Edge Davao Volume 12 Issue 59 | Friday-Saturday, May 30 - June 1, 2019

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RAFA, FEDERER MOVE ON TO THIRD ROUND

Serving a seamless society

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SIGNS OF BOOM VOL.12 ISSUE 59 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MAY 31-JUNE 1, 2019

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Applications for building, zoning permits increase

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he Of�ice of the Davao City Planning and Development Coordinator is swarmed by applicants for locational clearance, zoning, building and other permits with at least 500 applications submitted on a weekly basis.

The increase in applications is an indication of Davao City’s booming construction industry and infrastructure development, the city noted.

Assistant City Planning and Development Coordinator Roy Ryan Rigor said the in�lux of permit applicants on a weekly basis is very high, causing delays in the issuances of permits.

Rigor said the issuance of some permits, such as for locational applications, needed actual surveys by their personnel and this contributed to the delay.

“There are really too

many applications that we receive and it is not only limited to the zoning permits, but there are also a lot more,” he said.

He also underscored submission of incomplete sets of requirements that further slows down the process of issuing the permits.

“There are some clients whose documents have discrepancies, and that causes the delay in the issuance of the permit. Another example is when the area needs to be reclassi�ied and that needs the approval of the city council �irst,” Rigor said.

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MINDANAO HERITAGE THROUGH MODERN FASHION ►INDULGE A1

RAISING A MILLENNIAL FAMILY FOREMOST IN ESDEVCO’S MIND

►PROPERTY P9

TOURISM. President Rodrigo Duterte responds to the discussions during the meeting with the Japanese tourism partners at the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo, Japan on Wednesday night. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 59 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MAY 31-JUNE 1, 2019

26 BIZ DEALS SIGNED. President Rodrigo R. Duterte poses for posterity with the officials from various companies during a business forum at the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo, Japan on May 29, 2019. Seated with the President are Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, and Trade and Industry

Secretary Ramon Lopez. Lopez said the 26 agreements are expected to generate an estimated 82,737 jobs in the Philippines.

(Toto Lozano/Presidential Photo)

PRRD’s Japan trip nets A P288-B in business deals A

Solon wants probe of social media platforms over ‘Bikoy’

t least PHP288.804 billion worth of business agreements and letters of intent were signed between the Philippines and Japan on the sidelines of President Rodrigo Duterte’s working visit to Japan.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo on Wednesday said the 26 signed agreements show Japanese business leaders’ con�idence in the Philippines as an “investor haven.”

“These agreements emphasize the con�idence the Japanese business leaders have on the Philippines as an investor haven under the vibrant and decisive leadership of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte,” Panelo said in a statement.

Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said the 26 agreements are expected to generate an estimated 82,737 jobs in the Philippines.

The 26 deals signed deals are: 1) Memorandum of Cooperation: Department of Trade and Industry and Japan External Trade Organization Signatories: DTI Secretary

Ramon Lopez and Mr. Nobuhiko Sasaki, Chairman and CEO, Japan External Trade Organization Enhance bilateral cooperation on investment promotion activities between the Philippines and Japan 2) Memorandum of Understanding: EMS Group, Tescom Denki Co. Ltd. and Outsourcing, Inc. Signatories: Ferdinand A. Ferrer, Chairman and CEO, EMS Group and Mr. Toshiya Kusuno, CEO, Tescom Denki Co. Ltd. and Mr. Atsushi Nakamoto, Senior Executive Director, Outsourcing, Inc. Partnership in skills training and human resource development and deployment, manufacturing, and assembly 3) Memorandum of Understanding: Advanced World Systems, Inc. Alsons/AWS Information Systems, Inc. and Ubicom Holdings, Inc. Signatories: Mr. Akira

Konishi, President and CEO, Advanced World Systems, Inc. and Mr. Ramil L. Villanueva, Vice President, Advanced World Systems, Inc. Alsons/ AWS Information Systems, Inc. and Mr. Masayuki Aoki, President and CEO, Ubicom Holdings, Inc. Outsourcing of projects involving software development, testing, and maintenance in the following areas: 1) R&D on Data Analytics, Arti�icial Intelligence, Automation, Internet of Things, 2) Enterprise Systems and Web Applications Development, 3) Automotive Software Development, 4) Embedded Systems Development, 5) Mobile Systems Development, and 6) Product Quality Assurance and Testing 4) Joint Venture Agreement: Bases Conversion and Development Authority and Meralco Marubeni Consortium Signatories: Mr. Vivencio B. Dizon, President and CEO, Bases Conversion and Development Authority and Mr. Rogelio Singson, President and CEO, Meralco PowerGen

Corporation (authorized representative of the Meralco Marubeni Consortium) and Mr. Shigeru Yamazoe, Vice Chairman, Marubeni Corporation, Mr. Yoshihiro Doi, Executive Vice President, Kansai Electric Power Co., Inc., Mr. Yuta Kano, Manager-International Business Development Corporate Planning & Strategy Division, Chubu Electric Power Co., Inc., Mr. Takuman Hatano, President and CEO, Japan Overseas Infrastructure Investment Corporation for Transport and Urban Development (witness) Financing, design, engineering, establishment, construction, development, and operation and maintenance of the electric power distribution system in New Clark City 5) Master Franchise Agreement Signatories: Dr. Jaime Tan Cruz, Mr. Kimberly Justine Yang Cruz, Dohtonbori Philippines, Inc. and Hiroyuki Inaba, Mr. Satoshi Yokote, Dohtonbori Company Limited Grant of development rights for the “Dohtonbori

able to reestablish contact this afternoon with a group of Filipino engineers in a compound outside Tripoli near where heavy �ighting has been taking place in past two months. All are safe and accounted for,” Chargé d’ Affaires Elmer Cato said.

The 14 were among the 40 Filipinos in areas where �ierce �ighting continued to take place. On

Tuesday, Cato wrote that the Embassy has lost contact with them.

Cato said the compound was struck by artillery rounds last week that left several foreign workers wounded.

“We have been telling them we are not forcibly repatriating them but just asking them to move to a safer location because they are at grave

risk where they presently are,” he told the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

At present, there are around 1,000 Filipinos still in Tripoli. As of May 30, a total of 70 have been repatriated since intense �ighting broke out between forces of the UNbacked government in Libya and the Libyan National Army led by Khalifa Haftar. (PNA)

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14 Pinoys near Tripoli conflict zone safe

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he group of Filipino engineers residing near the con�lict zone in Libya and who have been incommunicado for the past few days, are all safe and accounted for, a ranking of�icial of the Philippine Embassy in Tripoli reported Thursday.

“After several days of trying, the Philippine Embassy in Libya was �inally

partylist lawmaker at the House of Representatives on Wednesday �iled a resolution seeking an investigation into the possible liabilities of social media platforms in the light of “Ang Totoong Narco List” video series that he said has “recklessly” dragged prominent individuals in the controversy.

Ako Bicol Partylist Representative Alfredo Garbin Jr. �iled House Resolution 2585 which directs the House Committee on Information and Communications Technology to immediately conduct an investigation, in aid of legislation, on the possible liabilities of social media platforms like Facebook and YouTube, among others, for content posted by their users.

In a press brie�ing after �iling the said resolution, Garbin noted that on May 6, Peter Joemel Advincula surfaced and introduced himself as “Bikoy,” the man behind the controversial video series that were uploaded in different social media platforms starting April 2.

Bikoy has uploaded a total of �ive episodes where he implicated the family of President Rodrigo Duterte, some local politicians, and some private individuals who have been allegedly involved in a drug syndicate operating in the country.

However, on May 23, he revealed before the media that his previous allegations were “all lies”, claiming the charges he earlier made were all fabricated by the opposition to unseat the Duterte government.

Speaking at a press conference at Camp Crame,

Bikoy said his claims were “scripted” and were “orchestrated” by the Liberal Party.

“Nevertheless, regardless of the motive of Bikoy, the video series has been publicly viewed, shared and uploaded multiple times in social media platforms such as Facebook and YouTube,” Garbin said.

As a result, the partylist lawmaker said the video series not only discredited and maligned the good name, honor and reputation of the individuals named in the series, but also imputed to them active membership, or worse, even leadership in a drug syndicate - a heinous crime.

Garbin cited the case of their partymate, Elizaldy Co, who was tagged

by Bikoy in “Ang Totoong Narcolist - Episode 5” as the leader of the drug syndicate.

Bikoy alleged that Co’s �ive-star luxury hotel and resort in Albay, Misibis Bay Resort, serves as the central house facility where a shabu laboratory is located.

As a result of the circulation of the libelous video implicating Co, Garbin said the Misibis Bay Resort encountered a series of booking cancellations, even on its peak season.

“Mr. Co’s good name and reputation as a businessman were greatly tarnished. Some banking and �inancial institutions with which he has signi�icant �inancial dealings have raised questions over his creditworthiness,” the lawmaker noted.

To prevent similar cases from happening, Garbin

SOLON, P10

VOL.12 ISSUE 59 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MAY 31-JUNE 1, 2019

NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

Japan turns over school building in Maguindanao

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OTABATO CITY -An of�icial of the Japanese embassy in Manila has turned over a six-classroom building in Kabuntalan, Maguindanao on Wednesday, as part of Tokyo's support to education in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

Manabu Yasukawa, �irst secretary of the economic section of Japan Embassy in Manila, was in Kabuntalan during the turn-over program that was also attended

by Minister Mohagher Iqbal of the BARMM Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education, and Kabuntalan municipal administrator Anwar Salik and other education of�icials.

