Edge Davao Volume 12 Issue 33 | Thursday, April 25, 2019

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PRRD to fire more officials before leaving for China

BAG NG PAGBABAGO. A Davao City Central 911 Fire Auxiliary Services Unit personnel arranges city government of Davao’s Bag ng Pagbabago at the Davao City Recreation Center on Wednesday. Dozens of volunteers from various city government agencies are preparing thousands of Bag ng Pagbabago which will be distributed to the delegates during the opening ceremony of this year’s Palarong Pambansa. Lean Daval Jr

COMELEC CONDUCTS ELECTION SIMULATION IN PANABO CITY

►SUBURBIA RISING P5

IN SEARCH OF CURE FOR

DIABETES ►HEALTH P10

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resident Rodrigo Duterte said he would be sacking “many” of�icials before he leaves for China to attend the 2nd Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation on Thursday, April 25.

“I’m leaving for China, and before that I will leave so many letters of dismissal,” Duterte said in a speech during the opening ceremony of the 7th Union Asia Paci�ic Regional Conference in Pasay City on Tuesday (April 23) night.

Duterte is scheduled to leave for Beijing on Wednesday afternoon.

The President, who has repeatedly vowed to �ire government of�icials and personnel involved in even a “whiff of corruption”, did not identify who he will be dismissing from of�ice.

He said that sometimes, just warning of�icials against engaging in corrupt practices was not enough.

“Corruption is really -- seeps down on the core. You have to have something more than just a warning,” Duterte said.

“I’m the only President who -- ako lang ang Presidenteng nangbubug-

Davao Sara Duterte-Carpio bog ng City tao.mayor Tanungin mo ‘yang leads mga the Hugpong Ngdiyan Pagbabago in Tagum guwardiya (I’mGrand theRally only Pres-City whichwho drew abeats massivepeople crowd of 65,000.

CIO the ident up. Ask guards there),” he added.

Last week, Duterte threatened to replace of�icials of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) for failing to address the water shortage in Metro Manila.

“Why do you have to cause problem for the people when there are things that you can do at once?”

Duterte said in a speech during the PDP-Laban campaign rally in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan on April 16.

“I will not hesitate to replace you all,” he added.

Duterte earlier gave MWSS and water concessionaires until April 10 to submit a report detailing measures to address the water shortage and keep the supply steady.

FIRING LINE, P9

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 33 • THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2019

INSPECTION. President Rodrigo Duterte conducts an inspection of earthquake-affected areas in Porac, Pampanga on Tuesday. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

PRO 11 tops in crime solution

By ADAM B. MORRELL

T

he Police Regional Of�ice (PRO) 11 re- lice (PNP) National Headmains at the top of the list nationwide in quarters in Camp Crame.

“Ito po yung crimes terms of crime solution ef�iciency. committed under sa index

Police Major Jason Baria of the PRO 11, during the AFP-PNP press brie�ing held at the Royal Mandaya Hotel on Wednesday, April 24, said that PRO 11 has landed on the second spot in the entire country after its crime solution ef�icien-

cy increased to 85.41% compared to the 74.34% of same period last year in the latest list released by Regional Investigation and Detective Management Division (RIDMD) chief Police Colonel James Goforth of Philippine National Po-

crimes ng PRO 11 na na solusyunan na po,” Baria said.

He explained that the crime solution ef�iciency has two phases, the �irst one is the crime clearance ef�iciency where the suspect has been �iled with le-

ment, sexual abuse and maltreatment.

“Having ‘malasakit of�icers’ in Philippine embassies and consulates is a reassurance that the government truly cares for our modern-day heroes, who sacri�ice a lot to create better lives for their families and help the Philippine economy to stay a�loat through their remittances,” said Angara, who is scheduled to campaign today in Batangas province, which belongs to the region with the highest number of OFWs. In 2017, data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed that 2.34 million Filipinos left the country to work abroad, around 20.7 percent or roughly 484,000 of them are from Region 4-A or Calabarzon. Unof�icial estimates, however, showed that there are 10 million

Filipinos living and working overseas.

But despite the huge number of OFWs scattered globally, Angara lamented that the country has only 7 SWAs who are currently deployed in Malaysia, Kuwait, Qatar, Hong Kong, Dubai, and Jeddah and Riyadh in Saudi Arabia.

Even if the government plans to deploy SWAs in Abu Dhabi, Jordan, Lebanon, Italy and South Korea this year, their number is not enough to attend to all OFWs who are vulnerable to extreme physical, emotional and psychological stress.

“In the division of labor inside what is basically a multi-agency embassy, there are assigned personnel that can handle legal cases, liaise with local police, as well as military, trade, agriculture attachés,”

Sen. Angara to push for more ‘Malasakit’ officers overseas

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eelectionist Senator Sonny Angara is looking forward to having more social welfare attachés (SWAs) in Philippine embassies and consulates, especially in countries with high concentration of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), once the bill seeking to institutionalize their deployment abroad is signed into law by President Rodrigo Duterte.

The enrolled copy of the measure establishing the Of�ice for Social Welfare Attaché has already been transmitted to Malacañang for the President’s signature. Angara is one of the bill’s authors in the Senate.

Angara said the deployment of more SWAs abroad is expected to �ill the gap when it comes to comforting OFWs in distress and needing psychological services, such as victims of traf�icking, illegal recruit-

SEN. ANGARA, P9

gal charges but hasn’t been captured yet, while the other is the crime solution ef�iciency where a suspect is already under the custody of the authorities and legal charges has already been �iled against the him/ her.

Baria, however, said Police Brigadier General Marcelo Morales, regional director of PRO 11 noted

the continuous implementation in enhancing police operations and the Oplan Tokhang with a remarkable decrease of 3.91% in crime incidents in Davao Region.

Based in the statistics gathered throughout the Davao Region, Baria said the crime volume amassed 3,564 from January to March 2019 which

DABAWENYOS’ CHOICE. University of Mindanao (UM) vice president for research and publication Ma. Linda Arquiza provides details on Institue of Popular Opinion’s latest survey about the current views of Dabawenyos on the coming midterm elections which is seen as a referendum on the performance of Duterte administration. Arquiza has bared

dropped by 145 from last year’s 3,709 data.

Among eight Focus Crimes, robbery decreased to 41.94% while murder rate also dropped by 19.51%.

Incidents of rape slumped by 39.29% as theft cases reduced to 30.34%.

Physical injury and

PRO 11, P9

during Wednesdays @ Habi at Kape at Abreeza mall that former Philippine National Police (PNP) Director General Ronald Dela Rosa and former Special Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence Go who both hail from Davao topped the latest Senatorial survey of IPO. Lean Daval Jr

NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 33 • THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2019

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PRRD hails LGUs, NGOs for quick quake response

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AN FERNANDO CITY — President Rodrigo Roa Duterte praised the quick response of government agencies, local government units, and non-governmental organizations in Pampanga following the 6.1 magnitude earthquake that hit the province last Monday.

“First of all, I’d like to thank the various local government units and the NGOs who are in the place for the excellent camaraderie shown during the crisis,” President Duterte said during a situation brie�ing at the Pampanga provincial capitol on Tuesday, April 23.

“I arrived last night, 2 o’clock, and I would have wanted to visit here but I was not allowed by the provincial commander. I was given the thumbs down because there was no suf�icient light to guide us even on going around,” he added.

In the brie�ing, the President asked about Chuzon grocery store that collapsed during the quake, killing several individuals.

Many others are still missing as of Tuesday.

The President wants

authorities to investigate the incident because, according to him, business owners often ignore safety standards or don’t comply with the requirements of the law to save money, which compromises public safety.

“That would be the work of the investigators.

Secretary Año and maybe DPWH and the police could help in the determination of the structural integrity of that building whether it was a defect…man-made, or one of those really…I said that it can happen and it was a bad day for them to have it,” he said.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año reported that the foundation of the Chuzon supermarket is only good for two-storeys but its owner constructed up to two additional �loors.

Secretary Año also noted that he would issue a memorandum circular for LGUs that have Chuzon supermarkets in their jurisdiction to temporarily suspend the establishments’ business permit until the DILG has pre-assessed the

PRRD, P8

Establish rapport with MILF members, security sector told

G

alvez issued the statement in the wake of the crafting of the Executive Order (EO) on the Normalization Process, which involves the decommissioning of MILF �ighters and their �irearms as well as the transformation of MILF camps into progressive economic zones.

Representatives from the government and the MILF are crafting the EO. According to Galvez, it is very important for the police, in particular, and the security sector, in general, to fully understand the intricacies of the Bangsamoro peace process.

He warned that a single miscalculation on their part could have a major impact on the region’s peace and security situation.

For this initiative to succeed, the chief peace adviser emphasized the importance of fostering stronger relationships with the MILF, especially with the ex-�ighters.

“We should start to communicate and establish con�idence–building measures, and good relationships with them,” Galvez told members of the Philippine National Police assigned in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) recently.

The BARMM replaced the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao last February following two separate plebiscites that resulted to the rati�ication of the Bangsamoro organic law.

The new law is anchored on the Compre-

hensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), the �inal peace deal signed by the Philippine government and the MILF in 2014 after four decades of con�lict that left at least 120,000 individuals dead, including civilians.

The normalization process is one of the annexes of the CAB. The EO on Normalization is a comprehensive plan of the national government that is designed to aid former combatants as they undergo the delicate transition process, Galvez said.

Galvez stressed that the BARMM Police Regional Of�ice will play a critical role in maintaining peace and order in the region, especially in communities that will undergo the decommissioning process.

