Edge Davao 10 Issue 13

VOL. 10 ISSUE 13 • THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2017

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

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EXORBITANT Coop says of power rates imposed by private companies

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

By JERMAINE L. DELA CRUZ

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HE 1 Mindanao Energy Cooperative (1MIECOOP) has called on leading government agencies to support its plan to establish hydropower plants in Mindanao in a bid “to liberate private consumers from the exorbitant rates imposed by private companies.”

Edgar P. Silagan, 1MIECOOP Chairperson on Wednesday revealed the coop has already send two letters to the Office of the President and to both the Cabinet Secretary and Department of Energy.

The first expressed its position on the de-privatization of power

F COOP, 10

GETTING THE FEEL. A teenager performs acrobatic routine mid-air as she tries out one of the trampolines of Altitude Indoor Trampoline Park during its pre-opening event at Damosa Complex in Lanang, Davao City on Monday night. Altitude Indoor Trampoline Park is the first and the largest of its kind in Southern Philippines. Lean Daval Jr

SPORTS

HEART OF THE UNDERDOG P15

NEWS

NPAs free two captive soldiers

By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

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adlopez0920@gmail.com

WO soldiers belonging to 39th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army captured by commu-

nists New People’s Army in Columbio, Sultan Kudarat in February this year were released from captivity on

Wednesday, April 19.

Sgt. Solaiman Calucop and PFC Samuel Garay were

F NPAS, 10

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 13 • THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2017

FAR FROM THE CROWD. A dog owner and her pet enjoy a quiet morning stroll along the beachfront of Times Beach in Ecoland, Davao City on Tuesday, a few days after the Holy Week celebration when thousands of Dabawenyos troop to the city’s beaches. Lean Daval Jr.

PNP probes report Rebel, 18, yields after NPA on war versus drugs failed to send him to school T HE Philippine National Police is now investigating allegations on the government’s all-out war against illegal drugs.

In a press conference in Camp Crame, Quezon City on Wednesday, PNP Public Information Office chief and spokesman Senior Supt.

Dionardo Carlos said that personal testimonies in the 26-page Reuters report were serious allegations.

Likewise, Carlos challenged the anonymous senior police officers who were claiming that police were behind most drug-related killings to come out in the open and prove their allegations.

“The (PNP) leadership

would like to know the background of these allegations,” Carlos said.

“Don’t hide. Man-up,” Carlos told the police officers who spoke on condition of anonymity in their interview with the Reuters.

Carlos stressed that the PNP is now conducting an investigation into the 26-page report of the Reuters alleging that policemen were given “cash payments” for the drug suspects they killed.

“So no. 1, medyo mataas yung mga figures mga amount and clearly the Chief PNP has answered that that we don’t have that much funds, much more to spend

FPNP, 10

RP beefs up security measures in coping with ASEAN meetings

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UE to recent events, the Philippines has beefed up security preparations in Bohol, where an ASEAN trade meeting is underway, and in Manila ahead of the 30th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings which will be held from April 26 to 29, an official said Wednesday.

In a press briefing in Malacañang, Ambassador Marciano Paynor Jr, ASEAN 2017 National Organizing Council (NOC) Director-General for Operations, said security has always been the top priority of organizers given the participation of heads of states and other top government officials in the various meetings and

summits throughout the year.

“Philippine hosting of ASEAN in 2017 is a total number 137 meetings, two summits, 17 ministerial meetings, 42 senior officials meetings, and 76 technical working group meetings,” Paynor said.

But due to the recent incident in Bohol, security preparations has become a special concern even among delegates.

Last week, suspected Abu Sayyaf members engaged government troopers in a gunfight in Inabanga town that resulted to the killing of six suspected members of the bandit group, three soldiers, and one police-

FRP, 10

By JECIA ANNE OPIANA

A

N 18-YEAR-OLD member of the outlawed New Peoples Army surrendered to authorities after the rebel group reneged on its promise to provide him education.

Junjun, who give himself up a week ago, told reporters that he quit as a rebel combatant after he realized that the NPA was not keen on fulfilling its promise to him.

“Ang nakapatukmod sa akoa kay wala ko nila gitarong ug istorya. Ang kuan nila, paskwelahon unta ko.

Karon ra nako na huna-hunaan nga murag gibinuangan ra ko,” Junjun said during the AFP-PNP Press Conference held at the Royal Mandaya Hotel.

Junjun, who is a resident of Sitio Mangkay, Kapalong was a squad leader under Pulang Bagani Command 4 of the NPA operating in the areas of Kapalong, Davao del Norte and Monkayo, Compostela Valley under a certain Kumander SM. In 2013, when Junjun was still 15 years of age, he recruited by a certain ‘Pai’

who gave him the assurance that he would be given assistance for his education if he joins the movement.

“Katong gi-recruit ko nila, ingon sila nga paskwelahon daw ko nila. Pagabot namo sa Haran, gikuyog na man nuon ko sa Manila.

Didto sa rally,” Junjun added.

‘Junjun’ also added that he has joined six encounters and have also been involved in burning a heavy equipment in his three years in the rebel group.

‘Junjun’ expressed his desire to go back to school,

since he only finished Grade III. “Kung gugustuhin niya pong magbalik sa skwelahan, we can go to other non-government organizations who are very helpful or we can help him with our existing programs coming from the government,” Capt.

Rhyan Batchar, spokesperson of the Army’s 10th Infantry Division.

Alias Junjun is currently under the custody of the 60th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army to undergo debriefing.

briefing.

“First and foremost, we are more hopeful now than we were maybe a year or two years ago that we would have significant progress and there’s a commitment from ASEAN and China to complete the framework, in fact, by middle of this year,” Bolivar said.

He likewise pointed out that there had already been two previous meetings of the Joint Working Group to discuss the framework -- in Bali, Indonesia and in Siem Reap, Cambodia -- and said that there will be succeed-

ing meetings all throughout the year.

“So we hope that ASEAN and China will make more significant progress. There has been increasing level of trust and confidence among the parties. And we are very hopeful that we will complete the framework by 2017,” Bolivar said.

As to the how the Philippines will tackle the maritime row given the UN tribunal ruling on the West Philippine Sea, Bolivar said the Philippine position is well known.

“The President has stat-

ed on numerous occasions that the primary consideration for his foreign engagements is the national interest. Going into this and other negotiations, the primary consideration is the national interest and the President has clearly enunciated the national interest on several occasions,” the DFA official said.

“Well, of course, the ruling is there, it is part of international jurisprudence on maritime zones. And definitely that’s always in our minds,” Bolivar said.

(PNA)

RP eyes code of conduct on West Philippine Sea

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PTIMISM is high that a framework on the Code of Conduct on the West Philippine Sea will be completed during the Philippines’ chairmanship of ASEAN, the Department of Foreign Affairs said Wednesday.

“As President Rodrigo Duterte and Secretary (Enrique) Manalo have mentioned a few times, we are hopeful that we will have a framework on the Code of Conduct within our chairmanship year,” acting DFA spokesperson Robespierre Bolivar said during a Palace

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 13 • THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2017

NEWS 3

DCPO welcomes info about terror threats W

By JECIA ANNE OPIANA

UPDATES. Association of Southeast Asian Nations National Organizing Committee (ASEAN-NOC) Chairman Marciano Paynor Jr. bares details on the remaining meetings of the Philippines’ chairmanship of the ASEAN during a press briefing in Malacañang on Wednesday. KING RODRIGUEZ/Presidential Photo

Family of slain Cotabato doc seeks Duterte’s help

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HE FAMILY of slain ophthalmologist Dr. Sajid “Jaja” Sinolinding here appealed Wednesday to President Rodrigo Duterte to look into his murder as well as the alleged corruption in a state college in North Cotabato.

Dr. Kadil Sinolinding, health secretary of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, said his slain sibling was a “collateral damage” after another brother, Professor Harris Sinolinding, survived an ambush last year after he exposed corruption at the Cotabato Foundation College of Science and Technology in Arakan, North Cotabato.

Dr. Jaja was shot dead by a gunman while he was attending to a patient inside his clinic at the second floor of the Cotabato Doctors’ Clinic, which

is along along Sinsuat Avenue here, at around 11 a.m. Tuesday.

The gunman also shot dead Dr. Jaja’s armed security escort and fled casually amid the commotion.

Dr. Kadil said the family was dismayed and bothered to learn that the medical facility’s CCTV cameras failed to capture the events before and after the murder.

Dr. Kadil said he was told “that all other events inside the clinic were recorded except the minutes or seconds before and after his 37-yearold brother was killed at around 11:10 a.m.”

Senior Inspector Alexander de Pedro, police station 2 chief and city police spokesperson, admitted the CCTV

ALACAÑANG on Wednesday stressed that an honorary degree from the University of the Philippines is not something that President Rodrigo Duterte would run after but said the President might accept the offer as a sign of goodwill.

“It would be quite an honor to receive that (honorary degree), but it’s not something that he (Duterte) is, you know, angling for. Of course, a sign of mutual respect would be in place here,” Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said during a Palace briefing.

“Although he doesn’t run after awards, you know, it would be a sign of goodwill towards the highest, well, one of the most premiere, one of the three premiere institutions,” Abella said.

The UP Board of Regents , the university’s highest policy making body, is reportedly keen on conferring Duterte the honorary doctor of laws degree as part of tradition.

UP offers the honorary doctors degree to Philippine presidents usually on their first year in office.

However, some sectors are opposing the move due to alleged human rights violations in the campaign against drugs.

Notwithstanding, Abella said that President Duterte would be inclined to accept the conferment if it is offered.

“Well, if it’s offered, I suppose he would. Why not? It’s not something that he runs after,” he said.

Abella added though that Malacañang has yet to receive an official communications from UP. (PNA)

FFAMILY, 10

Duterte doesn’t run after awards: Palace M

ITH the recent terrorist threats in the different areas in Mindanao, the Davao City Police Office, together with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the National Bureau of Investigation has encouraged citizens to provide them information that could help in thwarting terrorist attacks.

“Any information that our office will receive, big or small, is valuable. These information about possible threats will be reviewed like a jigsaw puzzle that we are going to solve,” PSSUPT. Alexander Tagum, Chief of the DCPO said during the AFP-PNP Press Conference at the Royal Mandaya Hotel on Wednesday.

Unverified bombing plots

circulating in social media claim that the terrorist group Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters has already planned the bombing of some areas in Mindanao namely, Cotabato City, Tacurong City, General Santos City, Kidapawan City, Koronadal City and Davao City.

According to the post, BIFF commanders have already been assigned to undertake bombing in these places to avenge the death of Abu Sayyaf Group in Bohol.

Before the post went viral on Tuesday, a twin explosion happened in Tacurong City at 7:00 o’clock in the evening of Monday, injuring at least eight persons.

According to Major Ezra

He then thanked the UP Board of Regents for considering giving his father an honorary doctorate degree.

Paolo recalled that when they were still young, the elder Duterte would always remind them that knowledge and wisdom must go hand in hand with the degree as they strive hard in their studies.

“Whatever level of education we achieve, the level of knowledge and wisdom we gain must also be at par or even higher,” he said recalling his father’s words.

After UP Board of Regents announced that they will give an honorary degree

to Duterte, some students and alumni of the University raised their eyebrows and took on the social media to air their disappointment over the supposed honor that the university will give to the President.

This despite the fact that there is still no finality to the supposed honorary degree that Rodrigo will receive.

During his stint as Mayor of Davao City, Rodrigo has been included in the long list of the World mayors’ award in 2014; however he just shrugged it off saying that he does not need any award for he is just doing his job.

FDCPO, 10

Paolo says thanks but no thanks to honorary degree for Digong

By FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA

V

ICE MAYOR Paolo Duterte defended his father, President Rodrigo Duterte from critics who raised their eyebrows after the University of the Philippines announced it would bestow an honorary doctorate degree to his father.

Paolo said that is father is not fond with awards and would just normally shrug it off since the President is satisfied with what he had.

“Knowing my father, he does not give a heck to any “honorary degree” simply because he knows he did not work hard for such a degree,”

Paolo said.

“He has always been a simple man, satisfied with what he has and works hard to make a difference not just for his family but for the Dabawenyos and now the Filipino nation,” he added.

Paolo said that being elected as the 16th President of the Republic of the Philippines is enough recognition for his father and “no other recognition or honorary degrees could eclipse that.”

Addressing his statement to his father’s critics, Paolo said “you can have that honorary degree for all we care.”

