Edge10 issue146 October 24, 2017

VOL. 10 ISSUE 146• TUESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2017

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 146• TUESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2017

Serving a seamless society

NO LET-UP. Police officers from the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) conduct a surprise operation and random inspections in a Muslim community in Brgy. 23-C Mini-forest, Davao City during one of the authorities’ series of “Oplan Bulabog.” DCPO bared that it will intensify its “Oplan Bulabog” campaign to prevent terrorist threats in the city after the government liberated Marawi City from ISIS-inspired group last week. Lean Daval Jr.

SLIPPING AWAY

Congress’failure to legislate federalism rued

By JIMMY K. LAKING

N

ationwide awareness on federalism has risen to 30 percent but time is running incredibly short on whether or not it will be subjected to a plebiscite on May 2019.

“We are down to only 555 days before the moment of reckoning,” lawyer Aristeo Albay, chairman of the Davaobased Kilusang Pederal sa Pagbabago, told the Kapehan sa Davao at the SM Ecoland on Monday.

KPP technical consultant Architect Florencio Gavino

lamented the lack of urgency on both the House of Representatives and the Senate in legislating a shift to federalism via a nationwide plebiscite.

“We have a two-thirds majority in the House of Represenatives but at least 16 of 23 senators are certain to reject a shift to federalism,” he said.

Albay said the alternative, which actually took off in the Calabarzon area is a ‘people’s initiative’ that would bring together stakeholders in pushing for the fast-tracking of

federalism. “And if we can convince the armed forces of the Philippines, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the New Peoples Army to support the initiative, there is a chance we may be able to push this through.”

The two KPP of�icials said another alternative was through a revolutionary government reminiscent of the Cory Aquino-led government that paved the way for the 1987 Constitutional Convention.

At the same time, both

KPP of�icials expressed support to the Bangsa Moro Basic Law, saying “the BBL actually espoused a form of federalism that is contained in Mindanao.”

They described as serious the inability of both houses of Congress to adopt a new form of government by legislative acts.

“Things are changing,” said Albay, adding that the ‘extractive policies’ of the oligarchy are slowly but surely being eroded by the ‘inclusive

SLIPPING ,10

EDGEDAVAO Sports

AAK bets win 3 golds in Vietnam SPORTS 15

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 146• TUESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2017

HIGHEST RESPECT. President Duterte pays his last respects to the late former Archbishop of Cebu Ricardo Vidal during the President’s visit to the wake at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral on Monday. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

DCPO to intensify ‘Oplan Bulabog’

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

T

he Davao City Police Of�ice (DCPO) will intensify its Oplan Bulabog’ in the city to prevent any terrorism threat to Dabawenyos. This was bared by DCPO spokesperson Senior Insp.

Maria Teresita Gaspan.

“Ginapalapdan nato karon ang maong kampanya considering sa pagkamatay sa mga ISIS inspired leaders mamahimong mo take advantage ang kalaban (We intensify this campaign considering the deaths of two ISIS inspired

leaders),” she said.

Gaspan said the sympathizers of this group might create atrocities in the city that can cause harm to the public. She said the DCPO will make this campaign regular but she did not reveal how many time they are going to conduct it.

“Walay pattern, kay kung akong i-announce ma pattern na mi (I will not reveal in what basis we will operate because if I announce it, people might

DCPO ,10

House okays fund to address HIV/AIDS problem-Nograles

T

he House of Representatives has made a concrete move towards �inding a concrete solution to the problem of HIV/AIDS in the country.

Davao City Rep. Karlo Nograles, chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations, said his panel has approved the funding requirements of the substitute bill to the proposed Philippine HIV and AIDS Policy Act. “The as yet unnumbered bill is a consolidation of 17 House Bills �iled by congressmen belonging to the Majority, Minority, and Independent blocs. Needless to say, we in the House are taking this matter

very seriously,” three-term solon Nograles said.

“The Committee’s approval of the bill’s appropriation provisions is also very timely given the worsening HIV/AIDS situation in the country. We don’t want this to go out of hand,” he stressed.

Last August, no less than the United Nations said the Philippines had the highest human immunode�iciency virus growth rate in the Asia Paci�ic. HIV is a precursor to Acquired Immune De�iciency Syndrome (AIDS), which is incurable.

According to the UN, some 10,500 Filipinos were infected

HOUSE ,10

Reta wins case against Customs Businessman gets RTC, CA rulings upheld by Supreme Court

By ANTONIO M. AJERO he contract between the Bureau of Customs and businessman Rodolfo C. Reta on the use of his container yard as Designated Examination Area (DEA) to scan suspected contraband items passing through Sasa Port in Davao City has not been legally revoked.

T

This in effect is the recent �inal order of the Regional Trial Court, Branch 25, in Manila, National Capital Judicial Region in compliance with the Court of Appeals’ January 14, 2014 ruling dismissing the petition of the BOC to declare its contract with Reta as terminated ( “Petition for Judicial Con�irmation of Just

Cause for Revocation of Agreement”) and later upheld by the Supreme Court on June 18, 2014. The resolution became �inal and executory per entry of judgment issued by the highest tribunal on March 11, 2015 in G.R. No. 210959.

RTC Manila Branch 25 presiding judge Marlina M. Manu-

el ordered the BOC revocation case dismissed on February 18, 2016 “in compliance with the Decision of Court of Appeals dated July 31, 2014 and Supreme Court Resolution dated March 11,2015.”

The agreement in question was signed by Reta and then BOC Commissioner Napoleon Morales in 2009 covering 25 years.

The ruling, copy of which was received by the lawyers of Reta only this year, runs counter to an earlier published statement of Davao Customs Col-

lector Erastus Sandino Austria quoting an opinion of former Solicitor General Franklin Jardeleza claiming that the contract between Reta and the BOC had been legally terminated.

In a recent press conference, Austria impressed upon Davao media practitioners that the former Solgen’s opinion is one reason the Davao Customs cannot readily grant the request of Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio to reopen the DEA inside Reta’s Aquarius Container Yard and use the P250-mil-

vides a complete selection of everything we need during Christmas celebrations. We also customize part needs and provide free deliveries via Grocery Express for NCC C Supermarket and Grocer- Ring for Choice Mart branched which proven that Christmas shopping can be easy and has-

sle-free,” said Rhia Yap-Clarinan, Store Manager, NCCC Supermarket Mall Davao.

Gift Cards and bundled items were introduced to the market on October 20, Friday during the More Holiday Choices Media Launch at NCCC Super Market Activity Center. The NCCC gift card

is tailored with the speci�ic needs of shoppers. Customer can add messages to the cards to make it more personal. This card can be used in any NCCC branches.` “We are inviting Davaoeños to buy our Holiday Choices from NCCC Super-

RETA ,10

NCCC bares new Holiday choices

By ANGIE SAVERON

S

hoppers can now avail themselves of Christmas bundles offered by NCCC Retail Specialist, Inc. with Holiday Choices 2017, and shoppers can choose from an array of bundled gift ideas, ideal as personal presents or corporate incentives “Our Holiday Catalog pro-

NCCC,13

VOL. 10 ISSUE 146• TUESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2017

EDGEDAVAO

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4NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 146• TUESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2017

Pastor nabbed for carrying handgun

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

L DETERMINED ADVOCATES. Kilusang Pederal sa Pagbabago (KPP) chair lawyer Aristeo Albay (left) holds a cover of a planned ‘How to Federalize the Philippines’ manual while technical consultant Architect Florencio Gavino III

gives a report on the updates of the federalism movement during the Kapehan sa Dabaw at the Annex of SM City Davao on Monday. Lean Daval Jr.

aw enforcers in Davao City arrested a protestant pastor in a random checkpoint in the act of carrying a handgun without authority along Sasa,Davao City early morning of Monday.

Sasa Police Station commander Chief Insp. Emerson Pugong identi�ied the suspects as Filmar B. Rodriguez, 36, who hails from Butuan City, Agusan del Norte and Pastor of Oceans of Life Ministries. Pugong said Rodriguez was arrested at a random checkpoint conducted by Task Force Davao at KM 11, Sasa around 1:00 a.m.

