Edge10 issue165 November 19-20, 2017

VOL. 10 ISSUE 165 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, NOVEMBER 19-20, 2017

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EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

RISKY SEX Blamed for 26 HIV-AIDS cases in Davao

By JUDIE VEGA

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he City’s Reproductive Health and Wellness Center has blamed ‘risky sex behaviors’ for a total of 26 HIV-AIDS in Davao City from January to June this year.

“An ounce of prevention remains the best defense against HIV-AIDs,” said Patrick Albit, program of�icer of

the RHWC. Based on the record of RHWC,191 of the new cases are asymptomatic, or those-

found to have HIV but show no symptoms yet.

The 26 cases are fully-developed AIDS. This brings the total to 1,850 asymptomatic and 230 HIV/AIDS fully-developed cases from 1984 to present.

Albit said that cases are higher among males because

of their riskier sexual behavior than females.

In the Davao region, the age group with the biggest proportion of cases was noted among those aged 25 to 34 with 135 new cases. Next is the 15-24 age group with 103 cases, 35-49 with 38, and 50

RISKY, P10

SMOOTH LANDING. An aircraft flies over the high-rise residential-commercial project of Aeon Towers along J.P. Laurel Avenue in Davao City on Saturday. Aircrafts can now land from the south side of the Davao City International Airport after Aeon Towers complied to remove a boom crane atop its building last month due to the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines complain that it has been causing disruption to air traffic. Lean Daval Jr.

NEWS

Lack of men bars NTC from performing tasks PG2 40-foot Christmas tree to brighten Rizal Park PG4

Coffee, Community and Change INdulgeA1

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 165 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, NOVEMBER 19-20, 2017

INNOVATION. Workers install the ethnic inspired Yuletide balls to the city government of Davao’s huge Christmas tree at Rizal Park on Saturday. Lean Daval Jr.

DCPO vows to secure Pasko Fiesta activities

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

T

he Davao City Police Of�ice has assured the public of full security coverage in the city during the celebration of Pasko Fiesta.

DCPO director Sr. Supt.

Alexander Tagum told reporters there will be maximum numbers of police personnel who will be deployed in the city during the celebration.

“This is to ensure the security and safety of our residents of Davao during Pasko

Fiesta,” Tagum said.

When asked if how many personnel that will be deployed, he replied that the DCPO cannot reveal the details.

He said the DCPO already submitted a security plan to the Pasko Fiesta executive committee that will be implemented.

Tagum said like the other event, the police operatives will intensify its securi-

DCPO, P10

NTC seizes 400 units of illegal telecom devices

By ANGIE SAVERON

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he regional of�ice of the National Telecommunication Commission (NTC) has con�iscated almost 400 units of unregistered telecommunication devices from vendors situated in two Davao City Los Amigos (DCLA) department store during the month of October.

Regional director Nelson Cañete on Friday said 15 stores were inspected which were all penalized due to violations, including the absence of permits to sell telecommunication device from NTC and

selling of non-NTC approved telecommunication device.

13 of the 13 stores inspected have no permits from the NTC. “We were not able to inspect other stores because they immediately closed their establishments as we were inspecting other stores,” he said.

The 400 units will be disposed of by crushing machines to ensure these will not be used anymore, in coordination with the City Environ-

NTC, P10

Lack of men bars NTC from performing tasks

By ANGIE SAVERON

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he National Telecommunications Commissions in the region has the resolve but lacks enough personnel to implement its functions.

“As a result, we �ind it dif�icult to conduct operations much we would like to because we are greatly undermanned, “bewailed NTC regional director Nelson Canete.

The NTC in the region has a total of 18 personnel.

“Nalipay gihapon ko kay ang among empleyado diri sa Davao 18, total na siya apil na

ang admin, driver ug janitor,” he said.

In contrast, he said Caraga region has 15 while Region 12 had only 16.

He said that they could do more if they have enough personnel because they are serving the entire region.

He used the Land Transportation Of�ice for example

has been able to perform its mandate more effectively because it has employees and maintains extension of�ices.

He said that this is a national problem because the entire NTC only has 500 employees, 300 of whom are assigned in the central of�ice and the remaining 200 are spread out throughout the county.

“We need more people, the more people, the more operations will be conducted,” said Cañete.

He said that there might

be a problem with the National Telecommunication Commission.

“Unta ma check pud ni sa commission kay kung hangyo lang? Dugay ra napuno sa hangyo gikan sa mga regional of�ices na kulang jud ug tao,” said Cañete.

He fears that time will come they could no longer function due to the lack of personnel. To address this issue, he plans to request from the city mayor 15 job order personnel to help them per-

tion to get the identity of the killers, but did not divulge details of the �indings.

On Monday, PO3 Wilfredo Garol, a member of the Davao City Police Of�ice (DCPO) assigned at the Intelligence Section of the Tugbok Police Station was shot dead by two members of the New People’s Army (NPA) hit squad in Barangay Valencia, Tugbok District, this city.

Garol conveyed his wife, a teacher in a school in Valen-

cia, on board his motorcycle.

On his way back, the two suspects �lagged him and asked for a free ride. But when they reached Purok 5 at Sitio Luman, Valencia the gunmen shot Garol several times resulting to his death.

DCPO chief Sr. Supt. Alexander Tagum vowed that Garol’s death will be investigated thoroughly to identify those behind the treacherous killing.

His death, Tagum

stressed, will not deter the police in their commitment to an intensi�ied �ight against all forms of domestic threats posed by communist rebels or criminals.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero threw his full support to the localized peace talks although he cannot discount possible threats to the community.

“We cannot discount the

LACK, P10

Sara all set to pursue peace talks with Reds

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ayor Sara Duterte-Carpio is determined to push through with the local peace talks with the New People’s Army (NPA) after its liquidation unit killed a city police of�icer on Monday.

“It was unfortunate, but this drives me to continue the peace talks to avoid similar incidents in the future,” the city mayor said.

Duterte-Carpio bared there is an ongoing investiga-

SARA, P10

VOL. 10 ISSUE 165 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, NOVEMBER 19-20, 2017

EDGEDAVAO

Bishop welcomes foreign support to rehab Marawi

Says city will be grateful for help they receive

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he Catholic bishop of Marawi in the southern Philippines has welcomed pledges from regional leaders who attended this year’s Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit to help rebuild the city.

A �ive-month con�lict between government forces and Islamic State-inspired gunmen displaced close to 400,000 people and left the predominantly Muslim city devastated.

Bishop Edwin de la Pena of the Prelature of Marawi said people of the city will be “forever grateful” for all the help that they receive.

“Gratitude is such a very deep and solid bedrock for

human relations among nations and communities both for giver and receiver,” said the prelate.

Among those who extended �inancial aid to the city was Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull of Australia who turned over to the social welfare of�ice about US$1.2 million worth of supplies and funds.

“We have helped the people of the Philippines

with the war in Marawi, now we’re determined to help you win the peace, and that’s our commitment,” said Turnbull.

Japan has also extended US$22 million worth of grants for the reconstruction of Marawi and for counter-terrorism operations in Mindanao.

On Nov. 13, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe vowed to �inance the enhancement of maritime law enforcement and assist ASEAN countries in responding to the “rising threat of terrorism in Asia.”

He also promised to

BISHOP,P10

Eastmincom to push for continued ML info drive

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he newly-installed commanding general of the Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) will continue to push for an information and advocacy campaign about martial law.

During an interview with members of the media after the change of command at Camp Panacan on Tuesday Lt. General Benjamin Madrigal

said the information and advocacy drive will continue.

“In connection with Marawi crisis this is to inform the community about the dangers of violent extremism. “ the Eastmincom chief said.

His Eastmincom predecessor current Armed Forces Chief-of-Staff General Rey Leonardo Guerrero intensi�ied information and advocacy ef-

forts at the height of martial law which involved different sectors under his area of responsibility.

Among these included engagements with media thru press conferences, the conduct of multi-sectoral fora and production of IEC materials explaining martial law and violent extremism.

EASTMINCOM, P10

NEWS 3

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NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 165 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, NOVEMBER 19-20, 2017

Gov’t to reopen eight barangays in Marawi

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nother set of “Kambalingan,” a Maranao term for homecoming, will be undertaken as the government eyes to reopen at least eight barangays in war-ravaged Marawi City, Of�ice of Civil Defense Assistant Secretary Kristoffer James Purisima said.

During the Bangon Marawi press brie�ing in Malacañan Palace Friday, Purisima said the government will facilitate the return of the residents in three barangays on Saturday, another three on Sunday, and two on Monday, depending on the mapping activities that are undertaken by the Task Force Bangon Marawi.

He said they have yet to

get the number of residents who will be returning.

“We have no �igures yet because the barangay, it depends on the mapping so ia-identify pa lang natin kung ano itong mga barangay na ito,” he said.

THEY’RE HOME. Residents of Barangay Datu Saber in Marawi City wave to visitors in this photo taken 09 November 2017. A number of residents who sought refuge in neighboring towns and cities during the �ive-month war between government forces and the IS-allied groups are back in this village and eight other villages. MindaNews photo by CAROLYN O. ARGUILLAS

‘Bato’lauds realigning drug budget to PNP housing

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hilippine National Police (PNP) Director General Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa on Friday lauded the proposal of Senate Minority leader Franklin Drilon to realign the PHP1.4-billion anti-illegal drug campaign budget to build more housing units for policemen.

“Napakalaki ng pasalamat at paghanga ko kay Senator Drilon sa kanyang proposal. Talagang humahanga ako sa kanya kahapon dahil after all, kahit he is a critic of the PNP sa war on drugs but yun pala tinitingnan nya pa rin yung kabutihan ng ating kapulisan (I thank Senator Drilon for his proposal.

I admire him because even though he has criticized the PNP over the war on drugs,

STAR FOR A CAUSE. Marco Polo Davao general manager Dottie Würgler-Cro-

assists Virginia Andersen hangs a star on one of the hotel’s Christmas GOV’T, P11 nin trees during its Christmas lighting event to mark the opening of the Holiday

he still looks after the welfare of the police),” dela Rosa said.

The PNP chief, however, said he is more inclined to support the proposal of Senator JV Ejercito to realign the money intended for the police anti-drug campaign to anti-terrorism efforts. “(That) is okay rin naman sa amin dahil we cannot afford to have a repeat of the Marawi siege. Kaya sana kung maibigay yung pera na yan, itutok na natin yan sa counter-terrorism (That is also okay with us because we cannot afford to have a repeat of the Marawi siege. Once the fund is there, allocate it for counter-terrorism),” dela Rosa added.

If given a choice on which

BATO, P10

season on Friday evening. The event also kick offed the hotel’s advocacy to help rebuild Marawi City wherein hotel guests can take part by hanging a star. Lean Daval Jr.

