Edge Davao Volume 12 Issue 180 | Tuesday, November 20, 2019

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MASSIVE LOSS

VOL.12 ISSUE 180 • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2019

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Nearly 1M learners lost their classrooms due to quakes

By MAYA M. PADILLO total of 970,549 learners in Davao Region have lost their classrooms due to the recent earthquakes that hit some parts of Mindanao, the regional of�ice of the Department of Education (DepEd 11) disclosed on Monday, November 18.

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Guests walk under the colorful Moroccan inspired Christmas decoration at the lobby of Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao in Lanang, Davao City over the weekend. Lean Daval Jr

DepEd 11 is now working for the construction of Temporary Learning Spaces (TLS) to ensure normalcy of classes.

Dr. Evelyn R. Fetalvero, OIC regional director of DepEd 11, told media in a press conference on Monday that the affected learners are those coming from different schools that were totally damaged in Davao del Sur, Digos City, and Panabo City.

Fetalvero said at least 972 TLS are needed to be constructed for them to be able to resume their classes, adding that this is about 30 percent of the adversely affected learners. These constitute learners whose classrooms were totally damaged. The other classrooms sustained only slight damage that can be repaired.

“We really could not say normal .. iba talaga sa standard classrooms but at least our teachers and learners can be kept in a space where they can continue their regular classes,” she said.

DepEd 11 is now facilitating procurement process and the completion of TLS is targeted by the second week of December this year.

“Although, it’s quite

an emergency… we really have to see to it that we follow the procurement procedure. The construction of TLS will be completed in the second week of December.

But I asked kung puede this month lang.. the last week of November maitayo na lahat ang TLS,” said Fetalvero.

“Ito yung sinasabi natin dito totally damaged yung hindi na talaga mapasukan. There are also classroom major damages meaning these are classrooms that cannot be repaired by the schools. We need the help of DepEd central of�ice and other sectors. Yung TLS ito ang sinasabi natin kung paano mapabalik ang regular classes because our classrooms have been subjected to total or even major damages where the structural engineers recommended not to use them again or else our learners and teachers will be harmed if quakes will happen again,” she added.

The DepEd central of�ice has released funds for the procurement and the construction of TLS in the hardly hit areas in Davao del Sur, Digos City, and Panabo City even Davao

MASSIVE, P9

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 180 • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2019

Palace denies PRRD order to stop rice importation

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President Rodrigo Duterte condoles with the bereaved family of Elizabeth Gokongwei as he visits the wake at the Heritage Memorial Park in Taguig City on Sunday night. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

resident Rodrigo Duterte did not order Agriculture Secretary William Dar to implement any suspension of rice importation, Malacañang said on Monday.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo made this clari�ication following reports that the President ordered the suspension of rice importation amid farmers’ woes resulting from the Rice Tarif�ication Law. “As of this time there is no order to stop rice importation given the [sic] Sec Dar of the Department of Agriculture per the latter,” Panelo said in a message to reporters.

In an exclusive interview with GMA News last Friday, Duterte said government should start purchasing local rice to help the local farmers.

Duterte signed the Rice Tarif�ication Law

last February to allow unlimited rice importation, but investors must �irst secure a phytosanitary permit from the Bureau of Plant Industry and pay the 35-percent tariff for shipments from Southeast Asia.

Farmer groups have blamed the law for the falling farm gate prices of palay which fell to as low as P7 in Central Luzon.

Recently, data from the United States Department of Agriculture-Foreign Agriculture Services (USDA-FAS) showed that the Philippines has emerged as the top global importer of rice, beating China.

The USDA-FAS has projected the country’s rice imports to reach a record 3 million metric tons (MT) by year-end -- the highest in the world and the highest for the country while China is expected to

resident Rodrigo Duterte apologized to local rice farmers over low prices of the grain but insisted that the Philippines needed to import the staple.

Duterte explained that he would not repeal the rice tarif�ication law since doing so might result in a "food crisis."

“Ang sinasabi ko lang sa taumbayan is that do not despair. We can always correct the wrong. I apologize to you if the result we wanted to get during the early days of my administration has been well, delayed or not good, not to your expectations," Duterte said in an exclusive interview with ABS-CBN News' Ted Failon.

The government pushed for tariffs in place of import quotas under the Rice Tarif�ication Law last year to bring down prices as the

cost of the staple pushed in�lation to near 10-year highs.

Rice farmers complained that the law caused a drop in prices of the staple grain due to a deluge of imported rice.

The President said he would meet with the farmers to "resolve" their problems.

"If I can’t help you, then I have no business being here.

I have the goal, I will immediately do something about it,” he said.

“I will ask my of�ice to arrange for a meeting with them. If it’s possible to get them to one place so that I will listen and I will resolve the problem,” he added.

Duterte also promised farmers that he would visit rice �ields across the country to see rice growers' situation as well as inspect equipment from the government.

Sara to launch P Peace Economy

PALACE, P9

Duterte apologizes to local farmers over low rice prices

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avao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio will launch the Peace Economy, an initiative of the Peace 911 program in Paquibato to stimulate economic development based on sharing wealth.

The �irst partnership between the farmers of Barangay Malabog and Helen’s Farms of NCCC will be highlighted to kick off the campaign for “Sharing Wealth”, the slogan of

the Peace Economy. The launch will take place on Wednesday, November 20, at the Finster Hall of the Ateneo de Davao University in Jacinto St. Barangay Captain Jes-

DILG officer hit over media tongue-lashing

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n of�icial of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) in Davao del Norte received �lak from journalists after she reportedly disrespected them with unsavory advisories during a recent media conference.

In a website post dated November 16, Mindanao-based Newsline Philippines reported "Journalists denounce DILG of�icer over tongue lashing incidents."

The incident stemmed from the inauguration of the �irst operation of the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Con�lict (RTFELCAC) in Tagum City on Friday morning.

"Not once or twice but thrice. Yes, she emphatically did it three times.

In eight minutes, the Department of Interior and Local Government assistant provincial director

Jeannette Palmera scolded journalists on Friday morning while they were on coverage for the inauguration of the �irst operation of the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Con�lict (RTF-ELCAC) in Tagum City," the report said.

Palmera, according to the report, was tasked to read the names of rebel returnees who were present during the event for the ceremonial turnover of monetary incentives for the �irearms turned over to the government after they surrendered.

As reporters and photographers began taking photos, Palmera reportedly advised to refrain from taking photos. Newsline Philippines quoted her as saying: “Media partners, bawal mo manguha og pictures sa mga surenderees. Dili pwede makita ilang nawong (media part-

DILG, P8

sie Areja of Malabog and Bobby Mabanta of Helen’s Farms will describe their experiences in developing a partnership between the producers of vegetables in Paquibato and Helen’s Farms as a marketing intermediary of their products. The partnership is aimed at getting a high price for the producers and a low price for the consumers.

According to Irene M. Santiago, peace adviser

to Mayor Sara, the Peace Economy is a system for producing, distributing and consuming goods and services that leads to an improved quality of life for producers in local communities, consumers in rural and urban areas, as well as distributors who connect producers to the market.

Santiago said that Peace Economy is characterized by sustainable

SARA, P9

Department of Education 11 (DepEd 11) OIC director Dr. Evelyn Fetalvero (center) bares during a news conference at the sidelines of the agency’s “Brigada Eskwela” awarding ceremony at Ritz Hotel in Davao City on Monday that 970,549 students in Davao Region lost their classrooms

due to the series of earthquakes that hit Mindanao. Also in photo are OIC assistant director Dr. Maria Ines Asuncion and Education Support and Services Division chief Dr. Warlito Hua. Lean Daval Jr

VOL.12 ISSUE 180 • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2019

EDGEDAVAO

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4 NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 180 • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2019

Several Cotabato City employees tested positive for illegal drug use

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ome city government employees here have tested positive for drug use after a recent mandatory drug test conducted by anti-narcotics personnel, an of�icial said.

One of the regular employees who tested positive went on absence without of�icial leave and later arrested during drug buybust operation by the city police.

At least 10 other workers have shown signs of drug use and the urine samples taken from them are still undergoing con�irmatory tests, said Rolen Balquin, city public safety of�ice chief, on Monday.

The city government has about 2,200 employees and more than 90 percent of them have undergone a surprise drug test last Oct. 16, 2019.

“Only those who were on sick leave or vacation leave or of�icial travel have not undergone the process of drug testing,” Balquin said.

