Edge10 issue136 October 10 2017

VOL. 10 ISSUE 136• TUESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2017

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

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EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

UNPERTURBED. President Duterte gestures while delivering a speech in this undated photo. The President’s net satisfaction and trust ratings dropped according to the latest survey of The Social Weather Stations (SWS). Duterte recorded a gross satisfaction rating of 67 percent while his gross trust rating was higher at 73 percent. Lean Daval Jr.

PARIS-BOUND

Davao choco in world’s biggest event

By ANGIE SAVERON

D

avao-based chocolates will be featured on the up- coming international events ‘The Salon de Chocolat’ in Paris October 28 to November, considered the biggest chocolate event in the world.

This will be followed by the North Western Chocolate Festival in Seattle which will be held on November 9 to November 12, 2017.

Leading the Philippine participants are Malagos Chocolate, Nutra Rich, Rosa-

rio’s Delicacies and Kablon Chocolates from Polomolok.

They will be joined by the Manila-based chocolate Theo And Philo Chocolates, Iraya chocolate from Batanggas and the Ginto Chocolate from Bohol.

“We will also include the Orro chocolate, Laguna based chocolate factory that is getting its beans and quality control in Davao,” Val Tutur, executive director of Cacao Industry Development Association of Mindanao (CDA-

MI) during the Kapehan sa Dabaw on October 9, Monday.

Philippines was able to get one slot in the best cocoa contest in the Salon De Chcoloat.

“Pumili sila ng 50 cacao beans from 170 countries and isa ang Philippines sa kanila napili,” said Tutur.

The signi�icance of this event is that once the beans are labeled as �ine beans, their price will de�initely increase. He said he will attend the event to receive the recog-

nition because he is the one who submitted the entry.

A total of 59 delegates will attend the 5 day convention in Paris On the other hand, the North Western Chocolate Festival and Conference will be held at Seattle USA. The two day conference will discuss the �lavor, characteristics and quali�ies of chocolates and the two day festival will display the products Tutur will present the same Choco-

PARIS, 10

Appreciating our clients Hafele and beautiful Dabawenyo kitchens

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 136• TUESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2017

HARVEST FOR THE DAY. Teenagers carry a big bucket full of fish from a fishing boat onto the beachfront of a coastal community in Brgy. 76-A Bucana, Davao City on Monday. Lean Daval Jr.

PDEA hiring agents Group pushes for permeable for its anti-drug war pavement system in Davao T E he Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency is hiring highly quali�ied professionals with a deep desire to �ight the war against illicit drugs in the country.

PDEA Director General Aaron Aquino said Monday the agency needs highly quali�ied professionals as he announced that there are 373 vacancies to be �illed up.

PDEA has an approved 2,271 regular positions, of which 1,898 are presently �illed-up and deployed nation-

wide.

The list of vacant plantilla positions is published in the of�icial website of the agency – http//.www.pdea.gov.ph.

Interested applicants may send their application letters addressed to Aaron N. Aquino, Director General, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, NIA Northside Road, National Government Center, Barangay Pinyahan, Quezon City.

The necessary documentary requirements must

PDEA, 10

Karlo: PRRD ratings dip nothing to worry about

H

ouse Appropriations Committee Chairman Davao City Representative Karlo Nograles said Monday that President Rodrigo Duterte’s critics are making a mountain out of an anthill as far as the drop in the Chief Executive’s satisfaction and trust ratings are concerned.

“I think we shouldn’t be worried because if we break down the [Social Weather Stations] survey results, putting it in context and considering the satisfaction and trust ratings of previous presidents in previous administrations, President Duterte is still doing very well,” said Nograles.

“While there was obvi-

ously a drop in net satisfaction and trust numbers, the difference is not that huge especially when viewed from the standpoint of gross �igures instead of net �igures,” he pointed out.

Duterte recorded a gross satisfaction rating of 67 percent in September, while his gross trust rating was higher at 73 percent.

“That’s certainly not bad given the challenges that President Duterte has faced recently, particularly the extended war against the Maute terror group in Marawi and the declaration of martial law which he had no choice but to maintain in Mindanao,” stressed the

KARLO, 10

nvironmental group Interface Development Interventions is pushing for a permeable paving system in parking areas, gardens, parks and open spaces to help lessen the surface water runoff during heavy downpour that worsens �looding in urban areas.

IDIS acting executive director Chinkie Pelino-Golle told MindaNews on Sunday that the permeable paving system can also minimize the albedo effect compared to the traditional concrete surfaces that can increase atmospheric heat.

She urged the local government unit (LGU) to create a policy that would encourage establishments to install permeable pavements in place of

pure cement pavements.

She said they will submit a policy paper to the LGU and City Council to consider the use of permeable pavements in drafting the City Development Plan and Infrastructure Development Plan.

“We conducted a study on it and we have validated that here in Davao City, we have establishments that have installed permeable pavements.

They underscored the importance they get from it such as aesthetic, and �looding is lessened in their area,” she said.

She said the concrete pavement loses the ground’s absorptive capacity and traps the rainwater due to its “zero porosity composition” unlike the permeable pavement, which allows rainwater to per-

colate underground.

The permeable pavement is usually made of blocks, bricks, rocks, stones, recycled and other permeable materials.

“Dili na maabsorb ang water kay cemented na halos ang surface sa yuta (The rainwater can no longer be absorbed because the surface is already cemented). If we will install permeable pavements, we are allowing some water to be absorbed by the soil, so �looding will also lessen,” she said.

An IDIS study on “Assessment of Permeable Paving Systems of Selected Establishments in the Central Business District of Davao City” shows that the city’s rapidly increasing urban growth due to migration and rise of population

will demand more construction of establishments leading to massive surface covering of groundwater recharge areas and open spaces.

Citing data from Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the city’s population grew from 1.1 million in 2000, 1.4 million 2010 and 1.6 million in 2015.

The study said establishments will rely mainly on using conventional concrete since construction is quick and easy labor but it poses ecological disadvantages that contributes to stormwater �looding and ponding, atmospheric temperature and air and water pollution.

“Majority of stormwater run-off volume heads directly

statement.

President Rodrigo Duterte had earlier bared the link between illegal drugs and terrorism, showing reporters a matrix of alleged drug lords, dealers, and narco-politicians who provided support to the Maute Group which had taken hold of Marawi City.

Members of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) raided the

rest house of Maasim, Sarangani Mayor Aniceto Lopez Jr. on October 6, 2017 and found PHP5 million worth of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride (locally known as shabu) and a mini-shabu laboratory.

Lopez was not in his rest house during the raid but he surrendered hours later to Senator Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao, who then turned him over to PDEA Director

General Aaron Aquino in General Santos City.

As this developed, Abella called on the public to continue supporting the government’s campaign to eliminate illegal drugs.

“Progress against illegal drugs largely depends on the full support and cooperation of everyone, from the citizens to the church and communities,” Abella said. (PNA)

GROUP, 10

Mayor’s arrest proves hold of ‘narco-politics’-Abella

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he surrender of a mayor in Sarangani Province underscores how deeply entrenched narco-politics is in the Philippines.

“The raid by PDEA operatives of the rest house of the Maasim mayor… proves the administration’s claim that illegal drugs and corruption have captured local politics,” Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said in a

VOL. 10 ISSUE 136• TUESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2017

EDGEDAVAO

NEWS 3

8 collectors, 30 execs axed in BOC revamp B

DRUMMING UP. Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) spokesperson Florante Solmerin, together with PCSO-Mindanao department manager Gloria Ybañez, talks about the agency’s upcoming forum where its services and

health programs will be discussed set on October 19.Solmerin and Ybañez also promoted the expanded small town lottery during Kapehan sa Dabaw at the Annex of SM City Davao. Lean Daval Jr.

ureau of Customs Commissioner Isidro Lapeña has relieved eight district collectors and 30 section chiefs from the different ports in the country.

In a Customs Personnel Order issued last week, the BOC chief ordered the replacement of the following port heads: Elvira Cruz of Port of Cebu; Romeo Rosales of Port of San Fernando; Julius Premediles of Port of Limay; Jose Naig of Port of Iloilo; Carmelita Talusan of Port of Subic; Divina Garrido of Port of Legazpi; Halleck Valdez of Port of Zamboanga; and Tomas Alcid of Port of Aparri.

The order comes after Lapeña’s earlier pronouncement that he will be relieving any of�icer who will disregard his marching order to stop corruption and benchmarking in their respective ports.

In separate CPOs issued last month, 30 section chiefs from the Formal Entry Divi-

sions of the Port of Manila and Manila International Container Port were also relieved from their post and were reassigned to various provincial collection districts of the BOC. Lapeña has designated the respective FED assistant chiefs of the said two ports as acting chiefs.

The Customs chief has repeatedly asked BOC personnel to stop the practice of “tara” and to immediately do away with “benchmarking” and instead apply the correct valuation of goods.

“I personally monitor the ports including its daily collection performance and it is apparent from the records that benchmarking is still being used in the assessment of duties and taxes. This has to stop immediately,” he said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Lapeña announced the entry of some Philippine Drug Enforcement

he ongoing public debate on whether or not depression is a serious condition only proves that Filipinos need to be educated more when it comes to matters pertaining to mental health, said House Appropriations Committee Chairman Davao City Representative Karlo Nograles.

Nograles was referring to the recent outburst of public opinion regarding noontime TV show host and comedian Joey de Leon’s apparent branding of depression as a �igment of the imagination.

Speci�ically, De Leon said during a segment of their popular noontime show: “Yung

depression, gawa-gawa lang ng mga tao ‘yan. Gawa lang nila sa sarili nila.”

His co-host, Maine Mendoza a..k.a. Yaya Dub, felt compelled to correct the veteran celebrity by telling him that depression was no joke and that those suffering from it, especially the youth, need moral support. De Leon replied, “Huwag niyo suportahan, gawa-gawa lang niya yun.”

Nograles noted that according to the Department of Health (DOH), depression is a form of mental illness, as well as schizophrenia and anxiety.

“In fact, the Health Department says that 20 percent

PHL apologizes for placing Nograles says depression should not be taken lightly wrong China logo in event T Mistake occurred during handover of riffles, ammo

T

he Department of National Defense of the Republic of the Philippines has apologized to the People’s Republic of China for the “grievous but purely unintentional mistake of using a wrong logo on a banner to represent the Ministry of National Defense of the People’s Republic of China” during the handover of ri�les and ammunition last October 5.

The apology was bared in a press statement released by Arsenio R. Andolong, DND Public Affairs Service chief.

The statement reads: “During the handover ceremony of ri�les and ammunition on 5 October 2017, the Department of National Defense committed a grievous but purely unintentional mistake of using a wrong logo on a banner to represent the

House body cites Imee Marcos’ friend, 2 others for contempt

T

he House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability on Monday cited in contempt Mark Chua, a Singaporean businessman and long-time boyfriend of Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos, for repeatedly snubbing the probe on the alleged tobacco funds misuse of the provincial government.

Committee chair Johnny Pimentel said Chua was responsible for the purchase transactions of motor vehicles from Granstar Motors and Industrial Corporation.

“Siya ang nag-transact.

Siya ang gumawa ng kalokohan na ito. (He was the one who transacted with (Granstar). He started this mischief.),” Pimentel said in a press conference.

