Edge Davao Volume 15 Issue 14 | Friday, April 29, 2022

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SHOT IN THE ARM PRRD’s signing of MDDA paves way for autonomy in identifying priority projects STORY ON PAGE 2

A passerby walks pass political campaign posters, mostly of local candidates, along E. Quirino Avenue in Davao City on Thursday.

The city government of Davao has issued Executive Order No. 15 Series of 2022, mandating all local candidates to create their respective teams to retrieve, re-use, and recycle all local and national election paraphernalia in Davao City from May 10 to 12, 2022. Edge Davao

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

President Rodrigo Duterte unveils the project marker of the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX) during the inauguration ceremony at the CCLEX Toll Plaza in Cordova, Cebu on April 27, 2022. The President

VOL.15 ISSUE 14 • FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 2022

is accompanied by Public Works and Highways Acting Secretary Roger Mercado, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPTC)

Chairman Manuel Pangilinan, Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, Cordova Mayor Mary Therese Sitoy-Cho, and Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama.

PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

SHOT IN THE ARM M

Sara issues EO on post election cleanup

PRRD’s signing of MDDA paves way for autonomy in identifying priority projects

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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ubilation among Davao Region’s local governments and private sector met President Rodrigo Duterte’s approval of the creation of Metropolitan Davao Development Authority (MDDA) as this will not only promises better delivery of public services but also assured the implementation of programs in the Davao Region.

Gilberto Altura, assistant regional director of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA 11), told media the signing of the MDDA will give more authority or autonomy to the MDDA council in terms of identifying priority programs and projects that include

water and power.

Republic Act (RA) No. 11708 or “An Act creating Metropolitan Davao Development Authority” establishes the special development and administrative region, to be known as Metropolitan Davao, which consists of six cities and nine munic-

ipalities.

Based on RA 11708, the Metropolitan Davao includes Davao City; the cities of Panabo, Tagum and Island Garden City of Samal in Davao del Norte; Digos City in Davao del Sur; Mati City in Davao Oriental; and the municipalities of Sta. Cruz, Hagonoy, Padada, Malalag, and Sulop in Davao del Sur, Carmen in Davao del Norte, Maco in Davao de Oro, and Malita and Sta Maria in Davao Occidental.

An MDDA council will be formed, which will govern and make policies for the concerned LGUs

and will be composed of the chairperson of the Regional Development Council (RDC) the governors of the provinces of Davao Oriental, Davao de Oro, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, and Davao Occidental, and the 15 mayors of the cities and municipalities.

“The development of the area will be enhanced and they (LGUs) can have more leverage in attracting investors even getting a loan for the area,” he said during the news conference on the 2021 Economic Performance of Davao Region by the Phil-

ed their Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) registrations in Davao Region.

“The latest information that we received from our national statistician, for Region 11 we have already turned over a total of 1.4 million PhilID to the PHLPost for the distribution or delivery to the residents,” Abaro said during

the news conference on the 2021 Economic Performance of Davao Region by the Philippine Statistics Authority 11 (PSA 11).

Abaro also reported that for the Davao Region based on the results of PSA’s census there are a total of 3.3 million who already accomplished the Step 2 biometrics registration from the more than

five million population of the region.

“We hope we will continue particularly in Davao City as there was a slow down during Step 3 of the registration. We are now focusing on that so that we can achieve our target,” Abaro said.

PhilSys Step 3 Registration involves the generation of a unique PhilSys

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ayor Sara Duterte-Carpio has ordered all local candidates to create their respective teams to retrieve, re-use, and recycle all local and national election paraphernalia in Davao City from May 10 to 12, 2022 through Executive Order No. 15 Series of 2022.

The city government of Davao urged local and national candidates to be responsible for ensuring that their campaign materials must be disposed of and properly managed after election day as this paraphernalia will no longer serve their purpose.

It is emphasized in the EO, which was signed by Mayor Sara on April 27, 2022, that there is a need to ensure that proper disposal of these campaign materials is observed to avoid contributing to more waste products and to promote effective waste management in the city.

Section 2 of the EO mandated all local can-

didates must create their clean-up teams and participate in the threeday activity within their district also all election paraphernalia collected during the clean-up should not be thrown into the garbage bins and collection points.

All paraphernalia should be recycled by the teams or should be delivered to recycling centers.

Last month, Mayor Sara has called on all local candidates to create their clean-up teams who will immediately clean up their posters and tarpaulins after the election.

The mayor also called the attention of candidates in the city whose streamers and tarpaulins are placed at undesignated areas.

The campaign period for candidates for national positions commenced last February 8, 2022, while the campaign for local candidates began on March 25, 2022. By Maya M. Padillo

Number (PSN) and issuance of the PhilID. The PSA partnered with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) for card production while the PHLPost administers the door-to-door delivery.

Abaro also said for this year PSA is targeting an additional 42 million to be registered nationwide.

Last year, the target was more than 50 million reg-

istrants.

“Ang total target natin for this year is 92 million,” he said.

With the increasing number of individuals who have already received their PhilID cards, the PSA continues to call on agencies and private institutions to accept the PhilID as a valid proof of identity. By Maya M. Padillo

PSA-Davao Region turns over 1.4M PhilIDs for delivery

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hilippine Statistics Authority (PSA)Davao Region Regional Director Ruben D. Abaro, Jr. announced on Thursday that PSA-Davao Region has already turned over a total of 1.4 million Philippine Identification (PhilID) cards to the Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) for delivery to registrants who complet-

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4 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

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On the signing of Republic Act (RA) No. 11708 or “An Act creating Metropolitan Davao Development Authority” establishes the special development and administrative region, to be known as Metropolitan Davao, which consists of six cities and nine municipalities” by President Rodrigo Duterte:

The development of the area will be enhanced and they (LGUs) can have more leverage in attracting investors even getting a loan for the area.”

Gilberto Altura

Assistant Regional Director, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA 11)

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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

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HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

THE WISDOM OF OLD AGE After watching Hollywood actor Cary Grant (Archibald Leach in real life) on a television broadcast, his mother, then in her nineties, reprimanded him for letting his hair get so grey.

“It doesn’t bother me,” the actor replied carelessly. Rebuffed the mother: “Maybe not, but it bothers me. It makes me seem so old.”

No one can escape aging, the time when body processes and functions slow down, when wrinkles line the face and the skin sag. It’s also the time when hair turns grey. “Aging is a simple fact of life – a stage we all lead to,” someone once said. “After the period of young adulthood, which seems brief to many, the aging process begins.”

