Edge Davao Vol. 15 Issue 276 | Thursday, March 9, 2023

WOMEN OF COURAGE

VP

Sara highlights women of Paquibato District in Int’l Women’s Day message

By MAYA M. PADILLO

Davao City First Congressional District Representative Paolo Duterte voted “No” to the Resolution of Both Houses (RBH) No. 6 calling for a Constitutional Convention (Con-Con) that would propose amendments to the economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution.

Vice President Sara Duterte put the women of Paquibato District in Davao City in the spotlight in her message during the International Women’s Day and National Women’s Month Philip-

pine Commission on Women at SM Aura Premier, Taguig Metro Manila on Wednesday.

Duterte said these women may not have access to advanced technology and innovations and

Complete childbirth services for Filipino mothers sought

may not fully understand things about the internet or Facebook or Twitter or how their transistor radios work, but are at the forefront of the fight of the city government of Davao against a protracted war waged temptingly on behalf of indigenous peoples.

“But those women — they embraced a version of technology and innovation that was applicable and effective to change their lives and their community,” she said.

FWOMEN, P10

BARMM opens Cotabato City-Lanao Sur bus route

The Ministry of Transportation and Communications in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MOTC-BARMM) has given the green light for the Husky Bus Line (HBL) to serve the Cotabato CityWao, Lanao del Sur route starting Wednesday.

MOTC-BARMM and Land Transportation Office officials joined Tuesday’s road test drive for the HBL’s 64-seater double-deck

hanger bus on Tuesday.

MOTC-BARMM Minister Paisalin Tago said the test drive aims to ensure the bus worthiness and safety of travelers.

“The journey was smooth, safe, and convenient,” Tago said in a statement, referring to the six-hour Cotabato-Wao-Cotabato travel.

From this city, Tago said, the bus traversed the towns of Sultan Kudarat in Maguindanao del Norte province to Pigcawayan, Alamada,

Banisilan towns in North Cotabato province, and finally to Wao, Lanao del Sur province.

Wao Mayor Elvino Balican, who welcomed the inaugural ride, said the new route “will help improve our tourism programs in town.”

The HBL, operated by Biocrest Multi-Purpose Cooperative, is currently servicing the Cotabato City-Tacurong City-Koronadal City-General Santos City routes. (PNA)

As the country celebrates National Women’s Month, Deputy Speaker and Las Piñas City Rep. Camille Villar called anew for the passage of a measure that seeks to improve maternal and newborn care and provide maximum safeguards to Filipino mothers at the time of their childbirths.

Villar’s House Bill 5684 or An Act Safeguarding the Health of Filipino Mothers at the Time of Their Childbirth aims to reduce maternal deaths by providing birthing facilities for every barangay in the country.

“It is only imperative that the government give priority to pregnant mothers and their newborn, especially the underprivileged women, to help reduce their risk and somewhat ease the difficulty of their childbirth,” Villar said in a statement Wednesday.

“We have an important duty to protect the lives of mothers and the unborn and we seek to provide comprehensive childbirth services to them to address maternal or neonatal problems,” she added.

In pushing for the passage of the measure, Villar pointed out that reducing maternal deaths forms part of the Sustainable Development Goals, but available data indicated that the number of women dying from childbirth is actually increasing.

Records from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed that

maternal deaths increased to 1,616 in 2018 compared with 1,484 in 2017.

Region 4-A composed of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon or Calabarzon recorded the highest number of maternal deaths with 245 cases, or a 10.36-percent increase from 222 cases in 2017.

Region 7 (Central Visayas composed of Cebu, Bohol, Negros Oriental and Siquijor provinces) registered 230 maternal deaths while National Capital Region or Metro Manila had 195 deaths for the same period.

If enacted into law, HB 5684 mandates that “no maternity hospital, clinic, health center, lying-in, midwifery facilities or similar center, public or private, shall deny or refuse to assist, admit or entry of a mother at the time of childbirth.”

These facilities or centers shall also ensure the highest safety mechanism to prevent child switching, child trafficking or the commission of any crime that may lead to the endangering of the lives of both mother and child.

The measure also requires local government units (LGUs) to upgrade and improve devolved health services and medical facilities to provide adequate and quality emergency obstetric care.

It likewise provides that every barangay in the country should have a birthing facility to help reduce the risk of maternal and in-

Vice President Sara Duterte says during the International Women’s Day and National Women’s Month Philippine Commission on Women in Taguig, Metro Manila on Wednesday the women of Paquibato District in Davao City are in the forefront of the fight of the city government of Davao against a protracted war waged temptingly on behalf of indigenous peoples. FB page of Inday Sara Duterte

Councilor express alarmed over cutting of trees in Marilog District

Comelec vows peaceful, orderly village elections

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) said it would spare no effort in preventing violence in the forthcoming October 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).

“The power of the Comelec will only be effective during the Election Period, once the Election Period kicks in. This is a warning to everyone, who want to spread violence during the BSKE: The Comelec is not okay with you terrorizing the people to prevent them from voting. We will do all things possible to prevent violence in all parts of the country,”

Comelec chair George Erwin Garcia said in a press briefing on the sidelines of the National Election Summit 2023 held at Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila on Wednesday.

On the other hand, Comelec Executive Director Teopisto Elnas noted that security preparations are being done for the October polls.

“Once the election period sets in, the Comelec will be empowered, and we will do everything as far as security preparations is concerned to ensure the safety of all, be it voters, candidates, teachers, or poll workers,” he said.

The election period for the BSKE will be from July 3 to November 14.

Elnas made the assurance amid the spate of killings of elected officials -- the latest of whom is Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo.

Meanwhile, Garcia also noted that the input of stakeholders are needed to be able to come up with a collective plan to improve the conduct of poll exercises in the country.

“The sovereign through the 1987 Constitution have empowered the Commission on Elections with such mandate and duty to administer and enforce election laws in the country,” Garcia said in his welcome message.

“Even with such a plenary authority, it is to be admitted that we cannot do it alone. We need your help, your guidance, your criticisms, your well-meaning suggestions on how to further improve the conduct of all electoral exercises in the country. This is what the first election summit is all about.”

The Comelec chief also underscored the role of the people in crafting good policies and programs.

“Leadership must not be arrogant, self-centered, and short-sighted. Furthermore, it is not important whether the citizen is attacking us or defending FCOMELEC, P10

By MAYA M. PADILLO

Councilor Temujin “Tek” Ocampo, chairperson of the committee on environment and natural resources (CENR), expressed alarm over reports that trees are being cut in Marilog District to make way for the construction of new school building.

This is in relation to the inspection report received by his office on March 2, 2023 from the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) relative to an area assessment at Sitio Kibalang, Barangay Marilog Proper, Marilog District.

In his privilege speech during the session of the 20th City Council, Ocampo said CENRO inspected the cutting permit requested by Leo Gadong, school head of Buatan National High School in

the said barangay as its presence impedes the construction of a new school building.

Ocampo also said that during his visit to the area, several large trees were already cut down.

