Edge Davao Volume 12 Issue 228 | Tuesday, January 28, 2020

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Serving a seamless society

VOL.12 ISSUE 228 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2020

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P 15.00 • 16 PAGES Members of a religious group lead the enthronement of the Holy Bible to the Rizal Park along San Pedro Street in Davao City on Monday where a Bible reading marathon will be held for three consecutive days starting Monday until Thursday in time for the National Bible month celebration. Lean Davao Jr

STOP ABUSES Lumad leaders told to stop abusing IP rights

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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he leaders and supporters of Lumad evacuees housed at the United Church of Christ in the Philippines-Haran (UCCP-Haran) were told to stop abusing the rights of the Indigenous Peoples (IPs).

Davao Oriental Governor Nelson Dayanghi-

rang, who is also the chair of the Regional Peace and

Order Council 11 (RPOC 11), has called out the progressive leaders to immediately stop the continuing human rights abuse to the IPs of Davao del Norte.

Dayanghirang issued the statement following the attack of alleged paramilitary group Alamara on more than 500 Lumad

evacuees including children and infants housed at UCCP-Haran in Davao City last January 25.

Based on the statement of Karapatan, around 50 men including members of paramilitary group Alamara and suspected state agents in plainclothes have torn

down the walls of UCCP-Haran compound. The men also brought wirecutters and surrounded the compound carrying placards with text vilifying UCCP. The statement also stated that police present in the UCCP compound were complicit to the attack refusing to ap-

prehend members of Alamara.

Dayanghirang stressed that the council (RPOC 11) supports the wish of the IPs to go home after years of being held captive and exploited by the Haran administrators.

“Our sentiments and

STOP, P9

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 228 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2020

Bible reading marathon commences in Davao City

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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The Binahon Agroforestry Farm in Sitio Bol-ogan, Songco in Lantapan, Bukidnon sells organically grown vegetables and fruits which visitors may harvest themselves. MindaNews photo taken on Sunday. by H. MARCOS C. MORDENO

arious religious groups and the city government of Davao commenced the Bible Reading Marathon in celebration of the National Bible Month 2020, on Monday at Rizal Park.

The month-long celebration was commenced with a ceremonial Bible reading by leaders representing the various churches in the city that include Protestant, Catholics, and evangelical as well as representatives from the city government of Davao who read the scriptures from cover to cover.

In an interview, Reverend Haniel Taganas of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) said the Bible reading from cover to cover will be done 24 hours and they are hop-

ing to �inish reading all scriptures in the Bible by Thursday afternoon.

“If you google it on how long would it take you to read the whole Bible, you can do it about 70 hours and 40 minutes but this time we may probably extend the reading because of the turn-over of people assigned to read from time to time,” Taganas said.

He said the succeeding reading would cover in �ive minutes to 15 minutes. He added that they assigned churches or organization to read a portion of the Bible.

The activity, which aims to create awareness from the community of the importance of the Bible as the word of God, is being celebrated following the

tarting on March 23, all Davao City government employees will wear their new uniforms designed for inclusivity in the workplace with no distinguishing identity according to sex or gender.

So what's in this gender-neutral uniform?

"The gender-neutral uniform will give branding to City Hall employees," said Lemuel Ortonio, the head of the Human Resource Management Of�ice (HRMO).

He said the city government workers can be easily distinguishable because of their uniforms that will have an embroidered seal of Davao City.

“The design for men and women will be the same. This is to create inclusivity among city government employees,” he added.

While the men and women will have the same design of their up-

per uniform, Ortonio said the women can choose to wear either black slacks or black skirts to pair with it.

“The women can still choose either slacks or skirts to pair their uniform since there are women who prefer to wear skirts,” he said.

Ortonio said the gender-neutral uniform is easier for the members of the LGBTQ+ community who do not want to wear a uniform that is for girls or boys.

According to Ortonio, there are employees of the city government who are not comfortable with the current uniform since it is not gender-neutral.

It is the �irst time that the city government employees will have a gender-neutral uniform. For a long time, the city has a separate uniform designs and color for men and women. CIO

New EastMinCom chief backs local peace talks S

BIBLE, P9

Gender-neutral uniform for Davao City Hall workers

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

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ewly-installed Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) commander Maj. Gen. Jose Faustino Jr. has vowed the military’s full support to the proposed localized peace engagement to the New People’s Army (NPA).

In an interview last Saturday, January 25, MGen Faustino cited that the localized peace talks would be more attainable than the negotiations done in the national level. He said in his stint as the commander of 10th Infantry Division, he noticed that most of the former NPA surrendered to the local government units (LGU). This, he said, is a manifestation that the

local of�icials know how to resolve issues in their areas since they already know the cause of the problem.

“This will make our jobs, in the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) a lot easier, “ said Faustino.

EastMinCom has presented a localized peace negotiations mechanism to the Secretaries of National Defense and Presi-

VM Baste assures Bankerohan fire victims of government help

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ice Mayor Sebastian “Baste “ Duterte has assured the families who were displaced by the �ire incident that hit Bankerohan recently, of the city government’s help.

VM Baste, who is currently the acting mayor of the city, said this during his visit this week to the families staying at the gymnasium in Purok 2, Bryco, Barangay 5-A. VM Baste said the city government of Davao will continue to help the displaced families to recover from the unfortunate incident. There were 350 families and 28 individuals who were affected by the incident.

The city government through the City Social Services and Development Of�ice (CSSDO) already extended aid to the displaced families amounting to P2,329,000. Since January

15, the local government has continued giving food and non-food assistance to the displaced families.

Also, each of the owners of totally damaged houses was given P10,000 and P5,000 for those owners of partially damaged houses. Renters received P5,000 each; P3,000 for each sharer; and, P2,000 for each boarder.

One of the displaced families, Valeriana Sulliano, said the cash assistance helped her family cope with immediate needs.

“Makapalit mi’g mga kinahanglanon sa balay ug kanang mga kahoy, number one, makabayad sad mi sa among gipapanday (We can buy our needs for the home including wood for construction. We can also pay for the carpenter),” she said.

VM BASTE, P9

dential Adviser on Peace Process and it got a positive nod.

He said the said mechanism is based on the Executive Order 70 or the “whole-of-nation approach” to end local communist armed con�lict signed by President Rodrigo Duterte. With this mechanism, Faustino said the problem on insurgency will not be only focused on military operations but also on the socio-economic aspect which is the cause of rebellion.

The new EastMinCom chief assumed the command on January 25, from Brig. Gen. Alfredo V. Rosario who was designated as acting commander when Gen. Felimon Santos Jr. was appointed as

AFP Chief of Staff on January.

Faustino made strides in the conduct of focus military operations which resulted in the dismantling of various NPA formations and their shadow government in the different communities in Region 11 and 12.

He was also at the forefront of pushing the “whole-of-nation approach” to end local communist armed con�lict in the said regions and fully supported the localized engagement framework being initiated by the different LGUs in his Area of Responsibility. This pushed further 10th ID’s peace gains, leading to the betterment of the security landscape in the region.

The National Movement of Young Legislators (NMYL) in Cotabato Chapter and Region XII officers together with Vice Governor Lala Taliño-Mendoza turn-overs the temporary shelters to the Victims of EQ at Paraiso, Tulunan last January 23, 2020. Photo courtesy of Vicente Asildeque

VOL.12 ISSUE 228 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2020

NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

PRO 11 on Haran ‘siege’: It was rescue operation

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

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A bomb sniffing dog and its handlers inspect the premises of City Hall along City Hall Drive, Davao City on Monday before the start of the weekly flag hoisting ceremony. Lean Daval Jr

he Police Regional Of�ice (PRO) 11 has denied there was a siege of the Haran Compound of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) on Saturday, January 25.

PRO 11 regional director Brig. Gen. Filmore Escobal said the tribal leaders from Davao del Norte were just assisted by the local police since they want to bring back their relatives home.

“Hindi ito siege, ito ay rescue operation na ginagawa ng ating gobyerno, kasi matagal na itong gingawal nila na kulungan ng mga lumad. Kaya mali yung sinasabi nila (It was not as siege, it was a rescue operation done by the government because they have been doing this as a detention facility of the members

of the tribe for how many years. So, their claim was not true), “ he said.

Escobal said the operation was done not only by the tribal leaders and the police but also with the local of�icials and other ‘civilian government agencies’ to ensure the safe rescue operation.

The region’s top cop said it was not the tribal leaders who are initiating the commotion in the compound but the organizers who allegedly did not want to release the members of the Indigenous People (IP) Community of Davao del Norte.

He said, based on the report from Davao City Police (DCPO), the Central 911 received a call pertaining to the stabbing of

Shirlyn Macasarte-Villanueva, senior board member and focal person of Adopt-A-Family program and friends.

“Available na ang materials, gihakot na sa AFP Davao to Tulunan,” she said.

She added that materials are also ready for the 35 units donated by

a group of lawyers and friends from Davao.

“Gihinay-hinay lang namo kay lisod mag stock ug materials considering that labor is through bayanihan. Government has all the resources but delay in intervention is apparent because of procurement process. Hence,

PRO 11, P9

Turnover of temporary shelters to Cotabato quake survivors on T

By MAYA M. PADILLO

o keep them safe and help them return to their normal lives, the turnover of temporary shelters to the quake survivors at Tulunan, Province of Cotabato continues.

Recently, two temporary shelters were turned over by the National Movement of Young Legislators

(NMYL) to bene�iciaries at Barangay Paraiso, Municipality of Tulunan, Province of Cotabato.

The January 23 turnover was headed by MNYL and witnessed by Cotabato Vice Governor Emmylou “Lala” T. Mendoza. The donations were coming from the different NMYL regional of�icers in the country.

Mendoza told Edge Davao, NMYL funded three temporary shelters and the remaining one shelter

TUCP backs Locsin in demanding Kuwait for the life of two Kuwaiti for the heinous murder of Jeanelyn

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he country biggest workers group the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) today throws its support behind Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Teddy Locsin in recent tussle with Kuwait government in demanding for the death penalty for the Kuwait couple over the rape, torture and gruesome murder of Filipina Household Service Worker Jeanelyn Villavende four weeks ago.

The statement was made after Locsin's expressed of�icial position drew the ire of Kuwaiti of-

�icials.

