Edge Davao Volume 12 Issue 252 | Tuesday, February 25, 2020

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VOL.12 ISSUE 252 • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2020

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P 15.00 • 16 PAGES Pork meat processors Azon Alcoran (left) and Teodora Guira hold packs of “chorizo” they manufactured during the Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Davao on Monday where their group, the meat vendors and processors of Bankerohan Public Market, urges various agencies of the government to help their industry as it is greatly affected by the African swine fever (ASF) outbreak and the city government’s measures against it. Lean Daval Jr

FEELING THE CRUNCH Davao meat vendors, processors seek help from DA, financial institutions

By MAYA M. PADILLO eat vendors and processors in Davao City are now feeling the impact of African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak after experiencing dramatic drop in sales with the low demand for pork and pork by-products.

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Vendors and processors with businesses in city's public markets in Toril, Matina, Bankerohan, and Buhangin are calling out the regional of�ice of the Department of Agriculture (DA 11) and various �inancial in-

stitutions to help them cope with the crisis.

"As of now hinay kaayo ang among sales and mingaw pud ang market walay tao kay dili sila mupalit ug meat. Musulti ang customers nga ASF man dili mi mupalit.

Luoy kaayo mi as of now," said Eden Guira, fast food chain meat supplier and retailer during the Kapehan sa Dabaw.

Guira said since February this year they are experiencing a drop of up 50 percent in their sales.

She also said they have been slashing down their retail prices to attract customers.

"Ang among lugi dako kaayo. Ambot asa ni gakuha ug resources ning uban vendors. As of now

FEELING, P9

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VOL.12 ISSUE 252 • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2020

FDA warns Dabawenyos against orig Porcelana

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he Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in Region 11 has con�irmed that the original Porcelana astringent improved formula has been banned from distribution in Davao as in other areas of the country.

However, FD-Davao supervisor Debbie Legaspi has clari�ied that not all Porcelana astringent products are covered by the advisory.

She said only original Porcelana not allowed for distribution or sale is the one that has chemicals that are harmful to users.

During last Wednesday’s Habi at Kape media forum at Abreeza Mall in Davao City, Legaspi told attending reporters that the original Porcelana astringent improved formula has been found positive of hydroquinone and tretinoin, which are inappropriate for cosmetic products and used only in cleaning the house not human skin. It was learned that among the side effects are skin irritation, itching, anaphylactic shock and organ failure.

She said the advisory on the product means that once found sold by outlets, it must be withdrawn from the shelves, and destroyed and never to be displayed again.

Sellers and distributors

FDA, P9

Debbie Legaspi

Officer of Innerwheel Clubs of the Philippines, Inc. led by national president Dr. Amalin Jarin (3rd from left) and national secretary Ann Margaret San Antonio (2nd from right) lift into the sea a reefbud during the deployment of 13 reefbuds in Brgy. Balet, Babak, Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS) over the weekend. Lean Daval Jr

Parañaque Innerwheel lauded for launching reefbud project

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he local government unit of the Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS) headed by Mayor Al David Uy expressed its gratitude to the Innerwheel Club of Parañaque City for launching the �irst ree�bud project in IGaCoS this year.

Speaking on the LGU’s behalf, Barangay Captain Loreto B. Alberto said that the club headed

by President Ann Margaret San Antonio, who happened to be national

secretary of Innerwheel International Club of the Philippines, brought about 20 club members to install about a dozen ree�buds in the waters of barangay Balet, IGaCoS as

part of its effort to rehabilitate the natural coral reefs of the barangay and improve the area’s ecosystem as one of the known top driving sites of the island city.

Ms San Antonio, who owns a beach resort in Balet, brought along no less than Benjamin “Benjie” Tayag Jr., who invented the award-winning ree�buds concept with a now deceased Austrian scientist, and Dr. Amelia V. Jarin, current president of the Innerwheel Club of

Interior and Local Government (DILG) has cited the Davao City as one of the local government units to pass the 2019 Good Financial Housekeeping Seal.

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mission and occasional gift-giving activities.

Ms San Antonio’s club has likewise launched livelihood projects in the barangay.

The 13 reef bud units will just be a portion of the 100 units which the club has programmed for deployment in the diving destination and �ishing ground just around the scenic Ligid Island fronting barangay Balet.

The club has invited business �irms and big

alizing the whole-of-nation approach in attaining inclusive and sustainable peace to end local communist armed con�lict (ELCAC).

For the entire Davao region, 55 villages have been identi�ied as priority barangays, 10 of which are from Davao Oriental.

Deloso said Governor Nelson Dayanghirang, together with municipal and city mayors, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), is set to present the projects at the Regional Development Council (RDC) this week.

During the workshop of the Regional Task Force (RTF) ELCAC last week, Budget Secretary and con-

current Cabinet Secretary for Regional Development and Security (CORDS) Wendel Avisado assured there would be funding for the priority projects in the barangays declared as “cleared” by the security sector.

Avisado urged the agencies to submit projects tagged as convergence ones under RTF-ELCAC since it is the priority of the national government to cater communities vulnerable to armed con�lict.

“On our part, we will endeavor to prioritize all RDC-endorsed RTFELCAC priority projects during the technical budget hearing of all department agency proposals for �inal inclusion to the national expenditure program,” he added. (PNA)

PARAÑAQUE, P9

Convergence projects eyed in insurgency-cleared DavOr brgys.

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Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio says hrad work, commitment and dedication of the managers and employees of the different offices of the city government the reason why the Department of the

the Philippines.

The ree�buds concept has been tested in the diving destinations of Boracay Island where the group of former senator and now Rep. Loren Legarda deployed thousands of ree�buds.

Barangay Capt. Alberto bared that the Innerwheel Club of Parañaque has embraced Balet as its adopted barangay whose residents have been recipients of the club’s periodic humanitarian services, like medical-dental

he provincial government of Davao Oriental is optimistic that the province will be able to implement meaningful projects in insurgency-cleared barangays starting next year, an of�icial said Sunday.

Karen Lou Deloso, provincial information of�icer of Davao Oriental, said priority quick impact projects – mostly infrastructure and livelihood – are proposed by the local government units and national government agencies for implementation.

Deloso said these projects are expected to foster peace and end the long-running communist insurgency.

The projects are part of President Rodrigo Duterte’s directive institution-

NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 252 • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2020

Soil colonization seen effective in controlling banana disease

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oil biological colonization is seen effective to control the destruction of fusarium wilt of banana, popularly known as Panama disease, according to a farmer scientist in Davao del Norte.

In an interview with Philippine News Agency Sunday, Roni Manching, who is also an organic farmer, said such process is proven to be a good solution since the disease is soil-borne.

Manching developed excellent microbial inoculants, the KWR super foliar feed with amino+ and KWR super plant feed with AMF. These inoculants are mixture of kitchen wastes and various elements used as feed and effective insect and disease repellant.

Manching said he intends to introduce simpli�ied farming practices by producing high-quality banana for export relying on soils’ natural potential.

The acidity of the soil is the main cause why the pathogens become active

and this is when fusarium arises and destroys the plant, he said.

He added the foliar solution would arrest Sigatoka infection of banana plants and will allow fruit-setting, while the biological control (biocon) for soil treatment aims to manage the fusarium wilt.

Manching said many products in the market are claiming having pure biological agent but were discovered these were mostly closed or sealed and stored culture.

“What we are using is aerobic, it is freshly harvested from our nursery and applied directly to the �ield. We have seen an aggressive growth of banana shoots on the Cavendish variety,” he said.

Of the dwindling banana industry, Manching said crop shifting is not always a solution.

“There is still hope.

Our team has tried rehabilitating a farm with only 30 percent left in popula-

SOIL, P9

DOLE close to finalizing bilateral deal with Moscow

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he government is now close to �inalizing a bilateral labor agreement (BLA) with Moscow, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said.

"We are con�ident that the BLA with Moscow will soon be �inalized in line with our commitment to provide protection and support for OFWs as we continue to see increasing demand for our workers in that part of the world," Bello said in a press release Saturday.

He said both countries are keen on signing a BLA amid burgeoning requirement for skilled and semiskilled workers in Russia, citing a report made by the Philippine Overseas Labor Of�ice (POLO) in Berlin, Germany.

Moscow recently amended a law relating to local employment of local skilled workers in order to accommodate foreign workers, the report stated.

In September last year, Bello mandated the department's labor of�ice in Berlin to extend its services to cover OFWs in Russia and to actively pursue a BLA with Moscow.

Meanwhile, 1,000 OFWs in Russia, mostly female household service workers, have registered for membership with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), Bello said.

"We are elated by their decision to register with OWWA as members, and as such will now allow

DOLE, P9

City Information Officer Ben Jason Tesiorna of Mati City says during this week’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Davao the city expects an increase in the tourist arrivals after its three bays-Pujada, Mayo and Balete- were

officially accepted in the Most Beautiful Bays in the World list by Most Beautiful Bays in the World Association. Lean Daval Jr

ASF-affected farmers in Calinan to get cash aid

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he culling of swine affected by the African Swine Fever (ASF) in Barangay Inayangan in Calinan District is expected to be completed early this week as the government also assured the affected farmers of support after the City Council approved the P32.2 million budget cash aid.

ASF has already caused the deaths of 20 pigs in Inayangan.

Dr. Cerelyn Pinili, the head of the City Veterinarian’s Of�ice (CVO), said on Monday that her of�ice

has so far culled half of the swine raised in �ive puroks of Inayangan. Around 900 pigs in the said �ive puroks have been inventoried, Pinili said, adding that the areas affected will be ap-

propriately disinfected to prevent the spread of the disease that has also affected two other barangays of Calinan -- Lamanan and Dominga.

“The farmers will disinfect their areas on a daily basis, this will go on for an entire month,” she added.

Meanwhile, the Davao City Council last week approved the release of P32.2 million to be used to indemnify affected hog raisers in Calinan. The money was allocated from Davao City’s Quick Response Fund (QRF).