He said when the operatives made a plain view search

in the vehicle of the suspect they saw a caliber. 45 loaded with ammunition in the driver seat. Pugong said when law enforcers asked Rodriguez if he has a License to Own and Possesses Firearms (LTOPF) and Permit to Carry Firearm Outside Residence (PTCFOR), the suspect failed to present any of the two.

“According to the suspect, he has been receiving threats that is why he brought along his gun, “ he said. Davao reporters also took the comment of the suspect and Rodriguez explained that he accidentally carried his gun while going inside the city.

PASTOR ,13

FED training site to rise in ComVal

3-million MT deficit in coco supply bared T

By ANGIE SAVERON

By ANGIE SAVERON

T

he Philippine Coconut Authority has not let up on its mass planting and replanting program although its efforts are not enough to fill in a three million tons deficit due to insufficient budget.

“We wanted to plant more coconut trees but it is dif�icult on our part due to the limited budget given by the central of�ice,” said Rhoie Recla, spokesperson of the PCA during the Kapehan sa Davao press on October 23, Monday.

She said the three million

metric tons de�icit stemmed from the extremely high demand worldwide and in the Philippines. “If we translate that to the number of hectares that would be around 66,000 hectares that needed to be planted,” said Alex Sanajo, board member of Davao Re-

ASEAN’s defense chiefs ink security declaration

D

efense ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nation on Monday signed a joint declaration during the 11th ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) here, reaf�irming their common commitments and goals to promote defense cooperation and regional security.

“The joint declaration being signed embodies the collective sense of the ASEAN defense ministers on the regional security environment.

More importantly, it contains the ministers’ shared thrust and speci�ic undertakings to address the security challenges facing the region as well as the practical measures to promote cooperation,” they said in a statement read during the signing ceremony held at the ASEAN Convention Center here.

After the signing, Defense

Secretary Del�in Lorenzana, as ADMM chair together with ASEAN Secretary General Le Loung Minh, presented the signed joint declaration.

Lorenzana likewise handed to the ASEAN Secretary General the books that contained the outcome documents of the ADMM, defense and security perspectives of the Philippine Secretary of National Defense, and the evolution of the security community building in the region.

Since 2006 when the �irst ADMM convened, the defense ministers have consistently issued a joint declaration.

Meanwhile, the event on Tuesday will be highlighted with the launch of the ASEAN direct communication infrastructure and the handover ceremony of the Philippines’ ADMM chairmanship to Singapore. (PNA)

gion Coconut Industry Cluster, Inc..

The demand extends to coconut oil, copra, coconut water, virgin coconut oil and other by products such as activated charcoal.

There are 45 million coconut trees in Mindanao 30 percent of which are still not bearing coconuts.

Lack production and productivity of the coconut tree is also seen as the reason behind

the de�icit.

“There is a need to replace existing senile coconut trees and also improve the productivity of the existing trees through better nourishment management to increase the number of nuts per tree and there is also a need to plant more coconuts,” said Thelonious Trimmel of Agricultural Cooperative Development International and Volunteers in Overseas Cooperative Assis-

3 ,13

INDUSTRY UPDATE. Boni Fernandez (2nd from right) of Cocolink talks about the upcoming 2nd International Coconut Conference and Trade Expo set on November 7 to 9 at SMX Convention Center which aims to address the decreasing production of coconut and the efforts for the industry’s sustainability. Fernandez was joined by Rhoie Recla (rightmost) of Philippine Coconut

he Compostella Valley Fire, Emergency and Disaster Training Center(COMVAL FED) will soon to rise in Compostella Valley in 2019, with construction expected to start by January of 2018.

It is believed to be the only integrated training center of the Bureau of Fire Protection in the country. It was made possible through the cooperation of Gov. Jayvee Tyron L. Uy , Congresswomen Maria Carmen S. Zamora, Congressman Ruwel Peter S. Gonzaga, Congressman Jericho JonasNograles and Congressman Karlo Alexi Nograles , the 11 Municipal Mayors of

Comval and the BFP. The project was conceptualized through the initiative of the BFP through the program ‘One Comval, One Vision.’ It was realized because the location of training for BFP is scattered all over the country. “Actually sa Bureau of Fire Protection, off campus ang training namin and we are renting hotel facility for the training and it is very expensive on the part of the trainees because they will be shelling out their money,” said DirectorRandolfAbutante, Bureau of Fire Protection of Compostella Valley province during the KapehansaDavao on

FED ,13

Authority (PCA) 11, Davao Region Coconut Industry Cluster, Inc. (DRCICI) board member Alex Senajon (center), Thelonious Trimmell (2nd from left) of ACDI VOCA and Marianna Itol of PEF during the Kapehan sa Dabaw at the Annex of SM City Davao on Monday. Lean Daval Jr.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 146• TUESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2017

NEWS 5

Security assessment next after Marawi ops: DND

T

he Department of National Defense will conduct an assessment of the security situation in Mindanao following the termination Monday of all combat operations in Marawi City.

“We will determine the security situation in the whole of Mindanao and we will make a recommendation to the President soon,” he said in a media brie�ing before the signing and handover of the joint declaration at the 11th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Defense Ministers Meeting (ADMM) in Clark Field, Pampanga.

Lorenzana was referring to the military’s recommendation on whether or not to lift martial law in Mindanao, which will later be submitted to President Rodrigo Duterte.

Last week, the Chief Executive declared Marawi City liberated from the Maute group after almost

�ive months of incessant �ighting which started last May 23.

The con�lict prompted the President to place Mindanao under martial law by virtue of Proclamation 216.

Following the termination of combat operations in Marawi City, Lorenzana hopes that reclaiming Marawi will be seen by other countries in the region as a successful �ight against insurgents.

“We hope that this operational achievement in Marawi in the Philippines will be the catalyst that shall bring to the fore future cooperations and partnerships not only against terrorism but also those that shall defeat other regional and global security threats,” Lorenzana added.

The Defense Secretary is the chair of the 11th ADMM and the 4th ADMM-Plus which are being held in this province. (PNA)

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11TH JUDICIAL REGION OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT-SHERIFF DAVAO CITY

BINOS LENDING CORPORATION, -versus-

EJF-REM CASE NO. 16,472-17

LEOPOLDO A. ALIA and VEVENCIA Y. ALIA, Mortgagor/s.

X--------------------------------------------------------------------------------X NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL SALE

Upon extra-judicial petition for sale under Act 3135, as amended filed by the above-mentioned mortgagee against LEOPOLDO A. ALIA and VEVENCIA Y. ALIA, with postal address at PUROK 18, VERINO VILLAGE UPPER MINTAL, DAVAO CITY, to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness which as of August, 2017, the mortgagors has an outstanding balance of THREE HUNDRED THOUSAND PESOS (P300,000.00), Philippine Currency, still unpaid, plus attorney’s fees and liquidated that may then be due and remaining unpaid, but in no case to be less than 25% or Two Thousand Five Hundred (2,500) whichever is higher and other legal expenses incident of foreclosure and sale; the undersigned Sheriff IV of Regional Trial Court, Davao City; will sell at public auction on NOVEMBER 23, 2017 at 10:00 A.M., or soon thereafter, at the main entrance of Hall of Justice, Ecoland, Davao City, to the highest bidder for CASH and/or Manager’s Check and in Philippine Currency, the real property with all its improvements found thereon particularly described below, to wit: TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. 146-2009000022 “A PARCEL OF LAND (Lot 25-C-1-E, PSD-11-061190,)XXX, SITUATED IN THE BARRIO OF TAKUNAN, CITY OF DAVAO, ISLAND OF MINDANAO. XXX CONTAINING AN AREA OF THREE HUNDRED (300) SQUARE METERS, MORE OR LESS.”

All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above-stated time and date.

In the event the public auction should not take place on the said date, it shall be held on DECEMBER 21, 2017 without further notice.

Prospective buyers are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the title of the above- described real property and the encumbrances thereon, if any there be.

Davao City, Philippines, OCTOBER 18, 2017.

