Edge Davao Volume 12 Issue 250 | Saturday, February 22, 2020

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WORLDBEX 2020 LAUNCHES FIRSTEVER PH GARDEN FESTIVAL

Serving a seamless society

VOL.12 ISSUE 250 • SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2020

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Mati City’s iconic Pujada Bay and the Sleeping Dinosaur.

Pujada Bay and two other bays of the city, Mayo and Balete, are now officially included in the prestigious list of the Most Beautiful Bays in the World (MBBWA). Lean Daval Jr

WORLD CLASS Mati’s 3 bays now officially among most beautiful bays in the world

By MAYA M. PADILLO ati City’s three famous bays--Pujada, Mayo and Balete--are now of�icially declared among the most beautiful bays in the world.

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The recognition was bestowed by the Most Beautiful Bays in the World Association (MBBWA).

A letter from Michel Bujold, world president of MBBWA, has informed Davao Oriental Governor Nelson Dayanghirang and

Mati City Mayor Michelle Rabat that the board of directors has voted in favor of accepting not only Pujada Bay but also Mayo and Balete bays together as new member of MBBWA. The letter also informed that the of�icial adhesion certi�icate will be handed to Dayanghirang and Rabat

at a later date.

Last month, two top of�icials of MBBWA from France and Canada treasurer Guy Rousset and general manager Bruno Bodard visited Mati City to conduct a four-day validation and site visit at the Pujada Bay. During their stay both of�icials were impressed

not only with the seascapes and beauty of the Pujada Bay but to the Balete and Mayo bays as well.

Rousset and Bodard submitted their on-site visit report of Pujada Bay held on January 8 to 12, 2020.

The document was sent to the board of members of the MBBWA for approval

on Jan. 22.

In a statement, Rabat said with the inclusion of the said three bays in the list of MBBWA is a testimony of how beautiful the province’s waters are. She said this rare feat now becomes a challenge for the province to do more and

WORLD-CLASS, P9

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 250 • SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2020

President Rodrigo Duterte congratulates one of the graduates of the Public Safety Officers Basic Course Class 2019-07 and the Public Safety Officers Advance Course Class 2019-18 during a ceremony at the Arcadia Active Lifestyle Center in Davao City on Thursday night. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

City to capacitate farmers M under peace economy

BI chief still faces trouble despite PRRD's character endorsement

By MAYA M. PADILLO he city government of Davao is eyeing to capacitate the farmers under peace economy through trainings that will see them increase production and improve the quality of their produce.

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In November last year, Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio led the launching of the “Peace Economy” initiative in the far�lung Paquibato District to stimulate economic development based on the sharing of resources. In a statement of Peace 911, the city’s peace and order arm, the peace economy initiative aims to highlight the partnership between the farmers of Barangay Malabog and Helen’s Farms of NCCC Group of

Companies.

“We have concerns sa quality and quantity sa produce sa atoang mga farmers that is why we intend to capacitate them,” said Roger Baay, focal person of Peace 911.

Baay said they will be tapping the various agricultural groups in Davao City in providing trainings and capacity building to the farmers.

“This to address our concerns on quantity.

Wala pa’y technical know-

how atong mga farmers to increase the quantity of their produce and we want to address that,” he said.

Baay said currently it is Helen’s Farms that is buying the products of the farmers of Malabog.

He added that the City Agriculturist Of�ice now allowed the farmers to use the Davao Food Terminal Complex in Toril to bring their produce and transact business with Helen’s Farms.

“Didto na mag-meet ang Helen’s Farms ug ang mga farmers sa peace economy. Naa pud didto cold storage facility na puwede nila magamit free of charge,” he said.

He said they are encouraging other farmers

in Malabog to federate as Malabog farmers do not have the capability yet to meet the demand requirement of Helen’s Farms.

Baay said it is also their goal for restaurant owners in Davao City to buy the products of the farmers under peace economy.

“Dako ni ug tabang sa mga farmers sa Malabog kay nag-increase ang margin sa ilahang price. Before ang kilo sa saging kay P5 karon kay more than P10 na per kilo. Isa pud sa among concerns kay ang mga consolidators didto ginaapas nila ang presyo sa Helen’s Farms ug naa jud tendency na ang mga farmers mubalhin mao gina-challenge namo sila nga ayaw mo pagbalhin

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Two ACQ church leaders plead not guilty to immigration fraud, trafficking

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wo of 3 leaders of a church founded by Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, a friend of President Rodrigo Duterte, have pleaded not guilty to charges of labor traf�icking and immigration fraud before a US court Thursday.

Guia Cabactulan, 59, earlier described as a "top of�icial" of Quiboloy's

church, and Marissa Duenas, 41, who allegedly handled immigration documents and kept passports of victims of an alleged human traf�icking ring, each entered not guilty pleas during their brief appearances.

A third defendant, Amanda Estopare, 48, who handled the church's "�i-

nancial aspects" and fundraising, failed to appear before the court.

The 3 are accused of illegally obtaining visas and other immigration documents for church members to enter and stay in the US. Federal prosecutors said the three leaders — Cabactulan, Duenas, and Estopare — brought

church members to the United States under false pretenses, often telling them that they were invited to be special guests at a concert supporting the church’s ministry.

But once the church members arrived in the United States, their passports were immediately

TWO ACQ, P10

alacañang will still scrutinize Commissioner Jaime Morente's leadership of the beleaguered Bureau of Immigration even after President Rodrigo Duterte said he "loves" the retired police of�icer.

Morente's performance will still be assessed and discussed in the next Cabinet meeting, Duterte's spokesman Salvador Panelo said Friday, following claims that several Immigration of�icers received payoffs from Chinese nationals who illegally entered the country to work in offshore gaming hubs.

"Everyone is not off the hook [but] the con�idence [on Commissioner Morente] is there until a contrary statement is made by the President," Panelo said.

"It means that he (Morente) will be assessed--the performance," he added.

Panelo's remarks came after the President vouched

for Morente's integrity. The Immigration of�icial once headed the Davao Police regional of�ice.

"Si Morente, ano mahal ko 'yan, kasi chief of police siya dito. Mabait yan.

Hindi niya kaya, limitado pa rin kasi ano,” Duterte said during a speech in his hometown Davao City.

(I love Morente. He was the chief of police here. He is nice. He can't do it because there are limitations) On Thursday, Malacañang announced that Duterte relieved all Immigration of�icers and employees who were involved in the so-called “pastillas” bribery scheme.

In the said scheme, the bribe is rolled inside a paper, wrapped like a Filipino milk-based candy, and then distributed to Immigration personnel, and Chinese and Filipino travel agencies.

The National Bureau of Investigation was also ordered to look into the

BI CHIEF, P10

Villar rejects rabbit meat as alternative to pork

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enator Cynthia Villar has expressed opposition to the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) suggestion of making rabbit as an alternative to pork meat amid the African swine fever (ASF) threat.

In an interview on Thursday in Davao City, Villar-- committee chairperson on Agriculture and Food--said the proposal

was ill-advised because swine production remains one the biggest food sources in the country.

Last week, Agriculture Secretary William Dar said apart from looking at the poultry as an alternative to hogs, they are also studying the potential of rabbit production.

Dar said rabbit farming could be an alternative if

VILLAR, P9

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 250 • SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2020

BoC postpones shipment of remaining wastes from SoKor

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he sheer volume of the remaining household wastes in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental prompted Bureau of Customs (BoC) of�icials to postpone the scheduled shipment back to its port of origin in South Korea on Sunday.

BoC port collector John Simon said the remaining wastes could not be accommodated in one cargo ship.

“The shipper lied in their declaration. This is simply too much for 5,100 metric tons,” Simon said pointing at the mounds of household wastes still in the open facility of Verde Soko Corporation, the shipper in Sitio Buguac, Tagoloan.

He said workers from the Philippine Sinter Corporation and the Department of Works and Public Highways have been working round the clock to ready the wastes for shipment on Sunday, Feb. 23.

He said a pay loader and a bagging hopper have

made the work faster but mounds of garbage were still lying around.

“The workers have bagged enough wastes to �ill 50 container vans but still there are so much wastes lying around,” he said.

Simon said 2,500 metric tons of the remaining wastes was scheduled to be shipped back to its port of origin in Pyeongtaek, South Korea this Sunday.

Of�icials of Verde Soko could no longer be found after the National Bureau of Investigation �iled criminal charges against them.

The shipment of household wastes arrived here in two shipments in 2019.

The second shipment of 1,400 metric tons which arrived here in August 2018, was already shipped back to Pyeongtaek in January 2019.

Early this year, 5,100 tons of the wastes were sent back in two shipments. (Froilan Gallardo/ MindaNews)

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A personnel of NCCC arranges vegetables produce by beneficiaries of the city government of Davao’s peace economy program under Peace 911 during a business expo in Davao City in this undated photo. Lean Daval Jr

Duterte considers teaching Reciprocal PH-Japan tourism ties improving criminal law after term ends

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wo-way tourism between the Philippines and Japan have improved in the past few years, with arrivals from both countries increased signi�icantly.

Manila is planning to develop new tourism products to lure more Japanese visitors.

"There are a lot of Filipinos going to Japan but at the same time, there are a lot of Japanese coming here so that shows the real exchange between the cultures of the Filipino and Japanese people.

We're now going into new products that I think the Japanese market will like," DOT Assistant Secretary for Tourism Development Planning Roberto Alabado III told reporters during the Japan National Day

reception in Makati City Thursday.

"We are actually intensifying our efforts to attract more Koreans, more Japanese by providing more tourism products.

We are packaging more products that we know the Japanese will enjoy like health and wellness," he added.

Data from DOT show the number of Japanese visitors in 2019 reached 682,788, or an 8.07-percent increase from the 631,801 recorded in 2018.

Filipino arrivals to Japan also soared at around 610,000 last year from the 503,976 in 2018, Japanese Ambassador Koji Haneda said.

"Filipino travelers have been more immersed in

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RECIPROCAL, P10

resident Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday night said he may devote his time giving lectures on criminal law and other procedures to police of�icers after his term ends in 2022.

