradication of contaminated animals which will surely cause a big loss to the livestock industry, particularly hog raising, in the region.

That is something Davao cannot afford.

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 139 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20-21, 2019

VANTAGE POINTS

7

JOHN CARLO B. TRIA MY TWO CENTS’

WHY SMALL BUSINESSES DESERVE LOWER TAXES With the unprecedented 170-8 vote in the House of Representstives on third and �inal reading in favor of endorsing the Corporate Income Tax and Incentive Rationalization Act (Citira) bill, the debates on this landmark legislation shift to the Senate.

If the bill becomes law Corporate income taxes can drop to as low as 20%25% for all business.

The backdrop of this unprecedented vote is the reality that our corporate tax rates are ASEAN’s highest at around 30%, with Indonesia and Malaysia at about 25%.

Lowering these rates will therefore lower busi-

ness costs and put us at par with our neighbors.

More importantly, this will mean lower taxes for our small and medium businesses that comprise 97% of the almost one million registered enterprises.

This makes the reduced tax measure a clear boost for the small business, the backbone of our economy.

The less taxes they pay, the more money can be left over to expand. The more funds are available to hire new workers.

Along with a low in�lation environment, the lower costs will allow even more money to be retained, enabling them to expand.

When businesses expand,

the economy grows as a whole.

After the hullaballoo over the �irst TRAIN law being unduly blamed for the rise in in�lation last year (it was actually the spike in rice and fuel prices that caused it), it is now down to 1.7% on the back of lowered rice and fuel prices.

It is thus clear that the excise tax on diesel fuels is not to blame for in�lationary spikes. The outcome is obvious: despite the tax being presently applied, in�lation has gone down.

The threat on the horizon is the impending rise in fuel prices after the drone attach on the aramco re-

�inery, which will push fuel prices, and in�lation, up.

Now, if government wants to keep in�lation low, then we will need to reduce that other bigger driver of in�lation: rice prices.

Already, as the 3 million metric tonnes or so of rice in NFA warehouses are being distributed by the Department of Agriculture, we hope that retail rice prices will go down further to temper the possibility of in�lation with the impending fuel hikes.

In all, the two packages of tax reforms have achieved a more rationalized tax system that shifts the burden of the payment of taxes to those who can

better afford to pay for them, and removes taxes from the greater majorityin this case the small businesses and the majority of salaried workers.

This unleashes their consumption income to propel the economy. As the consumption economy grows, it becomes more attractive to investors who will want to cash in on this larger market for the goods they produce and services they provide.

Thus, generally speaking, as taxes go down, and in�lation is kept low, the economy will keep growing.

For reactions: Facebook.com/johntriapage

ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA FAST BACKWARD

STREETS OF OBRERO Viewed from the sky, Obrero, once the residential district of seasonal workers, i.e., obreros, looks like a labyrinth, a warren of streets, mostly unknown names, to a cosmopolitan Davaoeño.

For decades, it was associated with iconic names such as Davao Trade School (now University of Southeastern Philippines, USeP) and Stella Maris Academy, and today, thanks to growth, it has become a beehive of food stalls, hotels, beer gardens and nocturnal hangouts.

But does anyone have an accurate guess on who the persons that are being honored in the streets of Obrero? Let’s take a look, even brie�ly, at the identi�ies of some of these individuals.

Alejandro Iñigo was the son of Feliciano Iñigo, Sr., �irst branch manager of Compañia Maritima in Davao town who owned the sprawling Iñigo estate where the famous Caroland Resort was once situated. He was married to a Palma Gil heir with title to

a big property in the area.

Carlos Cervantes, a road that starts from Loyola Street, at the back of the USeP, and ends at Lapulapu Street in Agdao District and is perpendicular to Carmelo Porras and Nicasio Torres streets, is named after the father of Cenon, a former Philippine National Bank (PNB) manager. He is the grandfather of the late anti-Marcos movie director Benjamin ‘Behn’ Cervantes.

Lupo Diaz, an Aglipayan who migrated from Sarrat, Ilocos Norte, was married to Peregrina Pastor, �irst-degree cousin of former Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur, mayor Amancio Bendigo, Sr., who was the second husband of Matea Almendras, aunt of Sen. Alejandro D. Almendras.

One of Lupo’s broods became city engineer while daughter Clara married Nicolas Ilanan Balcom, an American mestizo.

Ismael L. Veloso, Davao’s undisputed postwar political kingpin, was three-time congressman of Davao; he was a member of the second (1949-

53), third (1953-57), and �ifth (1962-65) Congresses. Artemio Al. Loyola, on the other hand, was a hard-hitting journalist who was elected member of the seventh Congress (1970-72), representing Davao del Sur. Urduja is the mythical princess that once ruled the legendary kingdom of Tawalisi, identi�ied by Dr. Jose P. Rizal as Pangasinan. New researches claim she was actually the sister an Indonesian queen and monarch of the third Madjapahit Empire who ruled from 1328 to 350 A.D. A native of Baganga, Davao Oriental, Teodoro L. Palma Gil, is one of the most illustrious leaders to come out of Davao region. A classmate of Rizal at Ateneo, he was a threetime lawmaker, serving in the fourth (1916-19), �ifth (1919-1922) and sixth (1922-25) Legislatures.

Born in Bangued, Abra, Ignacio B. Villamor, who studied at Seminario Conciliar of Vigan, San Juan de Letran, and the University of Santo Tomas where he �inished Law, was the

�irst Filipino president of the University of the Philippines (UP). He later became an associate justice of the Supreme Court.

Meanwhile, Wenceslao Q. Vinzons, a native of Indan, Camarines Sur and a graduate of UP College of Law, was the youngest member of the 1935 Constitutional Convention. As a student, he was editor-in-chief of Philippine Collegian. When war broke out, he helped organize a guerrilla resistance; he was arrested and executed by the Japanese Imperial Army.

A native of Batangas, Nicasio C. Torres, who was married to Feliza Echavarria, was the father of the late Guillermo E. Torres, Sr., one of the founders of Mindanao Colleges (now University of Mindanao).

He is credited, according to some accounts, as the guy who loaned the money that jump-started the operation of the school in 1946.

