Edge Davao Volume 12 Issue 184 | Sunday-Monday, November 24-25, 2019

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The much-advertised world-class track oval at the Davao City Sports Complex in UP Mindanao Campus, built to the tune of P450 million, wasn’t used in the 2019 Palarong Pambansa after the PATAFA reportedly thumb it down because it failed to meet the standards. Photo

by Keith Bacongco

FIELD OF FAILURE? Hefty price tag for this SPECIAL REPORT

non-standard track oval

By NEILWIN JOSEPH BRAVO hether it is a “hidden defect” or it is really the intention, Davao’s “Field of Dreams” is far from Olympic-standard.

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The city’s sports complex track oval facility in consortium with the University of the Philippines-Mindanao in Barangay Mintal re-

portedly did not pass the standards of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), the same standards espoused by

the Philippine Amateur Track and Field Association (PATAFA).

That means, for the sports complex to host athletics event for either the Palarong Pambansa or the Southeast Asian Games, it has to be tweaked to standards.

The much-advertised world-class track oval,

built to the tune of P450 million, wasn’t used in the 2019 Palarong Pambansa after the PATAFA reportedly thumbed it down because it failed to meet the standards.

Instead, the Palarong Pambansa athletics competitions were held at the privately-owned University of Mindanao track

oval which had passed the IAAF standards.

The substandard assessment wasn’t known to many. But if this was a hidden defect, it comes with a very hefty price tag.

Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman William “Butch” Ramirez, told this writ-

er that he heard it is not compliant with IAAF norms.

“Something is short,” Ramirez said. “I don’t have clear facts, but I’ve heard it is not compliant.”

Because of this, Ramirez said, the UM track oval was used in-

FIELD, P11

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 184 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24-25, 2019

Local singers and dancers perform Christmas-inspired numbers during the opening of the month-long Pasko Fiesta 2019 on Friday evening. Lean Daval Jr

Sara warns on use T of firecrackers

AFP’s P9.2-M aid could build 80 houses, says 10th IB chief

By ADAM B. MORRELL

By MAYA M. PADILLO he opening of Pasko Fiesta 2019 on Friday, not only focused on the merrymaking but significantly on children, the homeless, and the dangers of firecrackers.

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Mayor Sara Duterte reminded Davaoeños on the dangers of using firecrackers this Christmas as it will put lives and properties to risk.

“I also remind everyone of the dangers of firecrackers you will lose life and burn your houses and you also endangered the lives and properties of your

neighbors,” Duterte said in her speech during the opening at City Hall.

Duterte also urged everyone to remember that every time a firecracker is lit there are fellow Filipino evacuees living in tents not knowing what their future will be.

“We have brothers and sisters in flooded ar-

eas who cannot celebrate Christmas. We should be mindful in our merrymaking,” she added.

Mayor Sara urged Davaoeños this Christmas season to reflect on the core values and moving forward as one Davao and how everyone can be the best versions of themselves -- “a Davaoeño that is disciplined, competent and with integrity.”

With this year’s theme “A Toy Factory,” Pasko Fiesta 2019 aims to show that Christmas is for the children.

“Ang pasko para sa mga bata and we hope that this

display will make the children of Davao City happy and bring a smile across the faces of both the young and the young at heart. We also chose this theme to remind ourselves that Christmas is the time for giving and sharing our blessings especially those in need.

This Christmas let us be a gift to others let us make this season even more meaningful by thinking beyond ourselves and by being a Davaoeno for others,” Mayor Sara said.

In 2016, the city has started the tradition of not organizing Christmas

worsen the situation for the coming generation.”

The UN has been organizing an annual conference for multilateral discussion on climate change.

Duterte’s call to the UN came as he noticed that there seemed to be little progress in global efforts to mitigate the impact of climate change.

He said it would be a “waste of money” to attend a UN climate change conference because it was just “all talk.”

“I am for (combatting) climate change. I really do.

I can understand. I have a

little learning of everything.

Not much but I can understand. Now the problem is the Climate Change Commission is always calling for a meeting,” the President said. “And always, it’s always how much carbon footprints you’ll leave on planet Earth. And it’s all talking, it’s all conferences so that this time, I said it would be a waste of money.

And I would not really also agree to something of a ratio and proportion vis-à-vis with your economy.”

The UN climate change forum that is conducted every year serves as the

formal meeting of countries that are mandated to live up to the goals of the Paris climate agreement, a global pact meant to keep temperatures from rising two degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.

In March 2017, the Philippines ratified the Paris climate pact.

However, Duterte lamented that some industrialized countries that also ratified the climate change deal have failed to commit to adopt the agreement.

“But the one thing that is not present and there-

SARA, P10

PRRD wants sanction vs ‘violators’ of climate change deal

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resident Rodrigo R. Duterte on Friday urged the United Nations (UN) to impose sanctions against countries that ratified the climate change pact but have failed to live up to their commitments under the framework.

“UN should better understand that it has to have a sanction for violators,” Duterte told his audience in Maasim, Sarangani province where he led the inauguration and launch of two major power projects.

“Without a sanction, I do not think that it will succeed. It will only fail and

DUTERTE, P10

he P9.2-million monetary assistance donated by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will be able to build more than 80 prototype houses for the earthquake-displaced residents in Makilala, North Cotabato.

This was disclosed by 10th Infantry Division (ID) Commander Brigadier General Jose Faustino, Jr. during the welcome ceremony for Governor Nancy Catamco, who assumed office last Thursday, November 21 at the Amas Provincial Capitol in Kidapawan City.

Faustino said half of the P9,226,600, which was collected from the meal allowance of the AFP personnel, will be allotted for the purchase of the 4-hectare land while the other half is for the construction of temporary houses that will benefit 80 to 85 families.

“This is a good way to

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avao City Water District advises of a water service interruption on November 27, 2019 from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM affecting some Matina Pangi areas.

Specific affected areas are portion of Matina Pangi Road (from corner Diversion Road to Matina Pangi Elemetary School) including Mt. Terrace Village, Sitio Sta. Cruz, Samantha Homes, Iñigo Village, Orange Grove, Grace Park Subd., ASICO Village, Leviticus Village, Salvacion Subd., and San Isidro Village and

start since the ultimate goal of the AFP is to assist the Local Government Unit (LGU) and the province.”

The durability of the prototype houses, said Faustino, were already tested and it is “resilient”.

“Sinubukan namin tirahin ng tubig ng bumbero at di ito basta basta nababasa and strong, I should say it is resilient,” he explained, adding that these temporary shelters may last up to 4 to 5 years.

“These shelters are far better than the tents,” Faustino said.

The LGU, on the other hand, have already identified land areas where the relocation sites will rise but it is yet to be disclosed.

However, some land owners in Makilala, North Cotabato are reportedly raising the prices of the land where the relocation

AFP, P10

portion of Diversion Road (from Matina Pangi Bridge to NSDS Village) including SK Compound and Sitio Tinago.

DCWD needs to temporarily shut off water supply in the affected areas to give way to the repair of Dumoy and Tugbok Water Supply Systems’ boundary valve in Matina Pangi.

On behalf of the DCWD management, General Manager Edwin V. Regalado asks for the understanding and cooperation of would-be affected cus-

WATER, P10

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4 NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 184 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24-25, 2019

Go to ask PRRD to certify creation of Dept of Disaster Resiliency as urgent

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enator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go said he will ask President Rodrigo R. Duterte to certify as urgent the bill creating the Department of Disaster Resiliency (DDR), to improve the government’s response and preparedness in times of calamities.

“We will not wait for another earthquake to happen. We have to be proactive in dealing with disasters to mitigate (their) effects on lives and properties,” Go said. “Since we are through with the first hearing (at the Senate), I will request the President to certify it as urgent so that it could be included in the 2020 budget.”

He underscored the urgency of creating the DDR, saying the country is being battered by various calamities that threaten the life and limb of Filipinos.

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Go said all line agencies of the government tasked to protect the people from the effects of disasters must be well-equipped and trained to effectively and efficiently handle any disaster response.

“And this could only be done by creating the department of disaster resiliency,” he said.

Go was in Davao del Sur to join Governor Douglas Cagas, Digos Mayor Josef Cagas, Bansalan Mayor Quirina Sarte, Magsaysay Vice Mayor Joy Mejia, and representatives of national government agencies to extend aid to more than 600 displaced earthquake victims.

Meanwhile, Dumper Party-list Rep. Claudine Bautista, one of the co-authors of the DDR, also expressed optimism that the President would consider

G0, P10

indanao residents and its thriving industries are now assured of stable power supplies in the coming years, with the government continually pushing for more investments to further boost the island’s energy resources.

President Rodrigo R. Duterte gave such assurance as he led here on Friday afternoon the inauguration and launching of two major power projects -- the second 105-megawatt (MW) coal-fired power plant of the Sarangani Energy Corp. (SEC) and the 14.5-MW hydropower project of its sister firm Siguil Hydro Power Corp.

He described the power projects, both flagship initiatives of the Alsons Power Group, as key milestones

“in our quest to provide safe, reliable and affordable power to the island of Mindanao and the rest of the Philippines.”

