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VOL.12 ISSUE 49 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MAY 17-18, 2019

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Elderly residents cast their votes during last Monday's midterm elections at the Daniel R. Aguinaldo National High School in Matina, Davao City. Lean Daval Jr

OVERVOTING Comelec nullifies 1.1-M votes for senators due to overvoting

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he Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Thursday said they were not negligent in reminding voters not to overvote in the recently-concluded mid-term elections.

Comelec spokesman James Jimenez made this remark reacting to an online report claiming there were at least 1,170,331 ballots with overvotes for the Senator position.

He explained that these votes were nulli�ied as vote counting machines (VCMs) are con�igured not to count them.

"If it's true that there are over a million over-

votes, then it's a million votes not counted. Haven't we said again and again, if you overvote, it will not be counted. I would not say wasted. I would say forfeited," Jimenez said in an interview.

In Monday's polls, a voter should only vote for 12 candidates.

But, Jimenez said they

have no data on the report that there were more than 1 million overvotes that were recorded in last Monday’s polls.

"We don't have such data yet. But we will look into what their source documents are," he added.

Meanwhile, Jimenez noted that disquali�ication

OVERVOTING, P8

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The coronation is mastered

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by YETE Foundation, MTP 2019 is hosted by actor-model Matteo Guidicelli and singer- actress Tippy Dos Santos.

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 49 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MAY 17-18, 2019

Comelec eyes completion of vote counting this week

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SURPRISE DRUG TEST. A passenger van driver fills up a form before undergoing drug test conducted by Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency 11 (PDEA 11) during the agency’s anti-illegal drugs campaign dubbed “Oplan Harabas” at a UV Express terminal beside a shopping mall in J.P. Laurel Avenue in Davao City on Thursday.

he Commission on Elections (Comelec) is looking to �inish this week the canvassing of all 167 certi�icates of canvass (COCs) from Monday’s mid-term elections.

Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez noted that the formal proclamation of winners in the national polls is not possible within the week.

“We expect to �inish everything within the week but the formal proclamation may not be this week because there are a lot of invites (to do). But we will know the results very soon,” Jimenez said in an interview on Wednesday.

Prior to the scheduled proclamation of new national of�icials, the Comelec usually sends invitations to government of�icials, and families of the newly-elected politicians among others, asking for their presence in this momentous event.

Jimenez reiterated his earlier statement that they would like to collectively proclaim all the 12 new senators of the country.

“That is our goal because in the past, we pro-

claim the �irst six. It will be like during the 2016 polls where we proclaimed all of them in one occasion,” he said.

At the same time, the poll body of�icial reported that as of Tuesday evening, the Comelec en banc, sitting as the National Board of Canvassers (NBOC), has canvassed 34 COCs or 24 percent of the total number of COCs to be canvassed.

Of the 167 COCs, 130 are from automated polls in local and overseas, 34 representing manual elections overseas, and one each from local absentee voting (LAV) and detainee voting.

Meanwhile, data from the poll body’s Election and Barangay Affairs Department show that 366 municipalities, out of the more than 1,000, have already proclaimed local winners.

They are from the Cordillera, Ilocos, Eastern Visayas, Calabarzon, Cagayan Valley, Soccsksargen, Central Luzon, and Davao regions.

The other regions have yet to submit a report on the proclamation of winners at the local level. (PNA)

he Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Thursday reiterated its call to local government units (LGUs) to ensure a smooth and orderly transition of power and responsibilities to newly-elected of�icials in the recently-concluded May 13 mid-term polls.

Memorandum Circular No. 2019-39 requires the creation of Local Governance Transition Teams to be chaired by the local chief executive (LCE) with the vice-chair to be elected from among the members by simple majority vote.

The tasks of the transition team include conduct of an inventory of LGU properties, securing of all of�icial documents and records of LGU transactions, and brie�ing on the key challenges for the incoming set of of�icials for a seamless leadership and management transition.

The members of the team are department heads of the local government unit (LGU) and a DILG representative such as DILG Provincial Director in case of provincial government, DILG City Director in case of city government, or DILG Municipal Local Government Operations Of�icer in case of municipal government.

There should also be one representative from a civil society organization or people’s organization.

“Now that the elections are over, let us unite and support our local leaders as we all share the same vision of peace and progress for our localities,” DILG Secretary Eduardo M. Año said in a statement on Thursday.

Año said winners and

losers in the recent polls should take the higher ground and let go of political grudges and bitterness for the sake of the people whom they have sworn to serve.

“The Filipino people have spoken and now is the time to move on. A greater agenda awaits and that is the task of nation-building. Kaya magkaisa na tayong lahat at magtulung-tulong para sa kapakanan ng ating mga lokalidad (Let us all unite and work together for the betterment of our localities),” he said.

The DILG, through the Local Government Academy (LGA), is ready to train the newly-elected and reelected local of�icials through its Newly-Elected Of�icials (NEO) program to enable them to effectively discharge their duties and responsibilities and de�ine their development roadmaps.

“We assure you of the DILG’s guidance and assistance to help the new local of�icials who have been given a fresh mandate by the people become good local government managers,” he said.

Interior Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya said the 12-year-old NEO program helps newly elected of�icials effectively discharge their duties and responsibilities and be able to de�ine their development roadmap.

“We train newly elected of�icials on various services on health, education, housing, water supply, policing , taxation and matters relative to enhancing political participation, increased local autonomy and empowerment as provided for in the Local

PUV drivers undergo T random drug test

DILG urges LGUs to form teams for smooth, orderly transition

By ADAM B. MORRELL

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ome 40 Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) drivers particularly those driving commuter vans underwent a surprise drug test by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-11’s “Oplan Harabas” operation at the van terminal inside the Gaisano Mall of Davao complex on Thursday, May 16.

Lawyer Ben Joseph Tesiorna, PDEA-11 deputy director, said this operation is in line with the program of PDEA to conduct random drug test among drivers to ensure that they are not using illegal drugs.

“Para sad masiguro nato ang riding safety of

the public,” Tesiorna said, adding that this program was in line with President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs.

As of 11:30am yesterday, one out of 31 drivers was tested positive.

Tesiorna said the agency will process the apprehended person to

avail of the agency’s rehabilitation program.

“Dili na siya prisohon because we are willing to give them another chance,” he said.

“But the next time ma-apprehend namo sila, we will implement the full force of the law against them,” the director added.

The Land Transportation Of�ice (LTO) Regional Of�ice 11, on the other hand, has the right to revoke a driver’s driving license once proven positive with illegal drugs.

Earlier that day, the agency conducted the

Hubby governor of S. Kudarat, wife governor of Maguindanao

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his is similar to the case of former President Joseph “Erap” Estrada’s becoming mayor of the City of Manila, while his common-law wife Guia Gomez was elected as mayor of San Juan City.

Sultan Kudarat 1st District Rep. Suharto “Teng” Mangudadatu is leading by a wide margin over independent candidate Carlos Valdez Jr. in the gubernatorial race, while his wife, Bai Mariam Lim Sangki-Mangudadatu defeated a brother of incumbent Gov. Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu in the gubernatorial �ight for nearby Maguindanao province.

Rep. “Teng” Mangu-

dadatu garnered 223,043 votes against 40,945 votes of Valdez, according to unof�icial results based on 100% of election returns as posted on ABS-CBN’s Halalan 2019 website. On the other hand, Bai Mariam defeated Datu Freddie Mangudadatu, incumbent mayor of the municipality of Mangudadatu and brother of incumbent Gov. Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu. As of 5:01 p.m. Wednesday, Bai Mariam garnered 252,073 votes while her rival had 194,761 votes with 96.2% of election returns already transmitted.

Of Maguindanao’s 766,497 voters, 533,389 went to the polls on Mon-

day. Suharto will succeed his father, Gov. Sultan Pax Mangudadatu. Sultan Pax is brother of Datu Pua, father of Freddie and Esmael Mangudadatu.

Bai Mariam’s family teamed up with the four ruling clans of Maguindanao – Sinsuat, Mastura, Midtimbang and Ampatuan to exploit the so-called command vote, which remains a major factor in winning elections in the province.

She said uniting the �ive ruling clans would prevent violence among them. Bai Mariam will be Maguindanao’s �irst woman governor.

In a statement during

same operation to rickshaw (triskad) drivers in Agdao.

Out of 160 drivers, said Tesiorna, not a single was tested positive with illegal drugs.

Tesiorna, meanwhile, shared that this program was launched last year during the “All Saints’ Day” and was followed with another one during this year’s Holy Week where they were able to apprehend eight persons-four bus drivers and four conductors-who are now undergoing the agency’s rehabilitation program.

Teng Mangudadatu

HUBBY, P8 Bai Mariam Lim Sangki-Mangudadatu

DILG, P8

NEWS 3

VOL.12 ISSUE 49 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MAY 17-18, 2019

DSWD holds forum on OFW concerns

By ADAM B. MORRELL

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he �ield of�ice of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Davao conducted a regional consultation forum on overseas Filipinos and their families on Thursday, May 16, at the Grand Men Seng Hotel in Davao City.

Lawyer Aimee S. Torrefranca-Neri, undersecretary for operations of DSWD, said forum is an annual program of the agency which focuses on addressing issues and providing various assistance to overseas Filipino and overseas Filipino workers (OFW).

