Edge Davao Volume 12 Issue 212 | Thursday, January 9, 2020

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VOL.12 ISSUE 212 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2020

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Citywide firearms ban order approved by PNP

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

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ocal authorities will be implementing gun ban within the city limits after the Philippine National Police (PNP) National Headquarters approved a request sought

by Mayor Sara Z. Duterte.

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his was con�irmed

by Davao City Police Of�ice (DCPO) spokesperson Capt.

Rosario Aguilar on Wednesday's AFP-PNP Press Corps Southern Mindanao brie�ing at The Royal Mandaya Hotel.

Aguilar said the order was approved by PNP of�icer-in-charge Lt. Gen. Archie Gamboa dated January 6 and was received by their of�ice on January 7.

As this developed, gun holders are now advised not to bring their

�irearms within the city.

Aguilar also clari�ied that those who will just pass by the city should �irst get an authority to transport from the Regional Civil Security Unit of Police Regional Of�ice (PRO) 11.

She said the approval is in line with the lifting of Martial Law in Mindanao last January 1.

This measure was sought by the City Government of Davao against those who have criminal or terroristic intention in the city.

A sales attendant of a shop selling religous items fixes her display of miniature replica of black-skinned, kneeling Jesus Christ along Bolton Street in Davao City on Wednesday in anticipation of the influx of buyers a day before the feast of the centuries-old Black Nazarene.

Lean Daval Jr

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 212 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2020

President Rodrigo Duterte presides over the Joint Armed Forces of the Philippines-Philippine National Police (AFP-PNP) Command Conference at the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday evening. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

Sara’s stand on peace talks with CPP-NPA gains support T

Foreign validators of Pujada Bay now in Mati

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oth the Davao Region Peace and Order Council (RPOC) and Davao Region Development Council (RDC) have expressed support to the stand of Mayor Sara Z. Duterte against the reopening of negotiations with the Communist Party of the PhilippinesNew People’s Army (CPP-NPA).

In a statement on Monday by the Regional Task Force–Ending Local Communist Armed Con�lict (RTF-ELCAC), Davao Oriental Governor Nelson Dayanghirang, RPOC chairperson, and Davao de Oro Governor Jayvee Tyrone Uy, RDC-11 chairperson, said they are proposing for a joint RPOC-RDC resolution expressing the stand of the two regional bodies against the re-opening of peace negotiations with the rebels.

Last December 23, Mayor Sara cautioned the government against reopening talks with the CPPNPA after a string of deadly attacks believed to have been perpetrated by the rebels.

Sara also asked the national government to exclude this city from the Christmas truce, which began on December 23 until January 7.

Dayanghirang said he believes that the peace negotiations with a rebel

group "already tagged as a terrorist organization would not be a favorable move for our government as they will only use this window as a means to strengthen their forces and gain their foothold amid the impending lifting of the cease�ire agreement".

He noted that during the past year, Davao Region has already made progress on peace and order, speci�ically the localized implementation of the President Rodrigo Duterte’s Executive Order 70 instituting a "whole-of-nation" approach in tackling the decades-old communist rebellion.

“As such, we could not afford our momentum to be halted and have all our efforts go down the drain,” he said.

RPOC reported that the RTF-ELCAC, formed through EO 70, brought out

programs and initiatives "that have resulted into declining mass base support to numerous rebel returnees from zero recruitment in most areas," and reduced number of violent incidents and attacks by the CPP-NPA. “We strongly believe on the President’s genuine intention to end the long-running Communist insurgency and we remain committed in our oath to continue to push for initiatives, reforms, and programs that will bene�it our Dabawenyo constituents and to foster true and lasting peace in this part of our country”, Dayanghirang said.

Dayanghirang and Uy also proposed that peace engagements be pursued and done at the local level with the local government units taking the lead in the localized peace process.

(PNA)

Drugs (ICAD).

The President also said Robredo has no right to lecture him when it comes to his way of handling the drug problem in the country.

“You know for all of these years, she has done nothing. She is a colossal blunder,” he said in an interview with Palace reporters on the sidelines of an event at Malacañan Palace. “You know, as a

lawyer, lecturing on me, well, she should revisit her record, I suggest.”

Duterte was forced to appoint Robredo on October 31 as co-chair of ICAD, after the Vice President claimed that his administration's drug war is "obviously not working."

Robredo was originally tasked to assume the role of ICAD co-chairperson until June 30, 2022 but was stripped of her role at

the anti-drug body following her supposed failure to present new measures in curbing the drug proliferation in the country.

Robredo, whose ICAD chairmanship only lasted 18 days, bared on Monday that the Duterte government barely made a dent in the drug menace despite a relentless war on the rampant narcotics trade.

PRRD to Robredo: You’ve done nothing as drug czar

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resident Rodrigo R. Duterte on Tuesday chided Vice President Leni Robredo for claiming that the current administration’s crackdown on illegal drugs is a “massive failure.”

Duterte turned the tables on Robredo, saying the latter failed to make an accomplishment during her brief stint as co-chairperson of the Inter-Agency Committee on Anti-Illegal

PRRD, P9

wo of�icials from the Most Beautiful Bays in the World Club have arrived in the City of Mati on Wednesday, for the validation of Pujada Bay’s inclusion in the prestigious list.

Most Beautiful Bays in the World Founder and Manager Bruno Bodard and Treasurer Guy Ettiene Rousset were welcomed by of�icials from the City of Mati and the Davao Oriental Provincial Government led by Mati Tourism Of�icer Dashiel Indelible Jr. The two foreign validators will visit several areas within the Pujada Bay in the next days before �lying back to their headquarter in Europe.

City of Mati Mayor Michelle Nakpil Rabat express hope that the application to include Pujada Bay in the list of Most Beautiful Bays in World would be approved as she thanked everyone for their cooperation and participation in the preparation for the validators’ visit.

Mayor Michelle said that Pujada Bay’s inclusion in the prestigious list would boost the tourism industry not just in the City of Mati but the province as well.

The inclusion of Pujada Bay in the Most Beautiful Bays in the World Club was initiated by the Provincial Government under Governor Nelson Dayanghirang.

The application unanimously got the nod of the members of the MBBW

Club during the 15th World Bays Congress in Toyama Prefecture, Japan, held last October 2019.

In 1994, the Pujada Bay Landscape and Seascape was declared as a protected area under the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) through Presidential Proclamation No. 431.

This was reinforced

by Republic Act 11038 or the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 2018 (E-NIPAS) approved by President Rodrigo Duterte.

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

Covering about 20,0887.43 hectares of protected landscapes and seascapes, Pujada Bay is bounded by the Guangguang Peninsula in the east and the Pujada Peninsula in the west.

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

Within the bay are islets and small islands – two of them the Pujada Island at the mouth of

FOREIGN, P9

VOL.12 ISSUE 212 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2020

NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

PH raises alert level 4 in Iraq T ito ay galing sa atin, normal procedure po 'yan, kakailanganin 'yong visa at ticket (Since the announcement of evacuation did not come from Iraq, it was from us, this would be a normal procedure, you would still need a visa and a ticket)," said Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Jomar Sadie on Wednesday.

"Sino po ang mag-sisecure ng exit visa kung employed? Ito ay employer.

Kung walang employer o biktima ng human traf�icking, makipag-ugnayan po kayo sa amin (Who will secure the exit visa if employed? The employer. If you don't have an employer or you're a victim of human traf�icking, contact us)," he added.

Sadie assured that the Philippine government would repatriate any Filipino who may be affected

or displaced by the ongoing crisis in the Middle East.

Meanwhile, he advised Filipinos in the area to remain vigilant, exercise caution and maintain situational awareness.

"Ngayon kasi ang status natin, ang marching order sa amin ay mandatory repatriation (Now our status, our marching order is mandatory repatriation)," he said.

According to of�icial count from the Embassy, there are around 1,190 documented and 450 undocumented Filipinos in Iraq.

Last Sunday, Sadie reported that "three rockets were �ired towards the green zone" while some Filipino workers at the US Embassy in Iraq reported that "one rocket landed near the United Nations compound".

The tensions in the region continue to escalate following the death of Qassem Soleimani, head of Iran's elite Quds military force, in a United States airstrike on January 3. (PNA)

option is now being looked into on the likelihood that many Filipino workers in the region might opt to go home.

"One of the suggestions that came out last night (Monday meeting with the Cabinet) was kung marami talaga ang gustong umuwi mag-lease, mag-hire tayo ng (if many Filipinos really want to go

home, let us lease or hire) cruise ship(s). 'Yung cruise ship na malalaki (The big cruises ships can accommodate about 3,500 to 4,000 people, so kung 'yun lang naman sa Iran, sa Iraq (if that is only in Iran and Iraq), (of which there are around 7,000 Filipinos), dalawang cruise ship lang yun (that will be only two cruise ships), provided that

he Philippine government has raised the crisis alert level in Iraq to 4 or mandatory evacuation, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) con�irmed Wednesday.

Iran has launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles against US military and coalition forces in Iraq, the Pentagon con�irmed Tuesday (Wednesday in Manila).

"As a result of the government's coordination meetings on the situation in the Middle East in the past few days, the Alert Level 4 in entire Iraq has been raised to Alert Level 4 calling for mandatory evacuation," DFA Assistant Secretary Eduardo Menez told reporters.

Since the mandatory evacuation was raised by the Philippines, Filipinos who will be leaving Iraq will undergo the normal procedure of getting their exit papers, according to the Philippine Embassy in Baghdad.