40-foot Christmas tree to brighten Rizal Park

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

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he Pasko sa Fiesta sa Davao this year, will feature three new things that will add color to the celebration, according to Pasko Fiesta spokesperson Orly Escarilla.

He said the added innovations will make the Dabawenyos enjoy the celebration of the holiday season in the city.

The �irst new thing that will be part of the celebration is the 40-foot Christmas tree at Rizal Park which will be

lighted on the opening day on December 1.

Eascarilla said the tree will be adorned with Christmas balls covered with ethnic designed fabric which will somehow represent the city’s culture.

“With the size, this really different from our previous Christmas trees we installed here at Rizal Park,” he said.

He said the new Christmas tree is sponsored by the Omni Philippines who provided the materials and the manpower to build it.

Second is the Kaan Davao which is a street food �iesta that will be installed at Palma Gil Street.

He said there will food stalls in the area where peo-

children at The Love the Children Foundation are the chosen beneficiaries of the hotel’s Christmas advocacy. Lean Daval Jr.

40, P10

Army hunts foreign terrorists in Maguindanao, N. Cotabato

T TAKE-OFF. Councilor Al Ryan Alejandre and Park Inn by Radisson Davao hotel manager Emelyn Mauhay-Rosales lead the lighting of the hotel’s Christmas tree to formally open the Yuletide season on Thursday night. The abandoned

ple can buy different food and delicacies from their tenants.

Escarilla said the original schedule of its opening will be on December 15 or 16 but there might be some revisions on it.

“It might start earlier,” he said.

Then, the Kan-anan sa Tribo which the 11 tribes in the city will prepare and are expected to sell their delicacies to the people.

o prevent a repeat of a Marawi City-like siege, the military in Maguindanao and North Cotabato is hunting down foreign terrorists sighted with local armed men in the mountainous borders of the two provinces and the marshland of Maguindanao.

But Colonel Gerry Besana, chief of the 6th Infantry Division-Civil Military Operations (CMO), maintained that civilians and non-combatants are spared in surgical operations against ISIS-inspired groups in Carmen and Aleosan towns in North Cotabato and Datu Unsay and Shariff Aguak in Maguindanao.

“They hide in caves in mountain areas in the boundary of Aleosan and Carmen

towns,” Besana said of the group of Esmael Abulmalik alias Abu Torayfe, who according to Army intelligence agents, have been harboring at least 10 foreign-looking men.

“They escaped from the SPMS box in Maguindanao due to massive military operations there,” Besana said of Torayfe’s group.

“SMPS box” is the military term for the adjoining towns of Shariff Aguak, Mamasapano, Pagatin (Datu Saudi Ampatuan) and Datu Salibo, the marshland-bailiwick of BIFF. According to Besana every day since Tuesday, the AFP using helicopter gunships, has been pounding rockets towards the village of

ARMY, P10

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 165 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, NOVEMBER 19-20, 2017

ECONOMY 5

P47-M Halal lab to spur business opportunities

In bid to tap huge Middle East market

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

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avao City and the whole Region 11 will have more business opportunity especially in food exportation as the Department of Science and Technology 11 will open its Halal Verification Laboratory.

DOST 11 Assistant Regional Director for technical support service Mirasol Domingo bared those Halal

products have huge market especially in the Middle East countries which is bene�icial to the country’s economy.

990 Holdings starts P5-B preferred shares offering

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isted mass-housing developer 8990 Holdings Inc. on Friday rolled out PHP5-billion preferred shares in line with its bid to generate fresh funds for expansion.

The preferred share issuance is cumulative, non-voting, non-participating, non-convertible, redeemable peso-denominated with an issue size of 50 million shares at PHP100 per share.

“So far, we are extremely happy with the market’s response. Our goal for 2017 is to strengthen our balance sheet. The PHP5-billion preferred shares issuance is part of our strategy to achieve this, allowing us to focus more on expanding our portfolio of mass housing projects across the country,” said Chief Operating Of�icer Willie Uy. The housing developer has completed a total of 52

projects to-date and is set to launch eight more in 2017.

The PHP5-billion offering is the �irst tranche of its 100 million preferred shares shelf registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) approved only the �irst tranche offer of up to 50 million offer shares that are under shelf registration.

The offer period ends on Nov. 23 and the listing date on the PSE is Dec. 1.

8990 has the option to redeem the preferred shares in whole on the �ifth anniversary of its listing date.

Otherwise, a step-up rate will replace the current dividend rate on the �ifth anniversary of its listing date unless the preferred shares are redeemed by the company.

(PNA)

“We will grab the opportunity that is why we established this facility,” she said.

“This is a good opportu-

L

opment that will include an internationally-branded hotel, convention facilities, four residential towers and a boutique retail podium.

This is the latest addition to CLI’s growing mixeduse portfolio which also includes the Base Line Center in Cebu, 38 Park Avenue in Cebu IT Park, and Astra Centre in Mandaue City.

“Economic opportunities in Davao, the strong and deep roots of our partners in this city and our expertise in project development ensure a high success rate for

CLI, P11

Halal certi�ied.

“With the laboratory, they can really test their products and the buying public will be assured that food they buy has Halal certi�ied sticker, is really a Halal certi�ied,” she said.

The P47 million-project

will be launched in the city on November 24 and the modern equipment will be showcased to the stakeholders.

DOST science research specialist 1 Rugaya H. Abdullah, one of the facility’s analysts, said the laboratory will

P47-M, P11

RISKY BUSINESS. An attendant of an establishment selling secondhand tires ignores the heavy downpour and continues to serve a client along a regular lane of E. Quirino Avenue in Davao City. Lean Daval Jr.

Financial literacy services eyed for Mideast OFWs

CLI inks P4-B deal for P Davao mixed-use project isted homegrown property developer, Cebu Landmasters Inc., has signed a joint venture agreement with two �irms to build a P4-billion mixed-use project in Davao City.

CLI is set to expand its footprint in Mindanao with the signing of a deal with Yuson Strategic Holdings Inc. and Davao Filandia Realty Corporation. The joint venture �irm has been named YHES (Yuson Huang Excellence Soberano) Inc. Its new project in Davao City is a mixed-use devel-

nity especially to the entrepreneurs who are exporting or going to explore Halal food business,” Domingo added.

Domingo said the entrepreneurs who are into this business can use the facility to make consumers assured that the food they buy is really

lans are afoot to expand the micro-�inance group’s �inancial literacy services for Overseas Filipino Workers in Dubai and other neighboring emirates in the Middle East.

Dr. Jaime Aristotle B. Alip, founder and chairman of the Center for Agriculture and Rural Development- Mutually Reinforcing Institutions (CARD-MRI), said Friday his group has met and made initial discussions on the micro-�inance group’s future programs for OFWs in the Gulf States.

“We are very grateful that the idea of establishing a CARD of�ice in Dubai was warmly received,” said Alip, whose visit paved the plan for the micro-�inance group to provide a �inancial literacy

program to OFWs in Dubai and neighboring Emirates.

Alip, with Julius Adrian R. Alip, president and chief executive of�icer of the CARD-Business Development Service Foundation Inc., visited on Nov. 2 the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai, United Arab Emirates where they paid a courtesy call and met with Consul General Paul Raymund P. Cortes and Vice Consul Elizabeth P. Ramos.

He also divulged that they were able to meet with former CARD-MRI staffers who are now based in Dubai for the initial discussions on the group’s future programs for OFWs in the area.

He said that it was during the meetings that some OFWs encouraged CARD-MRI to

set up a program, which is a non-pro�it organization that supports Filipinos overseas through �inancial literacy programs in Dubai similar to the program they have established in Hong Kong.

With the success of their earlier overseas partnership undertakings in Hong Kong, Vietnam, and Thailand, among others, the CARD-MRI of�icials vowed to continue to strengthen its international presence to provide �inancial literacy programs worldwide.

Alip also said that during the visit, they met with CARD’s remittance partner Xpress Money, a global money transfer brand with a thriving presence in more than 150 countries across the globe.

He said they held discussions with Xpress Money head of business strategy, Arundhoti Banerjee, and Relationship Executive, John Paul Abuda, at its Dubai of�ice in TECOM. According to CARD-MRI, Xpress Money has been instrumental to its CARD Bank’s remittance product known as “CARD Sulit Padala”, which allows overseas clients to send money to their loved ones back home.

“Our partnership with Xpress Money became stronger. We really want to help our kababayans (compatriots) to have an immediate access to remittance centers so that they will be able to send money to their respective families in our country,” Julius Alip said. (PNA)

6 ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 165 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, NOVEMBER 19-20, 2017

Arabia top OFW destination

By JUDIE VEGA

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he Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has taken over the United Arab Emirates’spot as the top destination for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from the Davao region, according to the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration Carmelo Elaya, of�icer in charge of OWWA said that Saudi Arabia is undoubtedly a major job provider for Filipinos due to the vast demand for quali�ied Filipinos in vari-

ous �ields and industries.

According to Elaya, a study by the OWWA showed there are 1.5 million Dabawenyos in Saudi Arabia. The leading job op-

MRC, China partner to explore liquefied natural gas projects

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memorandum of understanding between publicly-listed �irm MRC Allied Inc. and Beijing-based China Energy Engineering Corporation Limited has been signed, con�irming both parties’ interest in exploring and developing lique�ied natural gas projects in the Philippines.

Present during the MOU signing for CEEC were top executives Yang Yisheng and Yu Gang, while Chairman of the Board Carlos Jose P. Gatmaitan and President/CEO Gladys Nalda represented MRC. As disclosed to the Philippine Stock Exchange, the two companies will also explore the possibility of establishing the necessary facilities for

LNG operations in the country.

“The potential partnership with Energy China is in line with the current thrust of Management to diversify into the clean and renewable energy portfolio and part of our aggressive effort to develop at least 1000 MW of clean and renewable power in the next 5 years,” said MRC president and CEO Gladys Nalda.

Nalda added that management plans to create a subsidiary that will focus on the development, construction, and operation of all its LNG projects.

MRC holds a diversi�ied portfolio in real estate development and mining, and is currently pursuing renewable energy projects.(PNA)

portunities in Saudi Arabia come from the industries of engineering, petrochemical, and re�inery construction where Filipinos are hired as civil engineers, technicians,

inspectors, controllers and surveyors.

In total, there were 1,574,294 migrant workers deployed in 2017 from Region XI in Saudi Arabia, a number higher compared to the previous year.

There were more landbased workers deployed with 59,235 active OWWA members and 109,851 non

active OWWA members.

Likewise, 2,480 sea-based workers were deployed in 2017 for active OWWA member and 20,968 non active OWWA members.

Data obtained from OWWA, showed Saudi Arabia as top destination among land-based OFWS from Region XI. According to the OWWA,

the top �ive destinations for OFWs from January to February 2017 were: Saudi Arabia with 1,574,294 OFW, United Arab Emirates with 888,569, Kuwait with 412,848, Qatar with 390,370 and Hong Kong with 382,110.

