Edge10 issue141 October 17 2017

VOL. 10 ISSUE 141• TUESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2017

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Serving a seamless society

COPING WITH.The city government of Davao commissions 36 buses to give free rides to passengers in line with the nationwide transport strike conducted by Transmision-Piston on Monday. The group is urging the government to cancel the modernization plan for public utility vehicles. Lean Daval Jr.

FIZZLED OU T Davao overcomes expected crippling effect of strike

By ANGIE SAVERON

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reparations by the city of Davao paid well as the transport strike waged

by TRANSMISSION Piston Davao on Monday failed to cripple the transport industry, with 30% of public utility vehicle choosing to ply their trade.

A total of 36 buses deployed by the City government made up for the lack of transport along the main routes.

The buses comprised of 12 Bachelor bus, 12 Metro Shuttle bus, 10 Mindanao Star

bus and two LCI buses. The buses were made available to the riding public for free.

The decision of Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio to suspend classes and work in government of�ices also in�luenced a percentage of PUJ drivers not to operate.

The buses in the south were deployed in Toril, Calinan, Maa ,Catalunan Grande while from the north the buses were deployed in Lasang via Sasa and R. Castillo, Lasang via Catitipan, Buhangin and Agdao via CM Recto.

“In our preparation, some PUJ drivers were discouraged from operating because of the free bus services to the commuters, second we are aware of the transport strike days before and the pronouncement of the class and work suspensions also contributed to the decision of PUJ drivers not to ply their trade,” said Superintendent Dioniso Abude, of�icer-in-charge of the City Transport and Traf�ic Management Of�ice said.

He said that the transport strike was part of a nation-

wide protest by jeepney drivers who are opposed to the phasing out of jeepneys and replacing them with high priority buses.

“Maayo man ang sitwasyon nahatagaan man nato ang mga area nga adunay pasahero gikan sa Toril, Calinan, Lasang, sa Buhangin nahatagan nato sila ug mga bus kay para atong gma empleyado maka abot didto especially sa mga private na company,” said Abude.

The free bus services

FIZZLED, 10

EDGEDAVAO Sports Lebron has high hopes for revamped Cavs

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Making Big Waves Mati’s Bayogyog at the Philippine Surfing Championship Tour

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VOL. 10 ISSUE 141• TUESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2017

READY-MADE. A pedestrian makes a cloth printed with protest slogan his protection from the scorching heat of the sun as he waits to cross the street along C.M. Recto Avenue in Davao City on Monday where progressive groups staged a nationwide transport strike. Lean Daval Jr.

Mindanao group DENR confirms order bolts PDP-Laban

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ver two hundred original PDP-Laban members from throughout Mindanao converged Sunday (October 15) at a local restaurant here and passed a joint resolution declaring their intention as independent of the PDP-Laban National Council headed by Sen. Aquilino ‘Koko’ Pimentel as president and House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez as secretary-general.

The break-up, an offshoot of the meeting in Tagum where Alvarez was declared ‘persona non grata’ and the September 15 gathering of all

regional council presidents in Davao City, came at a time when the Speaker’s national ratings plunged to a one-digit �igure.

The Mindanao bloc declared in its resolution that “from hereon [they] will exercise the organizational and administrative management of the party in Mindanao until such time that the unconstitutional actions of the national of�icers are put to a stop and all the violations committed in the past are recti�ied.”

Among the signato-

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As PNP checks presence of armed men

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he Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Davao Region has confirmed reports that Secretary Roy Cimatu has ordered a stop to the transport of mineral ores out of Banaybanay, Davao Oriental following complaints of illegal mining in the area.

The Philippine Nation-

MINDANAO, 10 al Police, meanwhile, vowed

PDEA-12 to drug lords: yield or face consequence

n of�icial of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in the SOCCSKSARGEN Region made an appeal anew on Monday to drug lords and members of drug rings to voluntarily surrender or face the consequences.

SOCCSKSARGEN, of�icially designated as Region 12, comprises the provinces of South Cotabato, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Sarangani; and also the cities of Cotabato, Tacurong, Kidapawan and General Santos.

In this city, PDEA–12 Director Gil Ceasario said their counterparts have the full support of the local government in running

to stop DavOr mining

after suspected drug lords and drug peddlers alike.

Speaking over a local radio station, Ceasario mentioned the arrest over the weekend of an agricultural dealer for possession of prohibited drugs and �irearms following a dawn raid in his home in Koronadal City.

He said Alvin Valerio of Quality Agricultural Supply, a store selling agricultural products and fertilizers, did not resist arrest when PDEA-12 operatives raided his home in Barangay Gen. Paulino Santos at around 3 a.m. Saturday.

Prior to Valerio’s arrest, PDEA agents also nabbed a

PDEA, 10

to look into the presence of armed men in Banaybanay who are allegedly being used as “hired goons” of erring miners.

DENR-11 public information chief Jayvee Jude Aguas

told radio DXAB that the environment department is now coordinating with the Bureau of Customs , Philippine Ports Authority and Philippine Coast Guard to stop any attempt to ship out the nickel laterite ores from the port of Banaybanay.

Aguas said that the stop-

page order was handed down after Secretary Cimatu received a letter-complaint on October 10 alleging illegal mining in the area. Banaybanay Councilor Roger Tambuang has also lodged a similar illegal mining complaint.

“Talagang tinutukan ni Secretary Cimatu ang reklamo dahil nga ito ay nangyayari mismo sa presidential region,” Aguas said in the broadcast interview.

Aguas said Secretary Cimatu was in Davao City Friday to personally look into the

complaint. The visit was timed with the meeting of DENR of�icials and personnel.

Banaybanay Councilor Tambuang, meanwhile, said that he was able to get an audience with the DENR top brass last Friday in Davao City where he aired his illegal mining complaint. He said some of his evidences – among them photos and video recordings, were received by the DENR higher-ups. Tambuang said he was given an assurance that his complaint will be investigated.

Panabo City Environment Of�icer Engr. Felix Jonases Senajon.

He said this system started during the time of Mayor Versim Enad in the late 90s when the barangays bought their own garbage trucks through a loan facilitated by the city government.

“Now all our 40 barangays are still collecting their wastes and getting income from garbage fees,” he said.

All throughout wastes in the city collected daily reach

to 40-50 tons. These are collected by two dumptrucks and three compactors of the city government, and 24 dumptrucks from various barangays.

The wastes are dumped to the city’s controlled dumpsite at Brgy. Malitbog.

Meanwhile, Engr. Senajon also bared that the city continues to have no mining activities except quarrying in various sites in the Lasang River.

Panabo City is considered as the cavendish banana cap-

ital of the Philippines owning mostly to the vast plantations of TADECO. TADECO, however, has whose larger areas have been petitioned for land reform by agrarian reform bene�iciary groups while the Joint Venture Agreement covering its 5,308 hectares leased from Bureau of Corrections is in danger of going back to the government due to aggressive legal petitions of Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez.- Cha Monforte, Correspondent

DENR, 10

Brgy-based waste collection proves sustainable in Panabo City

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he barangay-based waste collection system of Panabo City is proving to be just sustainable until todate after being used for the past 20 years.

“Compared to other cities where waste collection throughout is done by the city governments, in our city each barangay collects its own wastes while the our city government only collects the wastes in the public markets, city roads, public plaza and government institutions,” said

VOL. 10 ISSUE 141• TUESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2017

NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

Isnilon Hapilon, Omar Maute dead: Lorenzana

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efense Secretary Del�in Lorenzana on Monday con�irmed the death of top terrorist leaders Isnilon Hapilon and Omar Maute in Marawi City.

“Yes, I con�irm the killing of (Isnilon) Hapilon at saka Omar Maute this morning, early this morning,” Lorenzana said in a press conference in Camp Aguinaldo.

“They were both killed, in fact their faces have already been splashed in the internet and in the websites,” the defense chief added.

Lorenzana said the bodies of the two terrorist leaders would be subject to DNA test, noting that these two have bounties on their heads from foreign countries.

He also said government troops are now chasing a for-

eign terrorist who is �ighting on the side of the Maute group in the city.

“There is still another personality that they are trying to get, si Dr. Mamud, the (Malaysian), according to some reports he is still hiding in some of, one of the buildings there and that’s what they are trying to do now,” Lorenzana said.

Lorenzana also con�irmed the report from the Task Force Ranao saying government troops rescued 17 hostages in Marawi City on Sunday night.

“So may na-rescue tayo na 17 hostages last night. Halo halo ito, may lalaki, babae, mga bata. Wala pa ko breakdown kung ilan ang lalaki at babae. dinala sa safe zone and undergoing medical examination.

(So we have rescued 17 hos-

overnment troops suffered more casualties as they attempted to meet the October 15 target to defeat the ISIS-inspired Maute group now allegedly cornered in a two-hectare area near Lake Lanao, Col. Romeo Brawner, deputy commander of Task Force Ranao said 20 soldiers including an Army battalion commander were wounded Saturday as they tried to meet the Oct. 15 objective.

But Brawner said the troops were able to rescue a 16-yearold female hostage last Saturday.

He did not reveal the identities of the military of�icer and the hostage survivor.

“The of�icer was hit in the lower extremities of his body.

The hostage is okay and was

able to provide us with critical information,” Brawner said.

Brawner said troops are still �inding it dif�icult to dislodge the ISIS-Maute gunmen hidden in buildings and basements.

“Until now we are still assaulting the defensive positions of the Maute-ISIS despite the fact we have set today, this day, as target date for �inishing the armed con�lict,” Brawner said.

Armed Forces Western Command Chief Lt. Carlito Galvez had earlier set October 15 as their target to rid the city of f ISIS-Maute terrorists.

President Rodrigo Duterte and other of�icials have set at least nine deadlines in the past but the tenacity of the terrorists has thwarted all of their attempts to put an end to the

ISNILON, 10

Oct. 15 target unmet as fighting continues G

OCT, 10

DONE FOR GOOD. Defense Chief Delfin Lorenzana announces on Monday that Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon (left) and Omar Maute of the Maute group were killed by the military during a firefight. Lorenzana said the where-

abouts of Hapilon and Maute, who were holed up in a building in Marawi City, were divulged by a female hostage who managed to escape. Photos from FB accounts of Marker Azis and Norodin Alonto Lucman

ayor Inday Sara Duterte on Tuesday organized a team, which would help fast-track and oversee the strict implementation of the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Law of 2012 in the city.

tentions and their contraceptive behavior.

WHO reports that ‘unmet need’ is especially high among groups such as adolescents, urban slum dwellers, and women in the postpartum period.

Mayor Inday speci�ically tasked the team to ensure the integration of the RPRH Law in the activities of member agencies; provide reports on the status of the implementation of the said law at the city level, as well as come up with recommendations to address the gaps, if any.

The City Implementation Team is being chaired

Mayor Inday pushes for strict implementation of RH Law M Mayor Inday issued Executive Order 39, which formally created the team.

In issuing the EO, Mayor Inday cited the “right of Filipinos to access needed reproductive health care information and services.”

She said the EO also backed President Rodrigo Duterte’s EO 12, which seeks to address the needs of Filipinos through the strict implementation of the RH Law.

The World Health Organization (WHO) de�ines (women with ) unmet need for family planning as “those who are productive and sexually active but are not using any method of contraception, and report not wanting any more children or wanting to delay the next child.”

The concept of unmet need, according to WHO, points to the gap between women’s reproductive in-

Transport strike had minimal effect to commuters: MMDA

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BEFORE TAKE-OFF. Davao City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO) head Dionisio Abude (right) helps a traffic enforcer fix the tarpau-

lin printed with “Libreng Sakay” on one of the buses that give free rides to commuters during the nationwide transport strike on Monday. Lean Daval Jr.

by Mayor Inday. She designated the City Health Of�icer as the co-chair and the City Population Of�icer as the secretariat head.

She named as team members representatives from the Department of Health (DOH), Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) , Civil Society Organization, Brokenshire Women’s Center, Liga ng mga Barangay, City Council Committee Chair on Health, City Social Services and Development Of�ice (CSSDO) and Sangguniang Kabataan. CIO

he Metropolitan Manila Development Authority said on Monday the “transport strike” staged by transport groups opposing the government’s public utility vehicle modernization program had a minimal effect on the commuters.

