Edge10 issue102 August 23 2017

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 102 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 23, 2017

PROBE ON. President Duterte, in an interview with the Malacañang Press Corps (MPC) at the Malago Clubhouse, Malacañang Park in Manila on Monday night, assures the public that he will let the investigation of the National

No whitewash assured in probe of Kian’s case

N

o whitewash will take place in the ongoing investigation on the death of 17-year-old Kian Loyd Delos Santos in the August 16 anti-drugs operation in Caloocan.

This was the assurance given by PNP spokesperson Chief Supt. Dionardo Carlos Tuesday.

The statement is in line with President Rodrigo Duterte’s stance that he will support all PNP personnel going about their lawful and legal duties and sanction those engaged in illegal activities.

“The President/Commander-In-Chief/Chief Executive is consistent in his statements about his support to the PNP. He will back up those who are performing their mandate but will give hell to those who will abuse their authority,” he added.

Earlier, Duterte said he will not interfere if courts will convict and jail officers involved in Delos Santos’ shooting.

“In the case of Kian, the CIC agrees to an investigation, prosecution and point to the

NO,10

AFP denies links to group pushing for PRRD ouster

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he Armed Forces of the Philippines on Tuesday said it has nothing to do with the group calling itself the “Patriotic and Democractic Movement” (PADEM) which is seeking the ouster of President Rodrigo Duterte.

The group, allegedly composed of AFP and PNP members, claimed that the Chief Executive committed “gross crimes in betrayal of public trusts and in violation of national sovereignty and democractic rights of the the Filipino people.”

“The AFP categorically denies the recent statement issued by a group that pre-

tends to be representative of the men and women of the AFP and the PNP and called themselves the PADEM,” AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said in a message to AFP reporters.

He added that the entire AFP supports the constitutionally mandated government and unequivocally supports the President who is also the Commander-in-Chief.

“The accusations and issues cited by the group are unfounded and uncalled for.

Such issues are clearly politically motivated and a matter that the AFP does not and

AFP,10

Bureau of Investigation on the death of a 17-year-old boy in an anti-illegal drug operation run its course. He further stated that if the police operatives are found guilty, they will have to go to jail. ALBERT ALCAIN/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

FIFTH DAVAO LOOMS

Davao de Oro soon to replace name of ComVaL

By JIMMY K. LAKING

C

ompostela Valley province 1st district Rep. Maricar Zamora on Saturday expressed optimism that the province finally gets to realize its wish of assuming a new name: Davao de Oro. “It is just matter of time before it is realized because there is nothing controversial with it,” Zamora told reporters at the closing ceremonies of the provincial chapter congress of the Lady Local Legislators’ League at the Apo View Hotel.

She said a proposed measure to appropriate P1.5 Million is now on 2nd reading at the House of Representative to fund the holding of province-wide plebiscite.

The plebiscite, held to determine whether or not the popu-

lation approves of the change of name, is a requirement before it is approved.

Zamora said the change of name is necessary for several reasons. First, Compostela Valley province is the only province in the Davao region that is not named Davao.

Second, there is continuing confusion in identifying where Compostela Valley province is located. “Others say we are a part of Cebu while others say we are a part of Cagayan province in Northern Luzon,” she said.

“Of course a compelling reason is that we want to take advantage of the positive publicity that the Davao Region is getting especially since our President Duterte comes from this region,” she said.

Zamora is credited for initiating the formation of the Local Lady Legislators’ League provincial chapter in 2008, considered the most active in the region.

She said the congress was established as a venue for women legislators to get more specific and specialized inputs outside of those they get to encounter in their official functions.

This year’s congress was organized by Sanguniang Panlalawigan member Vivencia ‘Vinsay’ L. Secuya in her capacity as 4L chairperson of the Compostela Valley chapter.

“The Congress sought to provide an opportunity for the 4L members to showcase their knowledge and skills while at the same strengthening their friendship and camaraderie,” she said.

The congress invited experts and speakers who discussed beauty, grace and essence of a lady legislator, revenue-generating powers of the barangay, as well as the features of a lady legislator (A sound mind and sound body).

The highlight of the congress was the selection of a Mutya with 33-year old Michelle Lim, a barangay kagawad of Mainit, Maco the run-away winner.

Interestingly, it was her answer on why Compostela Valley should be renamed Davao de Oro that clinched the win.

Rep. Ruwel Peter Gonzaga of the 2nd district, praised the organizers for this year’s congress, saying it provided a rare opportunity for all 4L members to bond together.(30)

is being celebrated.

“I’m very happy and thankful the people had a good time and the festival was successful,” Mayor Inday said.

She said the city government took a secondary role as the private sector led the way, pushing forward its effort to make the Kadayawan a success.

“We believe that it would be better, and the cel-

ebration would be more significant and successful, if the private sector take the lead,” Mayor Inday said.

The Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (DCCCII), led by its president Ronald Go, co-chaired this year’s festivities.

Go told reporters that the staging of the Kadayawan “show(ed) to the Philippines and the world what is truly happening

in Davao and dispel talks about Davao being an unsafe city because of martial law.”

Mayor Inday herself asked Dabawenyos to go out and experience Kadayawan amid things happening outside the city.

“We will surmount any challenge as we always have; we will not allow our fears to cripple us,” she said. CIO

Inday credits partnership of public, private sectors for festival success

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avao City Mayor Inday Sara Duterte said the success of the 32nd Kadayawan Festival could largely be credited to the efforts of the private sector, which led the preparation, organization and execution of the various events.

She also expressed gratitude to the Dabawenyos, particularly the 11 tribes of Davao. She said they were the reason why Kadayawan

VOL. 10 ISSUE 102 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 23, 2017

EDGEDAVAO

Polloc Port project to boost economy T

he recent registration by the Regional Board of Investments (RBOI) of the investment of Bangsamoro Terminal Services, Inc. (BTSI) amounting to P129 million, a company based in Polloc Freeport in Parang, Maguindanao is seen to boost the Mindanao Economic Corridors strategy for Mindanao economic development. This is because Polloc Port provides easy access for bulk cargo in Central Mindanao, particularly Maguindanao, the land-locked areas of North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and the coastal municipalities of Lanao del Sur. Polloc Port is a key node

in the South Central Mindanao Corridor under the Mindanao Development Authori-

‘

Nograles to wrap up budget scrutiny

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he House Committee on Appropriations is right on schedule with its deliberations on the different agencies’ proposed budgets for the year 2018, its chairman Davao City Rep. Karlo Nograles said Sunday.

In a radio interview, Nograles said his panel has conducted three weeks worth of budget-scrutinizing, leaving just a few more departments before the Committee wraps it up.

“Halos natapos na namin ang lahat eh. Ang naiwan na lang, Department of Transportation (DOTr), Office of the President (OP),” said Nograles, who has been very visible and active in all hearings.

The other departments scheduled for budget hearings at the Committee on Appropriations include Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Justice (DOJ), the Ombudsman, and Commission on Elections (COMELEC). The Chairman also mentioned two agencies whose budget presentations were deferred that will be tackled this week.

“Yong Department of Agriculture (DA) pati ang Department of Information and Communications Technology o DICT. Pero i-schedule na rin namin ito sa...siguro yong isa ilalagay ko sa August 24, yong isa ilalagay ko sa August 23 para matapos na,” he said.

Nograles expressed confidence that his Committee will be able to finish scrutinizing the entirety of the proposed P3.767-trillion budget for 2018 by August 24.

“With the participation naman ng mga congressmen, I think, yeah by August 24 dapat tapos na kami. At least sa Committee level,” he said.

NOGRALES,10

ty’s (MinDA) Economic Development Corridors strategy for economic growth. The Min-

danao Development Corridors is a spatial development strategy that aims to increase

clusters in Mindanao in its bid to become self-reliant and internally dependable. The program will also prepare the island-region towards greater economic cooperation with

BIMP-EAGA and other member countries of the ASEAN Economic Community.

“The development of the port will significantly reduce transport cost of products and

NEWS 3

This is why we are glad that some of the major connectivity projects for Mindanao are included in the Build Build Build strategy of this administration.

-MinDA Chairman Alonto

’

the competitiveness of Mindanao industries by providing them with common service facilities. The program also aims to achieve physical integration among key economic

POLLOC,10

MINDA CHAIRMAN DATU ABUL KHAYR ALONTO.

4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 102 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 23, 2017

Magsaysay Park ‘Village’to stay

By PAULA KIM FELICIANO

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s one of the highlights of the 2017 Kadayawan Festival Celebration, the Kadayawan village, located inside Magsaysay Park garnered much attention and positive feedbacks, this is why these houses are here to stay.

Councilor Ryan Alejandre announced in his privilege speech on Tuesday, that all 11 cultural houses showcasing the traditions of our prominent tribes in Davao City will permanently be situated at the said park, to boost the city’s tourism and increase the level of awareness of the general public on the culture.

