Edge Davao Volume 12 Issue 18 | Wednesday, April 3, 2019

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PANAMA DISEASE. Plant workers remove the plastic that were used to wrap newly-harvested bananas at a processing plant of a banana plantation in Sto. Tomas, Davao del Norte. A Mindanao Banana Farmers and Exporters Association, Inc. (MBFEA) executive revealed that many planters have abandoned their banana farms due to fusarium wilt disease which destroyed their crop. Lean Daval Jr

NOT AFFECTED Mindanao power supply stable despite El Niño: MinDA P5-M for DN Malasakit Center ► SUBURBIA RISING P5

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he Mindanao grid would not be affected by the El Niño phenomenon due to its current energy mix and suf�icient supply status, Mindanao Development Authority Assistant Secretary Romeo Montenegro said.

“Mindanao’s current energy mix and supply status may be able to spare Mindanao from the effects of long dry spell to our power situation,” Montenegro said on Tuesday.

He explained that the hydropower sources now

accounted for 30 percent of Mindanao’s energy mix unlike �ive years ago when it was 50 percent, making the island’s power production vulnerable to environmental disturbances.

“Mindanao also enjoys power surplus averaging

800 megawatts mostly coming from coal-�ired power plants which have recently come online,” the of�icial said.

As of 1 p.m. on Tuesday, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines said the Mindanao grid has a reserve of 569 megawatts.

But Montenegro said that for some electric cooperatives or distribution

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2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 18 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3, 2019

36TH CABINET MEETING. President Rodrigo Duterte greets Labor and Employment Secretary Silvestre Bello III prior to the start of the 36th Cabinet Meeting at the Malacañan Palace on Monday night. Also in the photo is Health Secretary Francisco Duque III. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

Maguindanao town exec pushes peace, progress

By ADAM B. MORRELL

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atu Abdullah Sangki mayor Bai Mariam Sangki-Mangundadatu promised to nurture peace while focusing on the progress and development of the province.

Speaking before over 1,000 supporters and leaders from the government and private sectors during the 1st Grand Kanduli in Sultan Kudarat on Monday, April 1, Mangundadatu, who is running for Governor in Maguindanao, said no one will be left behind in Maguindanao if the people will give her a chance to serve.

“Ang ating hangarin ay kung papaano po mag-

karoon ng katihimikan at kaunlaran patungo sa pagbabago ng probinsya,” Mangundadatu said.

She also challenged herself to compete with Sultan Kudarat, whose Governor Sultan Pax Mangundadatu is her father-in-law, in terms of progress in livelihood, peace and health services among others.

“H’wag tayo matakot mangarap at h’wag din tayo kuripot mangarap. Kung

PRRD orders review of all gov’t contracts

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resident Rodrigo Duterte is “upset” over the provision in the concession agreement with Maynilad Water Services Inc. which won last year an arbitration case over its P3.44-billion indemnity claim from the Philippine government, a Cabinet of�icial said Tuesday.

During the Cabinet meeting on Monday in Malacañang, the President directed Solicitor General Jose Calida and Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra to study the arbitration case.

Maynilad scored victory in October 2018 at the High Court of Singapore over the P3.44-billion compensation it sought from the government for revenue losses as a result of the unimplemented water rate adjustment.

“The President was upset about a provision in the concession agreement that if the Republic interferes in any manner that will reduce or delay the implementation of agreed water rates, the Republic will indemnify the utility compa-

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nagagawa nila ito sa Sultan Kudarat, magagawa din natin ito sa Maguindnao,” Mangundadatu added.

Her platform and dream for the province, she said, are attainable through the support of her trusted political leaders which belongs to royal families that includes the Mangundadatus, Masturas, Sinsuats, Midtimbangs, Ibays, Ampatuans and Sangkis among others.

Mangundadatu served as a mayor of Datu Abdullah Sangki from 2013 and has transformed a then sleeping town to a developed one through the years.

As an empowered woman and a mother of three children, Mangundadatu has nurtured her hometown like her own child.

Aside from implementing infrastructure projects including the concreting and rehabilitation of existing roads, Mangundadatu has also maintained peace and order in the town known for its low crime rate.

In a nutshell, Mangundadatu gave life to a town in Maguindanao that was once no one could even remember.

Datu Abdullah Sangki mayor Bai Mariam Sangki-Mangundadatu delivers her platform as she bids in the Maguindanao gubernatorial race in this year’s midterm election during the 1st Grand Kanduli held in Sultan Kudarat.

Probe sought on assassination plot against former Cabinet exec Evasco

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he family of former Cabinet secretary Leoncio Evasco, Jr. has asked the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to probe a reported assassination plot against the gubernatorial candidate in Bohol.

In a letter given on Monday, Evasco’s wife and children request-

ed NBI Director Dante Gierran to assign a special team from the bureau’s central of�ice to unmask the assassins and their contractors should the supposed plot be found true.

The letter said “persistent reports” of an assassination plot convinced Evasco to heed his family’s

appeals for him to be provided security escorts during the campaign period.

The family patriarch quit the Cabinet secretary’s post last year to seek the Bohol governor’s seat under the Nationalist People’s Coalition-Hugpong ng Pagbabago.

“Considering that

the political rivalry in Bohol is getting intense, there is no room for complacency,” the letter stated.

The Evasco family said friends and supporters had noticed “unmarked motorcycles occasionally running alongside the service vehicle of the gubernatorial candidate.”

VOL.12 ISSUE 18 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3, 2019

NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

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Mangudadatu pins hope BARMM leadership can push peace, dev't

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aguindanao second district Representative and senatorial aspirant Dong Mangudadatu pins hope on the leadership of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to further push peace and development.

Mangudadatu, who backed the approval of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), is optimistic the newly-inaugurated BARMM can contribute to the further development of Mindanao that has been neglected for many years.

The Mindanao leader believes that peace and development within BARMM will spill over to the neighboring provinces and cities. He said peace will spur development not only on the island, but the entire country.

“Kung maitaguyod natin ang kapayapaan, lalo na sa Mindanao, mae-engganyo ang mga investors na pumunta at magtayo ng negosyo. Ito ay magbibigay ng oportunidad at trabaho sa ating mga kababayan,” he said.

Mangudadatu, whose peace and development top his legislative agenda, said many people not familiar of Mindanao would not see its big potential as the driver of the country’s economy.

“Napakalaki po ng potensyal ng Mindanao na maaari nating pakinabangan lalo na ang malaking natural gas reserve,” he said.

If peace reigns, Mangudadatu said, many Filipinos working abroad would choose to return home and work for the country.

“Kung may kapayapaan, maaari nang umuwi sa ating bansa ang mahigit dalawang milyong OFW na naghihirap at pinapasakitan sa abroad.

Magiging malapit na sila sa kanilang pamilya at

magbibigay din ito ng peace of mind sa kanilang mga mahal sa buhay,” he added.

Moreover, Mangudadatu said the government will now think of spending money for Mindanao’s development rather than spending billions of taxpayers money on bullets and military armaments.

“Nandyan din po ang matitipid natin mula sa daandaang bilyong piso na cost of war na hinuhugot mula sa kaban ng bayan o taxpayers’ money —mula ka man sa kamaynilaan o mga karatig probinsya,” he said.

Mangudadatu said he knows the consequences of armed con�lict being a resident of Maguindanao, the setting of most of Mindanao’s wars in the last 40 years. It is one of the country’s poorest provinces.

The armed con�lict in Mindanao has stunted the island’s growth. Mangudadatu, however, remains optimistic that the new BARMM leadership will continue to push Mindanao, especially the Moro areas, to progress.

President Rodrigo Duterte even believed on him as “one of the good leaders of the Moro people, who will promote peace in Mindanao.”

Mangudadatu earned the endorsement of the President believing on his capability and ability in helping the government in its peace and development programs.

“We would understand more the problems of the country. And maybe, just maybe, solve it easier kung mayroon tayong Moro para may representative ang lahat ng tao,” the President said.

Mangudadatu runs under the banner of the President’s party – Partido Demokratikong Pilipino – Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) and strongly endorsed by Mayor Sara Duterte-led Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP).

IT'S ME. A netizen checks out the Facebook post containing the images and news items about Jim Paredes on Tuesday. Paredes has directly addressed an explicit video that went viral on social media on Monday, saying the video was "fake" before backtracking hours later and admitting it was real. Lean Daval Jr

Palace: No gov’t funds used in pro-Duterte FB accounts M alacañang on Monday assured the public that no government funds were used to pay for the creation of Facebook accounts, groups, and pages which supported President Rodrigo R. Duterte.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo made this remark after around 200 pro-Duterte accounts, groups, and pages operating in a network built by communications strategist Nicanor Gabunada Jr. were taken down for involvement in a “coordinated and inauthentic behavior”.

“I don’t think the President has anything to do with those Facebook accounts which were initiated during the campaign or even during the assump-

tion of his presidency. He doesn’t know anything about it,” Panelo said in a Palace brie�ing.

