Edge Davao Vol. 15 Issue 54 | Thursday, June 16, 2022

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SWAB TEST CONTINUES Covid-19 TF debunks claims swab testing has been stopped STORY ON PAGE 2

A young boy plays with his peer on the heart-shaped figure of the “I love Mati” signage at the city’s baywalk area. Mati City is currently celebrating its 15th cityhood in time for the 19th Pujada Bay fest. Edge Davao

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2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.15 ISSUE 54 • THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 2022

President Rodrigo Duterte is briefed by former Bases Conversion and Development Authority President and CEO Vivencio Dizon on the amenities of the National Academy of Sports in Capas, Tarlac during his inspection, on June 14, 2022. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

SWAB TEST CONTINUES Covid-19 TF debunks claims swab testing has been stopped

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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Schlosser said this in reaction to a report expressed on the Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR) broadcast that the cases of Covid-19 are currently low because the city does not conduct swab testing

anymore.

“That is not true. In fact, for our three cases, we have swabbed 553 and that is the reason why ang atong positivity rate is only 0.5 percent. For the information of everybody, wala

ta nag-undang sa atoang mga istratehiya even if gamay ang atong cases,” she said over DCDR on Wednesday.

Schlosser added that strategies against Covid-19 are still in place and that the city government of Davao has not dissolved such strategies such as the Prevent, Detect, Isolation, Treat, Reintegration (PDITR) as well as the test, trace, and treat strategies.

“Nagpabilin ang atoang

he Department of Interior and Local Government XI (DILG XI) lauded Davao de Oro for having the best Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) in the region.

Noel Duarte announced during the second semester meeting that in the performance audit conducted by DILG, the PPOC of Davao de Oro got a perfect score in 2018, 2019 and 2021.

According to Memorandum Order No. 2022-013, the audit focused on organization; meetings; policies, plan, and budget; reports; innovation; and general supervision.

Duarte added that in 2021, the provincial council got 102% in 2021 because of its innovation – the E-DdOKasyon sa Pagbabago Program.

Under the Oplan Pag-

babago program, the E-DdOkasyon enables the children in geographically isolated, disadvantaged, and conflict affected areas with less risk of COVID-19 transmission to hold face to face classes.

In close coordination with DILG and the Department of Education, the program covered seven schools in Compostela, New Bataan, and Pantukan.

avao City Covid-19 Task Force spokesperson Dr. Michelle Schlosser reminded Dabawenyos that swab testing for second-generation (F2) and third-generation (F3) close contacts of Covid-19 positive continues in Davao City.

contact tracers, naa ta’y mga laboratries ug kung need sa tao i-swab, we do have swab testting center ang Sta. Ana, it is still there and the Covid CLuster Clinic is also doing that. Naa gihapon tay quarantine, isolation and reintegration of those who recovered. Naa gihapon tay telemedication or teleconsultation. Wala ta’y gi-dissolve apan gipadayon siya. The reason why dili ingon ana ka highlighted because wala na kaayo

Aside from the said program, Governor Jayvee Tyron Uy attributed the feat to the peace initiatives and programs of the council, which include Bayanihan sa Paaralan, Kusina ng Kalinga, Oplan Liwanag, and Oplan Bagong Buhay. “(I’m) proud to leave the governorship on June 30 na atong natuman ang atong saad nga kalinaw para sa

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Davao de Oro peace, order council is best in the region T

FDAVAO, P10

PhilHealth-11 implements 4% hike in premium rate for 2022

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he Philippine Health Insurance Corporation in Region XI has advised the public that the implementation of the four percent (4%) increase in the member’s premium rate for calendar year 2022 has taken effect in January this year.

The minimum monthly premium of the direct contributors will now be P400.00 with an income floor of P10,000.00, and up to P3,200.00 with income ceiling of P80,000.00, PhilHealth-XI public relations officer Johanna Blason bared during Monday’s episode of Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Davao.

According to PhilHealth’s advisory earlier, the adjusted premium rate shall take effect in the Electronic Premium Remittance System (EPRS) and the PhilHealth Member Portal starting the applicable month of June 2022.

“This years’ implementation is to make sure to have enough fund for the implementation of expansion benefits of universal health care,” Blason stated.

She cited the “Konsultang Sulit at Tama” Package or Konsulta Package, an expansion of primary care benefit which is newly-implemented to cover all Filipinos as mandated by the Universal Health Care Law. She explained that the package offers compre-

hensive outpatient health services such as free medical consultations, health screening and assessment and access to selected diagnostic services, and medicines.

All PhilHealth members and dependents are qualified to avail of the outpatient package in accredited health service providers.

In Davao City, Blason bared that there are 18 public health centers which provide the free services included in the package.

There are 11 accredited health centers in Davao Oriental, while there’s one each from Davao de Oro and Davao del Norte, she said.

There are 13 laboratory and diagnostics examinations, such as complete blood count with platelet count, urinalysis, fecalysis, sputum microscopy, fecal occult blood, pap smear, lipid profile, fasting blood sugar, oral glucose tolerance test, electrocardiogram, creatinine and HbA1c.

Also included in the package are 21 drugs and medicines, under the following categories: anti-microbial, fluid and electrolytes, anti-asthma, anti-pyretics, anti-diabetic, anti-dyslipidemia, anti-hypertensives, anti-thrombotics and anti-histamine.

(PIA-XI/Zerah Come)

EDGEDAVAO

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NEWS

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A member of Davao City Auxialiary Unit walks by the signage of People’s Park, which is being used as one of the city’s vaccination centers. The city government of Davao will soon close down all vaccination sites and the inoculation of anti-Covid vaccines will be administered in the health centers. Edge Davao

P47 wage increase favorable for both laborers, employers: DOLE 11 Mendoza hopes to continue partnership with PRRM

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overnor-elect Emmylou “Lala” Taliño-Mendoza recently met with the officials and members of the Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement (PRRM) and discussed her continuing partnership and support with them.

PRRM, which will be celebrating its 70 years of rural development service in partnership with rural communities in the Philippines this year, is an NGO committed to uphold the Credo of Rural Reconstruction which continues to guide its work in the fields of community empowerment and education, local economic development, health for all, ecological sustainability and resiliency building.

Founded in 1952 by Dr. Y.C. James Yen together with prominent Filipino families, PRRM has partnered with local communities in several provinces in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. In these provinces, PRRM’s partners/ volunteers are farmers.

In its 70th year, PRRM aims to continue to learn

from its decades of experiences, triumphs and failures which PRRM chapters will recall and hopefully document for next-generation PRRMers.

“The PRRM Cotabato chapter joins in celebrating 70 years of rural reconstruction tradition,” Mendoza said.

