Edge Davao Volume 15 Issue 29 | Wednesday, May 18, 2022 by Edge Davao The Business Paper

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VOL.15 ISSUE 29 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2022

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FIRST EVER

Sara to take her oath as VP in Davao City STORY ON PAGE 2

Presumptive vice president Sara Duterte-Carpio announces she will hold her inauguration on June 19 in Davao City. Edge Davao

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.15 ISSUE 29 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2022

A man folds a tarpaulin of candidates along R. Castillo Street in Davao City a day after the 2022 elections. Dabawenyos are urged to report election campaign materials that remain uncollected or not taken down by the candidates. Edge Davao

FIRST EVER Sara to take her oath as VP in Davao City By MAYA M. PADILLO

“Angay ra pud gyud kay this will be the pride of Davao City and Davao Region nga makakita sa isa ka oath taking sa isa ka vice president, Nagset ta ug date pero wala pa ta nagplano because wala ta kahibalo kung kanus-a ang proclamation basin mulampas pa siya ug June 19 pero nags et nata ug date just in case nga ang proclamation will happen before June 19 so ang inauguration gi-schedule nato on June 19 in Davao City,” Duterte-Carpio said. Duterte-Carpio also said the intention of holding her

inauguration on June 19 is to enable her to attend the inauguration of presumptive President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. Duterte-Carpio said they are also waiting for the proclamation from the Commission on Elections (Comelec). “Wala pay gihatag na date. Sa tinuod lang maikog ko mulihok sa transition on the national level tungod kay wala man gud proclamation basin makaingon sila na kapamati ba aning bayhana ni, gadali dali man. Ang gibuhat nato sa pag-

kakaron na coordination before the proclamation gisugdan na nato and as I said we are waiting for the proclamation and duna na tay intended date for inauguration sa June 19,” she said. Meanwhile, Duterte-Carpio announced that there is a plan to hold a joint oath taking and thanksgiving to all the winners of the Hugpong Ng Pagbabago-Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod (HNP-HTL) candidates eyed next week. “We are planning already ang atoang oath taking and thanksgiving para diri sa leaders sa Davao City, ang amoang gitan-aw na dunganon na lang nato ang atoang joint oath taking sa tanang midaug sa

op 5 cadet of the recently graduated Class 2022 Bagsik Diwa of the Philippine Military Academy, Yyoni Xandria Marie Tiu is an alumni of the Philippine Science High School Southern Mindanao Campus in Davao City. In a Facebook post of

the PSHS-SMC, the science school expressed a congratulatory message to their alumni who was commissioned into junior officer of the Armed Forces of the Philippines by outgoing President Rodrigo Roa-Duterte at the military school’s commencement

exercises yesterday (May 15). No less than President Duterte attended and extended his congratulations to the 214-strong male and female graduating cadets. “Yours is the honor today as it is your parents’ proudest moment. This day

resumptive vice president Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio will hold her inauguration in Davao City on June 19, 2022.

HNP-HTL. We intend to do that seguro next week. Nangita pa ta ug adlaw na puwede nato buhaton ang atoang joint oath taking and thanksgiving,” she said. On the other hand, Duterte-Carpio assured there is no break of the works in the city government of Davao in the transition phase because the staff of incoming Mayor Sebastian ‘Baste” Duterte has been observing the operation of the City Mayor’s Office since February this year. “Diri sa Davao City dugay na nag-onboard si Vice Mayor Baste sa akoang opisina, in fact, since February nga nag-acting mayor siya and kadaghanan sa mga de-

belongs not only to each of you individually but to your parents and loved ones as well. Permit me too, to specially congratulate the top graduating cadets of this class who have shown remarkable leadership qualities and academic excellence,” President Duterte

FFIRST, P10

Davao City crisis center caters to kin of OFWs

he Davao City OFW Family Welfare and Crisis Center has served 18 clients as of Monday, May 16, 2022, the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) said. The figure involved those catered to since May 2, according to CSWDO Head, Atty. Marlisa Gallo. Of the 18 clients, 15 are Davao City residents while the others are from outside the city. Six of them were walk in cases while five others reached out online. Aside from financial assistance for OFWs and their families, the clients benefitted from psychosocial services offered by the OFW Family Welfare and Crisis Center. “Dili tanan OFW maayo ang kahimtang sa gawas … Naay kakulangan sa pamilya, adjustment na pud sa pamilya most especially if the OFW is a family head”. (Not all OFWs find good fortune abroad … Something vital goes missing in the family, the family will need to adjust, especially if the one leaving is a family

head), Atty.Gallo said. In an interview during the Madayaw Dabaw, the CSWDO chief said that although the Ordinance that created the crisis center puts emphasis on aiding documented OFWs, undocumented OFWs are also welcome to reach out to and that their families will not be excluded from the program’s services. Aside from directly providing help to families of OFWs, the Family Welfare and Crisis Center also acts as a coordinating office between Davao Citybased OFWs and the various national government agencies that covers OFW interests, she added. To ensure an efficient system for the program, the CSWDO is set to create a database of Dabawenyo OFWs to better streamline information and acquire accurate demographics of Dabawenyo OFWs all over the world. A city-wide profiling of OFWs is currently ongoing. The OFW Family Welfare and Crisis Cen-

said. He further challenged the graduates, “noontime of June 30, 2022, my public life as President of this republic and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to which all of you belong, comes to an end. In contrast, your re-

sponsibility to uphold, protect and secure people’s rights, lives and properties officially starts today, although I am sure that responsibility was nascent when you enrolled in this academy years ago --- four years to be exact.” (PIA XI/ Frances Mae Macapagat)

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PMA’s top 5 graduate is PSHS-SMC alumni T

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VOL.15 ISSUE 29 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2022

NEWS

Health Technology Assessment Council (HTAC) recommends a second booster shot for healthcare workers and the elderly but World Health Organization (WHO) written requirement for the guidelines is needed before its rollout. Edge Davao

