Edge Davao Volume 12 Issue 195 | Tuesday, December 10, 2019

EDGEDAVAO

ACACIA HOTEL: SIMPLY HEARTFELT

Serving a seamless society

VOL.12 ISSUE 195 • TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2019

f

@EdgeDavao

www.edgedavao.net

INDULGE A1

edgedavao@gmail.com

P 15.00 • 16 PAGES Dabawenyo long distance ace Sonny Wagdos, a former University of Mindanao standout, won the bronze medal in men’s 5000-meter run in the ongoing Southeast Asian Games. Wagdos is a last minute addition to the Philippines athletics team.

DAVAO DE ORO Comvaleños vote yes to change of province name

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

S

ay hello to Davao de Oro. That will be the new name for the Province of Compostela Valley after majority of its constituents rati�ied Republic Act 11297--the law that renames Compostela Valley to Davao de Oro.

The �inal results showed 174,442 voting Yes while the No votes got 5,020 during the plebiscite marred by low turnout held Saturday, December 7.

Commission on Election (Comelec) 11 regional director lawyer Remlane Tambuang, who also

acted as the chairman of the Provincial Board of Canvassers, made the announcement inside the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Session Hall, around 10:00p.m. of December 8, after all the election returns from the 11 towns were counted.

During the procla-

mation, Tambuang said the plebiscite recorded a low 43.86 percent voting turnout out of the 410, 261 total number of voters in the province.

However, the of�icial said the low turnout will not affect the result of the plebiscite since the law stated this would only

need a simple majority.

He said the possible reason why there were only few people who went out and vote was that the results were already foreseen by many.

Governor Jayvee Tyron Uy thanked all the people who voted during

NEW NAME, P10

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 195 • TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2019

Mayor Sara officiates wedding of 39 couples

D

President Rodrigo Duterte shares a light moment with grandson Marko while attending the wedding of Makkaria and First Lieutenant James Estoesta at the St. Ignatius Chapel in Fort Gen. Gregorio H. del Pilar, Ba-

guio City on Sunday. With the President is his daughter Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

PAL’s Zambo-KK direct flight to boost Minda tourism, trade

By MAYA M. PADILLO

P

hilippine Airlines is set to roll out its Zamboanga-Kota Kinabalu direct �light in March next year.

The connectivity is seen to give Malaysians opportunity to explore Mindanao through Zamboanga City.

Mindanao remains an attractive market for Malaysia. In fact, members of the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) are said to be actively looking for sectors in which to do business and partner with local traders due to the island’s close proximity to Sabah and Sarawak and its accessibility within the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philipines East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA).

“Providing that direct

�light service will provide opportunity for faster transport needs for both Filipinos that are working in Sabah and for Malaysians that are wanting to explore opportunities in Mindanao through Zamboanga,” said Deputy Executive Director Romeo Montenegro, assistant secretary of Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) in an interview.

Montenegro said PAL has been planning to open the Zamboanga-KK route for quite some time. After

Barangay execs to benefit from Yuletide social aid program

B

arangay of�icials and workers will soon bene�it from a Yuletide Social Assistance Program under an executive order signed by President Rodrigo Duterte.

Executive Order No. 99 enjoins all Sangguniang Barangays to establish a Yuletide Social Assistance Program for barangay of�icials and workers this year.

Recognizing barangay of�icials and workers for their services, the order recognizes the Yuletide season as an “opportune time” to establish measures or programs for their “economic empowerment.”

"The yuletide season is an opportune time to establish such measures or programs for the economic empowerment of barangay of�icials and functionaries, in recognition of their valuable and meaningful ser-

vice that effect genuine and positive change in their respective communities, consistent with the provisions of the local government code," the order read.

The order recognizes barangay of�icials and workers as being “at the forefront in the delivery of essential and basic government services” such as healthcare, social welfare, agricultural support, settlement of disputes, peace, and order, as well as the promotion of the general interest of the community.

It also acknowledges the signi�icant role and enormous responsibility of barangay of�icials and functionaries in nation-building.

Moreover, it recognizes the contribution of the barangay, in the attainment of the objectives under the Philippine Development

BARANGAY, P10

looking at the viability of the route, the national �lag carrier announced the new route last month talong with the Davao-Manado direct �light next year.

The current available �light is Manila-Kota Kinabalu.

“Cebu Paci�ic �irst made an announcement last year to serve Zamboanga-KK but hindi natuloy because of certain requirements on the need to have necessary facilities in place sa Zamboanga airport,” Montenegro added.

Incoming president of Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (DCCCII) John Tria told Edge Davao the Zamboanga-Kota Kinabalu direct link will help improve trade within the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malay-

sia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) because of its connectivity.

The said connectivity will also give Mindanao opportunity to supply food supply particularly Halal beef in Sabah.

“Nakausap ko yung chief minister of Sabah and they are in need of a lot of food supply such as Halal beef. Dati kasi ang barter trade natin ay one way affair. Tayo lang ang tumatanggap ng sigarilyo pati sabon at Ma Ling.

Wala man tayong ibinalik.

Ngayon kinausap ko yung chief minister and he likes the idea to help us stabilize these areas if we can talk to these people and make them productive and supply you the food you need.

Ang ilang saging didto pirti

PAL’S, P10

avao City Mayor Sara Duterte on Tuesday last week of�iciated the wedding of 39 couples, most of whom have lived together for more than 10 years.

Providing the setting for the mass wedding of the 39 couples was the garden dome of the Davao Bamboo Sanctuary and Ecological Park in Malagos, Baguio District. The memorable event was organized by the barangay of�icials of Malagos headed by Barangay Captain Arnel Liong.

Mayor Sara of�iciated the event upon the request of the couples. She also gifted each couple with P2,000 cash and food packs for their families to enjoy.

The couples were lucky because the event was free including the venue. Councilors Sweet Advincula, Myrna Ortiz, and Antoinette “Petite” Principe also donated some goods for the couples.

Liong said the wedding was very important especially for the couples who have children.

"Mangita man gud usually ang bata ug kanang, pag-eskwela nila pangitaan sila ug documents (The children would usually ask

for legal documents especially for their schooling)," he said.

He was also thankful to Mayor Sara for of�iciating the Kasalan ng Barangay Malagos 2019.

The newly-weds were cheered by their friends and families during the ceremony especially when they exchanged vows and sealed with a kiss as husbands and wives. They did not even resist being photographed and videoed to capture the sweet moment.

Newly-wed couple Desiree Chavez and Richard Delcano, who have been living together for seven years, was thankful they are of�icially married because they already have a child.

Living together for already 17 years, Jerry and Waltham Palabrica Sabroso said they have decided to get married for their children.

Both couples agreed that having of�icially married is important not only as husbands and wives but also as parents because legal documents of their relationship are needed.

They also thanked Mayor Sara for the free wedding ceremony. CIO

PNoy at hospital for 'routine procedure'

F

ormer President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III was at the Makati Medical Center on Monday for a scheduled checkup, according to his spokesperson.

Lawyer Abigail Valte issued the statement after a radio report claimed that Aquino was at the MMC to undergo a heart procedure.

"Former President Noynoy Aquino is at the Makati Medical Center for a scheduled check up and a routine procedure," Valte said.

"He's alright and in high spirits, and thanks every-

one for their concern."

Valte said the former President even made a joke about his love life when she spoke with him.

"While he is currently under observation, I was able to speak to him and apprise him of what is being reported in media. Nagbiro pa na baka daw kaya heart procedure ang balita kasi heartbroken siya," she said.

In August this year, Aquino's sister, Kris Aquino, said that her brother was not able to join them

PNOY, P10

Office workers watch Miss Universe 2019 coronation night from a mobile phone at an establishment along E. Quirino Avenue in Davao City on Monday. Miss Philippines Gazini Ganados, who was the early favorite to win the crown, failed to reach the top 10 of the pageant. Lean Daval Jr

NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 195 • TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2019

3

Gazini gave Pinoys ‘pride and glory’ despite Miss U loss - Malacañang

E

ven if Gazini Ganados, the country’s Miss Universe 2019 bet, did not make it to the top 10, she gave the nation “pride and glory” by presenting the unique beauty and talent of the Filipina in a favorable light, Malacañang said on Monday.

The Palace lauded her performance in the pageant even if she failed to score a �ifth crown for the Philippines. Ganados made it to the top 20 of this year’s pageant.

South Africa’s Zozibini Tunzi won the 2019 Miss Universe. The South African stunner was crowned by last year’s winner, Catriona Gray of the Philippines.

“The Palace lauds Miss Philippines Gazini Ganados for representing our country well in the Miss Universe pageant in Atlanta, Georgia, USA,” presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said.

“Ms. Ganados has given pride and glory to the Filipino nation by showcasing the unique beauty and talent of the Filipina.”

The 23-year-old’s “experience in joining the prestigious beauty pageant should add further to her development as a beauty queen,” Panelo noted.

“We wish her all the best in her future endeavors,” the Palace of�icial said.

Kids, teachers caught in cross fire get psychosocial interventions

Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (DCCCII) incoming president John Carlo Tria shares his thoughts on the plan lifting of Martial Law in Mindanao during the Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Davao on Monday. Lean Daval Jr

DavOcc town boosts disaster info campaign

A

fter a series of earthquakes jolted Jose Abad Santos town in Davao Occidental, the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Of�ice (MDRRMO) has strengthened its information dissemination drive to raise preparedness among residents and mitigate the impact of calamities.

Jose Abad Santos MDRRMO chief Roger Deloy told Philippine News Agency on Saturday that the

ongoing information drive is focused on barangays and schools.