“This is also to strengthen the relationship between DSWD and OFWs and linking them to other agencies that provides assistance to these OFWs and their families,” the undersecretary for operations said.

Through this, the agency may also convey new information and updates especially services the government may provide.

“Para sad madungog ilang mulo and concerns whether government ba or even personal matters, pati asking assistance from other government agencies that provides services for

OFWs,” she said, pertaining to the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) among others.

Most of the participants are OFWs from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) who experienced maltreatment and abuse from their previous employers.

Majority of them wished not to go back and rather enrol to DSWD’s sustainable livelihood program.

“Ang DSWD man gud naay sustainable livelihood program dili lang para sa mga OFWs na dili na gusto mularga abroad but apti tung mga nanginahanglan ug ayuda pud o negosya na ma provide sa agency,” Neri added.

Apart from the sustainable livelihood program, DSWD also provides “Balik Probinsya” program which repatriate’s OFWs back to their provinces with free transportation and assistance to individual in crisis

356 arrested, P12M seized in vote buying drive of PNP

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he Philippine National Police (PNP) seized a total of PHP12.208 million in cash during operations against vote-buying across the country.

Based on the report from January 13 to May 14, authorities also arrested 356 persons in 225 reported vote-buying incidents nationwide.

The PNP said 85 suspects have been identi�ied but they remain at large while eight minors have been “rescued” during the police operations.

The highest number of arrests were made in Metro Manila with 136 in nine reported incidents yielding PHP541,000 in total.

Of the total amount, Caraga Region has accounted for almost PHP8 million from 10 people apprehended, followed by Northern Mindanao with PHP1.12 million from 17 people arrested and Ilocos Region where 24 suspects yielded PHP561,000.

PNP spokesperson Col. Bernard Banac said the con�iscated money have been submitted to prosecutors as evidence for criminal complaints �iled against the suspects.

PNP chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde on Tuesday assured that they will further strengthen their capability to address vote-buying and selling activities in the next elec-

tions.

Albayalde said unlike the past years, the PNP now is more pro-active in apprehending personalities involved in vote-buying.

Albayalde admitted that there were reports of “massive” vote-buying during the May 13, 2019 elections.

“There are several factors on vote buying.

First, our elections are automated. Seemingly, the Comelec (Commission on Elections) said the VCMs (vote counting machines) are incorruptible so the tendency is for the candidates to go directly to the voters. Another is that we haven't seen any candidate getting suspended or investigated for alleged vote buying,” he said.

The PNP chief, however, admitted that allegations of vote-buying are hard to prove.

For his part, DILG Secretary Eduardo M. Año lauded the Task Force Kontra Bigay composed of the Comelec, DILG, PNP, and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for their concerted effort to confront head-on the menace of vote-buying in our country.

He said the arrest of hundreds of perpetrators is an important step in reducing if not eradicating this clear affront to our

356, P8

situation program in which an OFW returnee may avail of �inancial, educational and medical assistances from the government.

Meanwhile, Cyndie Pulgadas, a 35-year old OFW who worked as domestic helper in UAE for seven years, said the agency provided P20,000 through OWWA that goes with “Pangkabuhayan” and another P5,000 upon her return to the country.

Pulgadas said she worked in Dubai for �ive years, and transferred to Jedah where she experienced physical abuse from her employer.

“Gidunggab ug tinidor akoang agtang ug gibunalan ko ug kahoy sa likod mao nagka infection,” she narrated.

Since she cannot work fully with her back injury, she decided to sneak her way home to the country and asked assistance to the government.

Pulgadas is among the 50 OFWs in the forum who suffered the same fate overseas.

Neri, meanwhile, said this program will continue annually and will be staged nationwide.

"MANGHIPUS." Personnel of the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) on Wednesday ( 15 May 2019) collect campaign materials posted by local candidates and senatorial bets during the camapign for midterm elections in Davao City.

Photo courtesy of Keith Bacongco

Postponement of new senators' proclamation 'unlikely': Comelec

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hile the Commission on Elections (Comelec) respects the right of those calling to defer the proclamation of winning senatorial candidates, the ceremony will push through as scheduled next week, the commission’s spokesperson said Wednesday.

“They can make a call if they want. That’s their right, but in terms of likelihood, it’s unlikely that anything will be suspended on the basis of their unsubstantiated allegations,” poll body spokesperson James Jimenez said in an interview.

“So it’s unlikely na magkaroon ng (that there will be a) suspension on the basis of allegations alone. Apart from the fact that in this particular case, these allegations of fraud are largely speculative,” the poll body of�icial added.

Jimenez was reacting to the statement of an of�icial of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines - National Secretariat for Social Action (CBCP-NASSA), calling for a delay in the proclamation of winners in the senatorial race due to alleged

electoral fraud.

CBCP-NASSA executive secretary, Fr. Edwin Gariguez, said there should be no proclamation of winning senatorial bets until the alleged irregularities have been investigated and resolved.

"We demand for an independent and impartial investigation of the alleged fraud and manipulation of automated canvassing by the Comelec and Smartmatic," Gariguez added.

Smartmatic has been the service provider of the automated polls in the country since 2010.

It was the supplier of the vote counting machines (VCMs), which were �irst utilized in the 2016 elections and was reused in last Monday’s polls.

As of Tuesday night, majority of the administration’s senatorial candidates dominate the Top 12 of the senatorial race.

The �igure was based on the partial of�icial tally of the votes from 34 Certi�icates of Canvass (COCs) by the Comelec, sitting as the National Board of Canvassers (NBOC).

Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP) Senate bets included in the Top 12 are

re-electionist Senator Cynthia Villar, who topped the list with 4,092,454 votes; former Special Assistant to the President (SAP) Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, 3,293,341 (third); former senator Pia Cayetano, 3,251,819 (fourth); and former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Bato dela Rosa, 3,128,061 (�ifth).

Also included are reelectionist Senator Sonny Angara, 3,022,955 (sixth); former Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos, 2,850,643 (seventh); former Metro Manila Development Authority chairman Francis Tolentino, 2,584,833 (eighth); and re-electionist Koko Pimentel, 2,439,571 (10th).

Completing the partial of�icial list are re-electionist Senator Grace Poe (second), 3,650,288; former senator Lito Lapid, 2,520,316 (ninth); re-electionist Nancy Binay, 2,366,035 (11th); and opposition bet and re-electionist Senator Bam Aquino, 2,335,724 (12th).

The NBOC of�icially convened on Monday but only began canvassing the votes on Tuesday afternoon.

Meanwhile, Comelec

Commissioner Rowena Guanzon said they are open to the conduct of an independent investigation regarding the issues reported on Election Day. "We are willing to undergo third party audit.

All they can see is that the Central Server is fully functioning while the Transparency Server only temporarily hanged up," Guanzon said in a separate interview.

The poll body of�icial said she will also recommend the withholding of the payment for the suppliers of Secure Digital (SD) cards, S1 Technologies, Inc., and Silicon Valley Computer Group, due to the number of cards that have been found to be corrupted.

"This is my personal view. The supplier of the SD cards, we won't pay them fully. I also want the procurement process reviewed, as well as their delivery of the SD cards.

Because that was the real culprit," Guanzon said.

It was reported that 1,665 (1.9 percent) SD cards out of the 85,769 were found to be defective and needed replacement last Monday. (PNA)

4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 49 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MAY 17-18, 2019

CAB won’t fine Cebu Pac over series of flight cancellations

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PROPOSED ORDINANCE. Freshly cooked street food in a plastic cups are sold at a roadside stall along Magallanes Street in Davao City on Thursday. The city government of Davao is urging Dabawenyos to prevent from using plastic items

ahead of the implementation of an ordinance banning the use of single use plastics.

Lean Daval Jr

Search on for outstanding tech-voc partners: TESDA T he Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) has announced that it is now looking for outstanding technical-vocational (tech-voc) partners to be feted during the annual Kabalikat Awards in August.

“Since the early days of the Authority, all our partners have contributed greatly so that we can carry out our mandate of providing the best technical vocational education and training (TVET) to our kababayan. They have assisted us in identifying the skills that are in demand by industry. They have helped craft policies

crucial to effective TVET implementation and facilitated the delivery of training under the most conducive environments,” TESDA Secretary Isidro Lapeña told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) on Wednesday.

Usually held during TESDA’s anniversary in August, the Kabalikat Awards is given to the

agency’s most active and outstanding partners who contributed in developing, enhancing and implementing training programs that have improved the employability of skilled workers. “(Our partners’ help) has resulted in a national TVET system that is highly responsive to the ever-changing requirements of the work environment, one that reaches the most underserved sectors of society, and that produces individuals whose skills will remain relevant for years to come,” Lapeña remarked.

TESDA will recognize partners from government agencies, government-owned and controlled corporations, local government units, private �irms, non-government organizations as well as local and international organizations.

Its provincial and executive of�ices will nominate the awardees.

Screening committees from regional and executive of�ices will look at the nominees’ support to TESDA, employment assistance, promotion of activities, among others.

(PNA)

The Philippines also experienced Japanese occupation during the World War II. The Philippine government today, he said, has implemented an independent foreign policy by strengthening its diplomatic relations with the East while maintaining its ties with the West.

