Edge Davao Volume 14 Issue 325 | Saturday, April 9, 2022

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SURGING SARA Sara camp says numbers show she is the people’s preferred VP STORY ON PAGE 2

Porters commissioned by an establishment to unload sacks of commercial rice take an afternoon nap under a trailer truck carrying a 20-footer container van along Monteverde Avenue in Davao City on Friday. Edge Davao

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 325 • SATURDAY, APRIL 9, 2022

President Rodrigo Duterte buries the time capsule as he leads the groundbreaking ceremony of the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) Center at the Versailles Palace in Daang Hari, Las Piñas City on April 7, 2022. Assisting the President are Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, Migrant Workers Secretary Abdullah Mamao, Global Filipino Movement Foundation, Inc. (GFM) President Dr. Allen Roxas, GFM Chairman and World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) Global Ambassador Bishop Efraim Tendero, and GFM and WEA Secretary General Bishop Reuben Abante. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

SURGING SARA T Sara camp says numbers show

Four NPA rebels slain in Bukidnon clash – Army

she is the people’s preferred VP

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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vey, which was conducted from March 17 to 21, 2022, Mayor Sara captured 83 percent of respondents in Mindanao, 56 percent in Metro Manila, 44 percent in

Balance Luzon, and 50 percent in the Visayas.

Mayor Sara continues to visit various parts of the Philippines to campaign.

“Together with Presidential frontrunner Bongbong Marcos, Mayor Sara continues to reach out to as many people as possible across all demographics.

She is grateful to all our fellow Filipinos who have come out in record numbers to express their support for the UniTeam’s cam-

paign of unity and hope,” Frasco said in a statement.

Frasco also said that Mayor Sara is also thankful for the endorsement of her father, President Rodrigo Duterte.

On April 2, 2022, the President has vouched for the competence of his daughter whom he described as hardworking during the campaign sortie of his ruling political party Partido Demokratiko

connecting them to the town center has collapsed due to the heavy flooding brought by the Low-Pressure Area on Tuesday evening.

District Engineer Cirilo Lasaca in a coordination meeting on Wednesday with Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction

and Management Office Assistant Department Head and Operation Center Manager Francis Jason Bendulo assured that the water supply will be restored by Sunday.

While major groundworks such as installation of water pipes, hose, and other connection have to be

done to replace the old water pipes that had collapsed with the bridge, Engr. Lasaca said their team will prioritize the restoration of water supply as soon as possible as water is a number one necessity of the people.

Yesterday, teams from the PDRRMO, Bureau of

iloan Mayor Christina Garcia Frasco, spokesperson of Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, said the further rise in Mayor Sara’s numbers showing her to be the people’s most preferred vice president, is consistent with her groundwork throughout this campaign.

This is after Mayor Sara widened her lead over Senate President Vicente Sotto III in the latest Pulse Asia survey released on Wednesday. In the said sur-

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he military on Thursday said soldiers killed four New People’s Army rebels in an encounter in the mountains of Talakag town, Bukidnon Wednesday afternoon.

BGen Ferdinand Barandon, commander of Army Task Force “Peacemaker” said the fighting which started around 5:30 p.m. ended two hours later and resulted in the seizure of 16 high-powered firearms.

“We believe many more rebels were wounded based on the backpacks and firearms strewn along their escape paths,” Barandon said.

Barandon said soldiers clashed with 30 rebels belonging to Platun Ipad of the North Central Mindanao Revolutionary Committee in the mountains of Barangay Tikalaan, Talakag.

He said there were no casualties from the 1st Special Forces Battalion who

clashed with the rebels.

“Platun IPAD are the rebels who fled to Maguing and Bumbaran after they suffered major setbacks in Impasugong town and Mt. Kitanglad,” Barandon said.

Maguing and Bumbaran are towns located in neighboring Lanao del Sur province.

Major Francisco Garello Jr., 4th Infantry Division spokesperson said one female in her 20s was among the four rebels killed in the clash.

Garello identified the dead female rebel as Jelly Sugnot, and the three others as Carlisio D. Sumalinog, Jovilito Pontillas and Gary Juliana.

He said the seized firearms included seven M16 rifles, two R4 carbines, one M653 rifle, three Garand rifles, one AK 47 rifle, and one M14 rifle. (Froilan Gallardo/ MindaNews)

Fire Protection, Cateel LGU, and the Provincial Social Welfare and Development have distributed food packs to the isolated village by transporting them through rubber boats.

Today, the Provincial Government is set to provide solar lights to the village.

Governor Nelson Dayanghirang directed all concerned agencies to expedite assistance to the affected barangays. First District Representative Cong.

Corazon Malanyaon has also coordinated with the DPWH to fast track repairs in the affected barangays in the district. PIO

DPWH to speed up restoration of water supply in isolated village in Cateel

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he Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) First District Engineering Office has committed to fast track the restoration of the water supply in Barangay Maglahus (Center) in Cateel, Davao Oriental, which has been isolated after the only bridge

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Residents along Davao River ignore the danger posed by the floodwater as they try to salvage a driftwood in this photo taken on Thursday morning (April 7, 2022). MindaNews photo by GREGORIO C. BUENO

City prioritizes BPOs for mobile vaccination of booster doses DCWD exploring areas for new water sources

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he Davao City Water District (DCWD) bared on Friday it is now exploring areas for new water sources to address water demand in Davao City.

Jovana Duhaylungsod, spokesperson of DCWD, said DCWD is now exploring water sources in Catigan, Toril and once the exploratory well-drilling is successful, installations of the production well facilities and complimentary storage and pipelines will follow.

“In Baguio District naa na ta’y bag-ong water system usab didto,” she said.

Duhaylungsod said DCWD continues to look for properties to develop new water sources.

“Mao na ang lisod sa DCWD mangita ug property kung asa ta mag develop ug source but once naa ta’y makita na property tuloy tuloy na siya,” she said.

Duhaylungsod admitted that developing new water sources is needed as the P12-billion bulk water supply project will not suffice the water demand of Davao

City.

The Aboitiz-led Apo Agua Infrastructura, Inc. (AAII) is committed to providing 300 million liters to 347 million liters of water per day to DCWD from its bulk water supply project.

“The bulk water supply kasi it will be dedicated to service coverage area ni DCWD kung asa lisod mag-develop ug source,” she said.

She added that in the long run when the bulk water project will be exhausted, DCWD will decongest some areas already under the bulk water supply project in District 3 in Calinan and Tugbok Districts going to Baguio District to barangays Tambobong and Tamugan.

“Muabot ang panahon na ang bulk water supply project will be servicing exclusively sa District 2 area kaysa mangita na pud ta ug production well,” she added.

Duhaylungsod also said that when the bulk water project started operating, DCWD’s current 200,000

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By MAYA M. PADILLO

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of boosted individuals in Davao City.