On Thursday night (De-

PNP places all units on alert ahead of CPP anniversary

T

he Philippine National Police (PNP) has directed all police units across the country to be on alert and vigilant as the founding anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) draws near, the PNP spokesman said on Monday.

The communist group has been known to initiative atrocities during the celebration of the CPP’s anniversary, Police Brigadier General Bernard Banac said in a press conference.

“Well, traditionally, over the past decades and years, ang Communist Party of the Philippines and the New People’s Army ay naglulunsad ng mga bagong pagatake laban sa pwersa ng pamahalaan sa tuwing sumasapit ang kanilang founding anniversary,” Banac noted.

“Itong mga ganitong petsa ay binabantayan din ng PNP at tayo ay may direktiba na sa lahat ng po-

lice units natin ang kanilang pagtataas ng alert level nang sa gayon ay ‘di malusutan o maaatake ang police stations,” he added.

On December 26, the communist group is celebrating its founding anniversary. The National Capital Region Police Of�ice acting director Police Brigadier General Debold Sinas has ensured that Metro Manila cops would be on alert on that date.

He said security forces are still discussing whether the government should declare a Christmas truce with the communist rebels.

“Sa ngayon, patuloy pa ring pinaguusapan ‘yan sa security cluster at tayo naman ay nakaantabay lamang kung ano ang magiging pahayag,” Banac said.

Peace talks The PNP supports the possible resumption of peace negotiations between the government and

PNP, P10

cember 5), a 5.6-magnitude earthquake struck the town based on the report of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).

The tectonic tremor occurred at 8:24 p.m. some 49 kilometers southeast of Jose Abad Santos town. It had a depth of 54 kilometers.

“With the latest earthquake, we are just thankful that no damages occurred in the municipality,” Deloy said.

As part of the prepared-

ness measures, he said evacuation signage have been placed in various barangays.

“Since we are facing the Paci�ic Ocean, we really have to be alert especially for possible tsunamis. That is why we placed signage pointing to higher grounds for the people to follow,” he said.

Deloy also urged the public not to panic and refrain from believing in unveri�ied information in social media. (PNA)

T

he municipality of Sto. Tomas, Davao del Norte has conducted psychosocial interventions to parents, teachers and students of the Magwawa Integrated School in Sto. Tomas, Davao del Norte who were caught in a cross �ire between government troops and New People’s Army (NPA) rebels last Thursday.

Lawyer Elisa Lapiña, municipal administrator of Sto. Tomas, led the psychosocial activities held on Friday.

"In an armed con�lict situation, the teachers and students are greatly affected in various ways and consequently require different kinds of support.

That’s why we are here in the community to give the necessary intervention they needed,” Lapiña said in a statement.

Mart Sambalud, Sto. Tomas Municipal Information Of�icer, said the exchange of gun�ire in nearby Barangay Colosas here was heard by residents of Barangay Magwawa, especially those at the Magwawa Integrated School.

“The �ire�ight lasted

about 10 minutes and it has caused disruption of classes in a nearby public elementary school,” Sambalud told the Philippine News Agency in an interview on Saturday.

The distance between the villages of Colosas and Magwawa is about three kilometers.

“Magwawa Integrated School and the outskirts of Barangay Colosas where the clash happened were only divided by a river,” Sambalud said.

A number of traumatized school children and teachers were given respite through the psychosocial activities conducted by the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Of�ice (MSWDO) at Magwawa Integrated School, said Lapiña.

She said the purpose of the stress debrie�ing is “to help them process their traumatic experience.”

“This is something that is really needed since they are the frontliners and they were affected by the incident,” she said.

Personnel from MSWDO headed by Leilani Mae

KIDS, P10

Sam Abrenilla, former president of Davao Inventors Association, provides updates on the invention and innovation scene in Davao City during this week’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Davao on Monday. Lean Daval Jr

4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 195 • TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2019

Public advised to look for other fish as galunggong prices go up

A

Philippine Airlines will launch Davao City to Manado, Indonesia and Zamboanga to Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia routes on March 31, 2020. The new flight routes aim to boost economic ties between the nations. Lean Daval Jr

Oil prices slip as weak China overall exports highlights trade war impact

O

il prices fell on Monday after data showing China’s overall exports of goods and services shrank for a fourth straight month, sending shivers through a market already concerned about damage being down to global demand by the Sino-US trade war.

Brent futures were down 21 cents, or 0.3%, at $64.18 per barrel by 0220 GMT, after gaining about 3% last week on the news that OPEC and its allies would deepen output cuts.

West Texas Intermediate oil futures were down 28 cents, or 0.47% to $58.92 a barrel, having risen about 7% last week on the prospects for lower production from ‘OPEC+’, which is made up of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and associated producers including Russia.

Monday’s sudden

chill came after customs data released on Sunday showed exports from the world’s second-biggest economy in November fell 1.1% from a year earlier—a sharp reversal from expectations for a 1% rise in a Reuters poll.

The weak start to the week came despite data showing China’s crude imports jumped to a record, revealing just how deep jitters are embedded in the market over the US-China trade row that has stymied global growth and oil demand.

The sagging export data is “a casualty again of

the protracted trade war,” said Stephen Innes chief Asia market strategist at AxiTrader.

Washington and Beijing have been trying to agree on a trade deal that will end tit-for-tat tariffs, but talks have dragged on for months as they wrangle over key details.

Monday’s declines also went against signs on Friday that China was easing its stance on resolving its trade dispute with the United States, con�irming on Friday that it was waiving import tariffs for some soybean and pork shipments.

The price drops also put an end to a strong run in previous sessions fueled by hopes for the OPEC+ production curb deal.

On Friday, those producers agreed to deepen their output cuts from 1.2 million barrels per day (bpd) to 1.7 million bpd, representing about 1.7%

of global production.

“What made the announcement constructive ... was the fact that Saudi Arabia said it will produce around 400,000 bpd below its new quota level,” ING Economics said in a note.

“This would effectively take OPEC+ cuts to 2.1 million bpd,” ING said.

Still, US production has surged since the OPEC+ cuts were �irst introduced in 2017 in an attempt to drain a supply glut that had long weighed on prices.

American output has risen even as the drill count has fallen, re�lecting more ef�icient well extraction.

Energy services �irm Baker Hughes said in its closely watched weekly drilling report on Friday that the US drill count fell in the week to Dec. 6—a seventh week of decline.

Drilling companies cut �ive oil rigs, leaving a total of 661, the lowest since April 2017.

sions) kasi yung R.A. nanagki-create sa MWSS (Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System), yung board of trustees dapat ang nagse-set ng rate ng singil sa tubig, at the same time yung National Water Resource Board (NWRB) naman ang nagde-determine kung reasonable ang rate na itinakda ng BOT," Perete said.

Likewise, he pointed out that asking the government to pay for water �irms' "losses" arising from the failure to implement rate hikes is not right.

"Mayroon pang isang clause doon na tinatawag na 'indemni�ication,' ibig sabihin, halimbawa binabaan ang rate ng singil, o kapag hindi pinayagan na magtaas ng singilin yung concessionaires, e ang gobyerno yung magbaba-

yad sa kanila sa difference ng hindi siningil.

"Ang clause na yan ang naging basehan nung comment for arbitration that the government should pay P7.5B to the concessionaires," Perete added, poiting out that such clause is contrary to the provisions of the law.

President Rodrigo Duterte said last Thursday, “Hindi magbayad ng P7 billion... P— ina, leche kayo. Ipakain ko ‘yang pera sa kanila.” He made the remark days after the Singaporean tribunal's ruling on the Manila Water case against the government.

The MWSS' 1997 agreements with the water concessionaires prohibit any government interference in rate-setting and provide an indemnity clause in case of such interference.

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra, on the other hand, said the provisions were the reasons why the government was ordered by an arbitration court in Singapore to pay Manny Pangilinan-led Maynilad P3.6 billion and Ayala-owned Manila Water P7.4 billion as compensation for losses or damages.

The President maintained that the people behind the contracts should be held liable for economic sabotage.

“If you look at the law maybe mali ako but this is a classic case of economic plunder. Wala lang nakasilip nito,” Duterte said.

“Our country surrendered everything to Manila Water and Maynilad.

Everything. Including the sovereignty,” Duterte add-

Results of review on water deals sent to President Duterte - DOJ executive

T

he Department of Justice has already submitted to the of�ice of the President the result of its investigation into the agreement between the government and water concessionaires Manila Water, and Maynilad, a DOJ of�icial said Sunday.

DOJ spokesman Undersecretary Markk Perete said the �indings of their review on the agreements, and some recommendations formed part of the document they submitted to Malacañang for President Duterte's action.

Also, the DOJ was able to identify some of the provisions in the water deals that are disadvantageous to the government and the people, Perete said.

"Ang evaluation ng ating team doon ay hindi pwede yun (onerous provi-

RESULTS, P10

griculture Secretary William Dar on Sunday advised the public to look for other sources of protein from �ish as prices of galunggong, dubbed as the poor man’s �ish, have gone up.

In an interview, Dar said the public could substitute tilapia and bangus for galunggong, which are relatively cheaper but could also be a source of protein.

“Meron namang [ibang] mga sources ng protein, mas mura pa, ‘yung tilapya at bangus. The same protein ay mas marami pa rito kesa galunggong,” he said.

According to Dar, one kilo of tilapia costs P120 to P130, while a kilo of bangus is at P150.

“Ako mas gusto na bibili ng tilapya at bangus kesa galunggong. Wala namang problema ang tilapya basta maganda ‘yung areas where they are raising it,” he said.

