Edge10 issue125 Septemeber 24-25,2017

VOL. 10 ISSUE 125• SUNDAY-MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 24-25, 2017

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

www.edgedavao.net

IRRESISTIBLE More tourists flock to Davao despite Martial Law

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

By ANGIE SAVERON

M

ore and more tourists found Davao City too irresistible despite the implementation of Martial Law. In fact, there was an increase of 13,000 tourist arrivals in Davao for the month of August during the celebration of the Kadadayawan Festival.

“We got more visitors this year compared to same

month last year,” said Gene Rose Tecson, head of the City Tourism Operation Of�ice Davao.

The city registered a total of 185,660 tourist arrivals for the month of August this year.

On the same timeline there were only 171,851 arrivals in 2016.

The declaration of martial law triggered a signi�i-

cant drop in the number of tourists coming in the city.

From 181,629 arrivals in the month of May it went down to 126,046 in the month of June.

“But during the month of August we were able to bounce back mainly because of the Kadayawan Festival and we superseded the arrivals in last year’s Kadayawan,” said Davao City Mayor Inday Sara

Duterte during her speech in Davao Turismo Conference.

She said the 2017 Kadayawan Festival is one best Kadayawans the city has celebrated.

The strict travel guidelines did not prevent tourists from coming to the city.“Mas marami pa ang nag punta na naki celebrate sa atin, and to

IRRESISTIBLE, 10

GRATEFUL. President Duterte shows a gesture of compassion to singer April Boy Regino during a gathering with members of the media at the Matina Enclaves in Davao City on Friday night.

Regino, who is suffering from visual impairment caused by an illness, thanked the president for his help and support.

PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

EDGEDAVAO Sports

FINAL PUSH

RPV, Apo finish 6th, 7th in PAL Ladies Interclub

SPORTS P16

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 125• SUNDAY-MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 24-25, 2017

Hold order out vs. 4 frat men

T

he Department of Justice on Friday said four more persons have been placed under the Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order , bringing the number of persons linked to the death of University of Santo Tomas law freshman Horacio Tomas Castillo III to 20.

In a revised memorandum released on Friday, Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II directed Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente to instruct all immigration of�icers in the country’s air-

ports and seaports to be on the lookout to prevent any attempt by these 20 “persons of interest” to leave the country.

The four new names included in the lookout order are Ged Villanueva, Milfren Alvarado, Daniel Ragos and Dave Felix.

It added that spelling corrections have also been made to previously released subjects on ILBO dated September 21: From Mhun Wei Chan to Mhin Wei Chan, and Axel Munro Hipe to Axxel Munro Hipe.

Also covered by the ILBO are Ralph Trangia, Arvin R. Balag, Marc Anthony Ventura, Oliver John Audrey Onofre, Joshua Joriel Macabali, Jason Adolfo Robiños, Ranie Rafael Santiago, Danielle Hans Mattew Rodrigo, Carl Mattew Villanueva, Aeron Salientes, Marcelino Bagtang, Zimon Padro, Jose Miguel Salamat and John Paul Solano.

Aguirre on Thursday ordered the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to coordinate with Interpol to locate

avao del Norte second district Rep. Antonio Floirendo Jr. has expressed optimism he will be proven innocent over the graft charges �iled against him by the Of�ice of the Ombudsman in relation to his alleged �inancial interest in family-owned Tagum Agricultural Development Company (TADECO).

This as he welcomed the �iling of graft charges after the Ombudsman saw probable cause to charge him for alleged pecuniary interest in the joint venture agreement

between Tadeco and the Bureau of Corrections (Bucor).

“I believe it is only the courts which can resolve my case de�initely and with �inality,” Floirendo said in a press statement.

The case stemmed from the complaint �iled by House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez against Floirendo. Ombudsman Conchita Morales has approved the �iling of the criminal information before the Sandiganbayan in violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

The Ombudsman, in the resolution dated September 18, said the Davao del Norte congressman allegedly committed the offense as he owned P7.5 million worth of shares in Tadeco when it renewed the joint venture agreement with Bucor in 2003 for the lease of 5,308.36 hectares of land at the Davao Prison and Penal Farm (DPPF).

In the statement, Floirendo said he is positive he will be declared innocent in the

in this country.

Addressing himself to the rebels, the President said “ang gusto ni (Jose Maria) Sison, hindi niyo makukuha.

If you �ight for 50 year or 100 years wala kayong makuha sa gobyernong ito (You cannot get what National Democratic Front (NDF) founder Jose Maria Sison wants. If you �ight for

total of 21,063 police of�icers –- 812 commissioned of�icers and 20,251 non-commissioned of�icers -- were promoted to their next higher rank this week.

A simultaneous mass oath-taking and pinning of ranks was held at the Philippine National Police headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City and various police regional of�ices and units nationwide on September 20.

PNP Chief, Director General Ronald dela Rosa, administered the oath of of�ice to 88 commissioned of�icers and 1,303 non-commissioned of�icers based in Camp Crame.

The 1,391 of�icers belong to different of�ices of National Support Units, Command Group and Directorial Staff.

“Maging sensitibo kayo o maging mapagmatyag sa mga kapwa pulis na tiwali upang hindi na masira ang

HOLD, 10

Floirendo certain graft case ruling favorable

D ENJOYING THE MOMENT. President Duterte laughs his heart out while entertainer Norman Mitchell performs novelty songs during a gathering of local media at Matina Enclaves in Davao City on Friday night. Lean Daval Jr

FLOIRENDO, 10

Duterte eyes general 21,000 cops gets promoted amnesty for NPA rebs A

T

he Duterte administration intends to ask Congress to approve general amnesty for the New People’s Army (NPA) rebels who will surrender to the government.

“If Congress will agree with me, I might just declare a general amnesty,” Duterte said in a media night in Davao on Friday night. This, he said,

the rebels who will surrender, will not be held accountable even if they killed many soldiers.

However, the President said he will not accept those NPA rebels who have criminal cases because these people must face the charges.

“Yung mga rebelde diyan who only want to topple the government, bumaba kayo

para wala na lang away tutal (Those rebels who only want to topple the government, just surrender so that there will be no con�lict. Anyway, you have been there for 50 years),” he said.

Duterte said if the rebels will still insist to �ight the government for more years, they will get nothing since the people do not want communism

cluding a 245-foot long Guinness World Record Holder Bat Cave. The foundation’s mandate is the conservation and protection of the cave in order to “continue rendering its invaluable service to Region XI. Ms Monfort, also known as “Bat Mama” wishes her “angels” to be recognized for the mammals contribution to the pollination of durian fruits in the Davao area at least during next year’s Kadayawan Festival.

Monfort likewise announced the generous donation of Holcim Philippines of cement to complete the creation of the so-called GREENSCENE activity area to be inaugurated on September 28, an open house free for everybody to witness and “experience the bat emergence.”

She said that the GREEN-

SCENE is open for use by all denominations as a “common round” for worthwhile advocacies.

At the same time, Ms Monfort announced that the peace foundation is inviting the public to watch the “Bat Emergence Night (BEN) Tour” for free on September 28 at the Monfort Bat. The foundation is likewise offering 50 percent discounted rates for tours on other days.

The activity is the foundation’s contribution to the International Day of Peace.

The event is also called BATiangge, an anything goes beach fund activities to promote peace, products and different advocacies whose proceeds will be donated to the USWAG MARAWI. For clari�ication, interested parties are advised to contact the Monfort Bat Cave at 09209693299.

Samal Rotary club starts banner project using bats

F

oundation skeds Bat Emergence Night tour MEMBERS of the newly-chartered Rotary Club of Samal Island has launched its banner project in support of the Philippine Bats for Peace Foundation’s �lagship campaign called “Hakbang Para sa Pagbabago (Steps Towards Change).”

According to Nomi Monfort of Philippine Bats for Peace Foundation, unbeknownst to many, bats, being the only mammals that nurse their young and can truly �ly are ancient symbols of motherhood. We are all indigenous in our roots, many of us left our roots but many are returning today and some are starting to remember.”

She said that the Foundation is the recipient of a three-hectare lot donated by the Inigo-Monfort Estate in-

DUTERTE, 10

THE REAL BATMAN? Ms Nomi Monfort of the Monfort Bat Cave dressed up a standee of President Rodrigo Duterte as Batman for the “unholy bat-like working hours that the President keeps.” Monfort, also called “bat mama”, is

21, 10

staging an event in the Monfort Bat Cave in the Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS) on September 28 called the Bat Emergence Night (BEN) Tour.

VOL. 10 ISSUE 125• SUNDAY-MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 24-25, 2017

EDGEDAVAO

NEWS 3

PNP bent to purge ranks of rogue cops P olice Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa said he would get rid of 3,500 rogue policemen who tarnish the good image of the Philippine National Police.

Dela Rosa, in an interview Friday, said, “I will make sure that the days of these police scalawags would end soonest, as the police internal cleansing process is ongoing and in full speed.”

“We will try our best to cleanse our ranks as I have said before, it cannot be done overnight or weeks, months or year,” he said.

Dela Rosa said measures have been instituted to address the problem on police scalawags but he lamented that “we have already passed the one-year period but there are still cops who commit wrongdoings”.

The PNP chief said that of the 175,000-strong police force in the country, around 2 percent or 3,500 are considered police scalawags and these are mostly based in Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

The number of cases against bad cops is still insigni�icant but being magni�ied by people who are opposed to the campaign

to cleanse the PNP of scalawags, speci�ically with regard the government’s war against drugs, Dela Rosa said.

Dela Rosa cited the purging of close to 300 policemen who are facing charges or found to have committed misconduct.

“Those cops involved in grave misconduct, we make it clear that they would no longer be admitted back to the service,” he said.

He even cited the case of the 1,000 policemen in Caloocan City who were removed from the station and told to undergo retraining and be reassigned to other stations in Metro Manila.

Asked what would be the impact of the dismissal of thousands of recidivist cops to the entire PNP organization, Dela Rosa said 2 percent is insigni�icant but would be very signi�icant on the quality of service it has to deliver to the public.

Dela Rosa, who led the 116th Police Service Anniversary celebration here, urged his men to practice what he called “Kuyogin ang Police” meaning “discipline or police your own ranks”.(PNA)

NEWS PRODUCTS. Senator Cynthia Villar, accompanied by Jonathan Suy (left) of Ana’s Breeder Farm, Inc. and Davao Agri Trade Expo (DATE) 2017 chair Engr. Wilfred Teves (right), checks the products on display at the exhibition

area during the second day of DATE 2017 at SMX Convention Center in Lanang, Davao City on Friday. Lean Daval Jr

DOT to open ‘tribal villages’ for tourism

By ANGIE SAVERON

T

he Department of Tourism plans to open on-site tribal villages in Baranggay Datu Salumay, Marilog district to be hosted by the Matigsalug ethnolinguistic group and another in Baranggay Tamayong to be

hosted by the Bagobo Klata ethnic group.

“This is another way of giving them livelihood,” said Gene Rose Tecson, head of City Tourism Operation Of�ice Davao during the Davao Turismo Conference held at The

Pinnacle Hotel and Suits on September 22, Friday.

The CTOO and DOT will be in-charge of the training of the indigenous people living in the area and they will be handling the entire operation of the said village.

There will be a 15 to 20 minute hike going to the village and the tourist can stay over night and experience the culture and traditions.

This initiative is a product of the success of the Kaday-

DOT, 10

4 ECONOMY DOE to normalize Luzon grid power EDGEDAVAO

F

ollowing the declaration of a Yellow Alert status for the Luzon grid by the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines , the Department of Energy said it is accelerating efforts to restore lost power capacities as major power plants went on planned and forced outages.