FOR THE EX-OFFICIO PROV’L SHERIFF: (Sgd.) TERESITA M. CEBALLOS Sheriff IV Noted by: (Sgd.) ATTY. FRANCISCO M. CAMPANER Clerk of Court V OIC - Clerk of Court & Ex-Of�icio Provincial Sheriff (Edge Oct 24, 31 and Nov. 7, 2017)

NEW DESTINATION. Lianga Tourism Master Plan consultant Janalier Mana-ay Perez (right) and Sungair Global Phils. tourism consultant Marissa Te Eng Fo discuss the big potential of Lianga to become the next leading tourist

destination of the country because of its natural wonders during the Kapehan sa Dabaw at the Annex of SM City Davao on Monday. Lean Daval Jr.

New alliance to fight ‘destructive politicking’ D

avao City Mayor and presidential daughter Sara Duterte-Carpio on Monday led the launch of an alliance meant to combat “destructive politicking” in the Philippines which she said has turned Filipinos against each other.

Tapang at Malasakit Alliance for the Philippines is an umbrella organization of all groups who supported Rodrigo Duterte when he ran for President and pledged to be unrelenting even after he was installed as the 16th President of the Republic of the Philippines.

The launching was held at Marquis Events Place BGC 34th Street, Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.

In her speech, Duter-

te-Carpio urged the public to rally their support for the Duterte administration and “stand together” for the country.

“We should all rally behind our government and focus on the task of turning our country into a globally competitive player in the ASEAN region,” Duterte-Carpio said.

Duterte-Carpio said the new alliance was formed as “carriers of positive voice in our communities.” Duter-

te-Carpio said that she took the initiative to remind Filipinos of their commitment to be “partners for change” as Filipinos seem to be forgetting this.

She said that it was “very bad” for critics “to paint a sad and hopeless Philippines” outside the country. “I believe in dissent because it is a facet of democracy but it’s a different matter if you lie just to oppose,” Duterte-Carpio said.

In a press conference after the launch, she explained that aside from �ighting destructive politicking, the alliance will also be meeting to segregate its members and

assign them with tasks to help solve particular problems in their communities.

“What we are trying to say is that we come together for our country and not go against each other. If you don’t want to work with us, let’s just be positive,” Duterte-Carpio said.

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Karen Jimeno, in a separate press conference, clari�ied that the group is not the administration’s answer to the opposition’s Tindig Pilipinas but simply an alliance against “destructive politicking.”(PNA)

“All terrorists, �ighting troops. All hostages have been recovered.”

Hundreds of gunmen who had pledged allegiance to IS rampaged through Marawi, the Islamic capital of the mainly Catholic Philippines, on May 23, then took over parts of the city using civilians as human shields.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and security analysts said the militants were trying to establish a Southeast Asian caliphate in Marawi.

The ensuing US-backed military campaign to evict the militants claimed more than 1,000 lives, displaced 400,000 residents and left large parts of Marawi in ruins.

Duterte travelled to Marawi on Tuesday last week and declared the city had been “liberated”, shortly after the Southeast Asian leader for IS, a Filipino militant named

Isnilon Hapilon, was shot dead there.

However the continued �ighting raised questions over whether the city was indeed free of the militants.

US Defence Secretary James Mattis on Monday praised the Philippines for its success in Marawi.

“One of the �irst things I’m going to do when I get there is commend the Philippine military for liberating Marawi from the terrorists,” Mattis told reporters on board a �light to the Philippines to attend the security meeting in Clark.

“It was a very tough �ight as you know in southern Mindanao (the local region). And I think the Philippine military sends a very strong message to the terrorists.”

Hapilon, who was on the US government’s list of most-wanted terrorists, was killed along with one of group’s other leaders,

Omarkhayam Maute, according to the military.

Hapilon and Maute, along with hundreds of other militants, had been able to defy near daily bombing raids that left much of the city in ruins by sheltering in basements and travelling through tunnels, according to the military.

The impoverished southern Philippines, home to many of the nation’s Muslim minority, has for decades endured con�lict.

The nation’s biggest Muslim rebel group is in talks with the government to end a rebellion that began in the 1970s and has claimed more than 120,00 lives.

But more extreme groups have emerged have emerged with no interest in forging a peace.

Some of those, including those led by Hapilon and Maute, had in recent years declared allegiance to IS.(Agence France Presse)

5-month battle with IS ends in Marawi: DND

A

�ive-month battle against Islamic State supporters in the southern Philippines that claimed more than 1,000 lives has ended, the nation’s defence secretary said on Monday.

“We now announce the termination of all combat operations in Marawi,” Defence Secretary Del�in Lorenzana told reporters on the sidelines of a regional security meeting in Clark, a northern Philippine city.

Lorenzana said there were no more militants, known locally as coming from the Maute group, providing resistance following an intense �inal battle after which 42 bodies were recovered.

“Those are the last group of stragglers of Mautes and they were caught in one building and so there was a �ire�ight so they were �inished,” he said

EDGEDAVAO

6 ECONOMY

VOL. 10 ISSUE 146• TUESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2017

PEZA urges speedy creation of ecozones T he Philippine Economic Zone Authority is asking the Of�ice of the President to accelerate approval and proclamation of new economic zones.

This is after only six out of 58 applications for economic zones were released as of early this month, according to PEZA Director General Charito Plaza.

These six new economic zones include �ive information technology parks and centers and one horizontal economic zone in Negros region.

Plaza said potential investments for the 58 eco-

nomic zones reached P500 billion, which would also include industries within these economic zones.

“We wish to have the proclamation for all [economic zones] to start building the industries,” she said, noting that the principals of these projects would like to fast track the development of these economic zones, which receive incentives from the government.

“Their principals are looking at Vietnam, to transfer to Vietnam. We will be losing these opportunities,” Plaza noted.

PEZA,13

DN guv: mind-set change key to ASEAN integration

W

e need to change our mind-set,” said Davao del Norte Provincial Governor during the launching of People’s Inforum which tackled opportunities to take advantage of, as members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations are integrating their economies.

“Your thinking should be more global,” he added as he pondered on some productive ways people in other ASEAN countries are doing to add more value and to lengthen the shelf-life of their products to reach markets abroad.

Fresh from his visits in

Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand, Del Rosario sat as one of the panelists of the maiden episode of People’s InForum initiated by the Philippine Information Agency and hosted by Robinsons Place Tagum.

In his ASEAN tour with some provincial government of�icials and heads of provincial government of�ices, he noted the wide array of dried food products in Thailand and in Malaysia which can also be found in abundance in Davao del Norte and in the Philippines.

“Why are we not drying those fruits we have here and

DN ,13

Security Bank bags Best Managed Fund award

S

ecurity Bank was conferred with the “Best Managed Fund” award for the second straight year by the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Society Philippines – the global standard of excellence in the investment industry.

True to its BetterBanking commitment, Security Bank edged out fund managers from several other institutions who joined the search and was cited as the “Best Managed Fund for Peso Long Term Bond (FVPL Valuation)”.

The SB Peso Bond Fund is a unit investment trust fund (UITF) that aims to achieve long term growth by diversifying mainly into medium to long �ixed income securities and other marketable instruments.

CFA’s Best Managed Fund of the Year Awards recognize high-performing funds open to the public, based on their �ive-year risk-adjusted returns.

A collaboration of the CFA Society Philippines, the Fund Managers Association of the Philippines and the Trust Of�icers Association of the Philippines, the program aims to raise invest-

HOUSING CONCERNS. Chamber of Real Estate & Builders’ Associations, Inc., (CREBA) Davao president Engr. Joel Lao (right), together with vice president external affairs lawyer Jefferson Yap, promotes upcoming 26th CREBA National Convention slated at SMX Convention Center on October 26 to 28. Lao

said during the Kapehan sa Dabaw at the Annex of SM City Davao on Monday the 5.76 million nationwide housing backlog will be one of the primary issues that will be discussed. Lean Daval Jr.

DOLE: Overseas Filipino Bank offers cheaper rates T

he Department of Labor and Employment is encouraging overseas Filipino workers to invest in the Overseas Filipino Bank and take advantage of its services and offers as it is partly owned by them.

