Edge Davao Volume 12 Isuue 25 | Friday-Saturday, April 12-13, 2019

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Mayor Sara humbled by HNP’s good showing

METRO DAVAO SITE RESPONSE ATLAS. Dr. Renato U. Solidum Jr. (right), Undersecretary for Disaster Risk Reduction – Climate Change Adaptation, Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and OfficerIn-Charge, Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHILVOLCS), leads the unveiling of model maps of Metro Davao and the launching of Metro Davao Site Response Atlas held at The Royal Mandaya Hotel on Wednesday.

The Metro Davao Site Response Atlas provides information to understand the ground motion and site response during strong earthquake, which can be media used VERY GOOD. President Rodrigo Duterte gestures as he interacts with members of the to Executive increase has seismic resiliency of during a news conference in this undated photo. The Chief maintained a “very andthemedium-to-high good” net satisfaction rating as it increased by six points,residential according to latest results of a rise 28-31. buildingThisin gave DavaoDuterte City. Lean Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey conducted on March a net DavalSWS Jr survey. Lean Daval Jr satisfaction rating of +66 from +60 in last December 2018's

By ADAM B. MORRELL

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avao City mayor and Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP) chairperson Sara Duterte-Carpio is humbled by the group's good showing based on the March 2019 surveys but cautioned that the �ight is far from over.

"The good performance of the HNP supported senatorial candidates in the March 2019 surveys is a strong indication that the candidates are effective in delivering the message of ‘positive change’, which is now being relentlessly pursued by the Duterte administration," said Duterte on

Thursday, April 11 via City Information Of�ice (CIO) head Jefry Tupas.

Based on the PulseAsia Research Inc. 2019 Elections: Senatorial Preference from March 23-27, majority of HNP's senatorial bets has entered the 'Magic 12' including re-electionists

FAR, P9

Lakers face life after Magic

►SPORTS P11

THERE’S A HUGE INTERNATIONAL MARKET FOR CALAMANSI ►AGRITRENDS P10

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 25 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, APRIL 12-13, 2019

INTENTION. Davao del Norte 2nd District Representative Antonio Floirendo Jr (2nd from left) reiterates his intention to seek the House speakership during a news conference held at White House Fusion Cuisine and Wine Lounge along J.P. Laurel Avenue in Davao City on Thursday. Also present during the presser to discuss concerns and issues in Davao del Norte were Governor

Anthony Del Rosario (leftmost), former Governor Rodolfo Del Rosario (2nd from right) and Board Member Rodolfo “Rodney” Del Rosario Jr. Lean Daval Jr

‘Tonyboy’ bares plans once elected Speaker D

PRRD’s ‘very good’ rating surges by 6 points: SWS

By ADAM B. MORRELL

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eelectionist Davao del Norte second district Congressman Antonio “Tonyboy” Floirendo assured that every legislative district will have a corresponding budget if he is given a chance to become the House Speaker.

This after he of�icially announced his bid for the Speaker of the House seat on Wednesday, April 11 at the White House in Camella Northpoint.

“No zero budget. Even the opposition will be equally given their budget,” Floirendo said as he believes that the budget allocated by the government

EastMinCom receives bins, receptacles from EMBRACE

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astern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) received waste bins and receptacles from EMBRACE Project of Jaime V. Ongpin Foundation, Inc. and Phil Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation (PMFTC), Inc. during a simple ceremony at the Headquarters Eastmincom, Naval Station Felix Apolinario (NSFA), Panacan, Davao City on April 10, 2019 The turnover of bins and receptacles is in line with the Eastmincom’s transformation objective of transforming the Command into an eco-friendly unit and in compliance to United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and Republic Act 9063

or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act. As environmentalist himself, Lt. Gen. Felimon T. Santos Jr., Commander of Eastmincom, reiterated the previous Command directive on the adherence of environmental policies and laws in NSFA and other Military Camps in Eastern Mindanao.

Prior to the arrival of the waste bins and receptacles, Col. Francisco D. Millare (Ret), the Agro-Forestry and Solid Waste Management Of�icer of Sunshine Philippines Movement Davao Chapter conducted Troop Information and Education on Waste Manage-

EASTMIN, P9

is meant for the people.

He recalls during his term in 2018 when the former House Speaker allocated him with a zero budget for his district’s projects.

“Nung ginawa nila yun, hindi ako ang sinasaktan nila kundi yung mga tao,” Floirendo said.

Thus, he promised that he will be transparent and

fair especially in allocating Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA).

The House Speaker aspirant, meanwhile, said his primary intention in gunning for the post is to help President Rodrigo Duterte.

Upon declaring his interest in the House Speaker post last week, Floiren-

TONYBOY, P9

espite relentless attacks by his detractors, President Rodrigo R. Duterte maintained a “very good” net satisfaction rating as it increased by six points, according to the latest results of a Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey.

The First Quarter 2019 survey, conducted on March 28-31, found that 79 percent of adult Filipinos are satis�ied with Duterte’s performance while 8 percent were undecided and 13 percent are dissatis�ied.

This gave the country’s �irst leader from Mindanao

a net satisfaction rating of +66 (percent satis�ied minus percent dissatis�ied), classi�ied as “very good”, according to SWS. “This is up by 6 points from the very good +60 in December 2018 and ties his personal high set in June 2017,” the pollster said.

The SWS said Duterte’s net satisfaction rating increased in all areas, owing the 6-point rise to increases of 15 points from +73 in December 2018 to a “new record-high” +88 classi�ied as excellent in Mindanao; 7

“They can do their worst. We will do our best,” the Palace spokesperson stressed.

“Ang ilalabas lang namin ay ang kasaganahan ng bansa. Ang kasipagan ni Presidente sa kanyang tungkulin bilang Presidente ng ating bayan.

Ang kanyang katapatan.

‘Yan ang mga ilalabas natin. Iyong mga black propaganda, wag na ‘yan,” Panelo added.

The Palace of�icial, meanwhile, sent a stern warning to people who seek to trample on the country’s sovereignty.

This after a news story was released about sever-

al Chinese vessels reportedly seen around Kota Island and Panata Island. “[W]e will object to their presence. We already �iled a diplomatic protest and that applies to everything, anything that concerns Chinese vessels in our territory,” he said.

While the country remains friendly with China with respect to trade relations, the government will �irst and foremost af�irm the sovereignty of the country, Panelo said.

“If they continue to be present in our territory then it is an assault to our territory,” the Spokesperson said. PCO-Content

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Palace to opposition: They can do their worst, we will do our best

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alacañang on Wednesday, April 10, sent a friendly remark to the members of the opposition that they can always criticize the government, but the administration will just serve its mandate to its constituents.

Chief Presidential Legal Counsel and Presidential Spokesperson Salvador S. Panelo said this in a Palace press brie�ing following former Special Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence ‘Bong’ Go’s showing off his back sans tattoo, which counters the claim that he is linked in the drug trade.

“We’ve been saying all along that was a black propaganda. There are people who believed it. It’s now showing that it’s not true.

It’s never been true,” Secretary Panelo said.

“One who alleges must prove. They have to prove what they are saying.

That’s why we’ve been repeatedly saying it’s black propaganda,” he added.

For Sec. Panelo, the administration will just let the opposition do what they want to do. On the other hand, the Duterte administration will continue working for the betterment of the lives of the Filipinos.

VOL.12 ISSUE 25 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, APRIL 12-13, 2019

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4 NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 25 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, APRIL 12-13, 2019

PPCRV watchers priority in small precincts: Comelec

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LISTO. Director Edgar Allan Tabell, chief of the Department of Interior and Local Government’s (DILG) Central Office Disaster Information Coordinating Center (CODIX), makes a presentation on Management of the Dead and Missing (MDM)

and Disaster Evaluation Planning during the Roll out operation LISTO: Disaster Preparedness Manual for City/Municipal Local Government Units at Grand Regal Hotel in Lanang, Davao City on Thursday. Lean Daval Jr

PRRD thanks soldiers in ‘Kagitingan’ rites

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OLO --- President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Tuesday, April 9, led the commemoration of Araw ng Kagitingan in Sulu and thanked the Filipino soldiers for defending the country and protecting freedom.

In his speech to the troops stationed at Camp Teodulfo Bautista, the President said that, as the entire country commemorates the gallantry of thousands of Filipino soldiers who defended Bataan in 1942, his administration also honors and acknowledges Filipino troops today for their relentless efforts to �ight lawless elements that threaten the country’s se-

curity.

“I am especially pleased with our military’s recent accomplishments against the Abu Sayyaf Group. Your efforts have brought us even closer to our ultimate objective of totally crushing the violent extremism at its roots. With this, I can con�idently declare that ISIS will never gain foothold anywhere in the Philippines, “

he said.

“I salute you and give you honor...to the valiant soldiers who were injured or who gave their lives during the recent military operations here in Sulu. Let me assure you that you have --- the government [will] continue to prioritize your welfare and that of your families,” he added.

The President also underscored that during the con�lict in Marawi, he immediately released P500 million for those military personnel who needed further medical assis-

tance. He then vowed to continue allocating additional funds to support the Filipino soldiers.

Moreover, he made an assurance that in the last three years of his administration, the Armed Forces of the Philippines would have funds for the soldiers’ retirement pay and for the education of their children.

The Commander-in-Chief af�irmed that his administration would continue the implementation of the AFP Modernization Program for the soldiers to perform their mandates ef�iciently. PND

place to move to safer locations.

Cato said 12 Filipinos have already expressed interest to be repatriated, while 18 were evacuated by their employers to a safer location outside Tripoli "Some are initial inquiries and we still have to process their exit clearance but we will try to get them out as fast as we could," he noted.

"For the �irst time since the con�lict began, we heard occasional artillery �ire. We could hear it from the Embassy," he added.

On Monday, the Department of Foreign Affairs raised the alert level in Tripoli and nearby ar-

eas to a voluntary repatriation phase upon the recommendation of the Embassy.

This covers Filipinos working and living in Tripoli, as well as in Tajoura, Ghot Romman, Qaraboli, Qasr Khiyar, Esbea, Tarhuna, Bani Waled, Gharyan, Aziziya, Warshifana, Zawia, Surman, and Sabratha.