At the Mega Q Mart on Thursday, not a single �ish stall was selling galunggong because its price had increased from P150 to P300 per kilo.

On Sunday morning,

only one vendor was selling galunggong at the Bulungan Fish Market in Parañaque City. The �ish was being sold at P240 to P260 per kilo.

Department of Agriculture spokesperson Assistant Secretary Noel Reyes said the price increase could be attributed to the closed �ishing season, where �ish have started to lay eggs and harvesting is no longer allowed.

“At the same time, mataas ang demand this Christmas season. Twice as much. Pangatlo, malamig ang karagatan. So ang mga isda, lumalayo. Therefore ‘pag lumalayo, hinahabol ng ating mga mangingisda.

Mas malaking gastos, logistics cost,” Reyes added.

The rising price of galunggong may already be the result of manipulation by unscrupulous traders, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources said on Friday.

To increase the supply, Dar said the government has already allowed the importation of 45,000 metric tons of galunggong.

Galunggong imports, he added, may come any time.

Arms sales worldwide up nearly 5% - SIPRI

A

rms sales rose by nearly 5 percent worldwide in 2018 in a market dominated by the United States, according to a new report published Monday by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).

The turnover of the 100 biggest arms manufacturers came to $420 billion, thanks in large part to the US market, said the report.

US manufacturers alone accounted for 59 percent of the market, or a turnover of $246 billion, up 7.2 percent on the previous year.

"This is a signi�icant increase over one year considering the already high levels of US combined arms sales," Aude Fleurant, the director of SIPRI's arms transfers and military expenditure program, said.

US �irms were bene�iting from the Trump administration's decision to modernize its armed services to reinforce its position against China and Russia.

Russia was second in the rankings for arms production, with 8.6 percent of the market, just ahead of the United Kingdom on 8.4 percent and France on 5.5 percent.

The study did not include China, for which there was insuf�icient data, but SIPRI's research estimated that there were between 3 and 7 Chinese businesses in the top 100 arms manufacturers.

Two major European companies, Airbus and MBDA were also responding to "demand due to on-

going armed con�licts and severe tensions in several regions", Fleurant added.

China has spent 1.9 percent of its gross domestic product on defense every year since 2013.

The top-ranked Russian �irm, Almaz-Antei, jumped to ninth on the list with turnover of $9.6 billion -- 18 percent up on the previous year.

"This increase was based not only on strong domestic demand, but also on continuing growth in arms sales to other countries, in particular exports of the S-400 air defense system," said the report.

One of the buyers of this system is NATO member Turkey, which took the deal despite a US threat of sanctions.

Turkey's arms industry had 2 businesses in the top 100 and turnover of $2.8 billion, up 22 percent on the previous year.

Turkey was "driven by the goal of being self-suf�icient in arms supply and therefore develop arms production capabilities in all segments (land systems, air systems, naval systems, missiles, etc.)," said Fleurant.

"Turkey is also involved with an enduring armed con�lict with the Kurds, which also tends to increase demand for arms," she added.

The world's largest arms maker remains the US �irm Lockheed Martin, as it has been since 2009, this last year with turnover of $47.3 billion.

Its sales alone account for 11 percent of the world market.

VOL.12 ISSUE 195 • TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2019

EDGEDAVAO

ECONOMY 5

P200-million solar power seen to boost seaweed production

A

PHP200 million solar-diesel hybrid power generation facility will be established in Tawi-Tawi next year, an of�icial said on Friday.

In a Facebook post on Friday, Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Secretary Emmanuel Piñol said the project is expected to boost the seaweed farming Industry in the island-towns of Sibutu, Sitangkai, and Panglima-Sugala.

“Started by my predecessor, the late MinDA Secretary Abul Khayr Alonto, the renewable energy in Tawi-Tawi for seaweeds value-adding will construct a solar-power generation facility with a back-up diesel generator to ensure reliable power supply for seaweeds drying and processing,” Piñol said.

He added that the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) is implementing

the project funded by the European Union through its Access to Sustainable Energy Programme (EUASEP), with counterpart funding from the provincial government of Tawi-Tawi and the Association of Islands Electric Cooperative through the local franchisee, Tawi-Tawi Electric Cooperative (TAWELCO).

Piñol added that MinDA, then headed by Alonto, initiated the project following requests made by the seaweed farmers of the province for a reliable source of power for the drying and processing of seaweeds.

“I presided over the meeting of the Project Steering Committee in the MinDA headquarters in Davao City to ensure that the project started by the late Secretary Alonto will be pursued,” he said.

Meanwhile, UNIDO Philippine Country Rep-

P200-MILLION, P10

SM Supermalls Mindanao Region assistant vice president for Marketing Russel Alaba, together with SM City Davao Marketing manager Pinky Hinong, promotes the upcoming SM City Malls and BDO’s Pamaskong

Handog 2019, a one-of-a-kind Christmas celebration to overseas Filipinos and their families, slated at the Annex on December 14. Lean Daval Jr

Offer loan window for farm T tourism, Landbank urged

By MAYA M. PADILLO he Davao Farm Tourism Association is asking Landbank of the Philippines to offer loan program for farm tourism which is seen to boost agricultural trends and provide additional income for farmers.

T

Citing that farm tourism will help farmers market their local products, Davao Farm Tourism Association President Val Turtur said the challenge for farmers is funding. Faced with �inancial constraint, farm tourism is progressing sluggardly in the region. Turtur cited that establishing farm tourism sites entail costs especially to the farmers.

“I asked the Landbank if they can offer a package because now there is no program for loan window for farm tourism. They (bank) say that they are still studying it (farm tourism) kasi it is still new to them,” Turtur said.

Although farm tourism started to take off slowly

Bicam members to sign reconciled 2020 budget bill today - Salceda

this year, there are factors seen to stall its successful implementation. He cited that most of the accredited farm tourism sites in the region lack parking space and reception area. He also said most of the farms accredited are owned by small farmers who cannot afford to allocate areas just for the parking.

“Ang akoa nakita na isa sa mga constraints is the parking area. For the parking area it requires maybe 200 square meters space and that space for small farms is sayang na because they can plant more vegetables in that space. As of now daghan na atong na accredit na mga farms for farm tourism and most-

ly those well-established farm resorts. For now if we do not provide parking area most likely the visitors will park on the road, which can cause traf�ic.

We already have visitors but if you are a visitor your number one concern is the parking area,” he said.

Another thing is the reception area and according to Turtur most of the farmers are hesitant to provide this because it entails costs for the construction of the said area. He said they are planning to discuss this with the Department of Tourism (DOT) for a minimal reception area not necessarily a full building requirement.

“Just similar to a makeshift na masilungan because the requirement is before you go to the farm you have to pass through the reception area for the orientation for the visitors to know the dos and don’ts,” he said.

Aside from the parking

and reception areas, another thing is the hospitality aspect on the side of the farmers. Turtur, who is also the president of the Cacao Industry Development Association of Mindanao (CIDAMI) said farmers should be taught how to entertain tourists as farm tourism involves both agriculture and entertaining guests.

Turtur said they will be working with DOT 11 on trainings of farmers with emphasis on hospitality.

“Farmers are shy especially if our visitors are from Manila or foreigners.

Dapat may kasamang training on hospitality aspect.

Also food preparation because visitors and tourists will also experience the food prepared by our local farmers. Medyo daghan pa ta himoonon that is why so far medyo naga-accredit pa lang. There are still a lot of things to do maong dili ka take off kay its really more on �inancial constraint,” he said.

this year, but the United States-China trade war has impacted supply chain activities.

While the country’s exports to China and the US continue to grow, he said demand for products which are exported to other countries and wherein the Philippines is part of the supply chain, is affected.

“So kahit naggo-grow tayo ng export (even we grow our exports) to US and China, on the overall, other products are affected. So this is tempered because some elements are affected by the trade war,”

he added.

Lopez said services exports, meanwhile, are mainly driven by information technology and business process management (IT-BPM), as well as creative industries such as graphic design, game development, and software development, which have been identi�ied as service winners.

Earnings from exports of goods and services reached USD95 billion last year, he said.

In 2020, Lopez sees the country’s exports of goods and services growing at higher 4 to 6 per-

cent.

“There is hope that there is settlement to this China-US (trade war) and there is base effect considering 2018 and 2019 somewhat slowed down.

Hopefully, we can go back on track in terms of growth rate,” he said.

Lopez said the electronics sector is expected to bounce back as some elements of its supply chain are affected by the trade war.

Affected are exports of sectors related to manufacturing, such as furniture, �ixture and petro-

DTI sees 2-4% rise in exports in 2019

T

he Department of Trade Industry (DTI) expects exports of goods and services to increase by 2 to 4 percent up to about USD99 billion this year, with services leading the growth.

“I think it’s now between 0 to 1 (percent growth); the way it appears, this is for goods only. Because services will still show about single-digit growth,” DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez told reporters over the weekend.

Lopez said they were hoping to hit 2-percent rise in exports of goods

DTI, P10

he reconciled version of the 2020 budget bill is almost ready and the Senate and House contingents on the bicameral conference committee are expected to sign it Tuesday, Albay Representative Joey Salceda said Monday.

“Ready na, nagkasundo na yung House and Senate.

Mga konting detalye na lang,” Salceda told reporters in an interview.

“Magpipirma kami sa bicam report. We will approve of the bicam report of the members of the bicam,” he said.

Members of the bicameral conference committee on the 2020 national budget will be meeting for one last time on Tuesday to prepare the reconciled version of the budget bill.

Senate �inance committee chair Sonny Angara has said that 90 to 95% of the disagreeing provisions in the two chamber’s respective versions of the bill have already been reconciled.