This is due to the suspension fo classes in all levels and government work, Edward Gonzales, MMDA Rescue Emergency Group head said.

He said that several local government units have also provided buses and vehicles for the affected commuters.

Gonzales said only 27 of the 74 government and private vehicles they have prepared were used to ferry affected passengers.

“Only .011 percent out of 10 million commuters was affected,” said Gonzales adding the strike had no effect to Metro Manila’s transportation.

According to Gonzales,

most of the passengers ferried were going to work to private of�ices.

“Passengers were picked up from Araneta, Quezon City going to Quiapo and Cubao and routes from Sta. Ana to Faura and from Baclaran to Sucat from 7:42 a.m. to 9:38 a.m.,” said Gonzales.

The MMDA designated six areas for free rides, which include Commonwealth Avenue, Luneta Grandstand, Orense Guadalupe, SM Marikina, MCU and HK Plaza.

The number coding scheme was suspended for public and private vehicles due to transport strike.

MMDA said light to moderate traf�ic was experienced by motorists passing along moajor thoroughfares.

The Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (PISTON) on Monday launched a two-day

TRANSPORT, 10

4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 141• TUESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2017

Pre-shipment testing for cement and steel pressed

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usiness groups urged the Department of Trade and Industry to conduct inspection and testing at the port of entry, aside from pre-shipment testing, for cement and steel products.

In a press conference Monday, Federation of Philippine Industries Chairman Jesus Arranza said port of entry inspection and testing for cement and steel would ensure standard and safety of these products being sold in the domestic market.

FPI made the statement as DTI is amending its department administrative order (on cement, aiming to apply equal testing procedures for local cement manufacturers and importers, whether it will require pre-shipment and post-shipment testing or pre-shipment testing only.

In a text message, DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez told the Philippine News Agency that the DAO on cement would have both pre-shipment and post-shipment veri�ication.

But FPI is pushing for testing, not just post-shipment veri�ication, of cement and steel products in the country.

Arranza stressed the need to have the testing �irst before releasing the products to the market.

The FPI chair also cited a survey done by Philippine Product Safety and Quality Foundation (PPSQF) that other Asia Paci�ic countries, which are also trading partners of the Philippine, have been requiring testing of cement products at the port of entry.

These countries include ASEAN countries such as Brunei Darussalam, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam, as well as Japan, Taiwan, and Australia.

Moreover, Arranza said the DTI should increase the number of testing facilities in the country for cement and steel products as a trade facilitation measure to accelerate testing procedures for these products.

According to the business group, it is only the Metal Industry Research and Development Center (MIRDC) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) conducting the post-shipment inspection for cement and steel products.

For Philippine Iron and Steel Institute (PISI) President Roberto Cola, he said DTI should also accredit laboratories in the country which are ISO 17025 accredited.

Cola added results from these ISO 17025 laboratories are being recognized globally; hence the government should look at accrediting these laboratories to augment testing facilities in the country.

Cola, who is also the vice president of the country’s leading steel producer Steel Asia Manufacturing Corp., noted that testing of steel products in the company’s facilities takes only 15 to 20 minutes, and being done every 30 to 40 minutes.

Both FPI and PISI stressed that their advocacy is to protect consumers from substandard cement and steel products, and not to make business of importers here dif�icult. (PNA)

DOT‘Bring Home a Friend to the PH’accepting entries

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ntries are now being accepted for the Department of Tourism’s Bring Home a Friend to the Philippines (BHAF), an incentive program that encourages Filipinos to help promote tourism by inviting foreign friends for “a reunion of sorts.”

The contest, which runs from October 15, 2017 to April 15, 2018, allows Filipinos residing here and abroad as well as expatriates based in the Philippines to win prizes in the electronic raf�le draw for simply inviting their foreign friends to come visit the Philippines.

“We have this reunion of sorts to rede�ine Philippine tourism,” Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo said in her speech during the launch of BHAF in Resort’s World Manila on Saturday night.

Teo said the success of the program would not be measured in terms of the number of foreign invitees entering the country but on its ability to “empower” Filipinos to actively take part in tourism promotion.

“The success we are hoping for is our ability to empower our people and give them the opportunity to contribute to our people’s growth. They are after all the core strength of our

tourism campaign. It’s more than bringing friends and family back home…It’s our shout out to the world to come and see the Philippines,” Teo added.

Prizes to be won for “sponsors” (Filipinos inviting foreign friends) include an Eastwood Le Grand Tower studio condo unit (�irst prize), an orange metallic Toyota Vios 2017 Model (second prize), or PHP 200,000 worth of gift certi�icates from Duty Free (third prize).

Meanwhile, prizes for “invitees” (foreign friends visiting the Philippines) include two roundtrip international business class tickets plus two roundtrip domestic tickets to Palawan (�irst prize), two roundtrip international premium economy tickets plus two roundtrip domestic tickets to Cebu (second prize), and two roundtrip international economy tickets plus two roundtrip domestic tickets to Davao (third prize).

To join, the sponsor and invitee must duly accomplish the registration via the BHAF microsite accessible via the DOT website tourism.gov.ph or through the booths located at speci�ic airports. Full instructions can also be found in the website.(PNA)

FREEBIES ASSURED. Huawei Philippines Mindanao regional business head Eric Chen announces the exciting freebies and gifts that will be given away to the first 100 buyers of its newest smartphone model, the Huawei Nova

2i. Nova 2i will be available at Huawei concept store at the Annex of SM City Davao starting October 21. Lean Daval Jr.

Many toys sold in Davao not aptly labeled: Eco coalition A s the observance of the Consumer Welfare Month gets underway, a non-profit watch group drew attention to toys sold in Davao City that lack the required product labeling information.

“We have bought assorted toys from various retail outlets in Davao City to check on their compliance with the required labeling information, which is very important to guide consumers on picking the right toy for a child that will not pose risk to her or his health and safety,” said Thony Dizon, Coordinator of the EcoWaste Coalition’s Project Protect.

The toy products, costing P15 to P265 each, were obtained by the group from various retail stores along Uyanguren, Davao City on September 22 to 24, 2017.

The toys were brought to the of�ice of the EcoWaste Coalition in Quezon City for product label examination and for heavy metal screening using an X-Ray

Fluorescence (XRF) chemical analyzer.

Out of 71 toy samples, only three were found to be compliant with the mandatory toy labeling information required by the Food and Drug Administration , the agency that oversees the product noti�ication scheme for toy and childcare articles.

As per FDA Circular 2014023, duly noti�ied TCCAs should contain the following product labeling labeling information: license to operate (LTO) number, age grade, cautionary statements/ warnings, instructional literature, item/ model/ stock keeping unit (SKU) number, and manufacturer’s marking, including the complete name and address of the manufacturer or distributor.

Five of the toy samples indicated valid LTO numbers on the labels as veri�ied through the FDA website, the group noted.

Of the 71 toy samples, 18 were found to contain lead, a toxic chemical that can have serious effects for the health of children, above the regulatory limit of 90 parts per million (ppm).

High lead concentrations up to 8,105 ppm were detected on the paint coatings of �ive turumpo, a popular outdoor game among boys. The wooden whipping tops have zero labeling information.

“The use of lead-containing paints to decorate turumpo and other toys is a brazen violation of the country’s lead paint regulation,” Dizon said.

DENR Administrative Order 2013-24, or the Chemical Control Order for Lead and Lead Compounds, strictly prohibits the use of lead paint in the production of toys, among other

things.

Improperly labeled toys should not be offered for sale in the market if only Republic Act 10620, or the Toy and Game Safety Labeling Act of 2013, is enforced, the EcoWaste Coalition said.

Under the said law, toy products “not in compliance with the requirements of this Act shall be considered a misbranded or banned hazardous substance… and withdrawn from the market.”

R.A. 10620 states that non-compliant toys and games “shall be withdrawn from the market at the expense of the manufacturer or importer and shall not be allowed to be distributed, sold or offered for sale in the Philippines.”

Approved in September 2013, R.A. 10620 requires the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to “regularly publish every six months the list of

no investors and many are squatting and operating illegally,” the PEZA chief said in Filipino.

“So we will be inviting investors who will put up the mineral processing plants.

For example in Diwalwal, it’s gold. Basically, it’s a gold mining area. Once we bring a gold processing plant, which many already manifested to come, we will be able to put a stop on the illegal extraction of our minerals, or the smuggling especially of our gold,” Plaza said.

She added there have been reports that gold minerals extracted by illegal miners were being smuggled to Hong

Kong and other countries.

“So we will help the Philippine Mining Development Corp. put order in these mining areas that are owned by the government. And we will invite soon the different mining companies of the country, encouraging them to put up mineral processing industries,” Plaza said.

“This is also in line with the pronouncement of President Duterte during his SONA (State of the Nation Address) that our government is now looking at how to stop the exportation of raw minerals. So this project of PEZA inviting mineral processing industries is the answer,” the PEZA

chief added.

Plaza, however, said the investment promotion agency would only allow investors who will put up mineral processing plants in these mining lands to create more industries and jobs.

“So PEZA is now inviting the basic industries to come because we have the raw minerals as their source of the �inished product,” she said.

Plaza said PEZA would like to fast-track the signing of the agreement with PMDC to include the 8,000 hectares of mining lands in PEZA’s ecozone map targeted to be launched next month. (PNA)

MANY, 10

PEZA eyes 8T hectares of mining lands as ecozones

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he Philippine Economic Zone Authority plans to turn some 8,000 hectares of land of Philippine Mining Development Corp. into mineral processing industry zones, PEZA Director General Charito Plaza said.

In an interview, Plaza said PEZA and PMDC are currently reviewing the draft memorandum of agreement to develop PMDC’s 8,000-hectare land into economic zones.

She added that a portion of mining lands that are eyed to be economic zones is at the gold-rich Mt. Diwalwal in Monkayo, Compostela Valley.

“What’s happening in Diwalwal is that there are

VOL. 10 ISSUE 141• TUESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2017

ECONOMY 5

EDGEDAVAO

PISTON seeks talks with PRRD on PUV program

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he Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operator Nationwide is seeking for a dialogue with President Rodrigo Duterte amid concerns that the implementation of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program might lead to the displacement of jobs of jeepney drivers and operators.

The transport group is asking the government to put on hold the implementation of the PUVMP to pave way for a review of its guidelines.

“We are asking speci�ically for a framework that will enable a nationalized, ef�icient and affordable public transportation system in the country. The government should not modernize public transport in favor of large companies and monopolies as this would lead to the disenfranchisement of jeepney operators and drivers,” PISTON national president George San Mateo

said in a television interview.

While it welcomes the vision of the government for an environmentally sustainable mode of transport to commuters, PISTON said their members do not have the capability to acquire new units to comply with the PUVMP. “Who does not want to have modern and environment friendly jeepneys? The problem is it is very costly and you need to have a minimum of 10 units to be granted a franchise. Small operators do not have the capability to maintain that,” San Mateo said.

The transport group said it would continue to hold its protest actions until the President and the Department of Transportation decide to have a dialogue with them.

For her part, Land Transportation Franchising and Reg-

PISTON, 10

DRAWBACK. Subdivision and Housing Developers Association, Inc. (SHDA) secretary Cecille Ilagan (left)bares that one pressing problem right now is the high cost of raw lands especially in Davao. Ilagan, who is joined by boardmember Sol Lagmay, added during Kapehan sa Dabaw at the Annex

of SM City Davao on Monday that its quite challenging for the developers to develop socialized housing which is the major backlog of the industry due to the cost of raw land. Lean Daval Jr.

STL created 10T jobs F in Mindanao: PCSO T

he Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office has generated more than 10,000 jobs in Mindanao in the first three quarters of 2017 because of the operations of the expanded Small Town Lottery.

PCSO Mindanao operations head Gloria Ybanez said the operations of the expanded STL not only helps the government increase its revenues, but also creates jobs for thousands of Filipinos in Mindanao.

“STL is a big help for residents of Mindanao as we are giving them regular and legitimate work, we are giving hope to those who were jobless before but now employed because of STL,”Ybanez said in a statement.

Based on the PCSO data, as of October 6, the STL operations in Mindanao now generated 10,318 jobs and

aims to increase the numbers to help more residents there.

“Per our STL rules, employees, including bet collectors are required to wear uniforms and identi�ication cards for easier identi�ication against those who are doing illegal works,” Ybanez added.