The total lost power capacities due to the plant outages has reached 1,364 megawatts (MW) following the planned outages of Pagbilao Unit 2 (382 MW), San Lorenzo Unit 1 (250 MW), and Limay B6 (70 MW); the forced outage of the GNPower Unit 1 (302 MW); and the unavailability of both Kalayaan Units 3 and 4 (360 MW).

“Our priority now is to quickly restore power supply in the Luzon grid and we are in close coordination with our energy stakehold-

ers to normalize the power situation. We also appeal to our consumers to use energy wisely and assist in stabilizing the energy situation,” Cusi said in a news release issued Friday.

The DOE assured consumers that the power market is still normal despite the reduction of supply.

As of 1 p.m. Friday, the power supply capacity in Luzon stood at 10,091 MW with a projected demand of 9,469 MW and a reserve of 622 MW. The DOE said there will be another set of planned reduction of supply due to the gas restriction from Malampaya over the weekend.

The department said that while the power situation may not be affected because there is an anticipated reduction in the demand for electricity, it will still closely monitor the power situation. (DOE)

he government’s economic team will be in Japan on Monday to discuss with Japanese of�icials ways of speeding up the implementation of the Duterte administration’s �lagship infrastructure projects for possible funding by Jatpan and separately brief potential investors on the vibrant prospects for the Philippine economy.

The meeting in Tokyo of the Philippines-Japan High-Level Committee on Infrastructure and Economic Cooperation will be the third such dialogue to be called since the �irst was held also in that Japanese city in March this year.

The second high-level committee meeting was held in July in Manila, where Secretary Ernesto Pernia of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), who co-chairs, with Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, the committee for the Philippines, announced an indicative list of projects with an estimated total cost of P315.4 billion that were pipelined for possible Japanese �inancing.

According to Dominguez the third high-level committee meeting will focus on ways to speed up the processing and implementation of timelines of the �lagship infra projects that are being eyed for possible Japanese �inancing.

“We want to discuss with them how we can fast-track the process of implementing the projects,” Dominguez said.

Dominguez said that on the Philippines’ end, the government is set to implement measures that would further speed up the approval process for its big-ticket infra projects.

The �inance chief said the Investment Coordination Commit-

tee-Cabinet Committee will seek the approval by the NEDA Board chaired by President Duterte of a new “3-in-1” streamlined process so that the time devoted to the necessary government actions prior to the processing for infra projects funded by Of�icial Development Assistance loans would be reduced from the usual four to eight weeks to just one NEDA Board meeting.

Under the streamlined “3in-1” process, Dominguez said the NEDA Board approval; the issuance of the Special Presidential authority to government of�icials to negotiate and sign the loan, guarantee or grant agreement for the project; and the Forward Obligational Authority by the Department of Budget and Management would be issued simultaneously during a single NEDA Board meeting.

Besides Dominguez and Pernia, those expected to join the delegation are Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Secretaries Benjamin Diokno of the Department of Budget and Management, Arthur Tugade of the Department of Transportation, and Mark Villar of the Department of Public Works and Highways; and Vivencio Dizon, president of the Bases Conversion Development Authority.

They are set to meet with Hiroto Izumi, a special advisor to Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who heads the Japan side of the high-level committee; along with of�icials from the Japan Ministries of Finance, of Foreign Affairs, of Trade and Industry, of Economy and of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism; and of�icials from the Japan International Cooperation Agency and Japan Bank for International Cooperation. (DOF)

VOL. 10 ISSUE 125• SUNDAY-MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 24-25, 2017

ANXIOUS CLIENTELE. A group of young boys clings to a food cart while waiting for the vendor to finish frying popcorn along Roxas Avenue in Davao City on Saturday. Lean Daval Jr

PH economic team Sara says 1M tourist arrivals in Tokyo infra meet due to private sector support T A total of 1,864,343 tourist arrivals was recorded in Davao City since last year and according to Mayor Inday Sara Duterte, this was mainly because of the strong support of the private sector to the local government.

This was bared Friday by the mayor during the 1st Tourism Conference conducted by the Davao Tourism Association held at the Pinnacle Hotel and Suites in downtown Davao -- an occasion that she hopes will “germinate ideas that will allow us to create a tourism vision for Davao City.”

She admitted that the LGU’s 2017 target was to break the 2 million mark -until Martial Law happened.

Local tourism players here have said that all the negative media reports about Martial Law have contributed

to the perception that Davao City was not safe.

But thankfully, Davao City has recovered.

“We were well on our way until Martial Law happened, but we bounced back in August, mainly because of the Kadayawan Festival -- thanks to our strong, hardworking, and dedicated private sector,” she said.

She said tourism promotions and increasing tourist arrivals are something that the local government cannot do alone.

“We need you, the private sector, to work as one and decide what direction should Davao tourism take,” she said.

She said the tourism sector should align plans accordingly -- even as she promised that the City Government will do its part in creating the proper policies, building infra-

structures, and ensuring that people are safe and secured.

“We acknowledge that a major part of tourism involves attracting investments, sustaining land, sea, and air route connectivity, and maintaining peace and order,” she said.

She also urged the tourism sector to make Davao City friendly and attractive to tourists by “sprucing up your establishments and keeping your surroundings clean and coming up with new and exciting activities and tour packages to cater to different travelers.”

She also called on local artists to create murals and art corners, while encouraging the Halal Council to “push further in order for us to certify more establishments in the face of coming Air Asia �lights to and from Kuala Lum-

pur in December.”

“And more importantly, all of us should aim for achieving international standards,” she said.

Davao City has also embarked on sports tourism -- kicking off with next year’s hosting of Ironman 70.3 triathlon, the Davao Regional Athletics Association Meet, and in 2019, the Palarong Pambansa.

“Please undertake the necessary preparations to ensure that we can cater to the magnitude of arrivals – in terms of the quality of our accommodation, entertainment, leisure and dining options, and facilitation services – so that the delegates may leave Davao City with good words and fond memories and make many return trips,” she said. CIO

held in Beijing and Shanghai.

The economic cluster, composed of Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia, Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno, and central bank Governor Nestor Espenilla, Jr., will outline the growth prospects of the Philippine economy in relation to the macroeconomic and �iscal policies being pursued by the Duterte Administration.

For his part, Secretary Diokno will discuss the government’s expansionary �iscal policy which will generate

resources to �inance the government’s ambitious infrastructure and social services programs. He is also set to expound on public sector reforms that will boost spending ef�iciency and transparency, such as the Budget Reform Bill and the Government Rightsizing Program.

Meanwhile, the infrastructure ministers led by Public Works Secretary Mark Villar, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade, and BCDA President Vivencio Dizon, will present the game-changing infrastructure projects to be implemented by the Duterte

Administration. This is in line with the Build Build Build program of the government where P8 to P9 trillion (or $160 to $170 billion) will be spent on public infrastructure in the medium-term (2017 to 2022).

The two-part roadshow is an installment of the Philippine Economic Brie�ing, a series of international roadshows that highlight the Philippines’ optimistic growth trajectory. The Tokyo and Shanghai legs are set to follow the brie�ing held in Singapore last August 15, 2017.

(DOF)

Cabinet execs to showcase rosy PH economy outlook

O

f�icials of the Duterte Administration, led by the economic and infrastructure ministers, are set to showcase economic opportunities to potential investors from Japan and China next week.

The two-part economic roadshow starts in Tokyo on September 26, Tuesday, with the theme “The Rising Philippine Economy: Powering Gains with Global Partners through Shared Goals”. The Philippine delegation will then proceed to China from September 27 to 29 with key meetings and brie�ings to be

VOL. 10 ISSUE 125• SUNDAY-MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 24-25, 2017

ECONOMY 5

EDGEDAVAO

DTI cautions public vs refilling used butane canisters with LPG

T

GLOBE SEA-US CABLE. Secretary Martin Andanar (left) of Presidential Communications and Operations Office graces the launching of Globe SEA-US cable commercial landing held at Seda Abreeza Hotel on Friday. Andanar posed for a photo with Globe Telecommunications president and chief executive officer Ernest Cu (third from left), chief of commercial officer Albert de Lar-

razabal (leftmost), chief of legal counsel lawyer Froilan Castelo (second from right), senior vice president for enterprise group Peter Maguera (rightmost) and National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) commissioner Gamaliel Cordoba (third from right). Lean Daval Jr

he Department of Trade and Industry in Northern Mindanao cautioned the public against re�illing butane canisters with lique�ied petroleum gas or LPG. The warning was issued amid the supposed proliferation of LPG being contained in canisters or cartridges being sold in the local market and even in sari-sari stores. These LPG-re�illed canisters are usually bought by consumers for household use.

LPG, chemically, is a mixture of two �lammable gases – 60% propane and 40% butane. Since this poses imminent danger to life and property, LPG must be securely contained and safely stored.

“I am urging the consuming public and LPG us-

ers to refrain from utilizing LPG-re�illed canisters for household use and avoid risking your property and life to destruction.”, DTI – Lanao del Norte Provincial Director Ruel Paclipan warned.

In accordance with the Philippine National Standard 03-1:2000, only welded steel cylinders with a water capacity of one liter to 150 liters are permitted for storage and transport of lique�ied petroleum gas.

Steel cylinders, aside from being sturdier, have pressure relief valve. In contrast, canisters have lightweight and thinner metal body in which joints are just being soldered, and without pressure relief valve.

Pursuant to Department Circular No. 2014-01-

DTI, 10

Collaboration key Duterte lauds Globe for to tourism growth

undersea cable system

Says project to create more job opportunities

P

resident Rodrigo Duterte cited Globe Telecom for choosing Davao City as the host of its USD250-million Southeast Asia-United States (SEA-US) submarine cable system for it reinforces the capacity and resiliency of the country’s information system.

The President lauded the project as it would also improve communication capacities, better access to basic services, increased competitiveness, and build smarter cities.

In a speech read for him

by Presidential Communica-

tions Operations Secretary Martin Andanar, the President said that choosing Davao City as host of the project will generate more investments and create job opportunities not only for Davao, but also in Mindanao.

Duterte also expressed optimism the project would complement the national broadband plan of the government aimed at improving the internet connectivity in the country.

In an interview at the sidelines of the ceremonial launch of the SEA-US cable system at Seda Hotel Friday,

Damosa Land partners with Colliers Philippines

D

avao, September 21, 2017 – Damosa Land, the real estate and property development arm of An�locor Group of Companies, has �irmed up an agreement with Colliers International Philippines, appointing the global real estate services �irm as the property manager for its six-tower condominium project in Davao City, the Seawind.

In a statement, Damosa Land said that Colliers International Philippines will be in charge of the operations of the residential towers which include management, supervision, improvement and upkeep of the project’s more than 1,100 units.

“Colliers is pleased to have been appointed as the exclusive property manager of Damosa’s project. We can assure unit owners of the high standard of service that Colliers is globally known for,” said Colliers International’s Executive Director for Real Estate Management Services, Jet Ilaga.

The Seawind project offers resort-feel amenities in the heart of the city. It provides future residents the enjoyment of their exclusive clubhouse with wi�i, ideal for spending family time. It also has a half-olympic sized swimming pool, a bicycle lane and a basketball court for sports enthusiasts. It also

DAMOSA, 10

Andanar said the project is laudable as this will cause faster internet access in Davao and Mindanao.

He said it is the �irst cable submarine system which is connected through Davao bypassing earthquake zones in the north.This makes the system more resilient and less susceptible to signal interruptions caused by natural calamities.

“This is really advantageous for the citizens of Davao City and Mindanao,” he said.

Ernest Cu, Globe president and CEO, said Davao

will bene�it from this system getting the best connectivity going out of the country.