Many senior citizens – as they are called these days – embrace life with surprising gusto, “but most people don’t appreciate aging the way they should,” said Dr. Felicitas Artiaga-Soriano, assistant head of the Department of Psychiatry at Veterans Memorial Medical Center. “But if we acknowledge the fact that we’re going to get older and embrace the aging process, we can

enjoy our lives from 60 years of age and up.”

“I’m not interested in age,” Elizabeth Arden once said. “People who tell their age are silly.

You’re only as old as you feel.”

Oscar winner George Burns, who lived more than a hundred years, said “Age to me means nothing. I can’t get old; I’m working. I was old when I was twenty-one and out of work. As long as you’re working, you stay young. When I’m in front of an audience, all that love and vitality sweeps over me and I forget my age.”

Bernard M. Baruch quipped, “To me, old age is always 15 years older than I am.” Bill Clinton, one of America’s youngest presidents, said: “When our memories outweigh our dreams, we have grown old.” Another US president, Thomas Jefferson, thinks otherwise: “Too old to plant trees for my own gratification, I shall do it for my posterity.”

But just as people forget the past, the world also doesn’t pay much attention to the older folks. They are considered liabilities rather than assets. But history records some of those liv-

ing in twilight years to continue working. Rodrigo R. Duterte was 71 when he became the 16th president of the Philippines.

Winston Churchill, for instance, was Britain’s prime minister when he was 81.

Clara Barton headed the International Red Cross at 83.

Robert Frost wrote famous poems when he turned 80. Oliver Wendell Holmes was a chief justice when he was 90. Architect Frank Lloyd Wright did his best work at 86. Indestructible John Wesley was still preaching at 88.

At 99, classical pianist Mieczylslaw Horszowski recorded a new album. Also at 99, twin sisters Kin Narita and Gin Kanie recorded a hit CD single in Japan and starred in a television commercial. At 87, Mary Baker Eddy founded the Christian Science Monitor while mystery writer Phyllis Whitney published her seventy-first book, The Singing Stones. At 81, leftist journalist I.F. Stone published The Trial of Socrates, which became a bestseller.

As Chancellor Konrad Adenauer of Germany was approaching the age of 90, he got

a bad cold. Even his personal physician could not help him much and the chancellor was impatient with him.

“I am not a magician, sir,” the doctor protested. “I cannot make you young again.” Hearing this, Adenauer replied, “I haven’t asked you to make me younger.

All I want is to go on getting older.”

While a lot of people abhor getting older, there are those who welcome its coming. “On the bright side of life, you will probably save a lot on shampoo when getting old and bald, and no longer have to suffer from thwarted and long gone ambitions,” said T. Kinnes.

If you ask Clint Eastwood, his answer would be: “The best part of aging in this business is losing that obsession about work and being able to spend a little more time with family.”

C.S. Lewis recalls, “When I was ten, I read fairy tales in secret and would have been ashamed if I had been found doing so. Now that I am 50, I read them openly. When I became a man, I put away childish things – including the fear of childish-

ness and the desire to be grownup.”

When Benjamin Disraeli was prime minister of England, he was out walking one day with a friend. As they were going along, they met a rather distinguished elderly gentleman.

Disraeli stopped, greeted him very courteously and then asked, “And how is your old complaint?” The man answered that it was getting worse and he was sure that it was going to be the death of him.

As Disraeli and his friend walked on, the friend asked who the elderly acquaintance was. Disraeli said that he didn’t have the slightest idea who the man was. “But you asked about his old complaint,” the friend persisted. “How did you know about that, if you don’t even know the man?”

The British prime minister replied wisely: “I have found that almost all elderly people have some complaint, and they like to talk about it.”

“Live your life and forget your age,” Norman Vincent Peale suggests.

Words of wisdom, these!

ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA FAST BACKWARD

1981 ‘BLACK EASTER’ TRAGEDY The date is April 19, 1981, the so-called ‘Black Easter’ tragedy. Davao City’s oldest church was attacked in what has become the most gruesome criminal incident in any congregational house of worship. The imprint this left underlined the recurring theme of violence and blood that portrayed peace and order in the city which, at the time, was dubbed as the communist laboratory.

Leonard Davis, in ‘The Philippines: People Poverty & Politics’ (1987), described the tragedy: ‘The Davao city cathedral bombing was allegedly carried out by the Lost Command and members of the PC based in Davao city. The bombing occurred on Easter Sunday, 19 April 1981, a few yards from the altar of St Peter’s Cathedral. Two grenades were exploded within 30 minutes of

each other. After the second explosion bursts of M-16 rifles were heard. Seven-teen people were killed in the blasts, and over 200 injured.’

Beyond the news, however, a story of press freedom that nearly ended in tragedy took place.

Still sporting a hangover and lying on a bench inside the newsroom, the report of the first bombing reached dxRH, a Davao affiliate of Manila Broadcasting Corp., after an obviously agitated field reporter told the utility guy by landline to relay the incident to me.

As news director, I sprinted to the cathedral to gather first-hand accounts but what con-fronted me was the blood splattered on the steps adjacent to the altar, with the front pews utterly destroyed by the impact of the bomb. The cops arrived. There were also uniformed men outside.

There was still pandemonium inside the church because many of the churchgoers, for safety reasons, sought shelter at the sacristy at the back of the altar. I met Silvestre Bello III, then the city mayor’s private secretary and son-in-law, and had a fleeting chat. But just as I was heading to the exit adjacent to the rectory, another hand grenade exploded. The bomb failed to enter the church premises but hit the grills and blasted outside. A sporadic firing from the uniformed men, who were visible from behind the church pillars where I scampered, could be seen.

As a matter of obligation, I hurriedly left the crime scene and made a first-hand account of the tragic incident for use in the evening edition of ‘Operation Tulong,’ then the city’s most listened-to public service program on the air. A flurry of updates later followed from

field re-porters.

The following day, before the close of the three-hour morning edition of the same pro-gram, a MacArthur-type military jeep showed up in front of the station along Rizal Street. Sgt. Carlos Parohinog, a Philippine Constabulary (PC) officer who led the band, promptly directed his men to the second floor and arrogantly asked for the guy who read that day’s program editorial.

Alex Roldan, who anchored the program, though surprised at what was happening, faced the visitors calmly, explaining that the editorial reflected the view of the program of the event. Disrespectful, the sergeant, fuming mad, asked for the writer of the commentary.

With the newsroom just next to the broadcast booth, I cautiously came out and amid the commo-tion joined Roldan and the unwanted guests. To make

the story short, I admitted to writing the editorial.

In a hurry, the soldiers, clad in civilian attire, left us with no option but follow their orders. We were hauled on the jeep and brought to the Metrodiscom at Ecoland area. On the way, however, at Bolton Bridge, while Roldan was still arguing his case, Sgt. Parohinog poked a gun at Alex’s temple, then asked his amused subordinates if they want us killed and thrown overboard.