BREAKING DOWN THE NEWS. Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 11 Environmental Management Bureau head Virginia Lobaton provides the details of the upcoming ‘Bayan ko, Linis ko’ cleanup

drive slated on April 22 which will be participated by 15 barangays in Davao City. Lobaton graced this week’s edition of Wednesdays @ Habi at Kape at Abreeza Mall. Lean Daval Jr

4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 13 • THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2017

Bids for BSP’s 7-day TDF surpass offering B ANKS continue to shy away from the 28-day Term Deposit Facility (TDF) of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) but the seven-day facility has regained its attractiveness.

Data released by the central bank Wednesday showed that bids for the shorter-dated facility reached P41.342 billion, higher than the P30 billion offering and the P29.724 billion tenders in last week’s auction.

The auction committee made a full award for this tenor, which fetched a bid coverage ratio of 1.3781, higher than the 0.9908 last week.

The facility’s accepted yield remained between 2.9000-3.5000 percent but weighted average accepted yield rose to 3.3615 percent from the previous rate of 3.2109 percent.

On the other hand, the longer-tenor TDF remained undersubscribed after tenders only reached P86.166 billion,

lower than the P150 billion offering and the P100.183 billion tenders last week.

The auction committee accepted all the bids and this resulted to a bid coverage ratio of 0.5744, lower than the 0.6679 in the previous auction.

The lower end of the accepted yield’s range was cut to 3.2500 percent from last week’s 3.3000 percent but the higher end is still at 3.5000 percent.

Weighted average accepted yield improved to 3.4565 percent from last week’s 3.4499 percent.

TDF is part of the BSP’s Interest Rate Corridor (IRC) program, which started in June 2016.

IRC is being implemented to help the central bank better manage inflation and promote long-term sustainable growth as well as enhance the link between the central bank’s policy stance and the real economy. (PNA)

Phl bank deposits breach P10-T mark D

ATA from the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) showed that total deposits in the Philippine banking system grew by 14% to P10.5 trillion as of December 31, 2016 from P9.2 trillion in the previous year. Total number of deposit accounts also increased by 6% to 54 million accounts from 51 million accounts as of end-2015.

In terms of deposit size, accounts with balances of over P100,000 grew faster at 8.7% year-on-year compared with accounts with deposits of P100,000 and below which grew by 5.6%. However, in terms of share to total number of deposits, accounts with balances of up to P100,000 comprise 89.3% as of end-2016.

“The robust and sustained growth of deposits both in amount and number of accounts reflects heightened depositor confidence

in the stability of the banking system,” PDIC President Roberto B. Tan said. “The increase in the number of deposit accounts shows how depositors continue their trust in banks to safeguard their hard-earned savings. This growth augurs well to the depositing public’s awareness of the importance of saving and overall, speaks well of more funds being made available to the system for investments and production,” he added.

Out of total deposit accounts in the banking system, a total of 52 million or 96.4% of deposit accounts as of end2016 were fully covered by deposit insurance. This translated to total estimated insured deposits of P2.3 trillion or 21.5% of total deposits as of end-2016. PDIC provides deposit insurance up to maximum coverage of P500,000 per depositor per bank.

FBANK, 11

PH posts USD550-M BOP deficit in March; Q1 deficit at USD994M

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HE Philippines’ balance of payment (BOP) deficit widened to USD994 million in the first quarter of the year, the fifth consecutive month of being in negative territory.

Data released by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Wednesday showed that the first quarter figure is higher than end-February’s USD445 million deficit due to the USD550-million deficit last March alone.

The March 2017 BOP position is a reversal from

the USD854-million surplus in the same period last year while the end-March level this year is higher than the USD210-million deficit same quarter in 2016.

Balance of payment is defined as the sum of a country’s total transactions with the rest of the world at a given time.

Monetary officials have attributed the developments on the country’s BOP position to negative external developments, such as expectations of

FPH POSTS, 10

NOBLE OBJECTIVE. 1 Mindanao Energy Cooperative Federation chair Edgardo Silagan (left) says his group’s main objective is to create a program that will focus on the generation of renewable energy in Mindanao. Silagan,

together with Model Cooperative Network (MCN) chief executive officer Rhoda Pillerin, interacted with members of local media during Wednesdays @ Habi at Kape at Abreeza Mall on Wednesday. Lean Daval Jr

Sara creates halal council

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AYOR Inday Sara Duterte on Monday created a council whose main function is to ensure the marketability of halal-certified Davao City products in the domestic markets and in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) countries.

Under Executive Order No. 12, Mayor Inday formed the Davao City Halal Industry Development Council, which she chairs; and cochaired by the President of the Mindanao Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The council’s membership also includes officials of various city offices, the

Davao City Office of Muslim Affairs for Halal Shariah Concerns; the Davao City Investment and Promotion Center for Investment Concerns; and Tourism Congress of the Philippines Halal Committee for Halal Tourism.

Mayor Inday also urged

national government agencies (NGA) to work together and harmonize all efforts to enhance the growth of the halal industry and help the government in coming up with a unified system for production, certification and marketing so the Philippines

can maximize its huge potential in Global Halal Market.

“Halal” means “allowed” in Islam and in the Asean region, halal certified products are perceived as quality and wholesome.

Traditionally, the term ‘halal’ pertains to food but it has since been applied to cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and clothing as consumers become more aware and conscious of what they eat and wear.

In her order, Mayor Inday said innovations across this value chain could be a driver for new markets and greater profits as the global halal industry is valued at trillions of dollars. CIO

Atty. Ruth B. Castelo (seated 5th from Left), Undersecretary for CIAP and Presiding Chairperson, with major industry players in a round table discussion.

Participating in the 2nd dialogue at the BOI Boardroom, Makati City on April 5, 2017 were representatives from Department of Transportation (DOTr), Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), Board of Investments (BOI), Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Philippine Overseas Employment Authority (POEA), Government Procurement Policy Board (GPPB), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Clark Development Corporation (CDC), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PHILGEPS), Philippine Contractors Association (PCA), and the Chairmen of the different Implementing Boards of CIAP. To strengthen Public-Private Partnerships (P3), DTICIAP provided the platform for all industry sectors to exchange notes and express in-

tent to ramp up the Infrastructure agenda in the Golden Age of Infrastructure.

On the issue of timely and complete payment of taxes prior to joining the bidding, Ms. Grace Lacerna of BIR suggested that to avoid difficulties in entering a bid, contractors must duly accomplish a tax clearance. She also clarified that the effectivity of the clearance is now extended to one year.

DPWH stated that there are 6,000 contractors enrolled in the registry but only 2,000 were participating in P3 projects. Ms. Nimfa Potante of DPWH wants to capacitate smaller contractors and encourage them to participate in the biddings. Contractors who will secure projects with the government may opt to upgrade their category in the registry.

DPWH has also emphasized the dedicated hotline for contractor’s complaints. The information can be viewed in the DPWH website and is currently being disseminated through e-mail and SMS. To simplify the procurement process, GPPB advised implementing agencies to get training every 6 months

for knowledge updates. They also consolidated alternative methods of procurement to allow for faster and more convenient acquiring of infra services.

According to Assistant Secretary Bernardo of DPWH, there are projects rolled out by the department that are currently out on bidding. He also encourages contractors to participate and submit documents through PhilGeps.

“Despite the hurdles, there is no doubt that the construction industry is more than ready, and excited to build, build, build.” said Undersecretary Castelo in confidence.

Also according to the Undersecretary, now that the issues have been pointed out and the implementing agencies are actively taking part in bringing resolutions, the industry is evidently entrusting the local contractors to handle major infrastructure projects.

The CIAP is the central authority of the construction industry mandated to promote, accelerate, and regulate growth and development of the construction industry in conformity with the national goals. (PR)

Photo by Lean Daval Jr

Key construction players gather at 2nd CIAP dialogue

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HE Department of Trade and Industry-Construction Industry Authority of the Philippines (DTI-CIAP) held its 2nd dialogue with the key players in the industry to keep up with the latest in the Philippine construction scene.

The dialogue also served as a venue for the participants to identify matters that arise and resolve these issues as one unit.

According to Atty. Ruth B. Castelo, Undersecretary for Competitiveness and Ease of Doing Business Group (CEODBG), the dialogue aimed to seek updates on the first CIAP dialogue held last February 16, 2017, had there been changes and new pronouncements on the provisions for tax clearance as part of bidding requirements, DPWH issuance of Civil Works Registry, hotline for contractor complaints, simplified procurement process in infrastructure building, 2017 investment priority plans, and flagship projects.

The dialogue was also geared to encourage more local and smaller contractors to participate in future government projects.

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VOL. 10 ISSUE 13 • THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2017

United’s passenger maltreatment won’t happen in Phl: CebPac exec

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HE dragging of a bloodied passenger out of a United Airline flight, an unfortunate international incident which went viral in the social media, will never happen in the Philippines for a number of reasons.

This was the assurance of Ma. Rosario “Charo” L. Lagamon, director of corporate communications of Cebu Pacific corporate affairs, during a press conference timed with the memorandum of agreement (MOA)-signing between the airline and organizers of the Visit Davao Fun Sale (VDFS) at the Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao yesterday .

Asked how CebPac handles overbooking, Ms Lagamon said the violent removal of a Vietnam-born physician from a United airplane will not be done by competing airlines in the Philippines

because of a landmark law strictly implementing the bills of rights of passengers.

She said this Philippine law is even being benchmarked by western countries like the United States which are currently crafting a similar legislation.

She said overbooking also occurs in the Philippines but CebPac and other airlines strictly adhere to best practices and protocols.

“Besides, Filipino passengers usually volunteer to be bumped off and gladly accept flight vouchers in exchange,” she said.

Aside from generous discounts to passengers availing of the 4-year old Visit Davao Fun Sale, CebPac will also bring into Davao region more than a dozen foreign bloggers to visit Davao destinations and write about them, Ms Lagamon said. AMA

T

product (GDP) was projected to grow 6.5 percent to 7.5 percent this year.

“I think there are signs that for the first quarter, we are going to hit close to the mid-range of this growth target of around 7 percent,” he said during the Dutertenomics forum organized by the Presidential Com-

PH economy grows 7 % in Q1 on strong consumption, gov’t spending HE Philippine economy likely expanded 7 percent in the first quarter of 2017 on the back of increased government spending and strong domestic consumption, according to the country’s chief economist.

Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia said the country’s gross domestic

FPH ECON, 10

FIRMING IT UP.Cebu Pacific Air corporate communications director Charo Lagamon (center), Department of Tourism (DOT) 11 director Roberto Alabado III (left) and Visit Davao Fun Sale (VDFS) Execom vice president Edmund Mayormita renew their partnership for the largest travel event and tourism

ECONOMY 5

campaign in Davao region, the VDFS, during a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing ceremony held at the Waterfront Insular Hotel in Davao City on Wednesday. Lean Daval Jr

DMCI, JCI to raise funds for kids with disabilities

By JERMAINE L. DELA CRUZ

T

HE Junior Chamber International has teamed up with CURE Philippines and DMCI homes to bring the JCI-CURE Color Fun

Run 2017 slated on May 28, 2017 in Davao City.

Participants will race around the three-hectare Verdon Parc subdivision located

along Ecoland Drive corner Peacock St. which is DMCI’s first real estate development project in Mindanao.

With the theme, “Putting

the FUN back in the RUN”, the event which is now on its second year, aims to raise funds for the Tebow CURE Hospital

FDMCI, 10

6 COMPETITIVE EDGE EDGEDAVAO

Nuclear energy cooperation 7th annual summit kicks off

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HE 7th Annual Meeting of Nuclear Energy Cooperation Subsector Network (NEC-SSN) kicked off with the Seminar on Security of Radioactive Sources on Monday, April 17 at the Visayas Ballroom of the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila.

The seminar is jointly organized by the ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE) and the Integrated Support Center for Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Nuclear Safety (ISCN) of the Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA), with the Philippines as host.

The delegates to the meet include representatives from other ASEAN Member State (Malaysia, Thailand,

Vietnam, and Indonesia), the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), members of the Nuclear Energy Program Implementing Organization (NEPIO) from the Philippine nuclear network such as the Department of Energy (DOE), the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI), the National Power Corporation, the UP National Engineering Center (NEC) and other stakeholders in the public and private sectors.

DOE Undersecretary Jess Posadas, in his welcome remarks, stressed the importance of nuclear security as among the 19 infrastructure issues that need to be priori-

FNUCLEAR, 11

VOL. 10 ISSUE 13 • THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2017

BCDA chief: Gov’t to be prime mover under‘Dutertenomics’ T

HE government is seen to fuel the country’s economic growth under the ‘Dutertenomics’, or the socioeconomic agenda of the Duterte administration.

During the Dutertenomics Forum at the Conrad Manila on Tuesday, Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) President and Chief Executive Officer Vivencio Dizon said the government would be the “prime mover” under the ‘Dutertenomics’.