He said the system is the �irst cable run in the country and resilient in relation to other cable currently operating.

“This means quicker interconnection via the internet which we call in technical terms – latency,” Cu told said in an interview with reporters.

In this project, Globe is investing US$100 million.

“The cable system is a consortium between four

DUTERTE, 10

Executives from Damosa Land, Inc. (DLI) and Colliers International seal the partnership during the contract signing earlier at the DLI Showroom. From left to right, Colliers International Deputy Managing Director Ieyo de Guzman

T

ourism Secretary Wanda Teo on Friday stressed anew the importance of regional cooperation to ensure sustainable tourism growth during a recent global forum in Tokyo, Japan.

In a forum at the Tour Expo Japan 2017 held in Tokyo, Teo said although the Philippines had a lot of destinations to offer, the country needed to ensure its protection through the help of neighboring countries.

“With the Philippines’ diversely-rich natural environment, Filipinos offer ultimate fun experience to our guests.

But, without collaborated measures on environmental protection, we cannot ensure sustainable growth of the tourism industry nor reap its economic bene�its,” Teo said in her speech.

“This growth is something we hope for but collaboration among our nations will be the key to continued growth, development and sustainability of tourism in Asia,” she added.

Teo, in a meeting with Japanese tourism executives, also congratulated the organizers of the Tour Expo Japan which was participated in by 140 countries this year.

The DOT chief is currently in Japan to lead a 33-member delegation comprised of 15 Filipino travel and tour operators, including Philippine Air Lines and Cebu Pacific and hoteliers, as well as 18 of�icials of the DOT and the Tourism Promotions Board.

The delegation also includes DOT Undersecretary Benito Bengzon, Jr., Assistant Secretary Ma. Lourdes Japson

COLLABORTION, 10

and Executive Director Jet Ilaga are joined by Damosa Land, Inc. Vice President Ricardo F. Lagdameo and Assistant Vice President Danilo A. Manlangit.

6 SUBURBIA RISING EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 125• SUNDAY-MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 24-25, 2017

High-impact road project to bring prosperity to DavOr

B First District Representative Corazon N. Malanayaon

P 100 -M road, infra projects improve lives in remote areas

D

AVAO ORIENTAL – Newly completed infrastructure projects are creating huge impacts in the lives of the residents of four remote villages in Boston town.

Among these infrastructure projects is the P100 million 3.7-kilometer concrete farm-tomarket road traversing three villages, namely: San Jose, Simulao, and Caatihan. This road project comes with a 60-meter concrete linear bridge component. Another project is a P1.5 million level-two potable water system in Barangay Cawayanan.

First District Representative Corazon N. Malanayaon, who initiated these projects in 2015 during her stint as Governor of the province, led the turnover ceremony of these two projects touted to ease residents’ mode of transportation and provide them access to safe drinking water.

Funded by the Of�ice of the Presidential Adviser on Peace

Process (OPAPP) through the Department of Interior and Local Government’s (DILG) Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (Pamana) Program under the 2015 budget, these projects are among the government’s interventions to address issues on peace and development in the communities, especially those that are vulnerable to insurgency.

Oliver Binancilan, OPAPP Area Manager, said the Pamana program has been implemented as the government recognizes that the lack of adequate infrastructure such as roads, water systems, and bridges, among others, has long been identi�ied as one of the bottlenecks in achieving sustainable development in many communities. Binancilan said that these projects have a big contribution in aiding the peace efforts, adding that infrastructure paves way for increased prosperity and reduce armed con�lict and insurgency.

Undocumented Indons caught in Sarangani

G

ENERAL SANTOS CITY -Police have sought for the immediate deportation of four undocumented Indonesian nationals who were caught on Wednesday afternoon in the coastal town of Glan in Sarangani Province.

Chief Insp. Neil Wadingan, chief of the Glan municipal police station, said Friday they found the Indonesians aboard a motorboat that docked at a portion of Barangay Burias at around 12:30 p.m.

He said they responded to the area after receiving a report from concerned residents regarding the presence of the foreigners.

The Indonesians were identi�ied as Pian Mangumpaus, Sarol Udingan, Phaisal Tatale and Arif Udingan, who claimed to be �ishermen from Petta, Tabukan Utara sub-district of the Sangihe

Island district in North Sulawesi province, Indonesia.

“They did not carry any passport and related documents so we took them in our custody,” Wadingan said in a radio interview.

The police of�icial said they immediately reported the matter to the Bureau of Immigration (BI) station in Glan for proper action.

BI personnel referred the case of the Indonesians to the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency for the veri�ication of their identities.

Pedrito Lopez, BI alien control of�icer in Glan, said the four were not included in their watch list.

But he said they coordinated the matter with the international police to determine if they were involved in terror and other related illegal activities.(PNA)

Previously identi�ied by the Philippine Army as con�lict-affected areas, the villages of San Jose and Cawayanan are among the areas here that were prioritized to become recipient to community-changing infrastructure projects in the hope to address the existing gaps that are often barriers to peace and development.

Rep. Malanyaon recognized the role of all involved agencies in the implementation of the projects including the local government units for their support.

“These projects are the product of convergence,” she said. “While the national government funded these projects, it would not have been successfully pushed through without the recommendation of the Philippine Army, the technical assistance from the DILG, funding support of the OPAPP, and the initiative and support of the local government. It only proves that if all stakeholders work together,

anything can be possible,” she added.

DILG Regional Director Alex Roldan congratulated the residents of Boston for being recipients of the new projects.

He stressed his astonishment of Davao Oriental’s development since the province was struck by typhoon Pablo in 2012.

“You are very lucky to have a beautiful place,” he said, noting the province’s equally good governance that helped it fully recover. He encouraged residents to support the province’s long-lasting peace by supporting the government’s development programs.

A DREAM-COME-TRUE Overwhelmed residents of the two villages expressed their heartfelt thanks to the Provincial Government and its partners for giving them these projects, which they say as a “dream-come-true” for them.

By Karen Lou Delos/Photo by Eden Jhan Licayan

AGANGA, DAVAO ORIENTAL – The lifelong dream of the residents of a far-�lung village for an easier and safer access road has now become a reality.

Just recently, the Provincial Government and its partner agencies inaugurated the newly completed P52.2 million concrete farm-to-market road with a 45-meter concrete bridge in Barangay Mikit in Baganga town.

Stretching to more than two kilometers, the road project is poised to spur socio-economic development in the community by boosting trade and increase farming jobs and household income.

Barangay Mikit, which is home to more than 1,000 residents who are mostly farmers, consists of large swathes of farms with a span of at least 338 hectares of agricultural lands planted to various crops such as coconut, coffee, abaca, and cacao, among many others.

“Everyone here is excited about the new road,” said Mikit Barangay Chair Crisologo Oronan, stressing that the newly paved road will allow them to have easy access to the market to deliver their produce.

He said that unlike before, with only the narrow potholed dirt track they call road, farmers transport their produce using only motorcycles. But now with the leveled, widened and concreted path, big trucks can now easily enter the village down to the farms to load farmers’ harvested crops.

For farmers here, the new road will bring them a myriad of opportunities such as increase in production of agricultural commodities as they can now easily access technology in farming. The concrete road will also lessen damage of agricultural products during transport which means increase pro�it for them.

Aside from cutting trans-

port cost, the new road also cuts transport time from 40 minutes down to 10 minutes, according to project engineers.

Residents here say that with the new road, it is now easier for them to reach schools, hospitals, and other amenities at the town center. In addition, basic government services can now easily reach their village.

PARTNERS BUILDING PATH TO DEVELOPMENT The implementation of this big-ticket road project involves a lot of convergence efforts among all stakeholders.

Initiated by First District Representative Corazon N. Malanyaon during her term as Governor of the Province, this project was implemented under the Philippine Rural Development Program (PRDP). The project was funded through a counterparting scheme with the World Bank funding 80 percent of the total cost through loan proceeds; the Department of Agriculture shouldering 10 percent and the Provincial Government shelling out the remaining 10 percent.

Rep. Malanyaon said this project is a testament of the Provincial Government’s commitment to reduce poverty in the countryside by empowering people through the provision of necessary infrastructure to support their livelihood.

Under Malanyaon’s leadership, the Provincial Government was able to construct and inaugurate in 2014 Mindanao’s biggest irrigation system – the Cateel Irrigation Project. This has established Davao Oriental’s track record in the World Bank and the MRDP (PRDP’s forerunner), making it easier for the province to avail of World Bank-funded projects amidst stringent documentary requirements. By Karen Lou Deloso/Photo by Eden Jhan Licayan

Rep. Malanyaon and other officials walk across the newly constructed bridge in San Jose village — a component of the 3.7-kilometer Pamana road project, during the turnover ceremony on September 15.

COMPETITIVE EDGE 7 EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 125• SUNDAY-MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 24-25, 2017

Pag-ibig releases P4.4 B in housing loans takeouts

P

ag-IBIG Fund released P4.4 Billion in housing loans to 4,951 member-borrowers in Mindanao from January to August this year. This was reported at the Fund’s Mindanao Home Lending Accomplishment Report held at the Apo View Hotel in Davao City on September 14, 2017.

“The efforts of Pag-IBIG Fund are in response to the directive of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to give preferential attention to the housing needs of the underserved sector. Our housing programs also support the BALAI Filipino (Building Adequate, Livable, Affordable, and Inclusive Filipino Communities) program of Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) Chairperson

Eduardo D. del Rosario,” said Pag-IBIG Chief Executive Of�icer (CEO) Acmad Rizaldy P. Moti.

“We recognize the potential of Mindanao in housing,” Mr. Moti added, even as he posed a challenge to Pag-IBIG’s partner-developers to deliver more decent, yet affordable housing for the Filipino families.PagIBIG’s Mindanao housing loan takeouts is expected to reach P8.6 Billion by end of the year, more than a Billion higher than the P7.5 Billion target. The accomplishments in Mindanao were achieved through the efforts of the Home Lending Operations Group in Mindanao headed by Atty. Marie Antoniette Diaz, who also heads the

PAG-IBIG, 13

Star Cinema on Sky PPV presents blockbuster films

S

tar Cinema on SKY Pay-Per-View (PPV) brings the latest “kilig” blockbuster movies to Filipino homes as it presents KathNiel’s “Can’t Help Falling In Love” and Gerald and Arci’s “Can We Still Be Friends” from September 9 to October 6.

The P300 million global blockbuster features Kathryn as Gab, a goal-oriented career woman who has the perfect life and Daniel, as a free-spirited travel blogger and entrepreneur. Gab’s life is turned upside down when she �inds out she’s actually married to a stranger.

She does everything to annul their marriage, but only �inds herself falling for him.

Meanwhile, in “Can We Still Be Friends,” Gerald Anderson and Arci Muñoz, known as #TeamLablab, play a couple coping with the loss of their rela-

tionship in an unusual way—by staying friends with each other.

This leads to a competition of who can move on �irst, but brings to light the question, do they really want to move on from each other?

Subscribe to Star Cinema on SKY PPV from September 9 to October 6 to be able to watch these two hit ‘feels’ movies. The offer is available to all One SKY, SKYcable, Destiny Cable, SKYdirect, and SKYbroadband subscribers via SKY On Demand for P199.

SKYcable can call 305-5456, text STARCINEMAPPV to 23662 or visit www. mysky.com.ph/starcinemappv to subscribe.

SKYdirect Prepaid subscribers can also text PPV STARCINEMA <BOX ID> to 236667, while Postpaid subscribers can text SKY to 23668.