Pinili said her of�ice

Biking pushed as alternative eco-friendly transportation

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Ver Sangutan, president of the Davao Inventors Association, reiterates during the Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Davao on Monday his call for the establishment of Davao City Inventions and Innovations Center

which aims to create a venue for Davao inventors and innovators to come together so their inventions and innovations can be fully developed, promoted and exhibited. Lean Daval Jr

would immediately release the monetary assistance before they start culling the pigs.

“After they turned over their swine, we will give them the money. The instruction of Mayor Sara (Duterte) is to immediately release the money so that the farmers can use it,” she said.

Pinili said that although only �ive puroks will be covered by the culling, the Disaster Council decided to ask for the �inancial assistance for the entire barangay in case another case of ASF hits the area. CIO

round 100 bikers will join “A Mission for Emission,” a cycling event on March 1 organized by a group of students at the Ateneo de Davao University to advocate for alternative eco-friendly transportation system in Davao City.

Geia Uy Mendoza, a graduating AB Mass Communications student who leads the organizing committee, said on Sunday that the event would usher in the Earth Month celebration in March by highlighting the bene�its of cycling to the public and nature.

Earth Hour is a global movement organized by the World Wide Fund for Nature that encourages individuals, communities, and businesses to turn off non-essential electric lights for one hour, from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. on March 28.

The cyclists will start

at 6 a.m. at the Freedom Park in Roxas Avenue, and pass through to Ponciano, Rizal, Anda, Magallanes and Claveria Streets before returning to the assembly point.

Mendoza said the event would be open to participants owning skateboards, rollerblades, and non-motorized tricycles or “trisikads,” considered eco-friendly alternatives as they do not emit greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide that pose risks to both human health and the environment.

She said the event is a call to action not only to Dabawenyos to embrace environment-friendly alternative transportation means but also to the local government to take action on the growing clamor for safer streets for cyclists.

She added she hopes their efforts would inspire the local government to

BIKING, P9

4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 252 • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2020

Children in Lirongan, Talakag, Bukidnon join their parents in harvesting carrots on Sunday. The rain-fed field has yielded smaller carrots because rain has become scarce these days. The carrots cost 30 pesos per kilo but in the vegetable stalls in Marahan, Davao City, it is 60 pesos a kilo and even more expensive in downtown. MindaNews photo by GREGORIO BUENO

Regional delicacies as potential franchise pushed T

IMF to G20: Coronavirus puts global recovery at risk

By MAYA M. PADILLO he Philippine Franchise Association (PFA) is seeing the potential of mainstreaming of regional delicacies such as yema cheesecake, pancit palabok, empanada and even lechon as a novel franchise concept.

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Debbie Uy-Rodolfo, committee chair of Franchise Asia Philippines Expo 2020, said regional delicacies have potential markets based on a number of Davao and regional brands that are expanding overseas.

"Some regional delicacies that become mainstreamed because of franchising like empanada, pancit palabok, and yema cheesecake. Even lechon not just from Davao but we see products in other regions expanding to other areas beyond their origins," Rodolfo said.

This is the reason

why Rodolfo is inviting Dabawenyos and regional delegates to join the Franchise Asia PH, the country’s biggest franchise show in Asia slated on March 25 to 29 at SMX Convention Center at SM Mall of Asia in Pasay.

Now on its 28th year, the expo is an ideal venue to explore business opportunities in franchising.

"If you are looking for business venture there is a lot of opportunities when you visit the expo," Rodolfo said.

The expo will showcase international franchise brands from Korea, Ma-

laysia, Singapore, US and many more.

During the expo, there will be educational seminars to help aspiring franchisees invest on the right franchise and potential franchisors transform their businesses into successful franchises.

Rodolfo said Dabawenyos can take advantage of the growing economy and consider starting their own business.

It will start with a twoday international conference that will present global best practices and business solutions by renowned experts on March 25 to 26.

There is also a threeday international expo that is a one-stop shop of franchise and other investment opportunities from homegrown and foreign concepts from March 27 to 29.

The conference will fea-

ture more than 80 experts, seven plenary sessions, 15 breakout sessions and 40 roundtable discussions.

Keynoting the conference are Senator Aquilino ‘Koko’ Pimentel Ill and Ms. Catherine Monson, who chairs the US-based International Franchise Association.

The said event will also feature international franchise guru Greg Nathan and motivational speaker Scott Friedman.

Aside from the mentioned international speakers, the conference will also feature speakers and industry experts representing renowned brands such as Shopee, Lalamove, Angkas, Lazada, Zomato, Kasa Arkhitekton, McDonald's and Jollibee.

Rounding the weeklong line-up of activities is the three-day internation-

travel taxes and landing fees.

"Nag-present ang local airlines ng kanilang kahilingan sa gobyerno dahil nga sa dinaranas nila," he told reporters in a press conference in Pasay City.

This comes as local airlines have been taking a hit from the COVID-19 outbreak, which has also had a negative impact on

Philippine tourism.

Over 2,500 have already been killed in China, which has reported over 77,000 cases of COVID-19 so far.

"Overall, they're taking a hit, speci�ically doon sa mga territories na China, Hong Kong, Macau. Malaki ang hit sa ating mga local airlines," said Arcilla.

Arcilla noted, howev-

er, that the Department of Transportation (DOTr) will not be able to decide on the matter as it has a �inancial aspect concerning other agencies.

"Pinag-aaralan ito, pero karamihan ay hindi puwedeng i-address ng DOTr. Napupunta 'yan sa TIEZA (Tourism infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority)," he explained.

REGIONAL, P9

Gov't considering reducing travel taxes, landing fees

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he Philippine government is now considering reducing travel taxes in local airports, as the airline industry takes a hit due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) Executive Director Carmelo Arcilla on Monday said local airlines have requested the government to reduce or if not, scrap

he deadly coronavirus epidemic could put an already fragile global economy recovery at risk, the International Monetary Fund head told G20 �inance ministers and central bank governors on Sunday.

Global growth was poised for a modest rebound to 3.3 percent this year, up from 2.9 percent last year, IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva said at the meeting in the Saudi capital.

"The projected recovery... is fragile," Georgieva said.

"The COVID-19 virus—a global health emergency—has disrupted economic activity in China and could put the recovery at risk," she said in a statement.

"I reported to the G20 that even in the case of rapid containment of the virus, growth in China and the rest of the world would be impacted."

Alarm has been grow-

ing over the new virus as Chinese authorities lock down millions of people to prevent its spread, with major knock-on effects economically.

The virus has now claimed 2,345 lives in China, cutting off transportation, disrupting trade and fanning investor alarm as businesses are forced to close their doors.

Georgieva told the two-day Riyadh gathering that the outbreak would shave about 0.1 percentage points from global growth and constrain China's growth to 5.6 percent this year.

The IMF chief urged G20 nations to cooperate to contain the spread of the virus.

"COVID-19 is a stark reminder of our interconnections and the need to work together," Georgieva said.

"In this regard, the G20 is an important forum to help put the global economy on a more sound footing."

Pump price hike today

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ump prices will be hiked anew this week, as announced by oil �irms over the weekend.

In an advisory, Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation said it will hike prices per liter of gasoline by P0.30, diesel by P0.20, and kerosene by 0.35.

Petro Gazz will implement similar changes, excluding

kerosene which it does not carry.

The adjustments will take effect 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 25.

According to the latest data available from the Department of Energy (DOE), yearto-date adjustments stand at a net decrease of P3.15 for gasoline, P4.50 for diesel, and P5.84 for kerosene.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 252 • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2020

Measures to help local vehicle assemblers eyed

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ntroducing other measures to support local vehicle manufacturers is being eyed after Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) announced to close its operation in the Philippines next month.

“We really have to study the need to impose safeguard duty and other measures to provide at least a level of support to the local assemblers,” Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez said in a text message Sunday.

Lopez admitted that since there is no tariff protection on imported vehicles, it becomes a cheaper alternative for car companies that �ind it challenging to keep up with the costs in operating in the country.

“Vehicle imports have been growing, causing injury to local industry, from assembly to the local parts supply network in the country,” he said.

On Saturday, the Japanese carmaker announced it will cease its Philippine operations effective this March.

Lopez said DTI will meet HCPI on Monday “to consider other alternative options so as to minimize the impact of any �inal decision they will make”.

HCPI, with manufacturing facility in Sta. Rosa, Laguna, produces passenger cars such as BR-V and City.

“HCPI will continue its automobile sales and after-sales service operation in the Philippines, through the utilization of Honda’s Asia and Oceania regional network,” the company said in a statement.

Honda entered the Philippines in November 1990 with PHP1.9-billion investments. It started its production here after two years.

In 2019, HCPI sold a total of 20,338 units sharing 5.5 percent of the local market. (PNA)

PH, China join forces against illegal gambling, telecom fraud

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eijing and Manila are working closely to combat illegal online gambling and telecommunication fraud in the Philippines, the Chinese Embassy in Manila said on Sunday.

“The Chinese Government always requires Chinese citizens overseas to abide by local laws and regulations and not to work illegally in foreign countries,” it said in a statement.

It said the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines has repeatedly issued consular reminders and has been keeping close communications with the Philippine government in this regard.

“The Chinese side would like to continue to work closely with the Philippines to combat

such crimes as telecommunications fraud, illegal online-gambling, money-laundering, illegal employment, kidnapping, extortion, torture, murder etc. so as to effectively protect the legitimate rights and interests of nationals of the two countries, and to promote the China-Philippines friendship and cooperation,” it added.

Reports earlier said China had threatened to cancel the passports of Chinese nationals involved with Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogo) if they did not return home.

The Embassy did not speci�ically say it cancelled the passports but con�irmed that some of its citizens have already been barred from exiting China over telecommunication

PH, CHINA, P9

Franchise Asia Philippines 2020 expo committee chair Debbie U. Rodolfo of the Philippine Franchising Association invites during this week’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Davao Dabawenyos who are interested

ECONOMY 5

in the franchisee business or have existing businesses that they want to franchise to join the Franchise Conference and Expo to be held on March 25-29, 2020 at SMX Manila. Lean Daval Jr

PSALM runs after IPPAs for P33.6-B unpaid accounts

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he Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. (PSALM) will continue its vigorous collection efforts to go after Independent Power Producer Administrators (IPPAs) with delinquent accounts totaling a whopping PHP33.62 billion following instructions from Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III to pursue all legal remedies to compel these IPPAs to pay at once.