“Our President, Rodrigo Roa Duterte, implemented an independent foreign policy upon his assumption into of�ice. Our diplomatic relations with Russia and China were established in the mid-70s, and this is now being pursued aggressively, with the intent to strengthen the bond of friendship with our Asian neighbors,” he said.

“We have crossed the ideological barriers that divided the world between communism and democracy, and maintained our historical and contemporary alliance with the Unit-

ed States of America. The West is within our gates, but Asia now walks on our streets,” he added.

The Philippines, like other countries in Asia, can trace historical colonization from Western powers, he noted.

“We may have had episodes of Western domination over our land and natural resources for many centuries even, but our people know… that the thread of culture weaves through time and territories, connecting people and places, with the power of ideas and dreams,” Andanar said.

The dialogue between the East and the West, he said, has moved to a different level. We now approach the West with a refreshed sense of the mutuality of our cultures.

“We do not intend to make excuses for the past, neither would we obliterate it. It is now the foundation step towards the

doors we open to world,” he added.

He also noted that the East and West share common heritage, and this should lead the world to the advancement and new discoveries of technology for further development and progress bene�itting mankind.

Belt and Road as dialectical platform Andanar cited the role of China’s ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in propagating the global in�luence of Asian civilizations.

“As the Silk Road was, for many centuries in antiquity, the economic highway of the places traversed by the overland and maritime routes, the One Belt One Road program is now the dialectical relationship, between the economic and civilization development in Asia,” Andanar said.

He added that the nar-

PH underscores upholding Eastern values at Asian Civilization forum

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residential Communications Operations Of�ice (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar on Wednesday highlighted the capability of Asian countries to uphold their own values amid in�luences from the West.

In a parallel forum during the Conference on Dialogue of Asian Civilizations (CDAC) here, Andanar said even if most Asian countries experienced Western domination in the past, Asians were able to marry Eastern and Western cultures and make it part of the region’s civilization.

He added that the Philippines has its own form of writing, dances, natural instruments, and ancient legal codes from the ancient Maragtas and Kalantiaw even before it was colonized by the Spaniards for three centuries and more than four decades under the rule of the United States.

PH, P8

he Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) will not impose �ines against local air carrier Cebu Paci�ic over its �light cancellations from April 28 to May 10.

Cebu Paci�ic was able to handle properly the concerns of passengers that were affected by the cancellations, according to the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

“Affected passengers’ concerns were found to be handled properly by Cebu Paci�ic in compliance with the Air Passenger Bill of Rights. Thus, imposition of penalties was not considered at present,” the DOTr said in a statement on Wednesday.

The CAB has ordered Cebu Paci�ic to submit within 30 days a concrete plan of corrective measures in its operations to prevent further inconvenience to passengers.

It likewise recommended to the DOTr that a stern warning be given to the airline to exercise due diligence in maintaining stability and reliability of air transport service to the riding public.

“We are hoping that Cebu Paci�ic will immediately comply with the order to resolve this issue. Hindi na natin maibabalik pa ‘yung dinulot na inconvenience these cancellations have caused (We will not be able to reverse the inconvenience these cancellations caused). But moving forward, we aim to have more substantial actions so that our passengers will not have to suffer,” Transportation Secretary Arthur

Tugade said.

An investigation conducted by the CAB earlier this month showed that Cebu Paci�ic cancelled its �lights to improve its ontime performance (OTP).

Cebu Paci�ic disclosed that its aircrafts take at least 49 to 66 minutes before taking off during the hearings of the CAB held on May 2 and 6.

The hour-long stay on the tarmac was observed to have pushed Cebu Paci�ic’s OTP to an average of 51.16 percent, with lows of around 30 percent in March.

“This record, according to Cebu Paci�ic during the hearings, impelled the airline to �inally come up with the decision to cancel �lights. It said that the �light cancellations will “create space” in their �light and crew inventory, “make way for operational recovery,” and “minimize rolling delays.” The airline made clear that the factors adversely affecting its OTP are largely within its internal operational sphere,” the DOTr said.

Furthermore, Cebu Paci�ic was found to have “crewing problems” as the additional time spent by on-duty crew on the tarmac consumes the working hours and reserves that were supposed to be utilized at a much later schedule.

Cebu Paci�ic applied for cancellation of 172 oneway domestic �lights from 28 April through 10 May 2019 equivalent to about 14 �lights out of its 400 daily domestic �lights. (PNA)

TRAIN, rice tariffication are game-changers: Dominguez

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he tax reform law that has returned some P111 billion back to the pockets of 99 percent of wage earners and the shift to rice tarif�ication that will slash retail prices of this staple are among the recent game-changing initiatives that best illustrate the Duterte administration’s resolve to carry out the bold reforms and sound economic policies embodied in its 10-point socioeconomic agenda, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III has said.

The Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Act, whose passage in the Congress was celebrated during the anniversary of the Department of Finance (DOF) in 2018, was again cited by Dominguez as the agency marked its 122nd anniversary this year for achieving 108 percent of its revenue target in the �irst year of its implementation.

Dominguez said TRAIN, which he described as “a great success,” also broadened the tax base and returned the equivalent of a 14thmonth pay to 99 percent of the country’s salaried workers, or a total of about P111 billion in 2018.

He said this cash bonanza from the TRAIN is

re�lected in the spike in consumer demand that has helped invigorate domestic economic activity.

The shift from quantitative restrictions (QRs) to tariffs on rice imports is another “proud” accomplishment of the DOF that Dominguez has cited during its 122nd anniversary celebration, given that it took more than 30 years under various administrations to get the Congress to approve this reform.

Liberalizing rice imports, he said, will not only make quality rice more affordable and accessible to Filipino families, but will also lower the country’s in�lation rate, revolutionize the agriculture sector and help farmers become more productive and competitive in the global economy.

“The TRAIN Law and the rice tarif�ication law are such game-changing reforms–more so the other landmark initiatives this government has decisively undertaken such as the establishment of a Bangsamoro Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao; increasing investments in infrastructure modernization; the introduction of a national ID system; improvements

TRAIN, P8

VOL.12 ISSUE 49 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MAY 17-18, 2019

5 COMPETITIVE EDGE EDGEDAVAO

Philippine Chemistry Congress goes to Cebu

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Startup entrepreneurs Jennes and Marlon Gampon (center front), open the first Phoenix SUPER LPG franchise store in Antipolo City, Rizal, offering LPG for households and small businesses, Phoenix lubricant products, and Posible bills payment service.

First Phoenix Super LPG franchise store launched in Antipolo, Rizal

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ore and more households will now be able to switch to a safe, sigurado, at simple cooking experience as Phoenix SUPER LPG opens its �irst-ever franchise store in Antipolo City, Rizal on May 3, 2019.

Offering pick-up and delivery of 11kg Phoenix Super LPG tanks for households and businesses, the Super hub also carries Phoenix lubricant products and Posible bills payment service to accommodate other needs of its clients and provide more opportunity for the store owners to grow their business further.

“We have always believed in the quality of products and services of

Phoenix Petroleum as we have been loyal customers to the brand for years now.

That’s why when an opportunity to be their partner and open a franchise business with them arose, we eagerly grabbed it,” start-up entrepreneur and Phoenix Super LPG franchise store owner Jennes Gampon said.

With a franchise business package �it for startup entrepreneurs with limited investment budget,

Phoenix Super LPG offers easy and fast transaction and negotiation for interested franchisees.

“From offering just dealership packages for large-scale businessmen, we introduced a complete but affordable franchise package to encourage more Filipinos to start their own business and join the Phoenix Petroleum network,” Phoenix Petroleum Chief Operating Of�icer Henry Albert Fadullon said. “As brand that also started with a humble beginning, our aim is to help these entrepreneurs grow their business side by side with ours.”

For only Php 620,000,

anyone can own a Phoenix Super Hub complete with an initial 11kg Phoenix Super LPG cylinders with content and German-made SRG regulator, initial Phoenix lubricant products, a Posible bills payment device, a Super hub signage, branding, and cylinder display cage, a home delivery motorcycle, and a digital weighing scale. The package also includes waived cash bonds and an opportunity to expand and sell other Phoenix Petroleum products and services.

Interested clients just have to email superlpgdealer@phoenixfuels.ph or visit www.phoenixfuels. ph/lpg-dealer for inquiries.

ebu will become the center of the country’s chemistry world as the Kapisanang Kimika ng Pilipinas (Chemical Society of the Philippines) in cooperation with the Philippine Federation of Chemistry Societies (PFCS) hosts the 34th Philippine Chemistry Congress on 28-30 May 2019.

The Congress with the theme “CHEMbisyon 2019: Kimiko Para sa Sariling Bayan” will be held at the Waterfront Hotel and Convention Center, Lahug, Cebu City. Over 1,500 delegates, including local and international scientists, are expected to gather for the event to tackle research for inclusive development.

“This year’s theme “Kimiko Para sa Sariling Bayan” is a call for our greater involvement in confronting the challenges our country is facing,” said Glenn V. Alea, Ph.D., PFCS President.

“The things chemists do may not always seem to be accessible and relevant to the ordinary Filipino. We have to come forward, communicate, participate in setting directions and work together to bridge gaps and play a greater role in national development,” he added.

