Edge Davao Volume 12 Issue 63 | Thursday, June 6, 2019

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Serving a seamless society

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VOL.12 ISSUE 63 • THURSDAY, JUNE 6, 2019

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14 investment schemes firms shut down because of questionable documents

By ADAM B. MORRELL

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he 14 investment schemes in Davao Region which opted to voluntarily close presented invalid permits, the Police Regional Of�ice (PRO) 11 bared on Wednesday.

PRO 11 spokesperson Police Major Jason Baria revealed the discrepancies in permits of the establishments offering investment schemes during the AFP-PNP Presscorps media briefing held at the Royal Mandaya Hotel.

"Based on the initial investigation, na verify ng mga authorities natin na may mga permits sila pero hindi tugma yung description sa actual business nila," Baria said, adding that others had permits secured from other areas.

"Yung iba, nag bukas ng establishment dito sa Davao City pero yung permit doon pa galing sa Tagum City," he added.

Thus, the Philippine National Police (PNP) advised these companies to temporarily halt the operation and complete �irst the appropriate requirements.

While others have invalid permits, Baria said some have literally no papers to show and decided to voluntarily close their establishment.

Baria said an entity must have primary and secondary permits from the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) which was assigned to chair the inter-agency task force to take charge of these mushrooming investment schemes particularly in Davao Region.

Baria, however, declined to identify the establishments saying their of�ice doesn’t have the right to disclose the names of the companies which voluntarily closed.

"The power of the PNP is to only advice these companies to secure their legality. We will leave the naming of these com-

EID MUBARAK. A man feeds his wife with rice and chicken adobo after a worship during a congregational prayer to celebrate Eid’l Fitr at Tionko Field along Quimpo Boulevard in Davao City on Wednesday. Eid’l Fitr marks the end of the Holy month of Ramadhan. Lean Daval Jr

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LOVING SUNDAYS ►INDULGE A1

HOLCIM CONTINUES SUPPORT FOR DAVAO CONSTRUCTION SECTOR

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2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 63 •THURSDAY, JUNE 6, 2019

PH wants peace and stability in WPS amid dispute – Palace

M EMISSION TESTING. A personnel of city government of Davao City’s Anti-Smoke Belching Unit (ASBU) conducts an emission test on a vehicle during free emission testing in celebration of National Clean Air Month and National Environmental Awareness Month at Rizal Park along San Pedro Street in Davao City on Tuesday. Lean Daval Jr

Go vows to push for fire safety and prevention

By ADAM B. MORRELL

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enator-elect Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go vowed to push a bill that will amplify �ire safety and prevention and address �ire cases in the country.

“As a senator, isa sa mga plans ang �ire safety and �ire prevention measures like sa pag check kung compliant ba ang mga building at mga bahay,” President Rodrigo Duterte’s former aide said.

The Senator also said it is already a high time to construct a pleasant evacuation center that will provide temporary yet comfortable and clean shelter for every

�ire victim.

Fresh from visiting the �ire victims in Iligan City, the former Special Assistant to the President (SAP) went straight to Davao City on Monday, June 3, to comfort of the victims of Ilang Fire which transpired at around 6:00am on Sunday.

The said �ire damaged 38 household properties at Purok Sto. Rosario NSV, Brgy. Ilang.

DepEd adds skills training in expanded ALS program

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he Department of Education (DepEd) has included skills training in its Alternative Learning System (ALS) education to empower the youth who plan to work while studying.

With the aim to intensify and expand the regular ALS program, which is considered “the centerpiece of basic education under President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration”, the DepEd launched on Tuesday the Alternative Learning System-Education and Skills Training (ALS-EST) Program Handbook for Implementers at the SEAMEO Innotech in Quezon City.

The DepEd added a skills training component to the ALS education in addition to the basic subjects such as history, math, and science. Students enrolled in the program can now

be trained in food and housekeeping, electronics and welding, wellness, dressmaking, agriculture and carpentry.

Undersecretary and Chief of Staff Nepomuceno Malaluan told reporters that DepEd would allocate supplementary funds for the training facilities and for those who will facilitate the training.

“The ALS skills training has already started in 98 pilot schools but DepEd targets all public schools to have ALS skills training. The next challenge is the scale up or mainstreaming of these pilot programs,” Malaluan said.

According to the Annual Poverty Indicator Survey in 2017, around 1.43 million children and youth aged 6 to 17 years are out of school and have not completed basic education.

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Go, however, brought with him �inancial assistance, grocery bags and food from the private sectors and government agencies including Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Of�ice (PSCO), National Housing Authority (NHA), Department of Education (DOH), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

Go also lauded the �ire�ighters for respond-

ing quickly in every �ire incidents.

When asked on how was he able to prepare for the senate starting next month, he promptly answered: “Di ko pa yan ini-isip sa ngayon.

Serbisyo parin. I will not limit myself as a legislator only. Di ko matiis na naka upo lang sa senado.

Gusto ko pasukin ang bawat eskenita at pakinggan ang mga hinaing ng ating mamayan at bigyan ng solution ang problema.”

He also kept his promise to support the president all the way.

alacañang on Tuesday said that amid the dispute in the contested South China Sea, the Philippines seeks to have peace and stability.

This after acting United States Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan offered additional help to the country following the move of China in deploying more troops and weapons in the part of the disputed islands.

“The Philippines would want stability in that part of the world. The Philippines’ position is that every country has the right to use the waters in the South China Sea as well as the air space.

And we want peace and quiet in that area,” Chief Presidential Legal Counsel and Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a Palace press brie�ing.

“So anything that will provide such kind of atmosphere, we are for it. If the presence of the US will make it so, then that’s good for all of us. All of the claimants,” he added.

But the Palace of�icial is quick to point out that the US should know the boundaries of their help towards the Philippines, adding the US should not interfere on the sovereignty of the Philippines.

“We will object if they will come to our area because we are supposed to be a sovereign country. No country should also

come to our country without our consent or knowledge,” Panelo said.

‘ROTC will not curtail critical thinking and instill blind obedience – Palace’ In the same press brie�ing, Secretary Panelo denied the allegations that the proposal of making the Reserved Of�icers Training Corps (ROTC) mandatory among senior high school students will curtail critical thinking and instill blind obedience.

“I don’t think so because when I was in college I underwent Reserved Of�icer Training Corps (ROTC). You’re taught there how to handle �irearms, how to have discipline, you are lectured on many things even on laws, history,” he said.

“Alam niyo in other countries mandatory ‘yan. Dapat talaga mandatory. I share the view that all abled-bodied citizens of the Philippines, male and female, should be required to have compulsory military training for our own security,” Panelo added.

For Panelo, with the current mindset of the youth, some of whom lack discipline, ROTC is all the more needed.

“I think so because the onset of technology parang ang concetration nila ay lahat sa hi-tech like telephones and laptops. Wala o kulang na talaga ang disiplina,” Panelo said.

PCO

CLEAN-UP. A personnel of the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (Cenro) collects the trash left by hundreds of Muslims who attended the morning prayer to celebrate Eid’l Fitr at Tionko Field along Quimpo Boulevard in Davao City on Wednesday. Lean Daval Jr

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More fire incidents in Davao in first 5 months, says BFP 11

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he Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) of Davao Region recorded a signi�icant increase of �ire incidents in Davao City from January to May of 2019.

BFP 11 intelligence and investigation section chief Senior Police Of�icer (SFO 3) Ramil Gillado bared this during the AFP-PNP Presscorps media brie�ing held at the Royal Mandaya Hotel on Wednesday.

Based on the comparative district wide data presented by Gillado, a total of 268 �ire incidents were already recorded from January to May this year, much higher than last year’s 199 �ire incidents in the same period.

“Although mas daghan ang sunog this year, mas gamay ang na damage na nabuhat compared last year. This year naay P45,686,100 damage while worth P79,407,700 of property damage last

year,” he said.

166 out of 268 �ire incidents this year are structural while the rest are non-structural.

Gillado said the top three types of occupancy involved in this year’s �ire incident record which includes 89 residential, 69 grass�ire and 34 rubbish areas.

The top three causes of �ire, according to the Bureau, are electrical, open �lame and improper disposal of cigarette butt.

The electrical is mainly caused by short-circuit, electrial arcing and overheated electrical appliances while the open �lame is caused primarily by unattended cooking, children playing with matches or lighters and burning of garbage.

Gillado, meanwhile, reminded the public of the �ire prevention methods and �ire awareness to help decrease the rising number of �ire incident.

Adam B. Morrell

NTC allows cellphone users to switch network providers

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he National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) has released guidelines that mandate the unlocking of mobile phones by subscribers after the expiration of their lock-in period with mobile network operators.

This allows mobile phone subscribers to switch from one wireless service provider to another.