Davao Doctors Hospital (DDH) President and CEO Raymund del Val, (5th from right) and Torre Lorenzo Development Corporation (TLDC) CEO Tomas P. Lorenzo (4th from right) seal the deal for the sale of a one-hectare property within Ci-

udades to DDS in the presence of Members of the DDH Board of Directors and TLDC officers, from left: VizMin Business Head Eduino L Tan Members of the DDH Board of Directors Dr. Rizalina Karis Mata, Dr. Rizalina Pangan, Dr. Daniel Dela Paz, Dr.

Crispin Go; TLDC EVP and COO Maria Lalaine L. Regino (3rd from right), TLDC EVP and CFO Emmanuel A. Rapadas (TLDC-), and Reuben Cabrera, DDS Board Member.

Torre Lorenzo, Davao Doctors formalize Davao property sale TLDC’s Davao Township Ciudades to host future healthcare facility

P

roperty developer Lanang Realty Development Corp, an af�iliate of Torre Lorenzo Development Corporation (TLDC) formalized on September 7 the sale of one-hectare within their township Ciudades in Mandug, Davao, to the Davao Doctors Hospital (DDH).

“Our purchase of this property within the Ciudades township is an important development for DDH. A satellite facility in Mandug is strategic

and will give us greater access to bring our brand of high quality patient care to more people,” said Raymund del Val, DDS President and CEO, at the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement held at the Dusit Thani Hotel. “We are con�ident that we have found the right home for our satellite facility, and are con�ident that Lanang Realty Development Corporation and TLDC will support us in bringing our vision of bringing an ‘unparalleled health

institution beyond borders’ to life at Ciudades.”

The lot is is situated within a 200-hectare masterplanned community composed of residential and commercial areas as well as leisure and educational institutions. It is also home to a the 20-hectare agro-industrial Ciudades Business Park which will house businesses such as manufacturing and processing facilities, BPOs and other enterprises.

“The presence of a top

notch healthcare facility at Ciudades will complete the community, as we already have educational facilities, groceries and convenience stores, business and leisure facilities. We couldn’t be happier to have the best medical facility in Southern Philippines as our partner to make healthcare available to those who reside and work in the Mandug communities,” said Tomas Lorenzo, Lanang Realty Development Corp and TLDC CEO.

B

formance in 2016, as well as the aggressive expansion of its branch network and Automated Teller Machine (ATM) presence all over the country.

“Our best bank in the Philippines this year is BDO Unibank, which delivered record 2016 earnings on the back of strong results from its core business-

es,” said Finance Asia, which has given the said award to the Bank numerous times in the past. “BDO continued its branch build-out to broaden customer reach in underserved areas.

BDO’s network now includes more than 1,100 branches and over 3,600 ATMs. Most of its branch openings were outside

Metro Manila as the bank is now targeting fast growing secondary and tertiary cities.”

In 2016, BDO posted a record net income of P26.1 billion—in line with its earnings guidance—from P25 billion in 2015.

Finance Asia has also rec-

Finance Asia: BDO the best bank in PH DO Unibank has once again been named the Philippines’ best bank by Hong Kong-based �inancial publication Finance Asia.

At the recently concluded Finance Asia Country Awards for Achievement 2017, Finance Asia attributed the recognition to BDO’s stellar �inancial per-

PMA reinstates Davao group; Duduaco leads 2017-18 officers

M PMA Davao New Set of Officers with Bernardo Alejandro, Jr. - (PMA Past President), Arlene Padua – Martinez – (PMA – National President) and Ariel Francisco – (Chair for Membership).

FINANCE, 13

erci G. Duduaco of Southern Banawe was elected president of the Davao chapter of the Philippine Marketing Association (PMA) for the years 2017-2018.

Other of�icers elected are: Gene Olojan, Business Development Manager United Neon Advertising Inc., as vice president for corporate affairs;Melanie Joy Lim Program Head for Marketing Mgt. of the University of Mindanao, vice president for Academe; Judith Ambalong of the Assumption College of Davao, secretary; Celeste Wong Gaane, pres-

ident of Lakbay Davao Travel & Consultancy, Inc., treasurer; and Romelyn Latonio, assistant treasurer.

Early this month, the Philippine Marketing Association, Inc. (PMA) , through a unanimous board resolution reinstated PMA (Davao), Inc. as the sole representative group of PMA (National) in the Mindanao region.

Since its inception in 1945, PMA (National) has recognized and engaged marketing professionals and business leaders in various activities devoted to upgrading the marketing profession.

PMA, 13

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

EDITORIAL

S

VOL. 10 ISSUE 125• SUNDAY-MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 24-25, 2017

An active role

teven Chuks Nwaokeke’s famous line goes: “If your altar is not active, your voice will not be strong.”

To paraphrase that quote, the church cannot just make an active stance by ranting objections to the government’s war on illegal drugs.

That is the crux of President Rodrigo Duterte’s message to the Catholic Church -- to be proactive in the war against illegal drugs. The President wanted the church to be part of the solution instead of going against the tide -- a civil act that may only inspire those in the illegal drugs trade to remain in the business.

It’s an ugly war, yes. Nobody wanted it to be bloody in the �irst place. Not even the President as he has time and again explained that his orders do not include killing suspects. Only arresting them unless they put up a �ight and endanger the lives of others including the law enforcers. But whether or not we wanted to get the cleanup done clean, there will always be casualties--the collateral damage to a dif�icult war.

The church and the state will perhaps never reconcile in their positions as regards this war, but we can only pray there would be

EDGEDAVAO

Providing solutions to a seamless global village.

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

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

JIMMY K. LAKING Associate Editor PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE

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

the national association of newspapers

GENERAL SANTOS CITY OFFICE MANILA MARKETING OFFICE CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING MARKETING OFFICE Richard C. Ebona | Product Development officer LEIZEL A. DELOSO | Marketing Manager EDMUND D. RENDON Unit 6, SouthbankMarketing Plaza Velez-Yacapin Sts.Address: 04 Orilla St. Purok 4B Lower Bicutan, Taguig City Specialist Cellphone number: 09472652969 General Santos City Cagayan de Oro City JAMILA C. CANONIGO AGUSTIN V. MIAGAN JR Email Address: edgedavao@gmail.com Mobile: (Smart) 0948-823-3685 Tel: (088) 852-4894 Circulation Marketing Specialist

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

meeting point where both can coexist and do their own part. Illegal drugs, like it or not, is our enemy.

There is a biblical passage that relates to this and it is found in the parable of the weeds. In the desire to eliminate the weeds from the garden, there is danger of pulling out the good seed because they have been intertwined.

The President’s desire for priests and bishops to talk to those involved in illegal drugs is a move that should prod the church to take a proactive role instead of being the opposition to the war against illegal drugs. The President believes that the priests and bishops are the best counselors for those in the narcotics business. The idea actually makes sense if the church opens its heart to working with the government in this war. If they do, it could mean a lot to the outcome of this war on drugs.

Will the church be willing to accept this challenge? They should have no reason to turn it down. As the shepherds of the faithful, their moral and spiritual ascendancy over their parishioners should be the force that could transform this bloody war into a peaceful one.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 125• SUNDAY-MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 24-25, 2017

VANTAGE POINTS

9

R.A. 9003 implementation: Where Davao is ‘same, same’ like the rest

L

ast week’s visit of city and municipal councilors to attend the national executive of�icers and board meeting of the Philippine Councilors’ League proved to be an eye opener.

I had the chance to sit with a group of councilors made up of members from Northern Luzon, Southern Tagalog and the Bicol region and from the exchanges that transpired, I gathered that most were impressed by the peace and order.

Almost to a man and woman, everybody agreed we have a ‘smiling martial law’ that compliments the hospitality of the locals. “It does not look bad after all as we read in the news back home,’ said a lady councilor.

Some were also struck by the sheer size of the city and the diverse attractions that abound, on land and at sea.

When the topic shifted to the implementation of Republic Act 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, one Bicol councilor said his city has great company.

“I thought Davao is far ahead but it also relies on open dump and it does not segregate its garbage,” he said. ‘It is the same where I come from.’

“Same, same,”added a councilor from Pangasinan.

I

t’s horrible.

The recent brutal hazing that resulted into the untimely death of 22 year- old Horacio Castillo, a freshman law student of UST, woke us all up like it were another H-Bomb unloaded in Hiroshima.

The circumstances appeared the same, like in many previous deaths that arose out of traditional initiation rites.

A young neophyte invited to join Aegis Juris, a fraternity group at UST law school, eagerly came for the ceremonial hazing in the hope that he would successfully join an elite group who would help and guide him on his way to achieving a law degree.

In effect, that was Atio’ (his nickname) reminder to his parents who were initially torn between allowing their boy to join or not on the fateful day.

He never came back alive.

Hazing is prohibited by law.

It is sadistic, plain and simple.

But regardless, universities and colleges nationwide allow fraternities to exist and even

Almost to a man and woman, the group added no LGU has so far been charged or �ined for its inability to implement the law, more than 10 years since it was passed.

Indeed, I recall that even Baguio City which gained notoriety for its ‘trash slide’ when its dumpsite spilled its contents at the height of a storm in 2011 that led to the killing of three people was not reprimanded or �ined for maintaining an ‘eyesore.’ It was only when it was slapped a writ of Kalikasan that it decided to close the dumpsite.

What is it in R.A. 9003 that it continues to be a puzzle why most LGUs tend to ignore it?

The law, authored by Senator Loren Legarda, Republic Act 9003, basically mandates that “no open dump sites shall be established and operated (by an LGU), nor any practice or disposal of solid waste by any, using open dumps, … and that every LGU shall convert its open dumps to controlled dumps.”

It set as policy source reduction and waste minimization measures including composting, recycling, re-use and recycle. It also left the door open to best environmental practices in managing the waste.

Following this law, the open

REVERSED PUNCH

Jimmy K.Laking

dump is the most primitive of measures in solid waste management. It is no different from sweeping one’s dirt to the edge of a neighbor’s backyard.

Out of sight, out of mind.

Although out-dated, the Environmental Sanitary Land�ill hues more to the spirit of the law.

It is basically a controlled dump.

Unfortunately, the inability of LGUs to implement waste segregation at source has led to many ESLs unable to live up to their projected lifespans, turning most of these ESLs into ‘mountainous heaps of methaneemitting, degrading wastes’

eventually.

In February 2016, the Ombudsman said it will investigate at least 600 localgovernment executives for violations of RA 9003.

Ombudsman Conchita CarpioMorales said �ield investigations revealed that the of�icials violated RA 9003 and its implementing rules.

Morales added that mayors, vice mayors and Sanggunian members have “the mandate to establish policies and having control over the funds of the city” and that “they conspired in committing the violations of RA 9003 within their jurisdictions.”

The inability of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to sustain an awareness program for LGUs to implement R.A. 9003 is seen as part of the problem. It comes, it goes but mostly it keeps to itself. Today, RA 9003 ‘remains to be the least prioritized localgovernment program.’

In Davao City, the problem has nothing with Mayor Sara. In fact, I read it somewhere she was vicemayor when this city passed its organic agriculture ordinance, the �irst LGU to do so. It is one piece of meaningful legislation that also addresses the problem of climate change if handled correctly.

The problem I suppose lies with some people surrounding her, people who simply cannot think out of the box in so far as the implementation of RA 9003 is concerned. No one is also telling her that ‘urban agriculture’ (as highlighted by a rooftop garden) which was launched early this year turned out a �lop.

The non-implementation of the RA 9003 remains the only �law in the attraction that is Davao City.

Where I live, plastics continue to be tossed in empty spaces or along canals. Sometimes, I would see neighbors burning their garbage including plastics in plain view. It is also my belief that the proliferation of dengue cases is related to how solid waste is mishandled or abused.

