Edge Davao Volume 12 Issue 82 | Wednesday, July 3, 2019

EDGEDAVAO

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BY TEENER, DJOKOVIC SAILS THROUGH

Serving a seamless society

►SPORTS P11

ENTER PULONG

VOL.12 ISSUE 82 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 3, 2019

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Rep. Paolo Duterte might join House speaker race VM BASTE. Davao City Vice Mayor Sebastian Duterte presides over the opening the first regular session of the City Council at Sangguniang Panlungsod in Davao City on Tuesday.

Lean Daval Jr

COLOUR AND HUES UNDER ONE ROOF

►INDULGE A1

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on’t look now but the solution to the Speakership obsession could be Davao City First District Representative Paolo Duterte joining the fray.

A report released to media claimed the presidential son has announced on Tuesday he might vie for the speakership position in the House of Representatives.

The neophyte lawmaker has previously said he has no interest in the position, but according to the report, he has changed his heart because of talks of ‘term sharing’ being obsessively pushed by Congressman Alan Peter Cayetano, who has openly aspired for

THE FIGHT AGAINST COLON CANCER

►HEALTH P10

the Speakership.

The other aspirants are Marinduque Rep. Lord Alan Velasco and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez.

“Moapil na ko pagka-speaker,” said Cong.

Duterte “The house is divided, I might be able to help unite it. Pareho lang kaming binoto ng mga tao ah. Kung term sharing, term sharing na kaming lahat,” the presidential son said.

Duterte is proposing

ENTER, P9

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 82 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 3, 2019

‘Baste’ presides over first council session

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President Rodrigo Duterte presides over the 39th Cabinet Meeting at the Malacañan Palace on Monday night. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

Davao police on full alert after Sulu attack

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he Police Regional Of�ice (PRO)-11 has ordered the tightening of security checkpoints as it raised a full alert level in the region effective midnight on Sunday, following the June 28 attack in Sulu province.

PRO-11 Director Brig.

Gen. Marcelo Morales on Monday said he has ordered to raise the alert level after “our comrades-inarms suffered a senseless and cowardly attack by the terrorists in Indanan, Sulu, leaving 8 people dead and injuring 12 others including civilians”.

Two suicide bombers attacked and detonated the bombs they carried at Army’s 1st Brigade Combat Team Headquarters in Sitio Tanjung in Kajatian, Indanan on Friday.

“The men and women of PRO 11 strongly condemn this act of violence not just to our soldiers but

also with the civilian people,” Morales said.

“Our thoughts and prayers go to the families of the victims and survivors as we stand in solidarity with all the people of Sulu at this dif�icult time,” he added.

Morales instructed all police commanders to establish and strengthen checkpoints in the cities and municipalities in Davao Region more strictly to preempt any diversionary attack by the terrorist groups.

He also ordered the deployment of the maximum number of foot and mobile patrols particularly

in highly-populated areas; coordinate with private security providers and security managers to establish and enhance joint security protocols; and, to intensify intelligence monitoring and sharing of information with other intelligence units.

Morales said the perpetrators thought that they can defeat the government with the heinous attack.

“Well, they were wrong,” he said.

“We, the PNP and AFP will remain strong and resilient as solid government forces and we will not allow the rule of violence to triumph. We vow to hunt you down and will never bow to your stupid and senseless ideologies. Our country is not a playing ground for ragtag groups with their misguided philosophies,” Morales

said.

He assured that the PNP will leave no stone unturned to bring justice to the victims of the said incident.

“I urge the people to remain vigilant as I encourage everyone to continue their active participation with security forces in reporting any observations they have since we cannot afford to take chances whenever there is a threat of terrorist activity,” he said.

Morales further called on the public not to be distracted and defeated by warmongers and violent elements.

“Let us pray for the people of Sulu that they will rise again against adversity strengthened by their strong identity and desire to live in freedom and liberty,” he said. (PNA)

Namfrel backs Sotto's Tatay Rene clicks his last hybrid election bill V

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n election watchdog expressed support for Senate President Vicente Sotto III's proposed bill for a hybrid election system in the country.

National Movement for Free Elections (Namfrel) chairman Gus Lagman noted that he has been pushing for such kind of election system during his time as a Commissioner of the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

"I designed a hybrid system that Namfrel has sent to the Senate, House, and some media outlets. So, obviously, I do support that kind of system," he said in an interview Tuesday.

The head of the election watchdog added that he is willing to explain the system to the concerned group or people.

Lagman added that under the hybrid election system, there will be manual voting and counting while the transmission and canvassing will be automated.

"It will become more transparent and more accurate, therefore, more credible," he said.

At the same time, the Namfrel of�icial is hoping that the measure will be passed into law and will be implemented as early as the 2022 presidential elections.

The Comelec had previously rejected the concept of a hybrid election system, noting that it is against the Election Automation Law or Republic Act 9369.

On Monday, Sotto �iled the Hybrid Election Bill as part of his 10 priority measures in the 18th Congress.

eteran photojournalist Renato “Rene” B. Lumawag passed away at 6:23 p.m. Monday after a six-year battle with prostate cancer. He was 74.

“Tatay has gone home to his Savior where there is no more night, nor more pain,” Tyron, Lumawag’s youngest son, wrote a chat group to announce his father’s death.

Lumawag succumbed to acute respiratory failure after a long bout with prostate cancer. He was in the intensive care unit of the Davao Doctors Hospital from June 12 and was moved to a private room on June 27 where he spent his last days in the company of his family and friends.

Lumawag chronicled major events in Mindanao since he started photojournalism in 1985 when a

major landslide occurred in the then gold rush in Diwalwal, Monkayo in Davao del Norte (now part of Compostela Valley). He is the lone photographer who chronicled Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s rise in the political arena from OIC Vice Mayor in 1986 to Mayor from 1988 to 1998, Congressman from 2001 to 2010, Vice Mayor from 2010 and 2013 and Mayor from 2013 to 2016. He joined the Presidential Photographers Division and continued to photograph Duterte, this time as President.

He is survived by wife Minerva Rodriguez and children Renee Belle Bryant, Melanie, April John and Tyrone. (His second child and eldest son, Gene Boyd, was killed in Jolo, Sulu on November 12, 2004 while returning to

TATAY, P9

ebastian “Baste” Duterte presided on Tuesday the inaugural session of the 19th city council of Davao, his �irst as vice mayor.

In an interview shortly after his inauguration on June 22, Sebastian, the youngest son of President Duterte with ex-wife Elizabeth Zimmerman, said he was prepared to take on the second highest position in the local government.

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 mayor 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 vacancy”; 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.

The current city council has nine women and �ifteen men as members.

In the 1st district, the eight local council seats are shared equally among male and female councilors. They are re-elected councilors Maria Clara Belen “Mabel” Sunga-Acosta, Melchor B. Quitain Jr., Edgar P. Ibuyan Jr., Bonifacio E. Militar, Pilar

Renato “Rene” B. Lumawag

C. Braga, returning councilor Nilo D. Abellera, and new councilors Pamela A. Librado and Jessica M. Bonguyan.

The 2nd district has only one woman councilor, Richlyn Justol-Baguilod. The other seven are all men: re-elected councilor Danilo C. Dayanghirang, returning councilors Louie John T. Bonguyan and Dante L. Apostol, and new councilors Ralph O. Abella, Augusto Javie G. Campos II, Diosdado Angelo R. Mahipus Jr. and Jonard C. Dayap.

The 3rd district has an equal number of male and female councilors. The female council members are re-elected councilors Dr. Mary Joselle D. Villafuerte and Antoinette G. Principe, returning councilor Myrna G. Dalodo-Ortiz, and new councilor Bai Hundra Cassandra Dominique N. Advincula.

The male members are re-elected councilors Conrado Baluran and Jesus Joseph Zozobrado III, and new councilors Wilberto Al-Ag and Alberto Ungab, who was former 3rd District Representative.

Jaffar Marohomsalic, Sangguniang Kabataan Federation president, and Edgar Ibuyan Sr., the Association of Barangay Councils president, were also given council seats.

The mandatory representative of the Indigenous Peoples to the city council has yet to be named.

Except for Jessica M. Bonguyan, all 24 elected councilors ran either under Hugpong ng Pagbabago of presidential daughter and re-elected Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio or Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod, a local party of then mayor and now President Rodrigo R. Duterte. The two parties later merged into the Hugpong Alliances. (Antonio L. Colina IV/ MindaNews)

VOL.12 ISSUE 82 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 3, 2019

EDGEDAVAO

NEWS 3

Honasan sworn in as DICT secretary F ormer Senator Gregorio “Gringo” Honasan II took his oath of of�ice as Secretary of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) on Monday, a Palace of�icial said.

Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea con�irmed to reporters that Honasan took his oath before President Rodrigo Duterte in Malacañang on Monday and joined the scheduled Cabinet meeting on the same day. “(Honasan) took his oath DICT Secretary earlier. He is now in the Cabinet

meeting,” Medialdea said in a message to reporters.

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra, in a separate message, said that Honasan was just introduced to members of the Cabinet.