“According to the site workers, an additional 40 to 60 trees will be cut down. The area is thickly populated with full-grown mahogany trees, some of them 11 years old,” he said.

Ocampo mentioned that based on the landslide assess-

ment and mapping conducted by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) in 2011, Sitio Upper Kibalang has a very high rating of landslide susceptibility.

He also said that Brgy. Marilog Proper, thru Barangay Resolution No. 50 dated October 30, 2012, recognizes that Upper Kibalang has a very high risk for landslide and soil erosion.

“Natingala man gud ko nga ang area tree planting project sa CENRO purposely for landslide mitigation based on MGB assessment kay high susceptibility sa landslide ug soil erosion and was supported by the barangay

FCOUNCILOR, P10

Phivolcs says no indication of volcanic activity in Davao de Oro amid quakes

The Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-Phivolcs) allayed fears that the series of earthquakes indicate volcanic activity as it is tectonic in origin.

In a primer dated March 7, 2023, DOST-Phivolcs said the series of light to moderate magnitude earthquakes that shook Davao de Oro, which followed after a magnitude 5.9 earthquake, downgraded from magnitude 6.2, that struck the province after-

noon of March 7 with epicenter in the municipality of Maragusan, sparked fear among the residents of a volcanic eruption as the nearest active volcano from the epicenter is Leonard Kniaseff Volcano.

However, DOST-Philvolcs vowed to continue its monitoring procedures for moderate to large earthquakes occurring near active volcanoes concerning any activity that may be associated with Leonard Kniaseff Volcano.

The agency reported that the

highest magnitude recorded by the Philippine Seismic Network in the series of earthquakes on March 6 and 7 was felt in the municipalities of New Bataan, Maragusan, Nabunturan, Maco, and Pantukan in Davao de Oro.

Philvolcs warned the residents of aftershocks in the epicenter area and the occurrences of strong earthquakes that may continue for several days to weeks.

Aside from strong ground

Anthony Ajero Jr. receives the Datu Bago award for his father, the late Antonio M. Ajero, from Datu Bago Awardees Organization, Inc. chair Councilor Pilar Braga and Vice Mayor J. Melchor Quitain Jr. during the 51st Conferment of Datu Bago Awards 2023 held at The Royal Mandaya Hotel in Davao City on Wednesday. Lean Daval Jr.

PH debt rises to P13.7-T as of end of January ‘23

Thenational government’s total outstanding debt rose to P13.7 trillion as of the end of January from P13.42 trillion the previous month, the Bureau of Treasury said on Tuesday.

The P279.623 billion or 2.1 percent increase was due to the net availment of domestic and external debt, Treasury said in a statement.

Out of the total debt stock, 31.5 percent was from foreign lenders, while 68.5 percent was domestic borrowing, the agency said. Domestic debt amounted to

P9.38 trillion, 1.9 percent higher compared to December, while external debt was at P4.31 trillion, up 2.4 percent, Treasury said.

The government earlier said its debt-to-GDP ratio improved to 60.9 percent in the third quarter of 2022. A 60 percent debt-toGDP ratio was considered high by global standards.

Marcos approves interagency committee to combat inflation

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has approved the creation of a high-level inter-agency advisory body to mitigate inflation and ensure food and energy security, according to National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan.

Balisacan said the advisory body will be called Interagency Committee on Inflation and Market Oautlook.

“This newly formed committee shall serve as an advisory body to the President and the Cabinet on measure to mitigate inflation and ensure food and energy security while balancing the interests of local food producers, consumers, and the overall

economy,” he said in a statement Tuesday.

The interagency committee will be co-chaired by NEDA and the Department of Finance (DOF), with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) as vice chair.

The advisory body to the Chief Executive will also be composed of the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

It will also have the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and Philippine Competition Commis-

DTI pushes strategies to boost growth of creative industries

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary

Alfredo Pascual said challenges in the creative industries need to be addressed for the development of the local sector and to determine the contribution of the sector to the economy.

sion (PCC) as its resource institutions.

“The advisory body will lead the close monitoring of inflation (particularly on food and energy and their main drivers and causes), facilitate regular and efficient data-sharing among concerned agencies, assess the supply-demand situation for energy and essential food commodities, provide forward estimates given various scenarios, and provide timely recommendations to the President and relevant agencies on measures to curb possible price spikes and promote food and energy security,” Balisacan added.

The advisory group will also

FMARCOS, P10

During the opening of the 2nd Philippine Creative Industries Summit on Tuesday, Pascual identified the strategies to address the bottlenecks in the creative industries through the Malikhaing Pinoy or Creative Philippines campaign.

“Malikhaing Pinoy is our holistic approach to addressing the constraints and barriers to growth of the creative industries. It is a flagship initiative well-informed by the various sector-specific industry studies and roadmaps carried out by the DTI with support from our champions from Congress,” Pascual said.

He said studies in the creative industries’ sub-sectors will be conducted and statistical data shall be gathered, particularly the actual contribution of the creative industries in terms of employ-

ment, trade and gross domestic product.

“To allow us to measure the creative industries’ economic contributions accurately, we will continue working with the Philippine Statistics Authority and the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines to establish a well-defined and reliable statistical system through the Creative Industries Satellite Account,” he added.

Pascual also encouraged stakeholders to submit roadmap proposals for sub-sectors such as architecture and landscapes, eSports, fashion and textile, furniture and fixtures, gifts, decors, housewares, graphic design and jewelry.

The trade chief is also pushing for improving access to capital for the creative industries.

“We will establish the Creative Venture Fund, consistent with the goals of PCIDA (Philippine Creative Industries Development Act), and shall be used to co-finance the business expansion of creative enterprises and individuals. In addition to this venture

A pedestrian buys ice cream to fight off the heat brought about by the warm weather in Davao City on Wednesday. Lean Daval Jr.

CebPac to fly Clark-GenSan air route starting next month

Thetrade and tourism potentials of this city, the “Tuna Capital of the Philippines,” and neighboring areas in Soccsksargen will get a big boost with the revival of the air route with Clark in Pampanga, an official said.

vulnerable sectors.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday said he remains hopeful about the country’s economy as inflation eased to 8.6 percent in February from 8.7 percent in January this year.

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) attributed the easing inflation to the slowdown of transport-related prices including gasoline, diesel and motorcycles, among others to 9 percent from 11.1 percent in January 2023.

“Nananatili tayong puno ng pag-asa para sa ating ekonomiya lalo na’t bahagyang bumaba sa 8.6 percent ang ating inflation rate sa kabila ng inaasahang pagtaas nito sa mga susunod na buwan (We continue to be full of hope for our economy especially since our inflation rate dropped slightly to 8.6 percent despite the expected increase in the coming months),” Marcos said in his official Facebook page and Twitter account.

He assured that the government will continue to implement measures to temper the prices of basic goods and services.