One compelling reason why Davao City should take the lead in RA 9003 implementation is that it is the hometown of the President himself. Hence, Davao City should go the whole hog in complying with the mandate of the law. In time, other LGUs will follow suit.

And it need not look to �irstworld countries for solutions that cannot work in a predominantly agricultural setting like Davao City, for the appropriate technologies are there just waiting to be tapped.

rug.

Have you forgotten the explosion that caused the amputation of an aspiring law student some years back while she was among friends cheering for their school’s bar examinees?

If my recollection is correct, reports cited a member of a rival fraternity who threw a grenade into the crowd. Again, the incident glowingly exposed the enmity and �ierce rivalry among student groups professing to foster brotherhood and unity. I do not now recall whether the culprit was �inally caught and convicted.

So, another young life was snuffed before it blossomed into fulness. Another suffering father and mother are crying for justice. And if ever anyone is sent to jail and punished, it will not bring Horacio back to life.

If a solution – a permanent one at that – is to be offered, I would strongly suggest that our legislators and school authorities completely ban fraternities in their respective campuses. No ifs or buts. Just a

permanent ban.

But many will not agree, especially those who have already planted their seeds extensively. They will forcefully argue that the death of one neophyte does not necessarily mean all fraternities are cruel and bad.

This has been their argument and however lame it may be this has been allowed by logic to prevail.

But I counter: When is the next death by hazing come again?

I am pretty sure, one of these not too remote days, another death by hazing will come about although I’d hasten to add “Heaven forbid.”

Take this from Bertrand Russell. He wrote: “The in�liction of cruelty with a good conscience is a delight to moralists. That is why they invented Hell.” (email your feedback to fredlumba@ yahoo.com.) Matthew 6:7: “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will �ind; knock and the door will be opened to you.”

GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!

The sins that mortals do

proliferate. (Even those in the secondary levels of education are now recruiting members who have turned into gangs.)

The practice of in�licting painful blows to neophytes undergoing initiation is conveniently ignored by school authorities until somebody dies and the scandal explodes in the media.

Mind you, these Greeklettered student societies have spawned several alumni into national leaders who utilize their frat connections to establish a nation-wide network for political purposes.

The “connect here, connect that” culture enabled many ambitious men and women to aspire for high elective positions.

As you will have observed by now, af�iliation with a fraternity (or sorority) is not by itself bad but can be considered as a progressive step towards ful�illing a college career and a prosperous business connection.

Several lawmakers are now thinking of repealing the old law against hazing

SPECKS OF LIFE Fred C. Lumba (I forgot the Republic Act number supposedly authored by former senator Joey Lina).

They say (again) that it doesn’t have enough teeth to prevent deaths caused by the “barbaric physical in�liction of blows on the neophyte.”

Just three years ago, another death caused by hazing created a big stir. But when the din and dust of the scandal subsided, everything was swept under the

10 NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 125• SUNDAY-MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 24-25, 2017

IRRESISTIBLE... FROM 1 think na martial law pa yun, the message is very clear na business as usual tayo dito sa Davao City,” said Renato “Gatchi” Gatchalian President of Davao Tourism Association.

He said that this is the best martial law, the Duterte martial law. “ Wee embraced the martial law, we even call it martial love because we felt so secured kaya siguro mas marami pang naki-celebrate sa Kadayawan,” Gatchalian said.

Tecson revealed that city has registered more than 1.2 million arrivals since January. “We are hoping to break 2 million, but I don’t know

because that means we need 200,000 arrivals for the next four months until December, but I think it is already a very good number considering it is still martial law,” she said.

Tecson acknowledged there was still more room for improvements. “We need more color in the city, we started to talk with our local artists so that they could start painting murals in the walls of the buildings.

She said establishments should also light up their façades. She also encouraged the hotel establishments to submit their occupancy report on time.

Ralph Cabales Trangia, one of the suspects implicated in the death of Castillo who has reportedly left the country on Sept. 22. on board Eva Air Flight BR262 for Chicago, USA.

Aguirre will also seek the cancellation of Trangia’s passport.

On Sunday, Castillo’s body bearing bruises and burns was found dumped along a street in Balut, Tondo, Manila. (PNA)

end. In earlier Senate hearings, Tadeco president and CEO Alex Valoria maintained that the JVA is not only valid and legal, but is also highly bene�icial to the government and to some 30,000 direct and indirect workers in the banana industry and other related sectors.

The JVA forged between BuCor and Tadeco reportedly aims to help rehabilitate inmates at the DPPF and prepare them for their eventual reinte-

gration to society by providing them with a decent means of livelihood while serving their sentences.

Tadeco developed a banana plantation inside the DPPF Reservation to realize these goals. Valoria pointed out that the banana operations under the JVA has created 30,000 jobs in direct, indirect and ancillary roles, which translates to the secure livelihood and future of at least 181,000 Filipinos.”

(Lilian C. Mellejor/PNA)

imahe ng PNP (Be sensitive and remain vigilant against rogue police of�icers to protect the image of the PNP),” dela Rosa told the newly promoted policemen.

“Ang pagtaas ng ranggo n’yo ay kaakibat nito ang pagtaas din ng responsibidad para sa bayan. Kayo dapat ang maging modelo ng mga junior police of�icer (Your new ranks come with greater responsibility

to the nation. You should serve as role models to junior police of�icers),” he added.

Dela Rosa said he wants all police personnel to develop a culture of responsible seniority in the PNP that the higher the rank of a police of�icer, the more he or she should be sensitive to the wrongdoings of their fellow of�icers. (PNA)

50 years or 100 years, you have nothing to get from this government),” he said.

The President said even the NDF will say that they will follow a democratic way of resolving the peace problem in the country, the people will not believe it because of the brutal killings perpetrated by the rebels against soldiers and even police of�icers.

“Mga sundalo, pa uwi na lang mula sa pagbisita sa patay na kapwa niya sundalo, pinapatay ninyo. Mga pulis na may mga pamilya (You killed soldiers who just went home visiting the wake of their

comrade. The police of�icers who have families), all for nothing,” the president said.

“Ano ba ang hinahabol niyo sa buhay (What do you really want in life)? Tumakbo (run)? Magpaputok (�ire)? Mamatay (die)? Pati gutom (hunger)? Sakit (illness)? Is that what you want? You will be like Jesus Christ if that is the case,” he said.

Duterte said if the NPA will continue with their arm struggle, it will be �ine for him since his soldiers are ready to �ight to defend the country. (Armando Fenequito Jr/PNA)

HOLD... FROM 2

FLORIENDO... FROM 2

21... FROM 2

DUTERTE... FROM 2

UNRUFLLED. Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano is being interviewed by former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, President of the Asia Society Policy Institute, on his views during his attendance in an event at

the Asia Society in New York City, USA on Friday (Manila time). PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

DOT... FROM 3

DUTERTE... FROM 5

awan Tribal Village during the Kadayawan Festival. One miniature village still stands at the Magsaysay Park to enable tourists to enjoy the native culture of Davao.

“Gusto natin maging community based ang ating tourism destinations,” said Tecson, adding this will make the people feel the impact of tourism industry in the community.

Tecson said this new tourism destination will be launched before the year ends and her of�ice is looking forward to create more on-site villages. “We are hoping to have more cultural nights to be held in the village,” she said.

In the one-day event, the Davao Tourism Association expressed its objective to create a solid vision that will guide all tourism stake-holders.

“The vision will guide us all in moving towards one direction,” said Renato “ Gatchi”

Gatchalian DATA President.

The conference was graced by the Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte Carpio.

“I hope that our strong and hardworking and dedicated private sectors will continue to work with us, (the City Government)” said Mayor Duterte Carpio.

The event was supported by the City Government, Department of Tourism and City Tourism Of�ice.

During the planning stage of the vision, the six-point agenda dwelling on marketing, product development, government relations, service, �inancing and industry support was discussed.

Pag marami ng visitors mas maraming mag kakaroon ng trabaho,” said Gatchalian.

More than 200 tourism stakeholders attended the event to contribute in shaping the future of Davao’s tourism industry.

0001 of the Department of Energy (DOE), no person shall engage in LPG industry activity without securing �irst a Standards Compliance Certi�icate or SCC. The DOE Circular prohibits the sale of LPG on single-trip (non-re�illable) containers and canisters which have been previously �illed with butane. It also emphasized that selling of LPG in inappropriate containers is prohibited and constitutes illegal trading.

Re�illers, marketers,

dealers, and retailers found to have violated PNS 03-1:2000, DOE DC 2014-01- 0001, and RA 7394 or the Consumer Act of the Philippines shall be administratively charged and a monetary �ine shall be imposed up to three hundred thousand pesos (P300,000.00). As stipulated in the said Department Circular, engaging in LPG industry activity without a valid SCC shall be penalized with a �ine of P60,000.00. (DTI)

and Tourism Attache to Japan Verna C. Buensuceso.

The delegation has so far held bilateral tourism talks with of�icials of Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism headed

by Minister Keiichi Ishii.

They will also hold

business meetings with English as Second Language (ESL) groups: Association for English Studies in the Philippines (PSAA) headed by Mr. Minemura, Atsushi; DMM.Com is the biggest Online English company representative Yamamoto Asami..(PNA)

DTI... FROM 5

COLLABORATION... FROM 5

companies in the United States, Hawaii, and Guam.

Cu said the project has been completed and the cable is already carrying traf�ic since late July.

“This will level up connection. As we build capacity usage goes up as well. And so we have to keep up as the country catches up in terms of building up wireline infrastructure given the fact that we focus on mobile for many years,” Cu stressed.

Cu said that with faster connection, Davao can host and address the growing information and communications technology requirements of BPOs, �inancial institutions, internet service providers, and other content providers in the south.

The SEA-US cable system is connected to the Globe cable landing station in Barangay Talomo which houses the Power

Feed Equipment necessary to run the system.

Globe revealed that outside of Luzon, the 14,500-kilometer undersea cable is the �irst direct connection of Globe to the US via Guam, Hawaii, and California.

This offers faster transmission of data to the US. Globe said the facility uses the latest 100 gigabits per second transmission technology to deliver an additional 20 terabits per second capacity. The additional capacity will cater to the exponential growth of bandwidth between the two continents.

It was learned that the system was built by a consortium of seven international telecommunications companies and links �ive regions that included Manado in Indonesia, Davao in the Philippines, Piti in Guam, Oahu in Hawaii, and Los Angeles in California, USA. (Lilian C. Mellejor/ PNA)

has a kiddie pool and a playground.

Of the project’s total land area, only 30 percent is allocated for the residential towers. The rest will house other facilities including the green spaces. This feature makes the Seawind appealing to buyers who are starting to build their own families.

Moreover, the project’s proximity to major commercial and business developments in Davao City, the Davao International Airport, and the pristine Samal Island makes it most ideal for a live-work-play lifestyle.

The Seawind is recording strong take up from young professionals, business owners, property investors, and remittance-receiving Overseas Filipino

Worker (OFW) households.

Its �ive towers are already sold out while more than half of the units in its sixth tower have been taken up.

Demand is being sustained by a strong macroeconomic backdrop with Davao being the fastest-growing region in the past two years. Its average GDP growth of 8.8% outpaced the national growth of 6.5%. Its economy is primarily driven by Industrial and Services sectors, fuelled by manufacturing and outsourcing sub-segments.

“Davao remains an attractive location for local and foreign property investors and we see the Seawind project bene�itting from the renewed interest in the city,” added Ilaga.

DAMOSA... FROM 5

INdulge!

VOL. 10 ISSUE 125• SUNDAY-MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 24-25, 2017

EVENT

Romancing the

COFFEE BEAN IT WAS A WEEKEND OF EVERYTHING COFFEE at SM CIty Davao as coffee aficionados from Durianburg and beyond descended on the mall’s Event Center to check out the Music & Coffee Festival last September 15 to 17.