“I am pleased to note that since June 2016, the power supply in Mindanao has greatly improved. From experiencing power deficiencies, which resulted in power interruptions in the past, it currently has excess power generation,” the President said.

He said the Mindanao grid’s total installed capaci-

President Rodrigo Duterte raises his glass as Puregold Price Club, Inc. (PPCI) Chairman Lucio Co proposes a toast during the grand opening of the Acacia Hotel Davao in Davao City on Friday night. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

Families of Ampatuan Massacre victims want court to schedule date of decision

ty now stands at 4,038 MW, with a dependable capacity of 3,486 MW, way beyond the current peak demand 2,013 MW. SEC’s second power plant completes the 210MW baseload power capacity of the USD570 million coal-fired power plant in Barangay Kamanga here.

The project’s initial phase was inaugurated by the President in January 2017.

The company said the plant now delivers power to over six million people in 10 provinces and 12 key cities in Mindanao, including Cagayan de Oro, General Santos, Iligan, Butuan, Digos, Dipolog, and Pagadian.

The PHP4.25 billion Siguil hydropower project, Alsons Power’s first venture into renewable energy, is targeted to be operational by 2022.

“Siguro naman sa politiko mahirap na magdaya ngayong (Surely it would be difficult for politicians to cheat in) 2022 with the kind of brightness that we are about to experience,” the President said.

He cited that power generation companies have significantly contributed to the country’s continuing development, especially in Mindanao.

The expanded power coverage nationwide has enhanced the implementation of the government’s “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure projects and the electrification programs, he said.

“It is my hope that more power generation companies will invest in renewable energy projects in the Philippines to support the

MINDANAO, P10

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fter the Supreme Court granted the plea of Quezon City Regional Trial Court Judge Jocelyn Solis-Reyes to extend promulgation of a decision on the Ampatuan Massacre by 30 days, families of the victims are now demanding the court to set the date.

“On the 10th year anniversary of the Ampatuan massacre, the kin of the victims, as represented by The Center for International Law (CenterLaw), filed a Manifestation at the Quezon City RTC Branch 221 today requesting the court to set the date of promulgation of its decision in accordance with the 30-day extension granted by the Supreme Court,” said Aileen Garcia, program officer of CenterLaw, in an email sent to media outlets Friday, eve of the 10th year anniversary of the massacre.

The deadline for the promulgation of a decision was supposed to be Nov.

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DCWD explains water service interruption affecting Dumoy Line 2

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A physically challenged woman joins the festivity during the opening of this year’s Pasko Fiesta at City Hall along City Hall Drive in Davao City on Friday night. Lean Daval Jr

20, or three days before the anniversary. But Solis-Reyes, citing the voluminous records and evidence she need to consider, asked for a 30-day extension.

On Nov. 8, the Supreme Court, after finding Solis-Reyes’s request “reasonable,” granted the extension, thus moving the deadline to Dec. 20. The high tribunal noted that it was “non-extendible.”

The families’ counsel reminded the RTC judge to “also take into consideration the feelings of continuing anguish felt by the Private Complainants for every single day that passes without justice being served to their family members.”

Fifty-eight people, including 32 media workers, perished in the country’s worst election-related violence and the world’s deadliest single attack against media workers.

Relatives visited the

avao City Water District has scheduled repair works of another portion of the 800mm diameter steel pipeline at La Vista Monte Phase 2 in Bangkal from 9:00 AM of November 27, 2019 until 9:00 AM of November 29, 2019. This after another leak was found about 8 to 10 meters away from the first leak that DCWD repaired on November 8 to 10, 2019.

This new leak was detected during the post-evaluation conducted after the repair of the first leaking.

Per initial assessment, this newly detected leak may have been caused by the series of earthquakes that recently hit the city.

DCWD explains that the repair works have to be immediately done to avoid further damage to the pipeline that may result to longer duration of no water in the affected service areas and to prevent water contamination. However, in or-

der to carry out the repair works, DCWD will have to temporarily shut-off water supply for 48 hours in all areas served by Line 2 of Dumoy Water Supply System (WSS).

The 48-hour water service interruption was estimated based on the preparatory and actual repair works which include excavation, water draining, shoring, welding works, and required observation period. Other preparatory works such as mobilization and drilling that do not necessitate the operation shut-off will be done in advance.

In addition to the estimated 48-hour water service interruption, DCWD also set varying duration of recovery time with the farther and more elevated areas given longer recovery period. Recovery time means that these areas may still experience low water pressure to no water

DCWD, P10

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6 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 184 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24-25, 2019

NFA buys 11.5M sacks of palay from local farmers

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he National Food Authority (NFA) said Friday it has bought a total of 11.52 million bags of paddy rice or palay from local farmers across the country.

“As of November 20, we have already achieved 80% of our target. The main crop traditionally yields 70% of the total annual production.

Normally, we buy more from farmers during the last quarter of the year. We are hopeful, our target will be attainable,” NFA Administrator Judy Carol Dansal said in a statement.

The NFA administrator said the agency is confident that it will hit its target of 14.46 million bags before the main harvest ends this year.

The 11.52 million bags of palay were procured from local farmers nationwide, mostly from Central Luzon, Southern Tagalog and Cagayan Valley regions.

The NFA’s daily average procurement rate stood at 125,754 bags per day.

“We try to accommodate all farmers who sell their harvest. We have 642 buying stations which are strategically located across the country to accept their produce,” Dansal said.

Aside from the stationary buying stations, the NFA also deploys mobile procurement in areas such as Ilocos Sur, Kalinga, Cagayan, Nueva Vizcaya, Batangas, Camarines Norte, Masbate, Sorsogon, Antique, Southern Leyte, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur, Pagadian, Ipil, Sibugay, Zamboanga del Norte, Dipolog, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Misamis Oriental, Misamis Occidental, Lanao del Norte, and Maguindanao to cater to farmers in farflung areas.

Since the start of the main cropping season last

September, the NFA said more farmers have taken advantage of NFA’s support price of P19 per kilogram of palay.

Based on NFA’s monitoring, the prevailing farmgate prices of palay is recorded at P16.69 to P16.71.

The NFA said it buys palay based on the Equivalent Net Weight Factor (ENWF) such as moisture content, purity and discoloration and damage of the palay.

Previously, the NFA buys palay from farmers at P17 per kilogram with additional incentives including incentives the P3 per kilogram buffer stocking incentive (BSI) and additional incentives of P0.20 to P0.50 delivery incentive; P0.20 drying incentive and P0.30 Cooperative Development Incentive Fund (CDIF) for cooperatives or farmers’ organizations.

During last year’s main crop procurement, the agency said it purchased a total of 1.15 million bags from October to December 2018.

So far, the agency has purchased a total of 4.67 million bags from October to November 2019 alone.

The NFA has relaxed its requirements so more farmers will be able to sell to the agency.

Individual farmers can sell a maximum of 200 bags on their first walk-in transaction with the NFA. They only need to fill up a Farmer’s Information Sheet (FIS) for records purposes.

Due to the high volume of palay deliveries in NFA warehouses and buying stations, the food agency said it has opted to lease private warehouses for extra storage.

“This is the case in Abra, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Eastern and Western Pangasinan,” it said.

Dept of Labor releases IRR on service charge for workers law

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he Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has released the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the law which mandates that employees should receive 100% of the service charge implemented by an establishment.

According to a Friday report, the IRR of Republic Act 11360 mandates that service charge collected by the establishments should be equally distributed among all employees aside from the managers.

However, DOLE Undersecretary Ana Dione clarified that the amount to be given will depend on the hours of service rendered by each worker.

“Equal ang distribution mo but technically hindi pare-pareho. Dahil kung may nag-absent doon or kulang ‘yung hours niya, siyempre kokonti din ‘yung makuha niyan,” Dione said.

“The very essence kasi nito is service. Service meaning in terms of hours

that you serve or in terms of number of hours that you serve. So if you’re absent, then definitely, you did not serve,” she added.

Service charges should also be given every two weeks, according to the law.

It further stated that should the minimum be increased by law or wage order, “service charges paid to the covered employees shall not be considered in determining the covered establishment’s compliance with the increased minimum wage.”

However, it was up to the company to decide if this includes tips outside the receipt and the process of distribution.

Employees previously only received 85% of their service charge as 15% were taken by the company for fees such as broken equipment.

“Dito sa ating guidelines, kapag ka may breakage o may loss, kung sino

DEPT, P10

Globe Telecom senior vice president of Corporate Communications Group and chief sustainability officer Yoly Crisanto delivers a Christmas message during the company’s annual Globe Media Excellence Awards

and Christmas party for the media held at dusit d2 Davao in Brgy. Pampanga, Davao City on Friday night. Lean Daval Jr

Tycoon likes Davao City, promises to invest more

By MAYA M. PADILLO he ease of doing business, zero red tape, peace and order situation, and values like the willingness to learn and malasakit (concern) of Davaoeños make business tycoon Lucio Co confident to continue to invest in Davao City.