“The President has nothing to do with that and we’ll not allow that,” he added.

Gabunada, Social Media Director of the Duterte Campaign, claimed he was being “singled out” for having his account/s taken down while accounts which belonged to those who supported the opposition were not.

Facebook head of cybersecurity policy Nathaniel Gleicher, however, said that Gabunada’s network was removed for misleading people using a network of fake accounts.

Panelo emphasized that other candidates including the opposition have utilized social media to win the election.

Moreover, he said even without the strong social media in�luence which may have helped boost his chances of winning the presidential seat, the overwhelming majority voted him into of�ice.

“Both sides were very active during the campaign.

It’s still the people who

Efren Elbanbuena, ex-PIA 11 chief, 66

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REST IN PEACE SIR EFREN. Former Philippine Information Agency (PIA) 11 director Efren Elbanbuena passes away at the of 66 year old on Tuesday. Photo from Facebook account of Efren Elbanbuena

decided and most of them are not in social media. The overwhelming majority that voted him into of�ice -- I don’t think they have Facebook accounts of whatever. These are the masses,” Panelo said.

Panelo further said Duterte was elected into of�ice because his campaign promises as a candidate resonated with the masses.

“His time was just right.

The Filipino people needed somebody like him and his entry was just the appropriate time,” Panelo said.

Duterte, who promised to �ight drugs, crime, and corruption, won the elections by a landslide 16.6 million votes. (PNA)

fren F. Elbanbuena, former regional director of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA)Davao Region, passed away around 6 a.m. on Tuesday at the San Pedro Hospital in Davao City. He was 66.

Elbanbuena’s niece, Grace Gecosala Santos, announced his death on Facebook at around 9:00 a.m. and asked for prayers from his family and friends for her uncle.

“Today is a sad day for our family because the last member of our El Flo (Elbanbuena-Flores) Clan passed away just this morning, April 2, 2019. Asking for your prayers for the repose of his soul Efren Flores Elbanbuena. Rest in peace my dear uncle. You will be sadly missed.. Good-

bye, Choy,” Santos wrote.

Prayers and condolences from family, friends, and media colleagues poured on Elbanbuena’s timeline.

Santos said Elbanbuena, who had been con�ined at the hospital since March 23, experienced dif�iculty breathing and suffered from a complication due to diabetes.

She said a pacemaker would have been implanted after he experienced an “irregular heartbeat,” but the complication that occurred prevented him from undergoing the procedure.

The former of�icial took the helm of the PIA-Davao for 25 years, from 1993 until he retired from government service in February 2018. (Antonio L. Colina IV/ MindaNews)

4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 18 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3, 2019

WB sees PH GDP growth at 6.4 percent in 2019

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RETAIN. Stalls selling ready-to-wear clothes occupy what use to be Victoria Plaza’s fountain and activity center. The management of New City Commercial Center (NCCC), who formally took over Victoria Plaza last week, said they will are willing to retain the iconic mall’s tenants. Lean Daval Jr

Cathay Dragon to increase Davao-Hong Kong flights C athay Dragon will increase the frequency of its Davao City-Hong Kong �lights from four to six times a week from April 4 to May 4, following a strong demand from local and Chinese tourists during summer, an company of�icial said.

Camille Rosales, the airline’s sales executive for Mindanao, said in an interview on Monday that the �irm, using its 236-seater Airbus 320 and A321 jets, hopes to serve more travelers from both sides as it expects the demand for Davao-Hong Kong to spike during summer.

She said Cathay Drag-

on has been seeing a good number of passengers, mostly tourists and overseas Filipino workers, for its Davao City-Hong Kong �lights since its launch on October 30, 2018.

Rosales said the demand from both sides continues to grow.

“There is good acceptance for the international

�light. It’s really good,” she said.

The City Tourism Of�ice recorded a total of 2.39 million tourists in 2018.

There were 2 million visitors in 2017.

Chinese tourists were the third biggest market of the city with 10,827.

Americans were �irst with 21,324 followed by Japanese with 12,800.

The city also recorded 8,936 Korean visitors, 7,117 Australians, 6,509 Indians, 5,392 Canadians, 4,985 Singaporeans, 4,287 British, 2,703 Emiratis,

2,449 Malaysians, 2,398 Germans, 2,338 Thais, 2,242 Saudia Arabians, and 1,868 Taiwanese in 2018.

Cathay’s Davao-Hong Kong �lights currently rank second in terms of the number of �lights from the city to foreign destinations.

The other major international �lights are the Davao-Singapore trips of SilkAir and Cebu Pacific and the Davao-Quanzhou in Jinjiang, China departures of XiamenAir launched on December 18, 2018. (Antonio L. Colina IV/MindaNews)

Philippines.

“Congratulations to all the documents, all the agreements that we have signed. These are several memorandum of understanding that will open up the Indonesia market to some of the agriculture products, on bananas, and hopefully we can include further later on other agriculture products...,” Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said in a press brie�ing after the signing of the MOUs. Lopez pointed out the USD5.6 billion to USD5.8 billion trade de�icit between the Philippines and Indonesia is not limited to agriculture products.

He said they are thus seeking the inclusion of non-agricultural products to be able to enter the Indonesian market.

“Our request really boils down to allowing export from the Philippines to grow faster because right now, we are already

in the de�icit. That means that we have to increase our supply of both agriculture and non-agriculture products,” he added.

The trade chief cited examples of these non-agriculture products as cosmetics, smart cards, electronic integrated circuits, parts and accessories of motor vehicles and of�ice machines, copper cathodes, transmission shafts, ignition wirings and other industrial products.

To balance trade between the two countries especially in agriculture, Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol said Indonesia just needs to allow more Philippine goods to enter its market, which is the fourth most populous country in the world today.

Piñol said Indonesia has conveyed that Philippines can start exporting shallots and bananas immediately.

He cited a signed docu-

ment indicating that Indonesia acknowledges that bananas from Mindanao are free from pests and diseases thus, opening their market to Philippine exports.

He bared that Trade Minister Lukita has also assured the Philippines that its traditional export to Indonesia, tobacco, would be “given space” in the Indonesian market.

He said Lukita also favorably granted the country’s request to allow entry of poultry products to Indonesia, and facilitate the access of Pilmico Foods Corp. to its feed mill market.

Meanwhile, business-to-business MOUs signed include PT Mayora Indah Thk’s purchase of 1,000 metric tons of desiccated coconut from Franklin Baker, and PT Mayora’s USD80-million investments on coffee manufac-

PH, Indonesia strengthen trade, investment ties

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ndonesia has agreed to allow more Philippine agricultural products, particularly bananas and coconut-based products, to penetrate its huge market, as the two countries work to enhance bilateral trade and investment, and reduce trade gaps between them.

The Indonesian delegation led by its visiting Trade Minister Enggartiasto Lukita and Indonesia Ambassador to the Philippines Sinyo Harry Sarundajang, and Philippine key of�icials on Monday signed memorandum of understanding (MOU) emphasizing the importance of opening each other’s market.

Lukita said both sides signed three MOUs on the procurement of desiccated coconut and coconut oil from the Philippines; and another one on the investment expansion on coffee manufacturing and processing operations in the

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he World Bank (WB) expects the Philippine economy to expand by 6.4 percent this year, with election spending and lower in�lation projected to boost private consumption.

The Bank also sees the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) growing 6.5 percent in 2020 and 2021.

These new estimates are lower than the previous WB’s forecast of 6.5-percent growth in 2019 and 6.6 percent in 2020 released last January, owing to the delay in the 2019 budget approval and the slowing down of global trade that can lead to weaker demand for Philippine exports, according to the Philippines Economic Update (PEU) released on Monday.

“Growth outlook remains positive fueled by an expected acceleration in private consumption growth, but tempered by a slowdown in public investment,” WB senior economist Rong Qian said in a media brie�ing.

Qian pointed out private consumption growth is expected to accelerate this year as in�lation decline and election activity provide an added boost.

“However, the delay in approving the 2019 budget and the pre-election spending ban on new public construction project are expected to slow down public invest-

ment spending in the �irst half of the year, but is expected to recover towards the second half of 2019 assuming the budget gets approved very soon,” she said.

Qian also cited other risks that can affect the Philippines’ overall growth prospects, among them the El Niño phenomenon, which the Bank expects will reduce farm output and raise food prices.

“The intensi�ied El Niño may lead to food supply constraint affecting the poor and vulnerable the most, as they are spending a relatively larger proportion of their income in food,” she said.

“I think the El Niño is still developing so we don't have estimates of exactly how much is the impact. Ultimately, the El Niño had an impact on agriculture products, which translates to higher in�lation,” she added.

The report also highlights the risks posed by external factors, including the potential escalation of trade tensions between the United States and China, and weak demand for the country’s exports.

Qian further said exports growth is likely to remain weak as global export is projected to remain weaker amid moderation of global growth in the medium term.

