Edge Davao Vol. 15 Issue 148 | Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2022

Pulong vows to teach TUPAD scammers a lesson STERN WARNING

Rodrigo “Rigo” Duterte II, son of Davao City First District Represent ative Paolo Duterte, checks the school supplies for the students of a Day Care Center after turning over the “Lamayan ng Bayan” and barangay gymnasium in Royal Valley, Bangkal, Talomo District on Monday. The project is made pos sible through the initiative of Rep. Duterte. Edge Davao

STERN WARNING

Pulong vows to teach TUPAD scammers a lesson

By MAYA M. PADILLO

City gov’t of Davao forms Health Facility Dev’t Unit

The City Government of Davao created the Health Facility Devel opment Unit (HFDU) un der the City Health Office (CHO) through Executive Order (EO) No. 46, Series of 2022, issued on September 21, 2022.

Davao

City First Congressional Dis trict Representative Paolo Duter te vowed to teach scammers of a government assistance program a les son they won’t forget.

Cong. Duterte was re ferring to scammers us ing the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE’s) TUPAD or Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced workers program.

This is after a report reached his office that there are people involved in defrauding the said pro gram.

Duterte emphasized that stealing from the gov ernment’s treasury can be

charged with a criminal case, especially since it was done at a time when the country is in crisis.

“Niabot sa akoa nga adunay mga tao nga nalam bigit sa pagpanlinlang sa atong gobyerno pinaagi sa TUPAD program sa DOLE. Masub-anun ko karon nga bisan paman sa ka hago sa atong mga amigo sa DOLE, sa mga barangay officials ug sa akong opisina,daghan mga tao ang wala maka

kuha sa benepisyo sa TUPAD tungod nga adunay pipila nga ni claim sa maka daghan nga higayun gamit ang daghan nga pangalan kada usa ka tao. Ang akong opisina ug ang opisina sa DOLE nihimu na ug lakang para madakpan ning mga tawhana…akong paning kamutan nga kining mga tawhana maka balo sa leksyon nga walay lugar sa atong syudad ang mga

FSTERN, P10

LGUs, residents allies in liberating Davao de Oro from insurgency

Declaring a province in surgency-free takes a long process and care ful planning as dismantling the lairs of the New People’s Army (NPA) is no easy task.

Brig. Gen. Jesus Durante III, the Army’s 1001st Infan try Brigade (1001IB) head, said leading his troops to lib erate Davao de Oro from the

communist NPA is one of his greatest achievements.

The province was de clared insurgency-free in June by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

From an insurgency hot bed with 12 guerilla units, the military weakened the NPA to just one during the latter half of 2021.

The remaining mem bers, under the Guerrilla Front 2 which is the old est NPA unit in Mindanao, eventually left Davao de Oro to end the government’s efforts to free the province from insurgency.

Out of 55 known insur gent groups in the country, 30 percent were in Mindan

ao, based on data as of June.

Of the 30 percent, half were in Davao Region, with 8 percent in Davao de Oro alone.

“I think this is very his torical, being able to liberate Davao de Oro in the area of 1001IB and it is very mean ingful for me because it was

FLGUs, P10

EO 46, signed by Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte, cited Article II, Section 15 of the 1987 Constitution, which states that “the State shall protect and promote the right to health of the people and instill health consciousness among them” and Article XIII, Sec tion 11 of the 1987 Con stitution, which provides that “the State shall adopt an integrated and compre hensive approach to health

development which shall endeavor to make essen tial goods, health and other social services available to all the people at affordable cost. There shall be a pri ority for the needs of the underprivileged sick, elder ly, disabled, women, and children. The State shall endeavor to provide free medical care to paupers.”

Section 3.1b, under General Objectives of Re public Act No. 11223, also known as the “Universal Health Care Law”, also seeks to “ensure that all Filipinos are guaranteed equitable access to quality and affordable health care goods and services and protected against financial FCITY, P10

Davao City inaugurates 2 police offices, fire station

The City Government of Davao on Thursday inaugurated the first Tourist Police Unit (TPU) of fice building here.

The city government also turned over the new Bajada Fire Station to the Bureau of Fire Protection XI on Thursday.

The TPU headquarters and the new fire station, located along J.P.Laurel Ave nue (near NCCC Bajada), are housed in two interconnect ed buildings. Both offices are funded by the local govern ment with a budget of P7.5 million and P7.8 million, re spectively.

In a separate event, Po

lice Station 18 Bajada, locat ed along J.P. Laurel Avenue Cor. Dacudao St., was also inaugurated. The Bajada Po lice Station had a budget of P5,150,000— also from the city government.

New TPU chief PLtCol Archie Zozobrado said a total of 108 tourist police personnel will be deployed in the most visited places in the city.

“Ang tourist police, fo cused siya sa local and for eign tourists. Mag-provide ta’g security assistance sa mga areas like tourist desti nations, malls, vital installa tions where daghan ang mga

FDAVAO,

Commuters disembark from a public utility jeepney along J.P. Laurel Avenue in Davao City. The transport fare hike has been implemented on Monday, October 3, as approved by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB). Edge Davao

Pulong’s son Rigo presides turnover of barangay projects

BOC-Davao exceeds Sept 2022 target by P708.88M

By MAYA M. PADILLO

The

Bureau of Customs, Port of Davao, has ex ceeded its September 2022 revenue collection target.

The Port has collected 4.13 billion pesos in rev enue, or 20.72 % higher against its assigned target of 3.42 billion pesos, post ing a surplus of 708.88 mil lion pesos.

This is also higher by

0.21% compared to the 2021 September collection performance of 3.26 billion pesos.

The said achievement is made possible through the strengthened collaboration and dialogues between its employees and stakehold ers who continue to trans act at the Port.

District Collector, Atty.

FBOC-DAVAO, P10

First Congressional District Represen tative Paolo Duterte’s son Rodrigo “Rigo” Duterte II led the turnover of a gymnasium and a “Lamayan ng Bayan” (funeral home) at the Talomo’s Barangay Hall Satellite Office in Royal Valley, Bangkal Monday morning.

Through the initiative of his father, the “Lamayan ng Bayan” will be the first funeral venue for Davao City residents who could not afford decent funeral

LTFRB-Davao issues show cause order to drivers, operators for overcharging

The regional office of the Land Transpor tation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LT FRB-Davao) has issued show cause orders to driv ers and operators for over charging fares.

Lawyer Ernest Benz Davila, Legal Officer of LT FRB-Davao, reported that last month, LTFRB-Davao has received 10 complaints against drivers who were allegedly collecting exces sive fares from passengers.