Under the EO, the PNP will be part of several transitional bodies. These include the Joint Peace and Security Teams, which will need at least 1,600 police personnel.

Galvez had disclosed that some 12,000 MILF combatants “will be decommissioned this year.”

MILF chair Murad Ebrahim, now the interim Chief Minister of the BARMM government, said earlier they had “as much as 40,000 combatants” for phased decommissioning as key milestones in the peace process are achieved.

The ceremonial decommissioning of 145 combatants was completed in 2015 under former President Benigno Aquino III. (Bong S. Sarmiento / MindaNews)

ENDORSEMENT. President Duterte raises the arms of former PNP chief Ronaldo‘Bato’Dela Rosa and former Special Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence‘Bong’ Go assist candidates for senator in the May 13 midterm election. CONTRIBUTED

Bato, Bong Go top survey

Top 8 council candidates in 3 districts bared

By ANTONIO M. AJERO

A

DMINISTRATION candidates for senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa and Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go tied in No. 1 of the top 12 winners in a survey conducted by the University of Mindanao’s Institute of Public Opinion (IPO) from April 8 to 12 across the three districts of Davao City.

This was bared by Dr. Ma. Linda “Malen” Arquiza, UM vice president for research and publication, during the Habi at Kape media forum at the Abreeza Mall yesterday.

A total of 1,200 respondents were involved in the poll survey using a

Acosta

margin of 3 percent and con�idence level of 97 percent. The respondents consisted of 51 percent males and the rest females. Sixty-three percent of the respondents were married, 25 percent single, while the remaining number were either

Bonguyan

separated or widowed.

Dr. Arquiza said 48 percent were either college graduates or undergraduates, while 46 percent �inished highschool.

Acosta, Bonguyan, Ungab In the race for city councilor in the city’s three districts, re-electionist Ma. Belen “Mabel” Acosta topped the survey in the First District, Louie John Bonguyan in the Second, and Alberto T. Ungab in the Third.

Acosta and Bonguyan are re-electionists who

Ungab

used to top elections for councillor in their respective district, while Ungab is an incumbent congressman who is the younger brother of Isidro, a come backing congressman who used to be No. 1 councilor in many past elections himself.

Bato and Bong In the survey for senator, Bato and Go were voted No. 1 with 91.3 and 91.1 percent respectively.

The others in the Magic 12 are Francis Tolentino, No. 3; Koko Pimentel, 4; Dong Mangudadatu, 5; Cynthia Villar, 6; Sonny Angara, 7; Grace Poe, 8; Pia Cayetano, 9; Imee Marcos, 10; Nancy Binay, 11; and Freddie Aguilar, 12. Comebacking former senator Serge Osmena is in No. 13.

Nine of the 12 are supported by the administration and the Hugpong ng Pagbabago juggernaut.

Unopposed winners The “winners” for city mayor, vice mayor and representatives or congressmen, who are actually or virtually unopposed are Sara Z. Duterte-Carpio, Sebastian Z.

BATO, P9

Canada commits to take back trash, resolve issue with PH

T

he Canadian Embassy in Manila on Wednesday reiterated Ottawa's commitment to resolve the issue of garbage shipped to the Philippines in 2013 following a warning from President Rodrigo Duterte.

"Our Prime Minister (Justin Trudeau) committed and has recommitted to resolving this issue, including taking the waste back to Canada. He said that in numerous occasions but

we can only do that in partnership of the government of the Philippines," Ambassador John Holmes said, noting the issue is "complicated" and that "legal and other issues" need to be resolved �irst.

The envoy stressed that both sides continue to work towards a solution and have in fact established a working group that convened a meeting in Canada two months ago.

"The progress is good

but the Philippine side agrees that it's a complex issue that needs to be worked through very carefully."

Asked what challenges they are facing, Holmes refused to provide details saying "it's very complex."

He also declined to put a timeline as to when the shipment could be sent back to its origin.

"I'm not putting a timeframe on it but I want to reiterate what our Prime Minister said, he's commit-

ted to allowing those containers to be brought back to Canada."

In 2017, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said legal restrictions have prevented the return of the waste to Canada.

Among these issues is which party will pay for the shipment.

More than a hundred container vans from Canada arrived in batches at the

CANADA, P8

4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 33 • THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2019

WMPC asks Crown: Honor your obligations

Z

amboanga City’s power problems are caused by the unjusti�ied refusal of Crown Investment Holdings Inc. and Desco Inc. to honor Zamcelco’s contractual obligations and pay for electricity already supplied and paid for by its consumers.

This was the declaration of executives of the Western Mindanaio Power Corporation (WMPC) during a press conference held in Manila yesterday.

BLOCKATHON. USeP-AGILAB Technology Business Incubator coordinator Mary Rose Ofianga discusses the upcoming first Hackathon for Blockchain technology dubbed Blockathon 2019 slated at Kadena Hub in Mabini Street corner Araullo Street, Davao City on May 4 to 5. Ofianga said during Wednesdays @ Habi at Kape

at Abreeza mall that Blockathon aims to give participants opportunities to learn skills and work together with a team in developing a solution using blockchain trchnology. Lean Daval Jr

Phoenix, CebPac renew partnership

P

hoenix Petroleum Philippines, Inc. and Cebu Air, Inc. (operating as Cebu Paci�ic) renewed and commemorated their partnership with the signing of a memorandum of agreement on April 8, 2019 at the Manila House Private Club in Taguig.

With the renewal of the contract, Phoenix Petroleum commits to serving the Jet A-1 fuel requirements of Cebu Paci�ic for 2019, further lengthening the 15-year partnership of the two companies.

“We at Phoenix very much treasure the re-

lationship that we have developed with Cebu Paci�ic. I would never forget the fact that it was one of the very �irst prominent brands that trusted us.

The Jet A1 Supply Agreement was instrumental in earning our credibility and building our name in

Sarangani Bay’s resources at risk due to improper waste disposal

D

atu Tungko Saikol, assistant regional director of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-Region 12, said improper waste disposal has continued to be a major concern for Sarangani Bay, threatening various marine species thriving in the area.

He speci�ically cited wastes, including some contaminants, from households and establishments that end up in the bay.

Saikol said some households in communities surrounding the bay were monitored to have been directly disposing their wastes in its waters.

“There are communities that don’t have enough comfort rooms so some of them just use the sea,” he said in an interview over television show Magandang Umaga South Central Mindanao.

He said such practice

was the main reason for the presence of fecal coliform in the bay’s waters.

Test results were not immediately available but Saikol, who was a former regional director of the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB)-Region 12 for 11 years, said fecal coliform was considered as among the top pollutants of Sarangani Bay. He said the EMB has been conducting regular testing at the bay, especially in the beach areas, for fecal coliform and other contaminants.

Saikol said these include the presence of heavy metals like arsenic and cadmium that could have come from industrial users.

“These (heavy metals) are regularly monitored since it should not exceed the allowable levels. It could be dangerous to our marine resources and res-

SARANGANI, P8

the industry as a formidable petroleum company,” Phoenix Petroleum Founder, President, and CEO Dennis Uy. The deal between the two companies was initiated in 2004 when Phoenix started providing storage and terminaling services to the airline’s Davao site. Now, Phoenix serves 17 of Cebu Paci�ic’s sites across the country, including eight airports in Mindanao, seven in Visayas, and two in Luzon, providing integrated Jet

A-1 storage, handling, bridging, and into-plane services.

“Cebu Paci�ic is dedicated to giving the best service to our clients, and it is through partners like Phoenix that we are able to ful�ill this mission. We have cultivated a good relationship with the company for 15 years now, and we are looking forward to achieving more milestones together,” said Cebu Paci�ic President & CEO Lance Gokongwei.

PHOENIX, P9

FUTURE OF DAVAO INT’L AIRPORT. Udenna Infra Corporation assistant vice president for operations Manuel Jamonir says that Chelsea Holdings Logistics, a subsidiary of Udenna, is targeting to increase Davao International Airport passengers traffic from 4.4 million to 15 million by 2050. Jamonir also said during

WMPC claimed that Crown’s refusal to settle its obligations despite repeated demands for payment caused Zamcelco’s unpaid accounts to WMPC to balloon to P467 million from October 2018 to February 2019. This prevented WMPC from procuring the fuel needed to run its power plant which provided the voltage support needed

by Zamboanga City.

Since the forced stoppage of WMPC’s operations in February 2019, unscheduled power outages ranging from one to six hours have become a daily occurrence in Zamboanga City as the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) has been struggling to maintain grid stability in the Zamboanga Peninsula.

“Without the reactive power support provided by WMPC, there will always be blackouts in the city despite the abundance of power supply in the Mindanao grid,” said Joseph Nocos, vice president for business development of WMPC. “The immediate solution to the power problem in the city is to allow WMPC to operate its power plant because it is designed to provide not only capacity but stability to the grid as well – unlike Crown’s generator sets which are ineffective and expensive,” he added.

Crown has been

justifying its refusal to pay by claiming that WMPC-Zamcelco PSA is not effective and that WMPC overcharged the electric cooperative, he said.

During the press briefing, WMPC asserted that these allegations by Crown Investment Holdings have no contractual and legal bases.

“WMPC never overbilled Zamcelco.

The amounts billed and paid for were calculated in accordance with the payment formula provided for in the power sales agreement (PSA) between Zamcelco and WMPC,” Nocos explained.

“This PSA has been implemented by both Zamcelco and WMPC since December 12, 2015.

From that time, ZAMCELCO has been dispatching the WMPC power plant, WMPC has been delivering the energy requested by ZAMCELCO, and the cooperative has been paying for the electricity provided by WMPC – all in accordance with the PSA,” he added.