Sara supports face-to-face graduation ceremonies By MAYA M. PADILLO

Davao’s newest abattoirs to boost livestock sector

he city is set to open soon two new slaughterhouses to boost the economic performance of the local livestock sector, as both halal (permissive) and non-halal consumers can now avail of its products. The halal and non-halal slaughterhouses in Purok 3-A, Barangay Malagos will also have a designated space for meat vendors, Joseph Gabut, acting city economic enterprise slaughterhouse chief, said Monday. “It will become a onestop-shop because the pork meat from livestock to carcass proceeds immediately to the blast chiller and supplies to supermarkets, grocery, and meat shops. You can also opt to cut it into choice cuts such as pork chop or adobo cuts,” he said. “For the halal slaughterhouse, there are goats, carabao, and cattle. When the product or meat is

identified as Halal certified, you can expect clamor because there is local patronage for that,” he added. The construction of the two slaughterhouses started in 2020. While the non-halal slaughterhouse has reached its completion, officials are still finishing the halal slaughterhouse for sanitation. “The manpower, facilities, and construction are already set. We are just waiting for the approval of the Slaughterhouse Management Board (SMB),” Gabut said. SMB is composed of the City Veterinarian’s Office, City Administrator, Bankerohan Livestock Multipurpose Cooperative, and City Health Office, among others. The resolution for the full operation of the two slaughterhouses will be released before the end of the month, Gabut said. (PNA)

resumptive vice president Sara Duterte-Carpio is supporting the implementation of face-to-face graduation ceremonies. “I agree. Agree kaayo ko ana nga i-allow ang face-toface na graduation. In fact, I think kita ang pinaka-una nga LGU sa tibuok nasud na nagbuhat og Executive Order na ‘no objection’ sa face-to-face classes from kindergarten to post graduate studies,” Duterte-Carpio said on Monday. In April this year, the

city government of Davao has declared no objection to all face-to-face classes applications of private and public schools, from kindergarten to post-graduate studies through Executive Order (EO) No. 9, Series of 2022, otherwise known as “An Order Declaring No Objection To All Applications For Face-To-Face Classes In

Private And Public Schools From Kindergarten To Post-Graduate Studies.” This following the continuous decrease in the number of cases in the city as well as its active vaccination rollout, there is a need to bolster the reopening of schools for face-to-face classes to ensure continuity of academic instruction as we transition to the new normal. The order, however, underscored that the strict implementation of the minimum public health

standards (MPHS) must still be observed in schools, particularly the wearing of face masks and physical distancing. The Department of Education (DepEd) recently issued guidelines on the conduct of graduation rites in basic education this year. In a memorandum, DepEd said schools and community learning centers in areas under Alert Levels 1 and 2 can choose to hold face-toface graduation rites with limited attendance or a

phernalia) pwede nilang ipadala sa atoa ang picture sa Davao City Disaster Radio na account na messenger para mapadala nato sa mga kandidato para ma-retrieve nila ilang materials,” Duterte-Carpio said. Duterte-Carpio added that the teams of majority of local candidates have already cleaned up streets and poster areas. “To a major extent, na-comply man nila, Duna

pa ko’y mga pipila nga nakit-an nga nakaligtaan or nabiyaan. Pag naa ko’y maagian ginakuhaan nako’g picture, and gina-send nako didto sa kandidato telling them to retrieve their materials. So padayon na siya,” she said. In April this year, Duterte-Carpio issued Executive Order No. 15, Series of 2022, mandating all local candidates to create their respective teams to re-

trieve, re-use, and recycle all local and national election paraphernalia in the city of Davao on May 10, 11, and 12, 2022. The order also mandated local candidates to retrieve, re-use, and recycle all national and local election campaign paraphernalia. Meanwhile, environmental group Interfacing Development Interventions

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Sara wants uncollected campaign materials photographed, reported

resumptive vice president Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio urged Dabawenyos to report election campaign materials that remain uncollected or not taken down by the candidates of the 2022 local and national elections during her Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR) program. “Kung atoang kaigsuunan nga Dabawenyo dunay makita (na para-

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4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.15 ISSUE 29 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2022

Oil firms cut the prices of diesel by P3.10 per liter and gasoline by P.40 per liter starting Tuesday. Edge Davao

DA targets return of NFA rice but only for 4Ps beneficiaries

the Rice Tariffication Law. The law, which allows unlimited importation of rice as long as private sector traders secure a phytosanitary permit and pay a 35-percent tariff for shipments from neighbors in Southeast Asia, took effect in March 2019.

The state subsidized NFA rice was no longer available in the market after August 2019. “Prino-procure ng NFA, ang good for 30 days na kung ‘yun ay magagawa. At ito na ‘yung i-rollover at ibebenta nila through the NFA retailers,” Dar said. “Dapat ibalik ‘yun, ang NFA retailers’ group, para magbenta sila ng P27... [But] executive order na lang yun. It needs just additional budget,” he added. “Directed dapat ang NFA rice na P27, or mahigit P28 or P29, mura pa

rin yun, sa mga 4Ps…hindi na pwedeng pampubliko.” Aside from bringing NFA rice back to the market, the DA was also looking to raise the country’s rice buffer stock from the current seven days. The price of palay would meanwhile be raised to P20 from the current P19 per kilo. “Another way to have cheaper rice in the market is to lengthen or have more buffer stocking by the country. Ang NFA 30 days buffer stocking, ang

(UAH) CEF,” the central bank said in a statement. Through the facility, returning overseas Filipinos from Ukraine as well as their families will be able to exchange their UAH equivalent to not more than P20,000 per eligible person, except for highly meritorious reasons and subject to the approval of the BSP. To avail, eligible ap-

plicants must present the following: • documentary proof of travel from Ukraine (original passport) • or certified true copy of travel document issued by the Philippine Embassy in Poland with exit stamp by Ukrainian authorities or other countries that served as exit points for repatriation The exchange may

be done in BSP head office, regional offices and branches as well as authorized banks, the central bank said. In March, the Department of Foreign Affairs ordered mandatory repatriation after Russia launched military action to invade Ukraine. The facility will be available for a limited time, the BSP said.

o make rice more affordable, the Department of Agriculture (DA) is looking to again make NFA rice available in the market but only for beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program or 4Ps.

The DA’s price monitoring found that the average retail price of regular milled rice was P37 per kilogram while well-milled rice was P41 per kilogram. Agriculture Secretary William Dar said their plan to bring back NFA rice would not need an amendment to

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Bangko Sentral opens forex facility for Filipinos returning from Ukraine

he Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas is opening a currency exchange facility (CEF) for overseas Filipinos and their families who come back from Ukraine. “As part of the BSP’s initiative to assist overseas Filipinos displaced/affected by the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the Monetary Board approved the opening of a Ukrainian Hryvnia

PhilHealth eyes P205B collection in ‘22 with monthly premium hike

hilippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) is targeting to collect P205 billion in 2022 with the increase in monthly premium contribution from 3% to 4%. PhilHealth Corporate Communication Department senior manager Rey Baleña said the added contribution will sustain the benefits for members. “Kung atin pong itutuloy itong 4% na ito at 80,000 per month ay nakatalaga tayong makakolekta ng kabuuang P205 billion sa taong ito,” he said. (If we push through with this 4% contribution at P80,000 per month, we will have P205 total collection this year.) Baleña said a projected amount of P185 billion of the total collection will go to benefit payout this year. “Kung ibabawas natin yung ating projected benefit payout sa taong ito na P185 billion, ay meron tayo na malaki pa na surplus at yan ay magbibigay kumpiyansa sa mga kaba-

bayan natin magpapatuloy yung ating benepisyo sa pangmatagalan,” he added. (If we will deduct the projected benefit payout for this year which is P185 billion, we will have a huge surplus and that will give confidence to the public.) PhilHealth earlier advised that the monthly premium contribution has been increased to 4% for 2022 as provided by the Universal Health Care (UHC) Law. The increase is retroactively effective in January 2022 and will be collected starting June. The 4% premium rate means that those earning P10,000 and below would have to pay P400.00 monthly contribution to PhilHealth. Those earning over P10,000 but lower than P80,000 need to pay a higher monthly premium ranging between P400 and P3,200 while those earning over P80,000 would have to pay a flat rate of P3,200.