The Philippine economy grew 6.2 percent in 2018.

(PNA)

Three POGOs close shop on tax worries: PAGCOR chief

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t least 3 offshore gaming �irms in the country shut operations for fear of getting "over-taxed," the head of the country's gaming regulator said Monday.

Out of the 57 licensed POGOs or Philippine Offshore Gaming Operatons, 3 have moved elsewhere, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp Chairperson Andrea Domingo said.

Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez earlier ordered the consolidation of list of all foreign nationals working in POGOs to aid in the collection of personal income taxes.

"I was told that they got

scared because they might be over-taxed or something like that," Domingo said.

"But we don’t worry because what we’re doing now is that we’re marketing outside Asia, we started marketing in London," she added.

At least 2 �irms from Europe and London could set up in the country later this year, she said.

PAGCOR is working with the Bureau of Internal Revenue to address uncollected taxes from foreign workers. One problem is that special work permits were issued without an accompanying TIN or tax identi�ication number.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 18 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3, 2019

SUBURBIA RISING

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P5-M for DN Malasakit Center D

avao del Norte received a big boost in its delivery of basic health care services with the allotment of P5 million for the DavNor Malasakit Center coming from the Of�ice of the President (OP).

Josephine Mitaran, left, officer-in-charge of Lingap-SPMC Southern Philippines Medical Center, turns over the P5-M check to Gov. Anthony del Rosario intended for the DavNor Malasakit Center. NoyGors

First provincial government-funded sanitary landfill breaks ground

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ANAY, DAVAO O R I E N TAL— Governor Nelson Dayanghirang has led the groundbreaking ceremony of the �irst Provincial Government-funded Sanitary Land�ill on Friday, March 22, at Sitio Bagsak, Barangay Central in Manay town.

The P30 million project funded under the province’s disaster funds will accommodate residual wastes from all over the Municipality of Manay as it can hold up to 15 metric tons per day. According to a study, Manay produces an average of 1.8 tons per day, the fourth highest garbage-generating municipality in the province.

The Sanitary Land�ill, designed by Engineer Earl Bahandi of the Provincial Engineer’s Of�ice (PEO), includes a Material Recovery Facility (MRF).

Environment and Natural Resources Of�ice Head Dolores Valdesco said that the project is compliant to the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, which, among others, mandates prop-

er segregation of solid wastes.

Valdesco added that the project has passed Mines and Geosciences Bureau’s standard for engineering and geohazard. She said it will also serve as an ecological park as it will be surrounded with trees that will serve as its buffer zone.

Governor Dayanghirang, who led the groundbreaking ceremony, said that the Sanitary Land�ill facility, once completed, will become a subject for benchmarking activities of different LGUs in the entire region.

“Once this project is completed, this will become a destination of government of�icials from different LGUs because there are not many Sanitary Land�ills in the entire region eleven or even in the entire Philippines that is designed such as this one. Our future Sanitary Land �ill here in Manay Town is engineered to store residual waste without causing health and water contamination,” Governor Dayanghirang told residents in his speech.

With the sustainability mechanism already planned, PEO OIC Engineer Ruel Dumadag, on the other hand, said that once the project will generate employment when it is turnedover to LGU Manay.

“If properly implemented and maintained, the Sanitary Land�ill will have an impact on ‘educational tourism’,” he said, adding that facility is speci�ically designed for proper disposal of solid waste that reduces harmful effects to the environment and the people, thus, improving the health and safety of the community,” he added.

He challenged the LGU Many to strictly implement waste segregation and recycling as included in the sustainability plan is the incentive strategy.

“Long-term impact of this project are health and wellness, socio-economic activity that will create livelihood and employment, and above all address social environmental safeguards,” he added. By Riza M. Golez/Photos by Eden Jhan Licayan

Josephine Mitaran, of�icer-in-charge of Lingap Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC), represented Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio in handing over the check to Governor Anthony del Rosario after delivering his recent State of the Province Address.

The monthly fund from the OP-Socio-Civic Projects Fund, which is subject to replenishment, is intended for the zero-billing scheme of the three Davao del Norte Hospitals – Kapalong Zone, Carmen Zone and Samal Zone.

This is besides the P10 million that the provincial government has allocated for the one-stop shop medical services per year.

The Memorandum of Agreement between the provincial government and the OP stipulates that the fund covers “prescription medicines, medical supplies/devices and diagnostics tests and oth-

er hospital care medical services and support to indigent, vulnerable, and disadvantaged patients” in the province.

Del Rosario launched the DavNor Malasakit Center Pagkalinga sa Kapwa Program last year, in support to the Duterte administration’s program to provide improved access to quality health care, particularly for the poor and underprivileged patients.

“Ang socio-economic stability and growth sa probinsiya nagsalig sa maayong panglawas sa katawhan…. kita naningkamot nga sakto, takos ug epektibo ang atong mga health and social services (The stability and growth of the province hinges upon the health of the people… we aim to deliver the right, competent and effective health and social services),” the governor stressed in his SOPA, after expressing his

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6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 18 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3, 2019

EDITORIAL Look at you, Jim The image of Jim Paredes, eyes wide open, berating a young man who happens to be a President Rodrigo Duterte supporter telling him: “Look at me, look at me”, and then ending the confrontation saying: “Okay great. Lie to yourself” lingers in the minds of many.

At another instance, the 67-year old musician penned an open letter through a Twitter post addressed to Duterte after the latter ‘insulted’ God by saying “Who is this stupid God?.”

“Dear Dut. Du you really need to insult the Catholics and Christians. Must you keep creating enemies? or do you really have mental illness, dementia, psychosis, etc.. and you can’t help it? In short, are you still in charge of your mental faculties?”

Yes, the same singer-composer who criticizes Duterte for lack of decency and morals, who told a young boy he was lying to his teeth, was suddenly and rudely exposed of his dark secrets after a sex video of himself leaked on Monday and went viral.

Asked if it were true, Paredes quickly snapped: “Fake.”

Hours after, he turned 360 degrees and owned it. Paredes con�irmed the authenticity of the video but still defended himself shamelessly saying it was not meant for public consumption.”The video was real. It was private, and not meant for public consumption. I do not know how it became public,” he wrote on his blog “Writing on Air.” He said in the blog that he decided to come out clean after praying about it. He went on to say there are already too many liars in the world and he does not want to join the cabal.

Not enough, he said he suspects the incident is politically-motivated, saying “I can only surmise that in this ugly season of toxic politics, muckrakers determined to neutralize my in�luence by violating my privacy and digging up dirt on me are at work.”

EDGEDAVAO

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ADAM B. MORRELL Reporter

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

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

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

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

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

Even in disgrace, Paredes is nonchalantly brazen-faced, saving his cocksure self by blaming politics for his disgusting act. Look at us, Jim. How could you, at this age and stage, �ilm yourself doing asexual act and plead not guilty by saying it’s not for public consumption? Private or not, your self-imposed intelligence and decency should be enough to tell you that a personal video can go elsewhere beyond the con�ines of your mobile phone in this day and age. Have you not learned from the hundreds of sex videos, whether involving celebrities or private persons, that a piece of video stored in a gadget is the most vulnerable piece of information?

But that’s beside the point. Here is a man who openly criticizes others who speak of evil when here he is living in lewd acts of obscenity. What more can be worse than falsely representing yourself as a decent man while berating others?

Jim Paredes is a representation of callous pretense. He shouldn’t blame politics for his fate.

Maybe he knows the saying, “When you point one �inger, there are three �ingers pointing back to you.” Jesus had a version of this wisdom when he said, “Don’t focus on the speck in your brother’s eye while ignoring the log in your own eye.”

Yes, Jim, when cruel accusations �ly, we all need to hear the voice of reason that says: “Look in the mirror, brother. You might just be talking about yourself.”

So here’s a letter for Mr. Paredes: Dear Jim. Do you really need to insult us? Must you keep berating others and old yourself high?

Or do you really have mental illness, dementia, psychosis, etc.. and you can’t help it? In short, are you still in charge of your mental faculties?”

The truth will set you free, Jim. But you have to embrace it.

SOLANI D. MARATAS Finance

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

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 17 • TUESDAY, APRIL 2, 2019

VANTAGE POINTS

7

ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA FAST BACKWARD

FR. TROPA AND SPACESHIP 2000 ET Decades ago, at the corner of Anda and Bonifacio streets, Davao City, in a location that now hosts a Victory Chapel, the place was leasedas a transient lodge to Eleuterio J. Tropa, fondly called Fr. Tropa, familiar to locals as the itinerant, longhaired, discalced founder-president of an organization known as the Lamplighter World Peace Mission.

Founded in Long Beach, California, USA, 1947, the Lamplighter, which still survives in some parts of the country with its main headquarters in Sanglan, Negros Oriental, was later renamed by its founder to Spaceship 2000 E.T. (after Tropa’s initials).

