Edge10 issue108 August 31,2017

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 108 • THURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 2017

WELCOME SPEECH. Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio gives her speech as the guest of honor of the Task Force Davao change of command ceremony at TF Davao headquarters on Wednesday. Angie Saveron

PNP says it is aware of CHR’s functions T

he Philippine National Police recognizes and is well aware of the mandate of the Commission on Human Rights in ensuring checks and balances in the government.

This, according to PNP chief, Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, shortly after a meeting with CHR Chairman Jose Luis “Chito” Gascon in Camp Crame, Quezon City late Tuesday.

Dela Rosa said the police force understands that human rights is an obligation of state agents.

“We have accepted that the CHR monitors the conduct of state agents,” Dela Rosa said in Filipino.

The meeting took place after Senator Panfilo Lacson asked for cooperation between the two agencies to discuss matters concerning the campaign against illegal drugs during the August 24 Senate inquiry on the death of Kian Loyd Delos Santos.

In the spirit of transparency, openness and full disclosure, the CHR also asked for the case folders and

PNP,10

Mayor Sara rates Colonel Neri an ‘11’

By ANGIE SAVERON

C

ity mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio in a rare display of satisfaction on Wednesday gave outgoing Task Force Davao Commander Col. Erwin Bernard Neri a score of 11.

The mayor said it was the highest she gave to a man in uniform.

“Col. Neri you should be scored 10 but this is the first

time city Atty. Lopez attended a Task Force Davao turnover so you are given an 11,” said Mayor Duterte during the Task Force Davao Change of command Atty. Zuleika Lopez is the city administrator.

The task force Davao was created after the twin bombings in Sasa, specifically at the Sasa Airport and the Sasa Port. Task Force Davao

is tasked to prevent a similar occurrence.

“It will always be a 10 and will graduate with flying colors Kung walang sumabog,” said Duterte.

She reminded the security forces not to sleep on their duties. “Dapat matulog ang mga estudyante natin, matulog ng mahimbing peacefully inside their houses. Ang mga

doctors natin, nurses, teachers at lahat ng professionals at lahat ng Davaoeños dapat matulog ng mahimbing.Trabaho ninyo yun na magising habang tulog sila to prepare the city for them. When they wake up and go to work and put progress and development and put Davao city on the map,” said Duterte.

force their comrades via Lake Lanao on Monday.

He said only around 60 Maute gunmen were left and were stepping up use of improvised explosive devices.

He said clashes had been confined to areas near the lake.

But on Tuesday, military planes continued to drop bombs over the downtown area, the scene of heavy fighting since the early days of the siege which enters its 100th day on Wednesday.

Galvez admitted that government troops were finding it difficult to fight in an urban setting.

In a press conference in Cagayan de Oro City last June 11, he described Marawi as a “rat hole” for the militants.

On Monday, he declared that most of Marawi had been cleared of militants and that they were preparing for the return of the evacuees and reopening of public schools in the city proper.

Mindanao State University’s main campus, which sits on a hill overlooking the city, opened classes last August 22 amid heavy security.

Army troopers continued to guard the school entrance.

Coverage restrictions Several journalists have

complained that the military, citing “operational security,” has imposed tighter restrictions such as banning media presence even in “cleared” areas that they wanted to cover and had previously covered.

They told Galvez they are not the military’s “PIO” (public information officers) thus they would not be content with receiving press releases as sources of their reports.

In a letter last week addressed to General Eduardo Ano, Armed Forces chief of staff, journalists covering Marawi said: “We believe

MAYOR,10

Military says Marawi siege lifted in 2-3 weeks period

T

FISH SANCTUARY. Phoenix Petroleum Philippines manager for corporate affairs and Phoenix Phils.

Foundation head Ben Sur talks about the company and its partners’ recently launched build a reef

project where they built 30 artificial reefs to help address sea produce shortage. Sur gave the details during Wednesdays @ Habi at Kape at Abreeza Mall. Lean Daval Jr.

he already threemonth long armed hostilities between government forces and the Islamic State-inspired Maute group will be over in two to three weeks, a military official said Monday.

Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez, chief of the Armed Forces’ Western Mindanao Command, said he expects “normalcy” to return to the city in two to three weeks, citing the conflict area had been reduced to “400 to 600 square meters”.

Galvez said government troops killed five of 10 Maute militants who tried to rein-

MILITARY,10

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 108 • THURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 2017

NEWS 3

Taguiwalo denies handing over 4Ps money to Reds

F

ormer social welfare secretary Judy Taguiwalo denied accusations she channeled funds from the government’s Conditional Cash Transfer or Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) to the New People’s Army for the rebel group’s purchase of arms and ammunition.

“For the record and for the President’s own awareness, not a single peso of

the 4Ps program passed through my hands. The program funds are directly coursed through the Landbank and its conduits who then make direct payout to the Pantawid beneficiaries. These transactions are recorded and COA (Commission on Audit) regularly audits this program,” Taguiwalo said on her Facebook account Tuesday. (Antonio L. Colina IV)

Aguirre’s appeal to place BuCor under DOJ control supported

S

amar Congressman Edgar Mary Sarmientio is backing Department of Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II’s appeal to Congress to place the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) under the DOJ’s full control.

“Aguirre’s proposal is definitely worth looking into given the National Bilibid Prison’s (NBP) history with the narcotics trade and it’s supposedly persisting

connections with it,” said Sarmiento.

The BuCor oversees the country’s penal facilities, most notably the NBP or the national penitentiary in Muntinlupa City.

During the DOJ’s hearing on its proposed 2018 budget before the House Appropriations Committee chaired by Davao Rep. Karlo Nograles, Aguirre frowned over the

AGUIRRE’S,13

SHARING NOTES.Senator Cynthia Villar (left), together with Governor Emmylou Taliño-Mendoza of North Cotabato, discuss issues and concerns affecting the farmers and the agriculture industry in a news conference during the

ASEAN scout leaders okay Tagum as jamboree venue

GSC police seeks ban on wearing of helmets B

P

olice authorities here are pushing for a ban on the use of helmets by motorcycle riders in the city’s downtown area in a bid to counter criminal activities involving motorcycle-riding suspects.

Sr. Supt. Romeo Ruel Berango, acting city police director, said Wednesday the move could help prevent the occurrence of street crimes and facilitate the easy identification of suspects in some cases.

He said they are set to submit a proposal to the Sangguniang Panlungsod or

City Council here for the passage of an ordinance regarding the measure.

“This is really necessary as most crime suspects have been hiding their identities by using motorcycle helmets,” he said.

Berango specifically cited several cases of daring murders these past months that involved suspects riding-in-tandem in motorcycles.

A number of these killings were believed perpetrated by hired gunmen based in areas outside the city.

GSC,13

opening of 103rd Founding Anniversary of Cotabato Province and 7th Kalivungan Festival in Amas, Kidapawan City on Monday. Lean Daval Jr.

ANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, BRUNEI DARUSSALAM—Scout leaders across the ASEAN Region expressed confidence that Tagum City will able to pull off a grand staging of the 6th edition of the ASEAN Scout Jamboree that will be hosted by the City of Tagum come November 27-December 2 this year.

In the 6th meeting of the ASEAN Scout Association for Regional Cooperation (ASARC) held at Brunei Darussalam last August 27, Mayor Allan L. Rellon presented before scout leaders from the member countries of ASARC the developments in the preparation of the city in hosting the said international event.

Expected to gather 30,000 Scouts, the week-long event will be the biggest event to be hosted by the city that is positioning to project itself as a rising MICE (meetings, investments, conventions and events) destination.

Mayor Rellon stressed that preparations are on full-swing “to ensure that we give the best ASEAN Scout Jamboree ever.”

The local chief executive, who will be serving as the Camp Chief during the 6th ASEAN Scout Jamboree, also allayed the fear of the international delegation because of the declaration of Martial Law in Mindanao.

“Rest assured that we have been working very closely

with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police, along with our civilian auxiliary units, to maintain peace and order during the conduct of this week-long event. With or without martial law, you can be ensured of a safe stay in our city,” he said.

Participating countries to this edition of the ASEAN Scout Jamboree include Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Brunei Darussalam and the Philippines.

Mayor Rellon also mentioned that the Scout Association of Georgia have also committed their country’s participation in the jamboree during his visit along with the

Philippine delegation to Georgia shortly after attending the World Scout Conference in Azerbaijan.

International contingent heads will be conducting a site inspection in Tagum’s Energy Park—the main venue of the jamboree—on the third week of October to see for themselves the development in the preparation of the Jamboree.

The 7th ASARC meeting will also be hosted by Tagum on November 26 this year, the day before the formal opening of the ASEAN Scout Jamboree which will be highlighted by the official declaration of the accreditation of ASARC as a recognized entity of the ASEAN. Louie Lapat/CIO Tagum

as among the most corrupt agencies in the country and its system “rotten,” but also because the President’s eldest son, Davao City Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte has been implicated in the “Davao Group” along with Councilor Nilo “Small” Abellera, Jr. MindaNews asked Lapeña last week if he would also conduct an investigation into the alleged “Davao Group. His reply early Tuesday morning: “the reason why I am now at BOC is because of many issues which are now the subject of investigation by the (House of Representatives) and the Senate.”

“I will take action including further investigations based on the result of investigations conducted by the (House of Representatives)

and Senate, and that would include everybody without exemption,” said Lapeña, a member of the Phlippine Military Academy Class of 1973.

“Desperate rumor monger” Hours after Lapeña sent his reply, Senator Antonio Trillanes alleged in a Senate hearing that Presidential son-in-law Manases Carpio, husband of Mayor Sara Duterte, was part of the “Davao Group,” an allegation Carpio denied.

In a statement, Carpio, a lawyer, said he represents many clients who have transactions with the Bureau of Customs. “It is my job as a lawyer to appear before government agencies for and on behalf of my principals,” he said, adding Trillanes is “imputing mal-

Lapena assumes BOC post; to‘take action, including further probes’on‘Davao Group’

By CAROLYN O. ARGUILLAS

I

The new chief of the Bureau of Customs, Isidro Lapena during the June 30 “Mindanao Hour” in Davao City on 30 June 2017. RENE B. LUMAWAG / Presidential Photos

LIGAN CITY (MindaNews / 30 August) — The new chief of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) has vowed to “take action, including further investigations” based on the results of the congressional probes on the P6.4 billion worth of illegal drugs from China that managed to pass through the green lane because of alleged protectors whom customs fixer Mark Taguba referred to as the “Davao Group.”

“Everybody without exemption,” new Customs Commissioner Isidro Lapeña, told MindaNews early Tuesday morning, August 29. Lapena, who first arrived in Davao City as a new graduate of the Philippine Military Academy with the rank of second lieutenant in the Philippine Constabulary in the early years of Martial Law in

the seventies, was chief of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), before President Duterte appointed him a replacement of resigned Commissioner Nicanor Faeldon.

The House of Representatives and the Senate have been investigating the alleged corruption and incompetence in the BOC that allowed the entry of 604 kilos of shabu worth P6.4 billion in five metal cylinders. The shipment was later seized from two warehouses in Valenzuela City.

The new post is concededly a tough job for the 66-year old Lapeña who spent at least 12.6 years out of his 33.7 years in the police service in Davao City, not only because the President has repeatedly referred to the Bureau of Customs

LAPENA,10

4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 108 • THURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 2017

PH needs more infra as LNG transhipment hub

T

he Philippines is already serving as a de facto transhipment point for liquefied natural gas , Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi said.