The school building was put up and funded by the Japan government through the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects.

Yasukawa said the Japanese government is providing technical expertise in helping improve education in the BARMM as part of its contribution to the Philippine government’s peace process in Mindanao.

The school building built inside the Barangay Gambar Elementary School in Barangay Gambar aims to help improve the quality of education in Kabuntalan.

Iqbal lauded Japan for its continuing intervention in con�lict communities in southern Philippines. (PNA)

Meranaw youths pose for a selife before the start of the Pagana Meranaw at the break of fast (referred to as “iftar” during Ramadhan) at the MSU Library at dusk on Wednesday. The traditional feast was a joint undertaking of the MSU Univesrity Library and the Iligan office of the International Committee of the Red Cross. MindaNews photo by BOBBY TIMONERA

Sara cites people support June 5, Eid’l Fitr, is regular holiday to drug rehab program T M ayor Inday Sara Duterte underscored the need for stronger support to the city’s Community-based Rehabilitation and After Care Program (CBRAP) to gain success as she lamented the challenges facing the City Anti-Drug Abuse Council (CADAC) in the rehab of drug reformists.

“Usually the user wanted to change but they cannot get any support from their family and their community. So it is a challenge for CADAC to encourage the

barangays to come up with a program that will support drug users who want to be rehabilitated,” Mayor Sara said.

The mayor said that

one of the reasons why a barangay cannot focus on creating a program for drug reformist because it has many problems that needed an immediate solution.

“We intend to push for the initiative at the barangay level, through our CADAC, a program that will help them (drug reformists) in their rehabilitation,” she said.

She noted the drug reformists who availed of the

plea bargaining agreement that will undergo a threemonth intensive rehabilitation supervised by the CADAC before they are turned over to the barangay for community rehabilitation.

Mayor Sara emphasized on the role of the barangay in the rehabilitation of those who availed of the plea bargain. She said the acceptance of the community creates a social impact on them. CIO

he Palace issued Proclamation No. 729 declaring Wednesday next week (June 5) as a regular holiday in observance of Eid’l Fitr (Feast of Ramadhan).

The proclamation was based on, among others, on Republic Act 9177 and the recommendation of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos.

It said the observance of the holiday aims to “bring the religious and cultural signi�icance of

Japan assured by PRRD of corruption-free gov’t

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A young boy tries to catch a pigeon as he plays with his peers at Rizal Park along San Pedro Street in Davao City four days before the end of summer break. Lean Daval Jr

Eid’l Fitr to the fore of national consciousness.”

President Duterte signed Proclamation No. 555 in August last year declaring Eid’l Fitr and Eid’l Adha as holidays this year.

Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea signed Proclamation No. 729 Wednesday on behalf of Duterte who is in Japan to attend the Nikkei’s International Conference on the Future of Asia. (MindaNews)

apanese investors can expect a competitive and corruption-free business climate in the Philippines, President Rodrigo Duterte said on Wednesday vowing to “kill” all forms of corruption in government.

“I just assure you that during my time I said there will be no corruption,” said Duterte in his speech during the Business Forum at the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo, Japan.

Duterte urged Japanese investors to report to him any complaint regarding hindrances, obstruction or outright corruption and he would ask his Cabinet members to respond to it immediately.

“I will give you at any hour of the day or night you can contact any of the Cabinet members or your Filipino lawyers or Filipino workers, and you can ask an audience with me in 24 hours and I will talk to you and just let me know what your problem is and we will kill that problem,” he added.

Duterte also spelled out the Philippines’ economic priorities which include addressing the issue of economic market access for Philippine agricultural products and service sup-

pliers in the construction of projects.

He took pride in the Philippines being a “natural choice” for Japanese companies looking for the manufacturing base in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and high-value Knowledge Process Outsourcing or KPO ventures.

The President also invited Japanese investors to take part in the “BuildBuild-Build” infrastructure program which is expected to generate jobs for Filipinos.

He also boasted of the upgraded Philippines’ credit rating to BBB+ by Standard and Poor, the highest rating in our history.

“Given all these, your investments are assured of protection and gains I guarantee that. And as a matter of fact, I place my honor in what we promised to our partners especially the Japanese and the Japanese people,” Duterte said.

Duterte, meanwhile, reiterated the Philippines commitment to maintain a “stable and predictable environment” for business partnerships between the Philippines and Japan.

“More than Build-Build-

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4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 59 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MAY 31-JUNE 1, 2019

Hopes up for passage of tobacco tax hike by June

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n of�icial of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) hopes that the measure seeking to increase the excise taxes on tobacco products will be passed in June.

“The sin tax is one of the things that we hope will pass before this Congress ends because we need a �iscal space…What will bring in the gains is the sin taxes especially since it is earmarked for the implementation of the universal health care program,” NEDA Undersecretary Rosemarie Edillon told reporters Wednesday on the sidelines of a forum organized by Economic Journalists Association of the Philippines (EJAP).

Edillon pointed out that prices of tobacco in the country are still “competitive” compared with other

countries.

She said higher taxes are also meant to curb consumption of sin products which brings about various health problems.

For his part, Moody’s senior credit of�icer Christian de Guzman cited gains of the Duterte administration in terms of tax reforms and how these bene�ited revenue generation.

“This government has gone far in terms of other kinds of reforms, which means extra spending down the road such as the universal health care… I think revenue measures are indeed will be very important,” he said during the forum.

President Rodrigo R. Duterte has certi�ied as urgent Senate Bill 2233 seeking to increase excise taxes on tobacco products.

(PNA)

yielders in their respective areas. This recognition will help farmers qualify in the Department of Agriculture’s annual Gawad Saka Awards, which recognizes farmers, �isherfolk, as well as distinguished groups and individuals, who have excelled and made signi�icant contributions in the development of agriculture and �ishery sector in their regions and in the country.

“I’m grateful for this partnership with Bayer.

We recognize the importance of this collaboration to further strengthen our local initiatives to accelerate hybridization in the region and most importantly, equip our rice farmers with the knowledge and skills to boost our rice productivity,” said Milagros Casis, DARFO XII Regional Executive Director.

o introduce coconut vinegar as an alternative income generator for coconut producing communities, the Department of Agriculture – Philippine Coconut Authority (DA – PCA) conducted the Coconut Vinegar Industry Launching on May 28, 2019 at the Agricultural Training Institute in Elliptical Road, Diliman, Quezon City. Various coconut products were featured during the launch, however the highlight of the event was the coco vinegar.

Agriculture Secretary Manny F. Piñol, who has incessantly campaigned for other uses of coconut, presented the current situation of the coconut industry.

Aside from the traditional copra, the agri chief stressed the potentials of coconut as raw material for natural vinegar.

“Coconut water and coconut sap may be processed into vinegar,” Piñol said.

Vinegar is used as a

food preservative and additional seasoning to various dishes, for household and even industrial purposes.

Hence, coconut vinegar is seen to provide additional income for coconut growers and may contribute in mitigating poverty in coconut growing communities.

As the coconut sector continues to face challenges, including the unstable price of copra, competition with the price and supply of palm oil, as well as high poverty incidence in coconut farming communities, Piñol enumerated opportunities that may be derived from coconut.

“There is an increasing demand for coco-based products, and other high-value commodities,” he added.

Currently, the Philippine market is clamoring for buko juice, virgin coconut oil, coco sugar, coco jam, and coco syrup, among others.

The event, which was

Cebu, but we were told by our Philippine Embassy in South Korea, ‘why don’t you initiate?’” he said.

Cambaya said it would bene�it the city if Seoul would become a sister city as it wants to attract more Korean investors to locate here to increase trade and investment activities.

Davao has existing friendship city agreements with Uijeongbu and Incheon in South Korea.

The city’s 11 domestic sister cities are Baguio, Manila, Quezon City, Cebu City, Bayugan, Cotabato, Zamboanga City, Legazpi in Albay, Bacoor in Cavite, San Juan in Metro Manila, and Marikina.

Its foreign sister cities include Jinjiang in Fujian and Nanning in China, Manado and Pekanbaru in Indonesia, Koror in Palau,

Montevideo in Uruguay, Panama City in Panama, Vladivostok in Russia, Keelung in Taiwan, and Kauai Country in Hawaii, and Tacoma in Washington in the United States.

Cambaya said the local government and business community are also hoping that a direct �light between Davao City and Incheon would be established to boost trade and investment and tourism activities here.

He said South Koreans going to Davao would only average 8,000 annually compared to around 100,000 others going to Manila and Cebu.

In a press release issued by the City Information Of�ice, DCIPC chief Lemuel Ortonio said over 50 Korean businessmen joined the Davao City

Business Forum at the Philippine Embassy in Seoul, which highlighted investment opportunities in the city’s agriculture, tourism and ICT sectors.

He said participants had expressed interest in cacao beans and nibs from Davao, seaweeds trading, and pet bottle recycling machines.

He said the delegation had also organized a product presentation to Korean tour operators.