Nocos said the allegations of overbilling were based upon their claim that the PSA between ZAMCELCO and WMPC is not effective. He pointed out that PSA is effective because it was freely entered into and signed by both parties (WMPC and Zamcelco), it was duly approved by the ERC, and it has been implemented with Zamcelco nominating and WMPC supplying power for over three years since December 12, 2015.

It was only upon the entry of Crown-DESCO in January 2019 that this proper and full implementation of the PSA was unilaterally stopped and disregarded

by Crown.

WMPC said it is fully committed to resolving the arti�icial power crisis once

WMPC, P8

Wednesdays @ Habi at Kape at Abreeza mall that the company expect to get the Notice of Award this year and start the construction of the project’s Phase 1 next year. Lean Daval Jr

5 SUBURBIA RISING EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 33 • THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2019

COMELEC holds election simulation in Panabo City

T

he Commission on Elections (COMELEC) conducted two Vote Counting Machine (VCM) Roadshows at ARF Gym for the general public at City Hall Lobby for the Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and senior citizens on April 22, 2019.

According to Atty. Gay Asuncion-Enumerables, COMELEC Assistant Regional Election Director for Region XI, said, the event aims to give information to people on how to use the ballot sheet correctly and its technicalities

for the upcoming 2019 midterm Election on May 13, 2019.

The participants experienced on how to properly cast their votes on the ballot through shading with the use of the of�icial marking pen provided by the COMELEC Staff, and the Dos and Don’ts during election day.

Some of the prohibitions that the public should be mindful about are eating inside the voting room, vandalizing the ballot, overvoting, and taking pictures of the ballot among many others.

Carlo Jay Glodo, a participant of the said event said he felt nervous yet excited since it is his �irst time to vote.

Meanwhile, one of the PWDs extended his gratitude to COMELEC for this event is very helpful and for giving them the opportunity.

“Dako kaayo ni siyang tabang labaw na sa amo kay gihatagan mig higayon sa COMELEC og pasalamat pud k okay isa mi sa ilang girpiority,” he said.

By FATIMAH M. TOMAROCON (Southern Davao National High School, SPES)

PWDs and senior citizens practice proper shading of sample ballots during the COMELEC VCM Roadshow.

PWDs and senior citizens practiced proper voting and feeding of sample ballots to the vote counting machine in preparation for the midterm election on May 13.

A man practices proper shading of the ballot during the COMELEC VCM Roadshow at ARF Gym.

DavSur implements P890M infra, enterprise projects T he Province of Davao del Sur is implementing a total of P890-million worth of projects for 6 infrastructure and another 6 agri-enterprise subprojects under the Department of Agriculture – Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP).

Of the amount, P834 million is earmarked for infrastructure projects that aim to improve road networks linking production areas with markets to achieve ef�icient transportation of agri products.

The subprojects under IBUILD (Intensi�ied Building up of Infrastructure and Logistics for Development) component include four farm-to-market road with a combined length of 35.16 kilometers amounting to P539 million. These farm roads are being implemented in the towns of Hagonoy,

Malalag, and Magsaysay which has two ongoing FMR constructions.

The Rehabilitation of 14.29 km Waterfall-Osmena FMR with 122.5 liner meter PSCG Bridge in Sulop town allocated with P251 million is recently issued No Objection Letter and is now ready to bid.

The package of postharvest facilities in Matanao town worth P43 million is still ongoing.

These facilities consist 14 units warehouses with solar dryer aimed to increase the market value of banana by 100% per kilogram, rice by 40%, corn by 39%, and coconut by 64%. The existence of good drying infrastructure will also help reduce the postharvest losses.

These six infrastructure projects will bene�it 15,675 households.

“We need to fast-track our implementation so

that we can achieve our objectives to increase the income of our farmers and household bene�iciaries in agri-�ishery sector and to develop a more market-oriented and climate-resilient agriculture. We can only achieve this if we all work together,” said DA Davao Regional Director Ricardo M. Oñate, Jr., who is also the concurrent PRDP Mindanao Project Director.

Meanwhile, enterprise projects under the Investments in Rural Enterprises and Agriculture and Fisheries Productivity includes two projects amounting to P19.54 million. The Cardava Banana Consolidation and Marketing Enterprise amounting P7,904,757.35 will be established in Magsaysay town; and the Organic Fairtrade Banana Chips Processing in Padada is alloted P11,637,215.64. (PRDP)

Davao del Norte among top performers in reducing poverty

S

ustained local economic growth and reforms enabled the province of Davao del Norte to achieve the second best performing province in reducing poverty in Mindanao.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the number of poor Dabaonons has declined in 2018, as the poverty incidence among families in the province decreased from 27.2% in 2015 to 14.5% in 2018.

With a per capita poverty threshold of P12,720, the 12.7 percentage points drop from three years ago allowed Davao del Norte to become the top 26 performing province in poverty alleviation in 2018, among the 81 provinces in the country.

Based on the 2018 Family Income and Expenditure Survey (FIES) results, Davao del Norte ranked second among the Mindanao provinces, next to Davao del Sur, which has a poverty incidence of 10.7% and per capita poverty threshold of 12,968 Among the other provinces in the Davao Region, Compostela Valley achieved a poverty incidence of 25.8%, while Davao Oriental has 32.6%

and Davao Occidental has 36.7% respectively.

Poverty incidence is de�ined as the proportion of families whose income is below the poverty threshold or poverty line to the total number of families.

It is estimated that Davao del Norte has an annual per capita poverty threshold of P10,600, which is essential to meet both basic food and nonfood needs for a family of �ive within a month to be considered out of poverty.

In a special edition of Kapihan sa Kapitolyo, PSA-XI Regional Director Ruben D. Abaro Jr. said the rising purchasing power of consumers may have triggered the increase in the annual per capita poverty threshold of the province.

Having the relative capacity to buy, Abaro observed that the Dabaonons showed preferences for higher-priced but better quality goods, which consequently pushed higher the minimum level of income that is deemed adequate in the province.

He also noted that the signi�icant decline in the number of poor families in Davao del Norte re�lect the local government

units’ improved delivery of basic services to the people.

“This means that the provincial government is still doing well in addressing or providing the basic needs of the populace,” he said.

The local government’s efforts in bee�ing up human development complements its advance in speeding up economic growth of the province, which now boasts as the Most Competitive Province in Mindanao, as well as the Third Most Competitive Province in the Philippines in 2018.

The rising standard of living in the province is now felt by the ordinary folks.

Fish vendor Virginia Mante from Barangay Busaon, Tagum City, said she now enjoys greater prosperity compared to the previous years.

“Akong kinabuhi sa una guot jud, ilabi na kay wala koy kapikas sa kinabuhi, kami lang ug ang mga bata. Karon, luag-luag na kay ang mga bata naa na sila’y mga trabaho (we faced hardship in the past since I am a single mom. Now, we are more at ease, especially that my children are now employed),” she beamed.

6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 33 • THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2019

EDITORIAL Don’t throw friendship to the bin President Duterte again displayed a firm stance even against a big country like Canada when the welfare of the country is at stake.

One call, a stern warning that is, from President Duterte and Canada heeds to the call of propriety to pull out tons of garbage which was dumped in the Philippines from 2013 to 2014. The President earlier threatened to set sail to Canada and dump the garbage back there if they refused to resolve the issue.

President Duterte’s was immediately acted upon by the Canadian Embassy in Manila which reiterated Ottawa’s commitment to resolve the issue of garbage shipped to the Philippines in 2013.

The embassy of Canada reiterated the commitment made by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to resolve the issue which necessarily includes taking the waste back to Canada.

Although there is no timeframe for the pullout of the garbage,

EDGEDAVAO

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ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

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NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

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

ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. CHA MONFORTE Correspondent

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

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

the Canadian Embassy is working ut with Philippine counterparts to resolve the legal issues of the dumped waste which the former admitted to be an issue that is a bit complicated. However, the bottomline is that their government is honoring its commitment to take home the rubbish.

In 2017, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said legal restrictions have prevented the return of the waste to Canada.

Among these issues is which party will pay for the shipment. More than a hundred container vans from Canada arrived in batches at the Port of Manila from 2013 to 2014. Initially declared to contain only plastic scraps, it was found to have non-recyclable plastics, household wastes and used adult diapers.

Canada and the Philippines share a long-standing relationship that has weathered 70 years. It cannot afford to just throw the friendship to the bin with this rubbish issue.

SOLANI D. MARATAS Finance

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

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 33 • THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2019

VANTAGE POINTS

7

HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

PROTECT OUR SPECIES Last April 22, the world celebrated Earth Day. This year’s theme was: “Protect our species.”

The species refer to the various �lora, fauna and microorganisms that inhabit our planet. They comprise what scientists call as biological diversity, more popularly known for its shorter version, biodiversity.

“Stronger biodiversity protection efforts must be put in place to prevent loss of species especially since thousands of species are becoming extinct every year,” said Senator Loren Legarda, chair of the Senate Committee on Climate Change, in a statement.

The US-based Earth Day Network said that normally, between one and �ive species will go extinct annually. However, scientists estimate the world is now losing species at 1,000 to 10,000 times the normal rate.

According to Legarda, biodiversity loss, which is mainly caused by habitat destruction and wildlife trade, is heightened because of climate change. Studies indicate that 30% of species would be at risk of extinction due to the warming climate.

“We need to take greater action to protect the delicate ecological balance. It is incumbent upon us humans,

who are the stewards of the Earth, to be more responsible as most of our actions are the very threats to other species,” she stressed.