Napoleon B. Nidea, married to Salvacion V. Nidea, was a former Davao City councilor (1969-71)

who later became Davao City judge. Among his children are Alexander V. Nidea, a former journalist and retired educator; Myrna V. Nidea, and Jocelyn N. Vargas.

The widow of Benigno Bustamante, Macaria Alzate remarried Pablo Suazo, a volunteer soldier in the Oyanguren contingent during the conquest of Davao. Their union bore �ive children. One of the members of her brood was Damaso, after whom a city street is named in his honor.

Rustico Z. Cabaguio, on the other hand, was the son of Juan P. Cabaguio and Tomasa Zapata. Like many of his relatives, he dabbled in politics but did not run for public of�ice.

Married to Justina Suazo, he was the administrator of the sprawling Cabaguio in the Obrero and Agdao districts. He later remarried Silvestra Bangoy, a cousin, with whom he had three children.

Three other streets in the district needing research are Lacson, Rose Sanz and Clarin.

8 BIGGER PICTURE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 139 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20-21, 2019

THE THREAT OF

AFRICAN SWINE FEVER

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

T

wo days before the commemoration of the event that shocked the world on September 11, Agriculture Secretary William Dar �inally con�irmed what most hog raisers in the country feared: the presence of dreaded African swine fever (ASF).

“We received last week the laboratory test results coming from United Kingdom on this test called polymerase chain reaction test. And 20 blood samples have been sent. And out of the 20, 14 are positive with African swine fever,” Dar admitted during a press conference in Manila.

It must be recalled that when reports of “abnormal swine deaths in backyard farms” occurred in small backyard farms in Rizal and Bulacan provinces, the Department of Agriculture (DA) immediately directed the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) to collect and send blood samples to the World Reference Laboratory in Pirbright, England.

Aside from being the reference laboratory for ASF, UK is the home base of World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), an intergovernmental organization which coordinates, supports and promotes animal disease control.

Immediately after the announcement, sales of live pigs and pork plummeted. “We already felt the impact such as slowing down of sales of live hogs,” Eduardo So, president of Hog Farmers Association of Davao Inc. (HOGFADI) was quoted as saying by EDGE Davao. “We have monitoring from General Santos and Cagayan de Oro and we saw it coming. There’s really an impact.”

In Davao Region, the swine production is a P20-billion industry. So much so HOGFADI is recommending stricter measures to prevent pork meats, particularly those coming from ASF-positive areas and countries to enter the region.

“We try to prevent the

entry of pork meat from Luzon,” So said and even lauded the passing of the resolution during the 19th Davao City Council appealing to Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte to “temporarily ban” all swine products from Luzon. “Let’s prevent it from entering here.”

To guard against the possible entry of pigs infected with ASF and pork products in Davao City, the ASF Task Force has been formed based on the Executive Order No. 37 signed

by Vice Mayor Sebastian Duterte.

The ASF Task Force has the mayor as its head with the city administrator as authorized representative. Co-chairperson is the city veterinarian’s of�ice.

Members include the city planning and development of�ice, city disaster risk reduction and management of�ice, city agriculturist of�ice, city health of�ice, city information of�ice, and hog raisers association as private sector representatives.

Although ASF has already entered the country, it is still under the “outbreak” mode and not yet in “epidemic” proportion, according to Dar. Based on World Health Organization standards, outbreak happens when “the occurrence of disease cases is in excess of normal expectancy.”

Even before the announcement of the presence of ASF, the agriculture department has already implemented appropriate measures, notably the “1-7-10” protocol.

Under the protocol, quarantine checkpoints are set up in areas within a 1-kilometer radius of suspected swine farms. It limits animal movement and employs mandatory test, aside from killing all infected animals.

Within a 7-kilometer radius, authorities are conducting surveillance activities. Any movement of animals outside the zone needs the required documents like veterinary health certi�icates and permits.

Farm owners within the 10-kilometer radius are mandated to report any disease to the agriculture department.

In addition to the protocol, the DA has also activated and mobilized respective Quick Response Teams (QRTs) at its regional of�ices to implement complimentary measures, which include these three administrative orders: 1. Guidelines in securing certi�icate of farm disease-free status in disease outbreak areas. This enables owner to get needed certi�ication from DA-BAI, declaring their farm is disease-free, and not affected by current swine disease in subject area; 2. Revised guidelines on the local movement of swine, pork, pork products and pork by-products outside disease outbreak areas. This policy strengthens current procedures on said subject; and 3. Veterinary quarantine movement protocol during animal disease outbreaks and emergencies. This ensures a protocol is in place and to manage, contain and control a suspected swine disease.

Dar also urged the public to help stop spread of ASF. He speci�ically mentioned the backyard swine raisers as 65% of the industry are contributed by them. The appeal was made on the wake of dozens of pigs found �loating along Marikina River and a creek in Quezon City.

“It was utterly irresponsible on the part of the backyard raisers as they did not only violate current laws, but their misdoing also spread the disease pathogens much faster,” Dar deplored. “They violated Republic Act 8485 or the Animal Welfare Act, as they deprived their dead pigs of adequate care, maltreating them in the process.”

The suspected backyard raisers also violated Republic Act 9003 or the Solid Waste Management Act “as they brazenly and irresponsibly dumped dead pigs in public places like waterways.”

According to Dar, sickly animals deserve proper care and adequate treatment.

Should they eventually die, he said, there are strict protocols on how they should be disposed of.

In a separate press release, president Edwin Chen of the Pork Producers Federation of the Philippines suggested that hog raisers, particularly those from small backyards, should be advised to observe proper disposal of dead hogs.

“If the farm is in the backyard, the hogs (affected by ASF) should be culled �irst then buried immediately outside the farm at a depth (that may not be disturbed by other animals). Depending on the number, it should be within a certain depth, maybe two meters if there are only a few,” said Chen.

In commercial farms or in a locality, the agriculture department should �ind designated areas for burying the infected animals. “The site should not be near a waterway or a creek,” Chen suggested.

Dar also appealed to media not to sow fears about the disease. In a press statement, he said that unveri�ied and unvalidated reports “could create an irreversible damage to the country’s P260-billion swine industry that provides and sustains the livelihood of millions of Filipino families.”

The Philippines ranks third to China and Vietnam in terms of pig production in Asia, according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization.