Mallgoers who attended the event were able to sample brews from event purveyors Bo’s Coffee, J.CO, Dunkin Donuts, Lara Mia, Gypsys Cafe, Racoma Farms, A&V Café, Tirzah Bakery – Café, Yohans Coffee and Neon Pigeon. Coffeeholics, this writer included, got a high from the aroma of fresh infusions and delectable desserts sweets that were served

throughout the event.

I particularly liked the clean and refreshing cold brews of Neon Pigeon, as well as the wood-oven roasted Mt. Apo Arabica coffee of Lara Mia. Aside from drinks and sweets, the event also featured coffee talks on bean selection, coffee roasting, and brewing. Music lovers also got their fill thanks to the soulful music from fresh local acts while sipping their choice of hot or cold beverage.

EDGEDAVAO

A2INdulge!

ARTS AND CULTURE

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 125• SUNDAY-MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 24-25, 2017

Dances from the past

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

HOW MANY TIMES should a lightning strike in the same place? Once is enough and twice is not often. Thrice is impossible and the fourth time would be miracle. But that what had happened when Villa-Doneza Central Elementary School won for the fourth consecutive times in the Inter-School Folk Dance tion.

Competi-

The event was held during the 65th anniversary of Bansalan, a first-class municipality of Davao del Sur. Eleven schools participated in the elementary division while seven schools tried to outdo each other in high school category.

Villa-Doneza Central Elementary School took the grand prize in the elementary division.

Declared second place was Marber Elementary School while New Clarin Elementary School settled for the third place.

Other participating schools were GRS School of Bansalan, Bansalan Central Elementary School, Marber Elementary School, Brighter Beginning Learning Center, Vicente Duterte Elementary School, St. Mary’s College of Bansalan, Dolo Elementary School, and Buenavista Elementary School.

There was only one contest piece: Cariñosa (which literally means “affectionate woman”), an old and most popular courtship dance of the Visayas Islands. The version the participating schools adapted was the one from San Joaquin, Iloilo.

The female wears “pa-

tadyong” and “camisa” or “kimono” with soft “pañuelo.” As for male, he wears barong Tagalog or “camisa de Chino” and any color of trousers. The hand props include comb, power puff and handkerchief.

In the high school category, the winners were: Nazareth High School, first place (the same distinction it won last year); Marber National High School, second place; and St. Mary’s College of Bansalan, third place.

The other schools which participated in the competition were: Pedro Arches National High School, St. Therese School of Bansalan, New Clarin National High School, and Mabuhay National High School.

Again, there was only once contest piece: La Jota Moncadeña, a folk dance named after the town of Moncada in Tarlac. The literature said: “During the Spanish regime, La Jota dancers were the most popular dances performed in any social gatherings by the Spanish Senoritas and Caballeros.

The Filipinos saw them danced and imitated them. This dance is the interpretation and adaptation by the old people of Moncada. It is a combination of Spanish and Ilocano dance steps and music. The use of bam-

boo castanets makes the dance lively, gay and delightful.”

The female dancer wears Maria Clara style or in typical Ilocano costume. The male dancer wears barong Tagalog

and black trousers or in typical Ilocano costume.

The judges of the folk dance competition, both elementary and high school, were Dr. Reynaldo Pascua, Dr. Hazel O. Aparece, Dr. Alma M.

Belarmino, Dr. NhorEmra P. Silongan, and Roderick R. Villan.

How did the judges come up with the winners? Well, they were given criteria to follow.

These were: perfor-

mance (which included skill and mastery, stage projection, and showmanship), 50%; authentic interpretation, 30%; and authenticity of costume, music, and equipment, 20%.

Research conducted by the author showed that the term folk dance describes dances that share some or all of the following attributes: dances performed at social functions by people with little or no professional training, often to traditionally based music; dances not generally designed for public performance or the stage, though may be later arranged and set for stage performances; and execution dominated by an inherited tradition rather than innovation (though folk traditions change over time)

VOL. 10 ISSUE 125• SUNDAY-MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 24-25, 2017

UP AND ABOUT

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

AirAsia Ph to fly from Manila to Ho Chi Minh AIRASIA is introducing direct flights from Manila to one of the most vibrant and biggest cities of Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City, further strengthening the airline’s commitment as an Asean carrier.

September 25 – 26, 2017 Only

IT/ *AMERICAN ASSASSIN Bill Skarsgård, Jaeden Lieberher/ *Dylan O'Brien, Michael Keaton Guaranteed Seating & One Time Viewing Only

R13/*R16

11:10 | 1:50 LFS / *4:30 | 6:45 | 9:00 LFS

KINGSMAN: THE GOLDEN CIRCLE Taron Egerton, Colin Firth, Mark Strong Guaranteed Seating & One Time Viewing Only

R13

12:30 | 3:30 | 6:30 | 9:30 LFS

LOVING IN TANDEM/ *GINTAMA LIVE ACTION Maymay Entrata, Edward Barber/ *Shun Oguri, Kanna Hashimoto Guaranteed Seating & One Time Viewing Only

PG/*R13

11:45 | 1:55 LFS / *4:00 | 6:30 | 9:00 LFS

MOTHER!/ *AMERICAN MADE Jennifer Lawrence, Javier Bardem/ *Tom Cruise, Caleb Landry Jones Guaranteed Seating & One Time Viewing Only

R16/*R13

11:20 | 1:55 | 4:30 LFS / *7:00 | 9:30 LFS

AirAsia Philippines CEO Captain Dexter Comendador said, “We are thrilled to announce that we will start servicing direct flights from Manila to Ho Chi Minh in November as part of our commitment to continue bringing the Philippines closer to neighbouring cities within the Asean region.”

To celebrate the announcement, all-in fares from as low as P990 for Manila - Ho Chi Minh route are now available for booking today until 8 October 2017 on airasia.com and the airline’s mobile app. The introductory promo fares are available for travel period from 17 November 2017 to 21 November 2018.

“AirAsia is the only airline that directly services

all ten Asean countries with established operations in the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia. Last year, the AirAsia Group carried 13.4 million people within Asean and we aim to continue bringing the region closer together via inter-Asean connectivity,” Comendador added.

AirAsia has been recently recognized for its outstanding performance in the Asean priority integration sector for tourism at the ASEAN Business Awards 2017 held in Manila with Philippine Presi-

dent Rodrigo Duterte personally giving the award to AirAsia Group CEO Tony Fernandes and 11 other winners from different sectors last September 6.

AirAsia services Manila – Ho Chi Minh route with three flights weekly or every Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday.

Vietnam offers travellers an opportunity to discover the country’s tradition that overlaps with French colonial influences and picturesque coastline. A visit first to Ho Chi Minh City (formerly

known as ‘Saigon’), is the perfect starting point to explore southern Vietnam. This vibrant city is the centre of commerce and to get a good glimpse of its beauty, it is advisable to seat at a roadside café with a cup of Vietnamese iced coffee or ‘Ca Phe Sua Da’ followed by a stroll to famous architectural marvels such as the Notre Dame Cathedral, Saigon Opera House, Jade Emperor Pagoda and temples.

To appreciate the local culture, travellers can sample a myriad of fresh produce and food offerings from Ba Chieu Market, a local market off the beaten path for the famous baguette sandwich, ‘Banh Mi’ or some ‘Com Tam’, a ‘broken rice’ style dish topped with grilled meat; or go shopping for various types of quality fabric at affordable prices at the famed Ben Thanh Market. If you have an interest in history, visit The War Remnants museum or the famed Cu Chi tunnels for a glimpse into what life was during the war.

EDGEDAVAO KORONADAL PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS Serving a seamless society

GenSan Partner Establishment

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

EDGEDAVAO

A4 INdulge!

VOL. 10 ISSUE 125â&#x20AC;¢ SUNDAY-MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 24-25, 2017

EDGEDAVAO PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS Serving a seamless society

AGRITRENDS 11 Rediscovering the potentials of nipa palm EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 125• SUNDAY-MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 24-25, 2017

Craig Jamieson Photos: World Agroforestry Center/ Robert Finlayson

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

A kind of palm that grows along the coastlines and estuarine habitats can be one possible solution of the problem of the food crisis that the country will soon be facing, according to the World Agroforestry Center Philippines.

“For hundreds of years, indigenous populations in the Philippines and Indonesia have been tapping the sweet, sugary sap of palm trees and feeding them to animals as their primary energy source,” said Dr. Craig Jamieson, a researcher with the agroforestry center.

According to him, when Portuguese navigator Ferdinand Magellan came to the Philippines in the 16th century, he found local people already tapping palm trees, whose leaves were used as roo�ing material for bahay kubo.

In his book, “Voyages,” Captain James Cook observed how hogs were fattened up with sugar palm syrup and rice husks in Savu, Indonesia in 1770. The syrup was also used to fatten dogs and fowls.

In short, nipa palm can be tapped as source of feed for livestock. “Two-thirds of the world’s agricultural land is actually used for feeding livestock rather than humans directly,” Jamieson said.

In the Philippines, for instance, about 30% of its arable land is used for growing corn to feed livestock.

Yet, there is “a much more ef�icient way of producing animal feed,” he pointed out.

Jamieson said that tapping nipa palm has been

used for centuries in Southeast Asia and supported a great number of livestock and even people “even with few resources.”

“Despite its potential for being a major solution for food insecurity, this traditional technology has been largely neglected and almost forgotten by farmers, agricultural scientists and policy makers,” he lamented.

Using nipa palm as feed for livestock is not only viable by economically feasible.

“In the modern era, scienti�ic studies have backed up the effectiveness of this practice, showing the palm sap to be the livestock equivalent of rocket fuel,” Jamieson said.

He cited a study conducted in Cambodia: “Pigs fed daily with 7–8 kilograms of palm syrup had an average growth rate of 250–550 g per day over �ive months.

This lean gain is much higher than the 60 g/day average growth rate of pigs fed with conventional feeds.”

The study showed that to produce 7–8 kilograms of palm syrup requires tapping one-to-two palm trees per day.

“Aside from increased daily lean gain, using nipa sap for producing palm juice to feed pigs gave farmers 14 times higher economic returns per tree than using it for producing sugar syrup,”

Jamieson reported.

The productivity of palms is truly extraordinary, he said. “Unlike annual crops, they are able to photosynthesise 365 days a year, converting sunlight to sugar that can be directly extracted and used,” he explained.

Applying basic physics, “it’s a fundamentally more ef�icient process than most of today’s food production.”

In addition, it “enables much higher yields: typically, four times the calori�ic yield per hectare compared with annuals like corn.”

Jamieson observed that the common annual crops have been the focus of agricultural science and technology development over the last century. In comparison, nipa palm tapping remains a cottage industry until today.

“The main problem is the labor costs because harvesting requires climbing a tall tree twice a day to extract the sap from severed �lowering shoots in the canopy,” he said.

To overcome this problem, some of the leading scientists in the Philippines – including Dr. Rodel Lasco and Dr. Eufemio Rasco – have been focusing on a low-growing tree that can be tapped for sugar without the need for climbing.

The nipa palm, known in the science world as “Nypa

fruticans,” is one of the crops that thrives well in mangrove ecosystem. One author gives this information: “Nipa palm grows in soft mud and slow moving tidal and river waters that bring in nutrients. The palm can be found as far inland as the tide can deposit the �loating nuts.”

This kind of palm has a horizontal trunk that grows beneath the ground and only the leaves and �lower stalk grow upwards above the surface. “Its �lowering shoots are produced at waist height, making tapping much quicker and easier,” Jamieson said.