“BPOs kasi ang isa sa mga dako na mga estbalishments and companies hiring a lot employees. We have been partnering with them since atong time na

naga surge ta and now we are partnering with them sa pagpataas sa mga booster doses. Unahon nato ang mga employees sa BPOs because mas daghan ug massive ang hiring of employees nila,” Schlosser said on Friday.

During the meeting with the BPO firms on Friday morning, Schlosser said they were informed that some of their employees were a bit complacent because they were already fully vaccinated and that they feel like they are already protected.

“Ang uban kay gusto pa nila magpabilin sa ilang panimalay dili sila magpa booster para ma prolong ilang work-from-home,” Schlosser said.

She added that they also took note of the suggestions and recommendations of the BPO companies fitted to the needs of their employees during the meeting for an efficient rollout of booster doses.

“Daghan man gyud ang ilang fully vaccinat-

ed in the facility.

The attack happened at 12:13 AM in the morning.

CCTV footage shows the snake slithering in the enclosure and attacked the eaglet while it was brooding.

Preventive measures are in place to ensure enclosures for animals are safe against hazards and incidents of this nature. The walls of the enclosure were snake proofed

with an added layer of ½ inch wire mesh on top of the original cyclone wire with hole size of 2 by 2 inches.

Possible entry points could be the feeding chute, which is a PVC pipe where food is dropped in the enclosure, or the screen ceiling. The enclosure is also adjacent to an adult Philippine eagle from the wild that can easily catch a snake. But unfortunately

for fledglings, they are still vulnerable to predation.

Reticulated pythons are natural resident species inside the Philippine Eagle Center and the surrounding watershed area. They are classified as hazards under the PEC’s biosecurity measures. As such, snake proofing was done on the enclosures of the eaglet and

avao City Covid-19 spokesperson Dr. Michelle Schlosser announced that the city government of Davao will be prioritizing employees of the BPO (Business Process Outsourcing) companies for its mobile vaccination of the booster doses.

Last Wednesday, Schlosser said that the city government of Davao will be bringing its mobile vaccination in their offices as well as private establishments to administer booster shots to increase the number

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Juvenile Philippine eagle Chick#29 found lifeless

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n the morning of April 5, 2022, the juvenile Philippine eagle Chick#29 was found lifeless on the floor of its enclosure.

The team of animal keepers immediately reviewed CCTV footage to reveal that the chick was attacked by a python. Measures are being taken to capture the python through entrapment and thorough searches conduct-

FJUVENILE, P10

4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

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The farmer beneficiaries during the launching of SM Foundation’s Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan Program for Batches 231-A to 231-D in December last year. The farmers have graduated from the program at Casuga Integrated Farm School, Malagos, Baguio District on Friday. SM

‘Coop Serbisyo Caravan’ rolled out for micro and small coops

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he Davao City Cooperative Development Office has rolled out the city government’s “Coop Serbisyo Caravan” to help the organizational viability and business sustainability of the micro and small cooperatives.

The Caravan runs from April 4 to April 29, 2022, on per district schedule. It started in Calinan District on April 4 and will be followed in Toril District on April 8; Marilog District (April 12); Talomo District (April 19); Buhangin District (April 20); Tugbok District (April 21-22);

Poblacion (April 25); and, Paquibato District (April 29).

Luzminda C. Eblamo, the Officer-in-Charge of the City Cooperative Development Office (CCDO), in an interview on Davao City Disaster Radio said the Coop Serbisyo Caravan is part of the social recovery efforts

of the city government that started in 2019 to help micro and small cooperatives in Davao City.

“Ang atoang total number of cooperatives in Davao City we have 756 coops as of 2020. However, of the 756 only 400 are what we call operating coops. So dako dako. There are 300 plus coops nato na for dissolution. These are non-compliant. These are the cooperatives that we are trying to help (We have 756 cooperatives in Davao City as of 2020. Of the 756, only 400 are, what we call,

operating coops. So the number is quite big. There are more than 300 coops for dissolution. These are those who are non-compliant. And these are the cooperatives that we are trying to help),” Eblamo said.

She said that the main objective of the Caravan is to ensure that the cooperatives are compliant with the requirements of the cooperative policies through the submission of reports to the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA).

“Statistic will tell us

spread of the Omicron variant and ramped up the vaccination program, we were able to revert to alert level 2 in the National Capital Region and other economic centers starting February 2022. This allowed more Filipinos to rejoin the labor force. We aim to shift the entire country to alert level 1 to enable even more Filipinos to find work,” Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick Chua said.

As of April 1, 2022, 79

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F’COOP, P10

Avoid transporting pork products: DA

he Department of Agriculture (DA) reminded the public on Thursday to avoid the transportation of meat products this coming Holy Week, as the hog-raising sector gradually copes with the challenges brought by the African swine fever (ASF) in the country.

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In the agency’s press briefing, DA-Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) Dr. Reildrin Morales said citizens and hog raisers should not be complacent, even amid the reduction of ASF cases.

“Nananawagan po kami, na iwasan po magbaon ng mga produktong karne ng

alongside the 1,000-peso paper banknotes.

He said the use of polymer banknotes is better compared to paper banknotes now amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) since the former can be sanitized easily with less risk of damage to the banknotes.

The BSP said the design of the polymer banknote has the Philippine eagle and sampaguita on the obverse side, replacing the photos of national heroes Jose Abad

Santos, Vicente Lim, and Josefa Llanes Escoda; and the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, South Sea Pearl, and T’nalak weave design on the reverse side, the same as the current 1,000-peso paper banknote.

Addressing questions regarding the removal of the photos of the national heroes on the 1,000-peso polymer banknote, lawyer Sarah Severina Curtis, BSP Banknotes and Securities Production Management

F’AVOID, P10

Nationwide shift to Alert Level 1 Diokno says P1-K polymer to boost employment - NEDA banknotes out by April 18

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ncreased mobility and easing of restrictions led to significant employment creation in February 2022, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said.

The Philippine Statistics Authority reported Thursday that the country’s unemployment rate in February was maintained at 6.4 percent, the lowest since the start of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

At the same time, the la-

bor force participation rate increased from 60.5 percent in January to 63.8 percent in February which led to a net employment creation of 2.5 million over the same period.

This brings the country’s employment to 2.9 million above the pre-pandemic level.

The quality of jobs also improved as seen in the decline in the underemployment rate from 14.9 percent to 14.0 percent.

“As we contained the

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he initial batch of the 1,000-peso polymer banknotes will be out this April 18, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Benjamin Diokno said.

“And this will be initially through over-the-counter.

And maybe in six months time, you will see it in your ATMs (automated teller machines). I understand they (banks) have to reconfigure the ATMs,” he said in a virtual briefing on Thursday.