“It will be wise for them to invest in the bank because they actually own the bank,” said DOLE Secretary Silvestre Bello III in a statement.

OFB was created through Executive Order (EO) No. 44 signed by President Rodrigo Duterte.

“As the Secretary of Labor and under the executive order, I can nominate one to represent DOLE, another one to OWWA, and the other one is for the overseas-based Filipinos. We will increase the representation of the OFWs

by buying more shares that will entitle them to two or three board seats,” Bello said.

With this, Bello noted that OFB will ease the �inancial burden of millions of overseas Filipinos with its ef�icient and low remittance service rates and pro�itable investment offers.

“The bank will provide our overseas Filipinos the most effective and cheapest or free transfer of their remittances. We are also able to get the consent of Land Bank President Alex Buenaventura

that the interest rate in the loan packages will only be at 2.5 percent per annum. Ang laking bagay niyan compared to other banks. This will give our OFWs the venue for their investment,” he said.

Bello added that the branches of OFB will be put up in all Philippine Overseas Labor Of�ices.

The bank, which is not only limited to OFWs, is dedicated to provide �inancial products and services tailored to the requirements of all overseas Filipinos, and focused on delivering quality and ef�icient foreign remittances services.

Through the EO, the Philippine Postal Savings Bank will be acquired by the Land Bank of the Philippines and

will be converted into the OFB. The bank will provide priority support to the growing �inancial needs of overseas-based Filipinos, who contribute to the country’s foreign exchange income, currency stability, employment, and overall economic growth through their remittances.

The bank will be managed by a board of directors headed by the LBP President as chairman, LBP-designated President as vice chairperson, four LBP-designated directors or of�icers as members, and members representing DOLE, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration and the private sector member representing overseas Filipinos. (PNA)

tion to set up the facility, where the availability of port and low electricity cost are considered.

“Producing the steel here will be favorable to both parties as it will generate jobs for Filipinos and be cost-effective for the company. This complements our drive to provide opportunities to uplift the lives of those at the bottom of the pyramid as we take a step forward to inclusivity and shared prosperity for all,” Sec. Lopez added.

Dr. Xiaosu also cited the bene�its of putting up a facility in PH given that it is on the Maritime Silk Road and will help the company expand in the region while reaching other ASEAN countries with lower freight cost.

The trade chief shared during the meeting that the project will also contribute to the Philippine Manufacturing Resurgence Program (MRP) through

knowledge-sharing of advanced technological know-how in support of the Philippines’ bid to be a major producer of high-quality and safe steel products by 2030.

Meanwhile, Yi Ding Tai International Corporation has selected PH as the best location for the development of a shipbuilding and ship repair (SBSR) facility for frontier-island, regional size vessels with 15,000 deadweight tons, including advanced ship and vessel designing, manufacturing, repair, sales, and �inancial support.

Feasibility studies are currently ongoing following international maritime safety standards as the company is intent on investing in an SBSR facility with a local company in PH worth USD 1.5 billion. The facility is set to open job opportunities for at least 2,000 people by 2022. (DTI)

Foreign investors backing PH as investment location

The SB Peso Bond Fund is just one of security Bank’s award wining products and services.

ment awareness among retail investors and aid them in making sound investment decisions.

The 2017 Best Managed Funds of the Year awarding ceremony was held during the 3rd Philippine Junior Finance and Investment Summit at the SMX Convention Center – Manila.

For expert advice and more information on UITFs, go to www.securitybank.com/investor visit the nearest Security Bank branch.

T

he Philippines under the Duterte Administration continues to enjoy the con�idence of foreign direct investors with the Department of Trade and Industry , through the Board of Investments, welcoming the investment intentions of Chinese �irms Huili Investment Fund Management Co., Ltd. and Yi Ding Tai International Corporation.

The investments, focusing on iron and steel manufacturing and shipbuilding, are worth USD 4.5 billion with 8,000 employment opportunities.

“This is one of several investment proposals we have received on the steel industry that will allow us pursue President Duterte’s vision of having a globally competitive iron and steel industry, to support the growing economy, to alleviate poverty, and to create jobs for every Filipino,” said DTI Secretary Ramon

Lopez.

A private equity �irm based in Beijing, China, Huili Fund expressed its intention to partner with PH and private sector entities through a letter of intent signed earlier this year and endorsed by China’s Ministry of Commerce. The company plans to implement a two-phased project of a world-class integrated steel manufacturing facility that will employ 6,000 people by 2022.

In a recent courtesy call on Sec. Lopez on 5 October, Huili Investment Fund Management Co., Ltd. Chairman Dr. Meng Xiaosu presented the plan for the facility where the �irst phase will include production of billets, long, and �lat products. The chain will be completed on the second phase through iron ore. Currently, a feasibility study is being conducted that includes the possible loca-

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 146• TUESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2017

ECONOMY 7

Japan SMEs eye expansion in PH

T

he Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Philippines has seen new growth potential to sustain the momentum of expanding economic partnership between the Philippines and Japan.

JCCIPI president Hiroshi Shiraishi said Japanese small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are eyeing to enter the Philippine market, since many big companies from Japan are already here in the country.

Shiraishi said the Philippines is a potential market for Japanese SMEs with the country’s young workforce and lower labor cost compared to Japan’s ageing population and high labor cost.

“Additional to attractiveness is open policy, easing restrictions and regulations, and partnership between Japan and the Philippines in private sector - that means we need some kind of speci�ic industrial dialogue

like which segment which more Japanese companies have more interest in the market,” he added.

He also welcomed the plan of the government to ease the retail trade sector by lowering the minimum paid-up capital for foreign players from USD2.5 million to USD200,000.

“If we can say that the easing of the restriction also includes the easing in retail trade, then it’s okay.

It’s better. It’s better if it’s included,” the JCCIPI head noted.

“We still need business partners in the Philippines so we can develop the market. More MSMEs (micro, small, and medium enterprises) in Japan have interest, but of course they need the partner in the Philippines because they [Japanese �irms] are more domestic. They are not global. So that means they need support on how the market is here in the Philippines,” added Shiraishi. (PNA)

THREE PLAQUES. President Rodrigo Duterte poses with Capt. Ronald C. Go, president of the Davao City Chamber of Commerce Industry, Inc. (DCCCII) after the business group won three awards -Most Outstanding Chamber Award (MOCA) for Mindanao and MOCA for the Philippines and a Hall of Fame plum.

The DCCCII won the national award three times and the Mindanao award four

times in a row. The chamber brought home the three awards during the 43rd Philippine Business Conference and Expo at the Manila Hotel, Oct. 17-19. To the President’s right is Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez. Presidential photo release

Chamber brings home the bacon Nippon firm certain

DCCCII bestowed 3 awards –most outstanding in Mindanao, the Philippines and a Hall of Fame plum

of robust PH market T A he country head of a Japanese conglomerate and global leader in housing and building materials is optimistic on the Philippines and the market, supported by a robust growth in the construction sector.

“It’s very exciting, the Philippine market. Actually, it’s been growing very fast the past few years… So like last year, we have grown more than 30 percent as a company (here),” said Alen Alban, country manager of bathroom �irm Lixil Water Technology, a unit of Lixil Corp.

Lixil Corp., which is operating in over 150 countries, owns various famous brands Lixil, Grohe, American Standard and Inax.

“A couple of years, we were thinking when will be the decline for the construction industry. But surprisingly, we haven’t felt it at all,” he said in an interview on the sidelines of the launch of Grohe electronics toilet and luxury shower system over the weekend.

Listed Wilcon Depot Inc., the country’s leading home improvement and construction supply retailer, is the exclusive distributor of Grohe in the Philippines.

Grohe, headquartered in Germany, is Europe’s largest bathroom �ixtures �irm.

“In the Philippines, we rapidly grow over the years.

Since last year, we have grown eight times already.

So that’s how fast we grew the business with Wilcon, so they are really our perfect partners for retailing here in the Philippines,” added Alban.

He considered the Philippines a “faster-growing country”, with China and India its biggest country markets.

Meanwhile, Wilcon Depot has continued to embark on massive store expansion to grow its earnings.

