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Dagupan to set up floodgates to protect business district, other areas

THE LOCAL government of Dagupan, a low-lying coastal city, is setting up temporary floodgates to protect the business district and other flood-prone areas during high tide while long-term solutions are being planned. In a meeting last week, Mayor Brian C. Lim asked the City Engineer’s Office (CEO) and the City Planning and Development Office to immediately implement available engineering solutions to address the longstanding flooding problem. In a statement from the city’s information office, City Engineer Virginia Rosario said she proposed a 30-day work plan that includes the installation of temporary floodgates that would be closed during high tide events and the deployment of teams to clean the city’s creeks and drainage canals. “We will also implement a food-for-work scheme to involve barangay residents in cleaning the creeks and drainage canals in their areas,” Ms. Rosario said. The mayor earlier said a comprehensive drainage audit would be conducted as an initial step for planning long-term solutions. “We will take a closer look at our drainages — the old and new ones — if they are still structurally sound, if they are connected and if they do work. This was part of what they have done in Navotas City,” said Mr. Lim following a recent visit to the city. Dagupan has an average elevation of one meter above sea level and has 14 creeks and seven rivers that flow out into the Lingayen Gulf.

Baguio gov’t starts traffic management project with MMDA

OFFICIALS OF BAGUIO CITY and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) met last week to jump-start the plan of crafting a traffic management program to address the congestion problem in the mountain tourist destination. In a release from the city’s Public Information Office, MMDA Director Noemi T. Recio, head of the Traffic Engineering Center, is quoted as saying: “We will conduct a comprehensive study, particularly on the geometry of road intersections and traffic movement count which may take about two weeks to survey.” Ms. Recio also asked for all available data relating to the volume of vehicles passing through the main thoroughfares of the city as well as the classification of vehicles, and direction and time when congestion is at its worst. The Baguio City government will also provide data on existing road intersections and the width of barangay, city and national roads. The MMDA will send a team of at least 14 technical personnel to inspect and study the actual existing road intersection designs, including the traffic light timing schemes. The actual survey is planned for September when all schools have resumed classes, including weekends when tourist arrivals usually increase. Ms. Recio said they are aiming to complete the study, including recommendations as to civil works, electrical design and cost estimates, by the end of the year. Mayor Benjamin S. Magalong, in the same statement, said, “Traffic management is no easy feat. There is a science behind it.”

Holiday in GenSan on July 22 in celebration of Blaan Day

GENERAL SANTOS is celebrating the 5th Blaan Day on July 22, which has been declared a special non-working holiday in the city through Proclamation No. 767 signed last July 17. An arts exhibit and competition on the culture of Blaan, also spelled as B’laan, was held over the weekend. A parade and the culmination program will be staged Monday at the GenSan Oval Gym. According to the City Economic and Cooperative Development Office, The Blaan “are the original inhabitants of General Santos, and traces of their early settlement of the area are found in the city’s place names, which are derived from their vocabulary.” GenSan’s old name, Dadiangas, comes from the Blaan, who named it “after the thorny Ziziphus spina-christi tree that was once abundant in the area and is now a protected species under Republic Act 8371 or the Indigenous Peoples Right Act of 2007.”

Road to Macagtas Eco Park

THE Macagtas Eco Park in Catarman will soon be more accessible with the completion of the 700-meter paved road being constructed by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). The P19.5-million projects includes the provision of three waiting sheds and 44 sets of solar street lights. DWPH Region 8 Direction Nerie D. Bueno, in a statement, said, “We are expecting to complete the project within the month not just to improve mobility for the residents of Barangay Macagtas but also to boost economic development in Catarman,” added Director Bueno. The road is listed under the National Tourism Development Plan. Catarman, the capital of Northern Samar, has a domestic airport.

Water rates in Davao City to increase in 2020

THE DAVAO City Water District (DCWD) is set to increase rates within the second half next year, its first price adjustment since 2013. DCWD Spokesperson Bernardo D. Delima Jr. said they are now finalizing the rate hike, which is being undertaken in line with system upgrade projects in preparation for the bulk water supply that is expected to come online by 2021. The rates will be subject to public consultations and approval by the Local Water Utilities Administration. “The result of the study is still up for final deliberation by our top management and board of directors,” Mr. Delima told BusinessWorld in a text message. At present, residential consumers pay P137.30 for the first 10 cubic meters (cu.m.) and P25-P40 for meter maintenance charge. Mr. Delima noted that “the last time we had a water increase was in 2005,” which was implemented under a staggered scheme up to 2013. — Carmelito Q. Francisco