Diokno said the polymer banknotes will be issued

FDIOKNO, P10

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A vendor rinses the carrots that he will sell at Bankerohan Public Market in Davao City on Friday. Edge Davao

Davao City food terminal set to open this month

BSP encourages investment in Bangsamoro’s Islamic banking

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he Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is now working with the Bangsamoro government, along with several government agencies, as part of the whole-of-government approach to encourage investment in Islamic banking.

In a virtual briefing on Thursday, BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno said monetary authorities have established a comprehensive set of regulations to promote wider investor and consumer participation on Islamic banking.

This, following the signing into law of several measures in recent years, such as the Organic law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, the Act Amending the BSP Charter, and the Act Providing for the Regulation and Organization of Islamic Banking Banks.

Diokno said these regulations include Circular No. 1069, which discusses licensing framework; Circular No. 1070 or the Shari’ah Government Framework; and Circular No. 1116 discussing liquidity risk man-

agement.

He said the central bank issued on March 23, 2022 the reporting framework for Islamic banks and Islamic banking units, which is “aligned with the BSP’s single regulatory and supervisory framework.”

“It highlights that (the) existing regulations apply to Islamic banks and Islamic banking units insofar as these are consistent with Shari’ah principles or requirements,” he added.

Diokno said Islamic banking units are required to segregate its books and records from those of its conventional bank.

“Aside from promoting transparency, this aims to ensure that transactions of the Islamic banking unit are carried out in accordance with Shari’ah principles,” he said.

Islamic banking is different from conventional banking since the former does not impose interest in accordance with the Shari’ah law promoting risk-sharing.

To date, the Al-Amanah Islamic Investment Bank of

FBSP, P10

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he city government is in the thick of preparations for the opening of its food terminal complex situated in Toril district here.

“We are at the final stages of crafting the implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) for the operation of the Davao City Food Terminal Complex (DFTC).

I believe we can complete it this month,” Leo Brian Leuterio, city agriculturist office chief, said over Davao City Disaster Radio Thursday.

Leuterio said his office is in coordination with partner agencies in consulting with the city legal office to ensure that the IRR is aligned with the law.

He added that said they remain confident about fast-tracking the opening of the food terminal whose structure has been long

completed.

The PHP17-million DCFTC is a component of the Regional Food Terminal Program of the National Food Authority and Food Terminal Incorporated.

It also serves as a post-harvest facility for the farmers to use when there is an oversupply of fruits and vegetables during harvest seasons.

Meanwhile, acting Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte expressed his gratitude for the four 40-footer refrigerated containers from

the NFA and FTI that will help boost the operations of DCFTC once the IRR is completed.

The Department of Agriculture in Davao Region 11 (DA-11), meanwhile, has also allotted some PHP70 million to fund the construction of the DCFTC in Daliao, Toril.

DA-11 said the establishment of DFTC aims to improve the farmer-consumer trading market through organized and reinforced farmers’ organizations. (PNA)

as result of their hands-on training sessions on sustainable agriculture.

The farmers’ training program, which was launched on December 28, 2021, is anchored on the goal to promote agri-preneurship, community empowerment, food security, and technology enhancement.

The training sessions were conducted by batch to

maintain physical distancing measures and implement health protocol standards at the training site. There were at least 25 participants per batch.

The farmers’ training program is in partnership between SM Foundation, SM Supermalls, SM Markets, Casuga Integrated Farm School, Department of Agriculture, Department of Trade and Industry, De-

partment of Social Welfare and Development, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, and City Government of Davao.

Partner agencies also gave workshops (e.g., financial literacy, values formation, capacity building) for the farmer beneficiaries.

Throughout the country, the KSK Program of SM Foundation already trained

100 Davao farmers graduate from SM Foundation’s KSK Program

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total of 100 farmer beneficiaries on Friday graduated from SM Foundation’s Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan (KSK) on Sustainable Agriculture Program at Casuga Integrated Farm School, Malagos, Baguio District.

In culmination of the program for Batches 231-A to 231-D, farmer beneficiaries will showcase the products of their hard work

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6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 325 • SATURDAY, APRIL 9, 2022

In calling to intensify and properly implement the needed safety and health protocols in schools as more educational institutions are set to join the progressive expansion phase of face-to-face classes across the country:

My dear Filipinos, let us not put our guards down. Indeed, the pandemic has been a great challenge for the education sector but as long as we remain disciplined, I am confident that we, as one nation, will defeat the health crisis we are facing today and we will soon return to normalcy.”

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go

Chair of the Senate Committee on Health

EDITORIAL No wishful thinking The tandem of former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio is hoping for a “landslide victory” in the May 9 national elections 29 days from today. The two candidates maintained early advantage in the races for president and vice president.

with 24 percent in the Pulse Asia survey, and getting 19 percent in the Laylo survey.

“As Mayor Sara has stated, we have a running-scared mindset.

We will do our utmost to improve our candidates’ 56-percent voter support. We remain hopeful of a landslide victory,” according to Majority Leader Martin Romualdez.

Pulse Asia however, said that voter preference for Marcos declined by 4 percent, while Robredo’s increased by 9 percent from the February survey where the vice president registered 15 percent.

The team’s hope is not impossible. It is highly doable as Marcos and Duterte-Carpio posted big leads in the latest Pulse Asia and Laylo Research surveys.

In the Pulse Asia survey held from March 17 to 21, Marcos got the support of 56 percent of the respondents. In the Laylo poll, he got 61 percent, with six out of 10 respondents saying that they will vote for him.

Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo was a distant second

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He also led across socioeconomic classes C, D and E at 56, 56 and 52 percent respectively.

Inday Sara also maintained her lead with a 56 percent voter preference. This showed a 3 percent increase from the February survey.

Her lead was highest in Mindanao at 83 percent, NCR at 56 , Visayas at 50 percent and Balance Luzon at 44 percent. She was also the preferred candidate across socioeconomic classes C (63 percent), D (55 percent) and E (57 percent).

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

MAYA M. PADILLO Senior Reporter

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

ANA MARIE G. SILPAO Layout

LEANDRO S. DAVAL JR. ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. Consultant Correspondent Columnists: MA. TERESA L. UNGSON • EDCER C. ESCUDERO • AURELIO A. PEÑA • ZHAUN ORTEGA • BERNADETTE “ADDIE” B. BORBON • MARY ANN C. QUISIDO • LEANDRO DAVAL SR.,TRIA • NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN NICASIO ANGELO AGUSTIN • EMILY Columnists: ANTONIO V.“ADI” FIGUEROA • HENRYLITO D. TACIO •B.JOHN CARLO • MUJAHID NAVARRA ••FRED C. LUMBA • DENNIS R. GORECHO ZEN CHUA • CARLOS MUNDA Economic Analyst: ENRICO •“GICO” G. S. DAYANGIRANG • JONALLIER GREGORIO G. DELIGERO VIDA MIA VALVERDE • HAROLD CAVITE M. PEREZ

OLIVIA D. VELASCO SOLANI D. MARATAS RICHARD C. EBONAJASPER OLIVIA D. VELASCO V. BACSAL General Manager PresidentAdvertising Specialist Finance General Manager / VP Operations JOCELYN S. PANES Director of Sales

Marcos’ support was highest in the NCR at 64 percent, followed by Mindanao at 62 percent; Balance Luzon, 54 percent; and the Visayas 48 percent.

