Edge10 issue111 Septemeber 5 2017

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 111 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2017

MOBILE ENTERPRENEUR. A scavenger maneuvers his customized motorcart full of scrap metals and recyclable materials with his wife in tow as they traverse along E. Quirino Avenue in Davao City on Monday. Lean Daval Jr.

DSWD warns evacuees selling donated goods

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he Department of Social Welfare and Development in Region 10 warned Monday, the selling of donated goods will be a ground for disquali�ication from receiving future aid from the government.

DSWD-10 issued the warning after receiving reports that some evacuees displaced by the ongoing Marawi City crisis are selling government-provided goods.

Oliver Inodeo, DSWD10 spokesperson, said those proven to be doing so will be “immediately delisted.”

However, Inodeo acknowledged that some evacuees are complaining of the “monotonous” supply

of canned goods from government agencies as well as from aid groups.

To address the matter, the DSWD-10 of�icial said the agency is working on a plan to hand other food items such as chicken, dried �ish and beans so the evacuees would receive a variety of meals everyday—whether they are in evacuation centers or in their homes.

DSWD-10 Director Nestor Ramos said that while they “understand that (the evacuees) are in need of money that is why they are selling the relief goods, but we also have to realize that based on guidelines, selling these relief

DSWD, 10

Davao art exhibit to show Chinese, Western paintings

By PAULA KIM FELICIANO

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rt lovers are in for a treat as the “Chan Lim, Family of Artists and Students ” exhibit has made it back in Davao City, for the 5th time.

The event is billed as the biggest exhibit of Chinese and Western Paintings.

Following the exhibition kick-off on Saturday, a free art workshop was held by the Members of the Chan Lim family, where guests

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sists of 300 artworks, from 40 contributors mainly from the Chan Lim Siblings— Alex, Felix, Rolex and Jolex, and the Chan Lim Studio students.

The Chan Lim Family of Artist and Students prepares new set of artworks, and ideas evolving from their materials year after year, painting on lanterns, fans, plates, scrolls, and others.

Alex Lim, one of the mentors and contributors of the exhibit said that their Clan is delighted to be a part of Davao City’s emerging art industry, and welcomes the idea of collaborating with some of the city’s visual art practitioners.

The Chan Lim Mid-Autumn Art Exhibit is up and open for the public at SM Lanang Premier until September 16.

Of�icer 4 Noel Oclarit, CIDG chief investigator.

It was possible that Pamatong, Oclarit said, had been tipped off of the raid in his premises, and carted away the �irearms together with his followers.

Because of this, Oclarit said they viewed Pamatong and his cohorts as “armed and dangerous” and that the public is urged to inform authorities of the group’s whereabouts.

Oclarit said Pamatong’s group maintains around 30 camps all over the country, “and they could be in one of those camps.”

Pamatong, who was suspended last year by the Supreme Court from practicing law for two years

due to corruption, is the leader of the “USA Freedom Fighters of the East (USAFFE)”.

His antics, which included burning the �lags of some countries he deemed hostile to the Philippines, have largely been ignored by authorities. Early this year, Pamatong declared himself to be the legitimate president of the Philippines.

Pamatong has been seen in public clad in military regalia, complete with badges and accessories.

His Facebook posts also show him and his followers brandishing �irearms.

Pamatong’s activities have largely been dismissed by authorities as

theatrics, until some of USAFFE members were arrested last month for trying to enter Marawi City in fake military uniforms.

Police said Pamatong allegedly ordered his members to “reinforce” government troops in Marawi City, where the terrorist Maute group has been laying siege for three months.

Oclarit warned Pamatong’s followers they can be charged with violation of RA 10591 for illegal possession of �irearms and ammunition; RA 9516, for alleged illegal possession of explosives; and RA 8491, for inverting the Philippine �lag. (PNA/Jigger J. Jerusalem)

‘President’Pamatong eludes arrest attempt

Duterte, ex-speaker C Nograles mend fences ormer House of Representatives Speaker Prospero Nograles apologized to his longtime political nemesis President Rodrigo Duterte for past differences.

In front of more than 1,000 political leaders and supporters of Nograles during the birthday celebration of Davao City 1st District Rep. Karlo Nograles at Mergrande Resort on Saturday night, the former House speaker even vowed to back the President and to be loyal to the Duterte family.

and several mall goers were taught the basics of the Chinese art form of water-color painting.

The clan of artists holds free art workshops from time to time to encourage more people to go back to the basics and consider painting as their family bonding , explore their potentials, and unlock the artistic bone in everyone.

This year’s exhibit con-

ontroversial lawyer Ely Pamatong is “armed and dangerous” and has maintained at least 30 camps throughout the country, the Criminal Investigation and DetecHe said Duterte is from tion Group (CIDG) has Davao and the only president warned. coming from Mindanao.

Pamatong, a colorful “I apologize publicly for political �igure who has whatever heartaches we gained notoriety for his have had,” the elder Nograles antics, was nowhere to be said in his short message as found when authorities he welcomed and thanked implemented a search the President for gracing his warrant and recovered son’s birthday celebration. a handgun and two greThe elder Nograles even nades in his compound in vowed that the Nograleses Brgy. Tablon here last Au“will defend him (Duterte) gust 31. go against his enemies,” the Authorities had origielder Nograles said. nally targetted Pamatong’s But the President, in an cache of �irearms during DUTERTE, 10 the raid, said Senior Police

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Prelate asking for prayers for safe release of hostages

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arawi Bishop Edwin dela Peña is asking for prayers for the safe release of the hostages and to end the con�lict in Marawi City which has been ongoing for more than three months.

“Let us continue praying.

Let us pray that this crisis will already end without sacri�icing more lives,” he said in an article posted on the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) news website.

Some 30 hostages, including Catholic priest Fr. Chito Suganob, are believed to be held by the terrorists.

At the same time, the Catholic bishop also urged the government to prioritize the safety of hostages that are

still being held by the Maute group, noting “collateral damage” in war is not acceptable in all circumstances.

“If they do the �inal assault, the lives of the hostages could just be sacri�iced and be considered as collateral damage… that is not acceptable.

To me, they are not a collateral damage,” he said.

Earlier, Dela Peña launched “Duyog Marawi”, a campaign of the Marawi prelature in partnership with some religious and non-government organizations in rebuilding the war-torn city.

“These processes have to begin now before the reconstruction begins and before people will go back to the city,” he said. (PNA)

Duterte says Trillanes Forum to prepare Davao on fishing expedition Davao Tourism Association (DATA) president GatchiGatchalian (center), together with Davao Digital Influencers (DDI) president Glen Santillan and Cherry Al-ag, promotes the upcoming Davao Turismo Conference on Sep-

tember 22 at Pinnacle Hotel during KapehansaDabaw at the Annex of SM City Davao on Monday. Davao Turismo Conference aims to develop tourism vision for Davao. Lean Daval Jr.

for a boom in tourism T

he �irst Davao Turismo Conference will be held on September 22 at Pinnacle Hotel and Suites.

“We are inviting all tourism stakeholders to the one day event” said Renato ‘Gatchi’ Gatchalian, president of Davao Tourism Association (DATA) at the Kapehan sa Dabaw on Monday. In this event, the DATA will launch its 6-point agenda for tourism development in the region The conference was organized in a bid to create a Davao Turismo vision which will guide all tourism players and help them identify the city’s strengths and weaknesses. “We can come up

with programs and plans for our campaign Sulong Davao Turismo,” Gatchalian added.

This event also aims to help Davao City develop a stronger tourism industry.

He said the group is expecting 200 participants for the event and there will be a registration fee of P500, inclusive of lunch, snacks and conference materials.

The Marketing, Product Development, Service, Financing, Government Relations and Industry support will be the topics in the event, “This event is fully supported by the Department of Tourism Region 11 and City Tourism Of�ice as they will be our

RTC decision granting Ampatuan bail upheld

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he Court of Appeals upheld the decision of the Quezon City Regional Trial Court allowing a son of former Maguindanao governor Andal Ampatuan, Sr., who is one of the respondents in the Maguindanao massacre case, to be released on bail.

In a four-page resolution penned by Associate Justice Marie Christine Azcarraga-Jacob, concurred by Associate Justices Ricardo Rosario and Edwin Sorongon, the CA 16th Division denied government prosecutors’ plea seeking the reversal of Quezon RTC Branch 221 Presiding Judge Jocelyn Solis-Reyes decision granting Datu Sajid Islam Ampatuan.

Datu Sajid is one of the principal suspects in the Maguindanao massacre, where

58 people were killed including 32 journalists in November 2009.

Datu Sajid, son of Ampatuan Sr., was granted bail last January 9, 2015.

The appellate court did not give credence to the claim of the petitioners that its January 30, 2017 decision should be reversed following the decision of the trial court to discharge Police Insp. Rex Ariel Diongon as state witness and to admit his testimony.

Government prosecutors asked the CA to give weight to the testimony of Diongon which was previously disregarded by the trial curt, to prove that the evidence against Ampatuan is strong enough to deny his application for bail.

speakers because they will provide more insights, more information, statistics and metrics so that we will be able to understand the market,” said Gatchalian.

He said a pre- conference held on August 24 at Marco Polo Davao and was attended by presidents from tourism related establishments.

“The reason for doing this is we have to prepare Davao City for any eventuality,” said Gatchalian. The unseen declaration of Martial Law last May 23 really affected the tourism sector but in spite of the declaration, the Davaoeños remained resilient and were able to host a successful Kadayawan Cele-

bration, he added.

“It is not only exclusive for those who are members of industry associations, but it is also intended to invite other tourism stakeholders,” said Cherry Al-ag Head of Marketing and Participation Committee of Davao Tourism Conference, Vice President of the Spa and Wellness sector. They wanted to create a Clear Davao Tourism Plan to guide them. “This private sector led activity is supported by the key government agencies like the department of tourism and the City Tourism Of�ice,” Al-ag added. The Davao Tourism Association (DATA) started a campaign

TOURISM, 10

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f he has an advice to son Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte and son-in-law Atty.

Manases “Mans” Carpio, President Rodrigo Duterte would want the two to appear before the Senate if invited to the hearings on alleged corruption at the Bureau of Custom.