“For this year, we are going to open (branches) in Iloilo, Cabanatuan and Tacloban plus Zamboanga. We opened three already in Butuan, Bacolod and Cagayan de Oro. Next year, (we will open) another six stores,” said Rosemarie Bosch-Ong, Senior Executive Vice President-Chief Operating Of�icer at Wilcon Builders.

Bosch-Ong said the company spends about PHP150 million per store, excluding PHP30 million for inventory.

“Aside from store expansion, we’re expanding our categories as well and the product line and then continuous improvement in our service system,” she said.

Bosch-Ong identi�ied growth potential categories as building materials and electrical products. (PNA)

WARD-WINNING Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (DCCCII) did it again, bringing home three awards from one event –the 42nd Philippine Business Conference and Expo (PBCE) held at the iconic Manila Hotel last October 17-19,

The chamber, headed by Capt. Ronald C. Go as president and Antonio T. dela Cruz as chairman, was bestowed the most outstanding chamber award (MOCA) of Mindanao for the fourth time, most outstanding chamber of the Philippines award (MOCA) for three times, and for such an exceptional feat, ran away with the most coveted hall of fame award. DCCCII won in the large city category.

No less than President Rodrigo R. Duterte handed the three plaques to DCCCII president Go in the presence of George Barcelon, president of the hosting Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) and other PCCI of�icers during the culmination of the three-day conclave attended by of�icers and members of more than 100 business chambers in the country with the theme

“Giant Steps: Taking the Leap Forward.“ President Duterte was the conference’s closing speaker. He took time to have his picture taken with the triumphant DCCCII of�icers, the only club to be given the privilege during the night.

The DCCCII was also a �inalist in the search for the most outstanding chamber of commerce in Kuala Lumpur in 2016 and in Taipei in 2017, a competition held annually by the Confederation of the Asia-Paci�ic Chambers of Commerce, Inc. (CACCI).

A few years ago, it was also a runner-up in the search for the world’s most outstanding chamber of commerce done

in Mexico.

DCCCII president Go also acted as moderator of the well-attended breakout session on Mindanao investment opportunities focusing on the Marawi reconstruction. Secretary Datu Hj. Abul Khayr Alonto , chairman of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), spearheaded the session with Edgar Bullecer of the Datu Paglas Group of Companies, Trade and Industry Undersecretary Zenaida Maglaya, Gingay Hontiveros-Malvar, Go-Negosyo adviser, agripreneurship program head for Sulu, Marawi and ARMM, and Maj. Gen. Restituto Padilla, spokesman

Monday. The two Islamist militants led the attack on Marawi last May 23.

According to the military, although the �ighting in the city was not completely over, the remaining rebels were “stragglers” who no longer posed a threat.

Mr. Duterte said Marawi’s liberation marked the “beginning of the rehabilitation” of the city.

Dominguez noted that even with the crisis in Marawi City and the declaration of martial law in Mindanao, the business

community has remained bullish on the economy and supported the President’s decisive action to deal with the terrorist attack.

“We expect investor con�idence to strengthen further and the economy to grow even faster now that the con�lict has been virtually resolved and the government has started raising spending on infrastructure and human capital development, which will supercharge growth and create more jobs for our people,” Dominguez said. (DOF)

CHAMBER ,13

Marawi conflict’s end seen to lift investments

F

inance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said the impending end of the drawn-out con�lict in Marawi City will further boost investor con�idence in the economy, more so now that the government can focus on a comprehensive plan to reconstruct the southern city and provide economic opportunities for its returning residents.

Dominguez said the record performance of the stock market following President Duterte’s announcement last Tuesday of the “liberation” of Mara-

wi City from Islamist militants pointed to the positive investor sentiment on the end of the con�lict.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index (PSEi) gained 49.80 points or 0.59 percent to end 8,497.74 on Tuesday.

That day’s stock rally saw an 8,586.73 intraday peak.

The President announced Marawi’s liberation after the deaths of terrorist leaders Isnilon Hapilon and Omarkhayam Maute in the hands of military sharpshooters during a predawn offensive on

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

EDITORIAL

U

VOL. 10 ISSUE 146• TUESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2017

Next in line

nknown to many, Presidential daughter Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio is her father’s most outspoken critic.

She would mince no words when he disagrees with him. She knows him too well.

That father-daughter relationship has been one that �lourished on mutual respect and recognition. That is probably the reason why when then Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte ended his term in 2010, he picked Sara over son Paolo to succeed him.

She has shown this city, and the rest of the country as well, that she has the “balls” of her father, once taking out a sheriff with her �ists and preserving the city’s peace and order like her father never left his post at City Hall.

On Monday, Sara defended her father from critics during the launch of the Tapang at Malasakit Alliance of the Philippines in Taguig City. She believes the country needs to exploit her old man’s courage to turn the country

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around in his own terms.

Sara makes her point really dig in with the President’s supporters but whether or not this will sink in with the opposite political fence remains a big question--more likely they will refuse to take her word in observance of allegiance to their party af�iliation. That is where the problem of this country lies--politics comes �irst before the country’s interest.

Sara’s words and her emerging leadership, however, could catapult her to greater heights in politics. Her active role in supporting her father’s administration could be the grooming of an heir apparent.

With this, however, expect Sara to be at the �iring end soon of the opposition and those with political ambitions in 2022. Thus, bringing Sara down and nipping her on the bud would be a necessary agenda if only she would not bloom to be the brightest prospect there is at the moment.

EDGEDAVAO

A

revitalized yet dull era has slowly emerged on Ilustre Street from the dust of being forgotten by the economic dynamism of the city. The actors and players have changed. Service con�iguration has changed. There are no more oldstyled cinemas that drew hundreds of people to watch movies. Instead, these were converted into supermarkets and department stores and other commercial uses. The sight of motor vehicles parading the street is virtually non-existent. Buildings have changed hands from one owner to the other. Some two-storied structures retained its former built but the shops at ground �loors have been re-designed and refurbished with closed glass panels unlike before where most shops were just simply wide open to pedestrians. The two-level Gaisano appliance center was reconstructed for a multi-storied shopping mall.

Sidewalks are littered with new performers selling pirated DVDs, used handbags from Versace to Calvin Klein, used personal effects such as under-garments, and used shoes of all kinds of brand and model; second

I

n agriculture, one of the health problems farmers often encounter is pesticide poisoning. In order for them to �ight against pests and diseases attacking their crops, farmers use chemicals.

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimates that up to 35% of the losses in annual crop production worldwide are due to pests.

Of the presumed one million insects in the world, some 150 to 200 species frequently cause serious damage to crops.

In the Philippines, one of the crops that is often the target of insects are the eggplants, an important vegetable which takes up 30% of all vegetable production – at around 200,000 metric tons yearly.

So much so that Filipino farmers have to use chemicals extensively to terminate invading pests, particularly the eggplant fruit and shoot borer (EFSB). “The EFSB can cause as much as 50-75% loss of fruits,” said former Science Secretary Emil Q. Javier.

Unfortunately, the use of pesticides creates many environmental problems. “Pesticides are like bombs being dropped in the food web creating enormous destruction,” pointed out Dr. K.L. Heong, an entomologist who used to work at the International Rice Research Institute.

For one, pesticides don’t kill only the pests but also those that prey on insects that attack crops. “There are

VOL. 10 ISSUE 146•TUESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2017

VANTAGE POINTS

Of streets and sidewalks (Part 3)

hand and imitation brand of cellular phones and electronic gadgets are over�lowing. The fast food chains and diners with national brands have invaded Ilustre St. And conspicuously, one cannot hear anymore the interesting rhythm and prose recital of snake charmers enticing pedestrians to buy home-concocted herbal medicines located along of Duterte Street that cut across Ilustre; while the quintessential candy and cigarette vendors continue to be permanent sidewalk residents.

New street and sidewalks proprietors have emerged but not without losing the tinder box of cultural character of the street.