"Dahil wala pa sa Iraq,

Davao City Police Office (DCPO) spokesperson Captain Rosario Aguilar confirms during this week’s AFP-PNP Press Corps media forum at The Royal Mandaya Hotel Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio’s request of a gun ban inside the city was approved by the Philippine National Police (PNP) headquarters. Lean Daval Jr

PH eyes lease of cruise ships for Middle East evacuation Kidapawan to complete quake

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he Philippines is looking at the possibility of chartering two cruise ships to help in the possible repatriation of overseas Filipino workers in the Middle East, as tensions continue to escalate between the United States and Iran.

Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Del�in Lorenzana said this

European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) Southern Mindanao Business Council chair Antonio Peralta bares during this week’s Wednesdays @ Habi at Kape at Abreeza mall that Cabotage Law, which need to be reviewed to make businesses in Mindanao efficient

these Filipinos would like to come home," he said in an interview with reporters Tuesday.

Another option, being looked into is having these Filipinos evacuated in a peaceful area like Saudi Arabia or Oman and they will be eventually brought home from there.

"One of the problems

PH EYES, P9

and competitive, will be discussed during the upcoming Business Conference on Logistics in the Visayas and Mindanao slated on January 31, 2020 at Regus at the 6th floor of Felcris Centrale. Lean Daval Jr

assessment report by Jan. 10

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he city government is set to complete its post-disaster needs assessment (PDNA) after the series of above-Magnitude 6 earthquakes that hit the city between October 16 and December 15 last year, acting city information of�icer Attorney Jose Paolo Evangelista, said.

Evangelista said the Of�ice of Civil Defense (OCD) of the Department of National Defense spearheaded the �ive-day collation of data and writeshop, a process aimed at bringing together a range of stakeholders to come up with the city’s quake assessment report.

The of�ices involved in the �ive-day writeshop included the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (CDRRMO), City Social Welfare and Development Of�ice (CSWDO), City Health Of�ice (CHO), Of�ice of the Building Of�icial (OBO), Of�ice of the City Engineer (OCE), Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), City Motor Pool, City Veterinarian Of�ice, City Tourism Of�ice (CTO), and quasi-government and private institutions, like the Metro Kidapawan Water District (MKWD) and the Cotabato Electric Cooperative (Cotelco).

The collation of data

is set to be completed on January 10, according to Evangelista.

“We will come up with a comprehensive framework for post-disaster recovery. This is a longterm approach for the rehabilitation of the human factor and livelihood,” he said.

The OCD, according to Evangelista, will collate the PDNA of quake-hit towns in North Cotabato, for submission to the Of�ice of the President in Malacanang not later than February 14, 2020.

While long-term projects have yet to be implemented, this will not prevent the city from pursuing its immediate plans, including the relocation of those families whose houses were destroyed by earthquakes.

Evangelista said the National Housing Authority (NHA) has allotted some P400 million for the construction of some 1,700 housing units in Barangays Ilomavis, Balabag, Perez, and Indangan.

At least 6,091 houses were affected during the quakes, based on the terminal report of the CDRRMO as released on December 16, 2019.

Of the number, 5,218 were partially damaged and 893 totally damaged.

A Magnitude 6.3 quake struck this city and neighboring areas on October 16, Magnitudes 6.6 and 6.1 on October 29, Magnitude 6.5 on October 31 and Magnitude 6.9 on December 15. (Malu Cadelina-Manar / MindaNews)

4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 212 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2020

DTI: No price increase in commodities until Feb.

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The Confederation of Sugar Producers (Confed) urges the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) to resolve the issue of sugar prices as they are mandated without

killing the local sugar industry and reiterates its position that importation is not the answer to reported high cost of domestic sugar. Lean Daval Jr

Increasing prices of oil, fertilizer in Mindanao seen

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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he escalating tension between the United States and Iran following the assassination of Iran’s Quds Force Commander Qassem Soleimani is expected to have an immediate effect to Mindanao particularly on the pricing of oil and other oil-based products like fertilizer.

European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) Southern Mindanao Business Council chair Antonio S. Peralta told media that if the tension between the two countries will escalate the immediate major effect will be the price of oil.

Peralta cited that the

oil coming from oil producing countries in the Middle East passes through the Strait of Hormuz, which is a sea boundary between Iran and Iraq. Roughly 80 percent of oil that passes through Hormuz is headed to the rest of Asia.

“It only takes Iran to say ‘we will not allow any

vessels to go to the western world’ and because of that what happens then is you increase the prices of oil and everybody gets affected by that,” Peralta said.

Peralta foresees more expensive cost for oilbased products such as fertilizer. He said it will impact agricultural commodities in Mindanao as fertilizer will become more expensive as well as other industries that are dependent on oil.

“Right now I am sure a number of planners in the government and the private sector are running at econometric model to see ano ang impact niyan. They

are now looking at the impact as it would also affect their businesses. Looking at the pricing of oil for instance, before that attacks we were looking at oil features at 70 dollars per barrel. I dread to think now that it would remain at that level,” he said.

Peralta is optimistic that the Philippine government maintains a very good position as it has no dif�icult situation with Iran and the US. A war between the two countries is feared to erupt after Iran sent ballistic missile attacks on Iraqi bases hosting American forces yesterday (January 8).

"Screens have become lifestyle products," said JH Han, president of Samsung's visual display business.

"It has never been so clear that the role of the screen is changing right before our very eyes."

The newer sets go beyond the current 4K or ultra-high de�inition displays -- already an upgrade from the �irst generation of �lat panels -- to 8K, with more pixels for the massive screens now becoming popular.

Rich 8K de�inition is meant to woo owners of huge �lat screens, by packing more color to �ill larger viewing areas.

Networks and content creators alike are beginning to come together to cater to viewers with such screens.

Samsung, for example, is working with YouTube and other partners to stream 8K content directly to its most expensive TVs, according to Joe Stinzia-

no, Samsung Electronics America executive vice president.

He predicted 2020 would be a "tipping point" for 8K going mainstream.

Skyworth, a well-established TV maker in China, unveiled premium television models meant to break into the US and European markets.

"Only when the whole industry works together can it realize the full value of 8K to users," said Skyworth TV chief executive Tony Wang.

"The entire 8K industry chain is reaching its full development and now is the best time to launch an 8K screen, when users can fully bene�it from it."

Skyworth's new 75inch Q91 with 8K graphics will be priced at $5,999 in the United States.

PLAYING THE GAME To stay in the race, televisions are also adapting to connected lifestyles by integrating voice assistants from Amazon, Goo-

gle or Apple, and offering functionalities adapted to streaming platforms and video gaming.

The latest models presented at CES included advanced technical characteristics in terms of graphics and sound capabilities to satisfy gamers eager for greater immersion.

"A unique growth engine for our business has been gaming monitors," Stinziano of Samsung said.

Millennials see a television as a tool to help them win video games, according to TCL executives who showed off an enhanced line-up boasting features aimed at players.

That said, demand for �lat panel displays fell short of expectations last year in the consumer market due in part to trade tensions between China and the United States as well as a slowing global economy, according to IHS Markit.

But it forecast "robust growth" of �lat panel dis-

TV makers woo internet gen with super-high-def models

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igger, more beautiful and better connected: At the Consumer Electronics Show, which kicked off Tuesday in Las Vegas, TV makers �launted top-notch models meant to lure a generation weaned on the internet.

LG, Samsung, Sony and others touted the visual grandeur of new 8K super-high-de�inition screens, which are suited for TVs larger than 65 inches in diameter, a fast growing segment of the market.

The luxury sets are meant to appeal to millennials and Generation Z with features such as video streaming services, plus smart home and video games capabilities.

Samsung's Sero TV, for example, pivots from landscape to portrait modes, the same way a smartphone or tablet lets a viewer �lip a screen while watching a YouTube video, eliminating the black bands on the side.

TV MAKERS, P9

here will be no increase in the prices of basic and prime commodities, but only until February, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) assured consumers on Tuesday.

According to a 24 Oras report by Lei Alviz, the price hike requests of some manufacturers of milk, laundry detergent, canned meat, and condiments were denied by the DTI. The manufacturers sought an increase of 50 centavos to P2.

“Raw materials din talaga e, kasi imported gamit nila, especially for the soap. Pati ‘yung canned meat, imported din. ‘Di na raw talaga nila mapigilan ‘yung pagtaas. Merong mga justi�ied requests,

merong hindi justi�ied ang request, so pinag-aaralan natin mabuti,” Trade Undersecretary Ruth Castelo said.

“The consumers can expect na walang movement muna tayo from now until siguro matapos ang January or hanggang February, para hindi rin sumabay sa increases ng fuel, kuryente, para makapahinga sila at least sa pagkain, food products,” she added.

Philippine Amalgamated Supermarkets Association president Steven Cua said the demand for goods usually declines in January.

“Belt-tightening this January.

Psychological, nagho-hold on to their budget sa mga pami-pamilya,” he explained.

Asian shares slump; gold, oil soar after Iran strike on US forces

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sian shares and US treasury yields plunged on Wednesday, while gold and oil shot higher after Iran �ired rockets at an Iraqi airbase that hosts US military forces, stoking fears of further sharp escalations in a developing con�lict.

Iran's missile attacks on the Ain Al-Asad air base and another in Erbil, Iraq, early Wednesday came hours after the funeral of an Iranian commander whose killing in a US drone strike has raised fears of a wider war in the Middle East.

In morning trade, MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Paci�ic shares outside Japan shed 0.5 percent. Japan's Nikkei dropped 2.5 percent and Australian shares fell 1 percent.

US crude soared 4.42 percent to $65.47 a barrel.

"We've moved on from how Iran will respond to now anticipating the US 52-pronged response as

the US military forces in the region are in a heightened state of alert while likely preparing for war," said Stephen Innes, strategist at AxiTrader. "It's not going to be pretty today" The sharp sell-off in risk assets was accompanied by steep drops in US Treasury yields as investors �locked to safety.