Born in Negros Oriental, Fr. Tropa, accounts claim, was a former Catholic priest turned conservationist and environmentalist. Others called him scientist and modern philosopher, with his sayings compiled in a small book. For two decades, he served as �irst director of the Cebu Zoo in Barangay Kalunasan, Cebu City, a stint that earned him the moniker of ‘Zoo Man.’ He was appointed on Au-

gust 8, 1964, when the mayor of Cebu City was Carlos J. Cuizon.

One of Fr. Tropa’s original sayings is the ‘The Universal Creed,’ which goes: I am a MAN. The world is MY HOME, the world is MY SCHOOL, the world is MY CHURCH, and the world is MY COUNTRY. I am a WORLD CITIZEN and HUMANITY is my True Family. EVERYONE is my Brother and Sister. My mission: TO LOVE AND SERVE THE WORLD!” Fr. Tropa, who always carried a python around his neck, �irst managed a small menagerie in Zamboangita, Negros Oriental, before transferring to Cebu.

There he opened and managed another zoo in Talisay City, Cebu but this was later transferred to Fort San Pedro. He also put up a mini zoo in 1971 at the public market square in Poblacion, Barili. When he died in 1993, the zoo’s management was entrusted to the Philippine Wetlands and Wildlife Foundation Inc. but its supervision remains with his surviving relatives.

As a zoo keeper, Fr. Tropa managed the Cebu menagerie hands-on, introducing children

to the animals inside, and telling guests of random minutiae about the denizens kept in the zoo. He called the snakes “gentle creatures” and he believed in the healing properties of herbs.

The Lamplighter was not just a cohesive group; it also had its own preamble, which members recite during assemblies, thus: “For Humanity and World we bind ourselves for the ultimate Salvation of Mankind in preparing a better and peaceful; life for our children; to devote our life through service and sacri�ice in propagating the messages of Goodwill, Unity, and Peace for all men regardless of Religion, Creed, Race or Nationality; and to uphold natural and simple life; to reawaken and enlighten the morals of men towards spiritual and human brotherhood; that the real love to God is to Love Humanity through service, that such love not only belongs to one but belongs to all, to uphold the world as our true home, the earth our Mother and all men being the children are brothers; that HARMONY is the LAW of life; and all

things and life looks toward the same sublime life of light, truth and peace; to act in the example of good and righteous; that we do to ourselves what we do to the others; to forgive those who have done anything wrong for they know not what they do and the last Hope of Humanity lies in this:” UNITED WE SURVIVE, DIVIDED WE PERISH.” The Lamplighters believed that the world would end in 2000. To prepare for this eventuality, they built hut which the members claimed would transform into rocket ships that would bring them to another planet ifn the end-times materialized. When the year 2000 passed and the tragic ending did not occur, many Lamplighters left the group. Others, though, remained and founded another facility in Zamboanguita, called the Zoo Paradise of the World where Fr. Tropa’s collection of stuffed animals can still be found.

Aside from its main headquarters, the Lamplighters continue to survive in the tiny communities in Dumalneg, Ilocos Norte, where a museum and

Dumalneg Spaceship Center are found.

As leader of his cult-like organization, Fr. Tropa, who always wore a smile and sported a Fu Manchu-type moustache, once required his members to wear black shirts and red and green striped pants and prohibited the cutting of hair. His followers were without shoes, an obvious emulation of earlier unshod Catholic monks in western monasteries.

Fr. Tropa’s occasional stay in Davao City was not without query. His fondness for children was misinterpreted and his sexual orientation was in question given the numerous anecdotes that claimed he was sensuously coddling teens in his lodge.

All told, his life, though inarguably simple, was full of lost details: who were his parents, when he was born, his childhood years, what Catholic seminary he studied (if indeed he was a priest), and if he had any offspring. Only his persona as a nice guy and a single person. He even hosted a television program hepredictably titled Spaceship 2000 E.T.

HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

ODE TO SOLITUDE I like being alone. Because I am still single, I go to restaurant eating alone. I watch movies alone. I shop alone. And yes, I sleep alone.

If you think there’s something wrong with that, then you are entitled to your own opinion. Just because I am alone, it is not acceptable. But then, there are many people who are alone – because they have chosen to be alone.

Take the case of Greta Garbo, a Swedish-American �ilm actress during the 1920s and 1930. She was nominated three times for the Academy Award for Best Actress and received an honorary Oscar in 1954 for her “luminous and unforgettable screen performances.” In 1999, the American Film Institute ranked her �ifth on their list of the greatest female stars of classic Hollywood cinema.

And yet from the early days of her career, she avoided industry social functions, preferring to spend her time alone or with friends. According to theWikipedia, she never signed autographs or answered fan mail, and rarely gave interviews. Although she was nominated for the Oscar award three times, she never attended the ceremony. In an interview in 1928, she explained that her desire for privacy commenced when she was a child. “As early as I can remember, I have want-

ed to be alone. I detest crowds, don’t like many people.”

Being alone doesn’t mean people don’t like you. In fact, spending your time alone could be a good thing – especially for teenagers, according to a recent American study published in the Journal of Adolescence.

The study, conducted by researchers at the University of California, Santa Cruz and Wilmington College, asked 803 adults and 176 adolescents to rate their motivations for solitude on a four-point scale.

Some of the questions asked were: “I feel energized when I spend time by myself,” “I enjoy the quiet,” “I feel uncomfortable when I’m with others,” and “I regret things I say or do when I’m with others.”

“When adults or teens had solitude imposed on them, perhaps because they experienced anxiety, or when used as a punishment for teens, then this was linked with lower well-being and feelings of loneliness, social anxiety and depressive symptoms,” said the news report.

“However, if the participants chose solitude, then this appeared to have a positive effect on well-being and was associated with improved personal growth and self-acceptance,” the news report added.

Dr. Margarita Azmitia, co-author of the published

study, explained: “Solitude has gotten a lot of bad press, especially for adolescents who get labeled as social mis�its or lonely. Sometimes, solitude is good. Developmentally, learning to be alone is a skill, and it can be refreshing and restorative.”

Another story, which examined solitude, found choosing to be alone can boost health.

The article came out in Atlantic, another American publication. It can boost, reviewer Meghan Holohan “if it happens in the right context.”

She quoted Brent Crane who said: “Solitude can be restorative. Yet, because the study of solitude as a positive force is new, it’s hard to speak in precise scienti�ic terms about it: We don’t know what the ideal amount is, for instance, or even if there is one.

Most likely, such measures are different for everybody.”

Throughout history, people sought alone time for religious or personal reasons. “It was separation from community, for a period of time, as a way to prepare for an emotionally signi�icant event,” said Christine Whelan, clinical professor in the School of Human Ecology at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. “To be alone with your thoughts, to think about what matters to you, to get rid of the background noise.”

Being alone does not imply that you are lonely. Dr. Abigail Brenner, writing for Psychology Today, explained: “Although alone and lonely are often thought of as being one in the same, alone doesn’t equal loneliness. Learning to be alone may be initially scary but once mastered serves as the cornerstone for your development and growth as a human being.”

According to Dr. Brenner, there’s so much to be gained from learning to rely, and more importantly, to trust your own inner voice as the best source for your own guidance.

“Being alone allows you to drop your ‘social guard,’ thus giving you the freedom to be introspective, to think for yourself,” she said.

“You may be able to make better choices and decisions about who you are and what you want without outside in�luence. Often, we are swayed by the thoughts, feelings, attitudes, beliefs, and behavior of those in our immediate sphere.

Of course, you may ask others for their advice and opinions but ultimately, consulting yourself and making up your own mind about what you want to do will lead you into the life that’s best for you.”

If you are an artist, being alone works best for you.

Why? Because they are likely to spend sustained time alone

working on their craft. Plus, according to Gregory Feist, who focuses on the psychology of creativity at California’s San Jose State University, many artists “are trying to make sense of their internal world and a lot of internal personal experiences that they’re trying to give expression to and meaning to through their art.”

More importantly, by choosing to be alone, you are increasing your independence.

Katharine Hurst, writing for the website of “The Law of Attraction,” shares this thought: “People who rarely spend time alone can feel quite panicked by the idea of being without others. This reliance leads to lower self-con�idence.

“For example, if you think you can only be happy or competent in a group of friends, it’s hard for you to believe that you can achieve something like abundance or career accomplishments by yourself. Once you start getting used to being alone, you begin to recognize the power and effectiveness of your independence. This will underline the belief that you can achieve any goal you set.”

Now the words of Oscar-winning actress Audrey Hepburn (of Roman Holiday distinction) came to my mind. “I don’t want to be alone,” she pointed out, “I want to be left alone.”