The bottom �ive in the list of top 10 OFW destinations include: Singapore, Taiwan, Malaysia, Italy, and Japan.

BRISK BUSINESS. A sales attendant puts on the design on a large cotton candy while customers wait at a Korean cotton candy shop at SM City Davao on Saturday. Lean Daval Jr.

PH, Bank of China ink City to close sanitary landfill, eyes new site $200-M bond float pact C Bank as underwriter, PH as issuer

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he government as issuer, and the Bank of China as lead underwriter, have signed an agreement spelling out the terms and conditions of the Philippines’ maiden issue of some 1.4 billion renminbi-denominated Panda bonds in the Chinese market.

Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III signed the underwriting agreement on behalf of the Philippine government with Bank of China chairman Chen Siqing in ceremonies held at Malacanan Palace.

Dominguez thanked the Bank of China for assisting the government in facilitating its planned Panda bond issue, and in organizing the Philippine Economic Brie�ing last September in Shanghai to enable Philippine of�icials to present to Chinese investors the economic gains that the Philippines has made on the Duterte watch.

As lead underwriter, the Bank of China has committed to form an underwriting team

that will purchase the Panda bonds that the Philippine government will issue, and then resell it to the Chinese market for a pro�it.

The underwriting agreement states that the Bank of China will serve as the bookrunner of the Panda bond issue.

“We thank the Bank of China for taking the lead in helping us gain a foothold in the panda bond market. We are very happy that the BOC has come to our assistance.

We also welcome the Bank’s efforts in bringing the Philippines’ growth narrative to the Chinese investors as demonstrated in the last Philippine Economic Brie�ing in Shanghai, and look forward to a strengthened partnership,” Dominguez said at the signing ceremonies.

According to National Treasurer Rosalia de Leon, “the Panda bond issue will diversify our funding sources and provide benchmarks for other Philip-

PH, P11

ity Hall will close down its sanitary land�ill in Carmen, Tugbok District Davao City as it has already reached critical stage.

But it will only be closed down once a new site will pass government requirements as land�ill area.

The Carmen sanitary land�ill has been emitting foul-smelling leachate and seepage already polluting the Pangi River that have been subject of complaints from residents near the area. The leachate escaped the �iltration pond where the waste materials pass through several layers.

While the City Environment and Natural Resources Of�ice (CENRO) with help from the City Engineer’s Of�ice is addressing the current problem by replacing the damage submersible pump in the land�ill site, Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio said closing down the sanitary land�ill would be a long-term solution.

The mayor said there are already sites identi�ied but she cannot still say which area would be developed as garbage dump. The mayor said the prospect sites will be surveyed and must pass government requirements for sani-

tary land�ill.

On Tuesday, the City Council approved the city mayor’s request to allocate P100 million for the purchase of an area for new sanitary land�ill which would include a comprehensive solid waste management complex and waste segregation area.

Meanwhile, Duterte-Carpio assured the residents near the Carmen sanitary land�ill that the city government is addressing the problem. She said replacing the pump would be a temporary solution.The submersible pump will manage the leach-

ate from the land�ill.

Earlier, City Planning chief Ivan Cortez said the City Environment and Natural Resources Of�ice is lookingfor new areas in the north and southern parts of the city that would measure about 15 hectares each -- 10 hectares for the land�ill and �ive hectares for the waste-to-energy area.

CENRO is collecting 400 to 500 tons of garbage daily. She said the waste-to-energy unit can collect and convert all residual waste into energy that can be utilized by households.

(Lilian C. Mellejor/PNA)

the �irst time, there is a clear direct recognition of the rights of our workers,» DSWD Of�icer in Charge, Undersecretary Emmanuel Leyco, said in an interview with the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

Citing an example, Leyco said the consensus prohibits the con�iscation of passports and overcharging of recruitment fees, regulates recruiters for better protection of migrant workers, and gives them the right to legal representation

and to be visited once they face a legal case.

“Kung ikaw ay migrant worker sa ibang bansa at wala kang pasaporte, helpless ka. Ngayon, nakalagay sa dokumento na yun bawal na kumpiskahin, bawal na kuhanin ng employer ang pasaporte (ng migrant worker). Napakahalaga na malaman yan ng ating mga migrant workers (If you are a migrant worker and your passport is taken from you, you would feel

helpless. The consensus bans the con�iscation of passports.

Employers can no longer hold their worker’s passport. It is vital for our migrant workers to know this),» he said.

The consensus was signed during the recent 31st ASEAN Summit,10 years after the document was adopted in 2007.

The issues on migrant workers were pushed under the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Pillar, which the DSWD chaired. (PNA)

DSWD hails ASEAN pact on migrant workers safety

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he head of the Department of Social Welfare and Development on Friday underscored the importance of the recent signing of the ASEAN Consensus on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Migrant Workers, saying it is highly bene�icial to the country’s overseas workers.

“Napakahalaga ng consensus agreement para sa mga (The consensus agreement is very important to) migrant workers because for

7 SUBURBIA RISING EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 165 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, NOVEMBER 19-20, 2017

Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Leonardo Guerrero hands over the symbol of command to Lt. Gen. Benjamin Madrigal (L) as he assumes post as the new commander of the AFP’s Eastern Mindanao Command

during the turnover ceremonies in Davao City on Wednesday, November 15. Madrigal replaced acting commander Brigadier General Perfecto Rimando Jr. (center). Mindanews Photo

CDO job order workers to get SSS coverage P C

ontractual and job order personnel of the Cagayan de Oro city government will now be covered by the Social Security System (SSS).

Contractual and job order personnel of the city government will now be covered by the Social Security System (SSS).

This after the City Council passed an ordinance providing for the compulsory enrollment of all non-regular staff for SSS coverage, and granting Mayor Oscar Moreno the authority to enter into

an agreement with the SSS under the agency’s Expanded Self-Employed Program Coverage.

Currently, only regular workers of City Hall are covered with Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) pension and related bene�its.

Councilor Ian Mark Nacaya, chair of the Committee on Laws and Rules

that recommended the passage of the ordinance, said non-regular personnel will be entitled to bene�its such as sickness, maternity, disability, retirement, death, funeral and salary loan.

Those who will be covered will have their monthly contributions deducted and remitted to SSS, Councilor Nacaya said. An on-site registration for all quali�ied City Hall personnel will be conducted after Moreno and the SSS management sign the memorandum of agreement.

he Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) will ban sardines �ishing in Macajalar Bay from December this year to February 2018.

The decision is based on a study by Mindanao State University (MSU)-Naawan, indicating that sardines, locally known as “tamban,” hatch their eggs during this period in the bay, BFAR Misamis Oriental Provincial Director Te-

odoro Bacolod said.

To effectively enforce the ban, Bacolod said BFAR has already requested the legislative councils of all 15 local government units (LGUs) surrounding Macajalar Bay to enact ordinances for the purpose.

The cities of Cagayan de Oro and El Salvador, the municipalities of Alubijid, Balingasag, Binuangan, Jasaan, Kinoguitan, Lagonglong,

Laguindingan, Opol, Salay, Sugbongcogon, Tagoloan and Villanueva and the province of Misamis Oriental are all located within the bay’s shoreline.

Bacolod said the Philippine National Police (PNP) Maritime Group will help implement the ban once ordinances are in effect.

He said he was dismayed after patrolling the Opol shoreline recently and discovered that �isherfolk are

Cops arrest employee inside MisOr capitol

The SSS coverage of non-regular government personnel has been mandated by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) as early as 2014.

Memorandum Circular 2014-83 issued by then Secretary Mar Roxas ordering all provincial governors, city and municipal mayors and barangay chairs to ensure that all their non-GSIS remitting workers be enrolled for SSS coverage. (PNA/Mark D. Fancisco)

harvesting sardine �ingerlings from the bay.

“One pail of �ingerlings is already equal to 40 pails of adult sardines. If they are not allowed to spawn, we will lose our sardine population in Macajalar Bay,” Bacolod said.

He said there are other �ish species in the bay such as the Philippine anchovy that �isherfolk could haul in during the closed season for sardines.

(PNA/Mark D. Francisco)

olicemen swooped down on the Misamis Oriental provincial capitol compound on Velez St. here and arrested a Provincial Engineering Of�ice employee with an arrest warrant.

Cagayan de Oro City Police Of�ice (Cocpo) Station 2 commander, Chief Insp. Harvey Abellanosa, identi�ied the employee as one Engr.

Ernie Obsioma, who is facing a malversation case before Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 39 under under Case No. 2017-2073.

The arrest, based on a warrant issued by the court, was implemented at 5 p.m.

last Friday when provincial capitol employees were about to go to their �lag retreat rite for the week.

According to court documents, Obsioma was facing a count of malversation or violation of Article 217 of the Revised Penal Code.

Named complainant was former provincial administrator Edmundo Pacamalan.

The court set the bail bond at P30,000.

Several months back, a Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Of�ice (PDRRMO) employee was also arrested for drug possession. (PNA/Mark D. Francisco)

he city government has completed the construction of the PhP5.1 million barangay hall in Limpapa, this city’s last village that borders the province of Zamboanga del Norte.

Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar unveiled the project on Friday that coincided with the conduct of the “Dia del Alcalde (Mayor’s Day),” a free service caravan.

The caravan included the conduct of medical and dental outreach mission.

The construction of the two-storey barangay hall with 323.26 square meter area was undertaken by a private contractor under the supervision of the City Engineer’s Of�ice.

Along with the barangay hall, also included in the

Zambo mayor unveils P5-M barangay project

2-month fishing ban in Macajalar Bay T T

ZAMBO, P11

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

EDITORIAL

T

VOL. 10 ISSUE 165 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, NOVEMBER 19-20, 2017

Traffic woes

here is one inevirable fact that Dabawenyos will have to contend with--the worsening traf�ic.

Davao City’s traf�ic has turned from bad to worse in the last couple of years. These days, there is no distinction between rush hours or payday Fridays from normal days and hours. No difference between downtown and outskirts.

While this may be a happy problem as it ushers in a �lourishing economy, it has to come with practical.solutions and ef�icient implementation of laws. A case in point is the condition of roads and traf�ic safety.mechanisms. Our roads must have

EDGEDAVAO

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GENERAL SANTOS CITY OFFICE MANILA MARKETING OFFICE CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING MARKETING OFFICE Richard C. Ebona | Product Development officer LEIZEL A. DELOSO | Marketing Manager EDMUND D. RENDON Unit 6, SouthbankMarketing Plaza Velez-Yacapin Sts.Address: 04 Orilla St. Purok 4B Lower Bicutan, Taguig City Specialist Cellphone number: 09472652969 General Santos City Cagayan de Oro City JAMILA C. CANONIGO AGUSTIN V. MIAGAN JR Email Address: edgedavao@gmail.com Mobile: (Smart) 09104501042 Tel: (088) 852-4894 Circulation Marketing Specialist

OLIVIA D. VELASCO D.D. MARATAS RICHARD C. EBONA OLIVIA D. VELASCO JOCELYN S. PANES SOLANI SOLANI MARATAS General Manager Finance Advertising Specialist General Manager Director of Sales Finance OREAL L. REAL Marketing Assistant

proper.markings to guide motorists and pedestrians. Some roads, while newly repaired, do not have proper markings. It is high time also to install traf�ic conditions advisories on roads to give due warmings to the riding public.