Duterte, a trial lawyer for many years, however, hinted it would be a futile exercise because the vice mayor and Carpio can always invoke their right to silence.

The President said the two can even go to court if they are cited for contempt for failure to answer questions in the Senate investigation.

“Ako, ang advice ko kay Pulong? “Punta ka doon, then pagdating mo and he questions, sabihin mo lang na, I will not answer you, I’m invoking my right of silence kasi nung eleksyon

pa, hindi pa Presidente ang tatay ko, binibira mo na kami (For me my advice to Pulong? Go there, if you’re there and he (Senator Antonio Trillanes) questions, just say, I will not answer you, I’m invoking my right of silence because since election, before my father became president, you were already hitting us),” Duterte said when asked by reporters what advice he would give Paolo and Carpio if they are invited by the Senate.

“Ang isagot sa iyo, ‹I will refuse to answer your questions because it will intend to incriminate me›, “ Duterte stressed.

Duterte pointed out Trillanes already assumed for the longest time that Paolo and Carpio are behind the so-called Davao group linked to BOC’s smuggling and ‘tara’ system.

DUTERTE, 10

IN THE LIMELIGHT.Davao City Vice MayorPaolo Duterte interacts with reporters in this undated photo. The vice mayor, together with brother-in law, lawyer

RTC, 10 ManasesCarpio, is said to be invited to appear the Senate hearing on the Bureau of Customs (BOC) corruption mess on September 7. Lean Daval Jr.

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PH leads launching of ASEAN young entrepreneurs association

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he Association of Southeast Asian Nations brings together a distinguished group of people whose mix of youthful energy and business knowhow can help transform industries across the entire ASEAN region.

The ASEAN Young Entrepreneurs Carnival, slated 5 September 2017 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City, an of�icial event under the ASEAN Committee on Business and Investment Promotion led by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), will set as an avenue of the of�icial launching of the ASEAN Young Entrepreneurs Association.

“Young entrepreneurs in ASEAN are well-positioned to utilize and promote new technologies to drive future economic growth and job creation in a rapidly changing global economic and social environment,” said Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez.

Secretary Lopez noted that young people’s contribution to trade and business is becoming signi�icant to national and regional development, as more young people are closely engaged in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the Philippines ad ASEAN member countries.

“We believe that these entrepreneurs with their youthful energy, they can drive great impact in their businesses and therefore help provide open more job opportunities,” Secretary Lopez added.

With the success of 1st ASEAN Young Entrepreneurs Carnival in Kuala Lumpur in 2016, AYEC pushes forward its commitment in reaching out to more young business people across the region and create opportunities for business and networking.

The ASEAN Young Entrepreneurs Association will be formally launched now that the ASEAN Community celebrates 50 years from foundation under the hosting of the Philippines this year.

Young entrepreneurs aged between 18-25 can attend the summit, where they will have opportunities to network and participate in dialogues with other young business people across the ASEAN and other partners, such as China, India, Australia and the USA. “As a platform for the business owners, students, aspiring entrepreneurs, startups, and other stake holders, The AYE Carnival will give the delegates an avenue to connect, interact, build relationships and network with regional linkages,” Secretary Lopez pointed out.

The program agenda will include plenary talks by keynote speakers, interactive panels and workshops, symposium, awards and networking. The sessions will also help the delegates to be tapped in the challenges of entrepreneurship in the basic pillars such as access to �inance, market, leadership, technology and networking through a pre-carnival survey. (DTI)

ranking of�icial of the Department of Social Welfare and Development in SOCCSKSARGEN on Monday urged partners and stakeholders in a special anti-poverty program of the government to excel and get national recognition and honor.

Gemma Rivera, DSWD12 Assistant Director, made the appeal after the region won four out of nine categories of Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive Integrated Delivery of Social Service (Kalahi CIDSS) 3rd National Bayani Ka! Awards.

Kalahi-CIDSS is a community-driven development project implemented by DSWD. Under Kalahi-CIDSS, communities in local government units (LGUs) are trained to choose, design and implement subprojects that address their most pressing need.

Bayani Ka! Awards is an annual search for the outstanding community volunteers who are consid-

ered as unsung heroes for their extraordinary contribution and dedication to the development of their communities through the country’s community-driven development program, Kalahi-CIDSS. Rivera said that Bayani Ka! Awards is an expression of gratitude to community volunteers of the program for their contributions in addressing the local problems.

“Our volunteers are the life-blood of the program.

They are our local heroes who are offering their time, talent and treasure without expecting anything in return,” Rivera said. “They are worth emulating,” she added.

This year’s awardees from Region 12 include Bautista Agbay, 64, a farmer from Barangay Mabay, Maitum, Sarangani Province who was hailed as Best Community Volunteer for Peace Promotion Award in recognition of his volunteerism works. (PNA)

Kalahi stakeholders encouraged to shine A

Philippine Export Confederation, Inc. (PHILEXPORT) president Ferdinand Marañon and executive director Marizon Loreto announce the upcoming Banana Congress on October 12 to 13 at SMX Convention Center which will gather government and private sector policy makers, businessmen, farmers

and other stakeholders to discuss and promote solutions-driven initiatives to address the major challenges that the industry is facing today. Marañon and Loreto made the announcement during KapehansaDabaw at the Annex of SM City Davao on Monday. Lean Daval Jr.

October conference to address banana industry-wide concerns B

By PAULA KIM FELICIANO

anana growers from private sectors in Mindanao are more determined to address various crucial issues confronting the banana industry that may possibly jeopardize the performance of the entirety of the banana industry in the country.

With this, Phil Export President, Ferdinand Marañon has renewed his invitation for multi-national banana growers to participate in banana conference this October 12-13 at SMX Center at SM Lanang Premier. The conference aimed, once and for all, to harmonize the suggestions and proposed mechanisms to address the challenges on security, peace and order,

market competition, tariff problems and as well as the perennial banana diseases.

Mainly the conference will be aiming the limelight on the struggles of the banana growers in terms of peace and order in their respective plantations, most especially to those areas raided and burnt by some armed groups, resulting to a multi-billion pro�it loss.

“This is the real issue we need to address… investments of the multi-national companies would probably forfeit, if this continues,” Marañon said at Wednesday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM Ecoland.

Phil Export Executive Director Maria Corazon Loreto seconded Marañon’s

statement, saying that this matter is truly alarming as over 2 million workers were displaced because of the burning of operational equipment in banana plantations.

“The resulting effect of the lawless actions, affects the production of the bananas, most especially in terms of supply, it became low.” She said.

Optimistic for a solution, Loreto said that Department of National Defense Secretary Del�in Lorenzana will be one of the con�irmed resource speakers, so as to give investors assurance to continue in investing and expand in the city, especially now that the market for the Philippine Quality caven-

dish banana for export has high demands.

Loreto said that this initiative is long overdue, and will deliberately be done this year because of the clamor of the banana growers as a result of the banana congress last year.

Aside from this, the performance of the industry is also affected by various factors which will be addressed by several experts, specializing on marketing, �inancing support, managing banana diseases and others.

Loreto said that the output of the conference shall aim to propose a uni�ied coping mechanism and provide policy direction for the whole banana industry.

inclusive innovation-led industrial and entrepreneurship ecosystem that will support our core sectors, ensuring their sustained growth and ability to generate more jobs and business opportunities, as Dutertenomics’ way of solving poverty,” said Sec. Lopez.

The study mission also aims to align the quality and capacities of Filipino manpower to the challenging requirements of the sectors, especially in view of today’s economic integration and development in arti�icial intelligence (AI), according to him.

DTI and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) recently initiated the formation of the country’s inclusive innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem

that will promote the collaborative efforts among the government, research and development (R&D) institutions, the academe, the industries and the private organizations to support greater innovation and technology application to support PH’s core industries.

Other PH agencies including the Department of Agriculture, Commission on Higher Education, Department of Education, Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC) and industry groups shall be part of the ecosystem that will encourage the infusion of continuous innovation, science and technology in the country’s economic sectors to generate more competitive and higher value added products.

The government concluded said study mission to the technology and innovation hubs and ecosystems in the US such as the Silicon Valley in California, the Research and Technology Park (RTP) in North Carolina, the Small Business Innovation Research, the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine and the National Academy of Science Foundation in Washington.

DTI and DOST will lead the convening of all enablers in the innovation ecosystem to map out the overall framework and programs to be implemented.

“We shall soon present this to the President, with a corresponding draft Executive Order that will manifest the importance given by the

Lopez bats for innovative, entpreneurial eco-system

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epartment of Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez underscored the need to develop an inclusive, innovation-led industrial and entrepreneurship ecosystem that will upgrade the competitiveness of the Philippine agri-industry, manufacturing and services sectors, thus improving productivity, output generation, and later on income of every Filipino.

This after the trade chief and other government of�icials completed the study mission (last week of August) in the United States (US) on building an inclusive innovation system in the Philippines.

“The objective of the mission is to study how we can build a stronger platform of

LOPEZ, 10

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Deal on internet infra, defense equipment inked

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he Philippine International Trading Corp. on August 31 signed a memorandum of agreement with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (for the procurement of a Wi-Fi infrastructure system in line with the initiative of the government to provide free Internet access across the country.

The DICT outsourced the services of the PITC to procure PHP 2.39 billion worth of regional Wi-Fi infrastructure network in compliance with President Rodrigo Duterte’s directive to provide free Internet access in public places nationwide.

“This Wi-Fi project will bene�it Filipinos in 81 provSELF-HELP. A driver uses a power spray to wash away dirt from his taxi unit at a car wash shop where customers can clean up their own vehicles. Lean Daval Jr. inces all over the country as we democratize access to the internet and information which can fuel economic growth, especially in small and medium enterprises (SMEs),” PITC President and Chief Executive Of�icer Dave Almarinez said.

President Duterte has recently signed into law Republic Act 10929 known as

By PAULA KIM FELICIANO the “Free Internet Access In avigating through the a reality for the commuting package and food deliveries.

