Edge Davao Vol. 15 Issue 204 | Saturday, Dec. 10, 2022

Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Hae Kyung Yu gestures as she interacts with members of the media during an interview held at DusitD2 Davao’s Madayaw Cafe in Lanang, Davao City on Friday. Lean Daval Jr.

SUSTAINABILITY IS KEY

NEDA 11, JICA to formulate Metropolitan Davao masterplan

By MAYA M. PADILLO

The National Economic and Development Authority 11 (NEDA 11) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) signed preparatory documents for the upcoming JICA-funded Technical Cooperation Project entitled “Comprehensive and Sustainable Urban Development Master Plan for Metropolitan Davao” on Friday at the NEDA-RDC 11 Center in Bangkal, Davao City.

The master plan, which shall be formulated from 2023 to 2024, shall be the main reference document to guide the rational and sustainable urban development of the Metropolitan Davao by the Metropolitan Davao Development Authority (MDDA), once organized.

In her message, Maria Lourdes Lim, regional director of NEDA 11, said the signing signals the commencement of the master

plan formulation project implementation and a concrete manifestation of NEDA 11’s commitment, backed up by the full support of the Regional Development Council (RDC) 11, to ensure that Davao Region, particularly the 15 LGUs under the jurisdiction of the MDDA, shall achieve sustainable development.

“NEDA 11 expresses gratitude to the governFSUSTAINABILITY, P10

Mati to receive ‘most beautiful bays’ recognition in Cambodia

The city government of Mati in Davao Oriental is set to receive the recognition as one of the most beautiful bays in the world during the 16th Congress of the Most Beautiful Bays of the World Club in

Phnom Penh, Cambodia on Dec. 10.

In an interview, city information officer Ben Jason Tesiorna said Mati City has the lone distinction of having three bays declared as the world’s most beautiful

bays.

The Pujada Bay, along with Mayo and Balete Bays, has been included on the list of the Most Beautiful Bays in the World through an official communication from the Most Beautiful

Bays in the World Association (MBBWA) on Feb. 21, 2020.

In January 2020, two top officials of the Club of the Most Beautiful Bays in the World from France and

City’s Child protection body reorganized, reconstituted

The City Government of Davao, through Executive Order (EO) No.73, Series of 2022, has reorganized and reconstituted the Local Council for the Protection of Children (LCPC) and the LCPC Inter-Agency Monitoring Task Force (LCPC IMTF) of Davao City.

EO 73, which Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte signed on December 6, 2022, cited Section 32 of the Davao City Children’s Welfare Code, Series of 1994, which states the role of the Davao City Council for the Welfare of Children, now named as the Local Council for the Protection of Children (LCPC) as amended, as the consultative assembly for planning, programming, assessment, and evaluation of concerns for children where the Special Office of Children’s Concerns Approved Ordinance No. 060218 is also its significant basis in assuming its role.

“The LCPC, as the core local institution for child-related programs, is responsible for planning and spearheading programs for children at the local level and advocating for child’s rights with the end in view of making each locality child-friendly,” the new EO

provides.

EO 73 also referred to Republic Act (RA) No. 9344, otherwise known as the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006, as it has given more emphasis on the LCPC’s crucial role in the protection of children.

“As such, DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2008-126 provided local government units and other concerned entities evaluation tools in assessing the functionality of the LCPC.”

It also provided that the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) issued Memorandum Circular No. 2002-121, dated August 3, 2022, or the “Revised Guidelines on the Organization and Strengthening of the LPC Incorporating Thereat Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) Coordinating Committees at the Provincial, City, Municipal, and Barangay levels.”

The DILG, according to EO 73, further issued Memorandum Circular No. 2008126, which provided the revised guidelines for monitoring LCPC’s functionality.

EO 73 mandated the LCPC to formulate plans, programs, and policies for

Population Commission 11 (PopCom 11) information officer Sheryl Jane Fernandez (right), assistant director Honey Grace Aguba, bares during this week’s Kapihan sa PIA at NCCC VP Mall that the prevalence of teenage pregnancy in Davao Region has declined. Lean Daval Jr.

Aussie envoy revisits strong ties between Davao City, Australia

Teenage pregnancy in Davao Region declines

An official of the regional office of the Commission on Population (POPCOM 11) revealed that the prevalence of teenage pregnancy in Davao Region has declined.

Sheryl Jane Fernandez, regional information officer of POPCOM 11, told media during Kapihan sa PIA at NCCC VP Mall on Friday that according to unofficial data from the Reproductive Health Information System (RHIS) of the Department of Health (DOH 11) based on the records from the barangay health stations and rural health units (RHUs) there were 11,900 cases in 2020 and 9,500 cases in 2021 in Davao Region.

Based on the data from DOH 11, the number of women aged 10 to 19 years old who delivered with livebirths, abortion, and stillbirth in the Davao Region were 15,039 in 2016; 15,643 in 2017; 15,703 in 2018; and 14,446 in 2019.

Fernandez said for the third quarter of this year

there are 2,807 cases of teenage pregnancy in the region.

She also said that based on the record of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) in 2020, the youngest teenager all over the country who gave birth was 10 years old while in Davao Region was 11 years old.

“There is a slight decrease in the prevalence of teenage pregnancy from 2020 data. This is unofficial data from RHIS and this data is recorded sa atoang barangay health stations and rural health units. Dili ni comprehensive na data kay naay uban wala niduol sa miski asa na oposina unya nanganak na diay sa ilang balay ug wala pud nagpa-check up so wala na record,” she said.

“It’s not increasing but makita nato there is still a prevalence of teenage pregnancy that is why gi-issue ang atong Executive Order 141 by our former Presi-

By MAYA M. PADILLO

Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Hae Kyung Yu will never forget her first official trip to Davao City. Thanks to Vice President Sara Duterte, who urged her and told her about the uniqueness of Davao City.

True enough, the Australian Ambassador can’t stop admiring the beauty of the city and other things that led to the strong connection between the city and Australia during her

three-day visit to Davao City recently.

“This is my first official trip to Davao City and Mindanao and I’ve been looking forward to this. Everyone I met in Manila in-

cluding Vice President Sara Duterte had been telling me about the uniqueness of Davao City and when I got here I found out what she meant. Coming to Davao City, I’ve been struck by the vibrancy of your beautiful city and the amazing economic activity that seems to be happening everywhere all around the city,” she said in an interview.

On December 8, 2022, Yu visited the Australian exhibit dubbed Gather22:

People and Planet for Sustainable Futures at SM Lanang Premier initiated by the Australian embassy and the Australian Global Alumni in the Philippines.

“Perfect time because Christmas time is upon us and they are selling amazing products that are really innovative and environmentally friendly products that can achieve profitability and sustainability,” she said.