Marcos said his administration will also continue to provide subsidies to Filipinos in the most

“Tuloy-tuloy lang ang ating mga hakbang para pababain pa ang presyo ng bilihin at alalayan ang mamamayang Pilipino (We continue to take steps to lower the prices of goods and provide support to the Filipino people),” he said.

Earlier in the day, Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno announced that the government will soon release a PHP1,000 cash aid under the extended Targeted Cash Transfer (TCT) program to help some 9.3 million households cope with high inflation.

The TCT program will grant cash transfers to the most affected households in the amount of PHP500 for two months.

Diokno said the PHP1,000 two-month cash aid will come from the PHP26.6 billion allocation for subsidies to vulnerable sectors.

Apart from the PHP1,000 two-month cash aid, he said the government will also provide subsidies under the Fertilizer Discount Voucher program, Fuel Discount for Farmers and Fisher-folk program and Fuel Subsidy to the Transport Sector Affected by the Rising Fuel Prices.

Leonard Flores, head of the City Economic Management and Cooperative Development Office, said that Cebu Pacific will service the Clark-GenSan-Clark route.

“[The opening of air] routes is a proven strategy to sustain trade, investment and tourism promotion interventions,” he said.

Based on Cebu Pacific’s website, the firm will start serving the direct Clark-GenSan-Clark link on April 26.

The new air route is expected

to benefit not only the local economies of Clark and Gensan but also the wider regions of the two areas, Flores noted.

The two areas are significant hubs for trade, tourism and agriculture, and the new air link is likely to increase business opportunities and promote greater economic integration, he added.

In February 2020, a Fokker-50 aircraft operated by Leading Edge Air Services Corp. started serving the GenSan-Clark-GenSan route

twice a week but the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic forced the operator to stop the service.

Flores said that with Cebu Pacific serving the Clark-GenSan route, it will provide a more convenient way to travel between the two cities.

Without such a flight, travel between the two areas involved multiple transfers and lengthy travel times, making it an arduous and time-consuming trip. Travelers have to go through the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Metro Manila or the Mactan-Cebu airport in the Visayas.

With three flights per week available in April, travel time beFCEBPAC, P10

Gov’t to implement more measures vs. inflation

The cash aid program and several fiscal measures are set for implementation to help address inflation rate in the country, Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno said Tuesday.

In a briefing in Malacanang, Diokno, who attended a sectoral meeting with President Ferdi-

nand R. Marcos Jr. earlier in the day, said one of the measures proposed to alleviate the impact of inflation is the distribution of PHP500 monthly cash aid for two months, amounting to about PHP26.6 billion, to about 9.3 million households across the country.

He said an improvement in tax collections would allow the government to have the needed funds for this program, which will be implemented in the coming days.

Among the beneficiaries of the cash aid are farmers, fisher-

Street vendors selling mobile phone accessories chat to fight boredom while waiting for customers along San Pedro Street in Davao City on Tuesday night. Lean Daval Jr.

PBBM remains hopeful on economy as inflation eases to 8.6% in Feb.

“Most children of Paquibato were uneducated and malnourished growing up. But they had always been prepared to join the underground movement even when they were barely in their teens. Their fathers — if not farmers, could also be members of the armed group. Mostly, the women, their mothers, were the workers while the men were lurking around, ready for a gun battle in case government forces arrived. For generations, the lumads of Paquibato lived in a cycle of violence that robbed them of their right to live peacefully.”

Vice President SARA DUTERTE

SOLANI

JASPER V. BACSAL General Manager / VP Operations

S. PANES Director of Sales

GREGORIO GARAY DELIGERO Editorial Consultant

MAYA M. PADILLO Senior Reporter

MOSES BILLACURA Sports Editor

In citing Paquibato women who helped change the image of Paquibato District from a rebel-infested area to a hub for peace during her International Women’s Day message:

John D. Likacs, in ‘Escape from Davao’ (2010), describes the escape of ten Americans and two Filipino convicts from the Davao Penal Colony (DAPECOL, not Davao Prison and Penal Farm) as “the forgotten story of the most daring prison break of the Pacific War.”

The episode, which took place on April 4, 1943, involved Navy Lt. Cmdr. Melvyn H. McCoy, Army Maj. Stephen M. Mellnik, Army Air Force pilot Capt. William Edwin Dyess, Air Force wingman Lt. Samuel C. Grashio, Army Air Force master mechanic Lt. Leo A. Boe-lens, Marine Corps officers Capt. Austin C. Shofner, Lt. Jack Hawkins, and Lt. Michiel Dobervich, and Paul Marshall and Robert Spielman, both Army sergeants.

They were guided in the treacherous escape through un-

ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA FAST

BACKWARD

PINOY HEROES OR FUGITIVES?

charted thickets and swamplands by two Filipino convicts named Benigno de la Cruz, a camp hospital orderly with first aid training, and his friend Victor Jumarong. It was Maj. Mellnik, then assigned at Pentagon, the US defense headquarters, who mentioned the heroic helps of the murder inmates.

Prior to his assignment to Gen. Douglas MacArthur’s headquarters in Brisbane, Australia, he journeyed to Saranac Lake, New York, where President Manuel L. Quezon was treated for pulmonary tuberculosis.

He told the President about their involvement and Quezon, in exile in Washington, D.C., reacted positively to the news, telling the major: “If you’ll give their names to my secretary, she’ll prepare the papers, and I’ll sign them, before you leave.”

In a statement dated January

28, 1944, while in the last month of his life, the President stated:

“The escape of Col. [William E.] Dyess and Comdr. [Melvyn McCoy] McCoy was made possible with the help of two Filipinos who had been sentenced to many years imprisonment and were confined in the penal colony wherein these three officers were kept as prisoners of war. Upon learning of what they did, I granted these prisoners [an] absolute pardon.”

Nothing much is known about the two freed prisoners.

In Lukacs’ book, two passages provide a tickling description of the two who kept the planned escape secret, except for De la Cruz who made a last-minute disclosure to someone he cared for:

“It was a testament to the degree of secrecy with which the escapees had both planned and

executed the breakout that almost nobody at Dapecol…could believe it. At the Filipino hospital, a stunned [nurse] Fely Campo remembered an innocuous conversation that she had had a few days earlier with another nurse named Maximina Orejodos [who said] ‘Some things are going to happen.’ Campo knew Orejodos and Ben de la Cruz were romantically involved, but she thought Orejodos would involve in an escape try with American war pris-oners.

As for Victor Jumarong, he went on to serve the Mindanao guerrillas until the war ended.

The duo’s contribution to the epic saga was not just about guiding the party to freedom. They also suffered injuries while leading the group across the swath of mangroves:

“Jumarong and de la Cruz,

SOLICITED ADVICE FOR THE YOUNG ADULT

Last week a group of young professionals in their late ’30s asked me: “What three things will you advise us, Sir?”

I did give them three pieces of advice, because in the first place, those are just the things that crossed my mind after that impromptu question. I thought I should give them more but they should be something well thought out and more profound. And so, I simply told them to wait for more advices that will come out in this column.

But what made them ask for advice from me?