P18,000 a month with at least Public Access Act” institutionalizing a free Internet access city and making it to a public in Davao City, ‘Grab-PhilAccording to Grab Davao 10 rides per day. destination on time is ippines’ introduced to the city City Manager, Jose Thor VilVillarez discussed the com- program in public places nanot all there is in taking a taxi. its car-booking application larreiz, Davao is the third city pany’s operation in a speech tionwide. DICT, the lead imComfort, convenience and safe- back in 2014, which includes in the Philippines to enjoy the he delivered before the Rota- plementing agency will overty are always and will always be services from grab taxi, grab services of their company and ry Club of East Davao headed see the effective and ef�icient considered by commuters. car and is currently studying has now a total of 1,300 drivers, by Alvin B. Orteza, during the implementation of the law.

The department, through To make transport freedom to introduce grab express for earning a guaranteed income of THERE’S, 13

There’s more to Grab service than easy taxi access: manager N

Bangon Marawi funds’ inclusion in budget asked

S

enate President Pro-Tempore Ralph Recto on Monday said that instead of a supplemental budget, the funds needed to rebuild con�lict-torn Marawi City can be included in the 2018 national budget.

“The city which has given Mindanao light and enlightenment has been thrown into darkness. It needs help. So whatever

amount will be spent to bring it up on its feet will just be a fraction of what it had given to Mindanao,” Recto said in a press statement.

Recto pressed executive of�icials tasked to plan and implement Marawi’s reconstruction to submit a budget to Congress before the two chambers wrap up work on the PHP3.767 trillion 2018

national budget by the �irst week of December.

He said those drafting the Bangon Marawi blueprint should take these into consideration.

“The money proposed in the 2018 national budget for Marawi’s reconstruction is PHP10 billion. The question is, is this enough? How much from the PHP25.5 bil-

azakhstan will take part in the 14th China-ASEAN Expo this month, the �irst country along the Silk Road Economic Belt to be invited as a special partner.

The 14th China-ASEAN Expo is scheduled to be held from Sept. 12 to 15 in Nanning, capital of south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

Since 2014, in addition to “10+1” cooperation between China and the 10 ASEAN members, the expo

has expanded to include 21st Century Maritime Silk Road countries, said Yang Yanyan from the expo’s secretariat.

Australia, the Republic of Korea and Sri Lanka, all of the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road countries, have been invited as special guest countries successively to attend the expo over the last three years.

This year, the expo expands further to include the Silk Road Economic

Belt by inviting Kazakhstan, Yang said earlier this week.

Kazakhstan will set up a pavilion and host a trade promotion conference and diverse cultural events during the expo, according to Yang.

Kazakhstan is China’s largest trade partner in Central Asia. Bilateral trade between the countries jumped by 39.2 percent year on year to USD9.27 billion in the �irst seven months this year. (Xinhua)

BANGON, 13

Kazakhstan invited as special partner of China-ASEAN expo K

its “PipolKonek” project,” will roll out Free Public WiFi hotspots in public plazas and parks; public libraries, schools, colleges and universities; rural health units and government hospitals; train stations, airports, and seaports; and national and local government of�ices.

The department aims to reach over 13,000 public places across 145 cities and 1,489 municipalities.

The PITC has likewise partnered with the Department of National Defense (DND) for the procurement of defense equipment for the modernization program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

“The procurement of the defense equipment is in line with President Rodrigo Duterte’s goal of modernizing the supplies and weapons of our soldiers as one way of recognizing their bravery and selfless sacri�ices for the nation,” Almarinez said.

The PITC inked the deal with DND Secretary Del�in Lorenzana and DICT Undersecretary Eliseo Rio which was witnessed by Senator Cynthia Villar and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo during its 44th anniversary celebration held Thursday night at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City. (PNA)

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A trekking couple struggle to scale up one of the numerous small waterfalls in Sitio Lumbatin in hinterland Barangay Pugaan in Iligan City Sunday morning (3 September 2017). More than two dozen waterfalls, most of them still

without names, abound in Sitio Lumbatin alone, adding to the already numerous cascades of the City of Waterfalls.

MindaNews photo by BOBBY TIMONERA

Police nab Comelec Solon backs DepEd region 9 director random drug testing A S econd District Rep. Celso Lobregat on Monday expressed support to the plan of the Department of Education (DepEd) to implement random drug testing in public schools.

Lobregat issued the statement after the DepEd announced it plans to conduct random drug tests in public schools, speci�ically for senior high school and college stu-

dents.

The mayor, however, said the drug testing should be random for the students while mandatory for teachers, DepEd and Commission on Higher Education (CHED) of�icials to ensure the education sector is drug-free.

“They (education of�icials) must comply �irst to erase public doubts and to gain the trust and con�idence of the

students that their teachers are law compliant,” he added.

He said the DepEd should also ensure that the rights of the students are respected and should be with the consent of the parents.

“This process should be properly reviewed and utmost consideration should be done, making sure that this will not cause psychological effects to students who will

be discovered positive for drug use, the intervention and con�identiality of its results should be carefully examined,” Lobregat said.

DepEd has allotted PhP39 million to fund the drug testing program for public school students and teachers that will be implemented in partnership with the Department of Health (DOH). (TPGJR/ PNA)

he Bureau of Fishers and Aquatic Resources-10 (BFAR-10) on Monday said it has yet to determine the cause of death of hundreds of “tamban” (sardines) that were found �loating on a coastal village here.

Villagers at sitio Baloy, Barangay Tablon, said they started noticing what they described as a “�ish kill” at around 10 a.m. of Sept. 3.

Rudy Gamo, 53, a �isherman in the area, said they were baf�led upon seeing the dead �ishes, which looked like white specks on the waters.

“They were glittering, but they were not moving,” said Gamo, referring to the school of dead sardines.

Soon after, villagers said hundreds of dead �ish began to wash up on the beach. By this time, people began to collect the dead �ish and some even brought styrofoam boxes for storage.

Villagers from other areas in Tablon also came and joined in the picking of dead sardines.

People living near the shoreline said they immediately cooked the sardines, either by frying or grilling them.

As of Sept. 4, village of�icials reported no cases of food poisoning or any gastrointestinal disorder from cooking and eating the dead sardines.

But Dr. Jennifer Marie Rivero, a veterinarian at BFAR-10,

cautioned residents from eating the dead �ish until the agency could determine what caused the mass deaths.

Initial examination showed that the �ish appeared to be in good state and the sea water contained no toxic substance, Dr. Rivero noted.

“We would highly discourage eating the �ish, since we don’t know what caused its death,” said Rivero in an interview inside the BFAR-10 regional of�ice in Barangay Macabalan on Monday.

Rivero said a �ish kill could occur by the change of the quality of the water, illegal �ishing practices, and the release of sewage of manufacturing facilities into the sea.

The village’s coastal area is the site of several factories, among them a corn processing factory and a dressed chicken facility.

Rivero noted there were reported �ish kills in the past few years.

Nemfe Antigua, 38, a �ish vendor, said she doesn’t think the �ish kill was the result of contamination of or any poisonous substances.

“If toxic chemical had killed the sardines, then those of us who had eaten it would have already gotten sick. But there were no reports of such. I even fed my children fried sardines,” Antigua said. (Jigger J. Jerusalem/ PNA)

n election of�icial was arrested for violation of Republic Act 10175, otherwise known as the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, the police said Monday.

Chief Insp. Helen Galvez, Police Regional Of�ice-9 (PRO9) information of�icer, identi�ied the suspect as lawyer Wilfredo Jay Balisado, 47, Region 9 Director of the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

Galvez said Balisado was

arrested at around 2:45 p.m.

Saturday in Barangay Biasong, Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte.

He was arrested by virtue of a warrant of arrest for violation of Section 4c on online libel of R.A. 10175 issued by a Quezon City court.

She said that Balisado was released at around 5:30 p.m. Saturday after he posted the recommended bail of PhP24,000. (TPGJR/PNA)

Cops arrest 4 Cagayan de Oro‘fish kill’puzzles BFAR in drug bust T C

OTABATO CITY -- Four drug suspects, including a woman, were arrested in separate anti-drug operations in Maguindanao, police said Monday.

Senior Supt. Agustin Tello, Maguindanao police provincial director, said a 32-year-old pedicab driver was arrested in a drug buy bust operation at 5 a.m. Monday in Barangay Buayan, Datu Piang, Maguindanao.

He identi�ied the suspect as Haron Edza Ebus, of Buayan.

Tello said the operation

was conducted in partnership with the military’s 22nd Mechanized Company and barangay of�icials.

Earlier, the police received a tip from civilians about the activities of Ebus where he openly sold prohibited drugs.

Seized from him were several sachets of suspected shabu and a homemade pistol.

In Barangay Crossing Simuay, Sultan Kudarat town in Maguindanao, police arrested at 9 a.m. Mama Montani, 46, Sadam L. Montani, 27 and a woman named Naot Montani, 38, all related by blood.(PNA)

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 111 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2017

EDITORIAL

No permanent enemies

D

abawenyos have witnessed the bitter rivalry in the local political arena between President Rodrigo Duterte and former House Speaker Prospero “Boy” Nograles. That is now history as the saying “there are no permanent friends and enemies in politics” have added another living example.

The two have since ended their spat after Nograles came out in the open to support the candidacy of President Duterte in the May 2016 elections.

During the recent birthday celebration of Nograles’ son Cong.

Karlo Nograles last Saturday, the elder Nograles apologized for their past bickering. He also expressed his unconditional support to the administration of President Duterte.

Cong. Karlo has switched political allegiance to the PDP Laban political party of President Duterte from his former party Lakas.

The Duterte-Nograles rivalry started in 1992 during the

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Davao mayoral elections. Duterte was then running for second term as mayor and Nograles was trying his hand for the mayoral post. Nograles was defeated by Duterte. The two met again in the �irst congressional district in 2001 and Duterte defeated Nograles. And in 2010, Nograles pursued the mayoral post this time against then vice mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio and lost to the young Duterte.

When Duterte ran for president last year, Rep. Karlo backed the elder Duterte. Karlo is Duterte’s nephew because his mother is a cousin of the President.

The Nograles’ expression of support was sealed with the oath taking of Karlo as a member of the Partido ng Demokratikong Pilipino in the same occasion.