Following its steppedup collection drive in response to Dominguez’s

directive, PSALM was able to collect PHP70.41 billion combined from its

various IPPAs last year, Department of Finance (DOF) undersecretary for Legal Affairs Bayani Agabin said.

San Miguel Corp.’s (SMC) South Premiere Power Corp. (SPPC), which administers the capacity of the Ilijan gas-�ired power plant in Batangas City, has the highest unpaid account in the sum of PHP23.94 billion as of Dec. 31, 2019.

There is a pending case before the RTC of Mandaluyong City where SPPC is asserting another formula for computing its

on Bangus Fish Cage Farming and White Shrimps Production for interested farmers and investors. Lean Daval Jr

PSALM, P10

TESDA bats for more partnerships with private sector, other agencies

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Secretary Emmanuel Piñol of Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) gestures while answering questions from the media in this undated photo. MinDA is spearheading a series of regional orientation workshop

payables to PSALM. This case has been pending since September 2015.

Agabin said Dominguez, who is PSALM chairman, had directed PSALM to immediately initiate collection cases against the erstwhile IPPAs of the Uni�ied Leyte Strips of Energy in Tongonan, Leyte, particularly Good Friends Hydro Resources Corp. of Fernando Borja and the Waterfront Mactan Casino Hotel, Inc. of William Gatchalian that have delinquent accounts with PSALM.

echnical Education and Skills Development Authority Secretary Isidro Lapeña is pushing to have more partners in the private sector as well as with other government agencies to upgrade skills training and programs.

“Many people bene�it from our partnership with Coca-Cola, for example, and with DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways),” he told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) over the weekend.

He added that everyone is welcome to express interest to partner with TESDA. Lapeña remarked that many women have bene�ited from the Sari-Sari Store Training and Access Resources (STAR) Program with Coca-Cola.

Launched in 2011, the program is currently being offered in 68 provinces, and has already reached 180,000 women micro-re-

tailers, according to TESDA. Under the STAR Program, TESDA and Coca-Cola developed a training program designed for sari-sari store owners, helping them become better entrepreneurs and providing them with support or access to �inancial resources.

The goal, he said, is to empower women and help them make their sari-sari stores more sustainable and pro�itable.

In partnership with the DPWH, meanwhile, Lapeña noted that this paved the way for TESDA to provide project-based on-site training related to construction.

“The venue of the (onsite) training would be where the DPWH’s equipment are. In return, when they lack manpower, they could get our trainees,” he said.

TESDA trains workers

TESDA, P10

6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 252 • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2020

EDITORIAL

Unassuming heroes

Lost in the loud buzz of the coronavirus pandemic, ABS-CBN’s franchise renewal, and the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) are the silent but unassuming individuals who are making the country proud aside from creating names for themselves.

These two individuals are both from Mindanao who overcame the hard life to reach their dreams.

First, there’s Marcelito Pomoy of Bislig, Surigao del Sur, who caught the fancy of the Ameican audience with his dual voices in the A,erica’s Got Talent “The Champions” edition where he eventually �inished third runner-up.

Pomoy grew up living on the streets from a young age, earning P50 per day. Marcelito has been singing since he was 7 years old, but it wasn’t until he turned 18 that he realized he could make a career out of it. Marcelito is unique in that he can sing in both a male tenor voice and a female soprano voice. Because of this, he’s able to perform popular male-female duets without a partner. Not only does he sing both high and low parts, but he switches back and forth between them seamlessly.

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MAYA M. PADILLO Senior Reporter

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

LEANDRO S. DAVAL JR. Photography

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

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

Famous performances from him include “The Prayer” and “Beauty and the Beast.”

Another Mindanaoan who has made the country proud is Dabawenyo legless Olympic swimmer Ernie Gawilan who earned a slot to the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics, the equivalent of the Oympics for athletes with disabilities.

Ernie was given an automatic slot to the quadrennial Olympiad because of his consistent performance and his current qualifying points earned in international swimming events. Ernie, orphaned at a young age and born with underdeveloped legs and arm, grew up under the care of nuns in a Davao City monastery and learned how to swim in the beaches of Samal Island. He competed at the 2016 Summer Paralympics and was the �irst gold medalist for the Philippines in the Asian Para Games.

Now, Ernie has the chance of winning a medal in the biggest sporting stage he never imagined he would reach.

With Marcelino and Ernie, the country’s thirst for unassuming heroes have been quenched.

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)

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VOL.12 ISSUE 252 • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2020

VANTAGE POINTS

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DENNIS R. GORECHO PINOY MARINO RIGHTS

TOXIC CHEMICALS AND SEAFARER’S HEART DISEASES Seafarer’s medical conditions, including cardiovascular diseases, can be attributed to his constant exposure to hazards such as toxic chemicals and the varying temperature, coupled by stressful tasks in his employment.

The Supreme Court recognized the relation of toxic chemicals with coronary artery diseases in granting the seafarer’s entitlement for the amount of Sixty Thousand US Dollars (US$60,000.00) as total permanent bene�its in the case of Magat vs Interorient Maritime Enterprises (G.R. No. 232892, April 04, 2018) The seafarer has been with the company as able bodied seaman for almost �ive years.

During the seafarer’s last employment, part of his job assignment was to paint the ship’s pump room.

Due to the poor ventilation in the said room, the seafarer claimed that he was able to inhale residues and vapors coming from the paint and thinner that he used.

The seafarer suffered shortness of breath and chest pains which he claimed to have

reported to the Chief Mate but was told by the latter to just rest.

When his condition improved, the seafarer continued to perform his duties until he was able to complete his contract.

Upon his repatriation, the seafarer reported immediately to the company and asked for a referral to the company doctor for a medical examination of his heart condition but the latter ignored his request.

He was then asked to execute a document indicating that he did not experience any illness or injury during his employment on board the vessel, and manifested his willingness to join the vessel again after three (3) months.

However, due to episodes of chest pains, he was seen by an Internal Medicine specialist on the same date for consultation who advised him to rest and prescribed certain medications.

The seafarer later reapplied with company. The result of the seafarer’s Pre-Employment Medical Examination (PEME) revealed that he had “Hypertension controlled with maintenance medication; Dilated Cardiomyopathy; Renal

parenchymal calci�ication bilateral.” The seafarer was not deployed due to the said �indings.

The Labor Arbiter held that the seafarer’s job had contributed even in a small degree to the development of his cardiovascular disease.

The fact that he signed off from the vessel due to “completion of contract” does not bar recovery of his disability claims considering that he aptly established reasonable causation of his cardiovascular disease and his work.

The labor arbiter also ruled that the seafarer’s heart disease could not have developed during that short period between his repatriation and medical examination, hence, he acquired or developed his illness during the term of his contract. This was upheld by the Commission but was reversed by the Court of Appeals.

In ruling in favor of the seafarer, the Supreme Court acknowledged that he was exposed to constant inhalation of hydrocarbons including residues and vapors of paints and paint thinners during their painting jobs especially when

he painted. the con�ined areas of the vessel.

Paints contain toxic chemicals like lead and benzene which if inhaled would cause health problems including cardiovascular diseases.

Benzene is a widely used chemical and is mainly used as a starting material in making other chemicals, including plastics, lubricants, rubbers, dyes, detergents, drugs, and pesticides.

Benzene is a colorless, sweet-smelling chemical used in cargo ships, particularly crude oil vessels.

The seafarers most affected by benzene are those who perform vessel maintenance and tank cleaning. Benzene can cause a host of medical issues, including immune system damage, cancer, internal bleeding, and leukemia.

The most common way in which seafarers are exposed to toxic chemicals while on the job is through inhalation. Since benzene tends to evaporate quickly, inhalation can happen without detection.

Another common way of exposure is through the skin and eyes, particularly if the chemi-

cals are liquid, gas, or solid.

Most seafarers live and work under extremely hazardous conditions that can cause serious short-term and longterm damage to their health. In some cases, they are exposed to conditions that can even be fatal.

Since the seafarer was accepted and deployed by the employers, the Court noted that it is safe to say that he passed the PEME without any �inding that he had a pre-existing heart ailment, or that they accepted him despite being aware of his condition.

In any case, the employers, in hiring the seafarer despite his advanced age and pre-existing medical condition, assumed the risk of liability for his health.

They cannot be allowed to subsequently evade such liability by claiming that his illness was discovered only after his employment was terminated.

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

ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA FAST BACKWARD

PRINCESS RESTAURANT, CIRCA 1960 Long before chicken barbecue became a food fad, Davao was already home to a Kapampangan-inspired Princess Restaurant, famous in the 1960s for its delectable, ready-to-grill premium pork barbecue. It started as a gift shop but later morphed into a diner.

Initially, the restaurant only served signature Kapampangan dishes. Owned by Davao native Mariano Solis, who was city police chief during the mayoralty of Elias B. Lopez, and Tarlac-born wife Lourdes Cura, the eatery was the �irst 24-hour restaurant in town.

Offering Kapampangan dishes started as a home-based business in the Solis residence at Matina. Because they were also selling clothes, shoes, and accessories, young ladies would �lock to their place in search of articles that would �it the Sunday service decorum.

The trend then was to buy bags, fans, veils, shoes and garbs with the same color. And as the business grew after demand for the merchandise rose, the couple decided to relocate the

business elsewhere.

Mariano found a small space along Bolton Street, now Paciano Bangoy, with the help of friends. The Solis couple called the tore The Princess Gift Shop. But Lourdes had another idea in mind; she wanted to introduce Kapampangan dishes, particularly pork barbecue because nobody offered a better alternative. As the food business started picking up, which by now required more attention, they decided to rename the shop to Princess Restaurant.

Overtime, the eatery’s hit pork barbecue, served with fried rice and home-made achara (green papaya relish), became a bestseller. With its heirloom condiments, it drew curiosity and patrons were dropping to taste the skewered food.