At the PC barracks, we finally met the notorious major who ordered our warrantless ar-rest. To secure our freedom, we asked Bello, who was then at the barracks, to plead for us but was not helpful. It was an Army intelligence officer in Davao, a personal friend, who inter-ceded for us.

Roldan now sits as Regional XI director of the Interior and local government department.

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The Land Bank of the Philippines bares that it has approved loans amounting to P20.1 billion to 56 borrowers in support of local renewable energy projects as of March 31, 2022. Edge Davao

Landbank says loans for green energy projects reached P20B

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he Land Bank of the Philippines said it has approved loans amounting to P20.1 billion to 56 borrowers in support of local renewable energy projects as of March 31, 2022.

In a statement, Landbank said the release of loans in line with the state-run lender’s commitment to sustainable development “as the country reels from the effects of changing global climates and shifting weather patterns.”

The bank said that

through its Renewable Energy Program, it aims to finance the development of renewable energy sources and increase access to reliable, clean and sustainable power to help mitigate the effects of climate change in the country.

“As an industry lead-

er in promoting environmental sustainability in the country, Landbank is at the forefront of supporting initiatives aimed at protecting our environment. We are looking to work with more customers and development partners towards a more sustainable future for the next generation, and beyond,” said Landbank president and CEO Cecilia Borromeo.

Landbank said its Renewable Energy Program can finance renewable

he head of the Philippines’ gaming regulator said on Wednesday she supports having a separate agency regulating online cockfighting or e-sabong.

Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation Chairperson Andrea Domingo said this would free PAGCOR to focus on other gaming operations.

“Kung may isa lang na maghahandle niyan, mawawala na sa PAGCOR

(If there’s another agency to handle that) we can concentrate on our present offerings on what we should regulate at mas magiging effective yung aming responsible gaming policies,” said Domingo.

(Our gaming policies will be more responsible and effective) Based on the recent data from PAGCOR, 8 to 10 percent of the regulator’s income comes from e-sabong. The industry has also

generated about P1 billion from January to April 25, 2022, PAGCOR said.

However, e-sabong has been plagued with controversies including alleged abduction cases, as well as gambling addiction.

Even President Rodrigo Duterte earlier threatened to retract e-sabong franchises if the industry was proven to be involved in illegal activities.

Some lawmakers also questioned why e-sab-

energy projects harnessing biomass, geothermal, solar, hydro, ocean, and wind power.

Other eligible projects include biofuel, hybrid renewable energy systems, such as hybrid electric or compressed natural gas, and the fabrication or manufacturing of renewable energy technologies, equipment and components, among others, the bank said.

It added that aside from providing credit

ong operations were allowed to continue during the Holy Week. Domingo however said PAGCOR only controls online betting, not the cockfighting events themselves which are streamed online.

If there were e-sabong events last Holy Week, this means local governments permitted the traditional sabong, she said.

Domingo also said there are no legal offshore

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PAGCOR chair backs having separate e-sabong regulator T

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Diokno hints on possible rate hike in June

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onetary officials will likely consider a hike in the central bank’s key rates in June, or once the 2022 first-quarter domestic output report is out, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Benjamin Diokno said.

In an interview over Bloomberg television on Tuesday night, Diokno said BSP’s policy-making Monetary Board (MB) will assess data on domestic growth, which “maybe around 6-7 percent.”

The Board will have its third rate-setting meeting on May 19.

“And so, on the basis of that, maybe we’ll make another cycle, which is we have another meeting, and maybe that’s the time when we will consider increasing (key policy rates),” he said.

The MB is scheduled to have its fourth rate-setting meeting on June 23.

It has kept the BSP’s key rates steady after slashing it by 200 basis points in 2020 --a move aimed at aiding the domestic economy from the impact of the pandemic.

However, economists

have been factoring in a hike starting in the first quarter of this year because of expected acceleration of inflation rate given the rising prices of oil and some commodities in the international market.

The Federal Reserve, for one, hiked its key rates by 25 basis points last March, the first since December 2018, as consumer price index (CPI) in the US registered its four-decade high starting last January.

Asked if he fears that the BSP will be behind the curve amid the decisions of its counterparts overseas, Diokno said the big difference is the real interest rate in the Philippines and the US. He said the US’ CPI is now at 8.5 percent, which was the rate last March, while average inflation in the Philippines in the first quarter was at 3.4 percent.

“So, given that, I think we can afford to wait as to what will be the move of the Fed in the next two meetings,” he added.

After the first key rate hike last March, the Fed

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ECONOMY

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An electronic sabong enthusiast watches an online cockfighting on his mobile phone. The head of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) said she supports having a separate agency regulating e-sabong. Edge Davao

PH offers $153-B investment opportunities in energy sector DTI opens 156 Go Lokal! stores since Dec. 2016

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he Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has opened a total of 156 Go Lokal! outlets nationwide since the program was launched in December 2016.

In an advisory Wednesday, the DTI said the Go Lokal! program has 24 partner retailers, most of them are leading mall operators in the country as this initiative aims to bring micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) products in the mainstream market.

The DTI said a total of 863 MSMEs were assisted through this program, with 412 enterprises were already mainstreamed and became regular suppliers of the big retailers.

A total of PHP466 million has been generated in sales since its inception.

“The Go Lokal! program continues to provide business opportunities to MSMEs through its partnerships with major

retailers (malls, department stores, supermarkets, duty-free shops, convenience stores, hotels, and e-commerce platforms) who share the same vision of providing free retail space to MSMEs,” it said.

On May 2, the DTI will launch another Go Lokal! outlet, the first inline store at Ayala Malls Marina Bay. “It is managed by Common Room PH, a local retailer that houses over 200 local crafters and brands. There are currently 18 Go Lokal! suppliers in the inline store that offer food and wellness products, fashionable accessories, homeware, and toys,” the agency added.

Go Lokal! is one of DTI’s initiatives to encourage Filipino MSMEs to improve the quality of their products for them to be more competitive both in domestic and foreign markets. (PNA)

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he Department of Energy (DOE) has urged Singaporean businesses, as well as other foreign investors, to look into the country’s investment prospects in the energy sector, which amounts to USD153 billion.

During the 3rd Philippine-Singapore Business and Investment Summit Wednesday, DOE Undersecretary Felix William Fuentebella said these required energy investments would help the country achieve the clean energy scenario under the

Philippine Energy Plan.

About 80 percent of the total investment requirements are for power, which include USD115.3 billion for new power plants and USD6.97 billion for transmission projects.

“The required invest-

ments for RE (renewable energy) alone amounts to USD94.3 billion,” Fuentebella said.