“Na reach out na namo ang mga operators and

given warnings. Others we have sent show cause or ders for them to answer the complaints and after this para makahatag mi ug ap propriate actions if found out that the drivers or oper ators are engaged in over charging,” Davila said.

The Joint Administra tive Order (JAO) 201401 of the Department of Transportation penalizes overcharging with a P5,000 penalty on the first offense, P10,000 and impounding of unit for the second offense, and P15,000 and cancella

tion of CPC or franchise.

The JAO 2014-01 is the revised schedule of fines and penalties for violations of laws, rules, and regula tions governing land trans portation.

Meanwhile, LT FRB-Davao has implement ed the fare increase for the Traditional Public Utility Jeepneys (TPUJs), Mod ern Public Utility Jeepneys (MPUJs), taxis, and Pub lic Utility Buses (PUBs) in Davao Region on Monday.

The new adjusted fare

other local government agencies.

“Gikalipay nako na na kig duyog ako kaninyo para sa opisyal nga pag turn over aning mga mapuslanun kaayo nga barangay gym ug lamayan ng bayan pi naagi sa pagpaningkamut sa opisina ni Congressman Pulong Duterte. Anaa pud kami dugang nga pasilidad sa atung barangay, pinaagi aning mga tent nga ato pud iturnover sa Brgy. Talomo,” he said in his message to

the residents and barangay officials during the formal program held at Talomo Barangay Hall.

He also appealed to the residents to take care of the said facilities.

“Ug unta makahatag kini ug dakong tabang kaninyu taliwala sa mga krisis nga atong gisagu bang,” he said.

The young Duterte also urged the residents to come to the congressman’s

Mayor Baste reiterates alcoholic drinks prohibited inside cemetery during ‘Undas’

There are no guidelines yet that will be issued by the city govern ment of Davao for the up coming “Undas,” however, Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte already made it clear that no alcohol con sumption will be allowed inside the cemetery.

“As of now wala pa tay ipatuman na restric tions sulod sa sementeryo karong umaabot na ka lag-kalag. Ang pinaka no table diha kay kanang alak. Ayaw mo pag-inum didto sa sulod sa sementeryo,” he said.

service for their departed loved ones while the new ly-built gymnasium will be utilized for crowd gather ings, assemblies, and ac tivities of the barangay and FLTFRB, P10

The mayor also said that the same guidelines will still be used as the pre vious years. The City Trans port and Traffic Manage ment Office (CTTMO) and the Public Safety and Secu rity Office (PSSO) will only make adjustments when it comes to traffic.

“Kung unsay template/ guidelines na ginagamit nato kaniadto na kalag-ka lag sa ato diri mao gihapon ang atong gamiton. Naa lang gamay na mga adjustments depende sa unsay makita nila nga kinahanglan bagohon labi na sa CTTMO kay

traffic ug PSSO, tan-awon nila kung unsa idungag na protocols to further secure the public pag-abot sa un das,” Duterte said.

In August this year, Max imo Macalipes, Jr., OIC of the City Economic Enterprise, announced that the Davao City Economic Enterprise (CEE) has proposed for a face-to-face observance of this year’s “Undas”.

The CEE’s preparation for “Undas” is ongoing. It can be recalled that former Mayor Sara Duterte has ordered the closure of

MAYOR,

Interfacing Development Interventions for Sustainability (IDIS) executive director lawyer Mark Peñalver urges the city government of Davao to build more public parks and open spaces, which are vital to health and well-being for Dabawenyos living in urban areas, during this week’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Davao. Peñalver has also discussed green groups’ environmental campaigns in Davao City. Edge Davao

FPULONG’S, P10

PBBM reinforced talks, encouraged anew investments in 2nd trip to SG

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Mar cos Jr. returned to Singapore over the weekend to reinforce talks during his recent state visit there and encouraged anew investments in the country, a Palace official said Monday.

Press Secretary Trix ie Cruz-Angeles, in her official Facebook page, shared a screenshot of a post made by Singaporean Manpower Minister Tan See Leng confirming Mar cos’ trip to the city-state.

Marcos met with Sin gaporean investors on the sidelines of the Formula One Grand Prix race in Sin gapore on Sunday night.

“Naging produktibo ang pagdalaw sa Sing pore ni Pangulong Ferdi nand Romualdez Marcos Jr. Pinagpatibay niya ang mga pangunahing usapan sa huling state visit sa bayan na ito, at pinatuloy ang paghihikayat sa pag invest sa bayang Pilipinas (President Ferdinand Ro mualdez Marcos Jr.’s visit to Singapore was produc

tive. He reinforced the main talks during the last state visit to this country, and continued to encour age investment in the Phil ippines),” Cruz-Angeles said in her caption.

She did not provide further details as of post ing time.

Joining Marcos were his son, Senior Deputy Majority Leader and Ilo cos Norte 1st District Rep. Sandro Marcos, and his cousin, House Speaker Martin Romualdez.

Tan, on his Facebook post, said he met other heads of state, ministers, and foreign dignitaries

apart from Marcos.

“Happy to meet vari ous Heads of States, Minis ters and foreign dignitar ies (including Bongbong Marcos, President Suran gel Whipps Jr., Cambodia’s Minister attached to the Prime Minister and Man aging Director of Electric ite Du Cambodge (EDC), Keo Rottanak, Cambodia’s Minister of Commerce, Pan Sorasak, Advisor to the Royal Court, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Dr Fahad Bin Abdullah Toonsi) to affirm our bilateral eco nomic relationships and strengthen collaborations

Meat prices to increase leading up to the holidays: importers, traders group

Prices of meat are ex pected to climb in the coming months leading up to the Christmas holidays as costs continue to increase, according to the Meat Im porters and Traders Associ ation (MITA).

MITA President Emeri tus Jess Cham said that meat import prices are expected to increase given the delivery delays, and the higher landed costs.

“‘Yun pong gastusin o puhunan o landed cost ng

imported, tumaas na, kaya ngayon may presyo na tu mataas, pataas ang presyo,” he said in an interview on Su per Radyo dzBB on Sunday.

“Nadinig na po natin rin sa mga pork producers na by December, tataas sila up to P30 per kilo, kaya nandiyan po ang trend,” he added.

(The cost or investment or landed cost of imported meat increased, which is why prices are going up. We also heard from pork producers that by December, they will

increase prices by up to P30 per kilo so that is the trend.)

The latest data available from the Department of Agriculture (DA) show that prices per kilogram of pork liempo average P350, and pork kasim at P300 in Metro Manila as of September 29, 2022.

Cham said deliveries have also been impacted by the lockdowns, as imports usually pass through other countries such as Taiwan and China before entering

the Philippines.

Aside from this, the DA said the livestock and poultry sector incurred at least P12.8 million worth of losses due to Typhoon Karding which hit the country last week.