“Mobile phone and device users, after having complied with the terms and conditions of the subscription agreement within the agreed lock-in period and are the absolute owners of the mobile phones or devices, should have the option of changing between compatible wireless service providers, giving

the consumer greater freedom and �lexibility while increasing incentives for service providers to improve and innovate,” the NTC said in Memorandum Circular 01-05-2019 dated May 31.

Public telecommunications entities (PTEs) must post on their websites their policy on mobile phone or device unlocking.

For postpaid subscribers, PTEs, upon request, shall unlock mobile phones or provide the necessary information on unlocking to mobile device users after the completion of their prepaid service contracts, device �inancing plan, or payment of early termination fees.

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INVESTMENT SCHEME. Police Regional Office 11 (PRO 11) spokesperson Police Major Jason Baria provides updates on the investigation being comducted by the inter-agency task force against the companies engaged in investment schemes.

Baria said during AFP-PNP Press Corps media forum at The Royal Mandaya Hotel on Wednesday that the task force is closely monitoring 14 investment companies in the region. Lean Daval Jr

CENRO conducts free vehicle emission testing

By ADAM B. MORRELL

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he Davao City Environment and Natural Resources Of�ice (CENRO) through its Anti-Smoke Belching Unit (Asbu) held a free emission test to vehicles in Davao City on Tuesday at the Rizal Park in San Pedro Street.

CENRO engineer 1 Vicente Revamonte, in an interview, said this annual activity is in line with the National Clean Air Month and National Environmental Awareness Month.

He said this program is anchored under the city ordinance 0280-06 or the Anti-Smoking Belching Ordinance signed by Davao City mayor Sara

Duterte-Carpio in 2013.

The ordinance was enacted in 2006 and was fully implemented on June 25, 2013.

Revamonte said this government’s initiative aims minimize the smoke in the city and motivate motorists to check on their vehicles regularly.

“Dugay na namo ni gina buhat para malimpyo

ang syudad sa Dabaw,” he said.

The free emission testing was open to both public and private utility vehicles.

Revamonte said they will cater as much as 200-300 vehicles within 8:00am to 4:00pm.

Cenro staff Maria Ana Saramosing, on the other hand, said a vehicle’s hydro-carbon level must not exceed to 600 percent while its carbon monoxide must not be over 3.5 to pass the emission test.

Otherwise, the op-

prevent the recurrence of the May 19 incident when a motorized passenger vessel capsized carrying 49 people. Lean Daval Jr

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CHED launches new lab for drug abuse research

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PREVENTIVE MEASURES. Lawyer Sharon Grace Sanoy of Maritime Industry Authority 11 (Marina 11) says the agency is constantly coordinating with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Davao and Sta. Ana Port office to implement steps to

erator must repair the vehicle within 7 days to comply the agency’s requirement.

“Pag malampas sila sa 7 days tapos makita namo nga wala pa nila gipaayo ilahang sakyanan, diha nami mang dakop,” she said.

As of 9:30am yesterday, 3 out of 6 vehicles failed the emission test.

Revamonte, meanwhile, said violators will be penalized with P1,000 for the �irst offense.

He warned that vehi-

drug testing kit, which can identify designer drugs for effective law enforcement, is now within reach as the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) launched on Tuesday the University of the Philippines-Manila Drugs Abuse Research Laboratory (UP-DARL).

CHED chair J. Prospero de Vera III said the UPDARL is a research collaboration between UP Manila and University of California, which aims to address the gaps identi�ied in responding to the current problem of drug use and abuse in the country.

It is fully-funded by the CHED, through the Philippine-California Advanced Research Institutes program. It also involves the participation of the member agencies of the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) such as CHED, Department of Health (DOH), Philippine National Police (PNP), Phil-

ippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

“The current drug testing that we have is used for identifying between three to four drugs only, marijuana, cocaine, etc., it cannot detect the designer drugs.

So, our law enforcement of�icers are handicapped because, if they are able to arrest suspects and con�iscate drugs, it is dif�icult to prove in court because there is no evidence in court that it is an illegal drug,” de Vera told reporters on the sidelines of the launch.

Using liquid “ecstasy” as an example of commonly con�iscated designer drugs, de Vera stressed the need for a “continuous testing to identify additional psychoactive substances” often abused by the youth.

“The technology is

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GSIS chief renews plan to sell 78-ha Port Area lot

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European Union Ambassador Dr. Franz Jessen says the universal health care law is a legacy law which provides Filipinos equal access to quality health care. (Photo by Ma. Teresa Montemayor)

EU vows continued support for PH’s health programs

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he European Union (EU) on Monday expressed its continued support to the Philippines to achieving universal health care (UHC) through its partnership with the World Health Organization.

In his speech at the EU Health Programs presentation in Manila, EU Ambassador Dr. Franz Jessen said the union would continue to support the country’s health sector in its aim to provide access to quality health care for Filipinos.

“This shows the very high level of trust we have between the EU and the Department of Health (DOH), and without that high level of trust, that kind of budgetary support is not possible,” Jessen said.

The EU has been one of the Philippines’ major development partners for

more than 40 years. From 2006 to 2018, it has provided �inancial support to the country’s health sector amounting to approximately PHP7.2 billion.

In 2006, the EU launched the Philippine and Mindanao health sector policy support program which focused on the strengthening of 29 priority provinces.

It also launched the Maternal and Child Health of Indigenous People in Mindanao Project which supported the National Council of Indigenous peoples for strengthening mother and child health care services for indige-

DTI pitches PH growth story to SoKor investors

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rade Secretary Ramon Lopez highlighted the strong macroeconomic fundamentals and the continuing growth story of the Philippines to South Korean business executives during a high-level roundtable meeting on Tuesday.

Lopez emphasized the opportunities South Korean companies, particularly in the manufacturing industry, may explore when locating and expanding their operations in the Philippines.

He underscored the wider market access for companies in the country through the preferential trade agreements it has with the United States (GSP), European Union (GSP+), as well as with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA).

“The Philippines is an ideal geographic base for South Korean man-

ufacturing companies, speci�ically those focusing on automotive and auto parts, electronics and semiconductors, food processing, agribusiness, and other labor-intensive industries.,” Lopez said in a news release issued by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

“South Korea is a manufacturing powerhouse and expanding (its) business operations in the Philippines is a win-win, with businesses having greater market access for their products and being our partner in providing jobs and opportunities to Filipinos,” he told more than 30 South Korean business executives from construction and infrastructure, tool and die, as well as energy industries, in a meeting at the South Korean capital.

The trade chief like-

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nous peoples in Mindanao.

In 2010, the EU initiated a budget support program, the Health Sector Policy Support Program and a second budget support program, the Philippine Health Sector Reform Contract, which was �inalized in 2018.

“The objectives of the support programs were to contribute to the health-related millennium development goals and universal health care through improved �inancial capability of the government to achieve sector policy, improved health sector governance and improved quality and accessibility of health service delivery,” Jessen said.

The EU evaluated the results of the two budget support programs for health from April to May

2019.

“The feedback from both parties is that both programs largely achieved its objectives and attained success stories, more than these achievements today, I know that EU supports the country through the development of the universal health care law,” Jessen said.

He added the positive results would have not been possible “without its excellent partnership with the Department of Health, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) and the Department of Foreign Affairs”.

According to the EU’s reports, both programs help the DOH achieve its priorities which include increase of population covered by the PhilHealth

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overnment Service Insurance System (GSIS) President and General Manager Jesus Aranas is con�ident the agency will be able to bid out its 78-hectare property at the Manila North Harbor within the year.

The property is composed of a 67-hectare commercial lot, currently occupied by the International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI), and a 10-hectare residential lot, which is currently occupied by informal settlers.

In a brie�ing Tuesday, Aranas said they decided to pursue the plan to sell the property after the Department of Finance (DOF) came out with an updated zonal valuation on the property.

Data from the pension fund shows that the commercial property has a zonal value of PHP25.56 billion based on the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) valuation in 2018 while the residential lot has a value of around PHP412.82 million.

Under the latest zonal valuation, the commercial property is now valued at PHP33.63 billion while the residential lot is PHP3.82 billion or a difference of PHP11.48 billion from last year’s amount.

Aranas said the property is now considered a non-performing asset for GSIS, thus, it must be sold.

“The reason why I pulled out initially our intention to sell it was because the valuation at that time was not current.

Thankfully, the DOF came out with the current valuation. They came out with a new zonal valuation as of May 2019 and we intend to pursue from that angle,” he said.

The GSIS chief also explained that they have

sent several letters to the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) regarding the pension fund’s ownership of the property after PPA has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with several entities for the allocation of a portion of the GSIS’ property for a settlement site for informal settlers along Isla Putting Bato.