Granstar Motors was the supplier of the 40 mini cabs, �ive buses and 70 Foton mini

cabs purchased by the Ilocos Norte Government allegedly through cash advances amounting to PHP66.45 million using the tobacco excise tax collection share of farmers in the province.

Aside from Chua, the committee also issued a contempt citation to Granstar Motors vice-president for operations Gilbert Suribas and Chua’s personal secretary, Aileen Mendoza.

Pimentel said his committee has already established that there are anomalous transactions in the purchase of motor vehicles that violated the provisions in Republic Act No.7171 (An Act to Promote the Development of the Farmer in the Virginia Tobacco Producing Provinces), RA 9184 (Government Procurement Reform Act), and COA Circular 97-002 (on Cash Advance). (PNA)

Ministry of National Defense of the People’s Republic of China.”

“We have issued an of�icial apology to the government and the people of the People’s Republic of China through His Excellency Zhao Jianhua, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the Philippines. “ We are fully cognizant and grateful for the support that the govern-

ment of the People’s Republic of China has been providing us and we reiterate that the DND and the AFP strictly adhere to the One China policy as espoused by the Philippine Government.

“It is our sincere hope that this unfortunate incident will not affect the cooperative and friendly relations between our two countries which has grown over the past year.”

8, 10

NOGRALES, 10

INCOMING SALE. SM City Davao marketing manager Pinky Hinong (right) and SM Department Store Alex dela Peña promote the mall’s forthcoming 3-day sale set on October 13 to 15during Kapehan sa Dabaw on Monday. Lean Daval Jr.

EDGEDAVAO

4 ECONOMY

VOL. 10 ISSUE 136• TUESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2017

PH-Japan currency swap: Protection vs. future risk

A

WORLD MARKETS. Cacao Industry Development Association of Mindanao Inc. (CIDAMI) executive director Val Turtur says Europeans and Japanese chocolate makers are eyeing to import the cacao and cacao-based products

from the Philippines. Turtur made the disclosure during Kapehan sa Dabaw at the Annex of SM City Davao on Monday where he promoted this year’s Davao Chocolate Festival. Lean Daval Jr.

ranking Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas of�icial said the Philippines continues to have strong liquidity position but renewed its currency swap with Japan for possible needs in the future.

BSP Deputy Governor Diwa Guinigundo said the latest Bilateral Swap Agreement, is the fourth between the two countries but stressed that “the Philippines does not need it at this point.”

“It is a con�idence-building tool, a form of insurance against potential risks in the future,” he told PNA in a Viber message.

The third BSA took effect in October 2014 and expired last October 5.

Guinigundo said the latest deal comes with some enhancements such as “allowing drawdowns in yen in addition to US dollars and increase IMF (International Monetary Fund) delinked portion from 30 to 40 percent.”

DTI pushes for product certification in Region 11

Davao City’s biodiesel T plant sustains operation

T

he Biodiesel Fuel Plant continues to provide 1,000 liters of fuel daily since its launching last August. The plant’s operation is still under pilot test providing fuel for the city’s garbage trucks and 30 public utility vehicles.

“The capacity of the processing plant is only good for 1,000 L per day so we stick to that amount of used cooking oil for our daily collection,” CENRO supervising environmental management special-

ist Dolly Remojo said.

Remojo said if there is a second shift for the processing of the biodiesel fuel then they could collect more used cooking oil.

However, this would put too much strain on the machine. The city government launched the biodiesel plant in August this year with a 1000L processing capacity.

Unless there is additional equipment at the plant, then that’s the maximum processing capacity for now.

“Of the 1,000 liters of used cooking oil processed, the output is 90 percent while the remaining 10 percent is considered wastage but is still mixed with compost,” Remojo said.

The city collects the used cooking oil from 45 establishments in the city, most of them fast food chains. Only four barangays have participated in the project including Sasa, Mintal, and Hizon.

While the project was launched in Barangay Crossing Matina, the collection in

the said barangay has not been pursued due to the lack of donations from the area.

The processed biodiesel fuel is used to fuel six of CENRO’s garbage trucks and vehicles plus the Mighty Might which was described as a small backhoe.

The plant is located at the City Environment and Natural Resources Of�ice composting facility in Maa and is still limited to processing 1,000 liters of fuel per day due to machine capacity. (Lovely Carillo/PNA)

country will soon have an interconnected electronic retail payment system,” said the Bankers Association of the Philippines (BAP) president Nestor Tan. The newly organized body is the product of a mutual agreement between BSP and BAP to create a shared clearing and settlements system for the Philippine �inancial system. The PPMI not only includes banks as the BSP targets to increase electronic retail payment transactions to twenty percent (20%) by 2020, the PPMI will help ensure that the playing �ield among �inancial service providers in the country is competitive and responsive to the needs of the consumers.

“With the advent of technology, the PPMI can help in recommending policies to

the BSP and various agencies towards a more �inancially inclusive economic system for the Filipinos through cooperation and competition from various �inancial service providers,” Tan said.

The NRPS is expected to help Filipinos access �inancial services and carry out �inancial transactions anytime and anywhere at a reasonable price through the use of innovative technology that will enhance the safety, speed and convenience of delivering �inancial services by the �inancial service providers on one hand, and of the availment of such services by the consumers on the other. The NRPS is positioned to aid the gradual transition of the Philippine �inancial industry from a cashheavy to a cash-lite economy bene�iting various stakeholders by providing faster �inan-

cial transaction processes and services in the Philippine market.

“It will also play a vital role to progress �inancial inclusion in the country, especially in areas not accessible by regular bank branches. We want to provide more options where the public can conduct their �inancial transactions,” Tan added.

The Philippine Payments Management, Inc. was registered with the SEC on August 30, 2017 to support the National Retail Payment System Policy Framework of the BSP, which was launched in December 2015. The NRPS framework is the �lagship program of the BSP to modernize the country’s payment system as it aims to create a safe, ef�icient, and reliable retail payment system in the Philippines.

Bankers form PPMI to support national payment

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he Philippine Payments Management, Inc. (PPMI) which was established following the approval of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is set to assist the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) in implementing initiatives for the National Retail Payment System (NRPS).

The PPMI will act as a supporting body of the BSP by monitoring proper implementation and progress of NRPS to achieve its endgoal of a more accessible and competitive �inancial system through digitization of �inancial transactions.

“PPMI will organize direct clearing participants into a self-governing body and assist the BSP in overseeing the development and operations of the retail payment system.

It will help ensure that the

Last Friday, the BSP said it signed with the Minister of Finance of Japan, through the Bank of Japan, the Restatement Agreement for the third BSA. In a joint statement, the central banks said the deal “enables the Philippines to swap its local currency against Japanese yen, in addition to US dollars of up to USD 12 billion equivalent for the Philippines and USD 500 million for Japan.”

“The authorities of both countries believe that the strengthened bilateral �inancial cooperation will contribute to the stability of �inancial markets, promote the use of local currency including the Japanese Yen in Asia in the medium term, and thereby further develop growing economic and trade ties between the Philippines and Japan,” it added.

The BSA allows both central banks to tap the deal once they experience liquidity crunch. (PNA)

he Department of Trade and Industry in Davao Region has further strengthened its commitment towards product standards, as it continuously carry out initiatives to campaign for the Bureau of Philippines Standards’ Product Certi�ication Scheme.

Through its Consumer Protection Division, the agency spearheaded the Seminar on Product Standards here recently.

With the theme, “Standards Make Cities Smarter,” the activity served as a venue to provide information awareness on the Republic Act 4109 or Standards Law and various DTI issuance.

These include the following: •Department Administrative Order No. 04:2008, “The New Rules and Regulations Concerning the Philippine Standard (PS) Quality and/or Safety Certi�ication Mark Scheme of the Bureau of Philippine Standard;” •Department Administrative Order No. 05:2008, “The New Rules and Regulations Concerning the Issuance of the Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) under the Product Certi�ication Mark Scheme of the Bureau of Philippine Standards;” •Department Administrative Order No. 1501:2015, “Guidelines on the Mandatory Marking, Labeling and Packaging for Delisted Products under the Philippine Standard (PS) Quality and/or Safety Certi�ication Mark Scheme;” and, •Department Administrative Order No. 1705:2017, “New Guidelines for Mandatory Certi�ication

of Portland Cement and Blended Hydraulic Cement with Pozzolan Covered

by PNS 07:2005 and PNS 63:2006, respectively.

The said seminar is part of the celebration of the National Standards Week on October 8 to 14 and World Standards Day on October 14.). It also kicked off the region’s 2017 Consumer Welfare Month celebration.

Stakeholders from both the public and private sectors representing the construction and hardware industry, consumer organizations and academic institutions were among the 175 participants of the one-day activity.

The three resource persons from the Bureau of Philippine Standards (BPS) discussed the importance of Product Certi�ication Scheme and the Philippine National Standards’ (PNS) requirements on the mandatory markings and labeling for the electrical and electronic products, mechanical/ building and construction materials and chemical and other consumer products under this system.

“This campaign will heighten retailer and consumer awareness and vigilance for quality and safe products,” Ambi said.

For more information about product standards and other consumer-related concerns, anyone may visit DTI-Davao Regional Of�ice at 4F Mintrade Realty Building, corner Monteverde and Sales Streets, Davao City.

They may also contact them through landline number (082) 224-0511, local 417 and 420 (Consumer Protection Division). (DTI)

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 136• TUESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2017

ECONOMY 5

DTI says livelihood fair to help generate growth

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he launch of the Trabaho, Negosyo, Kabuhayan, a job and business fair, here on Friday is one of the measures the Duterte administration is implementing to ensure that all sectors of society will bene�it as the economy is experiencing growth of 6.5 percent in the second quarter, the fastest in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations .

Department of Trade and Industry Sec. Ramon Lopez said economic growth should be inclusive.

At the TNK opening, he said: “A lot of good things are happening, investments are coming in, economic growth is at 6.5 percent. You’ve heard of Dutertenomics, this is the summary of the 10-point socio-economic agenda of the government of President Duterte that basically tries to widen the gain of the growth of our country.”

The TNK, which ends on October 10, is a joint program of DTI and the Department of Labor and Employment.

Lopez stressed that these gains are not just for a few, but most importantly for those who really need the government’s help.

“We really want to bring development, growth, and prosperity for all. We want to

empower those who belong to the bottom of the pyramid because empowering them is empowering the nation. This is the passion of the current government, this is the core of the TNK program,” he said.

Lopez also mentioned positive growth in some key sectors of the economy.

“We are very happy that aside from the 6.5 percent economic growth, the manufacturing sector is growing by 7-8 percent but used to be growing by only 2 percent growth rate in the past years.

Investment, as share to the Gross Domestic Product (GPD), is the one pulling up our economy growing by +20 percent,” he said.

The export sector, according to Lopez, has also turned around from -5 percent to about +15 percent growth, and the same with agriculture from negative to +6 percent growth.

The business con�idence index has also reached 43 percent.

“These numbers were very low before, so you can feel the economic growth of our country is enjoying,” he said.