As nipa palm grows in brackish water, it does not require precious freshwater for its production. As such, nipa palm “saves both land and water, the two critical resource issues facing world food security,” Jamieson said.

In the Philippines, pork is the most popular meat.

“It has been shown that both pigs and ducks can thrive on a liquid sugar diet,” Jamieson contend. “If, in addition to this, the animals’ manure is used to make clean biogas for cooking, the whole system could go a long way towards meeting food and energy needs together” not only in the Philippines but throughout Southeast Asia, where nipa palms grow profusely.

Meanwhile, a group of enterprising farmers in Surigao del Sur are now engaged in producing another product of nipa palm, sugar.

Generally, nipa palms are tapped for their sap, which is constituted of 10–20% sugar.

With lower glycemic index, nipa palm sugar looks almost like coco sap sugar, according to a report from the Bureau of Agricultural

Research (BAR).

“Given its promising potential amid the increasing demand for organic products, the Foundation for Rural Enterprise and Ecology Development of Mindanao (FREEDOM), Inc. is implementing a project that aims to provide livelihood opportunities to coastal communities and increase the income of tappers and wine processors in Barangay Agsam in Lanuza, Surigao del Sur,” the report said.

The growing consumer preference towards natural sweeteners is manifested by the increasing market share of different natural sweeteners not only in the Philippines but in other countries as well. “There is a large demand for natural sweeteners in the foreign market including United States and Europe,” the report said.

Presently, nipa palm sugar is packed in 150-gram stand up pouches. These are sold at P150.00 per pouch.

During the Davao Agri Trade Expo held at SMX Global in Lanang, the product was reportedly “favorably received.”

Two years ago, the nipa palm sugar was awarded as the “Best New Product” in the 11th Agriculture and Fisheries Technology Forum and Product Exhibition held by BAR at the SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City.

The sap from sugar palms can be used to produce biofuel, Dr. Jamieson said.

“The amount of potential ethanol produced from nipa (at 12000 liters per hectare) is twice that produced from sugar cane, which only has 6000 liters per hectare,” he said. “Five to seven times more fuel could be produced from the sap than from the oil of coconut palms.”

Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD Regional Of�ice No. XI Davao City

Petition for Extension of Validity of a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate a PUJ DUAL Ordinary Regular Service.

Case No. R11-EVPJ-2017-9-156 (2015-XI-00156)

ELSA S. ANDAO, Petitioner.

x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - x

NOTICE OF HEARING Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of a PUJ Ordinary Regular service on the route: DMULIG and for cargoes as dual service from said route to any point in Region XI with the use of ONE (1) unit, which Certificate will expire on August 28, 2018. In the petition filed on September 15, 2017, petitioner requests authority to extend the validity of the said Certificate to operate along the same route with the use of the same unit previously authorized.

NOTICE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on OCTOBER 16, 2017 at 8:30 a.m. at this office at the above address.

At least, TEN (10) days prior to the above date petitioner shall publish this Notice once in a newspaper of local circulation.

Parties opposed to the granting of the petition must file their written opposition supported by documentary evidence on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same to the petitioner, and may if they so, desire appear on said date and time.

This petition will be acted upon by this Board on the basis of its records and the documentary evidence submitted by the parties, unless the Board deems it necessary to receive additional documentary and/or oral evidence.

WITNESS the Atty. TERESITA DELA PEÑA-YÑIGUEZ , Regional Director, this 18th day of September 2017 at Davao City.

Atty. CATTLEYA B. ACAYLAR Attorney IV

12 PROPERTY EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 125• SUNDAY-MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 24-25, 2017

Aeon Towers releases construction updates

By NEILWIN JOSEPH BRAVO

D

avao City’s next iconic structure is inching closer to completion with the anticipated turnover targeted early next year.

As of September 20, the construction team of the 33-level Aeon Towers project reported new updates showing civil works, plumbing installation and wiring, among others.

Aeon Towers is the initial venture into real estate development by the FTC Group of Companies, a Davao-born �irm with highly successful track record in business.

Cruz added that the project is right on schedule based on timelines.

“We are happy to inform our clients that the project is moving right on schedule. Pretty soon this building will be up for occupation,” said Cruz.

Aeon Towers, located at JP Laurel Avenue in Davao’s CBD, will have residential units of varying sizes and features in several �loors, a luxury hotel, �itness gym, jogging lane, shops, BPO of�ices, skydeck pool, and of�ices.

Aeon Towers represents the evolution of Davao City from the infamous “killing �ields” reputation in th 80s to the �lourishing business haven that it is now.

Aeon Towers, she said, is an embodiment of the aspirations of Dabawenyos—modern lifestyle in a highly liveable metropolis.

The Aeon Towers building is cast in glass and will have a clear look at the majestic environs of Davao and the nearby Island Garden City of Samal.

Preparation of ACCU Balcony wall for parching.

EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE WITH SPECIAL POWER OF ATTORNEY

Civil works at 21st floor.

Building perimeter retification at 15m floor.

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late ANTONIO C. PALMES has been the subject of an Extra Judicial Settlement executed among his heirs, per Doc. No.155; Page No.33; Book No. X; Series of 2017, of the NOTARY PUBLIC ATTY. BEETHOVEN L. ORCULLO. Sept. 11, 18 & 25, 2017

Civil works at 21st floor.

DAVAO HELEN’S PAWNSHOP CORP. De Guzman St., Davao City Telefax (082)225-4473 NOTICE OF AUCTION SALE

All unredeemed items pawned during the month of May

2017, if not redeemed/renewed on September 30, 2017 will be put on Auction Sale on October 2, 2017 at 9:00 A. M. to 5:00 P.M. Pahibalo nga ang tanang wala malukat nga prenda sa bulan sa Mayo 2017, kung dili malukat sa Setyembre 30, 2017 isubasta sa bulan sa Oktubre 2, 2017 sa alas 9:00 sa buntag hangtud sa alas 5:00 sa hapon.

DAVAO HELEN’S PAWNSHOP CORPORATION

Refrigerant pipes instalation at 15th floor.

Fire Pro. Pipes installation at 16th floor.

Application of skim coat at 15th floor

Insulation of refrigerant pipes at 15th floor. (

Davao City: 252 San Pedro St., 167 San Pedro St., G/F Victoria Plaza Bajada 120-B Lapu-lapu St., Agdao 75C R. Magsaysay Ave., 2nd Level Gaisano Mall Bajada, G/F NCCC Bldg., R. Magsaysay Ave., Centerpoint Plaza Matina Fronting San Pedro College Guerrero St., Carlson Bldg., Lapu-lapu St.,Agdao NCCC Mall Matina Saavedra St., Toril Gaisano South Citimall, Ilustre St., Buhangin Cabantian

Davao del Norte Gaisano Mall, Panabo Davao del Norte Gaisano Grand Mall of Tagum, Tagum City Gaisano Mall of Tagum, Tagum City Davao del Sur Gaisano Grand Mall of Digos Quezon St., Digos City

VOL. 10 ISSUE 125• SUNDAY-MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 24-25, 2017

PMA... FROM 7

EDGEDAVAO

With PMA (DAVAO), INC. at the helm of the marketing profession, the region is assured of quality trainings and collaborations

that will adhere to PMA’s purpose of being the catalyst and advocate of best-inclass marketing in business, industry, and the academe,

according to a letter received by the Davao chapter from Ms Arlene Padua Martinez, PMA-CPM Asia 2017 PMA president.

ognized two of the bank’s subsidiaries–BDO Private Bank and BDO Capital & Investment Corp.—as the Best Private Bank, and Best Invest-

ment Bank and Best Equity Capital Markets House, respectively.

“BDO Private Bank is the only onshore private bank-

ing-focused institution offering companies comparable services to offshore private banks,” the Hong Kong-based publication said.

operations in Visayas.

“We are going around the country to offer to employers Pag-IBIG’s Countryside Housing Initiative program. Its interest rate at 3% per annum is the lowest in the market and is very much within reach of low-income workers,” said Pag-IBIG Deputy CEO for Home Lending Operations Cluster Marilene C. Acosta.

The strategy opens up housing opportunities in areas that are not yet included in the plans for housing development of private developers in

the next �ive to ten years. Sample projects include Pag-IBIG’s partnership with DOLE Philippines that created a housing project within the DOLE plantation in Polomolok, South Cotabato, exclusive for DOLE employees, and the Sto. Nino Heights Subdivision project of the local government unit (LGU) of Dangcagan, Bukidnon, for the LGU employees and its constituents.

The DOLE project has 30 square meters housing units standing in a 70 square meters lot area, with a selling

price of only P450,000. The Dangcagan LGU project has the same selling price and �loor area of the unit, but with a larger land area at 80 square meters.

“Pag-IBIG Fund is focused on sustainability, not on pro�itability,” Mr. Moti stressed.

“Pag-IBIG will continue to push for quality housing units and to make homeownership more affordable by continuing to collaborate with the Fund’s well-meaning partners in the housing sector,” said Ms. Acosta. (END)

133), Lady Eagles Australia 459 (134-114-94-117), Valley Golf North 424 (106-110-95113), Alta Vista Golf 406 (100102-98-106).

SPORTSWRITERS: Eagleridge 463 (107-110-120126), Pueblo de Oro 448 (114-105-113-116), Sta Elena 442 (103-117-115-

109), Camp Aguinaldo Team A 440 (111-115-108-106), Tagaytay Highlands 423 (105105-104-109), Rancho Palos Verdes 422 (97-111-101113), Apo Golf 356 (84-8897-87), Camp John Hay 355 (80-111-88-76) FRIENDSHIP: Wack Wack 423 (113-116-94-100),

Iloilo Golf 404 (93-102-104105), Manila Golf 369 (97-9690-86), Cebu Country Club B 339 (87-82-85-85), Alabang 326 (83-100-7-67), Bacolod City 306 (76-78-71-81), Guinhalaran 289 (87-69-78-55), Camp Aguinaldo B 277 (8153-77-68), Victorias 276 (6968-63-76)

FINANCE... FROM 7

PAG-IBIG... FROM 7

FINAL... FROM 16

NEWS 13

14

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 125â&#x20AC;¢ SUNDAY-MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 24-25, 2017

VOL. 10 ISSUE 125• SUNDAY-MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 24-25, 2017

EDGEDAVAO

Minda IPs launch B talent ID testing

SPORTS 15

Mbala turns NBA heads in FIBA Afrobasket

I

n response to the challenge posed by President Rodrigo R. Duterte enjoining the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) to widen its scope nationwide, different indigenous peoples (IP) groups in Mindanao will jumpstart the Sports Mapping Action Research Talent Identi�ication (Smart ID) testing before the year ends as the Philippine Sports Institute (PSI) goes full blast in its grassroots talent identi�ication program.

President Duterte, during the awarding of cash incentives to 29th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games medalists last September 13, said, “I enjoin PSC to widen its scope and recruit nationwide. Look for them in non-traditional places and include members of the indigenous tribes and the outof-school youth. Let’s give them a chance to hone their talents and live up to their fullest potentials.”

PSI deputy national training director Henry Daut, a survivor of the Marawi City seige, during the two-day PSI coordinators meeting that closed at the Philsports Complex Dorm G Lecture Hall in Pasig City yesterday, said that some 200 Physical Education (PE) educators from the Department of Education (Deped) were already trained to conduct the Smart ID testing.

The trainers, according to him, underwent the Smart ID train the trainers program spearheaded by the Sports Mapping Action Research for Talent Technical Experts and Manpower (Smart Team). The trainers were from Cebu City (57), Puerto Princesa (60), Vigan (60) and Mindanao (35).

