Edge Davao Volume 12 Issue 253 | Wednesday, February 26, 2020

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JORDAN SHEDS TEARS FOR ‘LITTLE BROTHER’

Serving a seamless society

VOL.12 ISSUE 253 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2020

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A meat vendor scrapes off hair from a pig’s jowl at a meat stall at Agdao Public Market in Brgy. Agdao, Davao City over the weekend. Business for pork vendors has been slow due to African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak in some parts of Davao City and even the city’s slaughterhouse said the number of pigs being slaughtered has dropped from the usual 600 heads to 200 a day.

Lean Daval Jr

DEMAND DROP

Number of pigs for slaughtering drops due to ASF

By MAYA M. PADILLO he management of the slaughterhouse in Davao City reported a decrease in the number of pigs for slaughtering due to the African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak.

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Charlemagne Aldevera Jr., Ma-a slaughterhouse

manager, told media from the usual 500 to 600 heads

being slaughtered per day from their clients in Bankerohan, Agdao, Matina, and Buhangin public markets, the number of pigs has dropped to 200 a day due to ASF. “Katong previous month like January naa sa 500 to 600 ka baboy

per day. Karon ang among ma-cater 200 per day na lang tungod sa issue sa ASF. Dako kaayo ang pag down sa number for slaughtering,” Aldevera said.

He added that most of the pigs slaughtered now are for Davao City consumption only.

“Ang ginamatada diri is for consumption na lang sa Davao City because ang atoang baboy dili na makagawas due to the lockdown,” he said.

He also assured that all pigs being slaughtered in Ma-a slaughterhouse are safe and certi�ied by the

City Veterinarian’s Of�ice (CVO) and the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS).

“Ang mga ante-mortem na baboy gina-check pa jud na isa-isa sa city vet. Naa may taga city vet sa slaughterhouse. At the same time

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PRRD urges Pinoys: Rise above 'petty' political differences on EDSA anniv

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resident Rodrigo Duterte urged Filipinos Tuesday to set aside "petty" political differences as the Philippines marked the 34th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution which restored democracy in the country.

Duterte, who is known to publicly rebuke his critics, made the call as he hailed the non-violent revolution that served as a catalyst for the res-

toration of democracy in the country, saying it remains, beyond doubt, “one of the most remarkable events in our nation’s history.”

“Inspired by the freedoms that we secured in February 1986, let us all rise above our petty political differences so that we may, together, ensure that the legacy of EDSA will remain relevant in the years ahead,” the President said in his message.

Provincial Dev’t Council endorses big-ticket projects to RDC 11

Provincial Development Council (PDC) chair Governor Nelson Dayanghirang of Davao Oriental and the executive committee members consisting of the city and municipal mayors unanimously approve the resolu-

tions endorsing these projects to the Regional Development Council 11 (RDC 11). Davao Oriental PIO

Davao City awards villagers, schoolers in ‘Gulayan’ contest

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he Davao City Agriculturist Of�ice (CAO) on Monday awarded the winners of the Gulayan sa Barangay and (GSB) and Gulayan sa Eskwelahan (GSE) that promote good nutrition and clean environment.

The GSB and GSE are competitions among villagers and schoolers to grow plants in their area.

The participants that produced the biggest and most nutritious harvest received cash prizes.

The barangay competition is divided into Rural Category where residents grow plants within their farm, garden, or anywhere in their area, while in the Urban Category the plant-growers use their rooftops or backyards for gardening and farming.

The competition in schools was divided into two levels - elementary and high school, participated by the pupils.

Leo Brian Leuterio, the of�icer-in-charge of CAO, said the activity also allows the people to see the beauty of agriculture.

“Ang objective niya gyud kay maencourage ang mga tao, especially and mga bata— mao mana ang isa sa mga issues karon sa agriculture, na ma-enganyo sila to go into pananom, not necessarily farming just yet but makita nila ang science and beauty of agriculture, planting and harvesting (The objective here is to encourage the people, especially the children to plant. Through this, they will be able to see the science and the beauty of

BARMM to establish provincial TVET training center in Sulu

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provisional provincial Technical-Vocational Education and Training (TVET) training center will soon rise in the province Sulu in a bid to bring Bangsamoro Government services closer to its people.

The Bangsamoro Ministry of Basic Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE) signed a memorandum of agreement with the Hadji Buto School of Arts and Trades (HBSAT) on 21 February 2020 for the establishment of the provincial training center.

“I would like to thank HBSAT for agreeing to host the TVET training center,” said MBHTE Minister Mohagher Iqbal.

Under the agreement, the HBSAT will provide a space for the provisional training center.

The MBHTE through its technical education and skills development arm will utilize the space in

putting up workshops for the training programs.

“The training programs will include agriculture and construction-related skills development among others,” said Iqbal.

With the establishment of the training center, TESDA-BARMM Executive Director Ruby Andong is optimistic that more Bangsamoro constituents in Sulu will bene�it from the project.

“The training center will transform the lives of our brothers and sisters in Sulu,” said Andong.

The MBHTE is also tasked to train HBSAT technical-vocational teachers and help the school improve on its technical-vocational capability.

Iqbal said the establishment of the training center also contributes to efforts creating an enabling environment for sustainable peace, jus-

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agriculture, planting and harvesting),” Leuterio said.

Leuterio added that the activity was designed to help families lessen their expenses on food.

Gardening also has an environmental impact since plant-growers, especially those under the Urban Category, recycle ice cream gallons, milk cans, among others, for planting.

In encouraging families and schools to join the gardening activity, Leuterio said the city government provided them assistance such as tools, seedlings, wheel-borrow, watering cans, and other materials needed for gardening.

The participants planted a variety of vegetables such as tomatoes, eggplant, bitter gourd, and among others.

In this year’s Gulayan contest, Rosalie Dajao from Barangay Tamayong bagged the �irst place with

a cash prize of P50,000; Alibaba T. Dela Torre from Barangay Mahayag in second place with P30,000 prize; and, Nely R. Palayen in third place with a P20,000 cash prize.

Under the same category, �ive (5) more individuals received a consolation prize each amounting to P5,000.

The lucky recipients were Generose S. Bacalso from Barangay Daliaon Plantation; Joel R. Laborte from Barangay Manuel Guianga; Puri�ication A. Suryco from Barangay Marilog Proper; Alex A. Anong from Barangay Wines; and, Edwin S. Gandia from Barangay Mabuhay.

Under the Urban Category, the three winners Ma. Merlie D. Fernandez from Barangay Bago Aplaya in the �irst place; Joselito D. Ongcay from Barangay Cabantian in second

DAVAO CITY, P9

Technical Education Executive Director Ruby Andong (left most) and Hadji Buto School of Arts and Trade Vocational Superintendent Vethlana Abdurajak seal the partnership with a handshake following the signing

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he Davao Oriental Provincial Development Council Executive Committee has endorsed big-ticket projects to the Regional Development Council XI. Earlier today, during a special meeting called by the PDC Chairperson Governor Nelson Dayanghirang, the members of the PDC Executive Committee consisting of the city and municipal mayors, have unanimously approved the resolutions endorsing these projects to the RDC XI. Among those endorsed are the request of the Mati City Development Council to the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority for the allocation of funds for its Fish Port Project and funding request for additional P500 million for the road construction to connect Barangays Langka, Luban, and Cabuaya to Barangay Macambol in the City of Mati.

Also endorsed are funding request for the procurement of eleven units of commercial carrier �ishing vessels amounting P65 million to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources; funding for priority infrastructure projects under the “For Comprehensive Release (FCR)” and “For Later Release (FLR)” for CY 2021 of the Department of Public Works and High-

ways Second Engineering District; and requests for additional funding for the construction of the Davao Oriental Sports Complex, Davao Oriental Tourism Complex, and Lupon Gymnasium.

Governor Dayanghirang said that while these projects have already been deliberated at the RDC XI, these projects need proper PDC endorsement.

Cabinet Of�icer for Regional Development and Security and concurrent Department of Budget and Management Secretary Wendel Avisado has made it clear that all projects proposals, including those projects through Congressional funds, should have proper endorsement and review by the RDC, said Governor Dayanghirang.

Moreover, Governor Dayanghirang added that with regards to the projects under the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Con�lict (ELCAC), additional funding of P20 million from the Of�ice of the President will be allocated for each of the ten identi�ied priority barangays declared as insurgency-cleared by the security sector.

This funding is on top of the projects recently submitted to RDC to be funded by the different national agencies, said Governor

PROVINCIAL, P9

of memorandum of agreement for the establishment of provisional TVET training center in Sulu held on 21 February 2020 in Cotabato City.

Also in the photo is Minister Mohagher Iqbal. Contributed photo

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Sen. Go calls for impartiality inenator ABS-CBN franchise probe Christopher the truth by omission or

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Lawrence “Bong” Go on Monday demanded impartiality from ABSCBN as he denounced the alleged black propaganda aired by the network against then Davao City mayor and now President Rodrigo Duterte during the 2016 election campaign.

Go was referring to the negative advertisement which was paid for by then vice-presidential candidate Antonio Trillanes IV. ABS-CBN, on the other hand, failed to air some of the campaign ads paid by Duterte during the campaign period.

During Monday’s Senate public hearing on the network’s franchise, Go said the grievances of Duterte against the network are valid.

He cited the Fair Elections Act which states that “All members of media, television, radio or print, shall scrupulously report and interpret the news, taking care not to suppress essential facts nor to distort

improper emphasis. They shall recognize the duty to air the other side and the duty to correct substantive errors promptly”.

“It is unfair to allow a negative ad (to air) a week before the election and then not approve legitimate ads for then presidential candidate Mayor Duterte. It says so in the Fair Elections Act,” Go said in his opening statement during the hearing.

Enjoining ABS-CBN to rectify the issue, Go called for fair and balanced reporting from the network, saying “media networks are supposed to be neutral and impartial”.