Besided the 100,000 budget for the creation of

each tribal house, Alejandre said that the City Tourism Office will allocate more budget to hire additional manpower for the maintenance and security of the 11 cultural houses.

He said that with the village in place, people will have something to look up to reminiscent of the early days of Davao City.

Similar to some foreign countries including Korea and Japan, the creation of Davao City’s Cultural houses will serve as an introduction to this city’s historical past, and to remind and to educate the present and future generations of how rich Davao’s culture is.

EXPANSION. The Royal Mandaya Hotel general manager Benjamin Banzon discusses the plans and programs for the Escandor Group of Companies’ newly acquired property, The Royale House, during a news conference on Tuesday. Lean Daval Jr.

DTI gives incentives BSP sees stability of peso days ahead for Gold seal winners B

angko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Nestor A. Espenilla Jr. expects the Philippine peso to stabilize in the coming days since the local unit has somewhat recovered.

The local currency has shown some improvements against the greenback in recent days but finished last week at 51.49, near its 51.60 close on Aug. 24, 2006, given the suspected terror attack in Spain last week.

Espenilla, in a message to reporters Monday, said performance of the peso had been cited by some commentators in their assessment of the Philippines’ economic situation, which he stressed should not be done.

He said comparing the local unit against stronger currencies in the region “is a rather simplistic way to look at it.”

“Rather, the better way to gauge the economy is to evaluate its progress toward delivering on things that ultimately matter to the people - low inflation, growth, and jobs,” he said.

In the first seven months of the year, inflation averaged at 3.1 percent, which was within the government’s two to four percent goal for 2017 until 2020.

Growth, as measured by gross domestic product (GDP), averaged at 6.4 percent in the first

half of the year, near the lower end of the government’s 6.5-7.5 percent target for the year.

Employment rate as of end-April this year stood at 94.3 percent, higher than year-ago’s 93.9 percent.

Espenilla pointed out that “each economy faces its own unique challenges,” thus policies that were put in place are specifically targeted to “suit its circumstances and needs.”

“The Philippines is doing the correct thing in prioritizing a more investment-led economic growth. Allowing the peso to depreciate gradually to a more appropriate level is fully consistent with that strategy,” he said.

Foreign exchange rate in the Philippines is market determined although monetary officials have repeatedly said that the central bank joins the market but only to address extreme volatility in the exchange rate.

The central bank chief said “the BSP is very mindful” on the economic changes in the country since these “may create market uncertainty if not well explained.”

“So we communicate and explain,” he said.

Espenilla also noted that “speculators may want to take advantage by exaggerating for financial gain an otherwise healthy price correction to recover some of the

BSP,10

By ANGIE SAVERON

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he Department of Trade and Industry is giving a priority lane for companies that received a Gold Seal Bagwis Award.

“We in DTI we have special lane for those awardees which will serve as an incentive,” said Engr. Edwin O. Banquerigo, CESO V, and Assistant Regional Director of Department of Trade and Industry XI on Tuesday.

This special lane took effect this year and serves as the DTI’s way of thanking the companies for a job well done, said Banquerigo .

“Prior that special lane, we gave special attention and consideration to that awardee whenever they apply for a permit or license on our office,” Banquerigo added.

The DTI has been giving

Award since 2004 but it was previously known as Certified Establishment Award in 2008 and was renamed as Bagwis Award. This award is given to establishments as a reward for achieving a high level of business ethics and has also been providing a good consumer services and continued compliance to the fair trade laws.

“All this business is given a reward through Bagwis award,” said Banquerigo .

In Davao Region as of May 2017 there are 278 awardees.

Majority of its recipients came from Compostella Valley with 63 establishments who are given the Bagwis Award followed by the Davao City with 60 establishment, Davao Del Sur and Davao Del Norte with 58 establishments and Davao Oriental with 39 establish-

ment.

The majority of the awardees got bronze seal with 155 establishments composed of 59 establishments from Compostella Valley, 39 establishments from Davao del Sur, 30 establishments from Davao Oriental , 24 establishments from Davao Del Norte and 3 establishments from Davao City followed by the Silver Seal Award with 78 establishments composed of 25 establishments from Davao del Norte, 21 establishments from Davao City, 19 establishments from Davao Del sur, 9 establishments from Davao Oriental and 4 establishments from Compostella Valley and for Gold seal Award there are 45 establishments this came from the Davao City with 36 establishments and Davao del

Norte with 9 establishments.

To attain this award there are certain requirements needed to be fulfilled. For Gold Seal award the establishment should have a Quality Management System which is the most difficult part of the requirement. There should also be a social responsibility projects, compliance of the Fair Trade Law (FTL) and consumer welfare desk. “This are the criteria that the NCCC achieved ,” said Banquerigo . He said that it is probably the first time that a certain company was awarded with 16 Gold Bagwis award. It took them more than a year to attain such award. By receiving this award there is really recognition that this company really performing well in terms of consumer protection, upholding the rights of consumer.

sources to help ensure a cleaner, safer and more sustainable means of supplying the needs of the power and transport sectors.

The ICSC also said it is supporting the TRAIN for “its progressive intent and equitable” effects, “as incremental revenues are needed for investments in human capital and badly needed infrastructure.”

“Meanwhile, the oppositors of tax reform contend that any increase on refined petroleum products is anti-poor. We don’t agree with that proposition. Instead, we support the assertion of the DOF (Department of Finance) that the poor can better be helped through

improved targeting of poverty alleviation programs, instead of subsidizing pollutive behavior. The poor, in fact, suffer most—from health damages caused by pollution and from the impacts of climate change,” the ICSC said in its position paper submitted to the Senate ways and means committee chaired by Sen. Juan Edgardo Angara.

The Committee has been holding public hearings on the proposed TRAIN, which was filed as Senate Bill No. 1408 by Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III. The House of Representatives had approved its version of TRAIN--House Bill 5636-last May 31.

The ICSC also commended the DOF and the authors of SB 1408 “for taking this visionary initiative” of adjusting fuel excise taxes as a way to help implement the provisions of the Clean Air Act. For its part, the HCWH said the TRAIN’s provisions on fuel excise taxes can help address the adverse health and environmental impacts of the increase in greenhouse gas emissions, which lead to global warming and threats to public health.

The HCWH noted that outdoor air pollution as a result of emissions of fossil fuels remain one of the leading causes of deaths worldwide. (PNA)

More pro-health groups back fuel excise tax adjustments in TRAIN

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wo more health advocacy groups have joined the snowballing clamor to adjust the excise taxes on fuel under the proposed Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Act to squarely address the worsening air pollution in cities and help mitigate the devastating impact of global warming on the environment.

In two separate positions papers, the Health Care Without Harm (HCWH) group and the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC) called on the government to use the TRAIN as a tool to clear the way for the country’s quick transition to more renewable energy

VOL. 10 ISSUE 102 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 23, 2017

EDGEDAVAO

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6 ECONOMY

VOL. 10 ISSUE 102 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 23, 2017

Credit Suisse raises GDP forecast for PH C redit Suisse upgraded its 2017 growth forecast for the Philippines to 6.1 percent from six percent after the better-than-expected growth in the second quarter of the year.

This growth forecast is still lower than the government’s 6.5-7.5 percent growth target for the year.

The Philippine Statistics Authority earlier reported a 6.5 percent output, as measured by gross domestic product (GDP), from April to June this year, slightly faster than the 6.4 percent in the previous quarter. It is, however, lower than year-ago growth of 7.1 percent.

In a research note, the global financial services company said the second quarter output of the Philippines was higher than the company’s 5.8 percent forecast for the quarter.

Growth in the said quarter was driven by manufacturing, trade, real estate, renting and business activities.

Industry posted the highest growth among the major economic sectors after it expanded by 7.1 percent followed by agriculture at 6.3 percent, and services at 6.1 percent.

The research note cited the strong rise of exports of goods, which grew 23 percent for the quarter compared with the 22.8 percent in the previous three months, as a factor

in its upward revision in its GDP forecast.

It explained that this growth “contrasts with the moderation in monthly exports that we have seen.”

PSA data show that total exports showed a downward path from April to June this year with a year-on-year growth of 19.1 percent, 14 percent, and 0.8 percent during the three-month period.

“This divergence could be driven by a decline in export prices, with export volumes holding up much better,” the Credit Suisse report said.

It, however, sees overall slower growth in the second half of the year compared with the first six months based on “our view that private consumption will begin to weaken due to an unusually weak labor market.”

“Our detailed analysis shows that employment growth feeds into consumption with a three-quarter lag.

As such, the negative impact of a weaker labor market will likely be felt keenly over the rest of this year,” it said.

Exports growth is also seen to decelerate in the second half of the year on expected weaker demand from China after a strong demand in the first half of the year, weaker demand from other major economies, and commodity price base effects. (PNA)

Diplomats in ME assured of funding to help OFWS

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oreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter S. Cayetano has assured Filipino diplomats, especially in the Middle East, that they would be provided with the resources they would need to allow them to more effectively assist Filipinos in distress.