According to Ybanez, as of September, the PCSO Mindanao branch has also generated over 200 million pesos from STL revenues from its 21 operating Authorized Agent Corporations (AACs) all over Mindanao.

“Our 12 branches herehave issued guarantee letters to 5,531 patients, amounting

to more than 44 million pesos (as of September), under the agency’s �lagship program Individual Medical Assistance Program (IMAP),” she said.

For his part, General Manager Alexander Balutan, said it is evident that STL not just generates revenues for the government but also creates jobs for Filipinos, especially the uneducated ones who �ind it dif�icult to �ind a decent job.

“All employees are residents of Mindanao, and some of them came from illegal numbers game, but they have now chosen the STL because it is the only legal numbers game in the country and so they do not need to hide anymore,” Balutan said.

Balutan, a retired marine general who spent his military career for more

than 20 years in Mindanao, said everybody is welcome to apply for an STL job, even those who came from the illegal numbers game as long as they are willing to go legal and help the government in its �ight against illegal gambling.

“This will be done by helping us report these illegal gambling operators who continue to use STL as a front to cover their illegal business,” the general manager said.

STL was launched last January primarily with the goal to increase revenues for the government. The aim was also to eradicate the illegal numbers game such as jueteng, masiao, swertres, last two, virtual two, and other forms of illegal gambling. (Christopher Lloyd T. Caliwan/PNA)

is young, so that one alone is the indicator we can move very fast,” he said in an interview on the sidelines of the ASEAN Leaders Forum Thursday night.

Macaranas cited high startups in innovative industries with the young people fuelling the change in such industries.

“With the dynamism of our educational system, our science and technology or innovation, we can move forward faster.” he added.

Macaranas also noted Philippine strengths in banking and communication, agriculture, medicine, as well as nursing and seafaring sectors, which have helped boost the ASEAN

economy.

“In that regard, we can position ourselves in ASEAN and in the Asia Paci�ic very well,” he added.

For his part, former Malaysian Prime Minister Dr. Mahathir bin Mohamad also expected good prospects for the ASEAN region.

“We have fantastic essence in terms of our population, our distribution, our skills. All these things added together, will make the ASEAN region a very great region. Indeed, it is today, by comparison to many other regional organizations all over the world,” Mahathir said during the forum.

He also underscored the need for ASEAN countries to strengthen capabilities together.

“Now we have come to this stage where we realized that we have a population of 600 million people. Even if they are poor, these still form a good market.

So if we combine our strength as marketers, as buyers of products, as well as producers of products, we would help each other strengthen ourselves and the grouping,” he added.

ASEAN groups 10 countries --Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. (PNA)

Dominguez to IMF: ASEAN moving to a common market

inance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III has cited the substantial progress made by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in moving closer to creating a common market for a region considered as one of the world’s major growth drivers as he reported before the International Monetary Fundthe accomplishments that the Philippines and other member-states of this bloc have done so far in step with their �inancial inclusion agenda.

Dominguez also relayed to the IMF the concerns of the ASEAN �inance ministers over the prospect of more developed countries adopting inward-looking policies and the possibility of “sharper-than-expected” �inancial tightening in this export-oriented region amid the normalization of US policy rates.

Given these concerns,

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DOMINGUEZ, 10

Strike paralyzes 90% of Camanava transport

AIM says PH economy matches ASEAN growth T

he Philippine economy will continue to grow rapidly along with other countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations region, which is projected to rank as the fourth-largest economy in the next two decades, an economist said.

Dr. Federico Macaranas, Executive Director of the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) Policy Center, believes the Philippines bene�its from ‘demographic dividend’, or its young population.

“We can grow very fast because the growth drivers (in the region) will be the young economies. And the Philippines

Dominguez said ASEAN continues to meet its timetable on economic integration as spelled out in the ASEAN Economic Blueprint 2025.

“The ASEAN has moved dramatically in its effort to build a region-wide policy framework to enhance trade, economic cooperation and �inancial �lows among the association’s member countries. We are now moving closer towards achieving the strategic goal of a common regional market,” said Dominguez here at the IMF Managing Directors Roundtable Meeting with ASEAN Finance Ministers and Central Governors.

With the Philippines chairing this year’s ASEAN, Dominguez spoke on behalf of his fellow ministers during the event held at the IMF Headquarters.

Dominguez reported that

he nationwide jeepney strike has paralyzed at least 90 percent of transport in the Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, and Valenzuela area, the Pinagkaisang Samahan ng Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (Piston) said Monday.

“Wala na halos bibiyahe dahil blockade na (There are barely any jeepneys operating because of our blockade),” Ruben Baylon, PISTON NCR secretary general, said in an interview with PNA. Baylon is one of over 60 PISTON members who have been occupying the front of Bonifacio Shrine in Monumento, Caloocan City since 6 a.m. to protest the government’s plan to phaseout old jeepneys and replace them with electric, environment-friendly types.

He said the group, which was protesting against the phaseout since the previous administration, was disappointed because they had hopes that the new administration under President Rodrigo Duterte would reconsider the plan.

“Actually, 2015 pa nga lang nag-umpisa na kami magtutol dito sa ilalim ni Pnoy (former President Benigno Aquino III). Akala namin hindi na maitutupad yun dahil sa nagkaroon ng pagbabago yung gobyerno subalit hindi naman pala nagkatotoo yung mga pangarap namin noon kaya humantong kami dito, (Actually, we started opposing this phaseout during the time of former President Benigno

STRIKES, 10

6 ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO

Tribal elders from Bukidnon’s seven hill tribes perform a dance at the launching of their One Million Lutya (taro) initiative on Talaandig Day, 14 October 2017 in Sungko, Lantapan, Bukidnon. Each of the seven tribes will plant one

VOL. 10 ISSUE 141• TUESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2017

million hills of lutya in their respective ancestral domains to ensure food security. They plan to set up a cooperative to sell the excess lutya or process it. MindaNews photo by WALTER I. BALANE

PLDT expands Sun LTE coverage Cusi: Power necessary

A

fter launching the LTE service for its Sun mobile phone brand in Metro Cebu, leading telecommunications and digital services provider PLDT is now making available its 4G service and launching new data offers for Sun subscribers across the country.

Starting this month, Sun prepaid customers can go to the Sun Shops to quickly upgrade their SIMs to LTE for free and retain their number. Postpaid customers, on the other hand, may visit Sun Shops starting November. Coupled with an LTE smartphone, these new SIMs will enable Sun customers to enjoy much faster mobile data services.

To take full advantage of the new LTE service, customers can sign up for Sun’s newly launched LTE prepaid offers, like Sun Big Time Data 70, which offers 1GB data, unlimited text to all networks, 30 minutes calls to Sun for P70, valid for 7 days.

“With LTE now available, our Sun customers can now

enjoy a better mobile data experience, which they can use to watch videos, play games and download �iles on-the-go,” said Mario G. Tamayo, PLDT and Smart Senior Vice President for Network Planning and Engineering.

“We encourage our Sun customers to upgrade their SIMs to LTE-ready SIMs for free in our Sun shops, as well as upgrade to LTE devices so they can fully tap the improved LTE network that we are putting in place,” said Alex O. Caeg, head of Consumer Business for Customer Development.

LTE for all This LTE rollout is only part of a broader effort to improve the overall quality of service

available to millions of Smart, TNT and Sun subscribers. This network expansion effort also includes the integration of the Smart and Sun mobile networks, which enabled Smart to install more new base stations for 2G, 3G, and LTE technologies to better serve the subscribers of both brands.

Smart is also currently re-equipping its cell sites to use low-frequency bands such as 700 MHz and 850 MHz to provide better indoor coverage, and deploying high-frequency bands like 1800 MHz and 2100 MHz to increase the cell sites’ capacity to handle more calls, texts, and mobile data traf�ic. It has �inished its LTE rollout in Metro Davao, Boracay, Rizal and Metro Cebu, while it is currently ongoing in Metro Manila.

These network improvement activities have been bearing fruit. Initial internal tests have shown Sun LTE speeds to have improved, with median

download speeds in Northern NCR hitting 11.5 Mbps. Improvements in 3G voice and data experience have also been noted.

LTE delivers superior experience for users, particularly for data, compared to 3G. This comprehensive network modernization and expansion program is at the core of the PLDT group’s digital pivot.

Smart’s network rollout took a big bulk of PLDT’s ramped-up capital expenditure program of P42.8 billion for 2016, which included the utilization of the new frequencies freed up by the acquisition of San Miguel Corporation’s telco assets. [END] This communication is intended solely for the use of the addressee and authorized recipients. It may contain con�idential or legally privileged information and is subject to the conditions in http://www. smart.com.ph/corporate/disclaimer.

tomers in the Philippines.

Home Credit provides �inancing for purchasing gadgets and home appliances for those who do not have credit cards.

It also offers cash loans for other purchases aside from gadgets and home appliances.

Jankovsky said the company is making an impact in the Philippines as it caters �inancial services mostly to unbanked Filipinos.

He added that about 70 to 80 percent of its clients are �irst time borrowers, and those who do not have credit history.

“We bring �inancial services to these unbanked clients, so that they don’t need to tap the gray market loans,” the executive noted.

He added that the company also provides installment scheme that is not dif�icult for

its clients to pay.

Borrowers can also pay their loans in various payment centers and payment partners of Home Credit.

According to Jankovsky, two-thirds of the �irm’s new sales volumes are loans for gadgets.

With 4.0 percent interest rate, average loan for gadgets is at PHP9,000 payable in nine months.(PNA)

Home Credit investing P19B in PH in next 2 years

P

rague-based Home Credit targets to ramp up its operation in the Philippines by investing additional PHP18.6 billion over the next two years, HC Consumer Finance Philippines, Inc. Chief Financial Of�icer Zdenek Jankovsky said.

In a brie�ing Monday, Jankovsky said the projected amount of investments here would support Home Credit’s expanding network and cus-

for progress, prosperity

D

epartment of Energy (DOE) Secretary Alfonso Cusi stressed on Monday the key role that the power industry plays in the economic development of the nation.

Speaking before Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines (SEIPI) 16th CEO Forum and 130th General Membership Meeting held at So�itel Philippine Plaza Manila, Cusi highlighted the role of the government and industry players in the power sector.

“Without power, there can be no progress and prosperity.

It is indispensable to our eco-

nomic growth and our nation’s drive towards global competitiveness. Because of this, the energy sector seeks to attain its ultimate goal of energy security to hasten the government’s drive towards industrialization,” Cusi said.

The energy chief underscored the DOE’s electric power industry roadmap, emphasizing three main goals: ensuring quality, reliable, affordable and secure supply of energy; expanding access to electricity and ensuring a transparent and fair playing �ield in the power industry. (PNA)

Malaysian firm offers to build P122-B gov’t center in Clark

M

alaysian investment holding �irm MTD Capital Bhd. has offered to build a government center in New Clark City in Central Luzon worth PHP121.8 billion.

Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) said Monday it received an unsolicited proposal from MTD Capital for the National Government Administrative Center (NGAC) in a 207-hectare area within the New Clark City.

BCDA said the NGAC will house satellite government of�ices but also major admin-

istrative of�ices of executive departments and agencies.

Under MTD Capital’s proposal, part of the NGAC is an extension of�ice of Malacañang Palace.

The proposed government center outside Metro Manila is being eyed to host embassies, buildings as housing for government employees and for community centers, public schools, and international schools.

The NGAC will also have facilities such as sports facilities, government hospital, public library, and a central communications and security command center.(PNA)

7 SUBURBIA RISING

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 10 ISSUE 141• TUESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2017

A mannequin dressed in military uniform is the lone sentry on the roadside of Mapandi in Marawi City. MindaNews photo by FROILAN GALLARDO

Davao bombing suspect yields to Cotabato police A

O

ne of the suspects in the Sept. 2016 Davao City night market bombing, arrested and released last year, has yielded anew to the Cotabato City police office on Sunday.

Sr. Supt. Rolly Octavio, Cotabato City police director, said Mohammad Lalaog Chenikandiyil, accompanied by his counsel Wilmer Donasco, voluntarily surrendered to him at 1:20 p.m.

Sunday.

The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (CIDG-ARMM) is set to turn him over Monday to Davao police authorities.