Finally, while we have adequate traf�ic personnel managing the �low of traf�ic and enforcing laws, they too must fully understand and know the laws.

Complaints are aplenty on the enforcement of traf�ic laws as these personnel have different interpretations of the laws.

These issues need to be addressed urgently before it could get catastrophic.

EDGEDAVAO

T

he importance of Davao region just seven-two years after its conquest by a Spanish-led expedition in 1848 was highlighted with the opening of a Japanese consular of�ice in March 1920. Though it was originally an annex of the Manila Consulate, the growing economic in�luence of Japanese investment and labor in the region promoted it to an embassy on February 6, 1932.

At the time the consulate was opened, Davao was already home to a huge Japanese population, roughly a sixth of region’s inhabitants. Most Okinawans, the migrant workers and the expanding Japanese control of the hemp economy contributed greatly to the progress of the area.

The con�luence of growth and demographic expansion eventually inspired the national government to promote Davao into a city, the second the Mindanao after Zamboanga, which was the administrative center of the Americans in the south.

Years after the Japanese consular annex opened in Davao, the Republic of China (Taiwan) under Dr. Sun Yat-sen and by now had established a consulate in Manila. To attend to the sizable Chinese population in Davao, Te Chiu Im, a local Chinese resident who was

O

f the 25 cities most exposed to a 1-meter sea-level rise, about 19 of them are located in the Asia and Paci�ic region, according to a study co-produced by the Manila-based Asian Development Bank (ADB).

Curiously enough, seven of the 19 cities in the region are found in the Philippines. Four are from Luzon (Manila, Taguig, Caloocan and Malabon), two from Mindanao (Davao and Butuan) and only one from the Visayas (Iloilo).

“Under a business-as-usual scenario, a 6-degree Celsius temperature increase is projected over the Asian landmass by the end of the century,” said the study’s report, “A Region at Risk: The Human Dimensions of Climate Change in Asia and the Paci�ic,” which Potsdam Institute of Climate Impact Research co-produced.

“Coastal regions of Asia and the Paci�ic are among the most vulnerable to climate change-related SLR (sea-level-rise),” the report pointed out, adding that global �lood losses are expected to increase to US$52 billion per year by 2050 from US$6 billion in 2005.

It must be recalled that a previous study published in Nature said that the world’s oceans are now rising far faster than they did in the past. The current sea-level rise rate – which started in 1990 – is 2.5 times faster than it was from 1900 to 1990.

The study found that for much of the 20th century, sea level rise was about 30% less than earlier research had �igured. “But that’s not good news because about 25 years ago the seas started rising faster and the acceleration in 1990 turns out to be more dramatic

VOL. 10 ISSUE 165 •SUNDAY-MONDAY, NOVEMBER 19-20, 2017

VANTAGE POINTS

9

Of consuls and consulates into beer distribution and involved in the founding of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Davao, was appointed as its �irst honorary consul of Davao (192328).

Sun’s death in 1925 led to the rise of Chiang Kai-shek, a former commandant of the Koumintang’s Whampoa Military Academy, and the coup of Canton in 1928. Taiwan’s post-war consul in Davao was S.T. Mih when the of�ice reopened in November 1947. He was assisted in the post by M.C. Chen, as deputy consul, and Johnny Huang, as secretary.

With the rise of the People’s Republic of China as member of the United Nations on November 25, 1971, Taiwan, an original UN member, was forced to close its consulate in the city. During the UN’s founding, the Philippines was still a commonwealth of the United States.

Extant historical records, on the other hand, show that even Britain, during the prewar period, had also appointed a foreign affairs liaison in honorary capacity. War accounts identify the honorary British consul in Davao City as Alex Brown, who was among those rounded up by the Imperial Army in December 1941.

In August 1945, eight years after getting independence from the Dutch, Republic of Indonesia opened its conthan previously calculated,” wrote Seth Borenstein in a dispatch for Associated Press.

“We’re seeing a signi�icant acceleration in the past few decades,” study lead author Carling Hay, a geophysical researcher at Harvard University, was quoted as saying.

According to the report written by Borenstein, previous research showed that between 1900 and 1990, the seas rose about two-thirds of an inch a decade. The new study recalculates the 1900-1990 rate to less than half an inch a decade. Old and new research both say that since 1990s seas are rising at about 30 millimeters a decade.

“The implications are troubling – accelerated ocean warming, ice sheet collapse and sea level rise – all point to more and more sea level rise in the future, perhaps at a faster rate than previously thought,” noted Jonathan Overpeck, co-director of the Institute of the Environment at the University of Arizona.

“This will make adaptation to climate change more dif�icult and costly.”

As a consequence of climate change, project sea-level rise is a highly dif�icult, complex, and controversial scienti�ic problem, according to a report released by the Washington, D.C.-based World Bank.

Using the analysis of “semi-empirical” approach – projecting global sea-level rise by taking into account the observed relationship between past sea-level rise and global mean temperature over the past millennium – a 50 centimeter sea-level rise by the 2050s “may be locked in whatever action is taken now.”

The World Bank report – entitled Turn Down the Heat: Climate Extremes, Regional

FAST BACKWARD Antonio V. Figueroa sular mission in Davao City on December 17, 1953. Given its impact in trade and economy decades later, the of�ice became a consulate general on September 23, 1974 by virtue of an edict signed

by Indonesian envoy to the Philippines Marsekal Sri bima Ariotedjo.

On December 11, 1995, Malaysia became the second member of Association of Southeast Asian Nations to open a chancery in Davao City. The opening was part of the growing role Malaysia would play in two key historical events involving Muslims of Southern Philippines: (a) the signing on September 2, 1996 of a

Rising sea levels

THINK ON THESE!

Henrylito D. Tacio

Impacts and the Case for Resilience – maintained: “Limiting warming to 2⁰C may limit sea-level rise to about 70 centimeters by 2100, but in a 4⁰C world over 100 centimeters can be expected, with sea-level rise in the tropics 10-15% higher than the global average.”

A research conducted by the Philippine Country Study to Address Climate Change, the Manila Bay is already subjected to several hazards, including �looding and storms. “Shoreline changes due to reclamation for housing, ports, coastal roads, buildings and other urbanized development are high, adding to an increased threat of inundation,” the study said.

Let’s take Davao City as a case in point.

The recent Business Risk Assessment and the Management of Climate Change Impacts, published by the World Wide Fund for Nature

peace accord between the Philippines and the Moro National Liberation Front and (b) a similar event on October 15, 2012, between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

Although the US established its embassy in Manila on July 4, 1946 after Washington “granted” the Philippines its independence, it was not until July 2007 when the Americans opened a virtual consulate, known as the “American Presence Post” (APP), in the city.

Initially, it catered to the issuance of visas through the internet, which was manned by a Digital Outreach Team.

Over the next seven decades (1945-2015) other friendly countries opened their own diplomatic missions in the city, managed by honorary consuls, all prominent socio-civic Davao icons.

The �irst honorary consul of the Czech Republic was Gilbert C. Go, a wellknown trader. Republic of Palau appointed Miguel Iñigo, a businessman, as its honorary consul for life in Davao. Antonio Brias, spouse of Maricris Floirendo, daughter of late banana king Don Antonio, became the �irst honorary consul of Spain in Davao; he was succeeded

by Genaro Lon y Ozami.

Ma. Lourdes G. Monteverde was appointed honorary consul of Mex-

ico while Rowena Vida-Lisbona, the Davao-based assistant general manager of Maersk Filipinas, a shipping �irm, was anointed as honorary consul of Denmark. Dennis Uy, founder of the Davaobased oil �irm Phoenix Petroleum Philippines Inc. (PPPI) and 2013 Datu Bago awardee, was installed honorary consul of Kazakhstan to the Philippines.

Meanwhile, Joaquin C. Rodriguez, a Davao resident who was president of Benguet Mines and wife of Sonja Habana (daughter of former city councilor Antonio Habana) is Republic of Serbia consul ad honorem to the country. Two new consulates under an honorary of�icer were also opened later.

On June 17, 2017, Davao resident Austrian Dr. Peter Faistauer was of�icially designated honorary consul of Austria in the city. Five months thereafter, business man Edgar N. Ang, a Davao native, was invested the honorary consul position by the Republic of Korea on November 24, 2016.

On June 20, 2017, German Klaus Doring, a long-time Davao resident, journalist, and educator, was installed as honorary consul of Germany of Mindanao. He is best known for introducing German language as elective at the University of Southeastern Philippines in Davao City.

(WWF) and Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), said that sea-level rise may create problems for Davao City’s ports.

“Located along the relatively shallow channel between the city and Samal Island, these port facilities are a nerve center for Davao City’s economy, and serve a variety of ships handling both cargo and passengers,” the risk assessment said.

Is sea level rise for real? You better ask Secretary Jesus G. Dureza, the presidential adviser on the peace process. In his column, “Advocacy Mindanao” some years back, the former press secretary believes the constant �looding in the city was due to sea level rise.

“My calculation is that (the sea level) has risen by one foot over a period of 20 years,” he wrote. “Hence, rain waters and �loods no longer easily �low or empty out into the sea. They are clogged in the waterways and spill out into the riverbanks.”

According to Dureza, when �lood waters rush down during high tide, they get stuck, at times and worse, a “back�low” of seawater during high tide. When seawaters rise high, it �lows back inland through rivers. Hence, low-lying areas or subdivisions or residential areas around or near riverbanks are in trouble.

“I know this because I personally witnessed how the sea level had gone up over the years,” he pointed out. “Our family lived for four years in our resort house by the sea in the 1990’s while we were slowly renovating our house in the GSIS area inland. Our beach house was in fact built over the water, jutting out into the sea, with stilt cement posts and

under our �loor was sea water rising and ebbing.”

Dureza said the highest water level during high tides left water traces on the cement posts. “I would notice because every time I woke up in the morning, I could see the water markings,” he pointed out.

Sea level rise is also expected to make groundwater becomes salty in taste. “Salinity intrusion into groundwater resources occur naturally to some extent in most coastal regions via the hydraulic connection between groundwater and seawater including through canals and drainage channels,” the World Bank report said.

A United States Agency for International Development study in 2013 projects changes in salinity intrusion under a 30-centimeter sea-level during the 2045-2069 period, “which are expected to be moderate during the wet season but signi�icantly more severe during the dry season.”