Benchmark 10-year Treasury notes yielded 1.7188 percent, down more than 10 basis points from a US close of 1.825 percent on Tuesday.

The two-year yield dropped to 1.4581 percent compared with a US close of 1.546 percent.

The dollar also plunged against the yen, with the Japanese currency touching its strongest point against the greenback since October. The US currency was last down 0.69 percent against the yen at 107.67.

The euro gained 0.1 percent on the day to $1.1161.

ASIAN, P9

DA sets higher 2020 rice production goal

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he Department of Agriculture (DA) is targeting to produce 19.6 million metric tons (MMT) of palay (unhusked rice) in 2020.

According to a statement on Tuesday, Agriculture Secretary William Dar said the projected palay harvest for this year would be 3 percent more than the estimated 2019 palay output of 19 MMT. Dar attributed the potential increase in output to the initial bene�its of the government’s Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) program.

“We aim to harvest 19.6 million metric tons of palay, net of damage due to adverse weather conditions,” Dar said.

“We expect that initial bene�its of interventions under the PHP10-billion RCEF program, particularly on inbred rice seeds

given free to farmers, will be realized during the dry and main season crops starting this year,” he added.

According to the DA-Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice), inbred certi�ied palay seeds produce an average of 4.54 MT/hectare (ha) as compared to farmers home-saved seeds’ yield of 3.50 MT/ha and traditional seeds’ yield of 2.13 MT/ha.

“Hence, with RCEF seed intervention, we would generate an incremental yield of at least one MMT, as we will provide farmers nationwide, tilling a total of one million hectares, free certi�ied palay seeds,” he said.

In October last year, the DA-PhilRice started distributing certi�ied palay seeds for the dry-season

DA, P9

VOL.12 ISSUE 212 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2020

ECONOMY 5

EDGEDAVAO

2019 full-year inflation settles within gov’t target

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Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (DCCCII) president John Carlo Tria gives his take during an interview on Wednesday the business outlook of Davao City for 2020, the effects of the lifting of Martial Law and the US-Iran conflict to the economy of Mindanao. Lean Daval Jr

he National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) is pleased with the news that the full-year in�lation for 2019 settled at 2.5 percent, which is well within the government target of 2.0 to 4.0 percent.

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported Tuesday the country’s headline in�lation for December 2019 further accelerated, as widely expected, to 2.5 percent.

This was mainly driven by the uptick in the prices of both food and non-food items due to the impact of typhoons and rising oil prices recorded during the month.

Rice prices posted softer de�lation (-6.8 percent from -8.3 percent in November 2019) while in�lation rose faster for �ish (7.4 percent from 2.5 percent in November 2019) and vegetables (8.2 percent from 1 percent in November 2019).

“The country ended last year with steady in�lation but the government must remain vigilant and proactive in managing the impact of potential sources of price pressures this year such as typhoons, continuing presence of African swine fever (ASF) in the country, and the heightened con�lict in the Middle East,” Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia said in a statement.

Pernia said the recovery and rehabilitation plans for the typhoon-affected areas must be immediately implemented and the production support programs for the affected farmers and �isherfolk must be fast-tracked.

“Over the medium to long-term, the agriculture, forestry, and �isheries sector must increasingly adopt climate and disaster-resilient technologies and best practices. Cli-

economy if shipping cost is being lowered down so that we will be able to ship more, create greater economic activity in our farms and businesses,” Peralta said.

Logistics is among important advocacies of ECCP. Peralta said at the end of the year, they will compile all the details and arrange a meeting with the appropriate government agencies such as the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) and other regulatory agencies.

“Because we cannot move to the next detail having the same said of laws,” he said.

Of�icials and representatives from the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) is also expected to participate in the said conference as they have very good understanding about the shipping situation in Mindanao.

2019, P9

Review of Cabotage Law to make businesses in Mindanao competitive

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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he European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) perceives the need to review the amended Cabotage Law to make businesses in Mindanao ef�icient and competitive.

On July 21, 2015, former President Benigno Aquino III signed Republic Act (RA) 10668 which amended the old Cabotage Law of the Philippines, with the intention of enhancing Philippine competitiveness in international trade and lowering the cost of shipping cargo to and from the Philippines.

ECCP Southern Mindanao Business Council Chairman Antonio Peralta told media the amended Cabotage Law has no impact to the businesses in Mindanao since it was amended �ive years ago.

“I am not saying that the amended Cabotage Law is a failure but we

have to look at it why there is not much impact.

Nag-amend ka nung 2015 at least look at the shipping cost in 2014 before that was amended. Was there meaningful change between 2014 and 2020?”

Peralta said.

Peralta cited shipping cost as challenges among businessmen wherein a large part of the cost is the price of oil. The other thing is the price of maintaining the operations because as ships need to provide capital expenditures for maintenance to make sure they are seaworthy and the cost of labor.

“These are the major cost-components that we are looking at. Ang

problema is pricing bakit walang improvement ang shipping industry. The hindrance of any businessmen has always been shipping cost. At yan lagi ang naririnig ko,” he said.

A review of the Cabotage Law, according to Peralta, should focus on the provisions that need further enhancement.

“A serious review of the Cabotage Law must be made to make our businesses much more ef�icient, competitive not only locally but for the rest of the world. Why? Because we also have the looming challenge of globalization.

The cost of shipping from the point of origin is very low unya diri sa atoa is very high, do you think we have a chance of really competing? I don’t think so,” he added.

The solution that Peralta sees is to open up this sector to competition by inviting foreign ships.

“Because the point of contention is this and I can speak from experience.

My foundation Freedom produces Nipa sugar and we have a very interesting discussion with a buyer in Sarawak. The thing that dawned on me is: how I am going to take this product to Sarawak? Then I have found out that I have to ship it out to Singapore then to Sarawak. There has to be more ef�icient way,” he said.

The shipping cost and the amended Cabotage Law will be among the focus of discussions for the upcoming Business Conference on Logistics in the Visayas and Mindanao slated on January 31, 2020at Regus at the 6th �loor of Felcris Centrale.

The conference, which aims to gather 50 to 70 participants, will also discuss the current problems in logistics and the opportunities for the traders in

Mindanao.

“We will also review what is going on as far as Cabotage Law in the Mindanao and Visayas economies. Why the shipping cost continue to be the same after all these years even with the amendments of the Cabotage Law. Are those amendments more or in favor of your companies or the general public?” Peralta said.

Shipping companies are expected to give their positions on Cabotage Law during the conference.

“I would also like to hear out from their side.

What seems to be the problem bakit hindi pa rin tayo ef�icient pagdating sa shipping. The purpose of the summit is to determine how far we have really gone. We have seen really the shipping industries such as freight forwarding companies would be a more vibrant

modities.

Sugar is a commodity that falls under basic needs in the section 3 (1) of the Price Act. The DTI, together with the SRA, under the Department of Agriculture (DA), can establish the proper retail price range and provide the buying public together with local food manufacturers affordable sugar prices.

“This avenue can perhaps provide the winwin solution sought after by government,” Confed spokesperson Raymond Montinola said in a statement on Tuesday.

He added they have issued then an invitation and are reiterating “for local food manufacturers to buy directly their sugar requirements from sugar districts and associations nearest their supply hubs to avail of the low farm gate prices and avoid middlemen to further minimize on cost.”

This was in reaction to the recent pronouncements of DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez, urging the SRA Board to allow food processors who sell to domestic markets to import sugar if “local sugar prices cannot match import prices for the

sweetener.”

Lopez earlier said food processors need to be able to purchase domestic re�ined sugar at PHP1,900 per bag, instead of the PHP2,500 or PHP3,000 they sometimes pay.

The SRA reported the mill gate price of re�ined sugar rose 3.47 percent year-on-year to PHP1,514 per 50-kilo bag in the �irst week of December, while retail prices ranged from PHP45 to PHP50 per kilo, were down from PHP54 to PHP62.

“Prices should be reduced at the retail market

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Group urges DTI to resolve local sugar prices woes

T

he Confederation of Sugar Producers (Confed) reiterated its position that importation is not the answer to reported high cost of domestic sugar.

Rather, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), along with the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA), should resolve the issue of sugar prices as they are mandated without killing the local sugar industry.

Confed said the DTI should utilize its mandate through the Price Act where they can provide price ceiling under section (3) (d), to all other basic necessities and prime com-

GROUP, P9

Public not to panic about global geopolitics development: Diokno angko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Benjamin Diokno urged the public not to panic about the impact of the ongoing geopolitical developments overseas on remittances and oil prices.

“Okay. What I can say is let’s not be alarmist here.

Let’s not be alarmist,” he told journalists at the sidelines of the Tuesday Club forum in Mandaluyong City.

Diokno said people were citing a surge in oil prices but for the government to make changes in their economic assump-

tions, oil prices, for one, need to hit USD90 per barrel.

He said Dubai crude oil prices to date are about USD60-70 per barrel.

Assumption of the inter-agency Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) for Dubai crude oil prices for this year is between USD55-70 per barrel.

Diokno also said remittances are not expected to be hit hard as a result of the geopolitical concerns in Iran and Iraq since most of the overseas Filipino

PUBLIC, P9

6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 212 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2020

EDITORIAL

Decongesting the metro

The proposed plan to build bus terminals for the two major points of entry/exit to Davao City will contribute greatly to easing traf�ic congestion.

Putting in place terminals for bus transport plying the North and South arteries is a timely solution to the city’s nagging traf�ic woes. At the same time, it also comes in anticipation of the implementation of the public bus transport system.