“He insisted he was not involved in the Davao bombing and he wanted to clear his name,” Octavio told the PNA.

Octavio said Chenikandiyil, alias “Boy,” was included in the Department of National Defense arrest order No. 2 that DND Secretary Del�in Lorenzana issued following the declaration of martial law in Mindanao in the aftermath of the Marawi siege.

Chenikandiyil was among the four other bombing suspects arrested on October 27, 2016 in separate raids by CIDG-ARMM in Barangay Rosary Heights 7, Cotabato City and in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao.

Also arrested in the raid

were Zack Haron Villanueva Lopez, Jackson Mangulamas Usi, and Ausan Abdullah Mamasapano, according to then CIDG-ARRM Director Supt. Jimmy Daza.

All those arrested were then turned over to the Davao City police. But the Davao Regional Trial Court Branch 13 ordered the Davao police of�ice to release Chenikandiyil on Nov. 11, 2016 after it granted the petition for writ of habeas corpus �iled by his wife.

RTC-13 Presiding Judge Jill Jaugan-Lo, in special proceeding Nov. 9 last year, heard the petition of Allysanor Chenikandiyil against the police and CIDG-11 of�ice.

Through lawyer Donasco,

he police here have vowed to continue the campaign against illegal drug personalities in support to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PDEAARMM) after President Duterte removed lead roles in the drug war from the police.

The PDEA–ARMM includes Cotabato City, which forms part of Region 12, in its area of operation for being contiguous to Maguindanao, a province

component of the autonomous region.

Aside from Maguindanao, the ARMM comprises the cities of Marawi and Lamitan; and the provinces of Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-tawi.

“We will provide intelligence information and support, both manpower and �irepower, to the PDEA-ARMM,” Supt.

Joane Maganto, Cotabato City PNP deputy director for operations, told reporters Monday.

“Any information about

illegal drug activities, drug syndicates, selling, pushing and using of prohibited drugs will be immediately forwarded to the PDEA for appropriate action,” he added.

The city government has been providing intelligence information to police and PDEAARMM, which maintains its headquarters here.

With the lead role in the hands of the PDEA-ARMM, police and the city government have vowed to continue sup-

she stressed that her husband’s continued detention was unjusti�ied since no formal charges have been �iled against him since his arrest in Cotabato City up to the time he was transferred to CIDG Davao.

She said her husband detention exceeded 36 hours as allowed by the Revised Penal Code. If a case had been �iled, she received no notice that a criminal case had been �iled and his continued detention was not justi�ied since no inquest proceeding was ever conducted.

At least 14 people were killed in the Sept. 2, 2016 bombing in the Davao night market along Roxas Boulevard and more than 50 others injured. (PNA)

porting the Duterte administration’s war on drugs.

In Maguindanao, Sr. Supt.

Agustin Tello, police provincial director, said his of�ice would continue supporting the war on drugs in support roles.

Tello said anyone arrested in possession of prohibited drugs at police checkpoints would be turned over to PDEA, including all the evidences, for further investigation and �iling of appropriate charges. (Edwin Fernandez/PNA)

PDEA-12 to drug lords: Yield or face the consequence

n of�icial of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in the SOCCSKSARGEN Region made an appeal anew on Monday to drug lords and members of drug rings to voluntarily surrender or face the consequence.

SOCCSKSARGEN, of�icially designated as Region 12, comprises the provinces of South Cotabato, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Sarangani; and also the cities of Cotabato, Tacurong, Kidapawan and General Santos.

In this city, PDEA–12 Director Gil Ceasario said their counterparts have the full support of the local government in running

after suspected drug lords and drug peddlers alike.

Speaking over a local radio station, Ceasario mentioned the arrest over the weekend of an agricultural dealer for possession of prohibited drugs and �irearms following a dawn raid in his home in Koronadal City.

He said Alvin Valerio of Quality Agricultural Supply, a store selling agricultural products and fertilizers, did not resist arrest when PDEA-12 operatives raided his home in Barangay Gen. Paulino Santos at around 3 a.m. Saturday.

Prior to Valerio’s arrest, PDEA agents also nabbed a

PDEA, 13

Death of terrorist leaders signals healing, start of Marawi rehab

A Police vow support to PDEA-ARMM in war vs drugs T

utonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Gov. Mujiv Hataman on Monday said the death of Isnilon Hapilon and Omarkhayam Maute signalled the end of the crisis in Marawi City.

“This victory marks the end of the siege in Marawi, but it also means the beginning of a long but necessary process of healing and recovery among our people,” Hataman said in a statement hours after Defense Secretary Del�in Lorenzana and Armed Forces Chief of Staff Gen. Eduardo Año con�irmed that the recovered bodies belong to the terrorist leaders.

“What happened in Marawi (City) is sheer violence and terror rearing its ugly head against true Muslims and Moros, and yet it has failed to break our shared faith and our collective spirit,” Hataman said.

Elite forces from the Army’s 3rd Scout Rangers led the operation at dawn on Monday with the target to neutralize the top terrorist leaders.

The hunt culminated on Monday after the military received a reliable information from a female hostage rescued over the weekend.

The �ighting in Marawi City stemmed when the Islamic

DEATH, 13

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

EDITORIAL

C

Opening minds

hanges are met with varied reactions. That’s normal. But changes should also be met with open minds. Minds that are willing to listen and see the forthcoming change before even rejecting the same.

This is where the problem of the public utility vehicle (PUV) Modernization Plan lies. Because one party refuses to even sit down and discuss.

While the opinion of every sector is a fundamental right that must be respected, it is also the duty of that particular sector, especially if it affects its members and the public, to take part in the process of introducing the change. This in particular refers to the militant PISTON transport group which refuses to discuss with the government regarding the PUV Modernization Plan.

Under the program, jeepney units that are 15 years old will be replaced with Euro 4 engines or electrically-powered engines with solar panels for roofs.

These will also be equipped with closed-circuit television

EDGEDAVAO

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(CCTV) cameras, a GPS navigation system, an Automatic Fare Collection System (AFCS), speed limiters, dashboard cameras, and Wi-Fi. The plan sounds good but PISTON thinks drivers cannot afford.

The plan actually is not all too bad as they perceived, if only the group opens its mind to it. While their fears are warranted, there are also awaiting solutions to that as anticipated by government planners. There’s the �inancial assistance program available to public utility jeepney (PUJ) operators and drivers through the government �inancial institutions Development Bank of the Philippines and Land Bank of the Philippines for the acquisition of new PUVs in compliance with the modernization program.

If only the transport group protesting the plan sits down and discusses the plan with open mind, there should be a solution to the imbroglio.

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

JIMMY K. LAKING Associate Editor PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE

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

VOL. 10 ISSUE 141• TUESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2017

EDGEDAVAO

N

VOL. 10 ISSUE 141•TUESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2017

‘Cacao de Davao’

o, it has nothing to do with a business at the city’s central business district with the same name. It refers, however, to the plant that’s the principal source of cocoa powder and chocolate.

Cacao produced in Davao was then known as ‘cacao de Davao.’ In the fortnightly trade publication El Comercio, in issues published from January 29 to April 1, 1881, under the heading precios corriente (current prices), this was the same label that appeared in advertisements.

In an earlier account, written in 1870, Ferdinand Philippe Marie d’Orleans Alençon (1844-1910), in Luçon et Mindanao. Extraits d’un journal de voyage dans l’Extrême Orient. Avec une carte de l’archipel des Philippines, cited cacao as one of the copious tropical plants found in the South: “Toutes les plantes des regions tropicales y poussent en abondance: le riz, le sucre, le cacao, le coton, I’indigo dans les plaines, le café sur les collines.” (All the plants of the tropical regions grow there in abundance: rice, sugar, cocoa, cotton, indigo in the plains, coffee on the hills.)

Daniel F. Doeppers, in Feeding Manila in Peace and War, 1850-1945 (2016), wrote:

“In the 1880s, advertisement for superior grade cocoa from Davao in southern Mindanao appeared among the small number of relevant commercial notices. Further, Davao was the only source of cocoa listed in the regular biweekly commercial reports for 1888-91. This was promising in the sense that Davao is only rarely visited by typhoons.”

In the October 6, 1894 Precios de los articulos de exportacion, which was published in El gran problema de las reformas en Filipinas, planteado por el Español, price for cacao de Davao was pegged at P45.00 per metric ton.

Scienti�ically known as Theobroma cacao, the plant is known among the Aztecs of South American as the cacahuatl, meaning ‘food of the gods.’ The European explorers who reached the American continent where the �irst to make adjustments to the bitter taste of the cocoa by adding sugar and milk to taste. Later, new concoctions were added.

The introduction of the �irst chocolate took place roughly in the same year when Don Jose Oyanguren, the Spanish colonizer of Davao, �inalized his plan to attack Davao and conquer Datu Bago, the ruler of the gulf. Decades later, chocolate bars started to

rom the late 1950s through 1973, deforestation in the Philippines reached 172,000 hectares per year,” wrote Robert Repetto, author of The Forest for the Trees?

Government Policies and the Misuse of Forest Resources. “Virgin forests have been especially hard hit, declining by 1.7 million hectares from 1971 to 1980 alone.”

In 1982, 55% of the country’s total land area (16.6 million hectares) was classi�ied as forested land and virgin forests accounted for about 9% (2.7 million hectares).

But a Landsat photos taken in 1976 showed only 8.5 to 9.0 million hectares actually under forests, and 1983 photos revealed a decrease to 7.8 to 8.3 million hectares, within which virgin forests were only 2.0 to 2.5 million hectares.

“If the 157, 400 hectares per year rate of deforestation continues, our remaining forest cover will be wiped out in less than 40 years,” deplores Marjorie Pamintuan, the spokesperson of Kalikasan People’s Network for the Environment. “That is equal to forests twice the land area of Metro Manila lost per year.”

Where have all our forests gone?

“I have seen fortunes made overnight from the forest and it makes my skin crawl to realize that there are many Filipinos who just don’t care about the future generations’ legacy in the way of forester sources,” the late president Ferdinand E. Marcos was reported to say those words.

“(Marcos) said it in 1978, and it turned out to be doublespeak,” wrote Marites Dañguilan-Vitug in ‘From Plunder to Protection,’ which appeared in World Paper, a Boston-based magazine. “For, in reality, over 20 years (1965-1985) he used his power to grant and revoke licenses of logging concessions to enrich himself, his family and his friends.

The forests became his grand political tool.”

In a way, logging is the primary culprit of the fast disappearance of the country’s forest resources. “An important source of deforestation has been the dramatic expansion of destructive logging,” Repetto reported.

He explained: “After independence, the Philippines’ new government viewed exploitation of the country’s forest reserves as a good way to raise desperately needed revenues. Log- and wood-product exports were resumed, and timber companies were given substantial incentives.

Harvests quickly increased to more than 5 million cubic meters in the late 1950s. Driven by incentives, strength in the world log market, and mechanized harvesting, the timber boom continued during the 1960s, peaking in 1969. By then, the annual harvest exceeded 11 million cubic meters, nearly triple that of 1955.

“As the timber boom gained momentum, the government was unable to supervise concessions effec-

F

VANTAGE POINTS

FAST BACKWARD Antonio V. Figueroa show in market shelves.

Despite the potentials of the crop, cacao cultivation during Spanish rule did not go full blast unlike sugar, rice, and hemp. Even under American administration, there was a short supply of cacao or cocoa, mainly feeding the alta sociedad and the estrangeros.

The Customs Analysis for April 1921 provides a clear picture on the rise of imported cocoa. The report showed that in 1913, cocoa import was valued at P42,226. Seven years later, the demand rose to P59,761. A

The usual culprit

THINK ON THESE!

Henrylito D. Tacio

tively or enforce logging regulations,” Repetto wrote. “Links between timber companies and politicians further eroded government control.”

“Logging rights were also political allocations,” Vicente Jayme, an economist who was in President Corazon Aquino’s cabinet as presidential coordinating assistant for agro-industrial economic and �inancial affairs, disclosed in the book, Forest Faces: Hopes and Regrets in the Philippine Forestry published by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

“There were legitimate ones who went through the process; there were those with political connections and those who illegally logged,” Jayme said. “There were groups

9

year later, in 1921, a sharp increase was noted; the value of imported cocoa reached P64,425, mainly sourced from South America. The upward trend would remain even in the years to come.

