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‘Boom’ in office leasing looms in Davao City

DAVAO CITY — Office space leasing in the city is on the rise, according to consultancy firm Property Interactive Marketing Enterprise (PRIME) Philippines, and the demand is projected to increase in the near-term with more government infrastructure projects lined up and the emergence of new commercial sub-districts.

Raphil D. Saguan, PRIME Philippine associate for capital market and investment, said the “rise quadrant” points to “incoming demand and a wide market.”

“Since office (space) is on the rise now, we can say that in a span of time, depending on the business environment of the city it will eventually (go) in the boom stage,” Mr. Saguan told the media last week in a briefing.

A PRIME Philippines study showed as of the third quarter, office buildings in Davao have an average take-up rate of 88%, with business process outsourcing (BPO) firms occupying 67%, professional services with 20%, and general services/other industries for the rest.

Among the existing commercial districts in Davao City, the Poblacion area has the fastest take-up at 95%, while the Lanang-Bajada and Matina areas have 93%.

On the average, prices for these offices are pegged at P565 per square meter in the Poblacion area, 19% higher than last year’s P475.

“We are encouraging land developers and land owners to develop their real estate at this stage (for office space) to gain a foothold when the boom stage comes,” Mr. Saguan said.

He said the construction of several roads and a railway would allow easier access into the city and expand business opportunities in neighboring areas.

“There are upcoming developments by the government such as the Mindanao Railway System, bypass and coastal road projects. If we have these connectivity, and high exposure of the different areas of Davao City, that makes the city a very easy location to do business,” he added.

Mr. Saguan also cited Davao’s ranking as the third most competitive city, for all cities and among highly urbanized cities, in the National Competitiveness Council’s 2017 index.

“Davao City ranked third… This is the primary competitive city outside Metro Manila in terms of resiliency, infrastructure, government,” he said, adding there is also a competitive labor force that can be tapped.

“These are among the reasons why we see an incoming boom in office and leasing industry… We have a very good potential and capable of generating a lot of business and investment expansions within the city,” Mr. Saguan said. — Maya M. Padillo

Peso to move sideways amid mixed US reports

THE PESO will likely move sideways against the dollar this week as market players expect US economic data due for release to be mixed.

On Friday, the peso ended its rally as it lost 10 centavos to close at P50.37 versus the greenback.

Still, this was better than its P50.72-per-dollar close last Nov. 24.

“The dollar might move sideways, with an upward bias, this week amid likely mixed US economic reports,” Land Bank of the Philippines market economist Guian Angelo S. Dumalagan said in an e-mail.

Soft US reports on trade balance and non-manufacturing are expected to dampen the positive developments on the American tax reform plans in the first three days of the week.

Meanwhile, data on ADP employment, non-farm payrolls, average hourly earnings and joblessness are seen to be upbeat, which may prompt the dollar to correct on Thursday.

Mr. Dumalagan added that the strong performance expected for the peso in the first days of the week will by pushed by the political noise in the US.

Former national security adviser Michael T. Flynn said he is prepared to testify against US President Donald J. Trump, admitting that Mr. Trump directed him to make contact with the Russians during the presidential campaign.

This was part of his plea bargain as he admitted lying to the Federal Bureau of Investigation on Friday.

Meanwhile, another trader noted that the ascent of peso might be tempered by the weak performance of the local bourse.

“December is noted as a month where foreign [corporates] repatriate their income back to their home countries,” the trader said, adding that the strong remittances brought by seasonal flows might not be strong enough to reverse the effects of weaker stocks.

Another trader said market players will also look at the local data on November inflation due for release tomorrow.

Inflation likely steadied in November from the previous month amid higher fuel costs and electricity rates, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said, although a stronger peso could have eased price pressures.

Price increases for widely used goods and services likely logged between 2.9-3.6% last month, the BSP’s Department of Economic Research said in a statement last week.

This assures that inflation will remain within the midpoint of the central bank’s 2-4% target band, and could even trend lower than the October’s 3.5% print which was the fastest in three years.