Dabawenyos are hoping the recent smoking of the peace pipe between the Dutertes and the Nograleses signal not just the end of political enmity, temporarily, but one that is lasting.

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

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

EDGEDAVAO

T

he trip of our local traders and businesspeople to Japan marks a vital milestone in the history of local business, capping a year of continuous broadening of our business ties with the world.

I recall fondly my own trip to Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia a few years back.

Joining a trip sponsored by the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc., it was a chance to see just how our immediate neighbors are advancing in their own broad development, and meet up with potential business partners who see the Philippines as an attractive investment destination owing to the young population that is growing more af�luent as the country’s growth continues to go up.

Meeting my counterparts, I felt the appreciation of this potential, and their positive

F

ilipinos may soon be serving golden rice in their tables. That is, if the biosafety permit being applied for will be approved by the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), a line agency of the Department of Agriculture in-charge with the biotechnology issues and concerns in the country.

In a press statement, the Cornell University’s Alliance for Science said: “The Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) and International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) have applied for a biosafety permit that would �inally allow Vitamin A-bioforti�ied (GR2E) rice to be used for food, feed, and processing in the Philippines.”

Both PhilRice and IRRI worked together in the Philippines to develop golden rice as a potential new food-based approach to improve vitamin A status, according to an email from IRRI of�icials.

The email added that the two rice institutes focused their research on four objectives. These were to: 1) develop varieties suitable for Asian farmers; 2) help assess the safety of golden rice; 3) evaluate whether consumption of golden rice improves vitamin A status; and 4) explore how golden rice could reach those most in need.

“Completion of the biosafety assessment is a prerequisite for the conduct of human nutrition studies of golden rice,” IRRI of�icials said. “The human nutrition studies are an important component in demonstrating the value of golden

VOL. 10 ISSUE 111• TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2017

VANTAGE POINTS

9

Trade missions and business events pa more view of the Philippine market as one they would like to explore and enter. More speci�ically, they truly appreciated the fact that we were from Mindanao, which they see as a natural partner, and a long lost set of cousins they would like to reconnect with.

Seeing the countries of Malaysia and Indonesia, it is clear that they are pulling out all the stops to keep their growth up, with deliberate interventions meant to ensure equitable wealth distribution.

The new city of Putrajaya is now Malaysia’s government center, a state of the art metropolis one hour away from Kuala Lumpur meant to organize government efforts and processes in one area.

Batam Island in Indonesia’s Riau Archipelago is the country’s answer to our own Subic and Clark, a massive special

MY TWO CENT’S John Carlo B. Tria

economic zone attracting expats from nearby Singapore with infrastructure meant to bring in manufacturing industries and related ventures.

Its proximity to the city state is an opportunity that the Indonesian government is taking note of. It has built an airport with the country’s longest runway. It is where many Singaporeans retire and

expand their business, and is likely to grow as Singapore grows.

It is hoped that we too can mix in with these developments, if not create our own. Fact is, our GDP growth has been faster than Indonesia and Malaysia.

Our growth at 6.5 percent as of last quarter is an increase from the last one, signifying that the economy is strong to withstand political noise. Malaysians see an increasingly af�luent Philippines as a massive market for their products.

Knowing this, donor agencies and credit Suisse have upped their own growth forecasts for the Philippine economy, seen to continue growing despite a lot of the useless controversies and fake news that seem to occupy the minds of many who choose to be affected.

With this, the upcoming

Mindanao business conference in Cagayan de Oro promises to be a good one, what with so much attention given to Mindanao’s business potentials and the recently activated connectivity between Zamboanga and Cagayan de Oro and the Visayan Cities of Dumaguete, Tacloban and Tagbilaran.

Likewise forthcoming is the revival of the ZamboangaSandakan �light . We foresee the old Davao-Manado route being reactivated. At no other time have we had this kind of direct connectivity in terms of shipping and air links.

Worth mentioning is our own Davao trade expo on September 21-23 and the Davao Tourism Conference on September 22. These are events not to miss. With more trade missions and direct �lights, it’s time to join the bandwagon of growth.

because rice varieties do not contain signi�icant amounts of beta carotene.

Credited for discovering the golden rice were Ingo Potrykus, who was 65 at that time and was about to retire as a professor at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich, and Peter Beyer of the University of Freiburg. “My team targeted vitamin A de�iciency because this is one of the largest health problems worldwide,” Prof.

Potrykus was quoted as saying.

In 2005, scientists develop the current version of golden rice. In the Philippines, the �irst generation golden rice was �irst tested in advanced �ield trials in IRRI in 2008.

The second generation of selected varieties was �ield tested in the wet season of 2010. At the state-owned PhilRice), con�ined �ield trials of advanced lines were conducted in February to June 2011.

“The �ield trials are an important step in evaluating the performance of golden rice and to determine if it can be planted, grown, and harvested just like other popular rice varieties,” PhilRice said in a statement. “These trials are also part of the safety assessment of golden rice.”

But despite the good things that golden rice brings, there are those who are against its commercialization. “The statement that golden rice would solve world hunger is ludicrous,” wrote Leonard Pollara of Organic Sage Consulting. “The proposal that any

agricultural activity that relies upon a concentrated vertically-integrated food supply to end world hunger �lies in the face of history and reality.”

One of the key arguments of the critics is that golden rice, once sold, will serve only the interest of multinational companies, an issue that is well-anchored on intellectual property rights.

Others claim that the golden rice was just a ploy of agrochemical companies. To quote the words of Father Shay Cullen in an article he wrote recently: “They own and supply the speci�ic fertilizer that makes the seed grow and upon which it is dependent. In this way, the corporations control the food supply through their geneticallymodi�ied seed and food products.”

International group Greenpeace, which has made a concerted effort to block golden rice’s introduction since it was announced in 2000, claims that vitamin A-forti�ied rice may not be effective in delivering vitamin A to children “The real reason Greenpeace is opposed to golden rice is because it is genetically modi�ied and it can’t seem to imagine that even one bene�icial crop might result from this technique,” writes Dr. Patrick Moore, a co-founder of Greenpeace who helped lead the organization for 15 years but is now an independent ecologist and environmentalist. “It is willing to put its zero-tolerance ideology ahead of a critical humanitarian mission.”

Serving soon: Golden rice

rice in complementing other approaches to mitigate vitamin A de�iciency.”

Vitamin A promotes good vision, especially in low light. It is also important in reproduction, growth, and immune function.

Despite current interventions, vitamin A de�iciency (VAD) remains a serious problem worldwide.

“VAD is the leading cause of preventable blindness in children and increases the risk of disease and death from severe infections. In pregnant women VAD causes night blindness and may increase the risk of maternal mortality,” says the World Health Organization (WHO).

An estimated 250,000 to 500,000 vitamin A-de�icient children become blind every year, half of them dying within 12 months of losing their sight, according to the Geneva-based UN health agency.

“Golden rice has a very great potential to help address the problem of vitamin A de�iciency since we Filipinos are rice lovers,” said Dr. Roel Suralta, PhilRice Golden Rice project leader. “We eat rice three times a day, and even more.”

Normally, rice plants produce beta-carotene in their green parts, but not the grain that people eat.

Golden rice is genetically engineered to produce beta-carotene in the edible part of the plant.

“Not owned by any company, Golden Rice is being developed by a nonpro�it group with the aim of providing a new source of vitamin

THINK ON THESE!

Henrylito D. Tacio

A to people both in the Philippines, where most households get most of their calories from rice, and eventually in many other places in a world where rice is eaten every day by half the population,” wrote Amy Harmonaug in an article which appeared in The New York Times.

Golden Rice was one of seven winners of the 2015 Patents for Humanity Awards by the United States Patent and Trademark Of�ice.

Using genetic modi�ication techniques, respected scientists developed golden rice using genes from corn and a common soil microorganism that together produce beta carotene in the rice grain.

According to IRRI, conventional breeding programs could not be used to develop golden rice

10

NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 111 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2017

MOTHERS KNOW BEST. National Nutrition Council 11 program coordinator Dr. Ma. Teresa Ungson (right) and Michele Cortez of PRIM announce the winners of the recently concluded photo contest which is anchored on the theme

“Breastfeeding: Epitome of Mother’s Love towards a Strong Nation” during KapehansaDabaw at the Annex of SM city Davao on Monday. Lean Daval Jr.

RTC... FROM 4

Julia Goerges 6-3, 3-6, 6-1. Stephens has won 12 of her past 14 matches, a remarkable run for someone who was off the tour for 11 months because of foot surgery in January.

Earlier Sunday, 18-year-old Canadian Denis Shapovalov’s entertaining stay ended with a 7-6 (2), 7-6 (4), 7-6 (3) loss to 12th-seeded Pablo Carreno Busta of Spain. In the quarters, Carreno Busta will play No. 29 Diego Schwartzman of Argentina, while No. 17 Sam Querrey of the United States takes on No. 28 Kevin Anderson of South Africa. Querrey gave the host nation its �irst male

quarter�inalist in New York since 2011 by compiling 55 winners and only eight unforced errors while easily beating No. 23 Mischa Zverev 6-2, 6-2, 6-1.

Shapovalov was trying to become the youngest male quarter�inalist at Flushing Meadows since Andre Agassi in 1988, but he wasted a 5-2 lead and three set points in the opener, and �inished with 55 unforced errors. ‘’Honestly, it was so much fun to be part of that atmosphere and the match and this whole two weeks,’’ Shapovalov said. ‘’You know, it’s another life-changing event for me.’’

when Arum heard of the proposal of Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo to hold the �ight at Philippine Arena, the Top Rank Inc. executive gave Pacquiao until Saturday to decide.

“Pacquiao has yet to recon�irm and as such now has put the Horn rematch in jeopardy,” said Lonergan.

Arum, for his part, is set to visit the Philippines this week to get a de�inite answer from Pacquiao.

The veteran promoter said the �ighting senator may have been stalling to give himself more time to prepare against

the younger Horn.

“A lot of it is about Manny’s senatorial duties and he’s not a youngster anymore,” Arum said.

“That was a very physical �ight and he may feel like he needs more time to get ready.”

“Whatever happens we’ll do a title defense for Jeff in November against a top welterweight in Brisbane. Jeff is a young guy and we have an obligation to him to have him earn money and keep him active,” he said.