Speaking before public safety of�icer graduates in Davao City, Duterte, a former prosecutor, recalled the time he lectured about criminal law before he was elected Davao City mayor.

He said he wanted to lecture them on criminal law so they could do their job effectively but admitted that he was pressed for time.

“In a very clear and concise language, I can convey to you what criminal law, criminal procedure, and criminal evidence is,” Dute-

rte said in his speech.

However, he said he may consider resuming his career as a lecturer once he steps down as the country’s top government of�icial.

“Maybe in a few days, kung hindi na ako…lalo na hindi na ako Presidente (when I am no longer President), but two years from now I could devote my time lecturing,” he said.

He said he really wanted to lecture them because it would serve as a “guide” to becoming better police

of�icers.

“Gusto ko talaga magturo sainyo. Hindi ko sinabi na pinaka bright ako pero pag nakuha mo ‘to, good ka na. ‘Yun na ang guide mo pagka pulis mo habang-buhay, hanggang sa kamatayan (I really want to teach you. I’m not saying I’m the brightest, but if you get this, you’re good. That will be your guide to being a cop in this lifetime, until death) I hope that I’d have the time to” he said.

In November 2018, Duterte also offered to teach cops criminal law so that they would be able to improve their performance of duty.

He vowed to protect police of�icers who may face legal problems in the performance of their duty.

“Lahat ng pulis na nag-

ing Marawi’s Ground Zero and shelter sites before convening a public hearing at the Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology Friday afternoon. MindaNews photo by FROILAN GALLARDO

DUTERTE, P9

PRRD shuns military pact with China: spokesman

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Internally displaced persons from Marawi City who sought refuge in Saguiaran, Lanao del Sur stage a picket along the highway in Saguiaran on Friday (21 February 2020) to ask the Senate’s Special Committee on Marawi City Rehabilitation to “let us go home.” The Committee is visit-

kakaso (All police of�icers who may face cases) in the performance of duty, tinulungan ko. Protektado kayo sa’kin (I help. I will protect you),” he said.

However, he warned them from committing police abuses and telling lies.

“Wag mo lang ako bigyan ng sinungaling na istorya. Ang gusto ko sabihin mo ang totoo. ‘Wag mo ako bigyan ng istorya na baluktot (Just don’t give me stories based on lies. I want you to tell me the truth.

Don’t give me crooked stories),” he said.

He also took a swipe at human rights groups and former Senator Antonio “Sonny” Trillanes IV for criticizing his aggressive crackdown on illegal drugs and urged the public to

resident Rodrigo Duterte is not eyeing a military pact with China after he scrapped a key deal in the Philippines defense alliance with the US, his spokesperson said Friday.

Duterte last week ordered the termination of the 2-decade old Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the US after it canceled the visa of his former drug war chief Sen. Ronald Dela Rosa.

Asked if Duterte is open to a similar VFA with China, Presidential Spokesperson Salvado Panelo said, “no.”

“Tinanong ko siya e.

Sabi ko, ‘Mr. President are you willing to enter into a new military forces agreement with another country? ‘No,’” Panelo told ANC. “Talagang desidido siya na tumayo na tayo sa ating kakayahan. If that will mean you will be spending more, then let’s spend

more,” he said.

(He is decided that we stand on our own capability.)

The VFA is the legal framework for the presence of US troops on Philippine soil and is central to hundreds of annual, joint military exercises, which are a major component of their deep military ties.

Defenders of the decades-old agreement say ending it could both degrade the Philippines’ ability to defend itself and undermine Washington’s moves against Beijing’s rise, particularly in the disputed South China Sea. Duterte believes the Philippines’ only enemies are terrorists and Moro rebels, said Panelo.

“Sabi niya ito lang ang kalaban natin. Kaya natin iyon dahil kung hindi natin kaya ito, wala tayong karapatan maging gobyerno,”

PRRD, P10

4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 250 • SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2020

DOE concludes Phase 1 of Gas Policy Dev’t Project

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Cebu Pacific announces that it is reducing its year-round fares for over 70 domestic destinations. Cebu Pacific is lowering its fares to help support the government’s plans to promote domestic travel amid the Covid-19 outbreak. Lean Daval Jr

he Department of Energy (DOE) concluded the �irst phase of the Gas Policy Development Project (GPDP-1) on Thursday with four deliverable documents handed over to the DOE. DOE Secretary Alfonso Cusi received four documents completed under GPDP-1 namely: The Philippine Downstream Natural Gas Industry: LNG Investor’s Guide; GPDP’s Financial and Technical Recommendations for the Review of LNG Project Applications; Research Study on Market Pro�iling with Emphasis on the Use of Lique�ied Natural Gas to Power Economic Zones; and the GPDP Completion Report highlighting the Project accomplishment for Phase 1.

Cusi highlighted the importance of producing the LNG Investor’s Guide-

book to assist potential investors in identifying and securing necessary permits and clearances from government agencies. It also lists technical standards for them to comply with.

“This is aligned with the Duterte administration’s thrust to eradicate bureaucratic red tape and promote greater infrastructure development through measures such as Republic Act 11032, or the Ease of Doing Business Law, as well Executive Order No. 30 on Energy Projects of National Significance,” he said.

According to the guidebook, interested investors have to secure 138 permits coming from seven government agencies alone.

The DOE forged an agreement with the Uni-

ollibee Foods Corporation (JFC) saw its net income drop in 2019, just as it assumed control of new brands.

The listed fast food giant booked a ₱6.33 billion net income for the year, down 14.4 percent from the ₱7.4 billion it made in 2018.

Gross sales grew by nearly 15 percent to ₱243.79 billion, but a surge in operating costs ate into the company's bottom line, according to a disclosure.

Sales were particularly strong in the fourth quarter as it re�lected the performance of Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, which JFC acquired for $330 million (about ₱16.7 billion).

The retailer also tallied better sales from its Yonghe King franchise in China as well as Smashburger stores in the United States. The fourth quarter sales also

re�lected the opening of the �irst-ever Panda Express store in the Philippines in December, which JFC said performed "above expectation."

Businessman Tony Tan Caktiong secured the local franchise for the restaurant chain from California, known for its orange chicken dish.

JFC opened 497 new stores last year — 273 in the Philippines and 224 abroad, the company told the local bourse.

JFC Chief Executive Of�icer Ernesto Tanmantiong said 2019 was "a very tough year" for the conglomerate, but said increased customer visits and strong growth in its delivery business continue to pad earnings.

"We look forward to a much stronger sales and pro�it performance in 2020 and the years ahead as we

Palace: DBM withheld release of over P80B in realigned funds J

DOE, P9

Jollibee income dips in 2019 amid new brand acquisitions

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he Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has withheld funding for more than P80 billion in congressional realignments from the P4.1 trillion national budget for 2020, Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said Thursday.

At a news brie�ing, Panelo quoted Budget Secretary Wendel Avisado as saying that some P84 billion would not be released by the DBM. “He said that the P84 billion will not be released immediately but depending on the need for the release thereof,” Panelo said.

“In other words, there will be a process,” he added.

Lacson on Wednesday said that at least P80 billion

in congressional realignments have been withheld

by Malacañang and the DBM. He said lawmakers tried to realign at least P80 billion from the administration’s “Build, Build, Build” �lagship program to their districts’ “pet projects” under the 2020 national budget.

He described such practice as unmitigated gall as he lauded President Rodri-

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and Australasia, and the Middle East and Africa are assessed for providing “much-needed capital for economic growth, cutting-edge innovation to improve security and ef�iciency, intelligent investing to maximize pro�its, and shareholder value.”

go Duterte and the DBM for their move.

The DBM also con�irmed that Congress introduced new items as well as increases in allocations proposed by the executive in the P4.1 trillion national budget for 2020.

The Congress-introduced increases in appropriations and new budgetary items in the FY 2020 GAA which did not undergo the usual budget evaluation process, thus, were not part of the President’s Proposed Budget (National Expenditure Program),” the Budget department said.

Panelo, however, said that President Rodrigo Duterte did not see any irregularity in the increases and new items introduced by lawmakers in the 2020

The int’l banker names BDO’s Tan, ‘CEO of the year in Asia’ DO Unibank, Inc.’s Nestor V. Tan, president and chief executive of�icer, was named the Banking CEO of the Year in Asia during The International Banker Awards 2019 while the bank was awarded as the Best in Innovation in Retail Banking in the Philippines.

The global �inancial publication awards “top-ranking individuals and organizations that set new benchmarks for performance and push the boundaries within the �inancial industry.” It recognizes the top CEOs in each region “for their essential contributions as the premier decision-makers within their �inancial institutions.”

Meanwhile, reader-nominated banks in countries from North and South America, Western and Eastern Europe, Asia

Expanding access to banking The International Banker underscored the exemplary performance of BDO’s retail lending business despite challenging conditions. On an annual basis, the bank reported at the end of 2018 that its total loans across all segments increased by 18%, with provincial lending growing by 22%. Most recently, BDO recorded a 6% year-on-year growth on its customer loans for the �irst three quarters of 2019.

The quarterly magazine

also lauded the bank’s effective and innovative retail banking strategy. BDO runs a growing distribution network consisting of over 1,300 branches and 4,400 ATMs to help make banking more accessible to Filipinos.

As part of its “We Find Ways” service philosophy, BDO pioneered longer banking hours and weekend banking in select branches to serve those who are unavailable during regular banking hours.

Complementing its expansive reach is its Cash Agad service. Cash Agad allows accountholders to use their ATM cards to withdraw cash from a pointof-sale (POS) terminal operated by partner merchants. The bank provides this service to communities that are too far from ATMs. It also helps provide

THE INT’L, P9

budget.

“Kung may nakita silang irregularity eh ‘di hindi na niya pinapasok iyon sa budget,” Panelo said.

“Kaya lang, ang sinasabi niya, kung kailangan iyon, there is a need for that, then we have to include that in the budget but they have to pass certain processes,” he added.

President Rodrigo Duterte’s budget af�irmation statement said, “increased and new budgetary items shall be subject to the National Government’s cash programming and prudent observance of responsible �iscal management.”

The Budget department said it issued National Budget Circular (NBC) No.