“Higher domestic petroleum prices and electricity rates in Meralco-serviced areas could contribute to upward price pressures, which could be partly offset by the slightly stronger peso for the month,” the BSP said.

Also last week, the Finance department said it is expecting inflation to have eased to 3.2% last month as food prices stabilize after weather disturbances.

For this week, traders expect the peso to move within P50.20 to P50.60, while Mr. Dumalagan gave a wider range of P50.15 to P50.65, as he noted that higher-than-expected inflation data could increase chances of a rate hike by the central bank. — Karl Angelo N. Vidal

Strike called off; transport groups to hear out Senate

ORGANIZERS OF a two-day nationwide transport strike that was supposed to begin Monday, Dec. 4, have called off their protest action, citing a senator’s appeal to hear their concerns.

In a statement on Saturday, Senator Grace Poe, chairperson of the Senate committee on public services, appealed to organizers Pinagkaisang Samahan ng Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (PISTON) and the No to Jeepney Phaseout Coalition, “Let us sit down and talk, and find ways to move forward with solutions that are socially just and feasible.”

“I will file a resolution in order to conduct a hearing that will address these issues of public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers and operators alike,” Ms. Poe had also said.

In response, PISTON president George F. San Mateo said in a press conference on Sunday: “Kaya naa-appreciate natin itong pagwelcome, yung pag-apela sa atin ni Senator Grace Poe at dahil diyan ay napagdesisyunan natin in due consultation sa ating mga miyembro sa Metro Manila at sa iba’t iba pang mga probinsya na magbigay daan sa apela ni Senator Grace doon sa public hearing sa Dec. 7 na kinakasa ni Senator Grace para ma-trace out itong issue at itong ating mga karaingan.”

(That’s why we appreciate Senator Grace Poe’s appeal and because of that, we decided in due consultation with our members in Metro Manila and the different provinces to give way…to a public hearing on Dec. 7 to trace out this issue and our grievances.)

“Kaya bukas, dahil pinagpapaliban natin ang tigil pasada, bukas magkakaron tayo ng malaking transport caravan rally papuntang Mendiola,” Mr. San Mateo also said. (That’s why tomorrow, instead of the strike, we will have a huge transport caravan rally heading to Mendiola.)

The government is set to implement a modernization program on the gradual phaseout of old PUVs, to be replaced by environment-friendly e-vehicles through a financing program for jeepney operators and drivers.

Jeepney operators have expressed opposition to the program, citing its considerable cost to drivers and limited transition period, among other factors.

For its part, a coalition of consumers, the Samahan at Ugnayan ng mga Konsyumer para sa Ikauunlad ng Bayan (SUKI), said on Saturday: “We all want a modern, safe and convenient transport system. But please do not use us for a ‘modernization program’ that will fleece commuters with exorbitant fares and destroy the livelihoods of thousands of small jeepney drivers and operators. Not in our name!”

Malacañang, in response to organizers suspending their strike, said it welcomed this development. “We remain optimistic that PISTON will soon engage with the government, and support the implementation of the long-delayed PUV modernization Program, which only aims to provide our commuters a safer, more reliable, convenient environment-friendly, and dignified commuting experience,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry L. Roque, Jr. also said.

Mr. Roque also clarified there has been no announcement by the Palace on the suspension of work and classes.

Ms. Poe, in a statement on Sunday, said she will invite Transportation Secretary Arthur P. Tugade. “Inaasahan natin na dadalo siya sapagkat mahalaga ang pagdinig na ito at nakasalalay ang kapakanan ng napakarami. Pagkakataon ni Secretary Tugade na ilatag sa madla ang kaniyang mga plano at ipahiwatig ang kanyang malasakit,” she said.

(We hope he will come because this hearing is important as it hinges on the welfare of many. This is Secretary Tugade’s opportunity to clarify his plans to the people and convey his compassion.)