Mayor Frances Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi earlier ordered the mandatory drug test to ensure the city has a “drug-free workplace”.

“Drug dependents have no place in the Cotabato City government,” Sayadi said in a separate interview. (PNA)

Scout Rangers assist 15 former rebels to finish vocational course

Interface Development Interventions, Inc. (IDIS) executive director Chinkie Pelino-Golle, together with environment research specialist Lemuel Manalo, calls on authorities during this week’s Kapehan sa

Dabaw at SM City Davao for a stricter policy for quarry operators after the group’s study showed negative environmental impact of sand and gravel quarrying in Davao River. Lean Daval Jr

City urged to act vs quarry operations

By MAYA M. PADILLO n environmentalist group has issued a challenge to the City Government of Davao to take action against quarrying operations in Davao City particularly those operating within or near the city’s conservation areas as it poses threat to the city’s river systems and surrounding environment.

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Interface Development Interventions (IDIS) executive director Chinkee Pelino-Golle revealed that based on their study conducted earlier this year, there are environmental impacts against sand and gravel quarrying in the city.

They also found out that there are quarrying activi-

ties in the city’s conservation areas.

“Based on our study may mga impacts ang quarrying. Earlier this year we conducted an assessment on areas in Davao City Asa ni ang naay quarry operations,” Pelino- Golle said.

The �indings of the study bared that in Marilog Dis-

Court acquits human rights worker from Tagum City

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he local court in Northern Mindanao released from prison a human rights worker after �ive years of incarceration, a paralegal member of Karapatan Southern Mindanao said.

Jay Apiag, of the human rights group Karapatan, said the court dismissed on Friday all the criminal charges �iled against Dominiciano Muya, resident agriculturist of the Rural Missionaries of the Philippines based in Davao del Norte.

Muya, according to Apiag, has also extended assistance to Salugpongan Ta’ Tanu Igkanugon Community Learning Center, whose learners are mostly members of indigenous tribes.

Muya was arrested on October 16, 2014 in Makil-

am Village in Tagum City, Davao del Norte by some elements of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and was accused as a high-ranking leader of the New People’s Army with a P4.8-million bounty on his head.

He was charged with illegal possession of �irearms, multiple murder, double frustrated murder, robbery with double homicide, and damage to properties. He was detained at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) compound in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.

Apiag said that before they went to the court to attend Muya’s promulgation, they were �illed with emotions.

“It was like we’re carry-

COURT, P9

trict, barangay roads going to the area are very dusty, rough and narrow which are unsafe for locals particularly students. In Calinan District, there are complaints of noise pollution from the nearby Dalagdag Elementary School due to quarrying. There were complaints of dust and noise from transporting of materials from batching plants in Barangay in Talomo-Tugbok district. In New Carmen in Tugbok, extraction is operated manually without the aid of large equipment wherein workers have to dive the river with a depth of approximately 2 to 4 meters and load them to a boat.

The study involved 29

out of 80 quarry operators, covering six sites were selected from the City Environment and Natural Resources Of�ice’s (CENRO’s) of�icial list of approved quarry operations in the city as of January 2019.

These were selected after mapping out all permitted operators vis-a-vis Davao City’s conservation zones through Geographic Information System (GIS).

The study also identi�ied sites namely Davao River in Barangay Malamba, Marilog; Davao River in Brgy. Dalagdag, Calinan District; Lasang River in Paquibato, Bayabas Creek in Toril, and Matina River

CITY, P9

Parole and Probation Administration 11 (PPA 11) director Benjamin Cutay Jr bares during the Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Davao on Monday while promoting the agency’s nationwide bloodletting activity set

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n a rare initiative, the Army’s elite Scout Rangers assisted 15 former rebels and 65 local villagers to complete Friday last week a 30-day masonry and welding vocational course in partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and the local government unit of Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur. As an elite �ighting unit, the Scout Rangers rarely engages in community civic activities, pointed out 1Lt. Alan Wadsilang, civil military operations of�icer of the 2nd Scout Ranger Battalion.

But Wadsilang explained that the unit took the opportunity to take part in the “whole government of approach” in addressing the communist insurgency.

In December last year, President Rodrigo Duterte signed the Executive Order (EO) 70, which seeks to institute a “whole of government” approach in addressing communist insurgency.

Wadsilang said that the program was originally intended for the former rebels but many of the youth in the nearby communities have also expressed interest to avail of the program.

“At �irst, it was only for former rebels, but later

many from the community joined. Mostly were out-of-school youths and some senior high school students,” he added.

The military of�icer lauded the local government unit of Sta. Cruz for its all-out support to the program. Sta. Cruz was a hotbed of communist insurgency in 1980s.

This vocational course, Wadsilang added, is part of the grassroots efforts to encourage New People’s Army (NPA) rebels to return to the fold of the law.

He said they are also planning to offer the same course for another batch of former rebels and community members next year.

Furthermore, Wadsilang disclosed that they have been conducting medical outreach programs and community dialogues even before EO 70 was signed.

To further sustain the campaign against communist insurgency, he said they are still in the process of creating a Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Con�lict (TFELCAC) in the province.

Throughout the region, the Army’s 10th Infantry Division has credited the decline of armed encounters to the “whole of government approach.”

(MindaNews)

on December 8 that from January to September this year probationers reached 4,487 in the region and on the same period about 1,000 parolees were already released. Lean Daval Jr

5 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 180 • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2019

Lenovo targets higher PC penetration in PH

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ersonal computer (PC) household penetration in the Philippines is still very low, which means a bigger market for Lenovo to tap, an executive of the Chinese computer maker said over the weekend.

In an interview on the sidelines of the Lenovo Tech World and Innovation summit, Lenovo Asia Paci�ic chief marketing of�icer Bhaskar Choudhuri said PC penetration in emerging economies such as the Philippines is only at around 20%, compared to 70% to 80% for advanced countries such as Australia and Japan.

"Our big strategy is to increase PC penetration...

How do we get new people to buy a PC," Choudhuri said.

The challenge for low income per capita countries is affordability of PC products, he added.

"That's the fundamental issue that we need to solve."

To address the issue of affordability, Lenovo will establish the "relevance" of PCs for Filipino customers.

Choudhuri said Lenovo will target students as they are the so-called "digital natives" or those who are brought up in the age of

LENOVO, P8

Gasoline prices up for second straight week

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il companies are set to implement the second consecutive week of hikes for pump prices of gasoline this week, while those of diesel and kerosene will be rolled back.

In an advisory, Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp. said it will hike prices per liter of gasoline by P0.85, while reducing those of diesel

by P0.15 and kerosene by P0.25.

Cleanfuel and Petro Gazz announced similar changes, excluding kerosene which they do not carry.

The changes will take

effect 6 a.m. Tuesday, November 19, for all the �irms except for Cleanfuel which already implemented the changes 4:01 p.m. on Sunday, November 17.

Petron Corp. earlier announced the same price adjustments, while other �irms have yet to make any announcements.

According to the latest data from the Department of Energy (DOE), as of November 5, year-to-date adjustments stand at a net increase of P5.06 per liter for gasoline, P3.67 for diesel, and P0.86 for kerosene.

University of Southeastern Philippines Research director Dr. Gilbert Importante (center), together with Publication Unit deputy director Anne Marie Jennifer Eligio (left) and Agri-fishery Machinery Testing Center director Dr. Roger Montepio, discusses the details during this week’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Davao of the upcoming conference dubbed Sustainable Agroecosystems and Emerging Innovations International

Research Conference 2019 slated on December 12 to 13 at Seda Abreeza Hotel. The conference aims to bring together scientists, inventors, scholars, industry practitioners and other experts to share their work in the fields of agriculture, engineering, technology and closely related research fields and discuss pressing issues that affect the society and the world. Lean Daval Jr

MinDA to set up poultry, hog farms in quake-hit areas

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he Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) has partnered with Thailand’s biggest agricultural and food company, the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), and a Mindanao agri-business company to establish community poultry and hog farms in areas affected by the recent earthquakes in Mindanao.

In a Facebook post, Secretary Emmanual Piñol said on Saturday that the recipient provinces will be the focus areas of the project, dubbed as “Livelihood Opportunities in Villages for Economic Upliftment (LOVE-U)”, which was designed to help calamity victims recover and become self-reliant.

Davao del Sur and North Cotabato were the two hard-hit provinces by the recent earthquakes in Mindanao.

Piñol said the LOVE-U Project will also be implemented in other villages in Mindanao with very high poverty incidence levels.

