Edge Davao Vol. 15 Issue 102 | Thursday, August 11, 2022

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DLPC boosts efficiency via digital substation STORY ON PAGE 2

A laborer works on the metal decorative wall for the new Agdao Public Market building in Brgy. Agdao, Davao City on Wednesday. Edge Davao

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

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Davao City Police Office (DCPO) spokesperson Major Ma. Teresita Gaspan gives updates on the security preparation for the 37th Kadayawan sa Dabaw celebration during this week’s AFP-PNP Press Corps media forum at The Royal Mandaya Hotel in Davao City. Edge Davao

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DdO, 10ID reassure support to People’s Organizations

DLPC boosts efficiency via digital substation

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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he Davao Light and Power Company (DLPC) continues to aggressively boost its efficiency and reliability by digitalizing its power substation.

Converting analog into a fully-digital substation enables DLPC to improve its performance, reliability, and monitoring.

“The digital substation kasi will lessen the number of connection of copper connections. Imagine reducing the number of copper we use from 23 kilometers to less than one kilometer. That’s for

the sustainability,” said Rodger S. Velasco, president and chief operating officer of DLPC, during Wednesdays Habi at Kape media forum.

He also said that although an emergency shutdown is inevitable, its digital substation will help DLPC the immediate restoration of any outage as the substation can

self-diagnose.

“It tells us directly through text or via web what’s the status of the sub-station unlike the conventional where we have to go to the substation, technicians will look for the trouble and it will take time. With the digital sub-station the restoration process will be faster. That’s the value to our customers,” he said.

On December 8, 2021, DLPC energized its first fully digital substation located in Ponciano Reyes

Street.

The P. Reyes Substation uses software-defined networks (SDN) which is a type of communication network that is more secure against cyber threats than the traditional ethernet networks. This system was developed in-house using commercially-available technologies. Both Davao Light and its fellow AboitizPower subsidiary, Visayan Electric Company, Inc. pioneered the use of SDN in the country.

the Philippines Mindanao, made this recommendation in her paper on risk communication management presented at the 3rd International Conference on Multidisciplinary Industry and Academic Research (ICMIAR) held online on July 29-30, 2022.

Cayamanda said sharing community-based experiences can show how community members react

and adapt to disasters and stimulate risk perception and communication among residents, from which community mechanisms can emerge that strengthen the collective responses and increase a community’s resilience against future threats.

Prof. Cayamanda’s paper earned her a “Best Presenter” award at the conference plenary session

and acquires renewed relevance in the wake of recent community-level disruptions in her study area and continuing local government efforts to improve their DRRM system.

“The prevalent risk communication system is ‘top-down’ despite local residents’ awareness of their vulnerability,” she said.

Disaster-prone Davao City villages encouraged to codify local plans

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paper written by a University of the Philippines Mindanao professor urged barangay or village groups to share best practices and codify their experiences following flooding and other localized disasters in order to build up apt responses in various areas.

Prof. Karen Joyce Cayamanda, an associate professor of the University of

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ifferent livelihood products were displayed and sold during the Opening of the Barrio Fiesta in connection with the 16th Founding Anniversary of the 10th Infantry “Agila” Division at Camp General Manuel T Yan Senior in Mawab, Davao De Oro on August 9, 2022.

Thirty-three (33) People’s Organizations out of the 622 all over 10ID area of responsibility participated in the said event. Souvenir items such as driftwood, personal accessories made of native materials, local delicacies, and native coffees were some of the local products sold by the participating POs. Jocelyn M Minggong, a former member of the underground mass organization (UGMO) and now a member of Asbag Lumad Farmer’s Association in Matanao, Davao Del Sur said that she was grateful to the soldiers because the latter convinced them to go back to the folds of the government in order for them to live a peaceful life ahead.

“Dakog tabang ang gobyerno tungod wala nay mo recruit sa amoa didtoa sa Matanao, Davao Del Sur tungod maayo gyud ang pagdala sa gobyerno sa amoa.” (The government helped us a lot. Now, there’s no recruitment anymore in Matanao, Davao Del Sur because of the good governance.) Minggong added.

Likewise, Davao De Oro 2nd District Representative Ruwel Peter Gonzaga said that he is thankful and cited that the Army is one of the most important compo-

nents for achieving the insurgency-free status of the province.

“Ang mga POs nga naa karun dinhi, salamat kaayo sa inyong pag salmot ug pagtabang sa gobyerno ug pagtabang sa atong kasundaluhan. Kami nga naa sa gobyerno, rest assured na we are 100% pro-government. Tanang resources nga naa sa gobyerno labi na gyud ang peace and order fund mopadulong na gyud sa dapat adtuan.” (I am grateful to our people’s organizations who joined in today’s event and thank you for helping the government and the army. Rest assured that the provincial government of Davao De Oro is 100% pro-government. All resources of the government especially the peace and order fund will reach where it should be allocated.) Congressman Gonzaga added.

On the other hand, Davao De Oro Governor Dorothy Gonzaga thanked the people’s organization for its efforts in catching up in doing business. “We are confident that if we can further empower your organizations, you will never experience hardships just like in the past.” Governor Gonzaga added.

Moreover, Governor Gonzaga hopes to maintain the status of being insurgency free even beyond her term.

In his message, 10ID Commander MGen Nolasco A Mempin emphasized the importance of Bayanihan.

“Isa sa mga layunin kung bakit natin isinagawa ang

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NEWS

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Rey Tzaddi Montenegro, deputy of Land Transportation Office 11 (LTO 11) Regional Law Enforcement section, says during this week’s AFP-PNP Press Corps media forum at The Royal Mandaya Hotel in Davao City the agency is intensifying its inspections in Davao City’s terminals as many visitors are expected to arrive in the city to join the 37th Kadayawan sa Dabaw celebration. Edge Davao

Councilor proposes ordinances improving biz permit applications Davao City declares August 9 as IP Day

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avao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte has declared August 9 as the National Indigenous Peoples Day in Davao City.

Mayor Duterte signed on August 1, 2022 Proclamation No. (PN) 4 Series of 2022, known as “Declaring August 9 As the National Indigenous Peoples Day Of Davao City Every Year.”

The proclamation cited Article 2 Section 22 of the 1987 Constitution, which provides that the State recognizes and promotes the rights of indigenous cultural communities within the framework of national unity and development.

It also attributed that Republic Act No. 8371 recognizes, protects, and promotes the rights of Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples (ICCs/IPs).

“In support of this event, all agencies are encouraged to hang tarpaulins relevant to the celebration in their respective offices, post on their social media accounts, and/or

implement programs and activities that seek to raise awareness and consciousness on ICCs/IPs issues and concerns,” the proclamation stated.