PALACE, P9

JOLLIBEE, P9

Banking CEO of the Year in Asia. BDO president and chief executive officer Nestor V. Tan is named by The International Banker as the Banking CEO of the Year in Asia for his exemplary decision-making skills in steering the bank.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 250 • SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2020

ECONOMY 5

The newly-renovated swimming pool of The Royal Mandaya Hotel in Davao City. Hotels are urged to lower their rates to help ease the blow of travel restrictions to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus strain from China. Lean Daval Jr

Cheaper airfare, hotel rates to blunt virus impact on PH: tour operator

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ower airfare and hotel rates can help ease the blow of travel restrictions to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus strain from China, the head of one of the Philippines’ largest travel agencies said Friday.

The local industry is losing some 100,000 airline seats per week and some agencies reported a 50 to 60-percent cut in sales due to COVID-19, said Rajah Travel Corp President Aileen Clemente.

The government’s plan to encourage domestic tourism will keep business going but is unlikely to compensate for lost revenue from foreign tourists, Clemente said.

“It’s good in the short run, microeconomics will work. We’re looking for tourism receipts coming

from abroad,” she said.

“Domestic tourism is moving money from one place to another, enough to encourage businesses to remain, but not to encourage new receipts from abroad to come in,” she said.

The Philippines has 3 con�irmed cases so far of COVID-19, all tourists from Wuhan, China, where the pathogen was �irst reported. Beijing reported up to 2,233 deaths, with the number of new con�irmed cases slowing.

Asked if the ban on inbound travel from China should be lifted, Clemente said: “Yes, with in mind that there should be precautionary measures.”

Clemente cautioned against putting a stigma on a speci�ic nationality while making sure that precautions against the spread are in place.

Huawei: No impact on 5G supply from coronavirus

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hina's Huawei said on Thursday the coronavirus outbreak would not affect the supply of 5G telecoms equipment to its customers after its factories resumed production.

Yang Chaobin, Huawei's president of the 5G product line, said 5G equipment was currently manufactured in Huawei's own factories.

"Since the outbreak of the virus it's been some time and actually all Huawei's own factories have resumed production," he told reporters in London.

"The major suppliers have resumed production as well, so there's no impact at all to the supply to our customers."

The Chinese manufac-

HUAWEI, P9

Davao de Oro remains ASF free

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s some areas experience production and economic loss in the swine industry, the province of Davao de Oro remains free from the African Swine Fever (ASF) Virus and continues to do operations and safety measures to prevent the entry of the disease.

Relative to this, a memorandum was released to all Municipal Mayors, Police Of�icers in the Province and to the Provincial ASF Task force directing them to strictly enforce the ban on entry of live hogs, pork meat, meat products and by products and other related items coming from the identi�ied ASF affected areas such as: Don Marceli-

no, Davao Occidental; Sulop, Davao de Sur and Calinan, Davao City, in order to protect the public as well as the swine industry in the Province of Davao de Oro from the virus.

The Provincial Veterinary’s Of�ice also advised the public to report unusual cases of swine deaths if there are any to the corresponding barangay cap-

tains or to the Local Veterinary Authorities in both Provincial and Municipal Government Units to be directly given with appropriate actions.

Together with the creation of the Provincial ASF Task Force, the Province also have its ASF Prevention Strategies which would be best participated by the swine industry stakeholders such as farm owners, managers and veterinarians in the government’s program. Monitoring of developments (i.e. disease progression and movement/spread from affected regions and provinces) is also critical in the implementation of the said preventive measures.

Dubbed the BABES

hird telco DITO Telecommunity Corporation on Thursday said the coronavirus outbreak in China is not affecting its roll-out despite relying heavily on the expertise of its consortium partner, state-run China Telecom.

During a press conference in Taguig City, DITO chief technology of�icer Rodolfo Santiago said Philippines-based of�icials meet with their Chinese counterparts via video conference.

“May internet naman eh... so kamukha ngayon we do most of our meetings via videocon... so

walang, walang [problema],” Santiago said.

The death toll from COVID-19 in China has reached 2,112, with more than 74,500 people infected.

DITO, formerly known as Mislatel Consortium, is comprised of Davao-based businessman Dennis Uy’s Udenna Corporation, its subsidiary Chelsea Logistics Holdings Inc., China Telecommunications Corporation, and Mindanao Islamic Telephone.

Asked how in�luential China Telecom is in the consortium, DITO chief administrative of�icer Adel

Tamano said the DITO is a Filipino company and that its executives are Filipinos.

“They [China Telecom] are our technology partner. And we are leaning heavily on them for that.

Sila ang expert diyan,” Tamano said.

He also denied that the Chinese government-run telecom’s equity interest in the telco will be used against the country’s national security.

Tamano said that DITO has to submit a cybersecurity plan, which is not required for dominant players Globe Telecom and PLDT Inc.

strategy, this was being followed by the province in the prevention of the outbreak. This strategy was part of the Philippine prevention strategies on the on-going ASF threat, since the start of the ASF outbreak in China. BABES stands for Banning of pork imports, Avoid swill feeding, Block entry at International Ports, Land Transports and Highway Boundaries, Educate our people and Submit Samples.

Though the province is free from the disease, it is still recommended to follow safety measures and to stay cognizant to the implementations made by the authorities. Effective public participation is vital

Tamano added that the telco is in close coordination with security authorities such as the National Security Adviser and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

He said DITO is on track to have its “technical launch” by July this year, while it will have its commercial roll-out in March 2021.

DITO Telecommunity received its certi�icate of public convenience and necessity from the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) last July 2019 to operate as the third major telco.

DAVAO DE ORO, P9

DITO: COVID-19 outbreak in China has no impact on network roll-out

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6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 250 • SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2020

EDITORIAL

Lapdogs no more

The government’s determined stand to terminate the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) between the Philippines and the United States could bring a strong statement to the international community that the country will not be eternal lapdogs to a powerful economy like the US. President Rodrigo Duterte’s resolve to end the VFA was echoed by no less than his top aide Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go on Wednesday. The Dabawenyo neophyte lawmaker voiced his con�idence that the termination of the VFA will be an opportunity for the country to assert its sovereignty and reaf�irm its relations with the latter.

It took a petty reaction to a recent order by the US to cancel the visa of former police chief and now Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa and those which the Americans think are responsible for the incarceration of Senator Leila de Lima to ignite a fearless resolve to end what could be an agreement the US is deemed to bene�it more than the Philippines.

The VFA was inked by the Philippines and the US in 1998 and acts as an executive agreement that stipulates how visiting American troops should be treated in the Philippines. Aside from exempting US forces

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KENNETH IRVING K. ONG ATHENA JILLIAN BRAVO NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN MEGHANN STA. INES FERINA SANTOS Lifestyle

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

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

from passport and visa regulations, the agreement also states that their permits and licenses are also deemed valid in the Philippines. In the same breath, the policy also applies to Filipino troops in US military installations.

In essence, that puts both forces on equal footing. Which brings the question that if a US ‘sanction’ by way of cancellation of visa can be done by one party, what is the use of having bilateral agreements?

There is no way any agreement with the US will go one way. And the President’s plan to cancel this agreement is just fair.

It’s turning out to be a good move. In chess, this is a gambit that is paying off for the country. US appears to be adamant on this one. They appear to lose more. The Southeast Asia region where the Philippines is at the cornerstone, is a vital piece of territory for the Americans. Hence, they need to be amiable with the Philippines.

However, being friends with the US didn’t always mean being coequals. And in this recent turn of events, it only cemented the belief that the Americans will never treat a small country like ours as co-equal.

SOLANI D. MARATAS Finance

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

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 250 • SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2020

VANTAGE POINTS

7

FRED C. LUMBA SPECKS OF LIFE

WHEN THINGS ARE NOT GOING RIGHT What do you do?

Do you take things in your own hands when things are awfully not falling into place?

Or do you stay still, ponder for quite some time, meditate and arrange and organize your thoughts?

For men (and women) who are used to stressful conditions, they usually take a cup of coffee, close their eyes and conceptualize their priorities.

When things are going wrong – one after the other – as the contemporary developments now show, leaders of this country and government executives should sit down, crack their heads and get down to brass tacks.

There are two kinds of people in our midst: the doers and the feelers.

Feelers are the kind of souls who feel their way in – groping in a sense – before swinging into action. They are the kind who don’t want

to jump into the fray – into the frying pan, pun intended – and then shout “OUCH”! when they get scalded and burned. They use their sense of smell, sight and touch and when it becomes convenient for them to take action, that is the time they actively take part in the endeavor or activity.

I would call them slowpokes. Just like some (if not more) of our government executives who get caught with their pants down when a crisis occurs.

Doers are actors because they move instantly not radically to get themselves right in front of where the action is. They seize the moment because they know that when they dilly-dally, their sluggishness contributes to the gravity of the situation.

Doers are deliberate and decisive. In contrast, feelers ho-hum their way in a happy go lucky lifestyle because they have shallow thoughts,

think immaturely or just plain shallow.

Our country today has not been spared of all kinds of man-made problems, calamities and natural disasters. We are besieged from all sides – politically, economically, socially.

Even spiritually, if you know what I mean.

The protocols being applied today against the threatening onslaught of the CoVD2019 came in rather late as developments have shown.

These protocols should have been stamped as templates whether a health crisis as the CoVD2019 strikes or not so that health of�icials would not be scampering in circles when something like this looks at us straight in the face.

Perhaps, a Cabinet revamp or change is necessary to rid our bureaucracy of feelers and replace them with doers.

Some Cabinet executives are just surviving the moment, swimming conveniently where the current �lows and are not creative in their approaches to problems and situations affecting their department.

Unless prodded upon by media exposes or being whipped into line by the Chief Executive, Cabinet executives and high-ranking government of�icials just enjoy their air-conditioned of�ices while sitting comfortably in their expensive, leather covered swivel chairs.

What a sad commentary.

And the people continue to suffer their lackadaisical attitude.

There are many quali�ied people who can be recruited from the private sector but may not accept because the compensation the government offers cannot match what they receive from their private employers.