This indeed is the way to go. The proposal will ef�iciently decongest the areas in the city

EDGEDAVAO

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ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

MAYA M. PADILLO Senior Reporter

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

LEANDRO S. DAVAL JR. Photography

ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. CHRISTIAN JAY H. RAFAL DR. MAURO L. PUYOD CHA MONFORTE Layout/Cartoons Cartoonist 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

where the buses pass through and where they eventually converge at the Davao City Overland Transport Terminal.

The single terminal for all routes have been working for ages. However, the city’s transport landscape has vastly changed. There are more buses plying more routes and the numbers are increasing in a steady pace in the past years.

Left unabated, the traf�ic woes caused by this old one terminal system may just be too much to handle.

SOLANI D. MARATAS Finance

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

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 212 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2020

VANTAGE POINTS

7

ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA FAST BACKWARD

GOV. DUTERTE’S WATERWORKS DREAM As secretary of the Department of General Services, Gov. Vicente G. Duterte’s principal plan was to improve and extend the waterworks system of Davao City, enough to supply a burgeoning population by 1986.

He �irst conceived the idea while governor of Davao Province.

This was contained in the September 1966 report of the Overseas Technical Cooperation Agency of Japan which sent a survey team that year to study the water sources of the Davao Metropolitan Waterworks System (DMWS), now Davao City Waterworks District.

The survey team gathered data of the Sibulan and Davao River water systems from April 19 through April 30, 1966, and was composed of Shinichi Matsushita, Haruji Makita and Tsukasa Hirabayashi of Kubota Waterworks Construction, Ltd., Shoichi Inagaki of Overseas Technical Cooperation Agency, and Takayuki Tange of Nihon Suido Consultants Co., Ltd. The team visited the Provincial Capital on April 18 but failed to meet Gov. Paciano Bangoy. Instead, acting Gov. Cres-

cencio P. Lascuña and waterworks superintendent Vicente Franco welcomed the visitors.

The Japanese also met with vice mayor Manuel C. Sotto, city engineer Samuel Dumlao and �ire department chief Isidro L. Palacio. On May 1, the team showed the result of the study and survey to provincial of�icials.

The study team reported that by 1986, with the city having reached a projected population of 500,000, the daily maximum water supply requisite of 63,600 cubic meters. As it was, there was a shortage of supply even if the P45-million Sibulan Water System, started in 1958 and still undergoing construction, was completed.

The project delay was due to pipes and �ittings from Germany that did not comply with speci�ications.

The report also suggested that a separate construction program was “most urgently necessary” to meet the water demand. The Japanese concluded: “[W]e recommend construction of an independent system to take water from the

Davao River… which holds no advantage of geographical position, the construction work will be �inished within such a short period as two years. The greatest possible attention should be paid by everyone concerned to the actualization of this Davao River plan that would be the key to solve future water problems of the city.”

At the time, the DMWS, renamed as such in 1933, was getting its water supply from Malagos, roughly 28 kilometers from the city proper, had an elevation of over 370 meters, and covered a range of around 350 hectares.

Estimates placed the amount of water supplied by the source reached only 504,000 gallons per day and supplemented by �ive artesian wells. Still, the addon reached only 3,000 cubic meters daily.

The troubled state of the water supply was re�lective of Duterte’s ambition to provide the city with an ef�icient and reliable waterworks program. Given the status quo, water sourced from Malagos was good, but the supply produced by the wells had high iron content. Time-

worn six-inch pipelines used as distribution lines also reduced the �low of water to 370 gallons per day. Even if the waters from the two sources were mixed, the result was not �it for drinking.

Consequently, “most of the houses are equipped with water tanks, made of tin plates, which collect rainwater from roofs for drinking uses and such big consumers of water as factories, hotels, of�ices, etc. are pumping water from their own artesian wells.” During this time peddlers were already selling good water to consumer they sourced from Dumoy, Toril district.

To help address the water shortage, the National Waterworks Sewerage Authority (NWSA), based on the Japanese survey team report, also undertook several initiatives.

First, it obtained water from an eight-meter-high dam, completed in 1959, about 12 kilometers away from the mouth of Sibulan River. The source had a minimum discharge of 55,000 gallons per minute at the intake, producing satisfactory water.

Second, in Catalunan, a sedimentation basin constructed

in 1965 at an elevation of over 85 meters above sea level with a 1.3 million gallons in capacity.

This was linked to the Malagos pipeline but was sadly abandoned. Third, NWSA mapped out a water conveyance pipeline covering a distance of 35.7 kilometers from the Sibulan dam using an 18-inch diameter tube that passed through Catalunan to the city proper. About 19.7 kilometers of the undertaking had yet to be executed.

Fourth, in 1962 a pumping station was installed alongside the Talomo River near the Catalunan sedimentation basis; it had a pumping capacity of 1,000 gallons per minute but, sadly, it was left idle. And, �ifth, at Madapo Hills, a 350,000-gallon reservoir was built; it was situated on the northwest sector of the city.

To augment this, the NWSA had broached the plan to construct another tank with a capacity of 1,000,000 million gallons.

Overall, if the facilities were connected to Sibulan Water System, the expected volume of water conveyed to the city would be 7,300 gallons daily or 27,600 cubic meters per day.

HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

TO FORGIVE IS DIVINE “We don’t forgive people because they deserve it. We forgive them because they need it – because we need it.” – Jodi Picoult in The Tenth Circle *** “When you hold resentment toward another, you are bound to that person or condition by an emotional link that is stronger than steel. Forgiveness is the only way to dissolve that link and get free,” wrote American minister Catherine Ponder, who founded the Unity Church Worldwide.

I am not sure if Bob Hoover, a famous test pilot and frequent performer at air shows in the United States, heard of the statement but he surely lived up to it. In his book, How to Win Friends and In�luence People, author Dale Carnegie shared this story: “Bob Hoover was returning to his home in Los Angeles from an air show in San Diego.

As described in the magazine Flight Operations, at 300 feet in the air, both engines suddenly stopped. By deft manoeuvring, he managed to land the plane, but it was badly damaged although nobody was hurt.

“Hoover’s �irst act after the emergency landing was to inspect the aeroplane’s fuel. Just as he suspected, the World War II propeller plane he had been �lying had been fuelled with jet fuel rather than gasoline.

“Upon returning to the air-

port, he asked to see the mechanic who had serviced his aeroplane. The young man was sick with the agony of his mistake. Tears streamed down his face as Hoover approached. He had just caused the loss of a very expensive plane and could have caused the loss of three lives as well.

“You can imagine Hoover’s anger. One could anticipate the tongue-lashing that this proud and precise pilot would unleash for that carelessness.

But Hoover didn’t scold the mechanic; he didn’t even criticise him. Instead, he put his big arm around the man’s shoulder and said, ‘To show you I’m sure that you’ll never do this again, I want you to service my F-51 tomorrow.”

After reading this incident, I was reminded of the words of Robert Muller, an international civil servant with the United Nations. “To forgive,” he said, “is the highest, most beautiful form of love. In return, you will receive untold peace and happiness.”

Forgiveness and peace seem to go together – like cart and carriage. “Let us forgive each other,” urged Leo Tolstoy, a Russian writer who is regarded as one of the greatest authors of all time, “only then will we live in peace.”

Hollywood actor and rapper Will Smith agrees. “Throughout life will make you mad, disre-

spect you and treat you bad,” said the actor who had been nominated twice of Best Actor Oscar (2002’s Ali and 2007’s The Pursuit of Happyness). “Let God deal with the things they do, cause hate in your heart will consume you, too.”

It is only those who are weak who could never forgive the wrongdoings of other people. “Forgiveness,” said Mahatma Gandhi, “is the attribute of the strong.” And “true forgiveness,” said American television host Oprah Winfrey, “is when you can say, ‘Thank you for that experience.’”

If you have read the information about her posted in Wikipedia, you know she’s talking from experience. Born into poverty in rural Mississippi, she was molested by her cousin, uncle, and a family friend when she was nine years old. At 13, after suffering what she described as years of abuse, she ran away from home. When she was 14, she became pregnant but her son was born prematurely and he died shortly after birth. She reportedly “felt betrayed” by the family member who had sold the story of her son to the National Enquirer in 1990.

Looking back of these ordeals, she could say now, “Forgiveness is giving up the hope that the past could have been any different, it’s accepting the past for what it was, and using

this moment and this time to help yourself move forward.”

This must be the reason why she is so blessed. With a net worth of $800 million, Winfrey is believed to be the richest African American of the 20th century. In 2006, she was the highest paid TV entertainer in the United States, earning an estimated $260 million during the year.

Winfrey was able to forgive her family. Here’s another story on family forgiveness, which was written by a certain Robert C. Tuttle: In his night prayer, the six-year-old stopped before his brother’s name and said to his mother, “I don’t think I’ll ask God to bless Joe. He gave me an awful punch in the nose today.”

“But you’ve got to forgive your enemies,” the mother reminded him. “But,” countered the little boy, “that’s just the trouble: he’s NOT my enemy.

And that’s what I can’t forgive him.”

How true it is that it is harder to forgive one’s friends than one’s enemies. Or as Sir Francis Bacon once said, “We read that we ought to forgive our enemies; but we do not read that we ought to forgive our friends.”

A similar case happened in another family. The three children had gotten into a loud disagreement just before they went off to bed. They were aroused at two in the morning by a terrible thunderstorm.

Hearing an unusual noise from the bedroom, the mother went up to see what was going on. All the children were out of bed and hidden in the dark clothes closet. And from the inside, a little voice told her, “We’re all afraid, and we’re hidden here in the dark, forgiving each other.”