As we were travelling on the road from Arakan (North Cotabato) to Davao City via BuDa (short for Bukidnon-Davao) national highway we were tackling variety of topics like how we made it past school life as all of us were from poor families, situations in the work place, marital issues, and parenting in the new millennium.

Such concerns are particularly interesting for the young adult who aspires to be successful and live a happy life, for what is success if it does not redound to happiness. In view of this, I offer the following advice to these young adults.

1. Understand the millennium generation and millennium parenting Millennium parenting? Yes, and I say millennium parenting because the perspectives of the millennium generation have metamorphosed a lot due to the influence of the fast changing environment amidst the upbringing of the young adult and the confluence of the old and new school of thoughts on parenting.

Parenting has to grow with the times if it is to be relevant and responsible.

The millennium generation,

generally speaking, accuses us of being backward and old fashioned—in the way we dress, cultural upbringing, moral orientation, and values appreciation. They silently assert that they are better schooled in academic institutions with higher standards.

I beg to disagree because the records do not show that.

We used to excel in the ASEAN region on science and math Olympiads during the 1960s to early 1980s. For several times we were on top, as in number one. However, in the 2018 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), which evaluated the performance of 15-year-olds in reading, mathematics and science, the Philippines took the second lowest spot in science and mathematics, with the Dominican Republic being the only country that ranked lower than the ASEAN countries.

In another assessment made by the UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization), it noted that most Asia-Pacific countries need to work harder to make notable progress in STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) education. “The Philippines, despite numerous attempts to improve its educational outcomes, has instead become an educational laggard, taking the ignominious distinction of getting low rankings in three [successive] different global evaluations that scored students’ performance in science, technology, engineering and mathematics,” the report said.

When I prescribed that millennium parenting should be generally friendly with the child and never to create a culture of fear in the home, our driver retorted by saying, “I have to be different and very strict because my

eldest child is a female.” There we are again! We thought, since time immemorial, that there should be two sets of standards, discipline, and methods of parenting between boys and girls.

I always emphasize that only the matter of relationship between parents and the millennium child has evolved but the basis for moral considerations, values formation, and character building has been the same. We draw our moral orientations from our Faith, take our values formation from duly established and generally accepted social norms and build character in terms of making them respectful, truthful, obedient and law-abiding citizens.

The millennium parent should maintain an open line of communication with the child. This is why there is no place for instilling a culture of fear in the home. Only when the child feels comfortable talking to you will he divulge his feelings, plans and problems.

Some parents complain about their children who stay outside and/or hang out with friends most of the time. When the child finds solace and prefers to spend most of his time outside the home, this is a sign that he is looking for something better; an ideal environment that he may be looking for but not present at home.

Our driver went further by saying: “But my daughter talks to me and seem to enjoy my company when we are out in beach resorts or places like that.” Exactly, my point, because you are a different person when you are in those resorts with the members of your family. You want them to enjoy the pleasure of the ambiance, and to do that, you, as a father, tries to adjust so that you will not spoil the party, so to

speak. Ergo, if you can bring that ambiance and the instant person that you are like that in the home, your daughter will do the same to you. Promise!

2. Set clear goals in life in terms of how you define success

Success may be relative. There are those who equate success with having much money, getting high-paying jobs, while others may dream of being powerful and influential or enjoying high profile status in the society. A few may just opt for a simple and peaceful life enjoying the perks of having three meals a day, going on a vacation or leisure trip once in a while, and having healthy and less stressful life.

More often, success is defined in terms of how much we have achieved our goals in life. This brings us to the notion that one must have clear goals in life, which could be both short term and long term. In fact, one goal achieved after another should be what really makes you happy.

3. Understand what truly makes you happy

Some people would simply say that acquiring a college degree is enough to make one happy. Still, others would say that happiness begins from the moment you do something for others. Service to others becomes a happy vocation only when it is done with utmost sincerity and done from the heart. Then, there are those who define happiness by marrying the man or woman of their lives.

Indeed happiness is subjective and can be as varied as there are individual differences. Social scientists and researchers have been working to understand the nature of happiness. They had been trying to discover if there is a universal formula to achieve true happiness. As it appears

slashing a path at the vanguard of the procession, were soon bleeding profusely despite the burlap wrapped around their forearms… the strongest mem-bers of the group shouldered the cutters’ packs so that they could hack unencumbered. Yet no matter how violently the Filipinos swung their bolos, the cogon seemed to grow taller and thicker, an intimidating illusion created by the rising water level.”

The duo also showed creativity. In one instance, Jumarong stopped the fleeing column and motioned them to be silent while he cupped a hand to one ear. The Americans were puzzled but De la Cruz was quick to explain that ‘Wherever there are Filipino people you will hear the crow of the fighting cocks. The sound will travel for a long way.’

until today, finding a universal formula has been a work in progress. Measuring and increasing happiness across society is a very old idea that was abandoned for some time in the recent past. Now this is slowly coming back.

Many philosophers and social scientists are of the common view that happiness is a human goal. However with the rise of behaviorism amongst economists and psychologists this led to the skepticism that feelings should also be measured as one of the determinants of happiness. Social scientists were elated that for the first time in human history happiness can be measured in a more scientific manner.

As social research is increasingly inclined to the notion that happiness is a product of subjective well-being, I am not in a position, for now, to recommend specific tasks, actions, or formula to attain happiness.

Here’s some words of caution though: please do not equate happiness with material possession and position. They are very temporary. Once you are there, happiness should be sustained in the long term as much as possible. I cannot imagine a life where you are very happy today, and very sad the next day.

I am sure this group of young adults looks forward to travelling with me again. I, too, look forward to the next topic of interest that we can share.

Sharing is caring.

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

MAUGAN P. MOSAID THINK TALK

FLAVORS OF ARAW NG DAVAO

The Araw ng Davao experience won’t be complete without tasting the King of Fruits -- durian. It’s a hackneyed statement. This fruit tastes like heaven but smells like hell.

It’s super delicious but the downside is its strong aroma.

However, the Araw ng Davao is not just about durian. There’s a lot more flavors to taste.

Luckily, there’s NCCC’s Bread Factory that created something special for non-durian fruit eaters. What better

way to celebrate the 86th Araw ng Davao than the durian alternative like sweets and treats that still burst with the durian flavor: durian cake, durian pie petite, durian cookies pack, durian half roll cake, durian yema cake, and durian choco delight.

They are rich in taste and creamy like the durian fruit.

Definitely, not called a King for nothing.

Perfect for sharing with family and friends.

These will be available on March 10 to 31, 2023 at all Bread Factory branches.

OnePlus unveils its latest flagship Smartphone to the Philippines

The next generation Flagship Killer comes with fast performance, Hasselblad imaging and a modern design, and is now available for pre-order starting at Php45,990

OnePlus Philippines officially launches the all new powerful OnePlus 11 5G, giving Filipinos unprecedented access to flagship level technology. The latest in a line of smartphones deemed as “Flagship Killers,” it was unveiled in a one-ofa-kind symphony of power concert to highlight the combination of modern elegance and innovation in one device.