About an hour before Honasan took his oath, Senator Pan�ilo “Ping” Lacson congratulated his former colleague in a tweet.

“My heartfelt congratulations to my classmate, colleague, and friend, DICT Secretary Gregorio “Gringo” Honasan who is about to take his oath of of�ice anytime now, before the scheduled Cabinet meeting in Malacañang today. Godspeed Mistah!” Lacson said in his tweet.

Honasan bared that he has accepted Duterte’s offer to name him DICT chief last November 2018.

He replaced DICT acting Secretary Eliseo Rio Jr. (PNA)

Romualdez backs 2020 budget hike on infra, human capital

SPEAKER PULONG? Davao City First District Representative Paolo Duterte announces he might vie for the speakership position in the House of Representatives on Tuesday after he has previously said he has no interest in the position, but changed his heart because of talks of ‘term sharing’ being obsessively pushed by Congressman Alan Peter Cayetano. Lean Daval Jr

Duterte-Xi verbal fishing deal still legally binding: Palace

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he “verbal” �ishing deal made between President Rodrigo Duterte and Chinese President Xi Jinping to allow Chinese nationals to �ish within the Philippine exclusive economic zone (EEZ) is still “legally binding”, Malacañang said on Monday.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo made this remark a week after Duterte bared that he had an agreement with Xi to allow Chinese to �ish within the Philippines’ 200-nautical mile EEZ if China allowed Filipinos to �ish in the Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal during their �irst bilateral meeting in October 2016.

In an interview at cable ANC television, Panelo described the agreement as an “informal agreement other than documented”.

Panelo, in a Palace briefing on Monday, said the agreement was likely “verbal” but it was still legally binding.

“Kahit sa batas, kahit na verbal eh valid and binding iyon basta mayroong mutual consent ang dalawang partido. Kaya nga agreement eh(Even in the law, even if it’s verbal, it’s valid and binding as long as there is mutual consent from the two parties. That’s why it’s an agreement),” said Panelo, also the Presidential Chief Legal Counsel.

Asked if he believed Xi would hold on to his end of

the deal, Panelo noted that there have yet to be reports of Chinese nationals �ishing in the Recto Bank (Reed Bank) in the West Philippine Sea. “Eh sa ngayon hindi naman niya ginagalaw ang Reed Bank, ‘di ba? Gaya ng pangako niya (Now, they’re not �ishing in the Reed Bank, right? Just as he promised),” Panelo said.

Following calls by members of party-list group Bayan Muna for Malacañang to present the “complete text” of the supposed �ishing deal between Duterte and Xi, Panelo said the Palace has long bared the existence of the agreement on several occasions.

“Kahit ako, sinasabi ko na iyan. Nagkakaroon ng usapan kaya nga okay na doon sa Scarborough eh (I have even mentioned that.

There was an agreement that’s why our �ishermen are now allowed at the Scarborough),” Panelo said.

Oil exploration Panelo, meanwhile, bared that the Philippines is willing to hold bilateral meetings with China on the proposed joint oil exploration in the South China Sea. Duterte earlier suggested a 60-40 sharing arrangement on the joint oil exploration.

Although the chief executive bared that China may disagree on a 60-40 sharing deal of resources, Panelo believed that the two coun-

tries could still talk it out.

“Lahat naman ‘yan puwedeng pag-usapan (because all of that can be discussed),” Panelo said.

Panelo pointed out that the reason why joint ventures were necessary is be-

DUTERTE, P9

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eyte Representative Martin Romualdez on Monday expressed his full support to the planned increase in the 2020 allocation for infrastructure and human capital investment, saying the move will help sustain the country’s high-level economic growth and cut down poverty.

The urgent need of allocating more budget for public infrastructure and human capital development next year is part of the roadmap presented by President Rodrigo Duterte’s economic team during the pre-State of the Nation Address Economic and Infrastructure Forum held at the PICC Reception Hall in Pasay City.

“The economic managers were unanimous in telling us that public expenditures on these major items are the key to attracting more foreign direct investments. Investors need reliable road networks to transport economic goods. They need a com-

petent workforce to ensure world-class products and services,” said Romualdez shortly after the event.

The lawmaker, who attended the forum upon the personal invitation of Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, said increased allocation for human capital such as education, health and social protection is expected in the 2020 budget.

Addressing the funding requirements for the President’s infrastructure projects, including the “Build, Build, Build” Program is also on the table.

“Our economic managers are on the right track.

If we support the roadmap that they had presented, reducing poverty by almost half in 2022 is doable,” Romualdez said.

“De�initely, I support the economic team’s road map,” he added.

In the meantime, Romualdez, who is one of the top contenders for Speaker in the 18th Congress, said

the event provided him with the complete picture of the country’s economic situation from the viewpoint of the country’s economic managers.

“This will help us, congressmen, in our quest to help �ind solutions to the challenges that we face in the economic front,” he said.

The Leyte solon said the pre-SONA forum also gave him the opportunity to personally talk to the economic managers and relay to them the commitment of House leaders in expediting the approval of the President’s priority economic bills, especially the immediate passage of the 2020 budget.

During the forum, Dominguez said delays in approving the budget pose a problem in the country’s economy.

The Finance secretary cited the 5.6 percent economic growth in the �irst quarter of the year, which could have been higher by one percentage point if the

ROMUALDEZ, P9

HIGHEST. A barangay health worker entertains residents of Brgy. Hizon in Bo. Pampanga, Davao City on Tuesday. The city government of Davao is among the highest allowances providers in the country for barangay health workers and barangay nutrition scholars (BNS), according to Dr. Maria Teresa Ungson, regional coordinator of the National Nutrition Council (NNC) Region 11. Barangay health volunteers in the city are receiving P5,000 a month. Lean Daval Jr

4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 82 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 3, 2019

Tourism Promotions Board urged to include Davao in int’l campaign

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he Tourism Promotions Board should include Davao City in its international promotion campaign, City Tourism Of�ice head Generose Tecson said on Monday.

Gov. Nelson L. Dayanghirang

Gov to sign EO on Mati airport rehab

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he Department of Transportation (DOTr) is willing to spend initially P200 million for the rehabilitation of the Mati City airport which has been mothballed for years.

Davao Oriental Gov. Nelson L. Dayanghirang said he is ready to sign an executive order spelling out the details of the project, after owners of the land where the airport is located –the Rabat and Rocamora families who are cousins –agreed to part with their property so that the airport built in the 80s by the Ferdinand E. Marcos administration could be put to use for the full development of Davao Oriental as a tourist destination and a cargo hub.

Dayanghirang told reporters on the sideline of the 52nd founding anniversary of Davao Oriental at the provincial capitol last

July 1st that he had earlier sought the help of President Rodrigo R. Duterte in reviving the airport in the beginning of Mr. Duterte’s term.

The governor said that once rehabilitated, the Mati airport will initially service �lights between the cities of Cebu and Mati, and later between Mati and Manila.

The airport was �irst built during the time of the late Davao Oriental governor Francisco Rabat, whose wife, former Miss Philippines Edith Nakpil-Rabat was a member of the Blue Ladies, a group close to Imelda Romualdez-Marcos, in�luential former First Lady of the Philippine strongman.

Earlier, Governor Dayanghirang reported in his anniversary speech the tremendous increase in tourist arrivals and potential investors to the province in 2018.

Tecson was reacting to reports from delegates to local government-international investment and tourism roadshows that tour operators in Japan, Singapore and South Korea didn’t know about Davao as it was not among the places promoted by the board.

“How come they don’t promote us? They should include us? Ang nangyayari ngayon inaasa sa Davao City (what is happening is that it leaves everything to Davao City). We cannot do it alone because this is not only for the city but also for the whole region,” she said.

According to the agency’s website www. tbp.gov.ph, the TPB, an

attached agency of the Department of Tourism, markets and promotes “the Philippines domestically and internationally as a world-class tourism and meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) destination, in strategic partnership with private and public stakeholders to deliver a unique high-value experience for visitors, signi�icantly contributing to increased arrivals, receipts, and investments to the country.”

Tecson said the TPB should promote Davao as a destination to help make the international �lights more sustainable by luring in more foreign visitors, which comprise a measly share of the

city’s total tourist arrivals.

According to the data released by the local tourism of�ice on Monday, foreign tourist arrivals had only reached 78,254 or 7.5 percent of the 1,037,792 tourists from January to May 2019.

The tourism of�ice recorded 939,094 domestic tourists or 90.48 percent and 20,444 visiting overseas Filipinos or 1.96 percent in the same period.

Tecson suggested to the TPB to not only look at the city’s foreign tourist arrivals before making a decision to include Davao in its international marketing promotions.

She said the agency’s help would complement the international investment and tourism roadshows of the local government to position Davao as a premier in-

vestment and tourism hub of the country.

The local tourism of�ice targets to hit the target of 3 million arrivals this year from 2.39 million tourists last year.

The City Government held missions in Japan in 2017, Malaysia and Singapore last year, and South Korea in May 2019. The Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. has also lined up international business missions to Japan in September and Australia in October.