SOLANI D. MARATAS Finance

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

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VANTAGE POINTS

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HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

CARNAL KNOWLEDGE AMONG MINORS At one time, a foreigner was asked to fill out a form. When he came to the inquiry that asked “sex,” he wrote: “three times a day.” On average, according to some studies, men think about sex every nine minutes.

Sex is one of the most fascinating – and controversial! – subject matters. This must be the reason why Hollywood sex symbol wrote a Broadway aptly titled, Sex. “I was the first liberated woman,” she once said.

“No guy was gonna get the best of me, that’s what I wrote all my scripts about.”

The Institute for Sex Research, founded by Dr. Alfred Kinsey, found that there are six basic sexual outlets for both men and women. These are: dreams (both sleeping fantasies and those experienced while awake), masturbation (self-pleasuring), petting (includes all heterosexual acts), coitus (penetration of the vagina by the penis), homosexual acts (all actions between members of the same sex), and zoophilia (all acts with creatures not human).

Sex should be done between married couples. That was how God intended it to be.

Matthew 19:4-6 reads: “Haven’t you read that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be unit-

ed to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’? So, they are no longer two, but one.”

There should be love between two parties and must have consent with each other.

But what if one party is older and the other is younger? Now, there’s a new law for it.

In the past, the minimum age of sexual consent was 12.

By international standards, it is the lowest in Southeast Asia and one of the lowest in the world (it trailed Nigeria’s age of 11).

The new law – Republic Act 11648 or the Act Raising the Age of Sexual Consent – raises the age to 16. Signed by President Rodrigo R. Duterte last March 4, it amended RA 3815 or the Revised Penal Code and RA 7610 or the Special Protection of Children against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act. The new law recognizes children’s right to and need for protection from sexual abuse and exploitation. In simpler words, statutory rape. As stated in the law, rape is committed by a person who shall have carnal knowledge of another person “when the offended party is under 16 years of age or is demented, even though none of the circumstances mentioned (earlier) be present.

“Provided,” the law further stated, “that there shall be no

criminal liability on the part of a person having carnal knowledge of another person under 16 years of age when the age difference between the parties is not more than three years, and the sexual act in question is proven to be consensual, non-abusive, and non-exploitative: Provided, further, that if the victim is under 13 years of age, this exception shall not apply.”

Non-abuse is defined as “the absence of undue influence, intimidation, fraudulent machinations, coercion, threat, physical, sexual, psychological, or mental injury or maltreatment, either with intention or through neglect, during the sexual activities with child victim.”

Talking of non-exploitative, it means “there is no actual or attempted act or acts of unfairly taking advantage of the child’s position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust during sexual activities.”

“Qualified seduction” of the Revised Penal Code has also been amended by RA 11648. It now reads: “The seduction of a minor, 16 and over but under 18 years of age, committed by any person in public authority, priest, home-servant, domestic, guardian, teacher, or any person who, in any capacity, shall be entrusted with the education of custody of the minor seduced, shall be pun-

ished by prison correctional in its minimum and medium periods.”

Seduction is committed, the new law said, “when the offender has carnal knowledge of any of the persons and under circumstances described therein.”

The National Baseline Study on Violence against Children (Council for the Welfare of Children, 2016), reported that one out of 4 Filipino children experience some form of sexual violence with children aged 13-17 experiencing the most sexual violence.

Majority of the victims of rape are children aged 13-15, according to the Philippine Commission on Women.

Save the Children believes that with the passage of this law, the Philippines as State Party complies with the recommendations of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) to increase the age of sexual consent, and thereby, addressing the limitation of the Anti-Rape Law of 1997 in addressing statutory rape. “(We) recognize that the passage of this law is just the beginning of a stronger advocacy for the protection of children from all forms of violence,” Save the Children said in a statement. “We call on

the Philippine government for stronger implementation of all child protection related laws and policies, particularly at the community level. This will help to ensure that violence against children is prevented and properly addressed should this happen.

Save the Children urged “all local government officials and other stakeholders (to) understand these laws and policies, and what their roles and responsibilities are in implementing these so they can fulfill their obligations to protect all children in their communities.

“These laws and policies should also be translated into actual child protection related programs, projects, and activities that are included in local development plans and budgets,” it added. “These should particularly include investments in prevention activities, readily-available and accessible services, and adequate and capacitated human resources to deliver the services.”

“While we celebrate the enactment of RA 11648, we enjoin families and all sectors of society to remain vigilant and continue to work together to protect children from all forms of sexual abuse and exploitation,” concluded Atty. Alberto Muyot, chief executive officer of Save the Children Philippines.

ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA FAST BACKWARD

ISLAM IN MINDANAO VIA CHINA The popular notion the early Islamic preacher Makhdum Karim reached Sulu travelled the Indian Ocean and settled in Melaka, Malaysia, a Sufi Muslim according to tradition, before migrating to Sulu in 1380 CE (758 AH) may stand on shaky grounds. (Some sources claim he was a Hanafi of the Sunni school of thought.)

Claims say the introduction of Islam in China took place in 616-18 CE, sixteen to eighteen years before prophet Muhammad died of poisoning. From there, due to the liberal policy of allowing foreigners to enter China during the Mongols-founded Yan dynasty (1271-1638), thousands of Islamic converts from central Asia, notably Persia, moved to China. When emperor Genghis Khan, Islamic restrictions such as the halal were banned in the country.

In 1357, the Ispah rebellion led by Persian Sunni Muslims Sayf al-din (Sai-fu-ding) and Awhad al-Din (A-mi-li-ding) against the Yuan dynasty in Quanzhou erupted; they even tried reaching the capital city of Fujian, which is Fuzhou. But the uprising failed; as a result, Muslims with foreign bloodline were massacred in Quanzhou and adjacent areas in 1366.

Quanzhou is facing Formosa (now Taiwan) and is only a few days by ship from the northern regions of the Philippines where, historically, Muslim rules were reported.

The Chinese persecution of Muslims forced thousands to flee to Java and other areas of Southeast Asia where they started spreading the Islamic religion. At the time Java, in Indonesia, was ruled by the Majapahit Empire, which was

founded by a prince. He was described as ‘Vijaya, a prince of Singhasari who escaped when Jayakatwang, the ruler of Kadiri, seized the palace.’