4 cops killed in NPA ambush honored; reward money up

PRESIDENT RODRIGO R. Duterte on Saturday conferred the Order of Lapu-Lapu, Rank of Kalasag on four policemen killed in an alleged ambush by members of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) in Ayungon, Negros Oriental on July 18. Malacañang also announced on Sunday that the President has put up a P1 million reward for the capture of the main perpetrators and P50,000 for conspirators in the incident. The slain policemen were Corporal Relebert Beronio, Patrolman Raffy Callao, Patrolman Ruel Cabellon, and Patrolman Marquino de Leon. According to the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO), the four were intelligence personnel from the 704th Mobile Force Company Regional Mobile Force Battalion of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Central Visayas. “Based on the initial report of the PNP, the policemen were verifying the reported presence of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Barangay Mabato in Ayungon town when they were attacked. Their firearms were taken by the rebels and the motorcycles they were using went missing,” the PCOO said.

REWARD
For his part, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador S. Panelo said in a statement: “According to the Chief Executive, a PhP1 million reward will be given for the capture, whether dead or alive, of the masterminds, perpetrators, and main shooters of the four police intel personnel. A PhP50,000 reward, on the other hand, will be given for the capture, of all the conspirators involved in this felonious activity.” He added that the government will ensure that “justice will be served to those behind this condemnable offense against our peace enforcers.” He added, “The full force of the law will come crushing down on the perpetrators.” The Order of Lapu-Lapu is given to individuals in government or private sector who have rendered extraordinary service or have made exceptional contributions to the success of the administration’s advocacies. The Kalasag Medal is awarded to officials and personnel of the government and private individuals who died as a result of their participation in an activity pursuant to the Duterte administration’s campaigns or advocacies. — Arjay L. Balinbin

Pacquiao is new WBA super welter champion

By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter

FILIPINO boxing legend Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao added another accolade to his legendary career after claiming the World Boxing Association super welterweight title on Sunday (Manila time) after beating erstwhile American champion Keith “One Time” Thurman by split decision at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Showing firmer command for the most part of the scheduled 12-rounder, 40-year-old Pacquiao took everything that Mr. Thurman, 30, threw at him and went away successful, winning, 115-112, 113-114 and 115-112 for the split decision win.

The only eight-division world champ established early control of the match, even sending Mr. Thurman down the canvas in the opening round with a combination to the body and head.

It was a momentum that Mr. Pacquiao would build on until his opponent gained some traction of his own at the start of the seventh round.

The American got Mr. Pacquiao with clear shots from the seventh to the ninth round to narrow the gap and make a strong case for himself.

Mr. Pacquiao, however, would regain his footing and stood toe-to-toe with Mr. Thurman in the last three rounds, doing more than enough damage to hold on for the victory.

While happy and proud with the win, Mr. Pacquiao, also a sitting senator of the republic, acknowledged that it was in no way easy, and that Mr. Thurman was a tough opponent.

“He’s strong and not an easy opponent, said Mr. Pacquiao, who improved to 62-7-2 with the win, in the post-fight interview.

“We both did our best and I think we made the fans happy,” he added.

For Mr. Thurman (29-1 with one no contest), he did not contest the decision, believing the opening-round knockdown made a huge difference in the end even as he underscored the legend of Mr. Pacquiao.

“I knew it was a close fight but he had the knockdown in the first round. Pacquiao is legendary,” a more humble Thurman said after.

MALACAÑANG CONGRATS PACQUIAO
Meanwhile, following Mr. Pacquiao’s victory, Malacañan Palace issued a statement congratulating the Filipino champion for bringing another source of pride for the nation.

“At the start of the year, Senator Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao made the whole country proud as he successfully defended his WBA welterweight belt over American Adrien Broner. Six months later, he doubled this feat as he defeated Keith Thurman today via split decision, even knocking him down in the 1st round,” said Salvador S. Panelo, Chief Presidential Legal Counsel and Presidential Spokesperson, in the statement.

“Pacquiao’s victory is not only his, but of the entire nation. As such, the Palace is one in rejoicing with the Filipino people as the Pambansang Kamao once again puts the flag above the pedestal with his display of tenacity and courage,” the statement further read.

Mr. Pacquiao said his next fight could be next year.

Among those present to witness the Pacquiao-Thurman fight live were boxing legend Floyd Mayweather Jr., who is once again being floated to be the next opponent for Mr. Pacquiao, and National Basketball Association superstar and champion Kawhi Leonard of now the Los Angeles Clippers.

Also present was Ms. Universe 2018 Catriona Gray of the Philippines.