Salt intrusion is bad news for those living in Davao City. “Davao has traditionally tapped surface water from its rivers as its main water source,” the WWF/BPI report said. “It prides itself in the relatively high quality of its drinking water. However, salt intrusion has already been reported in city districts to shore, especially in portions of the city where groundwater extraction continues. Sea level rise may aggravate this situation.”

Scientists claim that for every meter the sea level rises, some three kilometers of inland would be inundated. The sea will literally rise to �lood the plains. “Are the people ready for such scenario?” someone asked.

10 NEWS

EDGEDAVAOVOL. 10 ISSUE 165 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, NOVEMBER 19-20, 2017

RISKY... FROM 1

TRAFFIC-LESS PATH. Young pupils walk along a beachfront littered with plastics on their way to school in Brgy. 76-A Bucana, Davao City on Friday.

Dozens of residents in the area will soon be relocated as the planned P34.5

million coastal road of Davao City is scheduled to start early next year. Lean Daval Jr.

ty measures by conducting overt and covert operations.

He said they will be in full alert status during the holiday season.

“During the time that you are celebrating Christmas and New Year, we will be working and we will be on the �ield to ensure that you

will enjoy your Christmas and New Year,” he said.

In a separate interview, Pasko Fiesta spokesperson Orly Escarilla said that during the executive committee meeting last November 15, the security cluster already presented its security plan but it still to be �inalized.

form their mandate.

“Dili mi gusto nga mabiktima ni atong mga consumer, kay mamalit jud biya na sila ug pang regalo dalahun nila sa probinsya,naa’y mga cellphone nga good for pila ka

days lang unya pag charge maka cause sunog,” he added.

He said that they are mandated to protect the consumer from buying non-NTC approved telecommunication device.

ment and Natural Resources Of�ice (CENRO).

He said the NTC prioritized for inspection establishments that have permits but still sell non-NTC approved devices.

Those establishments selling devices without permits are second in priority.

He said the NTC had been able to inspect only half of the stores inside DCLA department store.

“We will come back unannounced to �inish the job,” he said.

Majority of the store owners said that their bookkeepers collect money from them to pay for the permits.

“They (the owners) did not know that they need to secure a permit from NTC, in fact the bookkeepers came here to settle everything,” said Cañete.

He said they were not strict on the displaying of NTC permit as long as the establishment has one. But now they will be impose a penalty amounting to P500 for not posting the permit.

“If they will be able to secure a permit then they should post it because by the time we conduct another operation we will �irst look into the posting of the permit, if non they will be penalize amounting to P500 next is we will look into the non-NTC approved units,” he said.

Some of the con�iscat-

ed phones were returned to their business owners after paying the penalties but these business owners were told to return them to their suppliers because those were not NTC approved.

“Most of the devices are consignment, since we are not anti- business, we returned it on condition that they will not display it anymore or they will return it to the supplier,” Cañete.

This inspection had a ripple effect because some business owners from Calinan and Toril went to NTC Regional Of�ice to secure the permit in the fear of being penalize during the inspections. NTC plans to conduct more unannounced inspection in the region but due to the lack of personnel they had come up with a plan to make it more effective.

“Our next operation will be outside Davao city or else it would be unfair for Davao City,” said Cañete.

NTC will not be conducting operation on the month of December because it is Christmas season “Since we are only in the of�ice for the month of December, they (the business owners) should secure the permit so that by January upon their renewal of their business permits or if they will get one they will no longer come to our of�ice,” said Cañete.

fact that as your AFP, we need also to address the armed threats,” Guerrero said.

Meanwhile, newly-installed commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) recognized the localized peace talks between the city and NPA in Davao City as he welcomed the initiative of the Mayor Duterte-Carpio to resolve the insurgency problem peacefully.

Asked if his command is willing to pull out the military

troops in remote areas as a con�idence-building effort, Eastmincom commander Lt. Gen Benjamin Madrigal said, “This will depend on what will be the agreement between both parties.”

“We will have to consult our leaders who are actively engaged in the peace process, regarding this matter,” he said.

Madrigal said that peace dialogues should be talked within the community. (PNA)

help in the reconstruction of Marawi and to help Myanmar “improve the situation” in its Rakhine State.

The European Union earlier announced that it is looking to offer the Philippines a grant of as much as 100 million euros (US$118 million) for the rehabilitation of war-torn Marawi.

Ambassador Franz Jessen said the E.U. is eyeing a grant that would focus on the rehabilitation of Marawi City as well as the whole of Mindanao.

The Philippine government estimated that military operations in Marawi cost up to US$97 million and it could cost 10 times that much to rebuild Marawi.

Of�icials in Marawi earlier called on world leaders attending the ASEAN sum-

mit in Manila to focus on the Marawi crisis and the impact of extremism in the region.

Even before the ASEAN meeting, the Philippine government announced that Canada, China and Thailand were among countries and foreign agencies that had already pledged aid for Marawi.

Bishop de la Pena said providing relief to those who suffer can be a “liberating experience” and an “opportunity to experience our common humanity.”

The rebuilding of the city has already started after the Philippine military re-opened the city to civilian residents last month.

At least 600 temporary shelters are already being built and are scheduled to be �inished by Dec. 15.(UCAN)

DCPO... FROM 2

NTC... FROM 2

LACK... FROM 2

SARA... FROM 2

BISHOPS... FROM 3

older with 2 cases.

Data from January to November 2016 were not available but records showed there were 401 cases last year, 345 were asymptomatic while 56 were AIDS. Still, cases among males were higher with 381 compared to 20 among females.

Based on the HIV/AIDS and ART Registry of the Philippines (HARP), 4% cases were reported from January to June 2017 in Region XI (247 were asymptomatic and 32 were AIDS). Total of 279 cases by both males and females.

Albit said the increase could be attributed to several factors. Among them are the people who engage in risky sexual behavior, or those who have multiple sex partners, to have themselves tested because HIV develops into AIDS in 5 to 10 years.

“Everyone is encouraged

to access free services on HIV-AIDS and other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) offered by the government, because right to health is a basic universal right of all children and people. We offer free STI, HIV and AIDS services including counseling, testing and treatment,” he said The RHWC holds clinic-based consultations. In a month, hundreds of patients visit the clinic to have themselves tested for HIV-AIDS, although there are patients who are afraid to come out for fear of stigma, if not self-perceived discrimination.

“We highly encourage everyone to visit Reproductive Health and Wellness Center of the City Health Of�ice (temporarily located at Negosyo Center of Magsaysay Park, Room 10). For more info, people could also visit our facebook page/s: IngatLagi Davao and RHWC Davao, said Albit.

Lt. General Benjamin Madrigal took over the post from Brig. General Perfecto Rimando Jr. who held the Eastmincom position temporarily after Gen. Guerrero was appointed chief-of-staff in October 26.

President Duterte has

ruled out the lifting of martial law “until the last terrorist has been taken out.” The declaration was issued in May 23.

The Congress has extended the declaration of martial law up until December 31, 2017. (PIA/RG Alama)

campaign to prioritize, the PNP chief said he prefers to cater to safety and security, which are the country’s more pressing needs.

“I prefer more the proposal to have it diverted towards the anti-terrorism

campaign of the PNP,” he said.

President Rodrigo Duterte earlier ordered the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency to take the lead role in the conduct of the government’s anti-drug operations.

(PNA)

This aims to promote the foods of the tribes of the city to the visiting tourists.

Escarilla said this event will be at the Tribal Village inside Magsaysay Park.

Meanwhile, Escarilla disclosed that the committee already submitted the proposed P13 million budget to Mayor Sara Z. Duterte-Carpio for the event.

“This budget is still sub-

ject for the Mayor’s approval,” he said.

He said the bulk of the expenses will go to the prizes on the 22 approved events and competitions.

“We add more consolation prizes,” he said.

Escarilla said the executive committee is now �inalizing the details and guidelines of the competitions.

Tonganon in Aleosan where Torayfe’s men sought shelter.

Civilians and village of�icials alerted the military about the presence of heavily armed men who are alien to them, Besana added.

Separate air strikes were also carried out at the borders of Datu Unsay and in Shariff Aguak, both in Maguindanao against another faction of the BIFF, the one led by Commander Bongus.

The Army said at least seven BIFF were killed in the operations in Shariff Aguak,

citing civilian accounts.

Besana said the twin operations have been coordinated with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) which provided the military with intelligence information on the terrorists’ location as provided for in the GPH-MILF cease�ire agreement.

In a separate interview, Besana said the preemptive and surgical operations were meant to prevent terrorists from launching Marawi Citylike siege in mainland Mindanao.(PNA)

FASTMINCOM... FROM 3

BATO... FROM 4

40... FROM 4

ARMY... FROM 4

INdulge!

VOL. 10 ISSUE 165 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, NOVEMBER 19-20, 2017

STYLE

EDGEDAVAO

COFFEE, COMMUNITY AND CHANGE THE COFFEE BEAN & TEA LEAF (CBTL) hosted the Davao launch of the 2018 Giving Journal at their branch in SM Lanang Premier last Saturday, November 11. This tradition of giving, which started a decade ago here in the Philippines, involves donating a portion of the proceeds from the sales of the journals to the Real LIFE Foundation.

This is CBTL’s third year of launching their Giving Journal in Davao and I hear it is always met with a lot of support. It was my first time to attend and after the perfunctory polaroid which would be the modern equivalent of a pledge of getting behind their #TraditionofGiving, it immediately came to mind that CBTL just gave me my holiday rite of choice as far as grabbing a handy planner for the coming year goes.

The place was packed and bustling with a mix of regulars, bloggers and media who soaked up the sandwich and muffin spread along with cups of their favorite robusta brews. The store speakers played one Christmas song after another and would later blare the pleasing acoustic stylings of local Davao musicians who rendered their own versions of local and classic holiday ditties. The sense of community at the gathering was casual yet intimate as everyone gamely shared tables with people who were either invited or won spots via the online contest held by CBTL. The lovely PR girls of CBTL hosted the laid back festivities and wittily tied up each activity in a neat red bow, giving a sense of purpose to the event that resonated all throughout.

From coming up with words from A to Z related to the word ‘scholar’ to the candid sharing of personal giving traditions, the spotlight was truly trained on their advocacy to help the nation’s underprivileged scholars through the educational and men-

toring programs of the Real LIFE Foundation.

Each person there really felt they could make a difference by owning the Giving Journals as the pages were filled with tidbits about their advocacy along with inspirational thoughts and a paper path to living out a more fruitful 2018.

This year’s Giving Journal comes in four thoughtfully designed covers, including a customizable one that one could color and decorate. They had the entire room happily practising away with replica sheets handed out and colorful markers atop every table. Everyone who attended that day would be a happy recipient of the 2018 journal and change couldn’t come any earlier.