Qatar Airways launched a weekly Davao-Doha-Davao �light last June 18, the fourth international route of Davao after Davao-Singapore-Davao of SilkAir and Cebu Paci�ic, Davao-Hong KongDavao of Cathay Dragon, and Davao-Quanzhou-Davao of XiamenAir. (Antonio L. Colina IV/MindaNews)

tionalization.

The Finance chief explained that, in the past, many lawmakers who supported tax reforms failed to get the people’s vote in their reelection bids as such measures are unpopular.

An example of this is former Senator Ralph Recto who authored the increase of value added tax (VAT) from 10 percent to 12 percent in 2001.

Dominguez, however, pointed out that times have changed since all those who supported the recent tax reform measure won in the May 2019 mid-term

polls.

Among these lawmakers are Senator Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara and Albay 2nd District Representative Joey Salceda, who sponsored the �irst package of tax reform, which eventually became known as the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law.

TRAIN reduced workers’ income tax rates and exempted those earning PHP250,000 and below annually from paying income tax.

Dominguez said Angara’s success in the recent

polls show that voters recognize the importance of a tax reform measure if they see that they will bene�it from it.

“I’m very con�ident that given the lessons in this last election where no one who supported the tax reform lost will resonate in the minds of the legislators,” he said.

“The message of the electorate is that if the tax reform is fair, and if the money is not stolen, and is used for their bene�it— infrastructure and education— they will win,” he added. (PNA)

People support tax reforms if they feel benefits: Dominguez

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inance Secretary Carlos said he is optimistic about the passage of the remaining tax reform measures because of the support of lawmakers and most Filipinos.

“The con�idence level is very high,” he said in a panel discussion during the 2019 pre-SONA economic and infrastructure forum at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) on Monday.

Tax reform measures that are still awaiting lawmakers’ approval include the cut in corporate income tax and �iscal incentives ra-

6% GDP growth in Q2 possible

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hilippine monetary of�icials are now seeing a possible 6 percent output for the domestic economy in the second quarter of 2019, faster than the 5.6 percent in the �irst three months of this year.

“We are looking at about 6 percent,” Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Deputy Governor Diwa Guinigundo told journalists after the 2019 pre-SONA economic and infrastructure forum held at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) Monday.

Consumption expenditure is expected to be high in the second quarter due to deceleration of in�lation rate after peaking at 6.7 percent in September and October last year.

“With low in�lation and low interest rates, private

investments will also be an important driver of economic growth,” Guinigundo said.

The full year outlook for growth, as measured by gross domestic product (GDP), is also around 6 percent, he said.

The BSP of�icial explained that growth in the second half of the year is normally high, thus, alongside the government’s catch up spending plan, this should counter the weak output in the �irst half of the year.

“We should catch up in the same way that the national government is putting up a catch-up program so that the tight situation in �irst (and) second quarters can be addressed by the third and the fourth quarters,” he said. (PNA)

5-STAR. The facade of Torre Lorenzo Development Corporation’s (TLDC’s) DusitD2 Davao and the Dusit Thani Residence Davao turns picturesque at sunset. TLDC is positioning DusitD2 Davao and the Dusit Thani Residence Davao, considered Davao City’s first five-star residential and hotel development, to be premium and upscale destination in the city. Lean Daval Jr

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 82 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 3, 2019

Secure64, ePLDT agreement ensures users’online security

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ollowing the signing of their strategic partnership agreement in November last year, Secure64 is proud to announce that, with ePLDT's utmost collaboration and contribution, the implementation of the most secure and scalable set of solutions based upon DNS is now active.

Now, ePLDT can not only protect its networks from malicious activities but also ensure the highest level of protection to its customers and users by securing any online transaction as well as any type of endpoints/terminals. Hence, Filipino users of both mobile and �ixed internet can now surf and transact online without worries. They bene�it from the

�irst ever unique chain of trust based upon Secure64’s most reliable and scalable DNSSEC, DMARC, and device protection solutionsagainst malware and viruses.

This makes ePLDT the �irst and only DNSSEC-compliant infrastructure and service provider in the country.

Secure64 <www.secure64. com>, a US company with headquarters in Fort Collins, Colorado, is the leading provider of genuinely secure DNS servers that are purpose-built to be highly secure, self-protecting, and immune to malware. ePLDT<www. epldt.com>is the industry-leading enabler of digital business solutions in the Philippines.

COMPETITIVE EDGE

5

Davao Doctors Hospital conducts free clinics

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avao Doctors Hospital (DDH), the leading privately owned, tertiary level and multispecialty hospital in Mindanao held consultations and gave away free medicines in a three day free clinic at the hospital's ground �loor at the main hospital along Quirino Ave. The free clinic was held from June 26 to 28 and assisted 481 patients coming from nearby communities in and around Davao City.

There were 160 patients served by the Internal Medicine Department, while Ophthalmology met 104 patients.

Meanwhile, the free clinic also served 88 Pedia patients, while the OBGyne department saw 56 patients who availed of Pap Smears.

There were 32 who availed of services from the Surgery Department which offered "Alis Bukol" screenings, while the remaining 41 availed of Dental check-ups.

The services included consultations for Pedia and Internal Medicine patients, as well as dental checkups and eye screenings and consultations.

The three-day event was participated by several medical departments, namely Pediatrics, Internal Medicine, Surgery, Dentistry, OBGyne, and Ophthalmology.

Among the services offered during the consultations were free eye checkups, dental checkups, and a bukol screening for visiting patients.

The free clinic is an annual community relations project held by the hospital, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.

"This is our way of giv-

ing back to the community. Our way of showing our gratitude for trusting us as their healthcare partner for life,” Garry John F. Tillo, Community Relations Of�icer, said.

The Free Clinic was in collaboration with the Balik Alay Foundation, Incorporated and was facilitated by the DDH Labor-Management Cooperation, Community Development Committee.

This was among the events held by the hospital for its Golden Anniversary.

On Sunday, June 30, DDH also held a motorcade which involved the hospital's doctors, employees, staff, af�iliates, and partners.

More celebration events are coming up this week, which include the hospital's launch of the 50th Anniversary logo, the debut of a coffee

table book, a stakeholder's night, and a concert featuring the DIVAS at the SMX Convention Center.

Davao Doctors Hospital is a privately owned, tertiary level and multi-specialty hospital located in the heart of Davao City, the business hub of Mindanao.

From its foundation in 1969, today it remains the largest and most modern hospital in Southern Philippines, with 250 beds and offering state-of-the-art diagnostic, therapeutic and intensive care facilities in a one-stop medical center.

DDH is the leader in all medical specialties, including cardiovascular medicine, orthopedics, gastroenterology and endocrinology, neurology and neurosurgery, cancer, ophthalmology, and digestive and liver diseases in the region.

6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 82 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 3, 2019

EDITORIAL Winningest solution The scramble for House Speakership by those who have openly aspired for the country’s number 4 position is becoming a mad obsession that it resonates a clear manifestation of self interest rather than true, honest public service.

The aspirants--Rep. Alan Peter Cayetano of Taguig, Rep. Lourd Alan Velasco of Marinduque and Rep. Martin Romualdez--are just among those who have declared openly their desire for the Speakership.

The three have engaged themselves in a �ierce battle fort leadership long before they even started their term of of�ice as members of the House of Representatives. What is there in the position that men have to wage a battle as �ierce, and even burn bridges of friendship just to claim that coveted seat?

Power? In�luence?

As if they don’t have enough being members of the legislative body representing their congressional territories.

Taking a step back, these men were elected in the �irst place to represent their district in the lower house. The electorate that placed

EDGEDAVAO

Providing solutions to a seamless global village.

them to power by virtue of their sacred votes have cast their hopes on these men to bring their voices to the chamber and push forward their welfare via worthy pieces of legislation. The committee chairmanships or the Speakership are actually secondary and rests upon the majority of the House to choose from among them who will lead the lower chamber. However, this is not the case in this Congress. The battle for the Speakership has been a wrestling match from the day they won the election.

Talks of term sharing have surfaced just to settle the issue and it could be an option so that everyone who aspired to lead will have his or her chance to wield the gavel. There is this proposal that the three islands of the country--Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao--will have each their turn and the fourth will be handed to the partylist bloc. It’s a fairly good proposition.

However, sel�lessness in public service will come from self sacri�ice.

If these three aspirants who are too obsessed it turns us off big time will have to ease themselves all out and give way to somebody else, that would be the winningest solution.

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

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

the national association of newspapers

Printed by Zion Accuprint Publishing Inc. Door 14 ALCREJ Building, Quirino Avenue, 8000, Davao City, Philippines Tel: (082) 224-1413 301-6235 Telefax: (082) 221-3601 www.edgedavao.net editorial@edgedavao.net marketing@edgedavao.net edgedavao@gmail.com

ADAM B. MORRELL Reporter

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

ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. CHA MONFORTE Correspondent

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VANTAGE POINTS

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ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA FAST BACKWARD

DAVAO RAINFALL IN JANUARY 1920 Under American colonial rule, of�icial, observer, volunteer and cooperative stations were established throughout the archipelago as an indispensable part of the Weather Bureau’s function to monitor weather conditions in the islands.