Gone are the glorious days of Ilustre. The social elite, the middle class, friends’shaking-hands, the lostin-the crowd strangers, the serious people-gazers and the istambay, the hand-to-mouth entrepreneurs with their indigenous products, and the playful children have shunned the street of Ilustre; the luster and glam is already lost. The city’s natural social and cultural contract with the street of Ilustre has faded. The apparent decay would not have occurred had the

URBAN STREETGAZER

Dario G. Pampanga, PhD government planners thoughtfully put the street actors, players and other human characters the center of city place-making process.

Other characters in the urban spectacle are those ‘residing’ in Claveria Street which is perpendicular to San Pedro Street. Another main thoroughfare that starts from the roundabout with the obscure Andres Bonifacio’s hero monument stands at the center. Passenger jeepneys going

northbound pass through this street.

The street is not really that interesting than San Pedro except for severe road congestion. Just outside the gate of San Pedro Cathedral facing Claveria are sweepstakes ticket seller, candle vendors, and newspaper stand located conspicuously along the pedestrian pathway. Perhaps these small shops and the persons tending have been there for ages, I guess. The sidewalks of Claveria is quite empty except for some security guards in blue and white uniform opening doors for clients of DBP and PNB located right across the street fronting the right side of the Cathedral.

Moving northward are some candy and cigarette vendors, newspaper stands, and one can �ind few windowless diners and some beer joints which are dimly lighted even during daytime. Not much mini stores and shops are located along the street with some banks, hotels and inns, including an LPG depot add to the dull and monotonous landscape of the street.

Halfway through the entire stretch of Claveria just before Roxas Blvd., the city sidewalks are sparingly improved

until one reaches the city’s famous novelty and souvenir complex called Aldevinco where it has an arcaded tiled sidewalk.

Here, the actors in the continuing urban drama are ambulant money changers, sellers of imitation and fake sunglasses and wristwatches, easy-to-tear wear belts, ambulant fruit vendors, and certainly of�ice and bank employees as well as university students and lecturers from Jesuits’ Ateneo de Davao University which is right across Aldevinco shopping center, not to mention guests and tourists from nearby towering hotel. These are the uninitiated eyes that belong to the streets and sidewalks from faceless people yet each provide natural �leeting comfort as support mechanism not to let the social fabric collapse.

In this fragment of the city center, the preeminence of these actors, playing outstandingly their respective roles on the stage of city streets and sidewalks in a constantly evolving urban center, is a signi�icant authentication that these participants breathe life to the city. (You can reach the author by dpampanga@yahoo.com)

stopping by virtually 100% infestation of EFSB was observed in the three eggplant varieties tested – Dumaguete Long Purple, Mara, and Mamburao,” the press release said.

All three varieties – unsprayed by insecticides – were planted both for Bt eggplant and non-Bt eggplant.

“These results demonstrate that Bt eggplant lines containing Cry1Ac event EE-1 provide outstanding control of EFSB and can dramatically reduce the need for conventional insecticides,” said the IPB scientists led by Desiree M. Hautea. “Bt eggplant lines demonstrated high levels of control of EFSB shoot damage (98.6–100%) and fruit damage (98.1–99.7%) and reduced FSB larval infestation (95.8–99.3%) under the most severe pest pressure.”

In contrast, the non-Bt eggplant suffered 41.58% FSB-damaged shoots, 93.08% damaged fruits, and 16.15 larvae per plot per harvest.

And even when moth’s eggs have been found in the Bt eggplant fruits, the eggs did not survive to form viable fruit-boring insects. “Under such severe pest pressure, the Bt eggplant lines showed less than 1% EFSB shoot damage, less than 2%, fruit damage and fewer FSB larvae at less than 11 larva per plot per harvest,” said the scientists.

Meanwhile, a new study – based on the perception of 100 eggplant farmers from Batangas, Nueva Ecija,

Pangasinan, and Quezon – showed that Bt eggplant could bring health cost savings of P9.33 million yearly from its nearly pesticide-free use. It does not bene�it only the health of consumers but also of farmers, bene�icial insects, farm animals, and birds.

Researcher Sergio R. Francisco has estimated savings in a survey of long exposed to pesticide spraying against the highly-infesting EFSB in his study, “Health and Environmental Impacts of Bt Eggplant.”

In a press statement, it was disclosed that the bene�it to human health from health cost savings in growing Bt talong is equivalent to P2.49 million yearly as risk from illnesses is avoided.

For farm animals, the projected bene�it per year is at P2.12 million.

For bene�icial insects, the environmental bene�it is valued at P2.45 million yearly and for bird species, P2.27 million – as these are saved from death, thereby contributing to biodiversity enhancement.

With all these studies, farmers are hoping the Bt eggplant will soon be commercialized in the country just like the Bt corn.

“Commercial production of Bt eggplant has great potential to reduce yield losses to EFSB while dramatically reducing the reliance of growers on synthetic insecticides, reducing risks to the environment, to worker’s health, and to the consumer,” the IPB scientists pointed out.

Coming soon: Transgenic eggplant

some insects that are really the farmer’s friends because they attack and can usually control pests without insecticides,” said Dr. B. Merle Shepard, another entomologist.

But there’s a good news. Eggplant farmers don’t have to use chemicals anymore. All they have to do is plant Bt eggplant, a product of modern biotechnology thus it is also called genetically modi�ied (GM) crop.

Bt stands for Bacillus thuringiensis, a common soil bacterium which produces a protein that paralyzes the larvae of some harmful insects, including EFSB. “Bt eggplant was developed by genetically engineering a gene from the bacteria so that the GM eggplants now produce a protein that defends it against insect attacks,” explained Dr. Michael Purugganan, a Filipino plant geneticist who is the Dean of Science at the New York University.

Field trial reports released by the Institute of Plant Breeding-University of the Philippines Los Baños (IPB-UPLB) showed Bt eggplant had superior performance in controlling pest EFSB. It involved testing of �ive open pollinated varieties engineered to produce from the bacterium Bt a protein called “Cry1Ac.” It has been found that Cry1Ac effectively functions as the insecticide that kills the moth EFSB when ingested by the pest.

The experiments were done over three eggplant seasons from 2010-

THINK ON THESE!

Henrylito D. Tacio

2012 in the country’s biggest eggplant producer – Pangasinan. The province itself accounts for 18% of the national eggplant area and more than 30% of the country’s eggplant output.

A press release stated: “An ability to stamp out EFSB by up to 100% was observed in the Bt eggplant varieties tested on actual �ields in barangays Paitan and Sta. Maria. These are �ields conventionally infested heavily by the EFSB moth – more severely during the biggest eggplant season – the dry season.”

The IPB scientists did not use any moth-speci�ic insecticide during the three trials – both for the Bt eggplant and the non-Bt eggplant.

“All throughout three trials, the superior ef�icacy of Bt eggplant in

10 NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 146• TUESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2017

SLIPPING... FROM 1 practices’ promised by a federal form of government.

Gavino said the shift to federalism is a shift to full democracy. “Give us federalism or give us death,” he said.

The KPP roadmap envisioned President Duterte as instructing the Department of Interior and Local Government to undertake massive

information drive on the federal system and federal form of government for the period January 2017 to January 2019.

The roadmap also envisions a plebiscite on the proposed federal-parliamentary constitution to be synchronized with the 2019 May elections.

get a pattern of our operation),” she said.

She said their focus shift into this campaign since the war on drugs has been already removed from their agency. “Considering that the campaign against illegal drugs was removed to us, the weight of our workload has also lessen,” she said. She said that the campaign will also include monitoring of overstaying foreign nationals in the city.

“We will coordinate with the Bureau of Immigration to get the pro�ile of a certain foreign national who will commit a crime here,” she said. Gaspan said in their nine

operations there were many wanted persons arrested.

In the latest Oplan Bulabog, there were three wanted persons arrested identi�ied as Jimmy Orcullo who is charged for theft, Saldy Ipanag for violation of Republic Act (RA) 9262 Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children and Arnel Tenava for violation of City Ordinance City Ordinance No. 0367-12.

Oplan Bulabog is an anti-criminality and anti-terroism campaign of DCPO where operatives conduct pro�iling to barangays being tagged as criminal hotbed.

with HIV at the end of 2016--up 140 percent from 2010 when there were just 4,300 infections.