Access to education, along with other basic services, continues to be the top priority of Mendoza for the Province of Cotabato and will be given prominent attention through her “Serbisyong Totoo” advocacy programs.

Mendoza is known for her programs that benefited the Cotabateños, especially the youth of the Province of Cotabato, such as scholarship programs for the youth, leadership and livelihood programs for in-school and outof-school youth, feeding program for daycare centers, and many more that created a positive impact towards the youth.

In 2021, Mendoza was awarded as Honorary Vice Governor of the Year at the

FMENDOZA, P10

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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n official of the regional office of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE 11) maintained that the implementation of the P47 wage increase is a favorable solution for both the labor sector and the employers.

The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB)-Davao has approved on June 3, 2022 the minimum wage increase of P47 and will be given in two and three tranches.

DOLE 11 director lawyer Randolf C. Pensoy, who is also the chairman of the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board 11, stated this following the claims of some labor groups that the wage increase is

too low considering the high prices of commodities.

“We understand the situation of our labor sector in the Davao Region. But as we considered them, we also consider the management or the employers, and in the DOLE we have to balance. There is a demand to increase and we know prices are high, we understand the commodities are increasing we need to balance,” Pensoy said during the Wednesdays

amilies involved in the talks the opening of Mati City airport for commercial operations have already given their consent in writing, according to Vice Mayor Glenda Rabat-Gayta.

“Right now they are finalizing ng mga documents, all the heirs have already signed, for both the Rocamoras and Ra-

bat. It’s just a matter of time. You know how documentation is. We are all excited and hopefully, ma-open na siya and that would be another good thing for Mati,” she said in an interview during the opening of 15th Cityhood Day of Mati and the 19th Pujada Bay Festival over the weekend.

Rabat-Gayta added

that the families are now prioritizing perfecting the ownership of the airport.

“I think they are targeting before the end of this month, before the turnover to the next administration and we are hoping that all the documents will be done. For now, we are looking forward to the development of the airport,” she said.

Habi at Kape media forum at Abreeza Mall.

Pensoy said the government has to balance the equilibrium and come up with a favorable solution after some labor groups petitioned for a wage hike.

“The increase of which amount does not satisfy the longing of some labor sectors but we have to balance because this is not only for labor but also of the management, the government

The airport was built in the early 1980s under then Davao Oriental Governor Francisco G. Rabat.

In an interview with Mayor Michelle Rabat in 2019, she said one of the main improvement works needed is an expansion of the existing runway to accommodate bigger aircraft.

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Heirs of land owners give consent to open Mati airport F FHEIRS, P10

4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

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A vendor selling watermelon waits for customers on a quiet Wednesday morning at Bankerohan Public Market in Davao City. Edge Davao

33 businesses to receive Bagwis Seal from DTI 11

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hirty-three business establishments in Davao Region will be the recipients of the 2021 Bagwis Seal from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) 11.

The conferment of recognition signifies that the awardees have met the qualifications and the set standards in upholding the rights and welfare of consumers. This is alongside their constant practice of responsible business operation where consumers get the best value for money.

DTI 11 Regional Director Maria Belenda Q. Ambi shared that the awarding, which is tentatively sched-

uled for July or August this year, is the agency’s way of showing its appreciation to the business sector for being its ally in promoting consumer protection.

“We want to emphasize that protecting consumers is everyone’s business. Whether you are a micro-entrepreneur or a multi-national firm, you have the responsibility to institutionalize mechanisms on how to satisfy

your customers. This is exactly the very reason why the DTI Bagwis Award highlights those that consistently embrace the value of consumer protection,” the trade official said.

Ambi added that the Bagwis Award is among DTI’s initiatives that aim to encourage business establishments to consistently adhere to the existing fair trade laws (FTLs) and become more responsible in their operation.

Part of the agency’s mandate is on consumer protection; hence, it implements programs that will empower them, including various consumer advocacy

campaign strategies.

“We commit to promote the continued safety and protection of consumers by intensifying our advocacy campaigns. We do these through consumer education seminars and webinars, dissemination of information materials throughout the region, and production and posting of video clips on our social media pages. We also partner with some private institutions to reach a wider audience and educate more consumers,” Ambi said.

The trade official further shared that one important content of the said cam-

said.

It has a portfolio of 10 community malls and 2 Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) registered office buildings, VREIT president and CEO Manuel Paolo Villar said during the listing ceremony.

The company has a total gross leasable asset of 256,404 square meters.

Villar said the company offers a mall experience at par with the world. Its mall businesses have also proven to be resilient during the

pandemic.

“We are optimistic of the prospect of a reinvigorated economy with the easing of restrictions,” Villar said.

Proceeds of the initial public offering of P4.8 billion will be used to invest in 12 high-rise and medium-rise mixed-use condominiums and 5 mixed-use development, the Philippine Stock Exchange said.

Although smaller in terms of capital raised, its dividend yield “stands out

as a giant”, estimated to be at 8.25 percent in 2022 and 8.99 percent in 2023, PSE president Ramon Monzon said during the listing ceremony.

The Villar Group is led by the country’s richest man, tycoon Manny Villar.

VistaREIT is the group’s 6th listed company, Monzon said with 2 more in the pipeline.

CORE ASSET CLASS With the inclusion of VistaREIT, the total capital

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Villar group’s VistaREIT lists on PSE, sees big dividend yield in ‘22, ‘23

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he Villar group’s VistaREIT Inc on Wednesday listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange while projecting one of the highest dividend yields in its asset class.

VistaREIT is sponsored

by Villar-led companies including Masterpiece Asia Properties, Inc., Manuela Corporation, Vista Residences, Inc., Crown Asia Properties, Inc., and Communities Pampanga, Inc., filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission

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73 applicants hired on the spot in Kalayaan Job Fair

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he Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) XI recorded at least 73 applicants who were Hired-On-The-Spot (HOTS) during the 2022 Kalayaan Trabaho, Negosyo, Kabuhayan (TNK) Fair from June 10 to 12, 2022 at the NCCC Mall Buhangin, Davao City.

Among the HOTS applicants was Ms. Ma. Rozitte Shane Villagonzalo, 29, who was hired as a nurse bound for United Kingdom

by ASC Global Recruitment, Inc. “This is my first time to attend a job fair and it became extra memorable when I got hired on the spot. I have always thought that nurses like me are least likely to get hired at a job fair but I was mistaken. In fact, everyone has a chance and is welcome here,” she shared.

Most of the HOTS were customer service representatives, service crew, and sales staff. Of the total 822 applicants who registered for the three-day job fair, 275 applicants were classified as “near hires” or job seekers who are considered hired but are required to submit additional requirements and documents.

