Edge Davao Volume 12 Issue 76 | Tuesday, June 25, 2019

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Serving a seamless society

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VOL.12 ISSUE 76 • TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 2019

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PRRD thanks Vietnamese fishermen for helping Pinoys

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resident Rodrigo Duterte thanked the Vietnamese �ishermen who rescued Filipino �ishermen who were allegedly abandoned near the Recto Bank (Reed Bank) in the West Philippine Sea after being rammed by a Chinese vessel.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said Duterte brought this matter up during the 34th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Summit in Bangkok, Thailand on Sunday (June 23).

“President Duterte took the occasion to thank the captain and crew of the Vietnamese �ishing vessel who saved our �ishermen near Recto Bank, stating that this act of kindness and compassion will always be remembered by the Philippines and its people,” Panelo said in a statement on Sunday.

“He expressed his sincere gratitude to Vietnam through Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc,” he added.

Amid criticisms that Duterte has taken a tame approach to China’s aggression, Panelo said his remarks underscored that “the President Duterte is not beholden to or afraid of any foreign country.”

“He said that he is con�ident in articulating in clear and unequivocal terms the position of the Philippines as regards its interests before the global stage,” Panelo said.

Panelo also pointed that Duterte will always assert the country’s sovereignty.

“Today’s gathering has established the guiding philosophy of the President: Respect for the rule of law, and recognition of the sovereign equality of all nations as well,” Panelo said.

Aside from thanking the Vietnamese �ishermen, Duterte also expressed disappointment over the delay in the negotiations for a Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea.

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THE THIRD

MATINA ENCLAVES TOPS OFF ITS THIRD BUILDING ►INDULGE A1

President Rodrigo Duterte shares a light moment with Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha following their successful bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the 34th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit at The Athenee Hotel in Bangkok, Thailand over the weekend.

President Duterte has expressed concern and disappointment over the delay in the negotiations for a Code of Conduct (COC)in the South China Sea during the said summit. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 76 • TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 2019

IDIS bats for segregation, ban on single use plastic

By LEEBAI SINSUAT AMBOLODTO

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DFA AUTHENTICATION OFFICE IN DAVAO. Eric Velenzuela, acting director of Authentication Division of Office of Consular Affairs shows a copy of apostille certificate during the launching of the Department of Foreign Affairs Consular Office Davao at SM City Davao on Friday. Lean Daval Jr

non-government organization is pushing for the strict compliance to waste segregation and banning of single use plastic in Davao City.

Interface Development Interventions Inc. representative Amelou Dawn Catague said during a press brie�ing for NCCC Supermarket Go Green Revo campaign on Thursday, June 19, that the city's solid waste woes will be addressed with full implementation of waste segregation and the ban on single use plastic.

“If properly segregated lang ang basura nato, basig dili mag-over�low,”Catague said.

IDIS advocates for the protection and management of life-sustaining watersheds, from ridge-toreef in South-Central Mindanao.

As an NGO, Catague

said, IDIS focuses on the environment’s well-being for the future generation.

“Nowadays, we are focus on banning single-use plastics in Davao City,” added Catague. In line with their advocacy is the creation of a position paper they will be presenting to the city council next month.

Catague, during the brie�ing, shared data from CENTRO XI indicating the need for the city to be more careful in terms of plastic use. Of the city’s total waste, 50 percent are composed of biodegradable materials, 29 percent are residual and single-used plastics and the remaining 19 percent are recyclables.

IDIS is pushing for the banning single-use plastics, not only for health purposes but also for the elimination of sanitary over�low in

ANGKOK – President Rodrigo Duterte said the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has indeed been making progress in achieving its goals, such as “greater peace and stability and progress to our peoples for decades.”

However, he said that there are challenges that remained, such as the trade war between the United States and China, which he said has been “creating uncertainty.”

“It is taking a toll on global growth. And it could hinder the ongoing processes of economic integration (of ASEAN member countries),” Duterte said in his remarks at the plenary of the 34th ASEAN Summit here on Saturday.

He said while the US and China have to “take the high road and resolve their differences before the situation spirals out of control,” the ASEAN “must strengthen our support for a rulesbased and open multilateral trading system.”

“We must reject the zero-sum approach to international economic relations. In pursuit of growth, we should be partners not competitors. The Philippines therefore supports the ASEAN Single Window – a concrete initiative towards a seamless cross-border trade,” he said.

Duterte also said terrorism, violent extremism and transnational crimes remained major threats to the overall security of the region as these “divide our communities, destroy families, and undermine the growth we fought hard to achieve.”

“Illegal drugs, in particular, corrode the very fabric of our societies. We must redouble our collective efforts to counter these threats effectively and with �inality,” he added.

Duterte called on fellow ASEAN leaders to “rise up to the challenges” amid these “sweeping changes.”

“ASEAN must do more to bring positive change to the lives of its [peoples],” he added. (PNA)

Baste on political career: I’ll leave it to the people B I

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ASEAN members must face challenges together: PRRD

ncoming Vice Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte said his election to the second highest position in the local government could be the start of his long stint as a politician just like his father-president, who governed Davao City for three decades in various local elective posts, and his two older siblings.

“Depende sa tao. Kung ganahan mo, oo (It depends on the people. If they like, yes),” the 32-year old Sebastian, the youngest son of President Rodrigo R. Duterte with ex-wife Elizabeth Zimmerman, told reporters shortly after his inaugural ceremony on Friday.

A newbie in politics, Sebastian admitted to reading books, attending seminars, and asking his older siblings, Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio and resigned vice mayor Paolo “Pulong” Duterte, who is incoming 1st district representative, about what to expect from his �irst day and to learn

the ropes of his new role as the presiding of�icer of the 24-member local lawmaking body.

“Of course, that’s why I am here. I have done everything that I need to do. Mao na na ako kinabuhi, ingon ana lang ka simple (This is my life now, it’s as simple as that),” he said.

Before his election as President in 2016, Duterte served as OIC Vice Mayor from 1986 to 1987, was elected Mayor for three terms from 1988 to 1998, Representative of the �irst district from 1998 to 2001, Mayor from 2001 to 2010, Vice Mayor to his daugh-

DOLE XI new communicators undergo basic writing, photography training

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training workshop on basic news writing and photography wasconducted for new news contributors of DOLE Davao Region.

A total of �ifteen (15)employees from the different �ield of�ices of the Department of Labor andEmployment XI attended the activity.

DOLE XI Regional Director Raymundo G. Agravante said in his opening messagethat, “there is really a need of more communicators from the �ield of�ices to properlydocument and report program and project implementations.”The battery of resource speakers were from the Philippine Information Agency XInamely Carina L. Cayon, Information Of�icer III who discussed

Basic News Writing,and Rudolph Ian Alama, Information Of�icer III who trained the participants on BasicPhotography.

DOLE XI OIC-Asst. Regional Director Jason P. Balais in his inspirational messagesaid that, “the training workshop is very relevant especially on how to determine thegood and bad sides in writing news.” He added that there are news that must not bewritten in advance as well as there are news that must be written otherwise. ARDBalais ended by challenging everyone to come up with more news reports from the�ield of�ices after the training.

Joining the training workshop were Arlene S.M. Sicam and

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ter-Mayor from 2010 to 2013, and Mayor from 2013 until 2016.

His daughter Sara served as Vice Mayor from 2007 to 2010, Mayor from 2010 until 2013, elected Mayor again in 2016 when her father ran for president, and re-elected in 2019.

Paolo, the President’s eldest son was councilor from 2008 to 2013, and vice mayor from 2013 to 2016 and 2016 until he resigned in 2018.

Sebastian added he has prepared well for the job, and that he is willing to devote most of his time in public service.

“It is an af�iliation, which is new to me but which I am very eager to assume. I come here and with my fervent desire to serve… I may be new in government service but I trust that this desire will be the impetus from where

my impact to the city and its people will come about,” he said.

Under Section 456 of the Local Government Code of 1991, the City Vice Mayor shall be the “presiding of�icer of the Sangguniang Panlungsod (City Council) and sign all warrants drawn on the city treasury for all expenditures appropriated for the operation of the Sangguniang Panlungsod.”

Subject to civil service law, rules and regulations, the Vice Mayo appoints all of�icials and employees of the City Council except those whose manner of appointment is speci�ically provided under the Code.

The law also provides that the Vice Mayor will assume the of�ice of the mayor “for the unexpired term of the latter in the event of permanent vacan-

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VOL.12 ISSUE 76 • TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 2019

NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

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GPH-MILF preps for decommissioning of 12,000 combatants, weapons

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Autostrada Motore Inc. tries to lure Dabawenyo car lovers as it showcased Ferrari Portofino and Maserati Levante during a roadshow in Davao City over the weekend. Autostrada, the country’s authorized dealer of Ferrari and Maserati, is now 70 percent owned by Davao City tychoon Dennis Uy. Lean Daval Jr

EAGA turns 25: Leaders note region’s progress

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angkok, Thailand – Leaders of the BIMP-EAGA sub-regional cooperation recognized the key milestones of the economic cooperation during the recently concluded 13th BIMP-EAGA Summit, held in conjunction with the 34th ASEAN Summit in Bangkok, Thailand.

In a joint statement, four country leaders Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, President Joko Widodo, Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, and President Rodrigo Duterte acknowledge BIMP-EAGA’s success, primarily driven by the �irm commitment, solidi�ied historical, economic and cultural ties, and a shared vision of its member countries.

“We take pride in the sub-region’s transformation, which has resulted to

stronger ties and broader gains in the past 25 years,” the statement adds.

BIMP-EAGA has recorded an annual growth of 5.7 percent, with its gross domestic product reaching US$ 287.3 billion in 2017.

The sub-region, according to the joint statement, also recorded a 21.5 percent growth in merchandise trade for the same year.