For her part, board member Aileen Lourdes A. Lizada of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board told reporters on Sunday: “”We have directed the head of the enforcement to direct all enforcers to check the terminals of PISTON as well as the routes involved, then we will decide tomorrow before noontime if we will proceed with the monitoring the whole day. We will not rely on the (Sunday) presscon, we cannot afford surprises for the riding public.”

She added: “This directive has likewise been given to all regional offices for them to check the respective routes and terminals of PISTON and their allied transport groups or labor groups. Then the regional directors will decide before noontime to push through or cancel the monitoring proper.” — Andrea Louise E. San Juan with Patrizia Paola C. Marcelo

CAAP says ready for increase of passengers during holiday season

By Patrizia Paola C. Marcelo

THE CIVIL Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) said it is ready for the expected increase in air passengers this month.

CAAP Director-General Jim C. Sydiongco said in a statement that airports under the aviation regulator are prepared for the influx of passengers this holiday season.

Massive movement of people is expected, with many Filipinos traveling to the provinces as well as overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and migrants visiting the Philippines for the holidays.

Mr. Sydiongco said the number of air passengers is expected to increase by approximately 10%, per their records.

Last year, passenger movement totaled 18,337,772.

The government agency said that under its “CAAP Balik Pasko Program,” it will “institute additional measures to ensure safe, reliable and convenient operations” in all its 35 airports engaged in commercial operations, from Dec. 1 until Jan. 5 next year.

“Concerned government agencies operating at the airports — including the Office of Transportation Security (OTS) and the PNP Aviation Security Group — have also been directed to deploy sufficient personnel at their area of concern to ensure smooth passenger flow,” CAAP said in a statement.

CAAP has also canceled the leaves of operations personnel. “To assure the riding public that the measures will be successfully implemented, all leaves for operations personnel are canceled to make them available to augment airport service staff.”

Mr. Sydiongco also reminded all employees and officials to strictly adhere to the government’s “No Gift Policy,” by refraining from soliciting and/or accepting directly or indirectly any gift or favor from individuals, corporate entities or third parties. The policy is provided for under Section 7(d) of Republic Act 6713, or the Code of and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

CAAP added that they have been coordinating with airlines regarding the efficient processing of passengers, particularly at the check-in counters.

“Additional airline personnel have been scheduled for additional duty to further bolster the manpower to handle the increase in the number of travelers,” CAAP said.

Malacañang to ‘leave no stone unturned’ in Dengvaxia controversy

THE GOVERNMENT in a statement on Sunday, Dec. 3, said those behind the Dengvaxia “anomaly” will be held accountable, referring to an anti-dengue vaccine administered to thousands of children early in 2016.

Last Friday, the Department of Health (DoH) announced the suspension of the vaccination program after the vaccine’s manufacturer itself, French pharmaceutical giant Sanofi Pasteur, had disclosed that Dengvaxia could worsen the disease among those who were not previously infected by the virus.

“We will leave no stone unturned in making those responsible for this shameless public health scam which puts hundreds of thousands of young lives at risk accountable,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry L. Roque, Jr., said in a statement issued by the Philippine Information Agency on Sunday.

“We understand the concern of our people, especially the parents and the relatives of public elementary children residing in Regions III, IV-A, and NCR, where the dengue vaccination initiative was launched by the previous administration,” he also noted.

Mr. Roque said that, as per the DoH, “there is currently no reported case of severe dengue infection to the individuals who received (the first of three doses of the) dengue vaccine last year.”

The DoH, he added, “is now working in close coordination with the Department of Education (DepEd) to monitor the thousands of students who have been administered with Dengvaxia.”

For his part, Justice Secretary Vitaliano N. Aguirre II said in a text message to reporters: “Yes. I will have (this) investigated and I will prepare (as soon as possible) the appropriate department order (DO). Everybody who has some involvement will be included and appropriate charges will be filed against them if warranted.” — R.A. Zamora with A.L.E. San Juan, interaksyon.com and AFP

Palace: EJK cases should be filed in local courts, not before United Nations

MALACAÑANG CRITICIZED as “propaganda” an activist group’s filing before the United Nations (UN) of cases on extrajudicial killings (EJKs).