Cambaya said the delegates had engaged Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the largest business organization with an estimated 180,000 members, and visited the Seoul Food Expo and the Kintex International Convention Center. (Antonio L. Colina IV/ MindaNews)

(Left to Right): Bayer Grower Marketing Seeds Cyndie Rose DV. Hernandez, Bayer Head of Seeds Recher E. Ondap, DA RFO 12 Regional Executive Director Milagros C. Casis, Bayer Country Commercial Lead Iiinas Ivan T. Lao, and DA RFO 12 RTD for Operations Zaldy M. Boloron

Coconut vinegar tapped for alternative income

Bayer partners with DA to accelerate hybrid rice production in Mindanao T

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en-thousand hectares of rice farms in Mindanao will shift to hybrid through the joint partnership of Bayer Crop Science and the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Of�ice XII (DA-RFO XII).

In a Memorandum of Agreement signing ceremony held at DA-RFO XII in Koronadal City, South Cotabato, both parties agreed to implement a pilot project to boost the hybrid rice production of farmers in North Cotabato, South Cotabato, Saranggani, and Sultan Kudarat. These provinces will soon ground Arize Hybrid Rice seeds with the guidance of �ield technicians from both parties.

The farmers will undergo Bayer Agri-Academy training on rice production to ensure the successful knowledge transfer of hybrid technology.

This will allow farmers to become independent

and highly productive in growing hybrid rice.

The average yield of inbred rice farmers is approximately four (4) metric tons while hybrid rice seeds can potentially increase yield by six to eight (6 to 8) metric tons. While some farmers in the region are already existing hybrid rice users, adoption rate remains low.

“This is the �irst-of-itskind among our projects with the Department of Agriculture. By formalizing our partnership, we convey our commitment to join hands with the government to improve the region’s rice productivity,” said Iiinas Ivan Lao, Country Commercial

Lorenzana keen on offshore patrol vessels deal with Aussie firm

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epartment of National Defense (DND) Secretary Del�in Lorenzana on Tuesday reiterated his interest to enter into an agreement with Australia-based global shipbuilder and defense contractor, Austal, regarding the proposed offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) of the Philippine Navy (PN).

He said he is keen to develop an agreement with the company, which has a local subsidiary, Austal Philippines, operating in Balamban, Cebu.

"As far as I'm concerned, I like it because it (could) be built in the Philippines using Filipino laborers," said the DND chief in an interview with GMA News Digital.

Also, Lorenzana said that the proposed deal will further develop the

country's relationship with Australia.

"It's good to develop relationship with our neighbors. The Australians are willing to help us," he added.

Lorenzana earlier raised Austal's possible participation in the OPV project last year.

The DND chief also stressed that Austal Philippines has volunteered to build the proposed OPVs. "They are volunteering to build our offshore patrol vessel. We’re looking into that," he added.

Austal is offering a larger version of its 80-meter Cape-class patrol vessels being used by the Royal Australian Navy and Australian Border Force.

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Lead, Bayer Crop Science.

“More than ever, we need to collaborate with the Department of Agriculture to ensure the project’s success. The support of DA-RFO XII and the local government units of the provinces involved will create a signi�icant impact to the farming communities in the region,” shared Recher Ondap, Head of Seeds Bayer Crop Science. He also added that, through this project, not only will farmers increase their yield by 20%, but also they will be better equipped to run their business in the highly competitive rice market.

The planting season will start in May or June and will end by September. At the end of the season, farmers who to have harvested more than �ive metric tons of hybrid rice will be honored as top

COCONUT, P8

Davao eyes sister city pact with Seoul

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he city government is planning to forge a sister city agreement with Seoul, the capital city and the largest metropolis of South Korea, to establish cultural and trade ties between the two cities.

Christian Cambaya, investor assistance and servicing unit head at Davao Investment Promotions Center (DCIPC), told Wednesdays’ Habi at Kape that the plan came after the successful visit of delegates from Davao’s private and public sectors from May 21 to 23.

He said the International Relations Board of the city government would discuss the plan.

“Seoul is looking at seriously to execute a sister city agreement with any cities in the Philippines.

It’s looking at Manila and

VOL.12 ISSUE 59 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MAY 31-JUNE 1, 2019

EDGEDAVAO

ECONOMY 5 BSP OKs new guidelines for external auditors

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A group of teenage workers rides on the back of a vehicle transporting coconuts which will be delivered from a coconut farm to a public market in Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur on Thursday. Lean Daval Jr

Davao welcomes approval of Dennis Uy’s Sasa Port modernization proposal

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he local government welcomed the approval of the Philippine Ports Authority on the unsolicited proposal of the Dennis Uyled Chelsea Logistics Holdings Corporation to modernize the decades-old 80,000-square meter Sasa Port in Davao City.

Christian Cambaya, investor assistance and servicing unit head at Davao Investment Promotions Center (DCIPC), said on Wednesday it’s about time to modernize the port because it’s crucial to trade.

“We need the port because the port is very crucial in the export and import, in the trading of goods from Davao to other parts of the word. Basically, if you look at the factor of the economic growth, it’s crucial to have a port that is upgraded and modernized, he said.

Mayor Sara Duterte said in her 2nd State of the City Address in October 2018 that the nation-

al government allotted an initial budget of P2 billion to start the port upgrading, three years after attempts to start the modernization were scrapped during the Aquino administration due to lack of consultation with the city government, local stakeholders, and private sector.

The P2 billion would be allocated for the general upgrading of the general cargo berthing facilities and the port area to increase capacity, according to Duterte.

The proposed modernization of Sasa Port, the country’s third busiest and Mindanao’s major port, was pushed

through after being recommended by the Regional Development Council and the City Development Council under Mayor Duterte.

The modernization plan became controversial in 2015 when the Department of Transportation (formerly the Department of Transportation and Communication) under then secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya put the bid cost at P17 billion as recommended by German consultants hired by International Finance Corp. of the World Bank.

The cost was higher by more than three folds from its original cost of P4 billion set by the PPA. The private sector here objected to the planned modernization then due to alleged overpricing while the city council rejected it due to lack of prior consultation and approval from the lo-

Budget impasse in Congress impeded Q1 growth

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he four-month budget deadlock in the Congress severely held back government efforts to boost spending on infrastructure and social services at the onset of 2019, handicapping growth from soaring to possibly as high as 6.6 to 7.2 percent instead of the lower-than-expected 5.6 percent in the year’s �irst quarter, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III has told senators.

To substantially make up for underspending in the �irst quarter, which is estimated at about P1 billion a day, Dominguez said during Monday’s brie�ing for the Senate �inance committee that the Cabinet’s Economic Development Cluster (EDC) came up with a “carefully crafted and bold expenditure catch-up plan” to enable the economy to expand above 6 percent for the whole of 2019.

Dominguez said the EDC, which he heads, received commitments from key infrastructure agencies during its May 24 meeting to vigorously implement their updated spending programs “to substantially offset the lower spending in the �irst quarter resulting from both the budget delay and the election ban on public works.”

“By our estimates, the Philippine economy should have grown by at least one percentage point higher, at 6.6 and possibly 7.2 percent in the �irst quarter, if the 2019 �iscal program had been approved on time,” said Dominguez as he briefed Senate �inance committee members on the economic impact of the reenacted 2018 budget, which had forced the government to hold back on implementing new programs and projects in the

year’s �irst quarter.

Dominguez delivered the statement on behalf of the Department of Finance (DOF), Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

“This should have been well within our GDP (gross domestic product) growth target of 6 to 7 percent this year. This is no surprise as national government spending accounts for around 20 percent of the entire economy. If the government does not perform well, all our gains will be eroded,” Dominguez told the committee chaired by outgoing Sen. Loren Legarda.

Dominguez said that with the government forced to work on a reenacted budget for four months, projects such as the Department of

BUDGET, P8

cal government.

Udenna Corporation, another company owned

by Uy, is also set to develop the city’s 39.4-kilometer intracity urban rail transit system and airport modernization projects.

(Antonio L. Colina IV/ MindaNews)

he Monetary Board approved the revised guidelines governing the selection, appointment and delisting of external auditors of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Supervised Financial Institutions (BSFIs).

The new guidelines aim to streamline the selection process for external auditors across the �inancial sector and promote ease of doing business, the BSP announced in a statement on Wednesday.

The policy introduces the adoption of a centralized system for accreditation/selection of external auditors in the �inancial sector streamlining the multiple accreditation requirements of the BSP, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Insurance Commission (IC).

Following the new framework, all applications (new or renewal) for inclusion in the List of Selected External Auditors for BSFIs shall be submitted to the SEC starting June 2019. The applications shall be evaluated by the SEC in coordination with the BSP and shall be subject to the requirements the agencies agreed upon.

The inclusion in the

List of Selected External Auditors for BSFIs shall be valid for �ive years or for a shorter period the �inancial sector supervisors’ prescribed.

To facilitate transition to the new framework, external auditors whose inclusion in the BSP’s List of Selected External Auditors is valid only for the 2018 �inancial statements, are given a one-year extension to allow them to engage in the audit of the 2019 �inancial statements of BSFIs. The centralized system for selection/accreditation of external auditors is a project of the Financial Sector Forum (FSF), a voluntary inter-agency body comprised of the BSP, SEC, IC and the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation.

The FSF member-agencies recognize the critical role of external auditors in promoting good governance in the �inancial industry as they contribute to upholding fairness, accuracy and transparency in �inancial reporting.