CBTL really differentiates itself as being a coffee brand with a social conscience. Beyond coffee beans and creative beverage blends, it is creating a community that is slowly learning to think beyond themselves. It certainly made me think of the brand in a whole different light and not just as the counter where I order my favorite English Breakfast Tea Latte on ice. As hearts open and minds turn to better things at the start of the holiday season, it has whipped up the handiest reminder that change truly starts with oneself and that everyone can do their part to leave a legacy.

To find out more about The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf Philippines, visit their website: www.cbtl.com. ph. Learn more about the 2018 Giving Journal by searching the tags on Instagram: #2018GivingJournal and #TraditionofGiving.

EDGEDAVAO

A2 INdulge!

EVENT

VOL. 10 ISSUE 165 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, NOVEMBER 19-20, 2017

CHRISTMAS MADE

COLORFUL

THE PARK INN BY RADISSON HOTEL DAVAO unveiled its Christmas colors last November 16 in a colorful yet meaningful ceremony. True to the hotel’s slogan of giving guests colorful stays, Park Inn by Radisson Hotel Davao went with the brand’s iconic colors in decorating its lobby as well as its Christmas tree.

The event was attended by the hotel’s corporate clients, in-house guests, SM mall officers and managers, as well as officials from the Davao City government, the Department of Tourism regional office, and the consular corps.

In her welcoming address, hotel manager Ms. Emelyn Mauhay-Rosales

notes that it has been four years since the traditional Christmas lighting began and every time, there is a special feeling whenever the ceremonial button is pressed.

“The sight of those lights and the wonderful colors send a new spirit of love, hope, and joy through the hearts of all of us. This lighting also symbolizes our expression of optimism and prayers for love and peace for our families, friends and our communities.” said Emelyn.

“I have always believed that the message of Christmas is one of hope and bliss. Christmas is a time for sharing our blessings and for gratitude for all that we receive each day, and as we reach out to family and friends, I hope we’ll also open our hearts to those who are lonely and in need, people who are less fortunate than ourselves.” she added.

That evening, children from “Love the Children Foundation” were present to share in the festivities. They are Park Inn by Radisson Davao’s benefi-

ciary and to spread Christmas cheers to everyone.

Also new for this year, the hotel is also taking part in the the SM Cares’ Bears of Joy campaign where for every bear that you buy, the other one is left for donation. All collected toy bears will be donated to SM Prime’s chosen beneficiaries.

Aside from free-flowing food and wine, the lobby was filled with beautiful voices courtesy of the Harmonica Polifonica Chorale of the University of Southeastern Philippines making the evening one to be remembered.

VOL. 10 ISSUE 165 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, NOVEMBER 19-20, 2017

ENTERTAINMENT

EDGEDAVAO

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GOV’T... FROM 4

CLI... FROM 5

The of�icial said the task force is set to clear 10 more barangays next week.

At least 55 of Marawi’s 96 barangays were affected by the �ive months of �ighting between government forces and the Islamic State-inspired Maute Group, he said.

He added 24 of the barangays that are yet to be cleared are in the main battle area.

The city government of Marawi facilitated the �irst Kambalingan last October 29, with at least nine barangays initially opened.

At the rate the clearing is progressing, Purisima said he is optimistic the government can facilitate the return of residents to majority of the affected areas.

Purisima said the returnees will be screened to check if they are indeed Marawi residents.

“The situation continues to normalize for the area of Marawi. We have left enough forces to safeguard its security and to expedite its return to normalcy as well as the return of IDPs (internally displaced persons) or civilians to their residents,” he said.

On Monday, he said, Task Force Bangon Marawi Chairperson Secretary Eduardo Del Rosario will preside a meeting of the body in Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.

The task force will hold a stakeholders’ consultation in Iligan City on November 22, he said.

He assured the task force will continue to attend to early recovery needs of the displaced families pending the Marawi Comprehensive

Rehabilitation and Recovery Plan.

The military killed Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon, the so-called emir of the ISIS in Southeast Asia, along with Omar Maute in a combat operation last October 16.

Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesperson Major General Restituto Padilla said they have monitored no sign of life in the main battle areas since the last encounter with the Maute Group on November 5 where nine of its members were killed.

But he said that in the clearing activities on Thursday and Friday the military recovered 16 more unexploded ordnance.

Padilla said they will continue the clearing operations “until we are fully convinced that all the IEDs, all the traps, all the unexploded ordinance that may remain in the area have been found and addressed.”

“This is to preclude any kind of hazard that may be face by our civilians once we have open up the area for their return,” he said.

He added the Philippines has received rice for affected Marawi residents and P679,279,500 worth of assistance from Japan for the safety and reconstruction of Marawi, P57.6 billion from Australia, 47 heavy equipment and P1.15 billion from China.

Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte and Taguig Mayor Laarni Lopez Cayetano each donated P5 million. (Antonio L. Colina IV/MindaNews)

have three equipment that will ensure that the product is really Halal certi�ied.

Abdullah said there will be a machine that will detect the DNA of pork in a product using real time Polymerase chain reaction.

According to premierbiosoft.com, real time Polymerase chain reaction is a technique used to monitor the progress of a PCR reaction in real time. At the same time, a relatively small amount of PCR product (DNA, cDNA or RNA) can be quanti�ied.

“Using this, we will be able to trace if the food sample is contaminated by pork or pork derivatives that even how small it is, it can still be detected,” she said.

She said the second equipment is a gas chromatograph (GC) which will be used to detect alcohol content in a food product sample.

GC, according to .shimadzu.com, is an analytical instrument that measures the content of various components in a sample. The analysis performed by a gas

chromatograph is called gas chromatography.

“If we say Halal there is a certain percentage of alcohol content in all food products,”Abdullah said.

Abdullah said there are Arab countries that have set alcohol content standard and this will also guide the entrepreneurs what country are they going to export their products.

The last equipment is the Liquid chromatography– mass spectrometer which will analyse the fats and oils.

“With this equipment, we will be able to determine if the fats or oils come from pork or bovine,” she said.

Davao City Indigenous People’s Mandatory Representative councillor Halila Sudagar lauded the project of DOST 11.

“I’m happy with this because we can attract more Muslim investors, ” she said.

Sudagar said this will be an advantage for the city and the region in terms of business opportunities.

P47-M... FROM 5

11

EDGEDAVAO

this project,” CLI president and chief executive of�icer Jose Soberano III told the local bourse.

Phase 1 of the mixeduse development will be anchored by a 250-room hotel and serviced residence, named Citadines Riverside Davao.

YHES Inc. entered last week into a technical advisory and service management agreement with Ascott Limited, the world’s largest service residence operator,

for the hotel and serviced residence project.

The �irst phase will also feature the �irst of four residential condo towers, boutique retail and convention facilities. Phase 1 is expected to be operational by 2021.

“We are very happy to partner with CLI in its second Citadines and TheAscott Limited’s �irst in Davao,” said Arthur Gindap, TheAscott Limited’s Regional General Manager for Philippines and Thailand. (PNA)

pine issuers in the onshore market, particularly at this time that the renminbi is a reserve currency.”

“The bond issue will also complement the �inancial support from China for the implementation of critical infrastructure projects,” she added.

Dominguez has said the issuance of the Panda bonds will depend on market conditions, the possible business risks and the trend in dollar interest rates.

The signing ceremonies for the underwriting agreement, along with three other accords between the Philippines and China, were witnessed by President Duterte and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, who was in Manila this week for the 31st Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit and Related Meetings.

The three other agreements include the �inancing cooperation agreement signed

by Dominguez and Liu Liange, president of the Export-Import Bank of China, for two of the Philippines’ �lagship infrastructure projects—the Kaliwa Dam-New Centennial Water Source of the Metro-

politan Waterworks and Sewerage System and the Chico River Pump Irrigation facility of the National Irrigation Administration —that will cover 85 percent of the total contract amounts of the projects.

Dominguez also inked a Memorandum of Understanding with China Vice Commerce Minister and International Trade Representative Fu Ziying to “jointly identify and study” an indicative list consisting of the second basket of key infrastructure cooperation projects for possible Chinese �inancing.

An Agreement on Economic and Technical Cooperation (grant agreement) on providing a 150-million renminbi (approximately $23 million) Chinese grant to aid the Philippine government’s quick recovery and reconstruction program for Marawi City was also signed by Dominguez and Vice Minister Fu. Dominguez and the other members of President Duterte’s economic team went to China last September to hold the PEB and a “non-deal roadshow” for the planned Panda bonds issue. (DOF)

some of the best boxers in Asia and Australia. With unity and cooperation, I am con�ident that you will help usher in a better future for the boxing world,” added Duterte.

Dutere said that he is also “proud of the Philippines’ legacy of excellence in the �ield of boxing.”

“From Pacho Villa to Manny Pacquiao, our champions have shown us how dedication and hard work can help us overcome challenges and reach the pinnacle of the sport.”

“Indeed, they became national inspiration for Filipinos and other peoples in the region.”

The 8-division world champion Pacquiao, on the other hand, also sent his warmest greetings to the members of the OPBF.

“I join you in conducting this meaningful gathering. Always be mindful that I am with you every step of the way while taking into account your welfare,” said Pacquiao, who is now an elected Senator of the Philippines.

“May you continue to be an inspiration to others to live a life that is anchored on discipline and sportsmanship,” said Pacquiao.

Meanwhile, separate messages were also given

by Party-List representatives Mark Aeron Sambar (PBA) and Rodel Batocabe (Ako Bicol), Department of Health OIC Undersecretary Herminigildo Valle and Puerto Princesa City Mayor Lucio Bayron.

“Federations, such as the OPBF are the one of

PH... FROM 6

PRRD... FROM 16

the main reasons why this country remains to be full of hope in this sport,” said Rep. Sambar.

“We at Ako Bicol Party-List support the endeavors of the OPBF in strengthening the industry of professional boxing in the Paci�ic region,” said Rep. Batocabe.

“We recognize the need for the further improvement of the industry of the sports of boxing in order to maintain its status as a premier sports industry in the Paci�ic region and to advance the welfare of all our Filipino boxers,” he added.

DOH OIC Valle said hopes that “profession-

al boxing throughout the region will continue to advance and provide networking opportunities for all participants.”

“The sports community is one of our newest partners as we seek to concretize our vision of All for Health for All. Reaching out to the unreached, those living in geographically isolated and dif�icult areas, in institutions, brings us closer to our goal of universal health care,” said Valle.

Mayor Bayron thanked the OPBF and the host Games and Amusements Board (GAB) for choosing Puerto Princesa City as the venue. (PNA)

project were the construction of the cistern tank and elevated water tank structure.

Salazar urged barangay of�icials of Limpapa, headed

by Antonio Lacaser, to likewise continue supporting the local government’s priority

thrust on security, health and education.

Salazar said the construction of the project is in line with the city government’s continuing support to the barangays. (Teo�ilo Garcia, Jr/PNA)

ZAMBO... FROM 7

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The promo runs from November 20, 2017 to December 20, 2017 at participating Phoenix Petroleum stations nationwide. It is applicable for cash and credit card fuel transactions.