8 AGRITRENDS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 18 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3, 2019

FINDING SOLUTION TO DECLINING FISH CATCH TEXT AND PHOTOS BY HENRYLITO D. TACIO “An island nation, the Philippines necessarily depends, to a large extent, on its �ishery resources for its food. Fish, which used to be among the cheapest sources of protein, is now more expensive than pork or chicken.” – Senator Loren Legarda

Last year, the Philippines imported about 17,000 metric tons of galunggong or round scad, mostly from China and Vietnam. This year, the government will again do so “to contain food prices that pushed in�lation to the fastest in almost a decade last year.” “(Importation) will not �ix the real problems that are preventing the Philippines from producing its own food from the sea,” deplored Oceana, the largest international organization working exclusively to protect and restore the world’s oceans, in a press statement issued last January 25.

“Short-term imports may actually put long-term food security and �isherfolk at risk,” said Atty. Gloria Estenzo Ramos, vice president of Oceana Philippines. “The issues haunting �isheries management can only be solved through a more comprehensive and participatory plan.”

Fish importation should have been unheard in this country, which has 7,107 islands outlined by more than 18,000 kilometers of coastline and bordering roughly 70% of the country’s municipalities.

Senator Loren Legarda, in one of her recent speeches, said the country has “about 132 principal rivers throughout the archipelago which drain through the coastal zone measuring 27 million hectares.” Also, the “coastline is indented with several bays and gulfs that can serve as natural harbors” of marine species.

The country’s territorial waters of 220-million hectares can be utilized as �ishing ground: about 193.4 million hectares are oceanic waters and the remaining 26.6 million hectares belong the what is called Exclusive Economic Zone.

The Philippines is the eleventh largest �ish producer globally, according to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). But the big hitch: �ish production has been decreasing spirally in recent years.

Last year, for instance, the total volume of �isheries production in the country went down by 1.04% compared

to the previous year’s level, according to the Philippines Statists Authority (PSA). Output reductions were noted in commercial (6.89%) and municipal (1.05%) �isheries.

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) de�ines commercial �ishing as the catching of �ish with the use of �ishing boats with a capacity of more than three gross tons for trade, business or pro�it beyond subsistence or sports �ishing.

Municipal �ishing covers �ishing operation carried out with or without the use of a boat weighing 3 gross tons or less. Inland municipal �ishing, on the other hand, is the catching of �ish, crustaceans, mollusks and all other aquatic animals and plants in inland waters like lakes, rivers, dams, and marshes.

Commercial �isheries comprised 21.97% of total �isheries production in 2017. “The volume of commercial �isheries production reached to almost 947 thousand metric tons,” the PSA reported. “It diminished by 6.89% from its level a year ago.”

About 26.12% of the total �isheries in the country 2017 was contributed by municipal �isheries. “Municipal �isheries declined by 1.05% and came up with 1.13 metric tons during the year,” the PSA said. “About 85.45% of the volume was credited to unloadings in municipal �ish landing centers and the remaining 14.55% was contributed by inland �isheries subsector.”

According to Ramos, the �ish in the market has become more expensive due to the downtrend in �ish catch and their size has become smaller as �ish populations become less productive due to over�ishing. “People are aware of this problem,” she said. “The impact on marine biodiversity is not just evident to the scientists, but also to consumers and �isherfolk.”

A survey by the Social Weather Stations commissioned by Oceana in 2017 found that 82% of Filipinos believe �ish sold in markets are more expensive

now compared to 10 years ago. Meanwhile, 54% of respondents said the size of �ish has become smaller and 55% said they found less varieties of �ish in local markets compared to a decade ago.

About 56% of Filipinos’ animal protein comes from �ish, and 91% of �ish caught in-country are consumed domestically, Oceana pointed out. “Not only is �ish a vital food source, it also provides livelihood for millions of Filipinos,” it said in its press statement.

But “we are running out of �ish and running out of time,” decried Vince Cinches, Oceans Campaigner for Greenpeace Southeast Asia. “For a country known for marine biodiversity, there are very few �ish left to catch.”

The reason: majority of �ishing grounds in the country are over�ished. Recent reports said that ten out of 13 of these are under intense �ishing pressure. “Over�ishing is the main issue, with today’s �ishers ranging farther and trying harder to catch more – but there are too many �ishers and too few �ish,” observes Gregg Yan, director for Communications of Oceana Philippines.

The Sogod Bay in Southern Leyte is a case in point. Home to a variety of �ishes, it is a major �ishing ground for the 11 municipalities that surround it. Mangko or frigate tuna (scienti�ic name: Euthynnus af�inis) is its major �ishery resource. Seasonal in�lux of this shallow-water tuna species has provided food and livelihood to the people of Sogod and nearby towns.

“Frigate tuna used to abound in Sogod Bay and was a major source of income in the 70’s until the 90’s,” Dr. Salome Bulayog, an associate professor of the department of economics at the Visayas State University, told Philippines Graphic. “But today, �ishermen could hardly have �ish catch. Fishermen have to spend longer time to catch a kilogram of �ish; some even have to farther from the shore.”

Compounding the dilemma is illegal �ishing. “(This) re-

mains a huge problem in our country. Commercial �ishers continue to enter and illegally �ish in municipal waters in unfair competition with the artisanal �isherfolk for the declining �ish supply, while foreign �leets poach high-value species,” Ramos said.

Aside from over�ishing, there’s the degradation of the country’s marine ecosystems: mangroves, coral reefs and seagrasses.

Mangroves are very important to marine life, �ishery expert Dr. Rafael D. Guerrero III points out. They serve as sanctuaries and feeding grounds for �ish that nibble on detritus (fallen and decaying leaves) trapped in the vegetation, and on the bark and leaves of living trees. “(Mangroves) are important feeding sites for many commercially important �ish species (mullet, tilapia, eel, and especially milk�ish), shrimps, prawns, mollusks, crabs, and sea cucumbers,” says a World Bank report. “Fry that gather in mangrove areas are very important for aquaculture.”

Over the past century, the islands that make up the Philippines have lost nearly three-quarters of their mangrove forests. Panay Island in the Western Visayas is a classic example. It used to be home to over 12,400 hectares of lush mangrove forests. In 1988, only 300 hectares remained.

The country’s coral reefs yield 5 to 37 tons of �ish per square kilometer, making them very important to the productivity of �isheries. “And yet, only 1.0% to 2.5% is still intact and serves as habitat for diverse marine �lora and fauna; 60% of reefs are heavily damaged,” wrote Sandra Volpp in her paper, “From the Mountains to the Seas,” which appeared in Handbook Philippines.

Seagrasses, which covers an area of 27,282 square kilometers, are also fast disappearing. “If seagrass beds continue to disappear, there will be serious economic and ecological consequences,” the BFAR regional of�ice in Davao City warns.

But there’s a silver lining

to all these. “We have highly productive �isheries,” Ramos said. “If managed sustainably, our oceans can feed the growing Philippine population and achieve economic growth and security.”

One possible to the dwindling catch in the open seas is so-called “blue revolution.” If you’re wondering just what it is, just remember the “green revolution” of the past. “Green revolution” refers to a set of research and development of technology transfer initiatives occurring between the 1930s and the late 1960s that increased agricultural production around the world.

The Economist explained it in this manner: “On land, the green revolution allowed dramatic increases in crop production, with increased mechanization, and improved pest control and soil fertility through the addition of herbicides, pesticides and nitrogen-based fertilizers.”

If green is to crops, then blue is to �isheries. “The blue revolution has seen companies breeding �ish to improve traits such as their growth rate, conversion of feed into �lesh, resistance to disease, tolerance of cold and poor water, and fertility,” the London-based magazine said.

Blue revolution actually refers to aquaculture, the farming of marine animals.

Actually, it’s not a new thing.

The Philippines has been practicing it. In fact, aquacul-

ture registered 2.24 metric tons in 2017, which gained by 1.68% from its level the previous year, according to PSA. In February 2015, then President Beningo S. Aquino III signed Republic Act 10654 which amended the 1998 Philippine Fisheries Code. “We call on the government to fully implement the provisions of the amended Fisheries Code,” Ramos urged.

“The said law mandates high penalties for �ishing violations, such as illegally �ishing within the 15-kilometer municipal waters reserved for smaller-scale �ishermen, damaging important and inter-connected habitats like corals, seagrasses and mangroves and using unlicensed �ishing gear. It also requires vessel monitoring systems, which will identify and track behavior of commercial �ishing boats that are operating within Philippine waters and allow artisanal �ishers to maintain access to �ishing grounds in their local waters,” said Ramos.

The Oceana of�icial believed there is a vast reservoir of skills, talent and energy of citizens and entities committed to help government sustainably manage the country’s �isheries. “Let’s tap them, involve them in decision-making and engage them as they should be in protecting our oceans and restoring them to vibrancy and good health,” she said.

INdulge!

VOL.12 ISSUE 18 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3, 2019

EDGEDAVAO

TRAVEL

My never ending love affair with the chicken satay and peanut sauce at Malaysian Food Street.

Despite the numebr of visits, I never get tired of visiting the SEA Aquarium.

A RESORTS WORLD SENTOSA

LOVE AFFAIR

Colorful live corals inside SEA Aquarium.