Besides, the mentality

and work ethic in the government are not in the same ef�icient level in the private sector where red tape is anathema.

Who do you think are the feelers and doers in the current Duterte administration?

When things are going wrong – such as the predicament we are in today - that is the time to determine who belong to the category of “feelers” and “doers.”

Perhaps, this quote from Henry Ford will apprise us better: “Thinking is the hardest work there is, which is probably the reason so few engage in it.”

Yes, maybe there are too many eggheads in the government service.

When things go wrong, you �ind people running in a maze, like headless chickens.

Deadwoods, they call them. ##### (Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.) GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!

ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA FAST BACKWARD

P.S. CARRIEDO, FACE OF DAVAO’S CINEMA Though he was not the �irst to open a movie house in Davao City, Pedro S. Carriedo popularized cinemas as amusement venue. His son-in-law, Pedro M. Lat, later joined the bandwagon and in alliance with him opened theatres in population centers outside the city proper.

Born in Pasig, Rizal, on June 29, 1879, Carriedo was the son of Clemente and Carmen Sta. Ana. Diligent and hardworking, his life was comparable to a fairy tale. He was a man in a hurry who, in his young age, was expelled as a 5th year student from San Juan de Letran. The memory of this sad experience made his life even more dif�icult.

An article (‘Career of Pedro S. Carriedo, Leading Davao Business Man, Is Like Fairy Tale’) in The Tribune on April 29, 1939, described Carriedo’s struggle from his mistakes.

“From [expulsion from school] he lived a hard life battling battles, the wage earner �ight. It was while he was a mechanic at La Rosa a cigar factory in 8an Nicolas, when the hectic Philip-

pine revolution started. He joined the Katipunan.

“In this uprising, he was caught by the Spaniards but was able to elude his guards and escaped to the wilderness until the Pact of Biak-na-Bato was signed.

He again studied engineering and was taken by the Manila Railroad Companv.

He was not contented with his life as an employee and decided to speculate in business. He established caroceria (bodywork) and was, for some time, builder of stagecoaches for Malacañan.“ Despite opportunities, Carriedo was not cowed by the challenges that come with married life. In 1902, he married Asuncion San Jose, a lady from Manila.

Again, life’s dif�icult struggles resumed; he became almost dirt poor, in part due to gambling and vice. He had no way but to sustain the needs of his family. But, he was unfazed; he stood up and worked much harder.

He turned coachman after buying a horse and carromata.

Carriedo saved money from his earnings as coachman and “became a con-

tractor for machine installations… the �irst to install big tanks for oil companies in Pandacan.” In 1916, at age 37, he migrated to Davao and found promise in the region. He returned to Manila and became a successful entrepreneur, he co-founded the Luzon Surety Co. and was a partner in the Carriedo and Navarro Investment.

In 1938, he decided to permanently settle in Davao.

As a �lourishing impresario, he also owned merchant vessels, namely Amparo and Angeles.

His marriage gifted him and wife Asuncion four children: Angeles, who married Lat; Leonor, who wedded Davao congressman Cesar M. Sotto; and two sons, Francisco and Juan. That same year, news of the rise of a modern theatre in the city owned by Mindanao entrepreneurs, which included Lat, hogged the headlines. A story in The Tribune (‘Davao to Have Modern Moviehouse’) dated April 21, 1938, goes: “The city of Davao is soon to boast of a �irst class, air-conditioned theatre [Davao Theatre] to be built

by the Davao Enterprise.

Inc. organized by some leading citizens of the Mindanao metropolis. The playhouse is to cost around P130,000 and will have the most modern sound and air-conditioning equipment. It will have a seating capacity of 1,500. Construction will begin sometime this month.”

In Carriedo’s honor, several landmarks, many of them schools, are named in his memory.

Meanwhile, Lat, spouse of Angeles, continued to succeed in his Davao businesses and was particularly impressive in his own investments by following in the footsteps of his fatherin-law. By 1939, he was already managing Carriedo and Lat Transportation, an enterprise he co-owned with his father in law. He also received congressional franchise for his ice plants and cold storages that at times dragged into legal suits.

He was also proprietor-manager of Radio Theatre in Sta, Ana, one of the most modern in the city. He owned Apo Theatre at Calinan and the Mayon Theatre

at Toril. Through experience, he made the Carriedo-Lat cinemas �irst-run entertainment houses in the region, comparable to the best that Manila could offer. On the side, he owned what was “the �inest and most modern residence in Davao,” which later hosted an open-air theatre.

In many instances, the lawns of the Lat mansion also served as meeting place for known luminaries of the time, including Rafael Alunan and Benigno S. Aquino, secretaries of interior and agriculture, respectively, with assemblyman Cesar Sotto, a son-in-law of Carriedo, as host.

Moreover, Lat also founded the Travelling Show, a circus and carnival entertainment troupe that went around Davao and opened the �irst bowling alleys in town. As supervisor of his own recreation center, he opened an automobile showroom, which offered short-lived display of cars.

This was long before the late Don Antonio O. Floirendo became the exclusive distributor of postwar Ford cars in Davao.

8 COMPETITIVE EDGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 250 • SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2020

WORLDBEX 2020 launches first-ever PH garden festival

M

ore than ever, urbanization is rapidly transforming once peripheral cities into bustling centers. While surely a mark of progress, the issue of livability comes to the fore when considering the negative impacts and challenges posed by such advancements. Among these include pollution, environmental degradation, and the increasing loss of open spaces.

In light of these concerns, the Philippine World Building and Construction Expo (WORLDBEX), which is set to return this March for its 25th installment, has partnered with the Landscape Contractors and Industry Specialists Association of the Philippines (LaCISAP) to host the very �irst Philippine Garden Festival. The newest highlight of the highly-anticipated WORLDBEX, the 1st Philippine Garden Festival shall feature a sprawling display of lush, locally-inspired landscape vignettes at the PICC courtyard by some of the country’s most renowned landscape architects.

Zen Garden by Paulo Alcazaren The multi-hyphenate Paulo Alcazaren apprenticed for renowned architects Cesar Concio and Felipe Mendoza, while he was still a student at the UP Diliman. He also had a brief stint under National Artist IP Santos before he established his own practice. In 2015, he received the Gawad CCP Para Sa Sining Award for Architecture and The Allied Arts and the NCCA’s Haligi ng Dangal Award in 2018 for the Iloilo

Esplanade. Apart from his designs, Alcazaren’s body of work includes several books and publications on urban planning, history, and architectural photography. He was also the Editor-in-Chief of BluPrint Magazine in the Philippines for more than a decade.

With his manifold roles, it would be interesting to see how he integrates his diverse experiences in landscape architecture.

Vertical Garden

by Efren Aurelio The idyllic coastal area of the southern part of the metro was a great in�luence to the design sensibilities of Efren Aurelio. Armed with extensive global exposure from his experience in Singaporean and Hong Kong �irms, he brings with him expertise and valuable experience to enrich the local practice. According to Aurelio, the industry’s notion about landscape architecture being a mere aesthetic component is starting to change. Because of their indepth knowledge about the potentials of a given terrain, professional landscape architects now become a crucial part of the initial design team. Some of his most notable projects include

the Greenbelt Park by Ayala Land and The Zuellig Building in Makati City.

Indoor Garden

by Mary Ann Espina Inspired by the principles of the Zen Garden, the aphorism “form follows function” is the most important design detail in the creations of Mary Ann Espina. She �irst earned her architecture degree from the University of San Carlos, before taking up Landscape Architecture at the University of the Philippines in Diliman (UP Diliman). She went on to pursue higher education at the University of Massachusetts. Known for landscapes that are both

re�lective and expressive, she puts importance to how design will enrich the lives of those who will interact with the space. Her personal style leans towards Tropical and modern Filipino designs. In 2003, Espina received the distinction of the Most Outstanding Landscape Architect.

Healing Garden

by Horacio Dimanlig Horacio Dimanlig is never a fan of the ostentatious. Always the practical over the pretentious, design becomes a narrative that extends beyond just the aesthetics—an approach that provides a �itting solution to issues that

surround the relationship between man and nature.

More than a philosophy, his dictum “design with nature, design for people” is also his legacy as he strives to embody the idea in all his works. By displaying mastery over the elements acquired through many years of professional practice, Dimanlig educates the public on the role of Landscape Architecture in shaping societies and the importance of seeking the services of a professional.

Water Garden

by Vic Dul-Loog In 2003, Vic Dul-loog was appointed the managing partner for landscape

architectural �irm, SGS Designs. The UP Diliman alumnus says his designs are always in accord with the laws of nature which is why he opts to use the latest materials and construction methods to “reclaim what was lost and protect what is left.” As evidenced by his many projects, Dul-loog continues to spearhead the �irm in enhancing both indoor and outdoor spaces.

Recently, SGS Designs received an award from the International Federation of Landscape Architects Asia Paci�ic Region for its notable work on the National River Park Corridor in New Clark City.

WORLDBEX, P9

VOL.12 ISSUE 250 • SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2020

EDGEDAVAO EVENT

AN ACOUSTIC VALENTINE AT THE ROYAL MANDAYA

“THE BEST WAY to a person’s heart is through their stomach.” and while many would deny it, the saying is often true especially for Dabawenyos who have a culture of enjoying good food with even better company.

Last February 14, the Royal Mandaya Hotel celebrated Valentine’s Day with a Valentine’s Acoustic Night at the hotel’s Kamayo Cafe.

The event featured a lavish European-inspired dinner buffet and wines from FineLab Finissimo Food Group, Inc. The evenings entertainment featured pianist, Mr. Bong De Leon, and acoustic group, Dilemma Duo who sang odes to love, much to the delight of the guests attending the event.

While most of the guests who attended the dinner where friends and families enjoying a reason to relax and dine, there were also couples, young and old, enjoying the love holiday. Some lucky diners were also able to win gift certificates from the Royal Mandaya Hotel.

The couple of the night won a gift certificate from the Royal Mandaya Hotel.

Pianist, Bong De Leon entertained the guests with classic and contemporary love songs.

The sumptuous dessert buffet.