It is in this light that the FSF has been embarking on initiatives aimed at promoting adherence to quality standards in external audit. (PR)

6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 59 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MAY 31-JUNE 1, 2019

EDITORIAL Shake hands or walk away Like a good soldier, Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman William “Butch” Ramirez took the challenge to lead the country’s campaign in the coming Southeast Asian Games which coincidentally will be held at home.

The last time the Dabawenyo chairman was at the helm of the country’s sports agency and the country played host to the biennial regional games, the Philippines ended up as the overall champion.

Now, Ramirez’s charm will be put to the fore once more amidst the turmoil that’s hounding the Philippine sports landscape.

Initially, Ramirez declined the offer to be the chef de mission of the Philippine delegation. He cited two reasons: �irst, he need not be the CDM to support the athletes, and second, out of delicadeza.

However, less than 24 hours after, he changed his mind apparently after talking to the ‘bosses’ from Malacañang. By the morning on Wednesday, Ramirez announced he is accepting the job. It was an act that’s both sacri�ice and patriotism in the part of the country’s

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sports leader as he set aside his principles to steer clear of the warring groups within the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) which involved current president Ricky Vargas and former president Joe “Peping” Cojuangco. The long-serving Cojuangco, uncle of former President Noynoy Aquino, was defeated by Vargas in an elections ordered by the court.

The squabble within the POC goes beyond sports. It’s tainted with politics. Vargas is a known supporter of President Duterte while Cojuangco, brother of the late President Cory, is identi�ied with the Aquinos. More than that, there is just too much color and discord within the POC which had brought confusion to national athletes training for the SEA Games.

With Ramirez at the helm, these warring personalities must take a step back, or even walk away if they cannot smoke the peace pipe.

We do not need leaders whose egos and personal interests are placed forward than the country’s welfare as represented by our athletes.

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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KENNETH IRVING K. ONG MEGHANN STA. INES NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN Lifestyle

ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. CHA MONFORTE Correspondent

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

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SOLANI D. MARATAS Finance

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 59 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MAY 31-JUNE 1, 2019

VANTAGE POINTS

7

ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA FAST BACKWARD

DON ANTONIO’S SUCREST BID

D

eclassi�ied consular reports are a rich source of historical nuggets, some controversial if linked to the political trade winds obtaining in the place where the deals were negotiated.

Such was the case of Don Antonio O. Floirendo, the Philippine banana king for so long.

An August 25, 1977 article in the Wall Street Journal reported: “Sucrest Corp. said it agreed to sell its sweetener division, which represents two-thirds of the company’s sales, to Antonio Floirendo, a Philippine sugar broker, for $11.8 million. Mr. Floirendo heads Sugar Re�ining Corp. of America, a privately-owned company formed for the purpose of the acquisition, Sucrest said.”

As of May 28, 1977, the sweetener division was producing ingredients for the baking and prepared-mix industries, animal-feed supplements, and pharmaceutical ingredients, earning $4.2 million out of the company income of $10.2 million before taxes. Overall sales of the division amounted to $224.5 million out of the total company earnings of $296.2 million.

The sale, according to a derestricted report, was still subject to shareholder ap-

proval, adding that in the October 19, 1976 meeting, the parties agreed on the initial payment of $5 million in cash and the balance payable over 75 �ive months in promissory notes. Included in the deal were the sugarcane re�ineries in Brooklyn, N.Y. and Chicago, and the Charlestown, Massachusetts subsidiary, Revere Sugar Re�inery.

Under the transaction, SRCA would assume Sucrest’s liabilities.

Rudolph Eberstadt Jr., Sucrest president and chief executive of�icer, disclosed that the reason for the sale of the division was “to enhance earnings and to expand its diversi�ied-products division, which blends edible molasses and related syrups and makes sugar-based specialty products for the baking, confectionery and food-processing industries.”

“In the company’s opinion,” a press release stated, “the potential for growth of the diversi�ied-products group is greater than that of the sweetener division and doesn’t involve the heavy demand of the company’s available credit facilities made by the division.”

The same consular report stated: “A strengthening of the company’s balance

sheet by elimination of heavy short-term debt needed to �inance raw-sugar inventories. Proceeds of the sale will be used to retire long-term debt, enabling the company to become largely debt-free.”

The deal, moreover, meant the close of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) investigation that found Sucrest and its collaborators for bogus transactions in 1975 and 1976 which allowed the �irm “to manipulate its inventory accounting base to falsely report lower earnings and incur lower income-tax liabilities.”

An interesting but erroneous trivia at the end of the con�idential report stated that Sucrest would be managed by a “son-in-law, del Rosario.” Rodolfo P. del Rosario, the person alluded to, is actually the brother-in-law of Don Antonio.

Similarly, in his August 1977 con�idential report to US assistant Secretary of State for Asia Richard Holbrooke, embassy agent Benjamin A. Fleck, in reiterating what was already published, informed that Sucrest, an ailing American sugar re�iner had agreed to sell the company for $11.8 million to Sugar Re�ining Corporation of America (SRCA), a Floiren-

do-owned interest.

Fleck depicted Don Antonio as having “close ties to president [Ferdinand E.] Marcos who has taken a direct interest in Philippine sugar policy, including the negotiation of long-term sugar supply contracts with American importers. Sucrest and two other U.S. companies have such contracts at the present time.”

His account also reported the GOP [Government of the Philippines] owed Sucrest US$15 million in supply arrangement and alluded that the selling of the re�iner �irm “would be a cheap way of liquidating much on this debt, as well as placing [Sucrest] in the unique position of being both a sugar supplier and controlling re�ining and distribution facilities in the U.S.” A month later, in another consular memo, the US embassy in Manila contacted Roberto Benedicto, commissioner of Philippine Sugar Commission (Philsucom), on the Sucrest issue.

Benedicto, the Filipino envoy to the US whom the Americans called as a “congenital optimist about Philippine sugar situation,” disclosed that in September 1977 Sucrest was buying

huge amounts of sugar “in anticipation of possible implementation of trade barriers US.” The purchase of Sucrest also meant leaving the �irm’s management intact and funding for its operation would require “lot of bananas.” An unidenti�ied consular source noted sarcastically: “If Floirendo only had corn�lakes, we could have an American breakfast.”

An April 1, 1986 story in the Chicago Tribune reported that Sucrest’s Chicago re�inery, court records show, closed in June 1984 and the plant later demolished, leaving over a hundred employees jobless. During its heyday, the same plant churned out $435,000 worth of syrup daily.

The same article spitefully claimed: “Between the time the [acquisition] contract was signed and Floriendo’s purchase of the company, he was paid $1.2 million in brokers` fees for arranging the sale of the sugar. After Floriendo bought Revere, he assigned an additional $2.9 million in brokerage fees paid on the purchase of sugar from the Philippines to his Thetaventure �irm until the contract was halted in mid1980.”

DENNIS R. GORECHO PINOY MARINO RIGHTS

SEAFARERS AND HERNIA Hernia is considered as one of the common seafarer’s illness as lifting heavy weight is a normal part of daily routine on board the vessel.

A �ive-year study by Dr Nicomedes Cruz, a Manila-based surgeon, of the causes of medical repatriation among Filipino seafarers revealed that inguinal hernia ranked �ifth as the most common illness out of the 5,315 seafarers studied.

Hernias occur when the intestines push through a weak spot or tear in the lower abdominal wall, often in the inguinal canal. The inguinal canal is found in the groin. In men, it’s the area where the spermatic cord passes from the abdomen to the scrotum.

This cord holds up the testicles. In women, the inguinal

canal contains a ligament that helps hold the uterus in place.

Hernias are caused by a combination of muscle weakness and strain. Depending on its cause, a hernia can develop quickly or over a long period of time.

Serious complications from a hernia can result from the trapping of tissues in the hernia -- a process called incarceration. Trapped or incarcerated tissues may have their blood supply cut off, leading to damage or death of the tissue, which could result in a dangerous infection or even death The POEA contract governs the compensation and bene�its for the work-related injury or illness that a seafarer on board sea-going vessels may have suffered during the

term of his employment contract.

The seafarer is required to prove that: (1) he suffered an illness; (2) he suffered this illness during the term of his employment contract; (3) he complied with the procedures prescribed under Section 20-B; (4) his illness is one of the enumerated occupational disease or that his illness or injury is otherwise work-related; and (5) he complied with the four conditions under the contract.

A seafarer’s hernia will be compensable if all of the following conditions are met: (a) the hernia should be of recent origin; (b). Its appearance was accompanied by pain, discoloration and evidence of a tearing of the tissues; and (c.) the disease was immediately preceded by un-

due or severe strain arising out of and in the course of employment; and (d) a protrusion of mass should appear in the area immediately following the alleged strain.

Since one of the requirement for an illness to be compensable is that the seafarer suffered said illness during the effectivity of the POEA contract, it is imperative that his condition or symptoms must be documented while he is on board the vessel.Otherwise, his claim for disability bene�its might be denied due to failure to prove that said illness occurred while his contract is still in force.

A hernia may be the cause of discomfort and pain, with symptoms often becoming worse when standing, straining, or lifting heavy items. Symptoms include a

burning or aching sensation at the bulge, pain or discomfort in the groin. Occasionally, there will be pain and swelling around the testicles when the protruding intestine descends into the scrotum accompanied by nausea, vomiting, or fever.