The signing of the ASEAN Memorandum of Understanding on the Improve-

Duterte dares local leaders to challenge 30-year rule

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resident Rodrigo Duterte on Friday dared Dabawenyos to establish a strong opposition party to challenge the three-decade rule of his family here.

“If you think Davaoeños that they are not already up to it, then by all means I suggest other leaders here to put up a strong opposition so that the people will have a choice na hindi lang ang Duterte pala ang marunong (It’s not only the Dutertes who know how to lead),” the President said during the oath-taking of incoming Davao City Vice Mayor Sebastian Duterte on Friday.

Duterte, who admitted he is sometimes ashamed of the political dynasty his family created, said it was the choice of the people of Davao that allows them to lead for several years.

He said he is willing to give other leaders the chance to lead Davao if the people no longer want them in power.

Giving the people of

Davao more choice to choose their leaders is a democracy, the President said.

“Kung ma-realize niya na bigyan na natin ng chance (If she realizes to give others chance), maybe after this, if my daughter Inday would decide, ‘let us give others a chance,” he said.

He said his partymates at the Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod (HTL), a local party he founded, wanted Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio to replace him as the local chief executive of�icer and his eldest son, Paolo, as the vice mayor when he no longer wanted to be in politics.

Before his election as President in 2016, Duterte was OIC Vice Mayor from 1986 to 1987, Mayor from 1988 to 1998, 2001 to 2010 and 2013 to 2016; Representative of the �irst district from 1998 to 2001, and Vice mayor to his daughter-mayor from 2010 to 2013.

Daughter Sara was Vice

ment of Safety Standards and Inspection for Non-Convention Ships within ASEAN Member States last year is also seen to further propel maritime trade and safety in the sub-region.

“BIMP-EAGA remains to be a crucial development platform not just for the sub-region, but for the rest of the ASEAN,” said Sultan Bolkiah, who chairs this year’s meet.

In the report presented to the leaders during the summit, 16 out of the 69 priority infrastructure projects (PIPs) amounting to an estimated value of US$ 22.7 billion are already completed. These projects include roads, railways, bridges, inland transport services, air-

ports and seaports, power and energy infrastructure, among others.

“There is a need to increase air linkages for greater people mobility and cross-border trade,” added President Duterte.

Duterte also urged his counterparts in the EAGA to work together in securing the sub-region’s borders to counter threats of terrorism, piracy, and illegal drug trade.

BIMP-EAGA stands for Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia Philippines-East ASEAN Growth Area, a sub-regional cooperation formed 25 years ago to accelerate development of member-countries’ focus areas through cross-border economic integration.

SLAND GARDEN CITY OF SAMAL -- Members of the different joint mechanisms under the Normalization Track of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) as well as international independent bodies have begun the preparations for the smooth decommissioning of at least 12,000 combatants of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), their weapons and camps this year.

According to the cochairs of the Philippine Government and the MILF Joint Normalization Committee (JNC), the purpose of the two-day meeting over the weekend here is to harmonize the collaborations between the parties and their international partners as the Bangsamoro peace process enters a new phase.

“We are in unity to express our hope for faster implementation of the Normalization Track,” said Ariel Hernandez, the government’s chair of the JNC and a member of the government panel.

“Our aim here is for the normalization process to be felt down to the households of the (MILF) communities,” Hernandez added.

Eduard Guerra, the chair of the MILF’s JNC, emphasized that a strong partnership is the key to surmount the challenges in the normalization process.

“We should work in partnership and always with consultation,” he said.

The CAB, which was signed by the government and the MILF in 2014 has two tracks: the Political and Normalization tracks. The Political Track includes the rati�ication of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) and establishment of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). The Normalization track mainly involves the decommissioning of the combatants and putting

their weapons beyond use, and the transformation of six MILF camps into peaceful and resilient communities.

The normalization track as stated in the CAB is a process whereby con�lict-affected communities can “return to conditions where they can achieve their desired quality of life, which includes the pursuit of sustainable livelihoods and political participation within a peaceful deliberative society.”

President Rodrigo Duterte on April has signed the Executive Order (EO) 79 Implementing the Annex on Normalization to consolidate the efforts of at least 17 government agencies involved in the said process.

Following the issuance of the EO, the government has activated the Inter-Cabinet Cluster Mechanism on Normalization (ICCMN) to determine the roles of each member agency.

Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. said it is critical for the normalization process to address the “drivers and triggers” that breed con�lict in these communities in Mindanao.

He noted this is “through eliminating the conditions and vulnerabilities for potential con�lict, changing the behavioral patterns and mindset of individuals and organizations, and pushing them to work to achieve harmony, interdependence, and the common good.”

Normalization components The Normalization Track will be implemented through four different components to ensure that the intervention is comprehensive. The components are subdivided into the security aspect, socio-economic development program, con�idence-building measures, and transitional justice and reconciliation.

Each of these compo-

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Coconut farmers remove the meat from the shell at a coconut farm in Gov. Generosa, Davao Oriental in this undated photo. Coconut farmers in the region are encouraged to

DUTERTE, P10 venture into other coconut by products production as the price of copra continue to decrease. Lean Daval Jr

4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 76 • TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 2019

DOTr eyes completion of Bicol Int’l Airport

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Workers conduct a routine inspection on a giant crane at a construction site of SMDC Lane Residences at the compound of SM Lanang Premier in Davao City on Monday.

Lean Daval Jr

Investors urged to explore Davao-Gensan-Bitung route

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he chairman of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) has urged participants of the Davao Investment Conference (Davao ICon) 2019 to explore the Davao-GenSan-Bitung shipping route to boost trade between Mindanao and Indonesia.

This was the message of lawyer Nathaniel D. Dalumpines, the newly-appointed chairman of MinDA, during the Davao ICon held at the SMX Convention Center on Thursday.

The Davao-GenSanBitung route was revived on June 16 using Reefer Filipinas as the new player. The cargo ship is scheduled to dock at Davao City’s Kudos Port on July 6.

“Let us sustain this route, which puts a premium on Mindanao’s strategic location to the BIMP-EAGA (Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area) and the larger Asean,” he said in his message read by MinDA Director Ole Dagala.

The route, which was launched in 2017 as a private sector-led initiative, was suspended due to a

EIJING – Power Construction Corporation of China, Ltd. (PowerChina) is investing some USD3 billion or roughly PHP154 billion, China’s state-owned �irm told Asia Paci�ic reporters here Friday.

Deputy General Manager Liu Xianxing of PowerChina Asia Paci�ic Business Development Department said the USD3-billion investments of the company in the Philippines is for the 11 projects that are under construction now.

Liu said most of the projects are in the power sector, while other projects include railway transportation, highway bridges, and marine reclamation.

He said two of the �irm’s largest projects in the Philippines include the Kauswagan 4x135-megawatt and the Dinginin (Mariveles) 2x660-MW coal-�ired power station projects.

The company is also putting up a ±350 kilovolt direct current power

transmission converter station project for Visayas and Mindanao.

“The potential of market development is huge, and regional headquarters need to invest more resources and focus on their development in various ways,” Liu said, pertaining to the Philippines and Asia Paci�ic countries like Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia, Singapore, and Papua New Guinea.

PowerChina is operating in 31 countries in the Asia Paci�ic, creating more than 19,000 jobs in the region.

To date, the �irm implements 125 projects in 13 Asia Paci�ic nations, said Liu. PowerChina International Group, Ltd. Vice President Xu Jianglong said the company’s investments in the past years are concentrated in countries participating China-led Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

“Our investments overseas are mainly con-

PowerChina invests $3B in PH

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very low load factor and revived again using a smaller vessel.

The BIMP-EAGA initiative was launched in 1994 as a cooperation initiative by the four BIMP-EAGA nations to accelerate economic development in areas that are geographically distant from their national capitals, yet in strategic proximity to each other, in one of the world’s most resource-rich regions that include the Heart of Borneo and Sulu-Sulawesi Marine Ecoregion, according to the Asian Development Bank’s website.

Dalumpines af�irmed MinDA’s commitment to continue supporting pri-

vate sector-led initiatives and interventions that will promote and advance the welfare and interest of the region.

Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (DCCCII) president Arturo Milan, in an interview, said the Reefer operator held business matching as part of the investment conference with the presence of its chief executive of�icer Felix Ishizuka.

Milan said prospective partners -- Chinese, Japanese, Malaysian, Indonesian, Singaporean delegates/ businessmen – joined the conference.

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epartment of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade has assured Bicolanos the Bicol International Airport (BIA), now under construction in Barangay Alobo here, would be completed in June 2020, and would be operational shortly after then.

Albay 2nd District Rep. Joey Sarte Salceda said Tugade made the promise during a recent meeting at the Department of Transportation (DOTr) headquarters in Clark, Pampanga where a brie�ing was held on the status of the PHP4.8-billion BIA and other projects of the agency in the regions.

The completion of the airport project is seen to provide a strategic and huge boost to the country’s economy, particularly the tourism industry, as it is projected to unlock the vast potential of Southern Luzon especially the Bicol Region, with its wealth in tourism assets and attractions.

“You restored my faith in our future,” Salceda told Tugade following the latter’s assurance of the 2020 completion of BIA, which is hailed as the country’s “Most Scenic Gateway.”

During the Clark meeting, Salceda updated Tugade that Albay is No. 4 in domestic tourism arrivals, and would even further increase if its number is taken in total with the combined Albay-Masbate-Sorsogon traf�ic.

The accelerated completion of the BIA would further boost tourists’ �low to the region, he said.

The BIA project is fully funded and work on it is in full blast to meet the June 27, 2020 deadline for the terminal, and November 2, 2019 for the land-side facilities.

As of May 30 this year, the project is 57 percent completed.

During the brie�ing, Tugade also said that DOTr had already resolved several technical concerns that have delayed the project, among them “the works on the required four-meter deep embankment of 25-centimeter thickness per layer to ensure good compaction, and the relocation of the transmission towers of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines that could obstruct the runway approach.”