EDGED

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UP AND ABOUT

STYLE

CEBU-BASED TROPICAL FUTURES INSTITUTE JOINS ART FAIR PHILIPPINES

TROPICAL FUTURES INSTITUTE (TFI) are showing Dumaguete artist, Kris Ardeña, in a solo presentation titled, “Basahan,” to this year’s Art Fair Philippines.

“This is our (TFI) first time and the first time that a Cebu-based organization will be joining Art Fair Philippines,” said Chris Fussner, co-founder of TFI. The show “Basahan” continues as one of Ardeña’s narrative paths of finding beauty in everyday Filipino culture, picking these details out and using them to inspire his work. His work is based on the socioeconomic conditions that surround his studio and practice.

“The concept of ‘basahan’ is ubiquitous in the Philippines – we see it every day, we touch it every day. The practicality and simplicity of the upcycled object holds ideals of the future and carries a distinct symbol woven into each piece,” said Ardeña.

TFI is a multidisciplinary think-tank studio that works closely with the Cebu gallery 856G in putting together a broad base of cultural programming that connects many pockets of the creative community in Cebu together.

TFI and 856G Gallery recently worked together with Ardeña in his solo presentation in Dubai. For Art Fair Philippines Tropical Futures Institute will be presenting Kristoffer Ardeña separately.

Art Fair Philippines will be held at The Link, Ayala Center in Makati Center on February 21 to 23, 2020.

For more information and updates, visit Tropical Futures Institute’s Instagram page at @tropicalfutures.

THIS BRAND-NEW DECADE calls for a stylish and environmentally conscious you! Keep up with the times by making the switch to eco-friendly, ethical fashion and by weaving sustainability into your personal style. To get started, here are exceptional sustainable fashion brands that can introduce you to chic organic and recycled articles of clothing – some of which may already be in your wardrobe.

Fashion for life Uniqlo calls it LifeWear: highquality clothing with a simple, practical sense of beauty designed

STYLE THAT ALSO FEELS GOOD

to improve everyone’s life. The brand is keen on designing and producing pieces that are nondisposable, long-lasting, and high-performing to make sure they become mainstays in your wardrobe for many years.

How They Are Making A Difference: In addition to their fresh approach to everyday fashion and sustainability, UNIQLO PH also implements eco-friendly programs which include the production of durable clothing using recycled materials and the omission of single-use plastics from the supply chain. (Uniqlo is located in SM Lanang Premier’s Upper Ground Level and in SM City Davao’s The Annex)

The green denim Edgy, effortless style is what Levi’s is all about. As a leading denim brand, Levi’s offers topgrade products that are easy to care for as they are easy to wear.

Their top-of-the-line jeans are made with sustainable fabrics and dyes and are proven to be valuable long-term fashion investments.

How They Are Making A Difference: This 2020, they aim to make 80% of their products with a patented waterless technique, reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by 25%, and eliminate the use of hazardous chemicals from their processes. (Levi’s is located in SM Lanang Premier’s Upper Ground Level and in SM City Davao’s The Annex)

Step to a Premiu footwear the latest Adidas g Adidas u plastic tr long-lasti mance fo accessori How The ence: Ad to becom This 2020 the much Adidas h plastics in globe. (A Second L main ma

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VOL.12 ISSUE 250 • SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2020

a better planet um, sustainably sourced r that’s always on top of t fashion trends is what guarantees to offer you. upcycles used plastics and rash to produce reliable, ing, and high-perforootwear, apparel, and ies. ey Are Making A Differdidas never stops working me a sustainable brand.

0, alongside the release of h-awaited recyclable shoe, hopes to phase out virgin n all its stores across the Adidas is located in the Level of SM City Davao’s all; and in Sports Central

ENTERTAINMENT

GMA AFTERNOON PRIME LAUNCHES INSPIRATIONAL NEW SERIES, ‘BILANGIN ANG BITUIN SA LANGIT’ BEGINNING FEBRUARY 24, three generations of women take on a quest to pursue their dreams on GMA Network’s much-awaited TV adaptation of the 1989 awardwinning blockbuster movie by Regal Films, ‘Bilangin ang Bituin sa Langit.’

The drama series is top-billed by the one and only Superstar Ms. Nora Aunor as Mercedes “Cedes” dela Cruz. Playing equally important roles are highly-acclaimed actress Mylene Dizon as Magnolia “Nolie” dela Cruz and Kapuso Breakout Star Kyline Alcantara as Maggie dela Cruz.

Nora shares her excitement to be starring in a remake of her own award-winning film, “Masaya ako na magkakaroon ng remake ‘yung aming pelikula noon. Excited din ako dahil ang gagaling ng mga artista na makakasama ko dito.”

Mylene reveals that she is honored to be working with the legendary actress, “It’s really a dream come true. I think it’s every actress’ dream to be able to work with Ms. Nora Aunor. I feel very privileged and lucky to be working with her for this project.”

On the other hand, Kyline feels ecstatic to be part of such stellar cast, “Until now, hindi talaga nagsisink in sa akin na I’m part of this huge teleserye. I can’t believe na makakatrabaho ko sila knowing na nagsisimula pa lang ako sa industriya. I feel really honored and at the same time pressured.”

Completing the star-studded cast are: Zoren Legaspi as Anselmo, conceited son of Martina and Ramon who knows his way around women and pursues Nolie for his

selfish needs; Gabby Eigenmann as Arthur, an eligible bachelor and promising entrepreneur who falls for Nolie and helps her to exact revenge; Ina Feleo as Margaux, classy and self-absorbed wife of Anselmo who thinks lowly of Nolie; Yasser Marta as Jun, charming and carefree son of Anselmo and Margaux who falls in love with the lovely Maggie; Divina Valencia as Editha, a rich widow who crosses paths with Cedes and takes her in; Candy Pangilinan as Connie, close confidante of Nolie who sticks up for her through ups and downs; and Isabel Rivas as Martina, controlling and condescending wife of Ramon who will go to great lengths to get what she wants.

Bilangin ang Bituin sa Langit features the special participation of Ricky Davao as Damian, calm and charitable husband of Cedes who serves as the leader of small-time grape farmers in their town and Dante Rivero as Ramon, Martina’s successful husband who owns a liquor business.

Bilangin ang Bituin sa Langit is under the supervision of the GMA

Entertainment Group headed by SVP for Entertainment Group Lilybeth G. Rasonable, VP for Drama Redgie A. Magno, AVP for Drama Cheryl Ching-Sy, Senior Program Manager Antonio Pastorpide, and Executive Producer James Manabat.

The series is a product of the visionary minds of Creative Director Aloy Adlawan; Creative Head Suzette Doctolero; Creative Consultant Kit Langit; Headwriter Geng Delgado; writers Ken De Leon and Jmee Katanyag; and brainstormers Bylle Tabora, Milo Paz, and Jake Somera.

Estemeed director Laurice Guillen is at the helm of this drama series.

Catch the world premiere of Bilangin ang Bituin sa Langit beginning February 24, weekdays, on GMA Afternoon Prime.

Kapuso viewers from across the globe can also catch their favorite Kapuso shows via GMA’s international channels GMA Pinoy TV, GMA Life TV, and GMA News TV International. For the program guide, visit www.gmapinoytv.com.

“HALIK” ADDS SIZZLE TO JEEPNEY TV in SM Lanang Premier) Local love Authentic Filipino artistry, ingenuity, and craftsmanship sit at the core of Kultura Filipino. The brand provides amazing home accents, fashion statement pieces, souvenirs and delicacies that are locally sourced and certified organic.

How They Are Making A Difference: Kultura Filipino features creations made by partner foundations and non-profit organizations that support the many disadvantaged and marginalized sectors of Filipino society. (Kultura is located in SM Lanang Premier’s Upper Ground Level and in The SM Store in SM City Davao)

“Halik,” the series that shook up ABS-CBN’s primetime block in unprecedented ways, hits the airwaves again starting Saturday (February 22).

The show starring Sam Milby, Yam Concepcion, Yen Santos, and Jericho Rosales revolves around extramarital affairs and its consequences as seen through the eyes of the male lead Lino (Jericho), an angle not commonly explored in programs with comparable plots. It also underscores the struggles of Jacky (Yen), the fearless wife of Sam’s infuriating womanizer character, Ace, and the spiteful ways of Jade (Yam).

Experience the love, lies, and deception anew as “Halik” premieres on Jeepney TV this Saturday (February 22) at 9am. Jeepney TV is available on ABS-CBN TVplus channel 11, SKYcable channel 9, Destiny Cable Analog 41 and Digital 9. Subscribe also to Jeepney TV’s YouTube channel.

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EVENTAND CULTURE ARTS TRAVEL TECH

EDGE EDGEDAVAO DAVAO

VOL.12 VOL.12 ISSUE ISSUE 223 250 •216 WEDNESDAY, •219 SATURDAY, JANUARY VOL.12 VOL.12 ISSUE ISSUE • TUESDAY, • FRIDAY,FEBRUARY JANUARY 22, 17, 14, 2020

NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINENEW ELIMINATES SINGLECONSULATE GENERAL OFGP-VPT2BT JAPAN HOLDS SONY INTRODUCES USE PLASTIC BEVERAGE BOTTLES ACROSS FLEET LANDMARKSHOOTING NATIONALGRIP DAY RECEPTION WIRELESS MAYA ON THE BLOCK A1

ka weaver naga-himo,” he said.

This is also among the reasons why Limon will go to Sitio Sangab to introduce the cotton weaving. He believes that using cotton threads into Dagmay as well as their embroidery will help sustain their livelihood.

“Mas mudaghan pud ang NORWEGIAN Cruise order sathe Dagmay if they will Line, innovator use cotton threads,” he said. ONG in global cruise travel BUILDING onIRVING the By KENNETH Limon also seeshistory the to with a 53-year growing lineup ofneed camtapbreaking theand artisans in this endeavof boundaries, eras accessories THE CONSULATE or to give theirfor clients freshGENERAL OF JAis now single-use plasdeveloped modern PAN held National Day Celebrations last and new designs. tic beverage bottle free creators, Sony today February 18 at the Grand Ballroom of “We really need tothe tap new the across its fleet. has announced the Marco Polo Davao.