Although not all the stations were assigned weathermen, of�icial and observer posts provided the volume of data that became part of the meteorological conditions that, thankfully, could be accessed today in archival documents and online books, and in the libraries of Manila Observatory, National Library, and University of the Philippines.

A review of the January 1920 data from numerous Davao weather stations provides very exciting details about the weathermen and the details of amount of rainfall for the entire month.

The records were later compiled by Spanish Jesuit priest-meteorologist Jose Ma.

Algue (1856-1930) who was a director of the Manila Observatory, founder of the Philippine Weather Bureau under American rule, and an honorary member of the Royal Society of London and the Ponti�icia Accademia Romana.

Fr. Algue, who succeeded Fr. Federico Faura, SJ, in the Observtory, was credited for inventing the barocyclonometer (an aneroid barometer that �ixes the location and movement of a tropical cyclone), the nephoscope (a device that measures altitude, direction, and velocity of clouds), and microseismograph (an instrument that registers earthquake graphic records).

Of�icially, as of January 1920, the weather bureau in Davao town was categorized as Class III under Lamberto Garcia. The Cateel station, rated as Class IV, was managed by Jose Grimal while Cipriano Villafuerte took care of the Camp Kalao, in Monkayo, a Class IV

station.

Reports from volunteer and cooperative stations for the same period showed that the total monthly rainfall in the town of Davao was recorded at 153.1 millimeters (mm), 53.3 mm of this, the equivalent of 2.1 inches (in), was listed as the greatest daily rainfall.

The rainfall details covered the �irst �ive days of the month.

The January 1920 reports also showed Davao’s heaviest rainfall for the month was higher by 124.8 mm (4.91 in)compared to the January 1919’s data, which had a normal rainfall of only 19.8 mm (.78 in). The 153.1 mm was the equivalent of 15 days of intense rain.

Additionally, the volunteer and cooperation stations found in La Union, Sigaboy, Davao and Compostela, then under the jurisdiction of Monkayo, were placed under the supervision of the Bureau of Education.

The daily registry during the period based on collat-

ed reports from weather stations in Davao Province also included the highest rainfall of the month, namely: Lais, Malita, Davao: 48.2 mm (1.9 in); Davao town: 53.3 mm (2.9 in); La Union, Sigaboy, Davao: 114 mm (4.48 in); Sirib, Guianga, Davao: 30.5 mm (1.2 in); Compostela, Monkayo, Davao: 122.7 mm (4.83 in); and Camp Kalao (Monkayo): 96.5 mm (3.8 in).

In terms of overall highest rainfall for the entire month of January 1920, notably the second to fourth day, Cateel snatched the top spot with 1,055 mm (41.53 in). The records from other Davao weather stations for the overall highest rainfall include the following: Lais, Malita, Davao: 257.6 mm (10.14 in); La Union, Sigaboy, Davao: 230.4 mm (9.07 in); Davao, Davao: 153.1 mm (6.03 in); Compostela, Monkayo: 442.3 mm (17.41 in); and Sirib, Davao: 104.2 mm (4.10 in).

Note that the monstrous 1,055 mm (41.53 in) rainfall

registered in Cateel for the whole month, if pooled in just three days, could have resulted in huge devastation of farmlands, occurrence of landslides, over�low of riverways, and �looding of lowland communities. This is something future researchers should fascinatingly delve into for more details.

The Algue reports for the same month also registered interesting notes on maximum and minimum temperatures in various Davao stations.

On the average, Lais (Malita) registered a mean for its maximum temperature (max temp) at 31.1 O C, with the minimum temperature (min temp) recorded at a mean of 22.5 O C. The town of Davao, on the other hand has a mean of 30.6 O C in max temp and a min temp of 22.2 O C. Cateel had a maximum and minimum means of 29.9 O C and 22.1 O C, respectively, while Camp Kalao had 29.5 O C and 20.6 O C, correspondingly.

HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

WATER CRISIS Our planet is bluer than green. The reason: it has more water than land. But 97.4% of it cannot be drank as it is salty. Which means only 2.6% can be used by human beings for subsistence.

Unfortunately, 2% of the freshwater can never be used as they are locked away in ice caps and glaciers. This leaves only 0.6% of the freshwater that can be utilized by man. Most of the water, however, are stored underground.

“Put in another way,” explains the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), “if all the earth’s water were to �it in a gallon jug (4 liters), the available fresh water would be just over one tablespoon.”

The freshwater we have today is the same freshwater that existed during the time of Adam and Eve. “Water is a limited non-renewable resource: of which a �ixed amount exists on the planet: some 1,400 million cubic kilometers, which can be neither increased nor decreased,” the UN food agency states.

Yes, water is a constant matter and yet the population continues to surge. Today, the world has a total population of 7.7 billion, according to Worldometers. The top three thickly-populated countries are China, India, and the United States – in that order!

The Philippines alone is now

home about 108 million people, as per data from the United Nations Population Division. It is now ranked 13th most populous country in the world, just ahead of Egypt (101 million) and below Ethiopia (110 million).

As population increases, the number of people craving for water are also increasing. The result: water crisis.

In my hometown, I have to wake up very early in the morning if I want to take a bath and wash some clothes. You see, by the time the clock strikes 6 am, there will no water gushing from the faucet. My sisters, on the other hand, have to stay awake until midnight in order for them to �ill their buckets with water and if they want to wash their dirty clothes.

During the rainy season, the tap water would look like chocolate-coated liquid because of the mud that may have penetrated have water lines. This is the reason why mineral water is selling briskly during the time when there’s rain.

In Metro Manila, there is a rationing of water despite the fact that it’s already raining in most part of the country. This is not the �irst time nor it will be the last time. This has been going on since time immemorial.

Two years ago, a top of�icial of Maynilad Water Services Inc. told Philippine Daily Inquirer:

“We are at a very high risk because Metro Manila is dependent on one water source. We will have water shortage starting in 2020 when Angat Dam cannot meet our demand anymore.”

Davao City, the country’s largest city in terms of land area, may have not felt the water crisis yet. But it may soon realize that it will have a big problem as population continues to surge and urban development is booming.

A couple of years back, a study conducted by the Japan International Cooperation Agency showed Davao City as one of the nine major cities in the country listed as “water-critical areas.”

The other eight cities are Metro Manila, Metro Cebu, Baguio, Angeles, Bacolod, Iloilo, Cagayan de Oro, and Zamboanga.

We have already predicted this 19 years ago in our position paper, “The Coming Freshwater Crisis is Already Here,” which we presented at Woodrow Wilson Center in Washington, D.C. Award-winning author and journalist Don Hinrichsen, who was my co-author, wrote: “The world’s rapid population growth over the last century has been a major factor in increasing global water usage. But demand for water is also rising because of urbanization, economic development, and improved living standards.”

In the said paper, we linked

water crisis to the increasing world population. “Population and water resources are closely connected,” we wrote. “The availability of fresh water limits how many people an area can support, while population growth, urbanization, and migration all affect the availability and quality of water resources.”

“Water isn’t just a commodity. It is a source of life,” pointed out Sandra Postel, director of the Massachusetts-based Global WaterPolicy Project. Ideally, a person should have at least 50 liters of water each day to meet basic needs – for drinking, food preparation, cooking and cleaning up, washing and personal hygiene, laundry, house cleaning.

Water is also most critical in food production. “Agriculture is where future water shortages will be most acute,” commented Time’s Michael S. Serrill.

“The link between water and food is strong,” explains Lester R. Brown, president of Washington, D.C.-based Earth Policy Institute.

“We drink, in one form or another, nearly 4 liters of water per day.

But the food we consume each day requires at least 2,000 liters to produce, 500 times as much.

For instance, to raise a ton of rice, you need a thousand gallons of water, according to the Laguna-based International Rice Research Institute. Some studies show that 89% of Filipinos con-

sume rice on a daily basis.

The problem of water must be solved now before it’s too late. “The world has got a very big water problem,” says Sir Crispin Tickell, one of the organizers of the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro. “It will be the progenitor of more wars than oil.”

Swedish hydrologist Malin Falkenmark has admonished: “We have to stop living as if we had unlimited water supplies and start recognizing that we must deal with serious water constraints.”

In Falkenmark’s view, the relevant question to ask about water is not how much water do we need and from where do we get it, but rather how much water there is and how can we best bene�it from it.

“Water is the most precious asset on Earth,” said Postel. “It is the basis of life.” Next to air, water is the element most necessary for survival. A normal adult is 60% to 70% water. A person can live without food for almost two months, but without water only for a few days.”

“By means of water,” says the Koran, “we give life to everything.” But the life-giving fresh water is soon to vanish. “Water, water everywhere,” wrote Samuel Taylor Coleridge in The Rime of the Ancient Mariner, “but not a drop to drink.”