According to the United Nations Of�ice for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, �lared-up violence in and around Tripoli has led to an upsurge in displacement, with 1,675 new displacements reported in its latest monitoring, bringing the total number of internally displaced people in the area

to 4,500.

"The security situation in and around Tripoli remained volatile, with continued armed clashes reported on the Wadi al-Rabie, the Qasr Ben Gashir and the Ain Zara axes, and airstrikes from both sides in Souq al--Khamis and al-Shwayrif," its situational report no. 3 read.

"Over 500,000 children living in Tripoli are at immediate threat and tens of thousands more in other areas could become potentially affected," it added.

There are at least 1,000 members of the Filipino community residing and working in the Libyan capital and in western parts of that country. (PNA)

Filipinos in Tripoli urged to go home as fighting escalates

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he Philippine Embassy in Libya on Thursday urged Filipinos living in Tripoli and nearby areas anew to get repatriated as �ighting escalates in the city's outskirts.

"We are making these appeals to our kababayan in Tripoli while we are still in a position to assist. Once the �ighting reaches the capital, our capacity to respond to requests for assistance would be severely affected," Chargé d’Affaires Elmer Cato said on his of�icial Twitter account.

The envoy also asked members of the Filipino community in the capital and in areas near where armed clashes are taking

he head of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Negros Oriental said they will give priority access to volunteers and poll watchers of the Diocesan Electoral Board-Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (DEBPPCRV) inside certain polling centers during the May 13 midterm elections.

Provincial Election Supervisor lawyer Eliseo Labaria told the DEB-PPCRV on Tuesday that its poll watchers will be prioritized in polling centers located at barangay halls, health centers and daycare centers.

Labaria explained that not all watchers can be accommodated but PPCRV volunteers will be given priority over other poll watchers of political parties or candidates inside these smaller voting centers compared to the usual voting centers in classrooms in the different pre-identi�ied schools.

The Comelec of�icial, meanwhile, commended the Diocesan Electoral Board of the Diocese of Dumaguete for its active participation in �ielding thousands of volunteers, saying that the conduct of the upcoming national and local polls in the province will be a lot easier with volunteers coming from citizens’ arms such as the PPCRV. “Kaning citizens’ arm dire sa Negros (Oriental) organisado kaayo ug daghang volunteers ug tanang lungsod nay participation (the citizens’ arm in Negros Oriental is organized with plenty of volunteers in the different towns and cities),” he said in an interview with reporters.

Labaria was among the speakers during the oneday Trainers’ Training for parish coordinators, who in turn will echo the information, rules and policies to the different volunteers in

the parishes of the Diocese of Dumaguete.

Speaking to around 210 participants, Labaria pointed out the do’s and don’ts for volunteers especially inside the polling centers.

The Comelec executive told the volunteers about what violations should be observed, noted, and reported, highlighting the different forms of vote-buying.

He also he led in the demonstration of the automated Vote Counting Machine (VCM) to be used in the elections. The participants were given hands-on training on the use of the VCM. Meanwhile, Dumaguete Bishop Julito B. Cortes thanked the DEB and the volunteers for their commitment to serve in the elections for free, considering that political candidates and political parties are paying their own volunteers.

Cortes called on them to not lose hope and be discouraged in the face of trials and adversity, emphasizing prayer in times when the political landscape changes.

The Dumaguete prelate led the volunteers in their Pledge of Commitment, the lighting of candles and singing of “One Little Candle” and “Prayer of St. Francis” prior to giving them his blessings.

For his part, DEB lead convenor Msgr. Julius Perpetuo S. Heruela reiterated that around 5,000 to 6,000 volunteers will be �ielded during the May 13 polls.

A similar training was held over the weekend for volunteers in the nearby island-province of Siquijor, which is part of the Diocese of Dumaguete.

Heruela disclosed that there will be other training activities soon on incident reporting and the gathering of Election Returns, among others. (PNA)

Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol on Wednesday dismissed rumors that he has resigned from his post.

Piñol, in a press briefing, also shrugged off the supposed "joke" of President Rodrigo Duterte during an event in Palawan last week that he (Duterte) wants him out of his Cabinet.

"I don't own this position. If the President feels that he is not happy with my performance, I go and I will not feel bad, he said.

"I've done my best, but if the basis for my resignation is the joke of the President, I've heard that 20 times, whether in my presence, or in my absence.

I've known this guy for the last 25 years, if you don't know him well, you will be offended. Well of course it's not comfortable to hear... but unless he calls me and

tell me that he no longer needs my services, I will go," he said.

For the past 25 years, Piñol said: "Hindi ako nangurakot sa posisyon ko (I have never been corrupt) in my position. I would feel that if he (Duterte) feels that he doesn't need me anymore, patatawag niya ako (he will summon me)."

The DA chief has been placed under the microscope over the agriculture sector’s 0.1 percent contribution to the country’s overall gross domestic product growth in 2018.

"I can humbly say that while I may not have done so much as expected by some sectors, I have maintained a frugal life and resisted temptations. I am working and I will continue to serve the President and the Filipino farmers and �ishermen. I'm just doing my job," he said. (PNA)

Piñol shrugs off resignation rumors

5 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 25 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, APRIL 12-13, 2019

Gov’t to cushion impact of El Niño on prices of goods: DTI

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he government will be laying out measures to cushion the impact of El Niño or dry spell on the prices of basic goods, particularly agricultural products, a trade of�icial said on Wednesday.

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary Ruth Castelo made this assurance admitting that the dry spell, which will last until May or June, might lead to a spike in the prices of vegetables.

Aside from the possibility of a stronger and prolonged El Niño episode, Castelo said the continued rise in global crude oil prices may provide upside price pressures over the near-term.

“Gulay talaga iyong binabantayan natin (Vegetables are what we need to monitor) because of the drought now happening in several regions in the country, so production has halted I understand,” Castelo said in an economic press brie�ing in Malacañang.

“That’s why government is here; we want to minimize the effects. There will de�initely effects on agricultural products, we cannot deny that,” she added.

Castelo said agencies which are members of the National Price Coordinating Council (NPCC) will be holding a meeting Wednesday afternoon to ensure government is ready to address the effects of El Niño on agricultural products.

“The NPCC will particularly do a close watch on the effects of El Niño on the price and supply of agri products,” Castrlo said.

“We intend to address this through the NPCC by

�inding out how we can help farmers continue production or minimize at least the ill effects of El Niño,” she added.

Castelo said among the measures which might be discussed during the meeting would be efforts to keep the water supply �lowing in the �ields.

Sugar prices Castelo, meanwhile, said the agency will also be monitoring the prices of sugar following reports that the prices of sugar went as high as PHP68 per kilo compared to the usual price range of PHP50 to PHP55.

“DTI continues to monitor sugar. We have included that in our list. And we insist that price of sugar should only be at PHP50, maximum at PHP55 per kilo,” Castelo said.

She said the agency will also be issuing notices of violation to retailers selling sugar above the allowed retail price.

“The DTI, in our efforts to help the Department of Agriculture and the SRA, we issue notices of violation, actually, to retailers selling sugar at a higher price than PHP55,” Castelo said.

“We inquire from them as to the source and why the price is much higher than the expected retail price,” she added.

Citing the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA), Castelo said there is no reason for prices of sugar to increase since stock balance is at an all-time high.

“The SRA already said that there is suf�icient supply of sugar in the Philippine market so there is no reason,” Castelo said. (PNA)

Climate-smart agri farm tourism pushed by DOT

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he Department of Tourism (DOT) is keen on including climate-smart agriculture in its promotion of agri-tourism, a ranking of�icial said Wednesday.

Undersecretary Benito Bengzon Jr. noted that climate-smart agriculture is a "fairly new concept to some" but it is something that the DOT could include in its promotion of farm tourism.

"I think climate-smart (agriculture) and green technology, the movement has started already and the fact that we are seeing a lot of resort and hotels going green is an indication of deeper appreciation to protect the environment and in the long-term, for greater ef�iciency," he said in an interview on the sides of the weekly Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum.

The DOT has recently included agri-tourism or farm tourism as a priority tourism product in the Philippines.

In the DOT blueprint, Bengzon said they have envisioned tourism to be

"sustainable and inclusive."

"We want people in the countryside to bene�it. This is part of the agenda of this administration. When you talk about countryside development, you want it spread all over the country," he said.

There are at least 105 accredited farm tourism sites, but there is no speci�ic data produced yet on the number of farms that have adopted climate-smart farming or the integration of agriculture and climate responsiveness.

Including this component as an integral part of capacity-building efforts presents an opportunity for farmers and potential farm tourism site owners to aid in the country's climate change adaptation.

Although the Philippines is relatively a minor contributor to global greenhouse gases, it remains an agricultural country.

According to the International Institute of Rural Reconstruction

CLIMATE, P9

HOPEFUL. A vendor displays Durian fruits in front of a stall along Quezon Boulevard in Davao City on Thursday. The city's Durian Industry Council has disclosed that it is hopeful the trade agreement between the Philippines and

China will be amended and allow Durian, especially frozen Durian, to enter the Chinese market. Lean Daval Jr

Davao Chamber VP: Bangsamoro sparks interest of Arab investors

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he creation of the new Bangsamoro government, which is seen to improve the peace and order condition in Mindanao, has generated a lot of interest from Arab investors, a business leader said in an interview on Wednesday.

Carlo B. Tria, Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. executive vice president, such interest may lead to the opening of direct �lights from Davao City to Qatar by Qatar Airways.

He said this has become more feasible because the city is a “gateway to Mindanao” for most of the foreign investors who would like to set up their businesses in the island.

“I think many Middle Eastern business groups are interested in the result of the BOL (Bangsamoro

Organic Law). They probably see a lot of opportunities there that they would like to partner with local businesses,” he said.

“They are interested in the result of the establishment of BTA (Bangsamoro Transition Authority) and, of course, the rest of Mindanao’s growth, which was 11 percent, almost double the rest of Asia. That’s already something worth examining and studying,” he added.