Hosted by the DOLEDavao City Field Office

(DCFO), in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) XI, Public Employment Service Office (PESO) Davao, and NCCC Mall, the 2022 Kalayaan TNK Fair brought together 42 local employers, eight (8) overseas employers, and one (1) government agency, with a total of 10,887 job opportunities. The job fair adapted a hybrid recruitment process in the new normal in which the pre-registration, screening, and job matching stages were managed via online systems, whereas interviews with the job seekers were conducted face-to-face at the venue.

“We are always glad to welcome both our job seekers and employers to this activity. The opportunities that we have at this job fair is an indication that our economy in Davao Region is revived as we shift from response to recovery. As shown in our employment rate in the first quarter of 2022, we have reached 95.2%, slightly higher from last year, and a significantly lower unemployment rate of 4.8%,” said DOLE XI Regional Director Atty.

Randolf C. Pensoy in his message during the event.

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ECONOMY

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Department of Labor and Employment 11 (DOLE 11) director and Wage Board chair lawyer Randolf Pensoy discusses the new minimum wage in Davao Region during this week’s Habi at Kape at Abreeza mall. Edge Davao

Duterte upbeat on continuity of economic policies, infra projects P Tower firm edotco says data demand to drive growth in PH

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elco tower company edotco said on Tuesday that demand for network connectivity will drive the firm’s growth in the Philippines.

Suraj Narayanan, acting country managing director of edotco’s Philippine subsidiary, noted that a large part of the country’s 110 million population avidly uses social media, which he said drives data demand.

“I see everybody TikToking everywhere. Demand for data is everywhere so that’s what we’re looking at and we are confident that the Philippines has a huge potential and we believe the Philippines will deliver,” he said.

Tower companies construct and operate cell towers for sharing or colocation among telecommunications firms, which reduces costs for telcos and allowed them to focus on delivering services to subscribers.

Narayanan said the Philippines currently contributes about 15 percent of the group’s revenue, but this could potentially increase by an additional 5 to 10 percent in the next few years given.

“Philippines is proba-

bly the last country which has high potential growth in demand. It’s just simply a good country for us from a business perspective...I am very optimistic to see that there will be a huge growth, especially with COVID it has made it a catalyst for further expansion,” he added.

The Philippines has one of the lowest tower-to-subscriber ratios in Southeast Asia with only about 26,000 towers.

In 2018, the government said around 50,000 new towers need to be built for the country to be at par with its neighbors.

The government then said it hopes to hit this target in 5 years’ time.

But Naranayan said it was more likely for the country to achieve this goal of 50,000 tower builds in 7 to 10 years.

He noted that the permitting process has improved in recent years.

From up to 27 permits, which could take at least 8 months to complete, constructing a telecommunication infrastructure now only needs about 7 to 8 permits and could take about 4 months, he said.

FTOWER, P10

resident Rodrigo Duterte is optimistic that President-elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. will continue the economic policies and infrastructure projects initiated by his administration, a Palace official said Tuesday night.

“Just a few months ago or a month ago, he (Duterte) did come out with our economic agenda that hopefully, the incoming administration would continue,” Deputy presidential spokesperson and Communications Undersecretary Michel Kristian Ablan said in an interview with CNN Philippines’ Politics As

Usual.

Ablan was referring to the 10-point policy agenda approved by Duterte in March this year to fasttrack economic recovery and drive broad-based expansions across various sectors amid the prevailing coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

Duterte on March 21 is-

sued Executive Order (EO) 166, ordering the adoption of the 10-point policy agenda to sustain current economic gains, minimize the pandemic’s long-term adverse effects, and restore the country’s development trajectory.

EO 166 directs the government offices to strengthen health care capacity; accelerate and expand the vaccination program; further reopen the economy and expand public transport capacity, and resume face-to-face learning.

It also orders the national government to re-

tructural reforms during the Duterte administration have allowed the government to keep tax and revenue effort levels remaining at improved levels during the pandemic, a ranking Department of Finance (DOF) official said.

In a virtual briefing hosted by the Integrated Development Studies Institute (IDSI) on Tuesday, DOF Undersecretary Mark Joven said tax effort, or the

index of the share of tax collections to gross domestic product (GPD), rose significantly in 2019.

Joven said tax effort increased to 13.9 percent in 2019 from 12.4 percent during the second Aquino administration and 12.2 percent during the Arroyo government.

He said revenue effort, or the share of government revenues to GDP, went up to 15.4 percent from 14 percent in the first Aquino

administration and 14.1 percent during the Arroyo administration.

“And even during the pandemic years, 2020 and 2021, we see that revenue effort did not fall significantly compared to earlier economic and financial crises like the Asian financial crisis and the subprime crisis,” he added.

Joven said tax effort normally drops during a crisis, but noted there was little slippage for these gauges

duce restrictions and standardize local government units’ requirements on domestic travel, as well as relax requirements for international travel.

The EO likewise mandates the state departments and offices to accelerate digital transformation through legislative measures and provide for enhanced and flexible emergency measures through legislation.

Under the EO, the national government is also told to shift the focus of decision-making and gov-

for the Philippine government during the currHe attributed this to structural reforms implemented by the current administration on the country’s tax system.

Joven said the government “shifted from a predominantly income-based taxation system to a more consumption-based taxation system.”

“This, essentially, makes it more efficient to collect taxes,” he added.

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PH tax reform gains seen even during pandemic: DOF exec S FPH, P10

6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

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On claims that cases of Covid-19 are currently low because the city does not conduct swab testing anymore:

That is not true. In fact, for our three cases, we have swabbed 553 and that is the reason why ang atong positivity rate is only 0.5 percent. For the information of everybody, wala ta nag-undang sa atoang mga istratehiya even if gamay ang atong cases.”

Dr. Michelle Schlosser

Davao City Covid-19 Task Force spokesperson

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VANTAGE POINTS

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HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

THE HAZARDS OF MERCURY From Baguio to Davao, skin whitening cosmetics that contain the toxic chemical mercury are still proliferating. Most of these beauty products are entered into the cities illegally, according to EcoWaste Coalition, a toxics watchdog group.

“Our latest market investigation covering nine cities from Baguio to Davao shows blatant trade in smuggled cosmetics, particularly facial creams, with undisclosed mercury content as high as 30,410 parts per million (ppm),” said Aileen Lucero, the group’s national coordinator.

“Companies target and lure consumers into buying these facial creams with the promise that using these so-called skincare products will lighten the skin tone, get rid of dark spots, and fight aging,” she said.

Test buys conducted by the group from March 27 to April 27 collected 44 facial creams sold for P62 to 250 each at cosmetic, general merchandise, and Chinese drug stores operating in the cities of Baguio, Tarlac, Angeles, Mabalacat, Manila, Pasay, Pasig, Antipolo, and Davao.