Proclamation No. 4 also underscored that all local government units (LGUs) and civil society organizations (CSOs) are “encouraged to implement programs and activities towards evoking public awareness and sustaining relentless efforts for the recognition, respect, promotion, and protection of the rights and well-being of the Philippine ICCs/IPs.” Coincidentally, the people of Davao City also celebrate the 37th Kadayawan sa Davao Festival in August as a way to pay tribute to the city’s 11 indigenous tribes - Ata, Iranun, Kagan, Klata, Maguindanao, Maranao, Matigsalug, Ovu-Manuvo, Sama, Tagabawa, and Tausug.

Most of the festival’s activities gear toward showcasing the colorful and rich culture of the city’s IPs and celebrating a bountiful harvest. CIO

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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propriating Funds Thereof” aim to streamline business transactions and permit applications in Davao City.

“The main purpose of these ordinances is to make sure that the mandate of our Mayor Baste Duterte to

give our constituents, specially the businessmen, a positive experience in their transactions in the city. We need to streamline our process, we need to digitize the process. It is my desire that people from far-flung areas need not go here to apply for a business permit. Let us take advantage of the technology,” he said.

According to him, the city government of Davao is targeting to issue 50,000 business permits per year.

Based on the graph of the business permits issued

every year that he presented during the session at the City Council on Tuesday, in 2015 there were 35,000 business permits issued; 2016, 36,000; 2017, 39,000; 2018, 39,700; and in 2019 there were 41,520 business permits issued, which is the highest in the history of Davao City before the Covid-19 pandemic.

However, in 2020 it dropped to 40,225 and last year there were 40,920 permits issued.

“This year we only have

are just excess from the processing plants. He said growers now prefer to supply the plant rather than sell them by themselves on the markets or sidewalks as sometimes they get soak in the rain, which led to lower sales.

“Ang sitwasyon nato karon sa durian apektado tungod sa consistent na sige ulan. Karon nato ma feel ang epekto sa climate

change. Naging erratic ang paghatag ug prutas ug kung mubulak man ang durian, mangahulog kay sigehan man ug ulan. If you notice the previous weeks naay mga durian pero gamay lang ang makita nato sa mga kalsada tungod kay karon naa nay ubang processing facilities nag-ilugay na karon ug supply,” Miculob said during AFP-PNP Press Corps media briefing

on Wednesday.

Miculob also said that the buying price of the processors is very high from the previous P40 per kilo to P60. The prevailing price on the sidewalks ranges from P100 to P120 per kilo due to lack of enough supply.

“Mao nang kung naa ta’y mapalit sa mga dalan lampas na P100 per kilo.

ouncilor Bernie Al-ag, chair of the Committee on Trade, Commerce and Industry of the City Council, proposed two ordinances -- digitizing business permit transactions and applications and adding plantilla positions for more efficient services at the Business Bureau.

Titled “An Ordinance Streamlining and Digitizing the Business Permit Applications” and “An Ordinance Restructuring the Organizational structure of Business Bureau to Add Plantilla Personnel and Ap-

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Durian growers prefer to supply processors rather than retailers

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part from the erratic weather, another factor that is seen to affect the availability of durian fruits these days is durian growers now prefer to supply durians to processors rather than retail them, according to Larry Miculob of the Davao Industry Association of Durian Council.

He said the durians being sold on the sidewalks

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Larry Miculob, former president of the Davao Industry Association of Durian Council, bares during AFP-PNP Press Corps media forum at The Royal Mandaya Hotel in Davao City on Wednesday that there is about 40 percent reduction in the production of durian in Davao City due to the current erratic weather. Edge Davao

DdO’s tourism wellness destination snaps back

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eing one of the province’s economic driver that attracts a big number of tourist visits, Davao de Oro’s tourism wellness loop bounces back from the unfavorable changes brought by the pandemic over the past two (2) years.

Recently, the Provincial Government of Davao de Oro through the PAO-Tourism Division headed by Senior Tourism Officer Christine Dompor, visited some of the tourism destinations of the province together with the Provincial Administrator Fatima Montejo.

The team conducted a site

inspection to assess and measure possible interventions from the provincial government to further intensify the service quality offered by the wellness loop.

The team visited ten (10) tourism facilities on Saturday (August 6, 2022): Bilawa Hot Waterfalls

in Brgy. Mainit and Pagkokorowan Gaw Bukanan in Maco, Lake Leonard (Danao) Aqua Eco Park in Brgy.

New Leyte, Maco, Tambo Viewdeck+Cafe, Tagbibinta Falls, Maragusan, Maragusan Eco Solid Waste Management Park, Pyalitan Falls, Maragusan, Mt. Patong Sea of Clouds, Angel Farm and Flower Garden, and De Oro Suites in Maragusan.

In Barangay Mainit, Maco, local officials led by Brgy. Captain Michelle Lim welcomed the provincial team led by PA Montejo.

It is where the Bilawa Hot Spring is located and is one of the top earning and mostly visited Community-Based Ecotourism destinations with over 200 coop-members. Recently, the province was able to have its 10% share of revenue for its three (3) months of operation amounting to PhP600, 000.

These tourism destinations not only popularized Davao de Oro in the market, but it also served as a gateway for more job opportunities for the lo-

The DOE chief said that providing a certain, stable, and clear regulatory framework will attract much-needed investments in the energy sector.

Lotilla said exploring and utilizing indigenous energy sources is part of DOE’s strategies to achieve energy security, accessible and affordable energy, and shifting to a sustainable low-carbon future.

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Marcos admin ironing out policies for investments in energy: DOE

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he Department of Energy (DOE) has met with other Cabinet members to iron out the country’s regulatory framework in the energy sector, DOE Secretary Raphael Lotilla said Tuesday.

In a virtual press conference, Lotilla said he had a virtual meeting with Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra, and Chief Presidential Legal

Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile on Monday as President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. instructed his legal cluster to provide clear policies for investors in the energy sector.

“We are addressing that, that desire of the President to make sure that the investment climate and then the legal environment for investments in the upstream become absolutely clear,” he said.

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PH to welcome Australian business mission next week

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n Australian business mission composed of 50 delegates will be visiting the Philippines next week to explore trade, tourism, and investment opportunities here, the Board of Investments (BOI) and the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) said Tuesday.

The Australian busi-

ness mission here, the first during the Marcos administration, will be held from August 14 to 20.

Aside from business opportunities, the delegation aims to build ties with key government agencies and the private sector.

Among the activities of the Australian business

supplies, particularly coal and oil.

He said the Philippines’ primary energy supply in 2021 was 56.8 percent imported and 43.2 percent indigenous.