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SUBURBIA RISING

Commodity Outlook: Inalima 2019 pushes for greener businesses in DavOr D AVAO ORIENTAL – Promoting the signi�icance of a green economy that is aimed at heightening the income and employment of the province’s micro, small, and medium enterprises while ensuring the prevention of the loss of biodiversity and ecosystem, the Department of Trade and Industry and the Provincial Government of Davao Oriental launched the 27th edition of Sikat Pinoy Inalima 2019 Trade Fair and Exhibit on June 27, 2019 at Honey’s Hotel, Matiao.

The launching commenced with a motor-

cade and was followed by a grand ribbon cutting led by Governor Hon. Nelson L. Dayanghirang; the Provincial Director of DTI Davao Occidental and the event’s Keynote Speaker, Mr. Yul Orevillo; Mr. Jude Constantine S. Jaugan, Provincial Director of DTI Davao Oriental; and the COO of the VM Travel and Tours and the representative from the Oriental Paci�ic Business Chamber, Inc., Ms. Angie David.

As an overview of this year’s Inalima Trade Fair and Exhibit, Mr. Jaugan described the event as a platform for the province’s mi-

cro, small, medium enterprises to showcase their local products and services which are commonly in forms of handicrafts, furniture and furnishing, fresh and processed food, pot �lowers and ornamentals, culture and tourism materials, agricultural and industrial products, raw materials and components, and housewares.

Following the theme “Onwards to Greener Businesses in Davao Oriental,” Inalima 2019 was designed to promote a clean, environmental and friendly economy that advocates health, beauty,

wealth, and well-being.

This year, there are 12 exhibitors coming from the 10 municipalities, one city, and one coordinating agency (PHILFIDA).

“Aside from the beautiful display of products, through Inalima, we could provide a platform for local businesses to gain marketing experience, inspire local entrepreneurs to develop unique Filipino products that will meet global standards,” Gov. Nelson L. Dayanghirang said in his message.

While he claimed that the products displayed in the venue are a re�lection of the

dynamic fusion of tradition and culture with the local artistry and enterprise, Governor Dayanghirang also pointed out that local entrepreneurs still need to improve on innovation to produce new products that the market will patronize.

“Harness your innovativeness so we can offer new products,” he advised.

Starting off with a comparison of how trade fair and exhibits then and now, the Keynote Speaker, Mr. Eulogio C. Orevillo, gave emphasis to the importance of Market Access and how it gives mean-

ing to Inalima 2019.

“In any marketing book, you will encounter many Ms — Money, Mastery, Mentoring, Mobiles, Management, and so much more— but, all marketing books have one M in common and that stands for Market Access. That is what this Inalima 2019 should be all about,” Mr. Orevillo said.

The Keynote Speaker also gave tips as to how one can be successful in the �ield of entrepreneurship by possessing 3Cs: commitment, competence, and creative thinking. By Shaye Dacles/Photos by Eden Jhan Licayan

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EDGEDAVAO

EVENT

COLOUR AND HUES UNDER ONE ROOF A MODERN FILIPINA needs no introduction.

From her stance to her aura, a modern Filipina surely stands out in the crowd. With all the global titles and crowns won to international humanitarian achievements, there is nothing that this Filipina cannot do.

Au natural, for us Filipinas, does not mean bare – just barely there. And with the country’s unpredictable tropical weather, whatever foundation, blush, or lipstick you use in the morning almost always fades before your next meeting or lunch break -faded eyeshadow, racoon lashes and kampat foundation. Sounds familiar? Of course.

Nowadays, with local and international cosmetic brands readily available in the market, finding the right formula is somewhat like a walk in the park. Ever Bilena, the country’s most loved cosmetics brand, is celebrating what every Filipina wants in life – focused, improved and yes, successful.

Recently, Ever Bilena gathered Davao’s makeup enthusiasts and junkies at the Marco Polo Hotel Davao for an evening of colors, laughter and a whole lot of cosmetics loving. Dubbed EB Beauty Fiesta 2019, the event was a crossover between the old and modern Filipino.

The night saw products from Ever Bilena, EB Advance, Careline and Blackwater. From everyday makeup for beginners to fragrances and body mists to

Chocolate on your lids -not just on your palate.

Kikay kit staples in hues suited for the modern Filipina.

Big winners during the EB Beauty Fiesta 2019. keep you mabango all day long, the company truly has something for everyone. And the best thing? Budget friendly.

Ever Bilena rolled out some matte liquid lipstick that’s not drying and very light on the lips. For that instant pop, EB also had some heavily pigmented Chocolate Palette (the vanilla in me is just super happy!) and Pink glittered palette for that instant livin’ la vida loca moment.

EB Advance always has that dramatic lipstick line for every occasion. Their supreme lipstick in warm weather matte is too good on the lips and so is its silky eye liner in onyx black.

Instant queen!

Careline, on the other hand, had a new contour palatte that’s suited for every Filipina skin tone. Also, its best brow liner in taupe and matte liquid lipstick in brick’d (Colourpop dupe anyone?) will surely be staples in my bag.

Blackwater had bottles of Deo Mist in fiery red and Blackwater Women Deo Mist in the sweet golden sugar variants providing the bango for the night.

The night was filled with surprises, games and yes, freebies for all to enjoy. Marco Polo Hotel Davao also provided a very delectable Pinoy repertoire reminiscent of childhood.

Davao Digital Influencers enjoying the night.

Contour it!

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WOMEN CAMILLE A4

I thought I’d tie the knot when I’m 25 or 27 at the latest. As if 30 is such a far-flung number. As I move closer and closer to 25, I noticed how I try to move up my ideal marrying age. Today, at 31, I realized that planning ahead is okay, setting ideals too is okay, but when things change along the way, you should be able to reconcile that with yourself and enjoy the pace you’re at so you can be comfortable about it, too.”

Lesson #2: Self-love is when you find happiness in many ways when you’re alone.

“I was actually single for 4-5 years before I met Joni. To be honest, there was a fear brewing inside me thinking that I won’t be able to find a husband and eventually marry. It was later on that I realized that it was my newly single mindset that’s causing the fear and the anxiety. I was getting ahead of myself.”

“You really have to have faith in the process. Allow yourself to feel emotional and to accept and absorb the situation. After a few months, I didn’t even realize I’ve already moved on, fully healed and having the time of my life. I was genuinely happy and enjoying my singlehood. Make a conscious decision to trust the process and to know that you’ll be okay. Love yourself. Give yourself time. Focus on working on yourself and making yourself truly happy.”

Lesson #3: ‘My best friend’s wedding’ but don’t let that bother you, trust your own timing “Sometimes, we become so obsessed about finding love that we put all our energies in it and we forget to enjoy where we are.

Even if the rest of your barkada has found love, don’t let it pressure you and take your mind away from enjoying where you are. Moments pass us by so quickly, so you have to relish them.”

“I remember my single days when I really tried to appreciate every moment. That was the time when I can say I flourished and knew who I really am. I grew confident in my own skin and honestly, it is so empowering for a woman - knowing you’re fine on your own and trusting that everything will fall into place when the time is right.”

Lesson #4: The destination to wedding takes constant hard work from both partners “When I was 25, you see love as if it’s like magic, something that will sweep you off your feet and then tadah it’s happily ever after. I look at love differently today, for I figured that love isn’t

WEDDINGS all butterflies and it’s nothing like magic. Being with Joni for almost 5 years, it has taught me that love takes work—it’s constant communication and adjusting expectations between you and your partner on a day-to-day basis.”

Lesson #5: Marriage is a careful choice, by both heart and mind.

“I have understood love isn’t about a checklist either. It’s not like - okay he’s 5/10 or 9/10 based on my standards. Love works not because your partner is perfect on paper. It works because he’s perfect for you. So you should never settle for someone who isn’t perfect FOR you. You deserve an equal. You deserve a partner, in every sense of the word.”

Lesson #6: Don’t depend your happiness on your partner “I met Joni when I least expected it. I met him when I was utterly happy and content with my life. I met him when I was ready. We’ve all heard this once too many, but don’t go looking for love. Trust the process because going through that “process” is what you need to be the best version of you. This best version of yourself is what will ready you up for the next big thing.”

Lesson #7: Be your own definition of Fearless “Most of the time, society puts so much ideals in our minds that we feel we’re racing against time to achieve them. Before Joni and I got engaged, you have no idea how many times we got asked about his proposal plans and yet we had nothing in mind yet; and when we finally got engaged, once again, we got asked countless times how soon we are getting married…”

“So if there’s another lesson I have learned, it’s that we need to be fearless on our own judgments of our life milestones. This is also a special S/O to the girls being pressured to find love and to find it soon – take your time and trust your process. Remember, selflove goes a long way and when you start to learn this early on, you have a chance to live a fearless life longer.”

See how Camille and the Blogger Besties had the best Bachelorette party in Hong Kong, check out My Bachelorette #HereCamsTheBride on YouTube presented

by Olay’s #FearlessAtAnyAge. Check out the meaty heart-toheart discussion of Camille with best friend Laureen Uy on how they become fearless with their life decisions. What about you, what’s your definition of #FearlessAtAnyAge? Share to us your story, be it love, career, or something that took you out on a big adventure.