But what is important, Lopez said, is President Rodrigo Duterte’s standing order to ensure that these gains reach the masses.(PNA)

NEA seeks private sector entry in PH electrification

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he National Electri�ication Administration on Friday gathered some 290 representatives from 113 electric cooperatives to tackle the industry’s pressing concerns and draft a policy that would allow private investors to establish micro-grid systems in areas rural areas.

The proposal is part of the country’s rural electri�ication program.

The Electricity Forum was held at the NEA Headquarters in Quezon City.

NEA Administrator Edgardo Masongsong wanted to make sure that the arrangement would be amenable to the electric cooperatives (ECs) and their member-consumer-owners for the speedy implementation of the REP. “We have long been under the electric cooperative system.

Some ECs have been around for the last 30 years and some up to 48 years. Why is it that we are still relying on the government to provide a budget for electri�ication?” Masongsong asked.

This is the reason why there is a need to draft a policy which will entail the participation of private companies to energize service areas where the ECs cannot, according to Masongsong.

In effect, the new policy will follow the same principles as that of the Quali�ied Third Party (QTP) mechanism of the Department of Energy (DOE)

for investors who are interested in putting up generation and distribution in far-�lung areas of the country.

Atty. Goldelio Rivera, NEA Deputy Administrator for EC Management Services, clari�ied that the waiver being sought is only temporary and limited to the rights and obligations of an electric cooperative to provide electricity services over certain areas.

The proposed guidelines were met with mixed reactions from the stakeholders and some had reservations citing fears that it might lead to unfair competition in the long run.

The NEA chief took all these reactions into account and asked National Association of General Managers of Electric Cooperatives (Nagmec) President Sergio Dagooc to come up with a �inal draft of the ECs’ collective stand on the issue.

Masongsong expects their output in two weeks before the NEA �inalizes its proposed guidelines and maintains that for now, NEA is standing by its argument that although rural electri�ication is a government program, it has to be supported with public funds.

“If government will not fund it, will not subsidize it, then the dream of achieving 100 percent electri�ication in the country will never be realized unless the private sector will really invest in it even if it’s a losing proposition,” Masongsong said. (PNA)

SUCCESSFUL. Davao Agri Trade Expo 2017 chairman Engr. Wilfred Teves (left) and programs committee’s John Carlo Tria say that exhibitors posted more than P436 million in sales during the event. Teves and Tria provided

the terminal DATE report during Kapehan sa Dabaw at the Annex of SM City Davao on Monday. Lean Daval Jr.

Lapeña bares 5-point reform plan for BOC

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ommissioner Isidro Lapeña of the Bureau of Customs has vowed to eliminate the “tara” system, increase revenue collections, and strengthen the government’s anti-smuggling efforts while improving the incentives and rewards systems for employees as part of the �ivepoint priority program he has begun implementing at the revenue agency.

In his report to Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, Lapeña said that topping his priority list is to weed out corruption at the BOC, which he plans to do by implementing the “no tara, no gift and notake” policy at the bureau.

His �ive-point program, Lapeña said, involves the following: 1) stopping corruption, 2) increasing revenues, 3) ensuring trade facilitation 4) strengthening anti-smuggling efforts, and 5) enhancing the personnel incentives, rewards system and compensation bene�its for BOC personnel.

Lapeña informed Dominguez that the use of the customs green lane, where imports undergo only minimal inspection and veri�ication, continues to be suspended, with all x-ray inspection machines being used 24/7.

“The default lane for inspections is the red lane and so far there have been no reports

of congestion,” Lapeña reported to Dominguez during a recent Department of Finance (DOF) Executive Committee (ExeCom) meeting.

Goods passing through the red lane undergo two levels of inspection to ensure tighter security checks, he said.

Lapeña has also made good on his promise to implement the “one-strike” policy at the BOC, which has led to the relief of the district collectors in the Port of Manila and the Manila International Container Port (MICP) and further recommendations to likewise remove other personnel in these two of�ices.

He has also ordered surprise visits and inspections in Manila’s ports, which led to the arrest of an MICP security guard and two of his accomplices, who were all caught in the act of receiving money from truck drivers last September 30.

The collection being done by the MICP guard and his cohorts, has led to the long line of trailer trucks and container vans passing through the MICP gates, Lapeña said.

BOC of�icials and employees will also be subjected to lifestyle checks, Lapeña said.

To increase revenue collections, Lapeña said he will,

rowing cacao is a serious business, according to the chief executive of�icer of the Valhrona Chocolates, who joined farmers and other stakeholders for a two-day conference in Iloilo City which ended Friday afternoon.

In an interview at the “Cacao link: Technology and Business Conference,” Benjamin Figarede, who travelled all the way from France, said that he received cacao (cocoa) samples through the help of the Department of Trade and Industry.

“My presence here is to discover cocoa from here and the whole industry and seek for purchase and partnership opportunities for the future,” he said.

Philippines was not listed as among his company’s current sources for processed cocoa. However, he eyed to source between 50 to 300 tons

of processed cacao starting this year up to three years.

“There’s a strong possibility that cacao from the Philippines will be a great projection in the future. You have just learned about the process of doing good quality and apply it strictly; what needs to be one and be serious. Cocoa is a serious business,” he said.

“It seems a very good industry is rising,” he added.

Meantime, Valente Turtur, chairman of the Philippine Cacao Industry Council, said that Panay Island has a “great potential” for cacao.

He underscored that Ilonggos are known to be industrious and a lot of them even went to Mindanao to look for farms to cultivate.

He cited that a huge area in Panay can be potential for cacao, particularly those that were once planted with sugar-

cane but now are just left idle.

A cacao geotagging done by the University of the Philippines in the Visayas with the help of the German Cooperation revealed that Panay Island currently has 252 cacao farms with around 197, 718 trees.

Turtur is expecting that more farmers will embark in growing cacao in the next two to three years. He said that for commercial purposes, one needs an area of more than �ive hectares but they could also start with half or one hectare.

He said the market for cacao is growing. In the Philippines, demand is around 50,000 metric tons but the supply is only around 12,000 metric tons.

“We import much of these cocoa preparations (processed cocoa), ready to consume from Malaysia and Indonesia. It’s ironic that we have good fer-

tile soil, we are more advance in technology but it seems the awareness is lacking,” he said.

The Asian market, meanwhile, grows between 7 to 11 percent annually while the world market is at two percent.

“The market is there and it is stronger not only for consumption but for cosmetics, medicinal products. There is a potential and there is a positive outlook in the market,” he cited.

The two-day conference tackled nursery establishment, post-harvest processing and chocolate making. There was also a hands-on demonstration on plant propagation and chocolate making culminating with chocolate tasting.

Turtur emphasized that they are not only after cacao farmers growing the commodity but ensuring that they produce �ine cocoa �lavor.(PNA)

LAPEÑA, 10

Choco CEO inspires farmers to grow cacao G

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Davao City turns used cooking oil into fuel

T

he processing of used cooking oil into biofuel at the Bio Diesel Fuel Plant (BDFP) in the city has proven to be sustainable since its launching about three months ago.

“The BDFP has been processing 1,000 Liters of used cooking oil into biodiesel fuel on a daily basis,” said Dolly Remojo, supervising environ-

mental management specialist of the City Environment and Natural Resources Of�ice (CENRO).

The BDFP, located at the CENRO composting facility in Maa , formally started processing of used cooking oil into bio diesel fuel last August.

The main reason for putting up the BDFP is to discourage establishments such as

those in the fast food industry, from reusing or selling their used cooking oil. The indiscriminate disposal of cooking oil has also been identi�ied as one of the factors for clogged drainage and canal systems in the city.

“We have not really monitored whether or not people have stopped throwing their used cooking oil in the canals

but we have noticed an improvement in some of these canals which used to be polluted with used cooking oil,” Remojo said.

Remojo said they are able to collect up to 1,000 liters of used cooking oil from their partners every day. Only 90 percent of the used cooking oil are converted into bio diesel fuel while the remaining

he Aboitiz Group vowed to achieve its goal of providing 4,000 megawatts of attributable new sellable capacity by 2020 highlighting its continued effort to hit the target in three years.

Anton Mari Perdices of the AboitizPower Distribution Group even hinted at exploring opportunities overseas aside from the local renewable projects already in the pipeline.

He said this is the

Group’s strategy to seek out investment prospects in the ASEAN region. Perdices is looking at keeping the balanced mix strategy.

“We believe that the long-term energy security of the country can be solved by balancing sustainability, accessibility, and reliability of power,” he stressed.

Aboitiz is also looking forward to the full implementation of Open Access, which it believed they are well-positioned to compete.

Perdices is referring to the full implementation of the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM).

In Mindanao, the Department of Energy is looking at the second quarter of 2018 to go full blast in implementing WESM. WESM is providing a competitive and transparent power market for Mindanao electricity consumers. It will lead Mindanao closer to the ful�illment of the intent to restructure the electric

power industry in terms of ef�iciency, greater innovation, end-user choice, and returns to investments.

“We �irmly believe that it is our responsibility to give the end user the power of choice - the power to choose his power supplier and the type of power he will consume,” Perdices emphasized.

In Mindanao, Perdices said the Group’s distribution utilities Davao Light and

B

working group on ASEAN taxation initiatives.

In a text message over the weekend, acting Bohol provincial administrator Mitchel John Boiser con�irmed this development, noting that that the meeting will be held from October 23 to 25 in Panglao island, where the two previ-

ous ASEAN conventions were also staged.

This early, security forces will again be called upon to arrange the security plans for the event.

In the previous meetings, no less than 3,000 personnel were deployed to secure delegates while the conferences

were going on.

This year, Panglao has hosted two ASEAN meetings and the 34-nation Asia Cooperation Dialogue spearheaded by the Energy Department.

No-�ly and no-sail zones are again expected to be implemented near the meeting venue. (Dave Albarado/PNA)

10 percent is used for CENRO’s composting.

She said the machine is capable of processing only 1,000 liters of used cooking oil per shift. While it is possible to operate the machine for two shifts daily, they decided to operate on single shift only to avoid straining the machine.

The city government has

partnered with 45 establishments and four barangays from where they collect the used cooking oil daily. Among the barangays that have continued their contribution to the project are barangays Mintal, Sasa, and Hizon.

The processed bio-diesel fuel is used by CENRO for its garbage trucks and a small backhoe. CIO

Aboitiz eyes 4,000 MW in 2020 DTI chief, biz group

T

ABOITIZ, 13

Bohol to host 3rd ASEAN meeting

ohol, primed as a top destination for conferences, is now preparing to host another Association of Southeast Asian Nations meeting later this month.

The event, which is the third ASEAN gathering to be held in Bohol this year, will be a conclave of a technical

pay tribute to SyCip T rade Secretary Ramon Lopez paid homage on Monday to the late business leader Washington SyCip, who passed away on Saturday.

Lopez recognized the contribution of SyCip in pursuing social development initiatives that bene�itted many Filipinos.

“We are saddened to hear of the passing of an inspiring Filipino icon, who has transcended beyond the business circles as he pursued social development initiatives that bene�it the Filipino people,” he said.

“Mr. Washington SyCip was truly a man for others, and his age did not limit him from pursuing his passion to empower others,” the trade chief added.

SyCip died at the age of 96 while on board a Philip-

pine Airlines �light to Vancouver, according to the SGV & Co. accounting �irm founded by SyCip. Likewise, the Makati Business Club (MBC) recognized SyCip’s in�luence on he business community.