Except for one, the products have been flagged by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for containing mercury and/or

for lacking the required Certificate of Product Notification (CPN).

If mercury is harmful to our health, why are we still using it?

Mercury is a liquid silver metal that has found many uses in industry. The Haribon Foundation, an environmental group, says that in the Philippines, mercury is primarily used for processing gold, lead and zinc. It is also used in making batteries, electrical materials, chlorine, and caustic soda, paint, medicine, paper, dental amalgam and pesticides.

Scientists reveal that 65% of the mercury found in the atmosphere comes from burning coal and 25% comes from burning garbage. Mercury is also an ingredient in beauty products such as soaps, lotions, hair-straighteners, skin bleaches and many more.

Why is there so much ado about mercury?

The reason is that mercury is a hazardous chemical once it is present in the food chain and absorbed by human beings. Once mercury is released into rivers, lakes, and other aquatic environments, bacteria can transform the mercury into its organic form - highly toxic methylmercury. Mercury,

in this form, can be absorbed by creatures living in water. It increases in concentration (socalled “biomagnifying”) as it moves up the food chain to fish and then to humans.

“All humans are exposed to some level of mercury,” says the Geneva-based World Health Organization (WHO). “Most people are exposed to low levels of mercury, often through chronic exposure (continuous or intermittent long-term contact).

“However, some people are exposed to high levels of mercury, including acute exposure (occurring over a short period of time, often less than a day).

An example of acute exposure would be mercury exposure due to an industrial accident.”

According to WHO, there are factors that determine whether health effects occur and their severity. These include: the type of mercury concerned; the dose; the age or developmental stage of the person exposed; the duration of exposure; and the route of exposure (inhalation, ingestion or dermal contact).

One of the best-known cases of mercury poisoning happened in 1956 and it was called Minamata disease since it was found in the communities near Minamata Bay, Japan.

Minamata disease is caused by eating large quantities of fish and shellfish polluted by methyl mercury in factory wastewater. It is not a contagious disease transmitted through air or food, and it is not inherited.

In Minamata disease, the mercury that enters the body mainly attacks the central nervous system, including the brain, and causes various symptoms including numbness and unsteadiness in the legs and hands, tiredness, ringing in the ears, narrowing of the field of vision, loss of hearing, slurred speech, and awkward movements.

Historical records showed that some early severe victims of Minamata disease went insane, became unconscious, and died within a month of the onset of the disease.

Humans have had a long history with mercury, and it is well known, for instance, that mercury was used in the gold plating of the Great Buddha in Nara, and in the Edo period in medicine and facial powder.

Furthermore, Japanese place names such as Niu indicate areas where mercury was produced and used long ago.

Mercury has long been known to be toxic; the phrase “mad as a hatter” refers to the

19th-century occupational disease that resulted from prolonged contact with the mercury used in the manufacture of felt hats. Some workers today, especially laboratory technicians, nurses, and machine operators, continue to be exposed to mercury on the job.

Mercury is classified into inorganic mercury and organic mercury. Metallic mercury, which is a type of inorganic mercury, is used in familiar items such as fluorescent lights, batteries, and thermometers.

The methyl mercury which caused Minamata disease is a type of organic mercury. It is a white powdery substance and smells like the sulfur in a hot spring. It is easily absorbed from the stomach into the blood and carried to the liver and kidney, and then the brain and even the fetus, where it is absorbed and concentrated and causes great damage to the human body.

Meanwhile, Haribon shares some recommendations. Individuals are urged to avoid using products that contain mercury like mercury batteries; bury all non-recyclable products containing mercury in the ground to keep it from scattering in the environment (do not burn it as it may contaminate the air).

ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA FAST BACKWARD

BUSHWHACK AT LUPON Law enforcers in southern Mindanao when Davao was the epicenter of the communist insurgency movement suffered a humiliating encounter on October 17, 1985, when the New People’s Army (NPA) waylaid a police unit from Lupon, costing the life of the town’s police chief.

Seventy fully-armed rebels ambushed a joint 15-man police and paramilitary force led by Lt. Arnold Malintad on a mission to recover the body of a woman publicly executed in front of her husband and children over an hour earlier for being suspected as an informer by the NPA. The ambush took place at Cabadiangan, Lupon, Davao Oriental, early in the morning.

The suspected informant, according to media reports, was a relative of one of Davao Oriental Francisco Rabat’s close-in

security guards, the ‘Blue Boys,’ that secured the provincial capital. This relationship was purportedly the reason why she was distrusted.

Another reason cited for her death was in retaliation for the number of rebels killed by the military operatives during the several encounters between the two contending forces.

Aside from Lt. Malintad, a former chief of police of the towns of Manay, Sigaboy (Gov. Generoso), and Mati (now a city), those killed in the waylay included Patrolman Pama and militiamen Juan Kasan, Dante Godoso, Rolando Magno, and Jun Caya.

Apparently, nobody tipped the police-led contingent about the impending surprise attack.

Survivors’ accounts say the rebels had already positioned themselves along the roadside

when they pounced on the unprepared police patrol jeep. A one-hour gunfight ensued but the law enforcers had to tactically withdraw to ask for reinforcement. They also brought along with their retreat three of their wounded companions.

Lt. Malintad, who was Lupon station commander for less than a year, managed to hit back by shooting at close range NPA Commander Cambol who approached to collect his firearm. Playing dead with a cocked gun, he fired at the rebel leader and fatally hit him.

The other insurgents who saw the incident ran towards the mortally wounded police chief and finished him off.

Overall, the ambush and the subsequent gunfight between the law enforcers and the insurgents cost the lives of 11 persons.

Two weeks earlier, on October 3, government troops with help of the Mandaya tribesmen, ambushed and killed three of southern Mindanao’s most wanted rebel commanders and 27 of their men at sitio Sangab, barangay Pichon, in the town of Caraga, Davao Oriental.

Slain were Commander Saulo (Alexander Navarro), commanding officer of the 234 th Secondary Regional Guerrilla Unit (SRGU) of the CPP-NPANDF; Commander Ramel (Pablo Estander), member of the 234 th SRGU company operational command; and Commandeer Karim (Joel Fernandez), member of the 234 th MRUGU battalion operational command.

The ambush was prearranged after Davao Oriental provincial command under Lt. Col. Carlos E. Peña received information the communist rebels

under Front 15, which covered the towns of Tarragona, Malay, Baganga, and Caraga, had scheduled a plenum.

People’s Daily Forum, a Davao-based daily paper, reported in its October 6, 1985, edition: ‘Briefed on the unusually large communist groups about to converge in the area, Col. Peña immediately organized the ambush platoon and another team led by Capt.