Online selling, smuggling blamed for short supply of firecrackers, fireworks in Koronadal

Firecracker and pyrotechnics or fireworks retailers here and the neighboring areas are facing a shortage of supplies and increasing prices ahead of the Yuletide revelry as they grapple with the rampant online selling and the entry of smuggled products.

Association, said Friday the shipment and deliveries of firecrackers and fireworks from manufacturers based in Bulacan have significantly decreased in the past weeks due to the tight competition with online sellers.

ular e-commerce platforms Lazada and Shopee.

“The prices also nearly tripled because of this situation and it’s been difficult for us,” Alo said in a phone interview.

monitoring, illegal firecrackers such as Lolo Thunder, Pla-pla, Yolanda and even piccolo are available for online purchase.

Alo, president of Koronadal City Firecracker and Pyrotechnics Retailers

Johmel

He said some manufacturers reportedly prefer to sell their products to online sellers due to their growing markets, mainly through Facebook and pop-

For instance, he said the market price for “16 shots fireworks” has already gone up to P2,800, including shipping cost, from the previous P1,000 to P1,200.

Based on the group’s

Some of these products exceeded the 0.02-gram limit of gunpowder and with others even reaching as high as 500 grams, he said.

Alo, a former vice president of the

South Cotabato

FAUSSIE,

Shigehiko Sugita, representative of JICA Headquarters in Tokyo, Japan and National Economic and Development Authority 11 (NEDA 11) director Maria Lourdes Lim show the signed Records of Discussion and Minutes of Meeting as preparatory documents for the upcoming JICA-funded Technical Cooperation Project entitled “Comprehensive and Sustainable Urban Development Master Plan for Metropolitan Davao” on Friday at the

NEDA-RDC 11 Center in Bangkal, Davao City. The master plan, which shall be formulated from 2023 to 2024, shall be the main reference document to guide the rational and sustainable urban development of the Metropolitan Davao by the Metropolitan Davao Development Authority (MDDA), once organized. PIA

Recession unlikely despite high inflation, PBBM says

PresidentFerdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday said he was optimistic that the Philippine economy would not dive into a recession despite a 14-yearhigh inflation of rate of 8 percent recorded in November.

In a video message, Marcos cited the dip in the Philippines’ unemployment rate to 4.5 percent, which he attributed to his administration’s efforts in creating more jobs.

“Kaya’t kahit papaano ay malakas ang loob natin na

hindi tayo magkakaroon ng recession dito sa Pilipinas dahil masyadong mababa ang unemployment rate at kung maaalala ninyo sa pagsimula namin dito sa administrasyong ito ay pinag-usapan na namin ay trabaho talaga ang aming uunahin.

Kaya’t ‘yan ang nakikita ngayon natin na nangyayari. Ipagpatuloy lang natin ‘yan,” he said.

Marcos also assured Filipinos that his administration is looking for ways to cushion the blow of soaring prices among basic commodities.

“At asahan ninyo na lahat ng paraaan na maari nating gawin ay gagawin natin para pababain ang inflation rate at gawing mas mabagal man lang ang pagtaas ng presyo,” he said.

Marcos earlier said that the country’s accelerating inflation was “rampant” and getting “out of control,” but noted that the country’s main drivers of inflation came from imports.

“There is still inflation that is running rampant and out of control... The main drivers of that inflation are unfortunately imported, it is still imported inflation,” he told business leaders during the Arangkada Forum of the Joint Foreign Chambers of

Big-time petroleum price rollback seen next week

Fuel pump prices are expected to be rolled back for another round in the coming week, which could mark the fourth straight week of price cuts for petroleum products.

Citing oil trading in the past four days (December 5 to 8), an oil industry source said that the price per liter of diesel may be slashed by P3.00 to P3.30.

Gasoline prices, meanwhile, may be reduced by P1.40 to P1.70 per liter.

Oil companies usually announce price adjustments every Monday, to be implemented on the following day.

Effective Tuesday, December 5, fuel firms implemented a per liter price reduction in gasoline by P1.95, diesel by P1.90, and

kerosene by P1.65.

The latest price adjustment brought the year-todate adjustment to stand at a net increase of P15.8 per liter for gasoline, P31.95 per liter for diesel, and P26.2 per liter for kerosene.

Data from the Department of Energy’s price monitoring, as of November 29 to December 3,

showed the price per liter of gasoline range from P60.45 to P71.25 per liter in Quezon City, Metro Manila’s largest city; diesel prices range from P66.10 to P76.05 per liter in Makati City, the country’s top financial hub; while in Philippine capital Manila, kerosene prices range from P75.71 to P84.35 per liter.

Economic data point to strong 4th quarter growth -- Diokno

Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno expects the continued expansion of the domestic economy, citing improvement in the labor and manufacturing sectors.

“The recent economic numbers all point to a sustained, strong fourth quarter economic performance,” he told journalists in a Viber message on Thursday.

As measured by gross domestic product (GDP), the economy expanded 7.6 percent in the third quarter of this year, higher than the upwardly revised 7.5 percent in the previous quarter.

Economic growth in the first three quarters this year averaged at 7.76 percent, surpassing the government’s 6.5 to 7.5 percent full year growth assumption.

On Wednesday, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported the 95.5 percent annual expansion of employment rate in the country, up from the previous month’s 95 percent rise and is the highest recorded

rate since January 2020.

During the same period, the unemployment rate returned to pre-pandemic level of 4.5 percent, or about 2.24 million Filipinos.

The labor force participation rate in the 10th month this year improved to 64.2 percent from 62.6 percent in the same period last year.

Manufacturing registered its fifth consecutive growth last October after rising by 5.1 percent in terms of volume, PSA data show.

This was driven by, among others, the manufacturing of machinery and equipment except electrical, which grew on an annual basis by 76.4 percent.

The PSA said 17 of the 22 industry divisions posted expansion last October.

While the inflation rate accelerated last month to 8 percent, its highest since November 2008, Diokno said monetary authorities forecast a deceleration starting in the first quarter of 2023.

A rider waits to have his motorcycle refilled with gasoline at a pumping station along J.P. Laurel Avenue in Davao City on Friday. Price per liter of diesel may be slashed by P3.00 to P3.30 while gasoline by P1.40 to P1.70 per liter as oil firms are expected to implement another roll back in the coming week. Lean Daval Jr.

DavNor to showcase potentials on agriculture, agro-industry

Easing of Covid curbs led to increase in jobs: ECOP

The reopening of the Philippine economy following the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to the decrease in the country’s unemployment rate, the Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) said Thursday.

In a public briefing, ECOP President Sergio Ortiz Luiz said the improvement in the country’s employment situation was due to the reopening of many companies and the “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure program, among others.