Dizon noted that various government agencies are leading infrastructure proj-

ects that will spur growth in the countryside while improving the traffic situation and logistics system in the National Capital Region (NCR).

Dizon cited BCDA’s four priority projects under the current administration -Subic-Clark Cargo Railway Project (SCCRP), Bonifacio Global City (BGC) to Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) System, Clark International Airport – New Passenger Terminal Building, and the New Clark City within the Clark Green City.

These projects under

BCDA cost more than P65 billion.

The P32.5-billion SCCRP is a 65-kilometer cargo and passenger rail traversing Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) and Subic Freeport Expressway (SFEX).

BCDA targets the project to commence by fourth quarter of this year and complete it by 2020.

The BGC-NAIA BRT, on the other hand, costs around P15 billion. This is expected to start in Q4 2017 and completing the project by 2021.

The P17-billion new passenger terminal in Clark

New DAP chief urges employees: Work together

D US TRAINING. U.S. Embassy in the Philippines Public Affairs staff poses with Sports Visitor Exchange Program participants before their trip to Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, Maryland. (US Embassy Photo)

Mindanao coaches, student athletes off to U.S. for sports exchange program

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HE U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs is sending two coaches and ten student athletes from Sarangani and Maguindanao on a trip to the United States to participate in a Sports Visitor Exchange Program for baseball and softball from April 9 to 20.

While in the United States, the group will travel to Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, Maryland to attend sports clinics led by local baseball and softball coaches. Participants will attend sessions on leadership and conflict resolution skills with local non-governmental organizations and George Ma-

son University. The group will also have the opportunity to watch a major league baseball game and visit the National Aquarium and National Zoo. The Sports Visitor Exchange Program offers participants an opportunity to experience American society, culture, and values

firsthand. Other topics addressed include nutrition, physical strength and conditioning, gender equity in sport, sport and disability, and team building. The athletes will use what they learn on their trip to develop action plans on improving their local communities.

(PR)

because this is our vision in the agency—to help underprivileged by giving better chances to elevate from poverty. Through this micro-financing program, those from the bottom of the pyramid will get to climb the ladder by expanding their businesses,” DTI – Regional Operations Group (DTI-ROG) Supervising Undersecretary Zenaida Maglaya said.

DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez is set to introduce the national conduits and local Micro-financing Institutions (MFIs) for the P3 program.

The Pondo sa Pagbabago at Pag-asenso (P3) is a P1 billion financing program intended to give MSMEs better access to finance and to reduce their cost

of borrowing. The fund will also give priority to the country’s 30 poorest provinces.

Following President Rodrigo Duterte’s directive to replace the “5-6” money lending system, the P3 is also seen to help stabilize supply and cost of commodities in public markets, encourage small entrepreneurs to grow their businesses, and offer employment and generate income for Filipinos.

The P1 billion fund of the P3 program from the Office of the President will be coursed through the SB Corp., which will accredit partner institutions such as non-bank MFIs, cooperatives and associations to serve as conduit for the P3 funds. With borrowers identified through

these, collection of repayments will be efficient.

“We’re very grateful that this Program has become a reality. MSMEs now have an option to avail of cheaper funds to expand their business,” Maglaya explained.

The P3 Program was launched in Tacloban in Leyte on January 25, San Jose, Occidental Mindoro on January 27, and Alabel, Sarangani last January 30.

The primary beneficiaries of the P3 Program are microenterprises and entrepreneurs that do not have easy access to credit. These include market vendors, agri-businessmen and members of cooperatives, and industry associations. (PR)

P3 guidelines set; DTI to introduce national conduits

A

S funds for the Pondo sa Pagbabago at Pag-asenso (P3) expected to be released anytime soon, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and its micro-financing arm Small Business Corporation (SB Corp) have ironed out the guidelines of its implementation that will help micro entrepreneurs throughout the country.

Being the administration’s program to provide an affordable micro-financing for the country’s micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), the P3 funding program provides micro enterprises an alternative source of financing that is easy to access and made available at a reasonable cost.

“We’re very much excited

International Airport aims to accommodate eight million passengers per annum. BCDA also targets to kick off the project Q4 this year and delivering the project by Q4 2019.

The New Clark City, which will host mixed-use industrial real estate projects and government center, is expected to be completed by 2022. This is a part of the 9,450-hectare Clark Green City.

He mentioned that the ‘Dutertenomics’ will also attract investments both from local and foreign sources to participate in these government-led projects. (PNA)

R. ELBA S. CRUZ, the new president of the Development Academy of the Philippines, asked DAP employees to “work together and not away from each other” by “breaking down barriers and building teams and synergies driven by mutual respect, trust, and reciprocity.”

Speaking during turnover ceremonies at the DAP headquarters in Pasig City where outgoing DAP President Antonio D. Kalaw Jr. turned over to her the reins of the government’s premier training and research institution, Dr. Cruz told more than 300 DAP employees and guests present that she wants the DAP to be not only a place where brilliant ideas thrive but where a “healthy tolerance and regard for the views of others” exist.

She told the crowd that as she is slowly being acquainted with the DAP’s mission, she is “increasingly inspired and… humbled by its long and illustrious history of achievement,” including the “rich heritage” that she says it continues to nurture to make the public sector “stronger and more responsive” to the changing times.

Fulfilling mandate, realizing potential “Believe me when I say that I would like to work with you all in fulfilling the Academy’s mandate, and in realizing its fullest potential as the government’s premier agency in pioneering ideas, capacitating individuals and organizations, and promoting partnerships for the good of society and the general welfare,” Dr. Cruz told the employees.

She said she would like to start by “simplifying and aligning” the DAP’s program thrusts and resources to support the priorities of the administration of President Duterte.

“I would like the Academy to show the way and take the lead in exercising good governance, so much so that

we have to increase our very own capacities in information technology, and likewise… ensure that we conform (with) acknowledged best practices,” said Dr. Cruz, who now follows Kalaw as the DAP’s eighth president in an illustrious line that also includes founding President Dr. Onofre D. Corpuz, Dr. Jaime Laya, Dr. Lourdes Quisumbing, Jose “Ping” de Jesus, Carmencita Abella and Dr. Eduardo Gonzalez.

Great honor The new chief executive officer of the DAP acknowledged it is a “great honor” to be the head of the said institution while she embraces the immense responsibilities and challenges that come with it.

She thanked Kalaw for the “warm reception” accorded her and her team and for the effort he has exerted to familiarize them with an organization he led for almost 11 years.

“I am certainly looking forward to working with (Kalaw) in the future as he joins the Council of Fellows as one of our distinguished past presidents,” Dr. Cruz said, citing Kalaw’s numerous accomplishments while he was at the helm of the 43-year-old government agency. These include the shift of the DAP from merely offering its products and services to having widely-recognized national government programs with multi-year funding, an increase in revenues and an annual growth rate of 14 percent, the ISO certification of its Quality Management System, the creation of its own Service Charter and Public Affairs Desk in compliance with the Anti-Red Tape Act, and the transformation of its procurement and bidding system into a model of the Procurement Law, as affirmed by third-party observers.

Building on it She said that the DAP

FNEW, 13

7 SUBURBIA EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 13 • THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2017

N. Mindanao PNP nets P9.5M drugs, 887 suspects

T

HE Police Regional Office 10 (PRO-10) here has seized 1.8 kilograms of “shabu” (Methamphetamine hydrochloride) and 2.9 kilograms of marijuana from January to March this year in the area.

Superintendent Lemuel Gonda, PRO-10 spokesperson, said Tuesday the illegal drugs have an estimated street value of P9.5 million.

He said the illegal items were seized during 608 region-wide police operations, of which 192 were carried out in the regional capital of Cagayan de Oro City, 105 in Iligan City, 103 in Bukidnon, 94 in Lanao Del Norte, 77 in Misamis Oriental, 51 in Misamis Occidental and six in

the island-province of Camiguin.

Gonda said the operations netted 887 arrests, with Cagayan de Oro City topping the list with 292. There were 148 arrests in Iligan City, 143 in Bukidnon, 141 in Lanao Del Norte, 85 in Misamis Oriental, 71 in Misamis Occidental and six in Camiguin Island.

Gonda said 931 cases were filed in court against the arrested persons, adding that 88 self-confessed drug users and eight drug pushers had voluntarily surrendered during the period.

He said the police visited 8,449 new households during the first quarter in line with the campaign against illegal drugs. (PNA)

NCENTIVES await you if you invest in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), the Regional Board of Investments (RBOI-ARMM) said.

Under the expanded ARMM Organic Act (Republic Act No. 9054), ARMM is allowed to give incentives to banks and other non-bank financial institutions that are based or have its principal base of business in the ARMM. Lawyer Ishak Mastura, RBOI-ARMM head, said in a statement it will help improve investments in the region.

“Providing incentives to this sector could encourage conventional banks and other financial institutions, like Islamic financing, to setup business in the region that may address the problem of ARMM being severely underserviced by the financial sector,” Mastura said.

According to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, only 20 banks are operating in the region and about 93 percent of the region’s municipalities do

not have banking presence, representing the highest percentage of unbanked regions in the country.

Mastura said that there is a “big opportunity for the banking and finance sector to develop new markets in the region because of the demand for their services.”

He noted that this is the reason why the RBOI included banking and non-bank institutions in the ARMM List of the 2017-2019 Investment Priorities Plan (IPP).

This is a significant move to address the call of various sectors, particularly the local and foreign investors, to improve monetary and banking services in the ARMM, he said.

Since 2012, the RBOI has registered P14.621 billion worth of investments, which generated 12,231 jobs.

“The presence of more banks can attract investments in the region, especially now that the ASEAN economic integration is in full swing and we need banks to be competitive,” Mastura added. (PNA)

SULONG SARANGANI. Imelda Senobago, program director of Sulong Sarangani program, updates the local officials of Malungon town on the implementation of the flagship program of Governor Steve Chiongbian

Solon. The briefing aims to enlighten stakeholders, improve the service delivery and present the project milestone for year 2017 of Sulong Sarangani program. (Jake Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

PSA to conduct biz, ARMM offers incentives to financial institutions industry survey I T

HE Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) is set to conduct the 2016 Annual Survey on Philippine Business and Industry (ASPBI) in the provinces of Caraga Region.

Series of training sessions were already conducted for the regional and provincial staffs involved in the project. Just recently, the Regional Statistics Services Office 13 spearheaded by its regional director Rosalinda Celeste-Apura had conducted the second level training.

Third level training sessions were also held in the provincial offices last April

4-7, 2017. Respondents Forums were also arranged in the provinces within last week of April and first week of May 2017.

The 2016 Annual Survey on Philippine Business and Industry (ASPBI) is a continuing activity of the Philippine Statistics Authority. It is primarily conducted to provide information on the levels, structures, performance and trends of economic activities of the formal sector in the entire country for the year 2016. It is one of the designated statistical activities of the government and it generates the essential statistics re-

quired for economic planning and analysis.

In particular, the ASPBI will collect data and generate detailed information on employment, income, expense, inventories, tangible fixed assets, intangible fixed assets and total assets of the establishments. Moreover, some indicators to evaluate the performance of industries at the national and regional levels can also be generated such as value added, labor productivity, average compensation and other necessary. Results from ASPBI were also used for Business Process Management (BPM)

activities and identification of micro, small and medium establishments/enterprise (MSME) using data on total employment and total assets collected.

The distribution of questionnaires to sample establishment will start on April 17, 2017 to May 12, 2017 and collection will begin on May 2 to July 14, 2017. All information collected from sample establishment shall be kept strictly confidential and shall not be used for purposes of taxation, investigation or regulation as provided under Article 55 of RA 10625.

(PSA-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

calamity.

The declaration was made after elements of the New People’s Army disarmed Mahongkog village chair Michael Lingaro and members of the Barangay Peace- keeping Action Team on April 9 and had an encounter with government forces in Barangay Balete the following day.

Magpet Vice- Mayor Rogelio Marañon said that the 30 percent of the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund will be utilized for the relief distribution and medical outreach for at least 60 households affected by the

incident.

“The fund will also be used for rice distribution as well as for stress debriefing,” Marañon noted adding that the LDRRM team will immediately deliver the aid once they get clearance from the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

At present, the vice- mayor stated that there is an on- going clearing operation in the affected villages of the town.

Meanwhile, 39th Infantry Battalion commander Lt. Col. Harold Argamosa said that in coordination with the Philippine National Police, they are

monitoring NPA recruitment in Magpet particularly in the villages of Balete and Temporan.

In an encounter on April 10, two NPA members were killed and one of them is alyas Adong, a 19- year old member of the Guerilla Front 53.