Based on Republic Act 11054 which created the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindan-

ao, the BTA will serve as interim regional government until the holding of elections in 2022.

Tria said a group of Arab delegates will �ly to Davao from Qatar, arriving a day before the scheduled two-day Davao Investment Conference (Davao ICon) at the SMX Convention Center here on June 20 to 21.

Details of this new international �light have yet to be disclosed by the airline, he said.

The airline announced last year Davao City and Cebu are among the four areas in Southeast Asia where it plans to open direct �lights.

The airline’s new destinations include London Gatwick, United Kingdom; Cardiff, United Kingdom; Lisbon, Portugal; Tallinn,

Estonia; Valletta, Malta; Bodrum, Antalya and Hatay, Turkey; Mykonos and Thessaloniki, Greece; and Málaga, Spain.

Davao ICon 2019, the �ifth since 2011, is expected to gather 800 to 1,000 local and foreign delegates.

Themed as “Davao: Your Southeast Asian Investment Destination,” Tria said the event aims to encourage investments in Davao Region by showcasing investment opportunities in tourism, infrastructure, and real estate, information and communications technology, and Halal trade and tourism.

Davao ICon 2019 highlights include business conference, business matching and trade exhibition. (Antonio L. Colina IV/MindaNews)

Tourist arrivals up by 5.9% in Jan-Feb 2019

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oreign tourist arrivals to the country continue to increase, with 5.9 percent growth in the �irst two months of 2019 compared to the same period last year.

"For the �irst two months, tourist arrivals have been 1,493,000 precise," Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat told reporters during the Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum on Wednesday.

Puyat attributed the growth to the country's improved access and air connectivity, particularly with the opening of the Mactan-Cebu Airport and the Bohol-Panglao

Airport last year.

"It's better now, but of course we are continually working with the Department of Transportation on rehabilitating the airports and maybe having night-rated airports," she said.

According to DOT data, January arrivals decreased from 732,506 visitors to 723,390 in 2019. But the 13.8 percent growth of international visitors in February 2019 was able to offset the slight arrival drop from the preceding month.

Romulo-Puyat said South Korea, followed

by China and the United States, remain as the top

three tourist markets of the country.

The DOT did not issue a projection of arrivals for the summer season but it assured the government is ready and closely coordinates with different local government units (LGUs) in securing the safety and welfare of foreign and local visitors.

"We already issued an order to our regional of�icers to closely coordinate with LGUs in setting up emergency care system and facilities in tourist destinations in time for the summer season," DOT Assistant Secretary Maria Rica Bueno said in the same press confer-

ence.

Bueno cited as example Siargao, where the provincial governor has directed municipal mayors to place doctors and nurses in their respective areas.

Among others, solid waste monitors and tourist assistance centers were also established in each municipality, including the renowned Siargao Island.

"Similarly, these are also being done in other tourist areas like our Bicol of�ice which issued an advisory with regard to the preparations for the summer season, especially for Holy Week next week," she said. (PNA)

6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 25 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, APRIL 12-13, 2019

EDITORIAL Backfiring The more his critics hurl negative comments and accusations against him, the stronger he gets support. That means the strategy used by critics of President Rodrigo Duterte is back�iring.

That’s how it looks like with the result of a recent Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey which showed that more Filipinos are satis�ied with President Rodrigo Duterte’s performance. The survey, released Wednesday, showed that 79 percent of adult Filipinos were satis�ied with Duterte’s performance, equivalent to a “very good” rating.

The �igure represents a 5-point increase from the 74 percent gross satisfaction in December.

Only 13 percent of adult Filipinos meanwhile said they were dissatis�ied with the President’s performance, 2 points lower from the 15 percent dissatisfaction rating in December last year. Duterte has remained highly popular among Filipinos nearly 3 years into his presidency. He won in a landslide victory in 2016 on the promise of change and an intensive campaign against illegal drugs and

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NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

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

ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. CHA MONFORTE Correspondent

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

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

corruption.

While the opposition continue to pummel him with accusations here and there and criticize him for just about everything he does, the voice of the people loudly speak of the trust and con�idence the President is getting. His uncanny style of leadership never before seen in past presidents may be raw and unpolished but it is the kind of leadership that is working with remarkable results.

It must be very frustrating for his critics that despite the intense protestations and criticisms they make, still they cannot change the mindset of majority of the Filipinos. Nevertheless, they are expected to stubbornly cling on to their stand at all cost. This is why the country is always stalled despite sincere efforts by the administration.

The more prevailing hate and vested interest on the part of people in the opposite side of the political fence is depriving the majority who believe that the current leadership is bringing this nation forward to a better life.

SOLANI D. MARATAS Finance

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

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VOL.12 ISSUE 25 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, APRIL 12-13, 2019

VANTAGE POINTS

7

DENNIS R. GORECHO PINOY MARINO RIGHTS

SEAFARER’S REPATRIATION ON COMPASSIONATE GROUNDS As a general rule, the employment of the seafarer shall cease when the he completes his period of contractual service aboard the ship, signs-off from the ship and arrives at the point of hire.

Similarly, a seafarer’s employment contract is terminated even before the contract expires as soon as he arrives at the point of hire for any other reasons, including the following grounds: 1. when the seafarer signs-off and is disembarked for medical reasons or death 2. when the seafarer signs-off due to shipwreck, ship’s sale, lay-up of ship, discontinuance of voyage or change of ship principal .

3. when the seafarer, in writing, voluntarily resigns and signs off prior to expira-

tion of contract 4. when the seafarer is discharged for just cause A seafarer who requests for early termination of his contract shall be liable for his repatriation cost as well as the transportation cost of his replacement. This is oftentimes known as voluntary repatriation.

The employer may, in case of compassionate grounds, assume the transportation cost of the seafarer’s replacement.

Compassionate ground, under the POEA contract, refers to incidence of death of an immediate member of the seafarer’s family which includes his parents, spouse and children if the seafarer is married or his parents if the seafarer is single.

This ground covers only

“death and not cases when the family member has fallen dangerously ill, been seriously injured.

It does not also include emergency situations which would not be expediently resolved without the seafarer’s attendance.

In case of death in the family, it is extremely important for the seafarer to decide whether he is still mentally capable of continuing working. Being in charge of the navigational watch or working in the Engine Room when he is not yet fully focused can be very dangerous, which can cause accidents onboard.

A minor loss of focus or a momentary lapse of reason could prove far more disruptive to others than your leave of absence.

It is advisable for the seafarer to communicate with his colleagues onboard openly. Nobody understands a seafarer better than a fellow sailor. Everyone onboard could empathize with similar occurrences in their lives when they were onboard.

The seafarer, if discharged at a port abroad for any reason shall be repatriated to the Philippines via sea or air or as may otherwise be directed by the principal/employer/company.

He shall be provided with accommodation and food, allowances and medical treatment, if necessary, until he arrives at the point of hire.

The POEA contract likewise included the right for a compassionate visit as provided in RA 8042, as amended by RA 10022.

When a seafarer is hospitalized and has been con�ined for at least seven (7) consecutive days, he shall be entitled to a compassionate visit by one (1) family member or a requested individual.

The employer shall pay for the transportation cost of the family member or requested individual to the major airport closest to the place of hospitalization of the seafarer.

It is, however, the responsibility of the family member or requested individual to meet all visa and travel document requirements.

(Atty. Gorecho heads the seafarers’ division of the Sapalo Velez Bundang Bulilan law of�ices. For comments, email info@sapalovelez. com, or call 09175025808 or 09088665786)

ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA FAST BACKWARD

DAVAO AS SPANISH PUEBLO After the fall of Datu Bago in 1848, the campaign to rid the Davao region of Moro stragglers was high on the colonist’s agenda. Spanish troopers, with support from Filipino �ighters, combed the coastal areas of the gulf, chasing Moro warriors sympathetic to the fallen Tausug chieftain.

While the mopping-up operations continued, the plan to build a new town, a pueblo, on the riverbanks of Davao River started in earnest. Filipino survivors of the Davao attack, who were promised rewards if the battle was won, opened a settlement with Spanish help. A new community with a population of less than a hundred settlers started to evolve.

The ‘Diccionario geogra�ico estadistico historic de las islas Filipinas’ described how this new village looked like in 1850: “It has very few houses, all of very simple construction, the only one of some note being the parish house and the so-called casa real which also contains the jail.

There is a primary school supported by fronds from the community but with few pupils. The church is… served by a priest belonging to [the

Recollect] Order. Near the church is the fairly spacious cemetery.

“Travel to the neighboring places is by sea when the prevailing winds allow it.

Travel by land is over roads that are roads only in name, being merely very bad paths.

Mail from other parts of the archipelago takes unpredictable lengths of time. This town was founded only in the last few years by the incumbent governor, who has built a fort as protection against Moro pirates who in the past and even in the present have been the scourge of region.

“The territory is quite extensive, mostly covered with forests of various kinds of hard wood. It affords good hunting of wild boar, buffalo, deer, doves and wild chicken and all kinds of birds. In the tree trunks and other sheltered places are the beehives with plenty of wax and honey, which the inhabitants harvest for their needs. All the land although fertile is in a virgin state, with only small parcels under cultivation, planted to rice, cacao, maize, vegetables and fruits. The people’s occupation is mostly farming and �ishing. Being a new town, the people are still exempt from the tribute.”

A census done included in the 1858 Guia de Foresteros stated that Davao by this time had a population of 800, with 304 natives. There was no mestizo recorded, but the records showed that since its establishment the pueblo had registered 21 births, nine deaths, and 18 marriages.

In 1862, new developments became palpable. According to ‘Plano del pueblo de Davao Cabesa’ and ‘Reconocimiento de Davao,’ the town already had a triangular fort, church, Casa del Governador, government house, galleria, tribunal (town hall) and pantalan (port), part of 50 to 60 structures dotting the municipal landscape.