Featuring legendary local rock band Urbandub alongside the Manila Symphony Orchestra, the OnePlus 11 5G launch featured a powerful setlist of hits like A New Tattoo and First of Summer reimagined with a classical twist. Showcasing the Shape of Power through the fusion of the two genres, alongside the OnePlus 11 5G’s breakthrough technology, futuristic design and Hasselblad imaging, the rock symphony was a testament to the brand’s Never Settle mantra, which powers each device to push further than ever before. Also present at the event were OnePlus ambassadors renowned portrait photographer Cyrus Panganiban, Filipino Olympic pole-vaulter and two-time SEA Games gold medalist EJ Obiena, and SEA Games gold medalist and Gilas Women player Trina Guytingco.

“At OnePlus, we believe in the Never Settle mindset as we deliver high-quality, high-performance, user-centric tech. We are proud to once again unveil a next generation Flagship Killer, designed to bring the Shape of Power into your hands,” shares Mara Villaflor, OnePlus Philippines’ Brand Manager. “The OnePlus community in the Philippines has kept growing and growing, so we are excited to finally introduce the OnePlus 11 5G to our Filipino audience through this unique performance that also

pushes the boundaries of genre.” Fast and Smooth Experience That Lasts

The OnePlus 11 5G offers newfound features that make it the latest flagship killer to date. Powered by Snapdragon 8 Gen2 processor, the OnePlus 11 5G comes with up to 16GB RAM and provides seamless lag-free use, allowing as many as 44 opened apps in the background without overheating despite heavy usage. The OnePlus 11 5G also received a TÜV SÜD 48-month Fluency Rating A for its long-term system fluency, which means it delivers smooth performance without lags for up to four years.

The device keeps you out of the stress zone with its 100W SUPERVOOC fast-charging function, giving the device the capacity to go from 0-100% in less than half an hour of charging. Moreover, its innovative Battery Health Engine (BHE) has been fitted to make charging safer and more efficient.

Imaging Co-developed with Hasselblad

OnePlus 11 5G continues to prove its effortless imaging. It boasts a Hasselblad system-based triple camera module paired with Hasselblad-branded color turning, allowing users to get solid shots out of the phone without washing out its natural colors. The main sensor features a 50MP Sony IMX 890 camera which provides the ability to take low-light photos and videos even at backlit areas. Following the main camera are the 115° 48MP ultra-wide camera and IMX709 32MP telephoto lens which allows users to snap and produce DSLR-level quality shots.

Features like Hasselblad Portrait Mode helps users to easily shoot images with almost DSLR-like depth-tracking, natural bokeh, and light flare effects. Benchmarked against exacting Hasselblad optical standards to achieve portraits in perfection, the result simulates stunning profes-

Best Local Currency Bond Deal of the Year at the Alpha SEA 16th Annual Deal Solution Awards

sional portraits captured by an actual Hasselblad camera fitted with XCD 30mm and 65mm lenses. Vibrant Display, Impeccable Sound

The display on the OnePlus 11 5G boasts a 6.7-inch 2K 120Hz Super Fluid AMOLED Display with LTPO 3.0.LTPO 3.0 allowing the users to use it with efficiency without worrying about energy consumption. It is also covered by Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus®, which promises better resistance to scratch, sweat, and fingerprint stains simultaneously.

Moreover, the phone is powered with Dolby Vision HDR, one of the first Android phones to feature this, to deliver the best viewing experience as you watch your favorite shows on your favorite streaming app. Paired with Dual “Reality” Speakers and Dolby Atmos, users

are provided with a premium and upscaled sound experience both via onboard speakers and Bluetooth headphones.

Powerful yet Elegant Design

The OnePlus 11 5G adopts a bold, loud, confident, and shiny “modern elegance” design. Continuing the philosophy around the OnePlus 10 Pro, the OnePlus 11 5G has a K-shape curve along the camera decor which makes the module more vivid with the flow of light. Available in two colors, the calm Titan Black is meant to portray the black hole in the universe, while the rousing Eternal Green is inspired by the shades of the rainforest at dusk.

By utilizing the Matte Frosted Glass, the Titan Black version delivers an irresistibly smooth, soft but sturdy hand-held feeling. With a multi-layering of glass, the

Eternal Green version adopts the purposeful design of OnePlus to successfully combine a brand-new dusk green color and internal layering treatment. The design ensures high resistance to sweat and fingerprint stains.

Officially Available in the Philippines

The OnePlus 11 5G is now available for pre-order via OnePlus Stores in two colors - the calm Titan Black and the rousing Eternal Green - for Php45,990 for the 8+128GB variant and Php49,990 for the 16+256GB variant. The OnePlus Buds Pro 2 is also available for pre-order starting today for Php9,990 via OnePlus Stores. Head to the nearest branch to get Php2,000 off on the OnePlus Buds Pro 2 when you pre-order the OnePlus 11 5G.

Get your OnePlus 11 5G much easier with Home Credit, which offers 6 to 18 months installments at 0% interest via all OnePlus Stores with Home Credit. The OnePlus Buds Pro 2 will also be available in all OnePlus Stores with Home Credit at 6 and 9 months installments at 0% interest.

For credit card users, you can also avail of lighter installments at 6 and 12 months at 0% for the OnePlus 11 5G and the OnePlus Buds Pro 2 through all OnePlus Stores nationwide.

The OnePlus 11 5G and OnePlus Buds Pro 2 are also available via the OnePlus official stores on Lazada and Shopee. Get a free TG113 Bluetooth Speaker with every order and free shipping when you order via Lazada starting February 21 at 10pm until February 23, 2023 or through Shopee on February 28, 2023 only. Enjoy Php500 off on the OnePlus Buds Pro 2 when you buy any OnePlus smartphone from February 21-March 5, 2023 on Lazada, and from February 28, 2023-March 5, 2023.

Power Mac Center’s Basecamp opens March training schedules

Basecamp, Power Mac Center’s official training provider, is officially opening enrollment to its March training sessions. With Apple Certified Professionals teaching Apple certification courses, it’s perfect for individuals and groups seeking to reskill or upskill their tech knowhow and boost their competitiveness in the Apple ecosystem.

Courses include Apple Device Support (Mar 7-9), Apple Deployment and Management (Mar 1314), App Development with Swift (Mar 22-24), Pages, Numbers, and Keynote (Mar 27-31), and Final Cut Pro X (Mar 29-31). Delivered through specialized training methodologies and guided exercises, these are specifically designed to help learners deploy, support, and troubleshoot devices, as well as familiarize themselves with existing powerful applications or even create their own. Customized sessions can also be arranged for groups of at least 10 participants.

Other courses include macOS Fundamentals, macOS Technical

Troubleshooting, Mac and Windows Integration Basics, Professional Development for IT and School Administrators, Professional Development for Educators, iOS/iPadOS Fundamentals and Troubleshooting, and 1-on-1 tutorial. There are also VIP courses on On-site Support for Mac or iPhone/iPad, and Zoom Video

Conference Support, as well as certification exams, namely, Apple Deployment and Management Exam and Apple Device Support Exam for those looking to beef up their credentials.