“Senator [Pan�ilo] Lacson’s proposals like placing some limits on administrative costs and having the possibility of greater local projects have also been adopted in some form in the budget general and special provisions,” he said.

Both Salceda and Senate President Vicente Sotto III are expecting they would be able to ratify the bicameral conference committee version of the budget bill on Tuesday or Wednesday.

Salceda is con�ident that they will be able to meet their deadline of submitting the enrolled budget bill to President Rodrigo Duterte by December 21.

“December 21 nasa desk na ng Pangulo,” he said.

The 2020 General Appropriations Act will provide for a P4.1 trillion national budget for operations of the government from January 1 to December 31 next year.

GSIS allots P3 billion for pensioners’ cash gift

C

hristmas would be sweeter for pensioners of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) as the state-run �irm announced the release of Christmas cash gifts worth ₱3.12 billion.

In a statement, GSIS said 324,348 old age and disability pensioners will be receiving their so-called Christmas bonus starting Sunday, December 15.

GSIS Chairman and Acting President Rolando Macasaet said the money will be credited to the e-cards of these members.

Retired government workers who received a Christmas cash gift higher than ₱10,000 last year will receive an amount equivalent to a month's worth of their current pension, capped at ₱12,600. Those

who got a lower amount in 2018 will receive a bonus up to a maximum of ₱10,000.

Active pensioners who are still alive as of November 30 are entitled to the bene�it. This covers suspended pensioners as well, provided that they reactivate with the GSIS before April 30, 2020.

Dependents of pensioners, as well as those receiving pro-rated and lumpsum pensions would not be eligible for the cash gift.

New retirees who started receiving monthly pensions from 2015 to 2019 are also not yet covered by the bene�it. They will be entitled to this �ive years after their retirement date, GSIS added.

Last Friday, the Social

GSIS, P10

6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

EDITORIAL

VOL.12 ISSUE 195 • TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2019

Eary silence System (MWSS) bene�ited from. As he was pissed by the verdict of Singapore-based Arbitration Court directing the government to compensate the MWSS concessionaires billions of pesos for alleged losses they incurred, President Duterte is not taking the situation sitting down. As he would always say, “not during my watch.”

What seems to be intriguing is the apparent silence of those who profess themselves to be the �ighters of the poor and oppressed, the priests and the religious, and those from the opposition who in their day to day lives profess that they are pro-poor. Where are they now?

This is exactly the time they put their foot forward and make some noise. This is the time they should take to the streets and protect against these oligarchs. This is the time, for the running priest to put his sneakers on. This is the right moment and the right message to take.

It appears, they do not have the appetite to �ight for the poor this time. Just because Duterte did something right.

For plain critics, nothing seems right.

There is a prevailing silence from the usual critics of the Duterte administration with regards to the stand of the President against two water concessionaires.

With the President came out smoking against the two giant water companies Manila Water and Maynilad, threatening fo charge them for economic sabotage over contracts that are too one-sided it puts the government in a very disadvantageous position, and the consumers--the poor Filipinos most especially-- at the mercy of these two and at the battered end of the deal.

It came down to President Duterte taking a close look at the contracts and the legal brain that he has told him enough is enough. President Duterte was simply miffed by how the rich companies took advantage of the concessions and enriching themselves out of the country’s natural resources which rightfully belongs to the state.

Some people from the past administration closed these deals and apparently some of�icials of the government’s water resources agency, the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage

EDGEDAVAO

Providing solutions to a seamless global village.

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE

the national association of newspapers

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

LEANDRO S. DAVAL JR. Photography

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

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 195 • TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2019

VANTAGE POINTS

7

JOHN CARLO B. TRIA MY TWO CENTS’

THOUGHTS ON MINDANAO’S ECONOMY IN 2020 I would like to share with you an article i shared on resurgent.ph on my views about the Mindanao economy, which rides on high growth and the exposure over the last three years under the Duterte administration.

Without a doubt, investor interest is higher than before and opportunities for growth are clear, and recent reforms promise even more growth It looks like 2020 will be a good year for Mindanao. How we take advantage of these opportunities will already be up to us and how well we work with

government to make these great things happen: 7% growth in Mindanao over the last two years and 8.6 % growth for Davao is a good thing. It has become a dynamo of growth for the country. The higher this growth soars, the more robust the nation`s growth will be.

This growth we should pursue and broaden if we are to reduce poverty and unemployment further and help lift more out of poverty. Moreover, sustaining this growth will matter if Mindanao will live up to its promise and continue being

the country`s major food source. A growing nation like ours will need more food.

In recent weeks we have heard the opinion of some in the police and military establishment making statements that Martial Law in Mindanao can already be lifted since major threats have been reduced.

Business sectors such as tourism will probably welcome this outcome. We can expect more trade, tourism and investment missions to visit Mindanao as a result.

This is why perhaps a lifting of martial law se-

lective or otherwise, is warranted depending on further assessment of the police and military.

Having seen our growth, i believe that tough implementation of the law is important if peace, development and high growth is to be maintained and sustained. It is the bedrock of stability in an island that holds much promise and where threats to such almost been the norm.

In peace and stability we �ind growth.

Moving forward, we all need to work together to further spread the oppor-

tunity of growth by promoting our tourist spots, encouraging new markets for our food and related products, growing our digital economy, manufacturing and technology sectors and promoting business ties.

This makes a stable healthy economy that can engage the world.

Congratulations to our athletes Allow me to take this opportunity to congratulate ll the Davaoeno athletes who participated in the recent SEA Games. Win or lose, you are all in our hearts and deserve our congratulations!

HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

THANK YOU Every morning, when I wake up, I immediately do the usual routine. Getting up and before doing anything, I pray. I thank the Lord for protecting me and my family while we were sleeping. I thank the Lord for giving me not only a good night sleep but also allowing me to wake up facing a new day.

I also thank the Lord for the things – good or bad – that will happen to me throughout the day. Of course, I thank the Lord for all the blessings – past and present – that He has bestowed – and will be bestowing in the future – upon me.

Thank you – these two words are easier to say but harder to utter. When was the last time you said words to someone?

“Saying ‘Thank you’ helps not only ourselves but also the people who hear it,” says Fr. Frank Mihalic of the Society of the Divine Word.

“If we thank people, they don’t forget it. And the next time around, they will be glad to be of help to us. They feel they owe us something.

Thanking people cheer them up; you can see their faces light up. It makes their work lighter. They go on doing the same old job, but somehow it seems interesting and easier.”

What is even inspiring is when someone higher

than you thanks for what you have done. Imagine bosses thanking employees, teachers thanking students, parents thanking children, managers thanking subordinates.

But why is it easier to thank strangers than those near to us? Why do we fail to thank our siblings, our co-employees, our classmates, our friends, and our relatives? Is it because they are familiar to us and they don’t need our thanks?

“God gave you a gift of 86,400 seconds today,” William Arthur Ward points out. “Have you used one to say, ‘Thank you?’” Just remember this thought from Israelore Ayivor: “A little ‘Thank you’ that you will say to someone for a ‘little favor’ shown to you is a key to unlock the doors that hide unseen ‘greater favors.’ Learn to say ‘thank you’ and why not?”

How do you say “thank you”? There are many reasons why we need to utter those two words. Several authors have penned on ways of saying “thank you.”

Allow me to share some from my collections. Here’s one from Hollow City by Ransom Riggs: “I wanted to thank you,” I said. She wrinkled her nose and squinted like I’d said something funny. “Thank me for what?” she said. “You

give me strength I didn’t know I had,” I said. “You make me better.”

Here’s another one – from Just Like Heaven by Julia Quinn: “Thank you,” she whispered, sending a quick prayer for his continued recovery. “You’re welcome,” Marcus murmured. Honoria let out a little shriek of surprise, jumping back nearly a foot. “Sorry,” he said, but he was laughing. It was quite the loveliest sound Honoria had ever heard. “I wasn’t thanking you,” she said pertly. “I know.” He smiled.

Don’t be selective when saying thanks to someone.

“No matter how big or small the service is, always express your thanks to the person who served you,” Mohith Agadi reminds.

It was Shard Vivek Sagar who wrote these words: “Remember, there are people who care for us: there are some who grow food for us, some who cook for us, some who take our trash out, some who keep us safe, some who call us late at night when it’s been a tough day and some who are right by our side the next morning when we are sick, some who smile at us, some who hold the door for us, some who compliment us, who back us, who pray for us. And, they can be friends and family and mentors and relatives and sometimes, in

fact, most of the times, even perfect strangers. Let’s be grateful to each one of them, let’s be grateful to all those around us.”

Gratefulness – that’s the word. Auliq Ice describes gratitude as “life-enhancing, happiness-inducing miracle drug that does, in fact, ruthlessly kill its enemies.”

“All happy people are grateful, and ungrateful people cannot be happy,” wrote Dennis Prager in Happiness is a Serious Problem: A Human Nature Repair Manual.

“Become grateful and you will become a much happier person.”

More often than not, ungrateful people are those who always complain. Perhaps they need to listen to the words of Liz Liaw: “Stop complaining about your life, the food you eat or the clothes you wear, the grade you got or your newest phone. Instead look at what you have and be grateful.

Compared to others on this earth, you are much more advantaged than them.”

In Wouldn’t Take Nothing for My Journey Now, award-winning American author Maya Angelou wrote: “Sister, there are people who went to sleep all over the world last night, poor and rich and white and black, but they will never wake again.

Sister, those who expected to rise did not, their beds

became their cooing boards, and their blankets became their winding sheets.