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Co and his wife Susan owns Puregold Price Club, a supermarket chain they co-founded in 1998. He is also the chairman for S & R Membership Shopping.

On Friday, Co and his family inaugurated Acacia Hotel Davao, tagged as a new haven of hospitality in the city. The 260-room Acacia Hotel Davao located in JP Laurel Avenue is a fiveyear old property previously owned by a Mindanaoan entrepreneur. In 2017, it was acquired by Cosco Capital, Inc., the retail, real estate, liquor distribution, and oil and mineral exploration business of Co. The opening was attended by President Rodrigo Duterte and Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go.

“I am not a hotelier, isa po akong sari-sari store owner ng Puregold at S & R. Davao is an amazing city and is one of the safest in the world. There is ease in doing business here bustling with infrastructure, airport and seaport and more importantly an example of good governance of President Duterte and Mayor Sara Duterte,” Co said in his speech during the opening.

This is not the first time Co is engaging business in Davao City. In 2013 he opened S & R in McArthur Highway followed by Puregold store in Lanang two years after.

“Our experience in doing business in Davao City has been delightful. Zero red tape and hassle free

compliment that with stable environment and stellar peace and order situation. It is why we continue to expand our business here. Sabi ng ating mahal na Pangulo, Build Build Build. As my dear wife Susan can attest, masunurin akong tao. Mr. President makakaasa po kayo na we will continue to build and invest in Davao and our country,” he said.

The third property of Acacia Hotel after Manila and Bacolod, according to Co it is not quite a hotel chain yet but they are committed to grow the Acacia brand just as they expanded the Puregold and S&R footprint.

“Once again I am not a hotelier but I know when I get the best service and accommodation in a hotel.

Our Acacia Hotel Davao has 260 guest rooms and it’s ready and capable to host functions and events from 1 to 1,000. It even has an amphitheater. Our tourism industry in the Philippines has been flourishing in the last few years with Davao as one of the best desti-

nation. Filipinos want to welcome our visitors with great hospitality which we promised to provide with our guests in Acacia Hotel Davao,” Co added.

Co also admired the culture and training of Davaoenos such as the skill, willingness, the sense of malasakit and going the extra mile that is why 99 percent of their partners in Acacia Hotel Davao from the bus boy to resident manager are Davaoenos.

“Our colleagues here in Davao City has exhibited these qualities and abundance. They will create life to Acacia Hotel Davao. We are also encouraged by the enthusiasm and can do spirit that our colleagues at Acacia Hotel has extended in getting this property opened in time. A prime environment and a strong thing. We are confident that this lays the foundation for us to grow acacia Hotel to grow across the rest of our 7,107 islands,” Co said.

“We are here tonight inaugurating this property because of our belief and

remittances for Christmas season-related spending," Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. chief economist Michael Ricafort said.

The remittances from Filipinos abroad would be an important catalyst until December that could help support the peso, offset by net foreign selling since last week at the local stock market, with the PSEi traded at the lowest in more than a month since October

16, 2019 recently, according to Ricafort.

"The upcoming budget deficit data next week would be a source of new leads for next week especially on government spending and infrastructure spending data that showed sharp growth rates in the previous month and eventually supported faster GDP (gross domestic product) growth data for 3Q 2019," he said.

On external factors, major catalyst that would affect the peso would be any progress on the US-China trade talks that showed mixed signals recently such latest US legislation that supports Hong Kong protesters that could prompt retaliation from China and could complicate the trade talks, though offset by new US-China trade talks by late November 2019 for a

TYCOON, P10

Peso firms up on OFW remittances increase

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he Philippine peso appreciated against the US dollar on Friday as the influx of remittances in time for the holiday season supported the local unit.

The local currency gained 6.5 centavos to close at P50.8:$1 from 50.865 on Thursday.

"The peso closed stronger today at 50.80, after yesterday's 50.865, amid some increase in OFW (overseas Filipino workers)

PESO, P10

VOL.12 ISSUE 184 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24-25, 2019

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ECONOMY 7

Villar’s signature brands showcased in CoHo spaces

By MAYA M. PADILLO ommitted to providing the new generation a curated lifestyle, CoHo (condo homes) by Vista Land is set to bring some signature brands under the Villar Group of Companies in Davao City.

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CoHo, tagged as a development within the city, boasts of lifestyle amenities composed of signature brands such as Coffee Project, a 24-hour coffee shop and considered the most instagrammable coffee shop in the world; Bake My Day, a breadshop chain which provides quality baked breads and pastries; All Day Supermarket, which has been redefining the grocery shopping experience by offering a wide assortment of goods, bigger floor areas, beautiful store interiors, and loads of new services; and Vista Cinema.

“What makes CoHo different from other developers is we have the lifestyle amenities. Kung sasabihin ninyo na ang ibang developers ay may commercial component

but what makes us apart is all of the homegrown brands ay magaganda. The world “beautiful” is always part of CoHo,” said Jennifer dela Cruz, operations head of CoHo Philippines in an interview during the inauguration of The Fontera CoHo showroom in Tigatto yesterday.

Dela Cruz clarified that CoHo developments in Davao City will only carry selected signature brands.

She said they will be bringing these innovative affiliate brands in every CoHo development depending on the size of the development.

“Kung full pledge mall we will be able to deliver the full brands to compliment but if it is a commercial strip lang definitely what we will be having is

VILLAR, P10

CoHo by Vista Land operation head Jennifer Dela Cruz (3rd from left), together with Corporate Communications head Jan Christopher Gonzales (2nd from right) and Mindanao area head Carlo Refamonte (4th

from left), proposes a toast during the launching the showroom of Vista Land’s The Frontera along Tigatto Road in Brgy. Buhangin, Davao City on Saturday. Lean Daval Jr

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 184 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24-25, 2019

EDITORIAL Modest forecast The Philippines will be in the top 3 of the standings when the smoke of battle clears in the 30th Southeast Asian Games which the country will host.

This is the bold prediction of Team Philippines chef de mission and chairman of the Philippine Sports Commission William “Butch” Ramirez. The forecast is seen by many in the sports community to be modest and downplayed. On paper, the Philippines is vey much capable of winning the overall championship or the most number of gold medals in the biennial sports conclave among the region’s nine nations.

Yes, in the mind of Butch, it can be done in the same way as it was done back in 2005. That was also the year, he was at the helm of the government sports agency under a different President.

Chairman Butch said the government spent more than PHP1 billion for the foreign exposures of athletes to hone them for the Games. This is a stark contrast to the claims of former national team karateka Gretchen Malalad who lambasted sports officials

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Providing solutions to a seamless global village.

for declining athletes’ requests for apparent lack of budget.

Malalad’s post on social media gained some wind but died when current sports personalities started to quash her claims with the changes under the Duterte government.

Under the present leadership, the athletes received higher allowances, better living quarters and nutrition and improved facilities and equipment. They also were given exposure in the form of trainings and competition overseas--something Malalad may not have experienced during her stint as a national team member.

On questions of fielding athletes without medal records in international meets, Malalad has no business questioning the selection of athletes after the association she was affiliated with was booted out of the world governing body for the sport of karatedo. The same association involved in unliquidated cash disbursements from the government which also led to their derecognition.

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE

the national association of newspapers

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MAYA M. PADILLO Senior Reporter

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

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

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

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

SOLANI D. MARATAS Finance

CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING OFFICE OFFICE MANILA MARKETING LEIZEL A. DELOSO | MarketingRICHARD Manager C. EBONA Product Development officer Unit 6, Southbank Plaza Velez-Yacapin Sts. Address: Cagayan de Oro City No. 18 Purok 4B, Madelo Street, Lower Bicutan, Taguig City Mobile number: +63 947 265 2969(smart); +63 916 955 8559(globe) Tel: (088) 852-4894

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VOL.12 ISSUE 184 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24-25, 2019

VANTAGE POINTS

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ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA FAST BACKWARD

COCA-COLA IN LABOR PROTEST Exactly when the first bottle of Coca-Cola reached Davao at an age when air travel was still in its infancy, is something that will remain unsolved for nonce.

One thing is certain, though: the first Coke, as it is widely known, could have arrived in Davao via Zamboanga in the years after Davao was already ran by a Filipino district administrator, the equivalent of a governor.

For decades, Coca-Cola products reaching Davao were sourced from Manila and shipped aboard cargo steamers.

In May 1950, the same month the Mindanao Mirror published its maiden issue, the Davao Plant opened at McArthur Highway, at Barangay Ulas. For over 30 years, it was home to the iconic drink until it moved its Davao City plant to where it now stands.

To address the growing popularity of Coke, a new plant was later built in Darong, a village in Santa Cruz, Davao del Sur, on the same area where San Miguel Corp., founded in 1890, had opened its first Mindanao beer plant on September 29, 1994.

The product reached Philip-

pine shores sometime in 1911, courtesy of American entrepreneur Metcalfe A. Clarke, who initially sold it as Coca-Cola syrup, originally with cocaine and caffeine in it. A year later, he diluted it with water and bottled the product and made it available in soda fountains, machines that dispensed carbonated soft drinks. The ‘Coke’ trademark, first used in a 1941 advertisement, was patented in the United States four years later.