SyCip was a trustee of MBC since it was organized in 1981 until 1994.

“Mr. SyCip helped build the SGV, one of the country’s most important businesses and helped found AIM, its premier business school,” MBC said a statement.

“He advised captains of industry, Philippine presidents and many others who bene�itted from his wisdom. Makati Business Club and many of its members bene�itted greatly from his generosity,” the business group added.

(PNA)

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The Gandingan Specialties in Picong, Lanao del Sur is the top stopover among travelers plying the Cotabato-Pagadian route. In this photo taken on noontime Friday, October 6, 2017, customers flock to order grilled chicken and fish. MIndanews Photo

siege: Death, PCSO loses millions in STL Marawi destruction, deadlines earnings to illegal gambling M

T

he Philippine Charity Sweepstake Of�ice (PCSO is losing an estimated P300 million in revenues from the Small Town Lottery (STL) operations to illegal gambling operators in Mindanao.

PCSO spokesperson Florente Solmerin said these loses should have been intended for charity funds. He said this is the reason why PCSO is strongly campaigning against illegal gambling and sought the support of the Philippine National Police (PNP) to help eradicate illegal operations such as jueteng, masiao, illegal swertres and last two.

While the PCSO and the PNP are seeing good results from the campaign against illegal gambling, Solmerin said there are still operations surfacing using STL as their front.

He told reporters during the Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Annex Monday that illegal gambling in Mindanao is not worst as that in Luzon.

Solmerin cited improvement in STL revenues with P1.1 billion earnings monthly compared to previous records at P400 million monthly.

Mindanao has 75 STL operators of the 92 approved by PCSO. PCSO Deputy Manager in Mindanao Gloria Ybanez underscored the STL’s bene�its to giving employment to Filipinos.

She said that in Mindanao alone, STL operations created 10,318 jobs.

According to Ybanez, the revenues of PCSO are distributed to prizes for the winners which make up 55 percent; 15 percent for the operating expenses of

PCSO; and the 30 percent for the charity funds.

Ybanez said the medical assistance is PCSO’s top brand product.

From January to September, this year, PCSO already shelled out P44 million for the hospital and medicine needs of 1,800 patients-bene�iciaries in Mindanao.

So far, Ybanez said PCSO is giving medical assistance amounting to P8.9 million daily.

But with increased revenues, PCSO records P13.55 million in medical assistance given to patients.

She said a patient is given of up to P50,000 in medical assistance per year. “We try to accommodate every patient,” she said.

Providing medical assistance to patients is one of the

two mandates given to them by President Rodrigo Duterte. The other one is to eradicate corruption within PCSO. PCSO is also streamlining the process to make assistance accessible by putting up onestop-shops in three hospitals in Mindanao.

In Davao Region, one-stopshop desks are located at Southern Philippines Medical Center in Davao City, Brokeshire Hospital in Davao City, and the Davao Regional Hospital in Tagum, Davao del Norte wherein patients or their authorized dependents no longer go directly to PCSO of�ices to queue. And to educate the public on PCSO’s services, Solmerin said PCSO will be holding the STL forum on October 19. (Lilian C. Mellejor/ PNA)

uspected New People’s Army rebels killed a farmer in Magpet, North Cotabato whom they tagged as an informant of the 39th IB, police said.

The police station of Magpet, North Cotabato identi�ied the victim as Bebs Nero Quino, 32.

Quino was inside a cockpit in Barangay Balite when three unidenti�ied men who identi�ied themselves as NPA rebels approached and brought him just a few meters away from the

area.

Minutes later, residents heard gunshots and saw his lifeless body of Quino, police added.

Police quoted a witness as saying that after making sure their target was dead, the gunmen took the his motorcycle and later brought it to his house in Barangay Kamada.

The witness, a relative of the victim, added that the gunmen told the wife what they did to her husband.

In a text message sent to a radio station here, the sender who said he was the witness expressed his frustration over what happened.

“The rebels should have done more investigation on the victim’s alleged links to the 39th IB before they executed him. Many times the victim had proved the allegations against him were wrong, yet, they still killed him,” the witness said in Cebuano.

Quino was the second

person reported to have been killed by the NPA in Magpet this month.

On October 3, alleged rebels shot dead Kagawad Valeriano Birondo of Barangay Mahongkog.

Birondo was on his way to his farm when waylaid by suspected rebels. He sustained gunshot wounds in the head and chest.

The NPA has yet to issue a statement on the killings. (Malu Cadelina Manar/MindaNews)

Suspected rebels kill farmer in NorthCot S

ilitary operations against the ISIS-inspired militants in this besieged city have resulted not just in hundreds of casualties and massive destruction due to intense close quarter battles and aerial bombardment but have also been marked by unmet, self-imposed deadlines.

The siege started on May 23, and despite their edge in numbers and �irepower Philippine security forces have time and again failed to meet several deadlines to decimate the militants or drive them out of Marawi.

On Monday last week, Western Mindanao Command’s

Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr. predicted that the siege will end in 15 days.

Last August 28, the same of�icial had said that they will wrap up the con�lict in two to three weeks.

Armed Forces Chief of Staff General Eduardo Ano, in a press conference in Cagayan de Oro City on June 11, said “konting pasensiya na lang” (just a little patience) was needed.

Military spokespersons had issued similar statements to reporters during brie�ings at the Lanao del Sur provincial capitol complex.

During the press brie�ing

MARAWI, 10

DPWH, city gov’t speed up work in Davao’s landslide area

T

he city government’s engineering of�ice is closely coordinating with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in road clearing and stabilizing the landslide area along Carlos P. Garcia Highway that remains close to traf�ic since Friday.

The closure of the portion of the highway has caused monstrous traf�ic along the stretch of McArthur Highway leaving drivers not to ply their usual routes.

Engr. Joseph Dominic Felizarta, head of the City Engineer’s Of�ice (CEO), said his of�ice is closely coordinating with the DPWH giving assistance and ensuring that similar inci-

dent would not happen again.

DPWH is undertaking the road widening of Carlos P. Garcia more known as Diversion Road.

“Since it is a project of the DPWH, all we can do is to give assistance. For now, our engineers are in the area to help the DPWH in assessing the situation,” Felizarta said.

He said the CEO also made sure that residents near the landslide area will be transferred permanently. A total of 48 families were forced to evacuate following the landslide Thursday night.

City Social Services and Development Of�ice (CSSDO)

DPWH, 10

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 136• TUESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2017

EDITORIAL

Is the honeymoon over?

T

he numbers are down. Yes, both President Rodrigo Duterte’s net satisfaction and trust ratings are down.

According to the latest Social Weather Stations survey, the President’s net satisfaction has slid by 18 points, falling to the “good” level in the third quarter. The SWS survey also saw a decline in the President’s net trust ratings which fell to +60 or “very good,” 15 points lower than the +75 or “excellent” in the previous quarter.

President Duterte obtained a net satisfaction rating of +48, 18 points lower than the “very good” net satisfaction rating of +66 in June 2017.

This is the lowest on record during Duterte’s term, and the �irst time his net satisfaction rating fell below the +60 mark. In the trust rating, out of all the respondents of the survey, 73 percent said they had “much trust,” 15 percent were “undecided,” and 12 percent had “little trust” in Duterte.

The interpretations by most observers--from experts to your armchair analysts--say the dip in the ratings point to the bloody drug war, the killing of young and innocent civilians by police operatives and the smuggling in the Bureau of Customs have all contributed to the

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decline.

Looking back at the time he ran for President, he did warn the people that if elected, he will launch a bloody drug war. He did dish out the warning. He also promised a radical change in governance. He did that as well. In the course of instituting reforms, inevitably there would be some changes that will hurt. The drug war too would necessarily have some collateral damage.

Over a year into the presidency, the honeymoon could be over.

Expectedly, the numbers will be going down and will eventually settle somewhere. That’s typical of Filipinos. Under a new President, there is always that atmosphere of fresh, vibrant hopes. Until it comes to the end of the honeymoon stage and people start to become impatient and adamant to change.

In the case of President Duterte, he has time and again said he is not concerned of the ratings for as long as he does his job.

For now, the numbers are still fairly in his favor over those who are against him. Technically, he is still up there and still “good” in the eyes of many.

EDGEDAVAO

I

VANTAGE POINTS

9

Have bloggers and influencers become the people’s voice?

n the aftermath of the hearing on “fake news” last week, I must say that this is the �irst time in my life that I have seen legislation being proposed to control media and our right to free expression.

First, the hearings main �law was its inability to suf�iciently de�ine fake news. as it progressed, one after another so called expert came forward to accuse the bloggers present of misinformation, inaccuracy and deliberate lying- all meaning to ascribe fake news to them as though only they may be guilty of such. No de�inition.

If anything, they tried to frame it as a sin only bloggers RJ Nieto (Thinking Pinoy) and Mocha Uson can commit, despite the hearing being called for another character named Cocoy Dayao to testify on supposed statements being made against senators.

In sum, the Senators in the hearing failed to nail the composed Nieto and Mocha Uson. Instead,

I

VOL. 10 ISSUE 136• TUESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2017

n prewar times, there were observations saying the developments occurring in Davao during American rule were signs the Japanese were covertly transforming the city into a Japanese colony. Two of the factors that support this claim were the existing socio-economic clout and the demographic growth of Japanese migrant population, which the American and Filipino authorities thought were alarming.

William H. Anderson, a businessman who joined the U.S. Army in 1898 and stayed in the country for four decades, wrote that in contrast to American policy in the archipelago, which was a “hodgepodge of missionary ardor, altruistic motives, irresolute nationalism and corroding paternalism,” he was forthright in saying: “The Japanese in Davao are running a practically independent state.’

Unlike the Chinese migrant community which was intensely focused in building businesses, like cornering the harvests of small abaca plantations and using pre-harvest loans to oblige local peasants to sell their farm produce to them, the Japanese took a more proactive agenda. The abaca plantations they controlled served as lucrative source of income back

they overplayed a vindictive hand used to shame them, baselessly admonishing them that they are government personnel, they who must only speak in terms agreeable to them.

These two bloggers represent ordinary, imperfect people that most Filipinos are. Any slap at them is punch against the 13 million Filipinos connected to social media- individuals who regularly express themselves in facebook posts, tweets and blogs, all of whom take pride in what they say and are often sensitive about comments made against it.

Being able to generate responses and facilitate dialogue with their posts, social media in�luencers post information that can enable people to be more critical by allowing people to verify news they receive.

This enables greater participation in democracy since it allows people to react, and act on the information, rather than

MY TWO CENTS’ John Carlo B. Tria be passive digesters of data. This is precisely the reason why even online editions of mainstream news media have comments sections. While at �irst glance things seem chaotic, the truth is that people are no longer merely passive. More people are reacting, and participating as a result. More of their voices are heard.

That said, can we prevent Filipinos like government personnel from reacting to news?

As a proposal to supposedly address fake news which he believes emanates from government, former Solicitor general Florin Hilbay even came up with this rather hackneyed and short sighted idea for an information ombudsman for government personnel. Being undeveloped and vague, it can easily be interpreted as a censor that threatens fundamental freedoms and rights of expression held by government employees.