Argamosa emphasized that the NPA recruitment is a clear violation of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law and the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act as most of the recruits are indigenous youth.

(SJDuerme-PIA12)

Ajero said the raiding team seized nine sachets of suspected shabu weighing 60 grams with an estimated market value of P450,000.

Police also recovered a .45 pistol with a fully-loaded magazine, a digital weighing scale and a bamboo sealer.

“The couple is possibly linked to a larger drug syndicate operating in North Cotabato and Maguindanao provinces,” a PDEA agent told the Philippine News Agency (PNA)

on condition he remained unidentified.

He said that the couple is allegedly distributing between 200 to 600 grams of illegal drugs from an undisclosed village in Pigcawayan town to Kidapawan City every week.

City Mayor Joseph Evangelista lauded the raiding team for the successful operation and vowed to provide necessary support to the police to combat and eliminate drugs in the city. (PNA)

NorCot town under state of calamity after NPA attacks

T

HE Sangguniang Bayan of Magpet in North Cotabato recently approved Resolution No. 1 series of 2017 filed by the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council declaring the town under state of

Kidapawan cops nab couple for alleged drug pushing

INCENTIVES FOR ZOD BARANGAYS. Sarangani Vice Governor Elmer de Peralta says incentives will be given to every barangay that will participate in the program in recognition to their efforts in the implementation of Zero Open Defecation program. The vice governor spoke during the turnover ceremony of 100 bags of cement to Maitum municipality. The ZOD program

was spearheaded by former Vice Governor Jinkee J. Pacquiao together with JinkeeNation in partnership with the provincial government. It aims to eliminate serious health problem by providing each household a toilet. (John James I. Doctor/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

P

OLICE and anti-narcotics agents arrested here Tuesday afternoon a couple and seized from them P450,000 worth of alleged illegal drugs.

Supt. Leo Ajero, Kidapawan City police director, said police and agents of Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA-12) arrested Renato Padernal and his live-in partner, Juvy Villanueva, in the couple’s home in Saniel Cruz Subdivision, this city.

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

EDITORIAL

P

Time and UP

RESIDENT Duterte came home from his Middle East trip with billions in investment portfolio and he topped the 2017 Time 100 poll of the prestigious Time Magazine. All in a week’s span.

But when the University of the Philippines (UP) Board of Regents unanimously passed a decision to confer honorary degree to the much-maligned chief executive, its community reacted to an uproar of disapproval.

It has always been this case. No matter what positive comes out of the Duterte administration, there will always be a ‘next paragraph’ that will mention extrajudicial killings and bloody antidrug war.

Duterte won the Time poll after consistently leading the survey, which asked readers who should be included on this year’s TIME 100 — an annual list of the world’s most influential people.

Duterte received 5% of the total “yes” votes in the poll, which closed last Sunday night. Duterte outpolled Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Pope Francis, Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg — who all received 3% of the total “yes” votes.

Previous poll winners were Bernie Sanders won the reader poll in 2016 while Russian President Vladimir Putin took it in 2015.

A day after that Time victory, then came the loud dissent from the UP community after the Board of Regents (BOR) came down with a resolution

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to confer an honorary degree to President Duterte. The outrage and disapproval reportedly came from students, faculty and alumni over the decision.

President Duterte need not accept the honorary degree. In fact, he should not. Duterte actually does not need the honorary degree. He has a Law degree from the country’s presumably best Law School, San Beda, and should be happy at his personal achievements albeit he is never one to be in a celebratory, self-agridizement mode everytime he does something good for the people.

As for the UP community, it is their right to express their disapproval if they think the man is not worthy. Nevertheless, it must be done in a manner that does not reek with arrogance and false pride.

For all its worth, UP can keep that honorary degree, which had been an almost “costumary” gesture extended to the President of the republic--UP being itself a state-owned educational institution. It is one not in the same level of honor and excellence as bringing billions of investments home or being the most influential person in the planet.

So why all the fuss? UP can keep its honorary degree for itself as an institution that is funded by people’s money out of the taxes paid to the government. And yes, some of these people do not necessarily agree with the UP community’s dissent but they respect that.

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W

E can listen to and argue with ten different economists and get various reasons and analyze what ails the Philippine economy to death, but what matters more to me is figuring out how to get out of the boom-bust cycle that has characterized development efforts since the 1990s.

Speaking at the recent Dutertenomics forum, the words of Philippines finance secretary Carlos G. Dominguez are a fitting review of what has ailed efforts to jumpstart our economy : “In the decades when we neglected our infra while our neighbors rapidly built up theirs, we lost out on competitiveness. For

A

LOCAL publisher, who doubled as an author, once called it the “future rice granary with virgin agricultural lands.” It now bears the name Asuncion, a town in Davao del Norte, Created during the Quirino administration, Asuncion was originally named Saug (Saog) after the mighty river that runs through it. The river is a vital resource of water for irrigation; it flows from the municipality of New Corella to Tagum City, down to Bincungan River in the town of Carmen, before emptying into the Davao Gulf.

In the 19020’s, it was known as barrio Cambanogoy.

Under the Administrative Revised Code that preceded the establishment of Davao City under Commonwealth Act No. 51, it was one of the thriving communities in the undivided province of Davao, and was settlement that flourished to become what is now Asunction.

To the Jesuits, the old town was a halfway station and later hosted the American-established Farm School. In missionary chronicles, the town was led by Ganza, a bagani (native warrior) who would become ‘Presidente municipal de todo este distrito’ (the mayor of the whole area). Despite his being a ‘hombre malo’ (bad man), the priests were able to forge a good relationship with him, raising optimism and making

VOL. 10 ISSUE 13 • THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2017

VANTAGE POINTS

9

“Build build build!’ to “break out” an archipelagic country, poor infrastructure is debilitating. It raises the costs of transporting goods between islands. That is the reason our food price regime is high. Our congested roads and ports discouraged investors who need to operate on just-on-time deliveries. Our high power costs and unstable supply discouraged investments in manufacturing.

If we examine all the reasons why the Philippines fell behind the other economies of this dynamic region, it has much to do with poor infrastructure. It is here where we should begin rebuilding our competitiveness.”

Clearly, our country’s infrastructure gap needs to be filled.

MY TWO CENTS’ John Tria To be frank, infrastructure isnt just about roads and bridges and

waiting sheds often used in the past to make government look good, it also includes reliable water supply and affordable electricity- important ingredients to whip up sustainable economic growth that creates employment and reduces poverty.

To be brutally honest, ASEAN’s top 5 economies Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and Brunei have impeccable infrastructure that harnessed a high level of job generating economic activity that propelled their economies forward tjrough sustained growth while cutting poverty- this enabled their “break out” of he boom-bust cycles that plague ours.

Thailand makes almost all of

our regions pickup trucks while Malaysia has a national car. Much of what they make and grow are consumed within their own country. Good infrastructure facilitated these.

Little wonder why in the last decade their poverty rates have fallen to single digits while ours has remained in the 22-25%.

This job generating growth that enabled these countries to avoid the boom-bust cycle cannot happen on good credit ratings alone- the investor looks for infrastructure to make his investment happen.

Its the time to build.

For reactions: facebook.com/ johntriapage

The municipality of Saug conversions in the area without trouble.

On February 23, 1921, American Governor-General Francis Burton Harrison issued Executive Order No. 8, along with at least a dozen more areas around the gulf, making Saug a municipal district. The new territory comprised had five villages, namely Cambanogoy (Central), Limban, Canatan, Sagayen, and Napungas. The edict was subsequently endorsed by the provincial board of Davao under Resolutions 297 and 393.

Twenty-seven years later, President Elpidio Quirino issued Executive Order No. 156 creating the old Saug into a regular municipality, renaming it to New Leyte, inspired presumably by the huge migrant population from Leyte Province. That year, another executive order numbered 173, was issued, this time reverting the town’s appellation to its previous name.

In Bagobo dialect saog means “to sprinkle, as water or dust” upon anybody or anything. When religious conversion was at its peak in Davao region, the term was associated with the sprinkling of holy water. It is this religious influence that inspired post-war migrants to the area to change the town’s name to Asuncion, the Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion.

The change of name was offi-

FAST BACKWARD Antonio V. Figueroa cially made under Republic Act 1675, enacted on June 20, 1957.

In post-war years following the decline of logging in the region, the displacement of laborers led to complicated social issues. Among migrants, cultivating the land was an option but many of the farmlands already in the hands of affluent families, the tillers had to work under tenancy. This arrangement would subject the residents to peonage and bondage and, over time, fuel discontent that gave birth to insurgency, with agrarian problem as main theme.

During the Marcos years, popular anger towards the government heightened until it turned into an armed struggle. Veterans of Manila protests hunted down by the regime started showing up in mountain lairs, indoctrinating tribesmen

and migrants on the need to be heard by the state. As a result, those who were recruited to the cause joined the underground movement.

This rise of rural mistrust finally led to retrogression as entrepreneurs started eschewing areas where grassroots-based uprising was gaining ground. Today, the vestiges of that ugly chapter remain.

The conflict between state and ideologues, despite overtures of peace, is ongoing.

Asuncion, a second-class town with a total land area of 41,152 hectares, lies on the northeastern part of Davao del Norte. It is bounded on the north by the Municipality of Laak, on the south by Tagum City and the municipality of New Corella, on the southeast by the municipality of Santo Tomas, and on the northwest by the municipality of Kapalong. In 2003, the town had twenty-six barangays but on June 26, 2004, six of these, namely Igangon, Kipalili, Sabangan, Sawata, Santo Niño, and Mamangan, were transferred to the new town of San Isidro.

Officially, the town, with a population of 50,731, now comprises barangays Binancian, Buan, Buclad, Cabaywa, Camansa, Camoning, Canatan, Concepcion, Doña Andrea, Magatos, Napungas, New Bantayan, New Santiago, Pamacaun, Cambanogoy (Poblacion), Sagayen, San

Vicente, Santa Filomena, Sonlon, and New Loon.

The municipality is a rustic region with less than half of its territory under cover of forests.

While official records say the town has 41,152 hectares in its jurisdiction, only 8,768 are considered timberland. The loss of forest cover has led to flash floods and the loss of biodiversity. Soil erosion, in part blamed to mono-crop plantations, has also become an environmental threat.

In recent years, in an effort to raise yield in farms and control flooding in low-lying areas and riverbank communities, the agriculture department pushed for the carrying out of the Saug River Multi-purpose Project (SRMP), first broached in 1996.

The proposed initiative, which was part of a P7-billion mega project funded by World Bank and the Japan International Cooperation Agency, was primarily aimed to harness hydro-electric power to boost agriculture, but tribal opposition, in part due to non-government influence, rebuffed it.

The proponents of this ambitious undertaking originally targeted the irrigation of 8,000 hectares of idle lands by exploiting hydroelectric power in running light industries, lighting homes in the province, and as source of potable water for at least five areas, including Tagum City.

10 NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

Coop... FROM 1

PROTEST. El Grande Multipurpose Cooperative chair and Coop NATCCO Partylist’s Donato Almador bares a plan of stakeholders and different cooperatives in Region 11 to join a simultaneous protest rally against the

proposed House Bill 4774 lifting the tax exemption of the cooperatives on April 29 in Davao City. Donato made the disclosure during Wednesdays @ Habi at Kape at Abreeza Mall. Lean Daval Jr

NPAs... FROM 1

PNP... FROM 2

freed by their captors in an undisclosed village in Matanao, Davao del Sur. The release of the soldiers was facilitated by the local crisis committee of Columbio town together with peace advocacy group “Sowing the Seeds of Peace” and the provincial government of Davao del Sur. Report reaching EDGE Davao said present during the release were Columbio town Vice Mayor Edwin Bermudez, Davao del Sur Provincial Administrator Mark Cagas and Bishop Redeemer Yanez of the

RP... FROM 2

peace advocacy group.

Reports also said that the released soldiers were already reunited with their families.

The two will be turned over to their mother unit, the 39th IB today, April 19, the report added.

The 10th Infantry (Agila) Division last week criticized the NPA for their failure to release the soldiers they abducted in Mindanao.

The 10th ID said these soldiers were forcibly taken at the height of the unilateral ceasefire.

man.

The area is some 71 kilometers from the capital Tagbilaran City and the adjoining Panglao Island where ASEAN traders are attending the Intercessional Regional Economic Partnership Trade Negotiating Committee from April 19 to 21.

“When the incidents unfolded last week, we, of course, had an emergency meeting and as part of the NOC, we have a Committee on Security and Disaster Preparedness.

So they went to Bohol, I did go also and we had a brief meeting,” Paynor said.

He said the Security Committee felt that the situation has been contained and there-

fore, the meeting should go on adding that “it was natural, of course, for some of the Embassies to ask us our plans.”