The Congress will feature prominent national and international experts who will deliver ten plenary lectures, fourteen keynotes, 110 oral presentations, and 188 poster papers. Participants will come from 12 countries, including Australia, Canada, China, Germany, India, Japan, Malaysia, Netherlands, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and The US. Alea said the Congress’ various plenary and parallel sessions are meant to inspire participants with the latest research and developments,

expand their networks with fellow scientists and professionals in the academe, industry, and government, as well as engage with productive discourse with other delegates.

There are plenary sessions on chemistry and food security and bionanotechnology. The two day sessions also features parallel sessions on food chemistry, synthetic organic chemistry, polymer chemistry, analytical and functional �ilm, environmental chemistry, forensic chemistry, surface chemistry, photochemistry, nanoscience, computational phychem, #Nagbalik-Chemistry, inorganic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, chemical education, analytical labs, and natural products chemistry, among others.

Leon M. Payawan, Jr., Ph.D. President of Kapisanang Kimika ng Pilipinas, said the Congress also emphasizes its being a youthful event by using the hashtag #34PCCMillenialVers2019. Over 80 percent of participants and members of the organizing committee are millenials born in 1981 and after.

“It is my hope that the millennial generation will take on the cudgel, and stand on the ‘shoulders of giants’ for the advancement of the Philippine chemistry community!” said Payawan.

The 34th Philippine Chemistry Congress is supported by the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development-Department of Science and Technology through the Balik-Scientist Program (BSP) and Visiting Expert Programs (VEP) and the University of the Philippines Of�ice of International Linkages-Of�ice of

PHILIPPINE, P8

Globe Business inspires excellence among PH enterprises at the 13th International ICT Awards

G

lobe Business, the enterprise Information and Communications Technology (ICT) arm of Globe Telecom, once again supported the 13th International ICT awards, one of the most renowned awarding ceremonies that is committed to boost sustained growth of the ICT industry in the Philippines.

“Our support in this year’s ICT Awards is a testament to the goal of Globe Business to become the preferred business advisor to Philippine enterprises as we help them realize the importance of ICT in not just driving business performance, but also in job creation and nation building.” Globe Business recognizes

the contributions of ICT companies and the 13th ICT awards pays tribute to the best and brightest in the industry,” said Globe Business Senior Vice President Peter Maquera. Globe Business presented the Best Employer of the Year award to Accenture, Inc. As the preferred ICT partner of Philippine enterprises, Globe Business provides a comprehensive range of ICT solutions for the country’s top BPO �irms. Globe continues to invest signi�icantly in modernizing its network and IT infrastructure. In addition, Cloud and Cybersecurity offerings are now revolutionizing how enterprises approach and implement business-critical operations.

(L-R) Julian Payne, President and CEO of Canadian Chambers of Commerce; Kenneth Flores, WNS Senior Group Manager for Operations; Jovencito Jovy Llanes, VXI Vice President for Human Resources; Sheryll Quito, Managing Director of Accenture, Inc.;

Peter Maquera, Globe Business Senior Vice President; Meanne Quiambao, Globe Business Vice President for Sales; Ma. Ahtisa Manalo, Bb. Pilipinas International 2018.

6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 49 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MAY 17-18, 2019

EDITORIAL Old habits never die Now that the elections are over, it’s time to clean up. Literally.

On Wednesday, the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) took the initiative to clean up the propaganda materials left by national and local candidates in the aftermath of Monday’s midterm elections. Several truckloads of rubbish were dismantled, scraped off by the CENRO personnel after they were left unattended to by candidates who ran in the polls.

In Manila, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) collected at least seven truckloads of discarded campaign materials in the metropolis. A total of 23.42 tons of garbage were hauled a day after the midterm elections. MMDA workers used scrapers in removing campaign materials posted on concrete walls.MMDA took down 21,700 tarpaulins and posters hung on electric posts.

EDGEDAVAO

Providing solutions to a seamless global village.

It is worthy to note that Davao City has a resolution passed by the Sangguniang Panlungsod for the cleanup of election materials.

The city council passed a resolution urging local and national candidates to conduct clean-up operations after election day which is in sync with City Ordinance No. 0371-10 or the Davao City Ecological Solid Waste Management Ordinance of 2009. The measure was passed a week before the elections so it must be fresh in the minds of candidates. Surprisingly, it did not stick in the subconscious.

Indeed, old habits seem hard to die. And like elections of the past, these election materials remain undisposed.

So there, it took the city government itself to do the initiative of cleaning up the rubbish left behind by the elections. When will these politicians and their supporters ever learn?

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

BAI FAUZIAH FATIMA SINSUAT AMBOLODTO Social Media Manager/Lifestyle

PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE

the national association of newspapers

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 49 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MAY 17-18, 2019

VANTAGE POINTS

7

MUJAHID NAVARRA UNDERSTANDING ISLAM

RAMADHAN MONTH OF CHANGE During Ramadhan, for a Muslim at least, there is a noticeable change in everything. Something that no words could explain. But the tangible change could be seen is in people when you see the mosques almost getting over�illed with worshippers when they are usually not �illed with people during prayer times. You would also see a noticeable change in behavior in most Muslims whom we may not consider pious and yet they appear more re�ined and more devout in this religion.

You’d �ind them going out less and yet you’d also �ind them in the mosques not only for the obligatory prayers but also for voluntary prayers, remembering Allah, attending lectures and reading Quran. Ramadhan must be so blessed to cause this much change in people’s behavior even without a system of tangible rewards and punishment. Ramadhan must be so blessed that Muslims become better in this month somehow in their manners and the performance of acts of worship.

Some of these people may even truly repent to Allah during this month and remain pious for the rest of their lives while some would only go back and forth between sinning the whole year and being pious during

Ramadhan only.

The �irst reason to which we could attribute this change is that Muslims are really trying hard this month of Ramadhan to gain rewards and make the most out of it. The rewards of fasting and praying voluntary prayers during the month of Ramadhan is the forgiveness of sins and Muslims are really trying to make up for any sin that they may have committed the whole year.

It may be silly to hear but even the most sinning Muslim could be found among those who are hopeful of Allah’s forgiveness, rewards, and blessings. Every Muslim know that all kinds of good deeds in Ramadhan are magni�ied in their greatness and rewards.

Another thing that causes this drastic change in Ramadhan is because it is a month that restricts the desires of the Muslims that make them dedicate more time and effort in doing acts of worship. During the day, the Muslim avoids food, drinks, and sexual intercourse, three of the main desires of human beings. If a Muslim knowingly eats, drinks or have sexual intercourse during the day of the month of Ramadhan, his fasting is invalidated.

Other sins too such as false speech and other bad

manners may also invalidate fasting depending on the gravity of the sin. Prophet Muhammad said, “Whoever does not leave false speech and acts upon it and other acts of ignorance, Allah does not have any need for his abandonment of food and drink.” Narrated by Imam Al Bukhari.

A Muslim’s abandonment of all these desires for food, drinks, sexual desires, and others weaken him physically while strengthening his spirituality – leading to all the observable changes that we could see in the Muslims. His voluntarily puts himself into a weakened state for the pleasure of Allah. This realization of his own weakness makes him realize the greatness of Allah even more. He realizes the greatness of Allah and all the favors that He bestowed him all the while realizing the greatness of the One that he disobeys whenever he sins.

Another wonderful thing about Ramadhan is that it is a month of sincerity. Every Muslim understands that is it Allah Himself Who shall reward fasting because it is only Allah Who truly knows who among His servants are indeed fasting. This increased level of sincerity increases the level of faith of every Muslim making them

more aware of God, that He is watching and knowledgeable of everything that they say and do. Prophet Muhammad narrated that Allah said, “Every good deed of the son of Adam shall have a reward like it up to 700 times.

Except fasting, because indeed it is Mine and I shall reward it Myself.” Narrated by Imam Al Bukhari and Imam Muslim.

Another reason that we may attribute this change to is the changes that happen beyond the Muslim psyche.

Prophet Muhammad said, “When Ramadan begins, the gates of Paradise are opened and the gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are put in chains.” Narrated by Imam Al Bukhari.

Islamic scholar Ibnu Taymiyah said about this narration, “That is only because in the month of Ramadan, people are motivated to do good and righteous deeds, through which and because of which the gates of Paradise are opened, and they are discouraged from doing evil, because of which the gates of Hell are opened.

The devils are chained up, so they are not able to do what they usually do when people are not fasting, for the one who is chained up is restricted, and they are only able to gain control over the sons of Adam because of whims and

desires, so if people refrain from whims and desires, the devils are chained up.”

He also said, “Hence the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “When Ramadan begins, the gates of Paradise are opened and the gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are chained up.” The channel through which the devils �low, which is the bloodstream, is restricted, and when it is restricted, people are motivated to do good deeds, because of which the gates of Paradise are opened, and they are motivated to refrain from evil deeds, because of which the gates of Hell are opened.

The devils are chained up, and their strength and in�luence are weakened as a result of their being chained up, so they are not able to do during the month of Ramadan what they do at other times. He did not say that they are killed or that they die; rather he said that they are chained up, and the devil who is chained up can still do harm, but it is less and weaker than it may be at times other than Ramadan.