Vijaya, who later controlled regions of Indonesia and Malaysia, overthrew his predecessor by collaborating with the Mongols under Chinese emperor Kublai Khan in. The victory led him to give certain concessions to the Mongols who, due to falling out, were expelled from his kingdom.

Later, the empire collapsed in the late 15th or early 16th century following the propagation of Islam and the emergence of Islamic states on the northern coast of Java.

It is interesting also to note that the Muslim diaspora resulting from the Yuan dynasty persecution also ended the significant role the Sunni Muslims

played in the flourishing trade of Quanzhou. According to tradition, those who survived the oppression fled to Vietnam, Brunei, Sumatra, Java, and Manila Bay, where Islamic kingdoms soon surfaced.

Historian Ma Huan, who was Chinese explorer-admiral Zheng He’s official chronicler, also wrote that Guangdong, another Chinese province south of Quanzhou, was the original settlement of Hanafi Muslims who escaped the persecution by migrating to Java.

Sharif Kabungsuwan’s arrival in Maguindanao from Java to preach Islam coincides with the 16th century fall of the Majapahit Empire. Originally from Johor, Malaysia, he is credited for introducing the monotheistic Islamic religion. His title ‘sharif’ refers to an Islamic leader or judge who is descend-

ed from Muhammad via the lineage of daughter Fatima, which entitles him to wear green turban. Historically, the founder of Islam had a son but did not survive majority age. Following Islamic traditions, Kabungsuwan married numerous local maidens of the prominent Maguindanao clan in Dulawan (later renamed Datu Piang after a Chinese trader who converted to Islamic) which became the backbone of the Maguindanao sultanate.

Many centuries later, Chinese influence in Islamic polity and culture in the sultanates of Sulu and Maguindanao becomes more pronounced following intermarriages and the introduction of Chinese gongs, tableware and other merchandise normally associated with yellow, which is the color that refers to royalty in mainland China.

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COMPETITIVE EDGE

Colors of Summer

Summer always brings out every adventurous spirit and as the temperature rises, others are looking for ways to spend their free time doing things that excite whilst protecting themselves from the excruciating heat of the sun.

Good news though as SM Lanang Premier and SM City Davao offer spaces where one can enjoy summer under the cool shade and make the experience even more vibrant.

Burst of Colors at the Sky Garden Whether you are an instagrammer or a tiktoker, there is always something in store for you when you hit SM Lanang Premier’s Sky Garden where Artscapes, a mural bursting in happy colors, can turn every photo picture-perfect and every Tiktok video extra fun.

Put on that summer shirt and pair it with your shades from your favorite brands such as Uniqlo and Forever 21 and strike a pose at the Artscapes.

To make it more fun, you can also bring your whole squad to groove to that earworm from Tiktok.

Colors in Bloom A family-friendly attraction called Colors in Bloom is also installed at SM Lanang Premier’s atrium that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. The centerpiece brings indoor the things we love about summer – flowers in bloom and a green-grass carpet reminiscent of a meadow.

SM Bowling Center For the sporty type, the SM Bowling Center which is located at the 2nd Floor (near SM Cinema) also offers a safe space for visitors.

It currently has 16 bowling lanes that cater to both bowling professionals and enthusiasts. As it is an integrated sports and leisure facility, people can also enjoy its two table tennis and four billiard tables, 4D rides, and hoops.

As if these are not exciting enough, SM Bowling also offers visitors 50% discount on their third game for a single receipt transaction of three bowling games until December 31, 2022 to delight all bowlers. The facility is open daily from 12 pm – 10 pm to welcome professional bowlers, enthusiasts, and leisure hunters alike.

A Place for the Fitness-minded For Davaoeños who live in the Southern side of Davao City, there is also a Tiktok zone which is located in front of Speedo which will be open to visitors starting April 8 at SM City Davao. A colorful Fit-

ness Zone Area in front of Starbucks will also be up beginning April 22 for fitness-minded people. It will soon host weekend outdoor exercise and Zumba and skipping rope classes.

NGCP readies for upcoming 2022 national elections

NGCP is set to activate the 24/7 operations of its Overall Command Center from 8-10 May 2022 as part of its preparations to secure power transmission operations and facilities during this year’s National and Local Elections.

As early as February, NGCP’s Power Task Force Elections (PTFE), a special team formed to ensure the security and reliability of the transmission network across the country during the elections, already set out with preparatory activities. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this includes coordination with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and other government agencies on new directives on the activation of their respective contingency plans.

NGCP’s own contingency plans are in place to monitor and immediately address any grid disturbance. With the help of COMELEC and in coordination with AFP and PNP,

NGCP has been conducting clearing operations on overgrown vegetation along critical transmission lines across the country.

NGCP sought the assistance of these agencies especially for hard to reach areas and areas with security concerns.

Maintenance works and construction activities inside substations and within 300 meters of energized power lines will be suspended from 02-16 May, while activities which require power interruptions will be suspended from 24 April to 08 May, except in emergency cases. Corrective works which may cause major grid disturbance, line inspection, and/or clearing are also targeted to be completed before 30 April.

NGCP will issue advisories on the power situation every four (4) hours, which may vary depending on the situation on the ground. Despite the declaration of 9 May as a special

non-working day, NGCP’s critical units, particularly System Operations (SO) and Operations and Maintenance (O&M), will remain fully staffed and operational. Line crews, engineers, pilots, maintenance and testing, and other technical personnel are also strategically positioned in substations to respond to line trippings, if any. Administrative and other support teams

will also remain on duty.

The Overall Command Center is already currently activated with personnel on duty from 8:00AM to 5:00PM, Monday to Sunday, including holidays, monitoring grid disturbances and the overall power situation. Personnel manning the Regional and Area Control Centers, critical substations, and the quick response team will be on

The Overall Command Center will be on 24/7 operation starting May 8, 2022 to monitor the overall power situation during the elections.

24-hour shifts, with twice the number of personnel on duty, from 8-10 May. “Our Integrated Disaster Action Plan (IDAP) prescribes these and other measures to ensure the readiness of all power transmission facilities to be affected by emergencies during important national events. With its security and contingency preparations set, NGCP can ensure

reliable power transmission services before, during, and after the election date,” stated the company.

NGCP is a Filipino-led, privately owned company in charge of operating, maintaining, and developing the country’s power grid, led by majority shareholders and Vice Chairman of the Board Henry Sy, Jr. and Co-Vice Chairman Robert Coyiuto, Jr.

NGCP’s critical units, particularly System Operations (SO) and Operations and Maintenance (O&M), will remain fully staffed and operational during the elections.

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I

THIS LAWYER

HARVESTING: Guests can harvest what they want and bring them after checking out.

t all started in December 2019 in Wuhan, China. By January 22, 2020, the novel coronavirus was already reported in the Philippines. But what Filipinos thought to be another severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) – that it would dissipate in time – it never happened. By March 1, 633 cases were already reported.