"The TUCP Party-list and the TUCP family of unions are authorizing and supporting Foreign Secretary Locsin's strong position in demanding from Kuwaiti government to punish the Kuwaiti employers of our Jeanelyn Villavende with death penalty for the perpetrators in the same manner she was tortured, raped and brutally killed. We urged Mr. Locsin to be steadfast in this demand and pursue all means until real justice for Jeanelyn is achieved, " said TUCP President and TUCP Party-List Congressman

Raymond Mendoza.

The TUCP condemned the efforts of Kuwait government to whitewash the case by its wilful dishonest medical death report indicating Jeanelyn died of a mere ‘physical injuries.’

In testimony into the inquiry in aid of legislation of the House of Representatives Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs on the death of Villavende, Mendoza, chair of committee, said an autopsy conducted by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on her remains showed that she was tortured in

ighteen (18) scholars of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) – Regional Welfare Of�ice XI were among the 83,000 passers of the September 2019 Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET).

Of this number, three (3) were scholars under the Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP) while the �ifteen were grantees of the OFW Dependents Scholarship

Program (ODSP).

EDSP is a scholarship grant offered to quali�ied bene�iciaries/dependents of active OWWA members who intend to enroll in a 4-5 year baccalaureate course in any preferred colleges/universities in the country. A �inancial assistance amounting to a maximum of PhP60,000.00 per school year is given to the scholar who must be among the top 400 passers of the qualifying examina-

tion administered by the Department of Science and Technology while ODSP is an educational assistance worth PhP20,000.00 per year offered to quali�ied dependents of active OWWA members whose monthly salary is US$600.00 or below..

The three new licensed teachers under EDSP are: Portia Aioel Aine Dalangin (Ateneo de Davao University), Jelyn Beierly

is scheduled to be turned over on Wednesday this week.

“These young legislators of NMYL are getting real and engaging about climate change and disaster,” she said.

Mendoza added that they are also set to turn over nine temporary shelter units donated by

TURNOVER, P9

TUCP, P9

18 OWWA XI scholars now licensed teachers

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18 OWWA, P9

Rev. Haniel Taganas of the United Church of Christ in the Phils. (UCCP) provides the details during this week’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Davao of the

Bible reading marathon set on January 27 to at Rizal Park in Davao City. The Bible reading marathon is part of the National Bible month. Lean Daval Jr

4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 228 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2020

PH delisted from int'l counterfeit watchlist

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A shopper chooses from a collection of secondhand clothes with her little son in tow at an “ukay-ukay” store along San Pedro Street in Davao City on Monday. Lean Daval Jr

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resident Rodrigo Duterte’s economic team is competent enough to push for programs and policies that would lift more Filipinos out of poverty, Malacañang said on Sunday.

In an interview with dzIQ, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said the Palace was con�ident that the country’s economic managers can introduce anti-poverty measures aimed at helping poor Filipino families.

“Marami na ring krisis na dumaan pero magaling ang economic managers

natin. So siguro, alam na nila ang kanilang gagawin (We have experienced many crises but our economic managers are competent. Perhaps, they know what to do),” Panelo said.

Panelo issued the statement after Social Weather Stations’ (SWS) Dec. 13 to 16 poll revealed

that the number of Filipino households who consider themselves poor in the past three months rose to 13.4 million or 54 percent from the 10.3 million or 42 percent registered in September 2019.

SWS noted that the latest number of poor Filipino families was the “highest” since the 55 percent posted in September 2014.

Panelo downplayed the poll results, stressing that poverty incidence tends to �luctuate from time to time. “‘Yung survey natin

di ba there was a time na umakyat, meron naman time na bumababa so talagang nagfa-�luctuate ang sentimiyento ng mga tao, depende sa kalakaran na nakakabalot sa kanila (There was a time that survey results are either relatively high or low. So the public sentiments really �luctuate, depending on the situation),” he said.

The current administration is targeting reducing poverty incidence to 14 percent by the end of Duterte’s term in 2022.

The Palace of�icial, nevertheless, expressed

CebPac allows passengers to rebook flights to China, HK, Macau for free

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assengers of Cebu Paci�ic �lying to China, Hong Kong, and Macau until the end of February have the option to rebook their tickets to a later date for free, the �lag carrier announced Sunday.

In an advisory, Cebu Paci�ic said passengers with �lights between the Philippines and Shanghai, Canton, Beijing, Shenzen, Xiamen, Hong Kong, and Macau booked

on or before January 24, 2020, and traveling until February 29, 2020 may avail of the following: • Rebook �lights (new �light within 30 days of original travel data) • Refund tickets in full • Store the value of the ticket in a travel fund for future use Affected passengers

may make their choice through the online portal of Cebu Paci�ic.

“Those who booked their �lights through online travel websites or travel agencies who opt for a full refund are advised to coordinate with the agent where �light was booked and purchased,” it said.

This comes as the latest reports indicated that 56 individuals in China had died from the novel

coronavirus.

Cebu Paci�ic earlier clari�ied that it did not operate direct �lights to and from Wuhan, China.

For its part, the Philippines had suspended all direct incoming �lights from Wuhan following the outbreak.

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) also said almost 500 tourists in Kalibo, Aklan would be �lown back to China.

BSP chief says gov't deals probed, 'overnight' takeover 'will not happen'

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angko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Benjamin Diokno said Monday a government takeover of businesses with alleged onerous contracts "will not happen overnight" as these will go through legal processes.

President Rodrigo Duterte and his cabinet secretaries have in recent weeks �lagged irregulari-

ties in state deals with Manila Water Co, Maynilad Water Services Inc, Ayala Land, Chevron Philippines and Light Rail Manila Corp, sending share prices tumbling.

"That's going to go through the legal process. It will not happen overnight like a takeover by government. That will not happen. There will be

a process," Diokno told ANC's Early Edition.

"If you're a businessman, you are looking for where you'll make money and if you invest in the Philippines you'll make a lot of money," he said.

Asked if scrutiny of government contracts would dampen business sentiment, Diokno said: "I don't think so."

The Philippines' is on track to achieve a credit rating of "A" for the �irst time, Diokno said. The Philippines is currently in the B tier, meaning investment grade.

"Right now, we are rated by the credit rating agencies as A, except that it's formality. It has to go through formality," he

BSP, P9

he Philippines was delisted from the watchlist of the European Union (EU) on intellectual property rights (IPR) regarding threats and concerns, the Intellectual Property Of�ice of the Philippines (IPOPHIL) reported.

Citing a European Commission report released January 8, the IPOPHIL said the Philippines was removed from the Priority 3 category of the EU's counterfeit watchlist.

"Due to the few complaints, IPR holders in EU only deemed it strategic to put the Philippines aside and give more importance in looking after other countries who have an increasing potential to let loose on counterfeiting and piracy activities," Of�icer-in-Charge Director

General Teodoro C. Pascua said.

The Philippines has been under the Priority 3 category since 2015, already a downgrade from its previous enlistment as Priorty 2, with Priority 1 being the biggest threat.

"This European Commission report is one of the latest major indicators that manifests the effectivity of the work being done for the past years at IPOPHL and the National Committee on Intellectual Property Rights (NCIPR) which it vice-chairs," said Pascua.

"NCIPR of�icials and of�icers are committed to going after IPR violators, �inding it a meaningful duty to protect the country from the sabotage counterfeiting and piracy brings to an economy, cul-

con�idence that poverty rate would go down, in the event that the government implements new projects that would create more job opportunities for Filipinos.

“Marami tayong incoming projects (We have many incoming projects),” Panelo said. “‘Pag iyan sunud-sunod na mag-umpisa na, syempre, maraming trabaho.

Maraming kababayan natin na mahihirap na magkakaroon ng pagkakataon na gumanda ang kanilang buhay (When the projects begin, these will create more jobs. Our fellow

countrymen will have the opportunity to have a comfortable life),” he added.

In December 2019, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia said it is “possible and quite reasonable” that poverty rate would further drop to “10 to 12 percent” by 2022.

Presidential Communications Operations Of�ice Secretary Martin Andanar also guaranteed in December last year that the government’s programs will further give “bene�icial gains and advantages” to Filipinos this year. (PNA)

PH, P9

Tax collections from POGOs up 169% in 2019, says DOF

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axes collected from Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) picked up by 169% in 2019 given the government crackdown on the industry, the Department of Finance (DOF) reported Sunday.

In an emailed statement, the DOF said the government collected a total of P6.42 billion in taxes from POGOs in 2019.

This is P4.04 billion or 169% higher than the P2.38 billion from the sec-

TAX, P9

BTr to offer at least P30-B 3-year retail treasury bonds

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he Philippine government will offer at least PHP30 billion worth of three-year retail treasury bond (RTB) from January 28 to February 6 and conduct swaps for the same tenor that will mature on April 11.

In a notice of offering posted on the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) website Friday afternoon, the BTr said the settlement date for the peso-denominated RTB has been set on February 11.

The last time the government issued RTBs was in March 2019, amounting

to PHP235.93 for a threeyear paper.

RTBs are targeted for small investors since minimum investment is PHP5,000.

The government has been pushing for RTB issuance to entice more people to invest as the economy expands and more people become �inancially capable to save.

The BTr will formally launch the 23rd tranche of RTB sale on Tuesday in a brie�ing at the Development Bank of the Philippines’ main of�ice in Makati. (PNA)

VOL.12 ISSUE 228 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2020

EDGEDAVAO

ECONOMY 5

A public utility bus plying the Calinan-Roxas route traverses along E. Qurino Avenue in Davao City on Monday. Drivers and operators which will be affected by High Priority Bus System (HPBS) can now avail of any of the five social compensation packages offered such as educational assistance, skills training, and cash-for-work assistance initiated by the city government of Davao. Lean Daval Jr

Davao City opens HPBS social Public told to observe ‘responsible tourism’ packages for drivers, operators T

T

rue to its commitment to assist drivers and operators who will be affected by the transport modernization program, the Davao City government rolls out the social compensation packages under the High Priority Bus System (HPBS).

Drivers and operators can now avail of any of the �ive social compensation packages offered such as educational assistance, skills training, and cashfor-work assistance.

HPBS spokesperson Norman Baloro said each jeepney driver and an operator can choose three among the �ive packages being offered.