“And those dead folks would give anything, anything at all for just �ive minutes of this weather or ten minutes of that plowing that person was grumbling about. So watch yourself about complaining, Sister.

What you’re supposed to do when you don’t like a thing is change it. If you can’t change it, change the way you think about it. Don’t complain.”

Entitlement is the word used by experts to describe those people who they we owe something from them. If you don’t believe me, here’s a story shared by Fr. Mihalic: A nurse had been treating a young man who was wounded in an accident with daily morning dressings. The young man had to come along on crutches, the sore was so large and deep.

She treated the wound with care, cleaned away the green puss each and soon had the new skin growing along the edges.

After a whole month, the nurse told the young man: “Okay, now you won’t have to come back anymore. Your sore is healed.”

His answer was not “thank you” but these words: “What are you going to give me now for having come back every morning so faithfully?”

8 AGRITRENDS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 195 • TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2019

RICE: THE GRASS THAT SUSTAIN LIFE (LAST OF THREE PARTS)

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

A

lthough the Philippines is one of the world’s top importers of rice, it is also one of the top producers of rice.

As such, it has contributed to much of the methane released into the atmosphere.

“Rice is a plant that grows best in wet soil, with its roots �looded,” explains L. Hartwell Allen, an American soil scientist at the Crops Genetics and Environmental Research Unit in Gainesville, Florida. “But �looded rice crops emit substantial amounts of methane to the atmosphere.”

Studies show about 12% of the greenhouse gases now hovering over the atmosphere can be attributed to the increased volume of methane. The journal Science reported that atmospheric concentration of methane has more than doubled during the last 300 years and is increasing at annual rate of about one percent each year.

Scientists explain that long-term �looding of rice �ields cuts the soil off from atmospheric oxygen and causes anaerobic fermentation of organic matter in the soil. During the wet season, rice cannot hold the carbon in anaerobic conditions. The microbes in the soil convert the carbon into methane which is then released through the respiration of the rice plant or through diffusion of water.

Filipino rice farmers

can help reduce methane emissions released into the atmosphere by adopting controlled irrigation or alternate wetting and drying (AWD) technology, which the Laguna-based International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) has developed.

AWD is a technology that allows rice �ields to dry from a certain period before applying irrigation water. “This technology can actually save farmers almost one-third of irrigation water without sacri�icing yield,” IRRI explains. “It also saves farm inputs like oil, fuel, and labor being utilized on the operation of water pumps.”

Rice consumes a lot of water to grow. It takes about 3,000 liters of water to produce one kilogram of rice, previous IRRI studies found out.

In AWD technology, rice �ields are alternately �looded and dried. The number of days of non-�looded soil can vary from one day to more than 10 days, according to IRRI. It uses an “observation well” that is made of bamboo, plastic pipes, or any hollow indigenous material. Perforations are made in the lower half of the tube.

The AWD technique can be started a few days after transplanting (or with a 10-centimeters tall crop in direct seeding). When many weeds are present, AWD can be postponed for 2-3 weeks until weeds have

been suppressed by the ponded water.

Local fertilizer recommendations as for �looded rice can be used, the rice research institute says. Nitrogen fertilizer maybe applied preferably on the dry soil just before irrigation.

“A practical way to implement AWD technology is by monitoring the depth of the water table in the �ield using a simple perforated �ield water tube,” IRRI says.

“When the water level is 15 centimeters below the surface of the soil, it is time to �lood the soil to a depth of around 5 centimeters at the time of �lowering, from one week before to one week after. The water in the rice �ield is kept at �ive centimeters depth to avoid any water stress that would result in severe loss in rice grain yield.”

Studies conducted at IRRI have shown that AWD technology can reduce methane emissions by about 30% or even up to 70%, depending on water usage and management of rice stubble.

There are three products that come from growing rice: grain, husk and straw. Among these three products, the straw and husks are considered wastes. “In 2008, about 620 million tons of rice straw and about 125 million tons of husks were produced in Asia alone, and this quantity is increasing every year,” IRRI reports.

In most places, these wastes have no commercial value and are disposed of in various ways. “Around 60% of Asia’s rice straw is just burnt in the �ield,” says Dr. Craig Jamieson, who works with the IRRI and the World Agroforestry Center.

In the Philippines, a total of 10,680 gigatons (Gg) of rice straw are produced per year. “Much of this is burnt in open �ields or incorporated in the soil in wet condition during ploughing,” says a policy brief paper published by the Economy and Environment Program for Southeast Asia (EEPSEA).

In addition, burning rice straw is unhealthy -- not only to the environment but to people as well.

“Rice straw burning is also known to emit particulate matters and other chemicals such as dioxins and furans that have negative impact on human health,” the paper said.

A study headed by Cheryll C. Launio of the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) found out that early incorporation of both stubble and straw into the soil is “the most cost-effective way of disposing rice straw.” More importantly, it can help reduce GHG emissions.

Also involved with the study were Dr. Constancio Asis Jr., Rowena G. Manalili, and Evelyn F. Javier. The result of the study was published by the EEPSEA un-

der the report, “Economic Analysis of Rice Straw Management Alternatives and Understanding Farmers’ Choices.”

The study was done in the rice growing areas of Central Luzon, Western Visayas, Cagayan Valley, and Ilocos regions, where around 30% of farmers burnt their rice straw. The rest of farmers adopted any of the following practices: scattered it in their �ields, incorporated it into the soil during land preparation, or just left it in their threshing areas for incorporation in the next cropping season.

Based from the �iveyear study (from 2006 to 2010), it was found that incorporating stubble less than 30 days before crop establishment is responsible for the largest contribution of GHG emissions. But incorporation rice stubble more than 30 days before crop establishment and incorporating composted rice straw into the �ield “yielded the lowest cumulative levels of methane and nitrous oxide.”

However, “simply shifting from the baseline approach of late stubble incorporation and straw burning to early incorporation of both stubble and straw also gave good results and led to reduction in GHG emissions of around 80%. This was mainly due to reductions in methane emissions.”

The researchers’ conclusion: “Shifting from rice

straw burning to rice straw incorporation will not necessarily reduce global warming potential if straw is incorporated less than 30 days before cultivation, especially in �looded conditions.”

In terms of monetary bene�its, early incorporation of both stubble and rice straw into the soil more than 30 days before cultivation is more pro�itable.

“This option gave a net bene�it of P21 or around $0.50 per ton of carbon dioxide equivalent reduction,” the paper said.

The study also found that incorporating rice stubble more than one month before cultivation, and rapidly composting rice straw and applying it back to the �ield, was also a cost-effective option.

“Because this option signi�icantly mitigates greenhouse gas emissions while improving the soil condition, it is cost-effective despite the additional labor cost of piling and composting the rice straw,” the researchers said.

This is good news, indeed. As Dr. Drew Shindell, a climatologist at NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies in Columbia University in New York, told reporters: “If we control methane, which is viable, then we are likely to soften global warming more than one would have thought, so that’s a very positive outcome.”

Chomcuendee in the 2013 edition held Myanmar.

Winding up a distant second was defending champion Chomchuendee Chayanisa (4.10) while compatriot Chontincha Khabut (4.00) settled for bronze in Day 2 of track and �ield action at the 20,000-seat stadium.

The Dayton, Ohio native, whose father is a Filipino, emerged as the �irst Filipina pole vaulter in the SEAG history to bag a

gold and capped a Filipino sweep of the event also for the �irst time at the Games after Ernest John Obiena easily clinched the mint in the men’s side the previous day also in record fashion.

Former national athlete Edward Lasquete, who discovered Uy and watched her golden exploit near the pole vault area, pointed out that the Olympic-bound Obiena also broke a 24-year-old dry spell in the meet since

he himself won the gold medal in the 1995 SEA Games in Chiangmai, Thailand.

Uy’s triumph somehow softened the impact of the losses suffered earlier by Kristina Marie Knott in the century dash after topping the women’s 200-meter run last Saturday.

Vietnam’s Le Tu Chinh avenged her loss to the Knott in the 200, nipping her Fil-Am rival at the tape in retaining her 100-meter

title in 11.54 seconds to the latter’s 11.55. Singapore veteran Shanti Veronica Perreira (11.66) took the bronze.

The other PH entry, Zion Corrales Nelson, �inished last among the eight runners in 11.90 seconds.

“This (victory) is absolutely amazing and I’ve been enjoying the journey so far. The crowd was so nice and I was inspired by them” said Uy, who now trains full-time at Ken-

tucky League Athletics managed by Earl Bell, the bronze medalist in the pole vault at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.

With the gold safely tucked under her belt after clearing 4.25 meters, the winsome athlete set the bar at 4.35 meters but discontinued after two failed tries, then waved to the crowd in gratitude for their support.

She also hugged athletics head Philip Ella Juico,

who arrived just in time to witness Uy’s golden performance.

Mariano Masano pulled off a pleasant surprise, securing the silver in the men’s 1,500-meter run in 4:08.27 behind Vietnam’s Duong Van Thai, who ruled the event in 4:06.63.

Action resumes on Monday with Fil-Am Carter Lilly tipped to add the country’s �ifth mint in the men’s 800-meter run.

(PNA)

UY... FROM11

INdulge!

VOL.12 ISSUE 195 • TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2019

EDGEDAVAO

EVENT

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte giving his message to the guests.

ACACIA HOTEL:

Mr. Lucio Co - Chairman of Puregold Group of Companies.

SIMPLY HEARTFELT

Susan Co, Julia Sy Kee(Mother of Susan Co), Honeylet Avanceña and Lucio Co.

DAVAO CITY just magnified its hospitality sector with the recent opening of Acacia Hotel Davao at one of the city’s busiest spots.