“But if this is the case-if some media networks and some political elites and economic elites can get together and destroy the candidacy of one candidate, tama nga ang Pangulo na labanan ang mga elitista at oligarkiya na kasalukuyang naghahari sa ating bansa (then the President

SEN.GO, P9

Some 400 Pinoys aboard virus-hit Japan ship to return home: DOH

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he Philippines is set to bring home Tuesday more than 400 Filipinos aboard virus-stricken cruise ship Diamond Princess off Japan, the Department of Health said.

Two chartered �lights will bring home 456 passengers, 9 members of the DOH, and 6 of�icials of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), according to Health Secretary Francisco Duque.

The �lights will leave Haneda Airport at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m., he added. Upon arrival, the Filipinos will be quarantined at the New Clark City in Tarlac for 14 days, Duque said.

“Sisiguraduhin pa ‘yan na walang makakasama na may karamdaman,” Duque said.

(We still have to make sure no one with an illness will come along.)

“Maiiwan kapag merong sintomas. Hindi nila pwedeng pasakayin batay sa kanilang quarantine laws.”

(Those with symptoms will stay there. They’re not allowed to board based on Japan’s quarantine laws.)

As of 10 a.m. Tuesday, Philippine authorities are at the Yokohama Port for the disembarkation of the cruise ship’s Filipino crew, the DFA said.

The number of Filipinos onboard the ship who tested positive for the virus has risen to 81, Duque said, making it the biggest group of infected Filipinos yet.

The vessel, moored off the Japanese coast in Yokohama near Tokyo, has the biggest cluster of coronavirus infections outside the Chinese epicenter, with over 600 cases con�irmed among the 3,700 passengers and crew.

Senator Christopher Lawrence Go speaks during a gathering in Davao City in this undated photo. Go has demanded impartiality from ABSCBN as he denounced the alleged black propaganda aired by the

network against then Davao City mayor and now President Rodrigo Duterte during the 2016 election campaign. Lean Daval Jr

Mati to continue summer fun activities amid COVID-19 scare

By MAYA M. PADILLO he Local Government Unit of Mati City may continue its crowd-drawing summer activities this year amid the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) scare.

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Ben Jason Tesiorna, Mati City information of�icer, told media the Mati LGU is still awaiting guidelines from the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Department of Health (DOH) with regards to the holding of festivals and public events amid COVID-19 outbreak.

DOH along with the Department of the Interi-

or and Local Government (DILG) and the DOT released a joint statement announcing that “it is safe to organize and attend public gatherings, meetings and festivals as long as all precautionary measures identi�ied by the DOH are observed.”

“Yung summer fun activities namin initially the plan is to cancel pero with the recent advisory

from DOT, DILG, and DOH na puwede so we are contemplating on continuing with that pero hinihintay lang namin yung guidelines from the DOH and DOT kung paano, parang IRR to the effect,” Tesiorna said.

The agencies’ joint statement also read that the guidelines in handling guests in tourism enterprises during this global emergency are being implemented in hotels and resorts around the country even before the temporary travel ban, and facilities are equipped with infrared thermometers and hand sanitizers.

34th EDSA People Power celebration toned down

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With the decades-old hanging bridge recently decommissioned so the city government of Iligan can build a more sturdy bridge, residents of the coastal barangay of Tambacan (left side of the river) ride a “balsa”

to cross the narrow Tubod River going towards the old public market and vice versa. Passengers pay three pesos a ride after enduring a long queue. MindaNews photo by BOBBY TIMONERA

Summer fun activities in Mati City commence from April to June that will be highlighted with skimboarding, frisbee, art and culture, beach volleyball, and dance battle.

Apart from being the skimboarding destination in Davao Oriental, Mati City is also popular for its Summerfrolic hosting, the biggest beach party in the region, which gathers 7,000 partygoers from all over the country.

“Hopefully pag-makarating na sa amin ang guidelines from DOH and DOT, the summer fun would continue,” Tesiorna said.

he 34th anniversary of the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution was commemorated in a simpler and more solemn ceremony on Tuesday, of�icials said.

Only around 1,000 people, most of them government employees, attended the ceremony held at the EDSA People Power Monument, site of the historic mass uprising 34 years ago that toppled the Marcos regime.

“It is toned down to basically just the �lag ceremony and wreath-laying,” said Commissioner Joey Concepcion of EDSA People Power Commission.

The ceremony, which started at 8 a.m., lasted for only 12 minutes, according National Capital Region Police Of�ice (NCRPO) chief Police Major General Debold Sinas.

“The program �inished

orderly and peacefully. As of now, wala kami makitang nagra-rally. Nagiging safe,” Sinas said.

“Ngayon mas solemn siya, mas madali. Mga few government of�icers lang ang dumating, unlike before,” he added.

The NCRPO chief said he prefers the toned down ceremony.

According to Spirit of EDSA Foundation Inc. Commissioner Christopher Carrion, the program was scaled down in light of the COVID-19 threat and the Taal Volcano eruption.

“Now, we celebrated simple because of the coronavirus. And also the victims of Taal,” he said.

According to Concepcion, a bigger ceremony for the 35th anniversary of the revolution next year is being planned.

Other involved agencies

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Honda to ‘generously’ compensate PH workers affected by shutdown

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onda is shuttering its manufacturing operations in the Philippines in response to a global slowdown and 387 employees who will lose their jobs will be “generously compensated,” Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said Tuesday.

The Japanese carmaker cited higher production costs and lower volumes in the Philippines as among the reasons for its decision to shut its Santa Rosa City plant, Lopez said.

Other Honda plants in the UK, Mexico, Argentina and Turkey were also closed, he said. The Philippine facility in Laguna produces 8,000 units per year compared to 200,000 in Thailand.

“Sinasabi nila na global decision, ibig sabihin ang headquarters nila ang nag

decide nito dahil sa overall pati buong mundo humina rin ang negosyo ng Honda,” Lopez said.

(They’re saying its a global decision, which means it was the headquarters that decided because overall, even Honda’s global business declined) “Ang nangyari, syempre pag naghihigpitan ng sinturon, isasara nila ang medyo mababa ang volume, competitive ‘yung market at ‘yung cost nila ay mataas din,” he added.

(What happens is that if they need to tighten belts, they will close the one with lower volume, with a more competitive market and where their cost is higher) Despite the global car sales decline, Honda’s motorcycle business is expanding in the Philippines, Lopez said.

Global stocks tumble as gold soars on virus pandemic fears

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lobal stocks were hammered Monday and gold prices soared on safe-haven buying as fears mounted that the new coronavirus would derail economic growth.

Equity bourses were a sea of red, including in Italy and South Korea -- two countries outside of China that have suffered outbreaks of the virus in recent days. In the US, the Dow plunged more than 1,000 points in its worst session in more than 2 years.

"The market reaction is a classic 'sell now and ask questions later,'" said Quincy Krosby, chief market strategist for Prudential Financial, who said the selloff re�lects fears the virus will dent earnings growth.

Oil prices tumbled on worries about demand, while gold prices on the London Bullion Market spiked to $1,689.31 perounce, a level last seen in January 2013, before easing back somewhat as investors sought the precious metal as a safety measure

amid the market turbulence.

Investors have been unsettled by the spread of the disease, analysts said.

Italy reported its seventh death from the coronavirus, but of�icials called for calm and reported the number of infections slowing after a spike over the weekend.

South Korea's K-league postponed the start of the new football season as a leap in cases wrought havoc across its sporting calendar.

Meanwhile, the World Health Organization said the new coronavirus epidemic had "peaked" in China but warned that a surge in cases elsewhere was "deeply concerning" and all countries should prepare for a "potential pandemic."

US President Donald Trump on Twitter said the virus "is very much under control in the USA," adding that "stock markets are starting to look very good to me!"

GLOBAL, P9

President Rodrigo Duterte discusses matters with Asian Development Bank President Masatsugu Asakawa who paid a courtesy call on the President at the Department of Finance Building inside the Bangko

Sentral ng Pilipinas Complex in Manila on Monday evening. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

PH likely to get ‘A’ credit rating with passage of CITIRA, PIFITA

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n economist of Philippine National Bank (PNB) expects an upgrade to A-level of the country’s credit rating once legislators approve the remaining tax reform measures.

“The likelihood of reform implementation by government/Congress with favorable and lasting credit effects (strengthen public �inances and debt payment capacity) has improved over the next year or so,” PNB economist Jun Trinidad said in a report.

He identi�ied the crucial tax reform measures as the Corporate Income Tax and Incentives Rationalization Act (CITIRA) and the Passive Income and Financial Intermediary Taxation Act (PIFITA).

Trinidad considers CITIRA as the factor that

will provide the “supply response” from the companies that will bene�it from it since it will reduce corporate income tax (CIT).

He said savings that companies will incur as a result of lower taxes “could be deployed for upgrading production ef�iciency (e.g. new capacity or systems) or for boosting labor productivity e.g., staff training, acquiring new skill sets.”

The lower taxes will also support better dividend policy of companies, he said.

“For the SME (small and medium enterprises),

it is hoped that the lower CIT over time would improve the likelihood of tax compliance and thus improve collection ef�iciency of corporate income taxes.

We believe bene�its of the CIT cuts would offset the employment costs in the rationalization of �iscal incentives,” he added.

The report said PIFITA will “strengthen the savings culture and broaden household preference to invest in �inancial assets and not just in real assets, e.g. fancy cars.”

This as less than 40 percent of Filipino household access the formal banking system, it said.

Trinidad said the approval of these tax reform proposals “hopefully within the year and another investment credit rating upgrade from Fitch next year

PH LIKELY, P9

Tax collections from rice imports down 23.1% as of mid-February

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City government of Davao’s slaughterhouse manager Charlemagne Aldevera Jr says during an interview there has been a slump of the number of pigs for slaughtering in Davao City due to African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak. Lean Daval Jr

would burnish the appeal of local and foreign currency-denominated Philippine �inancial assets to offshore investment �lows.”