Large tankers from LNG-exporting countries have been passing through the Subic Bay Freeport and have been offloading LNG to smaller vessels for delivery to a third country or customer, Cusi said in a recent interview with reporters in Taguig City.

The Philippines, he said, has long been acting as a transhipment point but the opportunity to make this possible has never been seized.

“We lack the infrastructure for this purpose. We missed the opportunity,” he said.

“This time around, we should take advantage of this. Our region will be a net importer, with the US being one of the top three exporters of LNG. This will be a great business opportunity for the country. It will be confidence-building, job-cre-

ating, and it will promote economic growth.”

However, the energy chief admitted that this is a chicken and egg situation wherein the country needs to build the infrastructure before any business could begin and since the country does not have the necessary funds, it will need to find a partner or financier.

“Our problem is infrastructure. We cannot rely on our dreams alone. We have to build the facilities for this. We also need the knowledge on LNG trading and the technical know-how to operate LNG facilities,” Cusi said.

He nonetheless emphasized that this is one opportunity the country should seize.

“We are trying to address two objectives (here). One is the national energy security in preparation for the eventual Malampaya depletion and (second), we want to become the hub for the region to spur inclusive growth and progress,” Cusi said. (PNA)

MINDANAO’S OWN. An elder woman displays authentic Maranao products at the exhibit area of Market-Market sa Kapitolyo/Cotabato Agro-fair at the Basket Provincial Pavilion in Amas, Kidapawan City. Lean Daval Jr.

DOH conducts policy Duterte to create anti-graft body to help fight corruption dialogue on healthcare P

resident Rodrigo Roa Duterte led the mass oath taking of newly appointed government officials in Malacañan Palace on Tuesday, August 29, asking them to help him fight corruption in government.

In his speech, President Duterte said he will create an anti-graft body that will investigate corruption in government. “I shall be creating an Anti-Graft Commission soon to investigate complaints of corruption in government. At ito is habulan ng panahon.

I do not want investigations to last more than one month,” Duterte said.

He expressed concern over the Ombudsman’s supposed failure to “live up to its constitutional mandate” and “slow-paced” response to cases filed before them.

“I can only wish that the Ombudsman would go beyond the friendship bonds and adapt the aforequoted principle as a governing rule in the performance of its constitutional mandate,” he said.

“I implore you, let justice be done. It is not yet late in the day to do that.

Let the remaining months of your incumbency be truly reflective of your mandate to do justice to everyone without favour or bias,” he added.

“When there is an urgent need to acquire equip-

ment, parts, materials, supplies, et cetera to meet contingencies or improve public service, any delay in the procurement of these items could result in adverse consequences. And it is the public who bears the consequence and sufferance. It is the government that gets pilloried and crucified,” he further said.

He noted that corruption in government is a major concern and the Ombudsman, the office that supposed to fight it, has been “ineffective.”

The President also warned that he will not think twice to suspend or dismiss presidential appointees found to be involved in corruption. He likewise warned against hiring of consultants and giving them huge salaries.

The President cited an office which hired four consultants with everyone receiving PHP200,000 monthly salary. “We have experts in government from whom you can consult when [the] need arises. Avail of their expertise.

Seek their assistance,” he said.

“But if you cannot really avoid hiring consultants, then it could be good if you moderate their fees. Excessive fees cut into the budget. Be careful with public funds. It is not money that you are of liberty to spend at the people’s expense,” he added.

By PAULA KIM FELICIANO

T

o furthermore strengthen partnerships with patient groups towards the increasing access to health care services and medicines, the Department of Health conducted the 4th Policy Dialogue on Universal Healthcare and Access to Medicines at the Apo View Hotel, Davao City on Wednesday.

The dialogue focused on direct talks between

Health Secretary Ubial and several patient groups in Davao City, with issues ranging from the agency’s Medicine Access Programs, Drug Price Regulation Mechanisms, to expounded discussions on the Presidential directive on access to cheaper medicines.

“We are working on reaching the geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas, like the Indegenous People, the street vendors,

the urban poor, the people in institutions, so we can provide annual check up.”

Ubial said.

She explained that one of the key objectives is to reach those who are in need but who are not able to avail themselves of healthcare services due to poverty and inadequate access.

DOH is currently studying in bringing into isolated areas their com-

munity-based programs, focusing more on emerging mental health issues, which already started in Region 8, and will soon be scaling up to the whole country.

Ubial announced that the government will be alloting a bigger health budget for 2018, amounting to P164-B which will mostly be dedicated to personnel services in line with the implementation of the Salary Standardization Law (SSL).

and spread it to other areas.

“The problem (in containing) avian flu, we should not only control the movement of the humans but also of the flies because they can travel from one poultry farm to another poultry farm. We must control the odor because without the odor, there will also be no flies,” he said.

He said flies can accurately smell the dead animals or a poultry farm seven kilometers away.

In a press release on August 24, Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol assured the public of “the full containment of the spread of the dreaded avian influenza to the rest of the country, saying he felt relieved that strict quarantine measures were put in place as soon as the Department confirmed

it.”

son of DA 11, said that even as the ban on Luzon poultry products had been lifted, suppliers must present documents certifying that their products came from bird flu-free areas.

Dr. Arlene Vytiaco, avian influenza focal person of the Bureau of Animal Industry, said the Australian Animal Health Laboratory has confirmed through genetic sequencing tests that the avian flu strain that hit San Luis, Pampanga was of the highly-pathogenic H5N6 which has a history of transmission to humans.

Vytiaco said that while the avian influenza type A H5N6 virus could be transmissible to humans, there is very low possibility of animal to human transmission. (MINDANEWS)

DA urged to prevent spread of bird flu T

he Department of Agriculture must prevent the infestation of flies in areas affected by bird flu to avoid the transmission of H5 strain of the avian influenza to other parts of Luzon, an inventor said Tuesday.

Davao Inventor Association president Virgilio Sangutan told reporters that the odor emanating from chicken carcasses would attract flies that can transmit the virus to provinces near Pampanga and Nueva Ecija in Central Luzon.

He said the virus can be transmitted not only through humans or chickens that have made direct contact with an infected bird but also by flies that “can worsen the virus contamination”

Piño said a total of 476,640 fowls were culled in San Luis, Pampanga, which included 331,150 layer chickens, 33,930 broilers, 32,850 ducks, 72, 190 quails, 158 pigeons, and 197 gamefowls.

In Jaen town, a total of 114,850 quails were culled while a total of 70,100 layer chickens were culled in San Isidro town, both in Nueva Ecija.

The secretary issued Administrative Circular No.08 dated August 22 lifting the ban on the movement of live birds, poultry products including poultry meat, eggs and other products from Luzon to the Visayas and Mindanao.

In a text message on Wednesday, Dr. Dannie Apelo, avian flu spokesper-

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 108 • THURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 2017

ECONOMY 5

P150-M SC infra projects finished T

he provincial government of South Cotabato has completed nearly P150 million worth of priority infrastructure projects in several parts of the province during the first half of the year.

Vicente Ayongao, acting head of the Provincial Engineer’s Office (PEO), said Wednesday these projects included 39 vertical and horizontal structures that were part of the province’s 2017 infrastructure program.

He said these included the repair, rehabilitation and upgrading of road networks as well as the construction of barangay structures and facilities.

A report released by the PEO showed that the local government’s investment in the completed projects reached a total of P149,770,815.23.

Aside from the construction and development costs, the provincial government also shouldered the labor expense for several low-budget projects.

Among the major road projects completed were the construction and rehabilitation of

the Norala-Banga road worth P47.4 million; Lambayong–Maltana road with lined canal in Tampakan worth P13.1 million; Polomolok–Cannery Road in Polomolok worth P11.9 million; Poblacion–Slaughterhouse road in Norala worth P9.9 million; national highway junction–Acmonan road in Tupi worth P9.8 million; and, the Upgrading of San Jose-Columbio provincial road in Koronadal City worth P3.34 million.

The other projects included the construction of day care centers, senior citizen buildings, school buildings, mini gymnasiums, covered courts and stages, barangay halls, multi-purpose buildings, multi-purpose drying pavements, water systems, lined canals, slope protection structures, playground systems and improvements of provincial government offices.

Ayongao said they are currently implementing 46 more projects that are worth a total of P202,822,809.64.

He said most of these are due for completion by yearend and in early 2018.

(PNA)

ith already more than 500 members in the country, Philippines still needs more members to pave way for an effective digital innovation, according to StartupPH, the country’s umbrella organization of all stakeholders and supporters of the startup and innovation communities.

StartupPH convener Jojo Flores said the country only has a 540-strong startup ecosystem. Of this number, 320 have already been cross verified by the organization, 137 are subject for verification and 83 are non-operating as of August 2017.

“This number is far behind compared to other countries like Israel and Bangalore in India as these have over 20,000 startups,” Flores said, adding that the way to have a thriving startup ecosystem is through the numbers.

Of the operational startups, Flores bared that majority of the startups in the country are involved in e-commerce (56 percent), financial technology, software as a service and business solutions (55 percent), financial

technology (48 percent), and consumer apps (40 percent).

Of the 320 startups, more than half do business to business (B2B) products and services.

“We target to reach a total of 1,000 startups next year,” he said. Flores, who recently gathered stakeholders for the 5th Geeks on a beach (Goab) international tech and startup conference at the Princesa Garden Island Resort and Spa Hotel in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.

Goab featured series of talks for corporates and businesses who intend to start their digital innovation.

Goab is an annual event for the Philippine startup community. On its 5th year, some 400 participants from the government and the private sector, including successful technology entrepreneurs from Southeast Asia and Silicon Valley, have gathered in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

GOAB is organized by TechTalks.ph, powered by Sym.ph, branding by Happy Garaje, and public relations by PRWorks.

PH needs members for startup system W

SHAPING UP. The future tallest skyscraper of Davao CIty, the 33-level Aeon Towers, tower above the JP Laurel Avenue business district. The maiden project of Davao-based developer FTC Group of Companies is due for completion early next year.

DOF uncovers P50-million ‘white elephant’ IT deal T

he Department of Finance has uncovered a P50 million “white elephant” left behind by the past administration that calls for a state-of-the-art “Disaster Recovery” (DR) Site to back up the operations of the Bureau of Treasury (BTr) in Manila from a city in the Visayas, where major telecommunications providers have not yet installed high-speed broadband connectivity networks to support the system’s critical requirements.

In a report to Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, Treasury officials said at a recent DOF executive committee (Execom) meeting that they had learned of the project when the vendor informed them that it was ready to turn over the DR Site to the agency.

The project calls for the supply, delivery, installation

and commissioning of various information and communications technology equipment, including the supply of labor, services and materials in support of the BTR’s operations in Manila from the remote location in the Visayas.

National Treasurer Rosalia de Leon noted, however, during that Execom meeting that the DR Site’s remote location “is not ideal for the Treasury’s critical systems” and telecommunications facilities such as high-speed fiber cables have not yet been set up by either PLDT or Globe Telecom in the area, defeating the purpose of setting up the cutting-edge ICT facilities in the DR’s data center.

“I want you to get to the bottom of this and find out who was behind this project,” Dominguez said upon learning of the multimillion-peso

structure that he described as a “white elephant.”

De Leon said no funds have also been allocated for the maintenance and operation of the DR under the 2017 budget.

“We also have no budget under the 2017 GAA (General Appropriations Act) to maintain and operate the DR as our current maintenance costs for the Ayuntamiento’s unified communications system is only about P28 million annually,” De Leon said.