EDGEDAVAO

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ECONOMY

A man begs for alms outside a McDonald’s outlet along R. Magsaysay Avenue in Davao City on Tuesday. The American fast-food giant announced it will exit the Russian market and sell its business in the increasingly isolated country. Edge Davao

SoCot lifts 12-year-old ban on open-pit mining Local fiber provider posts 52.5% subscriber growth in 1Q 2022

ocal fiber broadband provider Converge has seen over a 50 percent increase in its residential subscribers in the first quarter of 2022 compared to March last year, with its network now able to reach more than 12.2 million homes nationwide. In Converge’s first-quarter results briefing on Monday, Converge CEO and co-founder Dennis Anthony Uy reported a core net income growth to almost PHP2 billion in the first quarter of 2022, representing a margin of 25.4 percent. “We are seeing a solid growth of our financials in the first quarter of 2022 and we expect to hit our full-year targets as we remain aggressive in our network rollout and marketing activities both in the residential and enterprise segments,” Uy said. In the first quarter of 2022, the company has grown its revenue by 50 percent to PHP7.75 billion compared to the same period last year. Converge said the first quarter of 2022 ended with the company hav-

ing 1,802,202 residential subscribers, a 52.5 percent increase from March 2021. The company also continues to “aggressively” roll out its fiber ports nationwide, reaching 6.5 million ports in March this year, on track to reach its “accelerated target” of 7.5 million to 8 million ports by 2023. In the first three months of 2022 alone, Converge deployed 643,528 new “fiber-tothe-home” ports. This, it said, was the “fastest among the local players in the industry.” As of March 31, 2022, Converge’s nationwide network has reached more than 12.2 million homes, representing 47.3 percent household coverage. The company’s network is on track to reach its accelerated target to cover about 55 percent of households in the Philippines by 2023. Another aspect of Converge’s revenue growth is the continued increase in its enterprise customers, or small and medium en-

FLOCAL, P10

reading, particularly the removal of the prohibition on open-pit mining. The Diocese of Marbel, which is staunchly opposing the Tampakan

project on concerns over the environment, food security and human rights, vowed to mobilize protest action against this development, hopefully within the week. Marbel Bishop Cerilo Casicas said “parang may betrayal” in the decision of the provincial board to lift the ban on openpit mining, noting, among others, that results of the public consultation in February was not tackled by the plenary. “The future of the province was decided this

morning in 15 minutes,” the prelate said in a press conference late Monday afternoon, stressing the members present did not even explain their stance. “We will not take this sitting down. We will not take this silently,” he emphasized. The session was presided by board member Glycel Mariano-Trabado, in place of Vice Gov. Vicente de Jesus, who was on leave. Present during the plenary session were

of the margin for Adverse Deviation (MfAD) in our policy reserves,” president and chief executive officer Michael Regino said in an emailed statement. “MfAD serves as a buffer for conservatism, which we have considered in our financial statements beginning 2021,” he continued. The agency is mandated to provide social justice and provide protection to members and their families against the hazards of disability, sickness, maternity,

old age, death, and other contingencies resulting in loss of income or financial burden. Regino in the statement also assured that the reported losses do not affect the current cash flow and funding situation, and it remains “financially viable” or providing benefits to its stakeholders. Cash inflows stood at P262 billion in 2021, with cash outflows of P234 billion composed of benefit payments, and P28-billion

operating expenses. The agency also noted that policy reserves are forward-looking estimates of net liabilities in the future, covering benefit payments which will be released to members and their beneficiaries moving forward. “These future liabilities need to be recognized now as these provide us an accurate view of our longterm financial standing, which serves as our guide, as well as for the govern-

fter three consecutive weeks of shunning deliberations on the proposal to lift the controversial ban on open pit mining in South Cotabato, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan on Monday approved the measure, removing the decades-long thorn in the throat of the $5.9-billion Tampakan project, Southeast Asia’s largest untapped copper-gold minefield. Without objections or dissenting opinions from the SP members present, the plenary approved the amendment of the Environment Code on second

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SSS says P843.9B net loss due to change in acctng standards

tate-run Social Security System (SSS) on Tuesday clarified that the P843.9-billion net loss it incurred last year was due mainly to the change in accounting standards during the period. According to the social insurer, the net loss was due to a shift into the standards in line with the Philippine Financial Reporting Standards (PFRS) 4. “This increase in net loss from the previous year is due to the recognition

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6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.15 ISSUE 29 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2022

On the implementation of faceto-face graduation ceremonies:

I agree. Agree kaayo ko ana nga i-allow ang faceto-face na graduation. In fact, I think kita ang pinaka-una nga LGU sa tibuok nasud na nagbuhat og Executive Order na ‘no objection’ sa face-to-face classes from kindergarten to post graduate studies.” Presumptive vice president Sara Duterte-Carpio

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL.15 ISSUE 29 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2022

VANTAGE POINTS

HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

CLEAR AND PRESENT DANGER “We cannot stop natural disasters but we can arm ourselves with knowledge: So many lives wouldn’t have to be lost if there was enough disaster preparedness.” – Petra Nemcoya ***