The MOU was signed by the PPA, the National Housing Authority (NHA), the City of Manila, ICTSI and the Manila North Harbor Port Inc. Aranas pointed out that the pension fund is not receiving any rentals for the commercial property, which has been occupied by ICTSI since the 70s through an agreement with PPA. He explained that GSIS already sent seven letters to PPA since 2017 demanding payment of at least PHP80 million a month on the property but has not received any response.

“The title is in our name so it’s kinda awkward thinking you have a property in your name occupied by an entity (that is) not paying rentals to us. It’s quite dif�icult for me to reconcile that with the work of honesty and integrity,” he said.

Aranas said he will request for another approval from the GSIS Board, during its meeting this month, to sell the property since it is the GSIS members who will bene�it from the proceeds.

“They're (members of the Board) very supportive. They're very transparent. They really want to do their best to improve the �inancial situation in the GSIS. I don't see any opposition in selling this property. In fact, they already allowed this to be sold,” he added. (PNA)

DEVELOPMENT. Construction laborers work on the metal structure of a condominium building owned by SM Development Corporation (SMDC) in Lanang, Davao City on Wednesday. Lean Daval Jr

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Philip Morris lauds passage of cigarette excise tax bill

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he management of Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation (PMFTC) on Tuesday lauded the Senate’s decision to pass the bill increasing further the excise tax on tobacco products.

PMFTC Inc. Corporate Communications head Dave Gomez, in a statement, said passage of the bill is a step towards ensuring funds for the government’s Universal Health Care (UHC) program.

He, however, warned the government of the possibility of higher illicit cigarette trade as a result of tax hikes.

He explained that once the measure has been signed into law it will be the 8th tax increase since 2012.

“The higher rate raises some concerns over unintended consequences. We call on the government to exercise vigilance to curb

the illicit cigarette trade which may worsen as a result of this excise tax increase, and undermine government efforts to raise funds for the UHC,” he said.

On Monday, Senators voted 20-0-0 in favor of Senate Bill 2233, which not only increased excise tax on “heated tobacco products” but also “vapor tobacco products”.

Once signed into law, this measure will increase excise tax of a pack of cigarette from PHP35 per pack to PHP45 per pack by January 1, 2020 and to PHP60 per pack by 2022.

Re�ill of vapor products

will be increased by a minimum of PHP10 for those that are less than 10 milliliters.

Gains from this measure is targeted to �inance the UHC, which is seen to need about PHP257 billion in its �irst year of implementation.

Relatively, Gomez said they expect the government “to provide the appropriate safety nets for farmers, workers and retailers whose livelihood would be impacted by this new round of tax increase”.

“The Senate version is a positive step forward as it will enable smokers to switch to less harmful alternatives to cigarettes while generating additional revenues from previously untaxed e-vapor products,” he added. (PNA)

address the tendency of the current tax system to “overemphasize controls and monitoring over the welfare of taxpayers and the overall ease and ef�iciency of compliance.”

He noted, for instance, that redundant data �ields are currently required in tax returns that already form part of other mandatory attachments in paying taxes.

The Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Act (TRAIN), Lambino said, provides the government the corrective measure to

do away with some of the redundancies and inef�iciencies in the tax system by mandating the establishment of an e-invoicing system.

“Progress has been made in modernizing information technology services for taxpayers. However, further reforms are needed,” said Lambino.

“The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), in partnership with the government of Korea, is set to complete the development of the e-invoicing system by end of 2022.” DOF

DOF aims to complete e-invoicing by 2022

T BLOWOUT. Muslim children accompanied by their mother buy ice cream from a popular fast food chain along Bolton Street in Davao City during Eid’l Fitr on Wednesday. Lean Daval Jr

he Department of Finance (DOF) aims to complete the full shift to an electronic invoicing system by December 2022 as part of the digital transformation in tax administration that the Duterte administration wants to embark on so the government could provide better and faster services to taxpayers.

Finance Assistant Secretary Antonio Lambino II told a recent economic forum in Washington D.C. that this digital transformation initiative will

Grab to deactivate 8K drivers by June 10, 2019 Meralco mulls developing

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idesharing �irm Grab Philippines will deactivate at least 8,000 drivers of transportation network vehicle services (TNVS) units who do not have provisional authority from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) by June

10.

This, as the LTFRB opened 20,000 slots last December that drivers can apply for until June 7.

Grab Philippines president Brian Cu said the company acted in good faith when it trusted that its TNVS partners would comply with the timeline

set by the LTFRB. “This will reduce the number of vehicles servicing our commuting public, thus inconveniencing many Filipinos,” Cu said in a statement on Monday.

Grab expects the inconvenience to be temporary as it anticipates new drivers to apply for

10,000 new slots starting June 10.

“This is very painful for us, our drivers, and passengers, but it is Grab's duty to help the LTFRB enforce our regulations," Cu further said.

Grab has 45,000 active TNVS drivers on its platform. (PNA)

Piñol to discuss agri exports with Japanese counterpart

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griculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol is set to meet with his Japanese counterpart, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Yoshikawa Takamori, on June 5 to discuss possible exportation of agricultural products as well as tariff issues on Philippine bananas.

Piñol, who accompanied President Rodrigo Duterte during his working visit to Japan on May 30-31, said he is leaving for Japan again Tuesday evening for the meeting with his counterpart.

"There will be four topics that I will discuss with my counterpart," he said in a press brie�ing on Monday.

First is the recognition of the Philippines as a foot and mouth disease (FMD)free country, which is critical for the country's exports.

Second is the Philip-

pines' market access for hass avocado "because we're starting to produce hass avocado," he said.

Hass avocado is a cultivar of avocado with dark green–colored, bumpy skin. All Hass avocado trees are descended from a single “mother tree”, which was raised by a mail carrier named Rudolph Hass, of La Habra Heights in California.

Piñol said the third topic that he will discuss with his Japanese counterpart is the Philippines' request to exempt compliant exporters from 100 percent mandatory exemption for bananas.

"The last is about lowering of tariff on Philippine bananas," he said.

The Pilipino Banana Growers and Exporters Association (PBGEA) earlier urged President Duterte to discuss with the Japanese government the re-

duction or elimination of the hefty tariff rates on the Cavendish bananas during the latter's visit to Japan.

PBGEA executive director Stephen Antig said the banana export industry of the Philippines would lose the competition in the Japanese market if the imposition of tariff rates at eight percent during summer and a maximum of 18 percent during winter continue compared with competitors that enjoy zero tariff rates.

He said the banana industry would suffer and might even collapse "if we cannot replace markets lost due to high tariffs”.

According to the data released by the PBGEA, the Cavendish bananas export to Japan last year reached 635,962 metric tons (MT), an increase of 6.8 percent compared with 595,677 MT in 2017.

Piñol said that in the

bilateral talks between President Duterte and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe last week, the latter expressed willingness to take a look on the issue of lowering tariff on Philippine bananas.

"I'm expecting positive results with my talk to my Japanese counterpart, and the presence of the President (Duterte) there (last week) discussing these issues gave way to our appeal," he said.

Piñol said the decision of the Philippines "to lift the ban for �ish species coming from Fukushima "has opened up a window opportunity for us kasi parang goodwill gesture natin yun. Hopefully, they will respond to us," he added.

The Philippines has lifted a seven-year-old ban on the importation of several �ish species from

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1K-mw renewable energy

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he Manila Electric Company (Meralco) is eyeing to develop 1,000 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy projects within the next seven years.

Meralco President and Chief Executive Of�icer Ray Espinosa said the power distribution �irm is committed to provide affordable electricity to its clients while ensuring the sustainability of the environment.

“Meralco is committed to develop largescale renewable energy projects that can deliver competitive electricity for our customers, without any requirement for subsidy or support, while keeping environmental stewardship and sustainability as top priorities in our business,” said Espinosa in a statement on Tuesday.

The development of the renewable energy projects will be undertaken by MGEN Renewable Energy Inc. (MGreen), which is a subsidiary of Meralco PowerGen Corporation

(MGen), the power generation arm of Meralco.

“We are working on several renewable energy prospects and we recognize the signi�icant reduction in the development cost, particularly for large-scale solar and wind over the past years. Notwithstanding the ongoing requirement for new reliable baseload generation to support the fast-growing Philippine economy, we believe that the time is right to focus on building our green energy capacity and we intend to be a key player in this expanding sector,” said MGen President and CEO Rogelio Singson.

“MGen, through MGreen, will continue working on the realization of our project opportunities, and will work in partnership with established developers to maximize our growth potential,” he added.

Earlier, Espinosa said they are currently talking with several solar, wind and natural gas proponents for pos-

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6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 63 •THURSDAY, JUNE 6, 2019

EDITORIAL

Duplicity

Like the country’s road networks, government agencies often overlap functions which causes duplicity or even multiplicity of programs.