EVERY SO OFTEN, I find myself exploring the steps of Asia’s ultimate premium lifestyle destination, Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) Singapore. Home to a plethora of lifestyle boutiques, six homey hotels, Asian flagship spa, exciting casino, world-class attractions and of course, exquisite Michelin stars food and dining finds on this side of the world. Do I ever get tired? Certainly NO.

Get ready to take a plunge with the dolphins at the Dolphin Island.

RWS is primarily an integrated resort on the island of Sentosa on the southern part of Singapore. The resort is design

USS Universal After Hours Revenge Of The Mummy. Photo

by Resorts World Sentosa

to cater to both a leisure and business visit. Much like the six beautiful hotels found at RWS, the resort is thematic and is split into west, central and east zones.

So, how do I go about my RWS adventure every single time? Easy. I follow Des’ree’s unorthodox rule in life – the lyrics from her you gotta be song. This is my mantra – I sightsee and discover. I immerse and savour the experience.

Hard Rock Hotel Sentosa never fails to wrap a warm embrace every time I visit.

You gotta be BAD the moment you step inside the Adventure Cover Waterpark.

Spend the day and find yourself splashing and basking under the mighty sun. The waterpark is designed for thrill and adventure seekers alike -- zip down water slides, drift along the lazy river or go snorkelling with the fish.

You gotta be BOLD enough to come face to face with the happiest sea creatures, the dol-

phins. Get down and wet as you bond with a number of IndoPacific bottlenose dolphins at the Dolphin Discovery at Dolphin Island through an interactive series of activities while in the water.

You gotta be WISER specially when spending some dough.

RWS is laden with a number of designer boutiques and shops that will have you excited in an instant. One rule I follow, scout the area before making a purchase. But if you may, do spend and enjoy your purchase.

You gotta be HARD...well, hard in terms of deciding on a dish (or dishes) you’d want to eat from the many stalls inside one of my fave food places in RWS, the Malaysian Food Street. One thing though, never leave without ordering a bunch of chicken satay with peanut sauce – you’d thank me later.

You gotta be TOUGH to withstand the heat when dining at TEPPAN by Chef Yonemura.

Aside from the food, you’d be treated to an exquisite dining experience like no other. Combining teppanyaki, cocktail mixology and flambé desserts, the resto features three exclusive teppan tables where strips of top

ROYAL CHEF A2

EDGED

A2 INdulge!

ENTERTAINMENT

Five movies we binge watch jus

WHEN having no plan is actually a plan, this only means it’s time for some good old binge watching at home.

Science says watching the movies the second (or third?) time around gets the brain to process new perspectives. So why not get your mind working while you cozy up with these best movies worth the re-watch. Best for all kinds of people in the mood for love anytime of the year.

1. 50 FIRST DATES We all have that one film that that we watch over and over again and fall even more in love with it every time.

That’s 50 First dates for you. In the movie, Henry (Adam Sandler) is the playboy, happy-go-lucky veterinarian who falls in love with Lucy; played

by Drew Barrymore, Lucy has shortterm memory loss, and her life resets every day. Henry is set to prove his love for Lucy by wooing her daily. Set in Hawaii, this movie would make you look forward to beach days and sunshine.

2. 13 GOING ON 30 This coming-of-age romcom stars Jennifer Garner and Mark Ruffalo with 80s nostalgia to boot. It brings back not just the colorful pop culture

of the 80s but the innocence of your youth. In the film, Jennifer Garner plays Jenna Rink - a 13-year-old stuck in her own 30-year-old body.

It started when her wish to become thirty, flirty, and thriving eventually comes true. But adulthood, as she had found out isn’t as easy as it looks.

This is an overall feel-good movie for the whole family, for your girls night in, and for some Netflix and chill.

3. MY BEST FRIEND’S WEDDING Recently, the international cover of My Best Friend’s Wedding reunion flooded everyone’s IG feed. It’s because this timeless story of love and friendship is a staple in the list of best romcom movies in the past two decades. The plot - Julianne (Julia Roberts), a 27 year-old restaurant critic had a pact with her lifelong friend Michael (Dermot Mulroney) that if neither of them were married by the time they had turned 28, they would marry each other. Three weeks before her 28th birthday, he tells her he’s getting married in four days with 20-year old Kimmy (Cameron Diaz). This unconventional romcom that made many of us laugh and cry is sure to stay a hit even beyond 20 years.

4. HACHI: A DOG’S TALE

ROYAL CHEF A1

Life sized Jewel of Muscat is the same boat used to TEPPAN by Chef Yonemura has the best sail from Muscat, Oman to Singapore. welcome drinks ever!

Hachi: A dog’s tale is a story of love at its purest form. Based on a true story of a Japanese Akita, Hachiko and a professor, played

by Richard Gere. This heartwarming movie for animal lovers takes a momentous high in showing love and devotion between man and dog.

It is a tale as old as time for a man’s best friend whose love is so simple, so pure, that his unfailing loyalty moved anyone who heard his story.

Grab your tissues and hug your puppies because this one will be a sure tearjerker.

5. EAT, PRAY, LOVE

grade wagyu are prepared right before your eyes. Oh and their welcome drink is to die for.

You gotta be STRONGER when dealing with long queues and of course, the rides over at Universal Studios Singapore. Keep dehydrated and yes, munch as you go. Experience more thrills with the Universal After Hours – an evening incarnation of the Hollywood Dreams Light-Up Parade.

See floats, dancers as they’re illuminated with neon lights and LED magic.

Elizabeth Gilbert’s iconic novel has moved countless lives and inspired millions of people to search for their best selves. Adapted into a movie which stars Julia Roberts as the newly-divorced woman who realized how unhappy her life is - she decided to travel around the world to find herself. If you’re on a journey towards self-love, then this visually pleasing and emotionally satisfying movie would be your best bet for a quality me-time. Eat, Pray, Love takes Liz to Italy, India, and Bali bringing along its viewers to her gastronomical and spiritual journey. Cliché as it is but self-love is the best love. As Elizabeth

You gotta be COOL as you journey and explore the marine realm of S.E.A. Aquarium – home to more than 100,000 marine animals from over 1,000 species. The attraction aims to inspire visitors to protect the world’s oceans with interactive shows, programmes and up-close encounters with the sea creatures. Don’t forget to spend time at the open ocean aquarium.

You gotta be CALM to be able to enjoy the whole Maritime Experiential Museum experience. Take part and

Gilbert says, “Pe mate is your per what everyone w soulmate is a m shows you every ing you back, th you to your own change your life Suit yourself memory lane w feelings you had watched it. The perience? It’s wh ments your moo binge watching.

An ideal TV into the scenes l extraordinary c brings what you the evolution an by technology, r intent of visual brought to your Aside from th brings, the aura Sony BRAVIA f face Audio featu nology that gen vibrations in th the TV is also th dialogues more eavesdropping o your favorite ch With Sony BR Surface Audio i ing 10 seconds T

relieve the glorious journey of the seas as you return to the Maritime Silk Route of the past. Don’t fail to appreciate the majestic Jewel of Muscat and the typhoon theatre.

You gotta STAY TOGETHER to withstand the temptation to leave your room. Face it, RWS is one explosive destination that needs to be explored. But when in RWS, resist, even for a day, the temptation of leaving your inviting room at the Hard Rock Hotel Sentosa.

Believe me, it’s not difficult to stay tucked in.

EDAVAO

INdulge! A3

VOL.12 ISSUE 18 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3, 2019

UP AND ABOUT

See what happened when this Marvel fan met the cast of Captain Marvel

Photo Courtesy of Sony Pictures Entertainment

st because

People think a soulrfect fit, and that’s wants. But a true mirror, the person who ything that is holdhe person who brings n attention so you can e.” for a trip down while reliving the same d the first time you best part of the exhen your TV compleod for some serious . will transport you like magic. A world of clarity with detail that u watch to life. With nd innovation brought rendering the artistic creators can now be r TV screens. he visual experience it al performance of the from its Acoustic Surure offers new technerates sound through he display itself where he speaker. It makes e audible; as if you’re on the conversation of haracters.

RAVIA’s Acoustic it would be like hearTom of 50 First Dates

say, “Hi I’m Tom” over and over again as if he’s just in the same room.

Or chant with Jenna to be “Thirty, flirty, and thriving” like you’re hearing it again for the first time. In a clever twist, you can eavesdrop to Kimmy and Julianne’s funny banters from My best friend’s wedding through Sony BRAVIA’s surface design that doubles as a sound source.

The scene where Hachi is waiting for his master will be relieved once again with an incredible audio quality that would only make the scene more heartfelt. Lastly, you can spend your weekend binge-watch listening to Eat, Pray, Love’s famous quotes with more passion and authenticity.

The lineup of BRAVIA TVs deliver smart features and state-of-the-art technology that you can optimize to bring you and your family groundbreaking entertainment. Move ever closer to perfection as Sony BRAVIA transcends reality with the future of picture quality making anything you watch an instant hit. Supersize the movies you love and let it inspire you to love only with Smart TV watching brought by the magic of Sony BRAVIA TVs. So, sit-back, relax, and experience these flicks like it’s the first time - but only better.