The Philippines, with more than 7,000 islands, is the third most vulnerable country to weather-related extreme events, earthquakes, and sea level rise. “Absent of land barriers, the Philippines is exposed directly to multiple climate-related hazards such as typhoons (in the northern and eastern parts), floods (in central Luzon and southern Mindanao), landslides (based on terrain), and droughts, making the Philippines more vulnerable to climate risks than other Southeast Asian countries,” said Getting a Grip on Climate Change in the Philippines, a World Bank report. Each year, about 20 tropical cyclones – locally known as bagyo – enter the Philippine area of responsibility. “By the end of this century, tropical cyclones are expected to intensify, with a projected increase in the average instantaneous maxi-

mum wind velocity at the Philippine coast,” the World Bank report stated. Floods, which often accompany typhoons, are likely to create havoc among informal settlers, which account for 45% of the country’s urban population. “(They) are particularly vulnerable to floods due to less secure infrastructure, reduced access to clean water, and lack of health insurance,” said the World Bank report. Climate change will definitely reduce food production in the Philippines. “Many of the country’s poor derive income from agriculture, fishery and natural resources that are vulnerable to climate change,” said World Bank Country Director Motoo Konishi. Scientists attribute climate change to the rise in global temperature brought about by increased emissions of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane. Increased emissions of these gases have been attributed to human activities such as burning of fossil fuels in motor vehicles and power plants, degradation of forests, and change in land use. The warming of the earth, scientists say, is causing problems including extreme weather

events like prolonged droughts, intense rains and flooding, storm surges, and intensifying and more deadly storms. Climate change impacts are aggravated by rapid environmental deterioration, population growth and movement, and unsustainable development practices, according to the World Bank report. In Mindanao, for instance, widespread mining and deforestation were blamed for recent flash floods, including those produced by Typhoon Sendong in 2011, which cost the lives of about 1,000 people. One government official puts it: “There is no better way of protecting our people from floods, slides and other hazards brought by typhoons than making them aware and ready on what to do when these situations arise.” That’s what disaster preparedness is all about. Disasters often recur in the same place – annually or with a gap of some years, observed Bob Hansford, disaster risk management advisor at Tearfund, a Christian relief and development agency. In 1972, Central Luzon was inundated due to four storms – in July to August – that hit the

region. When Typhoons Pedring and Quiel visited Central Luzon, the region was again flooded. In his article, “Managing disaster and building safer communities,” Hansford talks about the four things that happen when a disaster strikes: emergency response, rehabilitation, mitigation, and preparation. “In the first few days and weeks after a disaster, there is a need for search and rescue, medical care, food, water, sanitation and shelter, as well as emotional support,” explains what an emergency response is. Rehabilitation comes next. “As the weeks pass, houses need to be repaired, water supplies restored, and livelihoods reinstated,” Hansford says. “Rehabilitation is often called recovery.” Mitigation is closely linked to rehabilitation. Examples include: stronger or raised houses, water pumps on raised platforms, alternative crops to cope better with flood or drought. “Mitigation activities help to ‘build back better,’ making the community more resistant to future hazards,” he says. Preparation is getting ready for the next disaster that comes. For a storm or flood, it means

establishing a warning system, setting aside food or water stocks, making ready an evacuation center or training volunteers. But how prepared are Filipinos when disasters strike? Some years back, I had an opportunity to talk with Dr. Teofredo T. Esguerra, a flight surgeon who is an expert on emergency medical services. “We do not have a rescue or pre-hospital law in the country,” he said. “Our psyche is not much into it.” When asked on how we can respond to disasters, Dr. Esguerra replied: “Filipinos should make it like a part of their lives. They should be like Japanese who are always prepared; in fact, they have some survival kits which have already become a part of their day-today activities. “We have to be like the Japanese who know they are sitting on the top of a volcano or Israelis who are surrounded by potential enemies,” Dr. Esguerra suggested. “After all, we are along the disaster and accident corridor. We need to have all the knowledge (of all potential disasters) and the readiness (should these disasters come).”

ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA FAST BACKWARD

RIZAL DAY, 1944 Even under Japanese rule, Rizal Day was an occasion the colonists ordered observed na-tionally under Proclamation No. 18, signed by President Jose P. Laurel on June 7, 1944. The event was established for the Kabataang Pangarap ni Rizal (KAPARIZ)., a national youth brotherhood. In his declaration, Laurel quoted Manila’s Rizal Day edict, namely Ordi-nance No. 18, which hopes ‘to instill in the Filipino youth an abiding interest in Rizal’s life so that they will exert every effort to observe his teachings and follow his examples. In part, Laurel’s proclamation called for ‘a national observance of a fitting nature of June 19, Rizal birthday, would be an excellent means of focusing the minds of the people, especial-ly the young, on the life and teachings of the national hero; and…

that such national ob-servance [is] given a timely and special meaning with respect to the Kapariz movement.’ In Davao City, Davao Times (now Mindanao Times), the Japanese controlled publication, came out with a moving editorial titled ‘A Thought for Today,’ written by its editor, Celestino Chavez, the first elected governor of Davao Province, which goes: ‘We celebrate the birthday and execution day anniversaries of Dr. Jose Rizal, our national hero, with all the pomp, ceremony, and grand flourishes we can muster, year in and out. ‘Today, the 83rd anniversary of his birthday, is no exception. Today, June 19, hundreds of thousands of Filipinos paid, and are paying, homage to his imperishable memory, deliv-

ering oratorical masterpieces and heaping handsome floral offerings under the shadow of the Rizal memorials dotting the archipelago. It cannot be denied that throughout the ‘2A hours of today the spirit of Rizal reigns supreme, his devotion to the Philippines and things native acquiring more luster with the passage of the years. But what of those who initiated or participated in today’s gorgeous public demonstrations? ‘Can they lay claim, after dispassionate self-appraisal, to having imbibed the immortal teachings, even the fundamentals if Rizal? We do not doubt that there are many whose pat-riotism and personal integrity can stand any acid test but we are equally sure of the existence of a number whose moral fiber and loyalty are, putting it mildly, question-

able. Thus, what price gigantic colorful assemblies if unaccompanied by even just sparks of the burning flame that was in Rizal? Or marred by the elements of apathy, skepticism, or vacillation among the participants? When the spiritual and physical selves do not harmonize, the place of worship itself is defiled. ‘And what after the last polished adulatory sentence has been spoken and the flowers curled up and died? ‘But it is never too late. It is never too late to be worthy descendants of Rizal and the other inspiring figures who made Philippine history, by “allowing ourselves to do the deeds of our forefathers” as the Good Book expressed. It is never too late to adopt new senses of values. ‘Let us live the Rizal way, solidly faithful to our heritages,

venerating deeply our precious past, unselfishly loving one another, and above all, loving our country to the death. Let us be the Filipinos Rizal wanted us to be, in thought, in word, [and] in deed. The observance in Davao was marked by a brief morning march from the City Hall to the Rizal monument of Rizal at the rotunda of Magallanes and Claveria Streets. Guest speakers were city mayor Juan A. Sarenas and judge Rafael Castillo of the Court of First Instance. The attendees included THE superintendent of city schools Agustin Pañares, Natividad Iñigo Oboza, Gregorio Gonzales and wife, and Philippine Constabulary commander Erasto Batongmalaque, public school teachers, and employees of national, provincial, and local agencies.

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VOL.15 ISSUE 29 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2022

COMPETITIVE EDGE

SLICES OF SUMMER AT THE SM STORE

Cycling stuff - jackets, tees, shorts and leggings from Bo Athletics.