He added that about 15 percent of the needed investments are in the upstream sector composed of oil and gas exploration and development at USD10.05 billion, coal exploration and production at USD13.12 billion, and pre-development activities for renewable energy at USD510 million.

The downstream energy sector, on the oth-

er hand, will be needing USD2.94 billion investments in oil distribution depots and import terminals; USD1.78 billion for liquefied natural gas terminals; and USD2.38 billion for biofuels production.

“Given the capital-extensive nature of the energy sector, we anticipate the active participation of the private sector as well as the public-private partnerships to help us finance in bringing these

said Thursday.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas has approved purely digital banks as a new banking category with no physical network, therefore, having more flexibility in their offerings such as higher deposit interest rates.

Traditional banks, on

the other hand, already have an established distribution channel, large customer base, and brand recognition, Limcaoco said in BPI’s annual shareholders’ meeting.

“Traditional banks like BPI continue to be stalwarts of the industry...

To maintain our market

leadership, we have to make investments in technology, accelerate the digitalization of our business and operations and to improve our customer offering that will all be key,” Limcaoco said.

“While fintechs leverage on their low-cost mod-

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BPI ‘prepared’ to compete with fintech, digital banks

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he Bank of the Philippine Islands is prepared to compete with fintech and digital banks by accelerating its digital offerings, investing in innovation, and introducing new products to maintain its market share, its president and CEO Jose Teodoro “TG” Limcaoco

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4-story Davao City public library set to open in June

he four-story modern public library of the local government here is scheduled to open in June this year, an official of the City Library & Information Center said on Monday.

Salome “Sandy” Enoc, officer-in-charge (OIC)-City Librarian, told Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR 87.5) that they are now doing some finishing touches on the interior of the building while the installation of

gadgets is ongoing and is expected for completion by next month.

The construction of the building, which is located along C. Bangoy Street in Barangay 34-D, started on April 24, 2018.

Enoc said the new library will replace the old library located on the third floor of the Sanggunian Panlungsod building. She said materials from the old public library have been transferred

to the new building.

She said the management has yet to decide whether to open the library 24/7 as previously announced, as the usual issues confronting the old library was that it was only open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The librarian said they have yet to conduct another survey to find out the preference of the Dabawenyos to make its services more responsive to their needs, includ-

he Davao City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) has warned residents in flood and landslide-prone areas to be alert as Davao City still experiences intermittent rains that trigger floods and landslides.

Speaking over Davao City Disaster Radio on Wednesday CDRRMO Chief Alfredo Baloran said that CDRRMO teams in close coordination with the Barangay Risk Reduction and Management Councils (BDRRMC) continue to visit and check the flood and landslide-prone areas while warning people to be on extra alert.

“Permanente [ang among pahimangno], hilabi na karon nga padayon ang pag ulan-ulan, ma pondo man gud ang tubig ma stuck sa landslide prone areas, naa pa gyud ground shaking so naay tendency nga mag-loosen ang pundasyon sa yuta mao na moresulta gyud sa pagdahili (We warn them repeatedly, especially now that we are experiencng continued rains.

The water is contained in the landslide-prone areas.

We also experience ground shaking so there is a tendency that the foundation of the soil loosens resulting in a landslide),” Baloran said.

He was concerned that

there are still residents in landslide-prone areas, although they have been constantly advised to find a safer place.

“Kining namuyo sa landslide prone area amo silang gihangyo nga mangita sila’g lugar kung diin sila safe nga magpuyo para malayo pud sila sa disgrasya. Nakita nato ang nahitabo sa Leyte, hinaot nga dili mahitabo sa atoa (We have asked those who are living in landslide-prone area to find another place where they can live safely away from danger. We saw what happened in Leyte and we are hoping that it does not happen to us),” Baloran said.

funds for working capital and for capital expenditures, loans under the program can also be used to finance project preparation activities such as developing a feasibility study, detailed engineering design, and supporting assessment studies, as well as securing permits, licenses, and approvals.

Eligible borrowers such as electric cooperatives, local government units (LGUs), government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs), and government agencies may borrow up to 90% of the total cost of the project, according to Landbank.

Meanwhile, cooper-

atives, associations and private borrowers categorized as single proprietorships, partnerships, or corporations may borrow up to 80%.

The state-run lender said that term loans for working capital and project preparation are payable up to five years, with a six-month grace period on principal payment, while loans for capital expenditure are payable based on the borrower’s cash flow up to 15 years, with a three-year grace period.

The interest rate shall be based on the prevailing market rate but not lower than 5% per annum.

e-sabong betting operations that are regulated by PAGCOR. “Wala kaming permits na binibigay na pwedeng tumaya ng offshore. Sa e-sabong dito, inside the Philippines lang. ‘Pag tumataya ang workers natin halimbawa sa Saudi at sa ibang bansa, iligal ‘yon,” said Domingo.

(There are no permits given offshore.

E-sabong is only for the Philippines. If there are

OFWs placing bets from overseas like from Saudi, that’s illegal) PAGCOR said there are 7 e-sabong franchises in the country with 1 suspended franchise and 3 others requesting for suspension of their franchise due to the inability to pay the guarantee fee to PAGCOR, Domingo said.

E-sabong operators need to pay PAGCOR at least P75 million per month as guarantee fee.

ing what other facilities they look for in a public library.

“We will conduct another survey so that we will know their comments and what they want to include so that our service becomes responsive. If we conduct a survey, please answer so that you can help our city library,” Enoc said.

She said the management is leasing a portion of the ground floor to interested parties who want to open a coffee shop.

In a notice released in

January last year, the Davao City Library & Information Center announced the space open for rental has a total area of 75 square meters at the New Davao City Library Building.

Enoc said the application for lease was previously approved in favor of Gatchi Gatchalian, former president of Davao Tourism Association (DATA), before he died in March this year.

Gatchalian founded a chain of homegrown coffeeshops, Blugré, and the now de-

funct Saging Repablik.

She said the city is now reopening the lease to interested parties.

In a press release issued in February, Enoc said the new library will have an informal reading area for the kids, adult reading room, an amphitheater, information technology center, and a conference room.

She added that an organic garden will be put up on the rooftop of the new building. (Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)

CDRRMO warns residents in danger zones to be on alert No death recorded in anti-

T

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Covid booster jabs: CHO

T

he City Health Office (CHO) has not recorded deaths of individuals after receiving the booster dose against Covid-19 vaccinations, reiterating that the vaccines are safe for every eligible person.

Davao City Acting City Health Officer Dr. Ashley Lopez in a message to CIO said that the city has already administered the first booster to around 18 percent of the fully immunized Dabawenyos and no mortality has been recorded.