The hotel opened its doors to the Davaoeños last November 22 and is now ready to offer its unique brand of hospitality through its “simply heartfelt” service. It boasts of 260 striking guestrooms that usher in a feeling of home, nine spacious event spaces for milestones, business meetings or social celebrations, Venado pool bar and Waling-waling café, menu of native delicacies and the Acacia fit and pool to

Ribbon Cutting - Leonardo Dayao, Johnny Ng, Lucio Co, Honeylet Avanceña,Susan Co, Art Boncato and Gatchi Gatchalian. promote wellness.

Acacia has always set its eyes on expansion and with Acacia Hotel Manila as a stronghold, Acacia Hotel Bacolod stands firm, achieving amazing feats, paved the way for the opening of Acacia Hotel Davao.

“Our tourism industry in the country has been flourishing in the last few years, with Davao City as one of the

favorite destinations. Filipinos that we are, we want to welcome our visitors with great hospitality which we promise to provide our guests in Acacia Hotel. Apart from the 260 guest rooms, it is capable to host functions and events from one to one thousand. It even has an amphitheater,” said Lucio Co, hotel owner and chairman of Puregold Group of Companies and who

The arrival of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte welcomed by Lucio Co and son Vincent Co with Senator Bong Go.

also led the ribbon-snipping.

There is no doubt that amazing customer service always win lifelong customers and this is what newly-inaugurated Acacia Hotel Davao promises to its guests.

According to Co, although, he is a sari-sari store owner and not a hotelier, he knows when one gets the best service and accommodation in a

hotel.

“Once again I remind you that I am not a hotelier but our Acacia lives and breathes Filipino values of hospitality, superb service and love of making guests happy,” Co said.

What is admirable with Acacia Hotel Davao is 99

MAYA ON THE BLOCK A4

EDGED

A2 INdulge!

ENTERTAINMENT

EVENT

SMART HOLIDAY SHOPPING TIPS AT SM

GOING over your shopping list can be a chore—especially when the holiday rush is imminent. There is no need to panic; instead, stay in a joyous mood and keep these tips in mind to help unleash the savvy shopper in you.

1. SHOP USING LOYALTY CARDS It is always fun to get a deal. Don’t miss out on exclusive offers and specials offered during the holiday season. A simple way to do score them is to with a loyalty card. Before you head out to shop, make sure your SM Advantage or SM Prestige Cars are in your wallet.

2. FOLLOW BRANDS ONLINE Decide which stores you will shop at this year. Be the first to know where the good stuff are by following your favorite brands in social media. SM Lanang Premier in social media @smlanangpremier regularly gives you tips on where to shop and where the great steals are.

3. SHOP WITH A FRIEND Not only is it more fun to shop with someone you love, it can be helpful too! If there are a few must-have items on your list, you can work together to find them.

Your friend can visit The SM Store electronics section for the video game you want while you are in the Toy Kingdom finding another item on your list. Fun and efficient! Reward yourself with BOGO drinks from the SM Lanang Premier Food Hall.

4. PLAN YOUR SHOPPING TRIP Beat the holiday rush by shopping early and smart. Decide which stores you will need to visit first then check out mall schedules. You can create a route based on that. SM Lanang Premier extends mall hours (until 12 midnight on December 13-14 and 20-23) especially on weekends so all the shopping sprees are more convenient.

5. USE ECO BAGS Do yourself and the environment a favor by using and reusing a big eco bag. This will make your shopping more organized. SM eco bags are available in many colors and sizes and are available in check out counters.

6. GIFT WITH MEANING Bring joy to your loved ones and your community by choosing gift items that give back. The SM Bears of Joy is a great gift to give for your beloved nieces and nephews. For only P200.00, a you can buy a pair of toy bears: one goes to the customer and the other is given as donation. All collected toy bears will be donated to chosen beneficiaries like public orphanages and child centers in the communities where SM is present.

7. DON’T FORGET TO STOP AND SELFIE Capture memories of your Christmas shopping sprints with a quick selfie or OOTD! SM Lanang Premier has colorful and bright corners that can serve as a great background. The mall’s giant Christmas tree is sparkling holiday portrait waiting to happen.

PAGUDPUD SURFER D SHORTBOARDING PROW THREE OF THE LA UNION THE third day of the La Union Pro 2019 opened with tricky conditions due to the incoming swell. Onshore conditions made the fourfoot waves challenging for our competitors in the Men’s Open Shortboard.

With forty-eight surfers set to compete for the championship, no time was wasted. The men got in the water for the first round. Pagudpud local Brent Carlo “Alot” Manegdeg posted the highest combined total of 9.05 points in the fifth heat.

“I didn’t think that I would make it past round one” Manegdeg shares. “The waves were huge, some reaching an 8-foot face and the current was so strong,” he adds.

Only riding three waves, Manegdeg’s first two waves were his highest-scoring ones—quickly pushing him to first place. “The true challenge in surfing tricky conditions is the ability to read the waves right,” Manegdeg said.

Surfing since he was nineyears-old, Manegdeg practised on the waves of Pagudpud with the help of watching surfing videos to improve his skills. “Messy and windy conditions are my favourite” he adds.

Growing up surfing Ilocos Norte’s ‘Heartbreak’, Manegdeg has been competing professionally in the Philippine Surfing Championship Tour (PSCT) since the first tour in 2017. He dreams of making it to the top 16 in the PSCT rankings.

“I’m looking forward to the next

rounds of the Men’s O going to be exciting, a to make it to the next Despite the compe due to unfavourable w tion, the continuatio Men’s Open Shortboa sion is bound to an ex action-packed day sh conditions improve.

Off the scenes of su competitions, organis the Philippine Surfin pionship Tour (PSCT days. A layday is a pe the competition is pu to unfavourable circu More than trying o the location, the PSC any chance they get t Union, if Monalisa Po big or windy, it’s Cari sure stoke.

Spending the rest of the morning and the whole afternoon in Carille, the team went home stoked and as happy as our finalists that moved on to the next round. Stay tuned for next week’s issue as we continue on the action for Day Four and Finals Day! Check out my Instagram (@ferinasantos) for all BTS sce during the competitio

EDAVAO

DISPLAYS WESS ON DAY N PRO 2019

Open. I’m sure it’s and I’ll do my best t round.” etition on hold wind condion of the ard Divixciting, hould the

urfing isers of ng ChamT) love layeriod where ut on hold due umstances. out new cuisine in CT team would grab to surf. While in La Point gets too ille for

enes on.

INdulge! A3

VOL.12 ISSUE 195 • TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2019

ENTERTAINMENT

“KADENANG GINTO” SHINES AS LATEST KAPAMILYA TELESERYE TO AIR IN MYANMAR KADENANG GINTO,” the country’s most-watched and talked about teleserye, has become the latest ABS-CBN teleserye to make waves via the Sky Net Channel in Myanmar, entrancing viewers with its explosive twists, feisty confrontations, and gripping story.

Retitled as “The Heiress,” the series airs from Monday to Thursday at 7 PM. “Kadengang Ginto”’s entry into Myanmar airwaves follows ABS-CBN’s string of successes in capturing more non-Filipino viewers in international markets this 2019 with the airing of “Pangako Sa’Yo” the Dominican Republic, “Halik” in Africa, “Forevermore” in

Thailand, “Asintado” in Kazakhstan, “Wildflower” in French islands in the Pacific and Indian oceans, and the upcoming co-production of ABS-CBN and Limon

Yapim of “Hanggang Saan” in Turkey.

Sky Net, which brought “Ngayong at Kailanman” to Myanmar earlier this year, also airs “The General’s

Daughter” from Friday to Sunday at 9PM. ABS-CBN’s content, popular for their heartfelt Filipino stories, are available across other territories through ABS-CBN International Distribution, recognized in the global arena as a reliable foreign content provider. It has been a premier source of high quality Filipino programming in over 50 territories all over the world and has sold over 50,000 hours of content worldwide. Living up to this recognition, ABS-CBN International Distribution commits to add to its first line-up of high-caliber programs and movies with cast and storylines that appeal to various cultures.

GLOBE AT HOME AND DISNEY MAKE CHRISTMAS MORE MAGICAL AND DELIGHTFUL

TO CELEBRATE the coming of the holiday season, Globe At Home delighted their Postpaid and Prepaid Customers with surprises featuring their partnership with DisneyLife.

Globe at Home recently made announcements on exciting promos for existing and new customers. All Globe at Home GoUnli and GoBig Postpaid customers automatically score 3 months access to DisneyLife. This can be activated through the Globe At Home App starting November 27 to December 15, 2019. Select customers - - as much as 40,000 - also get GMovies passes to catch Frozen 2 with family and friends.

Similarly, Globe At Home Prepaid customers score 3 months access to DisneyLife. All they have to do is load up their Home Prepaid WiFi with HomeSURF199 and up via the Globe At Home App starting December 1, 2019. Access activation can also be automatically done via the app.

“Christmas is the highlight of the year for most Filipinos.

And to make this season more enjoyable for our customers, we decided to provide them more opportunities to spend the holidays in the best way possible: with their families, whether at home while bingeing on their favorite movies or catching the latest family flick in cinemas”, shared Martha Sazon, SVP and Head of Broadband Business at Globe.

Make the best out of this year’s Christmas season with Globe At Home and Disney! Learn more via https://www. facebook.com/globeathome/.

A4 INdulge!

EVENT

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 195 • TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2019

MAYA ON THE BLOCK A1 percent of its partners are locals from the busboy to the resident manager.