Sony BRAVIA is available in all Sony Centres nationwide.

Always a sight to see inside the Maritime Experiential Musuem.

Globe Postpaid gave one lucky customer of more than 20 years and certified Marvel Cinematic Universe fan Hyacinth Capilos a Marvel-ous once-in-a-lifetime trip to Singapore to meet the super cast of Captain Marvel!

Last January, Globe Postpaid held an online contest asking fans, “What makes you excited about Captain Marvel?” Hyacinth, whose favorite Avenger is Captain America, answered with a heartwarming tribute to her family and women empowerment: “My husband and I are raising three daughters to be strong and independent. The first time the trailer came out, I knew that our daughters should watch it. In an industry where men are usually the superheroes, I am excited that we will have a woman to take on the challenge of saving the world.”

Accompanied by her husband Jason, Hyacinth was front and center at the Captain Marvel Fan Event in Marina Bay Sands. They got to see and take photos with Brie Larson, Samuel L. Jackson, Gemma Chan and the film directors, Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck on the red carpet!

Plus, they even got to attend a special screening of exclusive movie footage.

Aside from these, they also got to take a quick tour around Singapore.

“Everything about the trip was amazing - from the time that we arrived to our departure. We took a quick trip to Sentosa and our room had the most amazing view of Gardens by the Bay,” she gushed.

Though this was her first time to join a Globe contest, Hyacinth has been with Globe ever since she was still a student back in 1997. Now, she and her whole family are loyal Globe customers - from Mobile Postpaid

and Prepaid to even Home Broadband. With her Globe Postpaid subscription, she enjoys better data plans, easy phone upgrades, rewards perks, and of course, this amazing trip to Singapore.

Just like Hyacinth, you too can enjoy one-of-a-kind, shareworthy experiences with Globe Postpaid.

Globe Postpaid continues to make

strides in offering a marvelous array of exclusive entertainment perks to its customers like exclusive block screenings and once-in-a-lifetime experiences - like meeting your favorite actors in person!

Stay tuned for more exciting promos from Globe Postpaid by visiting globe.com.ph/postpaid or following Globe on Facebook and Twitter.

A4 INdulge!

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 18 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3, 2019

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 18 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3, 2019

NOT... FROM 1

utilities, the determining factors “as to whether or not El Niño will result to brownouts” would have been the contracted supply portfolio.

“For instance, an electric co-op with substantial supply contract from hydro, e.g. Agus-Pulangi, and with no �inancial �lexibility to contract non-hydro sources in the interim will likely be affected with El Niño-induced reduced output from hydropower plants,” he said.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported at least 17 provinces in Mindanao would be hit by a dry spell and 11 others by drought beginning end of April.

The dry spell would hit Bukidnon, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Oriental, Compostela Valley, Davao City, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Occidental, Davao Oriental, North Cotabato, Saranga Agusan Del Norte, Agusan

del Sur, Surigao del Sur, Basilan and Lanao del Sur. The provinces that would be affected by drought are Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, Misamis Occidental, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, Maguindanao, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.

Mindanao provinces will experience under normal rainfall condition this month. Except for Misamis Occidental and Dinagat Island provinces, they will receive near-normal rainfall conditions by May. According to PAGASA, dry spell occurs when there are three consecutive months of below-normal rainfall conditions or two consecutive months of way below normal rainfall conditions.

Drought refers to three consecutive months of way below normal rainfall or �ive consecutive months of below-normal rainfall conditions, it added. (Antonio L. Colina IV/MindaNews)

gratitude to President Rodrigo Duterte.

Some 265 emergency patients in the province have availed Center’s zero-billing, in coordination with the Department of Health (DOH), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Pagcor, Philip-

pine Charity Sweepstakes Of�ice (PCSO), PhilHealth and the OP. The eGovernance Team of the province even developed Davao del Norte Malasakit Center Information System (DMCIS) to facilitate faster delivery of free medical services to indigent patients.

P5-M... FROM 5

PRRD... FROM 2

ny for any losses suffered thereby,” Guevarra said.

Guevarra said the objective of the review was to determine whether to scrap or modify the terms of the concession agreement.

Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said the President also “instructed all agencies to check and review all contracts entered into and remove onerous provisions that might be detrimental to the lives of the Filipinos.”

Maynilad is one of the two private water conces-

sionaires in Metro Manila, the other being Manila Water.

The Manny Pangilinan-led Maynilad serves the west zone of Metro Manila, including the cities of Manila (all except portions of San Andres and Sta. Ana), Caloocan, Pasay, Parañaque, Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, Valenzuela, Navotas, Malabon and parts of Quezon City and Makati.

It also serves Cavite City, Bacoor City, Imus, Kawit, Noveleta, and Rosario in Cavite province.

turing and processing facility in the next �ive years.

PT Mayora President Andre Atmadja said: “In recognition of Kopiko’s strong Philippine base, along with our growing business in the ASEAN region, we are expanding our manufacturing and processing operations beyond Indonesia -- into the Philippines. We look forward to the many opportunities that this landmark project will deliver particularly in the area of job creation and in enabling greater contribution to the Philippine economy.”

Once completed, the manufacturing and processing plant in Batangas will help meet increasing demand for local consumption and exports.

It is projected to generate some 3,000 new jobs on top of the 4,500 jobs that Mayora’s Philippine-based businesses currently employ.

As part of the plan to help boost local business, Mayora will source desiccated coconut and re�ined, bleached and deodorized (RBD) coconut oil from several Philippine producers. (PNA)

represent the Philippines in the �irst-ever FIBA Asia-Paci�ic Su-

per Quest next weekend also sponsored by Chooks-To-Go. (PNA)

PH... FROM 4

PASIG... FROM 11

9

ERRATUM In the March 04, 2019 issues of Edge Davao, in the Notice of Extra-Judicial Foreclosure Sale of Real Property filed by Social Security System (SSS) against Angelito P. Gomez married to Emiliana C. Gomez, the Transfer Certificate of Title Number was erroneously printed as T-116918 instead of T-109883.

Our apologies.

– The Editors.

LEGAL NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the Bank Accounts on BANK OF COMMERCE (BOC) with account nos. 078-20-002787-5, 078-20-003278-0 and IMA # 050514 under the name of the late Jean Jacques P. Pellegrinelli who died intestate on August 20, 2017 left no other heirs, whether legitimate or illegitimate and did not leave any Last Will or Testament, and without any outstanding debts or obligations, whatsoever.

The said Bank accounts has been the subject of an QUITCLAIM WITH UNDERTAKING executed among his heirs, per Doc. No.285; PageNo.58; Book No.683 Series of 2019, of the NOTARY PUBLIC ATTY. ARNOLD F. CABALLERO.

Mar. 27, Apr. 3 and 10, 2019

10

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 18 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3, 2019

LEBRON... FROM 11 with the Cleveland Cavaliers, whom he left as a free agent to join the Lakers last July.

James will miss the playoffs for the �irst time since 2005 and plans for extra training time during his long summer break as well as his movie work on a set that will include a basketball court so he can get in some workouts while making the movie.

“I’ve had basically the same offseason training regimen the last eight years,” James told the website. “I knew how long I wanted to rest for

the season on a short timeline. I’m �iguring out now how to get as much as I can out of two months of extra time for training.

“It requires a totally different strategy. We’re looking at it in an entirely new way.”

The “Space Jam” sequel being made by the SpringHill Entertainment production company owned by James is set for a July 2021 release, 25 years after the original �ilm with NBA legend Michael Jordan and animated allies like Bugs Bunny was re-

leased.

That meant James wasn’t going to be a candidate for the US team of NBA players competing under coach Gregg Popovich in this year’s FIBA World Cup, set to open August 31 in China.

“I love everything about Pop, obviously, but this is not a good summer for me,” James said.

James averaged 27.4 points, 8.5 rebounds and 8.3 assists for the Lakers this season and passed Jordan for fourth place on the all-time NBA scoring list.

Sports’ Mike Coppinger, the two sides are in “advanced” talks on a bout that would take place in July.

This �ight is 100-percent pay-per-view worthy and it makes sense on the surface. However, it is a major risk for Pacquiao.

While Thurman looked a bit vulnerable in his return to the ring against Josesito Lopez in January after a nearly two-year layoff, he’s still a bigger man than Pacquiao who

possesses a dangerous combination of power and speed.

Also, Thurman is 10 years younger than the 40-year-old Filipino legend. There’s an obvious chance Pacquiao could lose, and that loss could easily come by stoppage.

This is boxing and anything can happen. Styles make �ights and we have seen Thurman have some issues with veteran southpaws like Luis Collazo.