It is not suf�icient to simply establish that the seafarer’s illness or injury has rendered him permanently or partially disabled; it must also be shown that there is a causal connection between the seafarer’s illness or injury and the work for which he had been contracted (Atty. Gorecho heads the seafarers’ division of the Sapalo Velez Bundang Bulilan law of�ices. For comments, email info@sapalovelez. com, or call 09175025808 or 09088665786)

8

EDGEDAVAO

BUDGET... FROM 5

Education (DepEd)’s repair of 18,575 classrooms and construction of 4,110 new ones were not done in the �irst quarter, while payment for 328,889 grantees of the Senior High School Program in the amount of P7.4 billion and the implementation of the new school dental health care program were similarly delayed.

He said the reenacted budget also led the government to miss the opportunity to create as much as 260,000 to 320,000 more jobs, affecting the construction, public administration and defense, wholesale and retail trade, land transport, and education sectors.

“The budget reenact-

ment also derailed poverty reduction efforts, where as many as 420,000 more Filipinos could have been taken out of poverty.” Dominguez said. “This is a clear example of how politicking could harm our people.”

Dominguez said the government is now doing its best to hurry up the execution of delayed projects, with two of its key infrastructure agencies–the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Department of Transportation (DOTr)–committing to speed up the implementation of projects worth a combined P803.1 billion from the second to fourth quarters. DOF

led by PCA OIC-Administrator Mr. Glenn B. Santos, also served as a venue for the presentation of the Loaning Program for Agricultural Production under the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC).

According to ACPC’s Chief of Public Affairs & Communication Division Ms. Malyn Guinto, the credit program has been reported to have a high repayment rate.

The DA-PCA Training Module of Village Level Technologies for Household and Industrial Vinegar Production was also presented by PCA Deputy

Administrator for Research and Development Branch Ms. Erlene C. Manohar.

The operation of the “acetator” developed by the Department of Science and Technology – Industrial Technology Development Institute was also demonstrated.

With the theme, ‘Natural is Healthy: Go Natural, Use Coco Vinegar,’ the coconut industry stakeholders are optimistic on the economic prospects of coconut vinegar and are assured of other income generating activities aside from copra production. (Ela Arciaga, DA-AFID)

Build, let us work together to Grow-Grow-Grow our economies,” Duterte said.

Duterte is currently in Tokyo, Japan to attend the 25th Nikkei Conference on the Future of Asia.

The President’s trip has yielded a total of 26 business agreements and letters of intent worth PHP288.894 billion signed between Philippine and Japanese companies. (PNA)

when his father Dell played for the Raptors -embraces the change.

"Different energy, different city, different views, everything should prepare us to lock in, understanding that we have a prime opportunity to start off this �inals series on the road and get a win and set the tone for how it's going to be," Curry said.

"I like the challenge and the unfamiliarity of this kind of schedule and �low. We've been there before, and we've experienced a lot, and this is, I think, something we're capable of doing."

The Raptors are making franchise history with their visit to the �inals, but there is no indication that they are happy just to be there.

VOL.12 ISSUE 59 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MAY 31-JUNE 1, 2019

COCONUT... FROM 4

DEAD... FROM 1

RAPTORS... FROM 12

EDGE

"Obviously, it's a great accomplishment, and we're happy to be taking that next step, but you want to win a championship, and you want to win the whole thing," Raptors guard Fred VanVleet said.

"It's not about just making it to the Finals.

We're not satis�ied. We're not happy to be here.

We're really hungry, and we want to go out here and have a chance to win it, and we've earned it, and we deserve it."

The Raptors won both meetings with the Warriors during the regular season. Of course,

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Raptors coach Nick Nurse said he expects them to be different this time.

"A better team playing harder," Nurse said.

"I think both teams playing harder and playing better."

The Warriors are dealing with injuries to DeMarcus Cousins (torn left quadriceps) and Kevin Durant (strained right calf). Durant has been ruled out of Game 1, while the status of Cousins was uncertain, Kerr said Wednesday.

While the opponent will be different for the Warriors, so, too, is

opening on the road.

"I think we have always been good on the road, but starting on the road presents a different challenge," Kerr said.

"There's a different rhythm to the series.

It helps having gone through this last year against Houston where we started on the road and split the �irst two games and had to win a Game 7 on the road. So this group has done this before."

The Raptors have faced a series de�icit in each round of the playoffs this year.

"Well, it would be nice

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not to face a series de�icit; that's for sure," Nurse said. "But again, I think you've just kind of got to take it as it comes. I think you certainly didn't want to lose the �irst game against Orlando, but for some reason it ended being a really good thing for us because we looked pretty good the next four times out.

"And I don't know, we lost embarrassingly in (Philadelphia) and played pretty good from there on out. We dropped two (in Milwaukee), and I wasn't really that despondent about it."

• REPORTERS • LAYOUT ARTISTS • ACCOUNTING CLERKS • DRIVER For additional inquiries, please email us at: zion.davao@gmail.com

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VOL.12 ISSUE 59 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MAY 31-JUNE 1, 2019

EDGEDAVAO

STYLE

MINDANAO HERITAGE THROUGH MODERN FASHION

OUR HERITAGE can come alive in modern fashion, as proven by eight Mindanaoan designers who took part in the second edition of Stellar: Mindanao Heritage Fashion Designers Competition.

Stellar, which took place on May 25, is the flagship event of Ayala Malls Abreeza and the Davao Fashion Design Council’s (DFDC) Fashion Weekend Davao (FWD) 2019.

As the country celebrates National Heritage Month this May, the two collaborators as well as partners from government bodies, private institutions, and Davao Region’s local government units joined forces for a common goal: to promote fashion artistry and enterprise that are rooted in the region’s

rich cultural identity.

Stellar’s participating designers showcased contemporary capsule collections infused with indigenous influences for a chance to win

the grand prize of P100,000 in start-up capital; a two-year mentoring, training, and business incubation program with the Department of Trade & Industry; and a specially crafted trophy by globallyrecognized Davaoeño artist Kublai Millan. Besides vying for the grand prize, they also took part in heritage fashion design ideation and business incubation, which will encourage them to create harmonious partnerships with traditional and emerging communities in building their enterprises.

Stellar 2019 finalists Ron Xavier Santos, Toping Zamora, Rogie Vergara, Jr., Kenny Ladaga, Bonie Adaza, Christon Soto Bautista, Joao Tarepe, and

Raymond Umpa took turns impressing the audience with their creative interpretations of Mindanao’s diverse character.

Also parading their creations on the runway were DFDC members Egay Ayag, Aztec Barba, Dodjie Batu, Edgar Buyan, Emi-Alexander Englis, Bamba Limon, Windell Mira, and Benjie Panizales.

Stellar 2016 Grand Winner Wilson Limon, who has since gained acclaim for his NIñOFRANCO pieces worn by the likes of Catriona Gray, also graced the stage.

Deciding the fate of the Stellar finalists was a formidable panel of judges made up of Department of Trade & Industry Design Center of the Phil-

ippines executive director Rhea Matute; Pam Quiñones, founder of fashion styling studio Qurator, celebrity stylist, and former L’Officiel Manila editorin-chief; Michael Carandang, producer and director known for his work on The Tyra Banks Show, America’s Next Top Model, and It Takes Gutz to Be a Gutierrez; and DFDC presi-

MINDANAO A4

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TRAVEL

THE TRAVAILS OF TRAVEL (Second of two parts)

LESSON NO. 6: It’s maybe

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO good to travel alone but it’s not good at all times. If you are alone, you can do things abruptly. You don’t have to mains the same. We may have proask for approval from your gressed a little bit, but the attitude has companions. But the hitch is: not changed.

You have no one to lean on or We were supposed to leave at 1:45 ask for help. in the morning but it wasn’t until 3 I really had a big problem inside the JFK International Airport since check-in time was still at 10 pm and I was already there at 3 pm. There were only a few seats available for people who were waiting for their flights. If I had to buy some food or go to the bathroom, I had to bring the two huge luggage with me. By the time, I would have return to “my” seat, someone may already occupy it.

Lesson No. 7: Filipinos lack discipline. During the presidency of Ferdinand E. Marcos, one of the most popular saying was: “Sa ikauunlad ng bayan, disiplina ang kailangan.”

Twenty-two years after he was ousted

by People Power, the situation re-

am that the boarding started. It was still an announcement but all were eager to go inside the plane already; it was explained that those seated at the tail of the plane would go on board first. I was among those who were supposed to go first but those people who were should be there in the first place were blocking our way.

I asked her number and I found out that they were the last people to go on board. I asked her to give way so I can find my way to the boarding area but she just looked at me sternly.

To think, she was having an American passport. Nothing has changed – even if she has changed her citizenship. How I wish I have told her these

words from Bertrand Russell: “Nothing of importance is ever achieved without discipline.”

Lesson No. 8: Expect the expected.

A few hours after we left New York, we were given a menu. I looked at it and decided to have chicken. Since we were at the rear end of the plane, what we got was beef, which I didn’t

want. But I had no other choice.

“There’s no more chicken, sir,” I was told.

The same thing happened with the rest of our two other meals. But the good thing was: they were good and filled my empty stomach.