He added that Thailand’s Charoen Phokpand Foods (CPF) executives Sakol Cheewakoset and Udomsak Aksorphakdee earlier committed to establishing at least two model farms for hogs and poultry in the earthquake-affected areas by the �irst quarter of 2020.

“Other farms will be

he Social Security System (SSS) said it is now working to enroll more informal workers, especially farmers, into its program.

SSS media department acting head Fernan Nicolas said the agency is now disseminating information on its programs to encourage more workers to be pensioners.

"Kulang pa sila sa awareness kung ano 'yung mga benepisyong nakukuha nila sa SSS, kami ang pupunta sa kanila so we are talagang reaching out

to them para maging miyembro sila ng SSS," he said.

"Ang target namin diyan 'yung mga cooperative, ginagawa namin silang partners so coverage and also as collecting agents," he added.

The SSS currently offers the AlkanSSSya Program, with monthly premiums designed for the informal sectors, at as low as P11 a day.

Under the program, informal sector groups are registered as SSS self-employed members and re-

established in other areas, especially for earthquake victims who had to be relocated because of risks posed by landslides in their mountain villages,” he said.

Piñol said under the program, MinDA will organize earthquake victims into cooperatives or associations, some to run the MinDA Tienda outlets and the others to operate the poultry and hog farms to be established in their communities.

Linking up with its partner, the Development Bank of the Philippines, MinDA will work on the grant of loans for the establishment of a common service facility needed for the poultry and hog projects.

“The poultry and hog farms will be located in a speci�ic area where the cooperative members could go to every day and

MINDA, P9

SSS working to enroll more farmers - official

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quired to meet the P3,000 monthly salary credit, which translates to a P330 monthly contribution.

However, if they can afford it, the workers can declare a higher monthly income than the required minimum, and contribute a higher monthly salary credit.

"Ituruing po natin ang SSS na hindi gastos kundi, kumbaga, investment po ito na kung saan nakakapag-save kayo at 'pag dating ng araw, makakakuha kayo ng mas malaking benepisyo," said Nicolas.

6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 180 • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2019

EDITORIAL Win as one In two weeks, the Philippines will launch its campaign in the 30th Southeast Asian Games with two things in mind--one is to win as much gold medals as possible and the other is to successfully stage the event at home.

This early, there had been bold predictions let out by the drumbeaters from different sports associations which will be �ielding entries to the biennial sports conclave among Southeast Asian nations. The last time the country hosted this event in 2005, it went on to win the overall championship. Hence, the overwhelming air of con�idence is blowing through just about every sports camps heading into the actual competitions. Quite understandably, being hosts, the fabled homecourt advantage in sports will place the law of averages in the favor of the host country. Likewise, having the luxury of picking sports disciplines to add to the regular Olympic events, the Philippines should be the Chinaman’s favorite to win it all.

There are certain cautions though. While the air of con�idence

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Providing solutions to a seamless global village.

may be understandably high, it should not exaggerate into complacency. It is when expectations are so high that failure is deeply painful. As painful as the recent unsuccessful title campaign of the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons in the UAAP Season 82 which ended in a shocking ouster at the hands of University of Sto. Tomas.

In this competitions, the nation will be �lying one �lag. Hence, it is prayed for that everyone will set aside political bickerings and unite once and for all for the country.

For the competition side of the Games, it is time to all cheer and support the Filipino athletes. For the hardworking men and women in all aspects of the hosting chores, it is time to give them all the support they need. The successful staging of this event is a triumph for every Filipino whether red, green, blue or yellow.

Sports, being the universe’s greatest equalizer, can be the unifying force that will put us all together. Even for just three weeks.

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE

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

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VOL.12 ISSUE 180 • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2019

VANTAGE POINTS

7

HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

TO BE CONTENTED “Be content with what you have; rejoice in the way things are. When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you.” – Lao Tzu *** I am sure you have heard the story (who the original author is, I have no idea) below but I am sharing this because of the words of wisdom from Dale Carnegie, the man who wrote How to Win Friends and In�luence People.

“It isn’t what you have or who you are or where you are or what you are doing that makes you happy or unhappy.

It is what you think about it,” penned the American inspirational author.

There was this American tourist who saw a boat that was docked in a tiny village.

He complimented the local �ishermen on the quality of their �ish and asked how long it took to catch the �ish. “Not very long,” they answered in unison.

The tourist was baf�led why the �ishermen didn’t stay longer to catch more �ish.

They explained that their small catches were suf�icient to meet their needs and those of their families.

“But what do you do with the rest of your time?” the tourist inquired. “We sleep late, �ish a little, play with our children, and take naps with our wives,” they replied. “In the evenings, we go into the village to see our friends, have a few drinks, play the guitar, and sing a few songs. We have a full life.”

The tourist interrupted.

“I have an MBA from Harvard and I can help you,” he said.

“You should start by �ishing longer every day. You can then sell the extra �ish you catch.

With the extra revenue, you can buy a bigger boat.”

“And after that?” the �ishermen asked. The tourist went on: “With the extra money the larger boat will bring, you can buy a second one and a third one and so on until you have an entire �leet of trawlers. Instead of selling your �ish to a middle man, you can then negotiate directly with the processing plants and maybe even open your own plant. You can then leave this little village and move to a city. From there, you can direct your huge new enterprise.”

“How long would that take?” the �ishermen asked again.

When the tourist answered twenty years, the �ishermen asked, “What happens next?”

“Well, my friend, that’s when it gets really interesting,” he told them while smiling.

“When your business gets really big, you can start buying and selling stocks and make millions!”

“Millions? Really? And after that?” asked the �ishermen.

“After that, you’ll be able to retire, live in a tiny village near the coast, sleep late, play with your children, catch a few �ish, take a nap with your wife and spend your evenings drinking and enjoying your friends.”

The �ishermen chorused: “With all due respect, sir, but that’s exactly what we are doing now. So, what’s the point of wasting twenty years?”

Ah, to live life to its fullest.

That’s what contentment is all about. “Contentment isn’t a matter of being contented with your situation in life and never trying to improve it. It’s a matter of being content with what you have,” wrote Leo Babauta in The Incredible Power of Contentment.

American television host and Oscar-nominated Oprah Winfrey says, “Be thankful

for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough.”

People have different ways of looking at contentment.

“Good friends, good books, and a sleepy conscience: this is the ideal life,” wrote American humourist and novelist Mark Twain.

Leo Tolstoy in Family Happiness offers this glimpse: “A quiet secluded life in the country, with the possibility of being useful to people to whom it is easy to do good, and who are not accustomed to have it done to them; then work which one hopes may be of some use; then rest, nature, books, music, love for one’s neighbour – such is my idea of happiness.”

So, it came to pass that the Lord was so tired of a certain man’s prayers that He appeared to him one day and said, “I have decided to grant you any three things you ask for. After that, I shall give you nothing more.”

The man delightedly made his �irst petition at once. He asked that his wife should die so he could marry a better woman. His �irst petition was granted.

But when friends and relatives gathered for the funeral and started to recall all the good qualities of his wife, the man realized that he had been hasty. He now realized that he had been quite blind to all her virtues. Was he likely to �ind another woman quite as good?

So, the man asked the Lord to bring her back to life. It was his second petition and the Lord did!

That left him with just one petition. And he was determined not to make a mistake this time, for he would have no chance to correct it. He consulted widely. Some of his friends advised him to ask for immortality. But what good was immortality, said others, if he did not have good health?

And what use was good health if he had no money? And of what use was money if he had no friends?

Years passed and he could not make up his mind what to ask for: life or health or wealth or power or love. Finally, he said to the Lord, “Please advise me on what to ask for?”

The Lord laughed when he saw the man’s predicament, and said, “Ask to be contented no matter what life brings you.”

ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA FAST BACKWARD

ARTIAGA’S OPTIMISTIC VIEW Known as Davao’s �irst appointed city mayor, Santiago Artiago, a former Manila city engineer (1920-36) and acting mayor of Manila (1923), was always positive about the city’s future. Two years after assuming, he highlighted the impressive growth the city and even assured Davaoeños of its growth as one of the islands’ �inest.

In a statement that came out in The Tribune (“Sees Davao as Rival of Manila”, April 29, 1939), he was forthright in declaring that “all indications point out that [Davao City] will be a success so complete surpassing the most sanguine expectations,” describing it as “plethoric of all potentialities“ and “a close rival to Manila in no distant future.”