Two years earlier, Fr. Juan Bautista Heras, SJ, made a short visit to Davao and described his sojourn: “Nueva Guipozcoa [Davao Province] is noted for its varied forest products and by the variety of native tribes… [They] lived submerged in the crassest of ignorance and gross idolatry, and the Bagobos even sacri�iced human victims…

“They did not accept currency, and instead bartered their wares with plates, garnet, yards of yellow wire, which they used for arm and

leg bracelets, cloth, beads for necklaces, etc. Their main items of barter were beeswax, tortoise shells, balat, mastic, cinnamon, unhusked rice [palay], bird nests, cacao, coffee, abaca and sugar. Gold was extracted from alluvial deposits coming from the mountain of Quinquin [Kingking]…

“The growth of the mission was slow at the beginning, with about 800 or more souls in the head town of Nueva Vergara, and in one of the mission outposts, there were 24 baptized pagans, among them Manobos from Cape San Austin who settled in Samal.”

In 1880, Davao’s geographic delineation was more de�ined. Fr. Francisco X. Baranera, a Jesuit priest, in his 1880 ‘Compendio de Geogra�ia’ (later translated as Handbook of the Philippine Islands by Alexander Laist in 1899), described the progressing settlement as follows: “The District of Davao is bounded on the north by Surigao, on the east by Paci�ic ocean, on the south of Celebes sea and on the west by Cottabato (sic) and Misamis.

“While it is fertile, its population is small. There

are 14,000 inhabitants in 8 towns and 3 barrios and a number of savage and Mohammedan tribes. The government is military.

“The capital, Davao, is 3,308 population, lies on the gulf of the same name.

Oyher towns are Matti (sic), recently founded, having an excellent harbor, the posiion of which promises much for the future of the settlement; Caraga, with 8,408 inhabitants; and Catel (sic) and Baganga.

“Only about 8 square miles are under cultivation.

Cacao, coffee, palay, abaca, cinnamon, cocoa-nuts, and sweet potatoes are raised.

There is some barter of mastic and wax fo cloths. The forests are rich in good timber.

“Cebuan (sic) Visayan is spoken, each of the uncivilized having its own dialect.

“The majestic Apo is situated in this district. The altitude of its highest peak is 10,965 feet above the sea level. From it a range of mountains extends to the interior.

Mount Matutum, a volcano now extinct, lies at the head of Sarangani bay.”

Today, Davao City, for one, is home to close to two million inhabitants.

8

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SUBURBIA RISING

VOL.12 ISSUE 25 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, APRIL 12-13, 2019

Members of the Communication for Development Network (C4D Net) put on the military combat uniform during a team building activity on 2017 at Camp General Manuel T. Yan, Sr. in Mawab.

(Throwback Photo courtesy of 10ID)

ComVal sets summer weight loss camping

N

ABUNTURAN, Compostela Valley -- A more disciplined yet exciting weight loss activity awaits �itness enthusiasts this summer as the provincial government of Compostela Valley partners with the 10thInfantry Division of the Philippine Army for a �ive-day Military-style Fitness Training Camp at Camp General Manuel T. Yan, Sr. in Mawab town.

Dubbed as Major, Major Weight Loss Camp, the training will be conducted into two batches, April 1014 and May 15-19.

Compostela Valley

provincial tourism of�icer Christin Dompor stressed that the military camp has always been opened for experiential activity like that of a team building but for this year, they want the participants to experience the camp with a purpose.

“During our product development research, we identi�ied a �itness training as a distinctive offering of the military camp in Mawab for this year,” she said.

Dompor also emphasized that they want to change the notion that the camp as a war zone into a peace tourism camp.

Since the camp is only good for �ive days, they only target utmost 1.5-kilogram loss to every participant, she said.

“But they can still continue with their weight loss challenge after the camp, since they already have the �itness program and the diet that they can follow,” she said.

To cover meals and snacks, accommodation, and military training clothes, each participant will pay PhP3,700, she sa id.

The �itness activity will include physical conditioning, army dozen exer-

cises, military basic drills and ceremony, pekiti tersia kali (arnis), knot-tying, obstacle courses, rappelling, militaristics: assembling of weapons, and battle drills.

The participants will also experience military diet in �ield mess.

At the end of each session, winners for the biggest loser and best performer in military drills will be awarded.

Dompor also revealed that they will extend the �itness camp even after summer, speci�ically on June 12-16 due to the demand. (PIA XI DabaweNEWS, Michael Uy)

Launched in October 2018 under the B4: Bagong Bahay para sa Bagong Buhay program of the Provincial Anti-drugs Abuse Council’s �lagship campaign Lihok-Nagkahiusang Lumulupyo kontra Droga, the Balay Silangan, which was established as a family-based, in-house holistic reformation facility for drug offenders, will serve as a temporary shelter intended to reform drug offenders into self-suf�icient and law-abiding members of the society.

PADAC Action Of�icer and Provincial Administrator Art Benjie C. Bulaong said that through this partnership, the province will be able to maximize budget allocation for the facility, not-

ing it as a cost-ef�icient strategy since the service provider has already enough manpower and well-trained experts who will handle the patients rather than the province having to train and hire personnel.

The JJVBMC service provider is equipped with specialists, drug addiction healing experts, clinical psychologists, doctors, health of�icers, and staff who are willing to capacitate patients to achieve mental wellness through innovation and evidence-based approaches.

Meanwhile, Mr. Bulaong divulged that the provincial government in partnership with Davao Oriental Police Provincial Of�ice and Philippine Drug Enforcement

Agency have recorded 8,686 drug personalities who have surrendered to the authority in 79 affected barangays in the province.

“Some of them who are ready to be fully healed will undergo the treatment process with proper consent from their respective families. They will be brought to us by our partner, JJVBMC on the �irst week of April this year,” Mr. Bulaong said.

Furthermore, Governor Dayanghirang said he is con�ident that the center will be able to provide more intervention programs to fully heal and reintegrate drug personalities and help them become more productive and acceptable members in the society.

Agreement for DavOr drug reformation center operation signed

D

avao Oriental – To provide a more holistic rehabilitation for drug offenders, the Provincial Government has partnered with a private service provider with expertise on community-based drug rehabilitation to operate the province’s Balay Silangan Drug Reformation Center here.

Governor Nelson L. Dayanghirang and Mr. Jerry Joseph C. Valderrama, Chief Executive Of�icer of J.J. Valderrama Behavioral Management Center (JJVBMC) jointly signed the Memorandum of Agreement on March 29, 2019 at Oriental Prince Suites and Arcade, Barangay Dahican, City of Mati.

LAKERS... FROM 11

both ways by increasing the role of two well-regarded, up-and-coming basketball minds already in the building. Director of player personnel Ryan West and assistant GM Jesse Buss are already Lakers royalty: West is Jerry West’s son, while Jesse Buss is her youngest brother.

Buss’ ex-�iancée, longtime Lakers coach Phil Jackson, also is likely a phone call away — but even putting aside Jackson’s cataclysmic tenure as an executive in New York, that might be too much organizational drama for even the Lakers to withstand.

Buss’ easiest path would be a promotion for Pelinka, the scripture-quoting GM who favors tight suits and long-winded, folksy stories. But Johnson gave a lukewarm endorsement of Pelinka on his way out the door, and Pelinka has ruf�led feathers around the league with his communication style in his �irst team job.

With the 34-year-old James getting no younger, speed is a priority in the Lakers’ rebuild. The front of�ice isn’t the Lakers’ only area requiring urgent attention this summer.

Johnson said he was preparing to �ire Walton on Wednesday (Thursday, PHL time) until he decided he couldn’t do it to Walton, another one of Buss’ favorite people.

Walton’s future is still uncertain, with only one more guaranteed season on his contract and a career coaching record 50 games below .500. Buss had already given permission to Magic to make the change, and a new front of�ice could want a new coach — un-

less it arrives with Buss’ instructions to give him another chance.

The Lakers made one structural change Wednesday (Thursday, PHL time) when they decided to part ways with athletic trainer Marco Nunez, who had been in the top job since 2016. Los Angeles was decimated again this season by injuries to nearly every key player, including the longest injury absence of James’ 16-year career.

Finally, Buss must decide whether her vision of the Lakers’ future requires the addition of at least one more superstar free agent.

Magic’s primary goal was the acquisition of another star to play alongside LeBron, and his midseason pursuit of Anthony Davis caused upheaval in the Lakers’ locker room.

Yet the players who �inished the season with the Lakers remained remarkably optimistic about the franchise’s future as they packed up Wednesday (Thursday, PHL time).

JaVale McGee, who established himself as a solid NBA center, believes the Lakers are still irresistible to any player or executive with the proper perspective on basketball and life.

“It’s all love in LA,” McGee said. “The fans are great. They see you out there working your butt off, and even though you’re losing, they still support you.

So the whole thing behind people saying, ‘It’s a hard market to play in, it’s a lot of pressure,’ I don’t believe in the pressure thing. ... Anyone who wouldn’t want to take advantage of that opportunity just because of their fear of the spotlight is childish.”

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EDGEDAVAO

EVENT

EAGLES ON THE BIG SCREEN WITH only 400 pairs left in the wild, saving the critically endangered Philippine Eagle from extinction is now more important than ever. Recognising that images influence the actions of people, the Philippine Eagle Foundation held the Mindanao premier of “Bird of Prey” last April 10 at the SM Lanang Premier Cinema.

Bird of Prey is a 90-minute ultra HD documentary by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology in partnership with Emmy award-winning cinematographer Neil Retting and the Philippine Eagle Foundation.

The film follows a nesting pair of Philippine Eagles in the wild using ultra high definition cameras over the course of five months, and the feelings and emotions of Neil Retting and his crew, during his first encounter with the Philippine Eagle in the 70’s and now. It also presented the ongo-

ing efforts of the Philippine Eagle Foundation in conserving the species while it explores the complexities of what it takes to save the Philippine Eagle from extinction.

Attending the event were members of the Philippine Eagle Foundation’s board of trustees, community leaders of the various villages, and students from various high schools, colleges and universities.

I was particularly struck early in the movie

by Niel Retting sharing why he is doing the project, saying “Our images

change the way people see things. Change the way people care.” And after watching the movie, I was sure every viewer took home a piece of the beauty of our national bird and a better understanding on why we have to save it.