“There needs to be stronger convergence among government agencies and local government units and collaboration with the private sector, civil society and all our citizens, to protect our species and conserve our biodiversity,” she added.

Legarda said that the government must strictly enforce laws that protect biodiversity, such as the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act of 2001, the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act of 1992, and the Expanded NIPAS of 2018, which she principally authored.

“I authored the Expanded NIPAS Act, which covers 94 protected areas all over the country, so that we have the legal mechanism to protect critical biodiversity areas and prevent biodiversity loss. The challenge for us is to ensure its strict implementation and promote awareness on the importance of conserving biodiversity and of the underlying threats to it,” the lady senator said.

The Philippines, with more than 7,000 islands, is considered by respected sci-

entists as one of the countries with the highest degree of biological diversity (biodiversity for short) in the world.

The Philippines is home to about 170,000 faunal species, most of which are insects and are mostly unidenti�ied, according to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). Twelve thousand plant species and 960 animal species are found in Philippine forests. Of the identi�ied animal species, over 500 are birds and 167 are mammals.

Out of the 500 known coral species worldwide, about 488 coral species in 78 genera are found in the Philippines.

There are only about 50 species of seagrasses in the world.

A total of 16 species can be found in the country, and this is the second highest diversity that exist in one country; only Western Australia has more with 17 species. At least 2,000 �ish species are found in the Philippines.

About 98 of mammal species are endemic to the Philippines. In the last seven years, experts have discovered 12 mammal species in the country seen nowhere else on the planet. “The number compares with other countries like Brazil,” says Philippine fauna specialist Dr. Lawrence Heaney of the Field Museum

of Natural History in Chicago.

“But compare their sizes. For such a small area, the Philippine rockets ahead.”

For the uninformed, Brazil has a total land area of 3,286,488 square kilometers while the Philippines has a total land area of 115,800 square kilometers. The neighbor Indonesia, another biodiversity-rich country, has a total land area of 741,101 square kilometers.

While its biodiversity is among the highest, the Philippines’ ecosystems are among the most threatened. In fact, most scientists included the entire Philippine archipelago as among the �ive biogeographical areas in the world considered the “hottest of the hot spots,” a hot spot being an area whose high biodiversity is gravely threatened.

Dr. Lee Talbot, director of Southeast Asia Project on Wildlife Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, agreed: “A few decades ago, the wildlife of the Philippines was notable for its abundance; now, it is notable for its variety; if present trend of destruction continues, Philippine wildlife will be notable for its absence.”

A species is considered extinct when it is no longer found in the past 50 years. Endangered species are those that

have been reduced in number to a critical level or whose habitats have been damaged or altered or reduced.

Rare species have small world populations. Usually, they are restricted to very few habitats. At present, rare species are not considered endangered but at risk. Threatened, on the other hand, is a general term used to describe the animal or plant species which could be in the status of “endangered” and “insuf�iciently known.”

Speaking during the celebration of the International Day of Biodiversity last year, which was spearheaded by the Biodiversity Management Bureau, Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu said: “We are facing a natural scarcity due to numerous factors, foremost is the degradation of our terrestrial and marine ecosystems.”

This has been highlighted in its �irst ever Philippine Environmental Quality Report some years back. It said: “Today’s threats to species and ecosystems are the greatest in recorded history. Virtually all of them are caused by human mismanagement of biological resources, often stimulated by misguided economic policies and faulty institutions that enable the exploiters to avoid the full costs of their exploitation.”

FRED C. LUMBA SPECKS OF LIFE

PERILOUS TIMES Times are not normal.

Everyone will agree that we are living in dangerous times.

Consider the volcanic situation in the Middle East where any minute – if somebody presses the wrong button - an eruption of unimaginable proportions might take place.

(I am writing this on the day of national elections in Israel where the voters are said to be torn between re-electing PM Benjamin Netanyahu and installing a new leader in former IDF Chief of Staff Ben Gantz.)

But we do not need to look outside of our boundaries to �ind out.

I heard Pres. Rodrigo Duterte say the other day that he will declare a “revolutionary war” when his patience runs out.

It seems that the Chief ex-

ecutive has slowly but surely recognized the reality that the administration is like Don Quixote �ighting the windmill.

Guy Fawkes, a member of a small group of conspirators who tried to assassinate the protestant King James I of England, is said to have uttered this: “A desperate disease requires a dangerous remedy.”

I think this all but describes what needs to be done in a sick society.

The unmitigated daily dose of toxic fumes from the various news media outlets who are more prone to air and print negative sensational stories because they generate more listeners and buyers and revenues are re�lective of the country’s culture and behavior.

A couple or two mainstream broadsheets – owned by families of oligarchs in business and in politics - and

even a handful of tabloids are identi�iably the mouthpieces of anti-Duterte sectors with the manner they manufacture huge similar screaming headlines out to destroy the credibility of the duly-constituted authorities.

Very obviously, there is a sinister hand waving a baton as if conducting orchestral music where each of these media outlets follow as a dutiful member.

The rest of mainstream media, however, maintain their respective independent outlook, because they cling to the time-tested journalistic principles of objectivity and accuracy.

Suspicions are �lying here and there that a global network of dirty rich billionaires based in the US is �inancially funding the downfall of governments that they perceive to be opposing its agenda.

In his �irst few months in of�ice, Duterte had a late brush with the outgoing US Ambassador Goldberg that even resulted into a word war with the former Pres.

Barack Obama.

The verbal tussle had become overblown which some nasty conspirators – here and abroad - took as a golden opportunity to launch anti-Duterte campaigns aimed at forcing him to step down.

His public announcement that he might just declare a “revolutionary war” against those who choose to �ight government and conspire to undermine the stability of the administration was signi�icantly threatening.

Duterte was referring to “enemies of the State.”

Maybe, there are those who might take this lightly because the President is oftentimes using �igures of

speech to blend with the issues.

I am inclined to believe Guy Fawkes. But let me be clear.

I am not in favor of a violent and bloody transformation.

But even God, I dare say, was forced to burn Sodom and Gomorrah because He did not see any one good person in the two cities.

Filipinos elected Duterte because they wanted REAL CHANGE. If this REAL CHANGE translates to a revolutionary war that leads to a positive progressive life for the Filipino, then why not? (Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.) 1 Ptr. 3:1112: “You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming.” GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!

8 COMPETITIVE EDGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 33 • THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2019

GoWiFi, LGU partner for free, high-quality connectivity

B

est connectivity for best productivity and ef�iciency.

Of�icials of Quezon City local government led by Mayor Herbert Bautista, together with Globe executives, signed a landmark agreement to put up GoWiFi services for employees at Quezon City Hall.

GoWiFi, the largest WiFi network in the country, partnered with QC LGU to strengthen its commitment in making �irst-rate internet connections accessible in more high-traf�ic areas for government services to boost productivity.

This is also in support of national development through providing more Filipinos user-friendly and cost-effective internet connectivity options.

The partnership led to the opening of the electronic tax payment services in the city hall through the use of the mobile money system.

The milestone was also sealed with the system’s installation completion

to transform Quezon City Hall’s public convergence areas into free WiFi zones.

“This partnership aims to make the power of the internet accessible to more Filipinos living and doing business in Quezon City, the country’s acknowledged ‘City of Stars’.’’ It is also part of our commitment to our customers and the city government in terms of delivering high-quality and affordable internet connectivity,” explains Janis Nathalie Racpan, Director, WiFi Business Group at Globe Telecom.

GoWiFi has also recently extended its services to 2,000 sites nationwide coming from last year’s 1,500. Part of the existing areas already covered by GoWiFi are major malls, convenience stores, restaurants and coffee chains, hospitals, local government units and major transportation hubs like trains and airports.

GoWiFi is offered in regular (free) GoWi-

Fi and premium (paid) GoWiFi Auto, both available to all users with any WiFi-enabled, SIMbased device (smartphones, laptops or tablets) regardless of network service provider and even international numbers.

Subscription to GoWiFi allows users to enjoy connection speeds as high as 100Mbps depending on location.

To connect to Free GoWiFi, just open the Wi-Fi-enabled device’s WiFi settings, connect to the SSID “@FreeGoWiFi” or “@<site>_FreeGoWiFi,” register and wait for the SMS veri�ication code, then select a WiFi offer, con�irm and start sur�ing.

For extended internet browsing time, you may opt to subscribe to GoWiFi Auto that delivers premium, hassle-free WiFi connectivity. Just click on a “@GoWiFi_ Auto” hotspot and enter your mobile number to receive a veri�ication code via SMS. Input the

structural integrity of those supermarkets.

Chuzon’s owner was also summoned by the CIDG Tuesday afternoon, Secretary Año told the President.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III reported that, as of 3 p.m. on Tuesday, a total of 112 individuals are con�ined at different hospitals in the region.

Secretary Duque assured the President that the health department has suf�icient money, medicine, and manpower to address the crisis.

In the agriculture sector, the earthquake did not have much impact for the region, according to Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol.

Aside from P50 million worth of damage on irrigation canals and dams, damage is minimal, and the government’s production targets would not be affected, he reported.

The department also has rice stocks on standby in case Pampanga needs additional supply.

The Department of Education (DepEd) said about 108 schools were affected by the earthquake in three regions: Region 3, National Capital Region, and Region 4-B. Also, about 80 classrooms were damaged.

As of Tuesday afternoon, DepEd said the total worth of damage to school facilities was about P120 million. To cover the cost, the department has requested the Department of Budget and Management for additional funds and apply for pay-out via the parametric insurance at the Department of Finance (DoF) and Government Service Insurance System (GSIS).

Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) ex-

tended assistance to quake survivors.

The DSWD also reported to the President its relief efforts in affected communities in Pampanga.

In Porac, Pampanga alone, the DSWD said it distributed 200 family food packs to the affected families. It also provided burial cash assistance to 11 individuals.

Some 445 families in three evacuation centers received food packs from the DSWD. Two evacuation centers are located in Pampanga and one in Zambales.

Emergency shelter assistance would be provided to 56 families from eight communities in Porac, Social Welfare Secretary Rolando Bautista said.

The DSWD still has more than 14,000 family food packs ready for distribution. Also, a total of P10.5 million in cash and in kind is ready for utilization, according to Secretary

Bautista.

Regarding the Chuzon employees who lost their jobs following the disaster, the DOLE said it pro�iled 105 workers from Chuzon, adding the workers can be absorbed readily by the local economy.

The President expressed his gratitude to all who worked in the aftermath of the Luzon earthquake.

“I’d like to thank you for the esprit de corps that you have displayed so far. Kaya sana magpaiwan na ganun ‘yan. For after all, we are really living in one country, and there is fault, fault, fault everywhere,” he said.

“Anyway, it’s not so devastating if I would say the word, but it is a problem for us…and the fact that we are assembled here talking about it. At the end of the day, it boils down to money,” he added.

The epicenter of the magnitude 6.1 earthquake.

expensive, alternative drug against diabetes for the consumption of diabetic Filipinos,” the two researchers wrote in their collaborative article which also appeared in DOST’s “Bridge.”

The two researchers took four kilograms of dried malunggay leaves.

They had encountered countless obstacles to produce a miniscule amount of pure anti-diabetic compound from malunggay.

“However, this miniscule powder was all we needed to test the potential anti-diabetic property of malunggay,” they recalled. “We isolated the compounds present in malunggay by their polarity, or their likelihood to dissolve in water (polar) or in oil (non-polar).”

The researchers and their team were able to isolate the anti-diabetic compound. “With the help and support from the government and the

hard-earned money of the taxpayers, our group managed to isolate an anti-diabetic compound from malunggay leaves,” the two wrote in their paper.

The discovered compound, however, is still to subjected to further tests before it is released in the market for Filipino diabetics in need of less expensive, alternative maintenance drug.

“We still have a long way to go to develop such

drug, but the important thing is, not only have we begun the journey; we have gone a long way,” the two researchers said.

An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure, so goes a saying.

A 10-year study conducted at the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute in Bethesda, Maryland showed that diabetes can be prevented after all.

There are �ive ways to do it. First, you need to try to achieve your nor-

PRRD... FROM 3

DIABETES... FROM 10

The MOA signing between GoWiFi and Quezon City local government was attended by (L-R): Robie Reyes, Director, Enterprise Group at Globe Telecom, Janis Nathalie L. Racpan, Director - WiFi Business Group, Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista, and Marianne Quiambao, VP - Enterprise Group at Globe Telecom

code and click “GO” to select the WiFi package depending on the mobile network and con�irm the GoWiFi Auto package to enjoy top-notch internet experience. GoWiFi Auto packages include an affordable P15 for 500MB volume cap valid for 1 day, P50 for a 1.5GB volume cap that’s valid for 3 days, and P99, also with a 1.5GB but valid for 30 days.

For more information on GoWiFi and other products and services

by Globe Telecom, visit www.globe.com.ph.

CANADA... FROM 3 Port of Manila from 2013 to 2014.

Initially declared to contain only plastic scraps, it was found to have non-recyclable plastics, household wastes and used adult diapers.

Holmes acknowledged that the two states face "occasional challenge," but overall, Ottawa and Manila have a "strong partnership."

"This is the 70th anniversary of our bilateral re-

lations, we have outstanding relations with the government and people of the Philippines, we have good and growing trade relationship. Overall, it's a strong partnership."

"We have the occasional challenge, that's normal but we count on good cooperation from our colleagues in the Philippines and the almost one million Filipinos who live in Canada," he said.

(PNA)

the contractual dispute is resolved. To this end, it has brought the matter to the proper forum – the ERC. “We are requesting the ERC to act decisively and justly on the pending dispute resolution to restore reliable and stable power to Zamboanga City,” Nocos said.

The continued pow-

er outages are wreaking havoc on Zamboanga City, threatening livelihood, security, access to basic services and the conduct of peaceful elections.

Canneries are reportedly spending up to 30% more in power costs as they have to run their generators to ensure uninterrupted production.

idents,” he said.

In coordination with local government units and non-government organizations, he said DENR-12 has been educating community residents and other stakeholders about the risks posed by hazardous wastes to the bay.

Saikol said they have also conducted cleanup drives on beaches and immediate waters in partnership with local communities and divers.

On Monday, around 300 volunteers joined the cleanup drive at the Queen

Tuna Park here and the neighboring areas in celebration of the Earth Day. Saikol said they have set a series of activities for Sarangani Bay next month in line with the Ocean Month celebration.

These include a fun run, cleanup drive, mural painting and an environmental camp for youth advocates.

“We really need to protect our marine life and one way to do it is by making sure that they will be free of our wastes,” he added. (MindaNews)

mal weight. Second, you need to be physically active. Regular exercise will not only help you have a normal weight, it also makes people to have normal blood sugars.

The two other attributes pertains to vices: cigarette and alcohol consumption. It was found that people who didn’t develop diabetes were non-smokers or they had stopped smoking for at least 10 years already.

As for drinking, it has

been shown that the more a person drinks, the more they are prone to engage in other unhealthy habits like eating too much, smoking and not getting enough exercise.

This brings us to the �inal attribute: foods.

You need to eat healthy foods. According to the lead author of the study, Dr. Jared Reis, among all �ive factors, being overweight was linked most strongly to diabetes risk.

WMPC... FROM 4

SARANGANI... FROM 4

INdulge!

VOL.12 ISSUE 33 • THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2019

EDGEDAVAO TRAVEL

Keep it together,

OUR SECOND DAY in Baler proved to be more stoked-filled. We were up by 5:30am and after the usual essentials underway like coffee and preparing our vision (we were all wearing glasses, so we had to put in contacts first before heading to surf). By 7:00am we were already at the Northshore Surf Camp and picked out our boards for the day.

The waves were much better this morning than it was when we first surfed in the afternoon.

Clean, glassy and consistent— the best part, there weren’t that many people like you’d see at Sabang Beach. Before more people would arrive, I headed to the water first. Super excited to finally catch waves again, I used a 7”2 funboard which was similar to my first board, Sugie, except that this was a little longer and had a tri-fin setup.

Dee and Achie Kim also surfed with me and were pretty stoked as well. As expected, even if I brought my GoPro with me, we really couldn’t take photos or videos because we wanted to enjoy the moment without the inconvenience of worrying about the GoPro’s safety.

After almost four hours, we called it a day for surfing and parked our hungry selves at Masilig Eatery which is also in the same area as Northshore Surf Camp. This quaint little feeding hole is also run by the same folks from Kusina Luntian. The food is divine and definitely helps wrap up a good surf session. My favorite here has always been the bur-jack. It’s a vegetar-

BALER Clockwise from left: Masilig Eatery’s chill and laidback ambiance. Photo by Kimberly Kuan. View from the top of Cemento in Baler. Photo by Gabriel Villena. My favorite post-surf meal at Masilig Eatery, the Bur-Jack. ian burger made out “puso ng saging.” It’s served with a side of kamote fries which I find perfectly filling.

We couldn’t linger long since we had to drop-off Ponchi’s sister and her friends over at the bus terminal. Sadly, they couldn’t join us for the whole four days, but we were glad to have spent some time in Madison’s Cafe before we parted ways. Now, Madison’s Cafe felt like Taste of Home for me, in more ways than one. Their coffee was great, and the cakes were also a perfect combination to the heat of the afternoons in Baler.

We spent a considerable amount of time here just chatting about life, our relationships and talked about friendship when we realized it was time

to get dressed and go to church since that day was a Sunday. I was glad all of us were eager to get going even if we didn’t really pack enough for a church visit, I knew God wouldn’t mind what we wore as long as our hearts were ready to receive Him. There was a Victory Church satellite in Baler, and I loved how it felt like being back in CCF Davao when we were much smaller in numbers. The message the pastor delivered was so greatly received, it home for me in a personal way that I never expected, making me emotional and add to my increasing difficulty in breathing.

Since it was Achie’s birthday, we wanted to eat somewhere special, and Costa Pacifico had just this perfect gazebo in their

alfresco area where you could hear the waves and was beside their well-curated lawn and pool area.

We had dinner and one of the most striking, encouraging and again, emotional conversations at this dinner table that really made me appreciate everything that happened to me in life and how each little thing we do matters—whether the impact may be in the past, present or future.

I’ve never felt so grateful to be by the beach, surfing each day and spending quality time with great people like the crew I was with. Despite just knowing each other (except Dee) at the start of this trip, it felt like I’ve been longtime friends with them.

Our conversations were so natural, everybody was contributing

PART II

to the growing dialogues that at one point, I needed a barf bag to keep up with the laughter. Why I needed a barf bag is another story to tell for another time.

By the end of dinner, after saying our appreciation to Achie, we asked for a special surprise, care of the Costa staff where they sang her a lively birthday song and served us brownie ala mode. We apparently love our desserts. We walked back home with full hearts and tummies, eyelids heavier but eager to get a good night’s sleep and continue on with the fun and stoke the following day.

The best part is coming! Stay tuned! Check out my Instagram (@ferina.millennialmermaid) for the rest of the story from last week and today!