Lesson No. 9: Don’t believe what they have told you – especially when

it comes to your New York, I told lady that I had a from Manila to pick up your lug informed me. “G But it was ano rived in Manila passing the E-ga went to the fron have connecting Davao was in Te have luggage, Si I answered affi told me: “Sir, yo luggage, and bri will see to it tha to your final des dered: “I though at Davao airpor It took me mo pick up my two them to the fron go outside and fi that would brin I thought it w gage saga. But I

FOOD

Culinary treats this June at Marco Polo Davao

MARCO POLO DAVAO continues to set the bar higher for food and beverage in Davao hotels.

THE ONLY MONSTER YOU LOVE During the National Burger Day, Marco Polo Davao’s signature bistro, Polo Bistro and Pool Bar re-introduced a crowd favourite, the Monster Burger. The famous two-kilogram gigantic size burger is actually made of layers of juicy angus beef patty, beef pastrami, crispy bacon, tomato, caramelized onion, cheese, lettuce and potato hash brown served with

generous fries on the side.

Members of the Marco Polo Viber community were able to enjoy a special rate of Php600 for the burger on May 28 and 29 from the original rate of Php1200. The viber community was recently launched by the hotel to open another channel where local guests can book reservations for the hotel restaurants, get exclusive invites and perks for the hotel.

The Monster Burger will be available until June 15 only.

DIMSUM MONDAY FEAST

Monday would be a day to look forward to at Lotus Court as another crowd favourite is making a comeback this June 3. Enjoy an unlimited dim sum treat for the Dim sum Mondays offering until July 29. Jumpstart your week by satisfying your dim sum cravings of hakao, xiao long bao, pork and shrimp siomai at Php650 per person.

HERO’S TREAT Marco Polo Davao is celebrating he 121st Philippine Independence Day by commemorating the brave heroes

of our country through food in Café Marco and no better way to honor the brave heroes than enjoying the food that only brave feast at.

From June 12 to 15, the buffet spread will highlight signature spicy and hot dishes to excite your taste buds. Enjoy the flavours of wasabi, pepper, chili and other spices in the Buffet of the Brave available at regular price (Php950 for lunch and Php 1300 for dinner).

You can also treat your personal hero, your dad, at a special Father’s Day dinner in Café Marco this June

16. Premium st will treat fathers family while the some prizes and them.

The Fathers’ D buffet is at Php1 special rate of P made on or befo can book by cal , email at restau polohotels.com, Polo Davao Vib Marco Polo Dav page @marcopo

DAVAO

r luggage. While in d the check-in counter a connecting flight Davao City. “You can ggage at Davao,” she Good,” I replied. other story when I ara at Terminal 1. After ate, I immediately nt desk for people who g flights. My flight for Terminal 2. “Do you ir?” I was asked. ffirmatively. Then, she ou have to pick up your ing them here. We at they will be brought stination.” I wonht I have to pick them rt and not here.” ore than an hour to o luggage. After giving nt desk, I was told to find a waiting vehicle ng me to Terminal 2. was the end of my lugI was wrong! When

teak and draft beer s to an evening with ey get a chance to win d other gift in store for

Day special dinner 1800 per person with a Php1500 for bookings ore June 8. Davaoenos lling (82) 2210888 urant.dvo@marco, or though Marco ber Community or by vao’s official Facebook olodavaohotel

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VOL.12 ISSUE 59 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MAY 31-JUNE 1, 2019

UP AND ABOUT

UNIQLO Announces Expansion Plans for its SM Lanang Premier Store Set to be the Largest Store in Mindanao

we arrived at the Davao International Airport, I immediately went to the carousel where I usually picked up my check-in luggage. After all the passengers had taken theirs, I had nothing at all. When I asked some airport personnel, I was told that my luggage would have been in the other side of the building where international visitors would get their luggage.

But we – other passengers who were with me during our flight from New York – were not informed about it. Had we known earlier, we could immediately go to the said place.

As they say, travels bring out the best – and worst – of you!

To end this piece, the statement of American cultural and literary historian Paul Fussell seems to apt: “All the pathos and irony of leaving one’s youth behind is thus implicit in every joyous moment of travel: one knows that the first joy can never be recovered, and the wise traveler learns not to repeat successes but tries new places all the time.

THIS SEASON, Japanese global apparel retailer, UNIQLO continues its commitment to bring LifeWear to more Filipinos with the expansion of its store in SM Lanang Premier, Davao on July 19, 2019.

UNIQLO is excited to announce the expansion of its SM Lanang Premier store, which is set to be the largest store in Mindanao.

A marked distinction from its previous sales area of 767 square meters, the store will bring with it 1,414 square meters of new shopping space. UNIQLO

aims to give customers in the area a brand new shopping experience with a wider variety of clothing choices.

To date, the company has opened a total of 57 stores since 2012 and is looking to open more by the end of the year.

For more updates,

customers may download the UNIQLO mobile app and visit UNIQLO Philippines’ website at www. uniqlo.com/ph and social media account, Facebook (facebook.com/uniqlo. ph), Twitter (twitter.com/ uniqloph) and Instagram (Instagram.com/uniqlophofficial).

GSIS Chairman Macasaet meets Zambo stakeholders, unveils GWAPS kiosk

GOVERNMENT SERVICE INSURANCE SYSTEM (GSIS) Chairman Rolando Macasaet, a Zamboangueño, recently met with stakeholders and unveiled an additional kiosk in Zamboanga City to bring the pension fund’s services closer to its members and pensioners.

The stakeholders’ dialogue was held in the city’s Garden Orchid Hotel and the installation of the GSIS Wireless Automated Processing System (GWAPS) kiosk, at the Integrated Bus Terminal in Barangay Divisoria.

Around 100 members and pensioners, which included representatives of government agencies such as the Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-IBIG), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and Department of Labor and Employment, attended the dialogue.

GSIS has been holding dialogues to elicit concerns of its members and pensioners. In turn, these are used by management as inputs in improving the pension fund’s services and programs.

During the event, Chairman Macasaet also shared his dream of putting up a day care center in GSIS,

where members can leave their children ages three to eight years old; allowing teachers to avail of loans immediately upon entering government service; including barangay officials as GSIS members; offering the GSIS Financial Assistance Loan to all members; and increasing the number of GSIS scholars.

Zamboanga City Administrator Marie Angelique Go and nearly 60 stakeholders, meanwhile, graced the installation of the GWAPS kiosk in the morning.

“Around 2,000 pensioners who must renew their active status and members who need to apply for loans as well as check their membership and loan records will benefit from the GWAPS. This means saving them time, money, and effort,” explained GSIS Chairman Macasaet.

He added that the kiosk location offers greater accessibility and security for those residing within the area and plying the Zamboanga-Pagadian-Dipolog route.

The GWAPS kiosk in Brgy. Divisoria is the second to be installed in Zamboanga in a span of less than two months. The first kiosk was installed in Sangali Community Health Center in Barangay Sangali, 70 kilometers away from the GSIS Zamboanga Branch Office, last March 25.

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STYLE MINDANAO A1

dent Dodjie Batu.

In the end, it was Toping Zamora of Davao City who took home the title of Stellar 2019 Grand Winner. Capturing the fancy of the judges and the audience alike was his capsule collection dubbed “Enlacer,” which looked to the Bagobo Tagabawa signature beadworking style for inspiration and featured handwoven gintlo fabric from a Blaan community in Kiblawan, Davao del Sur. More events that fused fashion and heritage took place over FWD’s run from May 24 to 26: Tambayayong Dabawenyo: Annual Convergence of

Traditional and Contemporary Arts, Design, and Performances, A: Artisan Fashion Market and Crafts Buffet - Weekend Market for Artisanal Fashion Products from Indigenous

Communities in Davao Region, Heritage Fashion Commune: Live Interactive Showcase of the Region’s Indigenous High Arts, Gama | Gawa: Vignette of Award-winning

Davao Fashion Design and Designers, and FASHION+ Co-Lab: Curated Pop-up Stores Featuring Davao’s IP Community-collaborated Fashion Brands.

Ayala Malls Abreeza and the DFDC welcomed a powerhouse of collaborators for the ambitious undertaking that was FWD. These included as cooperators the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, the Department of Tourism, the Visit Davao Summer Festival, and the Department of Trade & Industry. The local government units of Davao City, Davao del Sur, Davao del Norte, Davao Oriental, Davao Occidental, and Compostela Valley also took part. Curat-

ing partners consisted of the Philippine Women’s College of Davao’s Artisanal Heritage Studies & Creative Enterprise Center, the Creative Innovators Programme of the British Council, and the Commission on Higher Education’s Institutional Development & Innovation Grants. Also pledging its support was creative industry partner Mindanao Trade Expo Foundation Inc. For updates and further information on FWD 2019, please follow Ayala Malls Abreeza on Facebook (@ AbreezaMall), Twitter (@ abreezatweets), and Instagram (@iloveabreezamall).

VOL.12 ISSUE 59 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MAY 31-JUNE 1, 2019

EDGEDAVAO

PROPERTY

9

Raising a millennial family foremost in Esdevco's mind

I

t used to be that the ideal family home is in an open space, house and lot with a front lawn, a garden or a backyard.

Things have changed with the times.