Although the documentary will not make a cinematic run, businesses, organisations, and schools may get in touch with the Philippine Eagle Foundation at info@ philippineeaglefoundation.org to host their own special viewing of “Bird of Prey.”

EDGED

A2 INdulge!

TECH

FOOD

Craft one-of-a-kind stories with the new Huawei P30 SMARTPHONES have become an extension of how we express ourselves. It becomes our tool to create new, offbeat, moving stories about our everyday lives and share it with the world. It’s essential to have the right device that allows you to capture the details and see the world from a new light - no matter the situation.

The new Huawei P30 and P30 Pro promises to be the ideal tool. These latest flagship devices are now available for pre-order on Globe Postpaid’s ThePLAN - made to complete a highpowered device and fast-paced lifestyle.

Starting April 5 to 12, 2019, customers can pre-order theirs at globe.com.ph/ huawei-p30.

It’s not Huawei without a full force of cameras that can capture different points of view. Both the P30 and P30 Pro come with a Leica super camera system - a 40MP Super Sensing Camera, an Ultra Wide Angle Lens (16MP for P30 and 20MP for P30 Pro), an 8MP telephoto lens, and an additional HUAWEI Time-of-Flight (TOF) Camera for the P30 Pro. Whether you want to zoom in on a subject with the 10x Hybrid Zoom, focus on a single item with the Gradient Multi-Level Bokeh, or capture even the tiniest of details with the MultiView Recording, the P30 has the perfect tools for the job.

With the two stunners’ display screen size (6.1” for Huawei P30 and 6.4” for P30 Pro), watch your favorite films and shows on Amazon Prime Video and DisneyLife - free for 6 months on ThePLAN. Enjoy your free 3 months Spotify with the Huawei P30 and P30 Pro’s Acoustic Sound Emitting Display technology. This innovative take on sound uses electromagnetic sound

levitation, where sound vibrations are projected from the display itself.

You don’t even have to worry about the safety of your photos and videos with the Huawei P30 and P30 Pro’s in-screen fingerprint sensor for opening and locking to keep your personal files under guard. You also get to enjoy all these with 25% more battery life than its P20 predecessor.

The Huawei P30 powered by Globe Postpaid is the perfect pair that empowers you to be a brave creator. Bring home the P30 for only P2,199 (ThePLAN 1799 + P400/month cashout) or P30 Pro for only P2,799 (ThePLAN 1799 + P1,000/ month cashout)! Create the life you want with larger-than-life data allocation of up to 16GB. Plus, Globe Postpaid customers who pre-order the P30 from April 5 to 12, 2019 will get the new Huawei GT Watch for FREE! Experience its 1.3-inch AMOLED touch-screen display, GPS and Bluetooth connectivity, and up to 30-day battery life!

To pre-order, visit globe.com.ph/ huawei-P30. For re-contracting customers, call (02) 730-1300. Learn more about Globe Postpaid plans at globe.com.ph/ postpaid/theplan. Follow Globe ICON on Facebook and Instagram.

Recipe of the month:

STUFFED OK

“I’M NOT PICKY, I just don’t like okra” – familiar? Of course. Count me in on this. Nonetheless, experimenting inside the kitchen gave me an ultimate reason to fall in love with these pieces of green goodness.

According to an online dictionary, okra (also known as okro, ladies’ fingers or ochro) is a flowering plant valued for its edible green seed pods. In the Philippines, okra is prepared steamed or mixed with other vegetables – the pakbet or pinakbet. However, many has since experimented with it that has since re-introduced okra to a wider palate.

Introducing stuffed okra – the dish that made me fall in love with okra on the first bite. Enjoy!

Ingredients

Okra (lady fingers), cleaned, lower tip tri lengthwise slit, remove seeds Grated cheese (also use softened cream c red bell pepper, minced all-purpose flour, sifted Egg white, beaten Salt Garlic powder Smoked paprika Black pepper Oil for frying

Method In two separate bowls, dump flour an egg whites. To the flour, add salt, pepper and garlic powder. Set aside.

In another clean bowl, mix together g cheese, black pepper and minced bell pe

UP AND ABOUT

Nominations for 3rd Philippine Sports Tourism Award

NOMINATIONS for the 3rd Philippine Sports Tourism Awards are now open to all sports and tourism related associations, event organizers, companies and local government units that have excelled in supporting, organizing and managing sports events to attract visitors to their destinations.

The prestigious awards will from this year be given annually to the various categories in the private and government sectors for domestic or international events.

Introduced by Selrahco Management, a marketing and promotions company focusing on destination and sports marketing, the PSTA is a spin-off of the Sports Tourism Forum which was formed in 2004.

PSTA is now managed by Selrahco-

Primetime.

Previous honorees include Sunrise Events, Inc (2015-2017) as private event organizers, Dumaguete City (2017) and Municipality of Lubao, Pampanga (2017) as government event organizers; Tabuelan 111(2015) and Visit Davao Summer Festival (2017) as domestic event of the year; Ironman 70.3 Cebu (2015) and Ironman 70.3 Asia Pacific Championship (2017) as event of the year; Philippine Inter-Island Sailing Federation (2015) and Philippine Football Federation (2017) as national sports association of the year; Province of Cebu (2015) and Cebu Pacific Air (2017) for destination marketing; Resorts World Manila Masters (2015) and Century Tuna

Ironman (2017) for event sponsorship of the year; Fat Boy 10s Rugby (2015) and Fundlife International (2017) were named charity events of the year, Philippine Airlines was was named 2017 airline of the year while Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort & Spa romped away with the hotel of the year 2017 award.

The prestigious award of destination of the year was won by Clark Freezone in 2015 and Subic Bay in 2017.

Nominations for events held only in 2018 will be considered. The categories are: Destination of the Year, Organizer of the Year (LGU), Organizer of the Year (Private), Event of the Year (Domestic), Event of the Year

(International), Destination Marketing of the Year, NSA of the Year, Hotel of the Year, Event Sponsorship of the Year, Airline of the Year, Charity Event of the Year Four new categories are added for this year - Tour Operator of the Year, Sports Venue of the Year, Sports MICE event of the Year, and Media Coverage of Year.

Deadline for nominations will be on June 30, 2019. Nomination forms are available online in the PSTA Facebook page at www.facebook. com/ThePSTAwards/ There is no fee in nominating an entry. Only shortlisted nominations will be announced.

For more information, call Mr Gabe Tomboc at +639064067051 or email gabe.selrahco@gmail.com

The Visit Davao Summer Festival was awarde events such as DurianMan Triathlon and Mt A founder of PSTA (3rd from right) was Mr Ben Davao City Council Tourism Committee chair Yog of Department of Tourism Region 11 (2n Piansay executive director VDSF (extreme rig

EDAVAO

KRA

cheese)

nd beaten r, paprika

grated epper.

ENTERTAINMENT

TNT Boys ready for first world concert tour

:

immed,

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VOL.12 ISSUE 25 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, APRIL 12-13, 2019

Get an okra, stuff with grated cheese mixture.

Repeat until all is done. TIP: you can opt to have the okra steamed before stuffing and scraped off of its seeds.

Once stuffed, dip okra in flour until fully coated. Tap to remove excess.

Next, dip to the beaten egg white.

Here, you can opt to use breadcrumbs to seal and lock in the stuffing. OR you can dip it in the flour again. Make sure the slit on the okra is fully covered. You can use a toothpick for this.

Heat oil for frying.

Once hot, gently dump the okra – one at a time.

Avoid stuffing your pan (crowded pan lowers the oil temp).

Fry until golden brown.

Serve with garlic mayo dip or Thousand Island dressing.

ds open

ded the Sports Tourism Event (Domestic) of the Year 2016/17 for infusing sports Apo Boulder Challenge in the Festival. Receiving the award from Mr Charles Lim, njamin Lizada, chair of VDSF (4th from left) witnessed by Councilor Al Ryan Alejandre, r (3rd from left), Ms Rayanne Arao, events head VDSF (extreme left), Ms Clarence nd from left), Mr Edmund Mayormita vice chair VDSF (2nd from right) and Ms Tessa ght).

PREPARATIONS are kicking into high gear for the international sensation TNT Boys with only weeks before the start of their international concert tour titled “TNT Boys Listen: The World Tour” this month.

After making headlines around the world, the trio of bigshot trio of Mackie Empuerto, Keifer Sanchez, and Francis Concepcion are ready to perform for Filipino and foreign fans abroad.

They are taking along with them special guests – Filipino-American artists who have made a splash in the US, including child prodigy Angelica Hale (“America’s Got Talent”), pop and RnB singer Cheesa (“The Voice”), and musician Troy Laureta. Hiphop dance group Str8jacket from “World of Dance” will also be giving special performances.

Derived from their first major concert in November 2018 that made them the youngest Filipino sold-out concert performers, the trio’s world tour will kick off at Chabot College, Hayward California on April 23, followed by The Theatre at Ace Hotel, Los Angeles, California on April 25. They will also fly to Canada and perform at the Edmonton Expo Centre, Alberta on April 27.

For more details, log on to the TNT Boys’ official website www. thetntboys.com.

While the boys are busy preparing for their tour, the boys are able to prioritize their education as they recently participated in the moving up ceremony at the Christian Filipino Academy. Mackie, Keifer, and Francis got certificates of excellence in Math, English, and Araling Panlipunan, respectively.

Before flying out of the country, the TNT Boys will also mark another milestone in their career with the launch of their first single titled “Together We Fly,” which will be released soon under TNT Records.

Mackie, Keifer, and Francis also continue to astound fans with their newest song cover – Ariana Grande’s hit “Break Free” – that showcases their versatility and individual strengths as singers. Uploaded last weekend on the TNT Versions YouTube channel, the cover has earned

Unang Hirit brings viewers to Vatican, in Holy Week Special FOLLOWING its landmark Lenten coverage in the Holy Land last year, Unang Hirit, the country’s leading and longest running morning show, once again takes viewers on a spiritual journey this Holy Week—in the heart of Vatican and in the historic Italy.

UH host Susan Enriquez leads the Kapuso viewers on this journey as she anchors live from various holy sites in Rome, Vatican City, and other famous Italian landmarks.