Indigenous sources include geothermal, natural gas, hydro, and other renewable energy sources like solar.

Of the imported energy

supply, coal accounts for 37.1 percent, of which 98 percent is sourced from Indonesia.

Oil, on the other hand, accounts for 34.6 percent of the energy supply. It also accounts for 89 percent of power sources in off-grid areas.

Lotilla said this makes the country “energy inse-

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DOE to focus on expanding indigenous energy sources epartment of Energy (DOE) Secretary Raphael Lotilla said on Tuesday the agency will focus on expanding and harnessing indigenous energy sources as its long-term strategy toward energy security.

In a virtual press conference, Lotilla said the country remains dependent on imported energy

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ECONOMY

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The upcoming business mission in Singapore will feature agricultural products from Mindanao including raw and processed cacao. Mindanao contributes to 99% of the total cacao production in the country. Photo courtesy of the Southern Philippines Fresh Fruits Corporation

Mindanao biz group to forge stronger ties with Singapore Diokno optimistic on PH economic growth

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inance Secretary Benjamin Diokno remains optimistic that the government’s growth target of between 6.5 to 7.5 percent for this year will be achieved, noting the broadbased expansion in the second quarter of the year.

Domestic growth, as measured by gross domestic product (GDP), rose by 7.4 percent from April to June this year, slower than the downwardly revised 8.2 percent in the previous quarter. It brought the first half expansion to 7.8 percent.

“The Q2 (second quarter) growth reflects the increase in mobility, better labor conditions and government’s support to growth,” he told journalists in a Viber message on Tuesday.

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported on Tuesday that transportation and storage had the highest shares in the second quarter output after it rose 27.1 percent year-on-year.

It was trailed by construction, 19 percent; and

wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles at 9.7 percent.

Among the major economic sectors, services registered the highest contribution at 9.1 percent and was followed by industry, 6.3 percent; and agriculture, forestry, and fishing, 0.2 percent.

In terms of demand, household final consumption expenditure expanded by 8.6 percent.

The gross capital formation posted an annual growth of 20.5 percent; imports of goods and services, 13.6 percent; government final consumption expenditure, 11.1 percent; and exports of goods and services, 4.3 percent.

“While there might be some slowdown in growth in the second half of the year, reflecting the downgrade in the outlook for the global economy, we still expect that the DBCC (Development Budget and Coordination Committee) growth target for 2022 will be achievable as we continue the ongoing

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business delegation from Mindanao will visit Singapore this week for a trade and investment mission in a bid to strengthen economic linkages with the country.

The group, representing 23 companies from the island-region, will be conducting site inspections in Singapore’s markets, seaports, and processing facilities to identify viable investment opportunities

and benchmark on various business practices.

A business forum led by the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) is also slated on August 10thwhere the Mindanao delegation and their

Singaporean counterparts can explore areas for partnerships through business-to-business networking sessions.

“The goal of this business mission is to jumpstart possible investments for the Mindanao business community and allow them to learn from industry standards in Singapore for a more competitive stance in the global market,” Philippine Embassy

in Singapore Chargé d’affaires a.i. Dr. Emmanuel R. Fernandez said.

With Singapore being one of the major hubs for global markets, MinDA Chairperson Secretary Maria Belen S. Acosta said that the series of promotional activities intends to raise awareness and interest on Mindanao’s potential as a prime investment destination.

plaint before the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC), accusing Globe and Smart Communications of abuse of market dominance, resulting in interconnection woes.

“An average of 1,000 fraudulent calls -- identified as international in origin but masked as local calls -- are allowed to pass through DITO’s network to Globe users every day in violation of interconnect rules,” Globe said.

The penalty covered

July 2021 to July 2022 and reached such an amount due to DITO’s alleged “adamant refusal to compensate Globe, defying provisions of its interconnect agreement on bypass traffic.”

“In comparison, zero or no bypass traffic has been allowed to pass from Globe to DITO due to its advanced monitoring systems and sophisticated network protection from illegal calls,” it said.

Globe also asked the

NTC to authorize its “temporary disconnection” of interconnection trunk lines with DITO until the latter has “taken positive and concrete steps to stop all illegal bypass operations emanating from its network and paid all its outstanding liabilities to Globe for fraudulent calls.”

To date, it said DITO has failed to take any “serious actions to curtail bypass activities from its network” and has instead “continuously increased.”

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Globe wants DITO penalized for interconnection violations

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lobe Telecom on Tuesday asked the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to penalize DITO Telecommunity for interconnection violations amounting to PHP622 million.

In a statement, Globe said the penalties were due to “fraudulent calls” made using DITO’s network to Globe which bypassed “proper voice traffic channels”.

The allegation came a day after DITO filed a com-

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On his proposed ordinances -- digitizing business permit transactions and applications and adding plantilla positions for more efficient services at the Business Bureau:

The main purpose of these ordinances is to make sure that the mandate of our Mayor Baste Duterte to give our constituents, specially the businessmen, a positive experience in their transactions in the city. We need to streamline our process, we need to digitize the process. It is my desire that people from far-flung areas need not go here to apply for a business permit. Let us take advantage of the technology.”

COUNCILOR BERNIE AL-AG Chairman of the Committee on Trade, Commerce and Industry

EDITORIAL Doable targets Confidence is written on the face of the Marcos administration in regards to economic growth this year.

Two things needed to be done. Firstly, the domestic economy needs to expand by at least 5.2 percent in the second half of the year to hit the lower end of the full-year target band, and second, by 7.6 percent to achieve the upper-end of the target.

Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno said both targets are doable.

That said, the government remains optimistic that the growth target of between 6.5 to 7.5 percent for this year will be achieved, noting the broadbased expansion in the second quarter of the year. Based on record, domestic growth, as measured by gross domestic product (GDP), rose by 7.4 percent from April to June this year, slower than the downwardly revised 8.2 percent in the previous quarter. It brought the first half expansion to 7.8 percent.

According to latest stats from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), transportation and storage had the highest shares in the second quarter output after it rose 27.1 percent year-on-year followed by construction, 19 percent; and wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles at 9.7 percent.

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With the government continuing the ongoing infrastructure program started by the previous Duterte administration through the “Build Build Build” program, and by maintaining macroeconomic stability and taking advantage of the recently approved amendments to the PSA (Philippine Services Act), FIA (Foreign Investment Act), and RTLA (Retail Trade Liberalization Act), things still look encouraging in terms of investment-led recovery.

The optimism lies from the fact that this administration is transitioning well from the previous one.