“Our diplomats cannot be expected to quickly respond to any request for assistance from our kababayans in the Middle East and in other parts of the world if they cannot be provided with the resources they need to be able to do so,” Secretary Cayetano said.

The Secretary gave the assurance after he was briefed by Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs Sarah Lou Arriola about the recent consultations she conducted with officials of the country’s diplomatic missions in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Doha, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.

“I commend our diplomats in the Middle East for all the hard work that they have been doing for our people,” Secretary Cayetano said.

“I would like to assure them that they will have all the support they would need to let them accomplish the instructions of the President for them to better serve and protect our kababayans there,” the Secretary added.

Secretary Cayetano said he expects the response time of embas-

sies and consulates general to improve significantly improve next year as a result of the approval by President Rodrigo Duterte of his request for a P1 billion budget to assist distressed Filipinos abroad in 2018 In her consultations, Undersecretary Arriola assured the ambassadors and consuls general of funding for their assistance to nationals (ATN) programs after she was told that some foreign service posts could not effectively respond to ATN cases due to budget constraints.

“Our ATN budget will be utilized to the fullest to allow our posts to respond more quickly and more effectively,” Undersecretary Arriola said.

According to her, the DFA has already spent almost 60 percent of the P400-million that was allocated by Congress to support ATN operations abroad in 2017.

Undersecretary Arriola said diplomats she met with have requested additional budgetary support from Manila to allow them to effectively respond to ATN cases and extend prompt consular services to their constituents.

Undersecretary Arriola said some of the envoys intimated to her that they were not able to respond to some ATN cases in the past due to their limited budgets.” she said.

COVETED AWARDS. Department of Trade and Industry Assistant Regional Director of Region 11 Engr. Edwin O. Banquerigo discusses the process in at-

taining the Gold Seal Bagwis Award during the Awarding of Bagwis Gold Seal Award to NCCC August 22, 2017. Angie Saveron

16 NCCC stores earn Gold seal

By ANGIE SAVERON

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he Department of Trade and Industry has awarded 16 NCCC stores under the LTS Retail Specialist, Inc. in Davao City the gold seal for upholding the rights of consumers while practicing responsible business.

The award is the highest given by the DTI under its Bagwis program.

The 16 stores are NCCC Panacan, NCCC Cabantian, NCCC Center Point, NCCC Supermarket Main Magsaysay, NCCC Calinan, NCCC Mall Maa, NCCC Choice Mart Talomo, NCCC Choice Bajada, NCCC Choice Mart Nova Tierra, NCCC Choice Mart, NCCC Choice Mart Landmark, NCCC Choice Mart Wood lane, NCCC Choice Mart Bolton, NCCC Choice Mart Catalunan Grande, NCCC Choice Mart NHA Buhangin, NCCC Choice Mart San Pedro.

“It is the first time that we are giving 16 gold awards for one company,” said Engr. Edwin O. Banquerigo, CESO V, and As-

sistant Regional Director of Department of Trade and Industry XI. In the region 11, there 278 Bagwis awardees from the Bronze, Silver and Gold category, with the 16 of NCCC accounting for 35% of the regional gold Awards.

The LTS Retail Specialist Inc. received the awards because they were able to provide the required documentation, promote the highest level of business ethics and uphold the rights of the consumers.

“In general, it’s actually about responsible business ethics,” said Banquerigo. The challenge is for these stores to maintain the expectation of the consumers and the accrediting body. “We are planning to have a compliance team to constantly check the compliance of the stores on the set requirements of the DTI,” said Lezlie G. Lozada Inventory Control And Process Management Dept. Manager of NCCC mall. This initiative is

made to maintain the quality service that they are providing.

Based on the new guidelines those that are awarded on 2017 will be exempted from the annual validation. The DTI will continue to have a yearly monitoring to those establishments that was awarded to ensure the consistency of their services.

The management has given assurance that the consumer gets the right services, correct amount of change, the security and safety not only the consumers but the products as well, cleanliness of the stores and the appearance of the store to make the consumers satisfied.

“We are really encouraged to set up a consumer welfare desk where in there is a venue for our customers to air out their complaints and for us to be able to address their complaints as soon as possible,” said Lozada.

The company is also more driven to give the excellent service to their consumers. “Hindi po pwede na dahil gold na kami, eh

wala nanaman maayos na serbisyo, We need to do our best because at the end of the day it is the consumer that is that life line of the business, sila ang rason kung bakit kami nandito” said Aries B. Escape Assistant Vice President FMCG-Operations LTS Retail Specialist, Inc. The company assures the consumers that they can expect consistent costumer services, there would be more programs for them, they will keep on improving their services and the consumers complains will be addressed as soon as possible and in the best way they can.

The benefits of the awardee are Publication of awardees in their local media, Special mention during information campaign, An updated listing of awardee/s to be distributed to their respective affiliated associations. The Gold Seal Awardee will have an express way whenever they will conduct a transaction with DTI

Hills,” said Chinkie Peliño-Golle, Executive Director of Interface Development Interventions Inc. However, Peliño-Golle added that based on the new executive order, the advisory group may conduct consultations with the private sector, CSOs and other city government and national agencies on a project basis but did not include representatives from the civil society organizations as regular members.

The City Government released Executive Order No. 32 Series of 2017 “An Order Creating the Davao City Infrastruc-

ture Monitoring and Advisory Group (IMAG)” with the goal of ensuring successful integration and effective implementation of each of the DPWH and City Government plans. The group is primarily tasked to properly plan, coordinate, implement and monitor across agencies all government infrastructure development in Davao City.

Save Shrine Hills Movement advocate Norma Javellana cited the lack of coordination and concerted urgent action both on the side of the Davao City government and on the

national government agency involved as one of the causes for the recent landslide incident in Shrine Hills.

“In spite of the slopes being prone to landslides and the need for maintaining massive greening and protection, no mitigating measures were considered, and the widening has been going on unabated.

Neither was there any coordination between the City and the DPWH to protect the slopes in line with the zoning classification,” Javellana explained. (IDIS)

CSO rep sought for city infra advisory council

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nvironmental advocates welcomed the new executive order creating an advisory group to oversee government infrastructure development in the city but petitioned for the inclusion of civil society organizations (CSOs).

“We commend this new executive order and we hope this would address the coordination issue between the local government unit, DPWH and other government agencies, lack of which brought about unpleasant results as we have seen in the recent landslide in Shrine

7 SUBURBIA EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 102 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 23, 2017

First semester of schoolyear 2017 to 2018 finally opens in the main campus of the Mindanao State University in Marawi City on 22 August 2017, Day 92 of the Marawi Crisis. Photo courtesy of JOINT TASK FORCE MARAWI

fire victims get aid 3 more MILF hurt as clash Cotabato T with BIFF continues

T

hree more Moro guerillas fighting the ISIS inspired group in Maguindanao were injured, raising to 13 the number of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) members wounded in clashes with the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).

Hurt in the clashes in Barangay Andavit Datu Salibo, Maguindanao were identified as Misuari Mohammadi, 20; Mohidin Ahmad, 28; and Tarik Sabpa, 26. They are now confined in a military hospital here.

MILF fighters also recovered 11 improvised bombs left by fleeing BIFF fighters. The

MILF said five BIFF members were killed in the firefight.

Since MILF-BIFF fighting erupted on August 10, a total of 20 MILF and 26 BIFF were killed. Thirteen MILF and 10 BIFF were also injured.

It started when the BIFF, led by Esmael Abdulmalik, former henchman of Malaysian bomb expert Zulkiflibin Hir, alias “Marwan,” set off an improvised bomb in Barangay Tee, Datu Salibo, Maguindanao that injured 10 MILF, all members of the Task Force Ittihad (Unity).

Chief Superintendent Reuben Theodore Sindac, di-

rector of the Police Regional Office-Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, said on Monday that the MILF’s operation against the group of Abdulmalik was coordinated with the municipal police offices in Maguindanao.

The injured MILF members were under Commander Haon, an MILF sub-leader.

Commander Haon and his men were going to Barangay Andavit to check on reported sightings of 20 followers of Abdulmalik preparing improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

As Haon’s team arrived, they were fired upon by BIFF

members, triggering a threehour sporadic firefight.

The recovered IEDs, according to Sindac, were handed over by the MILF to the Maguindanao police provincial office in Shariff Aguak town.

Police and military forces in Maguindanao have put up more checkpoints along the national highway and civilian communities to prevent any attempt by the BIFF to launch diversionary attacks in Maguindanao’s second district.

Sindac said among the BIFF fatalities was a certain Hamdi, son of Abdulmalik. ( Edwin Fernandez/PNA)

itate the program’s rollout, she said.

Barrientos said the program is anchored on the DOLE’s “Handog Kabuhayan sa Mamamayan Program,” which was initially implemented in 2014.