In particular, it discourages government employees from speaking out when we need them to. Will whistleblowers within government speaking about corruption and inef�iciency, or testimony about things such as sexual harassment committed by of�icials, be labeled “fake news” and can be censored by the “police?” That can be a real effect of

his proposal.

In case these are deemed dishonest or outright fabrications, falsi�ications and lies, then perhaps he can trigger the necessary cases against these erring government personnel in the proper fora. An information police is anathema to the idea of free speech and the press. It will not serve this purpose. Rather, it makes me wonder how an esteemed lawyer with a supposedly deep concern for human rights such as he could even think of such a proposal.

The online magazine Resurgent.ph provides a �itting epilogue to the hearing: “The most disturbing takeaway from the hearing is the idea that only a select few have the right to be in media, and that the millions of bloggers and in�luencers all over the world have no right to speak. In a country where this constituency is growing rapidly, these LP senators have just earned their ire, and lost their vote.”

Davao. Petitions were sent to the Manila consulate which was afraid of the �inancial repercussion of the removal of brothers; in turn, the American administrator in Mindanao about the appeal. Frank W. Carpenter, governor of Mindanao and Sulu, cited three reasons for not acting on the appeals.

First, he argued the huge migrant Japanese population would oppose such move to eliminate brothels and may, at their own initiative, even provide shelter and hiding place for the karayuki-san. Second, the absence of Japanese whores to cater to plantation workers may result in the prostitution of local women.

And, third, the red-light district, the area where most of the brothers were situated, is found in isolated areas, making them accessible only to patrons.

The population of prostitutes in town expanded the following year with the exile of the women from Gardenia, Manila’s red-light district. They were sent to Davao as a way of closing houses of illrepute in the capital. As a result of thise banishment, there was rise in the number of gonorrhea cases in Davao in 1918. A 1920 health report showed that one thousand fortyone vaginal examinations, mostly from prostitutes, were recorded in

Mintal alone.

To keep social, cultural and economic ties between and among Japanese outside their homeland, associations were organized in plantations and town centers where there were sizeable migrants that can be recruited. By 1929, after the establishment of consular of�ice nine years earlier, Davao had already its own Nanyo Kyokai (South Seas Society), which was encouraged by the government as a way of fostering research and cultural exchange.

The Davao Japanese Association, in particular, collected PhP224,918, according to the May 27, 1943 wartime issues of Manira Shimbun and Dabao Shimbun, to buy airplanes.

Associations included Japanese residents who operated largescale companies and bazaars using local capital, including the Davao-based Ohta Development Co. The Japanese ties included membership in religious groups, such as the Protestant Christian Mission which opened a branch in Davao during the Commonwealth, and the ownership of Japanesebacked local publications such as Dabao Shimbun and Davao Times, renamed by its new owner as Mindanao Times.

Davao as virtual Japanese ‘state’

home, and the in�luence of Japanese investors Ohta and Yoshizo Furukawa over the local hemp industry inspired new interests that would exploit Japanese domination of the local economy.

With the demand for amenities from the growing migrant population increasing by the year, it was inevitable to see the opening of brothels, temples, schools, medical institutions, dshops, and other establishments that exclusively catered to the Japanese.

Outside the Japanese women who were offering their services to soldiers in American naval stations and every military posts, the karayuki-san (originally, the Japanese migrant workers in China), there were also prostitutes hired and destined for brothels in various parts of the country, catering mainly to Japanese men. One account cited of an incident in Davao in 1919 where a Japanese woman was paid for a night of service by her customer for a princely sum of thirty pesos, the equivalent of a month’s pay of a laborer in an abaca plantation.

Brothels in Davao serviced by imported Japanese karayukisan started to show up in 1910, providing comfort almost exclusively to Japanese laborers in

FAST BACKWARD Antonio V. Figueroa hemp plantations. In less a decade, the business �lourished such that by 1917 the number of prostitution houses had reached ten. A report included in the Taft Papers showed that that during this decade, the town of Davao was home to three hundred sixty-one Japanese, including ten who were classi�ied as karayuki.

Efforts by migrants, notably the Davao Japanese Association, to eradicate the prostitution did not prosper for fear such move would only encourage violence from the criminal elements supporting them. On the other hand, the brothels were viewed as part of the plantation economy of

10 NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 136• TUESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2017

PARIS... FROM 1 lates.

“It’s really about introducing the Philippine cacao to them,” said Tutur.

He said participating in these events will bridge the producers to international

market and to know the pro�ile taste of the Europeans.

“Our farmers only markets in the Philippines but this time we will try to penetrate the European market,” said Tutur.

be attached and submitted through personal delivery to the PDEA Administrative and Human Resource Service (AHRS).

Aquino said the agency continues to provide employment opportunities by opening its doors to those who aspire to become part of the country’s anti-drug organization.

“This is the opportunity for those who want to join the �ight in ridding our country of illegal drugs and

be part of an elite drug law enforcement group. Be part of the PDEA family - Professional, Dynamic, Excellence-driven and Accountable public servants with credibility and competency in leading a drug-free Philippines,” Aquino said in a statement.

PDEA is the lead agency in drug law enforcement as mandated under Republic Act 9165, or The Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. (PNA)

Davao solon.

“He’s still very popular and well trusted in Mindanao, although in other areas nag-lower siya ng konti. But Mindanao remains to be a stronghold of the President. In that context, the administration critics’ pronouncement of President Duterte’s severely weakening popularity doesn’t make sense,” he added.

Speaking of Mindanao, Nograles said the President’s rise in net satisfaction rating (75 percent to 76 percent) for the region in the September SWS survey also bodes well for the administration.

“It means that President Duterte continues to do a good job in what is supposedly the toughest region to administer.”

Nograles also chided administration critics for blaming the Chief Executive for “seasonal” headaches of Filipinos, speci�ically the rising price of fuel and other basic commodities this Christmas season.

“Historically, world oil prices go up during the cold months when more fuel is consumed. This creates a domino effect all over the world, and the Philippines isn’t exempted from it. As we all know the prices of other goods are affected by the movement in fuel prices,” he explained.

Nograles said it’s normal for satisfaction and trust ratings to �luctuate every now and then since all is dependent on the political climate during the periods that the surveys were taken.

“But I believe come the 4th quarter, his numbers will bounce back. And if you look at the whole of 2017, if you average it, it will still be on a high level. He was above 60 percent [in both satisfaction and trust ratings] for the �irst two quarters.”

In conclusion, Nograles said the Filipino people can expect “Tatay Digong” to strive in his job, no matter what the surveys say. (PNA)

to the drainage systems leading to over�lowing and �looding,” it said.

The study added that among the advantages and characteristics of permeable pavement are that it will help in groundwater recharge while preventing soil erosion problems; prevent the buildup of sub-surface water pressure that leads to road cracks; �ilter and trap pollutants, especially atmospheric carbon

and hydrocarbons; provide opportunities during redevelopment and reconstruction due to easy disassembling than impermeable concrete pavements; help protect critical watersheds in sub-urban areas; component in processes of low impact development and sustainable draining systems; and reduction in the amount of drainage canal requirement. (Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)

among others, speed up the collection and forfeiture of outstanding and demandable bonds, order the collection of additional duties, taxes or penalties from post audit, immediately auction off forfeited shipments and overstaying containers, and implement the one-strike policy against of�icials who fail to reach their monthly collection targets due to incorrect or undervaluation of goods

under their jurisdiction.

Lapeña said at the ExeCom meeting that he has also done away with benchmarking, which is the practice of imposing only a discretionary value, rather than conducting the proper valuation and accurate assessment of duties, on container shipments.

He said benchmarking is one of the causes of corruption in the bureau. (BOC)

PDEA... FROM 2

BUSY YEARS. Philippine Eagle Foundation executive director Dennis Salvador (left) and conservation education administrator Rai Gomez bare the achievements of the organization in recent years and talk about the forth-

coming 10th Asian Raptor Research Symposium set on October 18 to 20 at the Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU) during Kapehan sa Dabaw at the Annex of SM City Davao on Monday. Lean Daval Jr.

MARAWI... FROM 6

8... FROM 3

Monday, two days before his latest deadline would lapse, Galvez expressed con�idence it could be done.

“Yong 10-15 days natin, I believe mahabol natin (we can meet it),” he said.

The militants however continued to keep government forces at bay, a fact attributed by military of�icials to the presence of hostages and civilians trapped in the battle zone.

Col. Romeo Brawner, deputy commander of Task Force Ranao, on Saturday said their assaults have been slowed down by their policy to avoid civilian casualties.

But since May 25 the military has been employing aerial and artillery bombardment, a tactic that one reporter noted appears to contradict such policy.

The reporter was hinting that the daily bombing runs could have either killed or injured civilians in the battle zone.

With its current technology, accuracy is not something the Philippine Air Force could guarantee. In fact, a number of government troops were killed by “friendly �ire” in two instances.

But since it’s dif�icult to retrieve cadavers from the battleground all of them were recovered after they had decomposed, making it impossible to know if civilians were hit by the bombings, too.

Meanwhile, government casualties continued to rise. As of Sunday, 158 soldiers and police

had been killed in action. Over a thousand others have been wounded.

Galvez said Monday that 774 militants had been killed.

Brawner said on Saturday that 38 to 48 militants were still holding their positions with the aid of improvised explosive devices.

He added that some soldiers had contracted dengue, typhoid fever and other viral diseases.

The siege has entered its �ifth month, and despite repeated assurances that it will end soon the signs point to the likelihood of the con�lict dragging on longer than expected or hoped for.

The military admitted it’s �ighting a brand of con�lict — urban warfare — in which it has neither training nor experience.

The Philippine military specializes in jungle warfare.

Nonetheless, Armed Forces Chief of Staff General Eduardo Ano was hoping the siege would end before he retires this month.

On Friday, Ano visited troops at the main battle zone where he was shown the “rat holes” or drainage tunnels that the militants had used as shelters and escape routes during bombings and ground assaults by government forces.

Some of these tunnels were built by the Americans during their colonization of the islands.

(H. Marcos C. Mordeno/MindaNews)

head Maria Luisa Bermudo said the city is preparing the Los Amigos, Tugbok relocation area for the transfer of the affected families for their safety.

“This is a matter of safety, so we immediately assist the affected families for their transfer to our relocation area in Los Amigos. We will be monitoring them every now and then to ensure their safety,” Bermudo said.

Bermudo said the only request of the evacuees was

to ensure that their children could still continue with their studies even if they would transfer to the relocation site.

“We also coordinated with the Department of Education so that we can temporarily transfer the kids to the nearby school. We have to understand that the relocation area is far from their current school so we have to accommodate their temporary transfer,” Bermudo said.

(PNA)

DPWH... FROM 6

Agency of�icials to the bureau.

These include Melvin Estoque from PDEA Regional Of�ice VII, Director Jeoffrey Tacio from PDEA Regional Of�ice I and PDEA Regional Of�ice IV-B Director lawyer Jacquelyn L. De Guzman.

Estoque is the new chief of the Account Management Of�ice which is in charge of accrediting importers while Tacio was assigned as the of�icer in charge of the bureau’s Import Assessment Service (IAS).

IAS monitors all import values of the goods taken into the country to prevent instances of undervaluation.