He cited Fitch Rating’s decision last February 11 to upgrade its stable outlook on the country’s ‘BBB’ investment grade rating to “positive”.

The debt rater changed its outlook on the country’s investment grade ratings after citing expectations that the government will sustain “adherence to sound macroeconomic policy framework that will support high growth rates with moderate in�lation, progress on �iscal reforms that should keep government debt within manageable levels, and continued resilience to its external �inances.”

ollections of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) from duties on rice imports have dropped by 23.1% as of mid-February, the Department of Finance (DOF) reported Monday.

Data released by the DOF showed that BOC collections from rice imports of private traders fell to P1.71 billion from January 1 to February 14 this year from the P2.22 billion in 2018.

President Rodrigo Duterte in February 2019 signed the Rice Tarif�ication Law, which liberalized the entry of imported rice into the Philippines.

Effective March 2019, the Philippines allowed the unlimited importation of rice as long as traders secure a phytosanitary permit from the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) and pay the 35% tariff for shipments from neighbors in Southeast Asia.

According to the DOF,

the BOC recorded a total of 2019,320 metric tons (MT) of rice from January 1 to February 14 this year.

This is 61.8% lower than the 759,810 MT brought into the country during the same period in 2019, when the RTL was not yet in effect.

"BOC collections from rice imports of private traders since the enactment of RA 11203 in March 2019 will bene�it palay growers as such revenues are earmarked for the annual P10-billion Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF)," the DOF said.

The RCEF was mandated to help rice farmers in the face of unrestricted �low of imported rice into the country. The P10-billion fund includes P5 billion for farm mechanization, and P3 billion to procure seedlings.

Non-government organization Integrated Rural

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VOL.12 ISSUE 253 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2020

EDITORIAL

Futility of an improper forum

If there was any good the Senate hearing on Monday over the much-ballyhooed ABS CBN franchise renewal, it earned the network huge gains in the stock market.

MSN.com reported that shares of ABS-CBN Corp. surged by 17% on Monday on account of the Senate hearing on the broadcast company’s franchise which is set to expire in the coming months. Imagine this, the company’s shares jumped to P23.00 apiece, up by P3.34 or 16.99% from last Friday’s �inish of P19.66 per share.

In the process, the company gained P2.878 billion in market capitalization to close Monday at P19.825 billion from P16.946 billion last Friday.

Speculations among traders are that the price went up as investors became optimistic over the renewal of the franchise while the Senate hearing took place.

One need not be an expert in business and stocks trading to surmise that the Senate hearing gave a chance for speculation that the franchise could get renewed.

The hearing was set up by some Senators sympathetic to the network after the Of�ice of the Solicitor General, led by Jose Calida, �iled a quo warranto petition against the broadcast network and asked the Supreme Court to drop the franchise of ABS-CBN Corp. and its subsidiary ABS-CBN Convergence Inc. The petition aimed put an end to what the OSG claimed it discovered to be highly abusive practices of ABS-CBN bene�itting a greedy few at the expense of millions of its loyal subscribers. According to Calida, these practices have gone unnoticed or were disregarded for years. What made the legal action interesting is that the petition was �iled even as the company’s franchise granted by Congress was set to expire next month, with bills seeking to renew the franchise still pending.

ABS-CBN maintained that it did not violate the law.

Monday’s hearing was a perfect stage for ABS CBN and their supporters to

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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

be seen and heard before a national audience and they played out to the script like multi-awarded actors. They went as far as apologizing, albeit conditionally, to President Rodrigo Duterte who had consistently threatened to oppose the renewal of ABS-CBN’s franchise, as he earlier claimed the network did not air political advertisements during the 2016 election campaign which were already paid for.

After Monday’s hearing, ABS CBN got the results they wanted--snowballing sympathy and surging stocks.

However, the futility of an improper forum disguised as a platform for future legislation will not decide the fate of the franchise. The battle is in the courts, then ultimately in a Congressional voting. ABS CBN or their supporters and other groups cannot just hurl accusatory statements anchored on press freedom, loss of livelihood or harassment. It must answer head on all the issues. Remember that in a quo warranto petition, the burden of proof is not on the accuser but on the accused. It is on the respondent and not the plaintiff.

As cited by the Supreme Court in the Sereno case: “In this jurisdiction, Vicente J. Francisco wrote in his book the Revised Rules of Court in the Philippines, that in quo warranto proceeding, the burden rests on the defendant or respondent, as against the State at least, to show his right to the of�ice from which it is sought to oust him. Moreover, since the object of such proceedings is to test the actual right to the of�ice, and not merely use color of right, it is incumbent upon the respondent to show good legal title, and not merely colorable one, for he must rely wholly on the strength of his own title.”

Certainly, ABS CBN walked away grinning from ear to ear after the close of both the Senate hearing and stock market. But the real battle is elsewhere and they need more than political support, charm and sympathy to win it.

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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VANTAGE POINTS

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HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

SAYING THANK YOU “In normal life, we hardly realize how much more we receive than we give, and life cannot be rich without such gratitude. It is so easy to overestimate the importance of our own achievements compared with what we owe to the help of others.” – Dietrich Bonhoeffer in Letters and Papers from Prison *** Laughter, says the Reader’s Digest, is “the best medicine.”

Unknowingly, saying thank you may also do the same trick.

I was reading a back issue of Reader’s Digest when I came across a feature written by Fred Bauer. “If you’re feeling left out, unloved or unappreciated, try reaching out to others. It may be just the medicine you need,” he wrote.

A.J. Cronin was a Scottish novelist who became famous for his literary works which included The Citadel, The Stars Look Down, and The Minstrel Boy. Before he became a bestselling author, he was a medical doctor.

“Once, he told of a colleague who gave an unusual prescription to patients af�licted with worry, fear, discouragement, or self-doubt,” Bauer wrote. “The doctor called it his ‘thank-you cure.’”

“For six weeks, I want you to say thank you whenever anyone does you a favour,” he was told. “And to show you mean it emphasize the words with a smile.” Within six weeks, most of the doctor’s patients reportedly showed great improvement.

There was this young man who told Norman Vincent Peale, one of America’s most beloved inspirational authors, about his secret of having a good life. “Every morning of the world, I give thanks for all the wonderful things in my life,” he said.

“And do you know something?” the young man continued. “It’s strange indeed, but the more I give thanks, the more I have reason to be thankful.

For, you see, blessings just pile up on me one after another like nobody’s business.”

In his book of collections of tales of courage and con�idence, Peale wrote: “This exultant expression interested me, for I well-remembered this young fellow and the long way he had come in achieving this attitude.

In his remarks, he had stated a basic law: the more you practice the art of thankfulness, the more you have to be thankful for.”

This, of course, is a fact!

“Thankfulness does tend to reproduce in kind,” Peale wrote.

“It reverses the �low of life’s good away from you and sets �lowing in your direction bene�its and opportunities.”

Even how busy we are, how hectic our schedules are, there is always a time to say those two words: Thank you. In his book, Peale quoted a long statement taken from the wisdom of a certain David Dunn: “None of us is ever too busy to pay his way. It takes only a few seconds to say a heart-warming ‘Than you.’

Probably no American of modern times lived a more hurried or hectic life than (President) Theodore Roosevelt. Yet, even on political campaign trips, when in the hustle and bustle, he might have been excused from thinking of other people, it was his custom as he left his private train to stop and thank the engineer and �ireman for a safe and comfortable trip. It took but a fraction of a minute of his time, but he had two more friends for the rest of his life. “‘Good politics,’ you may say. But good living too – for, after all, isn’t having friends the basis of happy living, as well as of successful politics?”

Ah, to be grateful. There

is no time nor place where you can say thanks. In his book, Dr. Louis Cady – who was trained in psychiatry at the world-famous Mayo Clinic, made his observation: “Thanks for nothing.

Whether or not one believes in a Supreme Being, the notion that there is nothing to be grateful for outside of the self is, in my professional opinion, the �irst step down a very slippery slope to nihilism, despair, self-pity, isolation of the self, depression, and death.

“If we have nothing to feel grateful for, let us abandon gratitude for the miracle of new life which emerges every season as the trees and �lowers bloom, and the cries of every newborn baby. If we have nothing to feel grateful for, let us abandon all love, respect, admiration and devotion to our parents who did the very best they could for us.

“If we have nothing to feel grateful for, let us state unequivocally that we care nothing for our marvellous bodies which, for most of us, carry us wherever we want to go and are capable of athletic mastery. Let us forget that with a moderate amount of exercise we can stay in �inely-tuned shape and live a minimum of our three-score

and ten years on this planet, enjoying our ‘holiday on earth.’”

American essayist and philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson offered this advice: “Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and to give thanks continuously. And because all things have contributed to your advancement, you should include all things in your gratitude.”

It’s never too late to give thanks, to appreciate what others have done for you, and to be grateful for the things you have. “Everyone enjoys being acknowledged and appreciated.

Sometimes even the simple act of gratitude can change someone’s entire day. Take the time to recognize and value the people around you and appreciate those who make a difference in your lives,” suggests Roy T. Bennet, author of The Light in the Heart.

Again, here’s Bauer, who inspired me to write this piece: “Thankfulness sets in motion a chain reaction that transforms people all around us – including ourselves. For no-one ever misunderstands the melody of a grateful heart. Its message is universal; its lyrics transcend all earthy barriers; its music touches the heaven.”

ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA FAST BACKWARD

SAN PEDRO FIESTA OF 1944 Two and half years after Davao was shelled on December 8, 1941, the aerial bombings designed to destroy enemy air�ields remained intense.

In the countryside, guerrilla units continued their attacks of Japanese detachments while distracting the invaders with pocket assaults.

In Davao City, where the Japanese dispensation was ensconced, there was a semblance of normalcy in the celebration of San Pedro �iesta. The Japanese-edited The Davao Times, in its June 29, 1944 edition, reported: “Though minus the pomp and lavishness of prewar days, Davao nevertheless today is celebrating the feast of its patron, St. Peter the Apostle, in the same cheerful atmosphere of old.