According to Pesa Onion and Vegetable Farmers As sociation Chairman Victor Layug, the typhoon affected several crops and vegetables such as onions.

For the yellow onion variety, this would translate

Siargao tourism on its way to recovery with national, int’l surfing competitions

Local surfers took ad vantage of their famil iarity with the waves to dominate the 1st Mayor Sol’s National Surfing Com petition at Cloud 9 in Siar gao Island in Surigao del Norte on Saturday.

The event was the first national competition in Siargao since the Covid-19 pandemic was declared in March 2020 and after the devastation of Typhoon Odette in December last year.

A total of 140 Filipino surfers competed -- 121 males and 19 females.

Noah Arkfeld topped the Men’s Open Short Board category, besting Robert Timbal of Catan duanes and province mates Jayward Alceso and Ben jomar Canon, who placed third and fourth, respec tively.

Arkfeld garnered 11.75 in the finals while Tim bal could only score 3.20 points.

Nilbie Blancada ruled the women’s division over Diane Nogalo, and Susan Escanilla in an all-Siargo podium finish.

The champions re ceived PHP80,000 in cash each, the second placers PHP50,000, and the third

placers PHP25,000 each.

Mayor Sol Matugas of Gen. Luna town thanked all involved “who went out of their way to give their time, resources, and talents.”

“I’m happy that we have renewed our family spirit under this surfing event,” Matugas said in a speech.

The event, sanctioned by the United Philippine Surfing Association, was a qualifier for the 26th Siar gao International Surfing Cup slated October 15 to 21.

Matugas said the inter national competition will bring in more arrivals on the island and declared they are ready for the host ing.

Data from the local tourism office in Gen. Luna showed 44,482 arrivals registered in the town from April to August this year.

From 257,900 tourist arrivals in 2019, Siargao tourists dropped to 67,717 in 2020.

No local and foreign arrivals were registered in April, May, and October 2020.

In 2021, the number further declined to 28,287, including 737 foreign guests. (PNA)

Volunteers from SM Foundation and community members undertake the planting of flowering trees during the ‘Grow Trees Community’ project in Nasugbu in Batangas. SM Foundation

Region 12 farmer orgs to be SEC-registered

The

Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in the Soc csksargen region and the Securities and Exchange Commission-Davao Exten sion Office (SEC-DEO) tied up recently to make agrar ian reform beneficiaries organizations (ARBOs) to be SEC-registered for them to receive more gov ernment support.

This undertaking is in consonance with the directive of DAR Secre tary Conrado Estrella III to boost the livelihood of agrarian reform beneficia

ries.

Mariannie Lau ban-Baunto, DAR Soc csksargen chief, said this agreement between the two agencies is the first national government agency partnership in the south-central Mindanao Region.

“Our partnership with SEC-DEO is part of our commitment in helping our ARBOs. Their agricul tural businesses would be open to more possibilities toward success,” she said in a news release on Sun

FREGION, P10

Globe brings fiber connectivity to 8 provinces with cable landing stations

Globe Telecom said on Monday it landed fiber optic cable in 8 provinces along with its partners in a bid to bring fiber connectivity to un derserved and remote areas.

This is part of 33 landing points of the $150-million Philippine Domestic Submarine Ca ble Network (PDSCN), which it said was the lon gest domestic subsea ca ble project in the country.

Globe said the new landing sites are in Lu cena City, Boac in Marin duque, Calatrava in Rom blon, Placer in Masbate,

Iloilo City, Bacolod City, Roxas City, and Siargao in Surigao del Norte.

More cable landings will be made in Mactan, Cebu and the holiday is land of Boracay in Aklan in the coming months, it added.

“This is a historic sub sea cable project that will bring better connectivity and data capacity to sev eral communities who rely on communications for their day to day needs, including education, work, and livelihood,” said Globe Group Presi dent and CEO Ernest Cu.

GLOBE, P10

Fare hikes takes effect Monday

For public utility buses (PUBs), the minimum fare for city buses will be hiked by P2 for the first five kilo meters — P13 for the reg ular buses, and P15 for the air-conditioned buses.

The fare increases will cover most forms of land transportation, as the agen cy earlier said it recognized the need given the continu ous increase in petroleum prices.

The LTFRB approved a P1 provisional increase in the minimum fare for the first four kilometers of trav

el in public utility jeepneys (PUJs), bringing the min imum fare for tradition al PUJ up to P12, and the modern PUJ up to P14.

It also approved an ad ditional fare per succeeding kilometer, up by P0.30 for traditional PUJs to P1.80, and by P0.40 for modern PUJs to P2.20.

PH factories’

The country’s manu facturing purchas ing managers’ index (PMI) in September 2022 improved to 52.9, the high est in three months, S&P Global reported Monday.

The manufacturing score last month was high er than the sector’s perfor mance in August at 51.2.

The September survey also showed that increases

The minimum fares for provincial buses will also be hiked by P2, with suc ceeding kilometer fare in creases ranging from P1.90 to P2.90 depending on the type of bus.

For taxis, the flagdown rate will be hiked to P45, and P40 in the Cordille ra Administrative Region

(CAR).

Fares of transport network vehicle services (TNVS) will likewise in crease to P35 for hatch back-type vehicles; P45 for sedan-type vehicles; P55 for Asian utility vehicles (AUVs) and sports utility vehicles (SUVs).

“Gusto nating ipaala la sa ating mga pasahero na siguraduhin po na ang lahat ng sinasakyan natin bukas ay mayroong fare matrix,” LTFRB Chairper son Cheloy Garafil said in

FFARE, P10

PMI improve in Sept

in output and new orders, easing of price pressure, and manufacturers’ con fidence for the next 12 months have supported the sector’s health despite the lower demand from foreign markets for Philip pine-made goods.

“Growth across the Fili pino manufacturing sector quickened in September according to the latest PMI

data. Firms noted that an in crease in customer demand allowed production levels and factory orders to grow for the first time since June,” S&P Global Market Intelli gence economist Maryam Baluch said in a statement.

S&P’s report also noted that manufacturing growth in September was primarily driven by domestic demand as orders from abroad con

tinue to contract for seven consecutive months.

Hiring activities in the sector also increased for five straight months, it add ed.

“Adding to the good news, inflationary pres sures, which have been un comfortably high in the past couple of months, moderat ed in the latest survey pe

Mati City Information officer Ben Jason Tesiona bares during this week’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Davao that as of August, the city has 260,186 tourist arrivals and hopes to achieve 500,000 tourist arrivals this year. Tesiorna also promoted the upcoming 22nd Sambuokan Festival that will start on October 21 until 31. Edge Davao

Commuters will have to pay more for public transport fares starting Mon day, October 3, as approved by the Land Transportation Franchising and Reg ulatory Board (LTFRB).