MAGICAL IN WHITE W OF TURQUOISE AND G

By ATHENA JILLIAN BRAVO TAKE THIS from poet Phoeby Cary. “True love is never blind, but rather brings an added light.”

Can’t go wrong with that.

And that’s exactly what newlywed couple Carlito and Judylitte Amore Luy Crisostomo believed in when they found true love with each other.

Their dream of a happy ever after finally climaxed on a magical wedding banquet setting celebrated with their family and close friends at the Royal Ballroom of renowned The Royal Mandaya Hotel on May 25, 2019.

The ballroom was beautifully adorned meticulously down to the very teeny weeny details straight out of the forethoughts of the bride and groom. It was predominantly white with hints of turquoise and gold all over the hall. The styling was grandiosely mounted by the collaboration of their wedding decorator and the staff of TRMH. “It was perfect! Compliments from our guests have been pouring in about the great food,

the beautiful venue and the wonderful service,” Judy said.

TRMH has earned a reputation of being tops on the list for Wedding Reception venues in Davao City not only because of its venue and food, but also with their accommodating personnel who brandish a can-do attitude which makes things possible.

“They went above and beyond to in paying attention and efficiency catering to our every need. They made everything so easy! It was a great joy and

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VOL.12 ISSUE 82 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 3, 2019

ENTERTAINMENT

GMA Network offers free basic TV drama scriptwriting workshop DO YOU have a knack for writing stories that are intriguing and relatable to everyone? Do you devote yourself to watching Filipino teleseryes and wish to try your luck at the highly-dynamic work of TV drama writing?

This year, GMA Network’s Entertainment Group offers a free basic TV drama scriptwriting workshop which is centered on soap-opera writing.

The workshop is open to all male and female Filipinos, 18 to 35 years old, at least high school graduate and may or may not be currently employed. If employed, current employer must not be in the same business as GMA. He/she must have a flexible schedule, with or without professional experience in

WITH HINTS GOLD

pleasure to have worked with them. They were amazing and professional all throughout.

Their customer service was very exceptional,” Judy added.

The Royal Mandaya Hotel offers a variety of wedding reception packages. For inquiries, interested parties may call the Hotel’s Banquet Events Supervisor, Michelle S. Sollano, at (82) 225-8888 loc 6179, (82) 2446603 or at 0956-136-3840; send an e-mail at banquetevents@ theroyalmandayahotel.com; or visit The Royal Mandaya Hotel, J. Palma Gil Street, Davao City.

TV writing, willing to go through interview and diagnostic tests and has a strong command of both Filipino and English language.

Application period is from June 16 to July 16, 2019.

Interested applicants are required to send their complete registration form at www.gmanetwork.com/ DramaWriting. They must also submit their own dramatic scene of at least 2 characters, written in script format of not more than 2 pages with their own choice of situation, mood, tone, or theme.

Chosen participants will be contacted by a GMA representative through the declared contact/ mobile number. All participants must agree to sign a Participation Agreement, full details of which

will be disclosed once qualified.

Lucky hopefuls who will pass the workshop will also have the chance to be part of GMA’s Entertainment Group.

All personal information provided to GMA will be stored in a database for future use but will not be released, sold, rented to any entities or individuals outside of GMA Network. The company also reserves the right to publish, print, distribute, telecast, and otherwise utilize anything that will be developed and created by the participant during the workshop.

Make your #WritingGoals come true and become the next Kapuso drama writer! For more details on the scriptwriting workshop, please visit the official website.

‘THE BLOOD SISTERS’ TO PREMIERE IN KAZAKHSTAN “The Blood Sisters,” ABS-CBN’s 2018 hit crime drama starring Erich Gonzales who played triplets, is set to thrill viewers in Kazakhstan as the Kapamilya teleserye is slated to premiere in one of the country’s leading TV networks, Channel 31.

ABS-CBN’s deal with Channel 31 solidifies once more the media company’s reputation as a trusted producer of exceptional content for international audiences.

“The Blood Sisters” follows the success of other narrative buys from ABS-CBN this 2019 such as “Pangako Sa’Yo” in the Dominican Republic, “Halik” in Tanzania, and the much-awaited local adaptation of “Hanggang

Saan” in Turkey.

“The Blood Sisters,” a crime drama about separated triplets who are reunited after a case of mistaken identity, performed strongly during its run on television last year, consistently winning the ratings in its timeslot.

ABS-CBN’s content, popular for its heartfelt Filipino stories, are available across other territories through ABS-CBN International Distribution, recognized in the global arena as a reliable foreign content provider.

It has been a premier source of high quality Filipino programming in over 50 territories all over the world and has sold over 50,000 hours of content worldwide.

Living up to this recognition, ABS-CBN International Distribution commits to add to its first line-up of high-caliber programs and movies

with cast and storylines that appeal to various cultures. Visit https:// www.abs-cbn.com/internationalsales/about for more details.

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EDGEDAVAO

WOMEN

Camille Co’s journey on finding the realness of ‘Love’

CAMILLE CO had once dreamt of having a perfect wedding embraced in the arms of her dream jowa, and yes it finally happened, if you had followed her through her life as a blogger you may be familiar with the hashtag #CoKoro as seen on Instagram. But before all the magic had happened, life

brought her to a lot of challenges like remembering her fears on staying single and outgrowing them, and on being fearless about loving herself before she met the ray of sunshine that forever changed her life.

Camille shares her 7 lessons on love dedicated to those who were disappointed but still continue to

find it, those who have found it, and wanting to treasure it, and even to those people who still explores the real meaning of love.

Lesson #1: Creating an ideal age for marriage is ok, but don’t forget to live with the present.

“Back when I was still a teenager,

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ENTER... FROM 1

that the speaker of the house post be shared by representatives from Mindanao, Visayas, Luzon, and the partylist groups.

“I will ask the Visayas bloc to elect their speaker for their term share, and so with the Mindanao bloc and the partylist coalition,” Duterte said.

“We are not talking about two persons here.

We are talking about our beloved country. It is not about speakership alone, but who is the right person to unite congress and I hope those running for the speakership stop in�luencing the cabinet,” he further said.

the hotel from shooting the sunset at the pier.)

Lumawag’s pro�ile during his “Remember When” photo exhibit in 2009 had more details about his life as a photojournalist: Born in Panay Island, on December 22, 1944, Lumawag started earning

money from classmates and friends who would ask him to draw school projects and make cards for special occasions. To improve his craft, Rene would go out on weekends to participate in on-the-spot painting of sceneries or sketching with the use of pencil or pen and ink.

cause the Philippines lacks capacity to do it alone.

“Unang-una, wala tayong resources (First of all, we don’t have resources) the reason why we need joint ventures and joint agreements with other countries is because wala

tayong kapasidad (we don’t have the capacity),” he added.

Duterte earlier bared that Xi warned of “trouble” after the Filipino leader mentioned his plan to dig for oil in the disputed waters. (PNA)

TATAY... FROM 2

DUTERTE... FROM 3

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ROMUALDEZ... FROM 3

budget had been approved on time.

“This is the reason why the 18th Congress needs to pass the 2020 proposed national budget on time and make sure that public infrastructure and human development get the biggest allocation next year,” Romualdez said.

With the pre-SONA forum, the lawmaker said House leaders now have a clearer idea on what to work on in the succeeding multi-party caucuses before the 18th Congress buckles down to work on July 22.

Romualdez was referring to the multi-party caucus of House leaders held last Wednesday that drew the attendance of 40 House leaders from various political parties and in�luential blocs in the 18th Congress including the PDP-Laban, Lakas-CMD, Nacionalista Party (NP), National Unity Party (NUP), Liberal Party (LP), and the Party-List Coalition.

The caucus was the �irst in a series of caucuses initiated by the lawmaker in an effort to build a coalition to advance the legislative agenda of Duterte.

Romualdez noted that in the 2019 National Expenditure Program (NEP), the President’s economic team listed infrastructure and human development as the top recipients with PHP1.215 trillion, or about 33.3 percent of this year’s PHP3.757-trillion budget.

"We expect the same priorities in the 2020 NEP. Much has been done, but more challenges remain.

We have to hit the ground running and map out strategies on how to fast-track the President’s priority bills,” Romualdez said.

“I will ask our Congress leaders to immediately buckle down to work and discuss this roadmap in our next multi-party caucus,” he added.

He also reiterated the House leaders' commitment to pass the 2020 General Appropriations Bill by October.

“This self-imposed deadline will give the Senate more session days for plenary debates on the budget. Hopefully, President Duterte will have a national budget ready his signature before the end of the year,” Romualdez said. (PNA)

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French Open runner-up Marketa Vondrousova, the 16th seed, also bowed out but former world number ones Karolina Pliskova, Caroline Wozniacki, Simona Halep and Victoria Azarenka all made it safely through to the second round.

DJOKOVIC UNTROUBLED Men's defending champion Novak Djokovic was untroubled as he began his quest for a �ifth Wimbledon crown that would take him level on the all-time list with Swedish great Bjorn Borg.