“If it’s not Manny, you adjust prices and maybe do it at a smaller venue.”

COLLARED... FROM 1 ti-drug operation.

The Toyota Grandia with Plate number LGJ 155 used in their illegal drug activities was also con�iscated by the operatives.

Fatima and her son Norodin were already arrested by PDEA ARMM and Cotabato City Police Of�ice last February 9, at Jose Lim Sr. Street, Cotabato City.

However, it was not stated in the report what happened to their case in Cota-

bato City.

Edge Davao went to PDEA 11 detention facility to get the suspect’s side but they refused to talk. The lady of�icial added that their lawyer advised them to avoid giving any statements to the press.

The operation was a product of more than a year of surveillance and information validation from the PDEA Hotline Numbers sent by concerned citizens.

goods is prohibited.”

Ramos said the agency is also working on a cashfor-work program to be implemented among evacuees.

“We are giving out P200 each day for 10 days for our internally displaced persons in exchange for work rendered like cleaning the evacuation centers, dredging canals, cleaning out surroundings, among others,” Ramos said.

An estimated 300,000 people have been displaced by the �ighting in Marawi, which has been besieged by the terrorist Maute group since May 24.

In the eastern shore of Lake Lanao, some 7,000 evacuees have dif�iculty receiving regular help because of access, logistical and security issues, according to the International Committee of the Red Cross.

(PNA/Mark D. Francisco)

interview, said there is no need for Nograles to apologize.

“Hindi naman kailangan ‘yan because actually, ano lang ‘yan, ‘yung… magkalaban kami sa pulitika but eventually sinuportahan niya ako kasi it was to the best interest of Davao (That’s not really needed because actually, that is only... we were political opponents but eventually he supported me because it was to be the best interest of Davao),” he told reporters when asked for his reaction.

Their rivalry started in 1992 during the Davao mayoral elections when both traded barbs against each other. Duterte was then running for second term as mayor and Nograles was trying his hand for the mayoral post. Nograles was defeated

by Duterte.

When both sought the �irst congressional district in 2001, Duterte defeated

Nograles.

In 2010, Nograles returned to the mayoral arena against then vice mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio and lost to the young Duterte.

When Duterte ran for president last year, Rep. Karlo backed the elder Duterte.

Karlo is Duterte’s nephew because his mother is a cousin of the President.

The Nograles’ expression of support was sealed with the oath taking of Karlo as a member of the Partido ng Demokratikong Pilipino in the same occasion.

He took the opportunity to take an oath before the President because he could not attend the mass oath-taking of incoming PDP members on September 8 in Davao due to the scheduled budget hearings.

(Lilian C. Mellejor/PNA)

called Sulong Davao Turismo which is a part of the Promote! Promote! Promote! program. In this event they will also discuss product development which will help them create more touris destination in Davao city.

More information is available at their Facebook page “Davao Turismo Conference”. “We want this to be sustainable as well so di

lang tayo dito titigil sa Davao Turismo Conference, this is just the beginning of our efforts and out initiative to really push for the Tourism Industry in Davao,” said Glen Santillan from Davao Digital In�luencers. He said that the trend of digital marketing in the country is growing and they want to use that technology to in promoting the tourism industry.

Calling Trillanes as idiot with an IQ rate of six, Duterte dared the senator to get his own evidence instead of relying on other people’s statements.

“So if you want evidence, Mr. Trililing, do not get it from the mouth of other people. Go

somewhere else. Yung tinitira mo, gusto mo ring ipitin. Hindi ka abogado, hindi ka marunong niyan(Those you are hitting, you also want to pin down.

You are not a lawyer, you do not know about it),” he said.

(PNA)

DSWD... FROM 2

DUTERTE... FROM 2

TOURISM... FROM 4

DUTERTE... FROM 4

The petitioners said that this “supervening event” should warrant the reversal of the CA’s decision favoring Ampatuan.

The CA noted that the petitioners failed to submit proof that such order was issued by the Court.

Even assuming that such order was issued by the tri-

al court, the CA said it would have no relevance to this present case considering that its power of review is limited only to a determination whether or not the trial court issued the said order in grave abuse of its discretion amounting to lack or in excess of jurisdiction.

(PNA)

President in championing this vision to make the Philippines an inclusive and innovation led advanced economy,” Sec. Lopez concluded.

To maximize the trip, DTI has also met with current and potential investors in San Francisco and New York to update them of the sustained robust economic performance under the Duterte administration, the rebound in the indus-

try, manufacturing and agriculture growth performance, faster investment growth, and turnaround in the exports performances.

DTI met with the executives of Wells Fargo and Western Digital in San Francisco, as well as with the US-Philippines Society, the American Apparel and Footwear Association, and the Shearwater Healthcare Services in New York. (DTI)

ing intruder at her home in the Czech Republic in December. ‘’I came here without any expectations,’’ Kvitova said.

Sharapova hadn’t played in a major tournament since the Australian Open in January 2016, when she tested positive for the newly banned drug meldonium.

She served a 15-month ban for that, returning to the tour this April with a ranking too low to get into Grand Slam events.

The French Open denied her a wild-card invitation, then she planned to try to qualify for Wimbledon before pulling out because of an injured left leg.

But she was able to enter the U.S. Open thanks to a wild card from the U.S. Tennis Association, which then proceeded to put its 2006 champion in Arthur Ashe Stadium every time she played over the past week, drawing strong support from spectators - and criticism from another former No. 1-ranked woman, Caroline Wozniacki.

On Day 1 of the tournament, Sharapova won a three-set thriller under the lights against No. 2 seed Simona Halep.

‘’Just competing, you know, being in that competitive environment - that’s what I missed,’’ Sharapova said. ‘’You can’t replicate that anywhere, especially at a Grand Slam. So ... Monday night was a special night for me. I will always remember it.’’

This time, Sevastova made Sharapova run a lot by pulling her forward with drop shots or tight angles, then would often deposit follow-up strokes into open spaces. On one point won by Sharapova in the second set, she twice tracked down lobs that she got back over the net by hitting the ball left-handed.

But she could not sustain enough strong play, and Sevastova reached the U.S. Open quarter�inals for the second consecutive year. ‘’I allowed the match to become physical,’’ Sharapova said about the late-going. ‘’I don’t think I played as aggressive or was stepping in as much as I did in the �irst set.’’

Sevastova will face unseeded American Sloane Stephens, who reached her �irst quarter�inal in New York by eliminating No. 30

LOPEZ... FROM 5

SHARAPOVA’S... FROM 15

HORN... FROM 16

EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE WITH SALE

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late FELISA YANA SANG-AN who died on December 28, 2012 at Davao City has been the subject of an EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE WITH SALE executed among her heirs, per Doc. No.398; PageNo.80; Book No.15; Series of 2017, of the NOTARY PUBLIC JANIS LOUIS H. ESPARCIA. 8/15,29,9/5

INdulge!

VOL. 10 ISSUE 111• TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2017

TRAVEL

EDGEDAVAO

The Summit Galleria Cebu’s chic lobby

THE SUMMIT GALLERIA CEBU

The Queen City’s newest boutique hotel

“

THE FIRST TIME I set foot on a Summit Hotel back around May this year, I have to admit that I was impressed by the design concept, level or service, as well as the amenities of each room giving guests the group’s signature “Superstay”. Fast forward to August 19 and I am back to stay at another Summit Hotel, this time at the Summit Galleria Cebu.

Considered the flagship hotel of Summit Hotels and Resorts, Summit Galleria Cebu is conveniently located within the 4.7 hectare Robinsons Galleria Cebu lifestyle complex, which offers direct access to the Robinsons Mall and is just 2 blocks from Cebu’s Pier 4 and 45-minutes from the Mactan Cebu International Airport.

Arriving at the hotel whose interiors was designed by Design Hiraya Queseda, which pays homage to the Queen City of the South’s rich history and tradition of excellent

craftsmanship, I was immediately impressed by their modern and spacious lobby. Aside from comfortably lounging about, the lobby also has computer terminals where one can access the Internet.

The 220-room hotel showcases distinct local character

in a contemporary setting and offers facilities and amenities that make it a perfect home for work, play and relaxation.

Upon entering my room, I instantly fell in love with its modern vibe with a touch of whimsy.

The rooms at the Summit

Galleria Cebu rooms at 32 square meters and a furnished with high quality beds, linens and pillows for a superb sleeping experience. All rooms are also exquisitely designed and equipped with 43-inch flat screen television, in-room safe, dedicated Wi-Fi, a writ-

They say that a man lives by his word, and the Summit Galleria Cebu truly delivers on that ‘Superstay’ promise.

ing desk, optimal reading light and open plan wardrobe.

If I were to choose which room I would like to stay in, it definitely would be in one of the Summit Galleria Cebu’s quirky suites which come

URBANISSIMO A4

EDGEDAVAO

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TRAVEL

VOL. 10 ISSUE 111• TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2017

GEEKS ON THE BEACH Part 2

WAY BACK IN MY FORMATIVE YEARS (circa 2000), it was social suicide to be labeled a geek or nerd or be associated with them. Everybody else wanted to be the cool kid, or so I thought that to be. Fast forward to now, this mermaid found herself in the beautiful city of Puerto Prinsesa attending an international technology conference called Geeks On A Beach (GOAB).

I’ve never been to GOAB and to Puerto Prinsesa City before but I did hear of GOAB a few years back thought it was one of the coolest events I ever came across. When you’re young, a little dumb and a lot broke, it was easy making decisions that involved quite a lot of money – long story short, I couldn’t go back then.

I was supposed to be on a trip bound for Guam but the US Embassy decided that it wasn’t the right time to approve my US visa application so instead, I was with some 400 participants gathered in Puerto Prinsesa City in Palawan for the fifth annual GOAB conference.

GOAB brought together people, from all walks of life, in every corner of the globe, who were passionate about startups, tech, design and basically, making the world a better place.

Undersecretary Monchito Ibrahim from the Department of Information and Communications Technology said

during the keynote that “GOAB has become an institutional annual event for the Philippine startup community. It has serves as a pioneering effort that gave a venue to gather the local and international technology and business communities.”