Strongly pushed by Salceda during his earlier stint in Congress, and later as Albay governor and Bicol Regional Development Council chairman for nine years, the BIA project started in 2005 but construction began only in 2009.

Hampered by several hitches and delays, Salceda said Tugade’s pledge shows the “executive decisiveness of the Duterte administration in delivering urgent development projects nationwide such as the BIA, a vital infrastructure which is crucial to country.”

The Albay lawmaker said the BIA is expected to play a major role in achieving a target potential of 20 million tourist arrivals annually when it starts operation.

In the �irst quarter of this year, the country posted a record high 7.6-percent growth, which was about 2.2 million arrivals.

Salceda further said “the role of the BIA will be huge since the Department of Tourism (DOT) has upped its campaign in bringing foreign ambassadors to the country’s globally known, yet less visited destinations.”

Tourists �lying in via the BIA will land right at the heart of the Bicol region’s tourism hub, Albay province, home to the world’s iconic Mayon volcano and the Cagsawa Ruins, without

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A livestock trader unhauls a pig from Calinan District at a bagsakan area near Sta. Ana Port in Davao City on Monday. The demand for pigs went up on Monday due to the celebration of the feast of Saint John, which is one of the most popular patrons among Catholic devotees. Lean Daval Jr

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 76 • TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 2019

Globe At Home Air Fiber 5G unveiled to connect more Filipinos at home

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he Philippines became the �irst country in Southeast Asia (SEA) to experience commercial �ifth-generation (5G) �ixed wireless broadband after Globe Telecom launched the Globe At Home Air Fiber 5G postpaid plans.

Globe President and CEO Ernest Cu revealed that the Globe At Home Air Fiber 5G will enable the company to connect more Filipinos at home given the external challenges of rolling out �iber optic cables in the country. “The arrival of 5G has caused excitement in the global world of telecommunications. Today, we made a crucial step in ful�illing our goal of connecting more Filipino homes, and our vision of bringing �irstworld Internet to the Philippines,” Cu added.

The Globe At Home Air Fiber 5G postpaid plans which offer �iber-like speeds up to 100Mbps and super-sized data packages of up to 2 terabytes will be initially available in select areas in Pasig, Cavite, and Bulacan.

Cu said that the Globe At Home Air Fiber 5G will reinforce the efforts of achieving the company’s goal to connect two million homes by 2020. “Prior to Air Fiber 5G, we have aggressively utilized �ixed wireless solutions to connect more homes and businesses to the internet over airwaves. This strategy resulted in home broadband subscriber base increasing by 55.1% to 1.7 million in the �irst three months of 2019 from 1.1 million in the same period in 2016,” Cu revealed.

Globe at Home Air Fiber 5G will be available to eligible customers in July 2019. Plans come at P1899 per month for up to 20Mbps, P2499 for up to 50Mbps and P2899 for up to 100Mbps. All come with up to 2TB data capacity.

“Globe At Home Air Fiber 5G makes use of �ixed location wireless radios instead of �iber optic cables which enables the company to go over the circuitous approval process of deploying a �iber optic cable - a task which proves to be arduous and involves securing multiple permits from local government units (LGUs),” Cu said. “The right of process can sometimes take years to obtain, causing drastic delays in �iber optic roll-out completion,” he added.

Cu said that the company has been spending over 21% of its annual total revenues to upgrade and expand its telecommunication and IT infrastructure since 2012. “We have been ramping up our capital spend from P20.3 billion in 2012 to P43.3 billion in 2018, in order to provide our customers better broadband services,” he said.

5G technology enables the use of Internet of Things (IoT) for today’s intelligent homes. Internet connection that is faster, more secure and with lower latency brought by 5G signi�icantly enhanced entertainment and security systems at home, promising a digital experience that is more seamless, reliable and intuitive for the modern Filipino household.

COMPETITIVE EDGE

5

Cebu Landmasters appoints new CFO

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eading local VisMin developer Cebu Landmasters Inc (CLI) announced the appointment of B. Grant L. Cheng as its new Chief Finance Of�icer to replace Stephen A. Tan, who recently retired from the company and is now part of the board of directors of CLI. This was made of�icial and duly disclosed after the 2019 Annual Stockholders Meeting last May 28 at Marco Polo Plaza Hotel.

Prior to joining CLI, Grant was Vice-President and Senior Deal Manager at BDO Capital & Investment Corporation.

He led his project teams in managing various complex capital market transactions and advised companies in a broad array of industries on corporate restructuring and reorganization. Previously, he was a private banker based in Sin gapore

handling accounts for high net worth individuals and institutions.

Grant is a registered CFA Charterholder and is a member of the CFA Philippines Society. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Manufacturing Engineering and Management as a Star Scholar from De La Salle University Manila and graduated Magna Cum Laude.

He was awarded as one of

the Top Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines by the Philippine President.

He earned his Masters of Science in Wealth Management with distinction from Singapore Management University and Swiss Finance Institute in Zurich.

“Grant is a great addition to Cebu Landmasters.

With his leadership and expertise in banking and �inance, we are con�ident that he will add to CLI’s growth story,” said Jose Soberano III, CLI president and CEO. Soberano reported during the stockholders meeting that 2019 will be a year of sustained growth and expansion. Growth, as the company intends to surpass the 2018 performance; and expansion, as

new developments are being rolled out in different expansion sites in key VisMin cities of Iloilo, Bohol, Dumaguete, and Ormoc.

Earlier this year, the company disclosed its 2019 guidance of Php 12.5 billion in Reservations Sales; Php 8.4 billion in Consolidated Revenues; and Consolidated Net Income of Php 2.6 billion and Net Income attributable to parent of Php 2 billion, both 20% increase from Php 2.17 billion and Php 1.67 billion in 2018, respectively.

“Cebu Landmasters will continue its growth momentum and expansion, and it’s critical that we select the most quali�ied executives to be part of the company’s leadership,” added Soberano.

Cybercriminals use smartphone calendars to circulate scam offers

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aspersky experts have detected multiple cases of a sophisticated scam targeting users through fraudulent, unsolicited Google Calendar noti�ications and luring them into giving away their personal information. The attacks happened throughout May. This scam abuses a speci�ic feature of a free online calendar service which adds invitations and events to users’ calendars automatically.

Spam and phishing that exploit non-traditional attack vectors can be lucrative for criminals, as they can catch out experienced users who might not fall for a more common threat.

This is particularly the case when it comes to trusted legitimate services, such as default email calendar features, and these are exploited through so-called "calendar phishing".

The detection of multiple, unsolicited pop-up calendar noti�ications during May turned out to be a result of a blast of sophisticated spam email sent by scammers. The e-mails exploited a common default feature for people using Gmail on their smartphone: the automatic addition and noti�ication of calendar invitations. The fraud oc-

curs when the perpetrator sends an unsolicited calendar invitation carrying a link to a phishing URL. A pop-up noti�ication of the invitation appears on the smartphone’s home screen and the recipient is encouraged to click on the link.

In most of the cases observed, the user was redirected to a website featuring a simple questionnaire with prize money on offer.

To receive the prize, the user is asked for a “�ixing” payment for which they need to enter their credit card details and add some personal information, such as name, phone number and address. This data goes straight to the scammers who exploit it to steal money or identity information.

“The “calendar scam” is a very effective scheme, as currently people have more or less got used to receiving spam messages from emails or messengers and do not immediately trust them. But this may not be the case when it comes to the Calendar app, which has a main purpose to organize information rather than transfer it. So far, the sample we’ve seen contains text displaying an obviously weird offer, but as It happens, every simple scheme

CYBERCRIMINALS, P10

InLife Executive Chair Nina D. Aguas receives the ward on behalf of InLife. With her are ICD Chief Executive Officer Alfredo E. Pascual (left) and Insurance Commission Deputy Commissioner George S. Ongkeko, Jr.

Insular Life gets 3-Arrow ACGS Award for 2018

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argest Filipino life insurer, Insular Life (InLife), was honored with a Three-Arrow Recognition as a top performing insurance company in the Philippines under the 2018 ASEAN Corporate Governance Scorecard, given by the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD). The Three Arrows Recognition is given to those companies which garnered a total score of 100 to 109.

InLife earned a total of 104.53 in the ACG Score-

card.

“As a mutual life insurance company, InLife, takes corporate governance seriously. It is one strong point we must have as we are primarily accountable to our policyholders. A high corporate governance culture permeates the entire organization, starting from the Board of Trustees, to senior management, and across all ranks. It is very important for us to be governed properly” said InLife Executive Chair-

man Nina D. Aguas.

Out of the 116 life, non-life and Mutual Bene�it Associations under the Insurance Commission, only nine companies made it to the passing score of 80.

The ACGS is an initiative of the ASEAN Capital Markets Forum that started collaboration with the Asian Development Bank in 2011. It is used to assess the level of governance practices of publicly listed companies, insurance com-

panies and banks in six participating countries in the ASEAN. The assessment covers Rights of Shareholders, Equitable Treatment of Shareholders, Role of Stakeholders, Disclosure and Transparency, and Responsibilities of the Board.

In 2018, InLife ranked second in net worth at ₱37 billion, third in assets at ₱130.4 billion, and �ifth in net income at ₱2.3 billion, among all life insurance companies in the country.

6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

EDITORIAL

VOL.12 ISSUE 76 • TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 2019

Good Samaritans

In this day and age, there are still some Good Samaritans.