“To my mind the City of Davao is a part and parcel of the policy of the Commonwealth administration to develop and resettle Mindanao.

Whatever conquest or development is attained by the City of Davao, therefore, is a worthy contribution to a higher purpose tending towards national

security and stability of the Filipino Nation.

“The City is functioning as per its charter Commonwealth Act No. 51, under a form of administration known in City planning as a semi-manager type of city government. Such form is an honest approach to an ef�icient business administration.

“When the City was inaugurated on March 1st, 1937, the Mayor announced as a plan of his administration; the preferential undertaking of the following public work projects: New Market, a New High School Building, and Construction of Sewers.

Let it be said that the City Council took to heart the projects in question!”

Artiaga, to his credit, ful�illed many of his promises. On April 2, 1939, the new market (where the post of�ice now stands) was launched with the interior secretary gracing.

Also, the construction of the school building (Davao City High School) was started but had to be deferred until the title to the lot was cleared and

paid. He also reported that the sewers problem was being seriously pursued, with funding coming from the issuance of bonds.

The roads, chie�ly gravel and sand, were asphalted in 1938, and the city acquired a new �ire station. Overall, 14 school buildings were built, bene�itting 1,700 pupils. The administration also opened new feeder roads. 1939, meanwhile, saw the construction of the city’s new police station (where Sta. Ana �ire station now stands).

At the time Artiaga was mayor, Davao City had a territory of 287,000 hectares, roughly eight times the size of Manila, and a population of around 100,000 based on of�icial census. By 1939, the number of children attending school had reached 11,000, more than double than the 4,000 recorded when the city was inaugurated. This demographic growth was credited to progress.

Artiaga also rightly observed that the increase in population led to high standards of

living due to the introduction of modern amenities and facilities. In conclusion, he was generous in extolling the people of Davao and described the city as “a favorite of the Gods” given its richness in terms of children and natural resources: “The city of Davao affords modern comforts of life and has educational, transportation and other commodities which are attractive enough to serve as a drawing card for the in�lux and increase of population. And after all is said, the best set of a city, even that of a nation, is population. Germany, Italy and Japan which to all appearances are leaving the better nation behind, are forging ahead to occupy a top position because of the large and ever-increasing population.

“Richness in natural resources is not enough if population is small and decreasing.

And in this regard the city of Davao is endowed by nature with unbounded fertility and richness. The average number of children per family in Davao is exceedingly large seven being a common place. The

peop!e are indeed very proli�ic In short, the city of Davao is a favorite of the Gods for it possesses a double richness: very rich in children and very rich in natural resources.

“To conclude, the city is a success and bright future is reserved for its inhabitants.”

For nearly two years, Artiaga, a 1904 graduate of engineering of the University of Michigan, served as Davao’s city chief executive but had to leave of�ice after Commonwealth President Manuel L. Quezon gave him a new assignment. On October 13, 1939, he took over as governor of Bukidnon, replacing Agustin L. Alvarez who took over as Davao City mayor.

Alvarez, a former journalist like Artiaga, only brie�ly served the city before he was reappointed to serve as local chief executive of Zamboanga City, his hometown. Earlier, he also served as deputy governor of Bukidnon (1916), governor of Zamboanga (1917-22), governor of Bukidnon (1939-40), and later AS governor of Lanao Province (1940-41).

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Pujada Bay is among the world’s most beautiful bays

M

ATI, DAVAO ORIENTAL – Five years after the successful inscription of the Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary to the UNESCO World Heritage List, the Province of Davao Oriental once again gets international attention by successfully putting Pujada Bay to the world map.

The Pujada Bay in the idyllic capital City of Mati has recently made it to the list of the Most Beautiful Bays in the World (MBBW) as it unanimously got the nod of the members of the MBBW Club during the 15th World Bays Congress in Toyama Prefecture, Japan, held last October.

Although its membership to the prestigious club is yet to be con�irmed following the set site visit and inspection of experts, its supporting documents and application were enough to convince the club members of the Pujada Bay’s value as a natural landscape and seascape with rich biodiversity.

Geography and Biodiversity The reason for its inclusion lies mainly on its undeniably beautiful landscapes and seascapes marked by stretches of white sand beaches in its shoreline and calm turquoise blue waters which is a picturesque site to behold. With mountain ranges at the backdrop, most distinctly by the UNESCO-inscribed Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary, the Pujada Bay offers a truly stunning beauty that beguiles.

Covering about 20,0887.43 hectares of protected landscapes and seascapes, the Pujada Bay is bounded by the Guang-

guang Peninsula in the east and the Pujada Peninsula in the west. Forming a cove, waters within the bay are marked with calmness being protected from the crashing waves of the open sea, an advantage which offers seafarers and �ishermen a safe harbor in times of storms.

Within the bay are islets and small islands – two of them the Pujada Island at the mouth of the bay and the Waniban Island are famous and frequented by tourists for their powdery, white-sand beaches and crystal-clear blue waters.

While still part of the mainland Mati City, the Pujada Bay scenery is best described as a rustic natural beauty that offers respite from the hustles and bustles of the urban life.

Aside from its charming beauty and relaxing nature, the Pujada Bay is teeming with rich marine biodiversity. It is home to a host of varieties of �ishes, turtles, mangroves, and coral species as well as seagrasses which are food for the critically endangered dugong or sea cow. Occasionally, if one gets lucky, pods of dolphins can be seen frolicking the area, offering an exciting display of mother nature’s best.

Amidst its richness in marine wealth, the Pujada Bay has become a traditional �ishing ground not only for a diverse marine life but also for the local Indigenous Peoples – the Mandaya and the Ka’agan tribes who take seriously their role as stewards of this natural gift. Depending on the sea for their livelihood, these IP tribes, for years, have been doing �ishing practices that goes

in harmony with the conservation and protection of the site even before the creation of government regulating bodies.

Protection and Sustainable Management Owing to its highly critical value, the Pujada Bay Landscape and Seascape was declared as a protected area under the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) through Presidential Proclamation No. 431 in 1994. This was reinforced by Republic Act 11038 or the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 2018 (E-NIPAS) approved by President Rodrigo Duterte.

Areas protected under this law are those with “national signi�icance characterized by the harmonious interaction of man and land while providing opportunities for public enjoyment through the recreation and tourism within the normal lifestyle and economic activity of these areas”.

To ensure sustainability and protection of this highly valued natural treasure, the local Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) supervises the use of the bay. Its management includes allocation of spatial uses which include the buffer zone, strict protection zone, ecological tourism, and multiple use zones.

Within the multiple use zone is where the existing economic activities coinciding with protection of the bay is allowed. These activities include ecological tourism along its whitesand beaches and nearshore areas, controlled �ish or shrimp farming as well as artisanal �ishing activities, and regulated wharf

and �ish-landing facilities.

However, for the declared Marine Protected Area and in the strict protection zone of the bay, such as sites identi�ied as breeding or spawning ground of �ish and other marine species, a no-touch policy is being implemented.

Being a protected area, the economic potentials of the Pujada Bay in terms of ecological tourism is now being seriously looked at to by the provincial and city government amidst the expected surge of tourists and economic activities in the area owing to its highly anticipated membership to the MBBW Club.

The Provincial Government vowed to boost its protection and conservation efforts. “The MBBW vision and mission and all best practices in managing the bays and the seas shall be made part of our governance framework,” said Provincial Governor’s Of�ice Chief of Staff Ednar Dayanghirang who led a team of provincial government of�icials who were sent by Governor Dayanghirang to Japan to defend the Pujada Bay’s application.

The formal awarding and acceptance of the Pujada Bay to the Club of the Most Beautiful Bays in the World will be held next year in Morocco.

Meanwhile, Davao Oriental Governor Nelson Dayanghirang said that the membership of the Pujada Bay to the MBBW Club will strengthen the government’s efforts to ensure a balance between tourism and environment conservation. By Karen Lou Deloso/Photos by Eden Jhan Licayan

ners, you are prohibited from taking photos on the surrenderees, their faces cannot be shown)."

The advisory reportedly caught journalists aghast. Palmera was not done yet, said the report, and repeated her warning: “media partners bawal magkuha og pictures. Sa sunod dili na mo imbitahon (Media partners, it is prohibited to take photos, next time we will not invite you anymore)."

Palmera's third warning reportedly went: “Media partners bawal magkuha og pictures.