The demand, too, of living and raising a family in a practical sense.

Hence, the single-family home is no longer the gold standard for family housing.

Escandor Development Corporation (Esdevco) president Glenn Escandor understands the growing trend. Despite being a new player in the real estate development business, Escandor's Esdevco jumped into the competition with its initial Matina Enclaves venture in Davao City that encompasses the variety of home options.

But Esdevco's biggest mark is in building affordable but quality condominium units.

"You have to understand the trend and meet what young families are after," Escandor said.

Esdevco's mindset is built on meeting people's expectations. As many millennials begin to raise a family, the more common option is to rent or buy condos in urban centres.

Nevertheless, to wisely build homes however, it is important to �irst understand the whys behind this emerging trend. Who are these young families and what are they seeking in their housing, their communities, and their children’s’ futures?

Urban kids are exposed to a greater den-

sity and diversity of people, young and old.

They develop social skills faster, they hone their “street smarts,” and they’re exposed to a more diverse social and economic mix. Exposure to cultural resources — performing arts, museums, libraries and theatres stimulates kids’ creativity and develops diverse skills and interests that may not be covered in traditional school curricula.

In the global �ight against climate change, the cost of fuel is likely to rise. Urban dwellers are moving closer to their places of work (into condos located in more densely built-up areas) and will often have access to affordable public transit or neighbourhoods with high walkability. A short commute means parents can be home to spend quality time with their kids after work, as opposed to facing the unpredictable traf�ic jams and long travel times along the highways to homes. Many condo developments feature pharmacies or grocery stores at street level or nearby, making a quick trip to the store for amenities only an elevator ride away.

Communal spaces like parks, public pools, libraries, and even the lobbies and shared spaces of condo buildings facilitate a sense of community between people from all walks of life.

At Matina Enclaves, for instance, Esdevco has built the Arcadia Active Lifestyle Center right across the complex aside from the amenities

that are built in within the residential estate.

Arcadia offers modern �itness training and equipment, basketball and event center along with restaurants, function rooms and coffee shop.

"The needs of the community are foremost in our minds when we incorporate function with structure and space," said Escandor.

10 EDGEDAVAO

DEAD... FROM 1 BAYER... FROM 1

Given this development, Rigor reminded the public to check their documents �irst before going to their of�ice to make sure these are suf�icient to make the transactions faster. CIO

SOLON... FROM 2

believed that there is an imperative need to determine the possible liabilities of the social media platforms that failed to develop security features to regulate videos, postings and other materials with highly libelous and grievously defamatory contents.

“Social media platforms owe it to the public to vet and con�irm the veracity or falsity of the statement and materials being published in their websites,” he said.

“There is thus suf�icient cause and justi�ication for the taking of concrete actions, one of which is through appropriate legislation, to ensure that social media platforms do not aid or abet the commission of any crime, felony or offense by their users,” Garbin said.

(PNA)

LORENZANA FROM 4

The OPVs are part of Horizon Two of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program.

Around six units are to be procured for the Philippine Navy. (PNA)

Okonomiyaki” restaurant business within the Philippines 6) Franchise Agreement Signatories: Dr. Jaime Tan Cruz, Mr. Kimberly Justine Yang Cruz, Karayama Philippines, Inc. and Mr. Kenichiro Usui, Arcland Service International Co., Limited Grant of license to open and operate Karayama outlets within the Philippines 7) Memorandum of Understanding: Asia Defense and Armament Corp., Kenko Tokina Co., Ltd. and Diversi�ied Ecozone Corporation Signatories: Ms. Maria Monica G. Reyes, Director, Asia Defense and Armament Corp.; Ramon C. Garcia, President, Diversi�ied Ecozone Corporation; Mr. Toru Yamanaka, President, Kenko Tokina Co., Ltd. Establish a manufacturing facility in the Philippines for optics equipment, injection molded holsters, and related equipment to supply customized equipment for the AFP, PNP, and other defense units of the Philippine government 8) Letter of Intent: Toyota Motor Corporation Signatories: DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez and Mr. Matsuda Susumu, Deputy CEO, China and Asia Region, Toyota Motor Corporation Additional investments for further parts localization under the CARS Program, including side member panels, radiator assemble, fan assembly with motor, and FR axle assembly.

9) Letter of Intent: Murata Manufacturing Co. Ltd. Signatories: DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez and Mr. Masahiro Ishitani, Executive Vice President, Capacitor Division, Components Business Unit, Murata Manufacturing Co. Ltd.

VOL.12 ISSUE 59 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MAY 31-JUNE 1, 2019

Expand manufacturing capacity of the Philippine Manufacturing Co. of Murata Inc. (PMM) to service demands of existing customers, accommodate new customers, and anticipate increase in sales of multilayer ceramic capacitors.

10) Letter of Intent: Aeon Fantasy Co. Ltd. Signatories: DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez and Mr. Wataru Koiwa, Senior General Manager of Overseas Business Department; Senior General Manager of Indoor Playground Business, Aeon Fantasy Co. Ltd. Increase investments in the country for indoor theme parks and amusement facilities through the local subsidiary.

11) Letter of Intent: Sojitz Corporation (Sojitz Fuso Truck) Signatories: DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez and Mr. Takashi Hara, Representative Director, Vice Chairman, Sojitz Corporation Expand investments in the distribution of Fuso truck and bus products through the local subsidiary.

12) Letter of Intent: Sojitz Corporation (Bakery Project) Signatories: DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez and Mr. Takashi Hara, Representative Director, Vice Chairman, Sojitz Corporation Invest in bakery company (Nippon Premium Bakery Inc.) and the upstream business through �lour milling and other ancillary services.

13) Letter of Intent: Sojitz Corporation (Industrial Estate Project) Signatories: DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez and Mr. Takashi Hara, Representative Director, Vice Chairman, Sojitz Corpo-

ration Co-development of a general industrial park 14) Letter of Intent: JACCS Co. Ltd. Signatories: DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez and Mr. Yasuyoshi Itagaki, Chairman, CEO and Representative Director, JACCS Co. Ltd. Invest in the credit and �inance business by extending credit facilities to individual and corporate buyers.

15) Letter of Intent: Terumo Corporation Signatories: DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez and Mr. Toshiyuki Akaike, President, Terumo (Philippines) Corporation Expand investments in manufacturing, selling, and exporting medical devices (disposable syringes, needles, safety-needles, IV catheters, and urinary drainage bags) and the development of new products and new technologies in sterilization capability and eco- and smart factories.

16) Letter of Intent: Ibiden Co. Ltd. Signatories: DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez and Mr. Koji Kawashima, Senior Managing Of�icer, Ibiden Co. Ltd. Expand existing investments in the manufacture of Flip Chip Ball Grid Array (FCBGA) products, as well as capacity to cater to new drivers of growth such as arti�icial intelligence and establishment of data centers.

17) Letter of Intent: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd. Signatories: DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez and Mr. Osamu Inoue, President and COO, Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd. Build a new facility for wiring harness and related products for export to Japan and North America.

18) Letter of Intent: Mitsui & Co., Ltd. Signatories: DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez and Tetsuya Daikoku, Managing Of�icer and Chief Operating Of�icer of Mobility Business Unit I, Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and Mr. Alfred V. Ty, Vice Chairman, GT Capital Holdings, Inc. Develop the Philippine automotive industry through a local partner (GT Capital Holdings, Inc.) 19) Letter of Intent: Marubeni Corporation Signatories: DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez and Shigeru Yamazoe, Vice Chairman, Marubeni Corporation Develop possible new and existing infrastructure projects in energy development, New Clark City, railways, and water services 20) Letter of Intent: Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd. Signatories: DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez and Mr. Keiichi Kobayashi, President, Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd. Expand the production capacity of the local wholly-owned center for wire harnesses 21) Letter of Intent: Lawson, Inc. Signatories: DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez and Mr. Sadanobu Takemasu, President and CEO, Representative Director, Lawson, Inc. Expand investments through the opening of additional convenience stores 22) Letter of Intent: Japan Marine United Corporation and Marubeni Corporation Signatories: Mr. Itoh Mamoru, Director and Senior Managing Of�icer, Naval Ship and Marine Division, Japan Marine United Corporation and Mr. Okazaki Toru, Senior Operating Of�icer, Aerospace

and Ship Division; General Manager, Aviation, Space and Defense Department, Marubeni Corporation Develop the country’s maritime safety capability by providing maritime expertise, including but not limited to the service of design and construction of ships 23) Letter of Intent: Canon Inc. Signatories: DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez and Mr. Fujio Mitarai, Chairman and CEO, Canon, Inc. Expand existing investments in the Philippines for monochrome laser beam printers, including service parts, packaging materials, and optional products 24) Letter of Intent: Nidec Corporation Signatories: DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez and Go Watanabe, First Senior Vice President, Nidec Corporation Expand current investments in the Philippines as manufacturer of hard disk drives, spindle motors, and related parts 25) Letter of Intent: Mitsubishi Motors Corporation Signatories: DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez and Mr. Yoichiro Yatabe, Corporate Vice President, Division General Manager, ASEAN Division, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation Expand current investment to support local production of completed vehicles 26) Letter of Intent: Tokyo Gas Signatories: Mr. Takashi Uchida, President and Representative Director, Tokyo Gas Co., Ltd. Create an inter-island lique�ied natural gas (LNG) distribution network to serve new markets for natural gas in the Philippines. (PNA)

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 59 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MAY 31-JUNE 1, 2019

11

KD likely to miss Finals Games 1,2

Bulgaria's Grigor Dimitrov celebrates after winning his second-round match against Croatia's Marin Cilic. Reuters

Rafa, Federer move on to third round

F

ormer champion Roger Federer and 11-time winner Rafael Nadal moved into the third round of the French Open at Roland Garros without dropping a set.