Other top producers of pigs in the region are Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Indonesia, India and Malaysia.

Filipinos have been eating pork since time immemorial.

“The Philippines, before it was even called the Philippines, has always favored pork,” wrote Gela Velasco, author of an article, The History of Meat in the Philippines: Why Our Markets Carry Chicken, Beef and Pork but Not Horse or Crocodile.

“Pig meat was often raised

as offerings to the gods to curry their favor,” Velasco further wrote. “Pigs are also considered indigenous to our lands, with the Tagalog word ‘baboy’ also having variations in the Indonesian ‘babi’ and ‘bawi’ in Malayan. The existence of these similar words in neighboring countries is important because they con�irm that pig was a pre-colonial food source in Southeast Asia.”

A report from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development said that an average Filipino consumes about 14.2 kilograms of pork (2 kilograms more than the world’s average pork consumption).

In his social media account, Dar said that as long the pigs passed through the proper process of slaughtering and preparation, the public should not fear eating pork. “Pork and pork by-products are safe to eat,” he assured.

“Before slaughtering,” he wrote in his post, “a hog is validated and assessed by a veterinarian, who then issues a medical certi�icate. Once slaughtered, the meats are stamped with a seal from the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS), assuring that it has passed the food safety measures imposed by the government.”

Noel Reyes, DA spokesperson, however, urged consumers to buy pork that have been stamped with NMIS seal.

As long as the pork is bought from reliable sources, prepared and cooked properly, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III assured the public the meat is safe for human consumption.

“ASF is not a threat to human health,” Duque pointed out.

ASF is a viral disease of pigs and wild boar that is usually deadly; mortality rates are high as 100 percent. Unfortunately, there are still no vaccines available to treat the disease; even worse is that it cannot be cured. “For this reason, it has serious socio-economic consequences in af-

fected countries,” the website of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) warned.

ASF is caused by a unique virus which is distinct from that of classical swine fever and which infects only domestic and wild pigs and a variety of soft bodied ticks. The virus, endemic in Africa, circulates between warthogs and the soft bodied ticks which inhabit their burrows, according to the website, thepigsite.com.

The ticks transmit it through all stages of their life cycle and perpetuate it.

“ASF virus is relatively tough and can survive in the environment and in pig carcasses for a long time,” thepigsite.com states. “Curing and smoking pork products does not destroy it. Its main method of spread from country to country is via waste uncooked pork products fed to pigs.

It adds: “Its spread between herds within a country is by direct and, to a lesser extent, indirect contact between pigs. Indirect contact usually involves contamination from dead pig tissues and secretions.”

Humans are not susceptible to the disease. “The typical signs of African swine fever are similar to classical swine fever, and the two diseases normally have to be distinguished by laboratory diagnosis,” EFSA explains.

Symptoms include fever, loss of appetite, lack of energy, abortions, internal bleeding, with hemorrhages visible on the ears and �lanks. Sudden death may occur. Severe strains of the virus are generally fatal (death occurs within 10 days). Animals infected with mild strains of African swine fever virus may not show typical clinical signs.

The agriculture department said ASF is not a zoonotic disease. ASF is endemic in sub–Saharan Africa and was �irst described in 1921. In Europe, it has been endemic in Sardinia for several decades.

In 2007, outbreaks occurred

THE THREAT, P9

INdulge!

VOL.12 ISSUE 139 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20-21, 2019

EDGEDAVAO

SPECIAL FEATURE

PISD ON ITS 20TH YEAR:

CONTINUE PRODUCING VALUE LADEN LEADERS VALUES make people. It consistently moves them in the direction aligned with their core beliefs and personal vision.

On its 20th year, Precious International School of Davao (PISD) solidified its commitment of producing value-laden students and leaders by inculcating values through education to guide students mold their being, both in words and actions.

Dr. Perla Pichon-Kwan, principal and president of PISD, has put impetus on values by inculcating it to the students. She said it is the school’s top priority.

“Values is in our homeroom guidance. For me I value character more than any accomplishments because what will get you out of a child that is very intelligent but does not respect par-

ents? How do you evaluate a child that is excellent pero pagdating sa kanyang mga magulang ay walang respeto? We memorize Bible verses here. Para sa akin they should respect not only the parents but elders who are also the significant adults of their lives,” Kwan said.

At PISD, students as young as toddlers are encouraged to memorize Bible verses for them to become stronger Christians.

School assemblies are always well-represented by parents, grandparents and even nannies or surrogate parents.

“I really requested that yayas or surrogate parents to be around because what is taught at home followed by the big school. I always tell

PISD A4

Happy

2

th year to

Precious International School of Davao Congratulations and more power!

From: TAGUM COOPERATIVE

Precious International School of Davao principal and president Dr. Perla P. Kwan

EDGED

A2 INdulge!

SPECIAL FEATURE FROM PISD A1 the parents to follow up also,” she said.

Although, values education is the thrust of PISD, it does not mean the school puts the academics second fiddle. PISD is known for its strengths in Science, English, Filipino and Mathematics. PISD has been commended by the House of Representatives as one of the math centers in the Philippines.

“Because we are known to be math-centered. We always sent contestants part of the Philippine team is always from PISD. They always bring home medals, and the minimum is bronze. With that we can really say that we are on the right track,” she said.

Bigger dream, brighter gleam, same team PISD has bigger dreams for its learners.

“In PISD every child is important. Every year we have our saying or slogan for our celebration.

Bigger dream, we always have bigger dreams for our school and for the learners entrusted by the Lord for our care. I thanked the parents for their trust. Most of our parents have been here for quite a long time from preschool up to Grade 12,” Kwan said.

Everyone in the school is considered a family that is why parents and students stay at PISD. “Here, we are family. I want to be reachable by everyone teach-

ers, students even the parents.

We have grade school, preschool, high school, and senior high and I make myself available for everyone. In every building I have an office except in the grade school because I take the office of my son. But we are one family here. All of my teachers they are like my children, my own flesh and blood, and the parents and grandparents they are like my sisters,” she added.

In terms of relationship and

cooperation, PISD is rock-solid as members of any organizations work hand in hand. The usual Parents Teachers Association (PTA) of other schools is considered family in PISD. They call it Precious International Family Association giving emphasis on family. In fact, the parents teachers organization won the most effective PTA recognition in the entire Davao Region last year because they always work hand in hand in every undertaking.