Competitors tried replicating the restaurant’s favorite pork barbecue, but the secret recipe remained with the family until the establishment folded up in the 1980s.

The diner’s landmark signage was a huge marked crown brandishing the logo,

name of the eatery, and year of founding; it greeted diners at the entrance. A glass encased grilling station could also be found at the doorway, allowing pedestrians to see the actual cooking and smell the chargrilled aroma.

The inner arrangement of the restaurant was chiefly native. Varnished bamboo halves covered its walls and two small steel bridges traversed a lit pond in the middle of the place. A coin-operated jukebox with 45 rpm vinyl records played the latest Top 40 hits.

On Sundays, given the restaurant’s proximity to San Pedro Church, it was a preferred place for families taking lunches. With its popular pork barbecue as come on, the place was almost always �illed up. To the youth of that generation, it was their favorite hangout.

Adjoining the restaurant was hole-in-the-wall store named ChiRoMaBo (purportedly an acronym of the initials of the children adopted by the Solis couple), selling callcards with back-to-back hugot lines,

vibrant trinkets, neon posters, and stickers.

As interesting as the eatery, the power couple, who bore three children, behind it were highly educated individuals. Mariano, fondly called Marianing, completed postgraduate studies at the University of America in Washington, D.C. as scholar of the late Bishop Clovis Thibault, PME. At the time, Davao City was still a prelature, where Mariano was employed.

Lourdes, whose pet name was Onding, was alumna and professor of University of Santo Tomas (UST) before she left for abroad to pursue doctorate degree. When the couple decided to reside permanently in the city, she taught at Ateneo de Davao University and Immaculate Conception College (now a university), retiring in 1959. In 1973, she was bestowed the Datu Bago Award, the city’s highest honor, “for exemplary contribution to the progress and welfare of Davao City in the �ield of humanitarian service.” For her efforts, her Alma Mater established the Dr. Lourdes

Cura-Solis Humanitarian Award.

Despite the good life, they did not forget their intention to start a home-based retail business by selling the apparels and accessories for women they had brought from the US. To relocate in Davao in the mid-1950s, the Solis couple had to travel by boat from Manila. Auspiciously, they found out during the journey that Mariano’s classmate, newly wedded Elias B. Lopez, and Iloilo-born wife Alma Concepcion were also in the same vessel.

When Lopez was reelected mayor in 1967, Mariano was offered the post of city chief of police, which he accepted. In support of her husband’s new job, Lourdes established a non-pro�it organization called the Welfare Action Foundation (We Act). Engaged in socio-civic activities, the charity launched many projects through the years, foremost of which is Davao Boystown at Maa, supervised by the Salesians of Don Bosco. (Additional source: www. foodbevg.com)

8 ENVIRONMENT EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 252 • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2020

PLASTICS: GOING, GOING SOON!

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

“T

he greatest environmental challenges facing the world.” That was how British Prime Minister Theresa May described those single-use plastic items like plastic bags, straws, and coffee stirrers.

“We have to confront this material and our use of it, because so much of it is single use disposable plastic and this is a material that doesn’t go away.

It doesn’t return to the planet the way other materials do,” Sherri Mason, chair of geology and environmental sciences at the State University of New York at Fredonia, told Associated Press.

In Davao City, Councilor Diosdado Mahipus, Jr. seemed to heed the plea. He has proposed to reduce the use of single-use plastics (SUPs), which are “disposable plastics” and plastic products “conceived, designed or placed on the market to be used only once over a short time span before being disposed or discarded.”

In the proposed Single-Use Plastic Regulation Ordinance 202, ten items were prohibited in Davao City. These are: drinking cups (recyclable or non-recyclable), plastic condiments (sauce or gra-

vy container), plastic cup lids or covers, plastic stirrers, plastic straw, plastic cutleries (like spoon, fork, or knife), plastic meal packaging, plastic hand gloves, plastic materials used as buntings, and plastic materials used as balloon stick whether recyclable or non-recyclable.

“So far, these are the 10 plastics covered by the ordinance, which means that those not mentioned can still be used,” Chinkie Golle, executive director of Interface Development Interventions (IDIS), was quoted as saying by EDGE Davao in a news report written by Maya M. Padillo.

Not included in the list are plastic bags, which come in different colors, sizes, forms, and weights.

“The continued use of plastic bags has created many problems, foremost of which is the way they take up land�ill space, where it will stay intact into the next few millennia,” said Davao City Councilor in 2012.

“Since they were introduced in the 1970s, plastic bags have in�iltrated our lives,” wrote Caroline Williams in New Scientist. “Globally, we carry home between 500 billion and a trillion every year – about 150 bags for every

person on earth, or to put it another way, a million every minute and rising.”

The country’s socalled “sachet economy” has contributed to the proliferation of plastics.

Products sold in single-use sachets include instant coffee, shampoo, soy sauce, cooking oil, food seasoning, and toothpaste.

“Because they are easy to sell – ribbons of single-use products hang from neighbourhood stores even in the most remote communities – large multinational manufacturing companies continue to market them,” the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) observes.

According to one research group, the Philippines discards 60 billion plastic sachets each year.

That’s about one sachet per person per day on a per capita basis.

“The problem with plastics has been escalating for decades, and the Philippines has been identi�ied as the world’s third largest contributor of plastics in the ocean,” WWF said. “Plastic pollution has always been a huge issue in the Philippines with the continuous generation of plastic wastes and poor waste management.”

About 35,800 tons of

garbage, which include plastics, are generated each day by Filipinos, according to a position paper written by Alicia Castillo and Suchiro Otoma.

“On average, each person in the country produces about 0.5 kilogram and 0.3 kilogram of garbage every day in the urban and rural areas, respectively.”

Another report – from the National Solid Waste Management Commission and the World Bank – said 2.27 million tons of garbage are collected every year out of the 2.7 million tons produced. “Of this, 386,000 tons are still leaked into the ocean,” the report said.

“An absence of garbage collection services in secondary cities and many of the country’s smaller islands is largely to blame for the overwhelming amount of plastic coming from the country,” Froilan Grate, executive director of the Philippine branch of the Global Alliance for Incin-

erator Alternatives, was quoted as saying by South China Morning Post.

A news report said SUPs for food and cosmetics are one of the main contributors to plastic waste in land�ills and in oceans. Around 40% of all plastic that is produced is used for packaging, and

the World Economic Forum estimates that 95% of this is not recycled after its initial use.

That’s horrendous, indeed. “Following the trajectory of plastic production and mismanagement, United Nations reports predicted that by 2050, there will be more plastic in the oceans than there are �ish,” Environment Secretary Roy E. Cimatu said in a press statement.

In the award-winning 1967 movie, The Graduate, the character portrayed by newcomer Dustin Hoffman (who received a well-deserved Oscar nomination for Best Actor) asked some advice on career direction. “Plastics, my boy.

Plastics,” he was told.

Businesses all over the world are heeding the advice. Unknowingly, no one knew at the time the other side of plastics, which are non-biodegradable. “(This means) they don’t decay and become absorbed by the environment,” the press statement explained. “Once discarded, plastic is likely to end up in oceans after being washed down in rivers, �lushed down in toilets, or windblown from dumps.”

The UN estimates that there is now 100 million

tons of plastic waste in the oceans, with the vast majority coming from land-based sources. The implications of that there are still not well known but there is growing and alarming evidence that it has begun to disrupt ecosystems and �ind its way throughout the food chain, including into humans.

Plastics “is in our air, our water, our food, our excrement,” Nina Butler, the chief executive of�icer of More Recycling, a research and consulting company that works with the plastic industry on recycling, was quoted as saying by media. “It’s very, very pervasive.”

Jonas Leones, DENR undersecretary for policy, planning and international affairs, said the effects of plastics can be devastating for marine biodiversity. “Small litters like candy wrappers end up in our oceans,” he said. “It is eaten by marine species, clogging their stomach and causing their death.”

This is very alarming, according to Congressman Loren Legarda.

“We’ve been too abusive of our ocean, and our marine ecosystem has been taking all the burden resulting from the misuse of resources.”

Plastics are materials made to last forever. “Disposed plastic materials can remain in the environment for up to 2,000 years and longer,” wrote Barry E. DiGregorio in an article.

Plastics are also hazardous to human health.

Two broad classes of plastic-related chemicals are of critical concern for human health: bisphenol-A and additives used in the synthesis of plastics, which are known as phthalates.

Exposure to these two chemicals, said a study conducted by the Arizona State University Biodesign Institute, is linked to cancer, birth defects, impaired immunity, endocrine disruption and other ailments.

The blatant use of plastics has to stop – now!

PLASTICS, P10

VOL.12 ISSUE 252 • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2020

EDGEDAVAO TRAVEL

Discovery Primea’s signature restaurant, Flame, gives guests a gastronomical experience with matching views of the Manila skyline.

DISCOVERY PRIMEA DEFINING LUXURY FILIPINO HOSPITALITY

A FEW YEARS BACK while having afternoon tea at a Tokyo hotel, I noticed how the server carefully moved her hand over and around the tray, presenting the pot of tea like it was a thing of luxury and serving it with a precise and calculated movement.

The same calculated movements are true while having ramen at a local Tokyo noodle joint. The ramen is served in a precise manner, aligned with its best angle towards the guest.

It was at moments like these I realise how different Japanese hospitality is from what I was accustomed to in Durianburg.

This realisation made me even more curious on each country and culture’s own brand and style of hospitality and made me ask, what is Filipino hospitality? Some may say that Filipino hospitality is one that is done with a genuine smile, others may say that it is the warm positive energy that is Filipino pride and spirit.

On a recent trip to Manila, I stayed at the Discovery Primea, a luxury hotel located along Ayala Avenue, at the heart of the Makati Central Business District.

While the hotel’s brand may be new to some readers, Discovery Hospitality Corporation, the Filipino hospitality group behind the Discovery Primea, is also responsible for other award-winning properties such as Discovery Suites Ortigas, Discovery Country Suites Tagaytay, Discovery Shores Boracay, and Club Paradise in Coron, Palawan.