Bring stylish slices of summer to your wardrobe with fashionable pieces from The SM Store. Swing into summer with cool and breezy tiered dresses in pastel shades from SM Woman., and complete your look with a Zarah Sling Bag from Parisian Woman, as well as slip-ons from Parisian Woman and Solemate. Or take the fun and fitness route with sporty Hem Band Tees and Jogger Pants from SM Woman’s Active Department. While working out, keep healthy and hydrated with lots of water from an

AXCS Double Walled Insulated Tumbler from SM Woman’s Accessories. Guys, on the other hand, can explore the city streets with cycling gear from Bo Athletics. There are jackets, tees, shorts and leggings at the Men’s Wear Department, as well as bike helmets and round digital watches. Fun footwear can also add a lot of zest into one’s summer wardrobe - Sprint’s Tino, Peak and Jarvis Slip-ons, Milanos’ Farley Sandals, and World Balance’s Intrinsic Sneakers from SM Men’s Shoes Department. And since kids can

now enjoy summer outdoor activities, they can be fashionable too, enjoy the sun and have fun while beating the heat

Stay fit and cool despite the summer heat with this mauve tee and jogger pants. Available at the SM Woman Active Department at The SM Store.

Step into summer and walk with ease with Cierra Sandals from Kicks made with rubber outsoles and a secure velcro closure.

waves with cool and chic reusable Animal Tumblers with cute animal design and matching lid with straw cover. Comfy and stylish shoes, slip-ons and sneakers from Sugar Kids and Tough Kids are also a great for kids on the go. These are all available at The SM Store’s Kids Department. Shop now and add

Light and breezy Tiered Dress from the SM Woman’s Department.

to cart: https://bit.ly/ SMEverydaySummer or order now from The SM Store Personal Shopper at thesmstore.com/PS or Facebook Messenger bit. ly/TSSOrder and get it as early as same day!

Nonprofit group brings back inperson community engagement

After more than two years of lockdowns, quarantines, and social isolation, nonprofit group I am M.A.D. (Making A Difference) revived its award-winning flagship program called “MAD Camp” with its first comeback face-to-face community engagement held recently at Tampayan Elementary School in Magdiwang, Sibuyan Island, Romblon. Awarded as one of the Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations (TAYO) in 2016 for Culture and the Arts, Peace and Human Development, I am M.A.D. regularly conducts a MAD Camp in key areas nationwide. The community outreach program gathers volunteers together to facilitate values formation activities and engage school children ages 10-12 with games, team-building, storytelling, and workshops. These activities are designed to promote positive Filipino traits, inspiring them to see themselves as dreamers and future leaders with a heart for service. “The past few years have overwhelmed most of us, leaving some with a feeling of isolation and a sense of cabin fever. We strongly

believe that volunteering and coming together again physically can help break the spell, and I am M.A.D. has always been open to anyone who would like to be of service to others,” said Maco Ravanzo, co-founder and chief executive volunteer of I am M.A.D. “With so much going on in the world that seems out of our control, giving back to our local communities even in the smallest of ways can be tremendously empowering and make a real difference,” Ravanzo added. Community engagement in a pandemic Many things have changed because of the pandemic, including observing minimum public health standards, but not the importance of community engagement. Community engagement has the ability to reconnect people at a time when a helping hand or a sincere smile is appreciated. Volunteering even with some physical restrictions is a great way to interact again with the community as the COVID-19 pandemic wanes. Although traveling in the era of COVID-19 creates much inconvenience with intensified local coor-

The volunteers and participants of the first comeback in-person community engagement of I am M.A.D. (Making A Difference) at Tampayan Elementary School in Magdiwang, Sibuyan Island, Romblon.

dinations and activity protocols, this year’s 71st edition of MAD Camp in Romblon brought together 30 passionate volunteers from across the country, including six new recruits from Sibuyan Island. It was participated in by 53 school children who each received a “Bag of Dreams” gift set filled with school supplies and its very own activity booklet titled 10 M.A.D. (Munting Aksyon na Dapat) Gawin ng Batang Pilipino. One of the highlights of the camp was a mini-retreat and an emotional encounter

with the students and their parents or guardians after the latter’s short session with the volunteers. Completing the voluntourism experience was a “MADventure” where volunteers had the chance to explore the raw beauty of Romblon by visiting some of its natural attractions such as the Dalipi River with the majestic Mt. Guiting-Guiting in the background, Sanctuary Garden, Lambingan Falls, Magdiwang Beach, and the Cantingas River. Reviving voluntourism

Combining volunteer work with leisure travel— that is volunteer tourism or voluntourism—is I am M.A.D.’s approach in securing participant-facilitators for its MAD Camp program. As the world reopens, it is clear that COVID-19 has had a profound impact on people’s lives and encouraged more meaningful and purposeful travel. I am M.A.D. expects to see a rise in travellers looking for more purely local experiences and transformational travel opportunities.

The group hopes to contribute to this revival of voluntourism that, when well planned and managed, can benefit volunteers themselves, community segments, the business and hospitality sectors, and the local environment. Voluntourism can add value to communities when it supports the achievement of a longer-term and sustainable community project or goal. I am M.A.D. does this by providing resources to initiatives that otherwise would not receive support or are being neglected.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.15 ISSUE 29 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2022

AGRITRENDS

Rice fields: It’s now a golden opportunity for farmers to plant golden rice in their farms.

FILIPINO FARMERS CAN HELP

FIGHT VS. VITAMIN A DEFICIENCY Text and photos by HENRYLITO D. TACIO Additional photo by IRRI

ilipino farmers can now help the Department of Health (DOH) in its fight against vitamin A deficiency (VAD). This can be accomplished by planting golden rice in their farms. Golden rice, a genetically-engineered rice variety, was approved for commercial propagation last year. And Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), an attached agency of the Department of Agriculture, is now ramping up its seed production operations so that it can deploy the seeds to interested farmers soon. In fact, last May 6, PhilRice handed over golden rice seeds to farmers who will participate in the expanded golden rice seed production in the coming wet season planting. The ceremonial handover was witnessed by Agriculture Secretary William Dar during his visit to the institute’s central experiment station in the Science City of Muñoz in Nueva Ecija. “We are committed to ensuring the highest quality of seed for farmers and

a safe and nutritious food supply for all Filipinos,” said Dr. John de Leon, PhilRice executive director. Golden rice contains additional levels of beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A. “Golden rice is engineered to provide up to 50% of the estimated average requirement for vitamin A of young children, the age group most susceptible to VAD in the Philippines,” said PhilRice in a statement. In the Philippines, VAD continues to be “a significant public health issue” as it affects nearly 17%, or two million Filipino children under the age of 5, based on the 2018 Expanded National Nutrition Survey conducted by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). VAD results from a di-

etary intake of vitamin A that is inadequate to satisfy the physiological needs. “It may by exacerbated by high rates of infection, especially diarrhea and measles,” the World Health Organization (WHO) explained in its website. VAD is common in developing countries like the Philippines but rarely seen in developed countries like the United States and Great Britain. The most severe effects of this deficiency are seen in young children and pregnant women in low-income countries, the WHO

Rice plants: Golden rice grows just like ordinary rice.