EDGED

A2 INdulge!

UP AND ABOUT

SCANDINAVIAN FILM FEST AT SM LANANG PREMIER

THE EMBASSIES of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden in Manila, in partnership with the SM Lanang Premier, SM Cinema, and the Film Development Council of the Philippines have come together for the very first Scandinavian Film Festival in the Philippines. This will happen in Davao City from April 28 to May 3, 2019.

This momentous film festival will feature over 30 contemporary films of different genres, offering Filipinos a glimpse of the Scandinavian culture and way of life. By reaching out to the Mindanao audience, the Scandinavian Film Festival leverages on the power of film to foster a deeper mutual understanding and dialogue between our cultures.

The festival will showcase 23 full length films from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden at SM Lanang Premier from April 28 to May 3, 2019. Among the notable line-up of films that will be screened for the first time in Mindanao is the intimate triangle drama Rosita, featuring Mercedes Cabral. Rosita, which won Frederikke Aspock the Best Director Award at the Moscow International Film Festival in 2015, will be the festival’s inaugural film.

The festival also features will The Wave (2015), the Norwegian box office film about a geologist and his family’s fight for survival when a landslide causes a 250- foot tidal wave. The Wave received the award for Best Norwegian Film in Theatrical Release, as well as the awards for Best Sound Design and Best Visual Effects.

“We are happy to be back in Davao with Danish films, this time joined by our Norwegian and Swedish brothers in our very first Scandinavian Film Festival,” says Danish Ambassador Jan Top Christensen. It is very important for us to get out of Manila and engage with Filipinos all over.”

Swedish Ambassador Harald Fries notes that “the Embassy of Sweden is very pleased with joining this film festival in Davao City. Through a variety of Scandinavian films, we want to bring the Davaoenos and the Scandinavian people closer together.”

“We are excited to share our stories of laughter, suspense, and history through film,” adds Norwegian Ambassador to the Philippines Bjorn Jahnsen. “Everyone will find movies that would appeal to their personal tastes as we have carefully selected the best of Scandinavian cinema today.”

All films will be screened for free on a first come, first served basis. See full screening schedules in Facebook.com/smlanangpremier.

Globe Rewards customers do P1.6M to plant 16,000 trees in

IT WAS A CAUSE worth every peso and point.

Less than a month ago, Globe Telecom encouraged all its mobile customers to donate their 2018 expiring rewards points to help restore the Philippines’ primary rainforest cover via Hineleban Foundation as part of the company’s rainforestation advocacy. For every 100-point donation, (1 point is equal to 1 Peso), Globe Rewards users were able to fund one tree for planting and even give it a name.

The response was unbelievable!

In just 13 days, the rewards points donated by Globe customers to Hineleban Foundation reached 1,600,300 points or P1.6 million, enough to plant 16,003 trees covering 16 hectares of denuded forest areas in Bukidnon. So far, it was the highest donation amount raised in the shortest number of days since Globe Rewards opened up use of rewards points for donation. Globe Rewards is the baseline

loyalty program of Globe Postpaid, Prepaid and TM. Customers can earn points and enjoy exclusive offers by simply being loyal with Globe.

“We are happy to see our customers becoming part of our environmental sustainability efforts because we all need to be aware that everything is interconnected.

For instance, if we bring back our rainforests, then we increase our ground water storage or aquifers, and in turn avoid a water crisis.

The task is undoubtedly massive but we believe that these simple and small ways can go a long way in helping reach this objective,” said Yoly Crisanto, Globe Chief Sustainability Officer and Senior Vice President for Corporate Communications.

Hineleban (Hē-ne-leu-bän) is a sacred Binukid term literally meaning “Mother Tree of the rainforest that sustains the cycle of all life.” The term was adopted

by Hineleban Foundation, a nonstock, non-profit organization based in Bukidnon, Mindanao, whose vision is to ensure the nation’s water, food and human security by reforesting the mountain ranges of Mindanao, home to the country’s last watersheds, and are inhabited by Indigenous People (IP’s) and Bangsamoro communities.

Globe and Hineleban Foundation’s partnership began in December 2016 where they entered into a Sacred Customary Compact with the IPs as well as a Peace and Development role with the Bangsamoro People to identify steps to fulfil the dream of rainforestation.

Together, they are currently reforesting 300 hectares of denuded primary rainforests, a fraction of the 44,000 hectares surveyed and targeted by the Foundation in Bukidnon and Lanao del Sur. The program is structured into five phases over a five-year period, last-

ing until The ref with the p quell acid followed species th forestry, i trees and Intercrop objective tree speci to secure watershed grown ar pis, apito white lau Hineleba tion meth ally recog the Gran project in the Agric for Intern the Frenc in 2015.

Aside f also purs

Cebu Pacific commences direct Cebu-S

THE PHILIPPINES’ leading carrier, Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB) begins commercial operation of its direct service between Cebu and Shanghai, China. Shanghai, the biggest city in China and a global financial hub, is CEB’s sixth international route with direct access to its Cebu hub.

The improved air connectivity is expected to boost inbound and outbound travelers for both route’s dynamic leisure and business opportunities. Shanghai’s unique oriental charm is perfect for Filipinos who want to experience a mix of Eastern and Western cultures.

Often dubbed as The Oriental Paris, Shanghai boasts of beautiful modern skyscrapers and landmarks rich in culture and history.

The Cebu-Shanghai flight departs from the Mactan-Cebu International Airport at 6:50pm. The flight’s evening departure allows neighboring cities such as Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Dumaguete and Iloilo to connect seamlessly and fly to the biggest city in China via Cebu City. The return flight from Shanghai, on the other hand, will depart at 11:55pm.

The inaugural flight was graced

by Blessie Cruz, Cebu Pacific’s director for marketing “The CebuShanghai route will link two premier Asian destinations—reinforcing Cebu as a key hub for both domestic and international travel—enabling easier and more efficient access within the Philippines and neighboring countries

for millions of residents in the Visayas and Mindanao.” Also in attendance were DOT 7’s supervising tourism officer Judilyn

Quiachon Harrison Executive of the ina

EDAVAO

INdulge! A3

VOL.12 ISSUE 33 • THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2019

ENTERTAINMENT

A love triangle like no other premieres on GMA Telebabad

onate n Bukidnon

December 2021. forestation process begins planting of calliandra to dic cogonal grass. This is by the planting of tree hat are ideal for agroincluding Brazilian fire d Caribbean pine trees. pping then becomes the e, with 600 indigenous ies per hectare planted e the area as a permanent d. Some of the species re almon, bagtikan, mayaong, red lauan, palosapis, uan, olayan, katii and nato. an Foundation’s reforestahodology is internationgnized, having received nd Prize Award for best n the forestry sector from cultural Research Centre national Development and ch Development Agency

from Hineleban, Globe sues other environmental

One of the areas in Bukidnon covered by HIneleban’s rainforestation program.

sustainability advocacies such as paperless billing, responsible electronic waste recycling, marine biodiversity conservation workshops for sustainable business practices, ‘Wag Sa Single Use Plastic education campaign tackling the adverse impacts of plastics on the environment, among others.

Globe, likewise, supports the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal of Life on Land which is centered on protecting, restoring and promoting sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation and biodiversity loss.

Globe and Hineleban Foundation continue to accept donations for rainforestation via hineleban. org/donate/. For more information about other sustainability efforts of Globe, please visit Globe of Good and follow Globe Bridging Communities on Facebook.

Shanghai flights

n and Andrew Acquaahn, GMR-Megawide’s Chief e Adviser; in full support augural flight.

In photo from L-R: DOT 7 Supervising Tourism Officer Judilym Quiachon, GMR Megawide Chief Executive Adviser Andrew AcquaahHarrison, Cebu Pacific Director for Marketing Blessie Cruz, President Tour Operator Unite in Region 7 (Tour 7) Jerome Templa, President of Cebu Travel and Tours Association (CTTA) Angelita Dy The new Cebu-Shanghai route is in line with the carrier’s plans to expand capacity in Cebu to meet increasing demand. The carrier had earlier stated it would rampup capacity in its Cebu hub by as much as 20% in 2019. Aside from Shanghai, Cebu Pacific flies direct between Cebu, Hong Kong and Macau in China; as well as Narita, Japan; Incheon, Korea and Singapore. CEB also has direct flights from Cebu to 22 other domestic destinations.

KAPUSO VIEWERS are in for a delightful time as the heartwarming romantic comedy, Love You Two, premieres worldwide on GMA Telebabad.

Headlining this light-hearted and feel-good drama series is the much awaited tandem of Kapuso Ultimate Star Jennylyn Mercado and sought-after actor Gabby Concepcion.

Jennylyn breathes life to Raffy, a woman who has a thriving career and is happily in a relationship. Gabby is Jake, the charming businessman and Kalayaan Hotel owner who remains to be a dashing debonair even in his 40s.

Joining them in Love You Two are multi-talented Kapuso stars: Solenn Heussaff as Lianne, Jake’s free-spirited ex-fiancée who remained friends with him even after their breakup; Shaira Diaz as Sam, Raffy’s spunky and pretty younger sister and a true-blue millennial who wants to experience everything at once; Sheena Halili as Nina, Jake’s caring executive assistant who’s always on top of things; Jerald Napoles as Harrison, Raffy and Sam’s amusing and protective older brother; Kiray Celis as Darling, Raffy and Sam’s childhood friend who is secretly in love with Harrison; Nar Cabico as Migs, resident manager of Kalayaan Hotel who becomes Raffy’s confidante; Yasser Marta as Edison, Jake’s nephew who also works at the Sales and Marketing Team of Kalayaan Hotel; Michelle Dee as Mochi, Sam’s close friend since their college days; Introducing in Love You Two is newest Kapuso Clint Bondad as Theo, Raffy’s ex-boyfriend who will seize a career opportunity abroad and leave her behind.