Binang A. Hadjiril, 433 rd PC commanding officer. The ambush platoon, which was under the operational control of the Philippine Constabulary command, had positioned itself hours before the ambush.

The second team has likewise sealed all possible routes from a handful of ambush survivors believed straggling in the neighboring areas of sitio Sangab.’

8

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VOL.15 ISSUE 54 • THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 2022

COMPETITIVE EDGE

CONCENTRIX PRIORITIZES EMPLOYEES AND REITERATES CALL FOR GOVERNMENT FISCAL INCENTIVES TO FURTHER INCREASE EMPLOYMENT

Concentrix, the single largest private employer in the country with over 100,000 staff, continues to place the highest importance on its people.

In its continued attempt to do so, it has taken into consideration what matters most to its staff, including providing them the opportunity to undertake hybrid work arrangements that enable them to have a better work-life balance and avoid the burden of the rising costs of fuel and the inconvenience of commuting.

This is one of the many ways the company contributes to nation-building: by providing productive employment that also accomplishes complementary goals that help families, communities, the environment, and the government.

Concentrix has continuously partnered with the IT-BPO industry association and its members as well as the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) in attempting to convince relevant government stakeholders to not only allow hybrid work arrangements but also to continue to incentivize them, owing to the multiple ways that these work arrangements benefit staff and promote countryside development.

Concentrix and the industry have always advocated that the government must strongly consider extending help through the continuous grant of fiscal incentives, which other countries have done based

on the understanding that, as exporters of service, the outsourcing industry must remain competitive.

It is therefore clear that tax incentives are necessary for the industry to be able to grow and realize its potential to add tens of thousands of jobs in the country.

As a customer experience solutions and technology leader, Concentrix currently has a significant work-from-home population.

It has currently chosen to maintain this level of

work-from-home in clear support of prioritizing its staff and their needs.

However, Concentrix continues to implore the government to assist – and not impair – all efforts towards further increasing employment opportunities, which the industry can only achieve if the government recognizes the all-around benefits of hybrid work arrangements and acts accordingly.

Concentrix is not only the country’s largest private employer with a nationwide presence.

It is also the recipient of ICT (Information and Communications Technology) Awards as Best Company, Best Employer, Best Foreign-Owned Company and Best BPO Contact Center for two years in a row in 2020 and 2021.

Amit Jagga, SVP and Country Leader of Concentrix Philippines reiterated that “Alternative work arrangements provide unique benefits for our industry and people as we operate continuously, are disaster-resilient, global-customer facing

and technology-driven by nature.

It is also timely considering the current global issue of rising fuel costs that would be financially detrimental to a return-to-office approach, not just for businesses but for staff themselves to bear.

Our clients and their customers around the world have embraced alternative work and alternative modes of customer contact which provide a superior experience for them.

If potentially higher

camera can capture stunning details on landscape shots and portraits. And with the 120Hz AdaptiveSync AMOLED display, they can view their photos and videos in the best quality. (Great news: This smartphone can be pur-

chased at a more affordable price via the ongoing Price Slash Promo!)

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Workout enthusiast Jogging, biking, or sports – whatever physical activity your dad is into, the Xiaomi Smart Watch S1 can help keep track of their workout progress. They can enjoy 117 modes depending on their routines, and monitor their health via the Bio Sensor and High Heart Rate Alerts. Get one for yourself so you can be your dad’s fitness buddy.

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Movie buff Movie marathons and binge-watching TV series will never be the same with the 43” Mi P1 Smart TV. Its wide color gamut brings rich and vivid colors for an immersive viewing experience. It also comes with a 360° Bluetooth remote control that works from any direction.

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Gamer god Update dad’s gaming den with the Xiaomi Curved Gaming Monitor 34” with ultra-high definition. This is ideal for those who are building their dream PC setup as

BEST TECH GIFTS FOR EVERY DAD THIS FATHER’S DAY

Our dads are usually into gadgets. From phones to computers, they aspire to get the latest models that suit their lifestyles, and interests.

With Father’s Day coming up, it’s the perfect time to show your love and grati-

tude to our dads with the best tech gifts: A one-stop shop for cool, functional gadgets is Xiaomi. The brand not only offers top of the line smartphones. Here are some smart home items from Xiaomi that every

dad will appreciate.

Casual photographer For dads who are looking to upgrade their phones, the Xiaomi 11T Series is the perfect allaround smartphone, especially if he loves photography. Its 108MP pro-grade

fiscal taxes in the Philippines are imposed for work-from-home and hybrid-work employers like Concentrix, this action will erode our country’s attractiveness to foreign investors who are looking for partners who have scale and flexibility in operations and staffing.

We truly believe that flexible work models are key to ensuring the Philippines’ global competitiveness, represent a progressive way to the future, and should be strengthened and encouraged.” its captivating picture quality achieves a conducive environment for your avid gamer dad.

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Music fan Albums and podcasts will sound so much better with hi-fi sound quality. The Xiaomi Buds 3T Pro delivers dimensional audio and has a Noise Canceling Technology for dad’s distraction-free listening. Their compact design also makes it the ideal companion while on the move.

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Self-stylist Some dads prefer to style their facial hair on their own, which is why you should consider getting them the Xiaomi Mi Electric Shaver. It has Smart controls that deliver consistent speed and power for a sharp, thorough shave every time.

Shop the Xiaomi Mi Electric Shaver here.

Make this occasion special with these Father’s Day gift ideas.

Check out Xiaomi’s offerings on its official website and Lazada. For more updates and information, follow Xiaomi’s Facebook page.

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ENVIRONMENT

9

Davao Gulf is one of the major fishing grounds in the country.

OCEANS UNDER MAN’S ASSAULT:

WILL THEY SURVIVE? Text and photos by HENRYLITO D. TACIO

“F

rom afar, aliens might see the obvious: the ocean is Earth’s life-support system,” observed Sylvia A. Earle, former chief scientist of the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. “The services provided are so fundamental that most of us who live here tend to take them for granted.”

The ocean’s seminal contribution to the planet was life itself. Scientists believe that the very organisms were bacteria that developed in the depths of the seas some four billion years ago. There were the evolutionary forerunners of all subsequent organisms, and helped create the conditions under which life could evolve.

“Only around one-tenth of 115 million square miles of the ocean floor has been explored and charted,” said Don Hinrichsen, author of Coastal Waters of the World: Trends, Threats, and Strategies.

Some marine scientists estimated the ocean floor alone may contain up to 10 million species, the majority of them undiscovered. “But no one knows for sure,” Hinrichsen said, adding that the ocean “is our last great frontier.”