“Our core officers they are like my children because they care so much for the school and the school is our common ground.

We all come from all walks of life but our common denominator is the school. I really thanked the parents because they entrusted their precious children to us. Dili sayon mangita ug school that you can entrust your child,” Kwan said.

Employing the best teachers With the thousands of teaching graduates nowadays, PISD takes pride of picking the best.

“Most of them have honors but that is not my basis kay daghan man ko ug pangutana sa ilaha during interview. Interview pa lang, if the accent is faulty, dili na nako na ipa-demo. Even if you are a summa cum laude, because mahirap na i-train kay 21 years old or 22 years old the tongue is already permanent,” Kwan said.

To enhance the teachers’ professional skills, PISD teachers undergo monthly trainings on teaching, pronunciation, giving tests, construction, measurement, homeroom guidance, and classroom management.

“I already have my key people

and they’re the ones training the younger teachers,. Kung may kulang insert lang ko,” Kwan said.

On its 20th year Founded by Kwan in June 1999 as the Davao Precious Child Academy, the school began with three faculty members, one secretary and 46 enrollees.

By the 2015-2016 school year, enrolment had increased to 2000. Presently, the school has a population of 2,292 students.

A of its mits duci are s natio and com ing i educ stren es co and “W we a Hala that beca that and The

EDAVAO

INdulge! A3

VOL.12 ISSUE 139 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20-21, 2019

As PISD faces another chapter ts storied existence, it coms to carry on its vision of proing value-laden leaders who spiritually founded, earnestly ionalistic, globally competent culturally sensitive. PISD mmits to continue strengthenits mission to provide quality cation that fortifies faith, ngthening character, enhancompetence, crosses barriers, foster patriotism.

Who would have thought that are on our 20th year already, a ka uy, I cannot imagine t we are already 20 years old ause it seems only yesterday t there were only 46 children now we have 2,292 students.

Lord is really good. For as

ENTERTAINMENT

KBO NOW AVAILABLE ON SKY, PREMIERES ‘BETWEEN MAYBES’ AND ‘MOMOL NIGHTS’

PISD’s Engr. Rogelio and Dr. Perla Kwan.

FRESH Filipino movie treats come to families every week as SKY starts offering a five-day access to KBO. Be among the first to catch Gerald Anderson and Julia Barretto’s movie, “Between Maybes” on TV. Shot in Japan, the movies gives viewers a glimpse of the lives of Hazel (Julia), a struggling actress who impulsively flies to Saga and Louie (Gerald), a man who decided that seclusion would help mend his broken heart.

See how the two strangers meet at the most vulnerable time of their lives and how will they change each other’s paths. Catch this on September 20 to 24 together with 8 bonus content – A KBO Special: The ABS-CBN Ball 2019, “Can We Still Be Friends?,” ‘Sisterakas,” “Walwal,” “The Third Party,” “One More Try,” and remastered versions of “Dekada ’70” and “Anak.”

In the timely iWant original “MOMOL Nights,” Kim Molina and Kit Thompson star as the loveless Peng (Kim) and the jaded Marco (Kit).

Peng is dared by her friends to make out with a complete stranger hoping it would help her find “the one.” One night, she crosses paths with Marco (Kit), whom she decides is the perfect man to make out with.

Where will her ‘MOMOL’ escapade lead her to? Will this be the answer of her loveless life? Find out on September 27-October 1 along with other love stories – “S.P.A.R.K.,” “Working Beks,” “Past Tense,” “The Mistress,” “Now That I Have You,” “Must Be Love,” “Everyday I Love You.” For only P30 per movie bundle, all SKY subscribers can catch the TV premieres of these films on KBO.

To avail of this offer, SKYdirect subscribers can text PPV (AIRING DATE) (BOX ID) to 23667 using Globe/TM. SKYcable subscribers can text PPV <ACCOUNT NO.> to 23662 or call 418-0000 or your local SKY office. To watch it on any device via SKY On Demand, SKY Fiber subscribers need only to activate online.

For more details, visit mysky.com.ph/ kbo30.

CHINKEE AND NOVE-ANN TAN LAUNCH NEW BOOK ‘PERA NI MISTER, PERA NI MISIS’ PISD Faculty. long as he sees the desire of your heart in consonant of his will, He will really bless you. For His greater glory,” she said.

Despite being relatively new, PISD has expanded its programs from toddlers to grade 12 complete with academic buildings in the grade school campus, high school campus, pre-school complex, and senior high complex.

PISD is an institution, which aims for quality education to answer the Davaoenos’ clamour for excellence and competitiveness at an affordable cost.

For its 20th anniversary, the school holds a weeklong celebration from September 18-22.

BESTSELLING author Chinkee and wife NoveAnn Tan have a new book to help husbands and wives manage their money and avoid financial stress entitled “Pera ni Mister, Pera ni Misis” published under ABS-CBN Books.

“It’s very hard to be transparent about money.

The goal is not to fight over money that’s why we made this so that it will be easier not just for couples but also for singles so that they’ll be prepared to deal with money once they get married,” shared Nove-Ann. In the book, the wealth coach and his wife of 20 years addressed the issue on why couples must talk about financial woes. “Marital problem is really painful and costly,” Chinkee said.

The authors identified key factors that affect families’ finances—including budgeting poorly, acquiring debts, lending money to relatives, and awful spending habits. They said that couples have to work together in saving up and achieving their financial dreams.

Aside from money management, the authors—who first collaborated in the “Happy Wife, Happy Life” book—also cited the 10 commandments to a happy marriage, compiling the lessons they learned together in the past two decades and the ones they witnessed from other couples.

Chinkee and Nove join the exciting roster of authors under ABS-CBN Books. The publishing arm

of the country’s leading media and entertainment company, ABS-CBN, continues to bring the Kapamilya experience in print with its extensive fiction, nonfiction, movie-based, self-help, and

inspirational reads.

Check out the practical tips from the inspiring Tan couple in “Pera ni Mister, Pera ni Misis,” available in leading bookstores and newsstands for only P190.