Golden rice: VAD prevalence may be curtailed by eating this kind of rice (IRRI).

said. According to WHO, night blindness is one of the first signs of VAD. “In its more severe forms, VAD contributes to blindness by making the cornea very dry, thus damaging the retina and cornea,” the United Nations health agency pointed out. Data from WHO showed an estimated 250,000 to 500,000 children who are vitamin-A deficient become blind every year. “Half of

them die within 12 months of losing their sight,” the WHO added. The WHO said deficiency in vitamin A is associated with significant morbidity and mortality from common childhood infections. It described VAD as “the world’s leading preventable cause of childhood blindness.” In addition, VAD also contributes to maternal mortality and other poor

FFILIPINO, P10

10 EDGEDAVAO FIRST ... FROM2

sisyon gikan February were decisions made already by Acting Mayor Sebastian Duterte. We do not expect na dunay break sa transition phase kay sa karon even sa akoang opisina duna na’y mga staff si Vice Mayor Sebastian Duterte

na nagakingkod didto and nagatan-aw sa pag-operate sa amoang office and sa City Administrator as well. Nagsugod nata ug coordinate sa ilaha sa trabaho sa executive department,” Duterte-Carpio said.

ter is located within the CSWDO main office on Magallanes St. For those who wish to know more about the services of the

crisis center can call their hotlines: 09999943577 0822256214 or email them at: ofwcenter.davaocity@gmail.com.CIO

“hybrid ceremony” that involves live-streaming. DepEd also advised schools to consult with the local government

and parents regarding the conduct of graduation ceremonies, which must strictly comply with Covid-19 protocols.

(IDIS) called on winners and losers in the May 9 polls to collect and dispose of their campaign paraphernalia properly. This after the group documented piles of election wastes in the Catalunan Pequeno and Talomo areas. If allowed to remain, this can cause choking of drainage systems, urban wildlife ingestion, and waste pollution, and grow larger and may at-

tract both solid and hazardous waste dumping, thereby generating an adverse impact on humans and the environment. In a statement, IDIS executive director Lawyer Mark Peñalver said that almost a week after the May 9, 2022 national and local elections, several campaign materials are uncollected, many of them left on sidewalks and open areas. By Maya M. Padillo

provincial governments another 30 days,” Dar pointed out. “Sumatotal, we have 60 days buffer stocking

strategy and the procurement of palay at P20, hindi na babaratin ng mga traders ang mga rice producers,” he said.

board members Hilario De Pedro VI, principal author of the proposal to remove the ban on open pit mining, Edgar Sambog, Dardanilo Dar, Noel Escobillo, Antonio Fungan, Eamon Gabriel Mati, Henry Ladot, Rolando Malabuyoc, Alyssa Marie Fale and Rose Grace Achurra. In a video taken during the recent campaign period and now circulating on Facebook, de Pedro, chair of the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, told a campaign sortie here that “he is against open-pit mining.” De Pedro, son of the late South Cotabato Gov. Hilario de Pedro III, sought reelection during the May 9 polls. He, however, did not land in the winning circle. “We are doomed,” said environmental activist Chinkie Peliño-Golle, a resident of this city, after the provincial board lifted the ban on open-pit mining. Board member Ester Marin Catorce, who openly stood against the lifting of the open-pit ban, was not present during the session. She was designated as acting governor, as Gov.

Reynaldo Tamayo is on leave. Board members Ellen Grace Subere Albios and Jinky Avance-Samodal were also on leave. Since 2010, the openpit mining ban hounded the giant Tampakan project, which has been pursued by Sagittarius Mines, Inc. since the early 2000s. SMI earlier revealed in a study that the most viable way to extract the minerals is through openpit mining. The Tampakan project is touted as the largest undeveloped copper-gold minefield in Southeast Asia and among the biggest of its kind in the world. It has the potential to yield an average of 375,000 tons of copper and 360,000 ounces of gold in concentrate per annum in the expected 17year life of the mine. SMI has repeatedly vowed to employ “responsible mining” in the Tampakan project. Casicas appealed to South Cotabata Gov. Reynaldo Tamayo Jr to veto the decision of the provincial board to lift the ban on open-pit mining. (Bong S. Sarmiento / MindaNews)

ment in ensuring that we will be able to continuously serve our current

and future members and their beneficiaries,” Regino said.

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outcomes of pregnancy and lactation. It also diminishes the ability to fight infections. “Even mild, subclinical deficiency can be a problem, because it may increase children’s risk for respiratory and diarrheal infections, decrease growth rates, slow bone development and decrease the likelihood of survival from serious illness,” the WHO said. The American Academy of Ophthalmology says VAD can be treated with vitamin A supplements. “The amount of supplements depends upon the age of the child. Vitamin A supplements can reverse night blindness. It can also help the eyes become lubricated again,” it says. Filipino experts believe golden rice is one of the best ways to cut the prevalence of VAD. “It is clear that multiple approaches are required in fighting VAD. An additional tool in the toolbox such as golden rice – one that can be seamlessly integrated into the everyday lifestyles of even the poorest sectors of society – can be a concrete, sustainable solution to ensure proper nutrition,” said the Laguna-based International Rice Research Institute (IRRI). Although rice (known in the science world as Oryza sativa) is a complex carbohydrate, its protein contains all eight of the essential amino acids and complements the amino acids found in many other foods. It is low

in sodium, fat, and fiber, it is easily digested. Most of the rice available in the market is enriched, which means, besides its other assets, it is also supplemented with iron, niacin, and thiamine. But most of these added nutrients are lost if rice is washed before cooking or drained afterward. By putting beta-carotene in rice, Filipinos can have the much-needed vitamin A. “The beta-carotene produced in golden rice grain is identical to the beta-carotene in green leafy and many types of yellow-colored vegetables and orange-colored fruit, and identical to synthetic beta-carotene found in many vitamin supplements and food ingredients,” the IRRI says. “I always say there are interventions like diversifying diet, breastfeeding, fortification and so on,” admitted Dr. Violeta Villegas, IRRI golden rice project coordinator. “They’re working but the fact remains that there’s still a sizable portion of our population not reached by these interventions.” Studies reviewed and published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that golden rice is an effective source of vitamin A for adults and children. “While golden rice is expected to cost and taste the same as regular rice, its beta-carotene content makes it a valuable asset in the battle against vitamin A deficiency (VAD),” IRRI said.