“Well unang-una, tuluy-tuloy iyong ating pagbubukas ng ekonomiya, maraming kumpanya na nakasarado noon na nagbubukas na, at iyong programa natin sa Build, Build, Build siyempre, at marami rin tayong programa roon sa mga tourism industries – mga hotels, iyong mga resorts, restaurants ay nagbubukas, so marami ang nai-employ. At tuluy-tuloy naman ang trabaho natin doon sa manufacturing at saka sa construction,” Luiz

said.

Ortiz Luiz also noted that the easing of COVID-19 quarantine restrictions allowed many micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to resume operations.

MSMEs are responsible for 65 percent of the country’s employment.

Ortiz Luiz also lauded the Marcos administration’s strategy for increasing employment in the country, particularly in attracting more investments.

“Tama naman ang ginagawa ng gobyerno ngayon; and the name of the game is getting investments and creating jobs. So, iyong pagbiyahe-biyahe ng Pangulo sa iba’t ibang bansa ay talagang nakaka-attract ng investments iyan. Lahat ng mga pledges ay hindi naman nagkakatotoo iyong iba, pero marami rin ay talagang natutuloy at marami riyan ang nagki-create ng jobs.

At saka iyong tiwala ng mga international investments sa atin ay tumataas,” he said.

In a statement on Thursday, the Davao del Norte Tourism Division said the two-day conference is ex-

pected to gather over a hundred investors, landowners, business people, and government partners.

“The event aims to strengthen the position of Davao del Norte as an investment hub in the Davao Region,” it said.

During the second day of the conference, participants will be treated to tour packages offered by the Davao del Norte Tourism Division in partnership with Surelite Travel.

The participants can choose from two tourism

circuits - the Highland Eco-Adventure Circuit and Samal Island Circuit.

“Moreover, with the presence of the investors and other stakeholders, the conference intends to present viable investment projects and opportunities in the areas of agriculture, tourism, and other economic zones,” the provincial government said. (PNA)

Globe Telecom sets lower $1.3B capex for next year

Globe Telecom on Friday said its board has approved a $1.3 billion capital expenditure for 2023, lower by 30 percent compared to the $1.9 billion this year.

Globe said in a disclosure to the stock exchange that capex investments peaked in 2022 as the company took advantage of the streamlined

permitting process which allowed it to fast-track expansions.

“Our aim to deliver first-world connectivity to the Philippines, combined with the accelerated digitalization brought about by the pandemic have driven the company to invest significant capex into both the mobile and broadband network for

the past few years,” Globe President and Chief Executive Officer, Ernest Cu, said.

“After investing heavily on our builds and rollouts, we now have a significant backbone for our network, which allows us to shift our focus towards capital efficiency and optimization, beginning with 2023’s US$1.3

billion guidance, with the target of eventually bringing this down to US$1 billion by 2024,” he added.

As of the end of September, Globe said it has deployed close to 1.4 million fiber-to-the-homes (FTTH) lines, built 1,064 new cell sites, upgraded over 10,600 mobile sites to LTE and installed 1,887 new 5G sites nationwide.

TheDavao del Norte provincial government and the Department of Trade and Industry-Davao del Norte will hold the first Davao del Norte Investment Conference (DavNor ICon) on Dec. 16, showcasing the province’s potentials for agriculture, agro-industry, manufacturing and processing.

Department of Tourism 11 (DOT 11) director Tanya Rabat-Tan administers the oath of office of new Davao Travel Agencies Association (DTAA) officers in time for the organization’s yearend party at The Mangroves on Thursday night. Edge Davao

On the commencement of the master plan formulation project implementation which will ensure that Davao Region, particularly the 15 LGUs under the jurisdiction of the MDDA, shall achieve sustainable development:

“NEDA 11 expresses gratitude to the government of Japan and the leadership of the JICATokyo Headquarters and the mission team, for approving the technical cooperation project to formulate a Comprehensive and Sustainable Urban Master Plan for Metropolitan Davao, thereby giving Davao Region, particularly the Metropolitan Davao area, the opportunity to develop its potentials under a metropolitan arrangement that would also incorporate the principles of “smart cities” and transport oriented development. Under this arrangement, collaboration among the local government units should be convergent and sustainable, as the implementation of priority programs and projects at the local level is most crucial.”

NEDA 11

OLIVIA D. VELASCO President

SOLANI D. MARATAS Finance

JASPER V. BACSAL General Manager / VP Operations

JOCELYN S. PANES Director of

PHILIPPINE

GREGORIO GARAY DELIGERO Editorial Consultant

MAYA M. PADILLO Senior Reporter

MOSES BILLACURA Sports Editor

MARIA LOURDES LIM Regional Director,

From the get-go, the Americans, after arriving in Davao in 1900, launched the agenda to open roads for transport and the installation of telephone lines along the beachlines. For areas separated by riverways and ravines, the plan was to construct appropriate bridges to facili-tate passage. The construction of passable roads later led to the introduction of wheeled vehi-cles.

Telephone lines, as communication links, were also installed for telegraph and cable wires. To connect the southwest part and the eastern seaboard of the district of Davao, the plan was to open telephone and telegraph lines from Davao on the north towards Cuabo, in Lupon, Davao Oriental, to Boston town at the extreme end of the district, and from Davao to the south, to as far as Makar, Gen. Santos City, through

the dense forests.

When Maj. C.D. Cowles, commander of the U.S. 17th Infantry Regiment, reached Davao on September 30, 1901, he observed that 15 miles of telegraph lines in the south had been completed. Decades later, weather conditions and other elements eventually affected the poles that held the lines. By February 1906, The Far Eastern Review reported, the Santa Cruz telephone line was completed but only the stretch between Davao and Tagulaya was opera-tional.

The Bureau of Public Works (BPW) reports from 1917 to 1931 say more about the projects. In 1917, over 400 telephone poles on the Davao-South line were replaced due to rotting and falling down, exclusive of the other 200 poles also needing similar attention. That year the Davao-North tele-

phone line was finished. The following year, an additional 20 miles of lines were built on the Davao-North line that started at the Cuabo wireless station.

On November 27, 1931, Congress, under Act No. 3913, granted Davao Telephone Com-pany a franchise to install, operate, and maintain a telephone system in the Province of Da-vao and its municipalities. Cyrus Hale McLean was the chairman of the Board. Four years later, it was purchased by the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT), which assured the installation of a radio-telephone station to give the city wired contact with the outside world.