One of the highlights of this special coverage is a visit to the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church. With the aim of giving viewers more on-hand and meaningful observance of the Holy Week, UH features some of the Lenten traditions right in Vatican City, such as the live Palm Sunday celebration and Visita Iglesia around Rome.

Stories behind the walls of ancient Roman structures, such as the Colosseum and the Pantheon, will also be uncovered.

Viewers will also get a taste of the flavors of Italy—a country known for its cuisine.

Unang Hirit’s Holy Week Special will run from April 11 to April 17 (Holy Wednesday). Selected reports will also air on 24 Oras.

hundreds of thousands of views and praises from fans all over the world.

Since their debut as a trio in 2017, the TNT Boys have performed in international TV shows. They participated in the international talent competition “The World’s Best,” where they gained worldwide attention, and appeared in the US TV show “The Late Late Show with James Corden,” where they got to perform with the number one global superstar Ariana Grande.

The TNT Boys is only one of the Filipino artists who broke into the international scene as ABS-CBN continues to champion Filipino talent on the world stage.

Before becoming a group, Mackie, Keifer, and Francis first impressed viewers as grand finalists in “Tawag ng Tanghalan Kids” on “It’s Showtime.” They were officially launched as a trio in 2017, and have since sung for international audiences in “Little Big Shots” US, UK, and Australia and have performed for several head of states, including Pres. Rodrigo Duterte, Singaporean president Halimah Yacob, and Papua New Guinea prime minister Peter O’ Neill. They were also hailed as the grand champion of “Your Face Sounds Familiar Kids.”

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VOL.12 ISSUE 25 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, APRIL 12-13, 2019

FAR... FROM 1

TONYBOY... FROM 2

Senator Cynthia Villar and Senator Sonny Angara, former Special Assistant to the President (SAP) Christopher "Bong" Go, Taguig representative Pia Cayetano, former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa, former Senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr., Ilocos Norte governor Imee Marcos, and former Senator Jinggoy Estrada.

"We are pushing a different kind of campaigning, something that does not involve maligning or attacking other candidates, and we think the voters agree with us," the presidential daughter said.

She added that the agenda of each of their can-

didates obviously resonates well with the voters.

"Our candidates truly value what the voters consider important to their lives and to the country," said Duterte.

The Davao City mayor is happy that all their sacri�ices has paid off.

"HNP of�icers and volunteers are humbled that all the sleepless nights, tiring long travels, arguments, fatigue, and obsessive brainstorming have resulted in something positive," she said.

But she said they cannot yet be happy until after the winners are proclaimed.

"So we shall continue to soar and �ight until we succeed," she said.

points from +62 to +69 in the Visayas; 4 points from +52 to +56 in Balance of Luzon; and 3 points from +58 to +61 in Metro Manila.

In rural areas, Duterte’s net rating posted a new record-high at +69, up by 12 points from +57 while in urban areas, it slightly improved from +62 to +64.

Duterte also got a new record-high net rating of +69, up by 14 percent, from ABC classes and also a new high +68 from class D respondents.

Among age groups, Duterte’s net satisfaction rating also improved, getting the highest rating of +70 classi�ied as “excellent” from those 18 years to 24

years old and 35 years to 44 years old.

He also got an excellent rating among college graduates and non-elementary school graduates at +74 and +71, respectively while high school graduates gave the President a rating of +67 and elementary graduates gave him +60.

The SWS used face-toface interviews of 1,440 respondents aged at least 18 years old nationwide.

It has a sampling error of ±2.6 percent for national percentages and ±5 percent each for Balance Luzon (or Luzon outside Metro Manila), Metro Manila, Visayas, and Mindanao.

(PNA)

PRRD... FROM 2

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EASTMIN...

NOTICE OF AUCTION FROM 2

Thesaid.

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NOTICE OF AUCTION Davao del Norte Gov- a chance to serve, I will alernor and Hugpong ng ways be grateful and will The VGM Pawnshop, Inc. will hold a Public Auction Sale to Pagbabago (HNP) secre- make sure I will do my unredeemed and unrenewed items on the following schedule tary-general Anthony del duty to unite the house of NOTICE OF AUCTION OF OF AUCTION listedVGM belowNOTICE atPawnshop, 9:00 O’clock in thewill morning.

The Inc. hold a Rosario said the Davao congress,” he said.

NOTICE AUCTION BRANCHES DATEPublic PAWNED DATE & PLACE OF NOTICE OF AUCTION City mayor is willing to Floirendo, meanwhile, NOTICE OF AUCTION The VGM Pawnshop, Inc. will hold a Public Auction Auction Sale to all unredeemed and VGM Pawnshop, Inc. willInc. hold a Public Auction Sale toSale all The VGM Pawnshop, Inc. will hold a Public Auction Sale totoallall ng VGM Pawnshop, magasubasta sa tanang prenda support whoever runs for calls on his fellow Filipino TheAng AUCTION unredeemed and unrenewed items on the following schedule The VGM Pawnshop, Inc.on will hold ahold Public Auction Sale to all to all unrenewed items the following schedule The VGM Inc. will a Public Auction Sale and Pawnshop, unrenewed items on the schedule unredeemed and unrenewed items on following the following schedule the House Speaker as long lawmakers, regardless of unredeemed wala nalukat sa9:00 maong sumusunod nga mga petsa sa alas 9:0 listed below atat O’clock in the morning. unredeemed and unrenewed items on the following schedule NOTICE OF AUCTION unredeemed and unrenewed items on the following schedule below at 9:00 O’clock in the morning. listed below 9:00 O’clock in the morning. listed below at 9:00 O’clock in the morning. as he or she will support political and ideological listed buntag. listed below atPawnshop, 9:00 inhold the listed below at O’clock 9:00 O’clock inamorning. the morning. the president. af�iliations to work as one Ang The VGM Inc. will Public Sale to all Ang VGM Pawnshop, Inc. magasubasta tanang prenda nga VGM Pawnshop, Inc. magasubasta saAuction tanang prenda nga nga Ang VGM Pawnshop, Inc. magasubasta sasatanang prenda DAVAO April 2019(Tues.) unredeemed andPawnshop, unrenewed items on the23, following schedule “This is almost the ex- in serving the people. wala nalukat sa maong sumusunod nga mga petsa sa alas 9:00 Ang VGM Inc. magasubasta sa Ang VGM Pawnshop, Inc. magasubasta sa tanang prenda nga Angnalukat VGM Pawnshop, Inc. magasubasta sa petsa tanang nalukat sa atmaong sumusunod nga nga mgamga petsa sa alas 9:009:00 sangasasa sa maong sumusunod saprenda alas listed below 9:00 O’clock in the morning. act words mayor Sara said, “I ask my fellow law- walawala Sasa 9:00 AM buntag. wala nalukat sa maong sumusunod nga mga petsa sa alas 9:00 tanang prenda nga wala nalukat sa maong wala nalukat sa maong sumusunod nga mga petsa sa alas sa 9:00 sa buntag. buntag. for as long as the prospec- makers in the coming 18th Ang VGM Pawnshop, Inc. magasubasta sa tanang prenda nga October 01-31, buntag.

Maa VGM Pawnshop, Inc, buntag. sumusunod nga sumusunod mga petsa sapetsa alas 9:00 tive candidate will support Congress to join hands wala nalukat sa maong nga mga sa alas 9:00 sasa & PLAC BRANCHES DATE PAWNED DATE 2019 my father, we will Panabo also withMain me in ensuring the buntag.

Tgm.Quezon Branch AUCTION buntag. support him,” Del Rosa- Duterte administration BRANCHES DATE PAWNED DATE PLACE OF Panabo PAWNED DATE & PLACE OF OF BRANCHES DATE DATE PAWNED &&PLACE Quezon St.DATE Tagum rio, who is also running for getsBranch the full support he BRANCHES AUCTION PAWNED &AUCTION PLACE OF OF AUCTION BRANCHES DATE DATE PAWNEDDATE DATE & PLACE Congressman of the �irst needed from the legisla- BRANCHES DAVAO BRANCHES DATE PAWNED DATE & AUCTION PLACEApril OF 23, 2019(T City district of Davao del Norte, tive department.”

AUCTION Sasa 9:00 AM AUCTION DAVAO April 23, 2019(Tues.)

October 01-31, DAVAO AprilApril 23, 2019(Tues.)

VGM Pawnshop DAVAO Maa 23, 2019(Tues.)

Sasa 9:00 AM Sasa 9:00 AM 2019 DAVAO April 23, 2019(Tues.)

Sasa 9:00 AM DAVAO April 23, 2019(Tues.) Br DAVAO April 23, 2019(Tues.)

Panabo Main Tgm.Quezon October 01-31, October 01-31, Maa VGM Pawnshop, Inc, October 01-31, Sasa 9:00 AM Maa VGM Pawnshop, Inc, Inc, SasaMaa 9:00Pawnshop, AM DAVAO April 29, 2019(Mon.) VGM Sasa 9:00 AM FROM 5 201901-31, Panabo Branch October 01-31, Quezon St. Ta Panabo Main Tgm.Quezon Branch October 01-31, 2019 October Maa VGM Pawnshop, Inc, 2019 Panabo Main Tgm.Quezon Branch MaaMain VGM Pawnshop, Inc, Panabo Tgm.Quezon Branch Maa VGM Pawnshop, Inc, 2019 Sandawa 9:00 AM Panabo Main Tgm.Quezon Branch St. Tagum Panabo Branch 2019 Quezon 2019 Panabo Branch Main Tgm.Quezon Branch Panabo Branch City Panabo Main Tgm.Quezon Branch October 01-30, Quezon St. Tagum St. Tagum (IIRR), agriculture-- both change resilience; and to Panabo Branch QuezonQuezon St. Tagum BranchBranch City Matina VGM Pawnshop, Inc, Quezon St. Tagum Quezon St. Tagum crop and livestock pro- reduce greenhouse gas PanaboPanabo City City City 2019 duction-- "contributes to emissions.

City City Ecoland Sandawa, Branch DAVAO April 29, 2019(M emissions."