Filipinos are very familiar with the oceans as the country is composed of more

than 7,000 islands. Those living in Davao region are very much aware of it as the region is facing the Pacific, the largest of all five oceans. The four others are Atlantic, Indian, Southern (Antarctic) and Arctic (the smallest).

Although considered “vast and resilient” in the past, the oceans are now crying out for help. While the public eye is periodically turned to large disasters such as oil spills, it is routine assaults that most threaten the marine environment.

“Daily chemical and biological pollution are damaging the oceans at a frightening rate, while ongoing coastal development and overfishing hamper their ability to recuperate,” deplores the Washington, D.C.based Worldwatch Institute.

Gone with pristine waters are futurists’ dreams of a world fed by the ocean’s abundance. In their place is the reality of stagnant oceans: shrinking wetlands,

coral reefs and mangroves; and falling fish catches that jeopardize a key source of protein for the world’s poor.

“Without healthy oceans, humanity would be doomed.

Yet we keep on destroying our most precious resource before we even know what we are losing,” wrote newsweekly Time in a special report.

“Unless we act soon, reversing these worsening conditions will only become more difficult,” urges Nicholas Lenssen, author of the Worldwatch report.

At the root of the problem is burgeoning human numbers and their ever-growing needs. “Population distribu-

Seas are now littered with human sewage and plastics.

Most known cities in the country are located near the seas.

tion is increasingly skewed,” Hinrichsen said, adding that the bulk of humanity is concentrated along or near coasts.

According to the UN data, around 680 million people live in low-lying coastal zones, rising to around one billion by 2050. Latest analysis estimates that 40 million people will be employed by ocean-based industries by the end of this decade.

In the Philippines, more than 40 million people live on the coast within 30 kilometers of coral reefs. Most of the well-known cities are located near the seas: Manila,

Cebu, Cagayan, Davao, Iloilo, and Zamboanga.

As a result of the surging population, the oceans are now polluted with human sewage. “Sewage often contributes to over-enrichment of waters,” wrote Lenssen.

“In the process, an overabundance of nutrients causes algal blooms and rapid growth of other aquatic plants. When these plants die, decomposing bacteria can deplete the water of oxygen, killing fish and other marine life.”

As a result, toxic red tides are now a common thing in the country. Red tide first

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ta cases but that does not necessarily mean that we have dissolved our strategies,” Schlosser said.

Schlosser also mentioned the establishment of Covid Cluster Clinics for free contact tracing, consultation and medicine, swab test, quarantine or

isolation, transportation, and food for suspected, probable, or confirmed Covid-19 cases.

The CCC also utilizes telemedicine for people to consult and communicate with doctors on Covid-related matters in the safety of their homes.

has to balance the equilibrium of both sides so we can come up with a favorable solution,” he said.

On April 20, 2021 the United Pantaron Banana Workers Union Association of Democratic Labor Organization-Kilusang Mayo Uno (UPBWU-KMU) filed a petition seeking a P100 wage increase in the daily minimum wage for workers in the private sector except for workers in businesses employing less than 10 workers in Region 11.

On March 24, 2022 the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) filed a petition seeking for a P418 wage increase in the daily minimum wage workers in the private sector in Region 11.

Pensoy said the Regional Tripartite Wage Board, which is composed of the management, labor sector and the government, conducted a consultation, discussion and a hearing for the said petitions.

“We heard the point of the management. We asked them, are you capable of giving this amount? P100?

Another amount? They said it is impossible but the labor sector also said as long as there is an increase it

will not demand as it understand that employers are still recovering from the pandemic. So a balance of consultation with the management and the labor groups, we come up with this P47 increase,” he said.

Pensoy said the P47 wage increase is based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) in Davao Region, which was P101.30 in August 2018 and rose to P113.40 in April 2022; and the poverty threshold in the Davao Region based on the latest available data provided by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) for an average family size of five for the first semester of 2021 is P11,103.

“We need to balance also the poverty threshold of the Philippines. That is the reason that to agree on both sides the management and the labor, we have to get the erosion to compensate for the peso purchasing power and second is the poverty threshold provided by PSA and discussed by NEDA and to get that amount we have to have an increase of P47 so that the management also can be satisfied, we have the formula and the socio-economic condition of the region, looking also

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raised by the 7 listed REIT companies since August 2020 has exceeded P90 billion, Monzon said.

“When the first REIT was listed in the PSE last August 2020, I considered REITs then as an alternative asset class… However, the 6 REITS that have listed so far in the PSE in the last 22 months have generated solid enough returns that I no longer view REITS as an alternative class but as a core

asset class,” he said.

Other REITs listed on the stock exchange include Ayala Land’s AREIT, DoubleDragon’s DDMP, Megaworld’s MREIT, Filinvest Land’s FILREIT, Citicore’s CREIT and Robinsons Land Corp’s RL Commercial REIT. Real estate investment trust (REIT) is a new investment instrument that allows both small and large investors to earn dividends from real estate assets.

RD Pensoy also delivered the message of Labor Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III which emphasized the commitment of the Department to remain steadfast in pushing for

the protection of workers’ rights and developing responsive policies and programs to afford every Filipino worker with full, decent, and productive employment.

Joven further said the main revenue-generating agencies, namely the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) which collects around 70 percent of taxes, and the Bureau of Customs (BOC), did not resort to shame campaigns

to increase government revenues.

“So we can see that essentially, this is not a function of (a) shame campaign by which we improve our tax effort. It’s really by way of making the tax system more efficient,” he said.

Engaging the local government units could further enhance the process, he added.

However, homeowners’ associations, who are wary

of radiation, presented a challenge, Narayanan said.

He hopes that this could be addressed by awareness campaigns and engagements.

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Davao de Oro,” Uy said.

(I’m proud to leave the governorship on June 30 attaining what we promised – a peaceful Davao de Oro.) Davao de Oro then was considered as a stronghold of the New People’s Army (NPA) due to its terrain, and natural resources. In 2016, Governor Uy disclosed that the province was a home to 11 NPA guerilla fronts.

However, all of the com-

munist rebel fronts in the province fell down with the neutralization of its top officials, and losing the support of the communities.

Uy added that with the relentless focused military operations partnered with the Oplan Pagbabago programs, the oldest in the country and the last to front operating in the province – Guerilla Front 2 – was recently considered dismantled. (PIAXI/ Michael Uy)

Governor Nelson L. Dayanghirang was reported claiming that the airport’s opening is one of his priorities to boost, not just tourism but the overall investment climate in the province.

Davao Oriental’s popular tourist destinations include the Dahican Beach in Mati, the UNESCO World Heritage Site Mt. Hamiguitan, and Aliwagwag Falls, among others. By Maya M. Padillo

Nation Builders Awards 2021 by Sustainability Standards, Inc. for her skill

and for being a successful legislator in the Province of Cotabato.

paign is the promotion of the Bagwis program to prospective business establishments. This emphasizes the importance of complying with the FTLs, particularly in handling consumer complaints and implementing their respective corporate social responsbility (CSR) program in the community.