The most recent intertwining in the bureaucracy could result from the move of the Department of Education (DepEd) to includd skills training in its Alternative Learning System (ALS) education to empower the youth who plan to work while studying.

DepEd launched on Tuesday the Alternative Learning System-Education and Skills Training (ALS-EST) Program Handbook for Implementers with the aim of intensifying and expanding the regular ALS program, which is considered “the centerpiece of basic education under President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration.” While this is a noble intention by the education department, it also runs smack with the functions relating to another agency which is the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

Under the expanded ALS, DepEd added a skills training component to the ALS education in addition to the basic subjects such as history, math, and science. Students enrolled in the program can now be trained in food and housekeeping, electronics and welding, wellness, dressmaking, agriculture and carpentry. To do this, DepEd would allocate supplementary funds for the training facilities and for those who will facilitate the training.

Not only does this replicate the functions already existing in the mandate of

EDGEDAVAO

Providing solutions to a seamless global village.

TESDA, which has been successful in elevating the technical vocational education pathway as an alternative to formal higher education, it can also result to additional budgetary requirements for the government.

The premises being cited in the expanded ALS are very much similar and repetitious of TESDA’s policies and programs.

DepEd said it aims to bring these out of school children and youth through the ALS-EST, which is a complementary program to the mainstream ALS. The program also aims to “holistically prepare learners for various exits, such as higher education, middle-level skills development, entrepreneurship, and employment by integrating a skills training component with the basic education component”.

A look at TESDA will tell us that the agency was established through the enactment of Republic Act No. 7796 otherwise known as the “Technical Education and Skills Development Act of 1994”, to encourage the full participation of and mobilize the industry, labor, local government units and technical-vocational institutions in the skills development of the country’s human resources.

There must be a way for Deped to coordinate with TESDA in the same concept as ladderized education to seamlessly bridge ALS with tech-voc education under TESDA. That will be a more ef�icient way as you don’t need additional resources and manpower training to get the intentions of the expanded ALS progressing forward.

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

BAI FAUZIAH FATIMA SINSUAT AMBOLODTO Social Media Manager/Lifestyle PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE

the national association of newspapers

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

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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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EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 63 • THURSDAY, JUNE 6, 2019

VANTAGE POINTS

7

HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

WHERE HAVE ALL OUR TUNA GONE? To give tuna and pelagic �ishes to spawn and allow the key �ishing grounds to recover, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has declared a three-month closed �ishing season in Davao Gulf which will end on August 31.

In the 308,000-hectare Davao Gulf, the spawning season for tuna and pelagic �ishes happens on the months of June to August. During this time, the use of bag nets and ring nets and �ishing vessels are prohibited.

“All bag nets and ring net operators will have to take a vacation,” BFAR regional director Fatma Idris was quoted as saying by the state-owner Philippine News Agency (PNA). “But Davao Gulf is still open to all municipal �isherfolk within their realm of municipal waters.”

The PNA report said Davao Gulf “spans more than 10 coastal communities from Malita in Davao Occidental in the south to Boston town of Davao Oriental in the eastern coast of the region.”

Now on its sixth year, the closed season is “seen as one of the measures to curb illegal �ishing in the Davao Gulf,” according to Idris.

Jerry dela Cerna, the manager of Barog Katawhan Multi-Purpose Cooperative,

was also quoted by PNA, identifying Davao Gulf as “the spawning ground of tuna, which can grow between 36 and 40 inches.”

Unknowingly, tuna are now included in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The Switzerland-based International Union for the Conservation of Nature has singled out the yellow�in tuna as “near threatened” as “their population is declining due to over�ishing to meet human demands.”

Tuna are called the “rose of the sea” due to their pink to dark red �lesh. They eat smaller �ish, like mackerel, sardines and anchovies. There are several tuna species but they have one thing in common: they live in the oceans and migrate from one place to another. As such, they are widely but sparsely distributed throughout the world.

“Tuna are incredible creatures,” the Greenpeace, a non-government international environmental group, said in a statement. “Highly migratory, they travel thousands of miles over their lifetimes.

Despite weighing up to 700 kilograms, the majestic blue�in can accelerate faster than a Porsche and can swim as fast as 43 miles per hour; some species travel from North America to European waters

several times each year.”

Other tuna species are quite as awesome. “The yellow�in tuna has been recorded travelling from the US Paci�ic coast to Japan and travel at an average speed of ten miles per hour, but can reach up to 50 miles per hour. A bigeye tuna has been recorded diving 250 meters in less than one minute,” Greenpeace stated.

In the Philippines, twenty-one species of tuna have been recorded. “But only six species are commercially important,” Dr. Rafael D. Guerrero III, a �ishery expert and academician at the National Academy of Science and Technology, tells EDGE Davao.

Among the shallow-water/small tuna, the most commercial important are the frigate tuna (locally known as “tulingan”), the eastern little tuna (“kawa-kawa”), and the bullet tuna. Most of these tuna are consumed locally.

The important species among the deep-water/big tuna are the yellow�in tuna (“albacora”), the big-eye tuna (“tambakol”), and the skipjack (“gulyasan”). These are caught using commercial �ishing boats with purse seines and ring nets.

“Tuna are caught throughout Philippine waters,” says Dr. Guerrero, “but the most productive �ishing grounds

are the Sulu Sea, Moro Gulf and waters extending to the North Celebes Sea. Viable tuna �isheries also exist in waters off Western Negros, as well as Northwestern and Southern Luzon.”

The Philippines is ranked seventh among the tuna producing countries in the world.

“Tuna is by far the largest seafood export commodity of the Philippines in terms of value and offers a livelihood to thousands of �ishermen,” reports the Seafood Sourcing and Investment Intelligence (SSII), a global website portal which provide information to those engage in aquaculture and �isheries business.

Tuna products (fresh, chilled, frozen, smoked and canned) are the country’s top �isheries export. Connoisseurs pay top price for the luscious, mouthwatering tuna steaks. In London, many sushi restaurants serve blue�in tuna, the world’s most popular �ish after the caviar-producing sturgeon. The fatty underbelly of the �ish has become Japan’s caviar, Next to Indonesia, the Philippines is the second largest tuna exporter. In 2010, the country shipped 106,449 metric tons of prime-grade yellow�in, skipjack, and other forms of tuna to the United States, United Kingdom and

Germany, according to the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF)-Philippines.

These days, however, the tuna industry in the Philippines is not as rosy as before. “Landing �igures from 2012 to 2016 start out with a slightly increasing trend which can be mainly attributed to increased �ishing efforts.

From 2015 onward numbers are decreasing,” SSII reports.

“Although �ishing effort is likely to be further increased in coming years, it is expected that landing �igures will maintain stable or decrease further as the stocks are still not properly managed and Philippine boats are restricted from Indonesian waters,” it adds.

“Several tuna species (caught in the Philippines waters) are in peril,” Jonathan Watts writes for The Guardian, a news daily in United Kingdom. “Blue�in are critically endangered with just 2% of their 1950 biomass left, big-eye recently fell below the 20% level necessary for replacement, and yellow�in are also down more than 70%.”

Something must be done before it’s too late. “Unless we closely manage and protect remaining populations, our tuna industry might collapse,” warns Joel Palma, the conservation program vice president for WWF-Philippines.

FRED C. LUMBA SPECKS OF LIFE

DO YOU EVEN TAKE A CHANCE AT LIFE? How many great ideas come into your mind every day?

Do you even pay attention, then think about giving it a try when a “light bulb” is switched on inside your cerebral mansion?

Man is a thinking, rational animal. This much we have learned from the Greeks’ philosophical teachings and thoughts, notably, Socrates, Plato, Aristotle and so on down the line.

On this premise, we see a challenge lingering over our heads that seem to indict us of our present circumstances.

Many just go with the �low and swim with the current, so to speak, in order to survive and get over headaches that come with the challenges.

Some people are just plain scared; this we can see the way they react to problematic

situations and how they handle them. They sidestep and evade them in the belief that these will not pester them.

While we concede that there are no longer any original ideas that come forth but are a re�inement of the old to suit the contemporary times, creative concepts usually �lood our minds every day to ignite a degree of inspiring action.

But what we do next after a creative thought enters our mind is altogether a different story.

Most people I have talked to always put the cart before the horse, electing to present a negative picture instead of opting to put up a positive front to motivate them to take the �irst step towards �inishing the journey.

As you and I believe, you cannot reach even the shortest destination until you take

the �irst step. They say, “the journey to a thousand miles begins with…”

This is the same with life.

One must take a chance, a shot at whatever lies yonder.

If you miss and err, it is but normal to commit a mistake.

But nobody can say you did not take a chance.