Nearly three decades later, the Davao City Council passed Resolutions 664 and 2015 on August 7, 1963, and December 27, 1963, respectively, allowing the opera-

tion and mainte-nance of a city-wide telephone system, owned, maintained, and operated by Davao City. To put on track the mandate, the city, on February 26, 1964, entered into a contract with ITT Philippines, Inc. for the latter to install and deliver the telephone system in the amount of P3.587 million. The company was given until November 29, 1966, to deliver the agreed package.

The deal, however, was contested. PLDT, on June 23, 1964, filed a case for prohibition and mandamus against the city and the Public Service Commission (PSC), which approved the deal. The phone company enjoined the city from fulfilling its agreement with ITT Philip-pines, Inc. and asked the PSC to require the city to obtain a certificate of public convenience and necessity.

The PLDT, as petitioner,

anchored its case on two issues, namely: (1) the city has no pow-er to establish and operate a telephone system; and (2) the city has first to secure a PSC certif-icate of public convenience and necessity. It also applied for preliminary injunction twice but was denied.

In denying PLDT’s petition, the Supreme Court ruled that the city, as ‘a municipal corpo-ration is not prevented from constructing and operating a competing plant’ and the city, un-der the Public Service Act, is exempted from the PSC certificate of public convenience and necessity, particularly citing Section 14(e) of the law which states: ‘Public service owned or operated by any instrumentality of the National Government or by any government-owned or controlled corporations, except with respect to the fixing of rates.’

Before you may think that it was Santa Claus who made this reply, I had the permission of the writer to publish her generous comments.

I sought her permission as this “reply” not only served as a fitting reaction, but also, it had substantially enriched the Santa Claus story and presented the other relevant view to it.

December 2, 2022

Somewhere in the Philippines

Dear Dr. Maxim:

Good day. Well, it’s difficult not to speak out for such an interesting letter. It has a nostalgic flair, too, for I remember writing notes to Santa when I was younger. Now that I’m an adult, it feels very different now.

I wish I still have this kind of faith. But perhaps, the real Santas are those people we encounter randomly, ev-

ery day, with a random acts of kindness, no matter how small.

I find it interesting that you may be Muslim and I may be a baptized Catholic (yet an neutral, non-atheist/ non-theist kind of person), and I think Christmas is just too commercialized; we all forget that each day should be one.

“At this time of the year, I know you have not been to any place yet as you are busy making a list and checking it twice. I wonder for whom your gifts are intended to after finding out who’s naughty or nice and good or bad. Are they for the nice and good children only, for the naughty and bad or for both? I ask this silly question however I know that you do not discriminate in the matter of giving gifts. But what are those gifts for if they were not meant as incentives for children to be nice and good? I leave everything to you and assume that

you know better.

“Somehow, you can’t keep me from wondering why you keep doing what you do? What do you get in return? And why do you leave Mrs. Claus all alone, out in the cold, on Christmas Eve? I think that is quite unkind of you to stay away from your loved ones on a night that is supposed to be special.”

This got me thinking, you know, that kindness is supposed to be unconditional, like love, and not some sort of incentive. Or is this because Santas are our parents, stealthily placing gifts in the middle of the night so children would behave? But truth be told, sometimes we just have to be generous and thoughtful just so, not just because someone is being good. At times, perhaps, giving something great to people who are “bad” or “naughty” makes you a better person if not at par with Santa Claus. This is too much of a clas-

sical conditioning.

Now, this is more like what I wish Santa would address:

“I hope you are safe, Santa. More than your safety though, I wish that what you do makes you happy. I know a lot of people who are unhappy. I think they are stressed by selfishness, greed, pride and vanity, arrogance, envy or simply by their unfortunate circumstances. I wish you could give them happiness instead of material gifts which do not guarantee long and lasting joy. I really wish gift-giving isn’t so materialistic this time. In fact if I had known that you also give PEACE as a gift, I would rather prefer that over anything else. That is so wanting in our Mindanao or probably in the whole world now.”

Yet happiness is a choice, or a perspective. It’s true that many people are not happy because of their own demons, so to say. Very well said and

very well written, I must say.

Now, if only the world would realize everyone can be Santa Claus, giving because it makes us happy when we see others smile, because sharing with a fellow human being is love, and because love is that thing that makes mankind survive as a species, this world is already heaven to live in.

I feel for our brethren in Mindanao, and in the whole world.

Sincerely, Vivien Lopez

Editor’s Note: (MindaViews is the opinion section of MindaNews. Maugan P. Mosaid holds a doctorate degree in rural development. He is a freelance writer, planning consultant, and teaches Statistics and Methods of Research in the graduate school. He can be contacted at mauganmosaid6@gmail.com.)

FIRST REPLY TO ‘LETTER TO SANTA CLAUS’

Nickel Asia Corp. bats for biodiversity conservation

Nickel Asia Corp. (NAC) Environmental teams, with representatives from all of its subsidiaries, got together for the first time as a group in Surigao del Norte to map their corporate direction for 2023 and to dissect and absorb the new environmental law issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) early this year.

The Department Administrative Order (DAO 2022-04) issued last March mandates all mining companies to incorporate the principles and processes of biodiversity assessment and ecological protection right before the start of actual mining operation and not only during rehabilitation proceedings that continue up to end of mine life.

What is common understanding, is that biodiversity assessment and environmental safeguards happen only during progressive rehabilitation when intensive mining operations begin.

The new DAO ensures that all adequate measures for responsible mining towards biodiversity conservation and protection get focused as early as during

planning.

Engr. Remedios Collado-Camo, NAC AVP for Industrial Safety/OIC, Environment Sector, notes that one very interesting provision in the DAO is the mandate to establish a ‘Reference Ecosystem’, which, according to the law, is “the original state of the ecosystem during pre-mining status that will serve as the guiding image or model for ecosystem restoration or rehabilitation”.

Engr. Camo explains that the ‘Reference Ecosystem’ is a small part of land duly preserved to represent how the area looked like before mining disturbance. This piece of land referred to as “Reference Ecosystem” will then become the guide and the pattern to follow on how to responsibly rehabilitate the land after mining as ordered by law.

“It is no longer about just to beautify mined-out areas after mining but to restore the land to its original form and the DAO will guide us on how to effectively do our job to achieve that state,” furthers Camo.

The new DAO will put emphasis on the protection and conservation of native

and endemic species, maximizing its potentials, to efficiently bring back the forest, as close as possible, to its original form after mining.

Camo says the DAO will help streamline all that the Environmental Groups at

NAC have been doing since the beginning and the processes will now be more effective and appreciated because DENR now has provided a detailed guide on biodiversity assessment, protection and sustainability.

Camo adds that she is

committed to help navigate her entire team through this new DENR biodiversity assessment which, she says, is the backbone of all of NAC’s operations and the core of the mining company’s business processes and strategies. The mantra

of responsible mining is bringing back what were disturbed to its original condition, or even better.