Adding that GOAB is both as an effective learning ground and a chance to expose itself in one of the most enthusiastic and inspiring group of people in the country.

Jojo Flores of Plug and Play Technology Center said during one of the interviews discussed why is important to create ITbased, knowledge-based companies. “You get that

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

from startups. It’s for the next generation.”

He adds “The world is changing. You cannot fall behind. That’s why we need to do this now. That’s why it’s important.”

For two days, I got to listen to valuable insights from the big names in the startup and technology community. There were inspiring keynotes, panels, and my favorite, information-filled discussions with separate breakout tracks in between.

Safe to say, it was not a vacation for the brain but it definitely pumped every nerve in me because almost everybody I met was passionate about something.

Startups from different phases, experienced developers and those who are just starting out in the tech industry – regardless of what stage they were in, one could sense the enthusiasm overflowing in the room. It was invigorating to see all these people together in one place.

The conference was such a treasure chest of

knowledge listening to panel discussions and audience questions every after breakout sessions. I got the opportunity to have a short chat with some amazing people that lead list of the world’s prominent names in the field of startups and technology like Yobie Benjamin.

IdeaSpace Foundation executive director Diane Eustaquio, whom I had the pleasure to spend a delicious pizza lunch with, was one of my favorite panelists. Responsible for managing the founda-

tion’s flagship incubation and acceleration program, her stories of her journey towards IdeaSpace and her passion to help people (young and old alike) keep the entrepreneurial spirit alive was infectious.

A non-tech person would think how intimidating it would be to be in the same room, breathing the same air with CEOs, directors and other tech VIPs. It was actually but when I got there, the atmosphere was the opposite. Startups actually do make the world a better

place by providing solutions to people’s problems.

What’s better is that you don’t need to be a developer, have millions or know how to code! You do need to have the passion, a brilliant idea of the solution to a problem and an awesome team to help you get through. It’s exciting to see how the Philippine startup community grows and who knows, the next Facebook or unicorn (a start-up company valued at more than a billion dollars) would come from us Filipinos?

VOL. 10 ISSUE 111• TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2017

EVENT

EDGEDAVAO

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Davao storms PTM

By KENNETH IRVING ONG DAVAO CITY’S TOURISM PLAYERS participated at the recently concluded 12th Philippine Travel Mart (PTM) held at the SMX Convention Center at the Mall of Asia in Pasay City.

“For this event, the local government of Davao is providing the major exhibition space, but we also invited the Visit Davao Sale consortium, Davao del Norte, and the Davao Hotels Resorts Sales and Marketing Association to join the exhibition,” said Davao City Tourism Office Officer Gene Rose Tecson. The booth, which Gene Rose described as a boat unified by the pillars of different tribes of Davao.

“The Davao Region has been seeing growth when in comes to tourist arrivals and tourism receipts in the past few year,” said Department of Tourism Director Roberto Alabado. “The PTM is one way to bring more local visitors to the region.

Aside from the booth at the main exhibition hall, there were also trade meetings on MICE

headed by MICE-Davao execom chair Kennedy Kapulong to promote meetings, incentives, conventions, and events in Davao City.

A short dance presentation on the PTM main stage by the Kalumon Performance Ensemble was followed by a quick video presentation highlighting Davao City Tourism, Samal Island, as well as the many events around Davao Region during the recently concluded Visit Davao Fun Sale 2017.

EDGEDAVAO

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VOL. 10 ISSUE 111• TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2017

URBANISSIMO A4

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August 26 – 29, 2017

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with a bathtub, and better amenities. The suites are named after Cebu’s many icons such as Lapulapu and the mango, so expect unique and fun design details all around the suite.

A stroll around the hotel reveals an indoor pool, perfect for those who do not like to get too exposed to the rays of the sun, as well as a Grand Ballroom which can sit a total of 600 guests. The ballroom also features an expansive pre-function area on a lower floor leading to a generous cocktail area on the next floor before entering the main ballroom. Breakout rooms are also available for small meetings and functions.

Dining at the Summit Galleria Cebu is also an experience at Providore.

Providore is an all-day dining restaurant managed and operated by the hotel’s F&B partner Raintree Hospitality Group.

The Raintree Hospitality Group will also provide in-room dining, as well as food service for events at the ballroom and function venues. Of course, thanks to the hotel’s direct connection to the Robinson’s Galleria

Cebu Mall, dining options are almost endless.

For those who want to go beyond the Robinson’s Galleria Cebu complex, there are free shuttles from the mall going to downtown Osmeña Circle, where you can explore more of Cebu. And with Cebu’s piers close by, a day trip to Bohol is a clear and viable option.

They say that a man lives by his word, and the Summit Galleria Cebu truly delivers on that “Superstay” promise.

For more information on Summit Galleria Cebu as well as Summit Hotel’s other properties, you can log on to www. summithotels.ph.

The Mango Suite features Cebu’s iconic fruit.

The Robinson’s Galleria Cebu mall is just next door.

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Eidul-Adha Muslim festival marked by food drive for less privileged families

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round 20,000 under-privileged families throughout the country received beef supplies on Sept. 2 as two Filipino-Turkish non-government organizations (NGOs) mark the celebration of one of Islam’s most sacred feast days.

On Eidul-Adha, or the “Festival of Sacri�ice,” millions of Muslims around the world including the Philippines commemorate Abraham’s readiness to sacri�ice his son to God who, moved by his devotion, provides a ram to Abraham to be sacri�iced instead. The account of Abraham’s devotion can be found in both the Holy Quran in the Muslim faith, and in the Old Testament of the Holy Bible in the Christian faith.

Devout Muslims mark Eidul-Adha by performing acts of charity and kindness for those in need and the less privileged.

In the Philippines, the Integrated Center for Alternative Development

(ICAD) and the Paci�ic Dialogue Foundation (PDF), Filipino-Turkish NGOs, since 1997 have marked the feast day by providing food and other essentials to indigent families. Socio-civic groups and government agencies participate for a more successful activity and a wider reach to more bene�iciary families.

Both ICAD and PDF are non-stock and non-pro�it foundations organized by Filipinos and Turkish nationals with the objective of closer ties between the Philippines and Turkey and the fostering of religious tolerance and multi-cultural exchange. The ICAD runs secular schools in Metro Manila and Zamboanga City that follow Cambridge Diploma program. They also participate in socio-civic projects and encourage inter-faith and multi-cultural dialogue to foster understanding and peace.

Also we distributed 2000 bags beef in Davao city

Chelsea Logistics acquires Starlite PH lists priorities for AEM hosting

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helsea Logistics Holdings Corp. (CLC) has inked an agreement for the acquisition of shipping �irm Starlite Ferries Inc. (Starlite) in a bid to further expand its operations.

In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE), CLC said it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Starlite for the purchase of 100 percent of its shares of stocks as well as their subsidiaries.

“The planned acquisition will bring us a step closer to ful�illing our commitment to growth in order to realize more value for our stakeholders from the investors to the consumers,” CLC Chairman Dennis Uy said.

The transaction is pending due diligence by CLC of Starlite and subject to regulatory approval by the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC).

The acquisition will be �inanced by the net proceeds of the company’s initial public offering of common shares once it has secured the necessary processes and regulatory approvals.

CLC has allocated PHP1.78 billion of the proceeds for �leet expansion; PHP245 million for purchase and upgrade of ports, port facilities, containers, machineries and equipment; PHP3.20 billion for acquisition of shipping and logistics �irms and PHP278 million for general corporate purposes. . (PNA)

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he Philippines has listed priority deliverables as it chairs the 49th ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Meeting (AEM) and Related Meetings here.

Among the priority deliverables that the country eyed for this AEM include strategic measures for an ASEAN-wide Self-Certi�ication Scheme; pushing for ASEAN Seamless Trade Facilitation Indicators (ASTFI) and Review Mechanism for ASEA Economic Community (AEC) to monitor each member state’s compliance to the AEC commitments; ASEAN Trade in Services Agreement (ATISA) ne-

Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez will be chairing the 49th AEM. “At the end of the day, what we will value is how these meetings concretely translate to creating more and better opportunities for ASEAN citizens to experience inclusive growth that leads to region-wide prosperity, as we partner for change and engage the world,” Lopez noted.

The ASEAN economic ministers will also have discussions with their counterparts from Australia, Canada, China, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, Russia, and the United

States to tackle measures to advance regional economic development.

The economic ministers will also engage in a dialogue with the private sector and business councils such as ASEAN Business Advisory Council , Canada-ASEAN Business Council, ASEAN-Korea Business Council, US-ASEAN Business Council , Australian Chamber of Commerce, Australia-New Zealand Business Council , Federation of Japanese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Association, East Asia Business Council and ASEAN-India Business Council. (PNA)

present the 11th edition of the yearly event at the Activity Center of Abreeza Mall from September 8 to 10, 2017 during mall hours at free entrance.

Among the Franchise opportunities exhibiting are Master Siomai, Mi Grande, Arthur’s Fried Chicken, Foss Coffee, The Reading Station, Touchpay, YTC, AquaStar, Bigby’s, Missy Bon Bon, Boy Zugba, Delfas Food, H2O Life Source, Augustus, Adobo Connection, Thirsty, Vivi, Sitsiraya Sari-Sari, Rapide

among others. Beside of Franchise Companies also supply �irms participate such as Synergy Sales, PASI, Global POS, RCBC, Jimac, Excellence Appliance, Nupon, Axa Philippines and Citibank.

RK Franchise Consultancy entertains interested parties for development of their companies into a Franchise System. The founder, Rudolf Kotik together with Trademark Specialist Sokrie Malaco will give a Franchise and Trademark Seminar on

September 11 at 1.30 pm at Grand Regal Hotel Mei King Room. While visiting the expo is free to the public, the seminar has a minimal fee if prepaid and you can still book your seminar slot by calling 0926.231.8080 for Globe users and 0933.864.2551 for Sun users. There are also special group and student rates available. For details on the expo and seminar please visit www.mindanaofranchise.com or facebook.com/ mindanaofranchise

Mindanao franchise expo scheduled

F Rudolf A. Kotik

gotiations; strengthening investment �lows in the region through the Focused and Strategic (FAST) Action Agenda on Investment; and launching the ASEAN Rollon Roll-off Shipping Network.