Kung naa gani nawong mogawas -pangitaon ta gyud mo, di ba sir? (media partners, you are prohibited to take photos. If we will see a photo showing their face- we will look for you, isn’t it sir?)”, apparently addressing it to provincial director, Abito Bernasor.

In attendance during the ceremony were Governors Jayvee Tyrone Uy of Compostela Valley, EdqinI. Jubahib of Davao del Norte, Ednar Dayanghirang representing Davao Oriental Governor Nelson Dayanghirang and other top military and police of�icers of the region.

Palmera may have touched a sensitive cord among media practitioners, most of then have undergone con�lict sensitive reporting seminars and brie�ings.

Ruth Palo, President of the AFP-PNP Press corp told Newsline Philippine in the same report, “The act she (Palmera) displayed was uncalled and very unprofessional.

She treated us like kids with such an embarrassing gesture. We certainly follow standards on reporting and we have been covering minor victims and rebel returnees turn-over ceremony, and, we police our own ranks.”

Meantime, veteran journalist Editha Caduaya, President of the Mindanao Independent Press Council (MIPC) Inc., described Palmera’s attitude as “an act of arrogance of an abusive and insensitive public servant who deserves to undergo ethical trainings and seminars. It was total disrespect to her position and those top of�icials present during the occasion.”

Both the AFP-PNP Press Corp and the MIPC have called on appropriate agencies of government "to look into the matter and take corrective measures on such misdemeanor."

On Monday, Caduaya posted in her social media page hinting that DILG director played "Pontius Pilate" despite being fully aware of the incident. She did not disclose, however, who she was referring to.

Palmera has not made any comments.

the internet and computers.

The PC maker will also take advantage of the "startup boom' in the Philippines.

The increasing number of gamers can also present an opportunity for the company to increase the relevance of PCs. Choudhuri said that Lenovo has no speci�ic target PC penetration rate

in the Philippines, as increasing penetration rate is dependent on multiple factors such as internet speed, telecommunications infrastructure, and electricity.

Nevertheless, he said, Lenovo is committed to its mantra of "smarter technology for all."

"Lenovo prides itself in ensuring that technology is accessible or available for all," he said.

mains thankful.

“Yes, it is unfortunate that the facility being constructed inside the Rizal Memorial will not be completed in time for the SEA Games,” said Bachmann, who used to lead the powerful membership committee of the Philippine Olympic Committee.

“But at the same time, we’re also lucky because we now have a place we can call home. We have been renting competition and training venue for the longest time and through the effort of the PSC, we

were �inally given a new facility that we can use in future event.”

Bachmann said with this setback, they are eyeing to come up with only one or two gold medals.

"We have good chances in men’s singles,” he said.

“But if Jemyca Aribado would play well, we might also clinch a gold in the women’s singles.”

Aside from Aribado, also seeing action are Robert Garcia, Reymark Begornia, Alyssa Dalida, David Peliño, Christopher Buraga and Jimmie Avila.

Parker and Allen Crabbe scored 11 points each for the Hawks, who were just 8 of 28 (28.6 percent) from 3-point range.

The Lakers improved

to an NBA-best 11-2 and are now 7-1 at home this season. The Hawks are just 2-5 on the road, but will head home for three of their next four games.

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EDGEDAVAO TRAVEL

NEWCHAMPS CROWNED

AT 9TH GUIUAN ODYSSEY WAVES FINALS DAY

FINALS DAY of the 9th Guiuan Odyssey Waves surfing competition opened with an energetic atmosphere. The festive mood continued as cheers, and yells of the crowd were heard as their favourites headed to the water for the semi-finals and finals of all categories.

It was breathtaking and entertaining to witness former champions battle it out in the water. Crowd favourite and Philippines’ top longboarder Jay-r Esquivel (La Union), by

a slim margin, lost the title to Roger Casugay, currently ranked third nationwide.

“In the previous rounds, I’d

go left, but when I rode right in the quarterfinals and was given a higher score, I started riding right more. Plus, it’s my front

Gabriel Lerog of Siargao is the 9th Guiuan Odyssey Waves Junior’s Shortboard Champion. side,” explains Casugay.

It was a close fight between the two La Union surfers. Both would take off on the same wave where Casugay would go right, and Esquivel would go left.

“I became too complacent and a bit too confident during the final heat,” said Esquivel.

“It’s a lesson learned, I’ll be more careful next time, but I’m still so proud of Roger, he’s a great surfer,” adds Esquivel.

Both Casugay and Esquivel hail from La Union where they surf together almost regularly; Esquivel adds that even upon arriving in Calicoan, they Jay-r Esquivel of La Union displays impressive power and form during the finals of the 9th Guiuan Odyssey Waves.

Jolina Longos of Pacifico, Siargao is crowned Women’s Open Shortboard Champion. would send messages to each other to practice.

“The La Union surfing community is a tight group, and with PSCT now, touring the country and holding surfing competitions like this, it’s great to see the Philippine surfing community grow closer together as a whole,” said Esquivel.

Casugay bags the championship while Esquivel came in second while Jefferson Dela Torre (La Union) and Benito Nerida (La Union) share equal third.

The Women’s Open Longboarding Finals had veteran competitor and Philippines’s top one longboarder, Daisy Valdez (La Union) against younger, up-and-coming wahines. These were Angel’Lea Aguilar (La Union), Vea Estrellado (Sorsogon), and the lone surfer from Mindanao who made it to the finals, Debie

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EVENT

Mr. Sun is known for their fruit-flavoured pearls.

Jellies and other milk tea sinkers can also be found.

OF BUBBLE TEA AND TAIWAN TRADE THE recently concluded Taiwan Expo 2019 in Davao City brought Taiwanese companies seeking to forge business collaboration with their Dabawenyo counterparts.

Organised by Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) and the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), the expo showcases the best Taiwanese products and innovations and opens the doors of opportunity for inter-country trade.

With over 100 Taiwan exhibitors last November 8 to 9 at the Davao leg of the expo ranging from product categories as diverse as robotics, aquaculture, medical tourism and beauty products, there was one booth which took thee event by storm and that is the Bubble Tea Pavilion.

As the birth place of bubble

tea, Taiwan is home to hundreds of different bubble tea brands and dominates the global industry from the creation of the tapioca peals, tea production, and production of other associated products such as cheese foam, jelly crystals, and even cake-flavored cream.

Bubble tea talks introduced Dabawenyo businessmen to the economy of Taiwan’s bubble tea industry while the Bubble Tea Pavilion showcased the different participating brands’ innovation and creativity. The

long queues of Dabawenyos eager to try new bubble tea flavours like Mr. Sun’s bubble tea with fruit flavoured pearls or their green tea with Heineken beer showed how the city’s

urbanites love bubble tea.

The Bubble Tea Pavilion also had milk tea powder and tea leaf suppliers for those who have a keen eye on creating their own Filipino-style bubble

UP AND ABOUT

SM’S GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING

SM Supermalls celebrates the spirit of giving through SM Bears of Joy this holiday season.

The SM Bears of Joy is an annual charity project of SM Cares, SM Supermalls, and Toy Kingdom.

For only P200.00, a customer can buy a pair of toy bears: one goes to the customer and the other is given as donation. Personal and heartwarming messages can be

written on the tags attached to the bears.

All collected toy bears will be donated to chosen beneficiaries in the communities where SM is present. The beneficiaries range from public orphanages, child community centers or related nongovernment organizations.

SM Supermalls in Davao invites shoppers to take part in this cam-

paign and spread the Christmas cheers to communities by purchasing and donating Bears of Joy. In Davao City, Bears of Joy booths are located in SM Lanang Premier’s second level (near Starbucks) and SM City Davao’s Second Level (fronting Foodcourt).

For bulk purchases and pickups, please call 285 0943 (look for Princess).

tea business. The ideas are endless and I look forward to experiencing more innovative bubble tea creations in the near future thanks to the Taiwan Expo 2019.

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ENTERTAINMENT

BUBBLE GANG CELEBRATES 24TH ANNIVERSARY WITH TWO-PART SUPERHERO TELEMOVIE SPECIAL “PERA O BAYONG,” the iconic game introduced in the nineties by ABS-CBN in the noontime program “Magandang Tanghali Bayan,” is making a comeback as a digital game show on the Kumu app.

From October 28 to November 8, old fans and new viewers were able to play “Pera O Bayong” again through the social networking and livestream app, which partnered with ABSCBN Regional to bring back the popular game. More fun and prizes await Filipinos as “Pera O Bayong” returns for another season on November 18.