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UP AND ABOUT

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 139 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20-21, 2019

RENOWNED ART PERSONALITIES TO SHARE EXPERTISE IN MINDAART THE first ever Mindanao Art Fair, Exhibit, and Conference (MindanaoArt 2019) slated this October 4-6, 2019 gathers not just Mindanao artists at the Gaisano Mall of Davao Atrium but also brings in personalities who have made their name in visual arts from all over the country to share their knowledge in the MindanaoArtTalks to be held at the Philippine Women’s College of Davao RSM Event Center on October 5, 2019, Saturday.

The conference is open to the public on a first-come first-served seating arrangement.

MindanaoArtTalks is the conference component of MindanaoArt organized

by Lawig-Diwa Inc. through a grant by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts National Committee on Art Galleries (NCCA-NCAG).

The whole-day conference will be keynoted by Vim Nadera, an awardwinning poet, fictionist, playwright and essayist, who will set the tone that art transcends all media and will stress the importance of interdisciplinary ap-

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proach among and within the arts. The youngest director of the UP Institute of Creative Writing, Nadera pioneered poetry therapy in the country and the first expressive art workshop in Asia.

The first panel tackles “Artist Developing Audience” with Cid Reyes (art Criticism), Atty Elba Cruz (curation) and Gerry Leonardo (art education) with PWC prof. Wilfred Dexter ‘’Rob’’ G. Tanedo as moderator.

Reyes is the best known art critic in the country and has authored and co-authored nearly 40 books on art.

Cruz is a certified curator by Sotheby’s Institute of Art in New York. While Leonardo is a visual arts special education teacher at the Philippine High School for the Arts in Makiling.

The topic “Artist Curating Self” takes centerstage in the second panel with Leeroy New (Art Installation), Dominic Rubio (History as Subject Matter), and Rosalie Zerrudo (Artist Collaborating with communities) and discuss through their art practice the conscious and unconscious “motions”

Gerry Leonardo speaks on art education as a visual arts special education teacher at the Philippine High School for the Arts in Mt. Makiling, Los Banos, Laguna.

residency), Pope Dalisay (Art Competitions), and Melissa Yeung-Yap (Art as Social Enterprise).

Teotico is managing director of the Galerie Joaquin group of art galleries and publisher of Art+ magazine. Hilario is well-known for his sculptures that have have the distinct images of saints in contemporary forms. Dalisay, who is from Davao City, made his name in Metro Manila as an artists whose works are part bricolage, part sculpture. While Yeung-Yap has worked extensively with indigenous peoples groups in Mindanao as a social Atty. Elba Cruz is a Certified Curator by entrepreneur in her younger years but Sotheby’s Institute of Art in New York. has now focused on the Aetas in Tarlac,VOL.12 VOL.12 IS where her husband is a town mayor. of “curating the self”. The panel is Pope Dalisay hails from Davao City but has Providing entertainment breaks moderated by Professor Pamela Cascarved his name in the national capital. He is to the talks are Mindanao singertrillo of Ateneo de Davao University. a multi-awarded sculptor. composer Maan Chua and Mindanao’s New hails from General Santos and Foremost Contemporary dance Commover behind Inday Dolls, the creis regarded as one of the top Filipino pany the RMMC Teatro Ambahanon ations of female inmates in Iloilo City, contemporary installation artist but Philippines Contemporary Dance Co. who earned her masters in educational who became more popular for the MindanaoArt is a JULY project of DavaoNew York University. muscle dress worn by Lady Gaga in her theater at the VOL.12 VOL.12 ISSUE ISSUE 9484 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JULY 19-20, 5-6, 2019 based Lawig-Diwa Inc. through a grant The last panel ”Artist Selling Self” music video, Marry The Night, which by the National Commission on Culmoderated by PWC’s art educator he co-designed with Kermit Tesoro. ture and the Arts-National Committee Rubio is among few artists most sought Professor Emi Englis, where the guests on Art Galleries with the support of discuss the business of selling visual after by collectors who spent a few Gaisano Mall of Davao and the Philiparts with Jack Teotico (Gallery Busiyears perfecting his art here in Davao VOL.12 VOL.12 ISSUE ISSUE 9484 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JULY JULY 19-20, 5-6, 2019 pine Women’s College of Davao. PR ness Practitioner), Riel Hilario (Artist City. While Rosalie Zerrudo is the

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EDGEDAVAO DAVAO EDGE EDGEDAVAO DAVAO EDGE

UP AND FURNITURE A1 ABOUTa silly method but for EJ and

EDGEDAVAO DAVAO EDGE

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 139 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20-21, 2019

DEADLINE.. FROM1

Oros, and Bobong dela Cruz yielded at the DNPPO. Rosalito Abrea and Jemuel Traya surrendered to the DSPPO while a certain Vincent Tabigue also yielded to the DOPPO. Ramon Valiente, Roberto Sivuyan and Rosendo Ernoso turned themselves in at the CVPPO.

Lastly, Celito Tablingon surrendered at the DOCPPO. These bene�iciaries of GCTA law will undergo further recomputation and investigation.

Meanwhile, PRO 11 spokesperson Police Major Jason Baria said the deadline given by the President

ended last Wednesday, September 18, and those who refused to yield are now considered fugitives.

PRO 11 established a tracker unit in every Provincial Police Of�ices and DCPO to hunt these fugitives as mandated by the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Ayop said they will still investigate each of the seven other suspects to decide

who will be included in the charges.

Malaza was elected to

the Provincial Board in the May 13, 2019 elections.

(PNA)

country.”, First Lieutenant Reymal Lopez, team leader of the 4th Scout Ranger Company, said. He added that they are grateful not on the amount granted by the EC programs but on the thought that their service to the country is valued.

Integral part of the EC programs is the granting of P10,000 for every

wounded and P15,000 for every killed in action. This is in addition to the various EC bene�its that can be claimed at the GSIS. The cash assistance is pursuant to the provision under the ECC Quick Response Program.

Stella Zipagan-Banawis, the ECC Executive Director, explained that through

the EC Programs the men and women in uniform are assured of a continuous assistance for their dependents in case a contingency arises. “EC Bene�its signify the people’s appreciation on the imperative contribution of the military to the country’s peace and progress.” she added. (ECC-REUXI)

Currently, Pinili said they are conducting information education campaign to backyard hog raisers by giving them lectures on biosecurity and the prohibition of swill feeding.