De Guzman has been assigned as the new of�icer in

charge of the Administration Of�ice.

“There will be more reshuf�ling if the BOC personnel will not cooperate in the reforms we are making.

I told everyone there, I will work within the Bureau. I will be one with them. But we must be all moving in one direction, and that is removing corruption at all levels,” Lapeña added.

The Customs head had said that he will be bringing his trusted people in PDEA to help him implement reforms in the agency.

Lapeña was appointed to the post last August replacing Nicanor Faeldon. (PNA)

(one out of �ive) of Filipino adults suffer from some form of mental illness,” Nograles said.

Criticized on social media for his statements, De Leon has since issued a public apology on TV wherein he admitted ignorance on the topic.

He said that he erroneously equated depression with stress.

“Mr. De Leon’s humble admission only goes to show that Filipinos from all walks of life will bene�it from a national mental health policy focused on information dissemination and making treatment accessible,” said Nograles.

Incidentally, Nograles and his brother, Puwersa ng Bayaning Atleta (PBA) Party-List Rep. Jericho Nograles, co-authored the proposed Comprehensive Mental Health Act that’s currently undergoing the period of debate at the House of Representatives. The measure gained the Committee on Health’s approval last May, and was approved by the Committee on Appropriations which Nograles chairs.

The Comprehensive Mental Health Act bats for the establishment of an ac-

cessible mental care system for Filipinos. Such system will be integrated in the general health services infrastructure.

Under the measure, all local government units in the country are required to have a mental health facility.

It also proposes to integrate subjects on mental health in both elementary and high school as a way to keep incidents of depression, obesity, and teenage pregnancy in check among students.

(House of Representatives) Nograles reckoned that De Leon said it best when he stated in his apology that he hoped his mistake on depression would lead to more discussions on the matter.

“Kung may maidudulot na mabuti ang aking pagkakamali, sana ay mabuksan nito ang maraming pinto sa pagtalakay sa isyu na ito-tungkol sa depression,” the TV host said.

For his part, the Davao lawmaker said: “The proposed Comprehensive Mental Health Act will save many lives, particular those of people who believe that there’s no one to help them.”

Reply Reply to All Forward More

NOGRALES... FROM 3

KARLO... FROM 2

GROUP... FROM 2

LAPEÑA... FROM 5

INdulge!

VOL. 10 ISSUE 136•TUESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2017

EVENT

EDGEDAVAO

APPRECIATING OUR CLIENTS

Hafele and beautiful Dabawenyo kitchens

By ANGIE SAVERON VISUALIZE. Create. Innovate. These are things business people usually do to stay in the industry, but not for Hafele, they visualize, create, innovate and they also make sure that customers feel they are part of the company hence Hafele gathered their beloved clients from Davao City and thanked them through the Customer Appreciation Night that was held at Seda Hotel on the 6th of October.

The people were formally dressed for the occasion and were welcomed by Mr. Efren Reyes Hafele Sales Manager Kitchen & Appliance Division he said “A German Company, to be respected even in Europe you must survive 50 years. We are way above 50 years, all our products enjoy global acceptance the quality exceeds most Asian standards.” Lady Bam of ABS-CBN and Joel Gonzales of Hafele hosted the event.

Representing Davao City Mayor Sara DuterteCarpio, Councilor Cherry Ann Bonguyan delivered the mayor’s heartfelt message.

Over dinner, the audience was serenaded with a smooth jazz music by Davao’s very own Suave Latino. To further express the company’s gratitude they gave away three major Hafele appliances to the lucky raffle draw winners.

In an interview, Reyes believes that Davao City will definitely grow. “Give Davao City two or three years they will take over Cebu and maybe approximate Manila,” he

said. Given the number of infrastructure investments coming to the city it is just a matter of time, he added. He also said yes when he was asked if they will be willing to assist the mayor in the development of the city.

Just before the event ended there were big announcements by the Hefele and Bosch Company.

Hafele also partnered with Mazzini Southern Urban Kitchen Inc. the partnership was made because Reyes was amazed on how the company envisioned the Aerya Mall which is a three story building which will open on November.

Another exciting event is Bosch and Hafele the upcoming event for all of their partners, training them about the Looks LED Lighting System.

It is the next generation lighting system for furniture, hotels and many more. As stated by Joel Gonzales the Training Manager of Hafele In this training the certificate will be coming from Germany and this certificate is recognized worldwide.

The good thing about this event is it is free.

EDGEDAVAO

A2INdulge!

VOL. 10 ISSUE 136•TUESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2017

PHILMAR ALIPAYO SURFS TO THE TOP

EVENT

TOP: Siargao’s top surfer Philmar Alipayo, completing one of his many power aerials during the finals and winning the 19th Siargao National Surfing Cup despite nursing a previous back injury. Photo by Gaps Sabuero.

PHILMAR ALIPAYO from Siargao made history last September 21 by winning the 19th Siargao National Surfing Cup, the first-ever Philippine Surfing Championship Tour sanctioned event, by defeating previous national and international Siargao Surfing Cup champion Piso Alcala in a 25-minute man-on-man duel in 2-3 foot waves at the world famous Cloud 9.

The final day of the competition started off in the morning with the Quarterfinals, where Philmar started off his campaign for the top spot on the podium in Quarterfinal 4, having a faceoff with local surf legend Carlito Nogalo.

The horn had barely silenced, signaling the start of the heat, when Philmar nabbed the first set wave and locked himself into a long, deep barrel then exited cleanly, adding a roundhouse cutback and a few more turns to earn a whopping 9.0 score from the judging panel.

He then prowled the lineup catching waves under Carlito’s priority and soon had Carlito needing a combination of scores to overtake him, which Carlito never did, so when the horn signaled the end of the heat, Philmar won with a score of 16.00 points (out of a possible 20) against Carlito’s 8.00-point score total.

“The waves were small so when a set comes, you really need to get it. I was really lucky I got that wave. I was already eyeing that one even while Luke was still announcing the sponsors so right when the heat started, I was able to get it. It’s a big advantage when you catch a good wave like that at the start of the heat.”, said Philmar.

It was a battle between north and south as La Union pride Jay-R Esquivel and local favorite Eduardo Alciso put on an

LEFT: Siargao local favorite, previous national and international Siargao Surfing Cup champion, Piso Alcala showing us how to fly high in Cloud 9. Photo by Gaps Sabuero.

amazing heat, exchanging aerial after aerial, tube

ride after tube ride, power snaps in between, and exchanging the lead multiple times.

At the 5-minute mark with Eduardo in the lead and Jay-R holding priority, Jay-R spotted a clean wave coming towards him so he took off, gained speed and then launched a 180 pop shuvit, switching his foot stance in the middle and landing cleanly.

The judges rewarded JayR with an excellent 8.00 wave score (out of a possible 10 points) which was just enough for him to regain his lead and win the heat.

After a four-hour break, the first semifinal heat started with Piso Alcala against John Mark Tokong, followed by Jay-R Esquivel versus Philmar Alipayo. Spectators were starting to line up along the boardwalk and fill the Cloud 9 tower to witness the best Filipino surfers battle it out for the finals.

When the horn sounded the start of the first semifinal, Piso Alcala posted a massive 8.25 score after getting deeply

BOTTOM: Siargao’s top surfer Philmar Alipayo, completing one of his many power aerials during the finals and winning the 19th Siargao National Surfing Cup despite nursing a previous back injury. Photo by Gaps Sabuero.

pitted in a clean barrel, and then John Mark Tokong took the second wave, throwing snaps and roundhouse cutbacks.

After regaining his priority, Piso played the waiting game against John Mark, who badly needed a 7.35 score to take the lead. But the rising tide and lack of waves worked against him, so when time ran out, Piso won the heat by posting a total heat score of 14.00 against John Marks 12.60.

“I was so nervous during my heat as the waves were difficult to catch. I didn’t want to become too confident because I know Marama is such a good surfer. So I just maintained my focus and enjoyed the surf! Just surf with feelings.” said Alcala.

Piso Alcala and John Mark Tokong have both been winners in past national and international Siargao surfing competitions. Back in 2014, Alcala

won the National surfing contest, while Tokong was still in the Junior division.

In 2015, Alcala and Tokong went head-to-head during the WSL WQS Siargao International Surfing Cup and Tokong came home the winner.

The second semifinal heat saw a pitched battle of goofy footers, with JayR Esquivel from La Union up against Siargao’s top surfer Philmar Alipayo.

Esquivel, who was also in the semifinals last year, had a good start during the heat, scoring a 5.75 in his first wave, while Philmar Alipayo, having the home court advantage, was waiting for a wave to answer back.

The intensity of the heat came into focus when Philmar scored a 6.75, utilizing his backside power on the right-hander to jump into the lead. Esquivel replied back with combinations of turns on his next wave, regaining

his lead with less than 10 minutes left.

Philmar then exploded into action with a series of hard-hitting snaps then following it up with a huge frontside 360 air. In the dying minutes of the heat, Esquivel took off and tried one of his patented 180 pop shuvits but failed to land it. Philmar won with a total score of 13.25 against Jay-R’s 12.60.

The finals were happening under gloomy and drizzling afternoon skies with Piso Alcala and Philmar Alipayo, the last two surfers remaining out of 186 competitors registered for the first Philippine Surfing Championship Tour leg. Both eyeing the top spot on the podium, a milestone for the two best surfers in the country.

Philmar started out aggressively initiating a paddle battle against Piso to jump into the lead.

Piso tried to answer back

but failed to complete his manuevers, so Philmar went back to work with several high-flying aerials on the left hander of Cloud 9 to leave Piso struggling to catch up.

Philmar was on fire, later raising the tempo even further by landing a massive 180 pop shuvit going left, earning him with an almost perfect score of 9.35 (out of a possible 10 points), the highest single wave score of the competition, sealing his victory with a final combined heat score of 17.85 against the 13.25 held by Piso.

“I never thought that I would be able to complete the last trick but I just trusted that I would.

Thank you to all my supporters, my friends and PSCT. See you next in Lanuza!” said Philmar.

Six straight days of surf competition, 186 surfers from different parts of the Philippines, 1 stand out winner; Congratulations to Philmar Alipayo, the first winner of the first Philippine Surfing Championship Tour. Salamat karajaw, Siargao!

See you in Lanuza for the second leg of the PSCT this coming November 5-11, 2017.

VOL. 10 ISSUE 136•TUESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2017

UP AND ABOUT

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

Puregold unveils second plane livery in partnership with AirAsia CHRISTMAS CAME EARLY for some 11 lucky members of “Aling Puring,” Puregold’s loyalty program, and their family last 4 October when they get to fulfil their wishes to fly and travel for free.

October 4 – 5, 2017 Only

FLATLINERS Nina Dobrev, Ellen Page Guaranteed Seating & One Time Viewing Only

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Puregold in partnership with AirAsia, the World’s Best Low Cost Carrier for nine consecutive years running, unveiled its second plane livery with 11 special guests and their families onboard AirAsia flight Z2 611 from Manila to Davao.

Puregold President Vincent Co said, “We are honoured to mark another milestone in our retail operation by launching our second plane livery featuring Puregold’s iconic logo in partnership with AirAsia, and what better way to celebrate this than by bringing some of our valued customers and loyal members of Aling Puring who are all flying for the first time for a much-deserved vacation with their family.”