“We have, of course, alternate plans and that meeting would have been held here in Manila had it been necessary to do so. But we always say we will not be coerced or held hostage by these actions. But at the same time, we need to be sure that we can assure the safety of the delegates. So as of now, the meeting is a go,” Paynor said.

As for the upcoming leaders’ summit in Manila, the official said that their number one priority is to have a sense zero-incident type of meeting.

(PNA)

munications Operations Office (PCOO) and the Department of Finance.

On the demand side, Pernia said household consumption and investments boosted economic growth.

“Government spending on infrastructure, private sector investment in manufacturing and other areas of the economy, as well as exports, are beginning to show signs of revival from being on the downside in previous years,” he said.

Pernia, also Director General of National Economic and Development Authority

(NEDA), said they expected the agriculture and fishery sector to perform better this year on the supply side.

He added a boost in construction industry from an aggressive government spending for infrastructure, and the expected influx of tourists, were also key growth drivers.

“If the trend continues, then the per capita income of the nation will increase from a little over 3,500 dollars in 2015 to over 5,000 dollars by 2022, making the Philippines an upper middle income country by then,” said the NEDA chief. (PNA)

PH econ... FROM 5

VOL. 10 ISSUE 13 • THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2017

that amount on such things,” Carlos said.

He pointed out that the leadership of the PNP has not issued an order for the conduct of such kind of operation.

“Unang-una iligal, bawal, so yun po pangalawa, hirap tayo sa pondo at di ho talaga nakalaan, wala tayong nakalaan na pondo para sa ganyan so talagang the figure itself, mahirap maging makatotohanan,” he added.

Carlos expounded that the 26-page report of the Reuters was merely a “rehash” of

the earlier allegations against the war on drugs which have earlier been denied by PNP chief Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa.

“That’s precisely why we would like to look into the entire report and all those have been answered in the past, nasagot na ng Chief PNP, the data we’ve been showing already as the days come from PRO (Police Regional Office) reports and then the issues being raised by the active and retired officer, parang inulit-ulit lang,” Carlos said. (PNA)

in Davao City to finance medical surgery for physically-disabled children.

Tebow Hospital specializes in Orthopedics particularly surgeries on clubfoot, cleft lip and palate, and spinal deformities.

Guesting during Wednesday’s Habi at Kape at Abreeza Ayala Mall, CURE Philippines Incorporated Development and Sustainability Officer Vincent J. Bitana stressed the need to help an overwhelming increase in the number of children with disabilities in Region XI over the last two years as reported by United Nations Children’s Fund.

“It is very alarming to know that two years ago there are around 42,000 cases but now it has ballooned to 92,000. That’s only in Region XI,” he said.

He said a surgery for clubfoot needs at least PhP70,000 while a spine surgery would range from PhP500,000 to PhP700,000.

In a press statement, CURE Philippines stressed that “healing changes everything “ not only because it brings an end to physical pain but also because it means restoration of dignity, protection from abuse, and inclusion to family, school, and culture.

CURE Philippines is one of the 30 groups being served worldwide by the Christian, non-profit organization CURE

International.

Meanwhile, according to DMCI Homes President Alfredo R. Austria, upholding the well-being of Filipinos has always been the heart of the company’s corporate social responsibility program dubbed, “Kaakbay ng Pamayanan”.

“DMCI Homes always take pride in devoting more than enough open spaces, landscapes, and gardens in its developments to ensure the well-being of residents especially children,” he added.

Also guesting in the forum, Verdon Parc Project Sales Manager Joey John Baquero said aside from providing the venue for the event, DMCI Homes will also help in the promotion of the events and provide their own participants for the fun run.

The activity aims to enlist 1,000 participants for the 3K, 5K, and 10K race categories.

Registration fee costs PhP300 for 3K, PhP500 for 5K, and PhP750 for 10K. Alvin Ang, JCI Vice President for Community Development said in 2016, said the first fun run which they had organized in partnership with SM Lanang Premiere has gathered PhP440,000 which supported four to five surgeries.

“This year, we are targeting around 10 to 15 children to undergo surgery,” he said.

DMCI... FROM 5

companies in Mindanao, and the other on the acquisition of Agus-Pulangi Hydro Electric Power Plants (HEPP).

Silagan stressed, the group has chosen to venture into renewable energy because of its advocacy to de-privatized power generation in the island region which are owned and “monopolized” by corporations who charged the consumers with high power rates.

“We must liberate consumers from the exorbitant rates charged by private companies. We have long been at the mercy of these companies,” said Silagan.

In 2015, the cooperative has already offered a bid to operate and manage the $1.6 billion Agus-Pulangi Hydro Electric Power Plants.

Silagan disclosed, aside from the Agus-Pulangi Hydro Electric Power Plants (HEPP) acquisition, the group is eyeing to establish two hydropower plants in Agusan del Sur which will generate 20 megawatts of power.

This will need around $700 million or P34 billion.

According to Silagan, at present, 1MIECOOP which was established in 2015, is still at its formative stage and has 35 member cooperatives from three federations namely, Model Cooperative of the Philippines, Federation of People’s Sustainable Devel-

opment Cooperative (FPSDC), and Mindanao Funeral Services Cooperative.

The group is registered under Cooperative Development Authority and under the supervision of Engineering and Development Corporation of the Philippines, the pioneer engineering consultancy in the Philippines.

With more than 500,000 individual members from these cooperatives with P20 billion total assests, Silagan is optimistic the group can collect enough amount to start the establishment of the power plants.

“Then if not, we will borrow from the banks,” said Silagan.

Rhoda Pillerin Chief Executive Officer of Model Cooperative Network said the group is still encouraging other cooperatives to join 1MIECOOP. “If cooperatives are allowed to run Mindanao’s power plants, it will provide social justice, peace and prosperity, employment opportunities and more importantly, we can lower the rate of power charges in Mindanao,” said Silagan.

He also expressed confidence that cooperatives will be transparent, will implement good governance, and will uphold peace in Mindanao because “even our Lumads and Muslim people are members of this cooperative”.

Balagtey of the Eastern Mindanao Command, during the Holy week, the Eastern Mindanao Command has raised its alert level after the Bohol terror incident to prevent possible diversionary attacks in the area of Eastern Mindanao. He said that the Bohol incident may be a form of diversion for a bigger terrorism plot.

“Kasi pwedeng ginamit lang yun para maghasik ng mas malalaking krimen. Sa ngayon, nangyari rin yung Tacurong,

lalo pa nating pinapaigting yung ating security measures particularly in the conduct of intelligence measures kasi itong nangyayari parang jigsaw puzzle na kailangan nating magkaroon ng information from the different areas particularly from the Western Mindanao,” Balagtey said.

DCPO, AFP and NBI reminded everyone to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities that one might notice around the city.

failed to capture the face or how the gunman entered the building and into the victim’s clinic.

The younger Sinolinding and his armed escort, Mohammad Esmael, both died on the spot after they were shot by the gunman who posed as a patient. The ophthalmologist was shot in the face while he was examining another patient.

De Pedro told reporters that it appeared the suspect or his accomplices had jammed the signal.

“That is why we submitted the footages to the CIDG (Criminal Investigation and

Detection Group) for further investigation,” he said.

The doctor’s lady secretary, asking for anonymity, said the suspect came to the office at about 11 a.m. and wanted to see Dr. Jaja, who was then attending to a patient.

When told the clinic was no longer accepting patients since the cut-off time had lapsed, the suspect pulled his hand gun, barged inside and shot the doctor.

Dr. Kadil said his slain brother has no known enemies “but we have death threats so he sought for an armed security escort.” (PNA)

more increases in the Federal Reserve rates.

Another factor is the strong rise of the country’s exports on higher domestic requirements as the domestic economy continue to expand.

However, BSP Deputy Governor Diwa Guinigundo earlier said the improved outlook of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on the global economy is a welcome development. (PNA)

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FOOD

Majestic dining at the

Lubi Plantation FOR THE LONGEST TIME, we have been accustomed to reasonably-priced meals in reasonably-called gastronomic places.

Most often, the parallelism does not make sense - either it’s expensively priced for a mediocre tasting dish or we expected too much due to social media hype. So, what must a hungry foodie do? Travel overseas and look for a new palate adventure. Literally.

Tucked in the beautiful island of Mabini in Compostela Valley, Lubi Plantation is a crossover between rustic comfort and influential bourgeois architecture. This picturesque island getaway is a project of Torre Lorenzo Development Corporation.

Surrounded by sand, lighted by the sun and accompanied by the sea all around, Lubi Plantation is a world class destination that warrants your utmost attention. Here, it’s not just about the destination; it’s about being one with the destination.

Here is where your next sweet adventure shall be.

For a fee, you get to explore the whole of the island resort paradise.

Inclusive is a delicious lunch served with the sea as your backdrop. Not to

“

Surrounded by sand, lighted by the sun and accompanied by the sea all around, Lubi Plantation is a world class destination that warrants your utmost attention.

mention, the many hours you can spend frolicking under the sun.

Aside from the sun, sand and water, Lubi Plantation is also a definite foodie palate destination. Again, Lubi Plantation is a definite

foodie palate destination. I swear, you would have no time to consider your diet as soon as you arrive on shore. From the refreshing welcome drink to the vast-open

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luxurious restaurant, getting lost somewhere in between is considered the new norm at the Lubi Plantation.

Fusion of regional flavours. Their menu is something you would want to experience. Not consider but experience. It is not every day that you get to taste flavour combinations and textures that will have your palate all in attentive mode. It too is not every day that you get to explore a million and one possibilities of how everyday dishes can be elevated and transformed into something new.

Chicken liver adobo pate on a piece of crunchy sliced baguette,

VOL. 10 ISSUE 13 • THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2017

anyone? Now, that’s not something you’d find in any other restaurant. The flavour combo deserves an ovation -- a long, subdued standing ovation. Clean, textured and very savoury, the simple chicken liver adobo was transformed into a luxurious pate that will have you wanting for more.

Healthy crunch on your getaway? Then your best option is their plate of healthy and crunchy pomelo salad drizzled with balsamic vinegar.

The acidity and sweetness of the fruits and vegetables pairs perfectly with the sauce. Strong flavours, yes, but not overpowering to the point of umay. It is not even umay at all. This is one refreshing plate of goodness that

with their signature coconut jam, which by the way is so delish, and sweet fruit.

Whether a local or a visitor, Lubi Plantation’s Tarictic Restaurant truly offers a most memorable dining experience unlike any other.

Utmost thank you to Joel Bagas of FUJIFILM Philippines for the photos.

The Lubi Plantation is accepting guests on an appointment or reservation basis.

For inquiries, you may visit their office at the Dusit Thani Showroom (Lanang Business Park). You may also call them at (082) 296 2297.

you must try.

Meaty lovers rejoice.

The Tarictic Restaurant serves a mean plate of Beef Caldereta served with potato cakes. Their beef caldereta is a definite must try when visiting. This is one dish that you need to try. One dish that will have you love eating even more. The meat is tender, juicy and has more flavour than you can imagine. Though savoury, the meat tastes clean and has no aftertaste or whatsoever. One revelation: Beef caldereta pairs well with a slice of potato cake than with rice.

A visit at the Lubi Plantation won’t be complete without a coconut dish, right? If bodily warmth is what you are after then yay for their bowl of Chicken Binakol served in fresh coconut fruit.

The dish is simple yet the marriage of flavours will have you guessing on the ingredients in a snap. Personally, I love the authenticity of this dish. Oh and you get to scrape the fresh coconut meat on the side.

Local flare, crunchy and sweet – this is their fried suman with coconut jam. The simplicity of this kakanin is what makes this so divine. The rice cake goes perfectly well

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EVENT

EDGEDAVAO

Catching up at the Waterfront

THE WATERFRONT INSULAR HOTEL has always been a hub for memorable events and meetings and last April 7, the seaside urban resort hotel hosted its second Cocktails and Conversations night with its corporate clients, Davao’s events suppliers and media friends.

Held at the hotel’s iconic Vinta Bar, the event was intimate and personal. Award-winning executive chef Victor Barangan, together with food and beverage service manager Eugene Gozun gave guests a delicious sampling of the featured food and beverage items for the months of April,

May and June.

Aside from various new food options around the hotel, the Waterfront Insular Davao also rolled out their new set of prime wine selections from France, Italy, Spain, Australia, the United States and Chile, in partnership with Titania Wine Cellar, Inc., one of the Philippine’s biggest wine distributor.

“This event is our way of thanking our partners as well as a way to touch base and keep updated with the needs of our clients in a more informal and fun environment.” said Waterfront Insular Davao’s dashing hotel manager Bryan Yves Lasala. And true to form, the evening was indeed fun with guests taking home caps, shirts, gadgets, and gift certificates in the trivia.