The event marks artisans directly before man GP-VPT2BT wireless The brand announced last the first National Day Celebration under gud ga-agi pa ko saIdeal middle shooting grip. year that it partnered withfor the Reiwa era, ushered in by Japan’s new man since wala’y sa many different types JUST Goods, Inc.,access which enemperor Naruhito; and it is also the first community,” he Line said. to replace of content creation abled the Cruise to be hosted by their office after it was wants tovlogs show ranging from to all Limon single-use plastic wateroff upgraded. the beauty of Dagmay travel photography /he bottles across its 17-shipasfleet, his welcome Consul General Yoshiaki hasInclients who its are looking for videography toaddress, simple beginning with most recent MiwaNorwegian shared theEncore. highlights clothes and accessories madeof 2019 “The upgrade everyday use, the new ship, of The our office on theHe first ofof January 2019 shows the by theoffers Mandayas. said they grip optimum achievement is one the firm commitment of Japan in further deepening re-carry Dagnoticed thatand some Pasalubong Aldevinco do not stability comfort latest sustainable steps forward lations between our countries, centers including Davao City’s may cloth.in Davao combined with cablefor Norwegian Cruise Line.

In particularly and Mindanao.” free connectivity and a 2018, the Company eliminated 2019 also sawand the 100 year anniversary of the reliable dust moissingle-use plastic straws across Davao Japanese community, ture design. its fleetresistant and private destina- with the ConsulateCompatible General taking the lead. The celebration with aofvariety tions, and asoffice a result this focused on business, of Sony’s latest digitaltourism, most recent initiative, itcamerwill food and culture with business seminar, as, thea 3-day GP-VPT2BT connects replace over six million single- a trade expo at SM Lanang andallowing a series easily viaPremier, Bluetooth, use plastic water bottles every of Japanese cultural showsInfeaturing performers from Davao creators to simply aim and isand artists year. addition, the brand CO2 emissions rate, increase and Japan. shoot without interfering working to eliminate single-use sustainable sourcing and invest “This year, weand will be holding cables or exposed inputs.

The another ly,initemerging has‘Japan an adjustment wheel plastic shampoo conditechnologies.

Festival’ and Ilater am athis hopeful for all can your andorspecial new grip includes useful besupport loosened tightened tioner bottles year.tilt “This is a very and participation to this and events,” feature that allows for flexible tovery allow for seamless operaThese efforts are driven byother upcoming proud moment for us,” Consul General Miwa added. vertical angle adjustment as tion cameras of different the Company’s Sail & Sustain saidwith Harry Sommer, president Heasalso Japan’s commitment in develwell the shared ability to switch sizes weights. gripof Environmental Program, which and and chief executiveThe officer oping infrastructure and promoting more cross from normal to self-shooting also includes a flip button, inis its commitment to minimize Norwegian Cruise Line. “As cultural interactions between andlight Japan. mode to with ease. Additionaldicator and line, lock we switch, waste landfills, reduce its Davao a leading cruise are

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actor and activist Jaden Smith and family, JUST takes an innovative approach to sourcing and packaging the world’s most valued resource - water. The revolutionary company focuses on an impact model, taking into consideration both how the water is sourced and packaged.

JUST is 100% spring water in a plant-based carton. The carton is made of 82% renewable materials – the paper carton is made from trees grown in responsibly-managed forests and the cap and shoulder are made from a sugarcane-based plastic.

It is refillable and recyclable.

JUST has a global presence with bottling facilities in Glenn Falls, NY; Ballymena, Northern Ireland; and Ballarat, Australia, thus allowing the company to meet demand around the world without shipping water from a single production source. JUST takes care to use the most efficient shipping options available.

For more information about Norwegian Cruise Line ships and their itineraries, or to book a cruise, please contact a travel professional, call 888-NCLCRUISE (625-2784) or visit www.ncl.com.

A4 INdulge!

“Wala man gud kaayo Mandaya na pieces and mostly T’boli products ang sa Aldevinco. Sa Manila T’boli lang mostly makita nako na ginahimo accent ug Yakan, beads sa Bagobo, balud from Lanao and Inaul. Walay something from the Mandaya community,” hetosaid. thrilled make such an impact cotton Dagmay design

by The eliminating single-use beverclothing not yetchanged available and can beisquickly age bottles across our fleet. in theajust market as Limon into tripod simply exIt’s one by of the waysand wehis are group are in the immerpanding the bottom portion, working tostill preserve our oceans sion the stage ofstable, the project. enabling easy handsand destinations we visit.

“Wethis willisevaluate their free shooting.

While just the pa beginning capacity and kung willing sila The GP-VPT2BT Wireless of what we and others can do, makipag-collaborate,” he said.

Shooting Grip will committed be availwe are incredibly

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

Envisioned and founded by American rapper, songwriter,

EDGEDAVAO DAVAO EDGE

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

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

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 250 • SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2020

ENVIRONMENT

9

LPU-Davao goes Cleanergy

L

yceum of the Philippines University-Davao (LPU-Davao) inked a partnership agreement with AboitizPower Distributed Energy, Inc. (APX) for a 300-kilowatt-peak rooftop solar project as it embarked on a sustainability journey.

Lyceum of the Philippines University-Davao (LPU-Davao), an af�iliate of internationally accred-

ited university dedicated to innovation and excellence, Lyceum of the Philippines University,

will soon be powered by Cleanergy, AboitizPower’s brand for clean and renewable energy.

LPU-Davao signed a memorandum of agreement with APX to explore a 300-kilowatt-peak rooftop solar project.

“Going renewable is a landmark in the rich history of LPU. This highlights our commitment not only to achieving academic excellence but also to ensur-

persevere in the efforts for the protection and preservation of the environment.

Rabat is also optimistic that the inclusion of the bays in the list would be a big boost not just in the conservation effort but also in the tourism industry as more tourists are expected to visit Mati City and enjoy the bays.

“We still have a long way to go. Being included in the list is the least dif�icult part, staying in the list is more challenging. So to all Matiños I urge you to keep our bays clean like our very own backyard.

As your City Government vow to provide more infrastructure and facilities that would help the bays maintain its clean and pristine condition that made it as 3

Most Beautiful Bays in the World,” she said.

Rabat also thanked the provincial government under the administration of Dayanghirang for initiating the effort for Pujada Bay’s inclusion to the MBBWA. Dayanghirang said one of the reasons he pushed for Pujada Bay to the MBWWA is to share its magnificent assets to the people of the world who would like to experience the natural and cultural richness of the province.

He said the people of Davao Oriental are very proud of Pujada Bay and consider it a jewel of the province and it is therefore a top priority in terms of maintenance and enhancement of its natural beauty because this is a God-giv-

en gift that is meant to be shared and enjoyed not only today but more so in the coming years and the generations to come.

Dolores Valdesco, head of the Environment and Natural Resources Of�ice (ENRO) and one of the technical persons for the province’s application, said the MBBWA is set to send their recommendations for implementation, which include the inclusion of Mayo and Balete Bays in the City of Mati to the of�icial documents.

The of�icial awarding of the certi�icate is set to be handed over to the of�icials of the province of Davao Oriental and the city of Mati during the MBBWA’s annual congress in Morocco this coming October.

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VILLAR... FROM2 only to �ill the supply gap arising from the ASF onslaught on the hog industry.

However, Villar said changing the mindset of the Filipinos may be more challenging than the DA had anticipated.

“The Filipinos are not used to eating rabbit meat.

I think it would be dif�icult," she said.

A far realistic goal, she said, is to make rabbit production more of a complementary livelihood among backyard hog raisers but

not as a total replacement to swine raising.

DA had earlier touted the bene�its of rabbit farming, noting that it has a relatively short cycle and is noted for its high protein content and its other nutritional bene�its. (PNA)

ing that LPU, as among the leading educational institutions in the Philippines, remains sustainable so it can serve the next generation of learners,” Dr. Peter Laurel, president of LPU Davao, Batangas, and Laguna campuses, said.

The power supply will be sourced from rooftop solar panels to be installed, operated, and maintained by AboitizPower Distributed Re-

newables, Inc. (APX).

“We are very excited about this opportunity to work with LPU and to be part of its journey towards becoming a more sustainable institution.

This marks our �irst foray into the education space for APX and we hope that it is just the beginning. We see great potential for distributed renewable energy in the Philippines. We look forward to helping

more businesses reduce their energy cost and carbon footprint,” Carlos Aboitiz, director of APX, said.

APX is AboitizPower’s business unit focusing on rooftop solar projects.

It is part of AboitizPower’s Cleanergy portfolio, which also includes hydro, geothermal, and solar power plants that are strategically located all over the country.

Play Garden

by Cecilia Herras-Tence In 2017, Cecilia Herras-Tence received the Award of Merit for Leisure Spaces at the GantimPALA awards for excellence in Philippine Landscape Architecture. Her work on Munting Paraiso Resort in Negros Oriental showcased her skillful manipulation of outdoor spaces.

Her tireless efforts to promote the importance of the practice in the country earned her the GantimPA-

LA Vanguard Award for regulation of the profession in 2018. Herras-Tence is currently the alternate chairperson of the CPD Council for Landscape Architecture. It comes as no surprise that Herras-Tence has been tapped as one of the esteemed practitioners to manifest her visions for the Festival.

Organized by Worldbex Services International, the 25th Philippine Building and Construction Expo or simply WORLDBEX 2020

is happening on March 18 to 22, 2020 from 10:00am to 7:00pm at three mega venues: World Trade Center Metro Manila (WTCMM), SMX Convention Center Manila and the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC).

For more information, call (02) 8656-92-39 or email inquire@worldbexevents. com. Interested attendees can pre-register now at www.worldbex.com and follow @worldbex on Facebook and Instagram.

avoid politicians who engaged in “grandstanding.”

“Yung mga ganun, iwasan ninyo (People like that, avoid them). Stay clear. Sisirain tayo (They will destroy us),” he said.

Trillanes, who returned to the country after speaking engagements abroad, posted bail for one count of conspiracy to commit sedition before the Quezon City Metropolitan Trial Court (MeTC) Branch 138.