Also featuring in this primetime soap are Freddie Webb as Jake Reyes Sr., Jake’s dad who is a former banker; Madeleine Nicolas as Teresita, the mother of Jake; Joshua Zamora as Baste, the general man-

ager of Kalayaan Hotel.

For their first team-up together, Jennylyn and Gabby showcase their strength as icons of the romcom genre. Shaira, for her part, brings to the screen a refreshing character that adds an interesting twist to the story. After all, how can Raffy and Sam, two sisters who are very close to another, deal with the fact that they’ve fallen for the same man, their “the one”? If they’re all saying “I love you, two” in their own meanings, who gets the happy ending?

The show’s creative team is composed of creative director Aloy Adlawan; creative consultant Agnes Gagelonia-Uligan; Concept Creator Glaiza Ramirez; Headwriter Rona Lean Sales; writers Renei Dimla, Glaiza Ramirez; and brainstormers John Borgy Danao, Patrick Ilagan.

Award-winning director Irene Villamor, who is known for her expertise in compelling scenes and storylines, helms Love You Two,

the first tele-pelikula of the GMA Drama Group. The ground-breaking program will give Filipino audiences a filmlike experience on the small screen, complete with stunning cinematography that elevates the usual primetime viewing. Pao Orendain is the Director of Photography.

This original series is headed by the SVP for Entertainment Group Lilybeth G. Rasonable, VP for Drama Redgie A. Magno, AVP for Drama Cheryl Ching-Sy, Senior Program Manager Ali N. Dedicatoria and Executive Producer Joy Lumboy-Pili.

Join the crazy, kilig-filled antics of Raffy, Sam, and Jake in Love You Two, beginning April 22, after Sahaya on GMA Telebabad.

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

A4 INdulge!

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 33 â&#x20AC;¢ THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2019

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 33 • THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2019

FIRING LINE... FROM 1

SEN. ANGARA... FROM 2

On April 22, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo con�irmed that Malacañang has already received the report.

MWSS Chairman Franklin J. Demonteverde on Wednesday announced that the MWSS board has slapped Manila Water Company, Inc. with a total of PHP1.134 billion worth of �ines in connection with the water shortage suffered by its customers last March.

Of the total, PHP534

million is the penalty itself while PHP600 million will be used to fund development of new water supply source.

In a statement, Manila Water President Ferdinand M. dela Cruz said he will abide by the MWSS decision to pay the penalty, as provided for under Section 10.4 of the Concession Agreement for the inability of the concessionaires to meet its service obligations to provide 24/7 water supply to its consumers. (PNA)

homicide also went down by 27.01% and 5.56%, respectively.

“According to the PRO 11 regional director, the said drop in the rate of theft, robbery and physical injury can be attributed to the PNP’s strict enforcement of local ordinances which we incorporated in the implementation of Oplan Dabaw Kalinaw in the region,” Baria reiterated.

Further, Baria said this quarter has been very busy for the police agency especially in providing security coverages and other public safety services for all national and local events.

PRO 11 also vowed to continue performing its task of protecting life, liberty and property of the people while making sure that legitimate dissent is respected and be done within the bounds of law.

Angara said.

He pointed out that what is lacking is a trained professional who can provide the three essential C’s—care, comfort and counseling—to Filipinos in crisis situation and in need of special protection.

"Kahit meron tayong magagaling na abogado sa mga embahada at batikang eksperto sa lokal na regulasyon, ang isang kakulangan ay ‘yung magbibigay ng psychosocial care doon sa mga biktima ng traf�icking or violence," Angara said.

“Traumatized Filipinos require the services of a trained professional. Kung ang isang OFW ay biktima ng sexual abuse, ‘yung pagtulong sa kanila ay nangangailangan ng isang specialist and this is the kind of skill-set that might not be found in the organizational setup of an embassy,” he added.

Also present during the signing ceremony were Phoenix Petroleum Chief Operating Of�icer Henry Fadullon, Phoenix Petroleum Senior Vice President for External Affairs, Business Develop-

ment, and Security Atty.

Raymond Zorrilla, Cebu Paci�ic VP for Fuel Operations Joey Macagga, and Cebu Paci�ic Director for Fuel Operations Edwin Sarte, along with key personnel of each company.

PRO 11... FROM 2

PHOENIX... FROM 4

Once the bill creating the Of�ice for Social Welfare Attaché is enacted, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will formulate and issue the implementing rules and regulations, in coordination with the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Labor and Employment, the Department of Health, the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, and the Commission on Filipinos Overseas.

The DSWD is also tasked to provide criteria for determining the selection of diplomatic posts to which SWAs will be deployed and the minimum quali�ications and attributes of the SWA. Under the 2018 and 2019 national budget, a total of P90 million is allocated for the Of�ice of the Social Welfare Attaché.

EDGE DAVAO

Duterte, Paolo Z. Duterte (1st District), Vincent J. Garcia (2nd) and Isidro T. Ungab (3rd).

Ist District derby The winning council bets in the First District are Acosta, J. Melchor Quitain Jr., Edgar Ibuyan, Bonifacio Militar, Richard Duterte, Pilar Braga, Nilo Abellera Sr. and Pamela Librado in that order.

Only Richard and Pamela are new, the rest have served in the city council. Richard is a cousin of Mayor Inday Sara, while Pamela’s father, mother and two sisters have been elected to the city council in succession.

2nd District race The winners in the 2nd District are Bonguyan, Danny Dayanghirang, Diosdado Mahipus Jr., Dr. Florence Alejandre, Boogie Dureza, Javi Garcia Campos, Dante Apostol

and Doenard Dayap in that order.

Mahipus Jr., Alejandre, Dureza, Campos and Dayap are �irst-timers.

3rd District derby In the 3rd Disrict, the winning 8 are Abet Ungab, Jesus “Cocoy” Zozobrado III, Sweet Advincula, Nonoy Al-ag, Conde Baluran, Dr. Joselle Villafuerte, Myrna Dalodo-Ortiz and Petite Principe in that order. Congressman Ungab and Sweet Advincula are �irst-timers.

Preferred qualities When asked what qualities are they looking for in candidates, the respondents said they prefer bets with leadership ability (98 percent), not involved in corruption (96 percent), with clear platform/program ( 95 percent), family-oriented (87.3 percent), and with good service track record (87.1 percent).

NOW HIRING!!!

• REPORTERS • LAYOUT ARTISTS • ACCOUNTING CLERKS • DRIVER

Kindly address application letter ASAP to

ELLA P. TINGZON | 0918 383 1511

BATO... FROM 3

9

For additional inquiries, please email us at: zion.davao@gmail.com

10 HEALTH EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 33 • THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2019

Malunggay

Celery

IN SEARCH OF CURE FOR

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

A

t thirty-two, single and handsome, Ronald, a private-�irm junior executive, was at the top of his career. He liked parties and loved to overeat as if there was no tomorrow. A gourmet, he told his friends of himself.

He started gaining weight but still kept on with his lifestyle. Then, something went wrong.

After a month training in Bangkok last year, he came back home and found himself drinking a lot and urinating profusely. His need to pass water got frequent night and day – due to his drinking, he surmised. Curiously, he started losing weight, yet he was eating a lot.

His suspicion was aroused when just above his ankle, a swelling started to emerge. This was something that had never happened to him before. Still, he didn’t think much of it. Until the swelling began to get soft

and show signs of getting septic that he �inally decided to see a doctor.

After an hour at the doctor’s private clinic, he was given a diagnosis that really shocked him. “You’re diabetic,” the doctor told him.

What used to be a disease of minor signi�icance to world health, “diabetes is now taking its place as one of the main threats to human health in the 21st century,” Prof. Paul Zimmet, director of the International Diabetes Institute, reported. “The past three decades have seen an explosive increase in the number of people with diabetes worldwide.”

The Philippines is not spared from such health problem. In 2000, about 3.56% of Filipinos were diagnosed with diabetes, according to the Department of Health. By 2030, over 7 million people are expected to have the disease.

What is alarming is

DIABETES Kamias

that most of those with the disease don’t know they have it. As a matter of fact, many diabetics die “because it is already too late to remedy the situation,” to quote the words of the late Dr. Ricardo Fernando, who founded the Institute for Studies and Diabetes Foundation.

Medical science has identi�ied two types of diabetes. Type 1 (formerly called insulin-dependent diabetes or juvenile-onset diabetes) occurs in only 10-15% of all cases and tends to occur in people under the age of 30. Onset is normally sudden and dramatic. More than 90% of the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas are permanently destroyed. The exact cause of unknown but it’s generally thought to be inherited.

As insulin-producing cells in the pancreas are damaged, insulin – the hormone released from the pancreas – must be injected to keep

Makahiya

the patient alive. “Aside from being safe, (insulin treatment) is cost effective compared with taking several classes of anti-diabetes pills at the same time,” points out Dr. Linda Lim-Varona, an internal medicine specialist.

Studies have shown Type 2 (called previously as non-insulin-dependent diabetes or adult-onset diabetes) as the most common form; it accounts for about 90% of all cases. In this type, the pancreas continues to produce insulin, sometimes even at higher-than-normal levels. But the body develops resistance to the effects of insulin, so there is not enough insulin to meet the body’s needs.