The unlikely heroes of the Filipino �ishermen whose boat was capsized by a Chinese vessel and were allegedly abandoned at sea were a bunch of Vietnamese. President Rodrigo Duterte thanked the Vietnamese �ishermen who came to the rescue of the Filipino �ishermen after they were abandoned near the Recto Bank (Reed Bank) in the West Philippine Sea. The rescue made by the Vietnamese is a classic example of the “Good Samaritan vessel” doctrine which is the legal and moral obligation to render assistance at sea. This maritime rescue doctrine encourages seafarers to go to the aid of life and property in distress. It is a moral obligation for one to save another person out of compassion, instinct or both. The obligation is legal when it is required by laws or statutes such as the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

Even in our jurisdiction, there is a law that penalizes one

EDGEDAVAO

Providing solutions to a seamless global village.

who refuses to give aid to a person or persons in distress. The Revised Penal Code (Article 275) imposes the penalty of arresto mayor (1 month and 1 day to 6 months) upon (a) any one who shall fail to render assistance to any person whom he shall �ind in an uninhabited place wounded or in danger of dying, when he can render such assistance without detriment to himself, unless such omission shall constitute a more serious offense and (b) anyone who shall fail to help or render assistance to another whom he has accidentally wounded or injured.

President Duterte thanked the captain and crew of the “Good Samaritan” Vietnamese �ishing vessel saying this act of kindness and compassion will always be remembered by the Philippines and its people.

As to the Chinese vessel, this condemnable act must be tackled at the proper forum and not just be forgotten no matter how amiable the relations are between the Philippine and China.

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

BAI FAUZIAH FATIMA SINSUAT AMBOLODTO Social Media Manager/Lifestyle PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE

the national association of newspapers

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 76 • TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 2019

VANTAGE POINTS

7

DENNIS R. GORECHO PINOY MARINO RIGHTS

THE DOCTRINE OF GOOD SAMARITAN AT SEA The saga of our Filipino �ishermen again resurfaced after a Philippine �ishing boat, F/B GEMVER, partially sank near Recto Bank midnight of June 9, which involved a Chinese vessel.

Several versions later were aired, from the initial statement of the Filipino �ishermen ( along with that of Defense Secretary Del�in Lorenzana) that the Chinese vessel rammed and partially sank the Philippine �ishing boat, to the government’s attempt to downplay and sanitize the issue by calling it “a simple maritime incident”.

Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol even met with the �ishermen in Mindoro as the house was swarmed with policemen in full anti-riot battle gear. They were given new �ishing boats, food items as well as P25,000.00 loan assistance. A press conference ensued with Pinol announcing an alleged “miscommunication” with �ist-bump photo-ops of sad-faced �ishermen.

The Chinese Embassy in Manila previously said that it was not a hit-and-run but seven to eight Filipino ships allegedly

started to besiege the Chinese vessel, prompting it to hit one and sped away.

The fact remains that the Chinese vessel left the Filipino crew stranded in open sea. Hours later, thankfully, Vietnamese �ishermen came to help.

Their story is aptly an application of the “Good Samaritan vessel” doctrine - the obligation to render assistance at sea.

For centuries, this maritime rescue doctrine encourages seafarers to go to the aid of life and property in distress.

Good Samaritan vessels are usually the �irst to arrive on scene, and are often critical in saving lives.

In most cases, a person reacts to save another person as result of compassion or instinct, or both.

While seafarers will have the same compassion and instinct as other professionals, seafarers have a legislated obligation to render assistance.

This obligation comes from various legal sources, most notably international conventions from the United Nations (“UN”)

and the International Maritime Organization (“IMO”).

The United Nations Convention on Law of the Sea (“UNCLOS”) says that every signatory to the convention must require the master of a ship �lying its �lag to render assistance to any person found at sea in danger of being lost and to proceed to the rescue of persons in distress.

The exemption is when the assisting vessel, the crew or the passengers on board would be seriously endangered as a result of rendering assistance to those in distress.

The Safety of Life at Sea Convention (“SOLAS”) says “the master of a ship at sea which is in a position to be able to provide assistance, on receiving a signal from any source that persons are in distress at sea, is bound to proceed with all speed to their assistance, if possible informing them or the search and rescue service that the ship is doing so.”

The International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue 1979 (SAR) also mandates this principle “regardless of the nationality or status of such a

person or the circumstances in which that person is found”.

The Salvage Convention of 1989, although primarily directed at addressing the salvage of property and the prevention of marine pollution, nonetheless repeats the SOLAS obligation on the master to render assistance to any person in danger of being lost at sea.

The duty to render assistance is a general re�lection of customary international maritime law.

States, both signatories and non-signatories to the conventions, are duty bound to ensure those in distress at sea are rendered assistance on a non-discriminatory basis. Whether vessels sailing under their �lag operate in either a private or public capacity, the requirements incumbent upon the masters of the vessels are the same.

In other jurisdiction, failure to do so has legal sanctions of �ines and imprisonment.

Our very own Revised Penal Code (Article 275) imposes the penalty of arresto mayor (1 month and 1 day to 6 months)

upon (a) any one who shall fail to render assistance to any person whom he shall �ind in an uninhabited place wounded or in danger of dying, when he can render such assistance without detriment to himself, unless such omission shall constitute a more serious offense and (b) anyone who shall fail to help or render assistance to another whom he has accidentally wounded or injured.

The �ishermen claimed that foreign vessels have been �ishing in Recto Bank since 2014. Recto Bank is 85 nautical miles from Palawan and is within the country’s 200-mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

In 2016, the UN-backed Permanent Court of Arbitration based in The Hague had awarded the Philippines sovereign rights over Recto (Reed) Bank as well as Panganiban (Mischief) Reef off Palawan and Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal.

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

HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

SUDDEN DEATH It started with a whisper. Then, suddenly it traveled from one ear to another. Before the day was over, it was raging all over the town like a wild�ire. But just like most gossips, there was no truth to it.

“The issue that has been circulating about the cause of death of a student that has been hospitalized is false. It’s fake news,” pointed out a note posted in the social media.

Compostela Valley Governor Jayvee Tyron L. Uy himself assured his constituents about the matter. “No meningococcemia scare in our province,” he wrote in his Facebook account. “Know the facts,” he added and posted a link of a news report published in SunStar Davao.

“The case was still a ‘suspected’ case of meningococcemia because wala na sa laboratory test ang bata kay nag-arrest dayon siya unya namatay,” the local daily quoted Dr. Antonio Ybiernas, the health of�icer II of the said province, as saying.

A lot of parents were scared because they have reason, too. After all, meningococcemia is one of the very few diseases that can kill a healthy child within hours, according to health experts. In medical parlance, it is called Meningococcal meningitis, a bacterial form of meningitis.

“A variety of organisms, including different bacteria, fungi or viruses, can cause meningitis,” the Geneva-based World Health Organization (WHO)

reports. Meningococcemia can cause severe brain damage and is fatal in 50% of cases if untreated.

This blood infection is caused by the gram-negative bacteria Neisseria meningitidis (N. meningitidis), which is normally found in common throat disorders. The United Nations health agency says there are 12 types of N. meningitidis, six of which can cause epidemics.

Outside the human body, these fragile bacteria cannot survive in natural conditions. Meningococcemia can cause is an acute and potentially life-threatening infection of the bloodstream.

According to Dr. Lulu Bravo, professor emeritus at the University of the Philippines-Manila’s College of Medicine, meningococcemia can be so severe as to cause death within 24 hours after initial onset of fever and purpuric rashes (purplish spots caused by bleeding tiny blood vessels beneath the skin’s surface).

It has been established that meningococcal disease is transmitted only through droplets of respiratory or throat secretions from carriers (such as kissing, sneezing or coughing on someone or living in close quarters).

Health experts claim when the bacteria infect the meninges—the membranes around the brain and spinal cord— it causes meningitis. Widely feared by parents, meningitis is easily recognized; most cases

are diagnosed quickly and treated effectively with antibiotics.

But when these same bacteria invade a child’s bloodstream, early symptoms are hard to distinguish from other childhood infections.

“Meningococcemia is a dangerous disease requiring early and aggressive treatment to prevent a potentially lethal outcome,” Dr. Warren Howe writes in an article for The Physician and Sports Medicine. “It often occurs in relatively closed groups…”

The disease-causing bacteria “only infects humans; there is no animal reservoir,” the WHO says. It spares no one—including adults. But most of those who succumbed to the disease are children.

N. meningitides are transmitted from person-to-person by respiratory droplets. “At �irst, the bacteria colonize the upper airway and the victim doesn’t notice it at all,” a medical science book explains. “From there, it may penetrate into the bloodstream to the central nervous system and cause meningitis or develop into a full-blown bloodstream infection (meningococcemia).

Fortunately, in most colonized people, this does not happen and the result of this colonization is long-lasting immunity against the particular strain.

“After colonization is established, symptoms can develop within one day to one to two weeks. After a short period of time (one hour up to one to

two days), when the patient complains of fever and muscle aches, more severe symptoms can develop.

Unfortunately, during this early stage, a doctor cannot tell this illness from any other illness, such as a viral infection like �lu,” the book continues.

Unless the case is occurring in a person known to have been exposed to or in the midst of an epidemic of meningococcal disease, there may be no speci�ic symptoms or signs found that can help the doctor diagnose the problem.

“After this initial period, the patient will often complain of continued fever, shaking chills, overwhelming weakness and even a feeling of impending doom,” the book goes on to explain. “The organism is multiplying in the bloodstream, unchecked by the immune system. The severity of the illness and its dire complications are caused by the damage the organism does to the small blood vessel walls. This damage is called a vasculitis, an in�lammation of a blood vessel. Damage to the small vessels causes them to become leaky.”

The �irst signs of the infection’s severity are small bleeding spots seen on the skin. “Within hours, the blood-vessel damage increases and large bleeding areas on the skin are seen. The same changes are taking place in the affected person’s internal organs. The blood pressure is often low and there may be signs of bleeding

from other organs (like coughing up blood, nose bleeds, blood in the urine).

“The organism not only damages the blood vessels by causing them to leak, but also causes clotting inside the vessels. If this clotting occurs in the larger arteries, it results in major tissue damage. Essentially, large areas of skin, muscle and internal organs die from lack of blood and oxygen. Even if the disease is quickly diagnosed and treated, the patient has a high risk of dying.”