Life today is a much more complicated existence compared to the generations when man hasn’t yet landed on the moon. The ensuing technological and scienti�ic advances have made life much more convenient to live because everything seems to be just a push button away.

The age of arti�icial intelligence has come.

Are people becoming more complacent and less creative because stuff they need are already there for the taking?

The young generation today has developed a mindset of its own – happy go lucky, minding his/her own individual business, letting go of their emotions even in public display does not bother them while seemingly not mindful – or seriously mindful - of what’s in store in the future.

What about same sex marriages or same sex unions and partnerships?

Are these not a way at taking a chance at life?

Life is becoming more like a free-for-all. The family is slowly getting individualized or falling into shreds, in a manner of speaking; the sons and daughters go on their own, possessed of an independent mindset as if this is his/her own way of taking a chance at life sans help from anyone.

One gets the credit for succeeding or a demerit for

failing.

Taking a chance at life teaches a person to develop and cultivate a brave mind and a brave heart. He/she is taught to ignore the dif�iculties and endure the pain. The person will �ight his way through the maze and come out alive, even if scathed, in the end.

Isn’t about time to think about trying one of the few creative ideas that crosses your mind?

Surely, this will keep you busy. It will bene�it you, health-wise; Why? Because the mind that tackles creative work cannot become the laboratory and workshop of the devil.

Come on. Take a chance at life. It is worth it. God bless you more. ##### (Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.) GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!

8

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 63 •THURSDAY, JUNE 6, 2019

COMMUNITY SENSE

PIÑOL... FROM 5

Fukushima Prefecture as a gesture of goodwill during the working visit

of President Duterte and his Cabinet members to Japan. (PNA)

from 62 percent in 2010 to 92 percent in 2018; establishment of recovery of out-patient drug recovery clinics offering evidence-based drug abuse medical treatment in a voluntary and con�idential setting that preserves human dignity; strengthening management and �inancing service delivery networks; and improving sexual and reproductive health care services as measured through facility-based deliveries, increased steadily from 44 percent in 2008 to 92 percent in 2018; deliveries attended by a skilled birth attendant, increased from 22.2 percent in 2008 to 94.1 percent in 2018; and modern contraceptive prevalence rate increased from 33.9 percent in 2008 to 56.7 percent in 2018.

Jessen said the EU

would also continue to support the country’s �ight against HIV-AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria and to provide health and basic services in Mindanao.

He also lauded the Philippines for the approval of the UHC law which he called a “legacy law”.

“The universal health care law, in our view represent crucial steps towards improving access to quality health care to all Filipinos particularly the poor and the vulnerable and the more disadvantaged,” he said.

“I would like to thank the DOH Secretary (Francisco Duque III) for his commitment, his leadership and for taking the institutional responsibility for all the support programs,” he added. (PNA)

wise discussed possible opportunities in the country’s e-vehicle (EV) industry. He cited the tariff modi�ication of EV products under the ASEAN Free Trade Agreement, as well the consideration of a target date for full EV use and registration in Philippines.

The International Electric Vehicle Association and other companies in the e-vehicle industry in South Korea, such as Hyundai Motor, POSCO E&C, and Phillips Group, are encouraging the Philippines to provide additional support to attract more investors in the e-vehicle and parts industry, aside from the usual �iscal incentives.

Tax incentives are not enough in developing an industry of the future.

The association suggested tax holidays and monetary support per unit produced, as well as government cost sharing in charging/battery replacement stations, the same package that are being provided by the governments of South Korea and other ASEAN member states.

Accordingly, these countries have local programs to strengthen the industry to encourage the shift to e-vehicle, such as free registration and free parking for e-vehicles.

“This would have to be a special program similar to our CARS program, so it can quickly attract investors in the industry,” Lopez said.

Lopez, together with DTI Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo, addressed the issues and clari�ied the concerns raised by existing locators on the Tax Reform for Attracting Better and Higher Quality Opportunities (TRABAHO) Bill, which rationalizes tax incentives to investments. “The TRABAHO

Bill will offer modern and more relevant incentives,” Rodolfo said.

Lopez also assured investors that there will be a good transition period in the implementation of the new tax system and that there is no reason for them to delay their expansion projects in the country.

During the meeting, DTI Undersecretary Rafaelita Aldaba also presented the government’s inclusive, innovation-led, industrial strategy (i3s) as support for the socioeconomic agenda of President Rodrigo Duterte.

The i3s complement the government’s thrust to promote an innovation ecosystem in the country, with different sectors partnering to generate more jobs and improved business opportunities.

This removes obstacles to growth, attracts investments, and creates jobs. It also sets up the environment to strengthen micro, small and medium enterprises, and the domestic supply chains, encouraging their participation in global and regional value chains, and link manufacturing with agriculture and services.

The roundtable meeting was attended by Philippine Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Noe Albano Wong, Board of Investments Director Angelica Cayas, and high-level business executives of 16 South Korean companies.

Aside from POSCO, Hyundai, and Phillips, also present were Lotte E&C, Seohee Construction Co., Korea Western Power, Daeil Corp, International Electric Vehicle Expo, Daekyung Eng. Co. Ltd., Korea Agricultural Machinery Industry Cooperative, Pyungtaek Port, and Korea Importers Association. (PR)

EU... FROM 4

Junior Ortiz Digamon of Brigada News

Rhona Villariasa of Sun.Star Davao

DTI... FROM 4

Carmelito Francisco of Mindanao Times

Gem Avanceña-Aranas of TV5 Davao

4 journalists to get award from Rotary Club of Manila

F

our Dabawenyo journalists are among those that will be recognized in the centennial celebration of the Rotary Club of Manila (RCM) on June 6, 2019 to be held at a hotel in Makati.

The annual Journalism Awards of the RCM started in 1967 and is one of the most prestigious journalism awards in the country today.

This year’s award is made more special with the celebration of RMC’s

Centennial Year Milestone Celebration being the �irst rotary club in Asia.

The Dabawenyo journalists to be feted on Thursday are Gem Avanceña-Aranas of TV5 Davao, Junior Ortiz Dig-

amon of Brigada News, Carmelito Francisco of Mindanao Times, and Rhona Villariasa of Sun. Star Davao.

They are recognized as best male and female regional broadcasters and best male and female regional reporters respectively.

This is the second year in a row that Dabawenyo journalists are recognized by the

RCM for their outstanding contribution in journalism.

Last year’s winners were James Galay and Cheche Diabordo of DXAB Radio, Edge Davao’s Tony Ajero and Davao Breaking News’ Ben Jason Tesiorna.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Benjamin Diokno will be this year’s guest of honor and keynote speaker.

AFP-PNP Press Corps 2019-20 officers picked

T

he AFP-PNP Press Corps Southern Mindanao based in Davao City held its election of new of�icers for for 2019- 2020 yesterday.

Ruth Palo Dumandan, veteran broadcaster now with The Mindanao Daily Mirror, was reelected president unopposed.

Other of�icers elected are: Grace Saron of Mindanao Times, Vice President for Print.

VP for TV: Christy Casilagan of SMNI VP for Radio:

Armando Fenequito of Radyo Pilipinas VP for Photography: Bing Gonzales of Mindanao Times Secretary: Rose Bernales of Sonshine Radio Treasurer: Edith Talindan Isidro of PIA Auditor: Jeepy Compio of Sunstar Superbalita Davao Public Information Of�icer: Angie Chagas of Bombo Radyo Davao Board of Directors:

1.Juliet Revita of Sunstar Davao 2. Bien Abalos of DXGN 89.9 Spirit FM and Davao Catholic Herald Newspaper 3. Richy Nalagon of Superbalita Davao 4. Max Anaten of Brigada News Davao 5. Adam Morell of Edge Davao

The election was attended by Major Milgrace Driz, Head of CIDG -Davao City Field Unit (DCFU); Major Jason Baria, spokesperson of Police Regional Of�ice (PRO) XI ; Capt. Maria Theresita

Gaspan, DCPO spokesperson; Lt Col Ezra Balagtey, EastMinCom spox; Capt.

Jerry Lamosao, 10th Infantry Division spox; Capt. Ronnel Legarde, Task Force Davao spox; 1Lt. Tere Ingente-Cansancio- Joint Task Force Haribon spox; Jail Insp Edo Lobenia, BJMP XI spox; Fire Insp Cyrus Medina, BFP XI spox.

AFP- PNP Press Corps is an association of journalists in television, print, radio, photography, videography and online based in Southern Mindanao, covering police and defense beat.

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VOL.12 ISSUE 63 • THURSDAY, JUNE 6, 2019

EDGEDAVAO

FOOD

Loving SUNDAYS

SUNDAY. A personal favourite just because, on Sundays, I get to sleep in and be lazy all day long. My ‘me time’ where I, for the most part, sway away from the constant beeping of online notifications and just forget about the world wide web. Oh and mostly, on Sundays, you’d see me lounging by the seashore contemplating whether I need to be more tanned than I already am. Yes, Sunday.