Setting foot at the Discovery Primea I immediately felt Discovery’s Filipino spirit. While the

Discovery Primea’s Business Flat is spacious with contemporary Filipino furniture and modern amenities.

now rises. As afternoons turn into evenings you can try one of Manila’s most extensive collections of gins, wines, spirits, and coffee, paired with signature Filipino bar chow.

To dine with a view, then head on up to Flame, featuring a playful yet sophisticated menu featuring modern Asian cuisine created by Executive Chef Luis Chikiamco. I love the restaurant’s expansive marble-top open kitchen and its panoramic view of the Metro Manila skyline with only chef Chikiamco’s food tearing your eyes back onto the plate with its bold fusion flavours.

Discovery Primea instead?

For power lunches, a visit to the hotel’s Tapenade is a must.

Bold, light and summery flavours of Spain, Italy, France, Greece, Turkey and Morocco shine through a tempting Mediterranean menu. A highlight of the restaurant is the Tapenade Salad Room, offering one of the most exquisite salad experiences in the Philippines, replete with greens and choice charcuterie.

Afternoon meetings can be held at the Gilarmi Lounge. With a laid-back sophistication, the hotel’s lobby lounge pays homage to the historic Gilarmi Apartments, Asia’s first serviced residences which once stood where the hotel

Filipino art of leisure The Discovery Primea is, of course, not just all about business but it also provides a much needed respite from city life.

Top of the list is the hotel’s Terazi Spa which offers a signature Hammam treatment. There is also a 20-meter heated infinity pool, a 24-hour gym, a salon, and the Lily sundry shop which carries various Filipino food products, crafts, and fashion accessories.

While it may be true that there are many hotels in the Philippines that champion Filipino hospitality, the Discovery Primea provides genuine Filipino luxury and “Service That’s All Heart” with its impeccable knack for details, love of everything Filipino, and service that comes with warm smile.

Discover more about Discovery Primea by liking them on Facebook at DiscoveryPrimeaMakati, Instagram at discoveryprimea, twitter at discoveryprimea or visit their website at discoveryhotels-resorts.com.

hotel has a distinctly contemporary design, it is in the details like the art on the walls, the carefully curated sculptures, and the warm friendly smiles of the staff that create that Filipino vibe.

Luxury accommodations with Filipino flair The contemporary Filipino vibe continues as soon as I opened the door to my room, with Filipino-made furniture, and artwork laid out in a spacious 40-square meter space with two massive windows giving me views of Rockwell, BGC and Pasig in the distance.

Each room at the Discovery Primea comes with free highspeed internet access, 46” LED Smart TV, in-room safe, and coffee and tea making facilities.

Picky sleepers can also choose from the pillow menu which comes with a wide selection of pillow types.

The bathroom comes with separate shower and bathtub, 19” LED TV, rain shower head, and premium Roberto Cavalli bath amenities.

Dining at Tapenade is always a joy at its signature Salad Bar. Built for business and dining With the Discovery Primea conveniently located within walking distance to the headquarters of top corporations; close to upscale shopping centres and entertainment destinations; a fifteen-minute drive away from the newly established lifestyle hubs and international firms in Fort Bonifacio Global City, the hotel is the perfect address for business meetings or just good food.

With five food outlets, two which are mentioned in T Dining’s Best Restaurants list, instead of going out for a meeting, why not bring the meetings to the

EDGED

A2 INdulge!

TRAVEL

Dahican sunsets.

DAHICAN

Mati City’s

TRAVEL GUIDE 2020

Sunrises in

SUMMER is just around the corner. We all know what that means: summer escapades! If you’re wondering where to go without forcing your wallet to cough out your hard-earned money, then Dahican should be considered.

What used to be a secret isn’t so anymore as Mati’s 7-kilometre stretch of white sand is now popular with not only skimboarders and beachgoers but to surfers as well.

The crescent-shaped coast is most beautiful when it’s bright and sunny as the sun reflects through the water, making it the most transparent, turquoise waters you’ve ever seen.

Some views you never tire of.

How to get to Dahican?

From Davao City, it’s only three hours by private car. If you’d rather ride a commuter van, it’s the same travel time except you’re riding a little bit

squished as the van seats three people per row, at the least.

It’s never been easier for trav-

elling with technology nowadays. The cellular networks tend to be a little weak entering Pantukan, Compostella Valley (I’m on Globe) up until Brgy. Badas in Mati City (this is the zigzag road where the Sleeping Dinosaur is). Fret not though there are minimal signages along the way and you can always ask for directions.

Via Bus If you’re bringing a surfboard that won’t fit inside a regular Toyota Grandia commuter van then riding the bus is your best option. Riding the bus takes approximately 5 hours groans

because the bus stops at every single terminal along the way.

If you’re on the airconditioned bus, the seating is more comfortable while the non-airconditioned ones are quite cramped.

I haven’t had the chance to commute this year but as per past experiences last year and knowing how some bus operators work, here are some of the schedules of the buses departing from Davao City Overland Transport Terminal (DCOTT) in Ecoland. Please keep in mind to call ahead to confirm as these schedules change most of the time:

Not the the epic Dahican

Bache 12:0 (airco down 1:00A trip, n 4:00A trip, a 7:00PM trip, a Non have a vals fr trast, t have a

DAVAO

INdulge! A3

VOL.12 ISSUE 252 • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2020

ENTERTAINMENT

’s version of tuk-tuks are one of the best ways to get around.

n Dahican are my favorite being a morning person.

ideal wave or form but this was c takeaway from my quick visit to n. Photo by Dylan Uy.

elor Express Inc. 00MN - Davao to Cateel onditioned, you can go at the Mati terminal) AM - Davao to Mati (first non-aircon) AM - Davao to Mati (first aircon) M - Mati to Davao (last aircon) n-airconditioned buses around 20-minute interrom the DCOTT. In conthe airconditioned buses an hour and a half waiting

interval.

Regular fare for the airconditioned bus is PHP 285 Regular ticket for nonairconditioned bus is PHP 230 (Update: No non-stop for Mati City during Sundays though. As of March 2018) Via Commuter Van At the GMall van terminal, the earliest trip to Mati is around 5:00AM. Trip intervals are hourly or earlier if the van gets full. The latest trip from Davao to Mati is around 7pm.

Travel time is usually 3 hours.

It can get really cramped and quite uncomfortable in the van since they’ll try to squeeze as much as 14 people (and their baggage) inside the vehicle.

Van terminals where you can ride to Mati City from Davao City: Gmall Terminal Victoria Plaza Terminal Abreeza Mall Terminal (as of late 2019) Fare: PHP 250 one way Update: Since the major van accident last 2017, the legit van companies have been strictly adhering to the maximum capacity of 10-12 people per trip.

So they don’t squeeze in four when it’s only three per seat.

Vans are safe again but if you’re bringing surfboards, better ride the bus. (As of March 2018).

Stay tuned next week for the accommodations and activities section as a lot has been updated!

SIX KAPAMILYA CELEBS STAY WITH ABS-CBN SIX KAPAMILYA CELEBRITIES once again strengthened their ties with ABS-CBN after inking their respective network contracts recently.

The lineup of Kapamilya stars was led by singer-songwriter Ogie Alcasid, who signed his two-year contract with the network. Besides his regular appearance in the “ASAP Natin ‘To” stage, Ogie is also set to appear in another season of “Your Face Sounds Familiar” this year.

Also renewing his contract as an ABS-CBN artist is “Pamilya Ko” actor JC De Vera. When asked about what his fans can expect from him this year, JC answered, “They can expect a more diverse, more well-rounded JC. I’ve done drama, action, and now I’m still doing comedy. For this new contract, I’m sure ABS-CBN will still give me more challenges, which I

like.”

Meanwhile, actor-model Kit Thompson shared how thankful he is on signing his first-ever three-year exclusive contract with the Kapamilya network, describing himself as “privileged” for the opportunity. Kit is currently doing an upcoming teleserye titled “Ligaya” with Ivana Alawi, who also signed a network contract with ABS-CBN recently.

On the other hand, fans can still see more of momshies Karla Estrada and Melai Cantiveros, who both signed their respective two-year contracts as Kapamilyas.

Besides sharing their promise of bringing more happiness this 2020, Karla and Melai also revealed what excites them more about this opportunity. “We are more excited about the service that we can give to all our loyal ABS-CBN viewers,” Karla said. A movie is also in the

works for Karla and Melai, together with their “Magandang Buhay” co-host, Jolina Magdangal.

Completing the lineup is “A Soldier’s Heart” star Carlo Aquino, who shared his gratitude towards ABS-CBN. Carlo, who is a homegrown talent of the Kapamilya network, shared that he can’t imagine life without ABS-CBN. “I grew up with them; this is where I learned to act, to sing, and I know that they will continue this legacy in the next generations to come,” Carlo said.

Present in the signing were chief operating officer of broadcast Cory Vidanes, TV production head Laurenti Dyogi, Star Magic head Johnny Manahan, and head of treasury Rick Tan. Also present were singer Regine Velasquez, talent manager Leo Dominguez, and Cornerstone head Erickson Raymundo.

SHANTI DOPE MAKES 2020 COMEBACK WITH “NORMALAN” PINOY HIP-HOP PHENOM Shanti Dope makes his 2020 comeback with the newest single “Normalan.”

Keeping up with the sound of the times while retaining his irresistible flows, Shanti gets back to talking about love in this hot new track, which serves as a spiritual sequel to his hit debut single “Nadarang.” The sensual track talks about an experience with girls - keeping it with ‘no strings attached’ until he finds ‘the right one.’

“Normalan” serves as Shanti’s first single after collaborating with OPM icons Gloc-9 and Chito Miranda on the track “Pati Pato.” To date, the young phenom has already amassed over 140 million streams from all his tracks on Spotify, along with over 100 million views for his music videos on YouTube.

Just after its release, the “Normalan” lyric video

has already reached 250 thousand views on YouTube, making it reach the #30 spot on the YouTube Philippines Trending list. Shanti is expected to drop a music video for his latest track soon, along with more music to come later this year.

Normalan is now available for streaming on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, and all streaming platforms.