The disease is not at all incurable but could be treated when detected early. The WHO described meningococcemia as a “medical emergency.” “Admission to a hospital or a health center is necessary,” the WHO says.

In addition to intravenous antibiotics, patients in intensive care will likely require intravenous �luids and sometimes medications to help maintain and support an adequate blood pressure. “Some patients may require ventilator support if they develop respiratory distress,” the medicinenet.com says.

Family members and those closely exposed to an infected individual are advised to take antibiotics, too. In like manner, children suspected to have contact with those who were infected are also recommended to take antibiotics. “People who have been exposed to N. meningitidis should be monitored for 10 to 14 days to make sure they do not develop symptoms,” medicinenet.com advises.

8 ENVIRONMENT EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 76 • TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 2019

SAVING ENDANGERED

GIANT CLAMS

Text and Photos by Henrylito D. Tacio

A

group of �isherfolk based in barangay Adecor in Kaputian District of Island Garden City of Samal (IGACOS) are trying to save some of the country’s remaining endangered species of giant clams.

The Adecor United Fisherfolk Organization, with more than a dozen of members, are the caretakers of the giant clams that was transplanted by the Giant Clam Stock Enhancement Program of the University of the Philippines-Marine Science Institute (UP-MSI).

The Marine Reserve Park and Multipurpose Hatchery, as it is called, is under the supervision of the local government unit of IGACOS and is a project of the Davao del Norte State College. Its aim is to promote biodiversity preservation, education, tourism and livelihood.

In addition, the members of the organization help educate people who come to the place through its Taklobo Tour that includes an hour of snorkeling. It started in 2013 and now it is one of the island’s tourist destinations.

“Awesome and inspiring marine sanctuary that protect several species of giant clams,” commented one tourist. “With our snorkel masks on, we were led underwater by a certi�ied guide to witness �irsthand these amazing sea creatures. We also learned about their habitat, life cycle and feeding. A de�inite must-see.”

Actually, the giant clam sanctuary is a community based Eco-Tourism Project whose aim is to promote biodiversity preservation, education, tourism, and livelihood.

“We raise awareness by informing the people who come how endangered these giant clams are and that there are now laws regarding its preservation,” Joel Gonzaga, one of the members of the organization, told the Filipino journalists who visited the 14-hectare marine protected area. “It is now prohibited to harvest

them and there are some consequences if they do so - with �ines up to three million.”

According to Gonzaga, there are four species of giant clams introduced in Samal waters; these are Tridacna gigas (true giant clam), T. deresa (smooth giant clam), T. squamosa (�luted giant clam), and T. hippopus (strawberry clam or bear claw clam).

All in all, about 3,500 giant clams were brought by the UP-MSI for possible stock enhancement in the area. Marine scientists have considered farming giant clams as a means of promoting biological sustainability and maintaining biodiversity of the species.

Unfortunately, only 2,196 remain of the original numbers of giant clams brought into Samal in 2001. But the good news is that the group was able to raise 800 juveniles thriving in the clean waters.

The giant clams are raised along with the coral reefs. Serving as substrate of corals and sponges, marine biologists say giant clams – which can live in the wild reportedly up to over 100 years – help increase the residence �ishes and act as hiding place of other marine organisms.

“Like most corals, some anemones, and other reef organisms, giant clams utilize a combination of methods to obtain food,” explains Oceana, an international organization focus solely on protecting the world’s oceans. “The majority of their energy is derived from symbiotic algae living within their cells, providing the clams with excess energy that they make via photosynthesis.”

In return, “the algae have a safe to live and receive the nutrients necessary to photosynthesize. The giant clams provide those nutrients by �iltering feeding small prey from the water above the reef surface, which it siphons through its body. The beautiful, bright colors characteristic of individ-

ual giant clams are actually a result of the symbiotic algae.”

As giant clams cannot literally move due to their heavy weight (as much as 250 kilograms), they reproduce via external fertilization, where eggs and sperm are released into the water column at the same time. Although they are hermaphrodites, they cannot self-fertilize. “They are able to reproduce with other individuals that are close by,” Oceana explains.

If most Filipinos don’t know this, much more the real status of giant clams thriving in the country’s waters. Recently, these marine creatures made headlines when Chinese �ishermen were caught poaching giant clams from the West Philippine Sea. “(The extraction of giant clams) is an affront to our territory and our sovereignty,” Presidential Spokesperon Salvador Panelo was quoted as saying by Manila-based reporters. “As far as we are concerned, that is our so we will be objecting to those intrusions.”

Giant claims may not be endemic to the country, but the Philippines is one of the few countries where they can be found. These bivalve mollusks reportedly live in the shallow coral reefs of the South China Sea, West Philippine Sea, Sulu Sea, Red Sea, but mainly in the Indian and South Paci�ic Oceans.

If the Philippines doesn’t watch out, giant clams may soon disappear from its waters. “We need to do something now before giant clams become extinct,” urges Dr. Rafael D. Guerrero III, former executive director of the Philippine Council for Aquatic and Marine Research and Development and now a scientist with the National Academy of Science and Technology.

Giant clams may have existed even during the time when dinosaurs roamed around this planet. “They have been around for over 38 million years,” wrote Vicky Viray-Mendoza, the executive editor of Maritime Review Magazine. “Antonio Pigafetta, the Italian navigator who joined Ferdinand Magellan in his sea travels around the world, documented these giant clam species as early as 1521 in his journal.”

Of the 12 species of giant clams known to man,

eight of them can be found in the coral reefs of the Philippines. Aside from the four species mentioned above, the other species were Tridacna crocea (boring clam), T. maxima (elongated giantclam), T. hippopus porcellanus (China clam), and T. noae ningaloo (Noah’s giant clam or teardrop clam).

The Switzerland-based International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has listed all eight giant clams as endangered species.

In its IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, two species – T. gigas and T. deresa – as “vulnerable.” Considered rare to �ind is T. hippopus porcellanus.

The rest are just as endangered but are misclassi�ied as “lower risk/conservation dependent.”

According to Viray-Mendoza, who retired as World Bank group operations analyst and has special interest in marine environment, these various species of giant clams live in Palawan, Eastern Samar, Maricaban Island, Silaqui Island (in Bolinao, Pangasinan), Batangas (particularly Anilao), Samal Island (in Davao), Negros, and Tawi-Tawi.

With the help of some non-government organizations, giant clams have been restocked at the following sites: Anda, Pangasinan; Masinloc, Zambales; Calape, Bohol; Camotes Island, Cebu; Ilocos Norte; and Hundred Islands National Park.

Giant clams are described as “solar marine species,” which means they need the sun to grow, survive and thrive.

According to Viray-Mendoza, giant clams live in �lat coral sand or broken corals, and can be found in shallow warm waters and depths up to 20 meters.

“The giant clam gets only one chance to �ind a nice home,” according to a report released by the National Geographic. “Once it fastens itself

to a spot on a reef, there it sits for the rest of its life.”

In her in-depth report, Viray-Mendoza noticed that most of the giant clams that used to abundant in the Philippine waters have dwindled.

“Its populations are diminishing quickly, and the giant clams have become extinct in areas where they were once abundant,” she deplored.

Giant clams are also listed in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES), an international agreement between governments whose aim is to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival.

Giant clams are harvested for food. “Though the soft body parts account for about 10% of the body weight, it is nearly pure, healthy protein,” Oceana says.

The meat of giant clams reportedly fetches P6,000 to P8,000 ($120 to $160) per kilogram. In Japan, where it is known as “himejako,” the meat is considered a delicacy. Some Asian foods include the meat from the muscles of clams. In China, large amounts of money are offered for the adductor muscle, which the Chinese think to be an aphrodisiac.

There’s some truth to the claim of being an aphrodisiac. “American and Italian researchers teamed up to analyze the bivalves, and found that clams rich in amino acids that trigger an increase in sex hormone levels,” Viray-Mendoza wrote. “Also, the giant clam’s high zinc content can aid in the production of testosterone.”

These days, giant clams are valued for their shells. Touted as “jade of the sea,” the shells are seen an alternative to ivory from elephant tusks. A Science feature reported these shells are sold

from P150,000 ($3,000) to P600,000 ($12,000). In China, where it is a hit, they are made into carvings, jewelry and other ornaments – “as status symbols for the wealthy and as protective charms in Chinese Buddhism.”

To save the giant clams, the government included the species in the Philippine Fisheries Code (Republic Act 8550). The Code prohibits the act of collecting, selling and exporting giant clams. Should anyone caught violating the law, the person will be �ined administratively, “three times the value of the species, or P300,000 ($6,000) to P3 million ($60,000).”

In addition, the person committing the unlawful act will be imprisoned from �ive to eight years and a �ine equivalent to twice the administrative �ine, and forfeiture of species.

“Giant clams are being protected through the Marine Protected Areas (MPAs),” said Dr. Guerrero. MPAs restrict human activity for a conservation purpose, typically to protect natural resources.

In addition, arti�icial spawning of giant clams has already been done by the Marine Science Institute (MSI) of the University of the Philippines at the Bolinao Marine Laboratory in Bolinao, Pangasinan.

Over 40,000 giant clams are reportedly living at the Silaqui Ocean Nursery in the said province, news report claims. Late last year, the municipal council in Bolinao passed a resolution declaring the coastal town as the Giant Clam Capital of the Philippines.

Dr. Guerrero believes there’s still hope for giant clams. “To save our giant clams, we should protect them in the wild from poachers (particularly foreigners) and promote their sea farming,” he suggested. –

INdulge!

VOL.12 ISSUE 76 • TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 2019

EDGEDAVAO EVENT

THE THIRD

Matina Enclaves tops off its third building

By NEILWIN JOSEPH BRAVO MATINA ENCLAVES celebrated another milestone as it saw the topping off of another building of its Enclaves Residences sector.