In the city, Sundays go beyond just being another day on the calendar. Sundays in Davao means one of the homiest dining places in the city that will spoil you even while you are eating. Case in

point: Sundays Modern Home Cooking.

Sundays Modern Home Cooking is the metro’s answer to an any time, any day dining. It’s conveniently located at Davao’s Go Hotel and somewhere away from the bustling noise of the city.

Stepping inside is like going home to a weekend with your family and friends. Designed with zen-like blotches

of greens, oranges and wood brown, Sundays is a definite gastro dining place that will surely have you saying goodbye to your calorie counting ways in an instant.

Aside from its aesthetically pleasing interior, Sundays also has a delectable menu that’ll surprise even the pickiest of eater in your bunch. What they have are culturally appealing and palate quenching favourites that we’ve since grown to love. From heirloom dishes to fusion dishes, Sundays is one ultimate foodie destination in the city.

Personally, I love the simplicity of their menu. Their dishes are not as complicated

as one would expect them to be. One notable favou-

ROYAL CHEF A4

EDGED

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TRAVEL

Chatuchak

Bangkok’s bazaar of wonders

Chatuchak is filled wi everythin can think more.

WE FILIPINOS LOVE TO SHOP. This is especially true when we travel as evident by the constant need to buy “pasalubong” or souvenirs, that at times we spend more on the gifts we bring home than the things we buy for ourselves. I make sure that each pasalubong I bring tells my friends and family of my adventures and experiences in each destination I visit.

While Japan has its famous milelong shopping streets and Hong Kong has its market districts and glitzy malls, I was in for a treat on a recent visit to Bangkok as I was able to visit one of Asia’s largest markets, the Chatuchak Weekend Market.

Once only popular among wholesalers and traders, Chatuchak Weekend Market is a landmark of Bangkok and is a must-visit for shoppers and foodies alike.

Spanning an area of 35 acres, Chatuchak is home to a diverse collection of merchandise that is bound the enthral and amaze any seasoned shopper. Clearly, just about anything and everything is on sale here and the

only thing that can hold you back is the Bangkok heat and your groaning wallet.

Lost in the crowd For many first-timers like me, navigating through Chatuchak is an adventure with its many sections and alleyways.

Each alleyway is numbered into “Soi” (Thai for street) with one main walkway encompassing the entire market. The alleyways are then grouped into sections with a total of 27 sections in all. The sections do not necessarily categorise the goods being sold in the area but they can serve as reference points for locating where you are or where you bought a particular item.

Everything under the sun If you can think of it, chances are, Chatuchak has it. I was honestly amazed at the sheer variety of merchandise found in the market while navigating its many Sois and sections.

For the art lover, there is section 7 which hosts many local Thai galleries selling paintings and sculpture. Those looking for clothing and accessories

have a big part of the market to explore with many stalls selling locally designed shirts, dresses, traditional Thai clothing, and even Japanese-style indigo kimonos.

Foodies can delight in many local Thai street food such as Pad Thai, Mango Sticky Rice, and Coconut Ice Cream in many of the sections with some stores selling Thai food and snacks perfectly packed to bring home.

There are also sections selling furniture, light fixtures, antiques, home decor and even pets. While these items may not be easy to bring home, the stores can help in facilitating the shipment and delivery of the items you want, wherever you may be.

Getting there Chatuchak market is easily accessible via Bangkok’s Skytrain (BTS) Mo Chit Station and its subway (MRT) Chatuchak Park station. If you care in a group of four, I could also suggest taking a Grab car ride instead for a quicker and more comfortable ride.

Chatuchak weekend market is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 in the morning until 6 in the evening, and Fridays 6pm until 12 midnight.

At one of the market’s many Sois with sandals and clothing on one side and dreamcatchers on another.

EDAVAO

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VOL.12 ISSUE 63 • THURSDAY, JUNE 6, 2019

ENTERTAINMENT

LOISA AND SHAINA POWER THROUGH HEARTACHE AND BROKEN DREAMS IN iWANT’S “PAST, PRESENT, PERFECT?” A WRITER who is facing a major roadblock in her career and life looks to her past – including her first love and heartbreak – to move forward in her present in the new iWant original series “Past, Present, Perfect?,” which is now streaming for free on iWant.

Glorious Mango Sticky Rice.

I love Chatuchak’s art section with features local Thai artists and their unique creations.

Fashion is big at Chatuchak with hundreds of stalls selling the latest fashion trends.

The digital series, which stars Loisa Andalio and Shaina Magdayao as the young and old Shantal, takes viewers back to their high school days, post-college ambitions, and puppy love conquests.

A student with a gift for words, Shantal uses her talent to woo her crush, her high school professor Daniel (Vin Abrenica), by secretly writing him poems and declarations of love. As they become close because of their love for literature, Daniel, recognizing her potential, urges her to pursue her dream of becoming an award-winning writer.

Shantal’s world is turned upside down when she confesses her feelings for Daniel and gets rejected at their graduation ball.

In the present, Shantal navigates adulthood and struggles to pay for her bills by translating text books and subtitling porn – a far cry from her dream to write poetry and novels.

Things go awry for Shantal when she experiences writer’s block, unable to come up with a solid followup to her first successful romance pocket book.

Will Shantal be able to find renewed faith in herself and write the stories she wants to tell? What lessons from her past will help her shape the future chapters of her life?

Co–produced by Epic Media, “Past, Present, Perfect?” is directed

by Dwein Baltazar, who wrote the blockbuster movie “Exes Baggage” and recently won Best Director and Best Screenplay for her movie “Gusto Kita With All My Hypothalamus” – also named Best Picture – at the Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS) Awards 2019.

The romance-drama series also stars Awra Briguela, Amy Nobleza, Angelie Sanoy, Elijah Canlas, VJ Mendoza, Alorah Sasam, Eda Nolan, Anthony Falcon, Iana Bernardez, Peewee O’hara, Romnick Sarmenta, and Allan Paule.

The series’ debut on iWant last week trended on Twitter, and has since earned praises and been recommended by netizens because of its nostalgia-inducing and relatable story and the performances of its cast.

The first four episodes of “Past, Present, Perfect?” are already streaming for free on iWant, while the next episodes will drop on Wednesday. Download the iWant app on iOS or Android or register via iwant.ph.

Dobol B sa News TV now airs Mondays to Sundays

ak ith ng you of and

Stores selling local crafts can be found all over the market.

EXPECT a bigger and better Dobol B sa News TV as it now airs every day from 6 a.m. to 12 noon with new programs and an exciting line-up anchored by the country’s most trusted radio broadcasters.

Jumpstarting weekday mornings is veteran anchorman Melo del Prado with the freshest news of the day on Melo Del Prado sa Super Radyo at 6 a.m. GMA News Pillar Mike Enriquez and Joel Reyes Zobel deliver the biggest news stories and latest news updates on Super Balita sa Umaga Nationwide at 7 a.m.

At 9:30 a.m., fellow GMA News Pillar Arnold Clavio together with Ali Sotto tickle the viewers and listeners’ minds through their juicy blind items in Sino?. Later on at 10 a.m., the tandem further dissects the issues that made it to the news that day on Dobol A Sa Dobol B. For the final slot at 11 a.m., Kay Susan Tayo! Sa Radyo, anchored by Susan Enriquez, returns to the small screen.

On Saturdays, Melo del Prado hosts Super Radyo Nationwide at 6 a.m. followed by Super Balita sa Umaga with Sam Nielsen and Rowena Salvacion at 7 a.m. In the next hour, Rowena also hosts Isyu Atbp. while I M Ready sa Dobol B, hosted by Kapuso resident meteorologist Nathaniel ‘Mang Tani’ Cruz, comes next at 9 a.m.

On Sundays, Orly Trinidad opens the morning line-up with Buena Manong Balita at 6 a.m., followed by Super Balita sa Umaga, hosted by Sam Nielsen and Nimfa Ravelo, at 7 a.m. Nimfa also hosts Dobol B: Bantay Balita (Bantay sa Senado) at 8 a.m.

Catch the successful collaboration of GMA Network’s flagship AM radio station Super Radyo DZBB 594 kHz and the country’s leading local news channel GMA News TV via Dobol B Sa News TV airing Mondays to Sundays at 6 a.m. to 12 noon.

GMA News TV will now be seen on free TV via Channel 27 beginning June 4; while viewers abroad can also catch Dobol B Sa News TV on GMA News TV International.