It depends on how perfect or otherwise the fast is; if a person’s fast is perfect, then the devil is warded off in a manner that does not happen in the case of an imperfect fast.”

VIDA MIA S. VALVERDE CATNIP

BALD AND GAY Experiencing disparate realities is always a recipe for an interesting life.

This especially struck me when I was coerced by a bald gay friend (BGF) to go to a comedy bar located in one of the compounds at F. Torres St., Davao City.

To put things into better perspective: I just defended my dissertation on the ontological status of unobservables posited by mature scienti�ic theories and have presented this research in Vienna, Austria.

This BGF promised to take care of things as long as I just go along for the ride. I was a bit antsy as I did not want anybody to see me

go into such an establishment. I had an image to keep after all (Whether it’s a good thing or a bad thing is another story.).

Apparently, my BGF was a VIP at the place that we skipped the queue at the entrance and were given the best table in the house. He was acknowledged and constantly referred to by the �ive drag queens performing on stage. When my BGF was teased by the performers that they have not yet been given their Christmas gifts, he nonchalantly handed them a thousand-peso bill to their delight. Waiters were readily at our beck

and call. The performers’ running commentary ranged from the crass to the low brow to the offensive. It could be funny at times. Perhaps, in another world, they were always funny. They were, however, very good dancers who exhibited grace and skill that can be appreciated in any context. Eventually, I found myself laughing at myself because I was irrevocably there, drinking beer, and listening to drivel. I was with another high school friend that BGF also coerced to come. We just enjoyed the experience that took us out of our daily lives, not to mention

our comfort zones. When midnight struck, my prince charming was waiting for me outside, ready to whisk me back to my so-called life.

I was actually enriched by this unplanned night out. In my exhaustion at the demands on my time and being, I almost forgot to recognize other realities. Though this excursion is de�initely not the “stop and smell the roses” kind of thing, it brought to mind in an oblique way the Socratic tenet, “the more we know, the more we do not know.” There is still so much to the world that we do not know and

experience because we are comfortable with what we already know and experience. Such comfort may come from laziness, lack of courage, and ignorance. Of course, there are also socio-political rami�ications to the whole experience of this night out. But given that we are already in over our heads with our midterm elections and social media wherein everybody weighs in on Philippine politics, this is but one small voice of a small experience in Davao City. Nothing profound or earthshaking. Just a recognition of a pluralism of realities, trivial and otherwise.

8 EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 49 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MAY 17-18, 2019

OVERVOTING... FROM 1

Republic of the Philippines City of Davao Office of the Sangguniang Panlungsod

cases pending before the poll body will be resolved.

He said that such cases will not be automatically deemed as moot and academic even if the elections are over.

Among the petitions that have been �iled before the poll body are to deny due course and/or nullify Certi�icates of Candidacy

against former Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano and his wife, Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano, who ran for congressmen of the First and Second Districts of the said City, respectively.

The petition against the former Senator has been junked by the Second Division but petitioner Leo-

nides Buac Jr. has elevated the case to the Comelec en banc after �iling a motion of reconsideration.

As for the case against the Taguig City mayor, the said Division has yet to issue a ruling.

The couple won in the positions they are seeking in the recently-concluded polls. (PNA)

a press conference held in Davao City during the campaign period, Bai Mariam

said that one of her plans if elected was to adopt best practices of Sultan Kudarat

that made it a progressive province. (Ferdinandh B. Cabrera / MindaNews)

Government Code,” Malaya said.

“These are modules

on development agenda of the administration, decentralization and gover-

nance, and basics of strategic management among others,” he added. (PNA)

democracy.

“I congratulate the Comelec for its decisive leadership and we look forward to working with them in future elections in the strict implementation of our election laws,” he noted.

Año said that even as voting has concluded he strongly urged the public to continue to report cases of vote-buying by �illing up the standard complaint form and submitting it, together with other pieces of evidence, to the near-

est Comelec, PNP, or NBI of�ice.

"The government needs your help to strengthen our democracy. To stop the menace of vote buying, the vigilance of the public is key," he said. (PNA)

ratives of the interchange of ideas, were also the stories of the cultures, carried in the packs of products and goods, that were bartered along the way.

Nearly 40 world leaders, including President Rodrigo Duterte, attended last month’s 2nd Belt and Road Form for International Cooperation in Beijing where Chinese Pres-

ident Xi Jinping declared China’s commitment to bolster the BRI’s longterm sustainability.

Xi proposed the BRI in October 2013 to connect Asia with Africa and Europe via land and maritime networks to pursue greater cooperation through infrastructure and �inancial investment as well as people-to-people and cultural exchanges.

Meanwhile, Xi led the opening of CDAC on Tuesday.

In his speech, Xi said CDAC aims to create a platform for dialogue in strengthening civilizations in Asia.

He added that people-to-people exchange will bridge cultural learning and boost cooperation among Asian nations. (PNA)

in ease of doing business; massive commitments to strengthening our human capital and the passage of a law providing universal healthcare,” Dominguez said in his speech before DOF of�icials and employees during the Department’s anniversary celebration on Monday (May 6).

Tax reform and rice tarif�ication proved to be challenging, he said, considering that the former required “working the political headwinds and sur-

mounting the vested interests” and the latter was “a politically dif�icult reform to pass.”

Dominguez credited the hard work of DOF of�icials and employees, as well as it attached agencies, for accomplishing these reforms.

“For 122 years, this agency has been at the forefront of providing the means for government to be effective in playing a positive role for our people’s welfare and development,” Dominguez said.

“As we kick off our weeklong commemoration, I thank you all for your contributions to meaningful change and �iscal responsibility toward a �lourishing economy and a more comfortable life for law-abiding Filipinos.”

“It is always an honor working with the excellent men and women of the DOF. I can say that this is a world-class agency capable of setting tough benchmarks for the rest of the government,” he added.

DOF

the Vice-President for Academic Affairs through its World Expert Lecture Series Program.

Keynote sponsors include Brownstone AsiaTech, Inc., Dakila Trading Corporation, Dksh Philippines, Inc., Dynalab Corporation, Elasco Internatrional Corp., Its Science (Phils.), Inc., Krypton Int’l.

Resources And Services, Inc., Labware (Thailand), Co. Ltd., Mettler-Toledo Philippines, Inc., Molave Trad-

ing Inc., Qes Technology Phils. , Inc., Rainphil Inc., Scharlab Philippines, Inc., Shimadzu Philippines, Corp., and Yana Chemodities, Inc. Exhibition Sponsors are Akostek, Inc., American Chemical Society, Belman Laboratories, Inc., Cebu Far Eastern Drug Corp., Chemisphere Lab Sciences, Inc., Enzed Trade Inc., Epson Philippines Corp., Golden Bat (Far East), Inc., Guill Bern Corporation, Katrin

Field Inc., Labtraders, Inc., Lisam Systems, Mahachem, Inc., Merck, Inc., Omnibus Bio Medical Systems, Inc., Pro Maintech Consultancy, Inc., Sigmatech, Inc., S&E Solutions, Inc., Southgreen Enterprises, Theo-Pam Trading Corp., Usc - Water Laboratory, and Xprt Ventures, Inc. For inquiries and registration, you may visit their of�icial website at https://kkp.org. ph/34th-pcc/.

HUBBY... FROM 2 DILG... FROM 2

356... FROM 3

PH... FROM 4

TRAIN... FROM 4

PHILIPPINE... FROM 5

18thth City Council 37 Regular Session Series of 2018 PRESENT: Vice Mayor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor

Bernard E. Al-ag - Presiding Officer Nilo M. Abellera Jr. Maria Belen S. Acosta Victorio U. Advincula Jr. Al Ryan S. Alejandre Dante L. Apostol Sr. Councilor Conrado C. Baluran Councilor Joanne M. Bonguyan-Quilos Councilor Ma. Cherry Ann M. Bonguyan Councilor Pilar C. Braga Councilor Carmelo J. Clarion Councilor Danilo C. Dayanghirang Councilor April Marie C. Dayap Councilor Jimmy G. Dureza Councilor Edgar P. Ibuyan Jr. Councilor Edgar R. Ibuyan Sr. Councilor

Leah A. Librado-Yap Rene Elias C. Lopez Diosdado Angelo A. Mahipus Jaffar U. Marohomsalic Bonifacio E. Militar Antoinette G. Principe-Castrodes J. Melchor B. Quitain Jr. Marissa P. Salvador-Abella Halila Y. Sudagar Mary Joselle D. Villafuerte Jesus Joseph P. Zozobrado IIII

ORDINANCE NO. 0556-18 Series of 2018 AN ORDINANCE RECOGNIZING THE RIGHT OF MUSLIM WOMEN TO WEAR HIJAB, NIQAB, OR BURQA IN SCHOOL CAMPUSES, WORKPLACES, COMMERCIAL ESTABLISHMENTS AND OTHER PRIVATE OR PUBLIC PREMISES AND PROHIBITING UNLAWFUL DISCRIMINATION AND UNREASONABLE RESTRICTION THEREOF AND PROVIDING PENALTIES THERETO Be it ordained by the Honorable Sangguniang Panlungsod of Davao City in session assembled that: SECTION 1. TITLE – This Ordinance shall be known as “THE HIJAB ORDINANCE OF DAVAO CITY”.