Federer, the 2009 champion, needed only one hour 36 minutes to see off Germany’s lucky loser Oscar Otte.

The Swiss third seed, playing in the tournament for the �irst time since 2015, beat the world 144 6-4 6-3 6-4.

Spain’s defending champion Nadal eased to a 6-1 6-2 6-4 win over German world number 114 Yannick Maden.

Otte held his serve in his opening four services games but was broken in his �ifth as Federer took the opening set.

The 37-year-old then took control to move two sets ahead and a break in the ninth game of the third set

gave him the opportunity to clinch an assured victory on his serve.

Otte had lost in the third qualifying round but took his place in the main draw as a ‘lucky loser’ because of withdrawals.

“The Grand Slams are incredible. You can meet a player who quali�ied who you have not heard of before,” said Federer, who saved four break points.

“It was dif�icult. He really played a great match. Happily for me, he helped me with some mistakes at the end of the sets.”

Federer next faces Norway’s Casper Ruud, who knocked out Italian 29th seed Matteo Berrettini 6-4 7-5 6-3.

Nadal won the �irst �ive games of the match on his way to taking the opening set and broke 29-year-old Maden’s serve in the opening service game of the sec-

ond.

Playing in the second round of a Grand Slam for the �irst time, Maden broke Nadal’s serve twice in the third set, but struggled to hold on to his own as the second seed moved into the last 32.

Maden is the second German quali�ier that Nadal has beaten at this year’s French Open after his �irst-round win over Yannick Hanfmann on Monday.

Nadal, who will face Belgium’s David Gof�in in round three, said: “It was a good match for the �irst two sets.

“Then in the third, being honest, I lost a little bit of concentration and intensity and then the match became dif�icult. The positive thing is every time I made a mistake, then I had the break again.”

Sixth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece beat Bolivia’s Hugo Dellien

4-6 6-0 6-3 7-5, while Japan’s Kei Nishikori, seeded seventh, overcame France’s Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 4-6 6-4 6-4 6-4.

Swiss former champion Stan Wawrinka defeated Chile’s Cristian Garin 6-1 6-4 6-0 to set up a third-round meeting with Bulgaria’s Grigor Dimitrov, who beat former US Open winner and 11th seed Marin Cilic 6-7 (3-7) 6-4 4-6 7-6 (7-2) 6-2.

France’s Corentin Moutet, the world number 110, shocked Argentina’s 19th seed Guido Pella 6-3 6-1 2-6 7-5.

Benoit Paire claimed a thrilling �ive-set win over fellow Frenchman Pierre-Hugues Herbert.

Paire won the opening two sets and was a break up in the third, before eventually winning 6-2 6-2 5-7 6-7 (68) 11-9 in an epic match that took four hours 33 minutes.

K

evin Durant resumed light workouts in his recovery from a calf injury, but the Golden State Warriors are not expecting the All-Star forward to be on the court for the �irst two games of the NBA Finals in Toronto.

Durant’s exercise consists of stationary shooting on his own, and head coach Steve Kerr said he’s not ready for full team workouts or 5-on-5 play.

“His next step is individual court work,” Kerr said Wednesday at a press conference. “That will be the next priority over the next couple of days. Hopefully, he can ramp that up, and then he’s going to have to practice. We have to see him in practice before he can play a game.”

Kerr also doesn’t know if center DeMarcus Cousins will be ready for Thursday’s Game 1.

Cousins is coming back from a torn left quadriceps muscle suffered in the opening series of the postseason. He has practiced on a limited basis and done fullcourt workouts since the end of the Western Conference �inals.

Cousins still isn’t 100 percent, Kerr said, because he’s only been able to participate in two scrimmages.

“DeMarcus has done an amazing job com-

ing back from the injury, which we felt at the time was season-ending,” Kerr said. “He has done an incredible job of rebounding, rehabbing, and now here he is. ... He’s painfree. It’s really more a matter of rhythm, timing and conditioning -- all those things.

“I think I mentioned the other day that if this were the regular season, I would throw him out there and he’d play whatever minutes he could tolerate and we would build him up from there. It’s not the regular season; it’s the �inals. We have to �igure out what’s the best way to utilize him, how many minutes he can play, what the game feels like, what the matchups are like.

“Some of that will be determined by what is happening in the game, and the other stuff is just internal with our staff.”

Without Durant this postseason, the Warriors are 5-0, winning a closeout game against the Houston Rockets and sweeping the Portland Trail Blazers.

Durant is eager to return to the �loor in part because he believes he’s being cast as a Warriors outsider.

“I’m just taking it a second at a time. Everything we do in the weight room, I just try to focus on that rep, not try to think too far down the line,” Durant said.

Gilas skips Russia stint T

here will be no Russia trip for Gilas Pilipinas.

Instead, the Philippine national team will have part of its FIBA World Cup preparations in Spain sometime in the next couple of months.

“Team manager Gabby Cui found 4-5 games in Spain,” Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president Al Panlilio said Thursday following the PBA’s Board meeting to discuss plans, including Gilas Pilipinas’ World Cup preparations.

“That’s something we’re working on based din sa schedule na we sent to the PBA.

Practice games and a mini tournament in Spain for Gilas,” he added.

In Spain, Gilas is set to play the national teams of Spain, Ivory Coast, and Congo.

Only Congo will not see action in this year’s World Championships.

Gilas was set to have camp in Russia but that didn’t push through for lack of actual games to be played by the national team.

“I mentioned Russia before, yung through kay Andrei Kirilenko. But it fell through,” Panlilio said.

“It was just one

game that they were committing, sabi namin it’s gonna be too painful to go all the way to Russia and just play one game,” he added.

Gilas, by request of head coach Yeng Guiao, will stat twicea-week practices starting June 13.

As for the Gilas’ team pool for the World Cup, no specific names have been dropped but coach Yeng will likely keep the core that won he Philippines’ spot in China.

“I think sinabi ni coach Yeng he will keep the core. But [new] 2–4 names [will

be considered]. It’s up to coach Yeng.

But he d i d say

they will keep the core team,” Panlilio said.

“Siguro before, yung mga pupunta sa biyahe [to Spain], we should have a lineup by that time. It will come right before the team leaves for Spain,” he added.

Kevin Durant's exercise consists of stationary shooting on his own, and head coach Steve Kerr said he's not ready for full team workouts or 5-on-5 play. Reuters

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SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO VOL.12 ISSUE 59 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MAY 31-JUNE 1, 2019

MOVING UP World champ Ancajas gets Navy promotion

D

abawenyo world junior-bantamweight champion Jerwin Ancajas has been promoted by the Philippine Navy following his successful title defense against Japan’s Ruyichi Funai.

The Philippine Navy promoted Ancajas from chief petty of�icer to master chief petty Of�icer in the Naval reserves, according to his coach Joven Jimenez.

Ancajas is currently in Macau where he is set to be feted

Dabawenyo world junior-bantamweight champion Jerwin Ancajas has been promoted by the Philippine Navy.

Raptors offer new vibe for Warriors T

he Toronto Raptors are playing in their �irst NBA Finals, and that makes the Golden State Warriors' �ifth consecutive appearance slightly different.

The Warriors will visit the Raptors on Thursday night for Game 1 after playing the Cleveland Cavaliers and LeBron James in the previous four NBA Finals.

The Warriors won three of those encounters and are going for their third consecutive NBA championship.

"Well it's different," Warriors coach Steve Kerr said.

"On the other hand, that was the exception.

This is more the rule.

When you (go) into the playoffs and into the Finals, you're not supposed to play the same team every year. So that was a special era, a special rivalry and we're thrilled to be back, and obviously Cleveland has moved on."

Golden State's Stephen Curry -who attended middle school in Toronto for two years

RAPTORS, P8

Toronto Raptors forward Kawhi Leonard (2) reacts after scoring against the Milwaukee Bucks in the second half of game six of the Eastern Conference final at Scotiabank Arena. Reuters

by the International Boxing Federation (IBF).

He will be formally receive the Jersey Joe Walcott Award at the 36th IBF annual convention at Wynn Palace Cotai on Thursday.

Ancajas is set to leave for Macau next week to formally receive the Jersey Joe Walcott Award, the highest honor dispensed by the International Boxing Federation (IBF) to �ighters.

Ancajas is IBF’s longest reigning junior bantamweight

champion with 7 successful title defenses, hence, the distinction.

“Dati pangarap ko lang ang mabigyan ng mga award. Sobrang saya ko kasi nari-realize ko na ang resulta ng mga paghihirap ko,” said Ancajas.

The awarding will be held at the 36th IBF annual convention at Wynn Palace Cotai on Thursday, May 30.

As a way to celebrate his success, Ancajas is organizing a fun run that will take place in Magallanes town, Cavite on Saturday, May 25.