IIRR Philippine pro- DAVAO DAVAO April 29, 2019(Mon.) DAVAO April 29,April 2019(Mon.) April 29, 2019(Mon.) DAVAO 29, 2019(Mon.) Sandawa 9:00 AM Ulas Sandawa 9:00 AM 9:00 AM October 01-30, VGM Sandawa October But through cli- gram director Rene Vidal- DAVAO 01-30, Sandawa 9:00 AM October 01-30,VGM April 29, 2019(Mon.) 9:00 DAVAOSandawa April 29, AM 2019(Mon.) Matina VGM Pawnshop October 01-30, Matina Pawnshop, Inc, October 01-30, Matina VGM Pawnshop, Inc, mate-smart farming, the lo said farms that adopt 2019 2019 2019 Sandawa, Matina VGM Pawnshop, Inc, Inc, Sandawa 9:00 AM Matina VGM Pawnshop, Sandawa October 9:00 AM Ecoland Branch 01-30, 2019 Ecoland Sandawa, Bran October 01-30, BLDG.Sandawa St. 2019 Ecoland Sandawa, Branch IIRR said it could also be this approach focus heavEcoland Sandawa, Branch Matina VGM Pawnshop, Inc, Ecoland Sandawa, Branch Ulas Matina VGM Pawnshop, Inc, VGM 2019 2019 Ulas Ulas "part of the solution." ily on soil and nutrient VGM VGM Ulas Ecoland Sandawa, Branch Ulas Ecoland Sandawa, VGM BLDG.Sandawa St. Branch VGM Davao City The United Nations management; carbon seUlas Ulas BLDG.Sandawa VGM Davao City BLDG.Sandaw VGMSt. St.St. BLDG.Sandawa BLDG.Sandawa Food and Agriculture Or- questration; water and Davao City BLDG.Sandawa St. St. BLDG.Sandawa Davao City Davao Cit Davao City ganization describes CSA energy management; and THE MANAGEMENT Davao City Davao City or climate-resilient farm- crop diversi�ication or THE MANAGEMENT 4/11,12,14 THE MANAGEMENT THETHE MANAGEMENT ing as a strategy that seeks sustainably augmenting MANAGEMENT THE MANAGEM 4/11,12,14 4/11,12,14 THE MANAGEMENT to sustainably increase production when certain 4/11,12,14 THE MANAGEMENT 4/11,12,14 4/11,12,14 agricultural productivity; fruits or crops are not in 4/11,12,144/11,12,14 to adapt and build climate season. (PNA)

NOTICE OF AUCTION

CLIMATE...

10 AGRITRENDS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 25 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, APRIL 12-13, 2019

THERE’S A

HUGE INTERNATIONAL MARKET FOR

Text and Photos

by HENRYLITO D. TACIO In some parts of the world, it is called Philippine lime. But most Filipinos call it calamansi or calamondin and in the Visayas and Mindanao, it is known as lemonsito. The good news is: there is an international market for this fruit which is used primarily as juice, puree, and for souring food.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) has identi�ied calamansi as “one of the most important fruit crops grown in the Philippines.” In terms of area and production, it ranks fourth to banana, mango, and pineapple.

The Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) reported that the country’s calamansi export ranged from 20 to 35 metric tons in 2008 to 2013 with an average yearly export of 29.5 metric tons in fresh fruits.

Calamansi is in great demand abroad. In South Korea, for instance, it is among the latest food fad. “Calamansi is a very hot item right now,” Emmanuel W. Ang, Philippine Trade and Investment Center commercial counselor for South Korea, was quoted as saying by Business World.

“The Korean market for food and beverage is a very competitive one,” Ang said. “There are so many products in the market, so companies are trying to differentiate to give new products to market. Calamansi has gotten to that stage where it’s very different from other lemon products.

Probably before when they put calamansi as a �lavor, some Koreans would not what it was. I think we have come to the point where there are a lot of Korean tourists coming to the Philippines, they’re familiar with calamansi.”

In Davao Region, one of those which ventured into production of ready-to-drink calamansi fruit juice and calamansi concentrate is Tagum Golden Foods. It exports some of its productions to South Korea.

It was a gamble that paid off.

“I incurred nothing but losses,” said company owner Alma L. Uy. “What sustained me was the belief that I’m doing something good for local calamansi farmers and that this industry has a future.”

She was right. The success of her company has contributed to Tagum City’s socio-economic progress as it generates employment and pays due taxes, while providing calamansi growers with a steady market.

While there is now a great interest on calamansi in some parts of the world, it is not as rosy out here. Recent reports said that calamansi production in the country had declined over a 6-year period.

From 199,675 metric tons over a land area of 20,956 hectares in 2008, production went down to 164,050 metric tons over a land

CALAMANSI

area of 20,246 hectares in 2013.

The decline is due to the greening disease or “huanglongbing” (HLB) which decreases yield and causes death of trees, according to the Taiwan-based Food and Fertilizer Technology Center (FFTC).

Locally called leaf mottling, HLB is “the most important, severe, serious, destructive, devastating disease of citrus,” to quote the words of agriculture department’s Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI). HLB is also described as “one of the most dif�icult (disease) to control.”

With a total land area of 6,872 hectares planted to calamansi, MIMAROPA (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan) leads the production in Luzon. Central Luzon (Zambales, Bulacan, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, and Bataan) follows with 1,734 hectares while Ilocos Region settles for third place with 1,026 hectares planted to the crop.

In Mindanao, the top producers Davao Region (Davao del Sur, Davao del Norte, Davao Oriental, Davao Occidental and Compostela Valley) with 1,797 hectares, then CARAGA (Agusan del Sur, Agusan del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Surigao del Norte, and Dinagat Islands) with 1,412 hectares, and Zamboanga Peninsula with 1,077 hectares.

“Yield has been dropping from an average of 9.53 metric tons in 2008 to 8.10 metric tons in 2013, down to an annual growth rate of -3.18,” stated a press statement from the Laguna-based SEARCA. But somewhere beckons a silver lining. The Tokyo University of Agriculture (Tokyo NODAI) has introduced the off-season production of calamansi in Victoria, Oriental Mindoro as part of helping expand jobs and beef up Philippines’ calamansi export.

The Philippine Rural Development Program of the agriculture department said that Filipino buyers prefer calamansi from Oriental Mindoro because it has a thicker rind, stronger taste, longer shelf-life, and resists weight loss.

A technology on pruning and the use of plant growth regulators in order to delay the harvest of calamansi have been employed in a pilot calamansi production in Victoria. “With such techniques, harvest can become year-round,” SEARCA explained in a statement. “This will enable farmers to enjoy a higher income from the high value crop. Production will not be available in just a single season, peaking to a high volume and causing prices to collapse.”

The 2-hectare calamansi demonstration farm owned by calamansi grower Cornelio Palomar in barangay Leido was the chosen experimental site consid-

ering the age (6 years) and height (1 to 2.5 meters) of trees.

According to the report, two types of pruning were employed to delay fruiting: the half and the full pruning of shoots, young �lower buds, and fruits. Basal application of fertilizer solutions using abscissic acid (ABA) and Miyobi Gold, a commercial fertilizer in Japan containing natural type of ABA and potassium were also done to promote and increase �lower formation during off-season.

A total of 30 calamansi trees were purposively selected, tagged, and weeded. These were equally divided into six treatments including the control, the report said.

A quarter of a kilogram of fruit samples for each of the 4 maturity stages of calamansi (mature green, breaker, ripe, and overripe) were gathered for laboratory analysis to determine the physio-chemical characteristics. That includes ascorbic acid content as part of the fruit quality evaluation.

“The quality evaluation of fruits produced in the area at different ripening stages is expected to aid in determining the suitable maturity stage ideal for processing,” SEARCA said.

The off-season production is seen to raise the country’s potential to expand its export of around 170 metric tons annually to Hongkong, United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. Export is in the form of fresh and processed calamansi.

The person credited for bringing the collaboration was Dr. Ma. Conception L. Mores, the vice president of the Mindoro State College of Agriculture and Technology (MinSCAT) who coordinated with Tokyo NODAI to identify farm sites for the continuous trial on the off-season technology of calamansi.

Farmer-cooperators had been tapped to participate in the pilot farming so as to train Filipino farmers. “The success of these farming technologies in attaining a stable supply of calamansi even during lean months will bring farmers in a better position where they can maximize the economic bene�its brought about by higher level of farmgate prices, which in turn raise farm income,” SEARCA Patricia Ann A. Pielago reported.

Calamansi is indigenous to the Philippines. The tree grows to about 25 feet tall at maturity.

Its pulp has a distinctive �lavor described as “a cross between lime and orange.” The tartness of calamansi blends well with other juices such as banana, apple, grape, papaya, mango and coconut water.

Margarita Fores, Asia’s best female chef, came to know calamansi through its juice form. “Calamansi, in general, has a unique �lavor,” she commented. Corazon

S. Alvina, the culinary writer behind “Slow Food,” considered iced calamansi juice as “one of the most refreshing things in tropical life.”

The acidic juice is primarily valued for making acid beverages.

It is often used like lime or lemon juice to make gelatin salads or desserts, custard pies, or chiffon pies.

The extracted juice is pasteurized and bottled commercially.

Aside from being a versatile souring ingredient, calamansi is getting popular because of its health bene�its. For one, high blood or hypertension �inds its match in calamansi. When eating, Dr. Willie T. Ong uses calamansi sauce.

“I don’t have a �ish sauce (patis) because it is salty and raises blood pressure,” explained Dr. Ong, who is running in the Senate come May. “If you really want, just put a little �ish sauce. The enemy of high blood is really salt.”

Packed with vitamin C and other bene�icial nutrients, calamansi juice has been used as an immune booster for generations. Despite its high levels of citric acid, many people drink it as a soothing substance for the stomach.

People who want to lose weight might consider drinking calamansi juice. “This tropical juice is legendary for its impact on weight loss, as it has the abil-

ity to not only boost the metabolism but also eliminate many of the toxins in the body that can contribute to fat storage,” said the website of Organic Facts.