Eminent Filipino historian Ambeth Ocampo traces the history of Philippine cacao to migrants and friars who �irst Christianized the Americas before reaching the Asia-Paci�ic region: “Cacao was one of the plant immigrants that came to our shores from Mexico in the early years of the Manila-Acapulco Galleon Trade, which connected both ends of the world from 1565-1815. Cacao was one of the crops that changed and formed us into the way we are. One source says that our chocolate is of the Central American Colombian variety, sometimes referred to as the ‘Criollo-type’ in the 17th century.

“If we are to believe the Augustinian chronicler Gaspar de San Agustin, cacao trees were brought over by a certain sea pilot named Pedro Brabo, who entrusted them to a priest named Bartolome Brabo, who in turn introduced and cultivated the plants in Camarines. Not to be outdone, the Franciscans lay claim to the introduction of chocolate, avoca-

do, tomato and maize to the Philippines.

“Then, of course, we have the Jesuits who are credited with importing cacao to the Philippines between 1663 and 1668. If we are to look at other 17th-century sources, there is a reference to the Portuguese taking chocolate in 17th-century Siam, and their chocolate source was the Spanish West Indies by way of Manila!”

Credit to the revival of the cacao industry in Davao region goes to Malagos Farm, which is managed by the Puentespina family. In less than two decades since it went full blast in reviving the cacao mania, the company has already brought to the country close to a dozen international awards and recognitions, something that affords the industry a brighter than usual future.

It was in 2014 when Davao hosted the 1st ever Davao Chocolate Festival held in the country. The following year, Malagos 65% Dark Chocolate was recognized at the 2015 International Chocolate Awards’ World Drinking Chocolate Competition.

Today, Davao City, the cacao and chocolate capital of the country, is proud of its Chocolate Museum, the �irst of kind in the Philippines, and the Cacao City.

backed by authorities or the military in the area and did the logging with impunity and with vessels waiting to haul.”

Most of the country’s forest covers are located in the uplands. In the Philippine context, the uplands are rolling to steep lands, with slopes ranging upward from 18%. About 60% of the country’s total land area of 30 million hectares is considered upland.

Forests serve as home to ancestral domains of some 12 million indigenous people’s (IPs) communities. In the FAO-published book, tribal leader Dante Sinhayan recalled that day when he returned to his village in the uplands of Bukidnon after graduating from college in the lowlands: “I saw many changes in the forest. There were a lot of denuded areas, and we were still gathering many of the forest products we were using: rattan, medicines, timber for housing, and timber that we were selling to the Dumagat. The hunting grounds of my parents, my grandparents changed. Nobody told me why these forest changes took place that I was seeing, but I heard from the elders as I listened to them as they discussed. The changes in the forest of my village were signi�icantly caused by the entry of logging.”

Sinhayan, a lumad, also said: “If we care less for the forest, we will not live without the forest. I cannot live without the forest. Without the

forest, I feel different in the city seeing big buildings. It is too hot. In the forest, it is cool and I hear the sounds of different birds. The changes make me re�lect and mix me up in how I think. It is natural that a lumad cannot survive in the city. Thus, being a lumad in itself is a great challenge as it also means taking care of the forest.”

“Logging is most ecologically destructive in the mountains,” wrote environmental journalist Alan Robles. “It is next to impossible to replant trees on rocky mountainsides once their thin skin of topsoil has been washed away.”

Aside from logging, other causes of deforestation in the country include: legal and illegal mining operations, agricultural �ires (as a result of kaingin farming), fuelwood collection, and rural population expansion.

Spreading cities have also contributed to decimation of forests.

“Asphalts is often the last harvest for many forests,” the late National Scientist Dioscoro Umali, a Ramon Magsaysay Award recipient, once said.

In recent years, some Filipino environmentalists fear “that plantation agriculture, especially oil palm, could emerge as the newest threat to remaining forests.”

Even at the end of the world, so goes a saying, plant a tree. “A person without children would face a hopeless future; a country without trees is almost as helpless,” American President Theodore Roosevelt reminded.

10 NEWS FIZZLED... FROM 1 was made possible through the coordination of the Of�ice of the President, the City Government, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board , Land Transportation Of�ice and the owners of the bus company.

Abude said that there was less traf�ic on the streets due to the small population of jeepney, adding most vehicles on the streets were private.

His of�ice has not report any untoward incident arising from the strike on Monday morning.

He said that the transport strike was made because the jeepney drivers do not support the plan of the mayor in phasing out the jeepneys and replace it with high priority buses system.

He said commuters will suffer from less pollution once the high priority buses begin to operate.

“As you can see in most PUJs, the entry point is at the back and when the vehicle moves, passengers tend to inhale the smoke whereas if we use modernize the vehicles the entry point will be on the sides ensuring that no smoke will enter the vehicle,” said Abude.

He said it is also on decongesting the traf�ic in the city because one bus alone can accommodate a lot of passengers.

Adubde also mentioned that they are looking into the possibility of employing jeepney drivers as drivers of the buses.

Mayor Carpio has announced on Friday the suspension of classes from kinder to college in both public and private schools and government work on Monday in preparation for the transport strike.

ries were Cesar Ledesma, co-founder of the party; Cesar Cuntapay, president of the Mindanao Area Council (MAC); Atty. Rogelio Garcia, Region XII council president and former labor undersecretary during the �irst Aquino administration.

The breakaway faction said Pimentel, Alvarez and Astra Naik, chairman of the party’s Membership Committee “repeatedly committed gross violations” of the party’s Constitution, including the illegal process of accepting members, making decisions outside of the National Assembly and the National Council, and the neglect of the party principle on consultative and participatory democracy.

The MAC stressed several attempts to hold a dialogue with the national of�icers to discuss issues and problems were not given due attention, adding the breakaway means the Mindanao bloc will con-

tinue “to give their support and con�idence” on the leadership of President Rodrigo R. Duterte as national chairman of PDP-Laban and in his Federal plans.

The splinter group also expressed their disgust by saying it could no longer tolerate the violations of the party principles and Constitution committed by the national of�icers, which were the causes of disunity and confusion with the party.

Earlier, �ive PDP-Laban members from Mindanao were expelled from the political party due to “disloyalty to the party and its leaders.”

Removed from the party roster were Davao del Norte (1st District) Rep. Antonio R. Floirendo Jr, Ledesama, Cuntapay, Garcia, and Noli Garcia of Region IX (Zamboanga), who �iled the motion declaring Alvarez a ‘persona non grata’ during the Tagum City meeting.

town mayor in Sarangani and seized from his home more than PhP1 million worth of shabu substance, a mini-laboratory and high-powered guns.

Also arrested were another businessman and several drug peddlers and users in the lower level of a drug syndicate operating in SOCCSKSARGEN. Castro said El Patron drug ring is the biggest drug group operating in the region and has links to the Maute Group - Anzar al-Kilafa Philippines, a local terrorist group in Sarangani and the Parojinog drug ring of Ozamiz City.

Castro said a “green book”

seized from the house of Maasim, Sarangani Mayor Aniceto Lopez, showed the personalities in the region who belonged to the drug ring.

Castro refused to name them except saying three mayors in the region are within the radar of PDEA, including several village of�icials.

“It’s better for them to come forward and peacefully surrender,” he said of local of�icials now under surveillance,” he said.

Castro said PDEA is facing a bigger challenge now after President Duterte issued an executive order entrusting back to PDEA the war on drugs.(PNA)

ulatory Board member and spokesperson Aileen Lizada said several major transport groups are supporting the PUVMP and not joining PISTON’s transport strike today and Tuesday.

“The transport groups un-

derstand the vision of the modernization program. We would also like to take note that most of those who are participating in the strike are from the labor sector and are not drivers and operators,” Lizada said. (PNA)

MINDANAO... FROM 2

PDEA... FROM 2

PRISTON... FROM 5

EDGEDAVAO

TOWARDS FOOD SECURITY. Ruth Manansala of Integrated Pastoral Initiative and Fidel Carpesano of Agro-Eco Philippines promote the upcoming World Food Day slated at the Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU) on October

DENR... FROM 2

Also on Friday just outside the venue of the DENR meeting in Davao City, a group of demonstrators from Banaybanay arrived to air their grievances.

The demonstrators agreed to leave peacefully after Tambuang, their councilor, asked them to give the DENR of�icials a chance to resolve the issue.

In another development, Davao regional police director Chief Supt. Manuel Gaerlan told a separate interview with radio DXAB Monday that he will look into allegations that supposed policemen are being used as security personnel of miners in Banaybanay.

Gaerlan said in the interview that “scalawag cops” or soldiers on AWOL (absence without of�icial leave) could be involved. He said a probe will

be underway.

The police general stressed there should be no unauthorized �irearms in Banaybanay or any area in Mindanao “especially that Mindanao is under martial law.”

In a news release by DENR last Saturday in Manila, it was said that Bureau of Customs (BOC) Port Collector Atty. Erastus Sandino gave assurances that the ship in Banaybanay loaded with mineral ores will not be allowed to depart without clearance.

For her part, PPA Manager Analee G. Aguila also said that her agency will not issue a port clearance, pending the submission of the necessary documents clearing the said shipment.

tages last night. These are a mix of men, women and children. I still don›t have the breakdown.

They were brought to a safe zone and are now undergoing medical examination.) They will also undergo debrie�ing,” Col. Romeo Brawner Jr., deputy commander of Task Force Ranao said.

Brawner added that there are also more than 20 soldiers wounded in the ongoing battle, adding that the main battle area between government troops and Maute terrorist shrunk to two hectares.

As of Monday, the number of slain Maute terrorists are placed at 822 along with 162 troops killed-in-action.

Lorenzana said they will announce the termination of hostilities once government forces have ensured that there

are no more terrorists-stragglers in the city and have cleared all structures of IEDs and other traps.

“After the �ighting stops, we will refocus our efforts on the challenging task of rebuilding and rehabilitating Marawi,” the Defense Secretary noted.

Meanwhile, Davao City Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte hailed the Armed Forces of the Philippines for the death of Hapilon and Maute.

In his Instagram post, VM Duterte thanked the AFP especially those who gave the ultimate sacri�ice, to protect the Filipino people from terrorists like the Maute Group.

“I have nothing but my deep respect for you and and your families’ sacri�ices for the Filipino people,” the young Duterte said. (PNA)

average growth this year among the ASEAN countries is expected at 5 percent, driven by strong domestic consumption in their respective economies.

In some ASEAN economies, Dominguez noted that faster

growth is inhibited by higher in�lation and weaker-than-expected trade �lows, which, he said, “are short-term limitations” and could turn for the better once global growth picks up. (DOF)

ISNILON... FROM 3

DOMINGUEZ... FROM 5

VOL. 10 ISSUE 141• TUESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2017

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

OCT... FROM 3

�ighting.

“Our troops are really �ighting hard,” Brawner said.

He said ISIS-Maute gunmen who are �ighting at the edge of Lake Lanao, are using women and children hostages as combatants in their last defensive stand.

Brawner said the hostages are also used as baits to draw the �ire from government troops.

Brawner said this information came from the young female hostage when she was interviewed by her rescuers.

He said there are an estimated 100 non-combatants

with the ISIS-Maute terrorists — about 40 hostages and 60 family members of the terrorists. Last Monday, Galvez said there were 31 hostages — 12 children, 16 women and three men — and “31 or 33” Maute dependents.

Brawner said the presence of so many non-combatants complicates the operations against the terrorists.

He said they also believe that Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon and the Maute Grou’s Omar Maute, are still inside the area the terrorists are holding here. (Froilan Gallardo / MindaNews)

Aquino III in 2015. We thought that with the new administration this would no longer be implemented but our wish wasn’t ful�illed that’s why we’re here.),” Baylon said.

Joining PISTON were some members of Kadamay, Kilu-

sang Mayo Uno (KMU) and other transport, commuter and militant groups.

Baylon said he was hopeful that with other groups’ support, this would strengthen their call to suspend the phaseout.(PNA)

all manufacturers, importers, distributors, and retailers who failed to comply with the requirements” of this law.

It further requires the Department of Health (DOH) to “publish every six months the list of all misbranded or banned hazardous substances the sale, offer for sale and distribution of which shall not be allowed” under R.A. 10620.