Also present for the intimate tete-a-tete was the Sales and Marketing and Revenue Management team of the Waterfront Hotels and Casinos who were also present for their first Sales Cycle Meeting of 2017.

The corporate directors and department managers of Waterfront Airport Hotel and Casino in Mactan, Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino in Cebu, and Waterfront Pavilion Hotel in Manila touched base with their local counterparts as well as meet the hotel groups VIPs in Durianburg to catch up with the latest offerings and happenings.

Cheers to the Waterfront Hotels and Casinos group and here is a wish to more exciting things to come!

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VOL. 10 ISSUE 13 • THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2017

TESDA sets onsite assessment for OFWs T HE Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) said that it will give an on-site assessment to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who are bound for the Middle East.

TESDA Director General Secretary Guiling “Gene” Mamondiong said that the Onsite Assessment Program (OAP) aims to find out if the OFWs possess the competencies required in a preferred work.

Mamondiong said that a delegation from TESDA will go to the Middle East to conduct the onsite assessment in coordination with the Philippine Overseas Labor Offices (POLO).

The TESDA onsite assess-

ment is scheduled at Comsofil in Riyadh; POLO, Dubai; ICSA, Kuwait City and Total Care International in Jeddah.

OFWs who are interested in the on-site assessment may visit the POLO in the scheduled areas. Jeddah and Dubai have already submitted a list of assessment candidates, Mamondiong said.

Workers may take the assessment in the following qualifications: Technical Drafting NC II; Visual Graphics Design NC II and Computer Systems Servicing NC II for Riyadh. In Dubai, Technical Drafting NC II, Visual Graphics Design NC III, Massage Therapy NC II and Caregiving NC II. (PR)

The growth in deposits could also be explained by the expansion of branch network in all regions nationwide from 10,574 in end-2015 to 10,952 in December 2016. Philippine banking also opened to new players in light of the law passed in 2014 allowing full entry of foreign banks in the country.

Data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) showed that a total of 582 cities and municipalities remained unbanked as of end2016, a slight improvement from the 596 recorded as of March 2016. Of these data, there are 168 unbanked cities and municipalities in Luzon, 170 in Visayas, and 244 in Mindanao. As of end 2016, the Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), Eastern Visayas (Region 8), and the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) remained the top regions with the most unbanked cities and municipalities at 108, 99 and 50 cities and municipalities, respectively, representing

44% of all unbanked areas in the Philippines. The number of unbanked areas was partly contributed by the closure of 22 banks in 2016 where three were located in CAR, Region 4-A and Region 6.

“The continuing growth of the banking system poses both challenges and opportunities for financial inclusion,” Tan said. “The presence of unbanked municipalities underscores the importance of continuous efforts to promote financial inclusion to ensure that rural and far-flung communities have access to much-needed formal financial services,” he added. The PDIC, as part of the National Strategy for Financial Inclusion, strongly supports the government’s financial inclusion thrust. To this end, PDIC regularly conducts lectures on financial literacy and the importance of responsible banking to empower depositors and the general public with information that will help them make informed financial decisions. (PR)

tized by countries embarking on a nuclear power program (NPP).

Reina Matsuzawa of ISCN/JAEA discussed the concept of nuclear and radioactive security, and emphasized on the strategic benefit of international cooperation in nuclear security as the effectiveness of one ASEAN Member State impacts the rest of the ASEAN region.

Teofilo Leonin of the PNRI talked about the need for the comprehensive nuclear law in the Philippines to regulate and control the utilization of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, The IAEA reiterated its support and commitment for an effective nuclear security regime in the ASEAN region by providing expert guidance and assistance through its various programs and services.

Malaysia and Japan shared their first-hand experiences and methods in implementing regulations and security measures for radioactive sources.

Heightened interest for

regional cooperation from the ISCN/JAEA and the EU Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear Risk Mitigation Centre of Excellence Initiative (CBRN COE) is a welcome opportunity for the ASEAN to increase awareness and improve standards, as well as technology developments in the field of nuclear security.

These involvements will enhance the capabilities of the ASEAN Member States consistent with the strategies under the Civilian Nuclear Energy (CNE) focus area of the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC).

With these developments, the DOE is confident that the Philippines will immensely benefit from a successful regional and international cooperation on nuclear security, and be able to contribute strategically to the ASEAN region as a whole.

The 7th NEC-SSN meeting and its associated events is in line with the Philippine hosting of the 50th Founding Anniversary of the ASEAN. (PR)

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SECURITY SKILLS. 124 Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) program beneficiaries who recently graduated from Security Training NC 1 take the General Knowledge Examination conducted by the Regional Civil Security Unit of National Police Commission. Following the written exam, the first batch of participants from District 3, Davao City took the Firing Examination. Currently, the new graduates are preparing for the

Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) National Competency 1 (NC 1) Assessment. Upon graduation, they were provided a complete set of uniform and license. Some 100 DSWD beneficiaries are set to participate in the next Security Training NC 1 conducted by Bagwis Training Academy. (DSWD)

Duterte to hold bilateral meet with Bolkiah, Widodo P

RESIDENT Rodrigo Roa Duterte will welcome next week Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei and President Joko Widodo of Indonesia for a formal bilateral meeting.

In a press briefing in Malacañang on Wednesday, ASEAN 2017 National Organizing Council (NOC) director general for operations Marciano Paynor said the meeting with the Brunei leader will be held on April 28 and on April 29 with the Indonesian leader.

Laos has also requested to pay a courtesy call to Duterte, according to Paynor. He said President Duterte may have “pull-aside” meetings with the other leaders.

At the same time, President Widodo will join President Duterte at the launching of the Davao-General Santos-Bitung Ro-Ro sea linkage route on April 30 in Davao.

President Duterte will hold a gala dinner for all the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) leaders.

The 10 leaders will also meet at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) and will have a retreat at the Coconut Palace.

In terms of security preparations, Paynor said the government is beefing up security elements following the recent incident in Bohol where soldiers clashed with members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG).

“So we try as much as we can to -- so-called hardened tar -- hardened venues et cetera, in our security preparations.

Keeping in mind also the President’s directive that we should not hamper or hinder the normal flow of daily activities here in the Metro Manila area,” he said.

In the same briefing, acting Foreign Affairs spokesperson Robespierre Bolivar said the recent visit of President Duterte to three Gulf states ended on a high note as he brought home with him millions of dollars worth of investments.

He said the President witnessed the signing of over USD 925 -million worth of investment deals involving business-

men from Saudi, Bahrain and Qatar, which are expected to create 62,000 jobs here in the country.

During the same briefing, the Palace welcomed the result of the Deloitte’s 2017 millennial survey conducted by one of the leading professional services firms in the country, Navarro Amper & Co., which showed that 89 percent of Filipino millennials expect improvement in the country’s overall economic situation in the next 12 months.

Presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella noted that this is significantly higher than the global average of 45 percent and regional average of 53 percent. (PNA)

ly PHP450 billion. If you were to add the projects in 2010 to 2013, it would be less than what we intend to spend this year in infra, increasing every year,” he said.

Among the projects in the pipeline include the Luzon Spine expressway network which is a series of ongoing projects.

These projects are connection of high-standard highway network that will connect the northernmost province of the Philippines to the southernmost to Bicol; the TR4 high speed expressway going to Quezon and Lucena and Quezon-Bicol expressway; CALA-X, eastern alignment of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX).

“High speed network would be able to bring development thru all of Luzon. If you

put these in numbers for instance today to get form Bicol to Metro Manila it will take you 12 hours when this high speed standard highway is finished before the end of the term of the president you can go from Bicol to La Union in less than 12 hours,” Villar said.

“The South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) and NLEX connector project which will make the travel time from Alabang to NLEX (Balintawak the entrance to NLEX) in 30 minutes,” he added.

Likewise, included in the government’s “Build, Build, Build,” projects is the NLEX Harbor Link Segment 10, an all elevated expressway aimed at providing direct access between the port area and the northern provinces of Luzon via NLEX.

The 5.7-km expressway worth PHP10.5-billion, will decongest Metro Manila by providing an alternative entry to NLEX, bypassing EDSA and other busy streets of Manila.

Once opened, travel time from the Manila Port to the NLEX will take only 10 minutes.

The undertaking is set to be completed this year.

Villar said that also expected to have groundbreaking this year is the Cavite-Laguna that will connect Cavite expressway (CAVITEX) to the Mampalasan exit in Laguna.

“The President has also instructed us to go into most ambitious bridge program in the history our country, the Panguil Bay Bridge connecting Misamis to Lanao this is in Mindanao,” he said. (PNA)

DPWH: Multi-billion peso infra projects set to start this year

T

HE Department of Public Works and Highways has revealed the government’s multi-billion infrastructure projects that would be undertaken starting this year.

During the Dutertenomics forum at the Conrad Hotel in Pasay City on Tuesday, DPWH Secretary Mark Villar and other members of the Duterte administration’s economic team shared the respective plans of the departments in the next five years.

The DPWH chief noted that for this year, the agency will be starting different projects amounting to almost PHP500 billion covering undertakings in Luzon and Mindanao.

“The infrastructure program of this administration for this year 2017 is approximate-

12 AGRITRENDS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 13 • THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2017

Botanical pesticides

against pests and diseases

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

W

HILE modern agriculture produces high yields, more often than not, it is not sustainable. Expensive seeds and farm chemicals eat into profit while pesticides upset the natural balance between predators and pests, and chemical poison groundwater and rivers.

“Every year, hundreds of thousands of people are killed due to accidental poisoning by agricultural chemicals,” says Roy C. Alimoane, director of the Davao-based Mindanao Baptist Rural Life Center (MBRLC) Foundation, Inc. People who consume chemical-laced vegetables risk their lives since chemicals are not always dissipated, says Alimoane. Generally, chemicals accumulate in the human body.

The Geneva-based World Health Organization reports three people are poisoned by pesticides every minute around the world. All in all, about 10,000 die annually because of pesticides. Reports show that 62% of pesticides sold in the Philippines are insecticides. Of these, 46% are applied to rice and 20% to vegetables. Insecticides had become one of the major expenses of farmers that account for about 40% of total production cost.

The lack of regulation in most developing countries, including the Philippines, often accounts for the importation of banned pesticides. In 1992, the illegal use of cyanide compounds by cabbage farmers in the Cordillera region provoked a public outcry.

But Filipino farmers can actually do away with imported inorganic chemicals by using environment-friendly botanical pesticides. These

Tubli (from the net)

are derived from plants which have been proven to have insecticidal properties.

“The increasing awareness of the dangers posed by chemical pesticides to human health is prompting many Filipino farmers to use botanical formulations that they themselves are preparing,” said a paper written by L. Masana and A. Manuel.

Eric Vinje agrees. In an article which appeared in Planet Natural, he writes: “Natural pest controls like the botanicals are safer to the user and the environment because they break down into harmless compounds within hours or days in the presence of sunlight. They are also very close chemically to those plants from which they are derived, so they are easily decomposed by a variety of microbes common in most soils.”

Previously, botanical pesticides were used widely until the 1940’s. These natural pesticides were displaced by modern synthetic pesticides that at the time seemed cheaper, easier and longer lasting.

“Botanical pesticides are one answer to the pest problem in developing countries,” says Gaby Stoll, a German agrobiologist and author of Natural Crop Protection. Stoll says the move from chemical to botanical pesticides is, “an important step in the search for a balanced, self-regulating agricultural system.”

One advantage of botanical products is that they are not very persistent. Most of them will break down quickly under influence of high temperature or sunshine. As such,

they don’t have a long-lasting contaminating effect on the environment.

But the only hitch is that botanical products are generally not specific. In addition, many plant extracts will also kill or repel beneficial insects.

It means to say that some botanicals are not risk-free.

“Some are as dangerous as chemical pesticides,” Stoll reminds.

Kakawate Just like synthetic pesticides, the botanical products should be used carefully. If a farmer decides, after a thorough consideration, that active control of a pest is required, botanical extracts are usually a better choice than chemical pesticides.

Tubli In recent years, Filipino scientists have found many plants to have insecticidal properties. One of them is “tibanglan,” known locally in Mindanao as “tubli.” Government forest researchers found it to be highly effective against lepidopterous and coleopeterous insects.

The test conducted by the Laguna-based Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau included leaf rollers and fruit worm of okra, stem borers of eggplant, white aphids, corn weevil and larvae or tussock moth. Result of the study showed that 50%, 25% and 10% of “tubli” sap in water can kill samples in 20, 45, and 120 minutes, respectively.

“Tubli” has an ancient reputation as botanical pesticide.