Filipino fighters pummel opponents in undercard of Pacquiao-Thurman fight

FILIPINO boxers John Leo Dato and Genisis Libranza hacked out impressive victories in their respective fights in the undercard for the Manny Pacquiao-Keith Thurman battle on Sunday (Manila time) at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, in the United States.

Mr. Dato, a flyweight who originally hails from La Union but is now based in California, knocked out Mexican opponent Juan Antonio Lopez in the fifth round while top flyweight prospect Libranza of Davao beat American Carlos Maldonado also by technical knockout in the fourth round.

Not so lucky, however, was Jayar Inson of Davao City, who received a quick second-round stoppage loss from Sergey Lipinets of Kazakhstan.

Unbeatean heading into yesterday’s fight, Mr. Dato (13-0, seven knockouts) made sure he kept his record unscathed with a solid showing against Mr. Lopez.

The Filipino set up his opponent well in the fifth round, pinning Mr. Lopez on the ropes before unleashing an uppercut to the midsection that all but signal the end to the fight.

Mr. Lopez instantly fell down on one knee and failed to beat the count on his way to the victory.

The loss sent Mr. Lopez (14-7) to his seventh defeat in 21 fights.

Seconding Mr. Dato with a win was Libranza, his second in US soil this year.

Mr. Libranza was all business against Mr. Maldonado and pounded on every opportunity he could get.

The end of the fourth round saw the Filipino unleashing a barrage of combinations on the American who could not retaliate while on the ropes, prompting the referee to stop the contest and hand the win to Mr. Libranza.

Mr, Libranza hiked his record to 19-1 with the victory. Previously he defeated American Gilberto Mendoza by unanimous decision in Carson, California, in February.

Meanwhile, Mr. Inson missed out on the opportunity to climb up the boxing ladder after falling to Mr. Lipinets via knockout in the second round.

A replacement for the fight after Mr. Lipinets’ original opponent John Molina, Jr. backed out because of back injury, Mr. Inson tried his best but was still found wanting against the former International Boxing Federation light welterweight champion.

After an exchange in the second round, Mr. Lipinets countered with a left hook straight to the head of Mr. Inson who fell to the canvas face first. The Filipino managed to stand up but the referee no sooner stopped the fight.

With the win, Mr. Lipinets improved to 16-1 while Mr. Inson dropped to 18-3. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo

Aces force KaTropa to rubber match

THE ALASKA Aces are not about done in the Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup after negating a twice-to-win disadvantage in the quartefinals with a 108-72 victory over top seeds TNT KaTropa in the first game of their pairing on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Fresh from a playoff match on Friday to seize the eighth and final quarterfinal spot in the midseason PBA tournament, the Aces played with a sense of urgency and purpose throughout to outplay the Texters en route to forcing a rubber match on Wednesday.

The Aces got their collective attack humming to start the contest, outscoring the Texters, 17-8, in the first seven minutes.

Led by import Terrence Jones, TNT was able to recover, coming to within three points, 21-18, with 1:40 to go.

But Alaska would finish strong, going on a 6-0 blast the rest of the way to take a 27-18 lead after 12 minutes.

TNT tried to make up for lost ground to begin the second frame and was able to pull to within a point, 34-33, at the 6:54 mark as Jayson Castro started asserting himself on offense.

Chris Bachero and import Diamon Simpson though would steady the Alaska ship, helping their team to further separation of 42-33 in the next three minutes.

TNT made attempts to charge back only to find an Alaska crew firm on its footing to take a 53-41 advantage at the break.

Alaska picked up where it left as the third quarter rolled out, racing to an 11-0 run in the first five minutes to go up, 64-43.

It was a run that the milk masters would take full advantage of to continue to hold sway, 87-60, heading into the final frame.

Making matters worse for TNT, Mr. Jones was assessed a Flagrant Foul 1 after the third quarter buzzer sounded by shoving Alaska forward Carl Bryan Cruz.

With the call, the TNT import had to begin the first three minutes of the fourth quarter on the bench.

The Texters showed early fight in the final canto but they could not make significant headway.

The count was at 99-67 for Alaska midway into the quarter before the two teams started to empty their benches and rested key personnel for the next game.

Mr. Simpson and Jeron Teng top-scored for the Aces with 15 points each with the former adding 19 rebounds, four assists, four blocks and two steals.

Simon Enciso and Mr. Banchero had 14 points apiece with Vic Manuel finishing with 13.

For TNT it was Mr. Castro who led with 23 points, followed by Mr. Jones with 19 markers.

“We definitely did not see this (big win) coming. But it happens to great teams, and TNT is a great team. We prepared for a game plan that worked today and credit to the entire coaching staff,” said Alaska coach Alex Compton after their win.