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ROYAL CHEF A1 rite amongst diners is their malunggay soup that’s rich and very filling. More so, their plate of beef salpicao is one to look forward to. With or without rice, expect an explosion of savoury symphony on your buds.

Sundays also is a meat eaters paradise. I adore their sizzling pochero that’s captivatingly addicting up to the last bite. My friends also rave about their bowl of humba that’s soft, juicy and tender to the bite. On the one hand, I love their crunchy calamares that simply reminds me of the sea.

For that authentic Davao taste, go order a plate of their pomelo salad. Like seriously, the dish will take you on a city adventure in a snap.

Despite the familiarity, I suggest going beyond what your palates are used to. Ex-

plore their menu; you might end with a new favourite.

Sundays Modern Home

Cooking is located at Ground floor Go Hotels, Phoenix Megastation J.P. Corner N.

Arroyo Street, Lanang, Daang Maharlika Highway, Davao City

EDGEDAVAO

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COMPETITIVE EDGE

Holcim continues support for Davao construction sector S

9

GSIS income jumps fourfold YOY, in first quarter of 2019

L

eading building solutions provider Holcim Philippines, Inc. recently sealed agreements in Davao to supply the cement requirements of a leading construction group and to support a government program for skills training as part of its commitment to support the city’s progress.

Holcim Philippines will provide up to 400,000 metric tons of cement to the Davao Constructors Association Center, Inc. (DCACI), one of the leading building groups in southern Mindanao with 179 members.

Holcim Philippines and DCACI signed the partnership on April 24, renewing their supply engagement in 2018 which involved 320,000 tons of cement.

DCACI President Antonio Y. Uy thanked Holcim Philippines for the partnership and lauded the Company for introducing its new high-performance blended cement Solido as a better alternative to ordinary portland cement for

infrastructure projects.

“The continued partnership of Holcim and DCACI is like Solido, which gets stronger over time. Solido It is a great innovation because of its environmental and cost advantage over portland cement which helps us take care of nature while having savings,” he added.

Holcim Philippines also signed a partnership on April 23 with the Region XI of�ices of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Technical Education and Skill Development Authority (TESDA) for training on forklift operations, masonry, carpentry, weld-

ing and plumbing for the community members of its Davao plant.

Holcim Davao will provide funding assistance and host the training to be administered by TESDA for 25 bene�iciaries, who will be certi�ied as skilled workers. DSWD will select the trainees from barangays near Holcim Davao and provide assistance in mentoring and processing support for the employment of the bene�iciaries.

The collaboration is part of Holcim Davao’s Stakeholder Engagement Program, which aims to support community development through various industrial and construction- related skills training, livelihood, and employment.

Holcim Davao Plant Manager Xavier Kennedy said the recent partnerships are timely and relevant especially as the city’s construction industry is

ADVANCING MEDICAL SERVICES. Residents of Barangay Lingion, Santiago, Dalirig, and Guihean in Bukidnon, will now enjoy better medical services after AboitizPower subsidiary Hedcor Bukidnon, Inc. donated brand new medical equipment to their local health centers. The equipment that were turned over included a medical examination table, Doppler ultrasound, and a re-

expected to sustain its healthy rise over the medium term.

“These partnerships are a re�lection of our commitment to support the development of our communities and the rest of Davao. These programs provide our partners with a steady supply of cement and equip members of the community with needed skills to participate in the city’s healthy growth,” he added.

“The partnership is truly helpful to people. This was made possible in order to enhance and upgrade the skills and living standards of bene�iciaries from the identi�ied neighboring barangays. This will also increase their employability while strongly supporting the government’s ‘Build, Build, Build’ program”, said Ernesto S. Nadera, the acting chief of the Korea-Philippines Vocational Training Center of TESDA.

tate-run Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) recorded a quadruple increase in net income for the �irst quarter, year-on-year. The �irst quarter net income increased by Php29.65 billion, from Php9.05 billion last year to Ph38.7 billion this year.

The increase in GSIS’s net income was driven by the rise in stock market values, the increase in interest income, and the increase in premium contributions.

“We are happy to share this good news with our members and pensioners.

Our 82 nd anniversary celebration in May was made more meaningful knowing that we have ful�illed our commitment to become good stewards of the fund,” GSIS President and General Manager (PGM) Jesus Clint Aranas said.

The increase in net income is due to the rise in the market valuation of �inancial assets.

Contributing to this increase is GSIS’ public equities portfolio which accounts for about20% of

total assets since the PSE index increased by 6% to 7,920.93 compared to last year’s ending level.

The remaining increase in net income is brought about by the increase in interest income due to GSIS’ new loan programs (such as the GSIS Financial Assistance Loan (GFAL) for personnel of the Department of Education and the GSIS Enhanced Consolidated Salary Loan Plus for members), and the increase in premium contributions due to the increase in active membership from 1.7 million last year to 1.8 million this year. As a result, revenue from premium contributions has grown by 7% for the �irst quarter, yearon-year.

The total assets ending �irst quarter 2019 has reached Php1.2 trillion, which is 6% or Php74 billion higher than the end of �irst quarter 2018.

“We hope that we have set the tone for a productive year ahead. Our members’ and pensioners’ trust will be our inspiration to do better,” GSIS PGM Aranas said.

frigerator for vaccines, among others. The activity is Hedcor's way of showing gratitude to the host communities that house the components of Hedcor's hydropower plants in the area. Hedcor generates Cleanergy, its brand for clean and renewable energy, from its 2 run-of-river hydropower plants in Manolo Fortich, with a total generating capacity of 73.3 MW.

10 EDGEDAVAO INVALID... FROM 1

panies to SEC which is the rightful authority to give an advisory," he said.

He, meanwhile, said they can only reveal an investment schemes' name when there is a formal complaint.

Some of companies showed permits to do business in other forms not associated with their actual operation.

“Ang entity must have primary and secondary SEC permit,” he said.

The DepEd aims to bring these out of school children and youth through the ALS-EST, which is a complementary program to the mainstream ALS. The program also aims to “holistically prepare learners for various exits, such as higher education, middle-level skills development, entrepreneurship, and employment by integrating a skills training component with the basic education component”.

“Non-formal education is not second-class education, it is a modality, a pathway, and for many learners, a second or even �irst chance at education. This is the frame-

work and motivation that drives the ALS-EST Program,” Malaluan added.

The DepEd distributed 150 copies of the handbook to stakeholders who contributed to its completion and production.

The handbook, which has 14 chapters, provides a summary of the challenges in reaching out of school youth and adults who were not able to complete basic education; a discussion of the ALS-EST Program, including its learners, curriculum, learning resources, learning delivery, learning facilitators, assessment and certi�ication; and other aspects of the program. (PNA)

sible supply partnerships.

The �irm would likewise comply with the recent decision of the Supreme Court mandating that all power

supply agreements entered into by distribution utilities must undergo public bidding through a competitive selection process.

(PNA)

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MERALCO... FROM 5

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Notice to prepaid customers may occur at the point of sale, at the time of eligibility, or through a clear and concise statement of the policy on the PTE’s website.

The circular also mandates PTEs to unlock eligible devices or initiate a request to the equipment manufacturer within two business days after receiving a request.

They should provide an explanation of why the device does not qualify for unlocking, or why it needs additional time to process the request.

“PTEs that fail to comply with any of the obligations shall be a cause for the imposition of applicable penalties provided in subsisting laws, rules and regulations,” the memorandum read.

Mobile network operators assured their subscribers that they will comply with the policy on the man-

datory unlocking of mobile phones.

“We will comply with the policy. If you look at the policy, consumers have the choice to switch their mobile network providers.

We will provide them that option if they so request to unlock their phones,” Yoly Crisanto, Globe senior vice president for corporate communications, said in an interview with the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

Meanwhile, PLDTSmart public affairs head Ramon Isberto said the company will provide assistance to subscribers if they ask to unlock their phones at the end of their subscription period.

The Department of Information and Communications Technology issued a memorandum last December to the NTC to craft guidelines on the mandatory unlocking of mobile phones. (PNA)

EDGE DAVAO

the Land Transportaion Of�ice (LTO) for a higher penalty fee.

already available in the United States through the University of California in San Francisco. It is linking with UP Manila to transfer technology, help people in the Philippines, have the machines available, and as much as possible, we will roll this out to all law enforcement agencies like PDEA, NBI, PNP, DOH so we could do comprehensive drug testing in the country,” he added.

He said they expect to complete the drug testing kit in two years, which can identify more than 100 illegal drugs, while they work on an “interim drug testing kit that can at least identify additional substances, which are impossible to spot with the country’s

current technology”.

To create healthy and safe campuses, de Vera said CHED has been working of drug-free learning environment for college students for years.

“This is already integrated in most of the drug tests in the country...what we expect in the universities is there will mandatory random drug testing for students,” he added.