Ethnic groups in some parts of the country have long been using “tubli” as fish poison. In Brazil, people use it to eliminate the deadly piranha.

The insecticidal properties of “tubli” were first dis-

Tobacco (Photo by Mau Victa) covered in 1848 when the plant was first used against the nutm e g caterp i l l a r.

In 1940, t h e United States was importing 2,700 metric tons of “tubli” roots from Southeast to formulate pesticides.

Agricultural experts say “tubli” is very effective against aphids, beetles, borers, the diamond back moth, fruitflies, thrips, cabbage worms, fleas, flea beetles, lice, loopers, mites, mosquitoes, psyllids and slugs.

Kakawate “Kakawate” or “madre de cacao” is so common that no one seems to pay attention to it. But the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) said that its leaves contain coumarin, which can be converted into an anticoagulant “discoumerol” found to be an efficient rat killer.

“Anticoagulants are an efficient natural method of pest control because they reduce the protein prothrombin, a clotting agent secreted in the liver, and eventually cause death from internal bleeding,” the FAO noted.

Tests have shown that while the toxin produced by “kakawate” does not act rapidly, repeated doses lead to fatal hemorrhaging within a few days. “Unlike many other poisons, anticoagulants do not produce bait shyness, which rodents tend to acquire as soon as the first victims of other poisons are taken,” the United Nations agency said.

In Science City of Muñoz, organic rice reportedly farmers spray their crops with fermented leaves and twigs

of “kakawate” and neem trees to control pests and diseases.

Some farmers find it convenient and effective, too, to just allow the “kakawate” leaves to drift to their farm when they irrigate.

In Baguio, a botanical pesticide prepared from kakawate leaves and other herbals are used to kill worms that attack cabbage and broccoli like cabbage butterflies, diamondback moths, leafminers, and inchworms.

In Ilocos region, a study made by the Mariano Marcos State University found that kakawate leaves are effective in controlling diseases that attack garlic like purple blotch and bulb rot.

Tobacco “One of the best ways to eradicate the insects is by using tobacco spray,” said Serapion Madera, a farmer in Bansalan, Davao del Sur. Here’s what he did. He boiled 250 grams of dried tobacco leaves and stems in four liters of water for 20 minutes. After that, he allowed the water to cool and then filtered it through layered cotton cloth. He added four more liters of water to the solution and 50 grams of bar soap. He then poured the solution into corn funnels to kill stalk borer.

Madera had undergone training at the Mindanao Baptist Rural Life Center, a non-government organization. The MBRLC technicians said the tobacco solution can also be applied as a soil drench around plants to kill cutworms. It can be used to spray beans to prevent rust disease and also to control aphids, beetles, cabbage worms, caterpillars, grain weevils, leaf miners, mites, stem borers and thrips.

The tobacco solution, MBRLC technicians claimed, is especially effective against biting or sucking insects. When applied weekly with a brush,

it is effective against ticks and fleas in cattle.

The Educational Concerns for Hunger Organization (ECHO) has developed another kind of tobacco spray.

One kilogram of crushed or bruised tobacco stalks and leaves are soaked in 15 liters of water for 24 hours. The solution is then filtered; and three to five tablespoons of liquid soap is added. It is sprayed immediately to plants.

“Use tobacco sprays in the evening to allow them to work in the night,” the Florida-based ECHO reminds. “And in general, do not spray potatoes, peppers, tomatoes, eggplant or any plant in the Solanaceae family in order to prevent the spread of viruses.”

Another warning: “Do not let people or animals drink the solution, and when spraying, wear protective clothing – especially a mask, or apply solutions with a watering can only. Do not eat vegetables within four days of application and wash them carefully when you do.”

Tobacco is also no match against golden apple snail. To get rid of the pesky snails, finely chopped tobacco wastes can be strewn over the rice paddies a day after the rice seedlings are transplanted.

Credited for discovering the technique was Merlita James of the National Tobacco Administration’s research center based in Batac, Ilocos Norte. She said that 200 kilograms of finely chopped dried tobacco wastes is sufficient to destroy snails infesting a one-hectare area.

Aside from botanical pesticides, a farmer can resort to other means of pest control, according to Alimoane. These include tilling (which exposes pests that live in the soil and increases soil aeration), crop rotation (it stops the build-up of microorganisms around plant roots), crop combination, and companion planting.

VOL. 10 ISSUE 13 • THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2017

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is in need of Lay-out Artist Qualifications: • Male / Female • Knowledgeable in Adobe Photoshop and Indesign application • Willing to work under pressure

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must be proud of such a legacy, and it is something she intends to “build on” as she assumes office.

Dr. Cruz, a “multi-disciplinarian and advocate,” has a long list of credentials and experience herself. A lawyer who earned her spurs at the University of the Philippines under such legal luminaries as Chief Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno, Dean Antonio Laviña and Prof. Arno Sanidad, she eventually completed her law studies at the Arellano University, where she became a law professor for more than a decade aside from having similar stints at the Batangas State University School of Law and the St. Benedict’s School in Alabang.

While teaching law and occupying various other positions in the academe, Dr. Cruz worked on her doctorate and masters degrees, completing her Doctor of Philosophy with Majors in Management and Political Economy in 2011 at the International Academy for Management and Economics, where she earned the highest distinction for both academics and dissertation with a grade point average of 1.09. She earlier completed her Master in Business Administration in 2006 at the Arellano University Graduate School of Business with a GPA of 1.36.

Environmental advocacy An environmentalist since the 1990s, that advoca-

cy has formed the core of her private undertakings, which include the Malagos Farm Haven in Davao City that she has developed and which now promotes green technologies and lifestyle. She intends to eventually turn the property into a “legacy project” that features agriculture, natural wellness, culture and the arts, and eco-tourism.

Even before she went into such ventures, Dr. Cruz has had an extensive corporate practice, starting with Sycip, Gorres and Velayo and moving on to various stints with Springs Foundation; Arco Management and Development Corporation under the mentorship of horseracing magnate Atty. Alfonso Reyno Jr.; Lifestyle Expressions Inc.; Espina, Fojas, Cruz Law Offices; Biohitech Philipines Inc.; PHILKOR Bio-Energy Inc.; RSC Holdings Inc.; and Ruya Agri-Development Corporation. Her stint with Arco eventually led to her becoming Senior Vice President for Resource Administration and Special Projects at the Manila Jockey Club Inc., where she helped open biotechnology projects and co-ventures with Biohitech Ltd. of Korea, and where she was instrumental in the approval of two eco-tourism zones for the MJCI, which had also diversified into real estate development, in Tayuman, Quezon and Carmona, Cavite.

Other advocacies

On top of her environmental advocacy, Dr. Cruz has also devoted her time to spiritual engagements, having first joined a Catholic charismatic community where she became a formator-teacher and a lay missionary before she went into law school. She later co-founded the Mahal na Birhen ng Piat Foundation for which she is building a spirituality center in Doña Remedios Trinidad, Bulacan. Thousands have received spiritual healing and rejuvenation at the said center under Rev. Fr. Edgardo de Jesus, a Divine Mercy priest and a close friend.

Dr. Cruz, a devotee of St. Francis of Assisi whose austere lifestyle she says she looks up to, complements her spirituality with a tough side provided by her being a reservist in the military, holding the rank of lieutenant colonel in the Philippine Army. She has also had extensive training for such a pursuit, having completed her Masters in National Security Administration in 2012 at the National Defense College of the Philippines as well as the Command and General Staff Course in 2013 at the Armed Forces of the Philippines Command and General Staff College, earning Order of Merit No. 2 with a GPA of 93.745. She is now the deputy brigade commander of the 2202nd Ready Reserve Brigade based in Davao City. (Bert A. RamirezPIDS)

14 MOTORING EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 13 • THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2017

SAFETY FIVE 5 driving tips to save fuel and environment

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DOPT these five fuel-efficient driving techniques to reduce your fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions by as much as 25 percent: 1. Accelerate gently; 2. Maintain a steady speed; 3. Anticipate traffic; 4. Avoid high speeds; 5.

Coast to decelerate Fuel-efficient driving can not only save you hundreds of dollars in fuel each year but also improve road safety and prevent unnecessary wear on your vehicle.

1

Accelerate gently The harder you accelerate the more fuel you consume. In the city, you can conserve fuel by easing onto the accelerator pedal gently and gradually.

To maximize your fuel efficiency, take five seconds to accelerate your vehicle up to 20 kilometres per hour from a stop.

Just imagine that there’s an egg under your pedal and an open cup of coffee on your dashboard.

Be careful not to break the shell or spill the drink! If you’re driving a gasoline fuelled vehicle with a manual transmission, use a moderate throttle position and shift between 2,000 and 2,500 revolutions per minute.

2

Maintain a steady speed Be consistent.

Unintentional dips in speed and sudden bursts of acceleration to keep pace take a toll on your tank—and your wallet. In fact, tests have shown that varing your speed up and down between 75 km/h and 85 km/h every 18 seconds can increase your fuel use by 20 percent.

Consider using cruise control for highway driving. Be mindful, however, that little variations in speed can actually be good when gravity does the work. Where traffic patterns permit, allow your speed to drop when you travel uphill, then regain your momentum as you roll downhill.

3

Anticipate traffic Plan your manoeuvres well in advance to maintain your vehicle’s momentum. Read the road ahead, anticipate road disruptions, monitor

the movements of pedestrians and other vehicles, and keep a comfortable distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you. These driving techniques will enable you to keep your speed as steady as possible and avoid unnecessary fuel consumption and safety risks.

Image illustrates an automobile speedometer where numerous needles are positioned at a multitude of speeds.

Safety always comes first. Slow down in construction zones and when the weather is bad, and stop fully at stop signs and red lights. You’re on a journey to save money and the environment; make sure you live to enjoy the adventure.

4

Avoid High Speeds Heed the speed limit and save! Most cars, vans, SUVs and pickup trucks operate most fuel efficiently when travelling between 50 and 80 km/h. Above this optimal speed zone, vehicles consume increasingly more fuel the faster they go.

At 120 km/h, a vehicle uses about 20 percent more fuel than at 100 km/h. On a 25-km trip, this spike in speed—and fuel consumption—would cut just two minutes from your travel time. Consider too that high-speed driving is less safe because people behind the wheel do not have adequate time to respond to hazardous situations.

For example, if it takes ten dollars worth of fuel to drive a certain distance at 100 km/h, it would cost 12 dollars (PHP 597.00) to travel that same distance at 120 km/h. That is like throwing a toonie out the window every 100 km.

5

Coast to decelerate As a driver, you often need to apply your brakes to bring your vehicle to a complete stop.

However, by anticipating traffic slowdowns as early as possible, you can decrease your speed, con-

serve fuel and save money by simply taking your foot off the accelerator.

Today, most vehicles are equipped with fuel-injection systems that auto-

matically shut off the flow of fuel to the engine when the accelerator is fully released. In this mode, the decelerating vehicle can be thought of as coasting

and using no fuel. When the engine speed drops to idle, the injection system restarts the flow of fuel to ensure that the engine doesn’t stall.

Coasting to decelerate also reduces wear and tear on your tires and brakes, which in turn reduces your maintenance, repair, and servicing costs.

Juan Manuel Marquez was +700 going into his 2011 bout with Pacquiao. Many ringside observers and fans around the world felt that Marquez won that fight. We all know what happened to Pacquiao in the follow-up to that fight in 2012.

A more recent comparison is Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr. is a +500 underdog going into his May 6 clash with Saul “Canelo” Alvarez. Many experts and fighters have been public in their feelings that Chavez, Jr. has a chance to win this fight.

Expect late money to come in for Horn tightening up this line as the fight nears.

that most of the boxing public and even the boxing purists couldn’t tell you much about him. I fell into that same category a year ago, however, things quickly changed once my client, former three-time, two division world champion, Randall Bailey, met Horn on April 27, 2016, in Brisbane.

Horn was able to control the fight from the opening bell until Bailey retired on his stool after the seventh round. Bailey staggered Horn 20 seconds into the third round with his signature right hand. Horn proved he could recover and persevere en route to a TKO victory.

the Amir Khan fight prior to Ramadan which starts on May 26.” Koncz added, “I continue to work on Amir Khan for October and November.”

Pacquiao’s longtime head trainer Freddie Roach appears to be looking past Horn with comments he made last week.

In a recent interview, Roach told Fox Sports Australia, “The thing is I like this fight [with Horn]. There’s a chance Manny could be fighting Mikey Garcia or Amir Khan or Terence Crawford next. Manny needs a fight like Jeff Horn to get ready for a bigger fight.

Activity has always been the key for Manny and when he’s busy he’s always at his best.