Because of this, President Rodrigo R. Duterte placed Luzon in a lockdown

by March 12. Airports were closed. Shopping malls likewise stopped doing business. Only very few offices were in operation.

Thereafter, the whole country was under enhanced community quarantine. Among the measures employed were checkpoints for checking the motivation for travel, banning public events, closure of commercial and retail businesses, and closure of schools and universities.

Unheard words like contract tracing, swab test, and food pass became the norm. Health protocols – hand washing, wearing face masks and face shields, and physical distancing – were imposed.

Even before the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic started, Atty. Edwaldo L.

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Legaspina already bought land in Lorega, a barangay of Kitaotao, Bukidnon. This was in December 2019.

Then the pandemic happened. He was concerned with the safety of his family. From Davao City, he brought his whole family to the newly-bought land.

In February 2020, he started developing his farm.

“Initially, we just wanted to plant vegetables and strawberries,” he recalled. “But when Covid-19 struck, we decided to build a home where the kids can roam around, free from any fear of virus transmission.”

Aside from building a home for his family, he also started developing the farm. “Farming takes away your stress,” he says. “We also want our kids to engage so they may know the value in growing your own food.”

As the farm was being developed, an idea came

LOVES FARMING Text and photos by HENRYLITO D. TACIO

into fruition. He talked with his wife, Destreza C. Luzon, about it; when she learned about the plan, she fully supported him. “We wanted to share (our farm) with friends and family members so that they and their kids can also enjoy the cold breeze and picturesque view of the place.”

Most people really give a lot of time thinking about how they would call their farm – something that will stick to people when they hear the name. Atty.

Legaspina had no problem creating such a name.

Thanks to his children.

“Our kids chose the name,” he says. “When we asked why, they answered that they are so happy whenever they stay on the farm.”

Two years later, The Happy Farm at Lorega has already been transformed into a new haven. But it was easier said than done.

“When we started, the road could not accommodate trucks for the construction,” he recalls. “Covid-19 also limited our mobility. Luckily, we were able to hurdle these obstacles.”

It was his brother-inlaw who helped build the

ATTY EDWALDO L. LEGASPINA: This lawyer loves farming.

COTTAGE 1: A cottage over a sea of clouds.

THE FARM: Vegetables and other crops are planted at the heart of the farm.

cottages, which he calls Hunter. The first one, which is near the House in the Hill – the family house, actually – can accommodate 6-7 people. There are two double-deck beds.

A couple can stay at

Hunter Two, which has two queen size beds. Hunter Three can accommodate from 10 to 12 people. Except for Hunter One, there are also miniscule swimming pools below each cot-

FLAWYER, P10

10 EDGEDAVAO SURGING... FROM2

Pilipino - Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) in Lapu-Lapu City.

Last month, the Nationalista Party, the National Unity Party, local parties, governors, mayors, and various sectors across the country also expressed their support for Mayor Sara.

“Mayor Sara is thankful for this, and she calls on all supporters of the UniTeam to continue the rallying call towards victory in the 2022 elections,” Frasco stated.

Meanwhile, Mayor Sara admitted that she felt pressured by the overwhelming support her candidacy is receiving.

ed individuals kana lang sa booster dose medyo baba,” she said.

The city government of Davao will be bringing also

vaccination of booster doses to the offices of the government agencies following the low turnout of booster dose in Davao City.

service connections will significantly increase as it will absorb all of the pending service connection applications.

“Sa Cabantian Water Supply System nakalinya na dinha ang mga applications not just sa new developers including subdivisions nga naa nay mga balay balay

that have already submitted their applications to DCWD. We also have Tugbok Water Supply System kung asa daghan kaayo ug residential connections,” she said.

Developing new water sources is part of the 10year development plans of DCWD. By Maya M. Padillo

other animals that a snake can prey on. Traps have been set up around the PEC and search parties mobilized at night to capture the problem snake.

The Avian Flu is not the only danger the Philippine eagles are facing in the facility in Malagos.

Even the area’s resident snakes are a threat especially to eaglets, other raptors, and mammals. In light of the event, the PEF calls on the support of the local government agencies to hasten the transfer of its breeding birds to a safer location.

percent of the economy has been placed under alert level 1.

However, NEDA also cautions that the country cannot reap the full benefits of shifting to alert level 1 without resuming face-toface classes.

“To maximize the shift to alert level 1, we reiterate the need for the full and urgent resumption of face-to-face classes. This will allow one-fourth of the parents who stay at home supporting their children during online classes to work. This is crucial in light of the tem-

porary inflationary pressures we are experiencing due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict,” Chua said.

The full resumption of face-to-face classes is included in the 10-point policy agenda proposed by the Economic Development Cluster and adopted by the President through the issuance of Executive Order No. 166.

The agenda includes 10 key strategies to accelerate and sustain the country’s economic recovery and strengthen the domestic economy against external shocks. (PR)

Department deputy director, said the central bank has been featuring both the national heroes and the natural environment on BSP-issued currency for decades now.

“As with the heroes’ theme, the flora and fauna demonstrate our pride and distinction as Filipinos. It will remind our people even of the pressing challenges of changing climate and associated environmental and social risks of our nation’s commitment and action to

ensure a sustainable future for everyone,” she said.

Quoting historian and professor Ambet Ocampo, Curtis said “it is impossible for the BSP to erase history.”

“Indeed, the central bank is really pushing through with a redesign to protect the integrity of our money. The 1,000-peso note is a natural target of forgers as the banknote with the highest denomination. The first line of defense against counterfeiting is a portrait in front of the bill,” she said.

the Philippines is the only Islamic bank in the country.

The bank was created in 1973 through Presidential Decree No. 264 and was initially named Amanah Islamic Bank. It has a capitalization amounting to PHP50 million.

It is currently under the Development Bank of the

Philippines (DBP) after the latter obtained ownership of the former’s 99.9 percent shares following the acquisition of the shares of the national government, the Social Security System (SSS), and the Government Service Insurance Corporation (GSIS) in 2008.

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that for the past three years na nag conduct ta sa atoang Serbisyo Caravan na increase gyud nato ang atoang compliant cooperative kaya nga this Serbisyo Caravan we make sure we do it in every first quarter of the year (Statistics will tell us that for the past three years that we conducted this Serbisyo Caravan, we increased the number of the compliant cooperative.

This is why we make sure that we do it every first quarter of the year),” she added.

Eblamo said that the Coop Serbisyo Caravan is a form of one-stop-shop consisting of city agencies and other stakeholders that are helping cooperatives.