Puregold has its name wrapped on two AirAsia aircraft. The first Puregold livery aircraft was officially presented to the public in May with a water cannon salute upon its arrival at Clark International Airport in a formal ceremony led by Clark International Airport Corporation President Alexander Cau-

guiran, Puregold President Vincent Co, Philippines AirAsia CEO Captain Dexter Comendador and Philippines AirAsia Head of Ancillary Business Karlo Sanchez.

For his part, Philippines AirAsia CEO Captain Dexter Comendador said, “We are extremely excited to celebrate our partnership with a homegrown brand. AirAsia

started with a dream – to make flying affordable for everyone -- and it brings us so much pride that we are able to fulfil the dreams of our special guests who are all flying for the first time.”

Aside from free flights, Aling Puring guests and their families also received free hotel accommodation and tour around Davao City.

EDGEDAVAO

A4INdulge!

VOL. 10 ISSUE 136•TUESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2017

EDGEDAVAO PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS Serving a seamless society

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

11 PROPERTY

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 10 ISSUE 136• TUESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2017

Aeon Towers’ glass panels installation underway

By NEILWIN JOSEPH BRAVO

I

nstallation of unitized curtainwall panels with low E tinted tempered and double glaze glass of Aeon Towers is now underway.

The much-anticipated skyscraper is fast shaping up as the emerging attraction in Davao’s skyline which is expected to be completed in a few months.

The building not only looms as the tallest in the entire Mindanao but also the �irst one to be fully glass encased which provides for the best ever 360-degree scenery of the beauty that is Davao.

Along with its modern architectural and technology features, there’s also the fresh, new upscale lifestyle it offers.

All that is the promise of

Aeon Towers.

The moving spectacle from Davao City’s future iconic real estate skyscraper Aeon Towers is as breath-taking as a masterpiece of art on moving canvas.

If you are one who loves the tranquillity of your own abode after a busy day in the of�ice, this is your ideal mancave. From one side, there is the island view—a view of the pristine blue waters of the Davao Gulf and the Island Garden City of Samal on the horizon where white sand beaches abound.

Now, if you are the fast-living city rat, a night creature who loves watching over your idea of Gotham City at night, this is your giant sil-

ver screen—the city’s �lickering lights, images on LED billboards, cars cruising through the city streets.

Aeon Towers is the signature project of a new player in the real estate market that is truly Davao-born, FTC Group of Companies has very interesting business interests in the city before it ventured into real estate development.

Among the �ine features of Aeon Towers is its jogging path on the sixth level which provides future residents a place for wellness and physical �itness workouts. It will also have spa and wellness center, an adult and kiddie pool, a library, a function hall and a conference room.

The glass-encased tower

will have modern amenities comparable to the best of the Southeast Asian region.

The skydeck on the 33rd �loor features a breath-taking view of the city and the Davao Gulf. It will have an in�inity pool and of�ices on the tower’s summit.

Rooms on residential �loors also feature internet digital controls through Smart Home technology while green building concept is being observed in all aspects of the construction.

The glass walls offer full UV protection.

Aeon Towers topped off last February and is reported at nearly 90 percent complete. Turnover is expected by early 2018.

12 SCIENCE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 136• TUESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2017

Malunggay: Nutritionally-packed vegetable

M

TEXT AND PHOTOS BY HENRYLITO D. TACIO

alunggay, known in the science world as “Moringa oleifera,” is one of the of the world’s most useful, yet often overlooked, plants. The “natural nutrition for the tropics” is how the Florida-based Education Concerns for Hunger Organization described malunggay.

For centuries, people in India, Philippines, Malaysia , and Thailand have been eating malunggay leaves as part of their food.

Emily Laurence, writing for “Good Food,” considered malunggay, which she described as “super green” as “a

stronger anti-in�lammatory than turmeric.” She wrote: “When it comes to �ighting in�lammation – also known as the root of all health evils – turmeric is the most talked-about holistic solution…

Another superfood is starting to become just as popular due

to the fact that it’s even stronger than turmeric.”

People these days are becoming interested on anything green. “People are looking for ways to get the most nutrient-dense (green) they can,” pointed out Lisa Curtis, founder of Kuli Kuli, Ameri-

ca’s leading moringa supplier.

Malunggay is the answer to that quest. “Most greens are 90% water, leaving only 10% for nutrients. But moringa is only 80% water,” Curtis claimed. She recommends eating just two grams a day but for those who want to take it medically to �ight in�lammation, she urges people to take up to 10 grams a day.

If apple is the food that keeps Americans from the doctor away, it’s malunggay in the Philippines. “If Manny Pacquiao shows how a Filipino �ights in the ring,” commented one scribe, “malunggay is the symbol of Filipino �ight against malnutrition.”

In fact, during the Marcos administration, there was a craze about malunggay, being a solution to the malnutrition problem in the countryside.

The late president himself was a malunggay addict, consuming soup littered with green leaves in every meal in addition to the legendary saluyot and labong ( bamboo shoots) as his main fare.

It may sound like magic, but nutritionists aver that 100 grams of malunggay leaves yield the following: 75 calories of energy (higher than ampalaya, squash, tomatoes, or carrots), 5.9 grams protein (higher than cauli�lower, lettuce, or mustard), 12.8 grams carbohydrate

(higher than okra, papaya, or watermelon), 353 milligrams calcium (higher than gabi leaves, mung beans, squash, and camote tops), 3.7 milligrams niacin (higher than other vegetables analyzed).

And for thiamin, phosphorus, and ascorbic acid, malunggay is at the top of the list.

That’s only for starter.

Nutritionists also af�irm that 200 grams of malunggay leaves would give a nutritive value roughly equivalent to four eggs and two glasses of milk. Its iron compound prevents de�iciency of red blood cells known as anemia. And being a very rich source of calcium, it aids in maintaining healthy bones and teeth.

In addition, malunggay is rich in vitamin A (higher than red and green mung beans, radish, or eggplant), thus helping prevent xerophthalmia, a disease of the eye. Adults are urged to eat malunggay leaves as its vitamin C content is higher than those of ampalaya leaves.

But how much malunggay should a person eat?

Lowell Fuglie, author of Moringa oleifera: Natural Nutrition for the Tropics, writes: “For a child aged 1-3, a 100gram serving of fresh, cooked leaves would provide all his daily requirements of calcium, about 75% of his iron and half of his protein needs,

as well as important amounts of potassium, B vitamins, copper, and all the essential amino acids. As little as 20 grams of leaves would provide a child with all the vitamins A and C he needs.”

Several antioxidant plant compounds have been found in malunggay leaves. In addition to vitamin C and beta-carotene, it also contains quercetin (which may help lower blood pressure) and chlorogenic acid (may aid moderate blood sugar levels after meals).

Dr. Atli Arnarson, writing for the website, healthline.com, reported of a study where 30 women took seven grams of malunggay leaf powder every day for three months. The result: fasting blood sugar levels was reduced by 13.5%.

“Additionally, a small study in six diabetic patients found that adding 50 grams of moringa leaves to a meal reduced the rise in blood sugar by 21%,” Dr. Arnarson wrote.

Filipino women consider malunggay as ally in nurturing babies. In fact, most mothers call malunggay as their “best friend.” For lactating women, malunggay aids in the production of vitamin-rich milk for the newly-born baby.

“Moringa leaves and

pods can do much to preserve the mother’s health and pass on strength to the fetus or nursing child,” Fuglie points out. “One 100-gram portion of leaves could provide a woman with over a third of her daily need of calcium and give her important quantities of iron, protein, copper, sulfur, and B-vitamins.”

The leaves are not the only parts that can be used for health reasons. Malunggay seeds contain 40% oil, which is considered excellent massage oil because it has good anti-oxidant properties and shelf life ranging from four to �ive years. As the oil is anti-oxidant, it is also good for cooking. In fact, it can be an alternative for olive oil, as it is odorless and has a mild nutty �lavor.

The seeds can also be used to purify drinking water, according to Geoff Folkard and John Sutherland, both members of the Environmental Engineering Group at the University of Leicester in United Kingdom. To do this, remove �irst the light ‘wings” and the shells of the seeds.

The remaining white seed kernels are �inely crushed and pounded, using a pestle and mortar.

To treat 20 liters of water, about two grams of crushed seeds is needed. A small amount of clean water is added to the crushed seed to form

a paste. The paste is placed into a clean bottle. A cup (200 milliliters) of clean water is added and the bottle is shaken for �ive minutes. This action activates the chemicals in the crushed seed.

The solution is �iltered through clean white cotton cloth into a 20-liter bucket of water. The contents are stirred rapidly for two minutes, followed by slow stirring for 10-15 minutes. “During the slow mixing period, the moringa seed binds together the �ine particles and bacteria into larger particles which sink and settle at the bottom of the bucket,” Folkard and Sutherland contend. “After an hour, clear water can be drawn off.”

According to the two authors, the process removes 90% to 99.9% of the bacteria, which are attached to the solid particles, as well as clearing the water. However, some harmful microorganisms still in the water may not be removed, “especially if the water is badly polluted.”

For drinking water, further puri�ication is recommended – either by boiling or with a simple sand �ilter.

As for the dried seeds not used in the process or already powdered, they can be stored in a safe place. However, the paste must be prepared fresh each time it is used for water puri�ication.

Malunggay is touted to be a “miracle vegetable” because it is not only a food, it is also a medicine. The leaves are good for curing headache, bleeding from a shallow cut, and can be used as anti-in�lammatory, or cure for gastric ulcers and diarrhea. The seeds, on the other hand, can treat arthritis, rheumatism, gout, cramp, sexually transmitted diseases, boils, and urinary problems. It is also used as relaxant for epilepsy.

The roots, bark and gum of malunggay likewise have potential medicinal value.

Malunggay also helps in strengthening the immune system, control blood pressure, restores skin condition, relieves headache and migraine, reduces in�lammation and arthritis pains, manage the sugar level thereby preventing diabetes, restrict growth of tumors and heal ulcers.

But that’s not all. If you plant malunggay in your backyard, you help curb the consequences brought about by climate change. In addition, malunggay trees also help stabilize soil. The tree is highly resistant to drought and needs little care. It is fast-growing and lives for average of 50 years. Each tree can produce approximately 10,000 seeds a year. It also makes an excellent fuel and fertilizer.

VOL. 10 ISSUE 136• TUESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2017

EDGEDAVAO

Members of the police Special Action Force spend their break from combat duties in Marawi City assembling a toy tank made of empty ammunition shells on Friday, October 6, 2017. MindaNews photo by H. MARCOS C. MORDENO

ABOITIZ... FROM 7

Cotabato Light continue to grow signi�icantly, fueled by more investments in these areas.

“Our power generation plants like Therma South, Therma Marine and Hedcor underline our strategy of

balance - by providing power wherever and whenever it is needed - be it baseload, intermediate or peaking power.

“We continue to serve our customers to as far as Zamboanga, Cagayan de Oro and Surigao,” he disclosed.

He said that in the next several months, the Aboitiz Group will inaugurate the 68.8-MW Manolo Fortich project of Hedcor to add valuable renewable energy supply to Mindanao. (Lilian C. Mellejor/PNA)

He continued to argue the toss with the of�icial who eventually awarded a penalty point against the Australian during the changeover when he trailed 2-5, meaning he began the eighth game already 0-15 behind.