The BTr’s main office is located at the Ayuntamiento de Manila building in Intramuros.

De Leon said they also found out that the DR was too costly to operate and maintain because it needs to run at full capacity 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and requires security personnel to guard the

property.

She likewise pointed out that the BTr has no technical capability to run the DR’s data center.

Dominguez instructed De Leon to find ways to put the project to good use and to hire a private service provider to ensure that the DR runs efficiently.

The DR Site consists of a structure that houses precision air-conditioning units, a cold aisle containment system, uninterruptible power supply, an FM200 fire suppression system, access raised floor, tempered glass enclosures, acoustic ceilings, wall claddings, generator sets, variable refrigerant flow indoor units, a CCTV system, door access system that includes scanners, and temperature, humidity and water leak detection systems.. (DOF)

together in 2011. This new agreement is a natural evolution of our relationship and a win-win for both organisations,” said Marc Parent, CAE president and chief executive officer. “It allows AirAsia to concentrate on its core business by completely outsourcing its training needs to CAE, and it allows CAE to expand its footprint in Asia Pacific, the fastest-growing aviation market.”

CAE will remain AirAsia Group’s exclusive training partner. The largest low-cost carrier in Asia has extended its existing contract for all training requirements for AirAsia and for that of its affiliates in support of all aircraft types it operates up until 2036.

“We’ve had CAE as our training partner of choice for

many years now and it has been a great success. Our first MPL cadets trained by CAE are now flying as captains, and we put our full trust in CAE to fulfill our training needs at the highest quality level, as we continue to grow,” said Tony Fernandes, Group Chief Executive Officer of AirAsia.

“AirAsia is rich in assets but our core business is passenger service and ancillary, and we will continue to regularly dispose of non-core investments and dividend most of it out, subject to board approval.

This stake sale is just part of our long-term plan to monetize all our assets. We are also working on several other divestments of valuable assets including our leasing arm, which is imminent.”

Marc Parent added: “We

are very proud of what we have accomplished with AirAsia in creating AACE. We’d like to thank AACE employees for setting the standard and creating a great training experience, and we welcome them to CAE. Together we will continue to shape the future of training.”

AACE offers training for pilots, cabin crew, maintenance engineers, technicians and ground services personnel on the Airbus A320, A330 and Boeing B737NG platforms.

The closing of the transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals. TD Securities acted as financial advisor to CAE. About CAE

CAE to acquire AirAsia’s shares of the Asian aviation centre

M

ONTREALAirAsia and CAE (NYSE: CAE; TSX: CAE) have concluded a sale and purchase agreement concerning the Asian Aviation Centre of Excellence (AACE), which is currently a 50:50 CAE-AirAsia joint venture. The transaction of US$100 million (including earn-out) will give CAE full control over AACE’s three training centres – located in Sepang, Malaysia; Singapore; and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam – as well as its share of the Philippine Academy of Aviation Training (PAAT), a joint-venture training centre between AACE and Cebu Pacific, located in Manila, Philippines.

“CAE and AirAsia have been close partners since 2004, and we created AACE

CAE,13

EDGEDAVAO

6 SUBURBIA

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 108 • THURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 2017

DAY 99. Fire again engulfs downtown Marawi City as the military continues to pound suspected positions of the Islamic State-inspired Maute group with aerial and artillery bombardment on Tuesday, Day 99 of the Marawi siege. MindaNews photo by H. MARCOS C. MORDENO

GSC to reactivate N avian flu task force T

ComVal LGU recognizes top 3 Blood Donor Employees

he city government is set to reactivate its special task force against avian influenza or bird flu as it moves to maintain the entire area free from the viral disease.

Dr. Antonio Marin, chief of the City Veterinarian’s Office (CVO), said Tuesday preparations are underway for the reactivation of the General Santos City Avian Influenza Task Force (GSCAITF) in coordination with the Department of Agriculture (DA) in Region 12.

He said City Mayor Ronnel Rivera has scheduled a meeting with concerned stakeholders on Sept. 7 for the revival of the task force.

The official said the

GSCAITF will be headed by the mayor and composed of officials and representatives from the CVO, DA, City Agriculture Office, City Health Office, city police, Army-led Joint Task Force GenSan and the city poultry raisers association.

“We are initially planning to hold a series of trainings for task force members and the city’s quick response team (QRT),” he said.

Marin said the trainings will include mechanisms on monitoring and surveillance activities, and the proper use of prescribed personal protective equipment or PPE. He said QRT and GSCAITF members will utilize the PPEs in taking blood samples from chickens and birds that could

be infected by the disease.

The task force and QRT are mainly tasked to respond and handle cases of possible bird flu outbreaks within the city’s 26 barangays.

The team will spearhead the implementation of quarantine measures, collection of samples and proper testing for suspected cases.

“The collected blood samples would be sent to the DA laboratory in (Barangay) Lagao for confirmatory tests,” Marin said, referring to DA12’s Regional Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory here.

As of Tuesday, the official said the city remains free from bird flu, which could potentially affect humans,

and measures are being undertaken to prevent the entry of the disease in the area.

DA 12’s Veterinary Quarantine Services has been closely monitoring the city airport, Makar port and the public transport terminals for the possible shipment or movement of live fowl and poultry products from bird flu affected areas in Luzon.

The agency earlier quarantined a shipment of fighting cocks that entered the city through a commercial flight from Manila.

CVO personnel had monitored suspicious deaths among chickens in parts of the city but were eventually ruled to be cases of the Newcastle disease. (AVE/PNA)

nabbed at around 5:30 a.m. at a portion of Purok Spring, Barangay Morales after allegedly selling a sachet of suspected metamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu worth P500 to a police officer who posed as a buyer.

Seized from the suspects were six small, seven medium and one big plastic sachets containing suspected shabu, various drug paraphernalia and P500 marked bill.

Sentinta said they earlier

received a tip from a concerned informant that the suspects had been selling shabu in their neighborhood and at a nearby night club.

He said they immediately subjected them to a series of surveillance operations to confirm their illegal activities.

“We were able to conduct two successful test-buys before we decided to launch the operation,” he said.

The police official said they sent the recovered evidence to

the South Cotabato Scene of the Crime Operatives or SOCO crime laboratory in Koronadal City for proper examination and valuation.

He said the suspects, who are currently detained at the Koronadal City police station lock up, will be charged with violation of sections 5 and 11 or selling and possession of dangerous drugs, under Article II of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drug Act of 2002.(PNA

3 nabbed in Koronadal drug bust P

olice operatives arrested three alleged “notorious” drug pushers included in drug watchlist were arrested in a buy-bust operation on Wednesday morning in a village in Koronadal City.

Chief Insp. Jomero Sentina, deputy chief of the Koronadal City police station, identified the suspects as Randy Despordado, 30, Aldrin Curoz, 32, and Elvie Facun, 33, all of Barangay Morales.

He said the suspects were

ABUNTURAN, Compostela Valley, August 29 - - Three provincial government employees were given certificates of recognition as “Blood Galloner” in their support to the bloodletting program during the regular convocation on August 22, 2017 at the Capitol lobby.

“Offering something without expecting any in return is a true essence of volunteerism,” said Provincial Health Office (PHO) Assistant Department head, Dr. Mary Cyrel Pasaol.

The top three donor employees were Emma Resurrection, Dr. Georgie Arvin Legazpi, both of

PHO and Rolino Palma of Provincial General Services Office. They will also receive 1 sack of rice each.

As the top “Blood Galloners,” they have consistently donated nine times without lapses of 500cc (cubic centimeters) bags of blood through the bloodletting activities conducted by the PHO. The advocacy to donate blood, through the Provincial Voluntary Blood Services Program (PVBSP), continues as the need for blood is constant. It serves not only in Comval but also includes the neighboring cities and provinces of this region.

(Jazel Sarte//ids comval)

2nd Comval Congress for lady legislators held

N

ABUNTURAN, Compostela Valley, August 29 - - The Lady Local Legislators’ League of the Philippines (4L Phils.), Compostela Valley Chapter held its 2nd Provincial Congress on August 16-18, 2017 at the Apo View Hotel, Davao City.

The 4L is an all-women organization composed of Lady members of the different Sanggunians of ComVal Province from the provincial, municipal and barangay. It is headed by Hon. Vivencia L. Secuya, Provincial Board Member of the said province.

With the theme, “The Leader In Me:

Empowering Women through Service and Advocacy,” it aims to give equal opportunity for women to promote and legislate measures for the rights and welfare of women, children and their family.

As leaders of their respective communities, the activities would enable them to assist and be more effective in formulating ideas to strengthen government policies in the future.

It also aims to develop their leadership skills and further enhance the role of women in the society.

(Sheldane Mahinay // IDS ComVal)

7 COMPETITIVE EDGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 108 • THURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 2017

Smart teams up with Nissin Monde

Smart teams up with Monde Nissin for Lucky Me! “Gimme 5” promo. In photo are (from left) Smart Prepaid manager Maria Kristina Lopez, Channel Head for Key Accounts Christian So, Head of Key Accounts Princesita Katigbak, all from

P

LDT wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), has partnered with Monde Nissin Corporation, one of the Philippines’ leading food manufacturing companies, to offer free mobile data and SMS to all who love Lucky Me!, the top instant noodle brand in the country.

Through the Lucky Me! “Gimme 5” promo covered by the partnership, all Smart, TNT, and Sun prepaid customers can get

Smart; Monde Nissin Marketing Manager for Noodles Vivien Dizon, Brand Manager for Lucky Me! Mami Charlyn Yu-Escolar, and Joan Guinto, Brand Activation Manager, also from Monde Nissin.

five megabytes (MB) worth of access to Facebook, plus five SMS, for free and valid for one day.

“This is a perfect match between two category leaders with a common goal – to delight our customers.

At Smart we are constantly finding ways to do just that, and partnering with other brands that Filipinos love is part of that strategy,” according to Oscar Enrico Reyes, Jr., First Vice President at PLDT and Smart.

“This is not the first time

that we are teaming up with Monde Nissin and Lucky Me! to gift their customers with free Smart services.

This year, however, we have made this partnership even more beneficial to Filipino consumers, as we include mobile data in the freebies they will enjoy,” according to Princesita Katigbak, head of key accounts for sales and distribution at Smart.

This is part of the company’s broader effort to encourage all Filipinos to start using mobile data to

access the internet, Reyes added.

To enjoy the five MB of FB access and the five SMS, Smart, TNT, and Sun prepaid customers simply need to check for the code printed inside every specially marked promo pack of Lucky Me! Mami Beef na Beef or Chicken na Chicken at leading sari-sari stores, groceries, and supermarkets nationwide.

They must text this code to 4388 using the format: LUCKYME [CODE]. They will

top content creators. Those interested in joining must fill out the application form available on the Globe website and submit their five minute video, along with the video poster, subtitles (if applicable), and members’ photos. Entries will be accepted until October 22, 2017.

“Our partnership with Singtel’s The 5-Min Video Challenge is part of our vision to give more opportunities to talented Filipinos to produce original content. At the same time, we are giving local audiences the chance to have access to quality content which they can watch whenever. Sometimes, all you need is five minutes to get a point across,” shares Chief Commercial Officer, Albert De Larrazabal.

Three local winners will be announced on the official Facebook and Twitter pages

of Globe Telecom on October 30. The grand prize winner will get P150,000, while the first runner-up will win P50,000 and the second runner-up will win P25,000.