“Rousing the inhabitants early this morning, a brass band playing lively airs marched around the principal city streets to start the day.

Following the solemn religious services in the various churches, the inhabitants in droves attended the public activities…

“Among the ranking of�icials who attended this morn-

ing’s Roman Catholic masses were the command-in-chief of the Imperial Army in Mindanao and Sulu and Director Syuichi Nagasaki of the Liaison Of�ice for Mindanao and Sulu.”

Fiesta activities started as early as June 27, a Tuesday, with events lined up leading to the actual date of the �iesta. An amateur singing program was held that day, courtesy of Damdaming Pinagbuklod, a local civic society.

Declared winners of the contest were Flaviano Bueno, �irst; Adoracion Villano, second; Constancio Elayda, third; and a certain Andal, fourth. A special prize was given to Pedro Laviña (future Davao tourism regional director), Lavin Maningo, and Benjamin Pineda.

R. Dela Cruz, who played the guitar, obtained a special prize for his instrumental solo while Pantaleon del Rosario got a special prize for his declamation in the national language.

The board of judges was composed of Lily Paman, as chairman, and Nita Poster and Fe Cabarroguis, Federico Morales, and E. Te Eng Fo, as members.

On the eve of the �iesta, a

band concert was conducted at the City Hall Park, culminating in the coronation and a ball at the elementary school building. Declared as ‘Queen of East Asia’ was Corazon Arrieta, the local civic society’s bet, while the princesses of her court were Avelina Lavina, Modesta Bauan, and Florentina Arrieta. Atty. Pedro Quitain, andFumio Nakao, editor-in-chief of The Davao Times crowned the queen.

The other guests who attended the coronation included lawyers Cresensio Lascuña, (future Davao governor), Dominador Zuño (future Davao City councilor and judge), Domingo Braganza (former Davao governor), and Salvador Ibarreta (future regional trial court judge).

The members of society who graced the event included J. dela Cruz, R. dela Cruz, Felipe Te Eng Fo, Lily Paman, Lily Sereno, Delia Bauan, Amparo Reyes, Marina Datangel, and Gloria Reyes, who did some musical numbers.

The closing remarks were delivered by Manuel Medina, society president.

That same morning, softball was played in the provin-

cial diamond, where today’s People’s Park now stands. The �irst game was between Trading and Davao City, which the former won. This was followed by juego de anillo, a game involving contestants with a stick that would be inserted to a ring while on the run. This event was held in front of the City Hall.

The twice weekly wartime newspaper also reported that by noon patients con�ined at the Davao Hospital were treated to a lunch inside the in�irmary by the members of the Roman Catholic �iesta committee. In the afternoon, basketball games were played at the provincial building court between Junior Knights against PC Juniors, and the Radio against Picked Team.

More activities were held during the day. Prize awards for individual and group winners were distributed by So�ia Hizon (later Mrs. Velez), Leticia Sarenas, Vicenta Castillo (mother of the late House speaker Prospero Nograles), Patria Garcia (future wife of late southern Mindanao labor regional director Alberto Montemayor), Elsa Ebro (later Mrs. Almeda),

and Dr. Felicidad Villa-Abrille (future wife of Dr. Emmanuel V. Coronel).

The other events included a radio program broadcast at Station PICD, an amateur program at the City Hall Park, and the continuation of the public dance that commenced the night before at City Hall. There was also a Visayan-Cebuano drama shown at the former Ideal Theater.

In the evening, a religious program was held at Philippine Independent Church. Invited as speakers were commissioner and former prisons director Paulino Santos, Japanese liaison director Syuichi Nagasaki, Davao City mayor Juan Sarenas, Davao governor P.M. Sobrecarey, and Nakao. Another evening dance was hosted by the society at a hall in Showa Doori.

Social activities associated with the San Pedro �iesta since the post-Marcos regime have been con�ined to purely church-sponsored engagements. With the popularity of events related to the Davao City founding celebration and the Kadayawan festival, �iesta happenings are now con�ined in archdiocesan jurisdictions.

8 COMMUNITY SENSE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 253 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2020

Barangay tanods to augment manpower on checkpoints on ASF quarantine procedure

D

AVAO ORIENTAL – Bee�ing up efforts to prevent the African Swine Fever (ASF) from entering the province, the provincial government of Davao Oriental, through the Provincial Veterinarian’s Of�ice and the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Of�ice (PDRRMO), has recently conducted a Veterinary Quarantine Procedure Training for additional manpower set to become force multipliers in enforcing quarantine procedures for the ASF here.

Some thirty barangay tanods, who are also residents of the barangays where the checkpoints were strategically installed, have participated during the training held recently at the PDRRMO Operation Center.

Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Eric Dagmang said that the training will strengthen the enforcement of the checkpoints in the entry and exit points of the province.

“This has long been planned by the province after the ASF-affected the livestock in our

neighboring provinces, like Davao Occidental and Davao del Sur, and portion in Calinan, Davao City. Even before the African Swine Fever hit Mindanao, there were already measures implemented, like the two executive orders of Gov. Nelson Dayanghirang. The �irst was the creation of the ASF Task Force, and the banning of pork and pork products from ASF affected areas,” he explained Dr. Dagmang commended the big help of the authorities, the Philippine Army and the Philippine National

Police in the implementation of the quarantine.

However, since the quarantine is only a portion of the many tasks of the law enforcers, the province is capacitating personnel who will not only augment the manpower but also ef�iciently implement the ASF quarantine at the checkpoints.

These checkpoints are located in Barangay Maylaya in Cateel town, Barangay Carmen in Boston town, Barangay Pintatagan in Banaybanay, and Barangay Marayag in Lupon.

Dr. Dagmang added that they are now upgrading their measures against ASF. “After the �irst moves that we made, we are now into spraying (chemicals) on high-risk vehicles, particularly vehicles that are livestock carriers.

Before they can enter the province, we will be spraying on their tires.

Passengers are also asked to pass through the foot bath,” he said.

“We are also strictly

checking their documents like the veterinary health certi�icate and the veterinary shipping permit. Once they are not complied with, cargoes or the shipment will be sent back to their origin,” he added.

The Provincial Veterinarian appealed to the public to patronize local pork products to avoid problems and inconveniences, like con�iscation of their products, as they are trying their best to make considerations in dealing with intercepted products, like sending them back to their origin.

“The ASF has the biggest effect in the economy, particularly to the hog industry, and to the workers behind the industry. Let us not wait for this to happen. Let us not give any chance for the ASF to enter our province. So, we really need then public’s support and cooperation, since this is for the good of all and province,” he concluded. By Neela Duallo/Photos by Eden Jhan Licayan

VOL.12 ISSUE 253 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2020

EDGEDAVAO EVENT

WINES, CHOCOLATES AND CAREERS

DO WINE, chocolates and careers mix?

Some say it can’t be done, pairing wine with chocolate, but if you choose the right wine to complement the right chocolate it can be a remarkable pairing opportunity. Whether you are pairing the sometimes subtle, creamy nuances of delicate white chocolate or the lively bold tones of dark chocolate with a favorite wine, they’re going to be a good pair out there.

For one, Cabernet Sauvignon and dark chocolate usually work well together, and if there was to be one generic chocolate and wine suggestion, it would be this one. Because Cabernet Sauvignon is generally full-bodied, it needs to be matched with intense flavours, so turning up the cocoa content in the choco-

Participants listen to the career talk at the recruitment activity.

Musicians performed acoustic songs at the Sweet Rhythms career socials held at the Lobby of Aeon Towers.

By NEILWIN JOSEPH BRAVO

late is key.

Simply put, chocolate is delicious; wine is delicious; eating chocolate while drinking wine is doubly delicious.

What if we throw another element to the mix? Say, careers.

Professional careers like sales agents. Aren’t they a perfect troika?

Matching wine with chocolate is all about balance. While Guest speaker Jan Ocampo speaks on Sweet treats, pastries and wine were served to the guests at the Sweet Rhythms event building a real estate career at the Aeon there are several factors to held at the Lobby of Aeon Towers. consider, finding the right balLuxe career socials. ance needn’t be complicated; It’s the very same nature in marked the awarding of the Aeon Towers. simply look at the most obvious sales. It’s all about balance too. company’s top sellers for JanuAnd as the theme of the event characters of both the wine and Agents deal with different perary. suggested, sweet treats and red the chocolate – they can be rich, sonalities and hence, like wine Guest speaker Jan Ocampo, wine were served aside from light, full-flavoured, bitter, dry and chocolate, a perfect pairing the founder of the financial blog the delectable meals prepared or sweet. is required.

“The Present,” gave an engaging for the guests. Sweet Rhythms With that in mind, Davaotalk on how to build a career on is the first of a series of recruitbased property developer Aeon real estate. ment activities of Aeon Luxe Luxe Properties, Inc. hosted a Aeon Luxe SVP for Sales Properties, the property develrecruitment event at the Aeon Andrew Bautista and Sales Diopment arm of FTC Group of Towers Lobby last February 17. rector Giovanni Marasigan each Companies.

Geared towards creating Dubbed as ‘Sweet Rhythms: offered insightful talks on Aeon transformative communities, Wine and Chocolates Career Luxe and first-hand perspecSocials,’ the event aimed to tives on the real estate business. Aeon Luxe Properties, Inc. envisions to build integrated, gather prospective agents and Guests enjoyed a night of brokers to become part of the good music with acoustic rendi- innovative developments designed to have a positive impact Aeon Luxe sales team. tions from IKendi Duo. In adAeon Luxe Sales team led by Sales Director Giovanni Marasigan (5th from left) presents in the life of customers.

Around 200 participants dition, they were given a sneak the certificate of achievement to Defcon Real Estate Marketing for being the top That sure is a heady mix. attended the event, which also peek of the actual condo units at brokerage earner for January 2020.