The 5 packages offered are programs of Depart-

ment of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and the Department of Health (DOH).

Under the DOLE program, the driver, operator or their designated bene�iciaries can avail the onemonth cash-for-work program and get paid at least

P11,000. This is on top of the �inancial assistance that will be given to them.

DTI, on the other hand, is offering livelihood kits and capacitate individuals to become entrepreneurs.

TESDA also offers various skills training, the top priority for which is a NC3 level course for bus driving and other automotive related courses.

CHED offers a four-year course education grant of P15,000 per year for four consecutive years for one bene�iciary of the driver or operator.

On top of the health assistance that the bene�iciary can get from PhilHealth, Lingap, Malasakit Center, DOH will give them an additional P5,000 to P10,000 as medical assistance.

“These packages can be availed by the operators and drivers themselves or their designated and quali�ied bene�iciaries up to the 4th civil degree of relationship,” Baloro said.

The compensation packages are social safety nets, economic assistance and capacity building opportunities available to eligible jeepney operators and drivers depending on the choices they make, whether to participate in the HPBS, or to exit from the public transportation sector.

Baloro, however, clari�ied that these social compensation packages will be available not just for those drivers and operators who will be affected by the �irst

cut rates by 75 points in 2019 and earlier signaled a further 50-point reduction this year.

"We're doing great.

We're in a very nice place right now. We'll go slow in our monetary easing," Diokno told ANC's Early Edition. The economy could grow by 6.5 to 7 percent this year and unemployment is "low," he said.

"Our projection is that maybe, there's still some area for cutting both the re-

serve requirement and the interest rate. Maybe not as aggressive as last year," he said.

The Feb. 6 policy rate decision will be "data-dependent," Diokno said.

Gross domestic product growth accelerated to 6.4 percent in the fourth quarter of 2019, however full year growth came in at 5.9 percent, missing the low end of the government's target.

An expected uptick in

in�lation this year is "nothing to be scared of" since it will likely stay within the 2 to 4 percent range, he said.

In�lation will be "in the neighborhood of 3 percent" in 2020, he said.

"We're very con�ident that the in�lation rate that we've seen in 2018 will not occur this year and next year," he said.

In�lation peaked at near 10-year highs in 2018 due to high rice prices, prompting the 175-point rate hike.

DAVAO CITY, P8

Diokno says to 'go slow' on interest rate cuts this year

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angko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Benjamin Diokno said Monday he would "go slow" on monetary policy easing this year, saying the economy was in a "nice place" of strong growth and within target in�lation.

The central bank has "a lot of room" to unwind the 175-basis point interest rate hike from 2018, Diokno said, ahead of the monetary board's �irst meeting for the year on Feb. 6. He

he Department of Tourism (DOT) on Sunday called on travelers to practice responsible tourism in the Philippines as a photo of a man seemingly defecating in the heritage site of Intramuros went viral on social media.

“With this, we reiterate our call for everyone to be mindful of our environment and to practice responsible tourism, especially in our heritage sites,” Department of Tourism-attached agency Intramuros Administration (IA) chief Guiller Asido said in a statement.

Guiller clari�ied that no waste was found when IA personnel checked the area upon seeing the viral photo, which shows a man squatting over a pot with his pants down.

“After sifting through the location, the personnel deployed reported that there is no waste in the area, contrary to what is thought to be insinuated in

the photo. The IA has tried all possible means to contact the person who �irst posted the incident online, but until now we’ve yet to receive a response,” he said.

He said the public should immediately report to proper personnel or guards on duty if they ever witness such actions instead of “instigating unwarranted assumptions, and hateful messages”. Asido said.

“We ask that the public be vigilant in terms of our heritage sites and to call the attention of any law enforcement of�icer, or security of�icers who are posted in all areas,” Asido said.

Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso earlier ordered the city’s police to �ind and identify the man featured in the photo. As of this posting, the Manila City government is coordinating with the IA regarding the issue.

(PNA)

Gasoline, diesel, prices down today

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otorists will be greeted with cheaper pump prices of petroleum products this week.

In an advisory, Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation said it will cut down prices per liter of gasoline by P0.30, diesel

by P0.40, and kerosene by P0.35.

The changes will take

effect 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 28.

Other �irms have yet to announce any adjustments for the week.

According to the latest data available from the Department of Energy (DOE), year-to-date adjustments stand at a net decrease of P0.95 for gasoline, P1.50 for diesel, and P1.64 for kerosene.

6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 228 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2020

EDITORIAL More than a basketball star Waking up on Monday to the news of retired NBA star Kobe Bryant’s death was like the day JFK was shot dead or Princess Diana killed in a car crash.

Kobe, 41, died in a helicopter crash with 13-year old daughter Gianna (Gigi) along with 7 others in the hills of Calabasas in California.

It was a tragedy so devastating the world wished i wasn’t true. For the �irst time, people wished it was fake news that ripped their news feeds.

Kobe’s exploits on the basketball court is legendary. Five NBA championships, two Olympic gold medals, and 17 NBA All-Star game appearances with four All Star MVP awards.

Born in 1978 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and named after a Japanese steakhouse, Kobe grew up around basketball, with his dad Joe a former forward for the Philadelphia 76ers and the San Diego Clippers.

After ending his NBA career, Kobe’s father took the family to Italy, where he �inished his playing career in the Italian League.

When the family eventually returned to Philadelphia in 1991, Bryant joined the Lower Merion High School basketball team, leading it to the state championships four years in a row. With an eye on the NBA, he also started training with the 76ers.

After �inishing high school and with a growing reputation as a standout young player, he was selected by the Charlotte Hornets with the 13th overall pick of the 1996 NBA draft, and was subsequently traded to the Los Angeles Lakers where he would go on to become the star player of the franchise. His �irst match against the Dallas Mavericks in January 27 1997 set the record for Youngest NBA player to start a game at just 18 years and 158 days old. An example of his extraordinary scoring abilities came in 2006 when Bryant scored 81 points in a single game against the Toronto Raptors. The game became

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LEANDRO S. DAVAL JR. Photography

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

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

Kobe’s highest scoring game in his career and the second most points scored in a single NBA game.

Kobe’s remarkable skills and technique allowed him to achieve multiple scoring records including Youngest player to score 30,000 in a NBA career during a win over the New Orleans Hornets on December 5 2012, at 34 years and 104 days old and Most three-point �ield goals by an individual in an NBA game (regular season) during a game against the Seattle Supersonics on January 7 2003 where he scored 12 three-point shots.

But Kobe’s legend wasn’t only made in the basketball court. He won an Oscar for best animated short �ilm, became a philanthropist, helped young NBA players like Kawhi Leonard, and most importantly, was was great family man.

Kobe had no son to become his heir apparent unlike his fellow NBA stars and friends Lebron James who has Bronny or Dwyane Wade who has Zaire. But he had a daughter whom he calls “Mambacita” after his own court nickname, “Black Mamba.” Kobe believed Gigi would follow in his footsteps and become a professional basketball player.

Kobe was known as a family man whose Instagram account is �illed with pictures and videos of his wife, Vanessa, and four daughters, aged 17 years to 7 months old. He looked after his family who stood by him even during those turbulent times when he was accused of rape, a case that was eventually dismissed.

To the last day, Kobe was a father guiding her daughter. He was to coach Gigi that day.

They never made it.

In the hearts of his legion of fans, Kobe remains the epitome of a player who works hard despite the talent that he got. More than winning basketball games, it is the responsibility one has over his team, his sport, the community and his family that were Kobe’s legacy.

SOLANI D. MARATAS Finance

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

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 228 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2020

VANTAGE POINTS

7

DENNIS R. GORECHO PINOY MARINO RIGHTS

SEAFARERS AS “FISHERS OF MEN” The apostles of Jesus Christ were initially known as “�ishers of men” which is considered as the most important metaphor for evangelism.

According to the gospel last Sunday, Christ �irst gathered his �ishermen-disciples around him who later disseminated his teachings.

Andrew, Peter, James and John, the sons of Zebedee, were �ishermen. The bible relates that Andrew and Peter were �ishing, plying their trade when called, and James and John were mending nets with their father. The bible also states that James and John weren’t just �ishermen, but business owners, along with their father, for they employed others in the business.

Thomas and Philip may have also worked as �ishermen, for they were all together and �ishing when Jesus appeared to them following his resurrection.

The disciples are simple working people with no great

background.

In Roman philosopher Marcus Tullius Cicero’s ranking of occupations, owners of cultivated land appear �irst and �ishermen last.

In the ancient world, �ishing was a metaphor for two distinct activities: judgment and teaching.

Water is a symbol of life as well as a symbol of destruction.

To some, the water reference might also be linked to the idea of baptism.

In this case, Jesus called the disciples to drag people out from the water of this world where they are drowning in sin.

He invited them to abandon the nets and trust themselves totally to the Lord for a new ‘catch’, a new de�initive horizon. It might refer to the disciples working to catch souls for Jesus as they had previously caught �ish.

When �ish leaves water it dies after few hours. However, it receives a new life through the teachings of resurrection.

In the Philippines, Saint

Lorenzo Ruiz and San Pedro Calungsod are two martyrs of the Philippine Catholic Church who were seafarers and missionaries at the same time before they became saints.

Ruiz and Calungsod sailed to other countries and died for a mission: “to teach the Good News”.

While working as a clerk for the Binondo Church, Ruiz was falsely accused of killing a Spaniard. Ruiz sought asylum on board a ship with three Dominican priests and sailed for Japan.

However, Christians were being persecuted in Japan by the time Ruiz had arrived.

The missionaries were arrested, thrown into prison, and endured various cruel methods of torture. Despite his suffering, Ruiz refused to renounce Christianity and died from eventual blood loss and suffocation. His body was cremated, with the ashes thrown into the sea.

While in Guam, Calungsod preached Christianity to the Chamorro people through cat-

echism, while baptizing infants, children and adults at the risk and expense of being persecuted and eventually murdered.

Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Tagle earlier acknowledged the role of seafarers, Filipino mariners in particular, in propagating the teachings of the church, and not merely major contributors to the country’s economic growth.

Tagle underscored that the pain brought by separation is a sign of the seafarer’s love, strength, and faith for the good of his family and the country.