“As our President and CEO, Dennis Zamora, always says – it is not mining if it’s not responsible,” Camo relays.

The truth about data center energy consumption in PH

In the last two years, the data center market landscape in the Philippines has faced numerous changes. These rapid developments were made possible due to the increasing demands on technology use, the popularity of social media and entertainment platforms, the continuous expansion of the BPO industry, and e-commerce dominating the business sector.

Consequently, experts anticipate more opportunities and innovations to arise, thanks to the data center market expansion. However, the country needs increased energy and electricity usage to achieve this, posing negative impacts.

Globally, data centers consumed 220-320 TWh of electricity or 0.9-1.3% of the world’s total electrical demand, according to 2021 data released byIEA data-this amount of consumption is excessive and not sustainable.

This situation is also the same in the Philippines. In fact, as the country is poised as a rising data center hub in Southeast Asia (SEA), Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) sets out to investigate this phenomenon. The agency believes that the repercussions of massive energy use must be examined.

Prioritizing sustainability in growing this new asset class entails opening conversations on how the country should address greenhouse emissions backed with data center investments.

“To leverage growth and change, one must also be aware of its repercussions. As the country is fast becoming a data center hub, organizations that will build and operate data centers need tools that can cut energy and costs. For Vertiv, this means ensuring that we can help provide Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems with Dynamic Grid Support technology, liquid cooling, and integrating lithium-ion technology,” said Jason Lim, Country Manager, Vertiv Philippines.

Here’s how these UPS solutions can help make data center hubs sustainable for future growth and innovation:

Grid Interactive UPS as the next power move Growing demand for more energy exists primarily because of data centers, which is the global reality. This does not mean that it cannot be managed. Growing center hubs, like the Philippines, can push for more renewable sources to reduce carbon emissions.

Less use of diesel generators will be achieved when data centers start relying on UPS systems and batteries for conditioning and backup power. It provides a backup power supply that prevents equipment damage if a grid shuts down. It also delivers capable grid services that maintain system-wide balance and better management of electricity transmission. Businesses and private energy users can commercialize the energy given by the Grid Interactive UPS, which lowers the overall energy costs.

Switch to Liquid Cooling for efficiency

Higher densities of computing leads are experienced from the digital growth of data centers. Stability is best ensured when changes are made to cool down infrastructure’s critical systems. Liquid cooling is another option since normal air-cooling systems cannot support today’s higher rack densities.

Liquid cooling is efficient because it eliminates fan usage. In return, this diminishes carbon emissions. It also uses a pumping system that consumes less pow-

er, making it cost-efficient. Lastly, this reduces data center energy consumption while driving power usage effectiveness (PUE) down to nearly 1.0. When data centers must be equipped with high-density racks, air cooling cannot control it, making liquid cooling a more reliable tool. It makes all the equipment function safer and avoids overheating.

Utilize Lithium-ion technology in UPS systems

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NAC’s dedicated environmentalists, representing the mining corporation’s subsidiaries, flashing the ‘OneNAC’ sign

EDGEDAVAO ENVIRONMENT

***

From five bird species spotted during a baseline study conducted in 2013, the number of birds seeking refuge at the ecological preserve in Punta Dumalag, Matina Aplaya reached 100 in 2020.

Once a grassland, the 8-hectare Aboitiz Cleanergy Park “has now become a haven for endemic and migratory birds, according to a recent press release issued by Davao Light and Power Co. (DLPC) Inc.

The DLPC commissioned a group of researchers from the University of the Philippines-Mindanao (UP-Min) and the University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP) – both based in Davao City – in 2013. The group spotted only five birds at that time.

In an effort to make the biodiversity conservation site more attractive to wildlife, one of the recommendations of the researchers was the planting of trees. With the help of other public and private organizations, tree planting activities were conducted in the surrounding coastal area.

In 2016, a team of birdwatchers, including England-born birdwatcher Pete Simpson, visited the park and documented 25 bird species at the park.

“At that time, the Pinknecked Green Pigeon (scientific name: Treron vernans) was first photographed at the Aboitiz Cleanergy Park. The said bird lives in a wide range of forested and human-modified habitats and is particularly found in Southeast Asia.

Since then, the number of endemic and migratory birds continues to rise and

by 2020, the number has finally reached 100.

“What was really interesting is the sighting of the Pied Imperial-pigeon (Ducula bicolor) at the park,” Brenda Milan, a Dabawenya birdwatcher and photographer, was quoted as saying.

The relatively large, pied species of pigeon inhabits coastal forests on small offshore islands, only making occasional forays to mainland areas to hunt and sleep.

“Maybe something happened in their traditional roosting area, or where they regularly settle or congregate to rest, and they found Cleanergy Park a safer preserve,” Milan explained.

Avian migration is a natural phenomenon and it happens when the areas they thrive are no longer conducive for living.

“Migratory birds fly hundreds and thousands of kilometers to find the best ecological conditions and habitats for feeding, breeding and raising their young,” explains the website, worldmigratorybirdday.org. “When conditions at breeding sites become unfavorable, it is time to fly to regions where conditions are better.”

Another notable finding at the park is the annual visit of the spotted imperial pigeon (Ducula carola).

“The nesting records of the Pied Imperial Pigeon are impressive for an urban park. A small flock was first seen in 2019 and they are now residents in the park, recently confirmed to be nesting,” Simpson said.

The spotted imperial pigeon, also known as the grey-necked imperial pigeon, is a species endemic to the Philippines. This type

FORMER GRASSLAND NOW A HAVEN FOR BIRDS

Text by HENRYLITO D. TACIO

Photos courtesy of Aboitiz Cleanergy Park

of bird lives in forests and forest edges but goes down to the limestone shorelines possibly to feed or to replenish the salt content needed by its body.

“I think the birds feel safe at the Cleanergy Park. There are very few people moving around in the area,” Milan said on how the park can be considered a safe haven for birds that are displaced from their natural habitat.

“The security personnel control the number of people coming in and out of the area and prevent hunting, making the park a rare oasis of safety for the birds in Davao City,” said Simpson, noting that these wild species of birds are hunted everywhere in the country

despite laws banning the said activity.

Vulnerable species like the spotted imperial pigeon, for instance, are threatened by habitat loss and hunting and are protected under Republic Act 9147 or the “Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act.”

Simpson, a member of the Wild Bird Club of the Philippines-Davao, said the park is an excellent site for bird-watching. “In terms of urban bird-watching sites, Cleanergy (Park) is, by far, the best in Davao City, and I would say it’s one of the best urban bird-watching sites in the whole Philippines,” the Philippine News Agency (PNA) quoted him in 2020.