Karapatan secretary-general Cristina Palabay on Saturday, Dec. 2, sent a letter to UN Special Rapporteurs Agnes Callamard and Michel Forst flagging 45 EJK cases in the present administration of President Rodrigo R. Duterte.

These 45 cases are apart from the 47 that Karapatan filed before the UN on April 10.

“From one counterinsurgency program to another, cases of extrajudicial killings against peasants, indigenous peoples, Moro, workers, women and youth continue to be committed with impunity under the murderous Duterte regime,” Ms. Palabay’s said in her letter, adding:

“Also, most, if not all, of the perpetrators of human rights violations under the administrations of former Presidents Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Benigno Simeon “Noynoy” Aquino III have not been brought to justice.”

Ms. Palabay also tagged recently retired military chief Eduardo M. Año to human rights violations during those administrations.

In response, Presidential Spokesperson Harry L. Roque, Jr. said in a text message to reporters: “It’s useless to go to the UN without filing cases before the fiscal’s office. Filing directly with the UN is only for propaganda purposes because there are institutions in the Philippines that could address it.”

“So, they should file it in the fiscal’s office, they should file it with the Supreme Court for writ of Amparo if they’re concerned about upholding the right to life,” Mr. Roque also said.

The writ of amparo refers to the high court’s legal remedy on the watch of then Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno, amid the EJKs during the Arroyo administration.

In a follow-up statement, Mr. Roque said the “State — not international bodies like the United Nations — is duty-bound to investigate alleged cases of EJKs. (And) Karapatan knows that it can avail (itself) of all domestic remedial mechanisms.”

“Certainly, Karapatan knows the cases will not prosper there in the UN. It is the political mileage they are after in pursuit of their continued intent to malign this administration, through the special rapporteurs who only seem too willing to act based on fake political information,” he also said.

Ms. Palabay, in turn, said, “We do not file cases or complaints for mere publicity purposes. People are not mere facts in a press release.”

She added: “May we remind Atty. Roque that exhaustion of domestic remedies is not a prerequisite in submitting letter of allegations or reports to UN Special Procedures. Exhaustion of domestic remedies is also relative to the compliance record of State parties like the Philippines to hold the perpetrators accountable.” — Rosemarie A. Zamora

42,000 chickens culled, but no confirmation yet if related to bird flu

THE DEPARTMENT of Agriculture’s Bureau of Animal Industries (DA-BAI) confirmed on Saturday, Dec. 2, that there was a disease detected in a poultry farm in Cabiao, Nueva Ecija, but has yet to ascertain if it was a leftover strain of the avian influenza that struck the region a few months ago.

In a statement, the DA-BAI said the immediate depopulation or culling of the 42,000 chickens last Nov. 21, one of two options for farm owners, was considered as a control measure to avoid the disease from spreading if there is an observed mortality of 3% in the total poultry population in a day.

The other option was to wait for confirmation from the local government unit’s veterinarian that bird flu still does exist based on tests conducted by the Animal Disease Diagnostic and Reference Laboratory.

The suspicion for a possible disease stemmed from “ready to lay” chickens, which seemed to have been infected and died off. A screening test on the poultry farm, which remains unnamed, was then conducted.

“[T]he affected farm underwent screening test for bird flu. Several samples yielded positive results to the screening test. The initial findings were discussed to the owner and the latter opted for immediate depopulation,” the statement read.

BAI, however, reported that there is no case of the influenza in broiler chickens.

Last Aug. 11, the DA reported a case of avian influenza, which had plagued the poultry industry in Pampanga for around two months. A couple of weeks later, similar incidents were reported in the towns of Jaen and San Isidro in Nueva Ecija.

The DA still has an ongoing research and surveillance in the municipalities struck by the bird flu, and has yet to make an official bird flu-free declaration in the areas. — Anna Gabriela A. Mogato

One big fight for Ateneo

By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter

AFTER five years, the Ateneo Blue Eagles are back on top of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) men’s basketball after dethroning rivals De La Salle Green Archers with an 88-86 victory in Game Three of their best-of-three finals yesterday at the packed Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Playing collective ball throughout the match, the Eagles soared and survived the “arrows” of the Archers to claim the championship for Season 80, two games to one.