Clarke, who first opened his Philippine store in December 1899 near the Jones Bridge in Manila, was the founder of Clarke’s, the country’s first ice cream shop in 1908. Habitues fondly called the store, which imported ice from New England, as the salon de refrescos. It was located on No. 2, in Escolta, Manila. He also invested in the Benguet Consolidated, which cost him financial collapse, and was the first president of the Manila Merchants Association.

After the war, Coca-Cola Bottling Co. boosted its presence in the country after it was ‘granted’ independence by the Americans. Today, the firm owns 19 plants throughout the islands,

with Canlubang (Laguna) being recognized as the world’s fastest line, with an hourly capacity of 81,000 bottles. The largest plant is the 35-hectare Coke Sta. Rosa.

Davao plant’s history, meanwhile, has had its share of labor unrest. Four years after its ownership was acquired and transferred to a Mexican firm, the first discontent surfaced.

In 2017, the military union KIMACO-KMU filed with the labor department a complaint against Coca-Cola FEMSA “for violating the DOLE Department Order No. 174, series of 2017.”

This contained the new rules regulating contracting and subcontracting deals. Earlier, after the enactment of Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law, the company reportedly retrenched over 700 employees “as part of the organizational structure assessment.”

The following year, the union held a strike on April 2, protesting the laying-off of its members and the implementation of contractual labor. The strike resulted in dispersal and the arrest of 10 protesters who were charged with resisting ar-

rest and grave coercion.

As a result, the militant bloc in the House of Representatives filed a resolution “directing the Committees on Labor and Employment and Human Rights to conduct a joint inquiry… on the violent dispersal, illegal arrest and dismissal due to end-of-contract (endo) of workers” who are members of KIMACO-KMU in Davao plant. In part, the motion reads: “WHEREAS, the plight of outsourced workers in the Talomo plant of Coca-Cola FEMSA Phil. presents a microcosm of the miserable plight of hundreds of thousands of workers throughout the country who have worked for years and even decades under contractual and outsource arrangements. Their situation casts light on the evil of contractualization and outsourcing which deprive them of security of tenure; “WHEREAS, their precarious situation brings to surface that through contractualization and outsourcing, workers can be dismissed even without just cause and even though their work and job description is directly related and necessary to

the main business operation of companies; “WHEREAS. that existing labor laws and issuances, including the Department Order 174 issued last March 1917, have been shown to be toothless against this evil the practice of which has been widespread among local and foreign companies operating in the country as to become the norm rather than the exception...”

The resolution also raised issues that had already been addressed before it was even filed. For instance, the prosecution had already dismissed the grave coercion charges and downgraded the case of resisting arrest to “simple disobedience of an agency of a person in authority.”

The following day, the charged protesters were released on bail, as stated in the resolution, which was obviously overtaken by events. As an afterthought, the “Anakpawis Party-list immediately condemned the violent dispersal of the peaceful protest of the dismissed workers and demanded for the immediate release of the arrested workers.”

HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

LIVE SIMPLY Growing up in a small town was simple then. We didn’t have much in life but we were happy.

My father was a mechanic while mother was a home, keeping us the children. When someone got sick, that’s the time he or she could have a soft drink and a bread.

During Christmas and special occasions, we have two family size soft drinks, some breads and a chicken. Every time our mother went to the market, we the children waited for her when she came home since we were sure she would bring some bread for us.

We went to school with a buri bag, which was “loaded “with two notebooks, some books and papers, and a pencil.

On some days, I had to bring a baon (rice and viand packed in banana leaf).

Our fastest form of communication in those days was telegram. We had to count the words we sent because we paid per word. Long distance was very expensive so we didn’t use it – especially if you were growing up in a province.

But those days are gone. We are now living in a complicated world. School children don’t go to the library anymore; they could always google the information they need. Most children don’t play outside anymore; they

are at home playing computer games. No wonder, obesity is now a problem among children.

“Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated,” Chinese philosopher Confucius said. “As you simplify your life,” Henry David Thoreau pointed out, “the laws of the universe will be simpler; solitude will not be solitude, poverty will not be poverty, nor weakness be weakness.”

Duane Elgin stated, “Simplicity of living, if deliberately chosen, implies a compassionate approach to life. It means that we are choosing to live our daily lives with some degree of conscious appreciation of the condition of the rest of the world.”

Allow me to share a story taken from thoughtcatalog.com.

There was a man who lived in a village. The whole village, however, was tired of him. The reasons: he was always gloomy, he constantly complained and was always in a bad mood.

The longer he lived, the viler he became and more poisonous were his words. People did their best to avoid him because his misfortune was contagious. He created the feeling of unhappiness in others.

But one day, when he turned eighty, an incredible thing happened. Instantly, everyone started hearing the rumor: “The old man is happy today, he doesn’t

complain about anything, smiles, and even his face is freshened up.”

The whole village gathered around the man and asked him, “What happened to you?”

The old man replied, “Nothing special. Eighty years I’ve been chasing happiness and it was useless. And then I decided to live without happiness and enjoy life. That’s why I am happy now.

“Happiness,” said Rosamunde Pilcher, “is making the most of what you have.” When people start to want things they cannot have, complications arise.

But when they change their thinking and wishes, everything changes.

“The greatest challenge in life is to be our own person and accept that being different is a blessing and not a curse,” Kilroy J. Oldster wrote in Dead Toad Scrolls. “A person who knows who they are lives a simple life by eliminating from their obit anything that does not align with his or her overriding purpose and values. A person must be selective with their time and energy because both elements of life are limited.”

Mehmet Mural Ildan, the author of the biographical Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, has this view in life that a person can be happy and be contented in life

if he doesn’t demand for those things he cannot have. He said: “Escape from complicated life!

Take refuge in simple life! You will find three treasures there: Healthy body, peaceful mind and a life away from ambitious fools!”

Filipino environmentalist and nature lover MJ Jabican urged, “Don’t make your life complicated, live simply.” But simple sometimes can be so complicated. “The trouble with simple living is that, though it can be joyful, rich, and creative, it isn’t simple,” observed Doris Janzen Longacre, author of enormously popular More With Less Cookbook.

As author of Make Dreams Happen Richie Norton puts it, “Simplicity is complex. It’s never simple to keep things simple.

Simple solutions require the most advanced thinking.” Amit Kalantri, in Wealth of Words, has another point of view: “One must learn to be simple; anyone can manage to be complex.”

Ritu Ghatpurey has this observation: “Lead a simple life.

First reduce your greeds. Then reduce your needs.” That seems to be simple indeed but still complicated.

It’s not only about living where simplicity matters. Even when doing things, Listen to the words of American industrialist Lee Iacocca: “You can have brilliant ideas, but if you can’t get

them across, your ideas won’t get you anywhere.”

“The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak,” master painter and pioneering educator Hans Hofmann reminds. To which the great novelist Ernest Hemingway adds, “My aim is to put down on paper what I see and what I feel in the best and simplest way.”

If these famous people can do things in simple manner, why can’t we? “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication,” Italian painter Leonardo Da Vinci once said.

Know who you are and your standing in life. “Knowing your purpose simplifies your life,” wrote Rick Warren, the author of the bestselling The Purpose-Driven Life. “It defines what you do and what you don’t do. Your purpose becomes the standard you use to evaluate which activities are essential and which aren’t.”

More often than not, all of us want to be a star, to be the center of attraction. But only few can become a star in his own right.

So, if you can’t be a star, then be a tree. But be a tree that bears fruit. And if you cannot be a tree, then be contented of being a grass. Don’t settle, however, of being just a grass. If possible, be the best grass of all grasses.

Simple enough, isn’t it?

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parties so that whatever they saved from the parties will be added to the amounts to the gifts being distributed to the children and members of other sectors during the gift giving events including of the city hall workers.

With a budget allocation of P22 million (almost the same as last year’s budget), the fund will be used for the various activities prepared for this year’s celebration of Pasko Fiesta.

Among the highlights of the activity include Lamdag Parada (lighted parade), Pasko Fiesta carnival, “Kahayag sa Pasko,” “ LGBT Christmas Party,” “ Pasko Kumbira sa City

Hall,” “Pasko Daba-Daba,” “Sayaw sa Pasko Fiesta,” “Parol sa mga Barangay,” “Pasko sa mga Lumad,” “ Panaygon sa Davao,” “Pahalipay ni Santa,” “Koro sa Pasko,” at “Yugyugan sa Pasko Fiesta.”

All weekend activities will be held in Sta. Ana Wharf.

“Giawhag nako ang tanan Davaoeno nga makigsadya sa mga nagkalain laing kalingawan nga gimugna para sa Pasko Fiesta 2019 karon hangtod sa December 31, 2019. I would like to thank all the offices and individuals that made Pasko Fiesta 2019 opening a success,” Duterte said.

fore becomes a very inutile commission is it does not have sanctions. You can commit so many things there, excess of carbon monoxide and all, and yet there is no sanction,” he

said. “You and I know that if you cannot arrest climate change now, sigurado ‘yan (it’s sure): Our children will suffer more severe climate changes, typhoons and all.”