The grand prize winner and the first runner-up will fly to Singapore to represent the country in the regional round, where they will compete with entries from Africa, Australia, India, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand. The winners will be announced in a gala celebration on November 22 and the grand prize winner will be awarded $30,000, while the runner-up will take home $15,000.

Singtel will also be giving away special awards such as the Social Media Star award with the prize of $3,000. It is for the entry with the most number of likes on its trailer until October 22. There will also be two People’s Choice

winners based on the top 2 entries with the highest votes during the regional voting in November. Winners will take home $3,000 and $2,000 respectively.

The 5-Min Video Challenge was established in 2016 by Singtel to test the creativity of the most talented minds in the region, and create a collection of entertaining and thoughtprovoking content in bitesized pieces perfect for the mobile phone, one of the strongest drivers of entertainment consumption.

Last year, Miguel Lorenzo Sotto and Jazmine Yvette Reyes of the Philippines won first runner-up for their short film entitled Pagnanakaw.

For more information on the challenge and how to submit your video, visit the website at http://www. globe.com.ph/the-5m in-vidchallenge.

then receive a notification message that they can start enjoying the free mobile data and free on-net SMS, valid for one day.

“We are glad to be in this partnership with Smart because we know that there are over 58 million Smart, TNT, and Sun users across the country to whom Lucky Me!, by itself already a staple in almost every Filipino home, will potentially become even more attractive,” according to Vivien Dizon, Marketing

Manager for Lucky Me! Noodles at Monde Nissin.

The promo runs until September 30, 2017, and freebies may be redeemed until November 30, 2017.

[END] This communication is intended solely for the use of the addressee and authorized recipients. It may contain confidential or legally privileged information and is subject to the conditions in http:// w w w. s m a r t . c o m . p h / corporate/disclaimer.

Tell your story and join Singtel’s the 5-Min Video Challenge DCWD collection centers

G

et the chance to compete with the best in Asia, Africa and Australia and win as much as $30,000 What can you do in five minutes? Not many would claim to watch a film, but it’s a challenge that Singtel would like to make to seasoned and budding content creators with The 5-Min Video Challenge, a regional film competition where participants must create compelling content in a limited time frame.

The challenge’s theme is “Connecting Lives,” which aims to explore how the connections in life can bring the world together.

The competition is open to creators from Singtel Group’s markets across Asia, Africa, and Australia.

In the Philippines, Singtel has partnered with Globe to search for the country’s

open on September 1

F

or the convenience of its customers, Davao City Water District’s collection centers will be open on September 1, 2017 from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM despite that these dates are declared a holiday in observance of Eid’l Adha.

DCWD’s collection centers in Felcris Centrale and SM Lanang Premier accept water bill payments while its collection center in Victoria Plaza caters to water bill payments and other customer service requests.

However, its Bajada, Matina, and Toril offices will be closed on this date.

Due date for water bill payments falling on September 1 remains as scheduled.

DCWD general manager

Engr. Edwin V. Regalado assures that even when DCWD offices are closed during this holiday, its technical and Central Information Unit (CIU) / Call Center operations will not be disrupted to ensure continuous water service and offsite customer assistance.

DCWD customers may visit DCWD website (www. davao-water.gov.ph) and official Facebook page (www. facebook.com/davaowater) or contact DCWD’s call center through the 24hour hotlines 297-DCWD (3293) and 0927-7988966, 0925-5113293, and 09084410653 for other updates, complaints, queries, and concerns related to water service. (Winston C. Ajero)

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

EDITORIAL

K

Whose gimmickry?

ian Delos Santos is dead and for his parents, the events transpired so fast they haven’t even had a decent goodbye to their son after his remains were laid to rest on Saturday.

For Saldy and Lorenza, they had lost Kian to the bullets fired by cops in a bloody Caloocan drug raid. But little did they realize they will not only lose their son once. They would lose their son to those who use his death to advance their own respective agenda.

Fr. Robert Reyes, Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV and Senator Risa Hontiveros, some militants and religious groups and even Vice President Leni Robredo all jumped over to the teenager’s wake to launch another attack on the President’s war on drugs.

Kian’s parents would later reveal that there were even some groups who asked to take Kian’s remains for a protest action.

To their surprise, Saldy and Lorenza ran to the comforting arms of President Duterte who has promised them justice for their son. The President has ordered the arrest of the cops

EDGEDAVAO

Providing solutions to a seamless global village.

Printed by Zion Accuprint Publishing Inc. Door 14 ALCREJ Building, Quirino Avenue, 8000, Davao City, Philippines Tel: (082) 224-1413 301-6235 Telefax: (082) 221-3601 www.edgedavao.net editorial@edgedavao.net marketing@edgedavao.net edgedavao@gmail.com

involved and approproate charges filed. Meantime, Saldy and Lorenza had turned into state witnesses.

With the turn of events, Senator Antonio Trillanes IV expectedly dismissed the meeting in Malacanang as pure gimmickry. Trillanes will never say any good in a sentence that has the name of President Duterte.

Saldy and Lorenza’s decision on what to do with their son’s case should be respected by Trillanes, Fr. Reyes, the militants et. al. Afterall, it is their personal battle to seek justice for their dear departed Kian. They cannot be forced to let other people take the cudgels for them.

Their election to go under the WPP is likewise a personal decision to protect themselves from an overblown reaction to the death of Kian and the personal agenda of some people using the boy’s death to gather synpathy and support.

Saldy and Lorenza knows what is best for them and their son’s case. That is something everyone must respect.

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

JIMMY K. LAKING Associate Editor PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE

KENNETH IRVING K. ONG BAI FAUZIAH FATIMA SINSUAT AMBOLODTO PAULA KIM T. FELICIANO ANGELIE SAVERON MEGHANN STA. INES Reporters NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN FUNNY PEARL GAJUNERA Lifestyle CHA MONFORTE LEANDRO S. DAVAL JR. ARLENE D. PASAJE Correspondents Cartoons Photography Columnists: MA. TERESA L. UNGSON • EDCER C. ESCUDERO • AURELIO A. PEÑA • ZHAUN ORTEGA • BERNADETTE “ADDIE” B. Columnists: D. TACIO G.•DELIGERO • JOHN CARLO TRIA • VIDAGOTIANSE-TAN MIA S. VALVERDE•• NICASIO FRED C. LUMBA • ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA BORBONHENRYLITO • MARY ANN “ADI”• GREGORIO C. QUISIDO LEANDRO B. DAVAL SR., • NIKKI ANGELO AGUSTIN • EMILY ZEN CHUA • CARLOS MUNDA Economic Analyst: ENRICO “GICO” G. DAYANGIRANG • JONALLIER M. PEREZ

the national association of newspapers

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

VOL. 10 ISSUE 108 • THURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 2017

GENERAL SANTOS CITY OFFICE CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING MARKETING OFFICE

LEIZEL A. DELOSO | Marketing Manager EDMUND D. RENDON Unit 6, SouthbankMarketing Plaza Velez-Yacapin Sts. Specialist General Santos City City JAMILA C. CANONIGO AGUSTIN V. MIAGAN JR Cagayan de Oro Mobile: (Smart) 0948-823-3685 Tel: (088) 852-4894 Circulation Marketing Specialist

MANILA MARKETING OFFICE

Richard C. Ebona | Product Development officer Cellphone number: 09169558559 / 09085486859 Email Address: edgedavao@gmail.com

EDGEDAVAO

A

re you worried over the recent firing of a ballistic missile by North Korea that travelled dangerously over Japan’s airspace?

I guess any normal human being should be.

Just as hurricane Harvey was unleashing its fury in Houston, Texas and its environs, here comes a disturbing development that only a lunatic can inflict.

In news dispatches, South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said the missile flew above to a distance of 2,700 kilometers (1,677 miles) at a maximum altitude of 550 kilometers (341 miles) over the northern island of Hokkaido.

Japanese authorities led by PM Shinzuo Abe are outraged, describing North Korea’s action as “disturbing the peace and stability” in the region.

US Pres. Donald Trump had a ready statement, declaring that NKorea’s recent action had, as Time magazine reported, “signaled its contempt for its neighbors” and that “all options

T

aking a short cut home through a rural cemetery, a teenager stumbled into a newly dug grave seven feet deep.

After struggling to get out, he finally gave up, deciding to wait until morning when someone might hear his cries for help.

Meanwhile, a drunken man also took a short cut through the cemetery and he, too, fell into the open grave. He began a desperate struggle to get out; unaware that someone else was in the pit with him.

After a few moments, the teenager reached out in the darkness and laid a hand on his shoulder, saying, “You can’t get out of here.”

But the man did!

This brings us to the subject of fear. “Fear is the most destructive force in the world today,” says Walter Stone. “There is perhaps nothing so bad and so dangerous in life as fear,” Jawaharlal Nehru added.

Breathes there a man with soul so dead, who never has a fear in his life indeed! “Fear causes people to draw back from situations; it brings on mediocrity; it dulls creativity; it sets one up to be a loser in life,” deplored American television personality Fran Tarkenton.

Phobia is how medical science called those morbid or aberrant fears. It is defined as “a persistent fear of an object or situation in which the sufferer commits to great lengths in avoiding, typically disproportional to the actual danger posed, often being recognized as irrational.”

“People who have a phobia avoid

VOL. 10 ISSUE 108• THURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 2017

VANTAGE POINTS

9

War-freak North Korea are on the table” in terms of a possible US response.

NKorea is ruled by a young braggart Kim Jong-un (KJU) who inherited his post from his father who inherited it from his dad. He appears to have a fetish for treating missiles like they are mere toys that children can play with without due regard for their consequences.

Yes, I am worried over this NKorean impertinence bordering on impetuousness.

In fact, even China and Russia and the neighboring superpowers are deathly worried as this may bring the world closer to a global conflict.

Any new test gives Washington and its allies goose bumps because it looks like it arms NKorea the possibility of achieving its goal of an arsenal of nuclear missiles.

Just preceding this latest test, KJU has warned he would attack the US territory of Guam amidst the military exercises the Americans, Japan and South Korea have been doing lately.

SPECKS OF LIFE Fred C. Lumba In Guam, there is a large military installation that has a defense capability of intercepting the ICBMs NKorea might be tempted to fire towards its enemies.

For this, the UN has imposed sanctions. Even China is irked and has been reported to have declared some economic sanctions also to rein in her stubborn protégé and ally.

Humanity is already teetering like it is on the verge of collapsing.

We are all witness to the violent and bloody conflicts happening around the globe.

These, on top of several cataclysmic disturbances – earthquakes, massive floods, destructive storms and typhoons, drought, famine, forest fires, etc.

– that have become almost the order of the day.

Signs of the end times? I would not wish to make readers panicky but it would serve us all in good stead if we all kneel in prayer and look up to Heaven for the right answers.

What can we do? We are a small country that has been pushed and shove around for a long time by our own allies. The arrival of PRRD may have been God’s response to our collective prayers for a true leader to lead our country out of its misery.

But lest you miss my point, Hurricane Harvey came at the heels of the Aug. 21, 217 total solar eclipse that traversed the US. Scientists have been

figuring out if the gravitational pull exerted by the alignment of the earth, sun and moon and the influence of other stars have anything to do with the (un) natural conditions that are going on here in our planet.

I would advise everyone to read, search Google and make researches to satisfy our need for knowledge and clarification at this point of all the circumstances happening around us.