Escandor Development Corporation (Esdevco) president Glenn Escandor led the traditional topping off ceremony of Building A of the Matina Enclaves with a wine toast at the building’s summit along with Esdevco executive Inna Escandor, project director Gerald Kent Garces and buiding contractors.

The ‘topping off ‘in building construction parlance is a builders’ rite traditionally

held when the last beam or its equivalent is placed atop a structure during its construction.

Building A is a midrise condominium building within the

Enclaves Residences sector of the sprawling Matina Enclaves.

It is the third residential building bound for turnover by the fast-growing homegrown real estate development firm.

Esdevco has by far turned over two--Buildings B and C--of the five residential buildings under this cluster of midrise residential buildings of the Matina Enclaves.

The May 18 event also saw the blessing of the outdoor Matina Enclaves basketball court which is part of the amenities of the Matina Enclaves in addition to the clubhouse

EDGED

A2 INdulge!

TRAVEL

The meaning of

ADVENTURE A FEW WEEKS AGO, a change in schedule allowed me to visit another part of the country I frequented for fewer crowds, beautiful beaches, and friendly locals.

The seclusion was what I craved for after traveling around for the past years.

This wasn’t a trip that I planned too much. I’m also not the planner type of person, but to a certain degree, there involves a little planning when you travel even domestic ones.

Majority of my bookings are spontaneous—just like the development of a low-pressure area (LPA) which means waves for a stoke searcher like me.

This was those adventures that brought me back to my roots— the search for stoke.

I’ve written quite a lot about

about the solo trip I was to embark on. Sometimes I wonder why I dive into things, not well-thought of. In hindsight, I really did think of this through except I wasn’t able to absorb how much of a big deal this is.

The Truth About Adventure “This is a significant adventure for you, Ferina. Enjoy every moment of it, corporate people like us don’t get to have the same opportunity to be in Palawan on a weekday or even to be for more than a week.

Having that kind of trip is really exciting, it’s not routinary, and it’s going to take your breath away. You have to enjoy it”. This was a voice note I got from my good friend, JL when I told him that I was so anxious about my trip to Palawan tomorrow.

I haven’t had these kinds of trips in the longest time. JL dropped the word ‘adventure.’ I mulled on it for awhile while I was writing my morning pages (a form of journaling that I learned from Julia Cameron).

Adventure… Adventure… It’s a word we hear nonstop on every lifestyle channel, page, and even in books.

As a millennial, the word ‘adventure’ is overly-saturated in pop culture that it’s just becoming just another marketing word to me. Still, I couldn’t shake off the anxiety I felt

Why Do We Fear?

Remember when you were a kid and fear wasn’t found in your vocabulary until somebody, maybe your sister or parent, introduced fear to you in the form of warming that came from good intentions.

“Don’t go to the deep end, you don’t know what’s there.”

“The waves look big, be careful! Maybe you should just surf the shoulder where it’s smaller.”

My now-adult brain wonders, why? What’s wrong with the unknown? What’s so wrong about tackling things

that seem daunting, intimidating, but you can see others do it?

I never knew fear until the adult world grew on me. The adult world taught me to fear change, the unknown, unpredictability, and risk. Now that I realized this, I hate it.

But at the same time, I can’t blame adults or those who gave me cautionary warnings out of love and good intentions because they have known pain and have been hurt before.

But what does this have to do with adventure? Fear has everything to do with adventure. Fear can stop you from booking that flight and from saying yes to a local inviting you to a join them for a meal.

To be continued next week.

Check out my Instagram: @ ferina.millennialmermaid to see more of this story in action.

pumps, and other industrial applications. And with an easy-to-grip soft recoil starter handle, and the brand’s guarantee of fuel efficiency, there’s really no stopping you from completing any task put in front of you.

New to Honda’s line of brush cutters, the brand has also introduced the Honda UMK450T UEDT.

From its already established line of 4-stroke brush cutters, this new power tool boasts improved performance and durability, coupled with power efficient nylon blades running on a GX50T engine that can have you more than capable of completing tasks, even in an industrial scale.

Engine efficiency is also

one of the things that this new brush cutter has focused on, with a fuel consumption of only 0.86L/H, compared to its contemporaries – majority of which stand at a range between 1.59L/H to 1.66L/H. And since the UMK450T UEDT was built tough and durable, you can really tell that Honda intends everyone to have this piece of

machinery for a long time, even after hard and heavy usage.

Saving people from unnecessary work is also what Honda Power Products focuses on, and this is evident with the Honda Tiller FJ500, especially for those who till the soil to provide for their own families. Customizable and versatile to accommodate a variety of

this place that there’s nothing new except this trip was rainy and partly sunny, but the lesson I got from this was too valuable not to share.

A new i extrem

HONDA A4 GX270 QC3, a reliable engine designed to keep construction machinery powered, even in dusty conditions.

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EDAVAO

INdulge! A3

VOL.12 ISSUE 76 • TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 2019

island buddy, Katkat! She was pregnant and mely friendly, almost joining me in all my photos.

ENTERTAINMENT

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Xian Lim and Louise de los Reyes play lovers in “Hanggang Kailan?” Donnie (Xian) and Kath (Louise) celebrate their second anniversary as a couple in Saga, Japan,. But as days pass, Kath feels it is right to end their relationship.

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A4 INdulge!

EDGEDAVAO

UP AND ABOUT

VOL.12 ISSUE 76 â&#x20AC;˘ TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 2019

Honda Power Products continues to provide strength & reliability AS the country continues to progress as a nation and establish new milestones for its people, Honda Power Products remains to be a name that Filipinos can turn to when it comes to building the foundations of a strong future. And thanks to its strong line of power equipment designed to create new possibilities for anyone with the willingness to create and innovate, tomorrow sure is looking as bright as it has ever been.

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HONDA A2

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VOL.12 ISSUE 76 • TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 2019

GOOD... FROM 1

“The Chief Executive explained that the longer the delay for an early conclusion of the COC, the higher the probability of maritime incidents happening and the greater the chance for miscalculations that may spiral out of control,” Panelo said.

Panelo, meanwhile, assured that the Philippines, as country coordinator for ASEAN-China Dialogue Relations, together with fellow ASEAN member-states, will continue to push for the full and effec-

tive implementation of the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea. He said Duterte also urged ASEAN to remain united in protecting principles of international law.

Duterte also expressed his support for the Philippines to adopt the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Paci�ic to reaf�irm ASEAN’s strategic role and the vision of a closely integrated Asia-Paci�ic and Indian Ocean regions, he added.

(PNA)

the city.

“According to RA 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, ...there shall be established a Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) in every barangay or cluster of barangays." Catague shared.

However, she said, in the city, we only have four (4) operational and functioning MRFs. Davao City has a total of 182 barangays.

MRFs, according to the law, shall receive mixed waste for �inal sorting, segregation, composting, and recycling. The resulting residual wastes shall be transferred to a long term storage or disposal facility or sanitary land�ill.

“So, how come we only have four (4)?” Catague said. True enough, the problem of over�low and over�illed sanitary land�ill has caused an alarm to IDIS and also the local govern-

ment. This issue, she said, needs extra attention.

Davao City, over the years, has become a pioneer in addressing environmental issues. DENR 11, for their part, has launched numerous coastal clean-up drives that has helped in cleaning our coastal areas.

Accordingly, data shows that major contributor for waste are single use plastics and 'sando' bags.

According to data, on the Davao Gulf alone, a total of 57 marine mammals died from plastic ingestion.

“Do we need an increase in numbers to start taking care of our environment?”, Catague said.

“We have seven (7) environment principles and the third one states that we are all connected,” Catagaue emphasized.

Hence, for Catague, the need to be aware of everything is needed.

IDIS... FROM 2

BASTE... FROM 2

cy”; exercise the powers and perform the duties and functions of the city mayor in cases of temporary vacancy; and exercise other powers and perform such other duties and functions as may be prescribed by law or ordinance.

Sebastian recognizes there is much to be done for the development of Davao such as addressing the worsening traf�ic condition and environmental issues, making the health system more accessible and affordable, and maintaining peace and order in the city.

“The local government has done an excellent job in propelling the progress that we are experiencing.

Introducing opportunities for the development and positive change, Davao City has gone far from where it was before,” he said.

He also thanked previous of�icials for their contribution to the growth of the city, which has been “transformed from being a hostile city to being one of the most peaceful and dynamic cities in the Philippines.”

“We are privileged for having been preceded with

brilliant people who are instrumental in Davao’s progress. They paved the way for the city to attain its current glory. However, there are still greater things ahead for the city,” he said.

Frustrated over rampant corruption in government, President Duterte told his three children who are now in politics: “for as long as we do not have a clean government, for as long as corruption is there and for as long as there is no law and order, this country even given a 50 years interval at ilagay mo na mga ilang mayors (you put there how many mayors), we would still be in the same level of civilization.”

Duterte said it was not possible for the country to progress if corruption continues.

“For every table in the government, be it in the local or in the national, pagka dumating ‘yang papel diyan meron talaga ‘yan (when the paper comes in).

It’s either they delay it and pabalik-balikin ‘yung tao (or keep them from coming back) until the money is given. Plain extortion,” he said. (Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)

centrated in Belt and Road Initiative countries.

By the end of 2018, our investments overseas exceeded RMB71 billion, which 85 percent of these investments are in

the Belt and Road countries,” Xu said.