EDGED

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UP AND ABOUT

EVENT

GLOBE UNVEILS SAMSUNG S20 SERIES AND GALAXY Z FLIP POSTPAID PLANS

EXPERIENCE your next breakthrough with the newest installation to the iconic Samsung Galaxy Series and Globe’s ThePLAN and ThePLATINUM plans.

The recently launched Samsung Galaxy S20 Series, consisting of S20, S20+ and the new S20 Ultra, raises the bar higher with unmatched specs designed to challenge the limits of mobile photography and performance.

The Galaxy S20 Ultra shatters global records with its 108MP quad rear cameras with 100x SuperZoom and 40MP selfie camera. Meanwhile, the Galaxy S20 and the Galaxy S20+ are packed with 12MP cameras with 64MP sensors (1/1.7-inch) for up to 30x digital zoom. All three phones are equipped with revolutionary 8K 24fps video recording capable of capturing ultra-high resolution images ranging up to 33MP. The entire series also packs with high-capacity 5000mAH battery, 12GB + 128GB internal memory, and the signature Samsung Wireless PowerShare for reverse charging.

The beginning of the new decade also hails Samsung’s newest bold move in the rebirth of the foldable phone trend - the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip. The Z Flip improves on its predecessor, the Samsung Galaxy Fold’s foldable size for a better experience in device holding, and boasts a 6.7” full screen capability designed with Ultra Thin Glass technology.

Get ready to #OwnIt with Globe and the new Samsung S20 series and Samsung Galaxy Z Flip. Preorder the Samsung S20 series with Globe’s ThePLAN 1499 via the Globe Online Shop (shop.globe.com.ph) until February 25, 2020. Postpaid and Platinum customers may also take home their own Samsung Galaxy Z Flip with ThePLAN 1799 and ThePLATINUM Plan 3799 via the Globe Online Shop or visiting the nearest Globe store.

Learn more about ThePLAN and ThePLATINUM plan offerings for the new Samsung S20 and Galaxy Z Flip series via globe.com.ph. Don’t forget to follow Globe on Facebook and Twitter for more updates.

ABREEZA HOLDS FILM FESTIVA FEATURING SHORT FILMS SHOT AT THE MALL

HEARTS AND ARTS COLLIDE at Ayala Malls Abreeza as it showcases nine short films by aspiring local filmmakers, all with unique stories of kilig.

In celebration of both Valentine’s month and National Arts Month, Abreeza partnered with Davao-based filmmakers’ collective Pasalidahay and the Film Development Council of the Philippines to launch the Davao Kilig Film Festival, Mindanao’s first ever rom-com film festival.

The film festival posed an exciting challenge to aspiring participants: They had to shoot their rom-com short films entirely at Ayala Malls Abreeza over a 48-hour period. Finalist teams would then vie for the Best Picture honor, which entitles them to P25,000, and the Jury Prize

worth P15,000.

The Davao Kilig Film Festival kicked off with an initial application period during which dozens of storylines for short film ideas were submitted by teams of professionals, students, enthusiasts, friends, and first-time filmmakers coming from various disciplines.

Nine teams emerged as finalists: Friends Into Film, Mikappa Productions, Pronoia Films, Gatch Productions, Healthy Habits, Late Eight Productions, Momshmallows, CODE Productions, and The Storyteller Films.

After attending a masterclass taught by Pasalidahay co-founder and award-winning Davaoeño filmmaker Bagane Fiola, the nine teams embarked on the 48-hour filmmaking challenge from February 15 to 16, with deadline of finished output on February 17.

At the Premiere Night held on

February 21, the finalists got to debut the fruits of the 48-hour filmmaking challenge to an audience at the Activity Center: Friends Into Film’s Yors, Mikappa Productions’ Pagkab-ot, Pronoia Films’ Eyes with Wonder, Gatch Productions’ Love in a Bottle, Healthy Habits’ Plus Size, Late Eight Productions’ Puso Puso Puso, Momshmallows’ Secret Valentine, CODE Productions’ Love over the Rainbow, and The Storyteller Films’ Kitang Duha.

From February 22 to 23, free

screening allowed o ness this love, laug Judgin put is a p of Angely nizer, an Benjamin writer, pr the 2nd C dent Film Prize win Palay; an of Sleeple gal sa Un

EDAVAO

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VOL.12 ISSUE 253 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2020

ENTERTAINMENT

THE PUSSYCAT DOLLS ANNOUNCE THEIR FIRST TOUR IN 10 YEARS!

The era defying, chart-topping, button-pushing, mega-group are back! The Pussycat Dolls have announced they are reuniting for a world tour, performing together for the first time in over a decade.

The voices of a generation will be taking their Pussycat Dolls 2020 Tour to Manila on Saturday, May 9 at the Mall of Asia Arena. Presented by Wilbros Live.

The multi-platinum pop sensations – Nicole Scherzinger, Ashley Roberts, Kimberly Wyatt, Jessica Sutta and Carmit Bachar are bringing back Doll Domination.

Having sold more than 54 Million records worldwide and streamed over 1 Billion times, X2 Winners at the MTV VMA and achieved eight U.K. top 10 singles the dolls have Stick Wit Ya throughout the decades.

Nicole Scherzinger says “I love all my girls so much and cannot wait to show you what we’ve got in store for you. It’s been a long time coming but this feels like the perfect time to remind the world what

VAL

gs at the Restaurant Row other mall-goers to wits weekend celebration of ghter, and local talent. ng the finalist teams’ outpanel of judges made up y Chi, writer, artist, organd Pasalidahay convenor; n Chicote Garcia, actor, roducer, and director of Cinemalaya Indepenm Festival Special Jury nner Batad: Sa Paang nd Prime Cruz, director ess, Ang Mananangnit 23B, Can We Still Be

it means to be a Pussycat Doll”.

Robin Antin, founder of The Pussycat Dolls says “I created The Pussycat Dolls back in 1994 and never in my wildest dreams would I have thought it would become one of the most iconic girl groups of our time. I’ve been working on making this reunion happen now for years, so I am very excited that the stars have aligned for THE PCD REUNION! It’s with gratitude to our fans and during this amazing time of female empowerment, to be able to announce the launch of our PCD reunion, celebrating ALL GENDERS, & the

brilliant success and talent of the girls that helped influence a movement that was long overdue”.

The Pussycat Dolls will embark on a world tour bringing their chart-topping hits such as ‘Don’t Cha’, ‘Stickwitu’, ‘When I Grow Up’, ‘Buttons’, and many more fan favorites back to life with their iconic dance routines and showstopping vocals.

Tickets to Pussycat Dolls 2020 Tour in Manila will go on-sale on Saturday, February 29 at 10am via SMTickets.com. For more information, visit any SM Ticket outlets or call 8470-2222.

SEN. NANCY BINAY PENS CYBERBULLYING EXPERIENCE IN “CHARCOAL CONFESSIONS” BOOK SENATOR NANCY BINAY has launched “Charcoal Confessions: 46 Home-Brewed Tips vs.

Online Bullying,” a new book where she detailed her experience with cyberbullying and imparted lighthearted ways to project positivity amidst online harassment.

“After three heatintensive years of being the center of online hate, there are many personal realizations that somehow led me to understand the feelings of those who have been bullied in social

Friends, The Debutantes, and the recent blockbuster Isa Pa, with Feelings starring Maine Mendoza and Carlo Aquino.

The Davao Kilig Film Festival culminates in the awards night on February 29, with director Prime Cruz gracing the ceremony to award the Best Picture and Jury Prize winners.

For updates and more information on the Davao Kilig Film Festival, like @AbreezaMall on Facebook and follow @abreezatweets on Twitter and @iloveabreezamall on Instagram.

media and the painful experiences they’ve been through,” she said.

“Charcoal Confessions,” published by ABSCBN Books, is a product of the senator’s self-reflection and features tips on dealing with online bullies based on her own experience with bashers and also the experience of her family.

She also underscored her inspiration for writing the book. “Truth be told, social media has negatively impacted today’s generation. It has become

more of an obsession rather than a way to help build relationships and encourage communication,” Senator Binay said.

“This is why I wanted to share how my perspective and positive attitude about life helped me in my journey towards healing,” she added, citing that the new read has tips on rebuilding one’s self worth and becoming self-aware and tips on ‘taking all the bad and making something good out of it.’

“Charcoal Confes-

sions” follows the success of her first social media manual, “Make Love Not War,” also published by ABS-CBN Books featuring her collaboration with social media celebrity/ parody Senyora Santibanez.

Find amusing ways to counter cyberbullying with Sen. Nancy Binay’s “Charcoal Confessions,” now available in ABSCBN Store, Lazada, and Shopee and in leading bookstores nationwide for only P299.

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EVENTAND CULTURE ARTS TRAVEL TECH

EDGE EDGEDAVAO DAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE ISSUE 253 223 ••216 WEDNESDAY, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, VOL.12 VOL.12 ISSUE ISSUE 219 • TUESDAY, • FRIDAY,FEBRUARY JANUARY 26, 17, 14, 2020

NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINENEW ELIMINATES SINGLESONY INTRODUCES GP-VPT2BT ACOUSTIC NIGHTS ON HEARTS DAY 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 enIT’S a one-of-a-kind community,” he Line said. to replace of content creation abled the Cruise love potion only Theoff wants tovlogs show ranging from to all Limon single-use plastic water Royal Mandaya Hotel the beauty of Dagmay travel photography /he bottles across its 17-shipasfleet, can brew.with has clients who its are looking for videography tomost simple beginning recent A flirty acoustic clothes andnight accessories made everyday use,of the new ship, Norwegian Encore. rhythms, romantic serenade, by theoffers Mandayas.

He saidof they grip optimum The achievement is one the classical piano, and onforward top of noticed that some Pasalubong stability and comfort latest sustainable steps that, a titillating wine and dine centers including Davao City’s combined with cablefor Norwegian Cruise Line.