“Even if you feel pain when you leave your family and your country, that suffering is not a reason for you to be ‘paralyzed,’ but inspire you to strive for more,” said Tagle adding that their hardships will not weaken them but make them even stronger.

The Philippines is considered as one of the major supplier of maritime labor globally as it is estimated that there is one Filipino seafarer for every

four to �ive complements on board a vessel at any time.

The estimated 337,502 deployed Filipino seafarers in 2018 remitted $6.14 billion or around P318.55 billion. The sea-based sector’s remittances comprise at least 22% of the total dollar remittances of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).

These remittances help spur domestic consumption in the Philippines and a key ingredient in the country’s drive to achieve higher but sustainable growth.

With faith as a weapon, the Filipino saints and seafarers sail with a mission – to be the soldier of change not only in the Philippines but also to the whole world. *** Atty. Dennis R. Gorecho heads the seafarers’ division of the Sapalo Velez Bundang Bulilan law of�ices. For comments, send message through email info@sapalovelez. com, or call 09175025808 or 09088665786).

HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

THEY WHO DIED IN HELICOPTER CRASHES Last January 26, while most televisions and newspapers from all over the world were reporting about the novel corona virus, a big news happened in the United States when a helicopter crashed and burst into �lames in Southern California.

Legendary American basketball player Kobe Bryant, together with his daughter and three others, died when “the aircraft went down in a remote �ield off las Virgenes around 10:00 this morning,” tweeted the City of Calabasas.

The world was totally shocked with the turn of event.

The retired NBA superstar was gone at the age of 41. He played his entire 20-year career in the National Basketball Association with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Bryant’s untimely death shadowed that of Dr. Raymundo S. Punongbayan in 2005. He served as director of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) from 1983 to 2002. He rose to popularity after handling two well-known calamities that hit the country: the 1990 Luzon earthquake and the 1991Pinatubo eruption.

At the time of his death, the American-trained geologist was a member of the Philippine National Red Cross Board of Directors. Punongbayan, together

with four PHIVOLCS staff and four Air Force crew members, were on a mission to assess the area as part of the disaster preparedness operations program of the government, when the helicopter crash at Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija.

“He was sel�less and indefatigable,” Stauro T. Punungbayan said of his father. “I’d see him early in the morning turning the computer on to do something. Or lying on the sofa thinking of what else he could do for the country, for the people.”

Thailand has also its shares of famous people who died of helicopter crashes. One of the famous fatalities was Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, the billionaire owner of King Power Duty Free and chairman of Leicester City F.C. The helicopter was leaving King Power Stadium just one hour after a football match.

Eyewitness described seeing “the helicopter spinning before crashing and creating a �ireball.”

He was 60 when he died, together with four others on board the helicopter.

Like Vichai, Frank Wells was also a businessman but from the United States. In fact, he was known as the President of the Walt Disney Company. “He died in a helicopter crash on April 3, 1994 returning from a ski

trip that he went on with Clint Eastwood,” Ranker.com reports.

“Disney dedicated its �ilm, The Lion King, to Wells.”

Most of those who died from helicopter crashes were politicians. Rene Barrientos, for instance, was the president of Bolivia when he died in a helicopter crash on his way to Arque, Cochamba Department.

Another politician was John Garang. He served as vice-president of Sudan for a brief period in 2005. On July 30, 2005, the helicopter he was �lying in crashed while returning from a secret meeting with President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda.

George Saitoti was also a vice-president of Kenya when he died in a helicopter crash along with �ive others on June 20, 2012. Aside from being a politician, he was also a businessman and American- and British-trained economist, mathematician and development policy thinker.

The American entertainment has lost a lot of its people due to helicopter crashes. Take the case of Stevie Ray Vaughan, the blues guitarist who received a total of six Grammy Awards in his career. “On the hazy night of August 27, 1990, Vaughan and three members of Eric Clapton’s team were killed in a helicopter crash after performing a con-

cern at the Alpine Valley Music Theatre in East Troy, Wisconsin,” stated the Ranker.com report.

Troy Gentry likewise died in the same manner. The other member of the musical group, Montgomery Gentry, he was on his way to a New Jersey concert performance when the incident happened on September 8, 2017.

Hollywood actor Vic Morrow – who appeared on the series Combat! – also perished in a helicopter crash but not in the same manner. The Ranker.com report said: “While �ilming Twilight Zone: The Movie, he was killed when a helicopter crashes on top of him due to faulty pyrotechnics. Two child actors Myca Dinh Le and Renee Shin-Yi, also died as a result of the accident, which occurred on July 23, 1982.”

Two famous Australian �ilm producers also died in a helicopter crash. Byron Kennedy, known for his Mad Max series (which catapulted Mel Gibson to international fame), ended his career when the helicopter he was �lying in crashed at Warragamba Dam in New South Wales.

Andrew Wight died in the same fashion. His credits include Ghosts of the Abyss, Aliens of the Deep, Expedition: Bismarck and Sanctum.

On February 4, 2012, he was killed

in a helicopter crash at Jaspers Brush near the town of Berry in New South Wales. The crash also claimed the life of Mike DeGruy (an American documentary �ilmmaker specializing in underwater cinematography).

There were two other famous men who died in a helicopter crash: Svyatosla Fyodorov and Mark Muir Mills.

Fyodorov was a Russian politician and ophthalmologist when the helicopter he was �lying in crashed when returning from an academic conference.

Mills, an American physicist who developed atomic bombs, died on April 7, 1958 after the helicopter he was �lying in crashed due to bad weather.

It seems only men died of helicopter crashes. But there was one reported in Ranker. com. Philippa Duke Schuyler was an American child prodigy and pianist who became famous in the 1930s and 1940s as a result of her talent, mixed-race parentage, and eccentric methods employed by her mother to bring her up.

“She died on May 9, 1967 after a helicopter she was �lying in crashed into the water where she would eventually drown.

The helicopter was �lying on a mission to rescue Vietnamese orphans,” the Ranker.com reported.

8 MOTORING EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 228 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2020

The Ford executives pose beside the different Ford Ranger variants

DAVAO CITY...

FROM 5 Ford Philippines boosts

pickup truck portfolio • • • • •

The new Ford Ranger FX4 exudes toughness inside out with its bold design, work-ready performance, and smart technologies Available in two variants and in �ive colors, the new Ranger FX4 starts at Php1,256,000 and is available in all Ford dealerships nationwide starting January 23, 2020 With the addition of the new Ranger FX4 in its portfolio, Ford now has the widest lineup of pickup trucks in the country with 13 variants, offering a Ford Ranger for everyone An upgraded Ranger lineup also unveiled with new enhancements for Raptor, Wildtrak, XLT and XLS variants with no price increase The new Ranger FX4 is available for test drive at the Ford Island Conquest on January 24 to 26, 2020 at the SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds, with over Php1.3 million worth of cash discounts and prizes up for grabs

Ford Philippines launches the new Ford Ranger FX4 to boost its best-selling Ranger portfolio, making it the automotive company with the widest lineup of pickup trucks in the country with 13 available variants.

The new Ford Ranger FX4 boasts of a bold design inside out and features that will help widen the appeal of the Ranger among customers seeking for a versatile and capable pickup truck.

“The new Ranger FX4 is a strong addition to our Ranger lineup as we continue to offer a variety of our ‘Built Ford Tough’ pickup trucks to customers with different needs, budget, and lifestyle, clearly signifying that there is indeed a Ford Ranger for everyone,” said PK Umashankar, managing director, Ford Philippines.

Bolder look and design Instantly recognizable is the Ranger FX4’s eye-catching design that distinguishes itself across the entire Ranger lineup.

Unique 18-inch black alloy wheels, new mesh grille, extended steel sports bar, and ebony black accents on side mirror caps, door handles, front and rear bumpers and fender features give the Ranger FX4 a distinctive look and style.

The standout decals along the lower doors and a 3D badge on its tailgate complement its attractive design.

On the inside, the Ranger FX4 retains its re�ined look with FX4-embossed leather seats, FX4-branded �loor mats, and sporty dark environment highlighted by race red stitching accents on the soft top instrument panel, center console, gear shifter, and door trims.

Comfort and convenience The Ranger FX4 is also equipped with a selection of features that enhance the driving experience for both drivers and passengers.

It offers entertainment through an infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, including a new 8-inch full color touchscreen.

The Ranger FX4 is also packed with driver-assistance technologies (DAT) that include Cruise Control, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Rear Parking Sensors, Rain Sensing Wipers, Power Folding Mirrors, and Electronic Power Assist Steering (EPAS), collectively bringing in comfort, safety, and convenience in every drive.

Proven performance Powering the Ranger FX4 is Ford’s proven 2.2L Duratorq diesel engine mated with a six-speed manual or automatic transmission, delivering an impressive 160PS and 385Nm of torque.

Availability and pricing The new Ranger FX4 is available in Ford dealerships nationwide starting January 23, 2020 with a starting retail price of Php1,256,000 for the 4x2 manual variant and Php1,316,000 for the 4x2 automatic variant. It comes in �ive colors: Absolute Black, Aluminum Metallic, Arctic White, Meteor Grey, and True Red. “The Ranger FX4 takes toughness to a whole new level with a new look, sleek design, and relevant features customized to �it the needs of a new breed of pickup truck customers with both work and play needs,” added Ryan Lorenzo, marketing director, Ford Philippines.

Ranger for Everyone Aside from the new Ranger FX4, Ford Philippines is also introducing a series of enhancements and upgrades to its entire Ranger lineup.

Ranger XLS variants now come with a new 8-inch LCD touchscreen radio with Apple Carplay and Android Auto Capability. A new Ranger XLS Sport 4x2 A/T variant is added to the Ranger XLS products available to customers.

Ranger XLT variants also come with a new 8-inch LCD touchscreen radio with Apple Carplay and Android Auto Capability.

Meanwhile, Ranger Wildtrak 4x2 variants now have a new wheel design and

LED headlamps. The Wildtrak 4x4 also has a new wheel design, LED headlamps, camera-based Autonomous Emergency Braking with pedestrian detection and highmount USB feature to support various dashcam models.

Lastly, the Ranger Raptor now comes with a camera-based Autonomous Emergency Braking with pedestrian detection, highmount USB, and LED headlamps.

“We have gone further in our pickup truck lineup by bringing more value to our customers with enhanced technology and content in all our Ranger products while retaining current pricing – more value at the same price.