To be a diabetic is no joke. “Beyond its prevalence, its complications add to its complexity,” pointed out Dr. Jose V. Nevada, a medical doctor who is with the University of the Philippines at Los Baños. “From people having their foot amputated, to those who become blind; from patients undergoing dialysis to those who had heart attacks or stroke – these horror medical stories are real. The medical cost of diabetes is expensive; and the loss of lives, enormous.”

In the Philippines, the most common form of diabetes is Type 2. “Type 2 diabetes is presently treated using conventional drugs which act mainly by stimulating insulin absorption and its release from the pancreas or by blocking the enzymes that break down sugar, such as amylase and glucosidase,” said Dr. Edgardo E. Tulin, a researcher with the Visayas State

University in Baybay City, Leyte.

Most of these conventional drugs, however, have varied side effects. This is the reason why he is searching for plant-derived insulin mimetics and natural enzyme inhibitors from plant sources.

“The cure for diabetics may just be in our backyard, growing among weeds or other herbs, waiting to be discovered and developed into potent anti-diabetic drug,” he explained in an article published in “Bridge,” of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). “Finding such plant is becoming urgent, as the incidence of diabetes continues to rise.”

In his study, Dr. Tulin collected 54 medicinal indigenous plants from the screen house. Some were gathered near vicinity of the university, including those from Mount Pangasugan.

“Plant samples were subjected to aqueous and organic extraction to have comparison on which solvent will give the best activity,” he wrote. “Four solvents (benzene, chloroform, acetone, and ethanol) were used in organic extraction while sterile distilled water was used in aqueous extraction.”

In glucosidase inhibitory assay, only 18 plant samples showed significant inhibition of more than 50% among other plant samples extracted. These are “makahiya,” basil, stevia, mahogany, “sibukao,” “balbas pusa,” rosy periwinkle, guava, “buyo,” “dita,” “abgaw, “tuba-tuba,” “kamias,” celery, red “alugbati,” “magsumpay,” garlic, and “gatas-gatas.”

“These plant samples inhibit glucosidase in a dose-dependent manner; that is, inhibition increases as the concentration of sample increases,” Dr. Tulin explained.

In amylase inhibitory assay, only �ive plant samples showed significant inhibition of more than 50% against amylase. These are “kamias,” celery, “abgaw,” “gatas-gatas,” and red “alugbati.” The �ive samples also inhibit amylase in a dose dependent manner.

After doing thorough studies, the evaluators came up with only three plant materials that will be further analyzed: the aqueous extracts of “makahiya” and basil and the acetone extract of “kamias.”

“The discovery of plant-derived insulin mimetics may provide a breakthrough in the �ield of medicine,” Dr. Tulin said. “It would bene�it not only people af�licted with diabetes but also individuals who are at risk of developing the disease. It is with optimism that once completed, the project will help curb the incidence of diabetes.”

At the University of the Philippines in Diliman, two researchers – Dr. Irene M. Villaseñor and Juane Marco G. Gonzales – are looking at malunggay, which they described as “super plant,” as another alternative anti-diabetic drug. They based this fact from some studies that showed malunggay extracts to have signi�icantly reduced blood sugar in mice.

“Our goal is to isolate an anti-diabetic compound from malunggay and to formulate a less

DIABETES, P8

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 33 • THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2019

11

Guiao wants longer training for Gilas

G

ilas Pilipinas head coach Yeng Guiao forwarded to the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) a “simple proposal” that calls for a longer and more extensive training for the team that will vie in the FIBA World Cup in China.

“We’re hoping we can start earlier,” said Guiao during the well-attended Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum at the Amelie Hotel-Manila on Tuesday.

Guiao, who took over the Gilas coaching job from Chot Reyes, can only wish that the PBA could provide him the window by adjusting its schedule in favor of the World Cup campaign.

“I think we need more than the 10 or 12 days of break (in the PBA schedule) for the World Cup so we can extend our practices,” said Guiao ahead of the country’s second straight stint in the World Cup. PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial, who also graced the forum presented by San Miguel Corp., Tapa King, Amelie Hotel, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) said he will discuss the matter with the PBA board when it meets Thursday at the league of�ice in Libis, Quezon City.

“I’ve had initial talks with coach Yeng on this. We fully support him. It can be done,” Marcial said.

The PBA Philippine Cup is in its semi�inal round, and the �inals will be over no later than May 15. To give the Gilas campaign more space, the league will kick off the Commissioner’s Cup on May 19.

The World Cup is scheduled Aug. 30 to Sept. 15, and Gilas will play the opening round against Italy, Serbia, and Angola in that order.

“I’m asking for more than 12 days of continuous practice or if possible, one month.

I hope we can practice twice a day for four days in June, then twice a day for eight days in July and then daily in August,” Guiao said.

The �iery coach from Pampanga told the forum that he’s also looking at tune-up games with either Australia, New Zealand and other European countries.

Winning two out of three games against Serbia (4th), Italy (13th) and Angola (39th) will send the Philippines (31st) in the second round. Otherwise, it falls on the classi�ication stage.

Guiao is also keeping his �ingers crossed that NBA standout Jordan Clarkson can join Gilas as a local, and play side by side with naturalized player Andray Blatche.

“If Jordan can play for us, then it will change the whole complexion,” Guiao said.

(PR)

NEARLY FINISHED. The Davao City-UP Mindanao Sports Complex swimming pool is about to be completed three days before the opening of the 2019 Palarong Pambansa.

PTV News Mindanao

Palaro opening moved to Sunday

By ADAM B. MORRELL

D

epartment of Education (DepEd) Davao Region Division spokesperson Janeilito “Dodong” Atillo, on Wednesday, April 24, said they are moving the opening ceremonies of the 2019 Palarong Pambansa to Sunday, April 28.

The opening ceremonies was earlier scheduled on Saturday, April 27, at the Davao City Sports Complex in the University of the Philippines Mindanao.

Atillo, who was a guest in yesterday’s AFPPNP Media Brie�ing held at the Royal Mandaya Hotel, said they need to adjust the schedule to accommodate President Rodrigo Duterte to grace the traditional opening rites.

Atillo also con�irmed that the opening program is moved to Sunday which was originally slated Saturday, April 27.

“We moved the date because of the availability of our guest of honor,”

he added.

The opening program is expected to start at 3:00pm. However, Atillo urged the athletes and spectators to be at the venue at 1:00pm as there will be lockdowns on gates.

Atillo, meanwhile, said everything is prepared for the staging of the biggest secondary and elementary conclave that will �inally be hosted in Davao City after 69 years.

He also said that

Ceres-Negros stuns Persija Jakarta

C

Ceres Negros stuns Persija Jakarta, 3-2, to stay unbeaten in the AFC Cup at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta on Tuesday (April 23, 2019). (Photo courtesy of AFC)

DepEd has continuously coordinated with all agencies involved for the hosting especially on the side of safety and security, health and logistics among others.

“Nevertheless, everything is all set and we are just waiting for the day to come,” he added.

Atillo also urged the Dabawenyos to go to the venues during the game and support the athletes as Davao City guns for an overall champion in its turf.

eres Negros fought back late in the second half to shock Persija Jakarta, 3-2, and stay unbeaten in the AFC Cup at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta on Tuesday night.

Ceres Negros came back from 0-2 down to edge Persija Jakarta on the road in a match that coincided with the Indonesian elections.

Sandi Sute opened the scoring for Jakarta in the 49th minute, while Bruno De Matos made it 2-0 eight minutes later.

Miguel Tanton suddenly turned what seemed like a smooth home sailing by Jakarta back into a game when he broke the ice for Ne-

gros in the 70th minute.

Bienve Maranon then tied the game in the 85th minute after slotting the ball in off a Stephan Schrock assist.

Mike Ott scored the game winner three minutes into stoppage time by scoring after another Schrock feed.

Negros remains perfect with 12 points after four matches, putting the club within a win from clinching a spot in the knockout stages.

Jakarta, on the other hand, remained in third place with four points, and the squad needs to sweep its remaining games in hopes of making the playoffs as well.

(PNA)

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VOL.12 ISSUE 33 • THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2019

SPORTS

The Davao Occidental Tigers came back to life in the final 10 minutes to snatch Game 4 and force a winner-take-all Game 5 on Thursday in Davao City. SPIN.ph photo

PRRDTO OPEN PALARO

Ramirez confirms President Duterte’s attendance in Sunday’s opening ceremonies

By NEILWIN JOSEPH BRAVO

T

he historic return of the Palarong Pambansa to Davao City in 69 years will be graced by no less than the city’s favorite son President Rodrigo Duterte.

The annual sports conclave opens in Davao this Sunday with President Duterte personally gracing the opening ceremonies for the third straight time.

Philippine Sports Commission chairman Butch Ramirez con�irmed the President’s presence in the inaugurals on Wednesday during the launching of the GoPilipinasGo Movement at the PSC Mindanao Sattelite Of�ice. The President will be joined by host city Mayor and presidential daughter Sara Duterte in elaborate rites in the sporting competitions among elementary and high school students from 17 participating regions.

Around 20,000 delegates are expected to converge for the multi-sport event serving as the country’s widest talent search for the next generation of athletes.

Ramirez also bared that both the track and �ield oval and the swimming pool at the Davao City-UP Sports Complex will be ready in time for the weeklong meet.

The Dabawenyo sports czar was in Davao for the past two weeks to personally oversee the completion of the remaining construction works for the facilities to be used in the Palarong Pambansa.

Not since the 1950 Games when it was yet known as Bureau of Public Schools-Interscholastic Athletics Association Games that Davao City has hosted the national sports meet.