The measures support one of the thematic priorities of the country’s ASEAN chairmanship of inclusive and innovation-led growth.

Economic ministers and other delegates for the 49th AEM Meeting and Related Meetings will be arriving in the country this week for their meeting that will run from Sept. 6 to 11 in Pasay City.

ranchising is the most successful business system to expand a business or to engage into a business as Franchisee wherein you get a proven pro�itable operation system to follow and you do not need to reinvent the wheel.

To showcase Franchise Opportunities for Mindanao, FIFA Filipino International Franchise Association together with Ayala Malls Abreeza Davao, RK Franchise Consultancy, PASI, 2GO Express and Master Siomai

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On the brink of extinction

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TEXT AND PHOTOS BY HENRYLITO D. TACIO

he Philippines, described as “jampacked with diverse species,” can be likened to that of Noah’s Ark during the Old Testament of the Bible.

But with its unique species now fast dwindling, some of them may join the dodo into extinction.

“We will lost our biodiversity. It will lead to extinction. When it becomes extinct, that resource will never come back,” said Dr. Angel C. Alcala, the former head of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources from 1992 to 1995.

He said those words during the recent awarding of the 10 ASEAN Biodiversity Heroes of which he was named as one of the winners among the members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

“People have the tendency to exploit natural resources a lot faster than its capacity to produce,” Dr. Alcala further said.

“This is not the way to go if we are to ensure sustainable production.”

In 1992, Dr. Alcala received the Ramon Magsaysay Award – touted to be the Nobel Prize of Asia – for public service for “his pioneering scienti�ic leadership in rehabilitating the coral reefs of the Philippines and in sustaining for Filipinos the natural abundance of their country’s marine life.”

“Unless we move fast to put a stop to the rape of our natural resources, we will remain poor, destitute, pitiful, and even become worse off,” he said in his acceptance speech. “If the environmental destruction continues without letup, it will be out children and our children’s children who will reap the tragic consequences.”

This author had the opportunity of meeting Dr. Alcala personally during the International Coral Reef Symposium held in Bali, Indonesia. In that encounter, he said that a healthy coral reef can yield sea life six times greater than previously thought.

In a study he conducted, he found out that if just one fourth of a reef is protected, “the rest can be used as a �ishing zone,” which can “provide a sustainable livelihood for nearby coast dwellers.”

The country’s coral reef area – estimated at 26,000 square kilometers – is the second largest in Southeast Asia. Yet, it is one of the most threatened biodiversity ecosystems. The Inventory of the Coral Resources of the Philippines in the 1970s found only about 5% of the reefs to be in excellent condition, with over 75% coral cover (both hard and soft).

Another study conducted in 1997 showed only 4% of reefs in excellent condition (75% hard or soft coral cover), 28% in good condition (50-75% coral cover), 42% in fair condition (25-50% coral cover), and 27% in poor condition (less than 25% coral cover).

But the coral reefs are not the only threatened species in the country. In fact, the Philippines is described as “a biodiversity hotspot.” “This is because the Philippines continues to experience an alarming rate of destruction of these important resources brought about by overexploitation, deforestation, land degradation, climate change, and pollution (including biological pollution), among others,” said the Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB), a line agency of the environment

department.

“The Philippines is considered a mega-diversity country rivaled only by a few countries in the world when it comes to variety of ecosystems, species and genetic resources,” the BMB said in its website.

“Many of the island comprising the archipelago are believed to have a high degree of land and animal endemism.

“The country hosts more than 52,177 described species of which more than half is found nowhere else in the world,” it further said. “On a per unit area basis, the Philippines probably harbors more diversity of life than any other country on the planet.”

In a 1981 position paper, wildlife guru Jesus B. Alvarez, Jr. wrote: “The Philippines has tremendous wildlife resources. We have unique and beautiful birds which are in great demand, both here and abroad. We also have rare interesting mammals. Most outstanding are the tamaraw and the Philippine eagle which could be placed alongside the world’s �inest species.”

The Philippines is home to about 170,000 faunal species, most of which are insects and are mostly unidenti�ied, according to the environment department.

Twelve thousand plant species and 960 animal species are found in the country’s forests. Of the identi�ied animal species, over 500 are birds and 167 are mammals.

Out of the 500 known coral species in worldwide, about 488 coral species in 78 genera are found in the Philippines. There are only about 50 species of seagrasses in the world. A total of 16 species can be found in the country, and this is the second highest diversity that exists in one country; only Western Australia has more – with 17 s p e cies. At least 2,000 �ish species are found in the Philippines.

Almost 100 mammal species are endemic to the Philippines. In recent years, experts have discovered more than a dozen species of mammals in the country seen nowhere in the world.

Among those facing extinction, if population continues to dwindle, include the following: Philippine eagle, Philippine tarsier, tamaraw, waling-waling, the two species of crocodiles, and the �ive species of marine turtles.

“We have an abundance of natural resources. But all this wealth is at great risk,” said Senator Loren Legarda in a speech delivered during the First National Biodiversity Congress recently.

The website of UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) con�irmed this.

“The national list of threatened faunal species was established in 2004 and includes 42 species of land mammals, 127 species of birds, 24 species of reptiles and

14 species of amphibians. In terms of �ishes, the Philippines counts at least 3,124 species, of which about 121 are endemic and 76 threatened.

In 2007, an administrative order issued by the environment department established a national list of threatened species, indicating that 99 species were critically endangered, 187 were endangered, 176 vulnerable as well as 64 other threatened species.

Threats to biodiversity in the Philippines varies, according to CBD. In the forest ecosystem, for instance, the primary causes of forest loss are commercial exploitation and population growth (including lifestyle and consumption patterns) and the introduction of invasive alien species.

CBD said that the loss of biodiversity in the agricultural ecosystem is a direct consequence of habitat destruc-

tion via conversion of agricultural land to other uses; natural calamities or extreme weather events associated with climate change, introduction of invasive alien species, pests and diseases; and inherent institutional problems of government agencies responsible for conserving agrobiodiversity.

“Yet the observed declined is also the indirect result of the increased demand for food, land and other agrobased resources; pursuit of economic growth through intensive agriculture, export-oriented policies and the promotion of extractive industries, such as mining, that are potentially damaging to the environment; and lifestyle change of farmers brought about by urbanization,” the CBD said in its website.

Major threats to inland water biodiversity, as well as marine and

coastal ecosystems, include chemical pollution and eutrophication, �isheries operation, habitat alteration, invasion of alien species, and global climate change, the CBD pointed out.

“Protection of biodiversity should be one of the top priorities of any meaningful strategy to safeguard the world’s biological heritage,” wrote John C. Ryan, author of Life Support: Conserving Biological Diversity.

“A few decades ago, the wildlife of the Philippines was notable for its abundance; now, it is notable for its variety; if the present trend of destruction continues, Philippine wildlife will be notable for its absence,” commented Dr. Lee Talbot, who was once a member of the Southeast Asia Project on Wildlife Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources.

THERE’S... FROM 6 club’s regular luncheon meeting at the Marco Polo Davao.

Tuesday last week.

He said the company continue to encourage more drivers in the city to take part in the Grab community of drivers and enjoy their highly-bene�icial packages, which offers Red cross trainings, Grab family get away, Grab academy, medical services and accident insurance, granted depending on their respective quarterly quotas.

Villarreiz also highlighted Grab’s take on safety and convenience.

“We encourage them to

pick up passengers, we give them incentives, we give them weekly, ‘papugay’, he said.

With passengers hailing from different locations, most especially in inaccessible places, grab drivers can be easily booked even on peak and unholy hours.

Grab has a 98 percent rate for the recovery of lost items, as passengers can easily track and contact their drivers through the application.

Grab has continually stood by their goal to solve critical transport challenges and has been the top taxi-hailing application for 3 years to date.

EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE WITH WAIVER AND/OR RELINQUISHMENT OF RIGHT

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late MARTINIANO MERILLO CASTILLON, SR. who died on April 23, 1997 at Davao City has been the subject of an EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE WITH WAIVER AND/OR RELINQUISHMENT OF RIGHT executed among his heirs, per Doc. No.178; PageNo.35; Book No.XXIX; Series of 2017, of the NOTARY PUBLIC BANSALAN B. METILLA.

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BANGON... FROM 6 lion Calamity Fund for 2017 was used for Marawi? They should now run the numbers, so we will know if the PHP10 billion is enough,” Recto said.

Recto pointed out that Marawi has given Mindanao “knowledge and power” worth hundreds of billions of pesos that any amount government will spend to rehabilitate the city will only be a fraction of what it has given to Mindanao for more than half a century.

“Let us always keep in mind that Marawi is the capital of the province where Lanao Lake is, which is the source of about a third of Mindanao’s power supply,” Recto said.

The senator added that Marawi is also where the main campus of the

Mindanao State University, which he tagged as the UP of the South, is located. The university has produced thousands of graduates since its founding in 1961.

“What can’t be denied is that MSU in Marawi helped build the human capital of Mindanao,” Recto said.

“Marawi is both a source of light and enlightenment. Thus any aid package should be viewed within that context. To a large extent, the aid we will be giving is some sort of a payback,” he added.

Moreover, Recto said that Agus River, which �lows through Marawi, “is the gateway through which waters that run hydro power plants downstream

EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF REAL ESTATE

pass.”

Six hydroelectric plants cascade from the mouth of the lake in the city.

The plants have a combined installed capacity of 728 megawatts of clean and cheap energy.

“For 70 years, the people of Lanao Del Sur have been good stewards of the watershed which feeds the lake which in turn provides the water for the hydroelectric plants that supply the whole of the island of electricity,” Recto said.

“There was a time when Lanao Lake was the only source of power. It lighted homes and the future of Mindanaoans,” he added. (PNA)

EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE WITH ASSUMPTION OF REAL ESTATE MORTGAGE

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, Philippines has been the subject of an EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF REAL ESTATE executed among their heirs, per Doc. No.180; Page No.35; Book No.XXIX; Series of 2017, of the NOTARY PUBLIC BANSALAN B. METILLA..