MAYA M. PADILLO Senior Reporter ANA MARIE G. SILPAO Layout

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor ATHENA JILLIAN BRAVO NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN MEGHANN STA. INES FERINA SANTOS Lifestyle

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

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

Despite the good forecast, the government also admits that there would be a sluggish episodes in the second half of the year which could result to a slowdown in growth. But that’s normal.

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

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The other major economic sectors, services registered the highest contribution at 9.1 percent and was followed by industry, 6.3 percent; and agriculture, forestry, and fishing, 0.2 percent. In terms of demand, household final consumption expenditure expanded by 8.6 percent.

The gross capital formation posted an annual growth of 20.5 percent; imports of goods and services, 13.6 percent; government final consumption expenditure, 11.1 percent; and exports of goods and services, 4.3 percent.

SOLANI D. MARATAS Finance

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

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VANTAGE POINTS

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HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

GETTING READY FOR CLIMATE CHANGE’S CONSEQUENCES Every time there’s heavy rain and the heart of Davao City is flooded, some people say: “This is due to climate change.”

The big question now: Is Davao City ready for the consequences that climate change will bring in the coming years?

“It is likely that climate change may result in increased risk of flooding,” wrote Hydie Reyes Maspiñas, of the Hydrology for Environment Life and Policy (HELP) Davao Network.

Citing the projects made by the country’s weather bureau, “the increase in precipitation during the months of December to February may cause rivers to overflow and impact on Davao City communities and infrastructures.”

No one can escape from the wraths of climate change. Some people think it will happen in the future. What they don’t know is that the effects of climate change are happening now.

During the 11th International Coral Reef Symposium (ICRS) held in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Dr. Simon Donner of the University of British Columbia embarked on a metaphor for climate change.

“The climate is like this big ship. We are all on this big ship and the problem is once you hit the brakes it takes a long time

for the ship to actually slow down and stop,” Dr. Donner told the participants.

“In our case the ship is the Titanic and we are going to hit the iceberg. It is going to be almost impossible for us not to hit the iceberg at this point. What we need to do is everything we can to put the brakes on, to slow the ship down and move the iceberg a little bit. The time for emission reductions isn’t as much now as it was 20 years ago.”

Dr. Donner said those words in 2008 yet. So, it’s not surprising why some consequences – like more strong typhoons, heavy rains, flooding and sea level rise – are becoming more ubiquitous.

There has been a 0.75 degrees Celsius increase in the country’s annual temperature over the past 70 years, according to the data from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA). The temperature increase is expected to reach as high as 1.8 degrees Celsius by 2050.

The worlddata.info considered Davao as one of the warmest regions in the Philippines. It has an average daily high temperature of 33 degrees Centigrade. “High humidity and hot temperatures make the weather

at times pleasant but also tropical humid,” it said.

The good news is that the Davao City government is doing something to mitigate the effects of climate change. During the time of Sara Duterte, Executive Order No. 47 series of 2021 was signed, which created the Davao City Climate Change Committee (DCCC). Its main task is to implement the Local Climate Change Action Plan (LCCAP).

LCCAP focuses on both climate change adaptation and mitigation and describes how local government units’ plan to respond to the impacts of climate change and mainstream them into local development plans (that is, land use plan, sectoral development plan, investment program).

Duterte, now the vice-president of the Philippines, said at that time when she signed E.O. No. 47, the city was not exempted from the worsening climate emergency with extreme weather events. The city, she pointed out, usually has flash floods, landslides and drought.

The result of a public opinion survey conducted by the University of Mindanao’s Maian Cozo showed Dabawenyos are greatly worried about the consequences of global warming (92%), fol-

lowed by deforestation and urban flooding (88%), and energy crisis. These three are “the most alarming environmental problem in the city.”

Climate change, caused by increasing emissions of greenhouse gasses, particularly carbon dioxide, is causing the average temperature of the Earth’s atmosphere to increase. As the air temperature rises, oceans absorb some of this heat and become warmer.

The Philippines is a minor contributor to global warming.

The World Bank report said that the country ranks 43rd in terms of global greenhouse gas emissions and 112th in terms of emissions intensity.

Unless action is taken soon, some major cities will be underwater, according to Antonio Guterres, the United Nations Secretary-General.

And that includes Davao City.

A study done by Project LUPAD (League of Unmanned Philippine Aerial Drones) showed that coastal areas and even those in higher elevations will be under water should warming of the planet continue.

“This is not fiction or exaggeration,” said Guterres. “We are on a pathway to global warming of more than double the 1.5-degree (Celsius or 2.7-de-

grees Fahrenheit) limit that was agreed in Paris in 2015.”

A recent assessment released by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) noted that greenhouse gas emissions generated by human activity have increased since 2010 “across all major sectors globally.”

“We are at a crossroads,” said IPCC Chair Hoesung Lee. “The decisions we make now can secure a liveable future. I am encouraged by climate action being taken in many countries.

There are policies, regulations and market instruments that are proving effective.”

To limit global warming around 1.5°C (2.7°F), the IPCC insisted that global greenhouse gas emissions would have to peak “before 2025 at the latest, and be reduced by 43% by 2030.”

Dr. Jim Skea, co-chair of IPCC Working Group III, urged: “It’s now or never, if we want to limit global warming to 1.5°C (2.7°F); without immediate and deep emissions reductions across all sectors, it will be impossible.”

This means the floods that happen to Davao City recently will be the rule rather than exception. And before the residents will know it, their houses will be submerged before long.

ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA FAST BACKWARD

FAILED 1984 ‘BOYCOTT MOVEMENT’ At the height of radicalism in southern Mindanao, activists organized themselves into Makabayang Alyansa (MA, Patriotic Alliance), a pain in the neck for the government-backed Kilusang Bagong Lipunan (KBL). This is distinct from Mindanao Alliance founded by Homobono Adaza, later Misamis Oriental governor, in 1978 to crack the Marcos political juggernaut in the 1978 Batasang Pambansa (BP) polls.

In preparations for the May 14, 1984, second BP elections, the MA, then chaired by Silvestre Bello III (later solicitor-general, justice chief and labor secretary) but submitted for recognition, decided not to support the parliamentary exercise by going all out on a boycott.

At the time, Bello’s former father-in-law and future interior and local government secretary,

Davao City mayor Luis T. Santos, was identified with the United Democratic Opposition (Unido), another opposition league. He called for accord among the opposition and threatened to run for the Assembly if the anti-Marcos forces were not united.

Oddly enough, despite MA’s boycott movement, Bello’s group did not expect to meet a disaster, or what porch lizards dubbed as ‘colossal flop.’ In March 1984, the Commission on Elections in Manila accredited the part and classified it as a ‘dominant party’ in Region XI. As such, it was entitled to field candidates and was given authority to field its own inspectors and watchers.