Of the 100 spotted birds

in the park, around 20 of them are considered migratory. “Some of them are vagrant birds that were only seen once at the site – rare birds,” PNA reported.

Sabin M. Aboitiz, Aboitiz Group president and chief executive officer, was very pleased with the number of birds spotted in the park. In the PNA report, he was quoted: “The existence of nearly 100 bird species… is a remarkable achievement that reflects the Aboitiz Group’s strong commitment to sustainability and preservation of an environmentally-vital site in Davao and Mindanao.”

The DLPC is an AboitizPower subsidiary and Aboitiz Foundation Inc.

In a statement, Rodger Velasco, president and chief operation officer of DLPC, also said: “We’re happy to know that our conservation efforts have paid off. We thank our partners for supporting the Aboitiz Cleanergy Park by regularly conducting coastal cleanup and tree planting activities to maintain the natural habitat of these birds.”

Currently, the total number of endemic and migratory birds that regularly visit the park is 105.

Aboitiz Cleanergy Park is now not just known as one of the nesting grounds of the critically endangered Hawksbill Sea turtles in the Davao Region but also as a bird sanctuary.

“

Birds are out in the open, they are colorful and they like to be seen, unlike stealthy amphibians or mammals. When you don’t see them, you know something is wrong.”

– Frank Fagano, United States Agency for International Development

A grey-tailed tattler was captured with a small crab caught between its beak near the shore of the Aboitiz Cleanergy Park.

(Photo by Brenda Milan)

A Pink-necked Green Pigeon was captured perched on a branch at the Aboitiz Cleanergy Park in 2016. (Photo by Peter Simpson)

NOTICE OF WATER SERVICE INTERRUPTION IN SOME DUMOY WSS AREAS December 12, 2022

Davao City Water District advises the public of water service interruption on December 12, 2022 from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM affecting Davao Development Foundation Subd. (DDF) in Mandug.

DCWD needs to temporarily shut off water supply in the affected area to give way to the tapping of a newly installed pipeline to DCWD’s existing pipeline for the pipeline expansion at barangays Waan, Tigatto, and Mandug. This project will help expand DCWD’s water service coverage in said barangays upon commissioning of the Davao City Bulk Water Project.

The DCWD management asks for the understanding and cooperation of would-be-affected customers and advises them to store enough water prior to the schedules. Water supply may be restored

SUSTAINABILITY

ment of Japan and the leadership of the JICA-Tokyo Headquarters and the mission team, for approving the technical cooperation project to formulate a Comprehensive and Sustainable Urban Master Plan for Metropolitan Davao, thereby giving Davao Region, particularly the Metropolitan Davao area, the opportunity to develop its potentials under a metropolitan arrangement that would also incorporate the principles of “smart cities” and transport oriented development. Under this arrangement, collaboration among the local government units should be convergent and sustainable, as the implementation of priority programs and projects at the local level is most crucial,” Lim said.

Lim also highlighted the two-pronged approach of the Davao Region in institutionalizing Metropolitan Davao and formulating the master plan for Metropolitan Davao to implement the overall spatial development strategy of the region.

She said this spatial development strategy in-

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volves the expansion of Metropolitan Davao into a Comprehensive Outcomes for Rural Empowerment (C.O.R.E.) Growth Triangle focuses on the growth centers along the Davao Gulf and Metropolitan Davao.

She expressed gratitude to the former mayor of Davao City and chairperson of the Metropolitan Davao Development Coordinating Committee or MDDCC from 2019 to June 2022, Vice President Sara Duterte for her primordial role in the enactment of Republic Act 11708-creating the MDDA, which was signed into law by former President Rodrigo R. Duterte in April 2022.

Lim said the signing is only the beginning of many months of formulation and project implementation activities covering the calendar years 2023 and 2024.

She said NEDA 11 is confident that this project will be a successful endeavor, given the sustainable support from the national, regional, and local leadership, as well as from all sectors of society, who are the beneficiaries of this project.

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Fireworks and Pyrotechnics Retailers Association, said his group initially raised the matter two years ago and they continually engage with the manufacturers’ groups and the Philippine National Police to address the problem.

“Online selling of firecrackers should be stopped since it is clearly illegal. We (legitimate retailers) are required to get licenses and permits from the shipping to the selling of our products but those selling online easily ship their items through the couriers,” he said.

These were set in Republic Act 7183 and Executive Order No. 28 that regulates the sale, manufacture, distribution, and use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices, he said.

Aside from the online selling, Alo said they also

monitored mobile illegal firecracker and fireworks sellers who were going around some barangays in the area.

The illegal sellers, who usually source their products from smugglers, carry the items in their bags and sell them directly to local households.

Alo said the bulk of their current inventory comprise supplies purchased a year ago and augmented by locally-sourced products.

“Christmas and New Year are coming up but we don’t know if we will have enough to sell. Our upcoming deliveries are minimal,” he said.

South Cotabato province has only one registered firecracker and pyrotechnics manufacturer, the FRT Fireworks based in Barangay San Vicente, Banga town.

earlier if work goes smoothly or later if unforeseen problems arise.

DCWD conducts flushing after service works are completed. However, once water is restored, customers are advised to open all faucets and allow water to run for at least two minutes. While doing this, do not drink tap water immediately. Water may be boiled as an additional safety precaution.

For the latest water service updates or any DCWD-related concerns, the general public may contact DCWD’s 24-hour call center hotlines at 235-3293, 244-6767, 0927-798-8966, 0925-511-3293, or 0908441-0653 and chat support in the DCWD’s website (www.davao-water.gov.ph) or Facebook page (www.facebook.com/officialDCWD). (Vena Del S. Calago)

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She said in Mindanao there are 600 Australian alumni, people who studied in Australia or received scholarship grants by the Australian government to do an in-countries scholarship program. She said out of the 600 there are more than 300 alumni in Davao City and part of her trip is all about getting the alumni community here.

Yu also visited the Malagos Chocolate Farm House owned by the Puentespina family.

“The family are among the Australia-supported program grantees,” she bared.

She also visited the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) in Malagos, Baguio District and according to her Dr. Jason Ibañez, the director for Research and Conservation of PEF is also an Australian alumnus.

“Another very strong connection to Australia and he was leading the way in caring the groups of Indigenous People living together in Mt. Apo and working with them to protect the Philippine Eagle,” she said.

Yu said she didn’t pass the chance to try the durian at the Belviz Durian Farm in Calinan. She said durian from Davao City, particularly the Puyat variety, has high

TEENAGE...

demand in Australia.

“Your wonderful durian is exported to Australia as fresh frozen goods. It goes with a very good price there in Australia and very high in demand,” she said.

She said the biggest pillar of cooperation between Davao City and Australia is the people-to-people links.