In treat. connectivity free and a 2018, the Company eliminated Aah, Valentine’s Day as only reliable dust moissingle-use plasticand straws across Thefleet Royal Hotel can. ture resistant its andMandaya privatedesign. destinaTheand hotel’s Cafe Compatible with aofvariety tions, as aKamayo result this and Mezannine Flooritcamerbecame of Sony’s latest digital most recent initiative, will Davao City’s epicenter for the as, the GP-VPT2BT connects replace over six million singleyear’s most intimate romantic easily via Bluetooth, allowing use plastic water bottles every experience.

Hearts must have creators to simply aim and year.

In addition, the brand is shrieked toeliminate intensity levels that shoot without interfering working to single-use could break seismographs.

But cables or exposed inputs.

The plastic shampoo and condibefore weincludes go into borders new grip athis useful tioner bottles laterthe year.tilt of exaggeration, thefor thing feature that allows flexible These efforts are driven by is, TRMH’s Valentine’s Day vertical angle adjustment as the Company’s Sail & Sustain “Acoustic celebration well as theNights” ability to switch Environmental Program, which definitely heartwarmer. from normala to self-shooting is its commitment to minimize Diners enjoyed a European mode with ease. Additionalwaste to landfills, reduce its

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

JUST is 100% spring water in a plant-based carton. The carton Part of highlight is made ofthe 82%night’s renewable mateis awarding the Best Dressed rials – the paper carton is made Couple of the night by from trees grown in won responRenty and Jesseforests Dellona. sibly-managed and the Guests also invited to join cap andwere shoulder are made the party at the newlyfromafter a sugarcane-based plastic. opened Club and Cabana with a It is refillable recyclable. live JUSTmusic has aentertainment global presenceby DJ Julian Rodriguez where with bottling facilities in food Glenn and are 20% off.

Falls,drinks NY; Ballymena, Northern TRMH expressed Ireland; and Ballarat, thanks Australia, to theallowing Events Library for theto thus the company incredible decoration, FineLab meet demand around the world Finissimo Food Group, Inc. for without shipping water from a the wines, Dillemasource.

Duo and single production JUST Mr. de the Leon for effitheir takesEphraim care to use most music entertainment. cient shipping options available.

(Celebrate special moments For more information about at The RoyalCruise Mandaya Norwegian Line Hotel. ships For and future and inquiries their itineraries, or toreserbook vations (082) 225-8888 or a cruise,call please contact a travel check for some updates professional, callpromo 888-NCLthrough their socialormedia CRUISE (625-2784) visit accounts.) www.ncl.com.

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Aldevinco do not carry Dagmay cloth.

Cuisine dinner buffet with a glass of Verdejo Sauvignon while being serenaded by Dillema Duo and some classical piano pieces by Ephraim de Leon, Jr. Dating couples, CO2 emissions rate,families increaseand bunch of friends whoand opted for sustainable sourcing invest date had a worthwhile ly,aingroup itemerging has an adjustment wheel technologies. experience the hotel with can be loosened orspecial tightened “This is aat very and its tovalentine-themed allow for seamless operavery proud momentambiance for us,” and great food.

The and tion cameras of paella different saidwith Harry Sommer, president seafood set thegrip mood sizes weights.

The and and chiefentrees executive officer of for aincludes gastronomic journey (not also a flip button, inNorwegian Cruise Line. “As even minding onwe Valendicator light andthat lock switch, a leading cruise line, are

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

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

“Wethis willisevaluate their free shooting.

While just the pa beginning tine dates, couples normally capacity and kung willing sila The GP-VPT2BT Wireless of what we and others can do, are tooincredibly shy indulge on makipag-collaborate,” he food). said.

Shooting Griptowill be availwe are committed

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.”

And there’sand the founded french by Envisioned macaroons for dessert.

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

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naa pud mi sanitation na ginasunod. Every now and then we coordinated with NMIS,” Aldevera said.

As part of the campaign to keep the country free from ASF, NMIS released last year the Memorandum Order No. 2019-01-0017 directed to Regional Technical Directors, Acting Regional Technical Directors, Of�icer-in-Charge and all Meat Inspection Of�icers to support the national efforts on increasing awareness and preparedness on the said disease.

The memorandum encourages everyone to ensure that only swine/ pigs with valid Veterinary Health Certi�icate (VHC) and/or shipping permits are accepted in slaughterhouses, be vigilant in the conduct of meat inspection

in all meat establishments in your respective areas of concern, assure proper disposal of condemned carcasses and parts.

The memorandum also maintain thorough cleaning and disinfection of personal protective equipment (PPEs), tools, equipment and premises using appropriate disinfectants after every operation; and should there be suspected occurrence, NMIS and Deputized Meat Inspection Of�icers to report immediately to their immediate supervisors in their respective Regional Technical Operations Center (RTOC) for disease, investigation and appropriate action and for RTDs/ ARTDs/ OICs to immediately notify and submit an of�icial report to the NMIS Central Of�ice.

place; and, Consuelo M. Somera in the third place.

Winners under this category also took home cash prizes amounting to P50,000, P30,000, and P20,000, respectively.

In the school category, three elementary and three high school pupils bagged the placer awards with the same cash prizes as the GSB winners.

In the elementary level, the �irst placer was Ludivina S. Maningo from Cadalian Elementary School; the second placer is Arnel C. Saballa from San Roque Central Elementary School; and, the third placer is Rey B. Cadiena from Mabini Elementary School.

The consolation prize winners were Marissa U. Ampog from Pegdalahan Elementary School; Esmeralda P. Mamac of Malabog Central Elementary School; Editha P. Agualan of Biao Escuela Elementa-

ry School; Candy A. Owe of Binugao Central Elementary School; Luzviminda F. Cuevas of Maa Elementary School; Vergie G. Tamayo of Bunawan Elementary School; Ana Villa A. Montero of Gatungan Elementary School; and, Amparo M. Serrano of Doña Asuncion Hizon Elementary School.

Each also received P5,000.

For the high school level, the three placers were Dilbert S. Bawiga from Sta. Ana National High School (�irst), Arnel S. Saballa from Tapak National High School (second), and Jocelyn D. Mantiles from Tacunan National High School (third).

Under the same level, consolation prize winners were Josephine Attos from G. Astilla Minority National High School, Zenaida M. Ibuos from Talomo National High School, and Nelma May D. Omo from Latawan National High School. CIO

tice, and prosperity in the Bangsamoro.

“We are slowly reaping the bene�its of peace since the creation of the new Bangsamoro Government under the Duterte administration,” said Iqbal.

He added more investments are coming in to BARMM because of region’s favourable peace and order situation, which is a result of the peace

accord and the establishment of new Bangsamoro regional government.

“We need to ensure that the region is ready to produce skilled workers for existing and upcoming industries in the BARMM,” said Iqbal.

Iqbal said the training center is hoped to supply skilled workers for industries in the province of Sulu and nearby areas.

in the ceremony were the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, Department of Education, Department of the Interi-

or and Local Government, Presidential Communications Operations Of�ice, and the and Metro Manila Development Authority.

“In our view, Fitch stands ready to hike the country’s investment credit rating upgrade to the next level if we see passage of key �iscal and macro reform measures, closing in on the coveted ‘A’ ratings,” he said.

Trinidad further said these proposed measures will further strengthen public �inances and improve the state’s capacity to spend and address shortterm losses in employment, incomes, impact of natural

disasters on infrastructure, among others.

These measures are also projected to sustain low risk of debt default, he said.

“A key market positive given this backdrop is we expect less episodes of long-term debt yields spiking up (or extreme market sell-down(s) in reaction to �iscal funding risk amid correlation of local bond yields with US treasuries,” he added. (PNA)

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is correct that we should �ight elites and oligarchs who are presently controlling our country),” Go said.

Go said the network should stay true to its slogan of serving the Filipino nation. “’Di ba sabi ninyo po, ‘in the service of the Filipino nation’? Ganun din po ako, serbisyo sa Pilipino, so unahin natin ang interes ng Pilipino (Didn’t you say, in the service of the Filipino nation? Me too, in the service of the Filipino, so let’s prioritize the interest of the Filipinos),” Go said.

“Trabaho ko, my job as a legislator, is to vote according to conscience, and my conscience is with the Filipino people,” he added.

Go, former Special Assistant to the President, said Duterte wants nothing but balanced and fair reporting from the media.

“Fair reporting: that is all the President wants. Ano lang po ang totoo (Only the truth). Nothing more, nothing less,” he said.

The lawmaker from Davao City then urged the

network to reveal the truth regarding the unaired paid ads and the black propaganda against Duterte.

“If you want fair reporting, then ilabas ninyo ang katotohanan kung bakit nasaktan ang Pangulo.

Mayroong mga media na mas priority pa nila ilabas ang sa tingin nilang mali at mapanira, kaysa ilabas ang mabuting pagseserbisyo na binibigay sa mga kapwa Pilipino (then air why the President was hurt. Some media, their priority is to air wrong and damaging content, and not good services to the Filipinos),” he said.

Amid his appeal for impartiality, Go expressed his concern for ABS-CBN employees who could lose their job if its franchise will not be renewed after it expires this year.

“Nonetheless, kung ako po ang tatanungin (if I will be asked), I will also appeal to the President, for the simple reason na ayaw ko na may mawalan ng trabaho (that I don’t want people to lose their jobs),” Go said. (PR)

Dayanghirang, relaying the statement of Secretary Avisado.

Governor Dayanghirang tasked the Provincial Task Force ELCAC Vice Chairman Mr. Ednar Dayanghirang to assist the barangays in the preparation of the project proposals. “This is timely because

we already required the barangays to activate their respective Barangay Development Council,” he said.

The projects endorsed by the PDC is set to be forwarded to the RDC XI which in turn will endorse these projects to the concerned national agencies.

PIO

Development Foundation (IRDF) earlier said that the fund was not enough to cater to the local farmers.

IRDF executive director Arze Glipo said that should

the fund be divided equally among local farmers, they will only receive �inancial assistance of P4,000 each, far from their losses reaching as high as P30,000.

Kobe and Gianna's faces and jersey numbers everywhere in Los Angeles and beyond.