With the widest range, widest price brand and higher value for our pickup trucks, there is indeed a Ranger for everyone in the Philippines,” added Umashankar.

Ford Island Conquest kicks off The launch of the Ranger FX4 also of�icially marks the kick-off of the Ford Island Conquest event this year.

The �irst leg of the experiential test drive will happen on January 24-26, 2020 from 9:00am to 9:00pm at the SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds in Pasay City.

During the three-day event, customers have the chance to test drive the Ranger FX4 and other Ford vehicles on a specialized driving course that will showcase the vehicles’ best-in-class features and capabilities.

Customers also have the chance to avail of exclusive offers and deals when they purchase a Ford vehicle. This includes a Php10,000 outright cash discount and picka-prize cash discount of up to Php100,000 on top of existing promotions for the month.

Over Php1.3 million worth of cash discounts and prizes are up for grabs during the Ford Island Conquest kick-off.

To know more about the new Ford Ranger FX4, visit the Ford Philippines website or any Ford dealership nearest you.

phase of the implementation of the HPBS (Toril, Catalunan Grande, and Diversion road routes), but all jeepney drivers and operators can avail it now,” he said. Hence, with this, all those affected are encouraged to coordinate with the HPBS Project Of�ice at the

2nd Floor of Pasalubong Center at Palma Gil St., Davao City during regular government of�ice hours.

The HPBS is one of the city’s answer to address the worsening traf�ic situation in the city, and seeks to provide a safe, convenient, sustainable and ef�icient pub-

lic transportation for all.

The �irst phase of the HPBS is rolling out soon and the city allocated P250 million. There will be an estimate of 100 buses to be deployed for Toril; 25 for Catalunan Grande; and, 10 for the Diversion Road routes. CIO

boxing icon Manny Pacquiao -- an avid basketball fan -- tweeted.

Brazilian footballer Neymar dedicated his second goal in Paris Saint-German’s 2-0 victory at Lille to Bryant, calling his death “deeply saddening for the world of sport and for all of us -- not just for basketball fans but for everything he did for sport.”

Golf superstar Tiger Woods, whose professional career started the same year as Bryant’s, recalled competitive qualities that echo those of Woods himself.

“The �ire,” Woods said of what he most remembered of Bryant. “He burned so competitively hot. He had such a desire to win. He brought it every night.”

“Any time he was in the game he would take on their best player and shut him down for 40 minutes. I think that’s one of the best

things about him his whole career.”

Woods, no stranger to injury, recalled the time Bryant ruptured an achilles tendon -- then stayed in the game to make his free throws.

It was just one of myriad signature moments Bryant produced in his career.

But for many Sunday’s grief for what he might still have achieved in his post-NBA life.

“Kobe was a legend on the court and just getting started in what would have been just as meaningful a second act,” former US President Barack Obama, another keen basketball fan, tweeted.

“His star was continuing to rise every day and he knew no limits because of his many intellectual and creative talents and desire to give back to others – his passion for the game, for his family and for others

was apparent in everything he accomplished,” former Boston Celtics star Larry Bird said.

In Los Angeles, fans gathered to leave tributes near the sight of the crash and outside the Lakers’ practice facility miles south in El Segundo.

And they gathered outside the Lakers’ Staples Center arena, where Bryant’s death cast a shadow over the glitzy Grammy Awards.

“Here we are,” Grammys host Alicia Keys said.

“Together. On music’s biggest night celebrating the artists that do it best. But to be honest with you, we’re all feeling crazy sadness right now. Because earlier today Los Angeles, America and the whole wide world lost a hero.

“And we’re literally standing here heartbroken in the house that Kobe Bryant built.”

The former Wimbledon and French Open champion lost the opening set of her tournament but since then has lost just one more, and dropped only 16 games total in the other eight sets she has played.

Muguruza will face either Angelique Kerber or Anatasia Pavlyuchenkova in her quarter-�inal on Wednesday.

day,” Djokovic said.

“Kobe was a great mentor and friend to me. You and your daughter will live forever in our hearts.

“There are not enough words to express my deepest sympathies to the Bryants and every family suffering from this tragedy.

RIP my friend.”

While a number of tennis identities were familiar with Bryant, Djokovic shared a special bond with the 41-year-old. Indeed, just two days ago Djokovic credited Bryant with helping him arrest his form slump.

Mon�ils' crafty trick serveMon�ils' crafty trick serve0:35 “Kobe has been one of my mentors,” Djokovic told ESPN on January 25.

“I’ve had several phone conversations with him

and also of course when we see each other live in the past couple of years.

“When I was going through the injury with my elbow and struggling mentally and emotionally to handle all of these different things that were happening to me and dropping in the rankings and then having to work my way up, he was one of the people who was really there for me to give me some valuable advice and guidelines to kind of believe and trust in myself, trust the process that I’ll be back.

“I’m very grateful to him for being there for me, for being very supportive.

“I love Kobe. Who doesn’t? He’s an amazing guy and one of the best basketball players and athletes of all time.”

WORLD... FROM11

WAWRINKA... FROM11

DJOKER’S HEARTFELT BRYANT TRIBUTE Novak Djokovic has delivered a heartfelt message in the wake of the tragic death of basketball superstar Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna.

The duo, along with seven others, were killed in a helicopter crash in California.

“My heart truly mourns over the news to-

VOL.12 ISSUE 228 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2020

EDGEDAVAO EVENT

CHINESE NEW YEAR AT THE HEART OF DAVAO

THE MARCO POLO DAVAO ushered in the year of the metal rat with an exciting Chinese New Year’s Eve celebration at the hotel last January 24, 2020.

The festive celebration kickedoff with the traditional “Dotting of the Lion’s Eye” led by Department of Tourism XI Regional Director Tanya Rabat-Tan and Juanito Yap. They were both joined by Marco Polo Davao President Francis Ledesma.

“This Chinese New Year’s Eve Celebration holds a lot of meaning for Marco Polo Davao, for we are also celebrating our 22nd year of existence as the first and only premier hotel in Mindanao. We are very pleased to see our beloved friends and guests from the Fil-Chinese Community here in the city, as they have long supported us from the very beginning” says President Francis Ledesma.

A rumble of drums signified the start of the Dragon and Lion Dance performed by the Davao Lion Dancers Association. It was nice to see families and friends gather at the hotel’s entrance and lobby where the performances were held.

After the exciting performances, guests were invited to an auspicious Chinesethemed buffet spread at Café Marco featuring Dim Sum creations and signature dishes like Roast Peking Duck, Grilled Lamb Chops, and Black Peppered Crabs all prepared by the Marco Polo Davao’s culinary team headed by executive chef Alex Destriza.

Xin Ni Kwai Lok! Kiong Hee Huat Tzai to everyone!

EDGED

A2 INdulge!

TRAVEL

Sometimes, I allow a little bit of dairy if it’s bread since I haven’t learned how to make vegan bread yet. Fruits on toast with nut butter is some of the fun ways to eat a healthy plant-based breakfast.

Photo by Ella Olsson.

POWERED BY

PLANTS I

was born into a family of meateaters. I could never remember having a meal without meat in it. As my sister and I were growing up (my little brother wasn’t born then) my Mom, worried we weren’t getting enough “nutrients” from meat tried feeding us more vegetables.

I could remember forcing myself to eat vegetables. I’d cheat my way by filling my mouth with more meat so the tastelessness of the vegetables would be disguised through the savoury goodness of meat.

That’s how I got to know my plants back then.

Almost twenty-nine years later, I’m on a relapse mission.

The 2019 holidays have gotten the best of me, and I started eating meat during Christmas and a little over the new year.

Still, you’ve got to congratulate me for getting as far as a month and a half being almost 100% plant-based.

It was easy when vegan restaurants were within my reach like when I was in San Juan,

La Union—eating plant-based was convenient. When I moved to Dahican in Mati City, that’s when the unglamorous reality hit me. It hit me hard—being plant-based in a meat-eating society was challenging.

The first few weeks were comfortable. I could eat limited vegetable dishes at the only restaurant in Dahican. Soon, I became tired of eating the same old ginataang kalabasa (squash cooked in coconut milk) and garlic rice.

My love for food has gotten me to the point that I had to take matters into my own hands and cook my own food.

Deciding to eat plant-based really pushed my boundaries towards my perspective towards food. It was no longer about what was comfortable, it was all about what tasted good and what was right for my body— and the environment (but this part comes later).

The tail-end of December 2019 up to the first three weeks of January 2020 was my relapse period. I didn’t feel particularly happy about backsliding, but the cravings were so intensified, especially with my family

around me. They continue to eat meat, my sister and mother would, at times, eat vegan.

When the aroma is too pleasant to resist, they guiltlessly will eat meat in front of me (wish I didn’t feel guilty if I ate meat, but I do now so . . . ).

Today, I decided to muster all the strength to resist and patience towards myself. The blogs I read were right in saying that sometimes, when you go all out too fast, too soon, you end up going back to being a carnivore. There just wasn’t enough knowledge and desire to truly change.

My body felt the effects of eating animal products again.

I knew I couldn’t pretend that there wasn’t any ill-feeling.

My skin started breaking out again. I started feeling lethargic even early in the morning when I wake up. It wasn’t terrific.

Even a close friend of mine said that he wouldn’t believe me if I said I was vegan again.

Talk about support. But I didn’t let that stop me. I knew what was good for my body, and what was right for me, holistically. So I started researching

A bowl of vegetables is now appetizing for me, knowing the nutrients it provides and how my body badly needs it. Photo by Anna Pelzer.

ways I could eat better and healthier, using ingredients that are easily found where I was.

In Dahican, there aren’t so many choices. Even whole wheat loaf bread is hard to come by in the leading groceries. I couldn’t let this stop me.

I knew that I had to be patient with myself and not let myself stumble if I relapsed on a meal or a specific ‘hurdle food’.

I settled that dairy (hello, cheese) would be the last one that I would transition away from since that was the hardest for me. When I see deli and pork, I remember how these were made so the ‘real meats’ were more natural for me to say goodbye to. This is a great start, though because when I can make my own cheese and egg, I can completely transition 100%.

But how do I deal with the cravings?