Ateneo got off to a strong start, boosted by tight defense that had the La Salle offense stymied.

The Eagles raced to a 15-6 lead halfway into the first quarter before the Archers made a mini 6-1 run to come within four points, 16-12, with three minutes remaining.

But Ateneo would not let go of its grip on the control, holding a 24-14 advantage at the of the canto.

La Salle, led by league most valuable player Ben Mbala, opened the second frame with an 11-1 blitz to tie the count at 25-all at the six-minute mark.

Anton Asistio gave back the lead to the Eagles, 28-25, with a three-pointer after only to be answered by Ricci Rivero with an and-one to level the score anew at 28-all.

The two teams went back and forth the rest of the way with the Eagles eventually settling for a 45-38 spread by the halftime break.

Felt they lost some momentum, La Salle began the third frame with a 13-5 run, behind Santi Santillan and Aljun Melecio, to seize the lead 51-50 midway into the quarter.

But triples by Matt Nieto, Raffy Verano and Gian Mamuyac would keep the Eagles afloat, 59-56, with four minutes left on the clock.

Back-to-back baskets by Rivero and Abu Tratter handed La Salle a three-point cushion, 62-59, at the 2:30 mark.

Ateneo though would show much resilience the rest of the way, outgunning La Salle, 7-4, to tie the score at 66-all heading into the payoff quarter.

The outcome still wide open, the two teams jostled for control to begin the fourth.

Mbala and Vince Tolentino exchanged baskets to start off proceedings.

Triples from Nieto and Asistio gave the Eagles a 74-68 lead with 6:37 to go on the clock, forcing La Salle to seize for time.

Ateneo continued to maintain control, holding a 10-point lead, 80-70, with four minutes remaining.

Melecio hit a triple to slice their deficit to just seven, 80-73, with under three minutes left.

Chibueze Ikeh made it a nine-point cushion, 82-73, after, scoring on a slam off a feed from Asistio.

Four points in a row from Mbala pushed La Salle to within five, 82-77, at the 1:24 mark.

Guard Andrei Caracut further pulled the Archers closer, 82-80, draining a three-pointer with 49 seconds left to play.

Off a timeout, Ateneo called Isaac Go’s number and the big man delivered anew for the Eagles, hitting a triple with 24 seconds remaining to douse cold water on the La Salle run and extend their lead to five, 85-80.

The Archers tried to work their way back but no meltdown would come forth from the Eagles as the latter hung on tight to bring the championship back to Katipunan.

Thirdy Ravena led the Eagles with 17 points, eight rebounds and five assists. He was later named finals MVP.

Nieto finished with 14 points while Ikeh had a double-double of 12 points and 13 boards, and Asistio 11 points.

Mbala paced La Salle with 19 points, 14 boards and three blocks.

Melecio had 16 while Rivero, Caracut and Santillan had, 14, 13 and 11 points, respectively.

“This is very surreal. The Ateneo community was simply amazing with its support and this is for them,” said Ravena after their win, which was witnessed by 22,012 people live at the Big Dome.

“I’m proud of this team, each one of the players. We are a team and each has a role to play and they did exactly that in today’s game. I’m happy for the community,” Ateneo coach Tab Baldwin, for his part, said.

The championship was the ninth for Ateneo, joining La Salle for fourth most in the UAAP.