EDGEDAVAO

Red-tagging, also known as red-baiting, is a pernicious prac tice as part of the government’s counterinsurgency efforts that targets individuals or organi zations critical or not fully sup portive of the actions of a sitting administration.

This include publicly accus ing activists, journalists, poli ticians, and organizations as either communists or terrorists or both, regardless of their actu al political beliefs or affiliations.

It is a type of incitement and has pernicious effects on its tar gets who often end up being ha rassed or even killed.

Even our judicial system is not spared of red-tagging.

Courts resolve disputes as they provide a neutral arena for judging emotionally charged controversies. In some instanc es, when one’s views clash with the court’s decision, even if one is not a party to the case, violence in whatever form may result, including social media attacks.

“The Court sternly warns those who continue to incite violence through social media and other means which endan ger the lives of judges and their families, and that this shall like

DENNIS R. GORECHO PINOY MARINO RIGHTS

RED-TAGGING AS AN ATTACK ON THE INDEPENDENCE OF THE JUDICIARY

wise be considered a contempt of this court and will be dealt with accordingly,” the Supreme Court said in a statement.

This is the strong message by the Supreme Court in relation to the Facebook posts by Lorraine Badoy in reaction to Manila Re gional Trial Court Judge Marlo Magdoza-Malagar’s junking of a 2018 Department of Justice pe tition to declare the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and the New People’s Army (NPA) as a terrorist group. Ba doy is a former spokesperson of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Con flict,

“So if I kill this judge and I do so out of my political belief that all allies of the CPP NPA NDF must be killed because there is no difference in my mind be tween a member of the CPP NPA NDF and their friends, please be lenient with me.” Badoy said in a deleted FB post.

Badoy criticized the judge for ruling that “acts of ter rorism” of the CPP-NPA-NDF should be deemed “political crimes” which are “treated with leniency.”

Badoy tagged the judge as a “friend” and “true ally” of the

communist armed movement as she stressed that the 135page decision was a “gift”, “pro paganda material” and a “judge ment straight from the bowels of communist hell.”

Badoy questioned why Judge Malagar was “so wellversed about the Constitution of the CPP-NPA, that only its mem bers should have knowledge of.”

Badoy also tagged the judge’s husband, UP Cebu Chan cellor Atty. Leo Malagar as be ing a “communist sympathizer.” I know Leo personally as we were contemporaries at the UP College of Law.

Judge Malagar herself be came the subject of online attacks and even threats in social media, with one report edly threatening her with bodi ly harm, while the rest accusing her of being an ally or friend of the CPP-NPA, echoing Badoy’s statements.

The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) “condemns the abuse, harassment and out right red-tagging of another member of the Judiciary. These capricious and dishonest state ments go beyond reasonable discussion. They foment vitriol and hate against our judges.”

The IBP said attacking mem bers of the judiciary and threat ening them with bodily harm is not normal as “the judiciary’s job is to decide disputes and no judge should ever feel threat ened just by performing that duty.”

The Philippine Judges Asso ciation (PJA) underscored that any baseless attack on a judge in whatever manner “is an assault on democracy”.

“We remind everyone that individuals, including judges, have protected constitutional rights, and personal attacks and threats against them and the judiciary should never be tolerated,” the PJA said.

Hukom, another group of trial court judges, also con demned the red-tagging of Judge Malagar, saying such may be considered as an attack on the independence of the judi ciary.

They urged fellow judges “not to normalize the use of vi olence against any person as a form of redress” by not speak ing up against it.

The UP College of Law Facul ty said in a statement that “the threat to kill another is a felony punished under our criminal

POINTS

laws. Red tagging violates the Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers.” Both Judge Malagar and her husband are members of the UP Law faculty.

They called on the Supreme Court “to consider initiating actions to hold accountable Ba doy and those who may, in the future, consider lawyers, prose cutors, and judges fair game for similar attacks.”

A letter signed by at least 485 lawyers led by the Nation al Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL) addressed to the Su preme Court called on the Court to address Badoy’s attacks against human rights lawyers which were part of her attacks against Judge Malagar.

“We stand with our Judicia ry in its efforts to ensure that ours will always be a society of rules, of democratic and critical discourse, and one that protects human rights,” they added.

(Peyups is the moniker of University of the Philippines. Atty. Dennis R. Gorecho heads the seafarers’ division of the Sapalo Velez Bundang Bulil an law offices. For comments, e-mail info@sapalovelez.com, or call 0917-5025808 or 09088665786.)

C. BUDD

LETTER TO PRESIDENT MARCOS ON DAVAO-SAMAL BRIDGE

I’m a Filipino-American raised in Davao and immigrated to the United States 41 years ago.

When my parents were alive, I’d visit Davao almost yearly and still frequently do. In these vis its I wouldn’t miss visiting Sa mal Island, the Paradise Resort, Costa Marina, Malipano and eventually my brother’s resort in Bandera. I’ve had many fond memories of the place, bonding with my family and friends.

I love Samal’s “curb appeal.” Looking at it from the Water front Hotel is amazing. The beautiful trees as we approach Paradise Resort or Costa Mari na, the aquamarine waters, the white sand just brings me to a peaceful place, so far away and yet so close to my heart.

Many Hollywood movie stars would fly halfway around the world to find that remote, “untouched” natural place. I can understand why. Samal is that for me.

One of my nephews stud ied Marine Biology in college. His thesis was to study the

state of the coral reefs in Samal. The conclusion was that it was non-existent. DEAD.

So, to hear from current studies conducted by marine bi ologists that the coral reef along Paradise resort is thriving is a blessing!

And yet, perhaps with some anomalous studies, all these are threatened by a construction of a bridge right into the heart of Paradise and Costa Marina and its vicinity. The immediate vicinity of the coral reefs, the trees, the birds and its sanctu ary— all gone!

And why? Why would the goose that lays the golden eggs be destroyed? The main ambi ence that allures us – gone, by the building of this bridge right through its heart.

We Dabawenyos have en joyed Paradise, Costa Marina, Chemas and its vicinity. We have been so lucky that the fam ilies who own them have shared them with us.

The least that we could do is support them when these

shores and environment are threatened.

There are other possible bridge landing sites such as the “Bangayan” port, Bong Go’s port or the area that the Rodri guez-Lucas family is donating. These are already in existence— they’re no longer a threat to the environment.

I have written letters to the people who are spearheading the bridge project including to the President of the Philippines.

Perhaps you could do just as well.