(PNA)

tomers and advises them to store enough water prior to the schedule. Water supply may be restored earlier if work goes smoothly or later if unforeseen problems arise.

DCWD conducts flushing after service works are completed. However, once water is restored, customers are advised to open all faucets and allow water to run for at least two minutes. Do not drink tap water immediately but if needed, boil water beforehand as safety precaution.

The general public

may visit DCWD website (www.davao-water.gov. ph) and official Facebook page (www.facebook.com/ davaowater) for the latest water service updates.

They may also call the Central Information Unit / Call Center through the 24hour hotline 235-DCWD (3293) and press “4” on their phone dial for the latest daily water updates or contact 0927-7988966, 0925-5113293, and 09084410653 for any matters pertaining to DCWD services. (Alexan Lynette L. Cabeguin)

government’s advocacy [for] environmental protection and conservation of natural resources,” he said.

He urged the private sector to work closely with the Department of Energy, the Department of Science and Technology, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to “effectively harmonize ef-

forts towards ensuring inclusivity, sustainability, and efficiency in power generation.”

“Be assured that this administration is determined in its goal to achieve power security in the country, consistent with its drive to uplift the living conditions of our people,” he added. (PNA)

the bill as urgent.

“With the help and cooperation of my colleagues in Congress, I am optimistic that the bill creating the DDR will easily pass the plenary because

this is a very important matter that must be given preference so that the country will be more prepared against any form of calamities, just like Japan and China,”

massacre site on Sunday, Nov. 17.

Rep. Esmael Mangudadatu, whose wife Genalyn and several female family members were among the victims, did not complain on the extension, expressing confidence anew they could get a conviction particularly for the principal suspects.

“We have waited for 10 years. Thirty days is shorter than 10 years of waiting.

I’m sure there is a plausible reason on the request and we yield to the wisdom of the Supreme Court in ap-

proving it,” he told MindaNews in a text message.

He said they are “still keep[ing] the faith” that the court would convict the suspects.

The principal suspects include former Maguindanao governor Andal Ampatuan Sr., who died from an illness while in custody, and his sons Zaldy, former governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao; Andal Jr., former mayor of Datu Unsay town; and Sajid, former Maguindanao vice governor. (MindaNews)

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while DCWD’s operation is still stabilizing.

DCWD commits that it will exert its best efforts to complete the repair within 48 hours. But as with all major repair works, water supply may be restored earlier if work goes smoothly or later if unforeseen problems arise.

Thus, DCWD advises customers to store water in clean and covered containers at least three days prior the scheduled water service interruption. The full list of affected areas and their respective duration of recovery time are posted in DCWD’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/ davaowater) and website (www.davao-water.gov. ph), published in newspapers, and disseminated to radio stations and television networks.

For areas with longer recovery time, DCWD will be augmenting water supply through water deliveries to minimize inconvenience. A separate advisory for the schedule of these water deliveries will be dis-

seminated.

After the repair, DCWD will conduct pipeline flushing to ensure water safety.

Thus, upon resumption of water supply, customers are advised to open all faucets and allow water to run for at least two minutes and to boil water beforehand as safety precaution if they need to drink tap water immediately.

Once again, DCWD appeals for the understanding and cooperation of the affected public and to the homeowners of La Vista Monte Phase 2. Rest assured, its technical team is already working on longterm alternative solutions to avoid or minimize the occurrence of water service downtime.

For any concerning relating to this water service interruption and other water service concerns, customers may contact DCWD’s 24/7 hotline through 235-3293, 0927798-8966, 0908-4410653, and 0925-511-3293, or send a message thru DCWD’s Facebook page.

site can be built in.

“May nag donate na yata ng lots but others are taking advantage of it, tinataas nila ang presyo ng lupa so nagkakaproblema tayo doon,” the commander added.

Around 60 to 70 percent of the area in Makilala are inhabitable after the series of earthquakes.

“Very few nalang ang pwede pag lipatan around 30 to 40 percent of the area, so pipiliin mo talaga saan itatayo to,” Faustino said.

Apart from providing shelters for the Internally

Displaced Persons (IDP) in the province, AFP is urged to help build relocation sites to declog schools which serve as the main evacuation center.

“Out of the 11 evacuation centers, 9 are schools.

So medyo apektado yung pagaaral ng mga bata we assist the LGU para ma declog ang schools at para makapag aral na sila,” he said.

The AFP official also said they have maintained the task force of the AFP particularly the army to secure the areas in Makilala.

confidence in your (Duterte) leadership and the people of Davao City. We are assured in the fact that the business environment Mayor Rodrigo Duterte allows to prevail in Davao City, he is now spreading in the rest of the country,” Co said.

Go lauded Co and his family for opening Acacia Hotel Davao as it will generate jobs for Davaoenos.

“To Lucio Co and family salamat sa pagpili dito sa Davao City na magbukas ng inyong pangatlong hotel at sa kind words na sinabi

ninyo na red tape free ang Davao city. Noon pa yan, I think pinagbibilin yan ni then mayor Duterte dito sa Davao at pumasok sila rito, tulungan sila at huwag sila pahirapan. Makakatulong ito sa atin. Nabanggit ng may ari na halos lahat ng empleyado niya rito are homegrown.

Maraming salamat at maraming mabibigyan ng trabaho ditto sa ating kababayan sa Davao City,” Go said.

Acacia Hotel Davao is being positioned as a new home away from home in Davao City.

‘yung may kasalanan doon, babayaran niya at ‘yun ay ide-deduct sa suweldo niya at hindi dito sa service charge,” Dione said.

This news was received well by servers Fred Grio and Cha Camiguing.

“Mas malaking tulong, sir. Kung tutuusin, sir,” Grio said. “’Pag nasho-short ka po, like for example kasi ‘yung sahod po kasi 15, so pag nashort ka kumbaga, ayun po ‘yung nagiging panalo po,”

Camiguing added.

Should there be a disagreement, the grievance mechanism will make its move if there is a union and a collective bargaining agreement between the company and employees.

If there is no union, complainants may head to any DOLE Regional Office.

According to DOLE, they have not formally published the IRR. However, once published, it will take effect 15 days after.

possible partial/phase one trade deal within weeks as

early as November-December 2019, Ricafort said.

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a convenience store and a coffee shop, but not a huge supermarket,” she said.

Construction of a Coffee Project is now ongoing at Vista Mall in Mintal.

“We will wait for Mintal to finish and we will just branch out,” dela Cruz said.

Jan Christopher Gonzales, corporate communications head of CoHo Philippines, said every CoHo development will have its own commercial retail component either as a commercial strip on the ground floor of the building or can be a full pledge mall depending on the size of the development.

“But all of CoHo developments nationwide will have that convenience of commercial and retail within the development or short drive away,” he said.

CoHo is the newest brand of Vista Land that caters the young professionals, starting families and discerning investors.

Presently, there are 21 CoHo projects across the country. Basically CoHo is a development of vertical villages of mid-rise buildings.

“We will still build communities and we want our clients to create and curate their own lifestyles. What is beautiful in our devel-

opment since mid-rise it is less dense. The buildings normally are seven to 15 floors. We started with the descent size of unit offerings to cater the starting families also,” she said.

The showroom will cater transactions for the four CoHo developments in Davao namely The Terraces, The Fontera, The Acropolis, and The Evora.

It carries a one bedroom model unit as most of the inventories are one BR unit. This is the same one BR unit in The Terraces, The Acropolis and Evora.

“This showroom is a cookie cutter where you go to different CoHo developments or CoHo showroom it’s the same. You will see the same layout, interior when you go Metro Manila and Visayas and Mindanao we have the same showrooms in the investor’s lounge,” dela Cruz said.

The four CoHo developments in Davao City are now in the pre-selling stage.

“Davao is ripe already it is a mimic of Metro Manila.

There is no way but to develop condominiums and hotspot for investments for our discerning investors and tourism also and we want to capture all of it,” she added.

IM David Elorta. They are lined up in the blitz event.

IM Paulo Bersamina and FIDE Master Jan Emmanuel Garcia, on the other hand, will compete in the rapid event.

Grandmasters Joey Antonio and Darwin Laylo, meanwhile, compete in the ASEAN chess event. Antonio, Jr., for one, is keeping himself sharp competing in the 2019 World Senior Chess Championship in Bucharest.

The last time the Philippines hosted the SEA Games, Vietnam swept all of the six gold medals up for grabs. And the Vietnamese are again going flat out

in the coming chess competitions slated from Dec. 1 to 8 at the Subic Convention Center, where they will be fielding Quang Liem Le and Ngoc Truong Son Nguyen.

Le is currently the no.

1-ranked player in Vietnam and no. 21 in the world.

He is the 2013 World Blitz Chess champion.

“It will be tough, but we’ll make the best effort out there, na maganda ang preparation at psychologically prepared,” Torre said.

GM Wesley So, who now represents the United States, was the last Filipino to win the a SEA Games gold during the 2011 Indonesia SEA Games.

Steven Adams added 22 for the Thunder, who lost its third consecutive game and fell for the fifth time in their past six games.