NOT DONE YET A4 EDGE DAVAO A4 INdulge!

INdulge!

EDGE DAVAO EDGE EDGE DAVAO DAVAO Davao (SPCD) Saints and with 3-0 card, followed Mats College of Technol- by JMC Kings (2-0), Asian ogy (MCT) Navigators at International School of 6:00 pm.

Aeronautics and TechnolAt 7:00pm, the un- ogy (AISAT) (1-1), Atebeaten University of Min- neo de Davao University danao (UM) Wildcats Knights (1-2), Mannywill Pacquiao(Addu) says evenBlue at 40, he is not finished yet. stake its clean slate against BCD (0-1), UM Penaplata DMMA College of South- (0-1), and Rizal Memoern Philippines (DMMAC- rial Colleges (RMC) SP) Mariners to wrap up Bulldogs (0-2).

Saturday's quadruple header sponsored by The

14 12 ARTS AND CULTURE TECH TRAVEL EDGE EDGEDAVAO DAVAO

SEE STORY ON P11

Collegiate Sponsors League (CSL) Escandor Cup resumes at the Davao City Recreation Center. Escandor Cup/CSL photo VOL.11 VOL.12 ISSUE 241 ISSUE • SUNDAY-MONDAY, 6 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, FEBRUARY MARCH 24-25, 17-18, VOL.12 ISSUE 51 • TUESDAY, 21, 2019 VOL.12 ISSUE 45 • SUNDAYMONDAY, MAYMAY 12 -13, VOL.12 VOL.12 ISSUE ISSUE 223 252 •216 WEDNESDAY, • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY JANUARY 22, 25, VOL.12 VOL.12 ISSUE ISSUE 219 • TUESDAY, • FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 14,2019 2020

VOL.12ISSUE ISSUE55 21• SUNDAY-MONDAY, • SUNDAY-MONDAY,MAY APRIL 7-8, 2019 VOL.12 26-27,

NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINENEW ELIMINATES SINGLESONY INTRODUCES GP-VPT2BT USE PLASTIC BEVERAGE BOTTLES ACROSS FLEET WIRELESS SHOOTING GRIP 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. in global cruise BUILDING on travel the Limon also seeshistory the to with a 53-year growing lineup ofneed camtapbreaking theand artisans in this endeavof boundaries, eras accessories or now to givesingle-use theirfor clients fresh is plasdeveloped modern andbeverage new designs. tic bottle free creators, Sony today “We really need tothe tap new the across its fleet. has announced artisans directly before man GP-VPT2BT wireless The brand announced last gud ga-agi pa ko saIdeal middle shooting grip. year that it partnered withfor man since wala’y sa many different types JUST Goods, Inc.,access which encommunity,” he Line said. to replace of content creation abled the Cruise wants tovlogs show ranging from to all Limon single-use plastic wateroff the beauty of Dagmay travel photography /he bottles across its 17-shipasfleet, has clients with who its are looking for videography tomost simple beginning recent clothes and accessories made everyday use,Encore. the new ship, Norwegian byThe theoffers Mandayas.

He saidof they grip optimum achievement is one the noticed thatand some Pasalubong stability comfort latest sustainable steps forward centers including Davao City’s combined with cablefor Norwegian Cruise Line.

In free and a 2018, connectivity the Company eliminated reliable moissingle-use dust plasticand straws across ture its fleetresistant and privatedesign. destinaCompatible with aofvariety tions, and as a result this of Sony’s latest digitalitcamermost recent initiative, will as, the GP-VPT2BT connects replace over six million singleeasily via Bluetooth, allowing use plastic water bottles every creators to simplythe aim and is year.

In addition, brand shoot without interfering working to eliminate single-use cables or exposedand inputs.

The plastic shampoo condinew grip includes useful tioner bottles later athis year.tilt featureefforts that allows for flexible These are driven by vertical angle adjustment as the Company’s Sail & Sustain well as the ability to switch Environmental Program, which from normal to self-shooting is its commitment to minimize mode to with ease. Additionalwaste landfills, reduce its

A4 INdulge!

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!

Aldevinco do not carry Dagmay cloth.

“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.

CO2 emissions rate, increase thrilled make such an impact cotton Dagmay design sustainable sourcing and invest by The eliminating single-use beverclothing not yetchanged available ly,initemerging has an adjustment wheel and can beisquickly technologies. age bottles across our fleet. in theajust market as Limon can“This be loosened tightened into tripod simply exis a veryorspecial and It’s one by of the waysand wehis are group are in the immertovery allow for seamless operapanding the bottom portion, proud moment for us,” working tostill preserve our oceans sion the stage ofstable, the project. tion cameras of different easy handssaidwith Harry Sommer, president enabling and destinations we visit.

“Wethis willisevaluate their sizes gripof free shooting. and and chiefweights. executiveThe officer While just the pa beginning capacity and kung willing sila also includesCruise a flip button, inThe GP-VPT2BT Wireless Norwegian Line. “As of what we and others can do, makipag-collaborate,” he said. dicator light and line, lock we switch, Shooting Grip will committed be availa leading cruise are we 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 252 • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2020

LTO 11... FROM2

we are facing a drop of 50 percent in terms of sales and as of now nagsige nami ug decrease sa among prices. Hangtod asa mi magsige ug decrease sa among presyo? Unta ma-resolve ni agad-agad ang problema," Guira said.

Aside from DA 11, she said they are trying to get all the help they can muster. "Mangayo nami ug tabang sa lahat ng government agencies particularly DA and �inancial institutions para tabangan mi.

So far wala pa'y nagduol sa amoa nga �inancial institutions even a small group of institution na muhatag sa amo ug �inancial assistance labi sa mga vendors nga wala na'y ipalit sa ilahang mga needs."

Guira said citing P50,000 may help processors in their basic needs but the laborers and the vendors in public markets are the people who are greatly affected by the outbreak.

"For the processors maybe okay na ang P50,000 para makatabang sa ilang needs karon because as of now wala sila'y income, walay halin. Zero. Ang magutom daghan like the laborers. For us meat vendors wala mi halin ug ang luoy sa amoa ang among mga tauhan. Dala jud tanan. I hope our city govenrment can help us," she said.

Guira added that what makes their situation more dif�icult are the lockdowns that were implemented as it is stopping them from transport their meat products.

"Mas nag-decrease ang among sales because ang problema dili mi maka-transport sa amo meat," Guira said.

Meat processor Azon Alcoran said their products are being hold and quarantined.

"Sa amoang mga meat processors, ang amo unta ihangyo naa ga-order sa amoa mga lagyo nga lu-

gar, Okay lang sa ilaha kay kabalo man sila nga walay ASF ang Davao City, ang apan kay gina-hold, i-quarantine tapos sunugon. Maong bagsak gyud mi . Luoy kaayo ang among mga laborers wala nay ipalit ug bugas," she said.

Teodora Guira, also a processor, said their clients in Malungon, General Santos City, Mati City, Surigao, and Butuan received a memorandum from their respective municipality refraining them from selling chorizo, embutido, tocino, and lumpia shanghai from Davao City.

"Apektado jud kaayo ang among sales," she said.

The group is also calling out the DA 11 and the City Veterinarian's Of�ice (CVO) to make a declaration that Davao City is ASF free so that consumers will purchase meat products again.

"Nagkinahanglan ta ug paghiusa na i-declare nato na ASF free ang Davao City proper. Unta ang mga consumers are well-informed na ang tanan palengke nagakuhag baboy sa mga big farms lang since 1990s," Guira said.

She added that their pigs are from registered farms in Davao City such Alegre Farm and hog farms in Bunawan.

"Mostly diha lang mi gapalit sa mga big farms ug wala mi gapalit sa mga backyard," Guira said.

She also said that their meat products are inspected and certi�ied ASF free.

"Con�ident mi mag-explain sa among customers nga ASF free ang mga matada sa registered slaughterhouse in Davao City. DIli mi gapamatada sa lahi lahi nga slaughterhouses. We assure you that the meat we are selling in the markets are safe and we can prove it," Alcoran said.

are also liable under the law.

She said that FDA agents are strictly monitoring Porcelana and other violative products sold in the Davao region market.

Legaspi also took occasion to assure reporters that the African Swine Fever which has recently been detected in some parts of Mindanao does not

affect humans.

She said only pigs have receptors to the ASF virus.

Humans and other animals are not.

No other animals and human beings have the receptor to the virus which has already affected the sale of hogs and other pork products, including processed foods by as much as 50 percent.

corporate groups to join the club to fund the de-

ployment of more reef buds in the area. AMA

them to have insurance coverage. Their membership will also enable them to access free skills and entrepreneurship training, not to mention scholarship for their children, return and reintegration preparedness and other programs," he added.

The Philippine embassy in Moscow, Russia recently held an outreach program intended to en-

tice OFWs to register or renew their respective membership with OWWA. In a report by Labor Attaché Delmer Cruz of POLO Berlin, majority of OFWs in Russia have transferred directly from Hong Kong and Dubai.

The Philippine embassy is scheduled to conduct another outreach mission for OFWs later next month. (PR)

FDA... FROM2

PARAÑAQUE... FROM2 DOLE... FROM3

SOIL... FROM3

tion,” he added.

He further said that using tolerant or resistant varieties is “not always a good choice” because most of its produce is not acceptable in the market.

“There is a problem in the quality and appearance,” he added.

Manching said eradication is not a good remedy to combat fusarium wilt for it will only kill the soil nutrients, and not the disease.

“For the past four years, we have tried drenching with biocon and the recovery rate is increasing,” he said.

An eco-friendly farm resort known as the KWR

Permaculture has already served about 90 farmers in Davao region and other provinces covering more than 4,000 hectares.

“Fusarium has no cure but we can control it from spreading,” he added.

Fusarium wilt is a soilborne pathogen, an invincible breed of fungi that is attracted to banana plants.

It has the ability to live or exist in long time dormancy of 30 to 50 years.

Fusarium fungi block plants vascular system (Phloem), depriving the plant of the necessary minerals, nutrients and moisture, thus causing it to turn yellow until it dies down. (PNA)

provide ef�icient bike lanes and bike parking spaces.