There must be a connection somewhere. I have been gathering important sensitive information that there are very vital stuff that NASA, the US, the UN and other agencies are hiding some truths that we need to know. Just as governments have been wont doing.

The recent NKorean ballistic launch is a test to the patience and diplomatic tact of the Western allies. (Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo. com.) Prov. 16:18: “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!

and experienced stage fright for the first time at age 6. Later during a stage production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

Osmond experienced a panic attack while onstage. His anxiety soon seeped into his everyday life, making him afraid to go out in public.

Michelle Pfeiffer, best known for her roles in the films The Fabulous Baker Boys, Scarface, Batman Returns and Dangerous Liaisons has talked publicly about being shy and fearful of small talk and how she has grown: “I was the kind of person who entered a room, found the nearest corner and hoped no one noticed me before it was time to go home. Now I’m better at socializing.”

A specific phobia is an irrational fear of specific objectives or situations.

Tennis player Andre Agassi may ace many of his serves, but if a spider happens to crawl onto the court, his steely composure may crack, as he suffers from arachnophobia. Johnny Depp has clourophobia of fear or clowns.

“Something about the painted face, the fake smile,” the actor told reporters once. “There always seemed to be a darkness lurking just under the surface, a potential for real evil.”

Napoleon Bonaparte conquered Europe but was crippled throughout his life by ailurophobia, the fear of cats. Other famous people who had the same fear were William Shakespeare, Benito Mussolini, Julius Caesar, Alexander the Great, and Dwight Eisenhower.

Edgar Allan Poe suffered for

much of his life from claustrophobia, a disorder that also endured Ronald Reagan, Harry Houdini and Adolf Hitler. Queen Elizabeth I is said to have been terrorized by roses, a sub-category of anthophobia, a generalized fear of flowers.

Phobias indeed are no joke to people who have them. They can limit life. They can make you feel weak and helpless. They can cause panic, heart heartbeat, shortness of breath and trembling.

“Very few people actually seek treatment for them,” says Charles Nemeroff, an American psychiatrist at the Emory University. “It’s not as if people who are terrified of snakes come into my office because it is the only thing standing in the way of a career as a herpetologist.”

But there are those who sought for treatment, especially if their fears interfere with their works. Barbra Streisand’s phobia repo rtedly started in 1967, when she was on stage and forgot the lyrics to the song she was singing. After that experience, she began to fear that she would embarrass herself and gave up singing in public for quite a while. Through medication and therapy, she learned to control these fears and began to sing in public again in 1994.

“Not all fears are bad,” commented C. Neil Strait. “Many of them are wholesome, indeed, very necessary for life. The fear of God, the fear of fire, the fear of electricity, are life-saving fears that, if heeded, bring a new knowledge to life.”

What are you afraid of?

situations that trigger their anxiety and fear, or they endure them with great distress,” notes The Merck Manual of Medical Information.

“However, they recognize that their anxiety is excessive and therefore are aware that they have a problem.”

According to medical science, the most common and disabling symptom of a phobia is a panic attack.

Features of a panic attack include: pounding or racing heart, shortness of breath, rapid speech or inability to speak, dry mouth, upset stomach, nausea, elevated blood pressure, trembling or shaking, chest pain or tightness, a choking sensation, dizziness or lightheadedness, profuse sweating, and a sense of impending doom.

There are thousands of phobias and a person can suffer from one or several of them. “Just name it,” says Dr. Jerilyn Ross, an American psychologist who specializes in phobias. “There are many different kinds of phobias as there are different kinds of people.”

However, psychologists and psychiatrists classify those excessive and irrational fears into three categories: agoraphobia, social phobia, and specific phobias.

Although agoraphobia literally means “fear of the marketplace,” the term more specifically describes the fear of being trapped, often in a busy place filled with people, without a graceful and easy way to leave if anxiety becomes severe.

Sigmund Freud, the father of psychoanalysis, who coined the term

THINK ON THESE!

Henrylito D. Tacio

“anxiety attack,” suffered most of his life from agoraphobia. The late Marilyn Monroe and Oscar-winning actress Kim Basinger have this kind of fear, too.

Social phobia is described in the standard psychiatric manual as “a marked and persistent fear of one or more social or performance situations.” The disorder has two common patterns: Some people are pathologically shy from infancy, while others – also shy – become pathological when puberty hits.

Believe it or not, Academy Award-winning British actor Lord Laurence Olivier once suffered from severe stage fright. Multi-awarded singer-actress Barbra Streisand also has a certain type of social phobia.

American singer Donny Osmond grew up performing with his family

10 NEWS LET’S... FROM 1

examination on who will replace Neri. In her speech she said “I did not recommend you COL. Mempin, you were recommended by someone else.”

She also said that she will only add one on the “huwag matulog at huwag huminga” challenge and that is “wag mo akong ipahiya dahil ako ang nag vet sayo”.

The Change of command took place as a tradition that represents a formal transfer of authority and re-

PNP... FROM 2

VOL. 10 ISSUE 108 • THURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 2017

THEY GO A LONG WAY. Mayor Rodrigo Duterte checks the assault rifle of Senior Inspector Ronald Dela Rosa (extreme left), chief of the City Mobile Group, after inspecting a crime scene in Barangay Tamugan in 1997 with City Police Chief Isidro Lapena. Dela Rosa has been named chief of the Philippine National Police and Lapena as chief of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and last week was named as chief of the Bureau of Customs. This was one of 30 photos featured in “Rody Duterte: Through the Years,” exhibit last

year by RENE B. LUMAWAG, who is now with the Presidential Photographers Division in Malacanang. Among other posts he served in Davao, Lapena was City Director of the Davao City Police Office from 1996-1998 (Duterte’s third term) and Regional Director of the Philippine National Police form 20022004, when Duterte returned as mayor after stint at the House of Representatives.

sponsibility for a unit from one commanding officer to another, as the former Task Force CDR Col. Erwin Bernard Neri assumed command as a Brigade commander of 1001st Infantry Brigade in Maco, Compostela Valley yesterday. The event was also attended by Mayor Sara Z. Duterte as the guest of honor and speaker and Deputy Commander of Eastern Mndanao Command, BGen Gilbert I. Gapay, AFP.

checklist of all cases involving deaths in relation to the campaign against drugs.

Gascon said that in order to fully perform CHR’s mandate, the office needs the full cooperation of PNP and the Department of Interior and Local Government in providing complete information on these drug-related cases.

“We hope to sustain this kind of avenue for exchange of views and perspectives.

We (the CHR and the PNP) both just want to speak the truth to power and justice.

And justice could only be obtained if the rule of law is respected and protected,” he added.

The CHR chair also welcomed the opportunity for both agencies to strengthen collaboration in upholding the rule of law and to ensure effective monitoring and investigation of drug-related cases. (PNA)

She said that the city government will support the new Task Force Davao Commander Col. Nolasco A. Mempin INF PA to help him achieve his target of zero terrorism incident here in the City.

The intensified implementation of various security measures by former Task Force Davao Commander Col. Neri showed his dedication to utilize the unit’s best practices. He was able to address the various threats to the security of the city with efficiency. “The unit would have not been successful in its endeavor without the support of our counterparts from the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the city government of Davao under the leadership of Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio,” said Bgen. Bienvinido R. Datuin jr. AFP, Assistant Division Commander Representing the Commander of the 10th Infantry Division in his speech.

With this safety and the efforts of all the involve sectors, the city was able to successfully host the ASEAN 2017 under the chairmanship of the Philippines.

“It was a prestige, pride and

honor that was participated in by the heads and dignitaries from Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Brunei, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, People’s democratic republic Myanmar and Vietnam.” said Bgen Datuin. It is also notable that the peace and order during celebration of the City’s two major festivals, Araw ng Dabaw and Kadayawan Festival. The continuous business in Davao city manifests in the City’s ability to stand tall amidst the challenges and difficulties. This showcases that the government, private sectors and Davaoeños have been working together to create a peaceful and globally competitive city.

The peace and order in Davao City is possible through the harmonious relationship that exists in local government units, Philippine National Police, Military and all other sectors of the city. “Napaka ganda po ng samahan natin dito this provide us a safe and secured atmosphere that is conducive not only for the Davaoeños to live in but for businesses and investors to thrive in,” said Datuin.

that clarity in policy is beneficial to all parties.

But more importantly, the world needs to know what is happening in Marawi through the media’s unbiased and unfiltered lens. This is what is sorely lacking here.”

“Press releases, press conferences and photo/ video handouts from the military are no substitute to field coverage by the media.

“What is happening in Marawi is a curtailment of press freedom, a freedom guaranteed by the Constitution, even under a state of martial law. There are many existing and tested methods by which journalists can carry out their duty with the military still being able to preserve the secrecy of vital tactical movements. (MINDANEWS)

MAYOR... FROM 2

EDGEDAVAO

MILITARY... FROM 2

LAPENA... FROM 3

ice in saying that my appearance before the BOC is because of smuggling.”

“He is just a desperate rumor monger who happens to be a Senator,”Carpio added.

Vice Mayor Duterte had earlier dismissed Taguba’s allegations as lies while Abellera, who was a no-show at the Senate Committee hearing on August 22 allegedly due to hypertension, was summoned again to the committee hearing on August 29 and was a no-show again, claiming in a letter to the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee that he was still recovering from “hypertensive urgency uncontrolled.”

But Abellera said he could attend the Senate probe on August 31 or September 4. He also sent an affidavit saying he is “not a member of the ‘Davao Group,’ that he had “no knowledge, let alone any participation, on the shipment of shabu from China.”

He also “vehemently” denied allegations that he is a member of the “Davao Group,” that Taguba gave him P5 million “enrollment fee” and a million pesos a week to the group through a certain “Jack.”

Lies When his name was first mentioned by Taguba during a House Inquiry on August 8 into the P6.4 billion shabu shipment from China, Vice Mayor Duterte issued a statement that Taguba “admitted that his testimony against me was based entirely on rumors. Why would we entertain or believe a hearsay? One does not dignify lies with a response.”

The vice mayor issued no statement after Taguba’s August 22 testimony that he paid a P5 million “enrollment fee” to Abellera in Davao City, after he was informed by a “Tita Nani” that that was the amount required to facilitate a meeting with the Presidential son.

Taguba said he did not get to meet Vice Mayor Duterte but handed over the “enrollment fee” to Abellera.

Taguba said he gave Abellera an “enrollment fee” of P5 million in cash when they met in Davao City in January when the BOC issued alert orders for his shipments, and remitted a weekly payment

of P10,000 per container every Friday to a certain “Jack” who would fly to Manila to collect the fee. Taguba read a text from “Tita Nani” that said “Jack” is the “handler of Paolo.”

Abellera in his affidavit said he does not know a “Tita Nani” although he admitted that late last year or early this year, he “casually met” with “Jack” whose surname and other personal circumstances he does not know, in a restobar in Davao City. He said “Jack,” accompanied by Taguba, claimed he was representing “a certain customs broker” and asked if he could arrange a meeting between the broker and Vice Mayor Duterte.

“Knowing that the Vice Mayor does not involve himself with such matters, I politely told Jack that I could not arrange such meeting” and left “after about five to ten minutes,” Abellera said.

Rotten system On August 21, the night before Taguba identified Abellera through a photograph shown by Trillanes, President Duterte told reporters at the Malago Clubhouse in Malacanang Park that his template in his war on drugs was Davao, where he served as mayor for 22 years.