Chris Paul added 18 points and seven assists for Oklahoma City, which tied a season high in points.

James has delivered double-digit assists in each of his past seven games, and he leads the league with an average of 11.3 assists per game. Davis was also in the giving mood.

His assist total was two short of his career high, and he also had 11 rebounds. The Lakers had a 45-37 rebounding advantage.

Paul made a layup with 11 seconds remaining to get the Thunder to within 126-125 before Anthony made a pair of free throws to put the Lakers up by three with 8.1 seconds remaining.

Gilgeous-Alexander

scored inside with 4.2 seconds to go before two more free throws from Davis gave the Lakers another three-point lead. James then stole the Thunder's inbound pass to end the game.

Lakers guard Rajon Rondo notched his 7,000th career assist in the first half, but he was ejected with 10:20 remaining when he earned his second technical for a flagrant-2 foul when he lifted his right let into the groin area of Thunder guard Dennis Schroder.

On a night short on defense, both teams took advantage. The Lakers shot 51.1 percent from the field and 54.8 percent from 3-point range. The Thunder shot 52.7 percent from the field.

Known for their defense, the Lakers entered holding their opponents to 42.7 percent on the season, sixth best in the NBA.

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 184 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24-25, 2019 DCAA athletes 'forced' to use a makeshift dirt track for long jump event. Photo by Emilio Lacanaria

Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD Regional Franchising and Regulatory Office No. XI Balusong Ave., McArthur Highway, Matina, Davao City Petition for Extension of Validity of a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate a PUJ DUAL ORDINARY REGULAR Service.

Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD Regional Franchising and Regulatory Office No. XI Balusong Ave., McArthur Highway, Matina, Davao City Petition for Extension of Validity of a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate an AIRCONDITIONED UV EXPRESS Service.

Case No. R11-EV-PJ-2019-11-119 (99-XI-00119-DP) CECILIA A. RAMOS, Petitioner.

Case No. R11-EV-UV-2019-10-848 (2014-XI-00848) MIRA LUNA PLAZA SY, Petitioner.

x----------------------------------------------------x

NOTICE OF HEARING

Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of a PUJ Dual Ordinary Regular service on the route: TAGUM CITY – NEW CORELLA (DAVAO DEL NORTE) AND VICE VERSA and for cargoes as dual service from said route to any point in Region XI with the use of ONE (1) unit, which Certificate will expire on January 10, 2020. In the petition filed on November 19, 2019, petitioner requests authority to extend the validity of said Certificate to operate along the same route with the use of the same unit previously authorized.

NOTICE is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on DECEMBER 10, 2019 at 8:30 a.m. at this office at the above address.

At least TEN (10) days prior to the above date petitioner shall publish this Notice once in a newspaper of general circulation in Mindanao.

Parties opposed to the granting of the petition must file their written opposition supported by documentary evidence on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same to the petitioner, and may if they so, desire appear on said date and time.

This petition will be acted upon by this Board on the basis of its records and the documentary evidence submitted by the parties, unless the Board deems it necessary to receive additional documentary and/or oral evidence.

Witness Atty. ARMAND B. DIOSO, Regional Director, this 20th day of November 2019 at Davao City, Philippines.

Atty. CATTLEYA B. ACAYLAR

Attorney IV/Acting Chief Transportation Development Officer

Petitioner, Cecilia A. Ramos Counsel, Atty. Marisue A. Llanes

x----------------------------------------------------x

NOTICE OF HEARING Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of an AIRCONDITIONED UV EXPRESS service on the route: DAVAO CITY – BANGANGA (DAVAO ORIENTAL) AND VICE VERSA with the use of ONE (1) unit, which Certificate will expire on December 3, 2019. In the petition filed on October 1, 2019, petitioner requests authority to extend the validity of the said Certificate to operate along the same route with the use of the same unit previously authorized.

NOTICE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on DECEMBER 10, 2019 at 8:30 a.m. at this office at the above address.

At least TEN (10) days prior to the above date petitioner shall publish this Notice once in a newspaper of general circulation in Mindanao.

Parties opposed to the granting of the petition must file their written opposition supported by documentary evidence on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same to the petitioner, and may if they so, desire appear on said date and time.

This petition will be acted upon by this Board on the basis of its records and the documentary evidence submitted by the parties, unless the Board deems it necessary to receive additional documentary and/or oral evidence.

Witness Atty. ARMAND B. DIOSO, Regional Director, this 19th day of November 2019 at Davao City, Philippines.

Atty. CATTLEYA B. ACAYLAR

Attorney IV/Acting Chief Transportation Development Officer

Petitioner, Mira Luna Plaza Sy Counsel, Atty. Victorio U. Advincula, Jr.

11

Curiously, the facility has a four-lane rubberized warm up track which Davao coach Emilio Lacanaria said could have been converted to a long jump and triple jump sections on both ends.

FIELD... FROM1 stead for the centerpiece athletics events which included running, throwing and jumping events.

“DepEd must have discovered that the oval is not compliant.”

The PSC chief said he will get down to the matter and talk to the staterun university officials.

The construction of the sports complex was hailed by Dabawenyos after decades of having no decent sports facility for its world-class athletes to train. Hence, it was considered as the “Field of Dreams” -- a 1989 movie which tells the story of an Iowa farmer who plows up part of his corn crop to build a baseball field.

The imminent signs of substandard condition were first noticed by experienced local coaches and athletes. Long-time athletics coach Emilio Lacanaria, who coached the Davao City track team to the Arafura Games about the same time as the Palarong Pambansa, said he noticed that the track is not even. According to him, the first 200 meters is slightly elevated and the last 200 meters are rolling down.

Lacanaria also noticed the absence of throwing and jumping events concessions usually situated inside the oval and the steeplechase jump is smaller and shallower than the standard size.

The sports complex’s track facility features a football pitch inside the field which is among the trends in some non-standard sports facilities that use the inner field as concessions for other sports.

PSC deputy director Atty. Guillermo Iroy Jr. said he asked PATAFA of the UP Mindanao track oval’s status and he confirmed that PATAFA could not certify it as it diverges from the norms of the Olympic standard track oval.

In the case of the UM

track oval, the UM alumnus Iroy was personally requested by UM President Guillermo “Willie” Torres Jr. “Yes, we requested the PSC through Atty. Iroy so that the track oval will be certified,” Torres said in a separate interview.

Iroy said PSC’s expertise was reportedly requested during the planning stage of the UP Mindanao sports complex project but the recommendation of former PSC Engineering Head Architect Noel Elnar was not followed after he was told the priority was the football field.

“Di na sya naconsult after. Double bend ang ginawa instead of Olympic standard just like UM, per Arch. Elnar,” Iroy said.

The term “double bend”, according to the IAAF, is a variation in track oval construction which is wider with shorter straights and long, sweeping turns. This variation is done when tracks are constructed around fields of different shapes, or, indeed, to fit a particular site and the space available like a football pitch.

According to the IAAF technical manual, the standard dimensions for a track oval has straights of 84.39m, and curves with a radius of 36.50 meters.

The IAAF lists “double bend” as among three other permissible non-standard arrangements, in which the curves are constructed using multiple arcs with different radii. These “double bend” tracks are a concession to facilities that are used for other sports, such as soccer, American football, and rugby, where the dimensions of the playing field do not easily accommodate the dimensions of the standard track.

In 2008, the IAAF came up with its fourth edition of the Track and Field Facilities Manual which serves as the bible

for planners and builders of sports facilities. In order to comply with modern standards of construction, the IAAF decided to publish this “Track and Field Facilities Manual” in addition to the IAAF Competition Rules. The manual contains detailed and more clearly defined specifications for the planning and construction of Track and Field facilities than those contained in the IAAF Competition Rules.

The aim is to pay greater attention to technical and performance requirements of Track and Field facilities.

Under the section “Suitability for Competition”, the manual said that “in order to establish the suitability of a sports facility for competition, proof is required of fulfilment of the requirements listed in this manual by certificates testifying to the Construction Category, the observance of the measurements and, when relevant, the suitability of the synthetic surface.”

The IAAF has introduced a certification programme based upon the goal that all facilities, synthetic surfaces, implements and equipment built for use in international competitions conform to IAAF specifications and therefore guarantees the validity of the performances and the quality of the product. It is the IAAF’s duty as the sport’s world governing body for athletics to ensure that all athletics items used in international competitions are of the requisite standard, manufactured in accordance with IAAF technical requirements, and, most importantly, guarantee the safety of the athletes.

The manual is available on the IAAF website (www.iaaf.org) and supposedly from the PATAFA upon request.

The lack of jumping and throwing concessions forced officials of the Department of Education (DepEd) who are running last week’s Davao City Athletic Association (DCAA) Meet to construct a makeshift long jump venue on a dirt patch outside the oval. Lacanaria said athletes were made to jump on a put dug up and filled with sand.

DepEd 11 spokesperson Dodong Atillo confirmed that the DepEd officials constructed the makeshift jumping area but defended their action saying it is “safe.”

“They said it’s safe because they filled it with fine sand,” Atillo said.