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 OF 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. METILLA.

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EDGEDAVAO PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS Serving a seamless society

SBP 3X3 CHAMP. Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) Davao regional director businessman Glenn Escandor (leftmost) and liaison officer Ronel Leuterio hand over the cash prize to Davao Jones Academy after beating Holy Child

Parks not entering PBA draft yet

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or RayRay Parks, the PBA can at least wait for another season.

The former two-time UAAP MVP made it clear his priority at the moment is to play for one more season with the Alab Pilipinas team in the ASEAN Basketball League (ABL) and with Gilas Pilipinas, ending any notions about him entering this year’s PBA draft.

Final day of submission of draft application for Fil-Am players is until September 4, while local born players have until October 12 to apply for the Oct. 29 draft.

“I’m not in this year’s draft,” said Parks shortly after Gilas was honored by the PBA at halftime of the Barangay Ginebra-Star Governors’ Cup game Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

“Full play now is be with Alab and with the national team. So I guess right after Alab I’ll �igure out the next move.”

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The 6-foot-4 guard is projected as a possible top 3 pick if he ever considers joining the draft next month.

Parks won MVP honors in last season’s ABL where Alab reached the semi�inals only to lose to the Singapore Slingers.

Obviously, the 24-yearold son of the late legendary PBA import Bobby Parks wants another shot at a championship now with retired cage great Jimmy Alapag calling the shots for the team.

“Right now I’m just busy and will do whatever is best for my family, whatever is the best move and best place for me and my family,” said the former National University star player. “That’s where I want to be right now.”

Eventually, Parks knows he’ll be in the PBA, but de�initely not now.

“The PBA is a great, prestigious league, and I see myself being there soon,” he said.

“But right now, Alab is the best move for me.”

ever tolerate mediocrity. Look what it has done to our country.

I believe this is the best time as any to collectively register our demand for the of�icials of the Philippine Olympic Committee and the NSAs (National Sports Associations) to resign irrevocably.

For years, they have been �leecing the government treasury to fund their underperforming forays, like the misadventure in the recent SEAG in Kuala Lumpur.

Peping Cojuangco, now on his fourth consecutive term as POC president, did not even utter a single word of apology for the country’s dismal 6th place �inish but instead asked the Filipinos to move on forward to the hosting of the 2019 SEAG in Manila.

Oops, not so fast sir.

You have something accountable to answer for.

I personally witnessed how you densely pleaded for money during the youth and sports committee hearing in Congress. Together with your sycophantic NSA of�icials, you were asking for more money from PSC chair Butch Ramirez who indicated that the

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Academy to capture the SBP 3x3 Pambansang Tatluhan under-15 Boys Division at the Davao City Recreation Center on Sunday. Lean Daval Jr.

Sharapova’s US Open ends

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EW YORK (AP) -- Maybe this was just one three-setter too many for Maria Sharapova.

Sharapova tried a bit of everything, even resorting to switching over her racket to hit a few lefty shots. Still, the �ive-time major champion could not quite keep her Grand Slam comeback from a doping suspension going, losing in the fourth round of the U.S. Open to 16th-seeded Anastasija Sevastova of Latvia 5-7, 6-4, 6-2 on Sunday. ‘’Look, three-set matches are challenging . I love being part of

them. There’s an element of concentration, focus, physicality that goes into all of it. And you have to put it all together. Yeah, you just have to get through it,’’ Sharapova said. ‘’There’s no doubt that not playing those matches certainly cost me today. I did feel like I was thinking a little bit too much and not playing by instinct.’’

This was the third time in her four matches that Sharapova went the distance and she faded down the stretch, while also dealing with a blister on her right hand that was treated and taped by a trainer in the �inal set.

Sharapova’s miscues kept closing exchanges, and she dropped 13 of the �irst 14 points in that set.

The 30-year-old Russian �inished with 51 unforced errors, compared to 14 for Sevastova. ‘’It’s been a really great ride,’’ Sharapova said. ‘’Ultimately, I can take a lot from this week,’’ she continued. ‘’It’s great to get that major out of the way. It was an incredible opportunity. I’m very thankful for the opportunity.’’

Sharapova’s exit leaves Venus Williams as the only past U.S. Open champion in the women’s

�ield . The 37-year-old Williams, who won the title in 2000 and 2001, got to the quarter�inals by beating Carla Suarez Navarro 6-3, 3-6, 6-1. Next for Williams will be a showdown against No. 13 Petra Kvitova, a two-time Wimbledon winner, who eliminated reigning Wimbledon champion Garbine Muguruza 7-6 (3), 6-3 on Sunday night.

This is the most signi�icant victory for Kvitova since she returned to action after needing surgery on her racket-holding hand for cuts from a knife-wield-

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner. They spoke at a news conference at the NRG Center, which has housed evacuees since Harvey swamped the Houston area more than a week ago.

Harden went to high school in California and college in Ar-

izona but said Houston is his home. He posed for photos with fans and said the money would go people who need it.

Oscar winners Sandra Bullock and Leonardo DiCaprio also have pledged $1 million to charities helping with Harvey relief.

President Donald Trump also pledged a $1 million donation, but it’s unclear who will get the money. The donation is expected to come from his personal fortune.

Trump also visited evacuees Saturday in Houston.

SHARAPOVA’S, 10

Harden giving $1 million for Harvey relief

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OUSTON (AP) -- Houston Rockets point guard James Harden says he will donate $1 million to the city of Houston to aid in Harvey recovery.

Harden made the announcement Saturday with

Cojuangco and his POC ilk must resign

POC and the NSAs who have previous �inancial accountabilities to �irst liquidate the monies given you the previous years since 2005.

With just 24 golds, the embarrassing 6th position was considered the poorest of all performances considering that 406 golds were at stake in the Malaysian sportsfest. And to think that the SEAG is the least competitive of all regional sports conclaves in the world!

Thailand was runner-up (72g) while Vietnam, previously ravaged by a hardfought war in the 60s up to the mid-70s, has outraced us and landed third with 58g. Singapore was next with 57g and Indonesia �ifth with 38g.

Slowly you now hear excuses and alibis in the ensuing press statements so that at least half of the blame will be laid on the doorsteps of the Philippine Sports Commission.

Twelve years after the 2005 sterling championship performance, the Nationals dipped in their performances one SEAG edition after another. Even if the Filipinos �inished midway among eleven countries, the last �ive were

SPECKS OF LIFE Fred C. Lumba already given up for lost since they were not even expected to �igure in the race for the top six or seven.

Meaning, the Phl contingent arrived dead last among the six contenders.

Should we not cry for heads to roll?

I thought we were a specially-gifted, talented race, is it not?

If we do not shout our voices hoarse to demand their irrevocable resignation, does that mean we are satis�ied with our contingent’s last place �inish?

Come on, folks! Let’s show Metro Manilans that we in Mindanao are not ignorant of the goings-on there. We could start the ball rolling by spreading out a signature petition to demand their ouster in the social media.

For the upkeep, preparation and domestic and foreign training of the 496 national athletes, how many millions do you think did the taxpayers pay for?

P100M? P200M? P300M? How dense can Cojuangco and his POC ilk be?

Right now, I would suppose the House of Representatives will call for a probe and look deeper – for the nth time – why this snafu happened. The Senate might follow thereafter.

Malacanang should demand an explanation. If it is not satis�ied, the Palace can ask Cojuangco to tender his resignation and cede the POC scepter to somebody more credible.

In the hosting of the 2019 SEAG in

Manila, Cojuangco cannot be expected to lead by sheer example because he has nothing remarkable to show.

He has managed to re-chart the POC constitution and by-laws to strengthen his hold onto his post. There has been so much disunity and division since then.

There should be no stone left unturned in PRRD’s clean-up drive in governance and this must include the realm of sports because there is so much corruption thereabouts perpetrated by political derring-do and machinations, resulting in the sub-par performances of national athletes.

Thus, a sweeping reform-oriented change in the leadership of the POC and the NSAs can also lead to a parallel shift with the federalization of the country.

A former First Lady once said: “Don’t ever make decisions based on fear. Make decisions based on hope and possibility.

Make decisions based on what should happen, not what shouldn’t.” (Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.)

Rom. 8:37: “No, in all things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!

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WIN NO. 13 Duterte-CMO cagers stretch win streak

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eam Duterte-CMO extended its dominance over IBP, 72-64, in Game No. 15 to remain undefeated in their basketball friendly series on Friday at the Genesis 88 Gym. The victory was the �ifth straight for Team Duterte-CMO following Game 10 draw.

It was the second longest winning streak after opening the series with 7 wins in

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a row and Sec. Christopher “Bong” Go had everything to do with it.

Go, the Special Assistant to President Rodrigo Duterte, came through with 42 points to propel Team Duterte-CMO up 13-0 in the series. Two Games 7 and 10 ended to a draw.

Go came out too tough to defend with his running shots and pull up jumpers that made Team Duterte-CMO vir-

tually unbeatable.

IBP once again fell short on its bid to secure ita �irst win in the series.

Gil Ciudadano stepped up to lead the charge with 27 points for IBP. John Flores, Cruz and Labor contributed 22 combined points for Team Duterte-CMO. Go is averaging more than 40 points per game in the series.

ond thoughts is pissing me off,” Horn’s promoter Dean Lonergan told the Daily Telegraph.

“If he carries on again, it would be my advice to move on and forget about him.

We’ve already booked the venue for November 12.”

Lonergan said Pacquiao’s promoter Bob Arum has already committed the Filipi-

no boxing to a rematch with Horn for the welterweight title in Brisbane.

“That was the outcome Top Rank, DUCO Promotions, TEQ and Brisbane Marketing were working towards in good faith to achieve having the rematch in Brisbane late this week,” he said.

According to Lonergan,

Horn doubts Pacquiao rematch

t looks like the proposed rematch between Manny Pacquiao and Jeff Horn is in jeopardy.

This after the camp of the Australian �ighter heard the news that there was a proposal to have the �ight staged in the Philippines despite an earlier agreement that it will take place in Brisbane.

“To say he’s having sec-

HORN, 10

BIG NUMBERS. Sec. Bong Go has been averaging 40 points per game in the series. Lean Daval Jr.