Proving to be vulnerable to infection are people belonging to the current 15 to 34 age group, or the so-called millennials. The Department of Health earlier reported that of the 629 people diagnosed with HIV last April, 513 of them or over 80 percent belonged to the category.

Even more worrisome is the fact that these statistics go against the global downward trend on HIV/AIDS infections.

Pointing to the Philippine HIV and AIDS Policy Act, Nograles said: “This is where we legislators step in. We believe the HIV/AIDS problem can be abated through proper intervention and a focused government policy.”

The aim of the measure is to prevent the spread of HIV

and provide treatment, care and support services to those infected. It also seeks to remove the barriers to HIV/AIDS-related services by eliminating the climate of stigma that surrounds the epidemic and the people directly and indirectly affected by it.

Moreover, the proposed Act identi�ies poverty, prostitution, marginalization, drug abuse and ignorance as some of the factors that aggravate HIV infections.

The measure seeks to address these in that regard.

“The Philippine HIV and AIDS Policy Act is a multi-sectoral approach on eradicating the epidemic. It also steps up the education and information campaign on all sexually-transmitted infections (STIs),” underscored Nograles. (HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES)

lion x-ray machine as one of the control points of the city’s security system to combat threats of terrorism, smuggling and illegal drugs. Mayor Inday Sara’s request was supported by resolutions passed by the City Peace and Order Council and the City Tourism Council.

According to Ateneo de Davao Law Dean Manuel Quibod, lead counsel of Reta’s legal team, Jardeleza’s opinion has no controlling effect being just an opinion not upheld by the court.

In television and other media interviews, Quibod branded the claims of Austria, a lawyer, as “deceptive.”

Unbeknownst to Collector Austria, said Dean Quibod, is the fact that on November 24, 2015 when Reta �iled an instant motion to consider the case closed and terminated, “the BOC, thru the Of�ice of the Solicitor General, in lieu of comment, �iled a Manifestation manifesting that dismissal of the

instant case has become �inal and executory in an Entry of Judgment dated March 11, 2015 which was issued by the Supreme Court G. R. No. 210959.”

This case and several related court actions between Reta and the BOC stemmed from the sudden closure of the DEA operated

by Reta sometime on February 10, 2010 by then acting Customs Collector Anju Nereo Castigador who alleged that the businessman refused to render lift-on/lift-off services for the scanning of a big shipment of smuggled cargoes in the DEA where the x-ray machine had been installed for the purpose.

Reta denied Castigador’s accusation, saying that on the contrary, his lawyer had earlier gone to the of�ice of Castigador to suggest that a scanning and stripping be done on a big shipment suspected to be smuggled rice from Thailand which was later proven to be true.

DCPO... FROM 2

HOUSE... FROM 2

RETA... FROM 2

NOBLE PROJECT. Director Randolf Arbutante of Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)-Compostela Valley Province says Compostella Valley Fire, Emergency and Disaster Training Center (COMVAL FED) will soon to rise in Compostella

Valley in 2019 which is believed to be the first integrated training center of the BFP in the country. Arbutante made the statement during the Kapehan sa Dabaw at the Annex of SM City Davao on Monday. Lean Daval Jr.

Charging that Castigador had no authority to arbitrarily terminate his contract with the BOC, Reta also �iled a petition in court for injunction.

The dispute generated a �lurry of other cases between the two parties. One of the cases was the BOC’s “Petition for Judicial Con�irmation of Just Cause for Revocation of Agreement”, an action initiated by then Commissioner Napoleon Morales before RTC Manila Branch 25. The case went to RTC, the CA and �inally the Supreme Court.

On the other hand, one of the cases �iled by businessman Reta against the BOC and its of�icials was “breach of contract” still pending in a RTC Davao branch.

This case is reportedly scheduled to be tried sometime this month.

Earlier, the complaints Reta had �iled with the Ombudsman resulted in the dismissal of Castigador and a BOC acting whar�inger from the service and the suspension of two other employees.

Likewise earlier, the embattled businessman, through favorable rulings of the courts, also stopped two attempts of the BOC to withdraw the costly x-ray machine from the DEA located inside his container yard.

Meanwhile, Reta, through his legal team, stated that he is open to an amicable settlement with the BOC leading to the reopening of the DEA and use of the x-ray machine as requested

by Mayor Carpio through resolutions passed by the CPOC and City Tourism Council.

Customs-Reta contract not revoked, says Court The controverted agreement between the Bureau of Customs and Davao City businessman Rodolfo C. Reta on the use of the latter’s container yard as Designated Examination Area (DEA) wherein a P250-million x-ray machine can examine port cargo suspected to be contraband goods is still in effect as it has not been legally terminated.

The status of the contract was clari�ied in a series of rulings by the Regional Trial Court, the Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court, culminating in an order dismissing the case entitled “Petition for Judicial Con�irmation of Just Cause for Revocation of Agreement” by the RTC Manila Branch 25, where it was originally �iled by the Customs bureau some seven years ago.

while two other BOC employees involved in the case were suspended by the Ombudsman.

Reta likewise succeeded two times in getting a court order stopping attempts of the BOC to take the costly x-ray machine out of the DEA in his container yard.

Other trumped-up cases conjured by his detractors but which failed to stick on the businessman included a lifestyle check on his alleged unexplained wealth and charges that he poked a high-powered gun on somebody while the DEA

In a ruling issued on February 18, 2016, or about six years after the controversial closure of the DEA, RTC Branch 25 presiding judge Marlina M. Manuel in Manila ordered the BOC revocation case dismissed “in compliance with the Decision of Court of Appeals dated July 31, 2014 and Supreme Court Resolution dated March 11,2015.”

The ruling contradicted the view of Davao Customs Collector Erastus Sandino Austria that an opinion of a former solicitor general (solgen) that the contract had been terminated. The opinion is reportedly being used

by Austria as a reason for his hesitation in granting a request of Mayor Sara D. Carpio that the DEA be reopened and used as part of the security system of Davao City in battling the threats of terrorism, smuggling and illegal drugs trading.

The mayor’s request was made sometime in August after the City Peace and Order Council (CPOC) and City Tourism Council passed similar resolutions on the matter.

Mayor Sara showed impatience and irritation when asked to comment on Austria’s statements, saying that the Customs of�icial did not seem to feel the urgency of Davao’s security situation.

Austria’s view was also criticized by the legal team for being deceptive. Ateneo de Davao University Law Dean Manuel Quibod, head of businessman Reta’s legal team, said Austria’s pronouncements were “deceptive.”

He chided the Customs of�icial for invoking the opinion of the Solgen which has “no controlling effect” being just an opinion. He said previous Customs collectors and BOC commissioners before Austria became Davao port collector did not even invoke the opinion.

The court declaration clarifying that the contract between BOC and Reta is still in effect is the latest of the victories of Reta in his seven-year protracted legal skirmishes with the BOC, since the DEA inside his container yard was illegally padlocked.

Reta’s �irst triumph was when the Ombudsman dismissed lawyer Nereo Anju Castigador, the former Customs collector responsible for illegally closing the DEA, and another Customs of�icial from the service,

was still operating.

The court verdict on the status of the contract between Reta and the BOC came out just months before the trial on the charges �iled by Reta against the BOC and those responsible of suddenly padlocking the DEA for breach of contract.

This comes on the heels of a pronouncement by the camp of Reta that they are open to an amicable settlement with the BOC, saying that there is no legal impediment for such a settlement.

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11TH JUDICIAL REGION OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT-SHERIFF Davao City HOME DEVELOPMENT MUTUAL FUND OR PAG-IBIG FUND, EJF-REM CASE NO. 16,443-17 Mortgagee, -versusREXY B. MORTA married to JOSEPHINE A. MORTA Mortgagor/s.