“To put our capacity into perspective, we are the same students who initiated the Roxas Eco Market event wherein we ate at Roxas for one night without the use of single-use plastics. A few months later, the City Government of Davao banned the single-use plastics at Roxas Eco Market,” she said.

The city government is set to implement this year the High Priority Bus System (HPBS), which seeks to address the inef�icient mass public transportation system here and curb carbon emission from vehicles.

In a press release last

December 5, 2019, the Department of Transportation announced that the bus system is scheduled for implementation from 2020 to 2023, which aims to “provide an ef�icient and affordable mode of transport for Dabawenyos through the delivery” of a modern HPBS. The bus system would cost around P18.6 billion and would affect 19,249 operators and drivers.

Urban Poor commissioner Norman B. Baloro said six national government agencies have allocated funds for the social development program for the would-be affected individuals and families.

(Antonio L. Colina IV/MindaNews)

career high set on Jan. 11 against New Orleans.

Eighteen of Tatum's 41 came in the third quarter, which ended with the teams deadlocked at 87.

Dwight Howard, who scored 10 points and grabbed seven rebounds off the bench, keyed the Lakers in the early fourth quarter with six of the team's �irst eight points in the period.

Kyle Kuzma also scored in double �igures off the bench for Los Angeles with 16 points. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope also came on in reserve duties to force a critical

turnover moments before Stevens was assessed his technical.

All �ive Boston starters scored in double �igures, with Daniel Theis adding 16 points and nine rebounds and Marcus Smart registering 14 points and seven rebounds.

Gordon Hayward scored 10 points, almost eight fewer than his season average, and shot 0-of-5 from behind the 3-point line.

Hayward �lirted with a triple-double, however, dishing a team-high nine assists and pulling down eight rebounds.

BIKING... FROM3

JAMES... FROM11

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late spouses GREGORIO M. LUGA and HENRIETTA T. LUGA who died inestate in Davao City on May 16, 1982 and March 2, 2017 repectively, has been the subject of EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE executed among their heirs, per Doc. No.82; Page No.18; Book No.91, Series of 2020, of the NOTARY PUBLIC ATTY.NOEL T. LAGUINDAM 2/12/19/26

REGIONAL... FROM4

9

al expo. which will feature over 800 brands.

Carrying the theme "Franchising on FlRe [Fourth lndustrial Revolution)" is timely as the world faces disruptions brought about by rapid technological advances.

The event also aims to examine the impact of Industry 4.0 and what the franchising industry needs to do to make the latest industrial revolution 3 tool for further growth and better opportunities.

PFA President Sherill Quintana said one of the

priorities is to encourage the Philippine franchising sector, especially PFA members, embrace new technologies to improve their business processes and to expand their markets.

"Franchising made up of seven percent of the country's GDP and the Philippines in southeast Asia is the biggest market for franchising," Rodolfo said.

Franchise Asia continues to be the country's main capacity-building event for the Philippine franchising sector.

fraud.

“In order to crack down on cross-border telecommunication fraud crimes, the Ministry of Public Security of China has obtained a list of Chinese nationals suspected of committing long-term telecommunication fraud crimes abroad, who are classi�ied as the

persons prohibited from exiting China according to the Exit-Entry Administration Law of the People's Republic of China,” it said.

It added such operations are aimed at Chinese nationals who have committed telecommunications fraud crimes in different countries. (PNA)

PH,CHINA... FROM5

Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD Regional Franchising and Regulatory Office No. XI Balusong Ave., McArthur Highway, Matina, Davao City Petition for Extension of Validity of a Certificate of Public Convenience with Modification of Route to operate a SCHOOL TRANSPORT Service.

Case No. R11-EV-MR-SB-2020-2-555 (2010-XI-00555) VICTORIA M. SOBERANO, Petitioner.

Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD Regional Franchising and Regulatory Office No. XI Balusong Ave., McArthur Highway, Matina, Davao City Petition for Extension of Validity of a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate a PUJ DUAL Ordinary Regular Service.

Case No. R11-EV-PJ-2020-2-913 (2012-XI-00913) GERMAN G. MAMALIAS, Petitioner.

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

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

NOTICE OF HEARING

NOTICE OF HEARING

Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of a SCHOOL TRANSPORT service exclusively for the transporation of Students/Pupils from their respective residences to HOLY CHILD SCHOOL OF DAVAO and vice versa with the use of ONE (1) unit, which Certificate will expire on August 25, 2020. In the petition filed on February 18, 2020, petitioner requests authority to extend the validity of said certificate as well as MODIFY the authorized route so as to operate on the route SAN PEDRO COLLEGE, INC., Basic Education Department, Davao-Bukidnon Highways, Ulas, Davao City and vice versa with the use of the same unit previously authorized.

NOTICE is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on MARCH 25, 2020 at 8:30 a.m. at this office at the above address.

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

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

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

Witness Atty. ARMAND B. DIOSO, Regional Director, this 19th day of February 2020 at Davao City, Philippines.

Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of a PUJ DUAL Ordinary Regular service on the route: TIBUNGCO VIA BUHANGIN and for cargoes as dual service from said place to any point in REGION XI with the use of ONE (1) unit, which Certificate will expire on February 18, 2020. In the petition filed on February 14, 2020, petitioner requests authority to extend the validity of said Certificate to operate along the same route with the use of the same unit previously authorized.

NOTICE is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on MARCH 25, 2020 at 8:30 a.m. at this office at the above address.

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

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

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

Witness Atty. ARMAND B. DIOSO, Regional Director, this 17th day of February 2020 at Davao City, Philippines.

Atty. CATTLEYA B. ACAYLAR

Attorney IV/Acting Chief Transportation Development Officer

Petitioner, Victoria M. Soberano Counsel, Atty. Placido A. Garde, Jr.

Atty. CATTLEYA B. ACAYLAR

Attorney IV/Acting Chief Transportation Development Officer

Petitioner, German G. Mamalias Counsel, Atty. Ernesto Raphael V. Robillo

10 EDGEDAVAO TESDA... FROM5

VOL.12 ISSUE 252 • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2020

using the equipment of construction companies or of the DPWH in this training.

He added that since this is an on-site training in construction sites, trainees would not need to go to TESDA’s training centers.

Apart from the construction sites, mobile training facilities are also being sent to this kind of training, according to Lapeña.

He earlier said that TESDA also enables DPWH engineers to be trainers

and assessors.

A crash course is being provided to prepare them as trainers and assessors of other skilled or quali�ied construction-related workers.

Other partners from the private sector include Aboitiz. In 2016, Aboitiz signed partnership with TESDA, and provided PHP1-million grant for the trainees of TESDA Women’s Center (TWC).

This grant was used for the trainees’ assessment fees, insurance, medi-

cal examination, protective equipment, supplies, among others.

Pilmico, one of the Aboitiz businesses, also donated baking equipment for TWC that will be used for the skills training and entrepreneurial activities of Bread and Pastry Production NC II and Barista NC II students and graduates.

In 2018, Pilmico turned over the Wooden Spoon – a business innovation center – to TESDA. The innovation center,

located inside TESDA’s main of�ice in Bicutan, Taguig, aims to enhance the students’ opportunities in baking.

The facility can accommodate about 25 trainees per batch, and TESDA targets to have 100 to 150 graduates per year.

TESDA’s partners in the private sector either provide scholarships, donate building or equipment, share their facilities, among others, depending on the agreement and the �irms’ capabilities. (PNA)

Contracts of these two IPPAs — Good Friends and Waterfront — were terminated by PSALM in August 2017 and October 2019, respectively, for non-payment. Good Friends owes PSALM PHP1.21 billion, while Waterfront has unpaid obligation of PHP87.74 million.

Two IPPAs of Filinvest Development Corp., namely FDC Utilities Inc. for the Uni�ied Leyte Strips of Energy contract and FDC Misamis Power Corp. for the capacity of Mindanao I and II Geothermal Power Plants, are being compelled by PSALM to pay their delinquent accounts amounting PHP1.17 billion and PHP2.63 billion, respectively.

Both IPPA contracts were also terminated by PSALM for non-payment.

The amounts due PSALM are the subject of two separate arbitration proceedings initiated by these Filinvest companies.

But notwithstanding the ongoing arbitration, Filinvest recently expressed to PSALM its willingness to settle the delinquent accounts, PSALM president Irene Joy Besido-Garcia said.

Vivant-Sta. Clara Northern Renewables Generation Corp. (Northern Renewables), which administers the IPPA agreement for the Bakun Hydroelectric Power Plant in Ilocos Sur, has an unpaid account of PHP4.19 billion.

PSALM expects to collect additional payments from Northern Renewables this 2020 in view of a settlement agreement they had submitted to the

court.

“If these hefty �inancial obligations remain unpaid, PSALM will be compelled to contract new borrowings in order to timely liquidate maturing obligations of Napocor (National Power Corp.) — a vicious cycle that will result in PSALM absorbing additional interests and other �inance charges,” Garcia said.

In its yearend report to the Finance Secretary Dominguez, PSALM disclosed that its average cost of borrowings was 5.07 percent for 2019.

While revenue collections reached PHP98.3 billion in 2019, there is still PHP422.2 billion remaining obligations from National Power Corporation that PSALM will need to raise money for.

If the PHP33.62-bil-

lion delinquent accounts remain unpaid by the IPPAs, PSALM will incur an annual borrowing cost of about PHP1.7 billion a year — a substantial amount that could have otherwise been used by the government to spend more on its priority programs on infrastructure and human capital development.

The PHP33.62-billion delinquent accounts are part of the P95 billion in unpaid charges owed PSALM not only by IPPAs, but by other industry players as well such as electric cooperatives (ECs) plus receivables inherited from Napocor or those still subject to reconciliation, Garcia said.

Dominguez has similarly directed PSALM to run after delinquent ECs, she added. (PR)

PSALM... FROM5

PLASTICS... FROM8

“Plastics are a clear and present danger to the future of our planet,” declares Celine S. Cousteau, a documentary �ilm director and producer, explorer, and designer.