September 28, 2022

President Bongbong Marcos Malacañang Complex, J.P. Laurel Street San Miguel, Manila 1005

Re: Davao-Samal Bridge Dear Mr. President:

Greetings from Dallas, Texas, U.S.A.!

I’m writing to you regard ing the proposed Davao-Samal

bridge. Thank you for continu ing the efforts.

We are Filipino-Americans who want to contribute to the continued growth of the Phil ippines. We do this by sending money to our loved ones, by buying Philippine goods and services and visiting the Phil ippines and contributing to its tourism dollar revenue.

One of the attractions for many of us who frequently visit the southern Philippines is the Garden Island of Samal which has pristine white beaches, beautiful trees and birds, and thriving coral reefs.

Some of these beautiful en vironments are in Caliclic, Sa mal. Many of the business own ers in the area are very careful at preserving its environment by using local materials and making sure that the trees are preserved — making it a sanc tuary for the birds around.

They also carefully sepa rate the swimming area from the coral reefs where they try to propagate the much needed

coral reefs to help the fishes.

Without doubt, being locals, the owners carefully manage and preserve their beloved en vironment.

So, when “outsiders” come and make decisions, somehow, this “footprint” is gone.

The proposed Samal bridge landing is supposed to be in Caliclic, Samal in between the Paradise Resort and Costa Mari na Resort, areas that have been carefully developed and pre served by the locals.

This proposed bridge land ing will destroy the environ ment: its coral reefs, trees and the birds!

There are other areas that can be used for the landing such as the “Bangayan” port, Bong Go’s port and an area the Rodri guez-Lucas families are donat ing.

We implore you to help pre serve our beloved Caliclic, Sa mal.

Sincerely Yours, Rosemarie C. Budd

ABROAD

FROM BAR WAITER TO RESTAURATEUR

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

Poverty is no hindrance to success -especially if you have the motivation to get out of it. With sheer determi nation, hard work and support from loved ones, you cannot fail.

Everyone has to start from scratch.

For Rogelio Canales, more popularly known as Budoy, being a waiter was just the start. He didn;t stop there. In no time, he learned about bartending. And it took him only five years to become his own boss – as chief executive officer of Mixed Temptations Mobile Bar Davao. But when the pandemic hit the country in 2020, he transformed it into a restaurant.

“It was a dream come true,” says Canales, who graduated with two-yearcourse on Hotel and Restau rant Management at Ale marz School of Science and Technology as a scholar of Technical Education and Skills Development Author ity (TESDA).

Now, he has three suc cessful restaurants under his name. With the COVID virus receding, the mobile bar is again open to the pub lic. The first restaurant is located at Ponciano Reyes Street while the second one is in Lanang; the third

is just adjacent to the sec ond restaurant. “I believe if you follow your passion and dream, everything will happen in the right time,” he points out.

Almarie “Al” Ajero, the loving wife who’s from Kidapawan City, is very sup portive of what her husband is doing for the family. The couple has two sons. “I total ly support him all the way,” she says.

Canales has gone a long way indeed. Back then, while still in college, he nev er knew what would hap pen to him. He underwent his on-the-job training at the Marco Polo Hotel in 2006. After graduation, he was ab sorbed by the Banquet Bar as an on call waiter.

From being a waiter, he was promoted to be a bartender in Lotus Court Chinese Restaurant (20082011) and then at the Pool Bar (2013-2014). For a year, he was in-charge at the Ban quet Bar as bar captain. He was transferred the follow ing year to the Eagles Bar, where he was in-charge of

all bar outlets.

From 2016 to 2018, Canales became the offi cer-in-charge of the Lotus Court and also served as de partment trainer for service and beverage skills. In Feb ruary 2019, he decided to resign from his job to pursue what he had been dreaming: a business of his own.

After all, he is the pres ident of the Davao chapter of Bartenders Brotherhood Association of the Philip pines. It was sort of a record as he never knew about bar tending.

“I really have no idea about bartending; what I know is only about waiter ing. When I was transferred to Lotus Court, it was there that I learned how to brew tea, coffee and fruit juices. If our guests ordered cock tails, we went to the lobby lounge or Eagles Bar.

“The reason was that we were not allowed to mix cocktails. Aside from that, we didn’t know how and we didn’t have the ingredients,” he recalled. “When the Lo tus Court was renovated, the staff were distributed to oth er outlets and I was assigned to the Pool Bar.”

Canales was scared with the new development. “I was afraid because I don’t have any knowledge about cocktails, mocktails, spirits and wine,” he admitted.

But what really fright ened him the most was

having conversation with the guests and visitors. “The Pool Bar is the hangout place for most foreign guests,” he said. “At that time, all I knew was to answer yes or no.”

Instead of being ter rified, he decided to learn the basics of bartending. “I forced myself to study, re search and attend seminars. I also asked for some tech niques in the preparation of basic mixed drinks, spirits and wine from the legends and masters in the bartend ing industry,” he said.

As he learned more about bartending, Canales also gained some confidence in talking with the guests. Later on, “I fell in love with what I was doing. In fact, I enjoy doing it.”

Looking back, he admit ted: “Along the way, I learned the ways and means of the bartending industry. But most importantly, I devel oped my self-esteem and confidence. If in the past I had only two English words, I am now able to converse with foreigners although not real ly fluently but enough to talk with them and understand what they are telling me.”

His mobile bar was do ing well when the pandem ic happened. The idea of moving from serving drinks to offering foods came into fruition. “I shifted to a restaurant because of the pandemic and the govern ment banned alcoholic bev

erages.”

In addition, he didn’t want his people to lose their jobs. So, he contacted a chef who could help him realize his idea.

On why he focused on Chinese foods, he replied, “Chinese foods are my per sonal favorite and as a for mer Supervisor of Lotus Court.”

Mixed Temptation Chi nese Restaurant offers a lot of Chinese food on its menu. Among the top five best-selling Chinese foods during the time of pandemic were: Peking duck, patatim, Hainanese chicken, dimsum and homemade tofu.

As more people ordered from his Chinese restaurant, he decided to open a new one in Lanang, which would be accessible to his custom ers living in the northern part of the city. “Most of our customers are from the north,” he said.

According to Canales,

the main branch’s strength is its “take-out” orders as 80% of the sales comes from it. For those who want to dine in, the Lanang branch es are the best places to be.

Looking back, he said: “My mobile bar and bar business was closed tempo rarily by the pandemic, but we also discovered Chinese food through the pandemic.”

Now that drinking is again allowed, he is again serving drinks through his mobile bar. “Right now, we are offering a mobile bar that comes with food. Our new tagline is: ‘Tell me where the party is, and we’ll bring the bar and the Chi nese food.”