Duterte during the campaign vowed to stop illegal drugs in three to six months but in September last year, asked for another six months.

“Noong mayor ako, ang template ko kasi Davao. And I was expecting that this government was really working,” he said.

Duterte added that he did not expect the Bureau of Customs “was also importing drugs. Kaya paano ko matapos ‘yang six months to one year? So how can I finish in six months to a year?). Even if you give me my — the whole term. Hindi ko matapos ‘yan. Pati ‘yung Customs ko na inaasahan ko, nagpapalusot ng droga. O saan pupunta ang Pilipino? (Even Customs which I had hoped would help me allowed the shipment of drugs. So where will the Filipino go), Duterte asked.

Duterte said the BOC has “a rotten system” and “you need somebody to have a system there, a new one and a competent military man can do it just like General Lapeña.”

“Kaya niya ‘yan,” (he can do it), he said of Lapeña who “enjoys my confidence and trust, which is very important. Otherwise, we go back to the same old problem.”

He also said that if Lapena says there will be a massive reorganization, sa kanya ‘yan. It’s his decision.”

Stop corruption At the inauguration of the Solar Philippines factory in Sto. Tomas, Batangas on August 23, Duterte reiterated his vow to stop corruption in government “and I am doing it.”

He said he was aware of reports linking his son, Paolo, to corruption, an issued already raised during the election campaign. He said the Vice Mayor eloped at the age of 18 with Lovelie Sangcola whose mother is a Maranaw and his father a Tausug whose family business was into jars and ukayukay (used clothes).

“My son eloped with my daughter-in-law when he was only 18… So he was lost to us. Kaya makikita mo ‘yan sa pantalan. Eh kung magtanong lang kayo nasa pantalan, palaging nasa pantalan ‘yan, tumutulong sa in-laws niya.

Eh walang hanapbuhay eh. (That’s why you’d see him at the port. If you ask why he is always in the port, that’s because he is helping his in-laws. He didn’t have a job).

And he has to earn his keep and he had to work for the family.”

“Pero kung ‘yung mga ‘yung mga jars, ukay- ukay, ‘yung pinapalusot ng in-laws niya (But if the jars and ukay-ukay slipped past Customs), if that is smuggling, then give me an accounting and I will resign. Walang problema ‘yan sa akin” (That’s not a problem with me), he said.

“This is a nationwide broadcast so I might as well tell you. I am not defending my son. Prove it, it is true, and I will resign,” the President said, adding that if anyone in his family is involved in corruption, “bababa ako pagka-Presidente (I will step down as President).

No excuses, no apologies. Pero ‘yun totoo lang. Now, all they have to do is to prove kasi ‘yung dating ‘yung — it’s a rehash actually of — during the last elections.”

The marriage of his son Paolo and first wife Lovelie divorced in 2006 under a Shariah Court decision. Both have since remarried

— Paolo to January Navares and Lovelie to an RJ Sumera.

At the mass oathtaking of newly-appointed officials in Malacanang on August 29, Duterte opened his speech by saying that Lovely is “not a Duterte” but a Sumera and that he had not seen her in the last ten years.

Duterte was reacting to newspaper reports that his “daughterin-law” was seen in the BOC. “I do not have a daughter by the name of Lovelie Duterte. Ang daughter-in-law ko is, si January,” Duterte said.

He reiterated that if any of his children — Mayor Sara, Vice Mayor Paolo and Sebastian — “kung ‘yan ang pumasok doon sa — may hiningi na illegal or graft and corruption, I told you before, I am ready to step down as President.”

152 out of 403 months Lapena was born in Urdaneta, Pangasinan, retired in 2007 after spending 33.7 years of service, a big part of that in Davao City where he served as city police chief and Regional Director.

Lapena’s service record shows he spent 152 months in Davao City out of 403 months in his police career, most of that while Duterte was mayor.

Duterte was mayor of Davao City for 22 years, from 1988 to 2016, except 1998 to 2001 when he served as congressman of the first district and 2010 to 2013 when he served as vice mayor to Mayor Sara Duterte.

Lapena holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the Manuel L. Quezon University and a PhD in Criminology from the Philippine College of Criminology.

He took several trainings abroad, among them the Major Case Management Course at the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Quantico, Virginia, USA; Training of Trainers in Counter Terrorism Crisis Management at the Cranfield University in England; Civil Affairs Course at Fort Bragg in North Carolina, USA; Psychological Operation Officer Course also at Fort Bragg; Transportation Officer Advance Course at Fort Eustis in Virginia, USA; Royal Malaysian Police-PNP Border Management Course in Sabah, Malaysia; and Community Policing in Tokyo, Japan. (Carolyn O. Arguillas / MindaNews)

INdulge!

VOL. 10 ISSUE 108•THURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 2017

FOOD

EDGEDAVAO

Citizen nomnom

ALMOST EVERYBODY LOVES JAPANESE FOOD THESE DAYS. From sashimi, to tempura, to udon, ramen, gyoza and tonkatsu, Dabawenyos can’t seem to get enough of flavours from the Land of the Rising Sun. In as much as I love Japanese restaurants who try to serve anything and everything Japanese, this is actually not the case when it comes to a cozy little Japanese restaurant located along Jacinto Street.

Aptly called Katsu Country, the restaurant specialises in breaded pork cutlets or “katsu” that are fried golden brown. Almost the entire menu is fried as it pays homage to katsu, which is also the norm when it comes to many katsu diners that can be found around Japan.

Although not 100% authentic Japanese, as there are menu items are are clearly inspired and interpretations of other dishes, the katsu served at Katsu Country taste as authentic as it can be.

This can be seen by the thick cut pork that is deep fried to perfection and tender and juicy to the bite. Add tonkatsu sauce to ground sesame and a plate of cabbage and you have a complete meal.

My favourite would be their Curry Katsu plate which is katsu served with a generous amount of Japanese curry sauce, white fluff y rice and

paired with crisp shredded cabbage. Personally, I would have loved to have a side of Japanese pickles just to cut through the richness of the curry sauce.

There is also an injection of local flavors at Katsu Country such as their Sweet Potato Croquette, the croquettes are light and fluff y and go well with the house tonkatsu sauce.

For dessert I chose their coffee jelly which comes with sweet syrup and cream on the side.

The actual coffee jelly is pure unsweetened coffee in gelatine form. The sweetness of the dish is controlled with the amount of syrup you add.

Katsu Country is located along Jacinto extension near the Central Bank building.

“

Aptly called Katsu Country, the restaurant specialises in breaded pork cutlets or “katsu” that are fried golden brown.

EDGEDAVAO

A2INdulge!

FOOD

VOL. 10 ISSUE 108• THURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 2017

Finding Out of Nowhere OUT OF NOWHERE has been a favourite since it opened its doors to the public. Literally, their first location was out of nowhere but worth the ride. Despite the location, many still flock their quaint dining place to dine and relax with family and friends. Of course, their food has been a big influencer in making them a formidable favourite in the city’s gastronomic scene.

Out of Nowhere caters to a wide spectrum of flavours. With no particular theme, their menu is a chest-full of delicious dishes prepared and cooked to enable the palate to experience an adventure. Simply put, their menu is rich, inviting and very intriguing.

Owners Teddy and Razel, who also happens to be a chef, said that the flavours of Out of Nowhere speaks of their many travels together.

Fast forward to today and a new south side branch, the restaurant aims to invite anyone who is looking for a palate adventure perfect for sharing and that’s also within the budget. The place itself is beautiful enough for you to strike a pose. Nonetheless, the moment you take a seat, look at their menu and take a bite off your food, you’d be transported in a delicious adventure unlike any other.

Their Chili con Carne is so lit it goes perfectly well with anything on their menu. Of course, the crowd favourite seafood chowder is a must -- creamy crab

stock base with seafood pieces served with their homemade ciabatta/french bread. Pasta anyone? A fave amongst diners, try their seafood shrimp pasta in aligue sauce and their mushroom pasta with smoked salmon --both are creamy and bursting with flavours.

Dining with family and friends? Grab a bite of their gigabite or the submarine -- 16 inches of delectable Asian flavours in one.

Chicken anyone? Choose from their juicy grilled chicken choices and you’d truly have a new favourite every time you dine. Go Asian, Caribbean, Teriyaki, Satay or Inasal to soothe a growling hunger.

Craving for breakfast?

At Out of Nowhere, they

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

have an all day breakfast menu that’s enough to get you out of bed. Of them, a must is their baked french toast with poached egg -creamy, cheesy and very sa-

voury. Pairs perfectly with hot or cold coffee.

Chocolait, anyone? Pastry Chef Ralph Tom has some of the most amazing cakes in the city. Delectably

rich and sinnfully good, every bite of their safari chocolait is heaven on earth.

Not to mention, their matcha chizu, red temptress, au chocolait and pistachio vera will surely have you say goodbye to your diet in a snap.

Now, we need not be lost somewhere to find Out of

Nowhere.

Visit them at 1st floor VCBG Universal Inc., building, Acacia corner Calachuchi street, Juna subd., Matina, Davao City.

For my latest food finds, follow me on Instagram @ iamleebai and Facebook @ theroyalchefeats.

Happy munching, royalistas!

VOL. 10 ISSUE 108• THURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 2017

STYLE

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

Scenezoned journey’s to Phl’s finest destinations GET READY for another round of adventures as Globe presents the second season of Scenezoned, an online video series featuring eight popular personalities on a meaningful journey to the Philippines’ finest.

August 30 – September 5, 2017

THE BATTLESHIP ISLAND Hwang Jung-min, So Ji-sub Guaranteed Seating & One Time Viewing Only

R16

11:40 | 2:15 | 4:50 | 7:25 | 10:00 LFS

ANNABELLE CREATION Stephanie Sigman, Talitha Bateman Guaranteed Seating & One Time Viewing Only

R13

12:25 | 2:45 | 5:05 | 7:25 | 9:45 LFS

THE DARK TOWER Idris Elba, Matthew McConaughey Guaranteed Seating & One Time Viewing Only

PG

1:00 | 3:15 | 5:30 | 7:45| 10:00 LFS

LOVE YOU TO THE STARS AND BACK Julia Barretto, Joshua Garcia Guaranteed Seating & One Time Viewing Only

PG

12:45 | 3:00 | 5:15 | 7:30 | 9:45 LFS

Taking them to these wondrous locations is the Philippine Airlines, the official airline partner of Scenezoned.

The new season will follow personal journeys of people like celebrity Solenn Heusaff, model and host Tommy Esguerra, and LA Aguinaldo, who each travel to a different location in the Philippines.

Each one of them takes the trip with #ThePLAN in mind: A very personal goal, like conquering a long-held fear or tracing their family roots. Each odyssey is set against the backdrop of the untamed natural beauty of their destination, like Biri Island in Northern Samar or Tacloban’s Yolanda Beach.

This season, Solenn Heusaff, a Scenezoned mainstay, returns for the first episode, and #ThePLAN is to find a subject for her newest art piece.

She makes her way to Biri Island and is overwhelmed by the scenic vistas, even

as she meets the locals and learns more about their lives.

Chris Everingham and Evan Spargo of the Philippine National Rugby Team, also called the “Volcanoes”, feature in the second episode, traveling to Tacloban to run rugby clinics for the community, with #ThePLAN to rise up and come back stronger and better. Their own journey to overcome defeat and disillusionment helps them identify with the ongoing struggle of the people of Tacloban, who themselves display great resilience as they rebuild their communities postTyphoon Yolanda.