“I just love my first visit here, I love the city, the great surroundings, this is the biggest city in the whole of the Philippines in terms of geographic landmass. I can’t wait to bring my family here. Hopefully, next time it could be longer so we can enjoy all the different aspects of the beautiful Davao City and specially the kind and hospitable people. I’ll be back very soon,” she said.

She said Australia’s relationship with Davao City and Mindanao has been very important to the Australian government.

She said they have a development program that is Australia’s fifth largest in the world to the Philippines and around 89 million dollars on it and a big cut of it goes straight to Mindanao. They are working in the areas of education, humanitarian response, disaster resilience, and assisting in the area of health, particularly during the pandemic.

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dent Rodrigo Duterte to address the prevalence of teenage pregnancy as urgent to national concern,” she said.

Fernandez is referring to Executive Order (EO) 141 signed by the former President, which prioritizes the implementation of measures addressing adolescent pregnancies in the country and declared the prevention of teenage pregnancies a national priority in the Philippines.

In EO 141, Duterte said the state acknowledges that what causes teen pregnancy are “endangered patterns of discrimination, deep-seated norms and attitudes that normalize and justify violence against women and

children, lack of information and education, and the vulnerability and exclusion of women and children living in remote and rural areas.”

“The EO mandated DOH, POPCOM, DepEd, Sangguniang Kabataan, to develop programs and interventions to address the prevalence of teenage pregnancy. Si POPCOM 11 we have an active collaborative engagement with DepEd and with DOH in conducting programs and interventions in capacitating our local government units in the implement and combat the prevalence of teenage pregnancy,” Fernandez said.

She said POPCOM 11 is strengthening comprehen-

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Canada – Treasurer Guy Rousset and General Manager Bruno Bodard – visited the province and conducted a four-day validation and site visit at the Pujada Bay.

During their stay, both officials said they were impressed by Pujada Bay’s beautiful and rich seascapes and landscapes.

Following the valida-

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children that are gender-fair, culturally relevant, and responsive to the needs of diverse groups of children from 0 to below 18 years of age; prepare the Annual Work and Financial Plan (AWFP) for children and recommend appropriations to the Sangguniang Panlungsod; provide coordinative linkages with other agencies and institutions in the planning, monitoring, and evaluation of plans for children; provide technical assistance and recommend financial support to the Barangay Council for the Protection of Children; establish and maintain a database on children in the city; foster the education of every child; and advocate for the establishment and maintenance of playgrounds, daycare centers, and other facilities necessary for child and youth development.

The Council shall also recommend local legislations promoting child survival, protection, participation, and development, especially on the quality of television shows, media print, and coverage, which are detrimental to children, and with appropriate funding support; assist children in need of special protection and refer cases filed against child abusers to proper agencies/institutions; conduct capability building programs to enhance knowledge and skills in handling children’s programs; document barangay best practices for children; perform such other functions as provided for in the

RECESSION...

the Philippines in Pasay City on Tuesday.

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) earlier reported that the number of unemployed Filipinos in October was at 2.24 million, which was lower than last

tion, the officials submitted their on-site visit report to the Board Members of the Most Beautiful Bay of the World, who gave the official nod for Pujada Bay’s inclusion in the prestigious association.

“Around 130 delegates from 23 countries all over the world will join the congress,” Tesiorna said. (PNA)

ECCD and other child-related laws.

The LCPC is composed of the city mayor or his duly designated representative as chairperson, the chairperson of Sangguniang Panlungsod Committee Women, Children and Family Relations as co-chairperson, and a non-government organization as vice chairperson.

Its members are the City Social Welfare and Development Officer, DILG city director, Department of Education Davao City Schools Division superintendent, city planning and development officer, city budget officer, city accountant, city health officer, city nutrition officer, Philippine National Police (PNP) city director, city treasurer, Liga ng mga Barangay president, Sangguniang Kabataan Federation president, Parent-Teachers Association (PTA) president, child representative president, city agriculturist, city environment and natural resources officer, city librarian, city veterinarian, city civil registrar, city disaster risk reduction and management officer, city prosecutor, Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative to the SP, City Information & Technology Center head, City Information Office head, Integrated Gender Development Division head, Public Employment Service Office (PESO) head, City Cooperative Development Office head, City Anti-Drug Abuse Council head, and Department of Labor and Employment city director.

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year’s 3.5 million.

The PSA survey also indicated the employment rate in October rose to 95.5 percent, from 95 percent in the previous month, the highest rate recorded since January 2020.

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The Philippine Statistics Authority’s (PSA) latest labor force survey released on Wednesday showed that the coun-

sive reproductive education by capacitating in-school service providers like the adolescent reproductive health coordinators on how to handle the concerns of the adolescents.

She said POPCOM 11 is also strengthening the establishment of teen centers in the region to cater to adolescents.

“Ang teen centers are friendly facilities nga nahi-

try’s joblessness rate decreased to 4.5 percent in October, down from 7.4 percent in the same period last year.

mutang sa mga eskwelahan naa pud tay teen centers sa community and barangay halls and health centers diin kaning mga facilities naa na’y safe place na maduolan si adolescents in case naa sila’y concern,” she said.

POPCOM 11 has monitored 145 teen centers in Davao Region and is continuously monitoring and helping the LGUs to establish the center.

By Maya M. Padillo

It’s already 6 in the morning but my regular caddie has not yet reported on the tee mound of Hole No.1 . Way past our tee time of 5:45am thus the starter assigned a replacement caddie.

After hitting my first ball and while walking on the fairways I asked his name. Budot, is my name sir he answered. Budot what? I queried. Budot Ababa sir. And how are you related to the Pro golfer Edgar Ababa. He removed his face mask and said, Sir, ako po iyon.

And that started our conversation as we walked the fairways and in between greens. He confided to me that he is now caddying to earn a living and his spare time he committed himself teaching young junior golfers at the range of Apo Golf. Let’s continue our talk after this round.

“Medyo may edad na ako Sir, 58 na, tapos wala ng pro circuit ngayon,” Ababa started as I pulled a chair at the range one cool Wednesday morning at the Apo Golf Driving Range. “Naawa lang din ako kasi interesado kaya tinuturuan ko na lang ang mga bata every weekend or holidays basta punta lang sila dito sa range” he added.

The NGAP used to support the Junior Golf in Apo years ago but it stopped during the pandemic. There are talks that it will soon continue but no official announcement yet. Luckily, pros like Budot Ababa, Budok Alferes, and Elmer Salvador share their time and talent to hone and develop these young golfers mostly sons

and daughters of Apo caddies and employees who lived in Barangay Baliok and the nearby community just outside of Apo Golf property.

Salvador and Alferes train junior golfers in South Pacific Golf while Ababa is taking charge at Apo.