SECTION 2. PURPOSE – The purpose of this Ordinance is to promote and protect the right, well-being and religious belief of Muslim women to wear hijab, niqab or burqa in school campuses, workplaces, commercial establishments and other private or public premises in the course of their formal education, employment, personal transactions, or practice of their profession in deference to the religious beliefs, customs and traditions of the Muslim community in Davao City.

SECTION 3. AUTHORITY AND BASIS – This Ordinance is enacted pursuant to the provisions of the 1987 Constitution, particularly: -ARTICLE 2, SECTION 11. The State values the dignity of every human person and guarantees full respect for human rights.

-ARTICLE 2, SECTION 26. The State shall guarantee equal access to opportunities for public service, and prohibit political dynasties as may be defined by law.

-ARTICLE 3, SECTION 5. No law shall be made respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof. The free exercise and enjoyment of religion profession and worship, without discrimination or preference, shall forever be allowed. No religious test shall be required for the exercise of civil or political rights.

Provisions of DepEd Order No. 32, “Strengthening the Protection of Religious Rights of Students” and Ordinance No. 0417-12, Series of 2012, also known as “the Anti-Discrimination Ordinance of Davao City” SECTION 4. SCOPE – This Ordinance shall apply to all Muslim women wearing hijab, niqab or burqa in Davao City.

PROVIDED, that this recognizes the right of every institution to promulgate rules, policies, and regulations for security and general protection. In line with the foregoing, the one wearing hijab, niqab or burqa shall cooperate to reasonable security measures, such as, submit themselves to a female security officer, or open/remove cover for facial recognition, when deemed necessary for checking upon entry to the premises of the establishments.

SECTION 5. DEFINITION OF TERMS – 1. Commercial Establishment – An establishment used for commercial purposes, such as, but not limited to, banks and financial institutions, public and private offices, shops, hotels, malls, restaurants, stores, supermarkets, and other establishments with common business areas.

2. Hijab – This is a veil worn by Muslim women in public covering the head, shoulders, and chest of a woman; a religious obligation believed to protect women from being seen by men except by their closest male relatives. (see Appendix A) 3. Niqab – It is a face veil worn by Muslim women in public as religious obligation, almost similar to Hijab, but leaving only the eyes uncovered. (see Appendix A) 4. Burqa – An outer garment worn by Muslim women to cover themselves in public as religious deligation, which covers from head down to the body, including the entire face, with only a mesh screen allowing them to see. (see Appendix A) 5. Institution – This refers to an organization that regulates the school, business or workplace, whether public or private.

6. Premises – Generally an indoor or outdoor area, whether privately or publicly owned, to which the public has access such as, but not limited to, streets, highways, and the common areas of schools, hospitals, office buildings, transport facilities, and shops.

7. Transaction – This refers to any connections, business, trade, dealings, industries which a Muslim engages to.

ARTICLE II DECLARATION OF POLICY SECTION 6. PROHIBITED ACTS Hijab, Niqab or Burqa is a veil worn by Muslim women as a religious obligation covering them from head down to the body. It reinforces respect and chastity and maintains a decent and modest interaction between men and women.

It shall be unlawful for any person, group of persons, organization, or institution covered by this Ordinance to: a.) refuse a Muslim woman wearing hijab, niqab or burqa to enter the school campuses, workplace, commercial establishments and/or other private or public premises by reason of wearing hijab, niqab or burqa. b.) discourage a female student to wear hijab, niqab or burqa during school days, whether in their regular classes or in performing their extra-curricular activities such as, but not limited to, participating in celebrations, contests and sports; c.) discourage/prohibit the Muslim woman from wearing hijab, niqab or burqa in the performance of her job at the workplace or include it as a condition of work or ground for termination ARTICLE III IMPLEMENTATION SECTION 7. IMPLEMENTING BODY The Barangay Cultural Communities Affairs and Development under the Office of the City Mayor is hereby mandated to ensure faithful implementation of the provisions of this Ordinance. For this purpose, the aforesaid office shall perform the following: a.) To disseminate public information on the right of Muslim women to wear hijab, niqab or burqa in the school campuses, workplace, commercial establishments and other private or public premises in the courses of their activities, formal education, personal transactions, or practice of their profession in deference to the religious beliefs, customs and traditions of the Muslim community in Davao City; b.) To accept any complaints in violation of this Ordinance and to notify offender of such complaint/s; c.) To conduct mediation and conciliation proceeding between the complainants and the alleged violator/s preferably within seven working days upon receipt of the complaint; d.) To assist the offended party, upon its requests, in seeking remedy, issue recommendations and refer the complaint to appropriate body for purposes of formal investigation for violation of the instant ordinance.

SECTION 8. PENALTIES Any person who commits any of the prohibited acts or violates any provision of this Ordinance shall be criminally liable as follows: a.) First Offense – the offender shall be reprimanded by the Barangay Cultural Communities Affairs and Developmental under the Office of the City Mayor; b.) Second Offense – the Offender shall be penalized by a fine of One Thousand Pesos (P1,000.00); c.) Third Offense – the offender shall be penalized by a fine of Three Thousand Pesos (P3,000.00) and/or imprisonment for twenty (20) days at the discretion of the Court.

SECTION 9. SEPARABILITY CLAUSE – If any provision of this Ordinance or its application to any person on circumstance is declared unconstitutional or inconsistent with national laws, the unaffected provisions of this Ordinance, shall remain in full force and effect.

SECTION 10. REPEALING CLAUSE – Any Ordinance, local issuances or rules and regulations inconsistent with the provisions of this Ordinance are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SECTION 11. EFFECTIVITY CLAUSE - This Ordinance shall take effect fifteen (15) days following its publication in a newspaper of general circulation in the City of Davao and its posting for three (3) consecutive weeks at any conspicuous places at City Hall, and two (2) other conspicuous places within the City of Davao.

ENACTED, on the 2nd day of October 2018, by a unanimous vote of all the Members of the Sanggunian present, there being a quorum.

INdulge!

VOL.12 ISSUE 49 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MAY 17-18, 2019

EDGEDAVAO

TRAVEL

Feels like home at

SEDA BGC

I don’t often get to visit Metro Manila. Maybe its because of the flight delays or maybe its the horrific traffic situation, but ins spite of all this, a trip to Manila can still be a fun one when planned properly.

Being in the big city, it is ideal to work your schedules around where your business will take you. If you plan to shop and dine in Makati, then try to look for a hotel that is close to where you plan to go about. The same is true when staying at the Bonifacio Global City, a bustling commercial, shopping, dining and entertainment destination, BGC as it is more popularly known.

In the past, it was difficult to explore BGC since there was

Seda BGC and its new wing.

literally no proper hotel in the area but thanks to the opening of Seda BGC, the first hotel brand developed by Ayala Hotels, access to BGC and all that it offers was finally easier.

It was in 2012 when I first stayed at Seda BGC and I have been back many times over.

And last April, I was again able to stay at BGC’s pioneering

hotel. It may have been over five-years old but the hotel still

feels fresh and vibrant.

Setting foot onto my room,

A render of Seda BGC’s expansive new lobby.

Seda BGC’s guestroom. everything was still as it should be. A comfy king-sized bed, a huge 40-inch high-definition LED TV, lots of power outlets and charging points, and coffee and tea making facilities. New to the amenities is Seda’s “Sassy & Savvy” toiletries which are more luxurious with the lavish scent of fig and cedar.

What made my stay at

URBANISSIMO A2

EDGED

A2 INdulge!

TRAVEL

STYLE

Chilling at Seda BGC’s chic Club Lounge.

URBANISSIMO A1 Seda BGC different this time is access to Seda BGC’s Club Lounge. Located at the 15th floor of the hotel. Seda BGC’s Club Lounge serves continental breakfast, afternoon tea, and cocktails. Refreshments are also available all day long in case you need a bit for soda or coffee. The space is the perfect place to unwind while exploring the different areas of BGC. Need help looking for something in the area? The concierge at the lounge can help you find what you are looking for. Check out is also quick and easy at the Club Lounge.

Everything at Seda BGC fit like a glove, it immediately feels like home the moment I set my foot onto the hotel. In fact, I was pleasantly surprised that many of the associates of the hotel still recognise me from my last stay which was a little

over around a year ago. These small details really place me at ease and make it feel like I am coming home.

A BIGGER HOME Already one of the biggest hotels in BGC with 179 rooms, Seda BGC is about to become much larger with the completion of their new wing.

The taller, 24-storey building will have a full-sized function room that can seat 350 and its Misto restaurant will be able to accommodate 300. Of its total 521 rooms, 48 will be studios and one- bedroom serviced residences. It will also have an expanded swimming pool and a bigger lobby.

This expansion and transformation is definitely a welcome development, giving business and leisure travellers more reasons to choose to stay at Seda BGC when visiting the Bonifacio Global City and beyond.

UNDER THE IBERIAN SUN

By KENNETH IRVING ONG

KNOWN for their classic silhouettes and modern prints, Plains and Prints takes fashionistas to the coast of Marbella with their latest Spring/Summer collection.

You can find Seddy, Seda Hotel’s mascot all around the hotel.