“Kung atong mga kooperatiba gusto nila moadto sa Department of Agriculture para mangutana kung

unsa ang mga programa na pwede nila ma-avail sa ilang kooperatiba, they can go to the desk of City Agri isa lang na siya ka example (If our cooperatives want to go the Department of Agriculture to ask for programs that they can avail, they can go to the desk of City Agriculturist Office, it is only an example,” she said, adding that her office, as an accredited training provider by CDA, can help provide trainings for the cooperatives.

Eblamo said that the trainings provided by her office are free to help cooperatives, especially the small and micro cooperatives and those affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, sustain their organizational viability and at the same time their business continuity. (CIO)

baboy from one place to another, lalo na po kung manggagaling ng Luzon, papunta ng Visayas, Mindanao, ‘di po tayo nakakasiguro, bagaman sinasabi po natin na maayos na po or kampante tayo sa lagay ng ASF ngayon(We are calling out to avoid bringing pork products from one place to another, especially coming from Luzon, to Visayas or Mindanao. We are not sure, although we are saying it’s getting better, or we’re confident in the current ASF status). We don’t have to lower our guards. Kailangan po ‘yung (We need) higher level of awareness and pagbabantay para masiguro natin na hindi po tayo magkakaroon ng spread ng ASF (monitoring to ensure there will no longer be spreading of ASF),” he said.

To date, only seven municipalities and four provinces in two regions have active cases of ASF, way lower than the previous

number of 688 municipalities, 51 provinces, and 13 regions, affecting a total of 3,720 barangays nationwide.

“Medyo maganda po ‘yung ating pagtanaw pagdating dito sa (We’re having a good outlook on) ASF. Actually po ‘yung na-recover natin na area ay nasa 64 na (we’ve recovered 64 areas), pero mahigit (but more than) 500 cities and municipalities na po ‘yan na wala na pong reported na case ng ASF (with no reported cases of ASF), for the last three to six months and even longer,” he said.

Morales noted that they are still verifying another reported ASF incident in the Davao region.

“Kasalukuyan po na bina-validate natin ‘yan, may tao tayo sa ground (We are currently validating it, we have people on the ground), collecting samples, and we’re waiting for the result of the samples,” he added.

over 28,100 farmers in 900 cities and municipalities.

Graduates of the program will be given with opportunities to attract potential buyers through joining

in the popup market booth on where they can sell their fresh produce. The booth will be available at SM City Davao and SM Lanang Premier./SM PR

and time again.

A tap-in birdie at No. 6 sent the patrons into a frenzy. A sloppy bogey at the par-5 eighth brought some groans, but Woods’ brilliant short game kept him from posting one of those big numbers that can spell doom at Augusta.

He made it clear he had every intention of winning when he decided to make the Masters his first competitive tournament since that horrific car wreck in February 2021 led him to say doctors said his right leg might need to be amputated.

Woods started the round with five straight pars — he just missed a birdie at the tough No. 5 hole when a 15-foot putt lipped out — before delivering a vintage tee shot at the par-3 sixth.

The ball climbed up a ridge on the green and

stopped 2 feet short of the flag, leaving Woods with a gimme that put him in red numbers for the first time.

A wedge shot and errant chip led to a bogey at No. 8, a hole that should be a prime birdie opportunity. “A loss of concentration there,” he moaned.

But Woods bounced back with a tricky downhiller from 8 feet to save par at No. 9.

Woods insisted his hands still held the amazing touch that has helped him win 15 major titles — the first of them 25 years ago at this very place — and capture a record-tying 82 victories on the PGA Tour.

Beginning at No. 7, he missed the green on five straight holes, but kept recovering with his short irons and putter.

Wearing a pink shirt

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tage.

All these cottages have their own kitchen, so that occupants can cook their own meals. Kitchen utensils are provided, including stoves.

Prices for these cottages range from P3,000 to P5,000. An additional P150 per person is required if the occupants are above the essential number of people allowed per cottage.

“My brother-in lawhelped us (in making these cottages),” he says. “We pooled-in ideas and since the family are in the construction field, they realized it. My father-in-law, Juanito, took charge of our water system.”

The good thing about The Happy Farm is that families who stay in one of the cottages can harvest some of the crops being planted. Among the vegetables grown in the farm include tomatoes, eggplants, carrot, green onion, lettuce, bok choy, alugbati, tinangkong, and sweet pepper.

“Right now, we have various crops so guests can do vegetable picking with their kids and bring it home,” he says. Of course, they have to pay for what they harvested but it’s the bonding while harvesting that matters.

Guests who may opt not to cook their meals can always order food from Hungry Huntley’s Restaurant, which is just below the House in the Hill. The name came from the names of the two children: Edwald Hunter and Elda Huntley.

“As you have observed, our paintings are aimed to please the kids,” Atty. Legaspina says.

On the far end, there is a coffee shop-cum-bar, where parents can hang out and have some coffee or drink some wine and beers.

Atty. Legaspina wants to add 5 more cottages in the 4.5-hectare area. “We want to promote what Lorega can offer to people who come to this place,” he says. “We also want to promote tourism in the place because we have grown to love it.”

Basti – as Atty. Legaspina is known among his friends – has come a long,

long way. After graduating from high school at the Assumption School of Davao, he went to Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU) and took philosophy.

After graduation, he decided to take up law. “Back then,” he says, “all I wanted was to help my family’s business but as it turned out, there are so many laws that you have to follow and comply with. That made me interested in hopefully becoming a lawyer someday.”

Another reason why he decided to become a lawyer was his “own curiosity in the intricacies and beauty of the profession.”

From his first to third year, he studied at his alma mater, the ADDU. In his fourth year, he transferred to Cor Jesu College in Digos City. He graduated in 2005, took the bar in the same year – and passed!

When asked what would be his advice to those who want to pursue the law profession, he replies: “Study the law by heart but most importantly, make it a fun and enjoyable one.”

Most lawyers turn into farming when they get old.

But Atty. Legaspina is different; even at a young age now, he already starts farming. Thanks to his father, Dodie, who educated him about farming when he was still a little boy.

“He has a small patch of land somewhere in Marilog District,” he says. “When I was a kid, he would always bring me there. He taught me the basics, hardships and simple happiness in farming.

“I found out that there are some values in farming that we can apply in real life,” he continues. “I also wish to impart those to my kids – to be happy farmers.”

Travel time by bus from Davao City to Lorega is about two hours. Just get down at the quarantine place in Lorega, where all passengers go down. Ask for directions from those selling some goodies. They will tell you where The Happy Farm is. It is about a kilometer away from the highway.

these values to our audience too. We take pride in this partnership with the second oldest professional basketball league in the world because like them, we want to be recognized as the most reputable brand in our field, which is the gaming sector,” said Jasper Vicencio, AB Leisure Exponent, Inc. (ABLE), president. BingoPlus is ABLE’s newest

gaming brand under the LRWC umbrella.