She said they have received more than 300 applications among informal workers from parts of the province’s 10 towns and lone city.

The prospective beneficiaries would fill-up the slots of applicants in 2014 who cancelled their applications and did return.

Under the program, she said DOLE-12 and the Peso will assist beneficiaries in starting their own small business ventures.

Barrientos said the available projects are food

businesses with Negosyo carts, welding and steel fabrication, vulcanizing and car washing, vegetable propagation, cosmetology, kakanin making, dressmaking, rug making, and bag making.

“The program mainly aims help informal workers transition into formal ones and reduce poverty in our communities,” she said.

Barrientos said the provincial government signed a memorandum of agreement with DOLE-12 for the funding and implementation of the program.

As part of the agreement, she said the provincial government provided an equity or counterpart of 20 percent of the total project cost.

The counterpart funding will cover for the supervision and monitoring, and other

needs related to the project’s implementation, she said.

Dileep seeks to contribute to poverty reduction and reduce vulnerability to risks of the poor, vulnerable, and marginalized workers through emergency employment and promotion of entrepreneurship and community enterprises.

It is the DOLE’s contribution to the governments’ agenda of inclusive growth through massive job generation throughout the country.

The program’s components are the Kabuhayan or livelihood program and emergency employment program, which is also dubbed Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers.

(Frances Kristine Alvero/ PNA)

300 informal workers to get livelihood grants

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ome 300 informal workers in South Cotabato are set to benefit from a P3.5 million livelihood program supported by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Region 12.

Cynthia Barrientos, South Cotabato Public Employment and Services Office (Peso) manager, said Tuesday they have started the processing of applications for the livelihood initiative, which is targeted to start next month.

She said DOLE-12 formally released to the local government last week a grant of P2,847,000 under its Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (Dileep).

The provincial government allotted a counterpart funding of P715,700 to facil-

he city government is extending assistance to about 123 families affected by a fire that hit a residential area in Barangay Tukananes, Cotabato City over the weekend.

The fire, which was believed to have been caused by electrical malfunction razed to the ground more than 100 homes made of light materials, situated in an area surrounded by Rio Grande de Mindanao.

Fire investigators said the fire started in the house of a certain Amil Akop after his electric fan exploded and went ablaze at past 5 p.m.

Saturday.

Cotabato City Mayor Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi immediately directed the City Social Welfare Office and the City District Risk Reduction and Management Council to

assist the affected families.

Some of the affected families stayed with their relatives’ homes while others are encamped in the old pier just across Barangay Tukananes.

It took five fire trucks from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) to extinguish the 4-hour conflagration, Fire Officer 1 Aldrin Jason Nara said.

Nara said probers estimated the damage to properties at around PHP600,000. No casualty was reported.

It was the second fire incident in the village since 2016. Last year, about 170 homes were also razed by a fire that hit the village of Tukananes believed to have been caused by electrical short circuit. (Edwin Fernandez/PNA)

AMENDED EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE OF THE LATE PETRONA CHAN REYES

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late PETRONA CHAN REYES has been the subject of an Extra Judicial Settlement of Estate executed among her heirs, per Doc. No.272; Page No.56; Book No.V; Series of 2017, of the NOTARY PUBLIC AARON PHILIP B. CRUZ. Aug. 23, 30 & Sept. 06, 2017

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 102 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 23, 2017

EDITORIAL

Double standards

W

hat difference does it make for policemen to have killed a The culprit is a 55-year-old priest and head of a Catholic school 17-year old boy in a drug operation from a priest to have at that. He was caught driving a 13-year-old girl to a motel. He had sexually abused a 13-year old girl twice and attempted a consummated acts twice prior to the entrapment on the third. third?

What makes Monsignor Arnel Fuentes Lagarejos, former parish One thing, both the future of the young kids are ruined. In the priest of St John The Baptist Parish and president of Cainta Catholic case of Kian Delos Santos, there is no more future to talk about. He College, different from the three cops accused of killing Kian? is cold dead after the bloodbath last Wednesday that killed a dozen Why are there no cries of protest and howls of injustice from the suspects in Caloocan. In the case of the 13-year old girl, maybe righteous militants, priests, and politicians? there is a glimmer of hope.

Is it because the accused is a priest and should be forgiven? Is it But the reaction generated by the two cases are far different. because the victim is a 13-year old girl and is alive anyway?

In Kian’s case, there is just too much furor over the teenager’s Where is the compassion here for victims of people who are death notwithstanding some statements claiming the boy is a drug expected to be shepherds of children? Why are people being very runner. Politicians, priests, militants took the case to rally against selective? the present administration and its war on illegal drugs. They cried The answer is as clear as day. It’s the intentions. Poor Kian loud on how this war aggainst drugs claimed the lives of Kian and Delos Santos. His death is just being used as vehicle to advance the other innocent Filipinos. interests of some people who could not even weigh their standards That is not the case with the 13-year old girl whose case was evenly or wait for the conclusion of the case now being called for reported two weeks before Kian’s death. investigation by the President himself.

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EDGEDAVAO

W

orld War II, for all it was worth, created heroes, most of them dead.

The Davao conflict, for instance produced two American Medal of Valor awardees who, sadly, died just as the last days of the mopping operations were about to end.

But there were also Allied Forces fighting under the US flag who sacrificed their lives in a war that originally did not include the Philippines but was drawn to the conflict because of her alliance with the Americans.

On June 10, 1945, Staff Sergeant Elmer W. Alt, a member of the US 19th Infantry, was felled by an enemy bullet while chasing the last Japanese remnants west of Davao City. It was Captain Donald R. Pruett who informed Alt’s relative about his death. The letter, which later appeared in the West Bend Journal on July 26, 1945, stated: “You have my deepest heartfelt sympathy in the loss of your son, and I hope that I can relieve your burden of sorrow by giving you as much information as possible, and to tell you just what his loss has meant to me and all the men of this organization, who have known him so long.

“We had just taken a strategic

N

o one born of a forbidden union may enter the assembly of the Lord.

Even to the tenth generation, none of his descendants may enter the assembly of the Lord.”

-- Deuteronomy 23:2 Michael is only 16 and he looks as if nothing is wrong with him. He was supposed to be in college this year but opted not to enroll since his father wanted the son to join him in United Kingdom. “That’s where I will take my college course,” he said.

Michael wants to become a medical doctor just like his father, who is now a respiratory therapist in another country. “I want to help other people,” he said.

He seemed to be a very young determined man. But what most people don’t know is that he is an illegitimate son. He was only two weeks old when his mother left him to his father. “I had not seen my mother and no one really told me the reason why she left me,” he said.

Fortunately, he was loved by his grandmother who took care of him. His father got married and has two children. His two aunts, however, brought him up into a fine young man. “I treat both of them as my mother,” he said.

VOL. 10 ISSUE 102• WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 23, 2017

VANTAGE POINTS

9

Hero of the ‘small town of Mandog’ hill overlooking the small town of Mandog, eight miles north of the city of Davao. We fought all day in driving the Japs off the hill, and we finally successfully repulsed all attempts by the Japs to retake it.

“We held the hill through the night of the ninth of June and on the morning of the tenth, the Japs attacked our positions. During the ensuing action your son was wounded by a Jap machine gun bullet. He was wounded at 11:35 and died at 12:35 of wounds. All medical aid was given, but it was impossible to save the life of your son.

“Elmer was buried at U.S.A.F.F.E. Cemetery No. 1, at Taloma (sic), Mindanao, P. I. and last rites were held by an army chaplain.”

Born on January 6, 1914, on a farm near Stephens, Minnesota, the Alt family, when Elmer was only five years old, transferred to a farm near Corwith, staying there until 1924, when they again moved to a Union township farm. In 1943, his parents moved to a Lotts Creek farm.Prior to joining the military, Elmer was his father’s helping hand.

Sergeant Alt joined the military service February 3, 1942, after receiving basic training at Camp Wolters, Texas. His first duty was at Angel Island, San Francisco, where

FAST BACKWARD Antonio V. Figueroa he stayed briefly before he was reassigned to Hawaii. In June 1942, as a member of Company D, 19th Infantry, he was sent to the South Pacific and served in Hollandia, Leyte, New Guinea, and Mindanao.

Three years later, he found himself fighting in Davao City on June 9. Positioned on a hill overlooking the township of Mandog, he took cover on a defense that temporarily secured the soldiers until the break of dawn.

The following day, the Japanese forces counter-attacked and in the ensuing battle wounded the

young sergeant by machinegun fire. Medical efforts to save the man failed; he died an hour after the bloody encounter. For his bravery, Sergeant Alt was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart. His remains were buried at the USAFFE burial grounds in Talomo, Davao City.

The West Bend Journal reported that a military memorial rite was held in his place after news of Sergeant Alt’s death reached home.

It was held at the Christian Apostolic church, east of West Bend, with Knoll Post 549 spearheading the event.