Featuring shades of blue and mauve juxtaposed with earthy tones, the Plains and Prints Marbella collection is perfect for warm summer days. The collection features modern geometric boxy cuts are made more feminine and glamorous with frilly accents and tropical prints.

From flowing floral printed dresses to constructed tops and structured pants, the Marbella collection is easy to wear and cool on the eyes.

The Plains and Prints Marbella collection is now available at Pains and Prints Abreeza, SM City Davao and Chimes.

EDAVAO

INdulge! A3

VOL.12 ISSUE 49 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MAY 17-18, 2019

ENTERTAINMENT

Star Cinema and iWant’s ‘Quezon’s Game’ wins four awards at int’l film fest in Texas “QUEZON’S GAME,” a movie that pays tribute to former Philippine president Manuel L. Quezon’s heroic rescue of over a thousand Jewish people seeking refuge from the Holocaust, continues to get worldwide recognition after it bagged four awards at the WorldFest-Houston International Film Festival.

The film, a joint venture production of Star Cinema, ABS-CBN’s streaming service iWant, and Kinetek Productions, won the Best Foreign Movie trophy.

It also won three Gold Remi Awards for Best Art Design, Best Producers for ABS-CBN president and CEO Carlo Katigbak, Star Cinema managing director Olivia Lamasan, iWant originals production head Linggit Tan-Marasigan, and Lorena Rosen, and Best Director for Matthew Rosen, an awardwinning TV commercial and music video director and pioneer in the data post-production field.

WorldFest, based in Houston, Texas, is the oldest independent film and video festival in the world and third competitive international film festival in North America.

In January, the period movie also brought home 12 awards from the Cinema World Fest Awards in Ottawa, Canada, including Awards

of Excellence for its lead actor Raymond Bagatsing, who portrayed the titular character, and Rachel Alejandro, who played his wife, Aurora.

It continued getting honors in the international film festival circuit in February, when it reaped six awards at the IndieFEST Film Awards in California, US. Inspired by true events, “Quezon’s Game” tells the epic story of heroism that began in 1938, when Manuel L. Quezon joined future US president Dwight Eisenhower, and

several other notable figures to rescue Jewish refugees from Germany and Austria. Faced with mounting obstacles—including Quezon’s battle with a relapse of tuberculosis—the group fought through and saved around 1,200 refugees.

It is said that in his final days, Quezon asked the question “Could I have done more?” as he recounted one of the least known, but most inspiring stories in Philippine history.

“Quezon’s Game” will be shown in theaters in the country starting May 29.

Aga and Bea test serendipity in ‘First Love’ premiering on Cinema One this Sunday

DESTINY brings Aga Muhlach and Bea Alonzo together in their first-ever onscreen pair-up “First Love,” premiering on Cinema One’s primetime this Sunday (May 19).

The film follows the serendipitous encounter of calculated and reserved businessman Nick (Aga) and impulsive and optimistic photographer Ali (Bea) in Vancouver, Canada.

While Nick is seeking closure from past mistakes, Ali is in town because of a medical concern. Despite this, the latter continues to be hopeful and Nick is drawn to her light, positive attitude.

“First Love” a film helmed by Metro Manila Film Festival 2017’s best director Paul Soriano, also stars Albie Casiño, Edward Barber, and Sandy Andolong.

Sara de los Reyes of Metro.Style commended the pair’s tandem with director Paul. “Together, the trio re-interprets the universal tale of once-in-a-lifetime chances, reminding all that without urgency and courage, they pass us by, never to come again. Luckily for Bea (who plays the film’s vibrant leading lady Ali) and Aga (who is convincing as the more somber Nick), both take a leap of faith, allowing love to triumph,” wrote Sara.

Can love really test fate? Find out in “First Love,” airing on Cinema One’s Blockbuster Sunday this May 19 at 7pm. Cinema One is available on SKYcable Channel 56, SKYdirect Channel 19, Destiny Cable Analog 37 and Digital 56.

A4 INdulge!

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 49 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MAY 17-18, 2019

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 49 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MAY 17-18, 2019

PROPERTY

9

Megaworld's profit P up by 18% roperty giant Megaworld, the country’s pioneer and largest developer of townships, saw its net income grow by 18% to P4.1-billion in the �irst quarter of 2019 from P3.5-billion during the same period last year. Excluding a non-recurring gain of about P189-million in the �irst three months of 2019, the company saw a 13% growth in net income compared to the same �igure last year.

Net income attributable to parent company ended at P3.8-billion during the period this year, growing 16% from P3.3-billion last year.

The company’s double-digit growth in earnings was backed by strong outputs from each of its core businesses: residential sales, leasing from of�ices and Lifestyle Malls, as well as hotel operations.

Megaworld’s consolidated reve-

nues was up 15% to P14.9-billion during the �irst quarter of the year compared to P13-billion during the same period last year. Around 64% of total revenues came from the company’s residential business, while 26% came from rentals, and 4% from hotel operations. The rest came from the company’s non-core revenues.

“It is always encouraging to see all of our core businesses exhibiting positive growth during the �irst quarter as this sets our pace for the rest of the year. We will be working towards maintaining the growth momentum until year-end.

We are con�ident that stronger numbers will be achievable given our pipeline of projects this year,” says Kevin L. Tan, chief strategy of�icer, Megaworld.

Residential sales grew 11% to P9.5-billion during the �irst quarter from P8.5-bil-

lion during the same period last year. From January to March, the company has already generated around P48-billion in reservation sales and has injected about P24-billion worth of new inventory into the market.

Megaworld’s rental businesses, likewise, soared 16% to P3.9-billion during the �irst quarter of the year compared to P3.4-billion in the same period in 2018. The company is scheduled to complete more than 230,000 sqm of leasable spaces from its of�ice spaces and Lifestyle Malls spaces in various townships all over the country.

The company’s hotel business became the fastest growing

segment during the quarter, soaring 56% to P574-million compared to last year’s P368-million.

“We have launched two new hotels last year - the Savoy Hotel Manila in Newport City, and the Twin Lakes Hotel near Tagaytay. This year, we expect to add over 1,000 rooms as we open Belmont Hotel Boracay, Hotel Lucky Chinatown, and Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown,” reveals Tan. Now on its 30th year, Megaworld has 24 masterplanned townships and integrated lifestyle communities across the country, namely: Eastwood City in Libis, Quezon City, (18.5 hectares); Newport City in Pasay City (25 hectares);

McKinley Hill (50 hectares), McKinley West (34.5 hectares), Uptown Bonifacio (15.4 hectares) and Forbes Town (5 hectares), all in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City; The Mactan Newtown in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu (30 hectares); Iloilo Business Park in Mandurriao, Iloilo City (72 hectares); Sta. Barbara Heights in Sta. Barbara, Iloilo (173 hectares); Boracay Newcoast in Boracay Island (150 hectares); Twin Lakes in Alfonso, Batangas near Tagaytay (1,300 hectares); ArcoVia City in Pasig City (12.3 hectares); Southwoods City in the boundaries of Cavite and Laguna (561 hectares); Davao Park District in Lanang, Davao City (11

hectares); Alabang West in Las Piñas City (62 hectares); Eastland Heights in Antipolo, Rizal (640 hectares); Suntrust Ecotown in Tanza, Cavite (350 hectares); Maple Grove in General Trias, Cavite (140 hectares); The Hamptons Caliraya in Lumban-Cavinti, Laguna (300 hectares); The Upper East (34 hectares) and Northill Gateway (50 hectares) both in Negros Occidental; Capital Town Pampanga beside the Pampanga Provincial Capitol in the City of San Fernando (35.6-hectares); Westside City in the Entertainment City in Paranaque City (31 hectares); and Highland City in Antipolo, Rizal (24 hectares).

10 EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 49 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MAY 17-18, 2019

NOW HIRING!!!

EDGE

• REPORTERS • LAYOUT ARTISTS • ACCOUNTING CLERKS • DRIVER

DAVAO

Kindly address application letter ASAP to

For additional inquiries, please email us at: zion.davao@gmail.com

ELLA P. TINGZON | 0918 383 1511

ERRATUM

ERRATUM

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE

In the April 29, May 6 and May 13, 2019 issues of Edge Davao, in the Notice of Extra-Judicial Sale filed by Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF) against Joevanni M. Moreno married to Mitzchill Ann A. Moreno, with EJF-REM Case No. 17,222-2019, the surname of Mitzchill Ann A. Moreno was erroneously printed as Mitzchill Ann A. Morena.

Our apologies.

In the April 29, May 6 and May 13, 2019 issues of Edge Davao, in the Notice of Extra-Judicial Sale filed

by Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF) against Arman Jose A. Tampos, with EJF-REM Case No. 17,231-19, both the name and Case No. was erroneously printed as Arman Josel A. Tampos and EJF-REM Case No. 17,231-18.

Our apologies.

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late CESAR R. LAREDO who died intestate on April 15, 2004 in Davao City, Philippines has been the subject of an EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE WITH SALE executed among his heirs, per Doc. No. 232; Page No.67; Book No. 05 Series of 2010, of the NOTARY PUBLIC ATTY. TEODORO V. ANGEL.

– The Editors.

– The Editors.