This unsettling development was further aggravated when opposition coalition PDP-Laban, the same party used in 2016 to carry the presidential bid of Davao

City mayor Rodrigo Roa Duterte, nominated its leaders, leaders Zafiro L. Respicio and Samuel Occena, both lawyers, submitted their sworn nomination letters to the regional office of COMELEC in Davao City.

People’s Daily Forum, a rapid pro-opposition Davao periodical, called the event as ‘a direct rebuff to any appeal made by former mayor Luis Santos of UNIDO for all opposition groups to unite, and [to] put up common candidates.’

Instead of the Bello-instigated boycott, at least fifteen other aspirants, chiefly Davao’s political stalwarts from both sides of the fence, decided to actively participate in the May electoral exercise.

The re-election bets Manuel Garcia and Felicidad Santos KBL; former Davao City mayor

Santos and Prospero Nograles of UNIDO; Davao City councilors Bievenido Amora, Valentin Banzon, Domingo Vidanes, and Dominador Zuno, Jr.; fiscal (later prosecutor) Jose B. Lopez; lawyers Medardo Cadiente, Patricio Calolot, Ed Caudao, and Mateo Delibero; and assistant city superintendent of city schools Enrique Lozada.

As then editor of the paper, we wrote an article titled ‘Boycott-KBL Connection,’ dissecting the claim the opposition was a victim of a ‘divide and rule’ tactic of the government: ‘One will shudder at the thought that in Manila, boycott has been reportedly supported by the ruling party. There has never been strong evidence linking the KBL to this… Many, however, are wont to believe that if this thing… is done, the opposi-

tion will have their necks deep in the mud. It will mean… the antiadministration candidates will lose a lot of following.

‘There is no doubt that the strengthening of boycott in any part of the country will, in effect, mean defeat for the opposition.

No less than the number of voters will be affected, but also the overall percentage it will have in the final tally. Presupposing the KBL is having an “unholy alliance” with boycotters, how come the opposition have not known about this? And for KBL to get people [to] support, although remote, is tantamount to accepting the potency of the opposition.’

‘There are speculations, however, this boycott-KBL connection may have been surreptitiously created to further sag an already drooping image of the opposition.’

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BIGGER PICTURE

Getting students

back on track

S

everal public and private schools have opened their doors to students earlier this year. This accounts for 25.61% of 23,230,898 enrollees in public schools and with only 5.47% of the total number of enrollees in private schools, as stated by Former DepEd Secretary Leonor Briones. This coming August, many more schools in the country are eyeing to implement the return of face-to-face classes.

While this presents a progress away from the pandemic, it also imposes many challenges not only on safety provisions but also the struggles in learning gaps for students and how teachers and schools must adapt to this change.

Foregrounding the Core Issue Inconsistencies between what a student knows and what he or she should have known by a specific point in their education, are known as learning gaps. When COVID hit, students were forced to immediately adapt to online classes. The past two years brought about heightened concerns for the gaps experienced by learners.

Now with the incoming

shift back to face-to-face, this can once more affect students’ abilities to optimally learn particularly for those experiencing learning gaps.

To make face-to-face classes work, there is a need to extensively prepare students so that they can cope with the pacing for their new lessons in their respective grade levels.

A survey by SEQuRe Education in March revealed that the implementation approaches for in-classroom learning were decentralized and dependent on how schools would execute these.

A Call-to-Action for a Better Face-to-Face Earlier this June, the Department of Education

launched its Basic Education Development Plan (BEDP) 2030 in hopes of alleviating the problems left by the pandemic. The first phase of the program includes addressing access gaps and streamlining different key areas of educational development for students such as reading and numeracy.

The BEDP 2030 initiated by DepEd would need to have micropillars for it to become stabilized as a comprehensive system to improve educational processes. Schools would therefore need to work together to address students’ needs, also gaining a competitive edge to increase enrollment rates.

To accomplish this, students’ optimized access to learning opportunities must be prioritized. This includes being exposed to world-class E-learning content, assessments, and pedagogy. With these, students can master the competencies that are aligned with DepEd’s BEDP 2030.

In this light, public as well as private schools should highly consider reviewing, modifying, and

improving their processes in bridging gaps and achieving their target competencies.

Teachers, on the other hand, also need support to reinforce their students’ learning by adapting to the dynamics of limited and full face-to-face classes, and increasing teaching effectiveness through new tools and teaching methodologies.

Shaping the Plans in Private Schools and Boosting Enrollment The second phase for the BEDP 2030, entails applying different learning innovations and initiatives to support its sustainability.

A great option and partner for schools to address these challenges is Frontlearners, Inc., an E-learning content and teaching solutions provider.

In its implementation of a free Bridging Program for Math, Science, and English over the academic break, Frontlearners, Inc. aims to assist schools and teachers to help their students gain the foundational knowledge to be ready for their next grade levels.

Besides offering effective E-learning tools, Front-

learners, Inc. also provides direct support to schools in helping teachers reinforce students’ competencies, and achieve international standards through proven effective methodologies aided by technology.

Through these, students can be better equipped and ready for the coming academic year in August and help private schools boost enrollment rates.

Traversing through a Better Philippine Educational Landscape Frontlearners, Inc. helps schools latch on to the government’s longterm plan while they prepare teachers for effective

teaching with a focus on maximizing educational competitiveness for students in the months ahead.

The key to success in navigating a fine-tuned Philippine educational environment lies within the commitment of different leaders and institutions for change in the system by providing students with access to quality education and refining teaching methods.

To learn more about Frontlearners, Inc. and how they can assist private schools to boost enrollments and drive student competencies, visit https:// frontlearners.com.

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Farming is easier when farm machinery is being used.

A

ward-winning author and director of Global Food Lead Brenda Schoepp once said: “My grandfather used to say that once in your life you need a doctor, a lawyer, a policeman and a preacher. But every day, three times a day, you need a farmer.”

American lawyer and statesman Daniel Webster also said, “When tillage begins, other arts follow. The farmers, therefore, are the founders of human civilization.”

Two American presidents hailed farming. “Agriculture is the most healthful, most useful and most noble employment of man,” said George Washington.

To which Thomas Jefferson added, “Agriculture is our wisest pursuit, because it will in the end contribute most to real wealth, good morals and happiness.”

In the Philippines, agriculture is an important part of the economy with crops like rice, coconut, banana, and sugar dominating the production of crops and exports. According to the World Bank, agriculture employs 23% of the coun-

try’s workforce as of 2021.

Unfortunately, agriculture seems not to be moving forward as expected.

One reason is that most Filipino farmers are still not using farm machineries to make it more competitive.