The procession started at the Alt residence in Lotts Creek town. At the church, the color bearers were followed by the pastor, honorary bearers, the family, and patriotic service groups.

Rev. Joseph Banwart was in charge of the service, assisted by son Rev. Paul Banwart, both of West Bend. The honorary bearers were Floyd Bacon, Floyd Riebhoff, John Scuffham, Irvin Gerber, Eli Breullman and Fahe Gress. J. Luther Miller, commander, and W. J. Lockwood, adjutant of the Burt Legion Post gave Alt’s wife with an American flag. Dale Lockwood played the taps.

In the August 30, 1945 issue,

the West Bend Journal reported that Sergeant Alt was survived by his parents; brothers, Harry and Melvin of Algona; Lawrence of Fenton; sisters, Mrs. Albert Wibben, Mrs. Harold Lampe of Bancroft; Mrs. Albert Speth of Ringsted; Mrs. Eli Gerber of West Bend; Evelyn and Rumy, at home; and a grandmother, Lydia Ringenberger of Gridley, Illinois.

The memorial service at home was attended by Lewis Alt, Deloria Trebesch, Sleepy Eye, Minnesota; William Wilkening, St. James, Minnesota, daughters Norma and Nancy; the A. E. Rinkenbergers, Morris, Minnesota; Mrs. Lydia Knohl, Hancock, Minnesota; Lena Aeschliman, Chicago; D. E. Alt, LaCrosse, Indiana; Evelyn Alt and Evelyn Dodda, Detroit; Mr. and Mrs. Bob Alt, daughter Rebecca, the Jos. Bauers, and daughter Laura, all of Cessna Park, Illinois.

Future historians, hopefully, will take a more incisive appreciation into the contributions the American soldiers have contributed to the cause of liberating Davao City from the Japanese imperial army. Many of the young soldiers who perished in the city died just as the last weeks of clearing operations were conducted by the Filipino and Allied forces.

born of other void marriages under Art. 15 unless otherwise provided.

“The general rule is that an illegitimate child shall use the surname of the mother. An illegitimate child is a child born out of wedlock,” explained Laws for Life, authored by Gianna Reyes Montinola and Maria Victoria Rotor-Hilado.

But the illegitimate child can use the father’s surname “provided the father recognizes or acknowledges the child and executes and submits, among others, an Affidavit of Acknowledgement or Affidavit of Admission of Paternity, and the Affidavit to Use the Surname of the Father” (Republic Act No. 9255).

If the father acknowledged the illegitimate child, the son or daughter can carry the mother’s surname as his or her middle name.

But if the illegitimate child is not acknowledged by the father, he or she will never carry a middle name and will only have the surname of the mother as the last name and with no middle name.

“If your child has been recognized by his father, he shall have the right to receive financial

support from him,” Atty. Persida Acosta wrote in her column for Manila Times, “However, if the father of your child unjustly refuses to recognize your child, you may seek redress from the court by filing a petition for compulsory recognition and support.”

In Laws for Life, the authors said that an illegitimate child should be supported by his or her parents. “Support comprises everything indispensable for sustenance, dwelling, clothing, medical attendance, education and transportation” (Article 105 of the Family Code).

Meanwhile, the Family Code does not provide a specific percentage of the monthly salary for the support. In a blog posted

by Atty. Gerry T. Galacio, this explanation was given: “(The Code) only provides that amount of support is balanced between the necessities of the person asking for support and the financial capability of the person from whom support is being asked. Support can be reduced or increased proportionately, according to the reduction or increase of the necessities of the recipient and the resources or means of the person obliged to furnish the same.”

Born out of wedlock

According to the National Statistics Office, four of every 10 babies born in the country are illegitimate and one of them came from a teenage mother. The nationwide data on births are based on certificates of live birth transmitted by city, municipal and civil registrars.

Out of the total 711,079 illegitimate babies recorded, 64.6 percent came from Luzon while 11.2 percent live births were born to mothers under 20 years old.

The law says that “children conceived or born during the marriage of the parents are legitimate.” This means that if the parents are not married, a child is considered illegitimate.

In law, however, individual terms and whole provisions must always be interpreted or considered in relation with other provisions. The definition, taken in isolation, may lead people to generalize that so long as the parents are married, a child is legitimate.

This brings us to the definition of illegitimate children.

The law says it bluntly: “Children conceived and born outside a valid marriage are illegitimate, unless otherwise provided in this Code.” The “Code” refers to the Family Code of the Philippines.

THINK ON THESE!

Henrylito D. Tacio

The following are considered illegitimate children: children born to couples who are not legally married or of commonlaw marriages; children born of incestuous marriages; children born of bigamous marriages; and children born of adulterous relations between parents.

Children are also considered illegitimate when they are born of marriages void for reason of public policy under Art 38 of the Family Code; born of couples below 18, whether they are married (in which case the marriage is void) or not; and

10 NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 102 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 23, 2017

NO... FROM 2 liabilities of those who will be found at fault. He also assures everyone that there will be no whitewash,” Carlos stressed.

As this develops, the four officers implicated in the incident, namely PO3 Arnel Oares, PO1 Jeremias Pereda and PO1 Jerwin Cruz and their precinct commander, Chief Insp. Amor Cerillo, were placed under restrictive custody in wake of the ongoing investigations.

The four were already ordered relieved over Delos Santos’ shooting and now de-

tailed at the National Capital Region Police-Regional Personnel Holding and Accounting Unit pending results of the investigation against them.

Initial reports are claimed that the victim was shot dead by law men after the former fired shots at officers conducting anti-narcotics operations in the area.

However, Delos Santos’ family belied these claims as they have seen CCTV footage allegedly showing lawmen dragging the victim before shooting him dead. (PNA)

will not subscribe to,” Padilla stressed.

He also added that current developments and issues that this group wishes to take advantage of is now being addressed by the Department of Justice and parties to a possible crime are now under detention.

“Let us respect these processes and not allow ourselves to be used by individuals or groups with vested interests.

We appeal for sobriety, reason and patience as we await the results of these processes,” the AFP spokesperson added.

Also, as the constitutionally mandated protectors of the people, Padilla said the AFP

will stand by the law abiding citizens whenever necessary.

“Having affirmed this, the AFP however, will not hesitate in acting against forces who shall undermine the stability and security of our country and those who wish to destabilize our nation thru unconstitutional means,” he pointed out.

In the same vein, Padilla said the entire AFP is appealing to the public and the various political groups to respect the apolitical stance of the military and help bring unity and healing instead of fomenting divisiveness and collapse. (PNA)

spur economic activities in the South Central Mindanao Development Corridor, and was will easily open up more direct links for international trading for this area,” said MinDA Chairman Datu Abul Khayr Alonto.

Alonto added that the establishment of efficient inter-regional and connectivity infrastructure in Mindanao is one of the strategies of the agency to deliver lasting peace and development in the island-region.

“If we want people to truly feel what the government is doing for them, we first need to ensure that the physical access to where development is needed is there.

This is why we are glad that some of the major connectivity projects for Mindanao are included in the Build Build Build strategy of this administration,”Alonto said.

The history of BTSI shows the relevance of Polloc Port to the economic development of Central Mindanao because no less than former Philippine President, Fidel V. Ramos was part of its establishment. It was Ramos who foresaw the strategic importance of facilitating the development of a gateway port in Central Mindanao, such as Polloc Port.

Accordingly, Ramos helped organized a port services operator for Polloc Port in which the BTSI is the successor company.

Previously, the cargo handling company in Polloc Port was PTC Mindanao

Port Services, Inc. (PTC-MPSI) established in 1979.

At that time, the company operated at Polloc Port, Parang, Maguindanao then expanded its operations in Zamboanga City. PTC-MPSI rendered arrastre, stevedoring, other port related services and eventually entered into trucking business. The first Chairman of its Board of Directors was former Philippine President, Fidel V. Ramos. It was in 2014 that PTC-MPSI sold the company to Lamsan Holdings Corporation. In 2015, Lamsan took over the management after acquiring 100 percent of its shares of stocks including the Cargo Handling Contract with the Regional Ports Authority (RPA). In February 2016, with the approval of the Securities of Exchange Commission (SEC), the new management changed its name from PTC-MPSI to now BTSI. BTSI Manager Luigi Piccolo V. Peña said the company is serving major shipping lines. Among these are the Philippine Span Asia Carrier Corporation formerly Sulpicio Lines and Lorenzo Shipping Corp., and also Minrico Lumber Enterprises for domestic trade. As for foreign trade, the company services Lamsan, Inc., Bonjourno Trading, Holcim Philippines, Inc. and Avigail Hardware.

BTSI also provides trucking services to shippers utilizing the Polloc Freeport. At present, the company employs 232 workers.