As of April 22, 2022, the city administered

the first booster dose to 244,800 individuals, or 18.74 percent of the 1,306,446 fully immunized Dabawenyos. This is higher compared to the data on April 12, 2022, that recorded 240,672 individuals given the booster dose, or 18.48 percent of the fully immunized individuals.

The anti-Covid booster shot is an added layer of protection against the severity of existing and new variants.

Davao City Covid-19 Task Force Spokesperson Dr. Michelle Schlosser

critical energy infrastructure projects into fruition,” Fuentebella said.

He said the Duterte administration has spent more than five years setting up a sound and longterm plan to help in build-

ing a sustainable energy future for the Philippines.

“Whatever we invest today would have far reaching returns and benefits for the Filipino nation in the years ahead,” he added. (PNA)

is expected to make five to six times more for the year, with the May rate increase expected to be

around 50 basis points based on the statements

by Fed Chair Jerome Powell. (PNA)

el, BPI will capitalize on the strength of our brand, our significant presence plus a robust digital platform to compete,” he added.

BPI now offers pure online and mobile account opening, just like in digital banks. It also has a suite of mobile apps, with more platforms to launch soon, BPI chairman Jaime Zoble De Ayala said.

Limcaoco said it would also offer higher rates for the unbanked.

“Soon, as early as possible next month, we will be offering a high yield deposit product to primarily unbanked Filipinos who are digitally savvy,” he said.

The BSP in 2021 approved the digital banking licenses of LandBank’s OF Bank, UnionBank’s UnionDigital, Gokongwei Group’s GoTyme, PayMaya’s Maya Bank, as well as Tonik Bank and UnoBank, which are

both backed by regional fintech companies based in Singapore.

When it launched, Tonik digital bank hit P5 billion in deposits just after 8 months of operations. Its main draw is the 4.5 percent interest rate for deposits and up to 6 percent interest rate for time deposits.

Meanwhile, Maya Bank, UnionDigital, and GoTyme are set to roll out their services this year.

“This healthy competition of the fintechs and neobank together with incumbent banks will definitely result in a very interesting industry and more developments in the coming year, and our bank is prepared for that,” Limcaoco said.

BPI is the country’s 4th largest bank in terms of assets as of December 2021, according to the data by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

needs to be addressed especially for those who has been wearing eyeglasses their whole life. That’s when the services like Lasik eye surgery comes in. Lasik is a 10-minute laser refractive procedure used to treat astigmatism, hyperopia, and myopia.

It is the most commonly performed procedure

with the fastest results and recovery period. One of the known clinics that offers this service best is Borough Lasik Center (BLC).

Borough Lasik is eyeing to train more doctors who are willing to practice Lasik eye surgery as they are looking forward to open more branches soon.

Protection Week celebration.

President Rodrigo R. Duterte in November 2019 signed Proclamation Number 846, declaring every second week of November as Investor Protection Week.

In that proclamation, the President stated: “(D)ue to the growing number of reported investment scams in the country, there is a need to reinforce efforts to inform and educate the public on financial literacy, investor rights and responsibili-

ties and risks of investment, through the conduct of programs aimed at reducing the investing public’s vulnerability to fraudulent schemes”.

The President anchored this proclamation on Republic Act 11232, the Revised Corporation Code, which empowers the SEC to exercise regulatory powers over corporations and the people acting on their behalf as well as “promote the protection of investors and to prevent imminent fraud and injury to the investing public.”

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previously said that like other vaccines with boosters against diseases the Covid-19 vaccine also needs one for peace of mind even when there are new variants of the virus.

To cover more eligible individuals to get vaccinated, the city government has been rolling out in the barangays more mobile vaccinations in partnership with the USAID and Unicef. The vaccination cluster also uses family profiling to determine who has not yet received primary and the booster dose in the barangays.

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VOL.15 ISSUE 14 • FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 2022

COMPETITIVE EDGE

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New eye center is answer to lingering woes ATHENA JILLIAN BRAVO

More Filipinos are having vision problems and fortunately for Davao City, a modern treatment center has just opened.

Earlier this year, Borough Lasik opened its first ever branch in Mindanao which is now located in JJ’s Commune Compound, Loyola Street, Obrero to test the waters on how much clients would be inquiring and availing their services. This their second branch following the one they have in SM Mall of Asia.

“We opened in the middle of January and since then a lot of patients are coming in to the clinic to have their eyes checked if it’s good for Lasik. We are doing well for this first quarter more

than the expected actually. Even a month we outperformed our MOA clinic which is already operating for 5 years,” Dr. Ches Heredia, BLC Medical Director and Head Ophthalmologist said.

Borough Lasik Center – Davao is Mindanao’s first and only full-service Lasik center, bringing you the same top of the line technology, expertise, and customer experience powered by Schwind Eye-Tech Solutions, the worldwide market leader for Excimer Lasers.

This makes Borough one of the very few clinics in the Philippines to use this high caliber laser refractive technology.

“Every week one of us will be here to work

BOROUGH LASIK CENTER DAVAO DOCTORS. (L-R) Dr. Jun Serrano, Dr. Ricky Aranzamendez, Dr. Ches Heredia, Dr. Ryan Torres and Dr. Gabriel Bunagan

BOROUGH LASIK DAVAO RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY. Borough Lasik Center Davao Medical Director Dr. Ches Heredia cuts the ribbon on its grand opening with his wife and beauty queen Jehza Huelar-Simon last April 26 2022

with the local doctors so that we will have the best results and services. We also brought here the best equipment with our training and experience to share with them,” Dr. Gabriel Bunagan, BLC Davao Local Head Ophthalmologist said.

Studies shows that there are over 4 million Filipinos that have been reported by the Department of Health to have undiagnosed eye problems in 2019.

That is during pre-pandemic times.

Imagine how many more people are having it now that everyone has been on their mobile phones or personal computers for work, online classes and on leisure time!

This whopping number is something that

FNEW, A3

10-MINUTE LASIK SURGERY. Dr. Ches Heredia, Medical Director if Borough Lasik Center performing a Lasik eye surgery to a patient during grand opening day witness by friends from the media. (right photo) After care orientation for patient done minutes after surgery.

Media and Influencers with the doctors of Borough Lasik Center Davao.

5 stakeholders to join SEC Davao in CAMPAIGN Network launch today

DAVAO CITY --- The Securities and Exchange Commission-Davao Extension Office (SEC-DEO) has secured the commitment of five groups for the SEC Davao CAMPAIGN Network, which it sets to launch today, April 29 (Friday) at 10:00 AM. The event will be livestreamed on the Commission’s official Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/PhilippineSEC).

Together with the other eight SEC extension offices in the country (Baguio, Legazpi, Tarlac, Bacolod, Cebu, Iloilo, Cagayan de Oro and Zamboanga), the SEC-DEO will hold a virtual Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing activity with its pioneer partners.