The PBA and BingoPlus signed a memorandum of agreement to jointly raise the level of entertainment and recreation of Filipinos through their combined undertaking, Wednesday, April 6.

BingoPlus plans to extend more support to the sports sector in the coming days, Vicencio said.

and black pants, Woods was greeted by thunderous applause when his name was announced to a huge gallery surrounding the first tee.

Woods failed to make solid contact with his first shot: a 264-yard drive that faded behind a bunker on the right side of the fairway.

His approach rolled off the front of the green, but he sank a 10-foot putt to save

par, bringing another huge roar from the patrons.

Woods walked slowly, knowing that he faced four tough days on an extremely hilly course if he manages to make the cut.

He couldn’t fully bend over to read putts, forcing him to rely more on caddie Joe LaCava to help him judge the treacherous greens at Augusta National.

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Familiar start for Tiger at Masters Tiger Woods hits a drive in the opening round.

A

UGUSTA, Georgia — He walked among the azaleas with just the slightest hint of a limp.

He couldn’t quite bend over to read the putts on Augusta National’s tricky greens.

Otherwise, there was nothing to indicate that Tiger Woods nearly lost his right leg 14 months ago in a devastating car wreck.

Woods’ greatest comeback yet got off to an elec-

trifying start on Thursday [Friday, Manila time) when he shot a 1-under 71 in the opening round of the Masters.

“To end up in the red,” he said confidently, “I’m right where I need to be.”

As Woods walked briskly toward the clubhouse after a grueling day that

stretched to nearly 5 1/2 hours, he heard shouts of “Way to go, Tiger!” from the spectators.

He was just three strokes off the lead - with roughly half the field still on the course - after making three birdies, a pair of bogeys and a whole lot of solid pars — many of them salvaged by his deft touch around the greens.

Woods pulled off one last Houdini act at No. 18.

After yanking his tee shot

into the towering pine trees on the right, he had to lay up short of the green.

But he pitched to 6 feet and rolled in the putt to keep his score under par.

“I felt good,” Woods said.

“Once the adrenaline kicks in and I get into my own little world, I knew I should be able to handle business.”

Long way to go Yep, there’s still a long way to go. Woods still must prove his body can bounce back day after day — four of

them, should he make it to Sunday.

But it felt as if he was already a winner.

“You just can’t not watch him,” said Australia’s Cameron Smith, among those tied for the lead after shooting a 68. “It’s an inspiration with him coming back and playing golf.”

With storm clouds giving way to brilliant spring sunshine, Woods defied everyone’s expectations.

Except his own.

When Woods delivered an emphatic clutch of the right fist after rolling in a 30-footer for birdie at the 16th hole, it seemed like old times at one of golf’s most hallowed courses.

From the collapse of his marriage to multiple surgeries, Woods has always found a way to bounce back.

He’s doing it again, looking every bit like the guy who’s won five green jackets and defied the odds time

FFAMILIAR, P10

BingoPlus partners with PBA for Season 47

B

asketball fans are going to have fun when the Philippine Basketball Association’s (PBA) 47thSeason begins.

Not only will the oldest professional basketball league in Asia have a guest foreign team to make the games more interesting, it will make fans enjoy the experience better with fun and leisure options on the side.

BingoPlus, the country’s first licensed Online Traditional Bingo (OTB) services, has partnered with the PBA for all the

three conferences of its 47thseason. The gaming company will have branded segments and content in the PBA coverage and will enable fans to participate in traditional bingo games played on their gadgets and cellphones.

“BingoPlus and the PBA share the same passion in bringing entertainment that adds value to their audience. This is why we see this as an ideal partnership. It’s long been in the works, and now that it is a reality, our common goal is to provide high-value entertainment and lei-

sure opportunities for our combined target markets,” said Andy Tsui, Leisure and Resorts World Corporation president, the holding company that manages and operates amusement and recreation enterprises.

“This basketball loving country is always looking for what is new and exciting. Nowadays playing games online gives a new kind of thrill. Online Traditional Bingo, like basketball, requires focus, strategy and sportsmanlike conduct for one to stay the course. We want to teach

FBINGOPLUS, P10

The PBA and BingoPlus signed a memorandum of agreement to jointly raise the level of entertainment and recreation of Filipinos through their combined undertaking, Wednesday, April 6.

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CIPROSA golf tournament got going at the South Pacific golf course on Friday with ceremonial hitters led by Atty. Ramon Edison Batacan (second from left) with Prosecutor General Ben Malcontento (red shirt); Prosecutor Omar Soriano (green shirt); Prosecutor James Morente (blue shirt); and Atty. Robert de Leon (white shirt).

Wesley So tops Berlin GP Leg 3 Because sports headlines today are focused on the Ginebra-Meralco PBA title series, I am rushing this report to ensure EdgeDavao readers get fresh news from other fronts.

Our countryman, Fil-Am super GM Wesley So, captured the 3rd leg of the FDE Grand Prix in Berlin Monday night.

He defeated American Olympiad teammate Hikaru Nakamura in the two-game Rapid tie-breaks 1.5 - .5 pts.

Playing white, So employed his favorite e4 Ruy Lopez opening, seizing control of the middle game. His Nd7 check forked the Black King and the Bishop that ultimately led to his hard-earned victory.

Unfortunately, WS, despite the triumph, failed to qualify to the Candidates Matches as Nakamura and Hungary’s Richard Rapport were earlier declared by FIDE as the qualifiers for the last two slots.

As a consolation of sorts, WS took home the prize money of 24K Euros.

He was dislodged by Leinier Dominguez, another Olympiad teammate, in the first leg of the GP also in Berlin, in another heartbreaking tiebreak.

“I am only 28 and perhaps in another couple of years,” So said in so many words during the ensuing interview, hinting that he has more years ahead of him.

The Bacoor, Cavite native, a former Universiade titleist, said he has been motivated by taking part in on-line rapid and blitz tournaments where he is able to sharpen his repertoire.

The three-time US champion also congratulated Nakamura, a 5-time US titleholder himself, for successfully hurdling the tough qualifying contests.

Russian Sergey Karjakin, a world championship challenger in 2016, has been banned for six months by FIDE for uttering unflattering remarks on the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Which meant, he (Karjakin) cannot play in the Candidates Matches in July in Madrid. His slot might be given to China’s Ding Liren if the latter qualifies per FIDE rules.

LIren is in the process of fulfilling the required 30 classical FIDE games and in most likelihood, he will fill in the vacant slot.

The Chinese Chess Association has feverishly organized several tournaments to afford Ding to complete the 30-game requirement before May 30.

Stll, hopes are high among Pinoy chess fans that as circumstances were kind to Liren (in view of Karjakin’s case), who knows if Wesley might still sneak into the Candidates via a freak situation.

Who knows really? (Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo. com.) GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!