AFP... FROM 2

POLLOC.. FROM 3

SPECIALIZED COURSE. Southern Philippines Medical Centre (SPMC) internal medicine chief resident Dr. Charlie Clarion holds the poster of the upcoming Postgraduate Course entitled Lo La Land: Navigating the Challenges of

Elderly Care, set on Septemner 1 to 2 at the Pinnacle Hotel. Clarion made the announcement of the event during Kapehan sa Dabaw at the Annex of SM City Davao on Monday. Lean Daval Jr.

NOGRALES.. FROM 3

BSP.. FROM 4

This means that the House of Representatives (HOR) will be able to begin plenary discussions on the proposed 2018 National Expenditure Program (NEP) by September 4, which is right on track with the Nograles panel’s plan.

The NEP was personally submitted by President Rodrigo Duterte to Congress after his second State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 24.

The nearly 300-strong HOR, which has the power of the purse, treats it as its first duty each year to pass the proposed budget of the upcoming year. This ensures the smooth delivery of the administration’s projects and programs.

Nograles sees heated plenary debate on PNP budget due to Kian’s case House Appropriations Committee Chairman, Davao City 1st district Rep. Karlo Nograles expects heated debate among his colleagues

price competitiveness.”

He, however, stressed that the central bank “will not tolerate such speculative behavior and stands ready to use its very ample international reserves and deploy its full policy and regulatory arsenal if necessary.”

“In any case, we think that the peso has now sufficiently adjusted and can be expected to regain relative stability going forward. This soft landing is reinforced by effective discipline in fiscal

once the proposed P170.7 billion budget of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) for 2018 reaches the plenary.

Nograles, in a radio interview, said this is due to the current controversies surrounding the Philippine National Police (PNP), which is under the DILG. In particular, this has to do with the recent spate of killings of drug suspects in police operations.

Among those slain the past few days was Kian Loyd de los Santos, a Grade 11 student in Caloocan City. The student’s kin has denied his involvement in the illegal drug trade.

A huge portion of the Department’s proposed appropriation--some P131 billion--is allocated to the PNP. As such, Nograles said he is anticipating calls to reduce the PNP budget over these alleged abuses.(PNA)

management and a well-designed and well-executed public investment program,” he said.

“Pursuing a flexible and adaptive exchange rate policy enables the BSP to keep its interest rate policy settings squarely focused on achieving the inflation target while dampening consumption and supporting a more investment- and export-led growth that the economy needs to sustain its strong momentum over the long haul,” he added.

(PNA)

INdulge!

VOL. 10 ISSUE 102• WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 23, 2017

WOMEN

EDGEDAVAO

Sweet sound from the south

GABRIELLE GROSS

By BAI FAUZIAH FATIMA SINSUAT AMBOLODTO

FROM THE SOUTH TO THE REST OF THE ARCHIPELAGO, expect the sweet sound of Gabrielle Gross to fill the airwaves. Truly, her voice can lure in a crowd whenever she performs.

Her timbre and repertoire? Quite advanced for her age.

Sixteen-year old Gabrielle Marie Gross Singson or Gabrielle Gross, has a caressing voice that has been likened to that of a foreign singer. Definitely not Pinoy sounding and with her looks and fair skin tone, you’d

probably think that she definitely is not Pinoy.

Gabrielle is Pinay and a proud Davaoeña. At 16, she has found her sound and has composed her own songs, like “A Song Inspired by You” and “Ain’t Bothering You”, and plays the instrument of choice herself—the guitar or the ukulele.

Perhaps her liking to a diverse range of songs is due to the exposure to different kinds of music, “I grew up listening to jazz and classical music, to Michael Jackson and Jonny Mathis. My dad really opened my mind to

music,” she confessed.

Who would dad be? Popular balladeer, Chad Borja.

For Gabrielle, it’s a bonus to be the daughter of a famous singer. But then, she has plans of her own. “I want to be known for the things I do and for who I am.”

Father and daughter tandem has had several gigs together.

On her own, Gabrielle has performed in front of a large audience appearing as front act at the 2017 Philippine Tour of the 70-piece brass band Musikverein Orchestra of Germany and as guest vocalist for One Light

Orchestra which performed at a Davao school-for-the-blind foundation.

As for her choices of cover songs, she’s a young girl with an old soul. She may have Beyoncé and Ariana Grande on the list, but one can’t help but wonder why an 11th grader would fancy Elton John’s ‘Daniel’, Bread’s ‘If’, Michael Jackson’s ‘Ben’ and ‘Smile’, or Diana Ross’s ‘Do You Know Where You’re Going To’.

To that she said, “I want to give every song I cover my spin to it. I want to sound like me.”

“Gabrielle is surely an act to watch. She delivers her take

of sweet, laid back music that seamlessly fuses pop, acoustic, R&B, and jazz only few of her age can truly pull off,” representative from Ivory Music said.

No wonder she was signed by the record company as one of their talents.

Jimmy Borja, hit-making tunesmith, composed a song for Gabrielle entitled Secret -about being one’s self while everybody’s trying to fit in.

Gabrielle Gross’ debut digital single “A Song Inspired By You” will hit the airwaves soon -- a song she wrote that talks about universality.

EDGEDAVAO

A2INdulge!

STYLE

VOL. 10 ISSUE 102• WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 23, 2017

Asean on the runway AIRASIA’S ANNUAL DESIGNER SEARCH, AirAsia Runway Ready Designer Search, held its 2017 Grand Finale today at Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week Ready To Wear 2017 (KLFW RTW 2017).

The finale saw a total of twenty young talents from all 10 Asean countries showcase their Aseanthemed creations on the runway.

Two top aspiring designers were selected to represent each country after a regionwide audition tour across Asean. The search kicked off in April in Manila before moving on to Bandar Seri Begawan, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Ho Chi Minh City, Yangon, Jakarta, Bangkok, Vientiane and ended in Phnom Penh in June.

Tran Thi Tu from Vietnam was announced as the Grand Winner and walked away with prizes including a confirmed show segment to showcase their full collection at KLFW RTW 2018, a year-long mentorship from the KLFW RTW team, P300,000 sponsored by FashionValet to produce a capsule collection to be sold on fashionvalet.com, 150,000 AirAsia BIG Points, a six-page fashion spread in AirAsia’s Travel3Sixty inflight magazine, a special feature in Female Malaysia magazine and a pair of AirAsia return flights.

Aireen Omar, Chief Executive Officer of AirAsia Berhad said, “As a truly Asean airline, we are proud to continue our initiative through this platform and expand the designer search to a regional level with talents from all 10 Asean countries. We are very impressed with what we’ve witnessed on the runway today.

Asean has great potential and we believe that, with continuous support and guidance from fashion industry leaders, business owners as well as members of the media, the fashion industry can flourish across the region.”

Andrew Tan, Founder of Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week Ready To Wear said, “Having AirAsia as a Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week partner for the past three years has undeniably been an incredible privilege. This partnership allowed us to not only access regional media and influencers but to forge stronger multilateral relationships with opinion leaders, fashion schools,

“ designers and fashion industry activators in neighboring countries. The growth of AirAsia Runway Ready Designer Search from five countries last year to 10 countries this year will be instrumental in paving the way for Kuala Lumpur to be the fashion hub of Asean in the near future, a future made possible with the strength of the collaboration between AirAsia and Kuala Lum-

MVT Bridges Philippines, Purok Malakas, General Santos City for more Information Please contact Cellphone Number 09460154748. Look for Shane S. Liquit Marketing Consultant

pur Fashion Week”.

Vivy Yusof, Co-Founder of FashionValet said, “This year has been nothing short of spectacular. From talented local designers to experiencing the best of what Asean has to offer, it has been a whirlwind adventure. FashionValet is honoured to carry the debut line of last year’s winner from Thailand, Anuruk Jaidee, and we hope this will be the start

The finale saw a total of twenty young talents from all 10 Asean countries showcase their Aseanthemed creations on the runway.

of more exciting Asean brands on our platform. I am thankful to Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week and AirAsia for collaborating with us at FashionValet and look forward to discovering even more talent in 2018.”

AirAsia Runway Ready Designer Search was established

with the aim of empowering youth and developing young talents in the fashion industry across the region. This year’s panel of judges for the Grand Finale included judges from all Asean countries, as well as Aireen Omar, CEO of AirAsia Berhad; Andrew Tan, Founder of KLFW RTW; and Vivy Yusof, Co-Founder of FashionValet.

Rides for the regional judges for the grand finale were sponsored

by Uber.

Last year’s AirAsia Runway Ready Designer Search winner, Anuruk Jaidee from Thailand, also made a special appearance and showcased his full collection on the KLFW RTW 2017 runway.

AirAsia is also KLFW RTW 2017’s Preferred Travel Partner and is proud to have flown in international fashion designers from across AirAsia’s extensive route network, including KaSha (India), Reclothing Bank (China), Resurrection (South Korea), TAKK (Japan), Yousef Akbar (Australia) and Anthony Ramirez (Philippines).