Nadal was well in control by then and he raced into a 5-0 lead in the second set before Kyrgios slightly delayed the inevitable as the Spaniard sauntered to his 12th consecutive win.

“He played well. I played terrible. He’s in great form.

He just destroyed me today, so it was too good,” Kyrgios, who struck 20 winners but 35 unforced errors, said.

“I put in a pretty good week, had some good wins.

It’s tough to �ind positives when you won three games in the �inal. But I guess there were positives.

In the semi-�inal I played well, obviously beating Alex (Zverev).”

Kyrgios still has a chance of qualifying for the ATP World Tour Finals as he is 15th in the Race standings with several tournaments remaining to close the gap on those in front.

Nadal, winner of the French Open and U.S. Open titles this year, has won six tournaments in a season for the �irst time since 2013 and strengthens his position at the top of the rankings ahead of Roger Federer..

RAFA... FROM 15

NEWS 13

14 MOTORING EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 136• TUESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2017

Isuzu powers the future

I

n a 2016 study conducted by global information provider Ken Research, the logistics sector is seen to grow, fueled by the continued economic growth as well as rising consumer spending in the Philippines.

In fact, it’s seen to grow at a compounded rate of 6.8 percent annually until 2020. The bullish outlook in this industry means

that there’s a huge demand for high-quality, dependable trucks.

As the backbone to a strong and vibrant logistics network, Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) is betting on its formidable truck line-up to ful�ill any commercial vehicle requirement.

In time for their 20th anniversary, IPC unveiled its newest diesel engine line-up: Blue

Power. As the government mandates a shift from Euro 2 to Euro 4 emissions, IPC heads the call by launching this engine series that delivers four key traits: maximum engine output, low emissions, best fuel economy, and excellent durability.

Already the country’s best-selling light-duty truck, IPC showed off the all-new

2018 N-Series. Featuring a new “Hexa-Pod” cab design, the N-Series is now made to look more solid, clean, and emotional. This new design also lends to a vast improvement in interior space compared to the previous model as well as improved aerodynamics. It’s also made safer with its reinforced chassis frame and more convenient with features such as automatic door locks and power windows.

Powering the 2018 N-Series is a range of Euro IV compliant 4-cylinder common rail direct injection diesel engines

of varying displacements and outputs: the 3.0-liter 4JH1-TC with 106 horsepower and 230 Nm of torque (NLR77); 3.0-liter 4JJ1-TC with 124 horsepower and 354 Nm of torque (NLR85, NMR85, NPR85); and the 5.2-liter 4HK1-TCN with 153 horsepower and 419 Nm of torque (NQR75).

Moving up to the medium-duty F-Series, IPC has adopted a unique grille and bumper treatment to distinguish the larger FVR and FVM models against its smaller FRR and FSR siblings. For 2018,

the bigger F-Series trucks get a high-gloss black grille and bumper. And like the N-Series, the F-Series gets a reinforced chassis frame and automatic door locks and power windows for 2018.

Under the hood of the F-Series is either a 4- or 6-cylinder Euro IV compliant common rail direct injection diesel engine. The smallest FRR90 gets a 4HK1-TCC with 190 horsepower and 510 Nm of torque while the FSR34, FVR34, FVM34, and FVM34 LWB nets a 7.8-liter 6-cylinder in two states of

tune: 240 horsepower and 706 Nm of torque (6HK1-TCN), and 280 horsepower and 882 Nm of torque (6HK1-TCS).

Finally, Isuzu’s heavy-duty truck range, the C & E-Series doesn’t get left out this 2018. It features a quick-access panel upfront and an electronic tilting cab for easier serving and anti-lock brakes (ABS) for added safety.

Powering these vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) ranging from 20,000 to 41,000 kilograms, is the Euro V compliant 6WG1-TCR engine.

Tuned for higher torque at low speeds due to the increased engine displacement and modi�ied turbocharger, it now nets 400 horsepower and an earth-moving 1,863 Nm of torque from its 15.7-liter displacement.

“This country has become our second home and gave us the wings to soar higher than what we were 20 years back.

We are looking forward to 20 years and more. To our loyal partners, may you continue

to put your trust on us and we promise that we will be �inding more ways to meet your expectations,” said IPC President Hajime Koso.

Furthering their commitment to the logistics sector, IPC showed off their newest service, Mimamori. Literally translated as “Watcher”, Mimamori is a commercial vehicle telematics service developed by Isuzu Motors Japan for monitoring and tracking commercial vehicle operations and movements. Initially launched in Japan in 2004, Mimamori is now available in Thailand (2010), the United Kingdom (2012), Singapore (2012), and Indonesia (2015).

The service uses GPS satellite tracking services and provides driver activity logs such as how long the driver was on duty and how much time was spent driving. It also records when the driver took breaks, where the truck stopped and for how long, how economical is his driving,

and when the driver logged off for his shift.

Some of the main features of the Mimamori system include the Data Transfer Unit (DTU) which interfaces with the truck’s ECU (all Euro IV and Euro V Isuzu trucks have a computer box) and a Controller unit that sends real-time vehicle alerts and even text messages from the of�ice or dispatch of�ice via a DIN-space mounted device.

Isuzu Philippines hopes to roll out the Mimamori service in 2018. Currently, it’s undergoing road testing in both Luzon and Visayas.

All in all, IPC is bullish about their continued growth across all market segments.

“We are hoping yet we are con�ident that the Philippines will continue to patronize the brand with these substantial changes that we have introduced,” Koso said. “We believe that these game changers are surely to hit it big in the local automotive industry.”

SPORTS 15

EDGEDAVAO

PBA-BOUND

VOL. 10 ISSUE 136• TUESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2017

Kiefer Ravena, Jeron Teng declare for PBA Rookie Draft

Former college rivals Kiefer Ravena and Jeron Teng are set to head the next PBA rookie batch.

K

IEFER Ravena is �inally bound for the big stage.

A two-time UAAP MVP and arguably the biggest star in amateur basketball today, Ravena announced on Monday that he will be joining the PBA rookie draft set late this month.

Ravena, son of former PBA player Bong Ravena, tweeted ‘Here We Go’ with

the hashtag #PBADraft2017 to bare his intention of being part of the October 29 proceedings at the Robinsons Place Manila.

Ravena’s decision came a few hours after fellow amateur standout and Gilas teammate Jeron Teng noti�ied the league of his intention to submit his draft application on Monday through his agent Danny

Espiritu.

Ravena’s representative Marvin Espiritu said the Gilas player out of Ateneo consulted his family and friends before �inally deciding to join the draft.

“Ultimately, it was a basketball decision for him at this point,” Espiritu stressed in a talk with SPIN.ph.

The presence of the two add luster to this year’s

draft pool which already has the likes of Gilas stalwarts Christian Standhardinger and Raymar Jose, highly-touted Fil-Ams Davon Potts and Jason Perkins, and NCAA star Rey Nambatac.

Espiritu said he was set to meet with the 23-yearold Ravena late Monday to �ill out the draft application which he intends to submit to the PBA of�ice by Tues-

day.

“Kung umabot today, ihahabol ko. If not, maybe tomorrow na,” said the young players’ agent. “But formality na lang yun. Kiefer told me earlier he’ll make his announcement on the draft through social media.”

Ravena will be �lying out to Bacolod on Tuesday.

“Actually it was the consensus, especially sa family

Rafa thrashes Kyrgios to win China open title

R MMA EXPO IN DAVAO. Dr. Vince Vicente of Mindanao Martial Arts Expo discusses the upcoming martial arts events and expo which will be staged on November 19 during Kapehan sa Dabaw at the Annex of SM City Davao on Monday. Lean Daval Jr.

n’ya, that the right time to enter the PBA is now. But in the end, it’s Kiefer’s decision. Alam naman natin that he’s a smart man,” added Espiritu.

“Actually ang dami niyang options, including some international offers.

But after weighing a lot of things, Kiefer knows it’s about time to �inally play in the PBA.”

afael Nadal of Spain poses for a photo next to the trophy after winning the match against Nick Kyrgios of Australia.

Jason Lee, Reuters World number one Rafael Nadal produced a ruthless performance to thrash Australian Nick Kyrgios 6-2 6-1 in the China Open �inal on Sunday for his 75th career singles title.

The 31-year-old was given a tough �ight early on but Kyrgios’s challenge faded after he lost his temper and was docked a penalty point at 2-5 in the �irst set.

Nadal’s previous title at the tournament came 12 years ago.

“I had very tough draw

here,” Nadal, who saved match points in his opening round against Frenchman Lucas Pouille, said.

“I was lucky the �irst day saving the two match points but after that I think I played one of my best events of the year.”

World number 19 Kyrgios matched Nadal early on, winning his opening two service games but became involved in a debate with umpire Mohamed Lahyani over a close line call against him.

“I can’t play at 100 percent if that stuff happens -- and then you expect me not to be angry,” Kyrgios told Lahyani.

RAFA, 13

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. 10 ISSUE 136• TUESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2017

RECORD-BREAKER Dabawenyo Alvin Pasaol voted UAAP Player of the Week

T

hanks to his stunning scoring exploits for University of the East (UE), Alvin Pasaol has been named the UAAP’s Player of the Week.

Pasaol rewrote the UAAP’s record books last Wednesday when he �ired 49 points on 20-of-30 shooting in a 100-106 loss to defending champion De La Salle University.

For Pasaol, who hit the scoring mark while playing on an injured ankle, he was simply doing what he was told to do by coach Derrick Pumaren.

“Nilaro ko lang ‘yung talagang best ko na hinihingi ni [coach Derrick Pumaren] sa akin,” Pasaol said. “Nag-stick lang talaga (ako) sa game plan namin. Salamat din sa mga teammates ko kasi hindi ko naman makukuha ‘yung 49 points kung [hindi dahil sa kanila].”

Pasaol, who hails from Davao, is the �irst Filipino to breach the 40-point mark since 2002, when Jeff Napa – now Colegio de San Juan de Letran’s coach – torched Adamson University for 43

points while playing for National University.

Pasaol, who beat Matt Nieto of Ateneo de Manila University, Jerrick Ahanmisi of Adamson University, and Ben Mbala of La Salle for the weekly plum, also furthered his legend in UE’s basketball lore after besting Allan Caidic and James Yap’s personal bests of 46 and 36 points.

“Alvin is different compared to (Jun) Limpot, Allan (Caidic) [na] nahawakan ko sa amateur. Alvin is like akala mo, hindi niya alam ‘yung play, parang hindi nakikinig pero once you start the play, he knows it,” Pumaren said of his ward.

“First time ata that I’ve coached a local that scored 49. Kasi dati import lang ang nakaka-score [ng ganoon ka taas] pero ngayon, he really gave us a show,” he continued.

Pasaol rode on the momentum of the Wednesday’s close affair with the Green Archers and registered 32 points on Sunday to lead UE past UST, leaving the Growling Tigers as the only win-

less team after the UAAP’s �irst-round hostilities.

The stocky forward is currently norming 22.4 points a game. He is also averaging 5.1 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.1 blocks per outing.

Alvin Pasaol (23) is the UAAP Player of the Week