May 10, 17 and 24, 2019

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 49 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MAY 17-18, 2019

11

Toronto Raptors center Marc Gasol (33) looks for a shot against Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez (11) in the first quarter in game one of the Eastern conference finals of the 2019 NBA Playoffs at Fiserv Forum. Reuters

Bucks take East Finals Game 1

B

rook Lopez scored a playoff-career-best 29 points and grabbed 11 rebounds as the Milwaukee Bucks used a fourth-quarter surge to defeat the visiting Toronto Raptors 108-100 Wednesday night in the opening game of the Eastern Conference �inals.

Giannis Antetokounmpo added 24 points and 14 rebounds for the Bucks, who host Game 2 on Friday.

Malcolm Brogdon added 15 points off the bench for the Bucks, Nikola Mirotic scored 13 points, and Khris Middleton had 11 points and 11 rebounds.

Kawhi Leonard led the Raptors with 31 points and

nine rebounds, Kyle Lowry had 30 points, Pascal Siakam scored 15 points, and Marc Gasol had six points and 12 rebounds.

The Bucks, who trailed by as many as 13 points in the �irst quarter, scored the �irst eight points of the fourth quarter to lead by one.

They took a three-point lead on Middleton’s 3-pointer with 7:50 remaining and were up by �ive on Brogdon’s running dunk with 6:33 to go.

The Raptors tied the game at 98 on Lowry’s 3-pointer with 4:02 to play. Leonard’s two free throws put Toronto ahead by two with 3:31 left.

The Bucks took a onepoint lead on Middleton’s

SMB dynasty continues

J

une Mar Fajardo scored 17 points and pulled down a record 31 rebounds, as San Miguel Beer defeated Magnolia 72-71 to remain kings of the PBA Philippine Cup. The Beermen had to claw their way out of a big de�icit at Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday to down a gritty Hotshots squad and extend their reign as all-Filipino champions to 5 seasons.

Alex Cabagnot �inished with 18 points, while Arwind Santos added 17 points and 11 rebounds, to go with 3 3-pointers.

Terrence Romeo and Christian Standhardinger, �irst-time PBA champions, each tallied 4 points.

As much as San Miguel remains untouchable in this tournament, winning one for the thumb was far from easy.

Game 7 came down to the �inal seconds, and it was Cabagnot's fallaway jumper with 57 seconds left that decided the game.

With a chance to extend the 1-point lead after Cabag-

steal and Lopez’s dunk, and they led by four after a 3-pointer by Lopez with 1:55 left.

Eric Bledsoe made two free throws to bump the lead to six with 42 seconds to play, and Middleton’s two free throws made the advantage eight points.

The Raptors used a 16-0 run to take a 34-23 lead after one quarter.

Toronto had a 12-point lead during the second quarter before the Bucks battled back and pulled to within three on a Middleton stepback 17-footer that completed an 11-2 run.

Leonard capped the �irsthalf scoring with a dunk, and

Toronto led 59-51.

The Bucks opened the third quarter on an 8-2 run, drawing within two.

After the Bucks cut the margin to one, the Raptors went on a 9-0 surge capped by two free throws from Leonard with 6:33 left in the third.

The Bucks cut the de�icit to four on a Lopez layup with 2:07 left in the quarter.

Siakam ended the third period with a 3-pointer, giving Toronto an 83-76 lead.

The Bucks were 0-for-11 on 3-point attempts in the quarter, and they wound up 11 of 44 from long range. The Raptors sank 15 of their 42 3-point tries.

not's shot, San Miguel turned the ball over as Marcio Lassiter fumbled an inbounds play.

But Magnolia came up empty in the ensuing possession when Jio Jalalon missed on the drive to the basket with less than 4 seconds remaining.

The Hotshots fouled Fajardo to stop the clock, but he missed his free throws.

Without a timeout, Magnolia couldn't advance the posses- San Miguel Beermen celebrate another championship on Wednesday night. sion and time ran out, giving the Beermen the win.

Magnolia was ahead by 17 points at one point — 4326 early in the third — and held on to a 58-50 lead heading to the fourth.

That's when Magnolia went cold, making just 4 �ield goals, as San Miguel outscored the Hotshots 2213 in the quarter.

Both teams shot dismally from the �loor, but it was San Miguel that controlled the glass, outrebounding Magnolia 69-40.

Ian Sangalang paced Magnolia in scoring with 18 MVP. San Miguel Beermen center Junmar Fajardo receives his Finals MVP award points. after SMB clinched the PBA All Filipino Cup over Magnolia on Wednesday night.

Tiger skips final practice at Bethpage to get extra rest

B

ETHPAGE -- Tiger Woods skipped his last chance at a practice round over formidable Bethpage Black on Wednesday in favor of an extra rest day before he launches his quest for a 16th major title Thursday at the 101st PGA Championship.

The 43-year-old American, who snapped an 11-year major win drought by capturing the Masters a month ago, has not played competitively since. He practiced last week for more than �ive hours at Bethpage and played a ninehole practice round early Monday.

“There’s de�initely going to be a component to stamina as the week goes on,” Woods said Tuesday. “Four days over a tough championship that is mentally and physically taxing takes its toll.”

Woods is scheduled to start from the 10th tee at 8:24 a.m. (1224 GMT) alongside the other reigning major champions, British Open winner Francesco Molinari of Italy and defending champion Brooks Koepka, who seeks his third consecutive US Open title next month at Pebble Beach.

“Physically I’ve been feeling really good. The training sessions have been good. I’ve been doing a lot of practicing of late,” Woods said Tuesday of his workout regimen.

“We came up here last week, took a look at it in detail and spent a lot of time on it. This is not only a big golf course, but this is going to be a long week the way the golf course is set up and potentially could play.”

Woods could become the �irst golfer since Jack Nicklaus in 1975 to win the Masters and PGA Championship in the same year, although this marks the �irst time since 1949 the PGA will be played in May, moving from its traditional August spot in a revamp of the global golf schedule.

It was only in 2015 that Jordan Spieth won the �irst

two majors of the year, the Masters and US Open, before sharing fourth at the British Open.

Woods won the 2002 Masters and took the 2002 US Open at Bethpage before sharing 28th at the British Open.

Sixth-ranked Woods would become world number one for the �irst time since March 2013 by winning the PGA, having top-ranked Dustin Johnson �inish solo 11th or worse and neither England’s second-ranked Justin Rose or third-ranked Koepka �inishing second alone.

A victory would match Woods with Sam Snead for the all-time US PGA win record at 82 and move him two shy of the all-time major win record of 82 set by Jack Nicklaus.

It was just 20 years ago that Woods wondered if he would ever win more than one major before he outdueled Spanish teen Sergio Garcia to take the 1999 PGA at Medinah.

That launched a run of seven wins in 11 majors, including the “Tiger Slam” of four in a row in 2000-2001.

“That was a big moment because at the time I’d won one major by 12 shots and hadn’t won since then, and it was a big deal to get a second major championship and get the numbers to start to accrue,” Woods said.

“To be able to hang in there and somehow get that done, it just helped keep the momentum going from ‘97 and then not winning anything in ‘98.

It just started the momentum and you can see what happens in 2000, 2001 and 2002. But ‘99 was a big moment to kick start all that transpired.”

That included major knee and back injuries that Woods feared might rob him of a normal life until 2017 spinal fusion surgery allowed him to return to golf.

In 2018 he won the Tour Championship and contended in two majors and last month he took a �ifth green jacket at the Masters.

EDGEDAVAO

12 SPORTS

VOL.12 ISSUE 49 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MAY 17-18, 2019

THE NEXT BIG ONE Davao City all set for PRISAA National Games W ith the Palarong Pambansa hosting a �lying success for Davao City, it’s time for the next big one.

From May 19-24, the city will play host to the tertiary level version of the Palarong Pambansa--the 63rd National Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA) Games. The national sports showpiece featuring collegiate athletes will gather around 10,000 delegates from 17 regional contingents.

Region 11 president Ma. Lita Montalban, along with PRISAA secretary general Laurreano Santos, declared on Thursday, May 16, that it’s all system go for the PRISAA National Games during I-Speak media forum at City Hally.

The PRISAA National Games is an annual, week long competition featuring more than 18 Olympic sports participated by the creme dela creme of collegiate talents coming from 500 private universities and colleges.

The events to be contested are Athletics, Badminton, Baseball, Boxing, Beach Volleyball, Boxing, Chess, and Dance sports, Football, Karatedo, Sepak Takraw, Softball, Swimming, Table Tennis Taewondo, Tennis and Weightlifting.

Other academic and cultural events include Oratorical, Vocal Duet, Vocal Solo, PRISAAyawan and MUtya ng PRISAA. The PRISAA National Games will also feature the traditional opening parade which is a grand presentation of athletes and delegates per region depicting their culture and pride highlighting the Opening Ceremonies.

University of Mindanao and EMAR Learning Center will lead the hosting committee backed up by the City Government of Davao.

PRISAA is also partnered by the Philippine Sports Commission, Department of Education, Commission on Higher Education and the Technical Education and Skills Authority.

ALL SYSTEMS GO. Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA) Region 11 president Ma. Lita Montalban, together with PRISAA secretary general Laurreano Santos, says all system go for the upcoming 63rd National PRISAA Games slated in Davao City from May 19 to 24 during I-Speak media forum at City Hall on Thursday. Lean Daval Jr.