“If you want to invest in yourself, Basecamp is the starting point of your digital expedition. It helps FPOWER, P10

In Photo (From Right to Left): Siddiq Bazarwala, CEO of Alpha Southeast Asia, awarded Eduardo V. Francisco, President of BDO Capital, the Best Local Currency Bond Deal of the Year for SMC Global Power Holdings Corporation’s corporate bonds issued in the Philippines in 2022. BDO Capital also won the Best Green Bonds of the Year for ACEN Corporation where proceeds will be used to fund the company’s eligible renewable energy projects in the country. The 16th Annual Deal and Solution Awards was held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

WOMEN... FROM 2 COMPLETE... FROM 2 POWER... FROM 9

She said these women helped change the image of Paquibato District from a rebel-infested area to a haven for peace.

“Most children of Paquibato were uneducated and malnourished growing up. But they had always been prepared to join the underground movement even when they were barely in their teens. Their fathers — if not farmers, could also be members of the armed group. Mostly, the women, their mothers, were the workers while the men were lurking around, ready for a gun battle in case government forces arrived. For generations, the lumads of Paquibato lived in a cycle of violence that robbed them of their right to live peacefully,” the vice president said.

She described the situation as a cycle of violence that also stripped them of many opportunities such as education for children, literacy for women, livelihood, and employment for men.

“While it is a far-flung village, Paqubato’s land is fertile. But because it was controlled by the armed group, there was no development. The roads were craggy, there were no bridges, no schools, no health center, no government presence — just a people isolated from the rest of the world. But we can’t allow such an injustice to happen to Paquibato forever,” she said.

In 2019, former mayor Sara Duterte launched Peace 911, a government-initiated but civilian-led peace initiative that required people to help us help themselves.

One of the components of the program was to teach Lumad women to grow and produce organic vegetables properly.

“It was something new to them. It required them to become organized. It demanded their time, their attention, and their commitment. And it also required them to know what they were doing. The women backyard farmers were taught basic financial literacy and part of the program was to establish a market for their farm products. This did not come without challenges. But we made it happen,” she said.

Before her term as mayor ended in 2022 Davao City was considered an insurgency-free city.

“Surely there are many other Paquibatos in the entire country — communities that need technological interventions to address existing structures of violence, including the lack of basic education infrastructures for children and their mothers,” she said.

DTI... FROM 4

fund, financial support in the form of grants and soft loans is also being planned,” he added.

To equip local talents with skills and competencies in complex new technologies and their application in creative processes, Pascual said the department aims to build ENSAYO Creative Hub, which will be a learning academy and will serve as co-working space for creative professionals and aspiring creatives to collaborate with their ideas and business development.

“Through the Hub, we will implement a series of Creative Capability Building Programs focusing on Animation and Game Development. We will offer courses on starting an animation and game development business, marketing and management, partnerships and international opportunities,” he said.

He added DTI will also expand the Philippine Skills Frameworks (PSF) to be developed for the creative industries, in addition to PSFs on digital arts as well as animation and game development.

fant deaths. Local health clinics, health offices and satellite offices of the Department of Health (DOH) are “encouraged” to provide 24-hour assistance to Filipino mothers.

The measure further empowers LGUs to formulate programs that would promote the increase in salaries and incentives of health workers.

The DOH, in coordination with the Professional Regulation Commission and the relevant organization of midwives shall further professionalize the practice of midwifery in the country and empower them to be key health care professionals in providing care to mothers and newborns.

PH Army joins observance

As part of the nationwide efforts to highlight the importance of womankind in Filipino society, the Philippine Army (PA), through the Office of the Army Gender and Development (OAGAD) on Tuesday formally joined the National Women’s Month celebration.

PA spokesperson Col. Xerxes Trinidad, in a statement Wednesday, said the virtual kick-off activity took place at Army headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Metro Manila.

COUNCILOR...

FROM 3

thru a resolution niadtong 2012. Pero karon ang maong lugar giputol naman hinuon mga kahoy. Worried lang mi kay basig delikado gihapon ang lugar for large structures sama sa ginaconstruct nga school,” Ocampo told Edge Davao.

Ocampo said he will tackle this matter in his committee with the committee on public works, education, and disaster of the city council.

It can be recalled that in 2021, the 19th City Council passed Ordinance No. 0784-21 series of 2021 also known as “An ordinance protecting heritage trees and all other trees in the city of Davao and for other purposes.”

“It has been three weeks since we visited the area, and the school authorities have not yet furnished us with a copy of their documents we requested which means that it is not clear whether there was prior approval for the cutting of trees. And not to forget, the presence of a school building in a landslide and soil erosion-prone area,” he said.

MARCOS...

FROM 4

closely monitor global and regional developments and issues that may affect local commodity prices.

The Interagency Committee on Inflation and Market Outlook will be reporting to the President on a quarterly basis on food and energy supply-demand situation and outlook for the country.

“Recent data on economic and labor market performance indicate a robust and sustained recovery, especially with the reopening of the economy and strong consumer demand. However, foremost among our challenges this year is the relatively high level of inflation,” Balisacan said.

The PSA reported inflation in February 2023 remained elevated at 8.6 percent despite slightly easing from 8.7 percent in January this year.

Meanwhile, Balisacan said Marcos also approved the establishment of the Economic Development Group.

“With NEDA and DOF sitting as co-chairs, the group will assist the Executive Department in harmonizing, coordinating, complementing, and synergizing the efforts that will ensure the country’s rapid, inclusive, and sustained growth,” he added.

Members of the Economic Development Groups include heads of the Presidential Management Staff, DTI, DBM, DA, DOE, DOST, DILG, Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Transportation, Department of Information and Communications Technology, Department of Tourism and Department of Labor and Employment.

The group may also request the participation of the central bank governor, as well as of other officials of relevant government agencies.

PHIVOLCS... FROM 3

shaking, Phivolcs warned the public of landslides, rock falls, and other types of mass movement that may occur in mountainous or hilly areas. It also cited that liquefaction, manifested by subsidence, ground fissures, sand boils, and lateral spreads may affect low-lying, water-saturated, and sandy areas near water bodies.

Philvolcs advised affected communities and the residents to protect themselves by doing the “drop, cover, and hold” while at homes and offices, heavy furniture and appliances should be strapped to the walls, and hanging objects securely fastened to prevent these from causing injuries.

It also warned the people to be cautious of structures visibly weakened or having signs of damage caused by the series of earthquakes as these may further damage the structures and injure the building occupants.

Philvolcs also appealed to the public to avoid sharing messages from unconfirmed and unreliable sources, and only rely on information from DOST-Phivolcs and pertinent Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices (DRRMOs).

Meanwhile, the earthquake that occurred on the second day of the province’s Bulawan Festival and 25th founding anniversary celebrations on March 7, caused panic and resulted in significant damage.