To date, the DTI and DOH have yet to promulgate the Implementing Rules and Regula-

tions (IRR) of R.A. 10620.

“We hope concerned groups in Davao and elsewhere will join us in demanding the promulgation of R.A. 10620’s IRR for the health and safety of our children as toy consumers,” Dizon said.

The EcoWaste Coalition and Laban Konsyumer, Inc., a consumer protection group, have been asking the authorities to release the much-delayed IRR toward the full enforcement of R.A. 10620.

transport strike nationwide to protest the government’s program to modernize jeepneys which they claimed would eventually lead to the phase out of old PUVs. The modernization program aims to modernize the �leet of jeepneys plying the road though a low carbon and

low emission vehicle technology.

The government will impose a 15-year age limit on PUJs, even as PUJ units covered by recently-issued certi�icates of public convenience must be totally brand new and compliant with other prescribed guidelines. (PNA)

STRIKES... FROM 5

MANY... FROM 4

TRANSPORT... FROM 3

INdulge!

TRAVEL

VOL. 10 ISSUE 141•TUESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2017

EDGEDAVAO

A fresh new Hotel Esse “A HOTEL SHOULD FEEL LIKE A HOME AWAY FROM HOME,” this is how Hotel Esse’s owner Annie Regis describes her philosophy on hotels and with the completion of Hotel Esse’s renovation, travellers to Durianburg now have a better and more comfortable place to call home.

From 14 rooms when it opened six years ago, Hotel Esse added a new wing to add four more rooms and an elevator to allow guests easy access to their rooms. Each room boasts high quality beds and beddings, LED cable TV, high speed WiFi, hot and cold showers, a minibar, and even a hair dryer which is a rare commodity for most small hotels.

There are also adjoining rooms which are perfect for bigger families to book.

“Me and my family travel all the time and when we decided to go into the hotel business, we wanted to give our guests as many room amenities as possible to really make their stay a pleasure,” shared Annie.

Aside from new rooms, Hotel Esse now has two new function rooms which are perfect for

Hotel Esse’s new room.

Hotel Esse’s welcoming staff.

small meetings, seminars and gatherings. There is also a brand new allday-dining restaurant, Blunch, headed by Chef Benjo Tuazon. The restaurant, located right beside Hotel Esse’s lobby, serves all-day breakfast as well as classic Filipino comfort food such as Callos, Chicken Wings, and Chicken Salpicao.

“Travellers always look for a hearty breakfast whenever they travel, which is why we partnered up with Chef Benjo and his team to provide

The newly renovated Hotel Esse. a good breakfast experience for our guests,” said Annie “In fact, all of our rooms here at the hotel in-

clude breakfast.”

Hotel Esse is centrally located along F. Torres Street and is just a

stone’s throw away from many of Davao City’s famous landmarks, office districts, malls and food

streets. So why don’t you drop by and stay at the newly renovated Hotel Esse?

Hotel owner Annie Regis (right) together with Jianina Angela Regis, and John Paul Regis.

Expect interesting designs in all of Hotel Esse’s rooms.

Grilled seafood skewers at Blunch.

The Blunch team. Jennifer Lim- Lakaya, Carlos Veloso and Chef Benjo Tuazon

A2INdulge!

TRAVEL

PHILIPPINE SURFING MAKES HISTORY as the first ever Philippine Surfing Championship Tour (PSCT) recently concluded its first leg of the competition through the 19th National Siargao Cup.

With almost 200 surfers who registered from all over the Philippines, this was definitely the biggest number of participants any Philippine surfing competition had ever seen.

From the youngest competitor, 8 year-old Kaikai Alcala of Siargao to veteran professional surfer Jefferson Dela Torre from La Union and participants from Cantilan, Lanuza, Davao region and even Cagayan de Oro City - it would be an understatement to be stoked witnessing six days of nothing but premier surfing from top surfers all over the country.

Probably the most notable ones were those of the first timers - surfers who’ve never competed professionally before like professional skimboarder and four time skimboarding champion title holder, Sonny Boy Aporbo.

Small Town Roots Hailing from a small yet beautiful coastal barangay in Mati City, Davao Oriental, Sonny Boy “Bayogyog” Aporbo grew up with the powerful Pacific Ocean as his playground.

His childhood days would consist of accompanying his fisherman father to catch fish around in Mayo Bay and the nearby Pujada Bay; and seeing his mother sell the fish they caught.

“Bayogyog” is a nickname or endearment his parents gave him when he was young. When I asked what it meant, Bayogyog smiles and says that he doesn’t know anything else except that it means engkanto in the dialect.

Back in 2004, when he was six years old, an Australian visited Dahican and brought with him skimboards that he shaped himself. Bayogyog was one of the local kids that were taught to skim and as a parting gift, was given his very own skimboard.

“Do you remember the name of this Australian guy?” I asked.

Smiling, Bayogyog said “I really don’t know his name”. He goes on saying that he may not remember the name but he never forgot him. Living by the beach, there wasn’t much else to do but play in it, soon enough Bayogyog kept practicing skimboarding which was also his form of play.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 141•TUESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2017

MAKING BIG WAVES

Mati’s Bayogyog at the Philippine Surfing Championship Tour

The Makings of a Skimboarding Champ In October 2005, Bayogyog joined his first local skimboarding competition right in his home, Dahican. He bagged the championship despite his inexperience in joining competitions. Since then, Bayogyog kept joining skimboarding competitions to gain experience and also as a way support his family.

Soon enough, he was starting to place Dahican on a spotlight by winning 28 national skimboarding competitions to date, bagging the championship each time. Safe to say, he never lost placing in a competition.

Despite this growing success and fame, Bayogyog remains very down-to-earth and would always smile and never fail to thank anybody who would congratulate and greet him around.

Invitations kept coming in and by 2012, Bayogyog was on his way to his first international skimboarding competition in Hong Kong. To everyone, including himself, he won as champion. In the succeeding years, 2013 in Malaysia and after a short break from 2014-2015 due to the lack of budget to participate.

Bayogyog again competed

last year, 2016 in Singapore and again, in Malaysia, this time with the support of the local government of Mati City and Davao Oriental as well as support from friends and the community.

When asked what he felt about his accomplishments in skimboarding, Bayogyog says in “I feel weird that I’m being interviewed about these. Who am I? I’m really just a simple person.”

Walking along the white sand shores of Dahican, local kids would shout his name fondly and he would always respond with a smile or a jest. Tourism campaigns showcasing Dahican would never fail to have his photo performing an aerial or a kickflip with the blue waters of his home behind him.

From Professional Skimboarding to Competitive Surfing With the introduction of surfing to Dahican around 10 years ago, Bayogyog also picked up the sport and has been surfing around his home break since then.

“Surfing may be different yet it’s also similar to skimboarding in a lot of ways. But the stoke the waves give you is the same.” he

says when asked about surfing.

“I love skimboarding and surfing the same. One isn’t favored less than the other. They’re equal to me.” Bayogyog replies to a question on which sport does he like more.

Competitive surfing definitely posed a lot of challenges for Bayogyog. Having been his first time surfing in Cloud 9, he was quite nervous during his heats. “There’s always a certain pressure during the heats in the competition. It was nervewracking.”, he says. “But I still survived up until round 5!”

With skills honed by surfing finless with the skimboards, Bayogyog was able to make it up until round 5 in the recently concluded 19th Siargao National Surfing Cup. Pulling off impressive floaters during the competition and on his free surfing in Cloud 9, his first foray into competitive surfing truly made this year memorable.

“I never expected to get in round 5. I never really hoped to get in the semis but I am so happy that I made it. This is my first time and words can’t really explain the joy I feel just to be able to be part of this” says Bayogyog. “The good thing is now I know that I need to practice and work even harder for the next

legs of the PSCT. I’m so thankful to everybody who supported, without them I don’t think I’ll be here.”

The warm welcome and hospitality of the Siargao locals and the never-ending quality waves that you can get in the island truly lived up to its name as a paradise, Bayogyog recalls.

“I’m just so happy to be part of this and so thankful to PSCT for creating this system where surfers all over the country can compete and be challenged to become better.”

Patterned after the World Surf League, the PSCT is the country’s first-ever and only professional surfing tournament where surfers from all over the Philippines will gather and tour around different surf spots to earn points and battle for a spot in the national ranking.

More than competition, PSCT hopes to unite surfers from Luzon to Mindanao and promote a sense of “ohana” in the Filipino surfing community.

Only through working together can we make the dream of making world champions a reality.

Check out www.millennialmermaid.com to watch the highlights of the 19th National Siargao Surfing Cup!

VOL. 10 ISSUE 141•TUESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2017

EVENT

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

AirAsia celebrates Mid-Autumn AIRASIA formally opened its Mid-Autumn Food Festival celebration in Bonifacio High Street Central, Taguig City last week. The event highlights well-loved traditions, exotic Asian street food, and fun-filled activities last 6 October until 7 October.

October 11, 2017 Only

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The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the moon festival, is celebrated by many communities around the world, like China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, Korea, and Vietnam.

The two-day food festival was open to the public from 10:00AM to 10:00PM and is organized by AirAsia, the World’s Best Low Cost Carrier for nine consecutive years running, in partnership with BIG Loyalty, AirAsia’s Freedom Flyer Programme - Easier, Faster, Better, Further.

Visitors enjoyed treats such as mooncakes, assorted delicacies, and street food fare from different Asian countries there were also performances by a K-Pop boy band and entertaining presentation by AirAsia cabin crew.

Aside from AirAsia Flash Sale where promo seats to China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, Korea, and Vietnam were up for grabs from as low as P990 via the airline’s mobile app, online at airasia.com, and via the AirAsia booth at the venue, the airline also gave away special gifts and flight tickets to lucky visitors and social media contest winners.

EDGEDAVAO

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VOL. 10 ISSUE 141•TUESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 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

VOL. 10 ISSUE 141• TUESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2017

EDGEDAVAO

Photo taken on Saturday, October 14, 2017, nine days after a landslide struck the upper portion of Shrine Hills along the Diversion Road in Davao City on October 5. The landslide prompted the city government to close a portion of the highway for several days. On October 10, it announced that starting Wednesday (Oct 11), two lanes would be opened

from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. while clearing operations are being done. On Thursday night, it announced yet another closure “because of the danger posed by boulders that are rolling down from Shrine Hills” but added it would reopen Friday morning. MindaNews photo by GG BUENO

Pulse Asia: 88% of Filipinos support the campaign againts illegal drugs

A

ll Filipinos are aware of the Duterte administration’s war on hard drugs, with majority of them or some 88 percent supporting its campaign, revealed a new survey released by Pulse Asia Research Inc. Monday.

The survey conducted from Sept. 24 to 30 noted the same levels of support obtained across geographic areas and socio-economic groupings at 84 percent to 94 percent and 80 percent to 89 percent, respectively.

Only 2 percent of Filipinos are not supportive of

the campaign, while 9 percent are unable to say if they support or do not support.

Less than 1 percent of Filipinos are unable to state their position on the issue.

More than half of them or 58 percent would like the leaders of the Catholic Church to assist with the rehabilitation of drug addicts.

This is the preferred action of most Filipinos across areas and classes (53 percent to 64 percent and 54 percent to 60 percent, respectively).

Some 46 percent of Filipinos opt for the Church

leaders to either monitor the conduct of the anti-illegal drugs campaign; while 40 percent want them to release statements expressing concern about the deaths that have taken place as a result of the campaign.

Both options have the support of most Visayans at 51 percent and 52 percent, respectively.

Others would like the Catholic Church leadership to assist in litigating alleged abusive law enforcers (28 percent) and to take a hands-off policy on the issue (13 percent).

Among the key events during the survey period include Senate’s investigation into the shipment of illegal drugs worth PhP6.4 billion; the Senate’s hearing into the suspected hazing death of law student Horacio Castillo III; and the sacking of virtually the entire Caloocan City police force in the aftermath of the killing of teenagers Karl Arnaiz and Reynaldo de Guzman.

The nationwide survey is based on a sample of 1,200 representative adults 18 years old and above.

(PNA)

approval the bill that would allow Filipinos to avail of marijuana for therapeutic purposes.

“We expect the bill to be put to the �loor when Congress resumes session next month, and we intend to �ight it off forcefully,” Atienza said, referring to House Bill 6517, or the proposed Act Providing Filipinos Right of Access to Medical Marijuana.