I’d deal with them. For the meantime, while I still crave for the taste of meat, I ordered

vegan meat—mostly seitan or wheat gluten. As a Filipino, there are just some meats that can’t really be substituted that easy.

Longganisa, tocino and sisig are a few that I would crave for, especially I’m a tocilog and garlic rice lover. Still, I can’t survive on fried rice alone.

That’s why I’m so grateful that through the owners of Green Bounty, who are also my close friends, I was able to source vegan meat locally.

Now, I can resist the temptation to eat real meat and don’t have to feel deprived of what I used to love because I have these guiltless alternatives on hand. My next goals within the first quarter are quite simple, I want to start baking bread again. I used to before, and I should because vegan bread is probably like the manna that God rained down on the Israelites in the desert.

I’m not sure I could fully use a blender or food processor just yet, but maybe, once I get the hang of making my own plant-based meals. For now, I want to comfortable ex-

You ca Photo peri I ne thou the wou W Wh spir I’m prea don ceiv too. the selfi heal topm mat surf the B

EDAVAO

INdulge! A3

VOL.12 ISSUE 228 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2020

ENTERTAINMENT

XIAN, YAM, AND KIM STAR IN NEW FAMILY DRAMA “LOVE THY WOMAN” TWO FAMILIES will fight for love in the newest family drama starring Xian Lim, Yam Concepcion, and Kim Chiu in “Love Thy Woman”.

The series features the much-awaited teleserye comeback of Kim and Xian’s love team, marks their first time working with Yam after her breakout role in “Halik,” and brings together a star-studded cast that includes Eula Valdes, Sunshine Cruz, Zsazsa Padilla, Ruffa Gutierrez, and Christopher De Leon.

It revolves around a modern Filipino-Chinese family headed by patriarch Adam (Christopher), who is determined to keep his family intact despite having two of them. He lives with his first wife Lucy (Eula) and their daughter Dana (Yam), while his second family, Kai (Sunshine) and Jia (Kim), lives separately.

Even if the two wives have long accepted their situation, conflict continues to brew between them – a rivalry that will spill over to their daughters.

Their clan is put to test when one fateful night, Dana and her husband David (Xian) get involved in a road accident after their wedding, putting her in a coma.

In the absence of her half-sister, Jia finds herself falling in love with David.

This will cause of a series of events that will threaten their family’s already complicated set-up.

What happens when Dana wakes up? Until when will Adam try to keep his whole family intact?

“Love Thy Woman,” directed by Jeffrey Jeturian, Andoy Ranay, and Jerry Lopez Sineneng, is produced by Dreamscape Entertainment. The cast also includes Jana Victoria, Jennifer Sevilla, Chienna Filomena, China Yoo, David Chua, Shido Roxas, Tim Yap, Kimberly Tan, Mari Kaimo, Tori Garcia, Turs Daza, and Karl Gabriel.

Witness the lives entangled by love and blood in “Love Thy Woman,” on Kapamilya Gold on ABS-CBN and ABS-CBN HD (SkyCable ch 167).

How about smoothie bowls_ A mix of granola and muesli and you’re all fueled up for the day.

Photo by Alexandra Andersson.

an never go wrong with a fruit or fruit and veggie smoothie anytime of the day. o by Brooke Lark. imenting with ingredients stay too focused on yourself ever thought I’d use. I never alone. The ocean reminds you ught I’d go vegan, but when too much that you’re a small earth calls for help, why drop in a vast pond. After uldn’t I? much humbling from the Watch Game Changers, extreme wipeouts the past few hat the Health and Cowmonths, I’ve learned that for racy to understand what me to enjoy the ocean continutalking about. I won’t be ally, we’ve got to keep it safe— achy and pushy because I and that’s where watching n’t particularly appreciate re- those documentaries come in. ving ‘sermons’ from others It’s more than protecting the . If you ask me why I made ocean, it’s about protecting the switch, it’s because I’m only home we live in. I’m writfish. I’m all about personal ing this today because I want lth. I wanted to be at my to remember why, despite the most best, my performance relapse, I’m recommitting until ttered so much—I want to I transition 100% into eating f better and being fit was whole foods and plant-based solution. meals.

But being a surfer, you can’t If not, now, when?

ABS-CBN’S FEATURE ON 101-YEAR-OLD FAN WINS AWARD AT SINGAPORE’S PROMAX ASIA AWARDS

The remarkable story of Mama Nene, a 101-year-old solid ABS-CBN fan, continues to amaze and touch hearts even outside the Philippines.

Fondly called “Lola Sentenaryo,” Mama Nene was featured in one of the Kapamilya network’s 65th anniversary videos released last year. In the said TV spot, she shared how she finds comfort in watching ABS-CBN teleseryes, welcoming TV characters like

Cardo, Romina, and Daniela in her home like they are her own kids and grandchildren.

The video, which now has close to a million views on Facebook, recently won Best Long Form Brand Image in the PROMAX Asia Awards in Singapore. PROMAX Asia, which celebrates outstanding achievements in the world of entertainment marketing and design, is participated in by leading media companies such as HBO Asia, FOX Networks

Group, Sony Pictures, Asia, and Star India, among others.

Since her husband got sick with Alzheimer’s Disease, Mama Nene is left mostly to herself with her children now busy with their own families. “I never feel alone when I watch ABSCBN,” Mama Nene said in the video. Because of her regular habit of watching Kapamilya teleseryes, Mama Nene remains hopeful that her own family will find

ways to get closer and have a happy ending.

“Soap Opera Grandma (Lola Sentenaryo)” was produced by the ABS-CBN Creative Communications Management division headed by Robert Labayen who was also Co-Chair of the PROMAX Asia 2019 Conference. Watch it and other ABS-CBN 65th anniversary tribute videos on the ABS-CBN Entertainment YouTube channel and Facebook page.

A4 INdulge!

EVENTAND CULTURE ARTS TRAVEL TECH

EDGE DAVAO EDGE DAVAO EDGE DAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 223 •228 WEDNESDAY, 22, VOL.12 ISSUE • TUESDAY, JANUARY 28, VOL.12 ISSUE 216 219 • FRIDAY,JANUARY 17, 14, 2020

ARCADIA'S GYM RATSLINE CELEBRATE METAL RAT YEAR NORWEGIAN CRUISE ELIMINATES SINGLESONY INTRODUCES NEW GP-VPT2BT USE PLASTIC BEVERAGE BOTTLES ACROSS FLEET WIRELESS SHOOTING GRIP MAYA ON THE BLOCK A1

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This is also among the reasons why Limon will go to Sitio Sangab to introduce the cotton weaving.

He believes that using By NEILWIN cotton threads into Dagmay as JOSEPH well as theirBRAVO embroidery will help sustain their livelihood.

We know As 2020 could be ARCADIA FIT-pud “Mas mudaghan ang what gym rats are. They another challenging NORWEGIAN Cruise NESSsathe GYM marked order Dagmay if they will are the ones you see at year (what year isn't?) in Line, innovator the Year of the use cotton threads,” he said. the gym ALL the time. terms of fitness, it is best in global cruise BUILDING on travel the Metal with aofneed Limon also seeshistory the to It's like whenever you to break a sweat reguwith a Rat 53-year growing lineup camChinese-inspired tapbreaking theand artisans in this endeavstep into the gym, they're larly and keep a healthy of boundaries, eras accessories dragon dance celeor now to givesingle-use theirfor clients fresh there. When you leave, lifestyle. Arcadia Fitis plasdeveloped modern bration on Saturday, andbeverage new designs. ness Gym offers exciting tic bottle free they're there. Whether creators, Sony today January “We really need tothe tap new the it's 6 am in the morning membership packages across its25. fleet. has announced It was a celebration artisans directly before man aside from having the GP-VPT2BT wireless The brand announced last or 9 pm at night (when was presided over gud ga-agi pa ko saby middle best fitness equipment shooting grip.

Ideal year that it partnered withforthe gym is almost comArcadia's top brass Inna man since wala’y access sa and training available in many different types JUST Goods, Inc., which en- pletely empty), they are Melissa andto replace community,” he Line said. there. the city. It is located at of content creation abled theEscandor Cruise Irra Zarina Escandor Limon wants tovlogs show Joking aside, the the ground floor of the ranging from to all single-use plastic wateroff withbeauty project the ofdirector Dagmay Arcadia Active Lifestyle travel photography /he event significantly rebottles across its 17-shipasfleet, Gerald Kent Garces.

Therecent has clients who are looking for minded everyone to Center along Col. Emilio videography tomost simple beginning with its eventNorwegian was at- new clothes andfittingly accessories madejumpstart their fitness Escandor Street in Quieveryday use,Encore. the ship, tended by, yes,optimum Arcadia's by theoffers Mandayas.

He saidof they goals and start working mpo Boulevard, Ecoland. grip The achievement is one the loyal gym rats. noticed that some Pasalubong Aldevinco do not carry Dag“Wala man gud kaayo out those gym metals. stability and comfort latest sustainable steps forward centers including Davao City’s may cloth.

Mandaya na pieces and mostly combined with cablefor Norwegian Cruise Line.

In T’boli products ang sa Alfree and a 2018, connectivity the Company eliminated devinco. Sa Manila T’boli lang reliable moissingle-use dust plasticand straws across mostly makita nako na ginature its fleetresistant and privatedesign. destinahimo accent ug Yakan, beads Compatible with aofvariety tions, and as a result this sa Bagobo, balud from Lanao of Sony’s latest digitalitcamermost recent initiative, will and Inaul. Walay something as, the GP-VPT2BT connects replace over six million singlefrom the Mandaya commueasily via Bluetooth, allowing use plastic water bottles every nity,” hetosaid. creators to simplythe aim and is year.

In addition, brand CO2 emissions rate, increase thrilled make such an impact cotton Dagmay design shoot without interfering working to eliminate single-use sustainable sourcing and invest by The eliminating single-use beverclothing not yetchanged available cables or exposedand inputs.

The ly,initemerging has an adjustment wheel and plastic shampoo condican beisquickly technologies. age bottles across our fleet. in theajust market as Limon new grip includes useful be loosened tightened tioner bottles later athis year.tilt can“This into tripod simply exis a veryorspecial and It’s one by of the waysand wehis are group are in the immerfeatureefforts that allows for flexible tovery allow for seamless operaThese are driven by panding the bottom portion, proud moment for us,” working tostill preserve our oceans sion the stage ofstable, the project. vertical angle adjustment as tion cameras of different the Company’s Sail & Sustain easy handssaidwith Harry Sommer, president enabling and destinations we visit.