terprises (SME), corporates, large enterprises, and wholesalers. “The reopening of the economy and gradual thriving of SMEs has aided the segment’s growth. Revenues for the Enterprise business amounted to PHP935.5 million in Q1 2022, 25 percent higher versus PHP749.7 million in Q1 2021. SMEs contributed 20 percent to the total, and by themselves grew by 118 percent year on year. SME subscribers of Converge reached 25,810

as of March 21, 2022 - a growth of 200 percent,” Converge said. To date, Converge has shown a return on invested capital (ROIC) of 17.3 percent. “Converge maintained an industry-leading return on invested capital (ROIC) of 17.3 percent, due to the company’s disciplined approach in deploying capital to expand its fiber network and tracking key capital efficiency indicators such as port utilization ratios,” the report read. (PNA)

raising dancesport’s contribution to five, counting another gold last Sunday. Bowler Merwin Tan ruled the men’s singles and ended an 11-year golden drought by the keglers; 110-meter hurdler Clinton Kingston Bautista kept his crown as the athletics team raised its haul to three golds; while Jocel Lyn Ninoble triumphed in women’s poomsae of taekwondo. Swimmer Chloe Isleta also joined the gold medal parade, ruling the women’s 200-m backstroke. Vietnam all but wrapped up the overall title won by the Philippines in 2019 but Pinoy athletes, whose stint here is backed by the Philippine Sports Commission, stayed in contention for second overall

with a total harvest of 3034-43 to Thailand’s 34-3550. The host team zoomed away from the field with an 83-50-55 harvest. “If it’s up to me I wanted to win all the medals in all the events,” said Yulo, who ended up sharing the horizontal gold with Ding as decided by the organizing committee. “I thought I lost the gold there,” said Yulo, who was informed of the interesting decision by Gymnastics Association of the Philippines president Cynthia Carrion. “There were two golds (in that event). The difficulty of Caloy’s performance was much higher and the landing (of the Vietnamese) was not perfect. We should have scored higher,” said Carrion.

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The beta-carotene in golden rice is identical to the beta-carotene found in green leafy (malunggay, for instance) and yellow-colored vegetables (carrot and squash), orange-colored fruits (mango and papaya), and even in many vitamin supplements and food ingredients. But one good thing about golden rice is that no company owns it. Thus, farmers can plant them anytime and anywhere. “Golden rice is being developed by a non-profit group with the aim of providing a new source of vitamin A to people both in the Philippines, where most households get most of their calories from rice, and eventually in many other places in the world where rice is eaten every day by half the population,” wrote Amy Harmonaug in an article which appeared in The New York Times. The men credited for discovering the golden rice were Ingo Potrykus, who was 65 at that time and was about to retire as a professor at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich, and Peter Beyer of the University of Freiburg. “My team targeted vitamin A deficiency because this is one of the largest health problems worldwide,” Prof. Potrykus was quoted as saying. Golden rice has been bred with local rice cultivars in the Philippines and Taiwan and with the American rice cultivar “Cocodrie.” The first field trials of these golden rice cultivars were conducted by Louisiana State University Agricultural Center in 2004. According to scientists, field testing provides a more accurate measurement of nutritional value and enables feeding tests to be performed. In the Philippines, the first-generation golden rice was first tested in advanced field trials in IRRI in 2008. The second generation of selected varieties was field tested in the wet season of 2010. At the state-owned PhilRice, confined field trials of advanced lines were conducted in February to June 2011. “The field trials are an important step in evaluating the performance of golden rice and to determine if it can be planted, grown, and harvested just like other popular rice varieties,” PhilRice said in a statement. “These trials are also part of the safety assessment of golden rice.” In 2019, golden rice

passed a rigorous biosafety assessment in the country and was declared “as safe as conventional rice” by the Bureau of Plant Industry of the Department of Agriculture. “As soon as the necessary approvals are in place, golden rice can be made available to the public.” In July last year, golden rice was approved for commercial propagation. It has already received food safety approval in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the United States. It is currently undergoing final regulatory review in Bangladesh. Research and development of golden rice adhere to scientific principles developed over the last 20 years by international organizations like the WHO, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and the Codex Alimentarius Commission. Although golden rice has met significant opposition from environmental and anti-globalization activists, more than 100 Nobel laureates in 2016 encouraged use of genetically modified golden rice. Both IRRI and PhilRice never claim that golden rice “will totally solve VAD.” In most of their issued statements, both have always emphasized that golden will serve as a complement – not a replacement – to current strategies to ease VAD, referring to supplementation, fortification, and eating diverse diets. “When and where these (strategies) are not available, golden rice is an option, with the decision to plant or consume golden rice still left to each individual,” said a press statement. Meanwhile, farmers have not to worry about planting golden rice which may have harmful effects on other rice varieties. “Golden rice is not likely to impact organic agriculture through cross pollination,” PhilRice assures. According to PhilRice, cross-pollination in rice is rare if plants are separated by a short distance of a few meters. “Cross-pollination in rice is uncommon, unless all the rice plants are flowering at the same time,” it explains. “Rice pollen is normally viable for only a few minutes after flowering.” In other words, organically-grown rice will not cross-pollinate naturally with other cultivated rice, “unless they are growing close together and flowering at the same time.”

11, but rallied and grabbed a 38-34 lead by halftime. Fajardo drained a jumper with 1:07 left in the game for a 75-68 lead but the Filipinos just couldn’t put the Thais away, a part of it because of their own doing. Thirdy Ravena missed two free throws and older brother Kiefer split two foul shots with 6.7 seconds, giving Thailand an opportunity to tie the game with a three. Gilas coach Chot Reyes said he knew that Thailand

would put on a challenge having four players with American heritage in Moses Morgan, Fred Lish, Jeremy Morgan, and Antonio Price Soonthornchote, who topscored with 18 points. “This was really the team that I was worried about,” Reyes said. “We are playing four Americans and we knew that this is a high-quality team. I don’t want to say that I expected it but I knew that there is a possibility that that start would happen.”

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL.15 ISSUE 29 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2022

SPORTS

Yulo caps stint with 5th gold in SEA Games H

ANOI. – Carlos Yulo completed a five-gold romp while dancesport scored four rousing victories Monday as the Philippines came up with its best performance yet in the 31st Southeast Asian Games here, going on a 10gold medal rush to stay on the coattails of Thailand in their heated battle for second overall.