A total of 28 stakehold-

ers from all over the Philippines, five of them from SEC-DEO areas, will sign the MOA to formalize the partnership.

Those that have committed to join the SECDEO CAMPAIGN Network include the Notre Dame of Dadiangas University in General Santos City, Cor Jesu College in Digos City, Barangay Magdum in Tagum City, the Association of Certified Public Accountants in Public Practice – Southern Mindanao Region (ACPAPP-SMR), and the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants – Davao del Sur Chapter (PICPA Davao del Sur Chapter).

The MOAs are to be signed by Notre Dame of Dadiangas University Pres-

ident Br. Manual de Leon, Cor Jesu College President Br. Ellakim Sosmeña, Barangay Captain Ma. Teresa Reambonanza of Magdum in Tagum City, ACPAPP-SMR President Jonas Mascariñas, and PICPA Davao del Sur President Joanne Diesca.

The SEC CApital Market Promotion and Advocacy INter-aGency Network (SEC CAMPAIGN) Network aims “to promote capital market awareness in the countryside by identifying networking and linkaging as powerful strategies towards stakeholder awareness and satisfaction,” said SEC Chair Emilio B. Aquino.

Through this MOA, the SEC-DEO and its partners have agreed to pursue common interests in financial

literacy and investor protection thru information dissemination, promotion, and knowledge and resource sharing.

“We are eager to join the network because we share the same advocacy,” said Br. Manuel de Leon, president of the Notre Dame of Dadiangas University.

On its official Facebook page, Cor Jesu College of Digos City said its participation in the campaign is a milestone “toward actualizing our big dream of providing financial education not just to our students but to the larger society”.

The Commission launched the SEC CAMPAIGN network in a national scale two years ago during the first Investor

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EDGE EDGEDAVAO DAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 2985 • WEDNESDAY, 9, 2022 VOL.15 ISSUE 14 • FRIDAY,MARCH APRIL 29,

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

SECTION 10. SEPARABILITY CLAUSE. – If for any reason, any section of provision of this Ordinance shall be declared unconstitutional or invalid by a competent authority, such judgment or action shall not affect or impair the other sections or provisions hereof.

19th City Council 8th Regular Session Series of 2022 PRESENT: Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor

Ralph O. Abella - Temporary Presiding Officer Nilo D. Abellera Bai Hundra Cassandra Dominique N. Advincula Wilberto E. Al-ag Dante L. Apostol Sr. Conrado C. Baluran Jessica M. Bonguyan Louie John J. Bonguyan Pilar C. Braga Augusto Javier G. Campos III Danilo C. Dayanghirang Jonard C. Dayap Edgar P. Ibuyan Jr. Edgar R. Ibuyan Sr. Richlyn N. Justol-Baguilod Pamela A. Librado-Morata Diosdado Angelo Junior R. Mahipus Rodolfo M. Mande Jaffar U. Marohomsalic Bonifacio E. Militar Myrna G. L’Dalodo-Ortiz Antoinette G. Principe-Castrodes J. Melchor B. Quitain Jr. Alberto T. Ungab Mary Joselle D. Villafuerte Jesus Joseph P. Zozobrado III

ABSENT: Vice Mayor

contain an express provision that the lessee must not sublease the stalls/booths or spaces leased in the building, in whole or in part, otherwise, it shall be a sufficient cause for the revocation of the Contract of Lease, and/or for the ejectment of the stallholder from his/her stall/booth or space, by the City Administrator or his/her duly authorized representative, through a Special Projects Management Board Resolution and in accordance with the law on due process.

Sebastian Z. Duterte

SECTION 11. REPEALING CLAUSE – All other City Ordinances, Executive Orders and Rules and Regulations, which are inconsistent with this Ordinance are hereby deemed amended, repealed or modified accordingly.

SECTION 12. EFFECTIVITY – This Ordinance shall take effect upon approval hereof.

ENACTED, February 22, 2022, by a unanimous vote of all the Members of the Sanggunian, there being a quorum.

CERTIFIED CORRECT:

- OB-Acting City Mayor

ORDINANCE NO. 0895-22 Series of 2022 AN ORDINANCE PRESCRIBING THE FEES AND ESTABLISHING POLICIES, GUIDELINES, RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR THE OPERATION OF THE TWO-STOREY CONCESSIONAIRES’ BUILDING LOCATED IN THE SANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD COMPOUND, THIS CITY Be it ordained by the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Davao City in session assembled, that: SECTION 1. TITLE - This Ordinance shall be known as “AN ORDINANCE PRESCRIBING THE FEES AND ESTABLISHING POLICIES, GUIDELINES, RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR THE OPERATION OF THE TWO-STOREY CONCESSIONAIRES’ BUILDING LOCATED IN THE SANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD COMPOUND, THIS CITY.” SECTION 2. COVERAGE – This Ordinance shall apply to the Two-Storey Concessionaires’ Building located in the Sangguniang Panlungsod Compound, this City, which shall be considered as one of the Special Projects under the City Economic Enterprise Office.

SECTION 3. MANAGEMENT AND SUPERVISION OF THE TWO-STOREY CONCESSIONAIRES’ BUILDING – The management and supervision of the two-storey concessionaires’ building shall be under the Special Projects Management Board, as constituted by the City Mayor.

SECTION 4. RENTAL RATE – There shall be collected a rental fee of P22.00/sq.m./day for the stalls/booths or spaces occupied per square meter by the concessionaires of the said building, payable to the City Treasurer’s Office, on or before the 10th day of the following month.

The rental fee, does not include the cost of utilities, such as, water and electric bills, the actual cost of which shall be for the account of the individual concessionaires.

Failure to pay the rental fee within the period required herein shall subject the concessionaire to a surcharge of twenty-five percent (25%) of the amount of the rental fee plus interest of two percent (2%) per month but not exceeding thirty-six (36) months.

SECTION 5. AUTOMATIC RENTAL RATE INCREASE – There shall be an automatic ten percent (10%) increase in rental fee every two (2) years from the time of the approval of this Ordinance to cover the incremental operating cost of maintaining the areas covered under this Ordinance.

SECTION 6. WHO MAY QUALIFY AS TENANT – Private individuals currently occupying the area at the Sangguniang Panlungsod Compound, residing in Davao City and currently has not incurred any arrearages due to the City Government of Davao shall be the first priority, and private individuals or entities interested in leasing the vacant stalls/booths or spaces for commercial purposes who are engaged in the food business, flower shop business, souvenir/accessory items and any other viable business ventures, including professional services, may apply as tenant in the Two-Storey Concessionaires’ Building under the Special Projects Division, through raffling.