Rosalie Comoda, mom and provincial government employee shared her experience during the earthquake online.

“Dili nako mapugngan akong luha motulo makakita sa mga post sa eskwelahan na nag panic, nakuyapan ug nanghilak na mga studyante tungod kay na witness pod nako ganina sa school sa akong anak. Kasakit as mama na makita ang mga bata na traumatized. Pag kusog sa linog una naisip “akong anak!” naa sa 4th floor tapos bag-o pa naayo gikan nasakit. Gusto kung molupad para maabot dayon kay akong nadungog sa phone puro syagit sa classmates sa akong anak pero kailangan ko mag kalma kay sa phone ako siyang gina ingnan ayaw sabay sa dagan kay basig maabtan ka sa hugmak sa hagdan or matunob tunoban ka... tago lang ayaw panic pag ampo,” she posted. She said she didn’t mind the mud and rain going to the school to fetch her daughter.

“Samot akong kakulba nakasugat ug grupo sa students na naay gitabangan ug alsa kay nakuyapan, sa isip nako Ginoo ko akong anak bag-o ra to nakuyapan baya. Nakita nako akong anak naa sa daghang tapok na studyante walay dalang payong tapos ulan. Iyang mga gamit naa daw sa taas. Ako na ang nagkuha sa gamit ug mura kog gikumot nakita ang classroom nila na nagkalat ang bangko ug mga notebook. Nagsulat diay sila pag linog gibiyaan na lang pati bag,” she said. Various online posts also showed some residents in Nabunturan spent the night outside their homes for safety as tremors from the previous earthquakes were still being felt on the night of March 7.

Following the magnitude 5.9 earthquake, patients and watchers of the Davao de Oro Provincial Hospital were evacuated.

Governor Dorothy Montejo-Gonzaga also declared the suspension of work and classes in the entire province. By Maya M. Padillo

GOV’T... FROM 5

folk, and those in the transport sector, he added. Another measure to cushion the impact of inflation presented before the President is addressing the agriculture sector’s supply chain needs, such as post-harvest facilities, warehousing, distribution, and transportation.

Diokno said authorities would determine if there is a shortage of supplies and this measure will provide them the time to allow the importation of necessary items.

He said processes for importation, among others, will be streamlined and/or digitalized to fast-track the process and prevent supply issues.

people boost their productivity and work competitiveness so they can take advantage of the economic opportunities that the future will bring. Our course offerings are designed to empower individuals to maximize the utilization of Apple technology—whether it’s for growing in their current career, preparing for a new role, or simply for their creative pursuits,” said Maleng Raysag, Basecamp Head.

Fresh name, improved quality of service

Basecamp carries courses tailored for learners across different age groups, i.e., kids, teens, and adults or professionals. Established in 2009 under the former name PMC Business Systems, Inc. (PBSI), it rebranded as Basecamp this year to strengthen its commitment to support Filipinos’ digital skills training needs and prepare them for an even more tech-driven future. Its on-site and online quality training and services equip customers with technical skills that help address the ever-changing demands of the modern workplace, as well as creative skills that enable them to pursue meaningful endeavors and unleash their full artistic potential.

Basecamp has 15 years of experience in servicing the training needs of close to 10,000 enrollees, with more than 50 students with Apple certification. It continuously aims to produce more Filipino Apple certified professionals and uplift the industry to support the growing number of customers in the country.

Invest in yourself! Book a training now at <https://bit.ly/PMCBasecampCourses> or inquire via <basecamp@ powermaccenter.com> or +63 908 885 6277. You can also visit the training location at the 3rd Level of Glorietta 5, Ayala Center, Makati City. Follow Power Mac Center on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and YouTube to be updated on promotions and special deals on Basecamp training fees.

COMELEC... FROM 3

us. What is important is that he is heard. We want to be a Commission that hears and listens. The inevitable consequences of not listening to the people is disenfranchisement, disaffection, distrust, and dissidence. We do not want to be in the wrong side of history,” he added.

Aside from poll body officials and election stakeholders, the event was attended by Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri; Senator Imee Marcos, chairperson of the Senate Electoral Reforms and People’s Participation; and Congressman Maximo Dalog Jr., chairperson of the House of Representatives Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms.

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Diokno also announced that Marcos formed an inter-agency committee that will focus on the country’s inflation and market outlook, and oversees the government’s response to rising prices.

The Cabinet-level Inter-Agency Committee on Inflation and Market Outlook will be co-chaired by Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno and National Economic and Development Authority Secretary Arsenio Balisacan.

Other short-term measures that aim to mitigate inflation include addressing supply issues and ensuring an affordable and reliable energy supply.

In a virtual press conference on Tuesday, PSA Undersecretary Dennis Mapa said prices of goods and services remain elevated despite the slowdown in inflation.

He said out of the 13 commodity groups, only transport recorded slower inflation in the previous month.

Despite the easing of the inflation rate for transport, the group is one of the top three contributors to the increase in prices of goods and services in February.

The group is only behind food and non-alcoholic beverages with February inflation of 10.8 percent and sharing 47.5 percent of the total inflation last month.

AS JA... FROM 11

Instagram Live at a strip club, and holding what appeared to be a gun. Morant has stepped away from the Grizzlies, in what may or may not be a proper suspension, to “get help and work on learning better methods of dealing with stress and my overall well-being,” as he put it in a statement. He wasn’t with the team for Sunday’s loss to the Clippers. He won’t be with them for Tuesday’s game against the Lakers. And, at this point, it’s unclear exactly when he’ll be with them again.

Head coach Taylor Jenkins told reporters on Sunday there is “no definitive timeline” for Morant’s return. Shams Charania of The Athletic reported Monday the Grizzlies are “pretty much expecting that this is going to be a little bit here” while Morant seeks help. The NBA and Glendale, Colorado, police are both investigating the incident — raising the specter of additional league discipline, legal issues related to firearm possession, or both.

At the risk of stating something so obvious as to be self-evident: Nothing on the court matters a scintilla as much as Morant finding healthy and safe ways to manage the myriad pressures that come with his personal and professional position, and walking away from potentially dangerous ones before reaching the point of no return. And if that process takes time, well, so be it. Morant’s 23, and the Grizzlies have committed to him for the next five years as the focal point and signature star of their franchise; as Chris Herrington wrote in The Daily Memphian, “Whatever [Morant’s situation] means for the weeks ahead … matters less than getting this right.”

The weeks ahead do still matter, though, and the Grizzlies — who’ve gone 7-12 since the 11-game winning streak that had them atop the West in mid-January — now enter a critical stretch without their offensive engine. Memphis has lost six of the 10 games Morant hasn’t suited up for this season, including Sunday’s loss to the Clippers. The good news: The Grizz have outscored opponents by 1.8 points per 100 possessions with Morant off the floor, according to Cleaning the Glass. The bad news: They’ve been carried largely by their defense in those minutes, scoring at bottom-10 levels without their AllNBA playmaker.