“Kay basi ang lamaw naay infected na meat then mapakaon sa baboy ang mahitabo ma-infect ang baboy. Naa tay mga lectures ana sa atong mga barangay. We have livestock technicians in Davao City

nga conduct ug seminar regarding ASF to the backyard hog raisers,” she said.

For disease surveillance, Pinili said everyday they monitor slaughterhouses and requiring them to get an animal inspection certi�icate.

“Kung wala to nga certi�icate dili pud sya puwede mamatada, no animal certi�icate, no slaughtering because dili ta assured that those animals ang healthy

enough for slaughtering,” she said.

Livestock technicians are also active in monitoring backyard raisers in various barangays.

“Everytime naay report na nagkasakit or naay namatay gina-paadtuan namo para ma-verify. Once veri�ied, mu-submit sila ug report sa among of�ice, then we will submit the report to the Bureau of Animal Industry,” Pinili said.

destroys the plant.

Romano said this town will put up a banana tissue

culture laboratory and a village type Trichoderma to support local farmers.

MAO said there are 572 banana farmers in the municipality. (PNA)

rebels as appropriate cases would be �iled against them if found they are supporting the movement.

“Military intelligence reports indicated that several village of�icials in

Makilala have been supporting the communist rebels long before. Put a stop to it or face the consequences,” Rosales said.

The NPA, together with the Communist Party of

the Philippines, is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines. (PNA)

predecessor, Bishop Dinualdo Gutierrez, who died last year.

Fuentes lost the gubernatorial race last May to Reynaldo Tamayo Jr., then mayor of Tupi town.

Tamayo has not categorically expressed support or opposition to SMI’s project but said he will respect the prevailing ban on open-pit mining, which is being challenged in the court.

“We will strengthen our campaign against mining even more in Tampakan,” he said.

Jayvee Garganera, Alyansa Tigil Mina national coordinator, said the amend-

ment of the environment code is now the discretion of the local government and the provincial board.

He said the objective must be consistent with other national laws in case the code will be updated.

“It (provincial board) should take into consideration the clean air act, clean water act, climate emergency, administrative orders if their intent is to strengthen the environment code,” Garnagera said.

SMI is consistent with its stand that responsible and safe method of openpit mining is the only workable way of extracting the mineral deposits in Tam-

pakan.

The company, according to its website, remained committed to help the communities in their project areas to be sustainable.

It has invested PHP36.7 million for education and skills training, community health, infrastructure, enterprise development, and information, education and communication in 2018.

The company believes that once developed, the project has the potential to be a key driver of national development and regional growth as well as socio-economic development for its host communities.

(PNA)

health conscious consumers, a market opportunity

for rice farmers affected by the rice liberalization, he

said. (Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)

entered into a partnership that enabled McDonald's to accept credit, debit and

prepaid card payments of those powered by Visa, Mastercard, and JCB either

via the NXTGEN stores or over the regular store counter. (PNA)

DAVSUR.. FROM2

MARAWI.. FROM2

TEMPORARY.. FROM3

DAVNOR.. FROM3 NORCOT.. FROM3 BISHOP.. FROM3

PINOY.. FROM4

DIOKNO.. FROM4

9

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

is in need of

Accounting Clerks Qualifications: • BS Accountancy / Accounting Technology Graduate or any business related courses • Male/Female • Can work with minimum supervision • With or without experience

Account Executives Qualifications: • BS Marketing Graduate or any related courses • Male/Female • With pleasing personality • With or without experience and willing to be train

Social Media Lead Qualifications: • Candidate must be creative and enjoys social media • Experience in creating social media post for news, business and organization • Good command of English • Experience in graphic design is a plus Send your application letter and resume to: Ella P. Tingzon HR/Admin Supervisor Edge Davao Review Publishing Inc. Door 14 ALCREJ Bldg., E. Quirino Avenue, Davao City or email at edgedavao@gmail.com or ella_tingzon@yahoo.com

SMC.. FROM5

added.

The DOTr formally issued SMHC the Notice of Award on August 14, 2019, two weeks after the conclusion of the Swiss Challenge where SMHC’s unsolicited proposal went uncontested.

The Bulacan International Airport is envisioned to help decongest the Ninoy Aquino International Airport and complement

the operations of Clark International Airport, in order to serve the current and anticipated rapid growth in aviation traf�ic demand in the greater capital region.

The new gateway will have four parallel runways for faster turnover of aircraft, eight taxiways, a Passenger Terminal Building with a design capacity of 100 million to 200 million passengers per year, and

air�ield facilities and equipment.

Additionally, an eight-kilometer toll road connecting the Bulacan Airport to the North Luzon Expressway will be constructed to aid travelers to and from the airport.

Located in the municipality of Bulakan, the massive gateway is targeted for operations within four to six years. (PR)

The economist-lawmaker said his committee would soon conduct a hearing on the risks posed

by POGOs. “We are trying to assess it and then we will conduct a committee hearing, probably jointly with the other committee. This is not for

one mind to crack. I’m telling you, it has returns. It’s high risk...high risk, high return for the Philippines as an economy,” Salceda said.

Finance Undersecretary Karl Chua, meanwhile, said the government would padlock POGOs that do not pay correct taxes through

Oplan Kandado.

“We have an existing administrative regulation called Oplan Kandado.

If you refuse to pay your proven liabilities repeatedly, then we will apply the Oplan Kandado fairly to anyone who doesn’t comply,” Chua said. (PNA)

pionship race with eight matches left for each in their season schedule.

Herrera and Treyes, however, will miss Ceres Negros' next game

back at the said venue on Sunday against Stallion Laguna, which drew with Mendiola, 0-0, later Wednesday at the Aboitiz Pitch in Lipa.

Mintah, meanwhile, will sit out Kaya Iloilo's home game against Air Force at the Iloilo City Sports Complex also on Sunday. (PNA)

in Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan and the European part of Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus.

Late last year, outbreaks of ASF was reported in China.

In recent months, however, the disease is already affecting the pig herds in some Southeast Asian countries like Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and

Myanmar. Because of this, Filipino swine raisers are advised to strengthen and strictly implement farm biosecurity measures.