“We will have mapping this this year, identify schools and areas where we could conduct the testing. We will have the random testing �irst and we

will start with the IPs, identifying which tribes from particular areas. Hindi na tayo sa cities, doon tayo sa mga probinsya, mga liblib na lugar,” Daut said, adding that the Ata-Manobos of Talaingod, Davao del Norte will be included.

He also said that talent ID testing will also be done among out-of-school youth in partnership with the local government units (LGUs) and among students through the Department of Eduation (Deped).

Identi�ied potential kids will then be placed in regional training centers like in Davao del Norte, Leyte and Vigan so they don’t have to all come in Manila to be trained and developed. Thus, they will not be uprooted from their communities and will stay closer to their homes.

PSC chairman William “Butch” Ramirez, however, said they will eye more regional

training centers through LGU partnerships to accommodate more children.

But he reiterated to coordinators, “Focus lang tayo sa grassroots. Identify lang tayo ng atleta at paaralin natin at alagaan natin. We need to identify focus sports to maximize limited resources. As the PSC Board craft policies, you are the ones on the ground. You play a vital role to this collaboration.”

The PSC chief also urged them to take pride in the Unesco-cited Children’s Games as the Philippines is the only government among other countries who have such a program for children regardless of religion, culture and social status.

PSC-PSI also conducted Children’s Games among internally displaced children of Marawi City in July in an evacuation center in Iligan City, barely two months after the war broke out..PSI

REENBURGH, N.Y. -When training camp opens, the New York Knicks expect Carmelo Anthony right where he’s been — in their

uniform and in their starting lineup.

The Knicks said Friday (Saturday, Manila time) they plan for Anthony to report next week after not �inding a trade for their All-Star forward.

“When we set out, we said if there was something there that made sense

both for him and for the Knicks organization, then we would strongly consider it,” general manager Scott Perry said. “Obviously, we sit here today and that did not happen as of yet.”

It could make for an awkward reunion Monday, given that former team president Phil Jackson spent much of last season making it clear how much he wanted to trade Anthony.

But when Steve Mills was promoted to that spot and hired Perry after the team parted ways with Jackson,

they told Anthony there was a chance he would remain in New York because they wouldn’t accept a bad deal.

Yet they aren’t worried about Anthony causing any problems.

“Carmelo’s always been a professional. That’s one thing I’ve always respected about him,” Perry said. “So if he’s back here with the New York Knicks, we expect him to be the professional that he’s always exempli�ied throughout his career and move forward with him.”

With no takers, Melo could be back in NY G BACK TO KNICKS. Carmelo Anthony could be back playing for the Knicks this season.

B

oxing superstar Manny Pacquiao may not be �ighting this year-end.

As usually observed by the senator from Sarangani, he �ights only twice a year to avoid missing his sworn duties at the senate.

His recent surprising loss to Jeff Horn – a very controversial one – has given the country’s sports icon time to think if it would make sense avenging his loss by �ighting the Aussie in a return grudge match as provided for in the contract.

Initially irked by unsavory comments in the boxing circle, Pacquiao reacted by promising to rectify that loss by claiming the rematch clause. He however calmed down after cooler heads suggested something else.

It will be recalled that the Pambansang Kamao earned just a meager $10M from the Horn �ight, which is way, way below the $100M he received after his epic encounter with Floyd Mayweather some two years ago.

The Horn assignment, he told

EN Mbala said NBA scouts approached him while on international duty for Cameroon in the FIba Afrobasket but said his commitment is still with La Salle in the UAAP. “Like I told everyone, my focus is on the UAAP and �inishing with the team. That’s the only thing I have in my mind right now.”

Mbala refused to mention which NBA teams the scouts were working for.

“I would like it to be low key right now,” said Mbala, who missed two games for La Salle when he suited up for Cameroon in the Fiba AfroBasket.

Mbala looks to be in a good position to pursue an NBA career after leading Cameroon to a quarter�inal �inish in Fiba Afrobasket. He was the second leading scorer in the preliminaries behind former NBA player Ike Diogu of Nigeria.

The Philadelphia 76ers have a Cameroonian player in Joel Embiid, the Houston Rockets have Luc Mbah a Moute and the Toronto Raptors have

Pascal Siakam.

Mbala, who returned to the UAAP on Wednesday to post a league career-high 32 points and added 10 rebounds and four blocks in a win over Adamson, said he is open to all options outside college basketball but he will look into those after he is �inished playing in the UAAP. Mbala has at least this season to play basketball in the UAAP although there are talks that he is still eligible to play for La Salle next season.

“But as a basketball player, you also have to check all your options, see what’s coming... If ever there are offers (pro), I will look at them but I can’t take any decisions right now because I’m so committed to La Salle and that’s my main priorities right now,” Mbala said.

IMPRESSIVE. Ben Mbala impressed NBA scouts while playing for Cameroon in the recent FIBA Afrobasket.

Is Paquiao cutting ties with Arum?

this columnist, was his last contracted �ight under the Top Rank Promotions.

Meaning, he might just do it alone and use his own MP promotions to manage his �ights from thereon.

Before the Horn date was set, Pacquiao’s boys were already in several talks with the camp of Amir Khan. For reasons beyond his control, we were among those surprised to see Manny signing the dotted line against the unknown and struggling Jeff Horn.

Khan, meantime, proceeded to meet Canelo Alvarez. He lost by KO, unfortunately.

If we are to piece the puzzle together, Arum’s imposing hand was all over. I wanted to entertain the idea – as I suggested this personally to Manny during a visit to his Gensan residence that Pacquiao should already promote his own �ights after the Horn bout since it would have been his last under Arum’s wings.

Free, he would have been.

There are news reports emanating from his GenSan camp that Pacquiao has sensed Arum was building up Jeff

SPORTS KEN Fred C. Lumba Horn as his new protégé, just in case.

Put one and one together and you might come up with the right answer.

So, a few days ago I had a chance to chat with one of Pacquiao’s trusted boys who intimated that Pacquiao will not �ight this year.

The guy said Pacquiao is looking for a marquee boxer who will also help

attract the crowds world-wide (and the PPVs) instead of taking anew Horn in a rematch in Australia.

Pacquiao has sent his reps to pursue initial talks with possible promoters in the Middle East. Dubai was mentioned as a possible site.

The prize money, as you and I would agree, remains the principal issue.

And this is why the rich emirs and sheiks residing in the Middle East region are being targeted as the promoters and hosts.

I told Pacquiao’s man that Manny should go back and talk to Amir Khan for a possible date next year, probably in January before the senate sessions resume.

The playdate will afford our hero to train without interruption during the Christmas season when both houses of Congress have adjourned for the long holidays.

Pacquiao’s intermittent training sked was blamed by his coaching staff for his not so A-one performance against Horn last July.

Khan is also recovering from his embarrassing KO defeat to Alvarez, Mexico’s pride and current boxing icon. This guy would love to bounce back.

That Arum’s name has not been mentioned in these developing news reports about Manny’s next ring assignment should not raise quizzical eyebrows anymore.

I guess it is much better that Pacquiao stand on his own two feet since he has already made a good solid name for himself. As a senator of the republic, he carries with the integrity of his of�ice as well as the respect of his boxing peers.

Oscar dela Hoya and Mayweather have also gone ahead in boxing promotions.

Let’s see how things develop eventually. For me, Khan is a worthy opponent. (Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.) Matthew 7:7: “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will �ind; knock and the door will be opened to you.”GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. 10 ISSUE 125• SUNDAY-MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 24-25, 2017

FINAL PUSH

RPV, Apo finish 6th, 7th in PAL Ladies Interclub

C

WINNING ROAR. Annyka Pineda Cayabyab of Pradera Verde celebrates after sinking her final putt

EBU CITY – Davao’s Rancho Palos Verdes and Apo Golf and Country Club �inished 6th and 7th, respectively, in the Sportswriters Division at the close of the 12th Philippine Airlines Ladies Interclub on Friday at the Cebu Country Club.

The RPV lady parbusters closed out with its best round in the tournament 113 for a 72-hole total 422 after earlier rounds of 97, 111 and 101. Apo Golf, meantime, avoided the cellar with a �inal day 87 for a 356 total. The Apo lady swingers scored earlier rounds of 84, 88 and 97.

Eagleridge topped the Sportswriters division after closing out with 126 for 463 points, 15 points ahead of runner-up Pueblo de Oro. Scoring for Eagleridge were Aran Cho 45, Lita Samson 41 and Eden Hernandez 40.

Sta. Elena took third place with 442 points after returning with 107 points.

In the Championship Division, Pradera Verde Golf Club ended the six-year-

reign of Manila Southwoods Masters Friday with such domination unseen in the history of the Philippine Ladies Interclub golf team championships.

Made up of some of the country’s top junior players, Pradera settled the issue as early as Thursday when it built a 46-point lead.

On Friday, Pradera made its lowest team total of 149 points, but still cruised to a 43-point victory, the biggest winning margin in the 12-year-old event.

Annyka Pineda Cayabyab, who at 13 is one of the youngest players in the �ield, birdied the �inal 18th hole from 25 feet to salvage 53 points f o r the Lubao-based squad.

Pradera, handled by coach Normandy Sto. Domingo, also drew 50 points from Nicole Abelar and 46 from Tomita Arejola to �inish the four-day event with a record 638 points. Kayla Lorenz failed to count with 45.

Southwoods Masters outscored Pradera for the �irst time with 152 points led by Maria So�ia Chabon’s 53 points. Other scorers were Mikhaela Fortuna 50 and Sunshine Baraquiel 49.

Cebu Country Club settled

for third with 563 points after getting 141 from Mary Kim Hong (53), Crystal Faith Neri (46) and Jeanette Chiu (42).

“I hope to still play for Pradera for two years before I turn pro,” said Fil-Japanese Yuka Saso who won the individual title with 115 points – seven under par in stroke play.

Manila Southwoods Legends made up for its sister team’s loss by claiming the second-tier Founders bracket with a four-day total of 514 points.

Annika Guangko led Legends with 51 points while Marie Claire Ong added 45. The 35 of either Christine Valdehueza and Deanna Samaniego rounded out Legends’ 131 points in the �inal round.

Ten points behind in second place was Alabang which submitted 127 behind Jona Magcalayo 47, Joan Morales 42 and Rita Horan 40.

Del Monte settled for third with 499 after drawing 136 from Martina Minoza 51, Pamela Mariano 43 and Kiara Therese Montebon 42.

In the Friendship division, Chesca Imperial scored 38 points to help Wack Wack cruise to a 19-point victory over Iloilo.

Other Wack Wack scorers were Alice Jay Crisologo 35 and Han-

nah See 27.

Wack Wack tallied 100 for 423 points while Iloilo, behind Maria Angela Rivera’s 39, posted 105 for 404. Third place went to Manila Golf Club with 369 points.

This year’s PAL Ladies Interclub sponsors are Primax Broadcasting Network, Mareco Broadcasting Network, Fox Sports, Travelife Magazine, People Asia, Asian Air Safari, Airbus, Travel Now Magazine/ TouchPay, Bombardier, PLDT and Mastercard.

Support also comes from TFC, Rustan’s Commercial Corporation, Asia Brewery Inc., Alaska Corporation, Eton Properties, Trinity Insurance and Marco Polo Plaza Cebu.

Day 4 Results: CHAMPIONSHIP: Pradera Verde 638 (167-166-158-149), Manila Southwoods Masters 595 (144-153-146-152), Cebu Country Club 563 (140-133149-141) FOUNDERS: Manila Southwoods Legends 514 (124-129130-131), Alabang Golf 504 (126-129-122-129), Del Monte Golf 499 (124-112-127-136), Negros Occidental Golf 498 (117-117-135-129), Mactan Island Gold 465 (104-122-106-

FINAL, 13