Perhaps one of the worse things a man or woman can do to himself or herself is not forgiving oneself. “To me, one of the saddest mistakes we make is a lack of forgiveness, especially to ourselves,” wrote Richard Carlson in his book, Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff at Work.

“We constantly remind ourselves or our �laws and previous mistakes,” Carlson continued.

“We anticipate future mistakes.

We’re highly critical of ourselves, frequently disappointed, and ruthless in our self-judgement. We badger and blame ourselves, and often we’re our own worst enemy.”

American moral and social philosopher Eric Hoffer said it well: “The remarkable thing is that we really love our neighbour as ourselves: we do unto others as we do unto ourselves.

We hate others when we hate ourselves. We are tolerant toward others when we tolerate ourselves. We forgive others when we forgive ourselves. We are prone to sacri�ice others when we are ready to sacri�ice ourselves.”

8

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 212 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2020

AGRITRENDS

GROWING RICE ORGANICALLY

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

(First of Two Parts) Rice is the staple food of Filipinos. In fact, studies show each person eats more than half a kilogram a day.

That’s about 214 kilograms of rice each year.

“If we did not have rice, our deepest comfort food, we would probably feel less Filipino,” observed the late food epicure Doreen Fernandez.

Most of the rice eaten by Filipinos are grown commercially – that is, loaded with synthetic pesticides and commercial fertilizer when they were raised in the �ields.

“Pesticides are like bombs being dropped in the food web creating enormous destruction,” said entomologist Dr. K.L. Heong when he was still connected with the Laguna-based International Rice Research Institute (IRRI).

Unknowingly, pesticides are killing more than just the pests.

“Some pesticides harm the living organisms other than the targeted pest,” pointed out the Davao-based Technical Assistance Center for the Development of Rural and Urban Poor.

“Some travel to the food

chain to bioaccumulate in higher organisms.”

Every year, more than 20,000 people die because of pesticides, the Geneva-based World Health Organization reports.

Half of the poisonings and three-quarters of the deaths occur in developing countries like the Philippines.

These days, however, as some Filipinos are getting health conscious, there are those who prefer eating organically-grown rice. In Mindanao, a few farmers are now raising this kind of rice.

Thanks to farmers who are practicing sustainable ecological agriculture (SEA), which “establishes high and lasting soil productivity and conserves or reestablishes a well-balanced environment.”

SEA tries to integrate three main goals: environmental health, economic pro�itability and social and economic equity. That’s according to the Cotabato Agriculture and Resources Research and Development Consortium (CARRDEC), whose main of�ice is based at the University of South-

ern Mindanao in Kabacan, North Cotabato.

“Sustainability rests on the principle that we must meet the needs of the present without comprising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs,” explains the 20-page CARRDEC Farm Primer, published in tandem with the M’lang-based Southern Christian College.

Accordingly, SEA help farmers select appropriate management practices based on the following principles: selection of species and varieties well suited to the site and locations on the farm; diversi�ication of crops, livestock, and cultural practices to enhance the biological and economic stability of the farm; management of the soil to enhance and protect soil quality; ef�icient and humane use of inputs; and consideration of farmer’s goals and lifestyle choices.

In application of these principles, the following basic practices are promoted: no burning of farm residues and other organic matter; no cutting of trees; no use of chemicals; and

no monocropping.

Organic farming is one of the initiatives of SEA. “Organic agriculture is a production system which avoids or largely excludes the use of synthetic compound fertilizers, growth regulators, and livestock feed additives,” the primer states.

As observed by SEA, organic agriculture relies on crop rotation, crop residues, animal manures, legumes, green manures, offfarm organic wastes, mechanical cultivation, mineral-bearing rocks and productivity and tilt to supply nutrients and control diseases, insects, weeds, and other pests.

On why organically-grown crops are better than those raised commercially, the primer points out: “The fear of pesticide residues in food is a common environmental concern.

Organically-grown food taste better and they are healthier and nutritious.”

By organically grown, it means grains, vegetables or fruits were raised without commercial fertilizer and synthetic pesti-

cides.

The farm primer shares eight steps in growing rice organically. The �irst step refers to seed preparation.

Only those seeds which have the following characteristics: yield adaptability, resistance to pests, and lodging.

Once identi�ied, the seeds are soaked for 24 hours and then set aside for 24-36 hours. The rate of sowing seeds is 20 to 40 kilograms per hectare.

But before planting, the �ield must be prepared thoroughly. The dikes are expanded to two meters wide for other crops and animal housing. The dikes are cleared when rice has grown its stanch. Grasses are not cut as they serve as temporary harborage for insects and other predators.

“Prepare the land thoroughly to incorporate weeds into the soil,” the primer advises. “Harrow and level the �ield for better water management.”

The third step refers to planting. “Pull 18-21 day-old seedlings and transplant them immediately,” the primer says. “Plant 1-2 seedlings per hill at 30 centimeters by 10 centimeters spacing. Replant missing hills 5 days after transplanting.”

Step 4 has three soil fertility management: green manuring, farm waste utilization, and fallowing.

In green manuring, it explains: “Broadcast leguminous crops one day before harvesting the rice. Allow the crop to grow and bear �lower and plow it under at this stage. Crop rotation with leguminous crops improves soil condition and fertility.”

Farm wastes denote rice straw, leaves, and animal waste, among others. All these can be turn into compost. The compost conditions the

soil and can be applied as follows: basal application during land preparation; �irst top dress at 10 days after transplanting and second top dress at 30 days after planting.

In fallowing, the primer gives this information: “Allow the �ield to rest to enhance soil fertility through nutrient recycling and accumulation of organic matter. In addition, allow weeds to grow for one month to one year. Plow them under during land preparation for the next rice crop.”

Step 5 has four ecological pest management practices. First is water management. In his book, Water: The International Crisis, Robin Clark reports that an average farmer needs 5,000 liters of water to produce one kilogram of rice. “Rice growing is a heavy consumer of water,” agrees the IRRI report, “Water: A Looming Crisis.”

The farm primer states: “Introduce water to 2-3 centimeters depth 7-9 days after transplanting.

Allow golden apple snail to eat the growing weeds.

With rice black bug infestation, drain the �ield three days before and three days after full moon.”

Second is introduction of ducks. “Herd ducks in the rice �ield 10 to 15 days after transplanting until booting stage,” the primer says.

“Maintain 10-15 centimeters water depth.

Ducks prey on insects and snails and serve as weeders.”

According to Department of Agriculture, raising ducks in rice �ields is one of the best strategies in increasing rice productivity as it reduces labor and inputs characterized by its devoid use of arti�icial fertilizers and chemicals.

GROWING RICE, P10

INdulge!

WHENEVER someone mentions “ramen”, most Filipinos would immediately recall packed fried noodles that are rehydrated in boiling water and flavoured with the ever-present soup packet.

Growing up in the 80’s and 90’s, that was the only ramen I recognised as well.

Then came Japanese anime and the rush of Japanese culture in the 90’s and 2000’s where Filipinos became more exposed to a wave of Japanese cuisine, music and fashion.

Part of the wave was the discovery of real Japanese ramen.

While the packaged ramen that we buy at the grocery is a form of comfort food for many, real Japanese ramen is a different experience altogether with its nuanced textures and flavours.

Fast forward to 2020 and Durianburg now has a handful of Japanese restaurants that specialise in ramen and my current favourite is the newlyopened K1 Ramen located along F. Torres Street.

K1 Ramen serves three ramen variants. White Ramen is a basic ramen with a

tonkotsu or pork bone-based soup, Black Ramen also comes with tonkotsu accented with with heady black garlic oil, and finally Red Ramen which uses the same rich tonkotsu base but spiced up with red chilies with three levels of heat. All ramen variants come with slices of K1’s signature chashu (braised pork belly) and ajisuke tamago (ramen egg).

K1 Ramen’s noodles are springy and firm, yet chewy to the bite. “Our noodles are homemade while our tonkotsu is made of high-quality ingredients for that perfect bowl of ramen,” shared K1 Ramen’s Caryl Lim. The meaty flavour of the tonkotsu soup shines through without it being too salty or too rich. The slices of

VOL.12 ISSUE 212 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2020

EDGEDAVAO FOOD

FINDING RAMEN HEAVEN AT K1

juicy and tender chashu and soft-boiled ramen egg complete the experience. “Our ramen comes complete with chashu and ajisuke tamago because we feel that a bowl of ramen is not complete with out the two,” added Caryl.

Aside from ramen, K1 ramen also serves Gyoza, Chahan (Japanese-style friend rice), Chashudon (rice bowl topped

with slices of chashu), Gyudon (rice bowl topped with slices of Australian beef), and Karagedon (rice bowl topped with crispy fried chicken thigh fillets). My personal favourite is K1 Ramen’s the Karage which are crispy and juicy, perfect when paired with a glass or two of Sapporo or Kirin beer.

While I have to admit that

nothing in Davao currently can beat the real deal ramen houses of Japan, K1 Ramen comes awfully close to giving Dabawenyo urbanites a more authentic ramen experience.

K1 Ramen is open daily from 11am to 2pm and 5pm to 10pm.

EDGED

A2 INdulge!

TRAVEL

UP AND ABOUT

RESORTS WORLD MANILA RECEIVES SPORTS TOURISM AWARD

Mr. Joee Guilas, the director for corporate communications of Resorts World Manila receives the award for Charity Event of the Year for RWM’s ‘Run With Me’ fun run which raised a total of 3.5 million pesos which were later granted to 6 partner charities. Joining him onstage is DOT Undersecretary Benito Bengzon Jr., PSTA Founder Charles Lim, and Primetime CEO Pauland Dumlao.

THE RUN WITH ME charity fun run of Resorts World Manila was recently awarded the Charity Event of the Year Award at the prestigious 3rd Philippine Sports Tourism Awards.