You can never put Rog elio Canales down. He is a man with sheer determina tion and is full of ideas. He is a perseverance incarnate.

“Don’t lose hope,” he said. “Never quit; choose a business that you love the most.”

In the blood

LEAN’S LENS

BY LEAN DAVAL JR

We

always believe in the saying that chil dren are the better versions of their parents.

But it is also correct to say that parents are the inspiration and role models of their children.

Kids usually look up to their mother or father. They see their mom as the greatest giver and guiding light while their father is their super hero and defender.

Meet Ron, a 35-year old father of five from R. Castillo Street, Davao City, who makes skate boarding a bonding activity with his kids.

Ron said he started his love affair with the skateboard 17 years ago when the sport broke out mainstream through ESPN’s X Games.

After seeing their father did the kick turn, the tic-tac, the basic ollie and all the other skateboard tricks, Lorraine, a 12-year student, and Logan, a five-year old boy, were inspired and fell in love with the sport. They eventually picked up skate boarding as well.

Both kids said they want to follow the foot steps of their father. They want to perfect the tricks and become world-class skateboarders.

Ron uttered that at first he just allowed his kids to play with skateboard to discourage them from spending too much time with gadgets but since he saw the potential of Lorraine and Lo gan, he teaches them techniques to sharpen their skills.

Ron wishes that one day his children fulfill the dream he wasn’t able to realize, that is to be a successful and internationally acclaimed skater.

The father of the next Tony Hawk or Alexis Sablone, Ron said, it’s not a bad idea at all.

10 EDGEDAVAO

STERN...

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taong dili kabalo magma hal sa iyang isig ka ingun,” Duterte said in a statement.

Duterte warned the cul prits to just wait for karma to fall on them.

“Para sa mga taong nalambigit ani, akong gi panghinaut nga nalipay mo sa inyung gibuhat ug nab usog mo sa inyung kinaon ky sigurado ako nga mas daghan ang nagutman tun god sa inyung binuhatan. Ang gaba dili magsaba busa hulata ninyu ang silut nga

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declared insurgency-free during the time that I was assigned to lead here,” Du rante told the Philippine News Agency over the weekend after the screening of the two-hour documen tary film “Checkmate: The Liberation of Davao de Oro” at Tagum City Historical and Cultural Center.

Durante said a major factor in their success was the collaboration of local government units (LGUs) and communities.

“Teamwork among of ficers, soldiers, units, resi dents. Patience is really the key,” said Durante, former chief of the Presidential Se curity Group of the Duterte administration. “The key ingredients are collabora tion, patience, and of course, there’s hard work and per severance.”

The military will not be complacent though and

PBBM...

padulung sa inyu,” he said.

TUPAD is a commu nity-based package of assistance that provides emergency employment for displaced workers, un deremployed and seasonal workers for a minimum period of 10 days, but not to exceed a maximum of 30 days, depending on the nature of work to be per formed. The salary of work ers shall be based on the existing minimum wage in Davao Region.

risk.”

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in energy cooperation as well as exchange views on manpower policies on the sidelines of the race,” he said.

“Last but not least, es pecially happy to have our community and tripartite leaders and front-liners at the event. Thank you for your contributions towards the fight against Covid-19 over the last 2 years,” he added.

During his first state visit to Singapore from Sept. 6 and 7, Marcos brought home USD6.54 billion (PHP374.57) in in vestment pledges.

The commitments, ex pected to generate jobs for 15,000 people, include a USD5 billion investment in electric tricycles.

“This investment in the transportation sector

REGION...

day.

continue operations to prevent the return of the Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA-National Democratic Front (CPPNPA-NDF) to the province, he said.

“Never again that they will set foot in the area of the 1001IB. Never again that the CPP-NPA-NDF will harm the people of Davao de Oro,” Du rante said.

John Paul Seniel, “Checkmate” director, said the film focused on the stories of success, survival, and bayanihan (cooperation).

“We covered a lot of gov ernment programs in Davao de Oro and their effects on the people,” he said.

The film will also be screened in academic insti tutions to make students aware of the military’s ef forts to make their town safe and peaceful. (PNA)

The new EO also cited Section 4 of EO No. 138 s. 2021 - Full Devolution of Certain Functions of the Executive Branch to Local Governments, Creation of a Committee on Devolu tion and for other purpos es issued by the Office of the President states that the functions, services, and facilities which shall be fully devolved from the National Government (NG) to the Local Government Units (LGUs) no later than the end of FY 2024, shall include those indicated under Section 17 of RA No. 7160 and other existing laws which subsequently devolved of the NG to LGUS.

Section 5 of the same EO states that the nation al government agencies (NGAs) concerned and all LGUs shall prepare their respective devolution tran sition plans (DTPs) which conform to the guidelines to be jointly issued by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and the Department of the Inte rior and Local Government (DILG).

The Department of Health Devolution Tran sition Plan (DOH DTP) 2022-2024, approved by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM)

DAVAO...

on March 24, 2022, states that the Health Facilities Enhancement Program (HFEP) will be gradually and partially devolved by the calendar year 2022 based on the National Al location Framework in the Philippine Health Facility Development Plan (PHF DP) 2020-2040.

Based on DOH DTP 2022-2024, HFEP will re-devolve the functions to Category 4 (high capacity, low gap) provinces and cit ies.

Davao City is identified as Category 4 (high capac ity, low gap) based on the National Allocation Frame work, a category based on capacity parameters such as resources of the local government, presence of Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA) as classified by the Department of Health (DOH), and the level of household income.

EO 46 states that the HFDU will have five subunits: Health Facilities and Infrastructure Devel opment (HFID), Health Facility Maintenance (HFM), Health Facility Li censing and Accreditation, and Health and Medical Equipment Maintenance (HMEM). Each subunit has its set of functions.

PULONG’S... FROM 3

office and the mayor’s of fice if they need assistance.

“Dili pud unta kamo magsawa sa pag imbi tar kanako sa inyong mga pasundayag ug unta dili kamo maulaw muduol sa opisina ni Congressman Pulong ug kay Mayor Baste kung aduna kamoy buot iduol kay mao lang kini ang paagi para kami maka ba los man lang sa inyong wa lay pu-as nga supporta sa among pamilya. Sa wala pa diay maka ila, ako si Rodri go Duterte II, anak ni Con gressman Pulong ug inyong amigo sa inyong barangay,”

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Erastus Sandino B. Austria commends the perfor mance of Collection District XII for their untiring excel lent service. He also com

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is now at P12 for the base fare (for the first four kilo meters) from the previous P11. The succeeding kilo meter is now at P1.80.

For MPUJs the new ad justed fare is now at P14 for the first four kilometers and the succeeding kilome ter is now at P2.20.