The Philippine Medical Association, the professional organization of Filipino physicians, has rejected the bill outright, declaring it “contrary to the policy of the State to safeguard the well-being of its citizenry.”

“Advocates of the bill

argue that Filipino families should be allowed to use marijuana to provide arti�icial, mind-altering ‘highs’ to depressed teenagers as well as children with attention de�icit hyperactivity disorder, when what these vulnerable kids truly need and deserve is extra loving care and emotional support,” Atienza said.

Atienza warned that criminal drug traf�ickers are bound to exploit ‘medical marijuana’ as cover to boost the recreational use of the drug and enlarge their nefarious trade.

(House of Representatives) “What makes marijua-

na even more menacing is that many young Filipinos are known to �irst experiment on the substance, before they eventually use harder drugs,” Atienza, former three-term mayor of Manila, pointed out.

“Marijuana is a gateway drug. Pushers in schools purposely use marijuana to entice students to use drugs for the �irst time, before they are introduced to shabu,” the lawmaker said.

At present, marijuana is classi�ied as a prohibited substance, just like methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu, cocaine and heroin, under the Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Medical marijuana to turn PH into zombie nation-Atienza

B

uhay Rep. Lito Atienza has warned strongly against the “backdoor decriminalization” of marijuana through a proposed law that would encourage the supposed medicinal use of the highly addictive banned drug.

“If other countries wish to destroy themselves by enabling medical marijuana, then let them create their own problems. We Filipinos certainly do not want to degenerate into a nation of zombies,” Atienza, the senior deputy minority leader, said.

Atienza was responding to the 63-member House committee on health’s decision to endorse for plenary

NEWS11

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11TH Judicial Region Davao City OFFICE OF THE EXECUTIVE JUDGE NOTICE OF HEARING PETITION FOR NOTARIAL COMMISSION NOTICE is hereby given that a summary hearing on the Petitions for NOTARIAL COMMISSION of: 1. EFREN L. PIÑOL, JR. 2. CHRISTIAN BRYAN S. ARIAS

shall be held on OCTOBER 20, 2017 at exactly 2:00 p.m. at the courtroom of Regional Trial Court, Branch 16, Hall of Justice, Ecoland, Matina, Davao City.

Any person who has any cause or reason to object to the grant of the petition may file a verified written opposition thereto, received by the undersigned before the date of the summary hearing.

Davao City, Philippines, October 12, 2017.

(SGD)EMMANUEL C. CARPIO Executive Judge

12 SCIENCE Coastal ecosystems curb climate change EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 141• TUESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2017

TEXT AND PHOTOS BY HENRYLITO D. TACIO

T

hey may be 100 times fast in storing carbon dioxide than those forests growing in the uplands, but seagrass meadows and mangrove forests are not given the attention they most deserved.

In fact, they are fast disappearing!

“They are at great risk of being lost and if the trend continues at current rates, a further 30-40% of seagrasses and nearly all unprotected mangroves could be lost in the next 100 years,” deplored Dr. Miguel D. Fortes, a marine scientist and author of several books and technical articles in referred journals.

Part of the coastal ecosystems, seagrass meadows and mangrove forests have natural capacity to sequester and store enormous amounts of so-called “blue carbon” in their sediments.

“As carbon sinks, they are a cheap and readily available natural resources useful in mitigating the negative impacts of climate change,” explained Dr. Fortes, the �irst Filipino to receive the prestigious International Biwako Prize for Ecology. “Once they are degraded or destroyed, their blue carbon stores are released as carbon dioxide and contribute to global climate change.”

Dr. Fortes said that the current rates of loss of these ecosystems may result in 0.15 to 1.02 billion tons of carbon dioxide released annually.

“Hence, it is imperative that these blue carbon ecosystems be conserved and well-managed,” he suggested.

“Blue carbon ecosystems” Blue carbon is actually carbon from the atmosphere and oceans. The coastal “blue carbon ecosystems” sequester these emitted carbon dioxide in going to the atmosphere as these are stored in the plants and sediment. As a result, they help mitigate climate change impacts.

The global community established the International Blue Carbon Initiative, a transdisciplinary, global program that coordinates the International Group of Experts on Blue Carbon (IGEBC). The latter has formulated an action agenda to “identify effective, ef�icient and politically acceptable approaches to reduce the atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide.”

Recent studies conducted by the United Nations Environment Program and International Union for Conservation of Nature found that, when healthy mangrove forests, saltwater marshlands and seagrasses are “extremely effective” at storing atmospheric carbon, thereby mitigating climate change consequences.

“Climate change is occurring now and will intensify in the next few decades, threatening in particular developing nations, with Philippines being one of the most vulnerable countries in the world,” said the World Bank report, “Getting a Grip on Climate Change in the Philippines.”

According to the bank report, the Philippines is “already experiencing temperature increases; sea level rise; stronger storms, �loods, and droughts; and ocean acidi�ication, all of which will intensify and affect subsistence livelihoods as well as urban and coastal areas.”

Climate change Dr. Robert Watson, chairman of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), a United Nations body which became a co-recipient of the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize, explained climate change in these words: ““Climate change is very simple. We are increasing emissions of greenhouse gases and thus their concentrations in the atmosphere are going up. As these concentrations increase, the temperature of the earth rises.”

Examples of greenhouse

gases include carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide.

“Our lifestyle has led to the accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere,” a fact sheet on climate change explained. “These gases trap heat from the sun, making the earth warmer. Manifestations of a warmer world include rising mean temperatures, sea level rise and increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events like droughts and greater rainfall.”

“Continued emission of greenhouse gases will cause further warming and long-lasting changes in all components of the climate system, increasing the likelihood of severe, pervasive and irreversible impacts for people and ecosystems,” contends an IPCC report.

Mangroves and seagrasses Both mangrove forests and seagrass meadows can help capture those emitted carbon dioxide from going to the atmosphere. Unfortunately, these ecosystems, together with coral reefs, continue to degrade and, “in the face of natural catastrophes, are at great risk of being lost in the new few decades,” Dr. Fortes warned.

In 1918, the country’s

mangroves were estimated to cover 5,000 square kilometers.

By 1970, they had dwindled to 2,800 square kilometers and to 2,420 square kilometers a decade later.

“All over the country, whatever coastal province you visit, you see the same plight – desolate stretches of shoreline completely stripped of mangrove cover and now totally exposed to the pounding of the ocean’s waves,” a Filipino environmentalist decries.

“Mangroves in the Philippines have long been ‘ecologically disturbed’ by rampant cutting for timber products and massive conversion of forests into aquaculture ponds,” read the introduction and overview of the “State of the Mangrove Summit.”

The seagrasses, thriving between coral reefs and mangroves, fare no better. “In the Philippines, 30% to 50% of seagrass has been lost in the last 50 years,” pointed out Dr. Fortes.

To think, the Philippines has the second highest number of seagrass species in the world. The country is home to 16 of the world’s 50 seagrasses; only Western Australia has more – with 17 species.

Dr. Fortes said all 16 seagrass species are widely dis-

tributed from Bolinao Bay in the north, Palawan and the Cebu-Bohol-Siquijor area at the center, and Zamboanga and Davao in the south. Seagrass beds cover an estimated area of about �ive million hectares.

Marine experts traced the rapid disappearance of seagrasses to various destructive disturbances caused by both natural and man-induced in�luences. Among the natural threats are typhoons, tidal waves and volcanic activity.

Man-made causes include industrialization, development of recreational areas along the coast, dredging, and mining which led to heavy siltation in estuarine areas, resulted in lower productivity and even burial of seagrasses, according to a report from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

Ignored Despite their massive importance, both mangroves and seagrasses have been ignored in the past. “In the Philippines, scienti�ic understanding of carbon sequestration and potential emissions from coastal ecosystems is still insuf�icient to develop effective carbon policy, management, and conservation incentives for coastal Blue Carbon,” he wrote in a brie�ing paper.

Blue carbon was acknowledged globally only in 2009.

“The common drivers of conversion and degradation of blue carbon ecosystems are largely driven by human activities,” Dr. Fortes said, referring to aquaculture, agriculture, mangrove forest exploitation, terrestrial and marine sources pollution and industrial and urban coastal management.

“Greenbelt” But there are good news.

According to Dr. Fortes, approximately a kilometer-wide

strip of seagrass (seaward) and mangrove (landward) vegetation runs practically all along the Philippine coastline.

He considered this as “greenbelt,” which acts “as a composite natural buffer against storm surge, rise in both seawater and air temperatures, seawater acidi�ication, �looding and pollution.”

The country’s mangroves, for instance, can potentially sequester 0.2 billion metric tons of carbon or an equivalent of cleaning the air from carbon emissions of 3 million cars).

The mangrove forests can also reduce the height of big waves by 75% and substantially increase biological diversity.

On the other, the seagrass beds have the potential of sequestering 0.02 billion metric tons of carbon (cleaning the air of carbon equivalent to that from emissions of 270,000 cars). They can also add oxygen to seawater aside from aerating it and maintaining favorable water temperatures.

In addition, they remove carbon dioxide from seawater.

“The Philippines has an enormous coastal blue carbon resources useful in sequestering carbon dioxide from the global atmosphere,” reminded Dr. Fortes. “However, it has also the potential to add carbon dioxide into the atmosphere if it does not manage well its coastal blue carbon ecosystems.”

Dr. Fortes believed the Philippines could still reverse the loss of mangroves and seagrasses. “An improved scientific and societal understanding of the underlying mechanisms that conserve coastal ecosystems are at hand,” he said. “The blue carbon focus could enhance partnerships in improving resilience of communities in towards a blue economy in the face of climate change.”

VOL. 10 ISSUE 141• TUESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2017

PDEA... FROM 6

EDGEDAVAO

town mayor in Sarangani and seized from his home more than PhP1 million worth of shabu substance, a mini-laboratory and high-powered guns.

Also arrested were another businessman and several drug peddlers and users in the lower level of a drug syndicate operating in SOCCSKSARGEN. Castro said El Patron drug ring is the biggest drug group operating in the region and has links to the Maute Group - Anzar al-Kilafa Philippines, a local terrorist group in Sarangani and the Parojinog drug ring of Ozamiz City.

Castro said a “green book” seized from the house of Maasim, Sarangani Mayor Aniceto Lopez, showed the personalities in the region who belonged to the drug ring.

Castro refused to name them except saying three mayors in the region are within the radar of PDEA, including several village of�icials.

“It’s better for them to come forward and peacefully surrender,” he said of local of�icials now under surveillance,” he said.

Castro said PDEA is facing a bigger challenge now after President Duterte issued an executive order entrusting back to PDEA the war on drugs.

In the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), PDEA Director Juvenal Azurin also said his of�ice is facing huge and multiple challenges after Malacañang named PDEA as the sole agency in the war on drugs.

Speaking to reporters, Azurin admitted lack of man-

power, �irepower and facilities make the new task very challenging. With that, he said, PDEA in enforcing the war on drugs of Duterte administration still needs the support of the Philippine National Police, the military and other security agencies for the task.

He said PDEA-ARMM assessment showed the illegal drug situation in his area of jurisdiction is still in “red,” meaning it remained one of the major threats to society.

The ARMM comprises the cities of Marawi and Lamitan, and the provinces of Maguindanao, Sulu, Tawi-tawi, Lanao del Sur and Basilan. Due to its proximity to Maguindanao, the PDEA-ARMM has included Cotabato City to its area of operation. (Edwin Fernandez/PNA)

State for Iraq and Syria (ISIS)-inspired Maute group and Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) joined forces in an attempt to establish a caliphate in the Philippines on May 23.

The crisis dragged on for more than �ive months and triggered a humanitarian crisis as thousands of people �lee from the country’s lone Islamic City - Marawi.

Año said the terrorist leaders were killed when soldiers advanced as they �lee from one of their strongholds dragging along some hostages.

At least 17 hostages were

rescued following the skirmish.

“Today, the end of �ive months of �ighting in Marawi (City) can �inally begin,” Hataman said citing it has been 145 days since the con�lict in Marawi City started.

Hataman underscored that despite the crisis actions of compassion were witnessed.

“In these dark times, we have become a source of light and warmth for each other. In the face of con�lict, it is the Meranao people who have taken the lead in reclaiming peace in the Islamic City,” Hataman said.