SECTION 7. EVALUATION AND APPROVAL OF APPLICATION – The City Economic Enterprise shall evaluate the qualifications and products of all interested concessionaires based on the criteria, as prescribed under the Implementing Rules and Regulations to be adopted by the Board, and submit the list of qualified applicants and their business/products, for approval of the Board.

Provided that, if the initial total number of applicants-tenants exceed the available number of stalls/booths, the Board shall allocate and award the same to qualified applicants, through a raffle and certify the results thereof to be submitted to the City Mayor, for approval.

SECTION 8. AUTHORITY TO SIGN LEASE CONTRACTS – The City Mayor, through the City Economic Enterprise Manager, is hereby authorized to sign all Lease Contracts for the use of the stalls/booths or spaces in the areas covered by the Ordinance.

SECTION 9. PROHIBITION AGAINST SUBLEASING AGREEMENT – The Contract of Lease shall

AN ORDINANCE PRESCRIBING THE FEES AND ESTABLISHING POLICIES, GUIDELINES, RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR THE OPERATION OF THE TWO-STOREY CONCESSIONAIRES’ BUILDING LOCATED IN THE SANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD COMPOUND, THIS CITY

Use of local dairy to school feeding programs pushed Senatorial aspirant and former Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol expressed dismay over the use of imported dairy products for the country’s school feeding program.

Instead of using imported milk, he said using local dairy products would be a big boost to the industry.

“Instead of supporting our local dairy farmers by absorbing the local milk production to help the in-

SHOT... FROM2

dustry. Here we are again proposing a program which would support imports,” Piñol said.

He said he was saddened when the school feeding program of the Department of Education (DepEd) was dependent on imported milk, supplied by multinationals.

“Indeed, it will take some time before the local dairy stakeholders could supply the needs for the national milk-feeding pro-

gram,” Piñol added.

During his stint as the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Secretary, Piñol emphasized that the major problem faced by the local dairy industry is the access to the market dominated by established multi-national dairy corporations.

He said that even dairy cooperatives had been confined to the marginal markets limiting their growth potential.

ippine Statistics Authority 11 (PSA 11) on Thursday.

House Deputy Speaker and Davao City 3rd District

Rep. Isidro T. Ungab, the principal author and sponsor of the measure at the Lower House, said the approval of

the President for the creation of MDDA augurs well for more development and projects for the Davao Region.

Milwaukee pulled ahead for good 3 1/2 minutes into the game and built a double-digit lead by scoring 12 straight points in the first quarter. Late in the first period, the Bucks began a 23-2 run that helped them extend the advantage to 49-20 with 7:25 left in the second period. Antetokounmpo scored nine straight Bucks points during that second spurt.

Chicago outscored the Bucks 22-11 the rest of the second quarter and got the margin down to 11 on Ayo Dosunmu’s 3-point play with 9:32 left in the third quarter, but Milwaukee’s

Bobby Portis hit a pair of corner 3-pointers 36 seconds apart to make it 7255.

Bulls: The Bulls attempted 52 shots from 3-point range and only 40 from inside the arc. Chicago made just 28.8% of its 3-point shots. ... The Bulls haven’t advanced beyond the first round of the playoffs since 2015, when they beat the Bucks before losing to the Cleveland Cavaliers in the East semifinals. … With LaVine and Caruso unavailable, Javonte Green and Dosunmu made their first career playoff starts.

Bucks: Reserve guard George Hill still hasn’t played in this postseason due to an abdominal strain. Hill had been listed as questionable the injury report Wednesday before getting ruled out, an indication he’s getting closer to a return. Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer said before the game that Hill is “making progress” but added that “he needs more time.” ... The Bucks have won 20 of their last 22 meetings with the Bulls. ...

Jrue Holiday had 10 points and nine assists but also committed six turnovers.

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SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.15 ISSUE 14 • FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 2022

7

Warriors oust Nuggets in Game 5 S

AN FRANCISCO - Stephen Curry scored 30 points in his return to Golden State’s starting lineup and the Warriors beat Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets 102-98 on Wednesday night [Thursday, Manila time] to end the firstround series in five games.

Steph Curry lofts a layup over the outstretched hand of Aaron Gordon. PHOTO: AP

Curry converted a three-point play with 1:33 left and scored again with 29 seconds remaining to help sent the Warriors on to the second round in the Western Conference.

Jokic scored 12 of his 30 points in the final 3:46 and finished with 19 rebounds and eight assists.

The Warriors advanced to play the winner of the Memphis-Minnesota, with the Grizzlies up 3-2 going into Game 6 on Friday night in Minneapolis. Memphis eliminated Golden State in the playin round last year.

Jokic tied it at 90 on an 18-footer with 2:26 remaining before Golden State’s Gary Payton II made a layup moments later. Payton also hit a go-ahead 3-pointer from the baseline corner in front of Denver’s bench with 6:57 left to put Golden State up 8684 and finished with 15.

Jokic converted two free throws with 3:46 left after Draymond Green’s foul the Golden State defensive star wanted called on the

Bucks roll past undermanned Bulls, face Celtics in East semis

M

ILWAUKEE — Giannis Antetokounmpo had 33 points and nine rebounds and the defending NBA champion Milwaukee Bucks routed the Chicago Bulls, 116100, on Wednesday night (Thursday, Manila time) to finish off the first-round series in five games.

The third-seeded Bucks advanced to face second-seeded Boston in the Eastern Conference semifinals, with Game One on Sunday in Boston. The Celtics swept Brooklyn.

After splitting the first two games, the Bucks won the last three by an average margin of 23.3 points. They won those three games

without Khris Middleton, the All-Star who sprained the medial collateral ligament in his left knee during the fourth quarter of Game Two. Chicago didn’t handle the loss of key players quite as well. The Bulls played without the starting backcourt they used for the first four games with two-time All-Star Zach LaVine in health and safety protocols and Alex Caruso in concussion protocol.

The absences enabled Milwaukee’s defense to focus much of its attention on containing DeMar DeRozan, who had scored 41 points in the Bulls’ Game Two victory. DeRozan

Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks win three straight to finish off the Bulls.

7-footer. Jokic wound up 12 for 18 from the floor.

DeMarcus Cousins added 19 points off the bench against his former Golden State team, and Aaron Gordon had 15 points and nine rebounds.

Denver made 7 of its first 10 shots after halftime to turn a 48-48 tie into a 10-point lead, 6656. Curry’s 3 with 4:06 left pulled the Warriors to 68-67.

Curry shot 10 of 22 with five 3-pointers. He came off the bench the first four games with the series beginning one month from when he sprained a ligament in his left foot March 16 against Boston.