In line with this project, the UP-DARL held a Conference on Substances of Abuse in the Philippines on June 4 to 5. It aims to impart knowledge on various substances of abuse, including new psychoactive substances, to physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and analysts. (PNA)

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 63 • THURSDAY, JUNE 6, 2019

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OLYMPIC GOLD HOPEFUL. Weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz seeks government support to fully train in her bid to possibly snatch the Philippines' first Olympic gold medal in Tokyo next year. Diaz won a silver medal, the country's first silver in 20 years, in the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games. (File photo)

Why, Hidilyn?

M

ixed reactions poured over the social media posting of Rio Olympics Silver medalist Hidilyn Diaz after she sought �inancial support for her 2020 Tokyo Olympic Gold bid.

“The government has been very supportive, “declared Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Butch Ramirez replying to questions about the government’s supposed lack of support to Diaz.

Ramirez explained that Diaz receives one of the highest allowances in the

national pool and whose requirements are rarely turned down by the Board which has steadily backed her Olympic journey.

For this year alone, the PSC has given almost 4.5 Million to fund her foreign trainings in Hainan and Guangxi in China, the agency is also paying her foreign coach Julius Kaiwen Gao’s monthly salary and food allowance. Her NSA’s request for funding for competitions was also approved. A new weightlifting gym has just been constructed in the RMSC after she called

attention to the old gym they were using.

“Hidilyn receives support from the PSC and the Philippine Airforce being an enlisted personnel,” clari�ied Ramirez highlighting the government’s support for Diaz.

The Chairman also intimated that as far as they know, Diaz receives support from private companies like the MVP Foundation and Alcantara and Sons.

It would be recalled that after her Olympic windfall, she also received P million

Hidilyn Diaz with President Rodrigo Duterte after she received a cash incentive for winning a silver medal in the Rio Olympics.

Warriors It’s Roger vs Injury-ridden to lean much on Curry Rafa in semis T

C

Switzerland's Roger Federer celebrates after his quarterfinal match against Switzerland's Stanislas Wawrinka as Spain's Rafael Nadal celebrates after his quarterfinal match against Japan's Kei Nishikori.

in total from the government incentives act, RA 10699, for her silver and gold �inishes in the 2017 Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games and the 2018 Asian Games respectively.

“I do not think government was remiss of its support to Hidilyn. Despite what it seems, we at the PSC choose to see her for what she is, a champion we will support on her dream to achieve more,” concluded Ramirez, adding that “it would be good for Hidilyn to visit us so we could talk and clarify matters.“

hooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3x3 has found a partner to continue its mission of garnering more FIBA 3x3 points for the Philippines in the race to the 2020 Olympics, the company announced Monday.

Beverage giant Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines, Inc. (Coca-Cola) joins forces with Bounty Agro Ventures Inc. (BAVI) for the 2019 Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3x3 Patriots' Cup presented by Coca-Cola.

"Coca-Cola and Chooksto-Go share the mission which is to do whatever we can to help the country reach the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in whatever way we can," said Coca-Cola Philippines modern trade manager Ken Marvin Lumbao said in a statement.

"And from what we have seen during the President's Cup (�irst conference), Chooks-to-Go has been the one racking up points for the country. We want to help them out in this endeavor," he added.

"This is indeed a great development not only for us but also for our local 3x3 basketball scene," said Ron-

ald Mascariñas, the founder of Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3x3 -- the only level seven-ranked FIBA 3x3-accredited tournament in the country.

"With this partnership, we will continue to push for more top-level 3x3 events in the country leading up to the November 1 deadline of FIBA for the Olympic Qualifying Tournaments," Mascariñas added.

Coca-Cola is no stranger to the 3x3 basketball scene.

The company has been a staunch backer of Mongolia's 3x3 program that saw the small nation climb from the cellars to become the third-ranked 3x3 basketball country in the world with 9,405,105 points.

"Besides being a football country, Mongolia is a force in the 3x3 basketball scene as they are de�initely shoo-ins for the Olympics. Our company knows that the Philippines is a 3x3 powerhouse waiting to be unraveled. And with Chooks-to-Go, we will work hand in hand to make it to the top 24 and join an OQT," added Lumbao as the Philippines is currently at 28 with 2,088,477 points.

he banged-up Golden State Warriors are ready to turn to Stephen Curry, the team's heart and soul, in the NBA Finals as they try to overcome injuries in search of a fourth championship in �ive years.

With Kevin Durant ruled out for Wednesday's Game Three, sharp-shooting guard Klay Thompson day-today with a hamstring strain and backup forward Kevon Looney out for the series, the Warriors may need more from Curry than ever before.

Curry, who is arguably the greatest shooter in NBA history, is the leader of the Warriors and has a proven ability to bring stability to a team, someone who leads by example with his work ethic and ability to take over a game in a �lash.

"Where he's grown is his awareness, his understanding of what needs to happen, what he needs to do when other guys are out, just sort of game management stuff," Warriors head coach Steve Kerr told reporters on Tuesday.

"But he's always been the same person. I think that's the beauty of Steph. He doesn't change.

He's a rock. Our guys lean on him all the time."

If Thompson is unable to play on Wednesday then the Warriors may need a vintage performance from Curry when the best-of-seven NBA Finals versus the Toronto Raptors, tied at one game apiece, resumes in Oakland.

Curry said that despite the injuries to his team mates, he does not feel a need to change his approach to what could prove to be a pivotal game given that teams who win Game Three in a 1-1 NBA Finals have a 31-7 series record.

"We all just understand the moment and we're very locked in and focused on adapting to the circumstances that are thrown at us right now with a lot of injuries and kind of uncertainty of even who is going to be able to play," said Curry.

"We have been through a lot, had a lot of different experiences.

This is just adding to that book. So we have to be ready."

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THRILLA IN DAVAO Heavyweight champ Johnson vows: “It’s over in two”

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hree-belt heavyweight winner Ron Johnson boldly announced �ight fans should stay put in their seats because “it could be over in two.”

Featured as the other half of main headliner “Thrilla in Davao” world heavyweight championship slated June 15 at the Azuela Cove Enderun Tent, Johnson arrived Tuesday like he was just an ordinary foreign tourist in search of fun and pleasure.

Clad in a white T-shirt with the words “Ronald Johnson the American Dream” emblazoned in front, the Ohio-born, Cleveland native said he will go right down to business and shut his opponent away. “it will be over in two rounds,” Johnson responded to a query from the media who covered his arrival at the airport lounge.

Accompanied by his coach, trainer and assistant, Johnson and his group arrived earlier than scheduled so “I can get familiarized with the city and the people and meet new friends.”

Johnson, with an almost impecca-

ble 15 wins, 1 loss, 0 draw record, said he is not intimidated by his opponent Saul Farah, the current Bolivian and Latino heavyweight champion with a mean stare and stance that resembles a roaring, hungry lion. The latter, alias “The Phoenix Assassin,” totes an astounding 95-�ight record, winning 63 (60 KOs), losing 23 and drawing 3.

Farah subbed for China’s Zhuyi Wu, the original promoter’s choice who unfortunately got into a car accident and consequently withdrew from the Global Boxing Organization-sanctioned heavyweight title tiff being held for the �irst time in Davao City in coordination with the Of�ice of City Mayor Sara Duterte and the City Government of Davao.

“I am in tip-top shape and our team has a �ight plan that we will apply against Farah,” said Johnson, nicknamed “The American Dream,” who reported engages in part-time roles in �ilms and music production.

Johnson, 34, currently resides in La Vegas, once a vast no-man’s desert land transformed by creative entrepreneurs and bold businessmen to become the gambling and entertainment capital of the world, has a weather warmer than the Philippines.

“I have no problems with warm temperature...I can eas-

ily adapt. I know that Filipinos love boxing, you know, because you have great champions like Manny Pacquiao,” said the amiable American boxer who will be most likely practicing at the Elorde gym.

The Johnson-Farah Thrilla in Davao heavyweight confrontation is a battle between two hungry �ighters seeking well-deserved recognition.

They both are at par in height, �ight the orthodox way and both have expressed overwhelming self-con�idence.

“We cannot say who is “llamado or dehado,” said Rodis, adding that the �ight might not last the distance as most heavyweight bouts usually end.

Although Farah is the more active boxer (he last fought last March, beating Cesar Mamani to win the Bolivian heavyweight crown), the Bolivian has not fought any American boxer in American soil.

Rodis said if plans do not mis-carry, he is hoping to set up a wide screen at the Magsaysay and Rizal parks with assistance from the city government for the remote viewing pleasure of Davaoenos.

The Thrilla in Davao boxing extravaganza is by invitation only with part of the proceeds to bene�it poor retired and disabled boxers belonging to the Buhay Kamao Foundation.