Ambi noted that this will help them in keeping up with the changing business environment, which is expected to result in enticing more customers to patron-

ize their products, thereby, benefitting them in return.

The Bagwis Award is open to supermarkets, department and specialty stores, appliance centers, hardware shops, and DTI-accredited service and repair shops. To give context to the recognition, Ambi explained that “bagwis” is the Filipino term for ”wing” which implies that consumers are protected when patronizing business establishments that are recipients of such an award.

ernment reporting to more useful and empowering metrics, as well as undertake medium-term preparation for pandemic resilience.

The 10-point policy agenda for the country’s economic recovery was adopted by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases on April 12.

Ablan said the Duterte administration is also expecting Marcos to continue the infrastructure projects under the “Build, Build,

Build” (BBB) program.

“His infrastructure program na (dubbed as) “Build, Build, Build,” hopefully it will be continued by the Marcos administration since many of them are still ongoing and some are about to begin,” Ablan said.

On Sunday, Duterte urged the incoming Marcos administration to continue pursuing big-ticket infrastructure projects, saying these are vital in sustaining economic progress and recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.

skipped the US Open to better prepare for next month’s British Open at St. Andrews.

A field of 156 will compete at the same club where 20-year-old hometown hero Francis Ouimet became the first amateur to win the US Open back in 1913.

“What’s so good about golf is the history and tradition and these stories,” McIlroy said. “The fact he grew up just off the 17th hole and we’re still talking about it to this day over 100 years on, that’s so cool.”

Third-ranked McIlroy won his 21st US PGA title on Sunday at the Canadian Open “It certainly puts a pep in your step,” McIlroy said.

“It gives you a lot of confidence.

“Everything is certainly trending in the right direction and I’m happy with where the game is at.”

McIlroy, 33, is the most recent player to win a tour event and a major title in back-to-back weeks, taking a WGC title at Akron before his 2014 PGA Championship victory at Valhalla, his most recent major triumph.

“I’m feeling a lot more comfortable with my game and at the biggest and toughest tests in the world,” said McIlroy. “I feel confident going to these golf courses that are set up more difficult knowing I have the game and mentality to succeed on them.”

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occurred in Maqueda Bay in Catbalogan, Samar in 1983 claiming lives and causing P30 million loss from fish and mussel industry.

Last May 15, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources reported red tides in Dumangquillas Bay (Zamboanga del Sur), Litalit Bay (Surigao del Norte), and Lianga Bay (Surigao del Norte).

Chemical pollutants constitute another assault on the marine environment, especially in the uppermost layer of water. Most of these chemicals come from industries, airborne pollutants, shipping accidents, pesticide runoff, mine tailings, and waste incineration.

“Once toxic chemicals enter the marine environment, it’s very hard to get them out, since they seep into the sediments, enter the food chain, or simply flow with the currents,” wrote Lenssen.

Oil is another widespread pollutant in the oceans. In the Philippines, the sinking of a Caltex oil tanker in Limay, Bataan, in 1990 gave the country a preview of the potential hazards of oil spills. The oil spill in Bataan wreaked havoc on the lives of the fishermen on that part of the Manila Bay area.

Growing amounts of litter have also been found in the marine environment. Unfortunately, the Philippines is one of the top five contributors of plastic waste in the world’s oceans, a UN report.

“We produce 2.7 metric tons of plastic waste every year,” said Roy A. Cimatu, former secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. “Following this trajectory of production and mismanagement, UN reports predicted that by 2050, there will be more plastic in the oceans than there are fish.”

“Our insatiable dependence on plastic has led us to a man-made environmental crisis which is currently still growing in size. Our oceans and beaches are increasingly awash with waste plastic, while plastic dumping and landfill is at an all-time high,” Global Initiatives pointed out.

Overfishing has also contributed to the annihilation of the world’s oceans. “The oceans are awash with too many fishing vessels, and the result is big trouble for the fish and fishermen,” said Newsweek in a special report.

The UN Food and Agricultural Organization has warned that the demand for fish is outstripping the natural replenishment of fish resources. “Many of the world’s formerly productive fisheries are seriously depleted, and some have collapsed due to overfishing,” said Greenpeace, an international organization.

In the Philippines, the economic loss of overfishing is estimated at about US$125 million per year in lost fish catch, according to the World Bank. “The productivity of the country’s fisheries is declining as coastal areas become increasingly degraded and pushed beyond their production capacity,” the Population Reference Bureau adds.

All these are bad news for the oceans, indeed.

The problems that are now besetting the oceans are enormous and these are intrinsically linked with the

global climate. “The ocean and global climate heavily influence one another in many ways,” the UN said.

According to the latest climate change report from the World Meteorological Organization, global mean sea levels increased at an average of 4.5 millimeters per year between 2013 and 2021, due to ice sheets melting at an increasing rate.

“The ocean absorbs around 23% of carbon dioxide generated by human activity, and when it does, chemical reactions take place, acidifying the seawater,” UN explained. “That puts the marine environment at risk and, the more acidic the water becomes, the less carbon dioxide it is able to absorb.”

Experts from around the world are sounding for the protection of the oceans.

“The fact that less than one percent of the world’s oceans are covered by marine protected areas is a catastrophe waiting to happen,” said Dan Laffoley, chair of the World Commission on Protected Areas. “Just because these places are underwater and not highly visible does not mean they should be ignored. It’s time to expand marine protected areas and save our oceans from threats like overfishing and climate change.”

“We are destroying the ocean,” said world-renowned marine wildlife photographer and cinematographer Tom Campbell. He believes too much damage has been done to the ocean over the past few generations for the ocean to recover enough to return to its original balance, but he does hope to stop the damage from progressing.

Before his death in 1997, the famous Jacques Cousteau told Time: “The oceans are in danger of dying. In the past, the sea renewed itself. It was a continuous cycle. But this cycle is upsetting. Some scientists think it’s too late. I don’t think so.”

The UN thinks so, too. In a news dispatch, it asked some experts on what citizens can do to promote a sustainable “blue economy,” while waiting for decision-makers and world leaders to move into action. Here are some ideas that you can incorporate to your daily lives: * If you eat fish, diversify your diet in terms of seafood consumption, do not always eat the same species. In addition, avoid consuming top predators and make sure what you eat is coming from responsible sources. * Prevent plastic pollution. With 80% of marine pollution being originated on land, do your part to stop pollution reaching the sea. You can help by using reusable products, avoiding consuming disposable products, and also making sure that you are placing your waste in the appropriate bins. * Pick up trash from the beach and do not litter. But also think that any step you can take to reduce your environmental footprint will help the ocean in an indirect way. * Continue to advocate for solutions, whether that’s on the streets, writing letters to decision-makers, signing petitions, or supporting campaigns that aim to influence decision makers, at the national level or at a global level.