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tao nga nagasuroy sa area

is seen to lessen air pol lution emitted by an esti mated 3.5 million tricycles nationwide,” Malacañang said.

Other commitments include a USD1.2 billion investment in renewable energy, specifically the new technology of floating solar, a USD200 million investment in setting up of in-country Data Center, USD10 million to USD100 million investments in areas such as marine re newable energy, water production, desalination, electric boats as well as aquaculture.

There were also in vestments pledged in “Innovation Platform for Start-ups” valued at USD20 million and “Wom en in Technology” valued at USD20 million. (PNA)

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Baunto added that they fully support this partnership and vowed to help the ARBOs in reg istering with the SEC and they would continue to provide support for their development and that of their members.

This agreement is im plemented under the SEC Communication, Advo cacy, and Network (SEC CAN!) campaign.

Katrina Jamilla Pon co-Estares, SEC-DEO head, said the partner ship is an important mile stone for the SEC CAN! campaign, as it signals

the participation of more agencies not only in its base region, Davao re gion, but in all areas un der its jurisdiction.

“We acknowledge that we cannot do this on our own. That is why we launched the SEC CAN! program two years ago at our Head Office, and last April for the Commission’s nine extension offices,” Ponco-Estares said.

She added that they would be helping the farmer groups take their associations to a new level as this endeavor will open up new opportunities for them.” (PNA)

(The tourist police will focus on local and foreign tourist. We will provide security as sistance in areas like tourist destinations, malls, vital in stallation where many peo ple visit to roam around),” Zozobrado said.

Police Station 18 Bajada will be manned by 46 po lice personnel and 62 police auxiliary. Davao City Police Office City Director Lupaz said the additional police

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to some P80,000 losses per hectare, excluding other costs.

The DA said assistance is available for affected farm ers and fisherfolk, including 133,240 bags of rice seeds; 5,729 bags of corn seeds; and 4,911 kilograms of assorted vegetable seeds.

It also has drugs and biologics for livestock and poultry, and fingerlings and assistance through the Bu reau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).

The agency said it can also tap the Survival and Recovery (SURE) Program of the Agricultural Credit

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Bernadette Reyes’ Sunday “24 Oras Weekend” report.

“‘Yun po ang mag-gaguide sa kanila kung mag kano talaga ‘yung kanilang babayaran, kasi kung wala po ito, doon pa rin tayo sa dati nating pamasahe,” she added.

(We want to remind the passengers to ensure that all the vehicles we ride starting tomorrow have a fare matrix. This will serve

presence in the downtown area will bolster the DCPO’s capabilities to safeguard the city’s most densely populat ed areas.

“With this blessing, the public safety and security sector is deeply grateful and inspired as this addition to our capabilities will improve our services, specifically our response in case of emer gencies and incidences to the nearby barangays in this area,” Lupaz said. CIO

Policy Council (ACPC), and P500-million worth of Quick Response Fund (QRF) for the rehabilitation of affected areas.

The Department of So cial Welfare and Develop ment (DSWD) also said it has allocated P1.1 billion for its disaster response and as sistance to those hit by Ty phoon Karding.

Typhoon Karding of ficially left the Philippine Area of Responsibility last Monday after affecting several areas in the Luzon region with at least six dead and over 78,000 in dividuals displaced.

as a guide on how much you need to pay because without this, the previous fares will take effect.)

The latest data avail able from the Department of Energy (DOE) indicate that year-to-date adjust ments stood at a net in crease of P14.85 per liter for gasoline, P29.40 per liter for diesel, and P24.10 per liter for kerosene as of September 27, 2022.

he said.

Meanwhile, Baran gay Captain Engr. Ben dor Calamba expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Duterte and the entire First Congressional Dis trict Office staff for all the programs and projects from which the barangay benefitted.

He said all the support given by the district office has already helped a lot of people.

The office of Cong. Dute rte is eyeing to turnover more similar structures to other areas of Davao City.

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mends the Port’s stake holders for their trust and support of the reforms and programs of the Collection District.

LTFRB-Davao has also intensified roadside oper ations to ensure the safe ty of the riding public by guaranteeing operators/ drivers’ strict compliance with the existing regula tions for Public Utility Ve hicles (PUVs).

By Maya M. Padillo

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cemeteries for two weeks from October 24 to Novem ber 7, 2021, in time for the observance of All Souls Day and All Saints’ Day through Executive Order No. 52, and among the provisions are: inside the cemeteries, the 24-hour liquor ban is implemented and effective; vulnerable sector or those who are above 60 years old, be low 21, immunocompro mised, with health risk,

or pregnant women are allowed to visit or attend the wake and burial of their family members but are not allowed to do so for non-family members.

The EO, however, ex empts groups who will bury their family members and those celebrating the birthday and death anni versary of their deceased loved ones during the dates of closure.

By Maya M. Pa dillo

BREAKOUT GAME... FROM 12

Antonius Cleveland add ed 22 points with 3/4 longrange shooting while Daniel Johnson had 15 points be fore going off injured early in the second half.

Mitch McCarron ran the team brilliantly with four points, nine rebounds, 16 assists and three steals. Sun day Dech added eight points

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The subsea cable sys tem aims to bring “reli able fiber connectivity to remote and underserved areas,” said Arlene Jallo rina, Vice President for Strategic Infrastructure Investments for Globe

PH...

and five rebounds, and An thony Drmic seven points and five boards.

Cameron Payne topscored for Phoenix with 23 points and four assists with Mikal Bridges adding 22 points, Deandre Ayton 22, Devin Booker 13 and Jock Landale 12 along with six re bounds. (With NBL report)

Business, Enterprise Group.

Project completion is projected to happen by April 2023. Globe and its partners kicked off the project in July at Subic Bay.

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riod, hinting that inflation may have peaked,” Baluch said.

On the other hand, Bal uch said inflation rates re mained sharp, alongside a depreciating currency, could still affect the demand conditions as this could put upward pressure on costs.

Outlook of Philip pine-based manufacturers

has remained rosy in the next 12 months as busi ness confidence recorded a 49-month high in Septem ber.

“Overall, sustained growth across the sector has meant that firms are largely optimistic in regards to expansion in output in the future,” Baluch said. (PNA)

Ateneo Blue Knight Association

golf tourney tees off Oct. 8 in Apo

SMNI

duplicated its championship run last year after scoring back-toback Championship Division title in the 12th Eaglemasters Golf Tournament held over the weekend at Rancho Palos

Verdes Golf and Country Club and South Pacific Golf and Leisure Estates.

The first ever Ateneo Blue Knight Association (ABKA) golf tournament tees off on October 8 at the scenic Apo Golf and Country Club.