The Serb, with former champion Goran Ivanisevic in his box, beat Germany's Philipp Kohlschreiber 6-3 7-5 6-3.

It was a bad day for two of the young guns expected to lead the new generation into a brave new era, however.

Sixth seed Alexander Zverev lost 4-6 6-3 6-2 7-5 to Czech Jiri Vesely while Greek 20-year-old Stefanos Tsitsipas went down in �ive sets to Italian journeyman Thomas Fabbiano.

Tsitsipas, in particular, was highly-fancied to have

9

a long run at the All England Club having reached the Australian Open semi-�inal this year but lost 6-4 3-6 6-4 6-7(8) 6-3.

"He was just better than me today. I think the way I played, it should have been in three, not �ive. I don't know how I got to �ive. I guess with my �ighting spirit, somehow I managed to win those two sets," he said.

Croatia's 40-year-old Ivo Karlovic, one of 47 men aged 30 or over in the men's singles, became the oldest man to play a �irst round match in the Wimbledon singles since Ken Rosewall in 1975.

The giant Croat served 20 aces as he beat Andrea Arnaboldi in straight sets and will meet Fabbiano next.

Last year's runner-up Kevin Anderson cruised through in straight sets against Pierre-Hugues Herbert.

Eight-time champion Roger Federer and women's defending champion Angelique Kerber, as well as 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams, start their campaigns on Tuesday.

Kindly address application letter ASAP to

ELLA P. TINGZON | 0918 383 1511 For additional inquiries, please email us at: zion.davao@gmail.com

10 HEALTH EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 82 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 3, 2019

COLON CANCER

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

(First of Two Parts)

Colonoscopy saves lives,” Dr. James McKinnell, university assistant professor who also works at the Los Angeles BioMedresearch Institute in California, was quoted as saying by an international news dispatch. “The bene�it is a reduction in the risk of death (from colon cancer).”

Colon cancer is the fourth And colonoscopy is the best most common form of cancer screening test available for coamong Filipinos – after breast, lon cancer in the Philippines. It lung and liver cancers. “Among is actually an examination used cancers, colon cancer stands out to detect changes or abnormalias a disease that can be largely ties in the large intestine (colon) prevented, but few people be- and rectum. lieve it will happen to them,” “In colonoscopy,” exsaid Dr. Jun R. Ruiz, a gastroen- plains Dr. Velasco, “we use a tube terology consultant at St. Luke’s with a tiny camera to look at the Medical Center and a diplomate whole colon and rectum. We of the American Board of Inter- don’t only �ind tumors early, nal Medicine in Gastroenterolo- but the test can also prevent gy and of the Philippine College colorectal cancer by removing of Physicians in Internal Medi- polyps.” cine.

This author came to know “If it is still in early stage Dr. Velasco because he was and localized within the colon, the person who performed the cure is 100 percent,” said Dr. colonoscopy on me. If you are Ruiz, who is connected with the wondering why I had to unColorectal Unit of The Medical dergo the procedure, here are City. “If it had spread to lymph the reasons: I am more than 50 nodes or distant organs, the years old and I had this feeling of 5-year survival rate is much needing a bowel movement that lower.” is not relieved by doing so. In Dr. Aaron I. Velasco, an in- addition, I observed the narternist and gastroenterologist rowing of my stool which can who works in various hospitals last for more than a few days. in Davao City, added that the Like most cancer, early 5-year survival rate of those di- stages of colon cancer usually agnosed with stage 1 colon can- present no symptoms, but they cer is 92%. It goes down to 63- tend to appear as the cancer 80% for those with stage 2 and progresses, according to medi50% with stage 3. The chance cal science. But those I felt were of survival of those diagnosed possible symptoms, which also with stage 4 is very minimal: include diarrhea, constipation, 11%. or other change in bowel habits; Survival is best if the can- blood (either bright red or very cer is discovered early. “Many dark) in the stool; unexplained colorectal cancers can be anemia; abdominal pain and prevented through regular tenderness in the lower abdoscreening,” cancercare.org says. men; intestinal obstruction; “Screening can �ind precancer- weight loss with no known ous polyps – abnormal growths reason; feeling very tired; and in the colon or rectum – so that vomiting. they can be removed before “The most common �irst they turn into cancer. Screening symptom of rectal cancer is is crucial because when found bleeding during a bowel moveearly, colorectal cancer is highly ment,” says The Merck Manual treatable.” of Medical Information. “PainDr. Ruiz recommends that ful bowel movement and a feelcolon cancer screening among ing that the rectum has not been Filipinos should start at age 50. completely emptied are other

Dr. Aaron I. Velasco

symptoms of rectal cancer. Sitting may be painful, but otherwise the person usually feels no pain from the cancer itself unless it spreads to tissue outside the rectum.”

I told Dr. Ruiz, who happens to be my friend, about my situation. He suggested that I undergo colonoscopy. When I inquired about possible complications, he replied, “You will be sedated so there is no pain. Don’t worry.”

Colonoscopy usually takes 30 to 45 minutes, according Dr. Velasco. However, in some instances, it may take longer, depending upon what is found and what is done during the test.

Before a colonoscopy, he advised me to clean out (empty) my colon. One day before the procedure, he told me to take general liquids all throughout the day. “You must consume 3-4 liters of �luids like water and juices,” he said. “For breakfast, you can eat porridge. Lunch is all noodles and dinner will only be just soup.”

That’s not all. I had to drink an oral solution laxative twice: at 8 am and then at 3 pm. At 8 in the evening, I took four tables of Senokot. After two in the morning the following day, he advised me not to take anything.

On the day of my colonoscopy, I took two Dulcolax tablets at 5 am. An hour later, I had to swallow my anti-hypertensive medicine because I have hypertension. All those tablets were taken with only a small sip of water.

I had my schedule at 9:30 in the morning so together with my sister, Evangeline T. Capuno, we went to the hospital an hour earlier. There was one ahead of me at the hospital endoscopy unit. When the nurse saw me, she asked me what brought me there. I told her the reason. She then asked me to sign a consent form authorizing the procedure.

After that, she asked me to go with her and told me to wear the “hospital gown.” She returned to the room after I had

done changing my clothes and asked me to lie down in a bed and placed a dextrose in my right hand.

It was past 10 when I was �inally brought inside the screening room. The doctor and the nurse placed some devices all over my body, including a plastic nasal tube into my nose to provide extra oxygen during the procedure. To monitor the amount of oxygen in my blood, a small device was placed on my right �ingers. My blood pressure was also monitored.

I was asked to lie on my side on the exam table with my knees drawn toward my chest.

Then, Dr. Philip Valencia, the anesthesiologist, told me, “Sir, I have to let you sleep now.” He then proceeded to give a general anesthesia through an intravenous line to induce unconsciousness on me during the whole procedure.

True enough, I slept well when colonoscopy was done on me. I didn’t know what happened next because I was sedated. The Mayo Clinic gives this brief information: “The doctor will insert a colonoscope into your rectum. The scope — which is long enough to reach the entire length of your colon — contains a light and a tube (channel) that allows the doctor to pump air or carbon dioxide into your colon. The air or carbon dioxide in�lates the colon, which provides a better view of the lining of the colon. When the scope is moved or air is introduced, you may feel abdominal cramping or the urge to have a bowel movement.

“The colonoscope also contains a tiny video camera at its tip. The camera sends images to an external monitor so that the doctor can study the inside of your colon. The doctor can also insert instruments through the channel to take tissue samples (biopsies) or remove polyps or other areas of abnormal tissue.”

After 30 minutes or so, I was awakened by Dr. Valencia. “Sir, wake up,” he told me. “It’s

done.” I was totally surprised; I thought it had not started yet.

Colonoscopy is very safe, doctors say although some caution there is a slight chance for problems from a colonoscopy.

The scope or a small tool may tear the lining of the colon or cause bleeding. This must be the reason why WebMd.com suggests that those who undergo colonoscopy should call their doctor immediately if, after the test, they: have heavy rectal bleeding, have severe belly pain, develop a fever, are very dizzy, are vomiting, and have a swollen and �irm belly.

Aside from colonoscopy, other screening tests for colon cancer include barium enema X-rays, sigmoidoscopy, stool tests, and computed tomographic colonography. Which screening test you choose depends on your risk, your preference, and your doctor. “Be sure to talk to your doctor about what puts you at risk and what test is best for you,” Dr. Velasco reminds.

If you are wondering what the result of my colonoscopy was, here’s the report: “The procedure was done under IV sedation with no untoward complication. Greenish, watery fecal material was seen over the sigmoid colon and the descending colon, which was removed by saline �lushing and suctioning. The cecal pole was reached; unremarkable mucosa from the cecum/ileocecal valve down to the rectosigmoid colon save for few, diminutive polyps seen over the rectum/distal sigmoid, removed by cold biopsy forceps. Incidental �inding of dilated venous columns above the dentate line.”

In simpler terms, it’s negative!

What if, it was positive? According to the Mayo Clinic, a colonoscopy is considered positive if the doctor �inds any polyps or abnormal tissue in the colon. Depending on the size and number of polyps, you may need to follow a more rigorous

surveillance schedule in the future to look for more polyps.