“Wethis willisevaluate their well as the ability to switch gripof Environmental Program, which sizes free shooting. and and chiefweights. executiveThe officer While just the pa beginning capacity and kung willing sila from normal to self-shooting includesCruise a flip button, inis its commitment to minimize also The GP-VPT2BT Wireless Norwegian Line. “As of what we and others can do, makipag-collaborate,” he said. mode to with ease. Additionaldicator light and line, lock we switch, waste landfills, reduce its Shooting Grip will committed be availa leading cruise are we are incredibly

A4 INdulge!

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A4 INdulge!

to our Sail & Sustain program and believe wholeheartedly in the importance of preserving our natural resources. We will continue to strive towards making environmentally conscious decisions to benefit our earth.”

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EDGEDAVAO DAVAO EDGE

VOL.12 VOL.12 VOL.12 ISSUE ISSUE ISSUE 94 100 84 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, • SUNDAY-MONDAY, • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JULY JULY 19-20, 28-29, 5-6, 2019

UP AND LAUNDRY FURNITURE A2A1 ABOUTa silly method but for EJ and

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 228 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2020

STOP... FROM1

support also goes to their relatives who are determined to take their loved ones home. We have heard their voices, we heard them speak up and we are all listening,” Dayanghirang said.

Moreover, Dayanghirang said the council also supports the urgent call of the local chief executives whose only desire is to exercise their mandate of ensuring the welfare of the people within their territories and that everyone are safe and free from human rights abuses and violations.

He added that IP elders and leaders of Davao Oriental who were with Gov.

Jubahib in this effort to liberate the IPs’ relatives and other tribe members from dislocation and isolation from their Ancestral Domains for quite sometime now, violating IP rights under RA 8371 otherwise known as the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act. “I stand with Gov. Jubahib and the IPs of Davao del Norte to immediately stop the continuing Human Rights abuse perpetrated by the leaders and supporters of UCCP HARAN,” Dayanghirang said.

Dayanghirang also lauded Davao del Norte Governor Edwin Jubahib for taking immediate ac-

tion by conducting dialogue with the leaders and supporters at UCCP-Haran.

“We have witnessed Good Governance in action led by the Provincial Government of Davao del Norte headed by its duly elected Governor Edwin Jubahib, supported by the City Government of Davao, other local and national government agencies to ensure the proper exercise of law and order for the protection and best interest of the marginalized hundreds of Indigenous Peoples from Davao del Norte inappropriately encamped at UCCP Haran in Davao City,” Dayanghirang said.

declaration of President Rodrigo Duterte in 2017 declaring the month of January as National Bible Month through Presidential Proclamation No. 124 that gives importance of reading and studying the Bible to mold the spiritual, moral, and social �iber of the citizenry.

“There are suggestions on how to celebrate the Bible month. But here in Davao we are doing this in a unique way and for the �irst time we are doing reading the Bible from cover to cover, through and through, without stopping, which means we will read the Bible 24/7,” Taganas

said.

Carrying the theme “The Bible Transforms and Unites the Nation”, the National Bible Week celebration was scheduled on January 20 to 26; National Bible Day, Jan. 27; and Bible Reading Marathon is scheduled on Jan. 27 to 30 at the Rizal Park.

VM Baste said the city government will help the residents reconstruct their homes, but needs the cooperation of the families.

“Ang importante nga plastaron gyud nato ug sakto ang inyong mga panimalay, maghimo ta. Kay sunod ug naay mga sunog pareho anang mga ubang mga agi-anan dili masud-

lan ug mga bombero, lisod gyud kaayo. So, akong hangyo lang sa inyoha, once magsugod na ta ug balik didto, mu-coordinate gyud ta sa atong barangay para plastar ta tanan ba (We will help reconstruct your houses, but let us be organized because it is dif�icult to respond to an incident if there is no road access. So, I am asking you

to coordinate with your barangay of�icials before rebuilding your houses, so that everything will be in order),” he asked families during his visit.

Barangay 5-A Chieftain Edgar Ibuyan Jr. said the place will be constructed with hollow blocks for better alignment, receiving a positive response from the families. CIO

(Cor Jesu College), and Ruelyn Rizaldo (University of Mindanao) while the �ifteen passers under ODSP are: Angelika Bantilan, Renato Taporoc Jr., Analie Aparicio, Janeza Pechon, Jecyl Cotongan, and Maelyne Claire Bulod from the University of Southeastern Philippines – Obrero Campus; Doreen Cañete from the University of Southeastern Philippines – Tagum City; Mary Sarona, Cathrine Mae De Vera and Gracel Madelo from Southern Philippines Agri-Business and Marine and Aquatic School of Technology (SPAMAST) – Digos City; Marisam Biso from Davao Oriental State

College of Science and Technology – Mati City; Melodino Talisic, Jeelou Hayana and Ela Payot from Compostela Valley State College; and Carmel Paz from the Philippine College of Technology – Davao City.

Some of the grantees are presently working as private tutors, virtual assistant, and call center agents while others are taking a masteral degree to continue their professional growth and to become more competent in teaching careers.

To strenghten their relationship as OFW dependents and to help them cope up with their lone-

liness and longings with their loved ones working overseas, OWWA-RWO XI regularly conducted various capability building activities and learning support mechanism for them.

For the calendar year 2019, RWO XI has a total of 44 maintained or currently enrolled scholars and 19 graduated under the Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP) while for the OFW Dependents Scholarship Program (ODSP, 158 grantees were currently enrolled and 53 graduated from the different universities and colleges. (By: Maricel T. Sarabillo, LCO, OWWA-RWO XI)

ture, and overall national progress," he added.

The IPOPHIL is the

government agency mandated to administer and implement state policies

on intellectual property to strengthen the protection of IP rights in the country.

said.

A "Road to A" team composed of the BSP, the

Department of Finance, the Bureau of the Treasury and the National Eco-

nomic and Development Authority is working to secure the score, he said.

tor collected the previous year.

The government last year said it targets to collect some P32 billion annually from income taxes of foreign nationals work-

ing for POGOs. Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III in July 2019 called on the department's line agencies to impose stricter measures to collect taxes from foreign workers

who previously failed to pay their obligations.

The DOF has since cracked down on the industry, and closed down POGOs found to have violated local tax laws.

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VM BASTE... FROM2

18 OWWA... FROM3

PH... FROM4

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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

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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

TURNOVER... FROM3

this initiative of Bayanihan in the form of labor or materials,” Mendoza said.

The construction of temporary shelters will be done through Bayanihan system under the Adopt- A- Family program wherein P33,000 worth of materials will be used to build temporary but comfortable shelters for earthquake survivors.

The amount covers materials or construction

of one unit shelter: deformed bars, galvanized iron tie wire, common wire nails, umbrella nails, roo�ing materials, cement, insulator foil, barrel bolt, hinges, sealants, gravel, sand, coco lumber, rafter, purlins, and plywood.

“The intention of the program is to move them to a better and upgraded temporary shelter nga naay atop, ding-ding, ug salog,” Mendoza said.

Mendoza said this initiative will continue until the National Housing Authority (NHA) is ready to build permanent houses for the quake survivors .

“Its been three months and some of the survivors already left the evacuation centers. But majority stays inside the tents which are not conducive to persons with disability, senior citizens, pregnant, and children,” she said.

various forms in several times for several weeks, raped, sodomized before she was killed by the suspects on December 28, 2019.

"We also share with Secretary Locsin the position of the department in renouncing all forms of 'blood money' being offered by the couple to absolved themselves from

the punishment of their heinous crime in�licted on Jeanelyn. We also commended Mr. Locsin for hiring the best local lawyer to �ight for the case of Jeanelyn as an important step in our struggle for justice rendered for her ," Mendoza said.

The TUCP urges the government's foreign affairs, the labor department,

the overseas employment agency and the overseas workers administrators to take pro-active steps in ensuring the family of Jeanelyn will be insulated from the tempting offer of blood money from the family or emissaries of the perpetrators to lighten or to absolved the Kuwaiti couple from the consequences of their crime, said Mendoza.

alleged Alamara to the people inside the compound, but it was found negative after investigation.

“Ito ay klaro na panloloko na naman sa ating mga tao (This is another clear deception to the people), “ he said.

Escobal said they are preparing cases against the organizers in Haran for preventing authorities to rescue the IP and its chil-

dren inside the compound.

“Kung patuloy nila itong pigilan, they will be facing arrest (If they will continue to prevent the authorities, they be facing arrest), “ he said.

He said the Haran compound is not considered as an evacuation center since this is not accredited by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Escobal also said the organizers who are preventing the IP to go outside the compound has committed a violation and will be charged for illegal detention.

“Kailangan aksyonan ito, ongoing, continuing crime ang nangyayari dito (We need to act on this since detention of these people is an ongoing and continuing crime), he said.

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 228 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2020

MAMBA... FROM12 rin ang kanyang buhay para maging inspirasyon sa ating mga atleta," he said.

Go relayed the message of Kobe's fans in the country to the grieving Bryant family and the NBA. "From the millions of Filipinos whose lives you’ve touched one way or another, we thank you, Kobe, for inspiring us to always give our best in what we do. For his loved ones and the basketball community, we share your grief as we extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, colleagues and fans around the world who Kobe left behind."

Escandor, who like his basketball buddy Sen. Go idolized Kobe, collects Kobe sneakers. His son Francis Gabriel Escandor, who plays for De L Salle Green Archers in the UAAP, also wears the signature Kobe kicks.

"I can feel the pain of those close to him. This is a very devastating loss," said Escandor who was in the sidelines when Kobe and Gigi watched from the sidelines of the Lakers-Dallas game recently. It was to be the father-daughter duo's last appearance at the Staples Center, acclaimed as "The House That Kobe Built." He won two NBA titles at the Staples Center.

FEROCIOUS

Bryant used a ferocious competitiveness and uncanny shooting touch to become an NBA icon, leav-

ing behind a legacy that has in�luenced the newest generation of league talent and fans worldwide.