In Manila, Senator Sonny Angara urged the government to “break the glass” of DA’s P1-billion quick response fund to stop ASF spread. “This ASF

is by all accounts a calamity,” he said in a statement. “It may not have the dramatic footage that typhoons create, but in terms of damage to livelihood, and the households affected, it is just as damaging.” – ### (With reports from Maya M. Padillo and Adam B. Morrell)

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 139 â&#x20AC;˘ FRIDAY-SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20-21, 2019

GRVTY Studios.

Tattoo + hip-hop at Music Haven

By ADAM B. MORRELL

Y

ears back, tattoos and hip hop music are considered taboo with its unglori�ied reputation being incorporated with convicts and gangs.

Up to this very day, negative perceptions on these forms of art have remained.

Although the pop-culture has vastly helped on the acceptance of ink art and hip-hop, to some it is still a form of rebellion and criminality.

With the passion to fossilize these stigma in the community they are living, local artists of Davao City created a collaboration that will change the people's perception on the craft they love doing the most, perhaps, their bread and butter.

We Are Ink in partnership with GRVTY Studios will hold a tattoo and hip hop music event dubbed as "City of Thorns x Kinapaay"

slated September 28 at Music Haven in F. Torres.

Loy Kabigting, a renowned tattoo artist in the metro and one of the persons behind We Are Ink, said this event will raise the awareness of the people that tattoo is not a representation of criminality but a sacred art practiced by Filipino's ancestors.

"Even yung mga ninuno natin like Lapu-Lapu ay may tattoo. We are actually named "Pintados" before," Kabigting said.

Apart from that, Kabigting said the primary objective of this tattoo event is to bring back the standard of the tattoo industry which is slowly losing its proper practice.

"As we have noticed, yung mga tattoo competitions natin sa outdoor na nilalagay. Basically, dapat sa indoor talaga yan siya. Kaya

gusto namin i-emphasize dito yun," Kabigting, a practioner of proper hygiene in applying tattoo, said.

The tattoo event expects seasoned artists from all over the Philippines.

"An American tattoo enthusiast and an ink owner will also join us and will share with us different tips about tattoo," Kabigting said.

Kid Martinito of GRVTY Studios, meanwhile, explained that they have been holding hip hop events monthly to keep the local hip hop scene alive.

"This event will be our 14th edition since last year.

We are doing this to showcase hip hop acts and artists from different provinces of Davao Region," he said, adding that they also aims to provide avenue for hip hop artists and rappers to exhibit their original crafts.

The hip hop scene in

Davao City, before Fliptop and other social media-based hip hop acts rose to prominence and lured the young generations to continue the practice, was strongly towed away from extinction by the community where the GRVTY Studios belong.

The reputation of this art was also entirely blemished when gangs used to represent hip hop as violence rather than music and art.

"We are only celebrating here good music and rhymes and not violence," Martinito said together with Vlynz "LuvSoRare" Eugenio, Basilio "Jr. BOT" Togonon and Vince "VNZ" Ramos of GRVTY Studios.

While best of the best tattoo artists inks their models in the morning, poets and composers will jive with the beats at night during the event.

Loy Kabigting of We Are Ink holds the poster of the event.

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE with Deed of Absolute Sale Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late FLORENCIA E. DENIEGA who died on January 6, 2013 at Aumbay, Samal District, Davao Del Norte, Philippines has been the subject of EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE with Deed of Absolute Sale executed among her heirs, per Doc. No.59; PageNo.13; Book No.178, Series of 2019, of the NOTARY PUBLIC ATTY.FATIMA IRENE T. ADIN.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 139 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20-21, 2019

11

NBA 2K20 Global championship set

T Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao greet each other during the game between the Charlotte Hornets and LA Clippers on January 8, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. Andrew D. Bernstein, NBAE via Getty Images/AFP

Arum to Manny: Fight Floyd or retire

L

OS ANGELES -- Veteran boxing promoter Bob Arum believes Manny Pacquiao should retire from the sport soon unless he can land a lucrative rematch with Floyd Mayweather.

Arum, who promoted Pacquiao during the Filipino icon's golden years, told the World Boxing News website he wanted to see the 40-year-old hang up his gloves soon.

Pacquiao, who won a bruising 12-round battle

with Keith Thurman to capture the WBA welterweight crown in July, has not scheduled his next �ight.

But Arum said he believed Pacquiao, who turns 41 in December, would be risking lasting damage if he extends his career much further.

"Pacquiao, I promoted him for many, many years," Arum told World Boxing News.

"He's an exceptionally good human being, really

Children's Games ease 120 kids' rough journey

A

round 120 participants climbed mountains as others waded through a rivers just to join the Happiness Project Mindanao-initiated Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Sports for Peace Children's Games at the Barangay Tawantawan covered court in Baguio District in Davao City last September 14.

The Happiness Project Mindanao incorporated a tree planting activity near Panigan River before Larong Pinoy games were played by the children.

PSC Mindanao cluster head Ed Fernandez said, "Children from the outskirts of Barangay Tawantawan were fetched because it was hard for them to come to the barrio center. They wade through rivers, climbed mountains, rode precariously in trunks and walked kilometers of dirt road to be at the multi-purpose gym."

Of the 120 children who came, 80 percent were indigenous peoples

(IPs), particularly Manobos.

Barangay Tawantawan is a remote barangay in the third district of Davao and is home to the IPs and city's watershed.

Happiness Project Mindanao director EJ Fernandez spearheaded the plant and play activity in partnership with PSC. PSC Chairman William I. Ramirez, in a recent meeting with PSC Mindanao staff in Davao City, reiterated President Rodrigo R. Duterte's directive to bring sports to the grassroots level.

The Children's Games series in Davao region were also held recently in New Bataan, Compostela Valley with 200 participants, Lower Tamugan in Davao City also with 200 kids and Malita, Davao Occidental with 250 children.

Up next will be the Children's Games in Agdao, Davao City on September 28 and in Maragusan, Compostela Valley on September 27 and 28.

a �ine guy, extraordinarily charitable and a delight.

"But he's (almost) 41-years-old. And if you're 41 you can't take punishment. You can't take blows like he did in the Thurman �ight.