To avail of the promo, customers must present their fuel receipt/s to the Phoenix forecourt attendant together with their payment.

Valid receipts can only be used once. Any excess amount on the receipt/s shall

be void and cannot be used in the next mug purchase. Accumulated receipts are valid only at the branch where the transaction was made. Only receipts within the promo period are valid for redemption.

Lost or damaged receipt/s will not be accepted or replaced. The Justice League self-stirring mugs may be purchased up to 60 days from the end of the promo period.

Gas up now with Phoenix Petroleum and experience the high-octane Premium 98, which protects your car’s engine from corrosion, and �ights off further deposit buildup to improve your driving experience. Premium 98 is blended with potent additives, which increases acceleration, reduces engine friction, provides corrosion protection, and helps clean deposits left by other gasoline.

EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE WITH ABSOLUTE SALE Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late ALMA DANAO-PAGATPATAN has been the subject of an Extra Judicial Settlement with Absolute Sale executed among her heirs, per Doc. No.229; Page No.47; Book No. 136; Series of 2017, of the NOTARY PUBLIC ATTY. SALVADOR M. BIJIS.

Nov. 20, 27 & Dec. 04, 2017

EDGEDAVAO

12 HEALTH So, you want to get tested for HIV? VOL. 10 ISSUE 165 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, NOVEMBER 19-20, 2017

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO f there is no drastic intervention done now, the number of people infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) will rise from an estimated 67,000 by the end of 2017 to 201,000 in 2025, according to the projected data of the epidemiology bureau of the Department of Health.

I

“The picture of the present epidemic shows that (the) majority of new infections are among males who have sex with males (MSM) and transgender women who have sex with males (TGW) aged 15 to 24 years old,” Health Secretary Jean Paulyn Ubial was quoted as saying the by “Philippine Daily Inquirer” recently.

According to the data, half of MSM and TGW start to have sex at 16 years old while some even become sexually active at a younger age of 12. “However, intervention measures can only be made available and accessible when they are 18 years old, and their �irst HIV test happens later at around 22 years old. This is compounded by the �indings on the initiation of treatment among people diagnosed with HIV which occurs much later at 28 years old,” Ubial lamented.

This is very alarming indeed. In the past six years, the number of new HIV infections in the country has risen by 140%, according to a recent UNAIDS report. From 4,300 cases in 2010, it went up to 10,000 cases in 2016. Today, the Philippines has the fastest growing HIV epidemic in Asia and the Paci�ic region, it pointed out.

Last year, Filipinos were shocked to learn that there

were 26 new HIV cases a day.

But it was even more shocking when the health department issued a statement that for the �irst half of 2017, around 30 patients were diagnosed with HIV daily.

In Davao City, a total of 524 people had been diagnosed with HIV from January to June this year. From January 1984 to February 2016, the city was ranked �ifth among the urban areas in the country with the most number of reported HIV cases.

This is the reason why the �ight against HIV is among the top priorities of Mayor Inday Sara Duterte. “The RHWC has been established as one of the treatment hubs in the country for People Living with HIV and AIDS,” she said during her recent State of the City Address.

The mayor was referring to Reproductive Health and Wellness Center, which is handling cases of sexually-transmitted infections, including HIV and AIDS. The RHWC is one of the two HIV-AIDS treatment facilities in the city; the other one is in the Southern Philippines Medical Center.

HIV attacks the immune system, the body’s natural defense against illness. The website of Avert (www.avert.org) gives this basic information:

“The virus destroys a type of white blood cell in the immune system called a T-helper cell, and makes copies of itself inside these cells. T-helper cells are also referred to as CD4 cells.

As HIV destroys more CD4 cells and makes more copies of itself, it gradually breaks down a person’s immune system.”

If HIV is left untreated, it may take up to 10-15 years for the immune system to be so severely damaged it can no longer defend itself at all. “However, the speed HIV progresses will vary depending on age, health and background,” Avert points out.

HIV is spread through the exchange of body �luids like high viral load like cerebral �luid, amniotic �luid, blood, semen, cervical and vaginal secretions and breastmilk. It can be transmitted through sexual intercourse, blood and blood products, shared needles, and mother-to-child.

In the Philippines, a health department report cited sexual intercourse as the leading model of transmission of HIV. Vaginal intercourse, where the male sex organ penetrates the female sex organ, is the usual route of transmission. Anal intercourse, where the penis penetrates the anus of another person, can also be a route of transmission. Both

are considered “high risk.”

“A single sexual encounter can be suf�icient to transmit HIV,” wrote John Hubley, author of The AIDS Handbook.

“Although the risk from an individual sexual act may be low, the more times a person has sex, the greater the likelihood that transmission will take place.

Women appear to be more at risk than men from heterosexual sex. The transmission of HIV from man to woman is believed to take place more easily than from woman to man.”

Anal intercourse is more common among men having sex with men although it is also practiced among heterosexuals.

“It is of particularly high risk for the transmission of HIV and this is because the wall of the lining of the anus is delicate and easily torn when the penis is inserted,” Hubley wrote.

Injection or infusion of contaminated blood, as occurs with blood transfusions, the sharing of needles or syringes, or an accidental prick rom an HIV-contaminated needle is another mode of HIV transmission.

Transfer of HIV is also possible from an infected mother to a child before birth, during birth, or after birth through the mother’s milk. “A few children contract HIV infection through sexual abuse,” points out The Merck Manual of Medical Information.

Being infected with HIV is no longer a death sentence these days. “There is effective antiretroviral treatment (ART)

available so people with HIV can live a normal, healthy life,” Avert said. “The earlier HIV is diagnosed, the sooner treatment can start – leading to better long term health.”

A 2011 trial has con�irmed that if an HIV-positive person adheres to an effective ART regimen, the risk of transmitting the virus to their uninfected sexual partner can be reduced by 96%.

However, in order to be treated, you need to know if you have HIV. And you get to know that only if you undergo HIV testing. “Testing for HIV and other sexually-transmitted infections is strongly advised for all people exposed to any of the risk factors,” the World Health Organization (WHO) said in its website. “This way people learn of their own infection status and access necessary prevention and treatment services without delay.”

However, all HIV testing services must follow the 5 principles recommended by WHO: consent (informed), con�identiality, counselling, correct test results, and connection (linkage to care, treatment and other services).

Recently, I went to a private hospital in Davao City to get tested. I was referred to go to where bloods are tested – for drug testing, blood samples for those who are sick or admitted to the hospital.

There were so many people inside the room. I took a number and waited for my number to be called. When my number

came, I went to receptionist and told her my reason. When she heard about it, she wrote something and said I had to pay �irst to the cashier. She also gave a paper where I wrote my name and had it signed.

After paying to the cashier, I returned back to the receptionist, who called someone to accompany me. “Sir, you have to undergo counselling �irst before we will take your blood sample,” she said.

When I entered the room, I was greeted with a smile. Then, she explained to me how the process. There are only two results, she said. “If the test says you are reactive, this means you have HIV. If the test says you are non-reactive, this means you don’t have HIV.” If the result is non-reactive, the person is immediately given the paper stating so. But for those who are reactive, they have to wait a month or so before they get the result. “Generally, if the blood has been found to be positive, it is sent to the San Lazaro Hospital in Manila for con�irmation,” she said.

The counselor also inquired if a doctor referred me to the hospital. I replied that there was none and I was doing it on my own. This is a requirement of Philippine Law (Republic Act No. 8504). Under the law, the privacy rights of those seeking to get tested need to be respected.

After that, she went on asking some questions which

SO, P13

VOL. 10 ISSUE 165 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, NOVEMBER 19-20, 2017

SO... FROM 13

are private matters like the �irst time to have sex, sexual preferences, acts done during sexual encounter, the last time I had sex, and anything pertaining to sexual life.

“Once I start questions people about these things,” the counselor said, “they are immediately turned off. But it’s part of the process. There are those who want to skip this question and answer portion and just proceed with blood testing.”

After that, I went back to where I started. I went to the receptionist and told me to wait.

When my number was called again, I went to a cubicle where a blood sample was taken. After that, I was asked to return that same day to get the result.

When the time came, I returned to the counselor to get the result. She asked my name again and when she found it in her computer, she printed a copy. She placed it in a white envelope and handed it to me.

I was adamant to open it.

But after a few moments, I �inally opened it. It reads: “Non-Reactive.” I told the counselor, who said: “Congratulations!”

She gave me some words of advice. I thanked her profusely and left.

Aside from helping HIV patients, the RHWC is also very active in encouraging people to be tested for HIV as treatment is available for those detected at an early stage, said a press

statement released by the City Information Of�ice.

Previously, the health department provided ART only to those whose CD4 count is below 200. CD4 or CD4 T-lymphocytes, according to an article, “are the cells in the body being attacked by HIV. It is the most important indicator of how well the immune system of an HIV patient is and the strongest predictor of the progression of HIV into AIDS.” But regardless of the CD4 count, the health department will now be giving ART to HIV-positive individuals. “We want 90% of high risk tested and 90% treated,” Ubial told “Philippine Star.” “That’s the only way we can reverse (the) epidemic... This is how other countries are able to reverse the HIV epidemic in their countries.”

Like most diseases, HIV can be prevented – as easy as ABC: abstain from sex, be faithful to your partner, use condoms, especially if you have multiple partners, don’t share needles, and be educated on HIV, a health expert reiterated.

“HIV is highly preventable,” the health expert said. “The government can only provide you information, diagnosis, and treatment. But the most effective way of preventing HIV is still heavily depends on the practices of informed individuals.”

EDGEDAVAO

SPURS... FROM 15 nal three quarters after holding the Spurs to a season-low 15 points in the opening period. ‘’I knew they were going to make a run, but I really didn’t feel like it was because we got comfortable, we got relaxed,’’ Oklahoma City coach Billy Donovan said. ‘’These guys have been around for a long time, they’re on the road, they know it’s going to be a challenge.’’

The Thunder have blown several double-digit leads this season, including an 18-point advantage against Boston in a 10194 home loss Nov. 3.

Aldridge put back of Green’s missed 3-pointer gave the Spurs a 102-99 lead with 24.2 seconds remaining.

The Thunder missed two 3-pointers on the ensuing possession, but Carmelo Anthony tracked down a second offensive rebound and made a 25-footer with his foot on the 3-point line to cut the lead to 102-101.

Gasol made two free throws, and Russell Westbrook stumbled to the court and threw up an airball on a 3-point attempt as the game ended.

‘’We gave ourselves a chance,’’ Donovan said. ‘’That last situation was tough just from the standpoint, 2.3 (seconds) and everybody knows we’re taking a 3.’’

Anthony had 20 points to lead the Thunder. Westbrook was held to 15 points after scoring 10 in the opening period. He was 5 for 22 from the �ield. ‘’They just played faster and they just did a good job of getting themselves back in the game,’’ Westbrook said.