Life partners Meanwhile, Duterte

also said he found it “problematic” that police of�icers to have a tendency to select life partners among their colleagues, stressing that it was unfair for their children.

He said he personally knew about three or four couples who were both police of�icers.

Children who grew up without their parents, he said, were at higher risk of being a “dysfunctional” family: “Yun ang ayaw ko dun (That’s what I dislike

about it).”

As much as possible, he said he wanted female cops to be stationed near their homes.

“The embrace of a father and mother, hindi mabayaran ‘yan kahit isang milyon (cannot be replaced even by a million pesos),” he said.

He, however, admitted that it was dif�icult to “prevent love to blossom between a man and a woman” especially if they saw each other every day. (PNA)

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kay once mubalik sila sa mga consolidators mawala na ang competition sa price. Nag-increase jud

ang margin sa price sa mga farmers karon compared sa price before,” he said.

bribery scheme, parallel with the Bureau of Immigration's internal probe.

As to Chinese nationals illegally working here in the Philippines, Panelo said the government would deport them.

"Basta yung mga iligal pababalikin natin sa

pinanggalingan nila. Basta may iligal na ginawa, ang Presidente natin ipa[pa] tupad ang batas," Panelo said.

(Those who are illegally staying here will be deported. Those who do illegal activities will be dealt with the law.)

taken away by the three church administrators, who then forced them to collect donations for the Children’s Joy Foundation, a nonpro�it run by the church that claims to help impoverished children in the Philippines, according to a criminal complaint.

The church raised about $20 million from 2014 through mid-2019, but most of the money went back into the church’s coffers and to pay for luxury goods for church leaders that included a Bentley, a bulletproof Cadillac Escalade, an Armani suit and real estate, the complaint said. The church also owns a mansion in Calabasas, California.

The workers received little to no pay and were required to meet steep fundraising quotas. Top performers, known as “assets,” were then forced into sham marriages with other church members, or made to obtain student visas so they could stay in the country, prosecutors said.

Investigators said church leaders had arranged 82 such marriages in the past 20 years.

Those who failed to

meet quotas faced punishments that included paddling or being forced to spend three to �ive days in isolation in a walled section of the compound while being denied food and listening to prerecorded sermons by church leaders, according to the complaint.

One victim told investigators that church leaders “shaved her head and made her wear an orange shirt with ‘SOS’ on the back, which stood for ‘Son of Satan,’ ” Anne M. Wetzel, the FBI special agent in charge of the investigation, wrote in the criminal complaint.

end's exciting Matchday 3.

A total of 12 teams are entered in the 9 mixed, 14 teams in the 11 mixed, 6 teams in the 13 boys, 6 teams in the 15 boys, 6 teams in the women’s open, and 8 teams in the men’s open.

League founder Anton del Rosario, a former defender for the Philippine Azkals, is expected to personally hand in the trophies during the awarding ceremonies of the tournament set next month.

NUFC-A remained unbeaten in �ive matches in the Under 11-A Bracket with three wins for the day after clobbering Rovers FC 11-0 and then returned to the pitch later to beat Amigos United 5-3 and Southshield Red 2-0. Amsai edged FAMAH 4-3 and Southshield Red 2-0 for two wins, Amigos United then came back with back to back wins over Rovers FC 6-3 and Famah 6-0.

In the Under-11 B Bracket, Davao Hyenas also went perfect three for three for the day with wins over Black Knights 2-0, Crics FC 5-0 and NUFC-B 7-0. Other results showed Southshield Blue beat Crocs FC 5-0, Panabo United over Ricspeed BUkas Palad 2-1,

Southshield Blue blank NUFC-B 8-0, Black Knights edge Ricspeed 2-1, Southshield Blue blank Black Knights 2-0 and Panabo United drub NUFC-B 5-0.

In the U-15 division, Southshield Blue and Ateneo JHS-A stayed atop the standings with 4-0 records after scoring a pair of wins each. Southshield Blue defeated Ricspeed Bukas Palad 6-0 and Ateneo-B 4-1 while Ateneo A turned back Ricspeed 4-0 and NUFC 4-3. Southshield Red beat NUFC 1-0 and Amsai Stalwarts 6-0 to stay at 3-1.

Amsai got one W after beating Ateneo B 2-0.

In Men's Open action, RMC United scored twin wins to tow the �ield. The Bulldogs beat FCFC 6-2 and Orlando FC 6-3. CR7 Foodtruck nipped Cathiana Hearts 4-3, Orlando FC beat Solido FC 5-1, Davraa defeated RMC Rookie 4-1 and CR7 1-0, RMC Rookie edged FCFC 6-5 and Solido turned back Cathiana Hearts 8-4.

In the Women's Open, CR7 remained undefeated with wins over Ateneo 9-0 and Solido FC 3-0. DDS Khanj beat Rebels 3-1, Solido clobbered Rebels 5-1, and RMC blanked DDS Khanj 2-0.

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GRAND CONSPIRACY A lawyer of Quiboloy earlier said the trio's arrest was part of a "grand conspiracy" by former members who wanted to humiliate the church leader.

Malacañang respects the US legal process, Duterte's spokesman Salvador Panelo said in January.

“You must remember that if a crime is committed in any country then the laws of that country will have to be followed. We have to respect them the way we ask them to respect ours,” he said.

VOL.12 ISSUE 250 • SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2020

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Japan these days, exploring places off the beaten track even for Japanese.

Now that the 10-year multiple-entry business visa and residency status 'speci�ied skilled worker' have been in place, we look forward to having more Filipinos in Japan," he said.

The interest from both countries to stimulate two-way travel continues despite fears over the coronavirus disease 2019 outbreak.

Reiterating DOT's previous statements, Alabado said travel remains safe

in the country as long as precautionary measures against the virus are observed.

"The Department of Health advised that we just have to really wash our hands, follow the proper protocols and we can continue to congregate in large areas. So the meetings, conventions, conferences all over the Philippines, they should continue because the DOH has issued guidelines and protocols so that we can prevent the spread of this virus," Alabado said. (PNA)

he said.

(He said those are only enemies. We can defeat those because if not, we have no right to be the government.)

The President scrapped the VFA due to Washington’s criticism of his anti-drug war and a ban on Philippine of�icials behind the detention of his critic Sen. Leila De Lima, said Panelo.

The cancellation of Dela Rosa’s visa was “the last straw that broke the camel’s back,” he said.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III said his chamber might ask the Supreme Court to rule on the consti-

tutionality of the administration’s move to scrap the VFA without seeking lawmakers’ approval.

Some lawmakers are concerned that without the VFA, 2 other pacts would be irrelevant, namely the 2014 Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) made under the Obama administration, and a 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT).

The MDT requires one party to defend the other in case of external aggression, while the 2014 EDCA, an executive agreement, allows greater rotational presence of US troops in the country.

versity of the Philippines Statistical Center Research Foundation, Inc. in December 2018 to start the United States-funded GPDP. The GPDP helps the DOE to prepare policy recommendations that will promote clean power sources. It also aims to attract investments in LNG industry as resources from the Malampaya gas �ield are depleting.

“We need to become energy self-suf�icient. A crucial component of this goal is strengthening our natural gas industry since unfortunately, we became complacent after Malampaya’s discovery,” the DOE chief said.

Oil Industry Management Bureau Director Rino Abad said the DOE aims to continue the second phase of the GPDP that will focus on delineation of listed technical standards on the

construction of LNG regasi�ication terminal and its associated agency.

Abad added it also targets to conduct workshops per agency that are involved in LNG operations and permitting as it pursues to streamline the 138 permits to as low as one permit per agency.

He said funding for the second phase of the project will come from the commitment of the United States Department of State by the next budget cycle and DOE’s allocation from the 2020 national budget.

The GPDP-2 will also tap technical support from existing studies of LNG industry, particularly UP College of Engineering and UP School of Economics, that have been accessing funds through the effort of the Senate energy committee, he added. (PNA)

livelihood to residents and drives local economy.

BDO is also into rural banking through its subsidiary, BDO Network Bank,

which caters to the �inancial needs of those living in the archipelago’s most remote areas, particularly in Mindanao.

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turing engine that powers much of the world economy has been hit by the coronavirus outbreak and the travel and quarantine restrictions that have followed.

Apple Inc on Monday rescinded a quarterly sales target made just weeks ago, saying the ramp up of factories in China was slower than anticipated.

Hyundai Motor Co and Nissan Motor Co have had

to suspend some production - not just in China but also at home - for lack of parts.

Huawei, the world's biggest producer of telecoms equipment, has in recent years been caught in a standoff between Washington and Beijing after the United States accused the company of spying to steal Western secrets, a charge Huawei denies.

PSC backs national para athletes’ Tokyo 2020 bid

W

ith Asian Games gold medalist Ernie Gawilan earning his pass to Tokyo 2020, the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) is heartened to continue its support to the National Paralympic Team for more quali�iers to follow his steps.

Gawilan, one of the country’s bemedaled para swimmers, secured a slot given by the International Paralympic Committee through his qualifying points from competitions such as the 2018 Asian Para Games and the 2019 World Para Swimming Championships.

The PSC consistently supports this campaign by providing Philippine Sports Association for the Philippine Paralympic Committee (PPC) �inancial aid and foreign exposure for its athletes.

Gawilan, as part of the National Paralympic Swimming Team, currently trains in the new-

ly-built Aquatic Center in New Clark City, Capas, Tarlac and is supported by the sports agency.

For the month of January alone, the PSC has given the national para swimming team, women's basketball team and the para-sitting volleyball team almost PHP800,000 for their training venue rental, allowances, meals and accommodation expenses.

According to the PPC, Gary Bejino, another promising bet for para-swimming, also has a chance to secure a spot as more slots are to be opened by virtue of the bipartite process. This is also possible for other athletes in other sports.

“We are expecting more slots to be opened by each international federation (IF) per sport,” said PPC Executive Director Dennis Esta.

The PSC hopes to have more athletes qualify to the upcoming quadrennial multi-sport event. (PR)

Federer has knee surgery, will miss French Open

R

oger Federer has undergone surgery to resolve a longstanding knee problem and said Thursday he would be out of action until after the French Open.