“They will breathe life into Acacia Davao City. Iba ang culture at training ninyo dito sa Davao. The skills, the willingness to learn, the sense of malasakit and going the extra mile – our colleagues here in Davao City have exhibited these qualities in abundance,” Co added.

Genevieve “Bing” Burgos, A Festive Mindanaoan Dance Performance by Siningtala Dance Company. resident manager also delivered her message saying this ation, then it is little wonder Puregold Price Club Inc. vice milestone has made their why we continue to expand chair Susan Co, Honeylet team closer and created a our businesses here,” Co said. Avanceña, and Department strong bond that is ready to The inauguration was of Tourism (COT) Undersecshowcase their simply heartgraced by President Rodrigo retary Art Boncato, Davao felt service.

Duterte, who was the guest Tourism Association (DATA) “Davao is such an exciting of honor and a close friend president Gatchi Gatchalian, city and it is the right place to of Co. Other attendees were Cosco Prime Holdings Inc be. Acacia is thrilled to make it our new home,” said Burgos.

Co promised he will not stop investing in Davao City.

In fact this is not the first time he opened businesses here. The first of the eleven Puregold stores he opened was in Davao in 2015. He also opened an S&R store in 2013 along McArthur Highway.

“Our experience in doing business in Davao City has been delightful – no non-sense, zero red tape, and hassle-free. Complement that with a stable environment and stellar peace and order situPresident Rodrigo Roa Duterte with the Co Family.

A4 INdulge!

Deluxe King Bed Room. president Leonardo Dayao, and Johnny Ang of Kudos Trucking Corp.

The ceremony was followed by a Dragon and Lion Dance performance to bring luck to the property.

The affair was capped with

EDGEDAVAO DAVAO EDGE

a dinner prepared by Acacia Hotel Davao’s chefs via buffet and grazing table. The Muses Acoustic Band serenaded everyone followed by a colorful Mindanaoan tribal dance performance by the Siningtala Dance Company.

A4 INdulge!

Resident Manager Bing Burgos and DOT USEC. Arturo Boncato Jr. VOL.12 VOL.12 VOL.12 ISSUE ISSUE ISSUE 94 100 84 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, • SUNDAY-MONDAY, • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JULY JULY 19-20, 28-29, 5-6, 2019

UP AND LAUNDRY FURNITURE A2A1 ABOUTa silly method but for EJ and

VOL.12 ISSUE 195 • TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2019

ANNOUNCEMENT To whom it may concern: This is to inform that a Seawind Condominium unit by (Damosa Land) specifically Bldg. A, Unit 7L, purchased by Marielle Perlas under a Contract to Sell has been cancelled dated June 14, 2019 recorded in the notarial registry of Atty.

Roland A. Reyes as Doc No. 99, Page No. 21, Book No. 5, Series of 2019.

To whom it may concern: This is to inform that a Seawind Condominium unit by Damosa Land, specifically Building 4, Unit 7L, purchased Mary Clare Misoles under a Contract to Sell has been cancelled pursuant to Notice of Cancellation dated September 23, 2019, recorded in notarial registry of Atty.

Roland A. Reyes as document no. 456, page no. 21, book no. 7, series of 2019.

EDGEDAVAO 9

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

10

EDGEDAVAO

NEW NAME... FROM1 the last Saturday's plebiscite.

"We have nothing but gratitude to all who helped us in the campaign, to all local government of�icials, employees of the Provincial Government and everyone who helped us get the message of this renaming across, to the security sector, teachers and election of�icers who worked hard to give us a seamless plebiscite and most especially, to the people of Davao de Oro to whom this change is inspired," he said.

Uy said the 20 years as Compostela Valley Province gave them enduring lessons- of resilience, convergence, cooperation and

collective responsibility.

"Certainly, we will bring those ideals as Davao de Oro," he said.

Meanwhile, the Compostela Valley Police Provincial Police Of�ice (CVPPO) declared that the conduct of plebiscite was generally peaceful.

CVPPPO provincial director Col Joselito Loriza said there no major incidents in connection to the plebiscite even the start of the election period last November 7 up to the present day.

Loriza said the province only nabbed four people who violated the election gun ban implemented

by Comelec 11 in relation to the plebiscite.

mahala katong latundan ug ang ilang manok puro broiler. Ang ilang kanding gikan sa Turtle Island which is near Sabah,” said MinDA chairman and Secretary Emmanuel Piñol.

Piñol said they are taking advantage of these and in fact in January next year, he will be meeting with the trade delegation together with the suppliers from Mindanao and will scout what are the things need-

ed to be supplied in Kota Kinabalu.

“The Zambonaga-KK link will help Davao because we can now go to Kota Kinabalu via Zamboanga rather than going to Manila. Kung madayon ni siya sa March we already have a way to go to Kota Kinabalu and maybe on to Sawarak and we already have the Manado �light.

Magkaroon nata ug nindot na connectivity,” he said.

in visiting the tomb of their parents during the death anniversary of their father, slain Senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr., because he

is not okay.

The 59-year-old former President, however, disputed his sister and said he was just down with a �lu.

Security System — which provides pensions to private sector workers — announced the release of a

corresponding 13th month bene�it for 2.83 million Filipinos, cumulatively worth ₱12.71 billion.

leum, he said.

“And we can credit also in domestic demand that instead of export, these (products) are sold here because of that strong demand locally so somehow, there is that trade diversion effect. Since the question is the outlook for next year, then I think we can say positively that it can only be better. Of course,

that hinges on the better negotiation between the two major economies,” he added.

Lopez said the country’s total exports are on track to hit the USD122-billion goal by 2022.

The exports revenue goal was set under the Philippine Export Development Plan. (PNA)

PAL’S ZAMBO-KK... FROM2

PAL’S ZAMBO-KK... FROM2 GSIS... FROM5

DTI... FROM5

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE WITH ABSOLUTE SALE

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late YOLANDA SINGSON AMABLE who died inestate on May 24, 2018 at Southern Philippines Medical Center, Davao City, has been the subject of EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE WITH ABSOLUTE SALE executed among her heirs, per Doc. No.378; Page No.75; Book No.167, Series of 2019, of the NOTARY PUBLIC ATTY.SALVADOR M. BIJIS.

VOL.12 ISSUE 195 • TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2019

BARANGAY... FROM2

Plan 2017-2022, through its “unconditional and passionate service rendered to the community, despite the inherent limitations in resources, logistics, facilities, and remuneration.”

Under the order, the Yuletide Social Assistance Program of the barangay shall be charged against their respective available funds.

Those covered by the assistance package are the punong barangay, barangay secretary, barangay treasurer, barangay tanods, members of the Lupong Tagapamayapa, and other workers/personnel appointed, designated or engaged by the barangay.

The Department of the Interior and Local Gov-

ernment (DILG) and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) shall jointly issue the appropriate guidelines to effectively carry out and implement this order.

For the succeeding years, the DILG, in consultation with the DBM, shall study and propose measures for the provision of social assistance to quali�ied barangay of�icials and functionaries, as well as identify funding sources against which said social assistance may be charged.

The order was signed

by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea by the authority of the President on December 6 but a copy of the document was released on Monday. (PNA)

the communist group, Banac noted.

However, he emphasized that the police would continue to hunt for high-ranking communist leaders while waiting for an of�icial proclamation that the peace talks have resume.

“Sumusuporta ang Philippine National Police sa maaaring resumption ng peace talks. Pero hanggang hindi pa iyon ay opisyal na naidedeklara, ‘yun pong lahat ng personalities na may standing warrants of arrest at patuloy pa rin ang paghahanap natin sa kanila,”

Banac said.

Last week, President Rodrigo Duterte directed Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III to discuss peace talks with self-exiled communist leader Jose Maria Sison in The Netherlands.

The peace negotiation was halted in November 2017 after Duterte expressed his disappointment over the continuous atrocities of the communist rebels.

Duterte also directed security forces to put an end to the communist insurgency problem in the Philippines.

Rafol conducted critical incidence stress debrie�ing, play therapy and physical exercises to school chil-

dren.

Rafol said the play therapy was to help the victims release their fears. (PNA)

ed.

Thus, Duterte ordered the DOJ and the Of�ice of the Solicitor General to

draft and prepare new concession deals that are favorable to the government and the Filipino people.

resentative Tonilyn Lim reported that the bidding for the construction of the Solar-Diesel Hybrid Power Generation Project has been conducted and the winning bidder will be known before the end of the year.

“When completed, the RETS project will provide a steady and reliable supply of power, not only for the drying and processing of seaweeds but also to the households in the island municipalities,” Piñol said.

(PNA)

PNP... FROM3

KIDS... FROM3

RESULTS... FROM4

P200-MILLION... FROM5

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.

CAN’T... FROM11 enough for an ordinary Dabawenyo who dreamed of becoming the best in the region.

“Kung hunahunaon, 42 years na ang medal drought sa Philippines, correct me if i’m wrong, unya isa ko sa napili ug naapil sa line up para makahatag ug medal para sa country ug mabutang sa history, hastang lamia sa feeling,” he shared.

“Tanang kakapoy, downfalls, ug mga kulang sa tulog kay nawala tanan kay na-achieve namo ang usa sa amoang goal na mapildi ang Thailand which is dominant jud sa SeaGames,” he added.

How did they do it?

Saura answered: “Ginaingon namo sa amoang team kay kaya nato na sila, oo Thailand sila pero pangalan ra na, gahi sila pero same lang sila sa atoa na team gihapon.”

As they are set to make another history, Saura expressed his gratitude �irstly to the Lord for the blessings and opportunities.

“Siya jud ang rason kung asa ang Philippine Men’s National Volleyball Team karon,” the grateful Saura said.