"All we can do is to be grateful for the time we had with them," said the late night talk show host and comedian.

Among other celebrities attending the memorial were �ilmmaker Spike Lee -who was close friends with Bryant and directed a documentary on his life -- and rapper Snoop Dogg, an avid Lakers fan.

Many of the fans lucky enough to nab one of the much sought-after 20,000 tickets for the memorial wore the gold and purple colors of the Lakers as they headed for the two-and-ahalf hour ceremony being held amid tight security.

"Kobe meant everything for this city, for this team and for me," said Karen San-

chez, 41, as she waited with friends to enter the arena. "I watched him play from the beginning."

Marcos Rojas, 23, another ticketholder, said Bryant's January 26 death near Los Angeles had been devastating to fans like him who worshipped the player.

"For me, it was like losing a friend," said Rojas, who wore a Lakers jersey with Kobe's number.

"I always watched him playing with my friends," he told AFP. "I always picked Kobe to play in my video games. I couldn't leave home the day of his passing."

Those attending the memorial were given a 24page program with pictures of Bryant and his family as well as a pin and black T-shirt featuring images of Kobe and his daughter on the back.

fans gathered daily outside Staples Center to commiserate after the crash.

Symbolic meanings will run throughout the ceremony, which will be held on a 24-foot-by-24-foot stage.

Vanessa Bryant, Kobe's wife and Gianna's mother, chose

Feb. 24 as the date in honor of the uniform numbers of Kobe and Gianna, who wore No. 2 on her youth basketball teams.

A private funeral was held for Kobe and Gianna Bryant in Orange County on Feb. 7.

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Trump's comments aimed to encourage bargain-hunting after major US indices ended down more than three percent, with all 11 industrial sectors tumbling.

Earlier, European stock markets were a sea of red, with Frankfurt and Madrid falling by 4 percent, Paris shedding 3.9 percent and London losing 3.3 percent.

"The root of the problem is this: there is burgeoning fear that the shutdown effect that has hit China's economy is going to take over elsewhere, dealing another blow to glob-

al growth, and earnings growth prospects," commented Patrick O'Hare at Brie�ing.com.

Travel and tourism linked �irms were particularly vulnerable, with Sydney-listed airline Qantas plunging more than seven percent, and Air China off by nearly six percent in Hong Kong.

An exception was Gilead Sciences, which surged 4.6 percent following upbeat comments from a World Health Organization of�icial about the company's remdesivir, an experimental drug to treat the virus.

“only MCCCs can distribute cannabis medications to patients. If the new law passes, only these facilities, medical marijuana patients and caregivers will be exempt from civil and criminal liability.”

The Cannabis Act has set number of conditions to qualify patients for medical marijuana treatments.

Among the debilitating conditions included are cancer, glaucoma, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord damage or intractable spasticity, post-traumatic stress disorder, human immunode�iciency virus and acquired immune de�iciency syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis or other chronic autoimmune in�lammatory disorders, and admission to hospice care.

It must be pointed out here that marijuana isn’t legalized yet in the country. The penalty for possession has some serious consequences, depending on the amount a person carries. If the authorities catch a person carrying ten grams or more, the penalty ranges from life in prison to the death penalty and a �ine ranging from half million to 10 million pesos.

If it is between �ive and ten grams, the penalty ranges from 20 years to life imprisonment and a �ine ranging from P400,000 to P500,000. If it is less than �ive grams, the penalty is 12 to 20 years in prison and a �ine ranging from P300,000 to P400,000.

By just possessing a drug paraphernalia and equipment, the penalty is six months to four years in prison and ranging from P10,000 to P50,000.

Historical records show the use of marijuana dates back as far as 12,000 years, according to information in the book Marihuana: The First Twelve Thousand Years. This makes the plant among humanity’s oldest cultivated crops.

“For the most part, it was widely used for medicine and spiritual purposes," during pre-modern times, said Barney Warf, a professor of geography at the University of Kansas in Lawrence. The Vikings and medieval Germans reportedly used cannabis for relieving pain during childbirth and for toothaches.

Newsweek, the American weekly news magazine, reported that hash, the potent form of marijuana, was a common cure for lockjaw and other nagging, painful

diseases throughout the 19th century. It was also used as an anesthetic. “An archaeological �ind in the city of Beit Shemesh uncovered hashish in the stomach of the 1,623-year-old remains of a 14-year-old girl who had died in childbirth,” it said.

“The idea that this is an evil drug is a very recent construction,” and the fact that it is illegal is a “historical anomaly,” Warf said.

“The history of cannabis prohibition in the Western world is a long one, often interspersed with tangents into the history of race and class relations, economics and military history,” the Newsweek said. In 1798, Napoleon Bonaparte made it a crime for his French soldiers to smoke hashish they had developed a taste for while conquering Egypt.

Cannabis plants are believed to have evolved on the steps of Central Asia.

The plant was introduced into the United States at the start of the 20th century – no thanks to Mexican, who were �leeing from their country during the Mexican Revolution of 19101911, according to Agata Blaszczak-Boxe, contributing writer for Live Science.

“Many early prejudices against marijuana were thinly veiled racist fears of its smokers, often promulgated by reactionary newspapers,” Warf wrote in his report. “Mexicans were frequently blamed for smoking marijuana, property crimes, seducing children and engaging in murderous sprees.”

Two years ago, when the year was about to end, Newsweek carried a special report believing 2018 will go down in history as “a year of global change” – as far as marijuana was concerned.

“We’ve seen massive changes overtake a global cannabis culture already establishing itself at a remarkable pace,” the American weekly magazine pointed out. “Canada has joined Uruguay as the second country in the world to legalize cannabis for adult use, markets in the U.S. are growing with every election season, and even countries like Lebanon – whose long-standing diplomatic efforts with the West and its drug warriors caused a long tradition of excellent cannabis to fall by the wayside – are rethinking their relationship to the plant.”

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VOL.12 ISSUE 253 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2020

MARIJUANA: TO BE OR NOT TO BE

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

M

arijuana (scientific name: Cannabis sativa) is the news again not because of its illegal use but due to its medicinal properties.

The Dangerous Drugs Board has approved “in principle” a resolution which allowed the use of cannabidiol (CBD) “for alleviating severe forms of epilepsy,” according to a news report by Philippine Daily Inquirer. CBD is a non-psychoactive component of marijuana. Unlike the real thing, it won’t get a person high.

Epilepsy is the name for a group of disorders of the brain characterized by a tendency to recurrent seizures or convulsions or “�its.” In the Philippines, an estimated 750,000 people have epilepsy.

The Geneva-based World Health Organization (WHO) estimates some 50 million people around the world with epilepsy.

“A vast majority of people with epilepsy in many resource-poor regions do not receive treatment,” the United Nations health agency points out.

Without treatment, people with epilepsy can suffer psychological distress, physical injuries and social stigma. “More than 70% of patients who are treated with anti-epileptic drugs are fee from seizures within 5 years of diagnosis,” the WHO says.

One of those identi�ied treatments is CBD. “In humans, CBD exhibits no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential,” the WHO says. “To date, there is no evidence of public health-related problems associated with the

use of pure CBD.” A couple of years back, when asked by a television reporter on the subject of marijuana, President Rodrigo R. Duterte replied: “Medical marijuana, yes, because it is really an ingredient of modern medicine.

There are medicines being developed, or are now in the market, that contain marijuana for medical purposes.”

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo explained that the president was in favor of “controlled” and “regulated use of marijuana for medical purposes.” The president strongly, however, opposed to the use of marijuana as a recreational drug.

Should the use of marijuana for medical purposes be legalized in the country?

This was what the author in his social media account recently. There were several who shared their thoughts.

The �irst person to make his comment was a medical doctor. “Medical marijuana is used for ‘palliative care’ (for chronic pain, nausea for patients undergoing chemotherapy, certain seizure disorders, etc.),” he explained. “There are ‘conventional’ medicines with fewer side effects that can address these conditions.

Legalizing medical marijuana is going to create more problems that it seeks to treat. We must be careful what we wish for.”

A friend, whose father had a cancer, shared this sentiment: “There are regulated drugs that you can buy in pharmacies that require prescription from doctors. I just can’t remember the color codes

but when I was at the pharmacy, I was interrogated.

Strict veri�ication was done before I was given that strong pain reliever for my dad. Should marijuana be legalized for medical purpose, it should follow the same regulation?”

A journalist from Cagayan de Oro City seemed to go for it.

“If it’s for medication, why not?” To which another one added, “As long as it is used for medical purposes.”

Another journalist from Manila, a female, also voted for the legalization of medical marijuana. “A lot of cultures, including ours, have long used marijuana for its medicinal properties. It’s just like a cough syrup; it’s bad if you take too much. It’s time we harness marijuana’s medicinal properties.”

But there are also those who oppose it. “So, you want more drug abuse in the Philippines?” one inquired. Another contem-

plated: “Cigarettes are more harmful than cannabis. So legal is not always ethical.”

It must be recalled that in 2014, Isabela representative Rodolfo Albano III �iled House Bill No. 4477 – the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Act. The Philippine Daily Inquirer described the bill as a “hotly-debated topic.”

“We are at this stage, we have Filipinos who need care, we should give them compassionate care - this

medical cannabis. There are a lot of medicines, but they are expensive,” Leah Paquiz, one of the bill’s co-authors, was quoted as saying.

The bill was rejected during the 16th Congress.

But in 2017, the House of Representatives Committee on Health approved House Bill 180 or the Philippine Compassionate Medical Cannabis Act. “The legalization of HB 180 has a long way to go,” the website, marijuanadoctors.com observed. “It will likely be revised countless times and go through a series of debates and amendments. Then, it will go to a vote in the House of Representatives, and a counterpart will be voted on by the Senate. Only once it’s approved by both houses will it go before the president to either sign or veto. The bill has some vocal detractors, so it may take a while to pass.”