Construction materials supplier, with 7 warehouses, next in line for closure in Cebu City

VIC ENTERPRISES, a supplier of general construction materials, may become the latest casualty in Cebu City Hall’s stringent campaign against companies operating without business permits. Following complaints about how the company is allegedly causing traffic congestions and pollution, among other concerns, in Barangay Mabolo, Cebu City Mayor Tomas R. Osmeña ordered the City Treasurer’s Office (CTO) to investigate the tax payment practices of the firm. “A tax mapping within the area was conducted wherein it was found out that five of your warehouses located around F. Gochan Street and Cebu North Road areas are operating without final business permits,” reads the CTO report dated Nov. 13. A separate check by the Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO) also found out that the company’s vehicles have committed numerous traffic violations over the course of their operations. Of the 85 vehicles registered under CCTO, at least 63 were found to have violated traffic rules on numerous occasions, a CCTO report said. The Cebu City Environment and Natural Resources Office also reported that there were numerous issues observed during its environmental pollution assessment of the firm. Mr. Osmeña said he will ask Vic Enterprises to explain in writing why the city government should not close its business establishments given the alleged violations cited. Meanwhile, incoming CTO head Veronica A. Morelos said she will continue the current administration’s thrust in going after tax evaders. Mr. Osmeña has recommended Ms. Morelos to replace Treasurer Tessie C. Camarillo, who is set to retire from public service on Jan. 1. “Once I will sit as the acting treasurer, we will continue to encourage our businessmen to comply with all the regulatory laws and to pay the right taxes on time,” Ms. Morelos told The Freeman. Ms. Morelos has previously worked at the CTO as inspector, examiner, and operations officer, among others. She was assigned as Mr. Osmeña’s executive assistant in 2003, and promoted as assistant city administrator in 2004 to 2016. — The Freeman

Holloway beats Aldo anew

By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter

REIGNING ULTIMATE Fighting Championship (UFC) featherweight champion Max “Blessed” Holloway retained his title after defeating anew former titleholder Jose Aldo in their title rematch at “UFC 218” in Detroit, Michigan, yesterday by way of technical knockout in the third round.

Got firmer hold of his game as the fight progressed, American Holloway delivered the heavy blows when the opportunity came to make his first successful title defense from the man he took it from.

Earlier in the co-main event, Francis “The Predator” Ngannou, the number four heavyweight contender, fashioned out an impressive upset win over no. 2 contender Alistair “The Demolition Man” Overeem by knockout 100 seconds into the opening round.

The headliners had their moments in the first two rounds with the champion Holloway scoring some solid blows that punished the right eye of Mr. Aldo in the first round with the latter bouncing back in the second, finding his range for some big punches that rocked Mr. Holloway.

At the start of the third round, the two once again engaged tightly. Mr. Holloway managed to shove Mr. Aldo in the windup to the round and found a way to throw the Brazilian to the ground for more punches that took a tool on the former champion.

Mr. Aldo hardly fended off the barrage of Mr. Holloway as the seconds ticked away, prompting referee Herb Dean to stop the fight 4:51 into the round.

After the fight, Mr. Holloway (19-3) underscored his standing as the best in the division, referring to all comers to his belt as “cupcakes.”

“I told you guys, all these guys, these cupcakes, I look forward to the new flavor. But any of them can get it. I like cupcakes, and I’m going to eat them all, baby,” Mr. Holloway said post-fight.

With the loss, Mr. Aldo saw his record drop to 26-4.

KNOCKOUT WIN FOR NGANNOU
In the co-main event, meanwhile, Mr. Ngannou (11-1) wasted little time in stopping Mr. Overeem to claim his 10th straight victory.

The fight got off to a slow with both men feeling it out. But once action got under way it proved to be fleeting as Mr. Ngannou finished things almost instantly.

Mr. Ngannou landed a jab to which Mr. Overeem tried to retaliate but missed, setting up a big counter left uppercut from the former that dropped Mr. Overeem.

For good measure Mr. Ngannou jumped on top of the fallen and out Mr. Overeem and threw hammer fists after which referee Dan Miragliotta stopped the contest at the 1:42 mark of the first round.

With the victory, Mr. Ngannou thrust himself as the number one contender for the heavyweight title currently held by Stipe Miocic.

Mr. Overeem, who was left unconscious for several minutes after the KO, dropped his second fight in his last four and fell to 43-16.