Yulo, 22, expectedly triumphed in the apparatus where he is the reigning world champion, dominating the vault finals and adding a surprise gold in the horizontal bars as he ended his stint here with a shot at becoming the best male athlete. After wowing the crowd at the Quan Ngua Sports Palace with a runaway victory in the vault where he scored 14.700 points, Yulo returned hours later and tied for first in the

The horizonal bars gold was the fifth gold medal by Carlos Yulo, counting his earlier victories in the men’s all-around, floor exercise, and rings, on top of silver medal finishes in the men’s team event and parallel bars.

horizontal bars with Ding Phuong Thanh of Vietnam, both scoring 13.867 points. The horizonal gold was the fifth gold medal by Yulo, counting his earlier victories in the men’s all-around, floor exercise, and rings, on top of silver medal finishes in the men’s team event and parallel bars. He matched the fivegold haul recorded by a forgotten sports hero, Rolando Albuera, who achieved the feat in the Jakarta 1979 SEA Games where the Philip-

pines collected a total of 24 gold medals and finished fourth overall. Overall, artistic gymnastics contributed 7 gold medals, 4 silvers and one bronze to the Philippine drive here, the best finish by Pinoy gymnasts in memory. The other two gold medals were contributed by Fil-Am Aleah Finnegan in the women’s team and vault while adding a silver medal in the balance beam, losing to Malaysia’s Rachel Yeoh Li Wen (12.56712.467). Aside from Yulo’s last day golden double, also contributing to the country’s cause was the dancesport pair of Jean Mischa Aranar and Ana Nualla, who completed a golden treble in tango, Viennese waltz, and all final dance standard at the Long Bien Gymnasium. Mark Jayson Gayon and Mary Joy Renigen contributed the fourth gold for the day, ruling the slow foxtrot,

FYULO, P10

Thais give Gilas a scare

ANOI - Gilas Pilipinas turned to June Mar Fajardo when it mattered most to shake off a brave Thailand side, 76-73, in a rocky start to its men’s basketball title defense at the 31st Southeast Asian Games.

Fajardo finished with 28 points and 12 rebounds to help the Philippines survive a tenacious stand by the Thais, who led by 10 early in the game and had a wide-open shot at a three-pointer that could’ve sent the game into overtime. After misses from the foul line by Gilas, Naikorn Jaisanuk blew an open corner three at the buzzer to

the relief of Gilas coaches as well as the Philippine team’s nervy supporters in the stands. Gilas took the victory against one of the teams seen as a threat to its quest for a gold in men’s basketball with a improved lineup, some of whom helped the Thais unseat the Philippines as 3x3 champions. Gilas fell behind, 21-

FTHAIS, P10

FRED C. LUMBA SPORTS KEN

A TRIUMPH OF THE HUMAN SPIRIT T’was on a Friday the 13th that UP accomplished what many may describe as a miracle bordering on superstition. Sorry but yours truly does not subscribe to such shallow error-prone human beliefs. The Maroons’ hard-earned 72-69 overtime, title-clinching victory over Ateneo in the just concluded UAAP war was - for all intents and purposes - a triumph of the human spirit. The Maroons deserve our sincere congratulations, don’t they? Lacking the championship experience that their more es-

tablished and more organized opponents had nurtured for many years, the Diliman boys drew their motivation from the enduring inner strength that is called faith. Faith in their abilities, faith in their coaching staff, faith in their collective goal and - shall I interject - faith in God. I also want to give Tab Baldwin a tap on the back for his masterful handling of the Eagles who displayed true grit and poise all throughout the season. But, as the saying goes, you simply can’t win them all. Ateneo was seeking a four-

peat and the Katipunan squad almost did it. When the State U dribblers punched a hole on Ateneo’s seemingly invincible armor at the end of the prelims, my suspicion got heightened that the 36year title drought was coming to an end. The fact is that the coaching staff led by Goldwin Monteverde and senior consultant Bo Perasol scrambled to carve a dependable platoon for the season out of the resources they had at hand. Transferees like Ricci Rivero, CJ Cansino and JD Cagulangan blended beautifully with rookie

of the year Carl Tamayo, James Spencer and Xavier Lucero who played like their individual lives were on the line. I credit Spencer’s game tying trey in Game 1 and Cagulangan’s similar feat in Game 3 that sent these two matches to overtime, without which UP would have been a goner. Coming from behind twice to snatch the win was in itself the visual testimony that UP’s victorious march was truly - as William Falkner wrote - a triumph of the human spirit. Believe it or not, a new rivalry has replaced the old DLSC vs

Ateneo expectation. In the 90s when Arturo Valenzona was mentoring FEU, there was the Archers - Tamaraw feud. Then Ateno came into the scene and then UST with Aric del Rosario piloting the Glowing Goldies to multiple title conquests. UAAP is much more alive now that the Fighting Maroons are already considered in the championship equation. I see my friend Joe Lipa sipping his favorite coffee and grinning ear to ear. (Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo. com.) GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!

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VOL.15 ISSUE 29 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2022

The Philippines’ Kiefer Ravena in action during the game against Thailand won by Gilas 76-73.

GETTING IT DONE

Bautista win opens bid for PH boxers

AC NINH CITY. – Ian Clark Bautista opened the campaign of the Philippine boxing team on a high by scoring a lopsided unanimous decision win over Singaporean Mohammad Hanurdeen Bin on Monday night as men’s boxing competition in the 31st Southeast Asian Games got going at the Bac Ninh Stadium. Bautista, the 27-year-old veteran from Binalbagan, Negros Occidental, controlled the three-round fight, landing punches perfectly from all angles to get the nod of the five judges and advance into the men’s featherweight semifinals on Friday. “We trained a lot for this Southeast Asian Games so we’re praying to accomplish more,” said Bautista, the 2019 bronze medalist. “I will do my very best to sweep the bouts and hope to bring home gold for our country.” Bautista, a member of the Philippine team since 2009, will next take on Cambodian Rangsey Sao, who beat Sheikh Rahmatullah of Malaysia in their quarterfinals bout. Another Filipino pug, James Palicte, beat Vietnamese Vu Thanh Dat 4-1 in the

men’s lightweight class to move to the quarterfinals against Cambodian Touch Davit in one of the fights set Tuesday. Also on Tuesday, Thai Open champion and 2019 gold medalist Rogen Ladon battles Malaysia’s Muhammad Abdul Qaiyum in the men’s flyweight quarterfinals. The Philippines lost at least a silver medal when the women’s middleweight class, where Hergie Bacyadan is competing, was scrapped by organizers due to lack of participants. Bacyadan, a former wushu practitioner who is the reigning Thai Open champion, confirmed that only the Philippines and Vietnam fielded entries in the division. For an event to push through, at least four entries are needed.