“If your doctor �inds one or two polyps less than 0.4 inch (1 centimeter) in diameter, he may recommend a repeat colonoscopy in �ive to 10 years, depending on your other risk factors for colon cancer,” the Mayo Clinic states.

A doctor will recommend another colonoscopy sooner if the patient has more than two polyps; a large polyp (larger than 0.4 inch); polyps and also residual stool in the colon that prevents complete examination of the colon; polyps with certain cell characteristics that indicate a higher risk of future cancer; and cancerous polyps.

There are some patients who may �ind the cost of a colonoscopy expensive. In my case, the total bill was almost P30,000. After deducting about P12,000 from Philippine Health Insurance, I had to pay more or less P18,000.

“A stool test called the Fecal Immunochemical test (FIT) is a good screening alternative,” Dr. Ruiz says. “FIT detects only human blood and is speci�ic for bleeding in the colon. The test is repeated every year if the initial test is negative. If the test is positive, a colonoscopy is needed to rule out the presence of cancer.”

Other screening test that can be performed include sigmoidoscopy, double contrast barium enema, virtual colonoscopy and DNA stool tests. But these tests are not as thorough as a colonoscopy. If polyps or tumors are suspected based on these tests, you will still need to have a colonoscopy.

As stated earlier, colon cancer is treatable when discovered early. But if the cancer has already invaded other tissues, it may be too late.

Emmy-winning American comedian and actor Milton Berle was told he had a cancerous colon tumor in 2001 but he refused surgery; he died in Los Angeles, California the following year. (To be concluded)

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 82 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 3, 2019

11

Horford, Richardson Venus upset by teener, give Sixers a push Djokovic sails through With Al Horford and Josh Richardson on board, the Sixers are a legit title contender.

P

HILADELPHIA (AP) — Ben Simmons posted Instagram photos of his shirtless shooting drills and wrote the caption, "Let's have a great week."

The 76ers are off to a pretty good start.

One win away from the Eastern Conference �inals, the Sixers are set for another new look when training camp opens and they chase their �irst championship since 1983. Jimmy Butler, a four-time All-Star hailed as the missing piece when the Sixers traded for him in November, is off to Miami. JJ Redick, one of the top 3-point shooters in team history, is headed to New Orleans. Meaning the Sixers lost two starters on a 51-win team poised to contend for conference titles and more for years, defections that could have stunted the franchise — had general manager Elton Brand not poached All-Star Al Horford from Boston.

Horford signed on for four years, Tobias Harris agreed to a �ive-year contract, key reserve Mike Scott has a new deal and Josh Richardson is a solid consolation prize in the Butler deal.

In a chaotic East, the Sixers are still in the mix as a top team.

"Crazy," 76ers forward Zhaire Smith said of NBA free agency. "I never knew

it was that crazy. It was crazy."

Just a bit.

But winning 50 games and a round in the playoffs is no longer good enough for coach Brett Brown and the Sixers. Redick was their lone reliable 3-point ace and Butler turned into a valuable clutch scorer in the playoffs. The team wouldn't have gotten to Game 7 against eventual NBA champion Toronto in the semis without them.

And Horford, Harris and Richardson are expected to keep the dropoff at a minimum — but are they enough to push the Sixers over the edge into a title team? Throw in Smith, who missed most of his rookie year, and 2019 �irst-rounder Matisse Thybulle, and the Sixers should be tougher defensively.

Let's take a look at the Sixers, so far: — Horford, a �ive-time All-Star, agreed Sunday (Monday, PHL time) to a four-year contract with $97 million guaranteed in a deal that could be worth up to $109 million.

The 33-year-old Horford was one of Boston's steadiest players, averaging 13.9 points and nine rebounds in the postseason. Horford's deal may not look so great in 2023, but the Sixers are trying to win now and he can help.

Horford can shoot the 3 (37% for his career), re-

bound and provides a critical presence with All-Star Joel Embiid. He can certainly team with Embiid down low but could also carry big minutes when Embiid needs a breather.

Embiid's health is always an issue and the Sixers were forced to go with a backup-big man-by-committee in the playoffs, with disastrous results.

Horford, if healthy, is a fantastic �it for the Sixers as a smart defender and a potential career extender for Embiid.

— Richardson averaged 16.6 points, 4.1 assists, and 3.6 rebounds with the Heat and is young (25), affordable ($10.1 million) and has worked himself into one of the top wing defenders in the East. Richardson also knows how to ingratiate himself with the Philly fans, tweeting, "Where da cheesesteaks?" More than 2,000 replies later, there was no clue from Richardson which spot he might hit �irst. Richardson is 6-foot-6 yet is the smallest of the Sixers' expected �ive starters. He has shown �lashes of developing into a 3-point shooter and could only get better in the catch-and-shoot spot that Redick made so dangerous for the Sixers.

— Harris averaged 20 points and 7.9 rebounds with the Clippers and Sixers and agreed to a $180 million, �ive-year con-

tract, just shy of the full max value. He explained his decision in a �irst-person essay on ESPN.com, writing: "I want to be somewhere that I can call home. Finally, I can do that now: I'm a Philadelphia 76er." The $180 million certainly helped but Harris, who has had a solid but not spectacular career, could emerge as more of a scoring threat with Redick and Butler gone. Just 26, Harris has time to live up to his salary and the big haul the Sixers gave to the Clippers (four draft picks plus rookie star Landry Shamet) to get him in February. With Butler leaving, the Sixers had to pay Harris and not risk the embarrassment of striking out on their two major trades this season.

Harris' shooting numbers dipped once he got to Philly, but that could have had more to do with the star cast around him than anything, though for $180 million, any excuse for a further decline is out the window.

So what's left? The Sixers have about $7.7 million in salary cap space left and only nine players under contract. They need a backup point guard, another shooter and maybe even a true backup center — and Monday (Tuesday, PHL time) marked just the �irst full day of NBA free agency.

L

ONDON - American 15-year-old Cori Gauff stole the show on the opening day of Wimbledon with a debut victory over �ive-time champion and her inspiration Venus Williams.

Gauff, the youngest woman ever to survive the qualifying tournament, played like a seasoned performer as she clinically beat the 39-year-old great 6-4 6-4 to earn a standing ovation from an enchanted Court One crowd.

"I wouldn't say I didn't expect to win the match. I knew that I was going to go out there and play the way I play," Gauff, who claimed victory on her fourth match point, told reporters.

"I wasn't surprised that

I won. I mean, I was just overwhelmed at the end."

Her victory put everything else in the shade on an opening day full of shocks in both draws.

World number two and second seed Naomi Osaka lost 7-6(4) 6-2 to dangerous Kazakh Yulia Putintseva who had also got the better of her in their recent match in Birmingham -- a defeat that effectively cost Osaka the number one ranking.

U.S. Open and Australian Open champion Osaka appeared close to tears when she spoke to the media later.

"Can I leave? I feel like I'm about to cry," the Japa-

VENUS, P9

Cori Gauff of the U.S. celebrates winning her first round match against Venus Williams of the U.S. Reuters

SPORTS

12 EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 82 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 3, 2019

NEW LEAGUE IS BORN

COLLEGIATE LEAGUE. SBP executive program officer Ronel Leuterio (extreme left) spearheads the SBP officers’ meeting in preparation for the Collegiate Sponsors League at the Royal Mandaya Hotel. Beside him are SBP commissioners Oscar Salvador, lawyer Francis Calatrava and Macario Cabonce.

SBP 11 set to launch Collegiate Sponsors League

By ADAM B. MORRELL

T

he Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) Davao is set to launch the Collegiate Sponsors League (CSL) this year which will involve collegiate teams from around the Davao Region.

SBP Davao executive program of�icer Ronel Leuterio made the announcement during the SBP of�icers meeting on Monday, July 1 at the Royal Mandaya Hotel. He also invited interested collegiate teams from the entire region to join the tournament.

Leuterio said he will conduct a meeting on July 12 at the Royal Mandaya Hotel to discuss to the school representatives the concept, rules and �low of the tournament which is a program under the stewardship of SBP 11 regional director and Presidential Adviser on Sports Glenn Y. Escandor.

He explained that the CSL or Collegiate Sponsors League is just like any other typical collegiate league but a school may seek for their respective corporate

sponsors to fuel their expenses throughout the tournament. “ Pa r t i c i p a t i n g schools may look for sponsors to shoulder their registration, uniforms and allowances if there are. In return, the schools are allowed to banner the company/sponsors name throughout the tournament,” Leuterio explained.

To make it worth it for the school’s sponsors, SBP have made this CSL a qualifying for the National Finals of the Philippine Collegiate Champions League (PCCL).

“So para may patutunguhan yung liga, the champion of this Sponsors League will represent Davao Region in the nationals,” he said.

Leuterio also said the tournament is open to all Davao Region-based collegiate schools.

The SBP 11 executive of�icer, meanwhile, said other details will be disclosed during the tournament, thus, he is urging interested teams to be at The Royal Mandaya Hotel at exactly 7:00pm.