“We have yet to mechanize Philippine agriculture, at a level of at least four horsepower (hp) per hectare (ha), and be at part with our ASEAN counterparts,” said William D. Dar when he was the secretary of the Department of Agriculture (DA).

Studies conducted by the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHilMech) – the center of mechanization in the agriculture sector – show the country’s level of mechanization is 1.23 hp/ha for all crops, 2.31 hp/ha for rice

A machine that combines planting and tilling.

AGRITRENDS

9

WHY TODAY’S FARMERS

NEED TO MECHANIZE

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO courtesy of PHilMech in all provinces, and 3 hp/ ha in major rice-producing provinces like Isabela and Nueva Ecija.

“The government has been striving to develop and promote appropriate agricultural machinery and other mechanization technologies,” wrote Elmer Bautista, Jong-sun Kim, Yun-jung Kim and Maria Evic Panganiban, authors of a paper that was published in the Journal of the Korean Society of International Agriculture. “It is well known that agricultural mechanization raises the efficiency of farm operations and inputs, and lowers production costs and postharvest

losses.”

Unfortunately, the Philippines is still classified at a low-mechanization level.

There are several reasons for this: low buying power of farmers, abundance of rural labor, very small landholdings per farmer, high cost of machines, and government policies not favorable to mechanization agriculture.

“Promoting farm mechanization in the Philippines has also been constrained by small-sized, unaccessible rice fields especially during the rainy season, irregular, and non geometric-shaped farm areas,” Bautista and his co-authors wrote in their paper entitled “Farmer’s perception

on farm mechanization and land reformation in the Philippines.”

“Mechanizing these lands can be inefficient due to too much maneuvering in operations like land preparation and harvesting,” they added. “The use of machinery and other large-scale agricultural practices is hampered.”

Farming and farm machinery have evolved greatly over the years. Farm machinery means all machines and tools that are used in the production, harvesting, and care of farm products.

Take the case of a tractor, which provides power and traction to mechanize agricultural tasks, especially tillage.

Modern farm machinery has upgraded the agricultural industry for the best. In using the rice combine harvester, for instance, a farmer can harvest and thresh 3-5 hectares of land in a day.

“Traditional/manual harvesting will take you 1520 man-days per hectare, excluding the threshing operation,” said Jett Molech G. Subaba, supervising science research specialist of the PHilMech’s Applied Communication Division.

“That is how beneficial mechanization is.”

That’s only in harvesting. Another farm activity that takes so much labor is planting. In Laur, Nueva

Planting rice is never fun but when using a rice planeter, it would be easier.

FWHY, P10

10 EDGEDAVAO DISASTER-... FROM2

“In this way, communities can build or discover their own adaptive mechanisms, encourage an active response, and further strengthen the community. Their efforts can complement the traditional ‘top-down’ centralized disaster risk-reduction management (DRRM) approach,” she said.

The ICMIAR conference, with the theme “Sustaining community resilience through education and research,” was organized by the Institute of Industry and Academic Research Incorporated, a registered publisher and continuing professional development provider. It also had sessions focusing on business

management and accounting, education management and development studies, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, and the humanities and the social sciences.

Earlier this week, Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte told barangays to consolidate similar concerns, including security and disaster response, as the local government drafts its executive-legislative agenda in the next few months.

Traditionally, the local government places a large percentage of its annual budget for disaster response as a part of the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund.

(PR/UP Mindanao)

pistang ito ay dahil gusto nating ipakita ang sari-saring mga produkto ng ating mga people’s organizations at maipamalas natin ang bayanihan o pagtutulugan sa pamamagitan ng pagsuporta sa kanilang mga pangkabuhayang local.” (One of the objectives why we are doing this is to showcase

the different products of our people’s organizations and to show the true spirit of Bayanihan by supporting their local livelihood.) MGen Mempin added.

The displayed products will be until August 13, and Camp General Manuel T Yan Senior is open for visitors who wish to come and visit.

Dili pa gyud ka kakita ug nindot or lingin kay kasagaran tua na naadto sa planta (processors) ug dawaton bisan pila ang volume. So sa transaction big time,” he said.

Currently, there are six processing plants in Davao City.

He also said that the durians supplied to the processors have markets already and mostly will be shipped in China. He added that there are Malaysian and Thailand importers but the final destination of the product is still China.

“If you remember before nagsige ko ug engganyo na magtanum ug durian kay nagasulod ang mga in-

vestors na mamalit ug durian from other countries.

It’s an opportunity for us mga farmers pero magsakripisyo sa ta karon tungod sa competion,” Miculob said.

Miculob said there are durian fruits in blooms in Calinan but are expected to be available in November or December this year.

“Nagbag-o na ang season. Dako kaayo ang shortage sa supply karon. That is why we sourced out from other regions like in Makilala ug uban lugar na naay production nga gidala karon sa Davao City. Pero sa local na production medyo shortage gyud,” he said. By Maya M. Padillo

He added the country has untapped energy sources that will need capital from the private sector, in which the government can facilitate by providing clear policies.

“The President indicated that he wants to have all legal and policy issues… over investments in the upstream (be) clarified fully. And we will be sharing with you as soon as the way forward has been cleared by the legal cluster. But I want to assure you that we are on track towards the resolution on a number of these uncertainties,” Lotilla said.

In a Facebook post, Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles said Marcos has directed Lotilla to find ways to boost the country’s energy sector.

“Kasama natin kanina si Department of Energy Philippines Secretary Raphael Lotilla at sinabi niya na target ng ating pamahalaan na bumuo ng mga hakbang upang mabawasan ang pagiging dependent ng Pilipinas sa mga power resource na mula sa ibang bansa. Ito ay utos mismo ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. sa Kagawaran ng Enerhiya (I was with Department of Energy Philippines Secretary Raphael Lotilla earlier today and he announced the administration’s plan to look for ways to make the Philippines less dependent from other countries’ power resources. That is the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to the Department of Energy),” she said.

infrastructure program, maintain macroeconomic stability and take advantage of the recently approved amendments to the PSA (Philippine

Services Act), FIA (Foreign Investment Act), and RTLA (Retail Trade Liberalization Act) to foster investment-led recovery,” Diokno said.

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COUNCILOR... FROM3 38,000. This is way down sa atong target na 50,000.

Our business permits every January tayo nag-re-renew ug madungagan lang ni kapag naay new businesses that will open in the city. As we can see there is a downtrend in the number of permits that we were issued from the total time high of 41,000 establishments that were successfully issued permits it went down to 40,000 for the years 2020 and 2021,” he said.