“We have to prepare again for Wednesday as we know TNT would come back better,” he added. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo

Portrush goes wild for Ireland’s Lowry as Open final-round test awaits

PORTRUSH, NORTHERN IRELAND — They chanted his name, they rose as one for a standing ovation and long after Shane Lowry had departed the 18th green to sign for a course-record 63, the crowd were still following him across the course, singing and celebrating with abandon.

The Irishman, who produced a round of impeccable precision, has a four-shot lead over Tommy Fleetwood going into Sunday’s final round.

The first British Open in Northern Ireland in 68 years could end with an Irish triumph and goodness knows how the capacity crowd will respond if Lowry holds firm and secures his first major win.

“Honestly, that’s the most incredible day I’ve ever had on the golf course. I honestly can’t explain what it was like,” said Lowry.

“I said to (caddy) Bo (Martin) walking off the 17th tee: ‘We might never have a day like this on the golf course again. So let’s enjoy this next half hour.’ You know what I mean? And that’s what I did. The crowd was incredible. I just can’t believe what it was like”.

There was electricity accompanying Lowry on each hole — but it was also noticeable that his two of his closest rivals, the English pair of Fleetwood and Lee Westwood playing a hole behind, also enjoyed warm support and appreciation from the crowd.

This is a crowd that is knowledgeable about the game and the challenges of this beautiful links course and they were treated to some outstanding all-round golf from the near-flawless Lowry.

He was honest enough to concede that he — and the chasing pack — had been helped by the late afternoon and early evening stillness.

“I’m sitting here after shooting 63, which is incredible. And obviously it is one of the best scores I’ve ever shot, but I think we got very lucky with the weather today. The wind laid down and it played quite easy towards the end.

“The greens are perfect and we’re playing links golf in no wind. It virtually had no real protection out there. If you were hitting decent shots you were getting good results.”

It was the quiet before the expected storm. Sunday’s forecast is for heavy rain and strong winds and while it was suggested that Lowry might have the edge in such conditions, he was quick to dismiss such talk.

“Tommy Fleetwood grew up in Southport, he’s played in bad weather and bad conditions before. J.B. Holmes flights the ball lovely, he’s pretty good. Brooks (Koepke) is there.

“No, there’s a good leaderboard behind me. We’ll see what happens,” he said.

DOWNPLAYING MEMORIES OF FAILURE
Inevitably, his final-round failure at the 2016 US Open at Oakmont, where he also had a four-stroke lead going into the final round, was raised and Lowry did his best to downplay that memory.

“Obviously I learned a lot that day. I learned a lot about myself at Oakmont. I’m going to learn a lot about myself tomorrow.

“I think I learned a few things that day about playing in the final round of a major with a lead, that you need to just hang in until the very last minute. You never know what can happen. And I’m going to do the same tomorrow.

“That’s a long time ago… I don’t think I’m a much different golfer but I feel like I’m a different person now. I think that’s what will help me tomorrow.”

A battle of nerves awaits for Lowry, who can expect a fanatical welcome at the first tee, rain or shine. In anticipation of that moment, he says he will avoid isolation and be open to conversation with, amongst others, his coach Neil Manchip.

“I’m not going to be sitting there tomorrow morning in the house in a corner trying not to think about the day ahead.

“Obviously I’ll go to bed thinking about holding the Claret Jug tomorrow evening. It’s only natural, isn’t it? We’re human. We’re not robots. We can’t not think about things.

“And when you try not to think about something you end up thinking about it more, so you might as well talk about it. So we talk about stuff. Talk about everything.”

He is the talk of the town already but if he can hold firm on Sunday, he will become part of golfing folklore. — Reuters

Sports hub promotes active lifestyle with facilities in the heart of metro

RECOGNIZING the growing demand for work-life balance among city-dwellers, Ortigas & Company has moved to address such, building sport facilities in the heart of Quezon City geared towards promoting a healthy lifestyle.

CV Sports Hub, located at Circulo Verde, a 10-hectare mixed-use estate in Quezon City, is a multi-use recreational sports center designed to complement the lifestyle of the active and healthy community, as well as sports enthusiasts.

Making it different from the usual sports and training facilities in the metro which are located in enclosed areas, CV Sports Hub offers “open breathable spaces” for sports and fitness enthusiasts to thrive in and enjoy. The recreational sports center also takes in pride in being built within a green community.

The CV Sports Hub offers three top-notch facilities now, namely, The Bike Playground, CV Quad and CV Pitch, which cater to different interests of sports enthusiasts.