,Ababa doesn’t receive any compensation, allowances nor any form from NGAP. His services are purely voluntary but he is fully supported by the management of Apo Golf in terms of use of facilities and some members lend support for these kids in some way in terms of equipment and logistics.

Eli Bisera and Edison Tabalin are just some of the few upcoming young golfers now making waves in National and International competitions. “Dumaan sa akin iyan mga iyan,ng maliit pa sila,” coach Ababa continued.

These young boys honed their skills and talent at the famed Apo Golf but are now training and playing under Manila clubs in preparation for more international exposure through tournaments.

Professional golfer Jhunnel Ababa is coach Budot’s nephew and lady pro golfer Sarah is his daughter.

Coach Budot as of now have 14 regular junior golfers training every weekend since they are also schooling during weekdays. These kids make do of what available golf sets they have at the range during training. When they play and during tournaments they share the available sets among themselves and improvise what sets they can avail in selecting their shots. Not the most ideal

situation but they are learning to improvise.

“Sana Sir,bumalik na ulit iyong support ng NGAP sa junior golf kasi nagkawatak watak na ang mga bata during Pandemic, kaya itong naiwan iyan ang tinututukan namin,” Coach Budot concluded.

Most of the top pro golfers we now have in the pro circuit once trained and played at the Apo Golf made famous by its length, narrow fairways and sleek greens.

Tony Lascuna, Marvin Dumandan, Jay Bayron, Elmer Salvador, Cassius Casas to name a few.

With the activation of NGAP and the Junior Golf program, it’s not far-fetched that more and more young talents will be following the footsteps of Tabalin and Bisera into national and international amateur level of play.

Here I am again facing my laptop pondering on what to write this week so I ask the wife for some suggestions. She took a deep breath and gave me that quizzical look. Okey, Okey I said. I got the point. Am not forcing you as I sip my coffee and started to pounce on my key board .

“Dad, am just wondering and expressing my observation,” she started. Why are you golfers prefer to hit those shots into the woods, into the water when the easier path should have been the wide fairways?” All the coffee spurted out of my mouth as I tried to stop from laughing.

That is the dream. That is the goal of every golfer. To hit that ball long, pure and straight but golf is

hard. No human being have yet perfected the art of swinging, of hitting those dimpled balls. As an old saying goes,” If the ball goes to the left, it’s a hook, if it fades to right, it’s a slice and if it goes straight, it’s a miracle.”

The year was 1995 when it all started. While driving on the way to my in laws in Toril,Davao City, I noticed the unusual number of vehicles parked at the highway along the Bago area. I learned later after asking some bystanders that it’s the final day of the Philippine Open being held at the Apo Golf and Country Club. .

Out of curiosity, I parked my car and join the gallery and watched the biggest golf spectacle in town. I watched the golf pros hit those easy unforced shots in a graceful way thereby made me conclude, this sport is so easy. So I watched Frankie Minoza of the Philippines, Carlos Espinosa of Spain ( the eventual winner) and the other golf stars as they walked the fairways and followed them literally just like the Pied Piper. I was enthralled by the mystique of the sport that I hardly noticed the searing heat as we finished on the 18th hole. And that’s how my love hate relationship for this sport started.

So after few inquiries from friends, I went straight to the driving range in Lanang golf to test this golf thing, bringing along an old golf set. A friend lend me a set he said was just lying around unused in their garage. Was I proud walking and carry those clubs from parking area into the range? You

bet. So I proceed to hit some shots imitating those people around me without consulting a pro.

What’s noticeable after hitting those balls was, I can’t carry some distance. I swear I hit them respectable enough, not so solid but almost squarely in some shots but my 9 iron won’t carry more than 50 yards. One thing I noticed also was the grips seem so small, the shafts were shorter and the color of the grip is green. My suspicion increased further when I noticed the giggle and subtle laughing of the tee girls. Eventually one of them mustered enough courage to tell me. “Sir you are using a lady golf set.” Hahaha.

As proud as I am when I arrived, I left the driving range in a huff avoiding eye contact and took the long route away from the crowd. Golf is hard. Especially when you use the wrong equipment.

It was a great learning experience though. Golf demands concentration, perfection and full attention. You need to have the right equipment, proper swing lessons, create that character of humility and patience and above all give due respect of the sport.

Golf shorts from my friend Jun Galindo:

My boss, who’s on vacation, called up. He said, “Is everything OK at the office?” I said, “Everything is under control. It’s been a very busy day; haven’t stopped to take a break yet.” “Can you do me a favor,” he asked. I said, “Yes Sir, of course, what is it?” He blurted out “Pick up the pace a little. I’m in the foursome behind you.”

Searching for the Tanakas

TOKYO ---- The smell of Tokyo’s air reminds me of the time when we first came here.

The Datu Uchida Development Foundation, Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai School, and the Tokyo Kichijoji Lions Club have partnered to bring some officials of the Davao City Baseball Association then to study the baseball events that year.

It was a bright and beautiful day I remember at the stadium where Japan’s best school baseball teams were gathered.

It’s was such a huge event that seeing it, observing it from the bleachers with world champion coach Hidetoshi Suzuki, coach Boy Sarabia, coach Yusuke Uchida, and ma’am Ines Mallari, that day was unforgettable.

Davao City Baseball Cup chief umpire Rubin Mendoza and coach Ariel Izabado were also with us.

The stadium was jampacked for the 91st National High School Baseball Tournament at the Koshien Stadium. It was a Wow moment.

Later that night, the highly-reverred Datu Tatsuo Uchida has instructed his grandson Yusuke San to bring us to a profes-

sional game and observe it.

I saw one middle-aged woman displaying the jersey of Tanaka, who turned out to be the most popular player at that time, Hiroyasu Tanaka.

I didn’t know it that year, only to realize that I witnessed one outstanding player in Tokyo. He was the number 1 draft pick for the Yakult Swallows in 2005.

Now that I remembered him, I started searching for Tanaka.

I was just taking my chance, hoping to find a schedule, only to know in Google that the Nippon Professional League is on a break. Their regular season starts in March and ends in October.

Wrong timing to visit Tokyo for baseball. But you’ll never, I may find Tanaka somewhere while continuing my search.

And who knows I’ll bumped into the more popular of the Tanakas, Masahiro, who came home to Japan after playing for the New York Yankees.

You’ll never know. LoL.

For comments, email mpb_ sports@yahoo.com.

De La Salle standout Francis Gabriel Escandor, who fired 10 points, grabbed seven rebounds and had 4 steals, was picked Player of the Game for Batch 2016 which defeated Batch 2012 44-16 in the Ateneo Reunion Cup Division 1 played at the Arcadia Gym.