From his 81-point game, the second-best scoring performance in NBA history, to �ive NBA titles in 20 years of dazzling performances with the Los Angeles Lakers, Bryant delivered a relentless attitude that attracted a global following before his death Sunday at age 41 in a helicopter crash.

Bryant joined giant center Shaquille O'Neal to spark the Lakers to NBA titles in 2000, 2001 and 2002, becoming at the age of 23 the youngest player to capture three titles.

A bitter feud with Bryant saw "Shaq" depart, Bryant portrayed as never having had childish ways while O'Neal never outgrew them.

That left Bryant without the inside force needed to capture the crown until Spain's Pau Gasol arrived and the Lakers won titles in 2009 and 2010 with Bryant in command and later patching things up with O'Neal.

Bryant sparked the US Olympic team to gold medals at the 2008 Beijing and 2012 London Olympics and became a global celebrity as much for his personality as his playmaking.

Bryant's �ierceness was legendary and led him to nickname himself the "Black Mamba" for his ability to strike quickly with

Senator Bong Go plays basketball at The House of Kobe gym in Valenzuela City the day before Kobe Bryant's death. deadly scoring accuracy.

There were spectacular nights but nothing topped his 81-point effort against the Toronto Raptors on January 22, 2006, a mark surpassed only by Wilt Chamberlain's 100-point game in 1962.

Bryant scored 65 points in a 2007 win over

Portland, then followed with 50 points against Minnesota, 60 at Memphis and 50 more against New Orleans -- the third-longest run of 50-point games in NBA history behind two from Chamberlain.

Some say Bryant saved the best for last, scoring a league season-high 60

points against Utah in his �inal NBA game in 2016, becoming the oldest player in league history to crack that milestone at age 37.

"I love everything about this game," Bryant famously said. "For me, it's not a part of life, it is life, and it's a part of me."

In all, Bryant �inished

with 33,643 points, 7,047 rebounds and 6,306 assists over 1,346 career NBA games. He was an 18-time NBA All-Star, the 2008 NBA Most Valuable Player, the NBA Finals 2009 and 2010 NBA MVP and matched a record as a four-time NBA All-Star Game MVP. (With a report from AFP)

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 228 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2020

11

World weeps for Kobe, Gigi

L

OS ANGELES -- Kobe Bryant’s laserlike focus and sublime skills were remembered Sunday

by NBA colleagues, fans and athletes he inspired as they absorbed the shock of his death at the age of 41.

Bryant, a �ive-time NBA champion with the Los Angeles Lakers and two-time Olympic gold medallist, died in a �iery helicopter crash in suburban Los Angeles that also claimed the life of his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and seven others.

“We laughed and joked about the Mamba mentality. We’re all going to need it right now,” an emotional Los Angeles Clippers coach Doc Rivers said before his team played the Magic in Orlando in one of eight NBA games on the night.

Madison Square Garden, home of the New York Knicks, was washed in the Lakers colors of purple and gold, and so were the pylons that mark the entrance to Los Angeles International Airport.

In San Antonio, the Spurs and Toronto Raptors

Kobe Bryant will be remembered as one of the sports’greatest.

Wawrinka stuns Daniil Medvedev

F

ormer Australian Open champion Stan Wawrinka has stunned the man most thought had the best chance of winning outside the big three at Melbourne Park.

Wawrinka came back from two sets to one down to defeat US Open �inalist and No.4 seed Daniil Medvedev 6-2 2-6 4-6 7-6(2) 6-2 on Show Court 1.

The Swiss is the only player outside of the Federer-Nadal-Djokovic trio to have won the Australian Open in the last 14 years.

Watch over 50 sports LIVE on Kayo! Stream to your TV, mobile, tablet or computer. Just $25/ month, cancel anytime.

New to Kayo? Get your 14-day free trial & start streaming instantly > Wawrinka will now face either Alexander Zverev or Andrey Rublev in the quarter-�inals, which will be his �ifth appearance in the �inal eight of the Australian Open.

If he wins that, Wawrinka could face Rafael Nadal - just as he did when he claimed the championship back in 2014.

Monday’s loss means Medvedev is 0-6 in �iveset matches for his career.

Tennis legend Jim Courier addressed “the elephant in the room”

during Dominic Thiem’s three-set win over Gael Mon�ils on Monday.

After Thiem’s second round victory over Alex Bolt, the �ifth seed and his coach of just two weeks, Thomas Muster, parted ways.

According to Courier it was “seemingly Thiem’s request”. But when asked to elaborate further the American was tight lipped.

"Not a lot that I'm able to share on air,” he said.

"But I can repeat a quote that Thomas Muster gave to an outlet saying that sometimes you see a house from the outside, it looks beautiful, but you don't know what it is really like until you get inside.”

While Courier seemed to suggest something else was at play, Thiem was adamant the decision was purely work related.

"It did not �it. It's easy like that. It is just about work,” Thiem said.

“We get along well personally, and we said in the beginning, if anything is not all right, we will tell each other."

Can Kyrgios beat Rafa again?Can Kyrgios beat Rafa again?2:42 Garbine Muguruza has continued her stellar Australian Open with a straight sets win over ninth seed Kiki Bertens.

WAWRINKA, P8

both committed 24-second shot-clock violations on their opening possessions in honor of Bryant -- who wore No. 24 in the later stages of his career.

“The NBA family is devastated,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver said. “For 20 seasons, Kobe showed us what is possible when remarkable talent blends with an absolute devotion to winning.

“He was one of the most extraordinary players in the history of our game.”

Six-time NBA champion Michael Jordan said Bryant would be remembered as one of the game’s greatest.

“Words can’t describe the pain I’m feeling,” Jordan said. “I loved Kobe – he was like a little brother to me.”

That sentiment was echoed by Shaquille O’Neal -- who won three NBA titles and also famously feuded with Bryant in Los Angeles.

The grief was felt beyond the basketball court.

“The world lost a legend today, but the impact and legacy he leaves behind will last forever,” Filipino

WORLD, P8

LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) and players stand during a moment of silence in passing of Los Angeles Lakers former player Kobe Bryant (24) prior to the game against the Orlando Magic at Amway Center. Reuters

Kawhi again powers Clippers over Magic

K

awhi Leonard scored 31 points and grabbed 14 rebounds, and Landry Shamet and Montrezl Harrell added 19 points each as the Los Angeles Clippers used a third-quarter charge to notch a 112-97 road victory Sunday over the Orlando Magic.

Lou Williams scored 15 points as the Clippers improved to 4-1 on their season-long six game road trip. Leonard extended his career-long streak of 30-point games to eight.

Michael Carter-Williams scored 15 points and Nikola Vucevic added 13 as

the Magic lost their third consecutive game and fell for the �ifth time in their last six games. Orlando lost twice to the Clippers in that stretch, falling 122-95 at Los Angeles on Dec. 16.

The game started with multiple tributes to former Los Angeles Laker Kobe Bryant, who reportedly died in a helicopter crash Sunday just outside of Los Angeles.

The teams acknowledged the Nos. 24 and 8 that Bryant wore during his career, with the Clippers taking a 24-second violation to open the game, followed by an eight-second backcourt

violation by the Magic.

Leonard scored 15 points in the third quarter alone as the Clippers started to distance themselves from a tight �irst half. Los Angeles led 54-52 at the break after trailing by as many as 11 points in the second quarter, then went on a 13-1 run early in the third quarter to take a 6756 lead.

The Magic cut the de�icit to 90-83 with 8:31 remaining on a layup by Carter-Williams but could get no closer.

Aaron Gordon had 10 points and 10 rebounds for Orlando, while Wes Iwun-

du scored 12 points, Evan Fournier had 11 and Mo Bamba added 10.

Patrick Patterson scored 10 points and Ivica Zubac had 11 rebounds for the Clippers. All eight of Leonard’s recent 30-point games have come with Paul George out due to a hamstring injury. George missed his ninth consecutive game Sunday.

The �inal game of the Clippers’ lengthy trip will not be much of a road game. They will be the visiting team Tuesday against the Lakers at Staples Center, which is home for both teams.

12 SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO

MAMBA OUT

Kobe Bryant diehards Sen. Go, Escandor remember their idol

By NEILWIN JOSEPH BRAVO

T

wo of Kobe Bryant's biggest fans in Davao City joined the NBA legend's legion of fans around the world in mourning over his tragic death on Monday (PH Time).

Senator Christoper "Bong" Go, chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports, and Presidential Adviser on Sports Glenn Escandor expressed their devastation after news broke out of the helicopter crash that killed the 41-year old basketball idol along with his 13year old daughter Gigi and 7 others on board.

"Malaking kawalan ang aksidenteng pagkamatay ni Kobe Bryant. Isa sya sa mga legends at tinitingala ng mga manlalaro ng basketball sa buong mundo," said Go, who regularly plays basketball and has met the late NBA icon in one of his Manila visits, in a statement sent to media.

"Idol ko rin po si Kobe and, in fact, may koleksyon po ako ng kanyang mga sapatos at jersey. Bilang isang manlalaro at fan rin ng basketball, isa po siya sa tinitingala

ko sa 3 points, sa galaw, sa porma, sa lahat ng aspeto ng laro.Pero hindi lang sa larong basketball nagkaroon ng malaking impact si Kobe. Siya ay isang inspirasyon sa mga kabataan at sa ating lahat, lalo na pagdating sa kahalagahan ng disiplina, hard work, at dedikasyon para maging matagumpay sa ating mga kanya-kanyang larangan," Go said.

The sports-loving lawmaker cited the impact of Bryant on people even outside of basketball. "Kitang-kita ang impact ni Kobe sa larong basketball. Pero higit pa doon, nasilayan rin natin siya bilang isang ama na naging dedikado sa kanyang pamilya, at isang idolo na ginamit ang kanyang talento at kasikatan upang tumulong at magsilbing inspirasyon sa kanyang komunidad."

It was a coincidence that a day before Kobe died, Go played basketball in a basketball gym in Valenzuela City called "The House of Kobe."

"Kitang kita ang malaking impact niya sa kabataan. Bagamat nakakalungkot ang kanyang biglaang pagkamatay, sana’y magsilbing aral

WORLD, P10

Kobe Bryant drives past PBA player Cris Tiu during the Smart All Stars-Gilas Piipinas ecounter in Manila.

VOL.12 ISSUE 228 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2020