Pacquiao still has

signi�icant speed, as evidenced by his one-sided win over Adrien Broner a week prior to Thurman’s win over Lopez. However, Thurman is not Broner– even when he is potentially feeling the effects of ring rust. I’d venture to say it’s more likely Thurman wins by KO than lose a decision to Pacquiao.

If Pacquiao faces Thurman and loses–especially by KO–any hopes of a Mayweather �ight would seemingly dissipate.

PACQUIAO... FROM 11

EDGE

DAVAO NOW HIRING!!!

3 REPORTERS Kindly address application letter ASAP to

ELLA P. TINGZON | 0918 383 1511 For additional inquiries, please email us at: zion.davao@gmail.com

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

Petition for Extension of Validity of a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate an AIRCONDITIONED UV EXPRESS Service.

Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD Regional Office No. XI Davao City Petition for Extension of Validity of a Certificate of Public Convenience with to operate a TH FREIGHT TRUCK Service.

BERTOLDO TRUCKING SERVICES, CO., Petitioner.

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

Petition for Extension of Validity of a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate an AIRCONDITIONED TAXI Service.

Case No. R11-EV-TH-2019-3-584 (2008-XI-00584/2009-0115)

NARCISO P. PIL, Petitioner.

Case No. R11-EV-TX-2019-3-2879 (2001-XI-02879)

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

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

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

NOTICE OF HEARING

NOTICE OF HEARING

NOTICE OF HEARING

Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of an AIRCONDITIONED UV EXPRESS service on the route: DAVAO CITY – MONKAYO (COMPOSTELA VALLEY) AND VICE VERSA with the use of ONE (1) unit, which Certificate will expire on January 16, 2020.

In the petition filed on March 26, 2019, petitioner requests authority to extend the validity of the said Certificate to operate along the same route with the use of the same unit previously authorized.

Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Public Convenience issue in this case authorizing the operation of a TH FREIGHT TRUCK SERVICE on the route: WITHIN DAVAO CITY AND FROM SAID PLACE TO ANY POINT IN THE ISLAND OF MINDANAO accessible to motor vehicle traffic and vice versa with the use of TWO (2) units, which Certificate will expire on March 25, 2019. In the petition filed on March 21, 2019, petitioner requests authority to extend the validity of said certificate to operate along the same route with the use of the same units previously authorized.

Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of an AIRCONDITIONED TAXI service on the route: WITHIN DAVAO CITY AND FROM SAID PLACE TO ANY POINT IN REGION XI with the use of ONE (1) unit, which Certificate will expire on December 31, 2019. In the petition filed on March 27, 2019, petitioner requests authority to extend the validity of said certificate to operate along the same route with the use of the same units previously authorized.

ALLAN O. SALUTILLO, Petitioner.

Case No. R11-EV-UV-2019-3-1003 (2014-XI-01003)

NOTICE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on APRIL 23, 2019 at 8:30 a.m. at this office at the above address.

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

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

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

Davao City, March 28, 2019.

Philippines,

Atty. CATTLEYA B. ACAYLAR OIC-Regional Director

Petitioner, Allan O. Salutillo Counsel, Atty. Placido A. Garde, Jr.

NOTICE is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on APRIL 23, 2019 at 8:30 a.m. at this office at the above address.

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

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

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

Davao City, March 28, 2019.

Philippines,

Atty. CATTLEYA B. ACAYLAR OIC-Regional Director

Petitioner, Bertoldo Trucking Services, Co. Counsel, Atty. Placido A. Garde, Jr.

NOTICE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on APRIL 23, 2019 at 8:30 a.m. at this office at the above address.

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

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

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

Davao City, Philippines, March 28, 2019.

Atty. CATTLEYA B. ACAYLAR OIC-Regional Director

Petitioner, Narciso P. Pil Counsel, Atty. Placido A. Garde

11 SPORTS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 18 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3, 2019

There will be no Lebron James for the USA in this year's World Cup.

Pasig wins Chooks To Go 3x3 title

P

asig-Grindhouse became the inaugural winner of the Chooks-To-Go Pilipinas 3x3 President's Cup in style, blasting 1Bataan Risers, 19-7, in the championship game at SM Fairview in Quezon City on Sunday.

The Kings only needed to �inish at least third to clinch the overall title, but they instead went for the kill in the �inal two rounds of the Grand Finals, edging the San Juan Knights, 19-18, in the semi�inals before the rout against the Risers.

"It's attributed to our hard work. We're driven every week to push ourselves to get better," said Joshua Munzon, who scored a game-high 11 points en route to Best Player honors.

Taylor Statham added �ive markers for Pasig, which won PHP1 million plus a seat in the FIBA 3x3 World Tour in Doha this April.

Alvin Pasaol scored �ive points for Bataan, which took home PHP200,000 for the runner-up �inish.

Both clubs will

PASIG, P9

LeBron out for World Cup

L

OS ANGELES - Fourtime NBA Most Valuable Player LeBron James is a “possibility” for the defending champion US team at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games but says he will skip this year’s World Cup in China.

The 34-year-old forward for the Los Angeles Lakers told The Athletic website in a story post-

ed Monday that he will begin production on the movie “Space Jam 2” during this off-season and how he feels after next season will determine his chances of playing for gold in Japan next year.

“That’s a possibility,” James said. “It depends on how I feel. I love the Olympics.”

James spent most of

the 2004 Athens Olympics on the bench as a US team of NBA stars settled for bronze, then served as the backbone of a revamped program that won Olympic gold in 2008 at Beijing and 2012 in London.

He did not play for the American squad that captured a third consecutive title in 2016 at Rio. James is entering the

LEBRON, P10

Pacquiao vs Thurman eyed for July 13 fight

A

It looks like it will be WBA welterweight champ Keith Thurman (right) as Manny Pacquiao's next opponent.

earliest NBA off-season he has known, the Lakers having benched him for the �inish of the campaign due to a left groin injury that has nagged him since late December.

This season snaps an eight-year run of NBA Finals appearances for James, who captured two titles with the Miami Heat and another

fter putting up a poll of potential opponents, Manny Pacquiao may have found the next person he stands across from.

According to The Ring Magazine’s Mike Coppinger, Pacquiao and fellow WBA welterweight world champion, Keith Thurman are near a deal for a �ight on July 13th.

The July date is optimal for Pacquiao, as that is when the Filipino Senate is out of session, so both men can �ight for the WBA “regular” (Pacquiao) and “super” (Thurman) versions of the title.

Pacquiao won his WBA “regular” welterweight title in July 2018, when he knocked out

Lucas Matthysse, while Thurman spent most of the past two years outside of the ring dealing with multiple injuries and the birth of his child.

While no other details have emerged, Pacquiao-Thurman would most certainly be a PayPer-View, the same way Pacquiao’s win over Adrien Broner was aired on Showtime Pay-PerView in January, with over 400,000 purchases of the Las Vegas based broadcast.

Pacquiao wanted a rematch with Floyd Mayweather, but it appears he may have to settle for a PPV clash with the WBA Super champion. Per FOX

PACQUIAO, P10

12 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL.12 ISSUE 18 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3, 2019

GIVE YOUR BEST PSC rallies behind PH athletes on SEAG stint

PSC Chairman William “Butch” Ramirez gives updates on the Southeast Asian Games preparations during the PSA Forum on Tuesday. PSC photo

“G

ive your best for the country!”

Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman William Ramirez said as he sent a message of encouragement to the country’s national athletes as the agency reiterated its support for their quest for overall championship in the forthcoming 30th Southeast Asian Games to be held November 30 to December 11 in Manila, Clark and Subic this year.

“We at the PSC are very happy that we are hosting this year’s SEA Games,” clari�ied Ramirez amidst recent speculations to the contrary.

He pledged the government agency’s support to the athletes saying “we are working very hard to support you in terms of sports equipment, your needs, your medicine, your meals and foreign training.”

In the �irst quarter alone, the PSC has already released over P6.2 Million in �inancial assistances to fund trainings of our athletes overseas.

The PSC chief further extolled the value of sports as a great “uni�ier and equalizer” thus deserving of attention and support.

This March, the PSC opened two Nutrition Halls, one at the

Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila and another at the Philsports Complex in Pasig City, to provide nutritionist-advised nourishment for our national athletes and coaches. This has been a longtime promise of Ramirez as instructed by President Rodrigo Duterte. “Pakainin ang mga bata sabi ni Presidente and that is what we worked hard for to deliver,”explained Ramirez.

After, months of rehabilitation, the agency has also reopened some parts of its dormitories in the said sports complexes to provide accommodation to members of the national pool. As of now, 13 sports namely, Fencing, Karatedo, Muaythai, Weightlifting, Wrestling, Canoe, Dragon Boat, Sepak Takraw, Softball, Pencak Silat, Petanque, Lawnballs and Wushu are checked in or are about to be billeted at the dorms.

Purchase of over P600 Million in sports equipment has also been approved by the board in preparation for the games.

“We are quietly helping and supporting the athletes. The government has always been here to give what it can for our national team,” the PSC chief said in closing.