Cimatu agrees. “It is high time we refrain from using disposable plastic products that are used in minutes, but persist in the environment forever,” he stressed.

In Davao City, the proposed ordinance �iled by Mahipus is a good starting point.

In the nearby city, the Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS) has joined

the WWF’s Plastic Smart Cities, an initiative which aims to stop the �low of plastics entering the oceans by 2030 through elimination of unnecessary plastics, doubling reuse, recycling, and recovery, and ensuring remaining plastic is sourced responsibly.

“The Plastic Smart Cities project is timely as we aim to extend the life span of our sanitary land�ill through plastics reduction,” said IGaCoS Mayor Al David T. Uy. “Our city will exert full effort and political will in supporting this … project.”

PARTIAL EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE WITH WAIVER AND RELINQUISHMENT OF RIGHTS AND INTEREST

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late GLICERIO C. LIM who died on December 31, 2019 at Davao City has been the subject of PARTIAL EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE WITH WAIVER AND RELINQUISHMENT OF RIGHTS AND INTEREST executed among his heirs, per Doc. No.382; PageNo.78; Book No.l, Series of 2020, of the NOTARY PUBLIC Atty. Reni M. Dublin 2/12/19/26

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 252 • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2020

PAL SENIORS INTERCLUB. (Left photo) The 34th Philippine Airlines Seniors Interclub gets under way in Bacolod Feb. 23 with Bacolod City Mayor Evelio“ Bing”Leonardia (4th from left) leading the ceremonial tee off at Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club. A record of 95 teams - local & foreign - are registered to play in the Seniors Tournament.

From left to right: Andy Montelibano, President- Bacolod Golf and Country Club; Jomari Limjap, President- Negros

11

Occidental Golf and Country Club; Russel Jao, PAL Chief Advisor to the Chairman and CEO; Mayor Bing Leonardia, Bacolod City Mayor; Bong Velasquez, PAL Senior Assistant Vice President- Sales; Atty. Rey Diaz, representative of Gov. Eugenio Lacson; and Gerard Golez, General Manager of Bacolod Golf and Country Club. (Right photo) Bacolod City Mayor Evelio“ Bing”Leonardia hits the ceremonial ball.

Gilas blasts Indonesia in T FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers

Hall of Fame body taps sports media for review committee

G

ilas Pilipinas wreaked havoc in the second half and whipped Indonesia, 100-70, at the start of their FIBA Asia Cup Quali�iers campaign at the Britama Arena in Jakarta on Sunday night.

Gilas pulled away from the stubborn Indons late in the �irst quarter after going on a 12-0 run to stretch their lead to 16, 67-51.

For a team that has been losing by an average margin of 30 points against Gilas Pilipinas prior to Sunday’s encounter, Indonesia did a great job in staying within striking distance.

For three and a half quarters the home managed to cut down the lead of the Filipinos to a single possession on multiple occasions during the early goings of

the third quarter but for some reason, they couldn’t continue their attempt to score an upset over the Filipinos.

In the end, the youth-injected Gilas Pilipinas was still too much for the Indonesians as the visitors scored a 100-70 win to open their schedule for the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup quali�iers. That’s another 30-point win over Indonesia.

While both teams are playing without key players including their respective naturalized players, it seems that Mark Dickel’s choosing to �ield a young line-up for this game paid off as every player that Dickel sent onto the �loor contributed.

Three-time UAAP Fi-

nals MVP Thirdy Ravena led the way for the Filipinos with 23 points on 50% �ield goal shooting to go along with 8 rebounds, 4 steals, and 2 assists. All of that in 23 minutes of action off the bench. Gilas veteran RR Pogoy added 16 points while CJ Perez had 11 points including a breakaway dunk. Team captain Kiefer Ravena and Juan Gomez De Liano �inished with 10 points apiece. All Gilas players were able to score with the lone exception of Isaac Go who grabbed 7 rebounds and also had 2 steals.

On the other hand, Andakara Dhyaksa had a game-leading 28 points on 10 for 21 �ield goal shooting while Abraham Grahita added 17 points but Indo-

nesia was failed by their defense as Gilas shot 43% from the �ield and 37% from the three-point line.

The home team only shot 36% from the �ield and 34% from downtown. It also didn’t help that Indonesia only scored 17 points in the fourth quarter while Gilas had 33 points.

Box Scores: Philippines 100 — T. Ravena 23, Pogoy 16, Perez 11, K. Ravena 10, Gomez De Liaño 10, Rosario 7, Chua 6, Erram 5, Ramos 5, Tratter 5, Nieto 2, Go 0 Indonesia 70 — Dhyaksa 28, Grahita 17, Wicaksono 6, Lakudu 5, Kosasih 4, Gemilang 4, Wisnu 4, Sitorus 2, Joni 0 Quarterscores: 1815, 37-28, 67-53, 100-70 (PNA)

he Philippine Sports Hall of Fame is forming a Review Committee comprised of select sports media practitioners to help them evaluate the nominations expected to come in for the fourth enshrinement set in November.

According to R.A. No. 8757 also known PSHOF Act, only a Screening Committee consisting of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman, Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President, Games and Amusement Board (GAB) Chairman, two members from the POC accredited NSAs, and two members from the private sector were distinguished to select the inductees.

“It is for this reason that the PSC, for the lon-

gest time, has been seeking the help of our partners from the sports media in the evaluation process of the Hall of Fame. We recognize their knowledge of the history of our country’s sports legends,” said Ramirez.

The formation of a “review committee” was �irst implemented during the time of former PSC Chairman Harry Angping in 2010.

The committee is tasked to help evaluate the eligibility of the nominees. There will be seven members to this group.

The composition of this group has not yet been announced but a shortlist is now being studied.

Nominations of inductees for the fourth enshrinement will open on March 1.

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) looks for a pass against the Boston Celtics half at Staples Center. The Lakers defeated the Celtics 114112.

James rescues LA past Celtics

A Three-time UAAP Finals MVP Thirdy Ravena led the way for the Filipinos with 23 points on 50% field goal shooting to go along with 8 rebounds, 4 steals, and 2 assists. FIBA photo

nthony Davis tallied 32 points and 13 rebounds and LeBron James recorded 29 points, nine assists and eight boards, and the Los Angeles Lakers weathered a career-high-tying 41-point effort by Jayson Tatum to beat the Boston Celtics, 114-112, on Sunday at Staples Center.

The historic rivals went back-and-forth throughout the day, and right down to the wire.

The Celtics took a 110108 lead with 1:17 left when Jaylen Brown, who scored 20 points, knocked down a 3-pointer.

Missed shots on both

ends set a �inal 37 seconds that took several minutes due to a handful of of�iciating reviews and a technical foul assessed to Celtics coach Brad Stevens.

James' fadeaway jumper with 30.4 seconds remaining gave Los Angeles the lead for good, with Davis making three free throws over the �inal 12 seconds to seal it.

Boston, playing without All-Star guard Kemba Walker for the second time since the break, fell behind 28-19 through the �irst quarter. The Celtics battled back behind Tatum, who matched a

JAMES, P9

12 SPORTS

UNDEFEATED EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 252 • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2020

CR7 extends unbeaten streak to 5, RMC suffers first loss in B13

By NEILWIN JOSEPH BRAVO

TEAM STANDINGS

B13 RMC FC DAVAO HYENAS FC NUFC AMSAI STALWARTS

(W-L) 51 41 13 05

BOYS 15 ATENEO JHS-A 40 SOUTHSHIELD FC BLUE 4 0 SOUTHSHIELD FC RED 3 1 AMSAI STALWARTS 21 ATENEO JHS-B 13 NUFC 04 RICSPEED BP 03 WOMEN'S OPEN CR7 FOODTRUCK SOLIDO FC RMC FC D'DS KHANJ ATENEO REBELS

50 41 32 23 14 05

RESULTS, FEB 22 BOYS 13

DAVAO HYENAS FC 3, RMC 4 Sean Borla RMC 4, AMSAI STALWARTS 0 Rolly Caasi AMSAI STALWARTS 1, DAVAO HYENAS FC 6 Miggy Caangay DAVAO HYENAS FC 3, RMC 2 Adrian Sayson

RESULTS, FEB 23, WOMEN'S OPEN

RMC FC 3, REBELS 1, Keila Shy Sumagaysay D'DS KHANJ 2, ATENEO 1, Ysabel Aquino REBELS 0, CR7 FOODTRUCK 6, Simone Jaldon SOLIDO FC 2, D'DS KHANJ 1, John Marie Inojales RMC FC 5, ATENEO 1 Alex Javellana

A young booter prepares to take a close shot at the goal in this bit of action during the AIA Philam Life 7s Davao football tournament at the Azuela Cove. Photo by Jonathan Basilio

CR7 Foodtruck continued to show way in the Women's Open after galloping to its �ifth straight win over the weekend in Matchday 3 of the AIA Philam Life 7s Davao Football Tournament at the Azuela Cove pitch.

Simone Jaldon shone brightest and copped the Woman of the Match award for leading CR7 to a 6-0 thumping of winless Rebels on Sunday to raise its record to 5 wins in as many outings.

Second-running Solido FC, through the heroics of John Marie Inojales, also made a stride after nipping D'DS Khanj 2-1 to remain at no. 2, a full game behind CR7 with a 4-1 record.

In other Women's matches, RMC defeated Rebels 3-1, D'DS Khanj edged Ateneo 2-1 and RMC turned back Ateneo 5-1.

The Boys 13, meantime, became an interesting race after rivals Davao Hyenas FC and RMC dealt each other their very �irst defeats on Saturday. RMC �irst edged Davao Hyenas 4-3 behind Man of the Match Sean Borla. In the �inal match of the day, the two teams battled anew on the pitch and this time, Davao Hyenas turned the tables around the Bulldogs 3-2 behind Adrian Sayson's game-long brilliance.

RMC still leads at 5-1 while Davao Hyenas is breathing closely at 4-1.

Other B13 matches saw RMC blasting Amsai Stalwarts 4-0, and Davao Hyenas dealing Amsai a 6-1 thrashing.