“Our priority is an investment in energy and power. Infrastructure is complementary,” he added. (PNA)

POWERCHINA... FROM 4

DOLE... FROM 2

9

Jocelyn C. Flordelis(DOLE Davao City Field Of�ice), Regina Grace B. Jayagan and Jigg L. Luna (DOLEDavao Occidental Field Of�ice), Henjie B. Gatdula and Dyanarha P. Lavadia (DOLEDavao del Norte Field Of�ice), Erwin P. Daquiado and Eizarina Roselle G. DelosSantos (DOLE Davao del Sur Field Of�ice) Joanna Pearl P. Devela and Shalove M.Esmeralda (DOLE Com-

postela Valley Field Of�ice), Eduardo P. Monreal, DOLE XI LCO-Designate, Diane Grace B. Tajolosa, Catherine Caguiat and Kristine Rae B. Del Fierro, GIPsassigned at the DOLE XI Technical Support and Services Division.The activity was conducted on June 21, 2019 at the Seda Hotel, J.P. Ave., DavaoCity. / By Eduardo P. Monreal, DOLE XI LCO-Designate

seems to have a high basketball IQ, good touch. I’m sure as he gets into the NBA, his game will expand.

“He �its into the direc-

tion the NBA is going right now -- being able to score and put pressure on the defense no matter what the situation is.”

CURRY... FROM 11

EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE WITH WAIVER OF RIGHTS

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late SISINANDO F. BULAC who died intestate on September 14, 2010 has been the subject of an EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE WITH WAIVER OF RIGHTS executed among his heirs, per Doc. No.146; PageNo.31; Book No.VI, Series of 2019, of the NOTARY PUBLIC MANUEL P. QUIBOD 6/18,25,7/1

10

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VOL.12 ISSUE 76 • TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 2019

PROPERTY

Davao ICon 2019 highlights special economic zones as catalyst for investments and growth

S

pecial economic zones took the spotlight on the �irst day of the Davao Investment Conference (ICon), which highlighted its importance as an investment magnet that promotes growth in the region.

Mr. Ricardo F. Lagdameo, First Vice President of Damosa Land, Inc., delivered a presentation to an audience of local and foreign investors, including various chambers of commerce, investment and tourism groups as the 2-day biennial business meet showcases investment opportunities in tourism, infrastructure and real estate, information and communication technology, and halal trade and tourism.

Lagdameo particularly focused on the viability of

agro-industrial economic zones with Mindanao taking center stage in the presentation.

“It’s something that we feel strongly about as there is so much growth in this industry,” expressed Lagdameo.

Mindanao, being the food basket of the Philippines, largely produces 40% of the country’s food needs and more than 30% of the national food trade.

This is the seat of major export products such as banana, coconut, rubber, gold and silver.

“Mindanao is number 1 in a lot of agriculture products such as bananas, coconut, cacao and rubber in the entire Philippines.

This means that we have a lot of potential for the success of this industry, espe-

cially that it creates a lot of diverse job opportunities,” said Lagdameo.

However, Lagdameo emphasized that agro-industrial businesses are not necessarily about food or food-processing operations as he cited locators in the An�lo Industrial Estate, which he is heading as First Vice President, are indirectly related to agriculture.

Among the locators of AIE are producers of agro-industrial products such as pallets and plastic packaging products. Packwell, one of the most recent companies to sign-off a deal to locate a manufacturing plant in AIE, is one of Japan’s leading producers of high quality paper packaging products for products such as Godiva, a renowned chocolatier in the world.

The most recent addition to AIE’s locators is the Chinese company Davao Zhenzhi Plastics Corp. which produces plastic packaging products for fresh produce.

Lagdameo notes that only a very small fraction of the total approved ecozones in the Philippines fall under agro-industrial.

IT Parks rank �irst at 65%, followed by ecozones dedicated for manufacturing operations at 22%.

“One-fourth of our population are farmers so we have to have infrastructures that give opportunities for farmers to market their produce,” Lagdameo said.

He added that despite being a �ledgling industry, agro-industrial ecozones are viable and possible as proven by AIE.

Mayor from 2007 to 2010, Mayor from 2010 to 2013, 2016-2019 and 2019 to 2022 while eldest son, Paolo, was councilor from 2008 to 2013, and vice mayor from 2013 to 2016, 2016 until his resignation in December 2018.

Incoming vice mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte, the President’s youngest son with ex-wife Elizabeth Zimmerman, is the fourth

member of the Duterte family to join politics.

He said he respected his children’s decision to enter politics even though he did not want them to.

As a father to three politician children, the President advised them to stay humble and avoid �launting their power to prevent attracting unnecessary attention. (Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)

neophytes to get a feel of his system early into Gilas’ gear-up for the Southeast Asian Games from November 30-December 11.

“Kung hinahanda na natin ngayon, andyan na sila, (If we have to develop them now, they are already here) that’s going to give the guys like sila Paul [Lee] and sina [Mark] Barroca siguro dun sa position na ‘yun a break if they want to take a break para sa Southeast Asian

Games,” Guiao said. “Sa tingin ko naman, competitive na tayo (I think we can be competitive) with these guys kung talagang Gilas pa rin ang ipapadala nila dun sa (if Gilas will be sent to) SEA Games.”

Bolick and Perez are members of the Gilas Cadets pool being groomed for the 2023 FIBA World Cup that the Philippines will host alongside Indonesia and Japan. (PNA)

ward for Japan," said Keisuke Tsutsumi, an of�ice worker who follows the NBA. "It will take the sport to a new level here."

Hachimura's junior high school coach Joji Sakamoto welcomed the news of his draft selection.

Sakamoto coached Hachimura in his native Toyama Prefecture and said he saw potential in his student from a young age.

"I told him to visualize his dream, and now it will be a reality," the 59-yearold Sakamoto said.

Japan's education minister Masahiko Shibayama said Hachimura had given hope to a generation of young players in his home country.

"It's really wonderful," Shibayama said. "By taking a prominent role in a league that is dif�icult for Japanese players to enter, he will give hope to many

Japanese people."

Hachimura's rise couldn't come at a better time with Tokyo building to host the 2020 Olympics. Japan's national men's team has quali�ied as host country and Hachimura could play a leading role at both the Olympics and the World Cup in China later this year.

Wizards interim general manager Tommy Sheppard mentioned the 21-year-old's play for Japan's national team.

becomes more elaborate and trickier with time. The good news is – one also doesn’t need any sophisticated precautions to avoid such scam – the feature that enables it can be easily turned off in the calendar settings,” says Maria Vergelis, security researcher at Kaspersky.

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He said Reefer will ply the Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Davao route.

“I hope it will generate a lot of interest now that it will use a smaller vessel, which is more manageable to �ill up the volume of cargoes.

When fully developed with an increasing volume, then a bigger ship could be used,” Milan added.

He said there is a need to sustain this service through continuous trading and product exchange.

Milan also committed DCCCII’s help to sustain the route and encourage investors and traders to consider it.

It may be recalled that the �irst vessel used for the route was too large at

500 Twenty-Foot Equivalent Unit (TEU) capacity, prompting MinDA to look for a smaller vessel to continue the route.

Reefer Filipinas is a Manila-based company recently established to support the Philippines in reviving the route.

The company will use a conventional type vessel with load capacity of up to 290 TEU, and 10,000 loose cargoes.

For its �irst sail, the shipping service started off at the Ho Chi Minh Port last June 16 then traveled to Labuan and Sepanggar in Malaysia, Bitung and Ternate in Indonesia, GenSan and Davao City as its �inal port of call. (PNA)

DUTERTE... FROM 3

CJ PEREZ... FROM 11

CYBERCRIMINALS... FROM 5

JAPAN... FROM 11

"For Japan to qualify for the world championships, he's the focal point. And when the (Tokyo) Olympics come in 2020, he's going to be the focal point of that country on that basketball team," Sheppard said. "To be able to shoulder that load at his age — the maturity he has — I think that's going to bode well for him in the NBA."

INVESTORS... FROM 4

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11TH JUDICIAL REGION OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT-SHERIFF Davao City

NATIONAL HOME MORTGAGE FINANCE CORPORATION (NHMFC), Mortgagee, - versus EJF-REM CASE NO. 17,341-19 MELINDA M. MATAS, (single) Mortgagor/s.

X-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------X

NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL SALE OF REAL PROPERTY Upon extra-judicial petition for foreclosure and sale under Act 3135, as amended, filed by the above-mentioned mortgagee against MELINDA M. MATAS, with postal address at HILLSIDE SUBD., PHASE V, LOT 10, BLK. 7, BAJADA, BUHANGIN DISTRICT, DAVAO CITY AND/ 146 DIAMOND ST., S.M VILLAGE, BANGKAL, DAVAO CITY, to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness which as of March 31, 2019, amounted to Php=3,137,333.23, Philippine Currency, and plus other legal expenses incident of foreclosure and sale; the undersigned Sheriff of the Regional Trial Court, Davao City, will sell at public auction on JULY 18, 2019 at 10:00 A.M., or soon thereafter, at the main entrance of Hall of Justice, Ecoland, Davao City, to the highest bidder for CASH and/or MANAGER’S CHECK and in Philippine Currency, the following real property/ies mentioned and described below together will the improvements found thereon, to wit; TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. T-176201 “A parcel of land xxx(Lot 10, Blk. 7, Pcs-112402-001391, xxx), situated in the Barangay of Buhangin, City of Davao, Island of Mindanao. xxx Containing an area of ONE HUNDRED FIFTY (150) SQUARE METERS, more or less.”

All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the abovestated time and date.

In the event the public auction should not take place on the said date, it shall be held on AUGUST 15, 2019 without further notice.

Prospective buyers are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the title of the above-described real property and encumbrances thereon, if any there be.

Davao City, Philippines, June 10, 2019.

For ATTY. FRANCISCO M. CAMPANER – The OIC Clerk of Court & Ex-Officio Prov’l Sheriff (sgd.) JOSEPH T. CASTRO, JR. Sheriff IV June 18, 25 & July 2, 2019

GPH-MILF... FROM 3

nents has a specialized joint body composed of different government agencies and the MILF. Long-term peace, security The security component covers the decommissioning of the combatants, management of small and light weapons, the establishment of the Joint Peace and Security Teams, clearing of unexploded ordnance, disbandment of private armed groups, and the redeployment of state troopers.