The 20-time Grand Slam winner revealed on his Facebook account that he underwent surgery in Switzerland on Wednesday and would miss a string of tournaments, including the French Open from May 24 to June 7.

"As a result, I will miss Dubai, India Wells, Bogota, Miami and the French Open," he said.

The 38-year-old explained that he had intended to avoid surgery

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if possible but the knee problem refused to go away.

"My right knee has been bothering me for a little while," said the world No. 3 who reached the Roland Garros semi�inals last year.

"I hoped it would go away, but after an examination and discussion with my team, I decided to have arthroscopic surgery in Switzerland (Wednesday).

"After the surgery the doctors con�irmed that it was the right thing to have done and are very con�ident of a full recovery.

"I can't wait to be back playing again soon, see you on grass!"

578 dated January 6, 2020 upon the enactment of the 2020 GAA to prescribe the guidelines on the release of funds for �iscal year 2020.

In the said issuance, the total expenditure program for FY 2020 of P4.1 trillion was classi�ied into the following: for Comprehensive Release (FCR) for items to be released with the GAA as the Allotment Order (GAAAO), and For Later

Release (FLR) for items to be released using the Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) or General Allotment Release Order (GARO).

The FLR items are those the release of which shall be subject to compliance with speci�ic conditions, such as documentary requirements and approvals from appropriate authorities, according to the DBM.

consolidate the �inancial performance of CBTL into our �inancial results," Tanmantiong said in a statement.

This year, The Jollibee Group said it plans to open 600 stores, with 300 to 350 of these to be set up abroad.

The company said this may be the �irst time for off-

shore branches to outstrip local expansion plans.

Among the other brands owned by JFC are Greenwich, Mang Inasal, Red Ribbon, Burger King, and Chowking in the local market, as well as global brands like Hard Rock Cafe and Pho 24 for a total of 5,971 stores worldwide.

towards preventing possible havoc brought by the

disease. (Jasteen Abella, ID DAVAO DE ORO)

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 250 • SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2020

Southwoods seniors defend Founders title

11

By ATHENA JILLIAN BRAVO

T

itle favorite Manila Southwoods will be looking to lift the Founders division trophy for the second straight year in the 34th Philippine Airlines Seniors Interclub golf team championships which tees off on Feb. 26-29 in Bacolod City.

“We hope to duplicate our performance last year,” said Southwoods captain Freddie Mendoza who is �ielding nearly the same lineup that gave them a 12-point victory over Valley in Cebu City.

Back to lead the Carmona, Cavite-based squad are Theody Pascual, who led the team in scoring along with veteran Thirdy Escano, Ryan Abdon, Alexander Ignacio, Jose Roy III, Danny Samaniego and John Bayani Fontanilla III. The team added Rading Decipeda as its newest member, replacing Bong Sison.

Mendoza said competition in the second-tier division is keen and expects an exciting contest among Valley, Riviera and host Negros Occidental.

Last year, Southwoods held a precarious one-point lead over Riviera going into the �inal round before sparkling with a closing 143 points.

Riviera was beaten to second place by Valley.

Mendoza said they are still two years away from competing against the likes of Luisita and Canlubang in the premier championship di-

vision.

“By that time Junjun (Plana) and Vince (Lauron) would be available,” he said.

The annual PAL Interclub event, hosted by national �lag carrier Philippine Airlines, is backed by platinum sponsors Asian Air Safari, Vanguard Radio Network, Fox Networks Group, and Radio Mindanao Network, Inc. Major sponsors include The Boeing Company, University of Mindanao Broadcasting Network, Avolon Aerospace Singapore Pte Ltd, Rolls Royce, Manila Broadcasting Company, Primax Broadcasting, RollsRoyce Singapore Pte Ltd, and CIGNAL TV Inc. Other supporters are Uniglobe Travelware Co., Inc. (The Travel Club), Philippine Manila Standard Publishing Inc. (Manila Standard), Of�icine Corporation, GE Aviation, SEDA Hotels, BDO Unibank, Smart Communications, Inc., People Asia Magazine, A+E Networks Asia (History), and Allianz PNB Life.

FRED C. LUMBA SPORTS KEN

KOBE BRYANT NBA MVP ALL-STARS TROPHY Will there be counterpart awards in the PBA? Already in existence for four enduring decades and �ive years, would it not be timely for the �irst professional league in Asia to name its various awards (League MVP, Finals MVP, Best Player of the Conference, Best Shooter of the Conference, Most Improved Player, Best Point Guard, Sixth Man, etc.) in memory of the outstanding performances of Filipino cagers who have served the country well and who already crossed the Great Beyond?

There are several who I feel are very deserving.

I have some people in mind and, even if I do not wish to preempt PBA moguls from making their own selection, I think my list might serve to titillate the

choosy minds of PBA fanatics.

Certainly, I believe they (PBA of�icials) know better. Besides, I always cling to the principle that “two heads are better than one.”

Of course, there will have to be a set of standards or criteria.

In the same manner that the NBA decided promptly to name the MVP All-Star trophy after Bryant, it is perhaps good to suggest to the PBA people to pattern its criteria after the NBA. The PBA has already named the Best Coach award after legendary Crispa mentor Virgilio “Baby” Dalupan.

(Kawhi Leonard was the best performing NBAer in the recently-concluded All-Star contest who bagged MVP honors named after NBA legend Kobe

Bryant who tragically perished in a helicopter crash in Los Angeles.)

Here is my short roster (not necessarily in this order). Make your choice, folks.

Carlos “The Big Difference” Loyzaga, Carlos Badion, Lauro Mumar, Narciso Bernardo, Edgardo Ocampo, Kurt Bachmann, Danny Florencio, Alberto “Big Boy” Reynoso, Renato Reyes, Lim Eng Beng and others I have unintentionally missed.

It is a short list, guys and they are just my personal choices.

The PBA of�icialdom (and you) may have a different position on this matter though.

Initially I had doubts that Carlos “Caloy” Loyzaga and those who belong to his era

might not be quali�ied since the awards belong to the PBA (and Caloy did not play as a pro in the PBA), this criterion disquali�ies him and the others.

Anyway, I hope my suggestion stirs up some serious thinking among the PBA executives.

(As it is often said, when there’s a will, there’s a way.)

It might take some more years if the pattern of naming PBA special awards is given only to those who have gone over to the next life as a way of honoring and memorializing their singular feats. That might just be a heck too late.

I am merely thinking aloud because basketball is our national pastime. If one played a great basketball career worthy of emulation and apprecia-

tion (as Loyzaga and his ilk did during their time) at any forum or league, then that player to be memorialized is richly deserving.

Kind of melancholic sometimes but sports fanatics like this scribbler couldn’t help but reminisce those years – no, make that - decades of covering the sports beat when this country was not yet in a lot of dilemma.

I leave you this quote from Henry Ford: “One of the discoveries a person makes, one of their great surprises, is to �ind they can do what they were afraid they couldn’t do.” Cheers!

(Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.) Philemon 1:4: “I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers.”

GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!

12 SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 250 • SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2020

BACK TO THE PITCH AIA Philam Life 7s bootfest resumes this weekend

By NEILWIN JOSEPH BRAVO

MATCHDAY 3 SCHEDULE FEB. 22 MIXED 9 7:30AM RMC vs ROVERS FC 7:30AM DAVAO HYENAS FC vs SOUTHSHIELD FC 7:30AM FAMAH vs AMIGOS UNITED FC 8:30AM RMC vs CROCS FC 8:30AM ROVERS FC vs FAMAH 8:30AM CROCS FC vs SOUTHSHIELD FC 9:30AM RMC vs DAVAO HYENAS FC 10:00AM AMIGOS UNITED FC vs PANABO UNITED 11:00AM DAVAO HYENAS FC vs PANABO UNITED MIXED 11-A 7:00AM AMSAI vs ROVERS FC 7:00AM TAMASAK PANABO vs AMIGOS UNITED 8:00AM SOUTHSHIELD RED vs TAMASAK PANABO 8:00AM AMIGOS UNITED vs AMSAI 9:00AM SOUTHSHIELD RED vs FAMAH

10:00AM SOUTHSHIELD RED vs ROVERS FC 11:00AM FAMAH vs TAMASAK PANABO MIXED 11-B 7:00AM SOUTHSHIELD BLUE vs PANABO UNITED 8:00AM DAVAO HYENAS FC vs RICSPEED BUKAS PALAD 9:00AM SOUTHSHIELD BLUE vs DAVAO HYENAS FC 10:30AM DAVAO HYENAS FC vs PANABO UNITED 11:00AM SOUTHSHIELD BLUE vs RICSPEED BUKAS PALAD BOYS13 2:30PM DAVAO HYENAS FC vs RMC 4:00PM RMC vs AMSAI STALWARTS 4:30PM AMSAI STALWARTS vs DAVAO HYENAS FC FEB 23 MEN'S OPEN 2:00PM ORLANDO FC vs RMC ROOKIE 2:00PM SOLIDO FC vs FCFC 3:00PM DAVRAA vs

CATHIANA HEARTS 3:00PM RMC DAVAO UNITED vs CR7 FOODTRUCK 4:00PM RMC ROOKIE vs RMC DAVAO UNITED 4:00PM SOLIDO FC vs DAVRAA WOMEN'S OPEN 1:00PM RMC FC vs REB-

ELS 2:00PM D'DS KHANJ vs ATENEO 3:00PM REBELS vs CR7 FOODTRUCK 4:00PM SOLIDO FC vs D'DS KHANJ 5:00PM RMC FC vs ATENEO

A total of 35 matches will be played this weekend for Matchday 3 of the AIA Philam Life 7s Davao Football Tournament at the Azuela Cove pitch.

League leaders Rovers FC (Mixed 9), NUFC-A (Mixed 11-A), Panabo

United (Mixed 11-B), RMC FC (Boys 13), Southshield Blue (Boys 15), RMC Davao United (Men's Open) and CR7 Foodtruck (Women's Open) will try to extend their unbeaten streak as they enter into this week-

BACK, P10