"Sure, he won that �ight – but he took a lot of punishment. That punishment is going to have a serious effect on how he lives the rest of is life."

Arum, who earlier this year said he feared Pacquiao

risked brain damage before his �ight with Thurman, said however the Filipino should consider a rematch with Mayweather.

Mayweather, who is now retired, defeated Pacquiao in their 2015 "Fight of the Century" which largely failed to live up to the hype.

"If he gets Mayweather, do that �ight and retire," said Arum. "If he doesn't get Mayweather he should retire. It's not worth it for him to continue boxing."

oday, 2K is excited to announce it is partnering with the National Basketball Association (NBA), National Basketball Players Association (NBPA), and ESL, the world’s largest esports company, to create the NBA 2K20 Global Championship.

Featuring more than $100,000 in prizes, the NBA 2K20 Global Championship is a new competitive tournament designed for aspiring NBA 2K20 players worldwide. The global tournament will feature headto-head competition in a series of online and of�line events that will take place from October 2019 to February 2020, culminating in a �inal event in the United States to crown the �irst-ever NBA 2K20 global champion.

Registration is open today at www.nba2kgc. com.

“We’re excited to partner with the NBA, NBPA and ESL to create this �irst-of-its-kind tournament for NBA 2K,” said Jason Argent, Senior Vice President of Basketball Operations at 2K. “For anyone who is interested to test how their skills match up on a global scale, we encourage you to register and see if you truly have what it takes to become the best headto-head player in the world.”

“The global scale of the tournament re�lects the incredible growth of basketball around the world,” said Matthew

Holt, NBA Senior Vice President, Consumer Products & Gaming Partnerships. “The NBA 2K20 Global Championship offers a chance for anyone in the world to compete.”

“We are thrilled to be working with these partners in creating this milestone event in gaming,” said Josh Goodstadt, EVP of Licensing for the NBPI, the commercial arm of the NBPA. “Our players come from all over the world and this is a unique experience which will allow fans from every corner of the globe to engage and compete with them through NBA 2K.” From October to November 2019, aspiring NBA 2K20 players will compete in local online quali�iers in the Americas, Europe and Asia-Paci�ic regions that will lead to online playoffs, which will determine who advances to the regional �inals. Regional �inals will be held as live events at the ESL studios in Los Angeles, Paris and Sydney, where each winner will receive $15,000 and other prizes from the NBA and 2K. The Global Finals will be held on February 22, 2020 at the ESL studio in Los Angeles, where eight �inalists will compete to determine who will be crowned the �irst-ever global champion. The winner of the NBA 2K20 Global Championship will receive $100,000 in prizes.

Ceres-Negros closes in on PFL title

C

eres Negros moved closer to clinching the Philippines Football League title after beating Kaya Iloilo, 2-0, in their crucial third meeting of the season at the Biñan Football Stadium on Wednesday.

Mike Ott opened the scoring for Ceres Negros with a 16th minute goal, while OJ Porteria added another in the 30th minute for the �inal count.

However, both teams �inished the match with 10 men each as Super

Herrera and Jordan Mintah were sent off following some roughing while going for the ball in the air.

Ceres Negros assistant coach Ian Treyes was also ejected from the match for continu-

ously complaining.

Nevertheless, Ceres Negros, which is now with 46 points after 16 games, opened a ninepoint lead over Kaya Iloilo, which remained stuck at 37, in the cham-

CERES-NEGROS, P9

PURE JOY. A young girl enjoys playing the sack race during the Happiness Project Mindanao-initiated PSC Children’s Games held September 14 in Barangay Tawantawan, Baguio District, Davao City. EJ FERNANDEZ

12 SPORTS

IT’S BACK EDGEDAVAO

EDGEDAVAO

SPORTS

VOL.12 ISSUE 139 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, VOL.12 ISSUE 78 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER JUNE 20-21, 27, 2019

Milo Marathon Davao leg returns on October 20

By ADAM B. MORRELL

A

fter a year of hia- decline ng participants tus, the country’s kaya siguro may mga most prestigious legs na di muna sinali,” marathon quali�iers re- Mojica said. turns to Davao City this With the return of year. the Davao qualifying run, Vantage Sports pres- Sai expects more than ident Kenneth Sai an- 10,000 runners from all nounced during Thurs- over Davao Region to vie day’s Davao Sportswrit- for the coveted slots to ers Association (DSA) the National Leg. Forum at the Annex of Registration is ongoSM City Davao the stag- ing at Tobys in Abreeza ing of the 42nd National Mall of Davao and will Milo Marathon Davao leg last until October 10. on October 20 at an out Registration fees are and back course in SM pegged at P1,000 (21K), Lanang Premier.

P900 (10K), P160 (5K The annual Nation- and 3K adults), and al Milo Marathon was P110 (5K and 3K stuscrapped in various dents). Participants provinces including will receive a race bib Davao City in 2018. Or- and singlet for all catganizers did not disclose egories while a sling the reason behind the bag comes for 21K cancellation of last year’s and 10K runners. leg in Davao.

The event will feaVantage Sports co- ture four distances ordinator Marion Moji- including the premier ca said the decision to 21 10K, 5Kyet.

Manny Pacquiao sayskilometer, even at 40, he is not finished scrap the leg last year and 3K for men and was purely Milo’s call. women.

“Napansin kasi yung pag Sai said the course

EDGEDAVAO

for each distance will be just about the same as the previous routes which will all begin and end at the SM Lanang Premier open parking area.

The 21K will cover R. Castillo to Quimpo Boulevard with turning point at Citi Hardware in Ecoland and back. The 10K will also head t o

R. Castillo with turning point at DCLA in Magsaysay Avenue and back.

The 5K will follow the route going to Grandland in R.

SEE STORY ON P11

40 pairs of shoes and 100 basketballs to �ive selected schools in D ava o City.

EDGEDAVAO

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EDGEDAVAO DAVAO 14 12 EDGE

Castillo and back while the 3K course will have the Grand Regal Hotel as turnaround point.

Apart from the fun and exciting race, Milo Marathon continues its community engagement advocacy by donating a total o f

VOL.11 VOL.12 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, VOL.12 ISSUE 21 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, APRIL 7-8, 2019 VOL.12 ISSUE 55 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MAY 26-27,