Coach Steve Kerr went small with Curry, Jordan Poole and Klay Thompson as Kevon Looney came off the bench. Thompson had 15 points and nine rebounds.

Kerr challenged the Warriors to “get back to being us.” They had given up 30 points off 15 turnovers and committed 27 fouls that led to 36 free throws for Denver in a 126-121 road loss Sunday.

was held to 11 points on Wednesday while shooting 5 of 10.

Antetokounmpo led the way for the Bucks by shooting 11 of 15 from the floor and 11 of 14 from the free-throw line.

Pat Connaughton hit 6 of 9 3-pointers and scored 20 points, and Bobby Portis added 14 points and career-high 17 rebounds.

The Bucks’ largest lead was 29.

Patrick Williams scored 23 points, Nikola Vucevic 19 and Coby White 17 for the Bulls. Vucevic also had 16 rebounds and six assists.

DeRozan was scoreless in the first 26 minutes of the game and attempted just one shot in the first quarter as he tried to get his teammates involved.

The problem was Chicago’s other players weren’t hitting open shots, allowing the Bucks to take command early.

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8 SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.15 ISSUE 14 • FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 2022

TO THE BIG LEAGUE The final score cards gave Mercita Gesta a unanimous decision win.

Kai says he is joining NBA Draft

F

ilipino basketball prospect Kai Sotto is pursuing his desire to play in the NBA by saying he is joining the coming NBA draft.

The 7-foot-3 Filipino made the announcement on his Instagram account on Thursday, while extending his gratitude to the Adelaide 36ers following a season stint with the team in the NBL. “I have declared for the 2022 NBA Draft. Please pray and support me during my quest to fulfill my ultimate dream,” said Sotto.

Kai Sotto dunks during the Adelaide 36ers warm-upKai Sotto, turning 20 next month, tries his luck in the NBA Draft.

Sotto, who will turn

20 on May 11, is looking to become the first full-blooded and homegrown Filipino to play in the NBA. His decision to declare for the NBA draft came just a day after he was named NBL Fans MVP in Australia.

Sotto thanked his family and his management staff East West Private for the guidance and support given him as he tries to pursue his NBA dream.

At the same time, he’s also grateful to the management, teammates, and coaching staff of the 36ers

Kai Sotto, turning 20 next month, tries his luck in the NBA Draft.

as well as agent Joel Beil for making him a better man and a better professional player.

“You all took me under your wings and challenged and mentored me to live up to expectations,” said Sotto.

He also thanked his fans and supporters - both old and new - for lifting him up on this incredible journey.

“Finally, an athlete like me doesn’t get to a certain point of his journey with-

out the help and support of many coaches, trainers, sponsors, media, and even the army of bloggers who write about me endlessly.

I hope to personally thank you all someday,” added the Filipino big man.

VOL.15 ISSUE 14 • FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 2022

GM Wesley So, now a Dabawenyo Paralympic swimmer Ernie Gawilan placed sixth in the finals of the 400-meter freestyle.

The Philippine team expects to make a splash, especially after their superb performance in the recent 2021 Para Dance Sport Polish Open in Łomianki last October 9-10.

San Miguel Beermen center Junmar Fajardo drives to the basket.

PBA

STAYCATION FOR NESTHY Wesley So has captured the 2021 US Open Chess title.

Tzaddy Rangle said he is now ready to compete in the buildup for the Asian Cup Qualifiers.

M

T

anny Pacquiao will reveal his retirement plan shortly after confirming his next contest is on the way to being approved.

his basketball-crazy nation is just about to expand its hoop culture.

Enter Netball, Australia’s most popular women hoop sport. Just how popular Netball is in the land Down Under, just think about how many backyard basketball courts we have and you have an idea.

ABS CBN Sports recently featured an extensive report on the emergin popularity of Netball in the

UPBEAT BIG ENDIN

Sen. Ronald dela Rosa works out at the Arcadia Fitness Gym during a recent visit. (Arcadia photo)

MISSING THE

FGODFATHER, P10

John Riel Casimero (left) and Nonito Donaire (right).

T

he final line up of the 4th batch of enshrinees to the Philippine Sports Hall of Fame (PSHOF) have been selected Friday, March 12.

We could imagine - if we want - that while Brgy. Ginebra and its millions of fanatics were celebrating, Meralco, Norman Black, his coaching staff boys were alone and lonely, sad and solemn.

No, while the loss was like a bad pill to swallow, Black was composed and held his chin up.

His boys - starring import Tony Bishop, Chris Newsome and company - gave their all.

Like soldiers in a fierce battle, they died with their boots on.

Yes, great basketball mentors do not cry on spilt milk.

They wonder, And yes, they congratulate the victors.

Black displayed his gentle-

FRED C. LUMBA

PH karatekas dominate Inner Strength event

SPORTS KEN

POSTSCRIPT PBA GOV’S CUP 2022 manliness by praising the good work that Tim Cone and his platoon did during the best of seven final series that ende 4-2 in favor of the Gin Kings.

Winless in four consecutive meetings in this conference against the Justin Brownlee-led Gin Kings, the law of averages (which I had opined here) did not work in Black’s favor.

For me, I would savor another Meralco vs Ginebra engagement next season if and when both Bisho and JB return for the 2023 Gov’s Cup conference.

By this time, Black would have given encouraging parting words to Bishop who had flown back to the US a day after the

championship concluded.

Black told the sports media that he will sit down with the boys and talk about the next step and team development..

“Then we will have dinner with Tony who is leaving immediately. Management and I will also discuss the draft and future directions,” the multi-titled bench strategist disclosed.

On the other hand, Cone said he was lucky to have Justin Brownlee.

“If any coach had someone like JB, his team would likewise be enjoying winning ways,” Cone stated in so many words during the post-game media chat.

I totally agree. If Black had

Brownlee for his import, chances are he would be the person saying these things instead of Cone..

The Bolts looked like they were headed towards victory when they led 2-1 in the first three matches of the best of seven.

But lo and behold, the Gins made a sudden fiery turnaround by taking the next three games, including the championship clinching 103-92 before a jampacked crowd of 20,000 spectators at the Mall of Asia arena.

JB was indefatigable. And so was Christian Standhardinger who withstood the physicality of his guards thrown against him.

BPC awardee Scottie Thompson was just as energetic and untiring.

In the end, the marvelous sniping by veteran LA Tenorio dashed all hopes of a meralco comeback.

Of course, what made a clear difference were the individual bench contributions of Jeff Chan, John Pinto and Arvin Tolentino.

I am sure Norman will review the tapes (Games 1 to 6) with his assistants and jot down their weaknesses and their failings.

The Bolts were a great team but the Ginebra Kings were even greater. (Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.) GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!