However, the veteran athletics mentor Lacanaria disagreed.

“Risky for athletes who might get injured.

The runway is not even,” said Lacanaria. “At di mo makukuha ang best performance ng athletes because they are cautious they might get injured.”

Curiously, the facility has a four-lane rubberized warm up track which Lacanaria said could have been converted to a long jump and triple jump sections on both ends.

“Kung nangunsulta sila maka-advice mi na instead sa warm up area himuon na lang jumping,” said Lacanaria.

Last April before the staging of the Palaro, Davao City Sports Division head Mikey Aportadera was quoted in a report by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) that the sporting facilities which will be used for the games are of international standard and world-class.

“We have world-class sports facilities that we will be using, the FIFA-standard football field, the FINA-standard swimming pool and of course the other facilities, like the track and field, the oval and the stadium,” Aportadera said in the report.

12 BIGGER PICTURE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 184 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24-25, 2019

WINNING GLOBE MEDIA EXCELLENCE AWARD

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

T

here are awards and there are awards.

Almost a week after I received the Best Agriculture Feature Story (Regional) from the Bright Leaf Agriculture Journalism Awards, I received an electronic mail from the secretariat of the Globe Media Excellence Awards (GMEA) that I was a finalist three times over.

A4 INdulge!

“We are pleased to inform you that your entries have been selected as among the (three) finalists of this year’s Globe Media Excellence Awards,” the email stated, adding that the awarding will be held at Dusit Thani.

Two of my news reports which were published in EDGE Davao made it to the News Re-

port of the Year for Print: “The rise of dengue fever” and “How upland farmers can cope up with climate change.”

I wrote the dengue fever story when I got a copy of the resolution from Island Garden City of Samal that dengue cases were increasing. With two deaths out from the 249 dengue cases from January to June 2019 this year, the local government unit (LGU) officials of Samal has placed the city “under the state of calamity.”

Dengue fever cases throughout the country were also increasing. As more deaths were reported, I talked with Dr. Richard Mata, who is a dengue consultant with the regional office of the World Health Organization (WHO). Actually, I met this boyish-looking physician from Panabo City some years back and shared his “secret” about how the contagion can be curtailed.

The second story materialized after reading a scientific paper written by three Filipino scientists.

What interested me to read it was because it seemed to parallel the upland farming scheme which the Mindanao Baptist Rural Life Center

(MBRLC), a non-government organization based in Kinuskusan, Bansalan, Davao del Sur. My three-part series on soil erosion, which I entitled “Waging war against quiet crisis,” was a finalist in Explanatory/Investigative Story or Documentary of the Year for Print. My reason for writing the series was because I learned that soil erosion is a crisis no Filipinos seem to notice.

In 1988, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) released a report stating that soil erosion affects Asia – for peace and interthat 22 provinces in the food production. Topsoil national understanding. country had “alarming" soil is the primary resource of Actually, SALT is a hecterosion rate. farming. Once the topsoil are farm planted to variBatangas in Luzon and is lost, it is lost forever. ous crops – both perenniCebu in Visayas had been Under most conditions, als and annuals – so that reported to have lost 80- soil is formed at a rate of farmers can have some85% of their topsoil to one centimeter every 100 thing to harvest every now erosion. Marinduque had to 400 years, and it takes and then. Soil erosion is 75-80% soil erosion while 3,000 to 12,000 years to stopped by planting differIlocos Sur and La Union build enough soil to form ent nitrogen-fixing trees had 60-70. Zamboanga del productive land. and shrubs as hedgerows.

Sur, Zamboanga del Norte, But there is a possible The hedgerows serve as Lanao del Norte, Lanao solution to the problem. “belt” of the farm to check del Sur, Misamis Oriental, The MBRLC has devel- the soil from eroding.

Bukidnon, North Cotabato, oped a sustainable farming In all those nominaSouth Cotabato, Davao del scheme called Sloping Ag- tions, I failed to get the covSur, Davao Oriental, Davao ricultural Land Technology eted trophy. But I received del Norte, Negros Oriental (SALT). For spreading this plaques to remind me that and Occidental, Iloilo, Ak- technology international- I was a finalist in those two lan, Capiz, and Antique had ly, former director Harold categories. more than 50%of their soil Ray Watson was bestowed But I did win! You may eroded. the ISSUE Ramon ask: HowJULY come?

VOL.12 VOL.12 ISSUE 9484 •Magsaysay FRIDAY-SATURDAY, • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JULY 19-20, 5-6, 2019 What is alarming is Award – the Nobel Prize of WINNING GLOBE, P14

A4 INdulge!

EDGEDAVAO DAVAO EDGE

UP AND FURNITURE A1 ABOUTa silly method but for EJ and

VOL.12 ISSUE 184 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24-25, 2019 REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES Department of Environment and Natural Resources Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office Community Environment and Natural Resources Office [-2B, Salvacion, Panabo City, Davao del Norte, 8105 Philippines TELEFAX NO. (084) 823-2011/email.rxi_panabo@yahoo.com LEASE OF PUBLIC LANDS Notice is hereby given that the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office XI-2B, Salvacion, Panabo, City will accept oral or written bids not later than ten (10:00) o’clock in the morning on January 3, 2020, for the lease for docking purposes of the tract of land herein below described: Location : San Pedro, Panabo City Description : Mlc-11-001228-D Area : 101,401 square meters Appraisal (Land) : Php 2,600.00 per square meter or Php 263,642,600.00 for the whole tract Value of Improvements : Php 108,563,025.00 Applied for by : Davao International Container Terminal, Inc. represented by: Bonifacio B. Licayan The successful bidder if other than the applicant must reimburse the latter of the expenses for the publication of the notice of lease and the survey of the land.

The right to lease the land will be awarded to the person offering the highest annual rental, which shall not be less than three per centum (3%) of the value of the land plus one per centum (1%) of the value of the proposed/existing improvements. In order that a person may be entitled to participate in the participate in the bidding, he must be qualified public land applicant, and must, before the commencement of the same, make a deposit equivalent of at least three (3) month’s rental. Only deposit in cash, money order, treasury warrant, certified check, cashier’s check or manager’s check can be accepted. A person bidding in representation of another may do so under a duly executed power of attorney.

During the bidding, the bidder has to make an additional deposit everytime his bid is raised, to complete the three (3) month’s rental, otherwise, such bid as raised shall not be accepted. The right is reserved to reject any or all bids.

Panabo City, Philippines, November 12, 2019.

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES Department of Environment and Natural Resources Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office Community Environment and Natural Resources Office [-2B, Salvacion, Panabo City, Davao del Norte, 8105 Philippines TELEFAX NO. (084) 823-2011/email.rxi_panabo@yahoo.com PAGPAPAUPA NG LUPANG PUBLIKO Ipinagbibigay alam sa madla na ang Community Environment and Natural Resources Office XI-2B, Salvacion, Panabo City ay tatanggap ng selyado o nakasulat na alok sa ika alas Diyes (10:00 o’clock) ng umaga sa ika 3 ng Enero taong 2020, para paupahan ang isang sukat na lupang publiko na inilarawan sa ibaba nito.

Lugar : San Pedro, Panabo City Deskripsyon : Mlc-11-001228-D Sukat : 101,401 metros kwadrados Tasahan ng Lupa : Php 2,600.00 kada metro kwadrado o Kabuuang Php 263,642,600.00 Halaga ng nakakatayong Proyekto : Php 108,563,025.00 Aplikante : Davao International Container Terminal, Inc. (DICT) represented by: Bonifacio B. Licayan Ang karapatan na upahan ang nasabing lupa ay ibibigay sa tao o partido na makapagbibigay ng pinakamataas na upa sa isang taon na hindi bababa sa tatlong (3%) porsyento sa halaga ng lupa at isang (1%) porsyento sa halaga ng itatayong estraktura. Upang ang isang tao ay makakasama sa isasagawang subasta, kailangang siya ay karapat-dapat na aplikante at kailangang bago magsimula ang subasta ay nakadeposito siya ng halagang katumbas ng tatlong buwang upa. Ang deposito ay kailangang salaping papel, money order, cashier’s o manager’s check, ang siya lamang tatanggapin. Ang isang tao na sumali sa subasta na nagrerepresenta ng ibang tao ay makakasali lamang kung mayroon siyang pahintulot na ibinigay sa pamamagitan ng kaukulang pahintulot na nilalagdaan ng Notaryo Publiko. Sa panahon ng subasta, ang taong sumali ay magkaroon ng dagdag na deposito kapag ang kanyang alok ay itinaas para makompleto ang kabuuang tatlong buwang upa. Ang karapatang tumanggi o tanggihan ang anumang alok o sa lahat ng alok ay palaging nakalaan para sa pamahalaan. Ang magwawagi sa alok na ito kung hindi siua ang aplikante ay kinakailangan tutumbasan ang kabayarang nagugul sa papapalathala ng panawagang ito sa pagpapasukat ng lupa.

Lungsod ng Panabo, Pilipinas, Nobyembre 12, 2019.