Tata Sy, head of ABS-CBN Regional, expressed pride in spearheading the project, which is another proof of the network’s digital shift.

“We are proud to take the lead in this innovation to a game that was truly a

Making milk tea at Mr. Sun.

Industrial-sized tea bags for all your tea brewing needs.

household favorite. It’s a perfect opportunity for us to serve both our old and young audiences as the game is very simple and enjoyable for people of all ages and from different walks of life,” she explained.

Every weekday at 8 pm, Kumu livestreams “Pera o Bayong,” where anyone can enter to play. It also airs live nationwide via the Regional MOR FM stations. The first round, which focuses on trivia questions, will iden-

tify players who achieve the perfect score that will split the day’s cash prize. A lucky player will then be selected randomly from the pool of players to proceed to the second and final round.

In the final round that brings back all the ‘90s TV nostalgia and excitement, the lucky player will pick one of three bayongs that contains a secret cash prize.

Much like the TV version of the game, it then leads to a bargaining session between

the player and the host who would offer cash in exchange of the bayong’s mysterious prize.

“Pera o Bayong’s” comeback originated from a pitch made by ABS-CBN employee Paulo Braganza to the company’s innovation steering committee.

He proposed to turn it into a digital game show for ABS-CBN to ride the wave of rising digital quizzes and games. It now adds to the growing list of digital initiatives of ABS-CBN, which is rapidly transitioning into an agile, digital company with the biggest online presence among Filipino media companies.

Catch “Pera o Bayong” Season 2 on the Kumu app with host DJ Kokoy Martin of MOR Davao from Monday to Friday at 8 pm, with simultaneous airing on select MOR stations nationwide.

ONE HUGOT AWAY PRESENTS TWO NEW STORIES “LET GO NA” AND “PAANO IBABALIK ANG SPARK?”

Various milk tea powders, mixers and creams were on display.

Milk tea flowed at the Bubble Tea Pavilion.

GMA Public Affairs’ viral drama “One Hugot Away” is dropping two new offerings via the short films “Let Go Na” and “Paano Ibabalik ang Spark?”

Airing beginning this November 18, “Let Go Na” features StarStruck 6 alumna Liezel Lopez and Kapuso young actor Ralph Noriega.

In the story, Liezel is 19-year-old Karla, an online seller who just broke up with her boyfriend Francis (Ralph), 22 years old. One day, Karla is set to do her online selling through Facebook Live. Up for grabs are her pre-loved items which turn out to be gifts that Francis gave her. From coffee maker, sticky notes, grammar book—Karla is ready to sell everything, even their communal dog Frala! Is Karla really ready to let go of Francis and the memories they made together?

What happens when Francis decides to go online as well in an attempt to explain his side of the story? Will there be a reconciliation or will Francis and Karla really let go of each other?

Viewers can watch the snippets of “Let Go Na” from November 18 to 21 during commercial gaps of Kapuso Movie Festival, The Gift, and Sky Castle, with the finale episode airing on November 21 during the commercial gap of Sky Castle.

The following week (November 25 to November

28), StarStruck 6 alumnus Prince Clemente and stage actress and vlogger Jessica Paula Dizon banner “Paano Ibabalik ang Spark?”

Thirty-four-year old Katrina (Jessica) is an insurance agent who is having problems with her husband.

It seems that the spark between them is fading. She unintentionally shares her “hugot” with Tony (Prince), a 33-year-old TNVS driver during her agonizing commute along EDSA. Katrina opens up to Tony her suspicions as to why her husband has become cold to her. Is it because of her unflattering figure?

Or maybe her husband has found somebody new? It turns out Tony is not just a driver but a love doctor as well?! He gives Katrina some pieces of advice to explain to her the “stages of grief” she

is going through. Katrina finds herself getting closer to Tony. But what if Tony is hiding something? And will Katrina succeed in bringing the spark back?

Viewers can catch “Paano Ibabalik ang Spark?” during commercial gaps of Kapuso Movie Festival, The Gift, and Sky Castle with the finale

episode airing on November 28 during the commercial gap of Sky Castle.

Both “Let Go Na” and “Paano Ibabalik ang Spark?” can also be streamed online, via GMA Network’s Facebook (www.facebook.com/ GMANetwork) and YouTube (www.youtube.com/ GMANetwork) accounts.

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TRAVEL Jay-r Esquivel of La Union is the 9th Guiuan Odyssey Waves Men’s Open Shortboard champion.

MERMAID A1 Gumanoy (Lanuza).

The wahines showed impressive footwork and traditional longboarding, but it was a clean sweep a little towards the end of the heat when Valdez got her two highest-scoring waves, and there wasn’t enough time for the other competitors to score.

“It’s good that the scores are being announced right after we get a wave because then we’ll immediately know what we need to do to get the score we need,” says Valdez.

Using a digital scoring system scores are tabulated and posted through a computer system that updates real-time.

“The waves today were very clean, perfect for longboarding.

I’m just so lucky to have gotten the cleanest one during our heat.” Valdez adds.

Results for the Women’s Open Longboard are Estrellado in second place while Gumanoy and Aguilar share equal third.

Moving on to shortboard action, a little upset came in the Junior’s Shortboard as our recently crowned 21st Siargao National Cup junior champion Marbin Delamide as he lost the title race early in the semifinals.

2018 PSCT junior grand champion Gabriel Lerog was up against 2018 Siargao National Surfing Cup cham-

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Both equally skilled and members of the Philippine National Team, the championship was anybody’s game. Tokong, fresh off his win in the 2019 Siargao Cloud 9 Surfing Cup is known for pulling off impressive airs.

Esquivel, known for powerful cutbacks and digging his rails deep on the wave, also takes his game off to the skies from time. With each surfer favouring a different side, it would be typical for Tokong and Esquivel to take off on the same wave and ride one side—Tokong to the right and Esquivel to the left.

“It was a close fight. I never expected to win a shortboard category in PSCT, and this is my first!” says Esquivel. “I’ve never been happier. I’ve always just been in third place,” he adds.

Pulling off an impressive curing the championship title reverse that rewarded Esquivel on her last wave in the heat. with 8.50 points, the highest Fellow Siargaonon Ana Mae single-wave score of the day Alipayo comes in second place and securing his win for the followed by Vea Estrellado championship. Tokong comes (Sorsogon) and Pinky Alipayo in second place while Edito in equal third.

“Piso” Alcala Jr and Philmar What would be a perfect Alipayo, both from Siargao, way to end finals day was havshare equal third. ing the final heat of the Men’s The rankings have shifted Open Shortboard. It was a and it’s going to be an exciting battle between goofy-footer title race as we head off to La Jay-r Esquivel and regular John Union for the final leg of the Mark “Marama” Tokong.

PSCT this week.

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pion Benjomar Canon. Hailing from Siargao, Lerog and Canon are no strangers to battling it out on the waves in the quarterfinals leading up to the finals.

“I’m so happy! I didn’t expect that I’d win. I was a bit nervous in my heat, but I’m glad I was able to score epic cutbacks and snaps.” said Lerog. “I was so tired coming into the finals, I felt weak, but I got around and thought to myself,

and I need to win,” Lerog adds.

Results for the Junior’s Open Shortboard are Gabriel Lerog bags the championship, Benjomar Canon is in second place while Lemar Delamide and Marbin Delamide share equal third.

Women’s Open Shortboard saw some epic surfing from the wahines. Standout surfer Jolina Longos from Pacifico, Siargao Island stole the show with her impressive performance, se-

EDGEDAVAO DAVAO EDGE

UP AND FURNITURE A1 ABOUTa silly method but for EJ and

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MASSIVE... FROM1

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

Occidental.

For Davao del Sur, over P13 million has been released for the construction of TLS, Digos City over P4 million and P2 million for Panabo City.

“Funds keep on coming so that we could ensure that classes will resume the soonest possible time,” she said.

Other than DepEd’s support schools that are heavily affected have received assistance from their respective barangays and LGUs. Fetalvero said they also have a twinning project where school division would support or help certain division so that they could be helped in construction of the TLS. Dr. Maria Ines Asuncion, DepEd OIC assistant regional director, said the badly hit divisions such as Digos City, Davao del Sur

and Panabo City are twinning with other schools divisions: Digos City is supported by Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental, Davao del Sur is supported by the DepEd regional of�ice, Davao City and Mati City; and Panabo City is supported by Tagum City.