“In the midst of terror, we

have seen de�iant heroes rising among us despite adversity and sel�lessly offering themselves despite the risk of losing everything they had--government workers, non-pro�it and private organizations, and volunteers,” he said.

“It is this faith and spirit that we will carry with us as we end not only this time of con�lict, but as we uproot the terrorism that traitors have planted in our land,” he added.

“And we will be with you, today and in the days ahead. In moving forward, we remain one with Marawi,” he added. (PNA)

DEATH... FROM 6

NEWS 13

14 MOTORING EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 141• TUESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2017

Castrol PH gears up for 4th ‘Partner for Life’ Programme

Photo above shows the winners during the 2016 Partner for Life Programme as they emerge victorious after completing their rigorous six-month training.

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ith some 1.14 million motorcycles reported sold in 2016, the Philippines is now the second largest market for motorcycles in Southeast Asia behind Indonesia.

As motorcycles have increasingly become a preferred mode of transportation for many Filipinos given traf�ic and road conditions, the need for more quali�ied and highly trained motorcycle mechanics has come to light. In response to this need, Castrol Philippines launched the Partner for Life programme for two-wheeler mechanics in 2013.

Designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of mechanics across the country, Castrol’s Partner for Life programme has, over the last four years, mentored some 7,000 mechanics from different regions and provinces.

As part of the annual programme, outstanding mechanics are given recognition. This year, Castrol’s Partner for Life programme will honor a fourth set of deserving Filipino motorcycle technicians on November 27 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

“As a brand committed to safer rides and road safety, we feel we have a big role to play in upgrading the skills of our motorcycle mechanics,” said Maria

Tañada, Country Sales Director, Castrol Philippines.”

“Castrol’s Partner for Life programme gives us the opportunity to reach out to help develop more mechanics into knowledgeable, con�ident advisors and our partners in protecting our riders on the road,” she added.

The Castrol Partner for Life programme consists of three technical training modules held in over 100 training centers across the Philippines. The modules are conducted over a six month-period, after which the best mechanics per center are selected to compete and be named as ‘Castrol Mechanics of the Year.’

This year, the Philippines was also selected to join the Castrol Asia Paci�ic Mechanic Contest being held in Thailand from November 8 to 10. The Castrol Asia Paci�ic Mechanic Contest is a unique and innovative event that provides independent workshop motorcycle mechanics an opportunity to showcase their talent and hone their skills and upgrade their knowledge about new two-wheeler technology, maintenance and lubricants.

A total of 77,000 mechanics took part in the preliminary rounds held across six countries—Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, India, and the Philippines. The participating mechanics from Asia Paci�ic will be put through the ultimate test, on both their technical knowledge as well as practical tests.

The Philippine representa-

tives are the Castrol Partner for Life 2016 Champion Mechanics Team comprising of Roel Ian Bustaleño, Joy Cabras, Joveryl Nesperos, and Jackson Li, all from LKK Motor Parts in Davao. A year into their victory, these individuals have continued to work in Davao and practice the skills gained during the Castrol Partner for Life programme in 2016.

ERRATA

In the October 2, 9, 16, 2017 editions of Edge Davao published an In the matter of the petition for cancellation of the remarks of legitimation on the certificate of live birth of of JEY TAPASAO JOROLAN had certain errors inadvertently printed. The surname JAROLAN must be JOROLAN; the word REMARKSS was misspelled it should be REMARKS. Our sincere apologies.

The Editors

EDGE DAVAO Serving a seamless society

is in need of the following: ACCOUNT EXCECUTIVE Qualifications: - BS Marketing Graduate - Male/Female - With pleasing personality

ACCOUNTING CLERK Qualifications: - BS Accountancy Graduate - Female - Can work with minimum supervision - Experience of at least one year

MACHINE OPERATOR

(Printing Press)

Qualifications: - At least high school graduate - Physically and mentally fit - Can handle minor repairs of the machine - Has the ability to be cool under pressure of deadlines and complex projects - Experience of at least one year Submit application letter and resume to: Ella P. Tingzon HR/Admin Supervisor Edge Davao Review Publishing Inc. Door 14 ALCREJ Bldg., E. Quirino Avenue, Davao City Or email at edgedavao@gmail.com ella or tingzon@yahoo.com

VOL. 10 ISSUE 141• TUESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2017

EDGEDAVAO

SPORTS 15

NEW LOOK. Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) and forward Kevin Love (0) and guard Dwyane Wade (9) sit on the bench against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena. Brad Mills, USA TODAY Sports/Reuters

Lebron has high hopes for revamped Cavs

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ASHINGTON -- LeBron James will have an overhauled Cleveland Cavaliers supporting cast this season as he tries to reach an eighth consecutive NBA Finals and again dethrone Golden State as champion.

Four-time NBA Most Valuable Player James won two titles in four seasons with the Miami Heat and begins his quest to match the feat with Cleveland on Tuesday when the 2017-18 campaign opens against visiting Boston and exCavs teammate Kyrie Irving.

The Cavs lost to Golden State in the 2015 �inals but took revenge by winning the 2016 crown, James ful�illing his vow to bring a title to Cleveland, only to watch Golden State add Kev-

S

in Durant and roll to the title last season with a 16-1 playoff mark.

Several clubs made roster changes designed to challenge the Warriors, with the Cavs adding experience and talent at the risk of becoming an older team with injury concerns.

But in the end, they remain powered by “King” James, whose �inals streak is unlike anything seen in the NBA in half a century.

“We all know who the big dog is, so everybody else has got to get in where they �it in,” Cavs guard J.R. Smith said. “If you’re going to come in here with an ego, you shouldn’t have signed here.”

New Cavs guard Dwyane Wade, 35, was the 2006 NBA

Most Valuable Player and is an ex-Heat teammate and longtime James pal while new backcourt partner Derrick Rose, 29, was the 2011 MVP but has been nagged by knee injuries for years.

Wade averaged 18.3 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.8 assists with Chicago last season.

“I think he brings another championship DNA, championship pedigree,” James said of Wade. “He brings another playmaker who can get guys involved and make plays and also just has a great basketball mind.”

Former Cavs guard Irving, who averaged 25.2 points and 5.8 assists last season, was traded to Boston in a deal that brought over starting forward

Jae Crowder and guard Isaiah Thomas, who isn’t expected to play before January due to an injured right hip.

Everyone must sacri�ice Shifting roles have meant Kevin Love taking a center spot rather than serving as a forward and two more returning standouts, Smith and forward Tristan Thompson, have been relegated to reserves.

“It’s not about who starts the game,” said Thompson. “It’s about who is in the game in the fourth and who is �inishing it.”

The Cavs, who also added 36-year-old Spanish guard Jose Calderon, must now blend the talent into a team over an 82-game campaign to peak for the playoffs.

“You’re a part of a team

tage of three of seven break point opportunities in the match to snap Nadal’s 16-

cluded his China Open victory last week.

Federer, who has won the last �ive encounters between the pair dating back to the 2015 Basel �inal, also beat Nadal in the Australian Open �inal, a round of 16 match at Indian Wells and the Miami �inal this year.

The Shanghai Masters is Federer’s 94th career title, moving him into a tie

with Ivan Lendl in second place on the Open era list.

Nadal arrived on court with a bandage under his right knee, the same leg he twice smacked with his racket after losing his serve for the �irst time this week in the semi�inal.

Federer took advantage of a third break point in the �irst game of the match with a winning backhand passing shot. He broke Nadal’s serve again on a second break point in the �ifth game of the second set when Nadal sailed a backhand crosscourt wide. In the �inal game, Nadal netted a forehand at 15-40 to end the 72-minute match.

Redemption for Roger

HANGHAI — Roger Federer extended his winning streak over Rafael Nadal this year to four matches after beating the topranked Spaniard 6-4, 6-3 in the Shanghai Masters �inals on Sunday.

The Swiss 19-time grand slam winner, who still trails Nadal 23-15 in their overall head-to-head record, didn’t face a break point and started and ended the match with service breaks.

Federer took advan-

game winning streak, which in-

DOMINATING. Roger Federer beat Rafael Nadal in the finals of the Shanghai Open.

and you’re going to have to sacri�ice something to be here,” Wade said. “This is all about winning. It’s comforting. No matter what everyone’s role is, when you’re on the �loor you �igure it out. And we’ll be �ine.”

Cavaliers coach Tyronn Lue is con�ident his revamped roster can mystify rivals and become formidable offensively.

“With the starting lineup, they all can push it out on the break if they rebound the basketball,” Lue said. “Guys who can make plays, good cutters, good slashers. We also can space the �loor. We have a lot of weapons. We’ve just got to put them all together so they all play well together.”

‘Peanut butter and jelly’ James compared the ver-

satility of the rebooted Cavaliers to his Heat squads.

“We have the versatility and the ability to �ly around with the athleticism that we have and the IQ we have as well,” he said.

“We can do a few different things defensively. When things break down, when you have versatility and you have speed, it allows you to cover for mistakes.”

Wade snubbed several other offers to play again alongside James, saying they go together “like peanut butter and jelly.”

“I look forward to playing alongside my brother LeBron,” he said. “We’ve already won two championships together and I hope we win a third.”

OUSTON (AP) -- Kawhi Leonard still isn’t ready to play.

San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich said the All-Star forward needs more time to get his injured thigh muscle right, meaning he won’t be out there when the Spurs open their regular season on Wednesday against Minnesota. ‘’He’s still rehabbing and when he’s ready, he’ll be ready,’’ Popovich told reporters in Houston before San Antonio’s preseason �inale.

Leonard didn’t play at all in camp or preseason, after a year where he averaged 25.5 points - raising his scoring average for the �ifth consecutive season - and �inished behind only Russell Westbrook and

James Harden in the MVP race.

The Spurs aren’t alone when it comes to injury woes heading into the season.

Many are minor, like Cleveland’s LeBron James nursing a sprained ankle and Golden State’s Andre Iguodala dealing with a balky back - issues that might keep them out of their respective opening nights. Kevin Durant (virus) and Draymond Green (back) also missed Golden State’s preseason �inale on Friday, though neither situation is thought to be serious. Nor is the Rockets’ Chris Paul sitting out Friday with a sore knee, after missing a game earlier this week with a sore shoulder.

Spurs’Leonard won’t be ready for opener H

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. 10 ISSUE 141• TUESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2017

DEAD SERIOUS DAVAO PRIDE. IBF s u p e r f l y we i g ht champion Jerwin Ancajas is deep in training against Jamie Conlan.

Davao’s Ancajas not taking Conlan fight for granted

BY NEILWIN JOSEPH BRAVO

D

abawenyo world champion Jerwin Ancajas is not taking any chances in his defense of the International Boxing Federation super�lyweight c r o w n against unbeaten Jamie Conlan in Belfast, I r e land.

The �ight is set on Nov. 18 yet but the Panab o City �ighter is deep in training to be in razor sharp form

when he �lies to the unknown battleground.

Conlan was impressed with Ancajas’ seven-round demolition of Japanese challenger Teiru Kinoshita in the undercard of the Manny Pacquiao-Jeff Horn tussle in Brisbane on July 2, but the brawler from Belfast is convinced he’d be able to beat the Dabaweyo pride.

“For one so small, he’s extremely powerful but he’s not just a brawler and a banger. He started out nice and relaxed, patient in his approach. Like all the top Asian �ighters around the weight, he’s extremely tough,” Conlan said in a recent interview with boxingscene.com.

The 30-year-old Conlan, who holds a 19-0 record with 11 KOs, was at ringside watching Ancajas during that bout.

In that �ight, Conlan got to scrutinise Ancajas from ringside, while supporting brother Michael. The feisty Filippino southpaw, beaten just once in 29 with 18 kayos, appeared ruthless whilst destroying Kinoshita in seven.

“I got to see the �irst round and then the �inal couple of rounds from ringside and Jerwin was very impressive. Studying from close up, rather than on TV you get to hear the thud of a �ighters punches.

It can be daunting,” Conlan said.

Ancajas (27-1-1, 18 knockouts), who also won by stoppage over Mexican Jose Alfredo Rodriguez in his �irst title defense last Jan. 29 in Macau, wennt to camp for the Conlain �ight under the guidance of his manager and trainer Joven Jimenez.