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EDGEDAVAO

SPORTS

11

Warriors guard Stephen Curry reacts during Game 5 of the NBA Finals on June 13, 2022. John G Mabanglo, Shutterstock Out/ EPA-EFE

Why missing all 9 3-point shots doesn’t bother Curry

T

he idea that Steph Curry would finish a game without making a 3-pointer seemed like a preposterous one until it actually happened.

The Golden State Warriors superstar shooter missed all of his nine attempts from behind the arc in Game 5 of the NBA Finals on Mon-

day.

Prior to that, he had made a triple in a record 233 consecutive games.

“I’m not afraid to go 0-for-whatever,” Curry

said in an article posted on ESPN.com, “because I’m going to keep shooting and taking shots that you normally feel like you can make.

“And I’ve responded well when I’ve had games like that from the 3-point line.”

In the shadow his epic performance in Bos-

ton, Curry was subpar in Game 5, shooting just 7 of 22 from the field for 16 points in 35 minutes.

Warriors on brink of NBA title as Wiggins punishes Celtics But the upside was his teammates saw him struggle and they stepped up, and more significantly the Warriors won and

a bad night. I just know he’ll respond.

For Warriors forward Draymond Green, that woeful shooting night could be some bulletin-board mental note for Curry.

“He’s going to be livid going into Game 6, and that’s exactly what we need.”

ning-fast greens, the US Golf Association ensured drama by allowing players from the upstart Saudi-backed LIV Golf Series to compete rather ban them as the US PGA Tour did.

As a result, US stars Dustin Johnson, Phil Mickelson, Patrick Reed and Bryson DeChambeau are among the LIV Golf rebels teeing off in a unique subplot to the quest for a major title -- the first LIV-PGA showdown.

“Who knew we loved all this drama?” Morikawa said. “It becomes a distraction and you don’t want to be focused on this or that.

We’re here to win the US Open.”

Mickelson, who turns 52 on Thursday, would

complete a career Grand Slam with a victory after a record six runner-up efforts, and break his own mark as the oldest major winner.

“I’m excited to be back in this incredible championship that has eluded me,” Mickelson said.

Boston fans famously heckled Europe in a 1999 US Ryder Cup fightback victory and could offer more barbs.

“Whether it’s positive or negative towards me directly, I think it’s going to provide an incredible atmosphere,” Mickelson said.

Tiger Woods, making a comeback after severe leg injuries suffered in a car crash 16 months ago,

Rahm, McIlroy face tension, drama at unique US Open

B

Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland, and Jon Rahm of Spain, practice on the 8th green, during a practice round of the 122nd US Open tournament, at The Country Club in Brookline, Massachusetts, USA, 13 June 2022. Amanda Sabga, EPA-EFE.

they’re now on the cusp of another banner.

“We’re never stressed or worried about No. 30,” Warriors guard Klay Thompson said.

“He has done so much and elevated this franchise to a place where it was hard to even imagine that he has leeway, and he can have

ROOKLINE -- A hotly anticipated US Open starts Thursday that will test the world’s top golfers over a formidable layout at a historic setting with a splash of controversy as well.

Defending champion Jon Rahm, four-time major winner Rory McIlroy, topranked Masters champion Scottie Scheffler and twotime major winners Justin Thomas and Collin Morikawa lead fan and oddsmakers favorites at The Country Club.

“You’ve got to have all aspects of your game ready to play some good golf,” reigning British Open champion Morikawa said.

In addition to creating dense rough and light-

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Will Warriors end series at 4-2 Steph Curry and company will aim to end it all but that is easier said than done.

After putting in 43 in Game 4 to even the series at 2-all, he was scoreless from the 3 pt zone the whole evening in Game 5 and contributed 16 overall behind Andrew Wiggns’ 26 and Klay Thompson’s 21.

Coach Steve Kerr highly praised Wiggins for his herculean effort which allowed

his boys to stay on the driver’s seat after losing the lead temporarily at the dying minutes of the third.

Draymond Green actually summed up the Warrior’s victory Monday night.

“A win is a win. Whether Steph gets 43, 10, 4 or whether he finishes with 16 for 22 shooting. Obviously we have spoke about helping him and I don’t think he’s been out there hel[less, like that’s the narrative. But everybody’s doing their part and tonight, a night that he didn’t have it going, we found offense elsewhere, and that’s kind of what it’s been.”

The Celtics actually started late, trailed their hosts by double digit and coach Udoka moaned about the lethargic start.

I thought Kerr employed the home court advantage to the hilt although he did display some frustration as Curry kept on missing his three point bombs.

Again, at the start of the fourth, Kerr benched his prized point guard for three minutes and allowed Jordan Poole and Gary Payton II to take care of the backcourt chores.

As their backs are against the wall, Udoka cannot but field Jason Tatum, Jaylen Brown and Marcuc Smart and Al Horford for the full 48 minutes - if necessary to stay alive and return to San Francisco for the do or die Game 7.

Like they used to say in the vernacular, “todo na ito.”

Far as I am concerned, what the Celtics did to Milwaukee and Miami, two teams that were better favored to figure in the NBA Finals, they can also do a repeat over the Warriors.

But first things first.

Udoka seems preoccupied over putting a chaser on Curry for a double team when the latter is on the dribble and is always looking for space to toss the ball from three point range.

This leaves a Warrior open for a clear shot and because Curry can also offer himself as a decoy and he is a good passer, there is either Wiggins or Thompson waiting to receive the assist pass whether from top of the key or the corner..

Curry is only 6’3” but he is shifty and deadly.

He is the Celtics’ major problem.

That is why in Game 5, Udoka’s defensive ploy almost succeeded as they came back from 10-points down in the third to take temporary control of the lead.

But back in Boston, the fans will be more rowdy and uncouth as ever.

They will surely make noise doubly louder and thunderous than a megaton bomb in a bid to scare the Warrior’s wit and spoil the imminent victory party.

The Celtics will not only battle Curry and his Splash Twin (Thompson) but also carry the onerous weight and the subconscious recognition that the pressure (of survival) is upon their shoulders.

I would not doubt it if Larry Bird, Kevin Mchale and Robert Parrish were still suiting up for Boston’s Fab Five.

My fearless forecast is a 60-40 in favor of Golden State.

I hope I am wrong so we can all enjoy a “Thrilla of A Game 7.” (Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo. com.) GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!