AirAsia BIG Loyalty Programme and FashionValet are proud sponsors of AirAsia Runway Ready Designer Search 2017.

VOL. 10 ISSUE 102• WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 23, 2017

UP AND ABOUT

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

SM malls support breastfeeding month

August 18 – 22, 2017

AWOL Gerald Anderson, Dianne Medina Guaranteed Seating & One Time Viewing Only

R16

11:45 | 1:25 | 3:05 | 4:45 | 6:25 | 8:05 | 9:45 LFS

PATAY NA SI HESUS Jaclyn Jose, Chai Fonacier Guaranteed Seating & One Time Viewing Only

R13

11:35 | 1:40 | 3:45 | 5:50 | 7:55 | 10:00 LFS

BAR BOYS Carlo Aquino, Rocco Nacino Guaranteed Seating & One Time Viewing Only

PG

12:05 | 2:30 | 4:55 | 7:20 | 9:45 LFS

100 TULA PARA KAY STELLA Bela Padilla, JC Santos Guaranteed Seating & One Time Viewing Only

PG

11:20 | 2:00 | 4:40 | 7:20 | 10:00 LFS

IN CELEBRATION of the Breastfeeding Month, SM City Davao hosted a Breastfeeding Forum last August 4 at the Annex Event Center. Over a hundred mothers joined the one-hour engagement with volunteers from LATCH Davao.

According to mall manager Lynette AngalaLopez, SM launched its first breastfeeding station in Megamall in March 2006. All other SM mall followed suit. “Since we activated our breastfeeding station here at SM City Davao we have seen a growing of number of mothers who use our facility,” she shares. The mall’s breastfeeding station located at the Level 2 provides a comfortable nook for nursing mallgoers. This commitment is part of SM Cares Program for Women and Children.

This year, SM City Davao partnered with

Natalac and LATCH Davao. LATCH Davao is an organized group of nursing mothers which aims to promote breastfeeding through knowledge transfer, counseling and peer support. During the event, LATCH member, Chantal Grace Gumban-Febrero discussed about the myths of breastfeeding and rights of breastfeeding mothers. The group also provided free consultation and counselling during the event.

EDGEDAVAO

A4INdulge!

EVENT

VOL. 10 ISSUE 102• WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 23, 2017

Of flowers and friendship THE KADAYAWAN FESTIVAL is a celebration of unity and friendship as well as thanksgiving for the bounty of the land which is characterised by its abundant fruits as well as flowers. One of the events which I always look forward to is the annual Ikebana exhibit organised by the members of Ikebana International Davao Chapter 133.

This year, they held their exhibit from August 11 to 13 at the Atrium of SM Lanang Premier with the theme “Peace and Serenity Through Ikebana”.

“As we celebrate our 47th anniversary and annual exhibit, in another part of the Philippines, there is ongoing turmoil and violence in war-torn Marawi City.” said Ikebana International Davao Chapter 133 president Arlene “Jing” Puentespina in her welcome remarks. “We would like to dedicate our theme this year to the hundreds dead and thousands displaced from an event no one saw coming.”

“Making arrangements calms the soul, brings about peace and serenity.” he added, “it allow one to be still in an ever busy chaotic world.

We want to remind everyone through our arrangements to reflect, to focus, and go on a sense of calmness and serenity within.”

Present for the exhibition’s opening ceremonies was Department of Tourism Secretary Wan-

da Teo, Japanese consul director Tomoko Dodo, Indonesian consul general Berlian Napitupulu, SM Lanang Premier’s operations manager Therese Manalo, as well as guests from Ikebana International chapter in Manila.

Aside from the floral exhibit, the Ikebana International Davao Chapter 133 also held workshops and demonstrations on August 12 and 13 with Ikebana Ohara and Ikenobo professor Jocye Kato.

Congratulations to the members and officers of Ikebana International Davao Chapter 133 on another breathtaking exhibit that speaks to the heart of flowers and friendship.

COMPETITIVE EDGE 11 EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 102 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 23, 2017

Photo 1. ACE Hardware Philippines was elevated to the Hall of Fame in the Home Improvement Category during the Philippine Retailers Association’s 20th Outstanding Filipino Retailers and Shopping Centers Awards held recently at the Grand Ballroom of Solaire Resort and Casino. In the photo, ACE Hardware Philippines VP for Merchandising and

Ace Hardware elevated to Hall of Fame of PRA

A

CE Hardware, the one stop shop for the latest home improvement solutions, was recently elevated to the Hall of Fame in the Foreign Brand Retailer – Home Improvement Category during the Philippine Retailer’s Association’s 20th Outstanding Filipino Retailers & Shopping Centers of the Year Awards at the Grand Ballroom of Solaire Resort and Casino.

ACE Hardware, one of the leading hardware stores in the United States, opened its first franchise in the Philippines at SM Southmall, Las Piñas in 1997. Since then, it has grown to become one of the country’s leading home hardware chains with more than 150 ACE Hardware branches nationwide and still growing.

ACE Hardware carries a wide range of hardware products and power tools, electrical and plumbing equipment, paints and sundries, building materials, outdoor equip-

ment, and items for the car and the house.

It also has a lawn and garden section for gardening needs and a pet section for the animal lovers.

This is the thirdtime ACE has been honored with a PRA Award, thus elevating it into Hall of Fame status. Others include the OFR-Category Killer Award in 2013 and OFR-Best Home Improvement Center Award in 2015.

Philippine Retailers Association has over 400 member companies, covering a wide scope of the distribution chain, in its fold — from retailers, mall and shopping center operators to traders/suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, and wholesalers, among others.

PRA’s annual search for the Outstanding Filipino Retailers seeks to recognize Filipino retailers who have epitomized the model of a successful retailer in terms of growth and good ethical business practices.

Operations Bernard Ong (2nd from left) and ACE SVP- Operations Bernard Lim receive the award from PRA Chairman Lorenzo Formoso and Vice Chairman Roberto Claudio (4th from left).

Mansaka evolved model to hold on to royalty fees

By JIMMY K. LAKING

T

he last time the Mansaka indigenous peoples of Maco (Compostela Valley province) got hold of the royalty fees arising from the operation of the Apex Mining Corporation was in 2013.

“There was in fact an over-payment of P32Million based on our records,” said Ferdinand Doble, social management program

manager of Apex.

The Indigenous Peoples Rights Act of 1997 has mandated mining companies to fork out the equivalent of 1% of their gross income to host communities.

Apex’s application for production sharing agreement covers 5,022 hectares, inside the ancestral domain of the Mansaka IPs. This month, leaders of

Panagsandeg, the Mansaka tribal organization expressed optimism that with the strengthening of their Community Royalty Development Plan, the issue on how much royalty fees should be paid them and how it should be used has been understood by all beneficiaries in 26 barangays affected.

“What we were able

to evolve is a model in the management of royalty and our natural resources,” said youthful Mansaka leader Feliciano R. Escabusa, Jr. in his report before the conference on “Modelling Royalty Management and Sustainable Economic Development” in Tagum City on July 28,2017.

Escabusa believes the plan is the first to be devel-

of a living boxing legend and a mixed martial arts (MMA) hotshot because it pits two strong athletes with different fighting backgrounds.

Meanwhile Mayweather stayed the path of a boxer and goes in the ring with an undefeated professional fight record of 49-0 with 26 knockouts, 15 world titles, and the lineal championship in 4 different weight classes.

McGregor will challenge the boxing legend, that ESPN has labeled as the top pound for pound fighter of the last 25 years with his own credentials of an MMA fight record standing at 24 bouts, with 21 wins—18 of which via knockout— and only three defeats.

The reigning UFC Lightweight Champion, and former UFC Featherweight Champion has competed as a feather-

weight, lightweight, and welterweight in the entire span of his career.

The fight will be aired at approximately 9AM but fans can catch the replay at 7PM also on also on August 27.

This special is available to subscribers of ONE SKY, SKYcable, SKYdirect, and SKYbroadband via SKY On Demand for P950.

Existing subscribers

MANSAKA,13

MayWeather Vs McGregor fight to air on SKY sports PPV

C

oming to SKY Sports Pay Per View on August 27, Sunday live and in high definition from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas is the year’s most anticipated fight between the contemporary era’s greatest fighters, boxing great Floyd Mayweather, Jr. and UFC (Universal Fighting Championship) superstar Conor McGregor.

Fight fans will surely enjoy this match-up

MAYWEATHER,13

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 102• WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 23, 2017

EDGEDAVAO PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS Serving a seamless society

VOL. 10 ISSUE 102 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 23, 2017

EDGEDAVAO

COMPETITIVE EDGE 13

MAYWEATEHER.. FROM 11 can catch the fight by calling 305 5456 (Davao) and 655 6785 (Tagum), by texting BOXINGPPV to 23662 or by visiting mysky.com.ph/boxingppv.