“By increasing metabolic speed, this juice can improve passive fat-burning throughout the day, while detoxifying the body will help all of your organ systems run more smoothly and function properly, aiding in calorie burning. By reducing fat storage, you will have more usable energy and less adipose fat formation. Many people drink a glass of calamansi juice every morning to stimulate the body and achieve weight-loss goals,” the website adds.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 25 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, APRIL 12-13, 2019

Sabio keys Caltex OT win

11

By ADAM B. MORRELL

C

altex came from behind to seal an 89-80 overtime win over SanMig Light in the resumption of Uraya Fortys Ballers Club (UFBC) Regular Season held last Sunday at the Elenita Heights court, Barangay Catalunan Grande, Davao City.

Trailing by eight points, barely two minutes left in the match, the fancied Caltex cagers were almost about to concede. Japs Sabio, however, didn't let it happen. With ef�icient support from his teammates, Sabio took the helm of leading the team when everything was about to collapse.

Sabio �ired eight straight points with no answer from the other side of the court and forced a 71-deadlock just before

the buzzer.

From there, Caltex cruised through in the �ive-minute extension with the momentum swinging on their favor.

Sabio �inished with 38 points including 11 treys.

Caltex, thus, ensured its spot in the best four of the league organized for ballers 40 years old and above.

SanMig Light, on the other hand, relied on the service of Jucas Tejada who made 23 points.

In another action, the MDI Carwash turned back DC Construction 73-65, behind the heroics of Dominic Recto.

Recto scored 20 points, stopping the team of his arch-rival Juoit Cuadrasal who made 25 points for the DC Constructions.

PSC to launch 2019 Pilipinas Para Games

T

he Philippine Sports Commission launches the �irst 2019 Pilipinas Para Games in the province of Benguet on May 9 to 11 with about 1,500 athletes expected to participate.

PSC Oversight Commissioner for para-athletes Arnold Agustin said that the sporting event is the successor of the Differently-Abled Sports for Life (DAS4Life) program from last year.

“From last year’s DAS4Life program that was city-wide, this year’s Pilipinas Para Games will now have a country-wide scope that will reach more talents and promising para-athletes across the country,” said Agustin.

Thirteen municipalities in Benguet will compete in

eight sports namely; chess, badminton, volleyball for the deaf, powerlifting, table tennis, athletics and goalball, with archery and wheelchair basketball as demo sports.

“We have added more sports events in the program to encourage and cater more para-athletes in sports,” added Agustin.

A coordination meeting was conducted between the PSC and the local government of Benguet last month in preparation for the games, that is also in partnership with the Philippine Paralympic Committee (PPC).

Agustin will grace the ‘PSC Hour’ on Radyo Pilipinas 2 on Friday to discuss this new project.

LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers stands for the National Anthem prior to a game against the Brooklyn Nets on March 22, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California.

Associated Press

Lakers face life after Magic

E

L SEGUNDO, Calif.

(AP) — The Los Angeles Lakers already had plenty of problems to �ix during the summer after their sixth straight losing season.

Replacing the person in charge of �ixing those problems is suddenly at the top of the list.

Magic Johnson’s shocking resignation as the 16-time NBA champions’ president of basketball operations Tuesday night (Wednesday, PHL time) compounded the turmoil that always seems to envelop the Lakers, who remain among the most talked-about sports franchises in the world even though they haven’t made the playoffs since 2013.

Owner Jeanie Buss unveiled no immediate plan Wednesday (Thursday, PHL time) for the basketball leadership of the Lakers — perhaps understandably, since she had no idea she needed a plan 18 hours

earlier.

Buss, general manager Rob Pelinka and coach Luke Walton all skipped the Lakers’ customary exit interviews on the morning after their season ended, instead leaving it to their players to characterize yet another bizarre year in Lakerland.

“I still have con�idence that this organization is heading in the right direction, because they have all the pieces to do so,” center Tyson Chandler said. “It is just about who is going to be driving the ship, I guess.”

Yet Buss must have realized by now that Magic’s abrupt departure creates an opportunity.

With her sentimental favorite gone and no clear successor in sight, Buss has a chance to sever the staid, tradition-bound mentality lingering around the Lakers from her father’s ownership tenure.

Last summer, the Lakers added LeBron James.

FRED C. LUMBA

This summer, they could add a new way of thinking.

Whether Buss wants that opportunity is the biggest question she faces.

Shortly after Johnson’s surprise announcement, Buss huddled with advisers including Pelinka. Kobe Bryant’s former agent joined the Lakers’ front of�ice with Johnson in 2017 when Buss installed two executives with no prior experience in their jobs, but great emotional appeal to Buss herself.

That’s the same type of sentimental thinking that convinced Buss to keep her brother, Jim, and GM Mitch Kupchak in charge several years into the Lakers’ decline — a grace period that Jeanie Buss says she now regrets.

But with Magic gone from a job that required too much of his time and not enough of his personal strengths, Buss has the chance to reimagine her entire front of�ice.

She could hire a hungry executive to bring cutting-edge ideas into the Lakers’ insular culture. Innovative ex-Cleveland GM David Grif�in is an obvious choice, but there are many others who wouldn’t be bound by the unrealistic expectations and dewy-eyed attachments created by the Lakers’ many trophies.

Many Lakers fans would love the return of The Logo himself: Jerry West, the lifelong Laker who has managed to stay at the forefront of NBA thinking into his 80s. West left the Lakers’ front of�ice in a pay dispute in 2002, and he seems content in his current advisory role with the crosstown Clippers, who are in the midst of a remarkable franchise reboot — but it’s widely believed that West’s contract with the Clippers is up this summer.

Or if she wants to stay loyal to the purple and gold, Buss could have it

LAKERS, P8

SPORTS KEN

DOUBTS AND MORE DOUBTS The more Floyd Mayweather says he is retired, the more I doubt him.

Not that he has no word of honor but that’s the way a boxer speaks.

He says something he doesn’t really mean.

Look, did he not get out of bed and �ight Conan McGregor? And Floyd earned a lot there, something in the vicinity of $100M. Wow, just like that.

McGregor is (or was) a UFC �ighter who loves to �ight and earn good money. Yeah, and did we not also hear of his retirement? He should be enjoying the “fruits” of his labor.

After all, he gained a lot of moolah even if he eventually lost

to the American champion.

Why do ring gladiators and all professional martial artists who have retired un-retire themselves?

First, it is the very tempting money offer. Something they can’t refuse.

Second, �ighting – or the urge to “raise hell” again - is in their blood. Once a boxer, always a boxer.

Third, public adulation.

Champions like – loved - to be lionized.

George Foreman, Sugar Ray Leonard, Roberto Duran, name ‘em – great champions all – made ring comebacks.

As for Mayweather, my nosy attributes just gathered that there are some aggressive parties inter-

ested to put two and two together.

It’s something like this.

Manny Pacquiao will make his mandatory defense of his WBA crown this coming July. If he succeeds (against either Keith Thurman or Danny Garcia), these interested parties will prepare to dangle before Floyd an irrepressible offer that may approximate or even better what he earned during his �irst encounter with Pacquiao.

The offer, I heard, is guaranteed like in a “sovereign guarantee.”

Pacman is not getting the VIP treatment from PBC honcho Al Haymon.

We heard somebody else – not Haymon – has the contractual rights to Manny’s next �ight.

Meaning, Pacquiao’s WBA defense may or may not be held in the US as purportedly reported in the grapevine.

These interested parties are preparing a scenario whereby Mayweather and Pacquiao are given the full freedom to name their price. If everything comes out alright, the second (monumental) battle might be scheduled next year.

Look, do you believe Floyd �lew out here just to “enjoy” Boracay?

My sixth sense tells me a business deal he was following up in Manila was a good cover to prevent nosy journalists from discovering there are exploratory talks about a grudge rematch with

Pacquiao.

Enjoying the sights of Boracay was a credible reason for Mayweather’s second visit to the country, was it not?

He even snubbed a scheduled press conference at the Resorts World where the sport media awaited him for hours.

Finally, in a party celebration, Floyd says he merely wants to stay as a promoter of the Pacman as he did when the latter fought Adrien Bronner last January.

Anyway, the man says he’s retired.

So be it.

One day, surprising news will rattle the boxing world like this banner headline: Mayweather and Pacquiao 2 All Set! #######

SPORTS COACHING

12 EDGEDAVAO

National Team assistant coach Jong Uichico will be back to conduct the SBP Coaches Clinic Level 1.2 at the Arcadia Active Lifestyle Center on April 27-28.

VOL.12 VOL.12ISSUE ISSUE25 25• FRIDAY-SATURDAY, • FRIDAY-SATURDAY,APRIL APRIL12-13, 12-13,2019 2019

UPGRADE

SBP Coaches Clinic registrants swell to 80

By ADAM B. MORRELL

L

ess than 20 slots remain for the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) Coaches Clinic level 1.2 set April 27 and 28 at the Arcadia Lifestyle and Fitness Center.

SBP Davao secretary Jeuchrist Binoya told Edge Davao that some 80 Davao Region-based coaches have reserved their slots while some others already paid for the registration.

The registration is pegged at P500 inclusive of certi�icate of participation and clinic kits.

SBP Davao executive program of�icer Ronel Leuterio said the clinic will be on a �irst come, �irst serve basis.

The �irst 100 participants to register can join the clinic to be facilitated by no less than SBP National Coach Jong Uichico and along with selected University Athletic Association of the Philippines coaches.

SBP 11 regional director Glenn Escandor has sponsored half of the participation fee for the Coaches Clinic.

Leuterio said Davaobased coaches should not miss this clinic as it brings a lot of signi�icant information and techniques about the game.

“We are very privileged to have sir Glenn Escandor as the SBP Regional Director because he made it possible to bring it here in Davao City and with a very affordable price,” he said.

The clinic is normally priced at P1,000 but Escandor, who is also the Presidential Adviser on Sports, shouldered the half to make it within the reach of Davao coaches as part of SBP’s grassroots development.

“Instead of our coaches goes to Manila to attend such as this clinic, we brought it here so that di na nila kailangan pumunta ng Manila at gumastos pa ng malaki,” Leuterio added.

To register, message the Escandor Cup page in Facebook.