We want activity and me and Manny love to see the world.

I’ve been to Sydney once but never to Brisbane. I’ve been to 36 countries. I have the greatest job in the world training fighters and seeing the world.”

Koncz also told me “This Jeff Horn is something else.

It’s as if he is having flashbacks to the days of teaching school and giving a lecture to his fourth-grade students or something, but someday he will come to the realization that on July 2, it’s a different world. It’s a different arena, it’s the world of professional boxing, where respect is earned through years of dedication to the sport.” Koncz continued, “He (Horn) will be the fourth-grade student getting schooled and wish he was back in a classroom instead of the ring with a true legend.”

If Pacquiao isn’t overconfident, his core team certainly is. Sometimes this has a way of rubbing off on a fighter subconsciously. At 38 years old, it wouldn’t be in Pacquiao’s best interest to buy into the tune-up concept and look past Horn.

in a sport of what have you done lately, Pacquiao is 5-3 in his last eight bouts and hasn’t scored a knockout victory in eight years, going back to his technical knockout victory over Miguel Cotto in 2009 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Pacquiao has clearly faced the tougher competition to date, however, that is the past.

Boxing is a young man’s game and fighters have a habit of getting old in a single fight.

This could and has happened to many fighters that have fought one fight too many or stuck around past their prime.

I’m not saying this is going to be the case for Pacquiao, but it is certainly a viable concern.

The last thing to go for a fighter is power. As referenced above, Pacquiao hasn’t had a knockout in eight years. Pacquiao’s speed and quickness are not what it once was either. Combine this with inactivity and it could be a recipe for Horn’s success. The only opponent that still remains undefeated is Father Time.

HEART... FROM 15

Perception Don’t let Jeff Horn’s gentleman demeanor and sweet disposition fool you. He is neither a gentleman nor sweet once he steps in between the ropes. It’s part of his charm. My opinion is that he plays up the role of the former school teacher all around nice guy. He’s anything but that once the opening bell rings. When I asked the mild-mannered Horn about his thoughts regarding the July 2 fight, he said, “I’m going into the fight of my life. Becoming world champion was my goal from the very beginning of my career. I am fighting an absolute legend, and I not only plan on impressing him but shocking the world in the process.”

Horn possesses the style and skill set that could give Manny Pacquiao a run for his money in Brisbane should the Filipino Senator not be prepared. The only thing predictable about Jeff Horn is his unpredictability. Horn uses angles effectively, an odd and disruptive punching rhythm and he’s a lot stronger than he may look. He applies nonstop pressure and will throw punches from every position.

Horn is also 10 years younger, has a four-inch height advantage and one-inch reach advantage than the champion, Pacquiao.

Horn’s greatest asset is

Apathy Since the speculation of this particular fight began in January, the Pacquiao camp has seemed underwhelmed, to say the least. Many feel the deal struck in December 2016 between Top Rank and Duco Events to co-promote the now WBO heavyweight champion, Joseph Parker, opened the door for Horn, also promoted

by Duco Events to get into the Pacquiao conversation for this fight.

Since then, a very public back and forth ensued as to who and where Pacquiao would be fighting. The bout was originally supposed to take place on April 23 until Amir Khan was brought into the mix of potential opponents. Once it was known the Khan fight was not going to happen, all of sudden, Horn looked attractive again.

To a certain extent, Pacquiao has become Horn’s reluctant dance partner after more attractive options didn’t materialize. Pacquiao and his team seem very unenthusiastic about this fight and have not been shy to express how they feel.

Pacquiao’s advisor, Michael Koncz told me, “From our perspective, this fight got made as a result of our inability to conclude financing for

Timing There is no doubt regarding Pacquiao’s legendary status as one of the greatest boxers of all time, however,

Nothing to Lose This is the fight of Horn’s life. Horn will be unfazed by Pacquiao. It’s not part of his nature. Nothing seems to bother him or put him off his game.

Horn can come into the ring on July 2 with no pressure.

Horn only has to be perfect for one night in front of a potential 50,000 plus audience cheering on their countryman. The one thing I admire about the Australian boxing community is their delusional optimism. In this case, I think it just might rub on Horn.

While in Brisbane last year, I asked Horn’s trainer Glenn Rushton about his training philosophy with Horn and he simply said, “Bite off more than you can chew and then chew like hell.” Many will say that Horn bit off more than he can chew by chasing Pacquiao, but Horn wouldn’t have it any other way.

SPORTS 15

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. VOL.10 10ISSUE ISSUE13 13••THURSDAY, THURSDAY,APRIL APRIL20, 20,2017 2017

HEART OF THE UNDERDOG

UPSETCONSCIOUS. Jeff Horn cannot be underestimated, say boxing experts.

Underestimating Horn could spell trouble for Pacquiao

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OBODY comes to a fight thinking he would lose. That said, underestimating and overlooking Jeff Horn could spell trouble for Manny Pacquiao on July 2 in Brisbane.

Let’s be honest. If your life depended on it, you couldn’t tell me much of anything about Jeff Horn. You probably couldn’t pick him out of a police lineup.

Don’t feel bad, you’re not alone. It’s safe to say the average Australian would fall into this category as well.

Jeff Horn (16-0-1, 11KOs) a former Olympian, having competed on behalf of Australia in the 2012 London games will be challenging for his first world title when he faces Manny Pacquiao (596-2, 38 KOs) on July 2 at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Australia for the World Boxing Organization welterweight title.

Pacquiao has clearly faced the

The Odds Before we get into the analysis, let’s talk about the very first place to look once a fight is announced. The betting sharps in Las Vegas know where the money is going to go based on the opening line and where the public is leaning. If we’ve learned anything from Las Vegas, it’s that the big shiny hotels and casinos that exist at every corner of the strip weren’t built because the casinos lose.

With that being said,

tougher competition and has fought four times as many fights than Horn, the No. 2 world-rated contender in the WBO. However, to Horn’s credit, he has faced 10 top 15-world-rated fighters in his first 17 fights.

Here are the reasons why Pacquiao, the future first-ballot Hall of Famer and first and only fighter to have accumulated eleven world titles in eight weight classes shouldn’t underestimate Jeff Horn.

Saso leads PH Junior Open Y

UKA Saso sizzled with four-under par 68 to take a three-stroke lead over Junia Gabasa while Carl Corpus showed solid form to take control of the boys’ field in Tuesday’s start of the Philippine Junior Amateur Open Golf Championships at the Sherwood Hills Golf Club in Trece Martirez, Cavite.

In a release by the National Golf Association of the Philippines (NGAP), Saso, marked his round with three birdies and an eagle against one more bogey in the next 14 holes as she put her title-retention bid on track while solidifying up her spot in this year’s SEA Games squad The event is the last part of a three-stage selection process for spots in the national team for the biennial event in Malaysia in August.

Saso, reigning national champion, also the World Junior Girls gold medalist in Canada last year, assembled nines of 33-35.

Gabasa is in second spot with 71 (35-36) Harmie Constantino, winner of the WExpress RVF Cup crown, the second national elims, last February, at third with 73 while Kristine Torralba carded a 74 and Kayla Nocum shot a 76 and Nicole Abelar and Korean Yang Ju Young each made a 78 in the event also serving as part of the PLDT Group National Amateur Golf Tour sponsored by the MVP Sports Foundation

and organized and conducted by NGAP. Corpus, the NGAP Doubles winner last year with Yuto Katsuragawa, birdied the last hole to card a 71 and grab a two-stroke lead over Carlo Gatmaytan, who turned in a 73, while defending champion Kim Joo Hyung of Korea struggled in the heat and wind and hobbled with a 74, the same output put in by Ryan Monsalve.

Perry Bucay shot a 75 while Paolo Wong and Weiwei Gao made a pair of 76s to stay in contention in the 72hole championship backed by Cignal and Metro Pacific Investment.

Meanwhile, former national champion Rupert Zaragosa groped with a 75 but still led the Special Division (18-andabove), two clear of Dan Cruz, who had a 77, while Lizbeth Alcantara seized control in the girls’ side with an 8 3 , seven shots clear off Annika Guangko, who skied to 90.

Miguel Ilas shot an and took a twostroke lead over Francis Lanuza, w h o

8 1

had an 83, in the 13-and-below section with Grace Quintanilla carding an 81 to post a 10-shot lead over Daniella Gatti, who struggled with a 91. (PNA) LEADER. Yuka Saso fired a four-under par 68 to take a threestroke lead in the Philippine Junior Amateur Open.

Horn is a clear underdog as expected. Early betting lines have Horn between +500 and +650 according to www.sportsbookreview.com. However, no different than the “public” teams in the NFL, Pacquiao would fall into the same category in the fight game. There is such a thing as public perception vs. sportsbook reality. The numbers don’t lie. Fading the public is profitable. Sportsbooks will always know what side the public is on simply because they are taking the bets. The sharps will be able to pick up on this by following line moves and wager accordingly based on bet percentages and where they can find value. In this case, there is good value in betting on Horn.

For some historical perspective,

FHEART, 14

TOUGH NIGHT. Robin Lopez of Chicago tris to get one up against Amir Johnson of Boston in Game 2.

Bulls make it 2-0 over top-seeded Boston

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OSTON (AP) -- The Chicago Bulls talked often during the regular season about believing they had the personnel to play as a physically imposing team.

Their output has caught up to those desires so far during the postseason.

Jimmy Butler scored 22 points, Rajon Rondo finished one rebound shy of a triple-double and the Bulls beat the Boston Celtics 111-97 on Tuesday night to take a 2-0 lead in their series against the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference.

While some might be shocked by how Chicago has played as a No. 8 seed that was just 41-41, Butler made it clear he’s not one of those folks. ‘’I’m not surprised because everybody’s so locked in right now,’’ said Butler, who added eight rebounds and eight assists.

Rondo had 11 points and

14 assists on a night when all five Bulls starters reached double figures. Dwyane Wade had 22 points, including 16 in the second half, and Robin Lopez added 18 points and eight points. ‘’Everybody’s putting in each work, watching film, working on their game,’’ Butler said. ‘’That’s where your confidence always comes from.’’

The Bulls host Game 3 on Friday.

After a better start by the Celtics, a familiar theme started to take hold as the Bulls took control by again dominating on the offensive glass.

Chicago held a 43-38 rebounding edge for the game.

Isaiah Thomas scored 20 points for Boston.

Boston got within 91-82 early in the fourth before Chicago went on a 14-4 run to push its lead up to 19.

The Celtics did a much better job containing reserve Bobby Portis in Game 2 after

he hurt them with 19 points off the bench in Game 1. But Paul Zipser picked up the slack in Game 2, scoring 16 points in 29 minutes.

After getting thoroughly pushed around underneath in Game 1, the Celtics grabbed the first four rebounds of the night while scoring the game’s first seven points.

That changed quickly, though, as the Bulls responded with a 20-4 run. Boston’s early rebounding edge evaporated just as fast, with all five Bulls starters grabbing an offensive rebound in the first six minutes of action.

Boston shot 46 percent for game, but too many times was just one-and-done in the half court.

Chicago again used its big men to push the Celtics out of the paint and was quicker to the ball in a lot of 50-50 situations. The Bulls outscored the Celtics in the paint 32-20 for the half.

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. 10 ISSUE 13 • THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2017

IT’S SWING TIME 12th Pomelo Tee gets going at Rancho Palos Verdes today

T POMELO TEE. Actions goes full swing today for the 12th Pomelo Tee at the Rancho Palos Verdes. Boy Lim

HE 12th Pomelo Tee hosted by Rancho Palos Verdes Golf and Country Club gets going beginning today (April 27) to Sunday (April 30) at the scenic rolling course in the hills of Cabantian.

The annual tournament will be played under the 36-hole stroke play format for team and individual categories.

Each team is composed of a club member and guest. Crack amateurs from Davao and guest players from all over the country will see action in the prestgious tournament that offers a whopping bonanza for all entries.

Winners will receive specially-designed trophies while six exciting hole-in-one prizes are likewise at stake. A brand

new Mitsubishi Montero Sport, one RPVGC golf share, Royal Caribbean Cruise, P500,000 cash, a brand new motorcycle and one Daikin airconditioner unit.

Proceeds of the tournament will be used to fund the different charitable project of the Pomelo Tee Foudation Inc. Two of the beneficiaries are the Pablo Lorenzo National High School in Mandug and the Teofilo Fernandez NHS in Indangan.

The four-day event is presented by RPVGCC and Pomelo Tee Foundation Inc. The platinum sponsors are the Hexat Mining and Phoenix Petroleum Philippines while the gold sponsors are Hijo Resources Corp., Monark-CAT, Power Up/Petron, Romsan and Steniel Mindanao Packaging.