Tyus Jones, arguably the NBA’s best backup point guard, just about always steps up when pressed into service in Morant’s stead; true to form, he popped for 25 points on 9-for-14 shooting with 12 assists and five steals against the Clippers. But even with Jones’ steady hand at the wheel, and with the likes of Desmond Bane, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Dillon Brooks all capable of taking on a greater share of the scoring burden, an extended absence for Morant over the final few weeks of the regular season would be a major blow for Memphis … especially since it’s not the only absence they’re dealing with.

The same day that Morant’s Instagram Live escapades began making the rounds, the Grizzlies learned that Brandon Clarke — the ace reserve who had to be helped off the court after suffering a non-contact injury against Denver — had ruptured the Achilles tendon in his left leg.

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tween Clark and GenSan has been reduced to just over an hour, making it much easier for business travelers, tourists and locals to get from one city to the other.

Cebu Pacific will serve the route every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, leaving Clark at 5:05 a.m. and arriving in GenSan at 7:25 a.m., and returning at 7:55 a.m.

GenSan is the gateway to Soccsksargen, which is composed of the provinces of South Cotabato, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Sarangani.

The GenSan airport, which started operation in 1996, has been serving commercial flights from Manila, Cebu and Iloilo and vice versa. In 1993, the US government extended a $47.6-million grant for the construction of the airport. (Bong S. Sarmiento / MindaNews)

As Ja Morant steps away, a moment of truth in Memphis

Theroad to becoming a team of consequence in the NBA unfolds in stages. It typically begins with rubble — the broken-down remainder of the previous era, the discarded misfit pieces left strewn about as a franchise starts the process of creating something new.

Then comes a blueprint for the future and, with any luck, a cornerstone talent around which to build. With the plan and the organizing principle in place, the team begins its climb: from emphasizing development and culture to year-over-year on-court

improvement; from approaching the playoffs to making the playoffs to winning in the playoffs.

The Memphis Grizzlies had crossed every one of those stages over the past half-decade, sliding from the sunset of “Grit and Grind” glory days to the growth of

a new generation with shocking speed. They entered this season as one of the NBA’s most fascinating teams: a rising power with a highlight-reel offense and snarling defense, featuring a trio of complementary young stars who only promised to get better. But with success comes pressure — to not only replicate the 50-plus wins and playoff series victories, but to build on them, to win more, to win bigger.

This is the kind of pressure Memphis now feels, and — in the midst of a dismal stretch that has featured fits-and-starts play on

FRED C. LUMBA SPORTS KEN

Again, this is the time to prognosticate as the PBA Govs Cup prelims are coming to an end.

After Ginebra demolished upset-conscious Converge with ease and finesse for its third straight win, I cannot see why Tim Cone and his hardworking Kings will not figure in the battle for the championship trophy.

Of course, there are three - no make it four - others who, given the chance, might impede Ginebra’s journey: San Miguel Beer, TNT, Magnolia and Meralco are also equipped with talented men and materials.

Defense will be the principal factor in thwarting Cone and his

boys from acquiring another jeweled diadem.

The opposition - including dark horse Converge and long shot NLEX who are deemed to make it to the next round - will have to contend against the fiery sharp shooting Justin Brownlee, the slam dunking devil-maycare Jamie Malonzo, the efficient quarterbacking of MVP Svcottie Thompson, the heady plays of shooting guard Jeremiah Gray and the intimidating bulldozing tactics of slotman Christian Standhardinger.

This, despite the absence of injury-ridden Japhet Aguilar and ace pointguard LA Tenorio,

the court and significantly more worrisome issues off of it — it threatens to undercut the championship chase of one of the NBA’s most dynamic young teams. With just five weeks left in the season, the Grizzlies find themselves at what sure feels like a moment of truth. Where do they go from here?

All discussion of Memphis right now understandably centers on Ja Morant, and on the string of stories surrounding him that has advanced from months of simmering off-court static to more than enough noise to prompt real

GINS TOO STRONG TO BE DENIED

Cone’s tested main men.

If the coaching staff of the opposition can design and discover (or improvise) an effective way of exploiting Ginebra’s above-cited handicap and are able to match the prolific outside sniping of JB, Malonzo, Gray and Thompson, any of them will have a fair chance of overturning the odds.

Let’s face it.

Cone is much too much favored by Lady Luck, can’t you see?

When Ginebra was fighting for its life, Cone sent three of his players to complete a trade with NorthPort and get the sevices of Malonzo.

And then, Gray came out from

the woods (sans any fanfare). And guess what? Raymond Aguilar, warming the bench for as long as the fans remember, proved that his being a namesake was not an accident.

Add the quality minutes and contribution of shifty Stanley Pringle, Von Pessumal, John Pinto and Aljon Mariano.

Why wouldn’t the millions of Ginebra fans savor the euphoria?

They get their money’s worth - the thousands who brave the weather and the exasperating vehicular traffic when they physically watch and cheer the Kings dive for the loose ball and exhibit the never-say-die Jaworski mantra.

So, the rest are fighting for only

concern and require immediate address.

The tipping point came early Saturday morning. Just a few hours after the Grizzlies’ Friday loss to the Nuggets — and only a few days after Morant’s representatives responded to a Washington Post report detailing multiple recent confrontations in which he was involved by asserting that “any and every allegation involving a firearm has been fully investigated and could not be corroborated” — there was Morant, streaming himself partying on

ONE finals slot because the FIRST has been reserved for Brgy. Ginebra?

It might seem that way if one reviews the paths taken by all the teams in the Govs’ Cup.

But let’s not forget the road to the championship is getting tougher and rougher.

The quarterfinals will give us a sneak peek if the Gin Kings or any of those competing for top honors are showing marked improvements.

Remember, the imports define the future of the teams they play for.

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

Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant is away from the team for an undetermined amount of time, and the franchise faces a turning point on the court while its star figures out things off it. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

FAS JA, P10

AGILAS SOAR

10ID settle for 2nd after bowing to CMO in finals

The 10th Infantry “Agila” Division settled for second place in the just-concluded AFP-PNP Invitational Basketball Tournament at the Davao City Recreation Center on Monday.

Despite finishing the eliminations with the best record of 9 wins without a single defeat, the Agilas succumbed to City Mayor’s Office in the finals 75-69. CMO avenged its loss to the Agilas in the eliminations to pocket the title via the proverbial back door.

In the battle for third place, Bureau of Fire Protection 11 turned back the Police Regional Office 11.

Several 10ID players bagged individual awards at the conclusion of the

tournament which served as one of the sporting highlights of the Araw ng Davao celebrations.

Sgt Rusty Borromeo was named the conference’s most valuable player and member of the mythical selection alongside Sgt Eduardo Mahilum and Private First Class Junnel Perdido.

Army Major Mark Anthony Tito was named to the Mythical Five in the officer’s category while Coach Raphael Claveria was named Coach of the Conference.

Members of the 10ID squad who made it to the mythical selection show off their awards and the giant replica check for finishing runner-up in the recent AFP-PNP Invitational Basketball Tournament.