In its first season,

Scenezoned won accolades from the Adobo Design Awards for Film Advertising and its flagship episode, featuring Solenn’s exploration of the World’ Most Beautiful island, Palawan, topped the YouTube Ad Leaderboard for the second half of 2016. In the same season, other personalities like Wil Dasovich, Alex Diaz, and Katarina Rodriguez traveled the Philippines, sampling the best that the country has to offer: From the hottest chili pepper in Bicol, to the deepest caves in Samar, to the most enchanted island of Siquijor.

The series garnered praise from critics and customers alike, for its ability to

captivate viewers with the beauties of the Philippines.

This season, Scenezoned will present six more personalities traveling the country, each one equipped with a Samsung Galaxy S8, their personal mission, and #ThePLAN to see it through. The first and second episode of the second season are now up on YouTube. com/Globeph. New episodes will be up every two weeks, inspiring customers to go out themselves and achieve their own goals.

With Globe and #ThePLAN, customers have the power to create the life they want without limitations, just like Solenn and the rest. The largerthan-life data pack that comes with ThePLAN gives them access to great entertainment from Netflix, Spotify, Pokemon Go, Viber, and many more.

Customers also get 1 free app of their choice along with unlimited calls and texts. Get to know more about ThePLAN at globe. com.ph/postpaid/theplan.

EDGEDAVAO

A4 INdulge!

VOL. 10 ISSUE 108• THURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 2017

EDGEDAVAO PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS Serving a seamless society

11 PROPERTY EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 108 • THURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 2017

Matina Enclaves: Beauty inside and out

By NEILWIN JOSEPH BRAVO

THE FACADE. The Matina Enclaves Residences 1 facade.

I

NDEED, a thing of beauty is a joy forever.

People invest on homes for what it’s worth—and for the most part, forever. It’s that one time big time expense that anyone who values hard-earned money would make sure it is made with the right decision.

Choosing the right residential project therefore is no joke and people make sure they get the best of both worlds—an awesome exterior and excellent interior.

That is foremost in the minds of the team that created The Matina Enclaves, a masterpiece development by homegrown developer Escandor Development Corporation (Esdevco).

The Matina Enclaves recently opened doors to its �irst residential condominium and by far, has impressed its future residents with what they saw.

“What was sold to us on paper was what we got when it’s �inished. Esdevco delivered its promise,” said one homebuyer.

Yes, Matina Enclaves just never ceases to amaze homebuyers—from start to �inish.

Let’s start off with its location. Couched around the city’s business district but beautifully con�ined within a serene patch beside the Davao City Golf Club, the Matina Enclaves is the best place to set one’s new address.

It’s like turning to a corner and all of a sudden

INSIDE. The details of each condo unit exude with elegance. you are switched off from all the hassles and noises of the metro jungle.

The completed Residences 1 is an 8-storey wonder with two levels of parking.

As you enter its lobby, you get that luxury hotel ambiance. Two fast service elevators provide for easy

access and two side staircases for those who wish to knock in more mileage on that �itness band.

Inside ever unit, the �irst to catch one’s attention is its high ceiling which is normally not the case in traditional high-rise developments.

The entire building has a

fully-automated �ire and smoke detection system, 24-hour CCTV security camera, and a standby generator set.

Then there’s the central garden at the Atrium for families to enjoy bonding time and hobnob with new friends in this �lourishing friendly communi-

ty.

But more than what you see outside, is the beauty that’s inside every unit. Meticulously handpicked, every detail in the condo home exudes with elegance.

“We did not scrimp on the materials and �ixtures inside as you can see. And

that is one of the many things people come to buy our units for,” said project head Gerald Kent Garces.

The units at Matina Enclaves also provide an impeccable view of the city’s landscape highlighted by the majestic Mt. Apo in the horizon and the pristine blue waters of Davao gulf.

EDGEDAVAO

12 HEALTH

VOL. 10 ISSUE 108 • THURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 2017

This golden spice called Turmeric

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

G

eena, only 35 years old, is not your typical lady executive. She’s athletic. In fact, when she was still in college, she used to joined activities like marathon, running and hiking. But when she started working in a company engaged in construction, she has mellowed.

Three months ago, she was invited to join a mountain climbing. Thinking that she’s not in good shape anymore, she started a regimen that she thought would make her survive the rigors of scaling a mountain. Aside from hitting the gym, she ate only nutritious food and had to give up drinking and smoking.

Two weeks before the scheduled mountain climbing, Geena went to see her doctor for a routine checkup. Unfortunately, she was diagnosed with high blood pressure or what is known in medical parlance as hypertension. When asked about any symptoms she had noticed, she answered that she experienced palpitation and dizziness but assumed they were the result of excessive training.

A few years back, the Department of Health reported that around 14 million Filipinos, or 25% of the total adult population at that time, have hypertension. Most of these people are unaware of their condition.

“Practically nine out of 10 hypertensive patients have uncontrolled blood pressure which make them good candidates to develop heart attacks and strokes, or literally drop dead before they could realize what was wrong with them,” said Dr. Esperanza Cabral, past president of the Philippine Society of Hypertension.

Most doctors advise to manage their blood pressure to avoid the complications brought about by hypertension. There are those who believe that taking some herbal and spices can help lower high blood or even manage it.

And that what was Geena was doing. A friend told her to take turmeric which, according to the Daily Mail, is “nature’s wonder drug,” while healthy eating English celebrity Ella Mills described it simply as “one of the most healing things around.”

More than just an ingredient, turmeric also boasts several health-boosting properties.

Known in the science world as Curcuma longa, it contains a strong antioxidant called curcumin. The website of the University Health News (UHN) said: “Curcumin is a potent anti-inflammatory, helps lower blood cholesterol and has anti-clotting properties. Curcumin helps keep blood vessels healthy by protecting cells from damage, thereby allowing smoother flow of blood.”

The UHN website added: “Curcumin also has the ability to dilate arteries. Researchers conclude that curcumin works much the same way as ginger as it inhibits the transport of calcium, which acts as a chemical messenger that tells muscle cells to contract, thereby dilating the arteries. Therefore, taking turmeric for high blood pressure, due to its active ingredient curcumin, can be a useful remedy.”

One of the complications of hypertension is heart attack.

The Huffington Post reported a 2012 study which showed

curcumin to have the ability to prevent heart attacks among bypass patients.

“The study followed 121 patients who had bypass surgery between 2009 and 2011. Three days before surgery through five days after, half of the patients took curcumin capsules, while the other half took placebo pills,” the Post said. “During their post-bypass hospital stays, more people in the placebo group experienced a heart attack (30%) compared with those in the curcumin group (13%).

“While not a substitute for medication, the researchers pointed out, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory of curcumin may contribute to as much as a

65% lower chance of heart attack among bypass patients,” it added.

It is no wonder why turmeric has been making a lots of headlines lately. Touted as a “superfood,” it has become a phenomenon in industrialized countries. “It’s become so popular that Starbucks is testing out turmeric latte trend in the United Kingdom,” wrote Alisa Hrustic in the August 2017 issue of Men’s Health. “And that’s actually late to the game: The yellow-hued lattes have been popping up in the local U.S. coffee shops for the past year – Los Angeles, New York, and other cities have all hopped on the ‘golden milk’ train.”

The reason of its popularity: healing powers. Liz Moody, a senior food editor at mindbodygreen.com, wrote: “While turmeric tonics, lattes and even smoothies should have a place on anyone’s anti-inflammatory recipe roster, there’s a surprisingly underutilized way to truly unlock turmeric’s mega-power: fermentation. Studies show that fermenting turmeric makes it more bioavailable than simply eating it powdered, meaning it’s that much more easily utilized by your body to enact its healing powers.”

Turmeric, the bright yellow spice often used in curries, is grown throughout India, other parts of Asia and Central Amer-

ica. In South Asia, turmeric has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for many conditions like breathing problems, rheumatism, serious pain and fatigue.

These days, turmeric is used as a dietary supplement for inflammation, arthritis, stomach and gallbladder problems, among many other conditions. Its underground stem (rhizomes) are dried and made into capsules, tablets, teas, or extracts.

“Despite its use in cooking for several thousand years, turmeric continues to surprise researchers in terms of its wide-ranging health benefits,” the website of the World’s Healthiest Foods said. “While once focused on anti-inflammatory benefits, decreased cancer risk, and support of detoxification, studies on turmeric intake now include its potential for improving cognitive function, blood sugar balance, and kidney function, as well as lessening the degree of severity associated with certain forms of arthritis and certain digestive disorders.”

Recent studies have shown that turmeric can delay diabetes. “Among people with pre-diabetes, curcumin capsules were found to delay the onset of Type 2 diabetes in a 2012 study,” the Post reported.

“Over nine months, study participants were given either curcumin supplements or placebo capsules. Just over 16% of people taking the placebo pill were diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes by the end of the study, while no one taking curcumin was.”

Turmeric can also tame heartburn and an upset stomach. Sarah Klein, writing for Healthy Living, said: “In a small study, supplements made from the turmeric plant were found to be more effective at curbing heartburn and indigestion symptoms than a placebo, possibly because of the plant’s known powers to fight inflammation.”

But there are some words of caution. “While turmeric has a long history of health giving properties and there have been many hundreds of studies into its effects on a wide variety of

ailments, it can’t be regarded as a magic cure,” writes Siobhan Harris for WebMd.com.

“It’s worth bearing in mind that most of these are preliminary studies that were performed in a laboratory, and not in humans. Much more research is needed into the possible benefits. So, it’s still too early to say whether or not turmeric has definite health benefits,” it pointed out.

Here are other things you need to be aware of. “(Turmeric) can sometimes causes nausea and diarrhea in high doses or after long-term use. It might also pose a risk of ulcers in high doses. Caution is advised when turmeric is taken by people known to have gallstones,” Harris reports.

Also, those who want take turmeric supplements must talk with their physicians first.

“Have a word with you doctor if you take medications regularly which may interact with them, for example, aspirin, painkillers, statins, diabetes drugs, blood pressure drugs and blood thinners,” Harris writes.

Photos taken from the net

VOL. 10 ISSUE 108 • THURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 2017

NEWS 13

EDGEDAVAO

AGUIRRE’S... FROM 3 Department’s very limited power over the BuCor. As such, he asked the lawmakers if they could do something about it.

“We would like the control of BuCor be returned to the Department of Justice and Secretary of Justice (SOJ),” Aguirre told members of the Appropriations Committee.

“We have only supervi-

sory powers; we couldn’t even transfer one inmate from one compound to another. That’s how limited the power of the SOJ,” he lamented.

Sarmiento noted a sense of urgency with Aguirre’s appeal after he latter confirmed in the same hearing that there is an ongoing “resurgence” of narcotics within the Sarmiento said.

The police official said they decided to propose such matter to the City Council for thorough studies and public consultations.

“Several key cities have already banned the wearing of motorcycle helmets as a security and crime prevention measure,” he said.

The city government, through the traffic management office, has been strictly

implementing the wearing of helmets by motorcycle riders as a safety measure.

The city’s traffic enforcers, who are deputized by the Land Transportation Office, have been apprehending motorcycle riders not wearing helmets and those using motorcycle that don’t have standard accessories like side mirrors..(AVE/PNA)

CAE is a global leader in training for the civil aviation, defence and security, and healthcare markets. Backed by a 70-year record of industry firsts, we continue to help define global training standards with our innovative virtual-to-live training solutions to make flying safer, maintain defence force

readiness and enhance patient safety. We have the broadest global presence in the industry, with more than 8,500 employees, 160 sites and training locations in over 35 countries. Each year, we train more than 120,000 civil and defence crewmembers and thousands of healthcare professionals worldwide.