Resorts World Manila’s ‘Run with Me’ fun run is a celebrity-led charity that fosters camaraderie and sportsmanship among its participants all while raising funds for various charities. A good complement to other sporting events that focus on personal merits and recognition, the 2018 Run with Me fun run garnered almost 5,000 runners and collected a total of 3.5 million pesos which were distributed to 6 foundations namely the HERO Foundation, YESPinoy Foundation, ERDA Tech Foundation, Right Start Community Development Inc., EPCALM Adult Leukemia Foundation of the Philippines, and Empowering Brilliant Minds Foundation.

In receiving the award on behalf of Resort World Manila, Mr. Joee Guilas, the Director for corporate communications defined the award to be close to the hearts of everyone involved in the project. “We are honored to be recognized by the PSTA for this charity program and we shall continue to help our beneficiaries in every way we can.”

Organized by Selrahco PR and Primetime Plan Bravo, the Philippine Sports Tourism Awards, now in its 3rd year, sought to recognize and celebrate the movers and shakers of sports as a major pillar of Philippine tourism. Different institutions which were awarded the prestigious PSTA trophies varied from governments, private companies, venues, conventions, and more. A total of 14 awards were presented in the Grand Bar & Lounge of Resorts World Manila, Pasay City.

Other winners of PSTA 2018 were Sunrise Events, Inc. (Event Organizer of the Year – Private), City of Dumaguete (Event Organizer of the Year – Government), Subic Bay – Ironman (Event of the Year – International), Ceres – Negros FC (Sports Association of the Year), City of Davao (Destination Marketing of the Year – Ironman), Sunlife Financial (Event Sponsorship of the Year), Philippine Airlines (Airline of the Year), AA Philippines (MICE Event of the Year), Marco Polo Plaza Hotel (Hotel of the Year), Cebu Pacific – Juan for Fun (Adventure Event of the Year), Philippine Sports Commission/Philippine National Games (Event of the Year – Domestic), Panaad Park & Sports Complex, Bacolod City (Sports Venue of the Year) & Clark Freeport (Sports Destination of the Year).

PSTA winners and presenters.

SMART, SARANGANI LGU C FOR BLAAN LITERACY M

SMART COMMUNICATIONS, INC. (Smart) and the local government of Sarangani have teamed up to develop Gnarè Blaan, an interactive literacy app that utilizes technology to teach young learners about basic literacy, culture, and folklore of the Blaan tribe.

The mother tongue-based mobile innovation was recently launched on Google Play, making it the 10th app to be developed under the #LearnSmart education program of PLDT’s wireless services subsidiary.

Gnarè Blaan includes interactive alphabet and number exercises, educational games, and tribal dances, songs, and prayers. DepEd Sarangani’s IP Education Division (IPED), Sarangani Provinces’ Sulong Tribu Program, Provincial Tourism Council (PTC), University of Southeastern Philippines, and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) helped with content develop-

ment. ACLC College of General Santos, Skeptron Business Solutions, and the Brigada Group of

Companies helped improve and create the actual digital assets for the application, while Blaan IP

teachers, and othe contents Jenely Indigeno Calay IP performe of the mo ing a cer time for Peoples D Festival. students willing t interacti “IP lea how Gna in a lang to under

DAVAO

INdulge! A3

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ENTERTAINMENT

GMA NETWORK RULES TV RATINGS IN 2019

COLLABORATE MOBILE APP

, tribal council members, er experts validated the s. yn Callaga, a teacher of ous People (IP) from P School in Malapatan, ed a demo-teaching obile innovation durremonial launch held in the Munato Indigenous Day and 17th Munato She discovered that s are more curious and to learn when using the ive app. arners were amused with arè Blaan communicates guage that they are able rstand,” Callaga said,

BEEFED UP by its ratings dominance across day parts, media giant GMA Network successfully remained to be the viewers’ station of choice in Urban Luzon and Mega Manila throughout the year 2019.

January to December Nielsen TV Audience Measurement data (with December 22 to 31 based on overnights) showed that GMA recorded 35.5 percent total day people audience share, outscoring ABS-CBN’s 30.4 percent in Urban Luzon. The said viewer-rich area accounts for 72 percent of all urban viewers in the country.

Building the momentum in the morning slot with 28.1 percent, GMA won against rival network’s 25.8 percent. This continued in the afternoon slot with GMA’s 36.7 percent versus ABS’ 30.9 percent. GMA further toppled its competitor in the evening block with 37.7 percent while ABS-CBN only got 31.9 percent.

Likewise in Mega Manila, which accounts for 60 percent of all urban viewers in the country, the Kapuso Network posted 36.6 percent total day people audience share compared to ABS-CBN’s 28 percent based on official data from January to December 21.

Furthermore, in December 2019 alone, GMA posted 33.7 percent total day people audience share in Urban Luzon as against ABS-CBN’s 28 percent while GMA led by a bigger margin with 34.2 percent versus competition’s 26.4 percent in Mega Manila (with official data from December 1 to 21).

The award-winning magazine program Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (KMJS) cemented its position as the most-watched show nationwide in

2019. Similarly, KMJS reigned supreme in Urban Luzon’s list of overall top programs for the previous year.

More Kapuso shows also took the slots in the said 2019 top-rating list.

Joining KMJS were Onanay, Sahaya, 24 Oras, Kara Mia, Cain at Abel, Magpakailanman, Daddy’s Gurl, Pepito Manaloto, The Gift, TODA One I Love, The Clash, Beautiful Justice, StarStruck, Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko, One of the Baes, The Better Woman, and Love You Two. Meanwhile, the Kapuso channel ushers in the Network’s 70th year with a powerhouse line-up of all-new primetime offerings that viewers should watch out for beginning the first semester of 2020.

The TV adaptation of the hit 1984 movie ‘Anak ni Waray vs. Anak ni Biday’ starring Primetime Princess Barbie Forteza, Kate Valdez, Ms. Snooky Serna, and Ms. Dina Bonnevie kick-starts the Network’s roster of upcoming shows.

Next in line is the inspirational drama ‘Love Of My Life’ top-billed by

some of the Network’s brightest stars – Carla Abellana, Mikael Daez, and Rhian Ramos, together with Ms. Coney Reyes and highly-talented Kapuso actor Tom Rodriguez in a very special role.

Set to debut on Philippine TV this year is the much-awaited local adaptation of hit Korean series ‘Descendants of the Sun (DOTS),’ headlined by Kapuso Primetime King Dingdong Dantes and Ultimate Star Jennylyn Mercado. Joining them as well are Rocco Nacino and Jasmine CurtisSmith.

On the other hand, Sen. Bong Revilla, Jr. makes his TV comeback via the drama-fantasy program ‘Agimat ng Agila’. In this thrilling and actionpacked series, Sen. Bong takes viewers on vivid and whimsical adventures that will illuminate moral lessons and tackle societal issues.

Completing the Network’s Q1 primetime offerings is the highly anticipated team up of Primetime Queen Marian Rivera-Dantes and sought-after actor Gabby Concepcion in ‘First Yaya’.

MOMOLAND SLAYS ON THE DIGITAL COVER OF METRO.STYLE SOUTH KOREAN girl group Momoland—composed of Nancy, JooE, Ahin, Jane, Nayun, and Hyebin— debuts as cover girls in Metro.Style’s first digital issue for 2020, their first-ever pictorial with a Philippine publication wherein they worked with Filipino creatives and wore outfits by local fashion designers.

MOMOLAND ended 2019 with a bang when they dropped their newest song “Thumbs Up,” and they’re

adding that the animated tribal stories were a big hit with the kids.

The Gnarè Blaan app is part of Smart’s initiative with local communities nationwide to support the implementation of mother tongue-based multilingual education. “Our goal is to utilize technology in aiding the education of young Filipino learners,” said Stephanie Orlino, AVP for Public Affairs at Smart.

For more information about Smart’s mother tongue-based literacy apps, simply type LearnSmart on Google Play or send an email to LearnSmart@smart. com.ph.

starting 2020 on a high note with the overwhelming reception to their muchawaited comeback. As of this writing, their latest music video is trending and now has more than 22 million views on YouTube.

Aside from new music, MOMOLAND’s supportive fans—a.k.a. “Merries”—can surely look forward to a lot of things for the KPop group this year starting with a travel show where they will explore different parts of the

country and learn about the Filipino culture.

The group went to the Philippines last October and visited ABS-CBN’s headquarters for a contract signing that officially made them part of the Kapamilya network’s roster of brilliant stars. ABS-CBN and their management company MLD

Entertainment signed a partnership to co-manage the group’s projects in the country.

Get know the six gorgeous and talented ladies of MOMOLAND by visiting metro. style! Also check out Metro.

Style’s Facebook and Instagram accounts, and YouTube channel for more details.

A4 INdulge!

UP AND ABOUT

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 212 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2020

START THE YEAR RIGHT AT DUSIT DAVAO

A NEW YEAR and a whole new set of resolutions. But what better way than to start 2020 with a refreshed new you and a new reason to get excited for the weekend? dusitD2 Davao and Dusit Thani Residence Davao give you exciting new updates this month.

READY, SET, GLOW Recover from the holiday stress by rejuvenating yourself from head to toe. For only Php 4,088 nett, get new year ready at Namm Spa and enjoy a luxurious two-hour treatment. It starts with a refreshing welcome drink followed by a 15-minute steam bath, full-

body Swedish massage, reflexology foot massage, anti-ageing facial, and lemongrass and ginger tea with dried mango after the treatment to end your wellness journey.

Promo is valid from 1 to 31 January 2020. Reservations are required. To book, email nammspa@dusitdavao. com or call +63(82)272-7500.