EDGEDAVAO 13

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

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

Account Executives Qualifications: • BS Marketing Graduate or any related courses • Male/Female • With pleasing personality • With or without experience and willing to be trained

Marketing Assistant Qualifications: • BS Marketing Graduate or any related courses • Male/Female • With pleasing personality • With or without experience and willing to be trained

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

14 EDGEDAVAO

WINNING GLOBE... FROM12

Well, two days before the awarding ceremony, I received another email telling me that another entry – “Why rising HIV infection matters?” – was selected as one of the three finalists for Explanatory/Investigate Story of the Year for Digital. The said feature was published in the website of EDGE Davao.

Since the feature was too long, it was serialized into two parts. Cases of HIV/AIDS in the Philippines keep on increasing. In Davao, there are now 3 HIV cases reported each day. As the problem escalates, most people are still unaware of the disease.

A person with HIV will never know he is positive of the virus unless he or she un-

dergoes an HIV test. “Having an HIV test is the only way to know for sure whether you have HIV,” said the website, www.aidsmap.com. “If you have HIV, it’s very important that it’s diagnosed. This will give you the best chance of getting the treatment and care you need to stay well.”

Once they are tested positive, there are already drugs can prolong a person infected with HIV. In fact, being infected with HIV is no longer a death sentence these days.

“HIV is not and should not be a death sentence anymore,” points out Dr. Louie Mar Gangcuangco, who has worked as a researcher at the Hawaii Center for AIDS. “If HIV is detected early and if the patient takes

VOL.12 ISSUE 184 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24-25, 2019

antiretrovirals early, the virus can be controlled.”

But still, people with HIV/ AIDS have problems with in comes to employment. In fact, this is one of the big problems that these people face in workplaces. “Workers and employees in the Philippines living with HIV who suffer workplace discrimination often do not seek redress,” the Human Right Watch (HRW) said in a statement. It added that the government’s response to unlawful firings and harassment is “weak.”

The last time I won the GMEA award was in 2016 yet.

Last year, there was no awarding that happened. So far, I got 6 GMEA awards. (Photos by Lean Daval Jr.)

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 184 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24-25, 2019

15

PH chess team to see action in SEAG

T REP. MIKEE ROMERO (sixth from left) lock arms with his national teammates (from left) Coco Garcia, Nicole Eusebio, Jam Eusebio, Santi Juban, Anthony Garcia and Antonio Veloso.

Polo kicks off 30th SEA Games action

G

entlemen athletes on horseback officially kick off hostilities for the country’s hosting of the 30th Southeast Asian Games with the 0-4 goals event in Calatagan, Batangas.

Polo is one of the 56 sports on the program of the 30TH SEA Games that formally starts with the opening ceremony on Saturday at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.

The polo competitions also happen a day after the Bamboo Pavillon at the Miguel Romero field was blessed and inaugurated.

Four countries—oilrich Brunei, Malaysia, Singapore and host Philippines—are entered in the glamorous sport, one of the oldest in history.

Having vast resources at their disposal—what with their extensive training abroad and expensive horses—nobody seems to have an advantage over the other which should be

a guarantee for a “battle royale” for the two gold medals up for grabs.

“That’s certainly going to happen because everybody is holding their cards close to their chests. Our rivals are tough but we are prepared for the challenges that will come our way,” Rep. Mikee Romero of Team Philippines said.

“But whatever happens, we have to cherish this moment since this is the first time in decades that we have this kind of tournament of this magnitude.”

For the enormity of their efforts, all Philippine National Federation of Polo Players (PNFPP) officials should deserve—this early—a gold medal since the event will certainly add star power to the biennial event with the expected arrival of the who’s who in the region—royalties, tycoons and high government officials of all participating countries.

“We have so many unsung heroes and heroines in putting up this kind of tournament and everybody experienced birth pains,” added Romero who, along with other members of PH team trained hard for two weeks in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Romero even failed to complete the team’s scheduled 2-week training as he fell off his horse on the eight day and hardly walked straight for two days.

Hurting and all, the show must go on.

“Everybody is excited so we have to put up a show and try to help the country attain its ultimate goal of winning the overall championship,” added Romero, who will see action in the 0-2 goals starting on December 3.

The Miguel Romero Field was a venue of grandeur during its inauguration yesterday.

“I congratulate the polo

federation for its full enthusiasm not only for the sport, but most especially for the country’s hosting of the 30th SEA Games,” Philippine Olympic Committee President Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino.

On the Bamboo Pavillon, Tolentino said: “This pavilion—so unique and a priceless architectural masterpiece—showcases Filipino spirit, tradition and love for sports.”

The polo athletes also drew major support from the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), especially during training camp for the Games.

“As Team Philippines wages for battle in the 30th SEA Games starting with our polo athletes, I call on our countrymen to show their support,” PSC Commissioner Charles Maxey said. Our athletes prepared hard for the Games and they need all the prayers and love from the Filipino people.”

HE climb is steep, but the Philippines hopes to win some of the medals at stake when chess returns to the coming 30th Southeast Asian Games after being absent in two editions of the biennial meet.

Well-prepared teams in the rapid and blitz competitions are expected to boost the host country’s efforts to come up with a podium finish.

“So far so good. We’re doing well in our mental and physical preparations,” said Women’s International Master Catherine Secopito, the skipper of the women’s squad.

The 34-year-old Secopito is playing with Shania Mendoza in the rapid

events. She is a remnant of past national teams which have been fielded back in the 2005, 2011 and 2013, the last time chess was played in the biennial meet in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, where they bagged two silver and two bronze medals.

Secopito, who has an ELO rating of 2127, had a bronze medal in 2005.

Their coaches Jayson Gonzales and Grandmaster Eugene Torre have been prepping them up with blitz players Janelle Frayna and Cherry Ann Mejia.

International Master Daniel Quizon will be also part of a younger generation of players in the national team, together with

PH, P10

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) shoots as Oklahoma City Thunder guard Hamidou Diallo (6) defends during the second quarter of their match at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Reuters

Lakers complete sweep of Thunder

A

nthony Davis scored 33 points, including a 4-point play late in the fourth quarter, and LeBron James added 23 points and 14 assists as the visiting Los Angeles Lakers held off the Oklahoma City Thunder 130127 on Friday.

It was the Lakers' second victory over the Thunder in a span of three days, as they earned

a tightly contested 112107 decision Tuesday at Los Angeles.

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope scored 17 points, and Danny Green added 14 as the Lakers won their sixth consecutive game and earned a 13th victory in their past 14 contests.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 24 points and

LAKERS, P10

FRED C. LUMBA SPORTS KEN

LETRAN, ATENEO CONTRASTING WINS The Knights of Intramuros and the Eagles of Katipunan scored contrasting victories to claim the NCAA and the UAAP crowns respectively just a day apart.

Coming out of a wearying, step ladder semifinals, the Colegio de San Juan de Letran squad dethroned a four-peat seeking San Beda University in the best of three championship series in one of the most thrilling NCAA basketball finale I have seen in years.

The Knights repulsed the same school they defeated four years ago in what may be a truly painful result for the Red Lions who missed the services of Rob-

ert Bolick and Davon Potts who have graduated to the pros.

Letran played solidly both in offense and defense with starters Jerrick Balanza, big boy Larry Muyang, GenSan lad Bonbon Batiller and Finals MVP Francis Yu leading the charge. Without let-up, the Knights obeyed to the letter the instructions of coach Bonnie Tan, crowded the opponent’s ballcarrier, boxed out Lion Donald Tanquoa and transitioned to a fast-breaking platoon that puzzled San Beda mentor Boyet Fernandez.

The Red Lions played true to form but despite the outstanding performances of NCAA MVP Calvin Oftana and point guard Evan

Nelle, they were overwhelmed by the unyielding spirit of their Letran foes.

On the other side, Ateneo lived up to its billing as the towering presence of 7-footer Ange Koame deflated the ego of their UST counterparts in claiming its third consecutive UAAP diadem.

The Blue Eagles strung up a comfortable 2-0 triumph in the best of three, copping the crown with an immaculate sweep of the eliminations and the step ladder, 20-game series.

Between the NCAA and the UAAP title matches, I favor the Letran-San Beda tiff as a lot better and more storied, exciting contest.

Ateneo looked superior already on paper and the Eagles displayed court savvy and basketball IQ like a newly installed MRT train speeding on the EDSA tracks.

There was no doubt, Thirdy Ravena, who earned his second consecutive Finals MVP plum, and his buddies were not going to play hide and seek with the Growling Tigers.

It was serious business from the start because the champion’s mindset was there. The Eagles did not want to jeopardize their quest for a third consecutive UAAP trophy.

Okay. I have a suggestion.

Why don’t we pit Letran ver-

sus Ateneo to determine who really is the national collegiate champion?

A best of three, the series will be a genuine challenge which of the two basketball leagues genuinely produces the better champion team.

Yes, to settle once and for all, which is the better league, a Letran versus Ateneo best of three is much sought.

After all, there were efforts many years before to merge the NCAA with the UAAP but for reasons beyond everyone’s understanding, this did not materialize.

(Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.) GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!

16 EDGEDAVAO

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