The decommissioning shall be carried out by the Independent Decommissioning Body. Its members include three foreign experts led by a chairperson and three local representatives designated by the government and MILF panels.

Socio-economic development Moreover, the socio-economic aspect of Normalization Track shall focus on the implementation of development efforts for the rehabil-

itation and reconstruction of the BARMM, particularly communities that have been ravaged by armed con�lict.

Programs under this aspect are community-based and designed to foster social cohesion and strengthen solidarity among the people.

They include the transformation of the MILF camps into productive and peaceful communities.

Con�idence-building, transitional justice While the con�idence-building measures will cover evaluation on amnesty and pardon for those MILF members charged and convicted of crimes and offenses in relation with the armed con�lict.

The transitional justice, on the other hand, will focus on dealing with the past and healing the social wounds caused by the decades-old armed con�lict. This is to promote reconciliation and cultural harmony in the Bangsamoro. (PR)

travelling far from the airport to visit them, he pointed out.

DOT said the country’s tourism uptrend has been boosted primarily by “a lot of direct �lights by our carriers, most specially the newly

established routes with Japan and Australia.”

South Korea remains as the Philippines’ top source of foreign tourists, followed

by China, the United States, Japan and Australia. (Johnny C. Nunez/PNA)

DOTR... FROM 4

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11

Kawhi Leonard will decline his 2019-20 player option with the Toronto Raptors and become an unrestricted free agent, according to Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports. However, Haynes also reports Leonard is “seriously considering” re-signing with Toronto despite widespread interest from elsewhere.

Kawhi opts free agency

K

awhi Leonard reportedly will become a free agent, but that doesn’t mean he is leaving Toronto.

According to Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports, Leonard has declined his $21.3 million player option and will become a free agent this offseason.

Leonard’s options including re-signing with the Raptors for �ive years and $190 million or signing with another franchise for a max of four years and $140 million.

Despite Leonard en-

tering free agency with many suitors lining up to sign him -- most notably his hometown Los Angeles Clippers -- the Toronto Raptors are still favored to re-sign the 2019 Finals MVP, according to rival executives.

“The appeal of returning home to Southern California is enticing to the two-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year, but with the trust the Raptors built while Leonard led the franchise to its �irst NBA title by upsetting the Golden State Warriors,

OKYO -- Three-time NBA champion Steph Curry looks to have his sights on the 2020 Tokyo Olympics -- and a gold medal that would complete his career set.

The Golden State Warriors sharp-shooter, who has captured world titles with Team USA, pulled out of the 2016 Rio Olympic squad with injury but appears set to join a Dream Team at next year’s Games that could also boast the likes of LeBron James and Kawhi Leonard.

“I know the energy here is going to be amazing,” Curry told reporters in Tokyo.

“I haven’t played in the Olympics before. I’ve played in two World Cup teams so I’ve had the experience of representing my country. But the Olympics, from everybody that I’ve talked to that’s played, there’s no comparison to that experience.”

The United States have won gold at the last three Olympics and will be favourite again in Tokyo.

Curry was in the Japanese capital for a basketball clinic and was asked about Rui Hachimura, who made history Thursday when he became the

�irst player from Japan to be taken in the �irst round of the NBA draft, selected with the ninth overall pick by the Washington Wizards.

“It’s exciting for the NBA to have representation from Japan and countries all over the world,” said Curry, twice voted the NBA’s most valuable player, but coming off a stinging Finals defeat by the Toronto Raptors.

“It speaks to how the game of basketball is growing everywhere. For him to be a trailblazer in terms of doing something that has never been done is good for this country.”

The 6-foot-9 (2.06-metre) Hachimura averaged a team-leading 19.7 points and 6.5 rebounds last season as a college junior for the Gonzaga Bulldogs.

He will become just the third from Japan to play in the NBA, joining Yuta Tabuse (Phoenix Suns) and Yuta Watanabe (Memphis Grizzlies).

But Curry tipped Hachimura -- born to a Japanese mother and father from Benin -- to be a success.

“He’s got good size obviously,” said Curry. “He

rival executives view his current team as the favorite to land him when the free-agent negotiating period begins June 30, sources said.”

Leonard led the Raptors to their �irst title in franchise history in his �irst season with the organization after being acquired in a trade last summer with the San Antonio Spurs. While the Clippers had been considered the favorites to sign Leonard for the past year, the situation has changed over the past few weeks fol-

lowing the Raptors’ title victory.

The 27-year-old is coming off of a season in which he averaged a career-high in points (26.6) and rebounds (7.3). Considering the organization isn’t putting any pressure on Leonard to re-sign and the fact that there was no known drama within the locker room during Leonard’s lone season in Toronto, it’s becoming more apparent that Leonard may be favoring to re-sign with the defending champions after all.

Curry targets 2020 Tokyo Olympics T

CURRY, P9

Stephen Curry, US basketball player from the Golden State Warriors of the National Basketball Association (NBA), waves to fans before a press conference following his Underrated Tour, a series of basketball camps for high school players, at a university in Tokyo on June 23, 2019. AFP

CJ Perez to attend Gilas practice

C

olumbian rookie CJ Perez will join the Gilas Pilipinas Men practice on Monday night at the Meralco Gym in Pasig City as con�irmed by Coach Yeng Guiao. “[I’m] looking forward to the future,” Guiao said on Sunday night after the game of his mother club, NLEX, against Ginebra at the Batangas City Sports Coliseum.

He cited two particular situations that are going to be imminent in the immediate future, but his primary concern right now is possible injuries to some Gilas players before the FIBA World Cup from August 31-September 15.

“Although we will just be 12 doon sa regular lineup, I think we will leave one or two as back up kung sakaling may mangyaring injuries,” Guiao continued, citing Raymond Almazan’s injury during Gilas’ practice for its World Cup Quali�ier match against Kazakhstan.

“Basically, we’re trying to get extra bodies just in case anything beyond our control happens,” Guiao added.

He then sees the invitation of Perez and fellow rookie Robert Bolick to the practice as an opportunity for the PBA

CJ PEREZ, P10

Japan hails Hachimura selection to NBA Draft

T

OKYO (AP) — Japanese basketball of�icials, fans and media hailed the selection of Rui Hachimura in the NBA draft, saying the move will usher in a new era for the sport in Japan.

Hachimura became the �irst player from Japan to get chosen in the �irst round of the NBA draft, taken with the No. 9 overall pick by the rebuilding Washington Wizards on Thursday (Friday, PHL time).

"The Birth of the NBA's Hachimura, a huge step for Japan," read the headline in the Nikkansports newspaper's online edition.

The 6'8", 235-pound (2.03 meters, 106 kilogram) forward averaged a team-leading 19.7 points and 6.5 rebounds last season as a junior at U.S. college Gonzaga, where he was the West Coast Conference player of the year.

The only other Japanese player drafted in NBA history was Yasutaka Okayama, who went 171st overall in 1981. He never appeared

in a regular-season game, something just two players from the country have done: Yuta Tabuse for the Phoenix Suns in 2004-05, and Yuta Watanabe for the Memphis Grizzlies in 201819.

"The fact that Hachimura, a product of the Japanese basketball system, has been selected in the NBA draft makes us very proud," said the Japan Basketball Federation's Yuko Mitsuya.

While it has grown in popularity with the introduction of a pro league in 2005, basketball still lags far behind baseball and soccer in Japan.

Hachimura's NBA career is sure to help the sport grow in leaps and bounds.

The son of a Japanese mother and father from the Republic of Benin, Hachimura is the latest Japanese of mixed race to make a splash in the sporting world following the likes of Naomi Osaka and Yu Darvish.

"This is a huge step for-

JAPAN, P10

SPORTS

12

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 76 • TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 2019

The Tigers’ total team effort was more than enough to put away the Supremos. MPBL photo

ROARING

Tigers score back to back wins in MPBL D avao Occidental scored another convincing victory to commence its campaign in the MPBL Lakan Cup, getting the better of Caloocan, 76-69, Friday at Marist Gym in Marikina.

Yvan Ludovice was an ef�icient machine and wound up with 13 points, �ive assists, and four rebounds in just 18 minutes of action.

Billy Ray Robles and Bonbon Custodio also added 10 markers of their own to help the Tigers roar to back-to-back wins to start the season.

Joseph Terso then chimed in nine points as the forward duo of Mark Yee and Marco Balagtas merged for 14 markers and 17 boards.

That total team effort was more than enough to put away the Supremos who got a big scoring night from Almond Vosotros who dropped 21 points on top of six assists and �ive rebounds. That was far from enough, though, from preventing his side from remaining winless in two starts.

Avoiding the same fate was Cebu which jumped on home team Marikina onto a 50-42 decision for their �irst win.

Patrick Cabahug showed the way with 14 points and three rebounds as the Sharks bounced back following a season-opening loss.

On the other hand, the Shoemasters dropped to 0-2.

Meantime, Pasay remained atop the leaderboard of the MPBL Lakan Cup following a thrilling 76-75 overtime triumph over home team Muntinlupa, Saturday at the City Sports Complex.

Jan Jamon showed the way with 15 points to go along with nine rebounds and three assists while Don Reverente punished his former team with a 10-marker, 15-board double-double on top of four assists.

Axel Inigo also added 13 points and six rebounds to help the Voyagers move forward to a 2-0 standing.

The Cagers, meanwhile, remained winless in two games even after a 22-point, nine-rebound outing from Reggie Boy Basibas.

In the other game, Zamboanga made quick work of Pasig, 82-69, to notch its �irst mark on the win column.

Med Salim topped the scoring column with 16 points while Harold Arboleda kept doing it all with 11 markers, 16 rebounds, and three assists as Zambo got a mighty rebound from their season-opening loss.

On the other hand, the Realtors dropped their tournament opener despite impressive league debuts from Jeric Teng who had 17 points, eight rebounds, and �ive assists as well as Josan Nimes who had 12 markers, four boards, and two dimes of his own.