SKYdirect postpaid subscribers can text SKY to 23668; SKYdirect prepaid users can

also subscribe through mysky.com.ph/boxingppv Sports fans are encouraged to watch out for announcements as SKY Sports PPV will continue to offer more live sporting events.

oped by a host community in the Philippines.

“We are committed to participate in making this plan work,” said Datu Daniel Calibadan, a Mansaka leader from the village of Masara. “It has shown us to be humble and not to blame the past.”

The conference is the culmination of a fourmonth community-based effort undertaken by the USAID-funded Kaisampalad, Inc. non-government organization under its executive director , Lino Moleta.

“Our role was basically to introduce a model for the IPs to implement in managing their royalty,” he said.

“This is coupled by how they could sustain their economic development in the spirit of transparency and accountability.”

“It required learning a lot including basic accounting,” said Nelia T. Sumlog, treasurer of Panagsandeg.

In essence, Kaisampalad provide the needed assistance in securing the fundamentals of mobilizing royalty resources by reinforcing community assets, in reply to community clamour.

This included a review and refining of the Ancestral Domains Sustainable Development and Protection Plan (ADSPP) and the formulation of the CRDP, the putting of management bodies for governance and management of royalty and other resources and the introduction of a model for royalty management that supports the community’s strategic aim for sustainable economic development.

“It is no fairy tale because it is still a battle to be won,” said Jurgette Honculada, chair and president of Kaisampald. “But it might work for good since our intervention has definitely opened their eyes.”

MANSAKA.. FROM 11

BRIGHTER HOME. Davao Light and Power Co., Inc. and Aboitiz Foundation rewired the Children’s Village of Davao City also known as Bahay Pag-asa, a rehabilitation center for the youth in conflict with the law which is managed by the Davao City Social Services and Development Office (CSSDO). The rewiring project was provided to help review and asses the wires and electrical connection as well as help improve the lighting conditions of the rehab

facilities. A ceremonial switch-on took place last August 14, 2017 to signify the turn over of the upgraded electrical wiring system of Bahay Pag-asa led

by Davao Light Community Relations Manager Fermin Edillon, Social Services Committee of Davao City Council Councilor Victorio U. Advincula, Jr. and CSSDO Head Maria Lusia T. Bermudo.

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VOL. 10 ISSUE 102 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 23, 2017

EDGEDAVAO

SPORTS 15

PH golfers strike in opening round

By NEILWIN JOSEPH BRAVO

T

LEADER. Lois Kaye Go leads women’s golf with a 66. MRGC photo

he Philippines opened its campaign in golf on a high note taking top 1 and 2 positions in women’s and men’s play on TUesday at The Mines Golf Resort and Country Club in Kuala Lumpur.

Lois Kaye Go fired a six under par 66 to pace the women’s competitions.

She holds a three stroke lead over Malaysia’s Nur Durriyah who carded a 69 along with Thailand’s Thitapa Pakdeesetiakul. Another Malaysian Ashley Lau and Thai Attaya Thitikul had identical 70s.

In men’s play, Ruperto Zaragosa III, whose mpther Evelyn is a Dabawenya, fired a 8 under par 64 and even momentarily held on to the lead until Thailand’s Kammalas Namuangruk came in with a near perfect round of 63.

“I was playing well with my irons and putting today,” s a i d Zaragosa in a message to Edge Davao.

Kosuke Hamamoto of Thailand is

at third with a 67 alongside compatriot Witchayanon Chothirunrungrueng.

Gregory Foo of Singapore had a 68.

The 54-hole tournament resumes today.

KL SEA GAMES 2017 - Leading first round scores ( Men ) 63 - Kammalas Namuangruk (Thailand) 64 - Ruperto Zaragosa III (Philippines) 67 - Kosuke Hamamoto (Thailand) 67 - Witchayanon Chothirunrungrueng (Thailand) 68 - Gregory Foo (Singapore) KL SEA GAMES 2017 - Leading first round scores ( Ladies ) 66 - Go Lois Kaye Lo (Philippines) 69 - Nur Durriyah (Malaysia) 69 - Thitapa Pakdeesetiakul (Thailand) 70 - Ashley Lau (Malaysia) 70 - Atthaya Thitikul (Thailand)

WITHIN STRIKING DISTANCE. Ruperto Zaragosa is in second overnight.

MRGC photo

Pacquiao-Horn 2 set F

ilipino boxer Manny Pacquiao’s rematch with Australian Jeff Horn has been confirmed for Brisbane later this year, the city’s mayor said on Monday.

Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk had earlier threatened to pull funding without confirmation from

the Pacquiao camp but said he had been reassured at a meeting with promoters on Monday.

“I have had a meeting earlier today which has confirmed that Manny Pacquiao will definitely be in Brisbane this year for a rematch with Jeff Horn,” Quirk told local media.

Davao karateka wins silver

D

avao City’s Rexor Tacay won a silver medal in karatedo for the Philippines in the ongoing 29th Southeast Asian Games in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Tacay, a son of the late Philippine Shotokan Karatedo Association founder Ricardo in Davao City, bowed to Thailand’s Supa Ngamphuengphit in the finals of the men’s Kumite below 67 kg to settle for the silver.

By far, the Philippines’ karatedo team has won two silver and two bronze medals.

The other silver was courtesy of Jason Macaalay, who bowed to Malaysia’s Senthil Al Silvarajao in the Men’s Kumite below 60 kg.

OJ Delos Santos claimed a bronze medal in the Men’s Individual Kata event while Junna Tsukii pocketed the bronze in Women’s 50kg kumite.

HUNAT DABAW 5. The Royal Mandaya Hotel general manager Benjie Banzon and event director Meg Jolejole formally launch the fifth edition of the annual Hunat Dabaw Run on Tuesday at the Royal Mandaya Hotel. Lean Daval Jr.

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. 10 ISSUE 102 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 23, 2017

ON TARGET

Davao’s Suarez lead Pinoy pugs march to medal rounds K

UALA LUMPUR - Three Filipino boxers including Dabawenyo Charly Suarez stepped closer to the gold medal bout on Monday after hurdling separate rivals in the boxing competitions of the 2017

Southeast Asian Games at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Center Hall 8.

Bantamweight Mario Fernandez and light heavyweight John Nobel Tupas Marvin won via unanimous

decision while veteran light welterweight Suarez also hurdled his rival via split decision to enter the semifinals, assuring the three fighters of at least a bronze in the competition.

Fernandez, Marvin, and Suarez joined Ian Clark Bautista and Eumir Felix Marcial in the country’s gold medal bid in the semifinals on Tuesday.

A f t e r

beating Maung Nge of Myanmar on Sunday, Fernandez edged Tran Phu Chong of Vietnam to advance into the semifinal round, keeping his bid for a repeat of the SEA Games gold alive.

“Nagpapasalamat ako na nanalo ako kahit pagod,” said Fernandez, still catching his breath when interviewed by reporters after the bout.

“Dapat relax lang ako kasi hindi rin basta basta. Dapat hindi ka malayo sa kanya kasi HEAVYWEIGHT. John Nobel Tupas Marvin also advvanced to the medal rounds.

BIG WIN. Charly Suarez won via split decision over Khir Akyazlan B. Azmi of Malaysia.

magaling din sa distansya.”

Marvin outclassed naturalized Cambodian fighter Felix Merlin Martinez as he wobbled the boxer with Cuban descent all bout long for a unanimous decision.

“I’m not sure who my opponent is but I’m sure it won’t be as bad as the ‘Cuban’,” said a brash Marvin after the bout.

Suarez won via split decision over Khir Akyazlan B. Azmi of Malaysia in front of a hostile hometown crowd. He delivered a blow to the body that forced the referee to count the Malaysian fighter.

“Sabi ko dapat sa tiyan siya tamaan. Napuruhan naman,” said Suarez.

“Expected na po ‘yun,” said Suarez on the split decision. “Ang importante, nanalo.”

Paalam, meanwhile, was not fortunate against his Malaysian foe, a decision which Alliance of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines executive director Ed Picson declined to comment on.

“I’d rather not comment on it except that I felt that we won it,” Picson said. “We thought we should have won all the fights. But that’s boxing. We can’t tell how other people look at the fight.”

Gymnastics delivers 2 golds K

UALA LUMPUR - Kaitlin De Guzman claimed the second gold for artistic gymnastics on Tuesday after ruling the uneven bars of the 2017 Southeast Asian Games at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Center.

De Guzman joined Reyland Capellan, who captured the apparatus final gold earlier in the day.

Capellan won gold in ar-

tistic gymnastics on Tuesday in the 2017 Southeast Asian Games at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre.

It is the fourth gold medal for the Philippines in the KL Games after Mary Joy Tabal in women’s marathon and the triathlon sweep by Nikko Huelgas and Kim Mangrobang.

SUPERB FORM. Ma. Cristina Onofre of the Philippines. PSC photo

GOLD MEDALISTS. (Inset) Kaitlin De Guzman and Reyland Capellan