“As of now there are only two municipalities in Davao del Sur where classes have been suspended until the 20th but Digos City reported they are to resume classes and we will have to monitor if they are successful in putting back normalcy these classes,” Fetalvero said.

Prior to the conduct of regular classes, Fetalvero said there has to be psychosocial �irst aid activities that will be undertaken for them to go back to their sound mental session.

Based on their data on earthquake damaged

schools particularly in all schools division, there are schools that are hardly hit in Davao del Sur, Digos City, and Panabo City.

According to Fetalvero, there is a total of 44 number of schools affected and Davao del Sur got the highest which is 111.

Although, in Davao City there are 43 schools but were all minor damages. She said there are 26 schools affected inDigos City, 16 schools in Davao Oriental 16, six in Compostela Valley, 56 in Panabo City; 15 in Davao Occidental; 63 in Davao del Norte, and one in Mati City.

Fetalvero said there are a total of 702 totally damaged classrooms: 295 in Davao del Sur, 130 In Digos City, 87 in Panabo City, 85 in Davao Occidental, 76 in Compostela Valley, 25 in Davao del Norte, and 4 in Davao Oriental.

local production and democratic ownership, limited number of intermediaries between the producers and consumers, responsible consumption, environmental sustainability, and human security. “The Peace Economy is a sys-

tem of wealth sharing,” Santiago said.

Benjamin A. Lizada, president of the Restaurant Owners Association of Davao City, is urging heads of restaurants, hotels, resorts and supermarkets to join the campaign

to link producers of various goods and services in Paquibato with the Davao market. Mr. Lizada heads the core group of business people who are collaborating with Peace 911 to make the Peace Economy concept a reality.

ing a ton of discomfort while we’re on our way to the court as it would strike us with disgust if ever we hear of conviction since we have heard and witnessed how justice system favored the few,” he said.

But when the court handed down its decision to acquit Muya, Apiag said they shouted “vivaciously.”

“The judge boldly dug in her heels and pressed for an acquittal of Dominiciano Muya,” he added.

“This is people’s victory. But Muya’s liberty is just a single part of our larger demand to free all political prisoners in the country,” Apiag explained. (Malu Cadelina Manar / MindaNews)

in Talomo-Tugbok District where there are presence of quarry operations.

Pelino-Golle said based on their monitoring, quarry areas in Toril and Matina Pangi are found within declared conservation zone which is a violation of the Watershed Code and zoning ordinance of Davao City.

The City’s Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance prohibits the “Exploitation of quarry resources and commercial and sand and gravel resources.”

“Based on our zoning ordinance, conservation areas dapat walay quarry operations and we found out that there are two quarry operations operating in the areas that stopped operating since April this year.

But they will be applying for another permit kay gina- renew na ilang permits,” Pelino-Golle said.

The study stated that the current monitoring is ineffective to check actual compliance of operations and real time conditions in the area given the low fre-

quency of �ield visits citing distance and accessibility of the quarry sites from the city center.

“In terms of monitoring it is very weak. Wala Kaayo system sa monitoring. Sulti sa Cenro gamay ra daw ilang mga Tao Para mag monitor pero dili man na excuse. Kung musulti ta nga dako ang kita sa quarry operations I-augment ang need sa monitoring,” Pelino-Golle said.

She suggested that the city should impose strict implementation of Davao City Ordinance No. 0325-15 also known as” An ordinance closing off the city of Davao to mining operations” which prohibits extraction of metallic minerals, protecting the city’s residents and the environment from the negative effects brought about by quarrying.

The ordinance also provides strict regulation of non-metallic mining. However, there are no speci�ic provisions as to how the strict regulation will be implemented.

“We have a mining ordinance sa Davao. Pero naa ta existing quarry operations tungod kay ang non-metallic mining is allowed. Supposedly there is a strict regulations in the ordinance,” she said.

IDIS presented long term policy to be taken by the city such as conducting a threshold capacity assessment especially for Davao and Lasang rivers; and review and update the said city ordinance and ensure equitable bene�it sharing to cover long term costs of negative health, environmental and social costs to thr communities in the area.

For CENRO, IDIS recommended of the development of an enhanced and comprehensive approval process including validation of location or proximity to the city’s declared conservation zones and requiring management plans from quarry operators to be disseminated to the public. For large number of permittees, the Department

of Environmental and Natural Resources (DENR) or the City Mining Regulatory Board (CMRB) should require and implement a programmatic environmental impact assessment of rivers to cover the whole stretch of the river including its tributaries.

IDIS also stressed the need to improve monitoring system to go beyond spot checks of declared volume of extraction to include environmental conditions in the area and effects to nearby communities “We want the city to really act on this due to environmental and Governance issues on quarry operations. If we want to achieve sustainable development and will contribute to the build build build must settle �irst Governance system from permitting to monitoring system. We are not calling for the stoppage of quarry operations but we are urging the government to act on this. Kay kaya ng LGU kung aksyonan lang,” Pelino-Golle said.

work on their community projects.

CPF Philippines will provide the piglets, chicks, feeds and veterinary services for the farms after which it will buy the product of the farmers,” Piñol added.

Piñol said after deducting the cost of the

piglets, chicks, and feeds, CPF Philippines will turn over to the farmers’ cooperative the pro�its gained from the project.

CPF Philippines will also be linking up with a South Cotabato company, iFreshCorporation, for the implementation of the project.

iFresh Corporation will provide the tolling services for the feeds, hatchery and slaughter and dressing plants for the produce.

“We are willing to do this in other disaster-affected areas so we could help people recover while at the same time contrib-

ute to the growth of the Philippine agricultural economy,” Sakol told MinDA during the meeting in Manila on Tuesday (Nov.12).

On November 19, MinDA, CPF Philippines and iFresh Corporation will present to the DBP of�icials the project proposal. (PNA)

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MINDA... FROM5

is in need of

Accounting Clerks Qualifications: • BS Accountancy / Accounting Technology Graduate or any business related courses • Male/Female • Can work with minimum supervision • With or without experience

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Social Media Lead Qualifications: • Candidate must be creative and enjoys social media • Experience in creating social media post for news, business and organization • Good command of English • Experience in graphic design is a plus Send your application letter and resume to: Ella P. Tingzon HR/Admin Supervisor Edge Davao Review Publishing Inc. Door 14 ALCREJ Bldg., E. Quirino Avenue, Davao City or email at edgedavao@gmail.com or ella_tingzon@yahoo.com

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import 2.5 million MT. Panelo earlier said Malacañang recognizes the Philippines’ long-standing problem of relying on rice imports to meet demand but assured the public that government is working to address it.

He acknowledged that the Philippines is trailing behind its Southeast Asian neighbors, stressing that the country’s irrigation system needs improvement.

The DA has provided cash assistance to affected farmers tilling one hect-

are and below in view of the declining palay prices since the Rice Tarif�ication Law took effect.

Agriculture Secretary William Dar said the cash assistance was a one-time cash-out and this would be taken from the tariff being collected out of the law.

It has also began implementing stricter sanitary and phytosanitary measures on the issuance of import clearance to address the huge entry of imported rice and curb poor quality rice imports.

(PNA)

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE OF DECEASED CRISPINA VDA DE LIBUDAN WITH SALE OF TWO (2) PORTIONS THEREOF Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late CRISPINA VDA DE LIBUDAN who died inestate on December 27, 1999, has been the subject of EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE WITH SALE OF TWO (2) PORTIONS THEREOF executed among her heirs, per Doc. No.50; Page No.11; Book No.XXXIX, Series of 2019, of the NOTARY PUBLIC ATTY. BANSALAN B. METILLA. Nov. 19, 26 and Dec. 3, 2019

10 EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 180 • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2019

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11

Philippines Sports Commission officials along with the student volunteers pose as the Leadership Training Program of the Mindanao Sports Caravan commenced on Monday, November 18 at the Cotabato City State Polytechnic University in Cotabato City. PSC photo

PSC stages sports for peace T caravan in Cotabato City

Squash team to compete at Manila Polo Club in SEAG

By ADAM B. MORRELL

C

OTABATO City-- Utilizing sports as a vehicle for peace has always been the direction of the Philippines Sports Commission (PSC) under the leadership of Chairman William “Butch” Ramirez.

It is among the top priority of the sports body apart from supporting elite athletes to be globally competitive.

In order to live up to its purpose, PSC’s Mindanao Of�ice pilot-tested this in an area believed to be one of the most stereotyped provinces for armed con�lict and violence in Mindanao.