The Spurs rallied behind their usual formula of hounding defense and 3-point shooting.

Davis Bertans hit three consecutive 3-pointers in the third quarter, tying it at 78 with 38 seconds remaining with his �inal 3 of the run. The 3-pointer also closed a 58-35 run after the Spurs trailed 43-20. ‘’It was a �ine win,’’ San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich said. ‘’The guys really dug deep. Pounding the rock.

Kept a great attitude, just kept their minds on playing basic basketball and things turned their way.’’

NEWS 13

JAMES... FROM 15 minute of overtime. The Clippers had chances to put the Cavs away in regulation, but they didn’t execute down the stretch and then had defensive breakdowns in overtime. ‘’They made some big 3s,’’ Clippers coach Doc Rivers said. ‘’You have to give them credit. That’s why they’ve been in a lot of Finals.’’

The Cavs spent all night chasing the Clippers and caught them at 105-all when Love grabbed an offensive rebound and fed James, who dropped an uncontested

3-pointer with 47 seconds left.

Grif�in missed tough shots on consecutive possessions, giving Cleveland one last chance in regulation but James missed an off-balance lefthander just before the horn.

James made a free throw to open OT - he went 1 of 5 at the line - and give Cleveland its �irst lead. Then, after Love made his two 3s, James sealed the Cavs’ �ifth win in six games with a jumper. ‘’Well defended,’’ Rivers said. ‘’It’s LeBron James.’’

14

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VOL. 10 ISSUE 165•SUNDAY-MONDAY, NOVEMBER 19-20, 2017

EDGEDAVAO PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS Serving a seamless society

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VOL. 10 ISSUE 165 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, NOVEMBER 19-20, 2017

SPORTS 15

EDGEDAVAO

James fires 39 as Cavs trip Clippers

C

LEVELAND (AP) -- LeBron James knows about the narrative bouncing around the NBA that Cleveland can be dethroned in the East.

He’s ignoring it, and slowly changing it. ‘’You know I could care less what people say,’’ James said. ‘’I’m so far beyond that. I don’t care what people say.’’

Just to make sure everyone understood him, James asked his two sons waiting for him in Cleveland’s locker room to chime in on whether he was concerned about outside voices.

The boys had dad’s back.

James had another of those games that he only seems capable of, scoring 39 points with 14 rebounds in 46 minutes as the Cavaliers continued to improve from a shaky start with their fourth straight win, 118-113 in overtime on Friday night over the skidding Los Angeles Clippers, who dropped their seventh in a row.

Kevin Love scored 25 and drained a pair of 3-pointers in OT, when the Cavs, who didn’t take the lead until the �irst minute of the extra session,

outscored the Clippers 13-8.

Dwyane Wade gave Cleveland a huge spark, scoring 23 points with 11 rebounds in 37 minutes. The Cavs’ win wasn’t eye-pleasing, but it was another step in the right direction for the three-time defending conference champions, who went 3-1 on a just-completed road trip.

On Thursday night, James said he watched Boston beat Golden State to improve to 14-2, a stunning start that has prompted discussion about Cleveland’s vulnerability.

James dismissed any concern about the Celtics’ early burst. ‘’I’ve got too much to worry about around here right now trying to get our ship going in the right direction,’’ he said.

The Clippers’ ship is taking on water fast. Los Angeles has lost nine of 10 since a 4-0 start.

Blake Grif�in scored 23 and DeAndre Jordan had 20 points and 22 rebounds for Los Angeles, which didn’t give up the lead until the �irst

JAMES, P13

Spurs overcome Thunder

LEADING ON. Lebton James fired 39 points to.lead the Cavs.

AN ANTONIO (AP) - The Thunder don’t believe they blew another big lead, the Spurs simply took it away.

LaMarcus Aldridge had 26 points and San Antonio overcame a 23-point de�icit to beat Oklahoma City 104-101 on Friday night. ‘’The team showed a lot of heart, lot of char-

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acter by not giving up,’’ Spurs center Pau Gasol said. ‘’By not just saying we’re down by 20 and it’s one of those nights.’’

Danny Green added 17 points and Gasol had 14 points to help San Antonio end Oklahoma City’s three-game winning streak.

The Thunder were outscored 89-69 in the �i-

ews of her capturing the women’s World Cup of Bowling in Hermosillo, Mexico sent my memories back to mid-70s and early 80s when Rafael “Paeng” Nepomuceno was the toast of the sport.

I had written a good number of feature articles on Paeng before and after his heroic exploits as well as on the leadership of the Philippine Bowling Congress. Paeng was easy to talk to because he was articulate and open. Bowling was not being seriously taken during that era because no Filipino pin-buster has brought singular honor to the country. They even had a dif�icult time maintaining a prestigious hold in the SEA Games.

(By the way, Sen. Tito Sotto was a former WC campaigner having won the national title some decades back.)

Until Paeng emerged world titleholder in 1976 did bowling only got itself a big shot in the arm. Sports leaders suddenly had a change of heart.

SPURS, P13

POC exec to discuss 2018 Asiad with PSC chair ushu Federation of the Philippines secretary general Julian Camacho will meet with Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chair William “Butch” Ramirez to talk about the 2018 Asian Games in Indonesia.

Camacho has been designated chef de mission of Team Philippines in the 18th Asian

Games to be held in Jakarta and Palembang from Aug. 18 to Sept. 2 next year.

Camacho, who is also the treasurer of the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), said no speci�ic date has been set as to when the meeting will be.

“It was a busy week during the ASEAN Summit. If the PSC chairman is available

next week, we can meet so I can update him on the preparations we are doing with regards to Team Philippines,” said Camacho in an interview on Saturday.

Camacho said the criteria to determine who will join the Asian Games-bound contingent have already been set.

“The criteria will be discussed during the POC Exec-

Krizziah Lyn Tabora – WC queen Paeng towed Bong Coo and Lita dela Rosa to the world championship rostrum since then. The six-foot two Nepomuceno strung together four WC tiaras before retiring. Today, as the national bowling coach, I’m pretty sure Paeng feels vindicated for all the mentoring efforts he has put into the campaign.

Tabora’s sizzling triumph re�lected the drought Philippine bowling was going through as it came in a span of 38 years after Coo and dela Rosa won back-to-back trophies in 1978 and 1979. In the men’s department, Christian Jan Suarez brought new hope when he clinched the crown in 2003.

Since then, bowling has been on a downgrade.

I think during the generation of Paeng, Bong and Lita in the 70s and onwards, the step-ladder format was in vogue. I do not remember when match play was adapted by World Cup organizers.

Tabora went through a gauntlet.

She had to turn back 3-time PWBA

SPORTS KEN Fred C. Lumba (Professional Women’s Bowling Association) titlist Rocio Restrepo of Colombia (249-222) in the second semi�inal match to arrange a showdown with Siti Rahman of Malaysia who eliminated defending champion Jenny Wegner of Sweden, 227197.

If I remember correctly, the veteran Rahman even defeated in an

invitational tournament our very own Paeng in a mixed competition several years ago.

Krizziah Lyn did not appear intimidated by Rahman’s excellent credentials who was the reigning PWBA champion. Her self-con�idence pushing her will to win, the 26-year old Filipina ably held her own and very convincingly trounced her opponent, 236–191 to claim her �irst WC diadem.

Fifty four country champions �lew to Mexico which has been hosting several WC tournaments in the past. The rigorous contest required Tabora and her fellow campaigners to roll out 24 games spread in four days with the top 24 females advancing to the next level for eight more games.

Then, the top eight after a tiring 32-game series go into a match play format. The 40-game totals, including bonus pins, determine who surges into the semi�inals.

Sometimes it is boring to watch bowling because players go through

utive Board meeting on Nov. 23,” Camacho said.

Meanwhile, Camacho and his deputy chef de mission, Princess Jacel Kiram of pencak silat, will attend the 2018 Asian Games �irst Chef de Mission Meeting in Indonesia next month.

The meeting will be held on Dec. 13 in Jakarta and Dec. 14 in Palembang. (PNA)

the same routine over again. There are no acrobatic plays like in other spectator sports (basketball, football, boxing, wrestling, etc). One also gets to notice that the player who makes mistakes loses the match. So, the player always watches for errors his/her opponent commits.

The bowling coach, in this case matters in a very sensitive way. If a player is listening and heeds his/her coach’s advice, he/she could win a tight contest.

Tabora should stay in the limelight until the next decade or more. Bowling does not require one to do spartan regimen unlike other sports that have strenuous physical training and exercises.

To me, as Paeng impressed, bowling is more of a mind game. (Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.) Prov. 3:7-8.

“Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.” GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. VOL.10 10ISSUE ISSUE165 165••SUNDAY-MONDAY, SUNDAY-MONDAY,NOVEMBER NOVEMBER19-20, 19-20,2017 2017

QUICK JOB Sec. Go explodes as Team Duterte-CMO crushes Everball

SPITFIRE. Sec. Bong Go fired 34 points.

Sec. Christopher “Bong” Go is perhaps the country’s busiest of�icial. So when he plays, he brings that wotk ethic to the table.

On Thursday, Go spent three periods to get the job done. Three explosive periods.

President Rodrigo Duterte’s most trusted aide put up a dazzling performance in the �irst three frames to propel Team Duterte-CMO to a 102-68 thrashing of Everball in ther basketball friendly game at the Genesis 88 Gym. The sweet-shooting cabinet man, who sat out the �inal canto, came through with 34 points highlighted by six triples in 26- minutes of action to be exact.

His barrage of three pointers paced Team Dute-

rte-CMO to keep Everball at bay.

Lawyer Michael Peloton had his breakaway game getting more than his share of easy baskets and three pointers to �inish with 25 points.

It was the second win in two weeks for Team Duterte-CMO against Everball.

Everball appeared no match to the �irepower of Team Duterte. It tried to give a good �ight but never had a chance to keep within.

Rico Kwan Tiu scored 15 points for Everball as Balisalisa and Lucas had 14 apiece.

Sec. Go came out sizzling right from tip off and Everball defense could not slow him down the rest of the way.

Team Duterte-CMO won on its last outing, 86-84.

PRRD commends OPBF

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RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has commended the Oriental and Paci�ic Boxing Federation (OPBF) for providing an opportunity for aspiring boxers to achieve their dreams.

Duterte sent his message during the 55th OPBF annual convention

held Nov. 9-12 in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.

“The commitment of the organization to boxing throughout the region is truly noteworthy,” said Duterte.

“Let this event strengthen the federation’s resolve to produce

PRRD, P10

OPBF MEN. (Left to right) OPBF President and GAB Chairman Abraham Kahlil Mitra, GAB Commissioner and Solid Duterte Supporters Group president Mar Masanguid and Puerto Princesa City Mayor Lucilo Bayron at the 55th OPBF Convention. (Contributed photo)