Their counterpart, meanwhile, is also set to play against Indonesia but for the bronze medal.

biennial meet as he made it to the �inal line up in the minute.

"Medyo kulang jud akong preparation sir, kay tungod last minute naman ko nakuha gud, so bali one month ra jud,” the former BIMP-Eaga Friendship

Games gold medalist said.

He didn't even guarantee any medal.

But winning a bronze despite the unforgiving circumstances could already attest that he is international class now. By Adam B. Morrell

Case No. R11-EV-PJ-2019-11-1254 (2016-XI-01254) SERGIO D. DACAYO, Petitioner.

Case No. R11-EV-TX-2019-11-1072 (2016-XI-01072) ABE XYNDRY A. BATION, Petitioner.

SUN... FROM11

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 TAXI Service.

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

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

NOTICE OF HEARING

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: CABANTIAN 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 April 28, 2020. In the petition filed on November 28, 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 JANUARY 7, 2020 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 29th day of November 2019 at Davao City, Philippines.

Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of an AIRCONDITIONED TAXI service on the route: WIRHIN DAVAO CITY AND FROM SAID PLACE TO ANY POINT IN REGION XI with the use of ONE (1) unit, which Certificate will expire on December 31, 2019 In the petition filed on November 28, 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 JANUARY 7, 2020 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 29th day of November 2019 at Davao City, Philippines.

Atty. CATTLEYA B. ACAYLAR

Attorney IV/Acting Chief Transportation Development Officer

Petitioner, Sergio D. Dacayo Counsel, Atty. Napoleon F. Sango

Atty. CATTLEYA B. ACAYLAR

Attorney IV/Acting Chief Transportation Development Officer

Petitioner, Abe Xyndry A. Bation Counsel, Atty. Ernesto Raphael V. Robillo

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 195 • TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2019

11

THE 30TH SOUTHEAST ASIAN GAMES ROUNDUP

Can’t beat the feeling: Saura

By ADAM B. MORRELL

O

verwhelmed and relieved best describe the emotions of Dabawenyo spiker Francis Phillip Saura, middle blocker of Team Philippines, following the biggest upset in the 30th Southeast Asian Games men’s volleyball competitions on Sunday night at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

“Wala nay mas lami pa na feeling as an athlete na mapildi nimo ang four-time defending champion Thailand sa semi�inals,” the 23-

year old National University (NU) standout said.

The host country Philippines gallantly survived a �ive-set thriller to dethrone powerhouse Thailand, 1725, 25-20, 23-25, 27-25, 1715, in their semi�inal battle.

Like Saura, the Filipino crowd were also relieved as the team �inally made it to the �inals in a very long while. The host country is now guaranteed a silver and will play against Indonesia for the gold medal.

While the �inals is yet to

be settled, the SEA Games rookie Saura has already considered everything worth a gold medal.

“First time nako mag SEA Games pero mura napud kog nakadaog ug gold dayon,” the former Thompson Chirstian School of Davao City student said.

It has been more than 40 years since the Philippines won a medal in men’s volleyball in the biennial meet. And for Saura, to be part of history is more than

tion tough. Nevertheless, he kept a burning desire to make good in his debut deep inside.

On Monday morning, the sun �inally shone on Sonny. The doubts turned into celebration as Wagdos snagged the bronze medal in the gruelling men's 5,000-meter event held in New Clark City Sports Complex.

Wagdos, a former standout of the University

of Mindanao, crossed the �inish line at 14:34.73 to deliver the �irst medal for the country in Day 3 of athletics.

Wagdos checked in behind Kieran Tuntivate of Thailand (14:31.15), and Van Lai Nguyen of Vietnam (14:32.42), who bagged the gold and silver medals, respectively.

In an earlier talk with Wagdos, he shared he had lack of preparation for the

CAN’T, P10

Sun shines on Sonny

SEA Games late addition Sonny Wagdos of Davao City won the bronze medal in the men's 5,000-meter run.

H

e was the last addition to the Philippines' athletic delegation and for that, not much was expected from Dabawenyo long distance ace Sonny Wagdos.

In his �irst stint as a national team member, the 26-year old Philippine Air Force personnel simply downplayed his chances in the 30th Southeast Asian Games. He knows the stage is big and the competi-

SUN, P10

FRED C. LUMBA

Dabawenyo Francis Phillip Saura plays middle blocker for the Philippine men's volleyball team.

Uy eyes Olympics after SEAG gold

A

fter making golden debut in the 30th Southeast Asian Games, Nathalie Rose Uy said she would continue training and take a crack at qualifying for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.

“I believe I really have a chance of meeting,” the 25-year-old Uy said, referring to the Olympics’ cut-off height of 4.7 meters.

Uy ruled the women’s

pole in record-breaking style in front of an appreciative hometown crowd at the New Clark City Athletics Stadium here on Sunday night.

Cheered on by the predominantly Filipino gallery of 8,000, Uy cleared 4.25 meters to tie her own national mark while smashing the old SEAG record of 4.21 meters set by Thai Sukanya

UY, P8

SPORTS KEN

THEY DID IT! The men’s volleyball team is in the �inals for the �irst time.

I’m referring to the �ive-set struggle of the Philippine men’s volleyball team against reigning champion Thailand in the semi-�inals that ended positively in favor of the hosts in the 30th SEA Games.

To the delight of a jampacked crowd cheering boisterously at the PhilSports arena, the Filipinos squeezed through, like a camel going through the eye of a needle, with a 25-17, 20-25, 23-25, 25-23 and 17-15 victory.

The Thais were the defending titleholders. You know that when a non-seeded squad meets a titleholder, it is always an acceptable premise that the latter holds the

edge. Besides, they have held the crown for the last eleven editions of the biennial competition while the Filipinos had not won a medal since settling for a bronze in the 1991 contest also held in Manila.

Coming from a loss to Indonesia in the group stage going into the four team semis, the Philippines actually, as a tactical move, wanted to evade meeting the Thais had they beaten the Indons in the group stage.

So, fate had destined the locals to encounter a highly touted opponent, because on paper, the more experienced spikers from Thailand were the heavy favorites to retain the title.

How do you tell a story without being too impartial for your

compatriots who still needed to prove their worth by winning the much-coveted gold medal?

One has to see comparatively the performance of the Pinoy boys against Indonesia in the group stage to appreciate their talent in upsetting the defending titlists.

I saw a much different Philippine team that faced Thailand in the change-over semis than the squad that lost to Indonesia in the qualifying round.

Against a veteran platoon that has imposed its herculean prowess over the rest of the ASEAN teams for the last twenty years, the Filipinos (Bagunas, Espejo, Retamar, Malabunga, De Guzman, Lopez, et al) complemented their

offensive strategies with cohesive, cat quick defensive skills to turn back the Thai onslaught.

A see-sawing battle ensued where the small lead by either team was overhauled by the other.

I think the Thais were over-con�ident and self-destructed with this egotistic sense.

Honestly, as someone who had witnessed so many losing battles of the Filipinos in the SEAG against a perennial winner like Thailand, I had only given our boys a small glimmer of hope to upstage their tormentors.

Challenged by the make or break principle, the Pinoys appeared a lot more relaxed than tense, their collective efforts prevented their foes from stamping

their class over them.

I would inject that the homecourt principle must have worked to perfection. Throughout the long drawn out game, the raucous rants and cheers from adoring volleyball fans must have injected the energy the Pinoys very much needed.

Down by a point (14-15) with the Thais serving for match point in the �ifth and �inal set, the Filipinos recovered to tie and successfully served for the next two to clinch the set and the match.

A gold medal dangling around the necks of all the members of the men’s volleyball team is possible. ### (Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.) GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!

12 SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 195 • TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2019

ON A ROLL Participants of the 6th BMV Law Firm Invitational and 1st Montejo Cup Golf Tournament pose before teeing off at the Rancho Palos Verdes Golf and Country Club. (Photo by Roland Jumawan)

Lo, Briones lead winners in BM&V-Montejo Cup Invitational Golf Tournament

By NEILWIN JOSEPH BRAVO

R

oderick Lo won his second golf tournament in two weeks after taking the overall gross trophy in the 6th BM&V Law Firm-Montejo Cup Invitational golf tournament over the weekend.

Lo, who won last week's Davao Central School Batch 73 Golf Tournament title, asserted his mastery of the 7,039yard rolling layout at the Rancho Palos Verdes with a gross one under par 71.

It was a close win, however, as Lo had to go through the countback and win it with 5 birdies in his scorecard.

Addy Briones shared the limelight with Lo by taking the overall net crown also by countback with a 68 and 12 pars.

In the class championships, Oying Caturan reigned supreme in the Class A gross division with a one over par 73.

Emilio Pedro �inished �irst runner up in a 75 and Dennis Capa second runner up

in a 78. Andrew Bautista ran away with the Class A net plum with a 69 besting the identical 70s of �irst runner-up Robert Siason and Mark Villorente.

In Class B, Godfrey Cstinares won the gross title in a 85 besting host lawyer Ed Batacan who took the �irst runner-up honors via countback over second runner up Andy Fang with a identical 88s. Benjie Seninig took the net title in a 71 via countback (1 birdie, 5 pars)

over Amado Anonuevo. Ross Eric Veloso took second runner-up in a 72.

Moving over to Class C, it was councilor Dado Mahipus who bagged the gross trophy in a 78 while Mario Marimon edged Antonio Morta for �irst runnerup via countback after scoring identical 100s. Elindo Lo was Net winner with a 72 while Ogie Lim was �irst runner up in a 74 and Pitoy Palma Gil was second runnerup in a 75.