Al-ag reported that as of June 30, 2022, there were 45,403 applicants for business permits, and of this number, only 38,900 were successfully registered and were issued with business permits while the remaining 6,000 applicants were not issued with permits for failing to comply with documentary and regulatory commission.

“There are 6,400 business permit applicants that were denied because of any regulatory and documentary requirements. So wala na approve. Our goal is to find out why is it there are more than 6,000 applicants were not given permits. What are the things that we need to do? What are the legislations that we need to do for these more than 6,000 new applicants to be issued a permit and legalize their businesses in the city?” he said.

He also said that for this year’s applicants, there are 35,145 applications for renewal of business permits and 3,759 for new applications.

“Thus, there are more than 1,000 renewal applicants and 70 new applicants daily,” he said.

Al-ag also presented that there are only 29 plantilla positions covering the more than 40,000 applications for business permits in the city and out of these 29, there are 21 filled in and eight vacant plantilla positions.

For the current personnel Business Bureau plantilla, three are detailed in-personnel, 25 contracts of service (COS), and 25 Job Orders (JOs).

“The question is with these more than 20 plantilla and 50 COS and JOs are these enough for us to have an efficient Business Bureau Office? Is this enough for businessmen applying for business permits to have a good experience in the city?” he said.

He said the main problem relative to the slow issuance of the business permits in the case of new applicants is the excessive and tedious requirements and the means of accessing the same is not fully digitized and lack of personnel in the Business Bureau Division.

cals. Its revamp from the pandemic generated more income-generating revenues and established cooperatives with its local workforce such as farmers, fisherfolks, mountain and boat guides, and caterers.

The team also met with Mayor Angelito J. Cabalquinto of Maragusan, and discussed plans for infrastructure provisions and

other necessities in some tourism sites in Maragusan.

Recently, the tourism division of the province in partnership with the provincial health office conducted a Covid-19 vaccination drive to various tourism facilities to further secure its operations amidst the pandemic. (PR/ Davao de Oro Information Office)

delegation will include investment briefings, business-to-business meetings, and a visit to economic zones in Clark, Bataan, and Subic.

The delegates are from sectors of renewable energy, manufacturing, mining, tourism, education, and information technology and business process management (IT-BPM).

The delegation will be led by Philippine Ambassador to Australia Ma. Hellen De La Vega.

According to PEZA, the agency will be meeting the business delegation on August 16.

“This upcoming business mission in the Philippines sets a stronger investment footing and camaraderie which shall further enhance economic ties between our two countries,” PEZA officer-in-charge Tereso Panga said in a statement.

PEZA data showed that there are 141 PEZA-registered companies from Australia and New Zealand as of June 2022.

Their total investments amounted to PHP14.64 billion, contributing USD374.

57 million in exports, and generated 44,424 direct jobs. (PNA)

“We want to present Mindanao’s competitive position where investments in the area yield high returns thanks to its vast fertile lands, ideal climate for agricultural production, and skilled labor force,” she added.

MinDA Deputy Executive Director Assistant Secretary Romeo Montenegro also said that the business forum aims to send a message that Mind-

anao is “back in business” with its robust economic performance despite the setbacks brought about by the global pandemic.

“Our agriculture, forestry, and fishing sectors being able to display positive growth even during the peak periods of the COVID-19 crisis makes a strong case for Mindanao’s capacity as an investment area especially for agribased industries,” he said.

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Ecija, manual planting of rice usually takes 5 days to finish. But when a farmer uses a mechanical transplanter, it will take him only two days to finish planting a 6-hectare farm.

Using farm machinery will greatly improve the agricultural production of the country only if the farmers will adopt this technological innovation.

“Using machines is very promising,” Subaba pointed out. “It can provide ease in farming, faster operations, and better results, unlike traditional practice. The work will not be that tedious anymore, especially in harvesting as the combine harvester offers two-in-one operations (harvesting and threshing).

Moreover, using machines can also generate income as owners can venture into farm service provision enterprises.”

Farmers need to think about these advantages. “I don’t think older farmers will have a hard time (using machines) since they are the real experts on the ground,” said Subaba.

“However, we understand that they already have limitations.”

A study conducted by the University of the Philippines showed that the average age of Filipino farmers is 53 years old although some sources say it’s 57 years old. “If the trend continues and the engagement of the youth will not increase, then we can expect an older workforce, or worse, a scarcity of farmers in the country,” Subaba said.

“With fewer to no farmers, our food supply could be at stake,” he continued.

“That is why it is high time for the youth to engage now in farming. Our youth are passionate, innovative, and competitive. They have a huge potential in transforming the future of agriculture.”

Now, if more youths will engage in farming and use farm machinery, there’s a big future for Philippine agriculture.

“If the youth will totally adopt the use of machines on the farms, we can expect that the farm operations will become faster, easier, better, have lower production cost, and even lower postharvest losses,” Subaba stressed. “These could eventually lead to higher yields and income for the farmers.

“If we push for a complete mechanized farming system, we can even achieve higher production among our farms which could lead to national food security,” he said. “That is how machines can significantly change the future of farming in the country.”

Today’s youth is the hope of the fatherland, said Dr. Jose Rizal. This must be the reason why PhilMech launched in 2018 the Youth for Mechanization (Y4M) for 18-35 years old. “For now, we opened Y4M to the children of farmers or the young members of rice farmer groups who are beneficiaries of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Mechanization Program,” Subaba said.

The Y4M campaign aims to rebrand the image of agriculture among the youth, especially among the farmers’ children through the use of machines from land preparation up to milling. This means that animals and intensive human labor, longer workdays of farming, and high labor requirements will no longer be promoted.

“The four-wheel-drive tractors will now replace carabaos; manual planting will be replaced by mechanical rice transplanters or precision seeders; rice combine harvesters will replace the sickle; mechanical dryers will replace highway-drying, and rice mills will be more available to the farmers,” said the info brochure.

Here’s Subaba again: “I really hope the youth will engage more in agriculture in the coming years through such campaigns as the Y4M because this sector has the most challenging task of feeding the 110 million Filipinos and securing the future of our nation.

“There is no greater project or program a government could ever push forth than on agriculture. I am very glad that our new president has prioritized this sector and I join him in his visions not just for the agriculture sector and the farmers of today but even for the next generation.”

Subaba urged the youth to join the cause: “Dear youth, the agriculture sector is counting on you. It’s about time to lend our voice, engage, take the lead, and together let us transform the future of Philippine agriculture.” –

lics.

The Filipinas had also surpassed its 67th place effort in the last over-theboard edition of the biennial tournament in Batumi, Georgia four years

back regardless of the results of their last match.