SUNDAY LUNCHES MADE THAI Step up your family weekend lunches and dine in Davao’s first and only authentic Thai bar and restaurant, Benjarong. Beginning January, it is now open for lunch on Sundays from 12:00 to 14:30 serving Thai fare favorites such Som Tam (papaya salad), Tom Yam Gai (tiger prawn soup), Khao Pad Khai (fried rice with egg, carrot, tomato and spring onions), Pla Sam Ros (deepfried seabass with three-flavour sauce), Gung Sa Moon Prai (wok-fried tiger prawns), and Khao Niew Ma Muang (mango sticky rice with coconut ice

A4 INdulge!

A4 INdulge!

cream).

You can also still take advantage of the daily happy hour from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM and enjoy unlimited rounds of Chang and Singha beers, selected wines and signature Thai cocktails for only Php 599 nett. Plus, catch Davao’s

EDGEDAVAO DAVAO EDGE

top DJs, DJ CassieD, DJ Jik, DJ Julian and DJ Charle, on Wednesdays to Saturdays from 9:00 PM until late and dance to the latest beats.

To reserve a table, please email fb.reservations@dusitdavao.com or call +63(82)2727500.

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

EDGEDAVAO 9

VOL.12 ISSUE 212 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2020

Diokno: Policy rate cut possible in Q1

A

cut in the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) key policy rates may be expected in the �irst quarter of 2020, BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno said Tuesday.

During the Tuesday Club forum in Mandaluyong City, Diokno said Philippine monetary of�icials do not want domestic real interest rates to be higher than the rest of the world.

“Papasok diyan yung tinatawag na hot money (That will encourage hot money). We don’t like hot money,” he said.

Foreign portfolio investments or hot money are funds invested in a country to take advantage of interest rate differentials. These are volatile

funds since investors immediately withdraw their capital when negative developments happen.

To date, the BSP’s overnight reverse repurchase (RRP) rate is 4 percent, the overnight repurchase (RP) rate is 4.5 percent, and the overnight deposit rate is 3.5 percent.

These have been reduced by a total of 75 basis points in 2019 after a 175 basis points increase in 2018.

“I promise, �irst quarter of this year maybe 25 basis points and we’ll continue to look at other numbers,” Diokno added.

Earlier, the central bank chief said deceleration of domestic in�lation rate and continued

strengthening of the domestic growth give monetary of�icials a leeway to cut key policy rates further.

Last year, in�lation averaged at 2.5 percent, within the government’s 2-4 percent target band.

Last December alone, rate of price increases posted another uptick to 2.5 percent from monthago’2 1.3 percent.

This is the second consecutive month that in�lation registered an increase after posting its lowest level last year at 0.8 percent.

Diokno said the upticks are within their expectations as they continue to see in�lation normalization in the coming months.

(PNA)

The Vice President, in her assessment contained in her report summing up her 18-day stint at ICAD, said only 1 percent of the estimated consumption of illegal drugs had been seized since Duterte’s anti-narcotics campaign was launched in 2016.

Duterte merely brushed aside Robredo’s �indings, saying he would

not listen to the latter.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo on Monday merely dismissed Robredo’s �indings on the drug war as a “dud.”

On Dec. 12, 2019, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Director General and ICAD chair Aaron Aquino said Robredo did not see the "total picture" of the drug problem in the

country during her short stint as drug czar.

Aquino also noted that Robredo had "refused to be briefed" on the roster of high-value targets and on the administration's accomplishments to �ight illegal drugs because her scope of authority at the time she was appointed as ICAD co-chair remained unclear. (PNA)

the bay and the Waniban Island are famous and

frequented by tourists for their powdery, white-sand

beaches and crystal-clear blue waters. (CIO MATI)

that we are facing is if the Filipinos might not want to come home like what happened in Libya before when the Libyans found out that the Filipinos were trying to go home, dinoble nila yung sweldo kaya ayaw nang umalis (their salaries were doubled so they refused to leave)," Lorenzana said.

On Wednesday, the

Philippine government raised crisis alert level 4 in Iraq which means mandatory evacuation.

This comes after the Pentagon con�irmed that Iran has launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles against US military and coalition forces in Iraq.

Since the mandatory evacuation was raised by the Philippines, Filipinos

who will be leaving Iraq will undergo the normal procedure of getting their exit papers, according to the Philippine Embassy in Baghdad.

Tensions started to heat up between Washington and Tehran after top Iranian general Qassem Soleimani was killed in a US drone strike in Baghdad, Iraq on January 3. (PNA)

The �light to safety and a falling dollar supported

gold, which rocked 1.91 percent higher on the spot

market to $1,603.93 per ounce.

plays this year.

"Although there are still uncertainties due to the trade war between the US and China, demand for �lat-panel displays is expected to increase on

the back of historically low panel prices and the impacts of various sports events held during even-numbered years," said IHS Markit Technology display research direc-

tor Ricky Park.

Such events include Japan public broadcaster NHK's plans to show the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo in 8K, which is expected to help boost that demand.

planting in 947 rice-producing towns and cities in 57 provinces.

Under RCEF, PHP3 billion is set aside each year for certi�ied seeds up to 2024, where farmers will receive 40 kilograms per hectare of certi�ied rice seed varieties for every planting season.

The DA chief also noted that the adoption of

modern technologies, mechanized land preparation, crop establishment, and harvesting could help farmers attain an incremental yield of another one MMT of palay per hectare.

Also under RCEF, the DA-Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (DA-PHilMech) will

distribute PHP5-billion worth of farm machines and equipment to quali�ied farmers’ cooperatives and associations, and local government units.

PhilMech research shows that mechanizing rice farming operations can reduce total palay production cost by PHP4/kg from the current average of PHP12/kg. (PNA)

The fourth enshrinement of the Philippine Sports Hall of Fame is

being considered to be staged in the said coliseum. The event will honor

another batch of Filipino sports greats on November 27.

PRRD... FROM2

FOREIGN... FROM2

PH EYES... FROM3

ASIAN... FROM4

TV... FROM4

DA... FROM4

RIZAL... FROM11

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

GROUP... FROM5

and not against the lowly sugar farmer,” Montinola said, adding there is no need to import since there has been an importation of 250,000 metric tons (MT) of re�ined sugar that should have stabilized sugar prices.

“We seek clari�ication with regards to domestic prices, stock balances and availability of sugar as raw materials for both local manufacturers and food processor exporters so we can have a better picture

to address this issue,” he added.

Former SRA Administrator Bernardo Trebol, on the other hand, said everyone knows sugar farming is a plantation crop that will survive only with economies of scale and “we are lucky to have sustained livelihood for our farmers in general. But further pressure to reduce our farm gate prices might be the last straw that will break the camel’s back.”

Meanwhile, Confed Ne-

gros and Panay chairman Nicolas Ledesma Jr. said with regard to food processor exporters “they are given import permits by SRA for their sugar supply requirements provided that the �inished products are solely for export.”

“We hope that DTI will also see our side in this issue and resolve it with lawful tools they have on hand rather than incessantly calling for importation as a quick �ix solution,” Ledesma said. (PR)

workers (OFWs) in the Middle East are deployed in Saudi Arabia.

On the months-long security concerns in Hong Kong, the central bank

chief added OFWs continue to remain safe.

BSP data show that cash remittances as of end-October 2019 rose by 4.6 percent year-on-year

to USD24.858 billion.

Economists forecast remittance growth this year to remain strong and post similar growth as last year. (PNA)

mate and disaster risks should also be considered in the program and project designs in the sector,” he added.

Pernia cited other priority areas, such as assisting farmers to shift to high-value, short-maturing, and high-yielding crops; and sustaining biosecurity measures and procedures until the ASF is fully eradicated. This will bring back con�idence of consumers in pork

products.

Pernia, also NEDA Director-General, further cautioned that the escalating tension in the Middle East may disrupt global oil supply which could lead to a surge in the prices of petroleum products and overall in�lation.

“The government should effectively manage expectations at the domestic front and be vigilant against any unwarranted increase in pump

prices considering that the last tranche of excise tax increase on fuel products will be implemented this month,” he added.

In the short-term, Pernia said demand management and alternative sources of petroleum products should be explored, and over the medium to long-term, shifting away from fossil fuel and import dependence should be encouraged.

(PR)

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 212 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2020

GROWING RICE... FROM8 More importantly, recent studies have shown that ducks in the rice paddies can effectively reduce the emission of methane into the atmosphere because of the constant paddling of ducks.

Planting of insect repellant crops is the third management practice. “Plant insect repellant crops along the dike,” the primer says. Examples include winged beans (kadios), lemon grass, cosmos, and madre de cacao or kakawate.

Research done by the author showed makabuhay as a natural pesticide. In some parts of the country, farmers chop the leaves and scatter them in their rice �ields or vegetable plots. This has been proven to be effective against brown planthopper, green lea�hopper, and rice stemborer.

Makabuhay vine can also be grinded and broadcasted at the rate of two kilograms per square meter on rice seedbeds 10 days after sowing. This procedure has proven “makabuhay” as toxic as broadcast carbofuran. Toxic effect lasts �ive to seven days after application.

The fourth and last

management practice is the use of insect attractant. “Hang dead animals like frogs or rats and chicken intestines to attract rice bugs,” the primer says.

The sixth step is harvest and post-harvest practices. “Harvest palay when 80-85% of the grains are ripe,” the primer suggests.

“Thresh immediately using a single pass drum or ‘bulhot.’ Dry palay seeds to 14% moisture content. Mill palay seeds using an organic rice mill, that is, a rice mill that has been sanitized.”