Last Sunday, November 17, PSC and its counterpart Philippines Sports Institute (PSI) immersed the Mindanao Sports for Peace Cara-

van in Cotabato City in a bid to foster peace in Mindanao through sports grassroots development.

The caravan, which is currently being hosted at the Cotabato City State Polytechnic University (CCSPU), will feature various sports activities and clinics for more than 500 children from the province until Wednesday, November 20.

This move is anchored under the sports for peace program of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte who believes that “ the language of sports is the language of peace”.

The caravan designed an Ate/Kuya Leadership Training program which attracted a total of 50 volunteers from the 4th year MAPEH students of CCSPU. These

James’ 33 points fuel Lakers rout of Hawks

L

eBron James scored 33 points and Kyle Kuzma added 17 as the Los Angeles Lakers jumped out to a 25-point lead in the �irst quarter and �inished off an easy 122-101 victory Sunday over the visiting Atlanta Hawks.

Rajon Rondo scored 15 points and Anthony Davis added 14 as the Lakers earned their fourth consecutive victory and their 11th in their last 12 games since a season-opening loss to the Clippers.

Trae Young scored 31 points and Cam Reddish added 13 as the Hawks lost their third consecutive game and fell for the sixth time in their last seven contests.

Atlanta was blown out in Los Angeles for the second consecutive night after losing by 49 to the Clippers on Saturday.

Atlanta scored just nine points through the �irst nine minutes as the

Lakers jumped out to an early 34-9 lead. The Hawks managed to cut the de�icit to 10 points in both the second and third quarters before the Lakers pulled away for good.

The Lakers ramped up the defensive pressure, blocking 14 shots, their most in a game since 2002.

Davis led the way with �ive blocked shots.

The defensive showing made up for Davis low-scoring night. It was just the third time this season he was held under 20 points.

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope scored 13 points, while Danny Green and Alex Caruso added 11 each. Rondo’s scoring output came in just his third game of the season.

James added 12 assists, the �ifth consecutive game he had double-digits in assists and the 10th time this season.

De’Andre Hunter, Jabari

JAMES, P9

youth volunteers will assist in facilitating the sports activities and clinics.

PSC Mindanao Of�ice cluster head Ed Fernandez, PSI Mindanao head Marlon Malbog, PSI Deputy Head Cholo Elegino among other of�icials spearheaded the leadership training program.

Fernandez said the program builds bridges for everyone as it de�ies barriers among religions and cultures.

“Very powerful ang program ni PSC chairman Butch to make sports as a vehicle for peace,” Fernandez said in an interview.

The caravan, said Fernandez, will move to its next destination that will depend on the itinerary of the com-

mission.

He also said PSC commissioner Charles Raymond Maxey will grace the opening of games slated Tuesday, November 19.

The people of Cotabato City, on the other hand, expressed their gratitude to the commission for the relentless effort in attaining peace through sports programs in Mindanao including their city.

PSC of�icial Judith Laygo, meanwhile, lauded the CCSPU for warmly welcoming the program.

Colonel Taharudin Ampatuan of the Armed Forces of the Philippine praised the program for taking a huge part in the peace process which aims to end con�lict in Cotabato.

he squash facility may not be available for the country’s hosting of the 30th Southeast Asian Games, but squash president Robert Bachmann remains grateful to the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) for giving them a place they can call home.

Bachman admitted that the delays of the completion of squash facility inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex hampered their chances in the prestigious biennial meet set to start on 30 November at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.

In fact, they were forced to cancel two events – the jumbo doubles and mixed doubles – where they have a golden chance of winning.

With that, only �ive events would be played in the SEA Games; the men’s

singles, women’s singles, men’s team, women’s team and mixed team event.

The target completion date of the squash facility would be on March 1, forcing the Squash Rackets Federation of the Philippines to move the staging of its SEA Games to the Manila Polo Club in Makati City. The PSC clari�ied that the facility they are building was not the �irst choice.

In a previous presscon, PSC Chairman Butch Ramirez mentioned that the squash court is not being built for the SEAG but was considered construction can meet the deadline. Upon completion, the facility will house squash along with other sports, probably table tennis.

Still, Bachmann re-

SQUASH, P8

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) celebrates with his team after a time out is called during the second quarter against the Atlanta Hawks at Staples Center. Reuters

12 SPORTS

STILL ALIVE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 180 • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2019

Mats Navigators turn back Agro Sailors, remain in contention

By ADAM B. MORRELL

T

he Mats College of Technology (MCT) Navigators just made the race for the next round interesting.

With their backs against the wall, the Navigators came up with a better composure to overcome Agro Industrial Foundation College of the Philippines (AIFCP) Sailors in a tightrope 75-71 thriller on Friday in the resumption of the Collegiate Sponsors League Escandor Cup held at the Davao City Recreation Center.

The hard-earned victory kept the Navigators' hope in the competition alive with 2-3 card.

To make it to the

quarter�inals, MCT has to win against Cor Jesu College (CJC) Red Lions in their last elimination game slated next week. The Navigators, however, appears to be con�ident after a back-to-back conquest against two powerhouse teams in bracket A. Their performance against the Sailors was one for the books as it goes down as the most intense game in the competition so far.

The Navigators mounted a 10-point margin from the getgo and maintained the cushion until the third frame. But the next �ive-minutes from there toned differently.

Despite of losing

its direction after their head coach Ondo Conda was ejected out of the playing court a 3:04 in the third quarter after committing two technical warnings, the Sailors opted for a full-court trap that forced the Navigators to give up four straight turnovers to trim the 10 point de�icit to just two points, 63-65.

A see-saw affair then ensued but the Navigators displayed exceptional composure to seal their second-straight win.

"Nag relax mi sa depensa kaya naka habol sila. But nag stick lang gyud mi sa system," MCT head coach Thommy Colladors

said in an post-game interview.

Undersized MCT center Juanito Ibañez de�ied the odds and played his role to the hilt to claim the SPC-Mandarin player of the game with 15 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists.

Sailor Jong Labastida, on the other end, went all out with 17 points in a losing effort.

The tournament, presented by Presidential Adviser on Sports Glenn Y. Escandor and bankrolled by the Royal Mandaya Hotel, Davies Paints, Max's Fried Chicken, PTT Lubricants and SPC-Mandarin, will resume on Sunday, November 17.

A two-point attempt of Emille Mozol of Agro-Industrial Foundation College of the Philippines Sailors blocked by a Mats College of Technology Navigators defender. CSL PHOTO

Tsitsipas claims ATP Finals title

L

ONDON - Stefanos Tsitsipas con�irmed his meteoric rise into the highest echelon of men's tennis by battling back to beat Austrian Dominic Thiem 6-7(6) 6-2 7-6(4) in a compelling title duel at the ATP Finals on Sunday.

The 21-year-old debutant, the youngest of the eight quali�iers for the elite season-ender at the O2 Arena, displayed resilience and �lair in equal measure to become the youngest champion since Lleyton Hewitt in 2001.

Thiem edged an intense �irst set full of powerful baseline rallies but Tsitsipas, the �irst Greek player to qualify for the ATP's blue-riband event, was undaunted and responded in style.

As Thiem's level dipped, Tsitsipas surged into a 4-0 lead in the second set and then led 3-1 in the decider.

Twice French Open runner-up Thiem was not �inished though and fought back to take the match into a tiebreak.

World number six Tsitsipas, the crowd favourite, led 4-1 but was pegged back to 4-4 before reeling off the last three points, sealing victory when Thiem ballooned a forehand wide.

It is the fourth suc-

cessive year the tournament has had a �irsttime winner and incredibly it is just one year since Tsitsipas won the NextGen Finals title for the best up-and-coming players on the men's Tour.

After a sensational week in London, Tsitsipas looks poised to lead the charge for the young guns in 2020.

"I have no clue how I played so well in the second set," Tsitsipas said on court. "I was nervous playing in such a big event. But I'm so relieved by the outstanding performance and the �ight I showed today."

Thiem will rue the 40 unforced errors that undermined him on Sunday but back-to-back wins over Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic this week proved that, at 26, he is moving into his prime years, and not just on his favoured clay.

YOUNGEST PLAYER Tsistipas was the youngest player to reach the �inal on debut since American Jim Courier in 1991.

He was also playing for the third successive day after losing a superb group match against Nadal on Friday and eclipsing six-time champion Federer in the semi-�inals.