The Bike Playground, open since 2017, is a one-of-a-kind cycling facility since it is the only indoor asphalt pump track in the Philippines. It was designed by Vesolutions, a global leader in pump track and trail building, and includes a one-kilometer outdoor trail and a kids’ track for all skill levels and types of bicycles.

It was the venue for the Red Bull Pump Track Series Philippine Qualifier in 2018, and the Red Bull Pump Track World Championship Philippine qualifier this year.

The CV Quad, meanwhile, is a convertible court suited for those looking for a venue for basketball, volleyball, badminton, and futsal games.

Handlers of the facilities said at the CV Quad players are able to feel what it is like to play in international quadrangles with the area’s FIBA-based system, LED lighting, electronic scoreboard, and shot clock.

The CV Quad’s flooring is optimized with Decoflex sports floor — a type of flooring resilient to the demands of sports for optimum playability and durability.

A football field within a green estate is what CV Pitch offers.

Opened in March this, the CV Pitch is a FIFA standard-sized field with a sand-based Princess 77 Bermuda natural grass.

The pitch was the official field used by the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 81 Women’s Football.

For particulars on the facilities, call +63917-1242787, or e-mail thebikeplayground@gmail.com, or follow it on Facebook and check out www.thebikeplayground.com for The Bike Playground; call+63947-8309014 and +63906-2185131, or e-mail CVPitch@CANSportsGroup.com, or follow @CVPitch.ph on Facebook for CV Pitch; and call (02) 638-1641and follow @cvquad on Facebook for CV Quad. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo

Traveling rule

The eye test is crucial to National Basketball Association referees. In fact, it’s the single biggest determinant of the decisions they make as they survey the non-stop action on the court. On the flipside, it also happens to be the biggest weapon longtime habitues of the sport wield against them. Data from the front office strongly indicate that they get calls right an overwhelming majority of the time. Unfortunately, they don’t get pats on the back for doing their jobs well. Rather, they get pilloried on the rare instances that they wind up swallowing their whistles for reasons they may deem justifiable at the given instance, but which not-quite-impartial quarters believe to be flat-out wrong.

Because so much occurs during a contest, referees exercise their better judgment in support of the bigger picture. Their purpose isn’t to call fouls or violations to a point where the proceedings all but come to a screeching halt. Instead, they use their unique skill sets and wealth of experience to weigh whether undue advantage was caused by a particular offense — in which case they feel they have no choice but to step in. Otherwise, they keep the ball live and let the play continue. Occasionally, though, the aforesaid eye test will come into play and cast them in a bad light.

Considering how much the game itself has evolved at the highest level, it’s no surprise that referees have become hard-pressed to keep up. For practical and understandable reasons, they’re compelled to exercise their better judgment when it comes to citing infractions. Else, they would be blowing their whistles at just about every turn given the moves all 10 players on the floor make to push the envelope in an effort to claim an advantage. Even highly partisan fans understand their dilemma, and are thus sympathetic to their positioning between a rock and a hard place.

To be sure, there have been cases in which apparent violations have been let go, and to a point where they’re no longer deemed as such. Traveling, for example, has been effectively institutionalized. At one time, it was simply any second step after the pickup of a dribble. It then evolved to “one and a half steps” after a gather — not coincidentally still the rule. The practice these days, however, is much different from theory ; with such “innovations” as the Euro step, the stepback, and the side stepback, what’s legal has been stretched to levels of incredulity.

Last February, for instance, a match between the Wizards and the Pistons saw Bradley Beal take six — yes, six — steps en route to the basket before making a pass. There was no whistle, to the consternation of just about everybody in Little Caesars Arena. The ensuing discussion broke the Internet and had the referees association, in mind-numbingly defending the absence of a call, get into a public spat with the league, and particularly Monty McCutchen, formerly from among its ranks and current vice-president of referee development and training. Meanwhile, the All-Star himself admitted what he got away with; “look clean to me,” he noted in a tweet laced with laugh emojis.

Little wonder, then, that James Harden, last year’s Most Valuable Player and the biggest beneficiary of the hazy implementation of the traveling rule, has seen fit to, in his words, “come up with something more creative, and it’s gonna look like a travel, but it’s not.” Clever, and in more ways than one. This early, he’s already conditioning all and sundry to accept a legal a move that the eye test will determine to be a traveling violation even in real time. It’s anybody’s guess whether he manages to do so without the game arbiters calling it for what it is — but if he does, look out.

 

Anthony L. Cuaycong has been writing Courtside since BusinessWorld introduced a Sports section in 1994. He is a consultant on strategic planning, operations and Human Resources management, corporate communications, and business development.