The seventh step is the preservation and conservation of rice seeds. “Choose good quality panicles (well�illed, free from insect damage). Bundle panicles and hand them in the shade.”

The last step is marketing. “Pack organically-grown milled rice in a clean white sack (50 kilograms per sack) and deliver to outlets.”

Rice, IRRI says, “is the principal food for over 60% of mankind.”

It is particularly important to Asia where over half of the world’s population lives.

“Rice is the one thing that truly de�ines Asia,”

said former IRRI Director-General Dr Ronald Cantrell. In China and Korea, where elders recall times when food was hard to come by, some still greet each other with the question, “Have you had your rice today?”

Rice contains carbohydrates, protein, minerals, vitamins, and �iber. A Reader’s Digest feature states: “Most of the white rice available in the supermarket is enriched, which means, besides its other assets, it is also supplemented with iron, niacin and thiamine.

“But most of these added nutrients are lost if rice is washed before cooking or drained afterward. Brown rice, with its healthful bran layers, contains all these nutrients naturally, plus �iber, oil and vitamin E. Low in sodium and fat, with no cholesterol, rice is a boon to weight worriers and those allergic to other grains.”

Rice, a member of the grass family and known scienti�ically as Oryza sativa, has devotees all over the region.

The Reader’s Digest feature shares this bit of information: “India is famous for its pulaus,

which is served with all kinds of meat, poultry and seafood. A popular Japanese rice dish is sushi, rice �lavored with sweet rice vinegar and wrapped with �ish and vegetables.

Indonesians set a whole table

with rice and assorted goodies that go with the grain; the feast is called rijstafel. The Filipinos are known for its bibingka or rice cake. The Chinese make cakes, noodles and paste from rice.”

Writing about rice, Chinese poet Yang Ji penned: “Grain upon grain, / Fresh and delightful as frost, / A dazzling jewel, / To what can I compare this treasure?” (To be concluded)

EDGEDAVAO

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11

Rizal Mem’l Coliseum gets busy in 2020

T NEW SEASON. Ceres-Negros FC’s Stephan Schrock, Mike Ott, and Bienvenido Marañon during the 2019 AFC Cup ASEAN Zonal semi-finals match at Panaad Stadium in Bacolod City. The Busmen gears up for a strong start to

its 2020 campaign, starting with a match against Myanmar’s Shan United in the preliminary stage of the AFC Champions League on January 14. (File photo courtesy of Ceres-Negros FC)

Ceres-Negros gears up for strong AFC headstart

C

eres-Negros FC is gearing up for a strong start in its 2020 campaign, beginning with its match against Myanmar’s Shan United in the preliminary stage of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League on Jan. 14 at Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila.

Club administrator Nicolas Golez said it is important for the Bacolod-based squad to start the season strong to establish the groundwork for another successful campaign this year.

“A great result to start the year can set the tone

for us and lay the foundation for a really successful campaign,” Golez said in a statement on Monday.

Ceres-Negros, the reigning Philippines Football League and Copa Paulino Alcantara champions will take on their Myanmar League counterparts, who lost to the Busmen twice in the AFC Cup last year and on penalties in the AFC Champions League preliminaries in 2018 in Yangon.

In 2019, the PFL champions exited early from the continental club competition after losing to Myanmar’s Yangon United.

Golez said the team

Federer, Serena headline bushfire charity match

S

uperstars Roger Federer, Serena Williams and Rafael Nadal will headline an exhibition match ahead of the Australian Open to raise money for bush�ire relief, organizers said Wednesday.

Dozens of vast blazes, which continue to burn across eastern Australia, have killed 25 people since the start of the disaster in September and destroyed more than 1,800 homes.

Milder conditions are providing a reprieve for �ire�ighters, although more dangerous weather is forecast for later in the week.

READ: Collins oust Svitolina, Stosur upsets Kerber in Brisbane Tennis Australia last week announced a fundraising exhibition match at Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena -- centre court at the Australian Open -- for January 15, the week before the opening Grand Slam of the year.

The players were revealed Wednesday with Naomi Osaka, Caroline Wozniacki, Nick Kyrgios and Stefanos Tsitsipas joining Federer, Williams and Nadal.

“For a period of about two-and-a-half hours we’re going to be showcasing the game, but also coming together as a community to play our part in the relief effort,” said Tennis Australia chief Craig Tiley.

The devastation has seen a host of sports stars pledge money, with more than Aus$1.2 million (US$820,000) raised so far from an initiative by tennis chiefs to donate Aus$100 for each ace served during the Australian summer.

There have been fears that smoke haze could affect the Australian Open, but Tiley on Tuesday said this was unlikely.

“All the information we have at the moment, with qualifying coming up next week, is that the forecast is good, we don’t expect any delays and we’ve implemented additional measures to ensure the Australian Open will be able to run as scheduled,” he said.

Tiley pointed to Melbourne Park having three roofed stadiums and eight other indoor courts which “effectively weather-proof the Australian Open”.

is preparing well for the match against Shan United, which he considers as “a dangerous team”.

Ceres-Negros, mentored by Risto Vidakovic, is bannered by AFC Cup top scorer Bienvenido Maranon and Southeast Asian Best XI awardee Stephan Schrock, who are backed by defender Super Herrera and goalkeeper Roland Muller.

With their strong performances in the previous year, James Younghusband, Robert Mendy, and Takashi Odawara, who joined the team as mid-season signings, will also boost the Busmen’s

campaign this year.

Ceres-Negros will also rely on Mike Ott, OJ Porteria, Jeff Christiaens, Junior Munoz, Dennis Villanueva, Sean Kane, Angelo Marasigan, Dylan De Bruycker, Tristan Robles, Ron Bayan, and Jun Badelic to dominate the season anew.

The Busmen will play their matches for the AFC tournaments at Rizal Memorial Stadium this year as their home pitch, the Panaad Park and Stadium here is undergoing a major facelift in preparation for Negros Occidental and Bacolod’s hosting of the Palarong Pambansa in 2021. (PNA)

he historical Rizal Memorial Coliseum (RMC) is expected to welcome several events in its newly-refurbished facility this 2020.

“We are very optimistic. There are a lot of events lined up in our calendar and we are excited to host them here inside this historical coliseum,” said PSC Chairman William Ramirez.

Last year, the coliseum was �inally back in the spotlight after its major makeover in July when the majority of the facilities in the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex were renovated as part of the agency’s masterplan.

In the recent 30th Southeast Asian Games hosted by the country last November 30 to December 11, �ive out of 56 sports were played at the 93-year-old complex.

One of those was gymnastics which held its competitions at the leveled-up Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

The 6,100 seating indoor arena used to be the main sporting hub for the University Athletic Association of the Philippines

(UAAP), National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and PBA games in the past.

The PSC expects to house these tournaments once again after the venue’s renovation.

This January, the PSC will celebrate its 30th year and as another milestone unfolds in the agency’s story, the highest local sports body plan to organize a simple, yet meaningful celebration inside the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

“This is a milestone for PSC. As we celebrate our 30th year, we want it to be inside the Rizal Coliseum which has seen many signi�icant events in Philippine Sports,” said Ramirez.

Aside from the PSC’s 30th anniversary, the agency is also considering to hold both the Batang Pinoy and Philippine National Games this year in the RMSC and its another complex in Pasig City, the Philsports Complex. If this pushes through, it will be the �irst time that Batang Pinoy is held in Manila in its 12 editions.

The newly-refurbished Rizal Memorial Coliseum

Switzerland’s Roger Federer in action during his group stage match against Serbia’s Novak Djokovic. File Photo. Reuters

RIZAL, P9

12 SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO

TOUGH NIGHT

VOL.12 ISSUE 212 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2020

Lakers rout Knicks but lose Davis to injury L

eBron James scored 31 points, and the host Los Angeles Lakers, who lost Anthony Davis to a back injury, crushed the New York Knicks 117-87 on Tuesday night.

James, who was a gametime decision because of an illness, converted six of the Lakers’ 17 3-pointers.

Davis left the game with 2:45 remaining in the third quarter when he landed hard on the �loor after losing his balance in a collision with the Knicks’ Julius Randle under the basket. He did not return.

Davis �inished with �ive points on 2-of-8 shooting, six rebounds and three steals in 28 minutes. He also had two blocks after recording eight blocks Sunday against the Detroit Pistons.

X-rays on Davis’ lower back were negative. Coach Frank Vogel said Davis would undergo more testing late Tuesday night, with the team providing an update Wednesday.

Kyle Kuzma scored 16 points, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope had 15 and Avery Bradley added 12 for the Lakers, who won their sixth straight game. Danny Green �inished with 11 points.

Rookie guard RJ Barrett scored 19 points to top the Knicks, who were without leading scorer Marcus Morris Sr. with a sore neck. Randle, a former Laker, had 15 points and 10 rebounds, while Elfrid Payton contributed 12 points.

New York dropped its third straight game.

After leading 26-21 after one quarter, the Lakers opened up a double-digit lead in the second.

A bucket by Barrett allowed the Knicks to close the de�icit to 32-30 less than three minutes into the quarter, but the Lakers closed the half with a 30-15 surge for a 62-45 advantage at the break. They outscored the Knicks 36-24 in the second.

In the third, Los Angeles increased the margin to as much 21 points before taking an 85-70 edge heading into the fourth quarter.

Their 11-3 run to open the fourth gave the Lakers a 96-73 lead after a bucket by Caldwell-Pope.

Knicks forward Bobby Portis was ejected early in the second quarter on a �lagrant 2 foul after swatting Caldwell-Pope in the head on a layup.

New York Knicks guard Elfrid Payton (6) and Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) battle for a loose ball in the second quarter at Staples Center. Reuters