In earlier fights, flyweight Henry Cejudo defeated Sergio Pettis by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27 and 30-27), former lightweight Eddie Alvarez TKO’d Justin Gaethje in the third roud; and women’s strawweight Tecia Torres beat Michelle Waterson by unanimous decision, 30-27, 29-28 and 29-28.

Next for the UFC is “UFC Fight Night 123” on Dec. 10 (Manila time) in Fresno, California, that will feature the featherweight battles between Cub Swanson (#4) and Brian “T-City” Ortega (#6) as well as Jason “The Kid” Knight (#15) and Gabriel “Moggly” Benitez.

In the Philippines, Cignal TV, the country’s foremost direct-to-home (DTH) company, is the home of the UFC after the two groups agreed to an extensive deal that will see the UFC beamed on various platforms.

Romeo might miss Gilas team’s home-and-away game in Feb.

WITH little time to prepare and get himself back in shape, reigning PBA scoring champion Terrence Romeo is likely to miss Gilas Pilipinas campaign again in the second stage of the home and away FIBA World Cup qualifier in Australia.

This was confirmed no less by Mr. Romeo himself in an interview with BusinessWorld.

“I haven’t touched a basketball nor joined in any basketball activity yet. That was the advice of the doctor,” said Mr. Romeo, who was named scoring champion by the PBA Press Corps in the recent Annual Awards Night.

He has spent the past few weeks doing therapy to strengthen his injured right knee.

A few weeks ago, Mr. Romeo missed Gilas Pilipinas’ away game in Japan as well as its home match against Chinese Taipei. Both games were won by the Philippine squad, which put the team in a better position heading to its much-awaited encounter with powerhouse Australia.

Without doing anything, Mr. Romeo said he had already gained a few pounds.

“That’s my biggest worry. If ever I will do continuous therapy for one month, I will only have one month to try and get my condition back. It’s hard because I didn’t have basketball activity for the past month. Even with my mother team, GlobalPort, I could only drop by and see them.”

“I’m still doing my therapy. After this, strengthening. I’m looking forward to get back in action.”

Mr. Romeo said his condition worsened after Gilas Pilipinas returned from its last tournament in Lebanon and the spitfire guard went back to action to help the Batang Pier’s campaign. It paid him a heavy price.

“There’s a swelling in the upper portion of my right knee. I really need to do the therapy. It’s been bothering me since last conference,” he added.

With Mr. Romeo out of action, he had to content himself watching the other guards headed by Jayson Castro as well as new inclusions like Kiefer Ravena and Kevin Alas.

“Watching (Kuya) Jayson brought back a lot of memories. He alongside (Kuya) Jimmy Alapag were my idols. I can’t describe my feeling sitting on the sidelines and watching him up close and personal while he gave our counterparts a neat lesson. It was a surreal feeling. I feel like I’m a kid watching,” he added.

To get himself back on track, Mr. Romeo believes he has to work double time to get himself back in condition but on the other hand, he also has to get worried that fast tracking his return might aggravate his situation.

“I need to work double time. There are lots of things to catch up. At the same time, I knew it won’t be easy for me to secure a spot as I have to contend with the younger guys who are equally good players,” he added. — Rey Joble

ASEAN researchers, experts to discuss climate change, urban resiliency

RESEARCH AND development (R&D) practitioners from various academic and research institutions within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are meeting this week in Laoag City for the Urban Resilience to Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction Management forum. The five-day discussions from Dec. 4-8, will cover policies, programs and experiences that may be replicated among ASEAN members. There will be paper presentations on five topics, namely: 1. Vulnerability assessment in megacities and other highly urbanized areas; 2. Climate change adaptation strategies and coping mechanisms; 3. Green growth strategies and government programs for urban resilience; 4. Disaster risk reduction management strategies in highly urbanized areas; and 5. Financing resilience. The forum is hosted by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau (ERDB). “With the urban population expected to increase by at least 2.5 billion by 2050 according to UN (United Nations) reports, pursuing urban resiliency should be an important agenda for all policy and decision makers, resource managers, and environmental scientists and researchers,” Dr. Henry A. Adornado, ERDB-DENR executive director, said in a statement.

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