Around 200 golfers are expected vie for the division honors in the 18hole tournament which will be plated under the 18-hole Stableford scor

ing system format.

Players will tee off on two shotgun starts at 6 a.m. and 11 a.m.

“Co-presented by L.V. Ledesma Construc tion Incorporated and Trumph Motorcycle Cor poration, proceeds of the tournament will go to the various outreach programs of the ABKA,” tournament director Ken Libron said.

Registration is pegged at P3,500 inclusive of a

Pro Shop giveaway, mul ligan, dinner and raffle entry.

A brand new motor cycle and P10,000 cash awaits the lucky player who scores a rare ace on every par 3 fairway.

Registration is still on going at the Apo Golf and Country Club or call Ken Libron ( 0927 6268504) or Alen Bama (0915 6312800)

Meantime, the Apo Golf and Country Club in

cooperation with Soleil Cafe and Congressman Pulong Duterte bared the winners of their recent ju nior golf tournament.

The winners are: 8 y.o. below (9 Holes) Champion Rory Isaiah Bisera (57)

1st Runner Up Soleil Ianne Molde (60) 18 holes Girls Division Champion Mary Rose Wacan (97)

1st Runner Up Juli

enne Mabale (111) 9-12 y.o.

Champion CJ Wacan (108)

1st Runner Up Santi Rabat (119) 13-15 y.o. Champion Kenly Wa can (91)

1st Runner Up AJ Wa can (101)

Champion Flight Champion Nino Vil lasencio (73)

1st Runner Up Aldren Gialon (77).

TOO MUCH BASKETBALL

Just to let you know, folks, I am really having too much of the drib ble and drive game.

But I love the sport. Don’t get me wrong. I played it in my high school days.

(I am one of the few active sportswriters who was fortunate enough to have watched Caloy “The Great Difference” Loyzaga strut his skills in the 1954 Asian Games in Manila, in the National Open and MICAA until his retire ment in the early sixties.)

How truthfully has it been said that the over development of bas ketball has led to the under devel opment of other sports where the Filipinos have a better chance of achieving excellence in the world

stage (like gymnastics, weight lifting, martial arts, golf, boxing) where height and heft are not re quired.

(Oh, btw, may I squeeze this bit of good news for chess fans. FilAm superGM Wesley So defeated fellow American GM Jeffrey Xiong (3-2) in an Armageddon tiebreak to get into the quarterfinals of the $1M CGC (ChessGlobalChampion ship) yesterday. He won $25,000 by reaching the round of 8 which shall be played over the board in Toronto, Canada in November.)

Simultaneously, when you switch on the boobtube, three ma jor TV channels show the live cov erages of the PBA, the NCAA and just lately, the UAAP.

Anyway, just to let the steam off me, let’s get down to business.

I love the way the Fighting Ma roons got rid of the Green Archers. They overcame a listless last quar ter to stave off upset-minded La Salle, 72-69, to begin its UAAP title retention campaign.

The heroics of Gilas mainstay Carl Tamayo (19 rebounds, 2 steals and 2 assists), who poured in 18 points including the insurance free throws, negated the brilliant coaching strategies of Derek Pu maren who I thought transformed the Green Archers into a serious championship contender.

In the Ateneo-FEU tussle last Sunday, the Katipunan dribblers used their championship ex

perience to thwart the luckless Tamaraws, 79-70.

This early, I boldly predict a UP-La Salle battle for the UAAP crown.

I am certain coach Tab Bald win will be able to steer Ateneo anew to the Final Four but the de parture of key players to the PBA ranks (Glen Mamuyac, Tyler Tio and SJ Belangel to the Korean B. League) may hurt its chances.

Dark horses are FEU, NU and Adamson.

UST is slowly coming into its own.

In the NCAA, defending cham pion Letran suffered its third loss to Lyceum, 80-75 in another “only the fittest survive” engagement.

Mapua has forfeited all its first six games after being found guilty of fielding an ineligible Cardinal. Pity.

I notice that NCAA matches are more physical than the UAAP wars. I hope the guys running the show are able to “tame” these physical games from exploding into violent boxing-ball confrontation.

Honestly, between profes sional and the collegiate clashes, I much prefer the latter.

Amateurs don’t fight for mon ey. With no personal interest, they seek only collective honor and glory for their respective schools.

(Email feedback to fredlumba@ yahoo.com.) GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!

Winners of the Cong. Pulong Duterte, Soleil Cafe and Apo Golf and Country Club junior golf tournament pose with their medals.

BREAKOUT GAME

Kai impressive as 36ers shock NBA’s Phoenix Suns

By NEIL BRAVO

Filipino center Kai Sotto made his first appearance on an NBA floor suiting up for his Australian squad Adelaide 36ers.

The seven-foot-three Sotto had two highlight dunks and 11 points in a 17-minute appearance. He sank one of his two attempts from the three-point arc and shot a per fect 4 of 4 from the line with one assist, 2 steals and 2 rebounds.

The 36ers surprised the Phoe nix Suns in the process 134-124 at at Footprint Centre. The Suns paraded their stars Devin Booker, Chris Paul, Mikal Bridges and NBL champion Jock Landale.

It was a historic win--the first by a NBL squad against an NBA team as the 36ers got on track for the upcoming NBL23. They boast of an exciting roster ready to play an up-tempo, high scoring style. Everything was on display along with a phenomenal shooting that impressed NBA fans and shocked the basketball world.

Sotto was left undrafted in this year’s NBA Draft and decided to re sume his career in the NBL. How ever, his performance on Sunday should get second looks from NBA teams.

He will have another test against Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday morning Australian time before returning home to begin their NBL season. The 36ers will take on rising Aussie star Josh Gid dey who plays for the Thunder.

LOADING UP

The 36ers have loaded up under coach CJ Bruton to try and blow the rest of the NBL away with their firepower. They knocked down a remarkable 24/43 from three-point land on Sunday night local time to become the first NBL club to beat an NBA team in NBLx NBA match ups.

The Sixers then came out with the most remarkable first half performance as they piled on 71 points when they averaged just 81.5 as a team for a whole game in the NBL last season.

At one point, the Sixers were going at 8/12 from downtown and still 12/21 by the half-time break having led by as much as 14 and still 71-59 going into the locker room.

The 36ers didn’t let up from there and maintained their lead right throughout the second, kept shooting it remarkably to win by 10 points on the back of hitting 24 three-pointers with the Suns not knowing what hit them.

Craig Randall finished with 35 points on 9/17 shooting from deep for Adelaide with fellow new re cruit Robert Franks delivering 32 points and seven rebounds while hitting 6/10 from three-point land.

Kai Sotto had 11 points against the Phoenix Suns.