GSC... FROM 3

CAE... FROM 5

Damaged buildings loom in the background as Philippine Marines backed by a V300 armored vehicle cross Mapandi Bridge in Marawi City on Wednesday (Aug. 30, 2017), 100 days since the Islamic State-inspired Maute group

started a siege that has made the city a ghost town. Government troops recaptured the bridge from the militants late last month. MindaNews photo by FROILAN GALLARDO

EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE WITH ASSUMPTION REAL ESTATE MORTGAGE

EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF REAL ESTATE

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late SEVERIANO TAJON who died on August 4, 2006 at Davao City has been the subject of an EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE WITH ASSUMPTION REAL ESTATE MORTGAGE executed among his heirs, per Doc. No.177; PageNo.35; Book No.XXIX; Series of 2017, of the NOTARY PUBLIC BANSALAN B. MATILLA.

8/31, 9/7, 14

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late EUTROPIO AVERGONZADO and GREGORIA SERADO-AVERGONZADO who died on June 27, 1984 and September 15, 1993 at Brgy.

Cawayan, Calinan,Davao City has been the subject of an EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF REAL ESTATE executed among their heirs, per Doc. No.180; PageNo.35; Book No.XXIX; Series of 2017, of the NOTARY PUBLIC BANSALAN B. MATILLA.

8/31, 9/7, 14

14 SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 108 • THURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 2017

DOWN, DOWN, DOWN PH sinks deeper to worst finish in SEA Games TRICKLES. Dines Dumaan captured one gold--probably the last one--in the penultimate day of competitions in the 29th SEA Games.

K

UALA LUMPUR - The Philippines will likely finish with its worst Southeast Asian Games performance in history.

After the smke of battle clears, the country’s medal tally shows 24 golds, 33 silvers, and 64 bronzes, good for sixth place overall.

This is four gold medals short of the 29 golds won in 2015 in Singapore.

With the Philippines settling for one gold medal on the penultimate day, is is headed for its most forgettable finish in 18 years in the biennial showpiece.

Only Dines Dumaan managed to break through among Filipino athletes on Tuesday in the men’s 45-50kg tanding Class A division in pencak silat, the 24th gold for a 498-strong

T

delegation that its top delegation official predicted would win 50 gold medals.

With losses in gold-medal matches in taekwondo, squash, and sepak takraw, the Philippines is condemed to fall short of the 29 gold medals the country won in 2015 in Singapore and 2013 in Myanmar.

The last time a Philippine contingent finished with less gold medals in the SEA Gmes was in 1999 in Brunei where it won 20. But the scaled-down Brunei showpiece only had 233 gold medals up or grabs - well below the 404 gold medals staked in these Games.

From the remaining events on Wednesday before the closing

he Facebook comments on fellow sportswriter Ka Joey Villar’s account for several days have dwelled on the country’s participation to the Kuala Lumpur SEA Games.

The varying comments started with the post that the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) has spent P300 million for the Games.

If you closely read on the comments, their answers would entirely depend on who actually are commenting.

Of course, the expenditure can be justified if you base it on the premise that we need to participate because sports participation is needed as a sign of goodwill and friendship with other nationals in Southeast Asia, blah, blah, blah, blah.

Many years ago, one afternoon at the PTA football field(now Peoples’

ceremonies at the Bukit Jalil Stadium, only speed skating has a Philippine entry in Kathryn Magno.

The Philippines now has 24 golds, 33 silvers, and 64 bronzes - good for sixth place in the medal tally, and well behind regional rivals Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, and Indonesia.

Olympian and flagbearer Kirstie Elaine Alora settled for the silver medal in the women’s -73kg category in taekwondo after bowing to nemesis Sorn Seavmey of Cambodia.

In evening results, squash delivered a silver courtesy of Robert Garcia, David Pelino, and Reymark Begornia in the men’s team event while sepak takraw also copped a silver in the men’s regu

from Jason Huerte, Mark Joseph Gonzales, Rheyjey Ortouste, Rhemiwil Catana, and Ronsited Gabayeron.

Francis Agojo also tabbed bronze in the men’s -63kg in taekwondo.

Squash also tallied bronze from the women’s team event courtesy of Isabelle Gotuaco, Jemyca Aribado, Joan Arebado, and Yvonne Alyssa Dalida.

Bronze medalists in pencak silat were Rick Rod Ortega (men’s tanding Class C -60kg), Jefferson Rhey Loon (men’s tanding Class D -65kg), Juryll Del Rosario (men’s tanding Class I 8590kg) , and Princesslyn Enopia (women’s tanding Class A 45-50kg).

Ryan Jakiri settled for bronze medal in the men’s 60-63.5kg division in muay.

(Spin.ph)

P300M investment by PSC, was it worth it?

Park), the late reverred coach Jose “Sensei” Te, Davao Football Association president Vic Sai and DFA treasurer Edward “Chaya” Lam (God bless their souls) were hosting a Japanese coach(whose name, unfortunately, I could no longer recall) who came to visit Davao.

The coach shared a story that the Philippines used to beat Japan in international football tournaments, 12-0 and gradually in later years, the scores were no longer that worse.

It became 10-0, 8-0, 5-0, 1-0 and eventually there was a big turnaround.

With the creation of the Japanese League (J-League), Japan has greatly improved football development and everybody knows in the soccer world, that today, Japan is a power in the sport.

Yes, ladies and gents, we can no longer beat them!

CLEAN SLATE

By MOSES P. BILLACURA Currently, FIFA, the world’s governing body for football, has ranked Japan at No.44 in the world rankings and the Philippines is at No.127.

See the difference?

My point here is simple.

We have to develop a comprehensive sports plan for a chosen sport and that should first be

developed at home before we plunge into action in the international scene.

Whose job is this? This is the job of the Philippine Olympic Committee(POC).

We have to be aware that the Philippine Sports Commission(PSC) is funded by taxpayers’ money and this is exactly the comments kept on trending on Ka Joey’s FB with the nagging question, was it worth the P300M “investment”?

Some say it’s not worth it, saying it is another worse finish by the Philippines in the Games, which as of this writing we are still very, very far away from the 50-gold medal target.

The POC trains the national athletes and the PSC simply funds them.

I would not mind if that P300M is not government money. The POC officials can raise it themselves if they want to.

Again, as I have stated previously in this corner, we are currently in a situation to fix the various problems at home and funds are scarce these days.

Would there be a revolution or a coup d’état by the POC led by Peping Cojuangco if the PSC Board headed by chairman William “Butch” Ramirez simply makes a stand that government funds should be first used to good use by developing a sports program here at home, making it strong and once we are ready, we compete in international tournaments using corporate funds of the big sponsors?

The children are the real gold, right chairman Butch?

The “gold mines” at the POC have run dry dear members of the PSC Board.

So, why keep on investing government money on the POC?

EDGEDAVAO Sports 15

IN PERIL

VOL. 10 ISSUE 108 • THURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 2017

Pac-Horn rematch could get pushed back to 2018 UNCERTAIN. The Manny Pacquiao-Jeff Horn rematch could be setback to 2018.

T

op Rank’s CEO Bob Arum revealed that the rematch between Manny Pacquiao and Jeff Horn, for the World Boxing Organization welterweight title and tentatively scheduled for November 12 in Australia has not been finalized as of yet and there is the possibility now of the second fight

heading to 2018.

Back in July, before a crowd of over 51,000 at the Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Horn won shocking twelve round unanimous decision over Pacquiao to capture the WBO belt.

There is an immediate rematch clause for Pacquiao to exercise.

“Manny is deciding if he wants a rematch

this year or next year. If he decides to postpone it, we will make a fight for Jeff in November against a good opponent in Brisbane,” explained Bob Arum to ESPN Deportes.

In the coming days, Arum hopes to travel to Manila to get Pacquiao’s decision. The eight division champion, now 38 years old, is

SILVER. Kirstie Elaine Alora bowed in the finals to an old nemesis to settle for silver.

Federer matches Agassi’s record

N

EW YORK — Roger Federer overcame a slow start, then a late lapse, and needed five sets to win a topsy-turvy first-round match at the US Open against 19-year-old American Frances Tiafoe on Tuesday (Wednesday,

Manila time).

The No. 3-seeded Federer got broken in the first game and dropped the opening set, and then appeared to take control before letting a lead slip away. Eventually, he edged the 70th-ranked Tiafoe

4-6, 6-2, 6-1, 1-6, 6-4 by breaking serve in the last game.

It was Federer’s 79th career victory at the US Open, equaling Andre Agassi for second-most.

Only Jimmy Connors has more, with 98.

very busy with his fulltime job as a senator in the Philippines.

Regarding Pacquiao’s reasons for delaying the fight, tentatively for the first quarter of 2018, Arum said: “I imagine he has many duties as a senator, he is no longer a young guy and the last fight was very physical,

and he may need more time to get ready for a rematch. We’ll know in the next few days. “ Regarding the future of Horn, Arum notes that either way he will fight in November against a first-rate opponent, although it would no longer be in the Suncorp Stadium.

“Horn would fight one of the best

welterweights and try to do the same kind of business, maybe not the same as he would have done with Pacquiao and we’ll have to adjust prices, look for a smaller place, but if Manny can not fight until the next year - we have a young champion and we have an obligation to keep him active,” Arum said.

KUALA LUMPUR -- Taekwondo jins Kirstie Elaine Alora and Francis Aaron Agojo on Tuesday settled for the silver and bronze medals in the final day of competition in taekwondo and penultimate day of the 29th Southeast Asian Games here.

Alora displayed solid kicks on the body and face of opponent Sorn Seavy of Cambodia, who took advantage of her height and long reach to capture the gold in the women’s under 73kg (Kyorugi) of taekwondo held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Center.

“I’m trying to score, get some points, but siguro kulang pa ang follow-up. It’s a big fight, I think I did my best,” said Alora

admitting “nahirapan ako talaga” - referring to the height advantage of her Cambodian opponent who took command early in the fight, 3-6 points. “‘Pag susugod na ako, nauuna pa rin ang tuhod niya (Seavy).

Sa first round I think lamang ako, pero sa last round medyo careless na ako kasi naghahabol na ako ng score,” Alora said.

She added her concentration was bothered by the “calls” of the referee during the entire match.

Agojo, for his part, also gave all his best until the dying seconds of the match but bowed to Vietnam’s Nguyen Yan Duy, 17-30.

Taekwondo gold medalists include Samuel Morrison who

ruled the Kyorugi under 74 kg and Poomsae team event composed of Dustin Mella, Raphael Enrico Mella and Rodolfo Reyes, Jr. The other medalists are: (Silver) Rhenzie Cana Aragon (Kyorugi under 53 kg) and Arven Alacantara ( Kyorugi under 68kg); (Bronze) Pauline Louise Lopez (Kyorui under 62kg), R. Reyes (Poomsae – Individual) and the women’s Poomsae team – Jocelyn Ninobla, Juvenile Faye Crisostomo and Rinna Babanto.

The Philippine taekwondo team ended its campaign with 2-34 (gold-silver-bronze) medals, one gold shy of their 3-3-2 output in the 2015 games held in Singapore.(PNA)

Alora settles for silver

16

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 108 • THURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 2017