Meanwhile, the Filipinos routed the Guatemalans, 4-0, to move up to an 18-nation tie at 41st spot with 12 points.

cure” amid the increase in fuel prices and uncertain supply of coal as exporting countries can implement a coal export ban.

He added exploring and harnessing indigenous energy sources will help the DOE to achieve its energy

goals presented to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr..

The DOE aims for the country to have energy security, accessible and affordable energy, and transition to a sustainable low-carbon future.

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EDGEDAVAO

SPORTS 11

Kai Sotto will join Gilas Pilipinas for the upcoming window of the FIBA World Cup Asian qualifiers.

PH deals Vietnam vengeful 3-1 win in World Chess Olympiad

T

he Philippines dealt regional rival Vietnam a vengeful 3-1 victory in the 10th and penultimate round Monday night to move on the verge of carving its best ever performance in the World Chess Olympiad in Chennai, India.

Woman Grandmaster Janelle Mae Frayna and Woman International Masters Marie Antoinette San Diego and Kylen Joy Mordido came through with masterful wins on boards one, three and four, respectively, to seal the upset win.

Of the four, only WIM Jan Jodilyn Fronda suffered the loss—a stinging result to WGM Nguyen Thi Ma Hung on the second board.

But it was hardly felt as the Filipinas, who are backed by the Philippine Sports Commission, won their games in the other boards that sealed the win and a spot at 22nd place with 10 other countries with 13 match points.

The country was clashing with 14th pick Cuba in the final round at press time and a triumph would seal the former its best finish in the biennial meet since placing 22nd in Thessaloniki, Greece in 1988 when powerhouse countries Soviet Union and Yugoslavia were still one countries and 26th in Turin, Italy in 2006 when the two nations dissolved into multiple repub-

FPH, P10

Sotto to see action in FIBA window F ilipino center Kai Sotto will join Gilas Pilipinas for the upcoming window of the FIBA World Cup Asian qualifiers, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) announced on Wednesday.

Sotto will arrive in Manila from Australia on August 18, in time to join the national team in its preparation for the window.

“We are glad to have

Kai into the Gilas fold, and thank him for his proactive response to the call to play for flag and country for the August qualifiers,” SBP executive director and

spokesperson Sonny Barrios said in a statement.

Sotto is set to play a second season for the Adelaide 36ers in Australia’s National Basketball League, after he was not selected in this year’s NBA Rookie Draft.

He has previously suited up for Gilas Pilipinas in the FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers and the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament last year.

He joins a loaded Gilas line-up that also includes

Filipino-American guard Jordan Clarkson of the Utah Jazz, as well as Japan-based professionals Kiefer and Thirdy Ravena, Dwight Ramos, and Ray Parks Jr. The rest of the line-up will be unveiled by the SBP at the conclusion of the semifinals of the 2022 PBA Philippine Cup. Gilas will play Lebanon on the road on August 25 in Beirut, then host Saudi Arabia at the Mall of Asia Arena on August 29.

ORONTO, Canada -Four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka retired from her opening match on Tuesday at the WTA Toronto Masters with lower back pain, raising injury concerns with the US Open looming.

Estonia’s Kaia Kanepi advanced when Osaka retired trailing 7-6 (7/4), 3-0.

Kanepi, a runner-up last week in Washington, needed 71 minutes on court as she broke three times before the Japanese star called it quits.

Defeat drove the emotional Osaka to tears.

“I felt my back from the start of the match and despite trying to push through it, I just wasn’t able to today,” Osaka said.

“I’d like to pay credit to Kaia for playing well and want to wish her all the best for the rest of the tournament.”

Osaka has played only

six matches with a 2-4 record since losing the Miami final in early April to world number one Iga Swiatek.

Kanepi, 37, won their only prior meeting five years ago in three sets at the US Open.

“I tried to play my game and stay aggressive. It was a very tight match,” Kanepi said. “I felt I needed a little more time to get used to new things, but after that I felt comfortable.”

Reigning US Open champion Emma Raducanu of Britain exited in the first round, losing 7-6 (7/0), 6-2 to Italy’s Camila Giorgi.

Despite the setback in the city of her birth 19 years ago, Raducanu kept her spirits up as her US Open title defense draws nearer.

“It was a really good match, to be honest,” Raducanu said. “The level was pretty high, especially in the first set.

“Camila’s a great oppo-

nent. She won this tournament last year. I just need to get better at dealing with players who play probably as quick as she does “ Defending WTA Canadian champion Giorgi won a combative first set and ran away with the second against the 19-year-old Englishwoman, whose title defense in New York begins in less than three weeks.

The feisty Italian trailed by a break in both sets but showed her spirit by winning the last six games of the contest.

Giorgi needed just over an hour and three-quarters to advance to the second round over the ninth seed who broke into the ranking top 10 less than a month ago.

Raducanu had to hold on in a wild opening set, where serve was broken in six of the dozen games played.

Osaka retires in Toronto opener with back pain T

Naomi Osaka of Japan in action against Coco Gauff of the USA during their match at the women’s Mubadala Silicon Valley Classic tennis tournament at San Jose State University in San Jose, California, USA, 04 August 2022. John Mabanglo, EPA-EFE

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Rep. Pulong Duterte is the Platinum Sponsor of the 1st Madayaw Tee golf tournamentt.

PLATINUM SPONSOR

Rep. Pulong backs 1st Madayaw Tee golf tournament

By NEIL BRAVO

R

ep. Paolo “Pulong” Duterte is the biggest supporter of the first ever Madayaw Tee golf tournament which tees off on August 12-13 at the challenging Apo Golf and Country Club.

Organizers announced on Wednesday that Rep. Duterte is the Platinum Sponsor of the two-day tournament highlighting the sports festivities of this year’s Kadayawan Festival.

Rep. Duterte is a golfer himself and a staunch supporter of sports.

A huge field of 300 golfers are expected to answer the dual shotgun starts at 5:30 am and 11:00 am.

Up for grabs in the twoday tourney are titles in the Class A, B, C, Seniors and Ladies divisions. The tournament uses the Stableford System of scoring with one mulligan each worth Php500 per nine.

Mocha Events Production in partnership with Bully Golfer Incorporated of Davao are extending invitations to

players to register with slots still open. Registration for the tournament that will benefit the Hemophilia Association of Davao is P5,000 per player.

Hemophilia Association of Davao was established to help people in the Philippines who are suffering with a rare bleeding disorder called Hemophilia. The event aims to make this event successful to support the association’s operation and to bring awareness about the rare disorder.

A brand new sedan and motorcycle will be at stake as hole-in-one prizes on designated par 3 fairways.

Interested players may contact the Apo Golf and Country Club or call Bernard Paquin (0956-8161507) or Francis G. Lucero (09914508504).