The website said that only the Medical Cannabis Compassionate Centers (MCCCs) and Medical Cannabis Research and Safety Compliance Facilities licensed by the Department of Health “will be authorized to cultivate medical marijuana.” In addition,

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GIRL POWER. Female footballers take it to the pitch in the Women's Open division of the AIA Philam Life 7s Davao Football Tournament over the weekend at the Azuela Cove pitch.

Jordan sheds tears B for 'little brother'

Luisita starts defense of PAL Interclub seniors title

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OS ANGELES - A tearful Michael Jordan on Monday remembered his "little brother" Kobe Bryant at a star-�illed memorial in Los Angeles for the basketball great and his daughter Gianna, who died with seven others in a helicopter crash last month.

"When Kobe Bryant died, a piece of me died, and as I look in this arena, across the globe, a piece of you died," the NBA legend said with tears streaming down his face.

"I promise you, from this day forward, I will live with the memories and knowing that I had a little brother," Jordan, widely regarded as the greatest player in history, added.

"I tried to help in every way I could. Please rest in peace, little brother."

The public memorial -- dubbed "A Celebration of Life for Kobe and Gi-

anna Bryant" -- was held at Staples Center, the arena where Bryant wowed fans for 17 years, and known as "the house that Kobe built."

The 2/24 date carries special signi�icance as it coincides with Bryant's jersey number -- "24" -- and Gianna's "2" jersey number.

Another basketball legend, Shaquille O'Neal, also spoke at the ceremony, drawing cheers as he recalled the three NBA titles that he and Bryant won together.

"Kobe and I have pushed one another to play some of the greatest basketball of all time and I am proud that no other team has accomplished the three-peat the Lakers have done since Shaq-and-the-Kobe Lakers did it," O’Neal said.

He also spoke of their well-known feuding, saying that even though "we fought, bantered or insulted

each other with off-handed remarks," there was mutual respect between the pair.

"Make no mistake," O'Neal said. "Folks thought we were on bad terms, (but) when the cameras were turned off, he and I would throw a wink at each other."

Beyonce, backed by a choir, opened the ceremony with one of Bryant's favorite songs "XO," from her 2013 album, followed by "Halo."

"I'm here because I love Kobe," said the 70-time Grammy-nominated singer, who was dressed in a golden suit -- the color of the Los Angeles Lakers, Bryant's team for two decades.

'HE WAS MY EVERYTHING' Bryant's widow Vanessa paid a tearful tribute to her late 41-year-old husband and middle daughter, saying she could not fathom life without them and

"There was a way he could bring out the best in you, and he did that for me." - Michael Jordan on Kobe Bryant

describing Bryant as "my everything."

"God knew they couldn't be on this earth without each other," Bryant said in her �irst public remarks since the January 26 crash.

"He had to bring them home together."

She spoke of her heartbreak at not being able to watch Gianna -- who was 13 and one of four daughters the couple had -- grow up and missing important moments of her life.

"I won't be able to tell her how gorgeous she looks on her wedding day," she said through tears, receiving a standing ovation for the tribute.

"I'll never get to see my baby girl walk down the aisle, have a father-daughter dance with her daddy."

A visibly shaken Jimmy Kimmel, who of�iciated at the ceremony, said he saw

JORDAN, P9

ACOLOD CITY – Luisita starts defense of its title when the 34th Philippine Airlines Seniors Interclub golf team championships kick off today at the Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club (NOGCC) and the Bacolod Golf Club.

Luisita is hoping for a good start, according to Luisita captain Jeric Hechanova.

“It is important for us to play well on the �irst day and hopefully lead or just a few strokes behind the leaders,” said Hechanova who is �ielding virtually the same team that scored a three-point victory over Canlubang last year in Cebu City.

Only Edmund Yee is not around for Luisita, his spot taken by returnee Jingy Tuason.

The other Luisita players are Eddie Bagtas, Benjamin Sumulong, Chino Raymundo, Chito Laureta, Rafael Garcia, Rodel Mangulabnan and Demetrio Saclot.

Hechanova said they are counting on their veterans to deliver, “but nevertheless try their best and display good sportsmanship to the highest level.”

Standing in Luisita’s way are Canlubang, NOGCC and Cebu Country Club (CCC) which complete the championship division.

“The courses’ conditions are the best that I have ever seen,” said Canlubang star Tommy Manotoc who squeezed in 24 holes in both courses last Monday.

“Light rains made the fairways softer.”

Manotoc, who at 70 remains Canlubang’s leader, will be backstopped by Abe Rosal, Zaldy Villa, Rolly Viray, Damasus Wong, Abe Avena, Mari Hechanova and Rene Unson.

NOGCC, led by veteran Francis Gaston, looms as tournament dark horse while CCC hopes to duplicate its success in the regular PAL Interclub last year.

Ninety-�ive teams are seeing action in the four-day

tournament divided into four other divisions aside from the championship: Founders, Aviator, Sportswriters and Friendship.

NOGCC, formerly Marapara, will host the championship and Founders divisions on the �irst and fourth day of competition with the rest of the rounds to be played at Bacolod GC (Binitin).

The Molave scoring system will be used in the four-day event. Par is worth 3 points while a birdie and bogey are worth 4 and 2, respectively. An even par round is worth 54 points.

The �ield is divided into �ive brackets: Championship, Founders, Aviator, Sportswriter and Friendship.

Each team is allowed to �ield four players for each round, but only the top three scores are counted.

Each player can only play a maximum of two rounds.

The seniors tournament precedes the 73rd men’s regular event slated March 4-7 with Cebu Country Club defending its title.

National �lag carrier Philippine Airlines is the host of this prestigious international sporting event.

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

DAVAO 12 EDGE SPORTS

EDGE DAVAO EDGE DAVAO

SPORTS BRACE FOR BATTLE

KOBE TRIBUTE

VOL.12 ISSUE 253 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26,2019 2020 VOL.12 ISSUE 164 VOL.12 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, ISSUE 78 • THURSDAY, OCTOBER JUNE 25-26, 27,

4 games up as Escandor Cup Collegiate LA holdsLeague memorial forSaturday Kobe Sponsors resumes

Bryant, Gianna at Staples Center A

By ADAM B. MORRELL

heavy four-game bill Royal Mandaya Hotel, Dais on its way as ac- vies Paints, Mandarin SPC in the Collegiate Max's Fried ChickOStion ANGELES — Branch, out for the memorial.

The Sponsors League (CSL) en and PTT Lubricants.

Thousands of mournmoney made from ticket Escandor Cup resumes on sales Meantime, ers will gather in Stawill be given tothe the Saturday, October 26, at Agro-Industrial Foundaples Center on Monday Mamba and Mambacita the DavaoManila City Recreation College of the Philip(Tuesday, time) to tion Sports Foundation, which Center. pines (AIFCP) Sailorssports and say farewell to Kobe and supports youth TheBryant. curtain raiser will the UM Wildcats shared Gianna programs in underserved feature a "David versus the top spot in bracket A The basketball communities and teaches Goliath" match up assuperodds- with a 2-0 record each, star and his 13-year-old sports to girls andCJC women. on favorite Jose Maria Col- followed by the Red daughter will be honored Bryant enlege (JMC) Kings takes on Lions with played 1-0. Thehis MCT intheastruggling public memorial at Navigators tire 20-year landed NBA career Brokenshire on the arenaof where withfourth the Lakers, including College Davao Bryant (BCD) the spot with 1-1, played for at the Los Angeles trailed the �inalby 17the seasons at Stadribblers 3:00pm. defending The clash between the champion Cross of Lakers. ples Center,Holy which opened SanKobe Pedro College (HCDC) andCollege Gianna(SPC) Bry- Davao in 1999. The �ive-time NBA Stallions and the DMant died along withvisiting seven Crusaders champion'swith two1-2,retired Cor Jesu College Mariners others on Jan. 26 in a(CJC) heli- MACSP jersey numbers — 80-1, and of Digos City Red Lions SPCD 0-1, above and SPC copter crash.

24 — Saints hang high the willThe go Celebration after at 4:30 pm, Stallions with 0-2. of Life arena where he became followed by the exciting The bracket B, meanwill feature speakers re- while, the third-leading battle between traditionis currentlyscorer led byin �lecting on Kobeteams Bryant's league history untilCollege Lakers al powerhouse St. the Holy Cross impact on his sport and starSasa LeBron James passed John Paul II College of of (HCCS) Spartans the world, alongSaints with muhim on night before Davao (SPCD) and with 3-0the card, followed sic andCollege retrospectives on by Bryant's death.

Mats of TechnolJMC Kings (2-0), Asian Bryant's on-court achieveBryant's death caused ogy (MCT) Navigators at International School of 6:00 pm. and Technolments.

Bryant became ac- Aeronautics an outpouring of grief At �ilm, 7:00pm, the and un- ogy (AISAT) (1-1), where Atetive in television across Los Angeles, beaten University Min- neo de Davao University writing after he of retired he remained the city's danao (UM) Wildcats Blue Knights (1-2), from basketball in 2016. most popular into Mannywill Pacquiao(Addu) says even at 40, he isathlete not finished yet. stake its clean slate dozens against BCD (0-1), UMDozens Penaplataof Bryant's family, retirement. of SouthRizal MemoofDMMA sportsCollege greats and many (0-1), publicand memorials and muern Philippines (DMMAC- rial Colleges (RMC) major �igures in Bryant's rals have been installed SP) Mariners to wrap up Bulldogs (0-2). public life are expected to around the sprawling meSaturday's quadruple attend. header sponsored by The tropolis, and thousands of

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A4 INdulge!

EDGE EDGEDAVAO DAVAO Staples Center is sold

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University of Mindanao will tryo to make it three in a row on Saturday as action in the 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, 6VOL.12 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MARCH 24-25, 17-18, 2019 ISSUE 51 •FEBRUARY TUESDAY, 21,2019 VOL.12 ISSUE 45 • SUNDAYMONDAY, MAYMAY 12 -13, 2019

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Kobe fans write tributes in a wall dedicated for Kobe Bryant. AP

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