X--------------------------------------------------------------------------------X NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL SALE

Upon extra-judicial petition for foreclosure and sale under Act 3135, as amended filed by the mortgagee HOME DEVELOPMENT MUTUAL FUND OR PAG-IBIG FUND, against mortgagor/s Rexy B. Morta, married to Josephine A. Morta with residence and postal address at 482 Lopez Jaena St., Davao City, to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness which as of July 1, 2017, amounted to (Php975,226.76) Philippine Currency, inclusive of the interest and penalty charges and other legal expenses incident to foreclosure and sale; the undersigned Sheriff IV of the Regional Trial Court, Davao City, will sell at public auction on OCTOBER 26, 2017 at 10:00 A.M., or soon thereafter, at the main entrance of Hall of Justice, Ecoland, Davao City, to the highest bidder to CASH or MANAGER’S CHECK and in Philippine Currency, the following real property mentioned and described below together with all the improvements found thereon, to wit: TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. 146-2015006982 “A parcel of land (LOT 22, BLK 3 of the subdivision Plan Psd11-107053 being a portion of lot 49, PCS-3076 AMD.), situated in the Barangay of Tacunan, City of Davao, Island of Mindanao, xxx Containing an area of Eighty Two (82) SQUARE METERS, more or less, xxx.”

All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above-stated time and date.

In the event the public auction should not take place on the said date, it shall be held on NOVEMBER 23, 2017, without further notice.

Prospective buyers are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the title of the herein-above described real property and encumbrances thereon, if any there be.

Davao City, Philippines, SEPTEMBER 19, 2017.

FOR THE EX.OFFICIO PROV’L SHERIFF: (sgd.)JAY C. ESPERANZA Sheriff IV

NOTED BY: (sgd.)ATTY. FRANSISCO M. CAMPANER Clerk of Court V OIC-Clerk of Court & Ex-Of�icio Prov’l Sheriff

INdulge!

VOL. 10 ISSUE 146•TUESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2017

EDGEDAVAO

EVENT

Seda Abreeza’s pre-holiday feast THE MALLS OF DURIANBURG seem to be more hectic these past few weeks, so are the streets which seem to be more busy then usual. I guess these are signs that the “ber” months are finally upon us as shoppers looking to get their early holiday shopping go out in droves looking for the best deals.

Adding more fun to the pre-holiday rush, Seda Abreeza’s all-day dining restaurant, Misto, recently launched its line-up of pre-holiday promos that cater to every need and every taste.

Party mode on Although Christmas parties are usually reserved for December, many companies now choose to celebrate corporate parties early to clear up the December month for family and friends. For those who wish to have a good time with good friends and company, Misto Bar celebrates OkSeda Abreeza’s hotel manager Ken Kapulong poses with the UnliBeer toberfest with a beer-allspread. you-can offer. With their “Cheers for Unli-Beers!” promo, guests a chance to enjoy free flowing drinks of select local beers from 6PM-8PM, from October 1 to November 30, 2017.

This is available at Php 780 nett per person.

Pork Sinigang Adobo.

Misto’s Chili Prawns.

Ala carte favorites For those who crave for a delectable seafood treat, Misto’s all-time favorite Misto Chili Prawns is the highlight a la carte dish from October to November. Savor the goodness of crisp-fried prawns made more flavorful with blends of spices, available

all-day at Php 880 nett per order. Executive Sous Chef Giovanna “Bang” Sibala says this signature dish has always gained great reviews from diners, as the spice in the dish elevates the taste of the prawns.

Personally, I love Misto’s Pork Sinigang Adodo which is a blend of two all-time favorite Filipino dishes. The pork is tender with a nice sour tartness coming from the vinegar and tamarind. The dish shows how the Misto culinary team continues to innovate its menu as it aspires to remain one of the Best Restaurants of Philippine Tatler Dining.

For the sweet tooth Misto has been known for its desserts through the years and I always overeat whenever they have a dessert buffet spread. From their Angel Food Cake, Carrot Cake, Mango Sans

Misto’s also cellars many fine wines.

Seda Abreeza’s Excutive Sous Chef Giovanna Sibala and her sweet creations.

Rival, Red Velvet Cake, Malagos Chocolate Cake, Chocolate Factory Cake, and Pistachio Milk Bar, every bite is a moment in heaven especially the Malagos Chocolate Dark Chocolate Cheesecake which uses Malagos Dark Chocolate together with Malagos cheese, a truly a cake that showcases the terroir of Durianburg.

I was doubly happy to learn that these specialty

Cinque Formaggi Pizza.

cakes can now be ordered to bring home to share and enjoy, making every occasion even more sweet and memorable.

Just make sure to order 24 hours in advance.

For more reservations, orders, or more information of Seda Abreeza’s preholiday deals, one may contact the hotel at 0822443000 or 082-3228888 or send an email to dvo@ sedahotels.com.

EDGEDAVAO

A2 INdulge!

TRAVEL

VOL. 10 ISSUE 146•TUESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2017

Making waves in Phl surfing history

HISTORY HAS BEEN MADE in Philippine surfing as the first ever Philippine Surfing Championship Tour (PSCT) completed one of the four legs in its maiden tour. The 19th Siargao National Surfing Cup, which ran from September 15 to 21, showed the hungry enthusiasm from the 186 surfers from different parts of the country.

You could say that almost everybody was at Siargao for this historic tour. Familiar faces that you would usually see at their home breaks, you would see walking on the iconic boardwalk of Cloud 9.

Once the registration opened, the Cloud 9 Tower 1 was packed with tanned and sunbleached surfers teeming with excitement. It was quite funny when the orientation started because one of the speakers were speaking Tagalog, almost half of the participants seemed silent either unable to decipher what was said probably because of another different Opening Day With the huge amount of participants, it was exciting to witness surfers from all corners of the country battle it out on the country’s premier surf break. There were a lot of memorable highlights in the five days of the competition like the youngest competitor, 8 year-old Kaikai Alcala competing against other surfers twice his size and 14 year-old Gabriel Lerog with the only completed aerial during the first day.

Day Two Day two showed us

first time competitor Juramz Ariate from Lanuza, Surigao del Sur being one of the few who made it in and out of the barrels that Cloud 9 offered that day. The lone representative from Cagayan de Oro City, Miguel Paez, also showed a memorable performance, despite having the nearest surf spot from CDO is a 3 hour drive away.

Day Three During the third day, conditions gearing up perfectly, allowing the remaining heats of Round 1 to be completed and 10 heats of Round 2 to get done by late afternoon.

The highest total heat score of Round 1 came from Cloud 9 local Eduardo “Tata” Alciso, who racked up an amazing 16.75 score and Peter Paul Alipayo’s showstopper, where he surprised everyone by executing a critical backside 360 on the

A spectator’s view of Cloud 9 duringabreakinthecompetition. roundhouse cutbacks on each wave he took.

Davao region representatives (Sonny Boy Aporbo, Chito Jr. Plania, Rodel Patawi, Fidel Jr. Bautista and Jasper Balug) right after registration day in Siargao.

Part of the Lanuza and Cantilan representatives during the 19th National Siargao Surfing Cup. L-R: Lanuza’s Juramz Ariate, Larrynce Guarte from Ayoke Island, Lanuza surfers Soyfox Casano, Loynex Ruina Cantilan’s Philip Marzon and John Paul Besto from Lanuza (kneeling). inside during the dying anduanes Island, Johnny Day 3, while local favorseconds of his heat.

King, unleashed a series ite Mike Canon posted First timer in Cloud 9 of powerful snaps to earn a 12.75 total heat score and former grommet big an 8.75, the second high- by consistently deliverwave charger from Cat- est single wave score of ing powerful snaps and

Day Four Cloud 9 didn’t disappoint as the competitors were treated to glassy barreling goodness for the first half of the Day 4 of the competition. Jefferson Dela Torre from Baler/La Union put on an exciting performance against younger surfers Remar Magaluna, Peter Paul Alipayo and Mike Canon during the afternoon heat.

2016 Siargao National Surfing Cup champion John Mark Tokong posted the highest total heat score of the day in Round 4 as the day was nearing sunset. First time competitor, Davao surfer and professional skimboarder Sonny Boy Aporbo from Mati, Davao Oriental with skills honed through surfing finless, also progressed into Round 5.

The Top 16 surfers who competed in the WSL Qualifying Series last year were automatically seeded in Round 4 of the contest and the remaining days, the audience witnessed an epic battle of the best Filipino surfers as they compete for a spot in the quarters, semis and finals.

Watch out for next week’s article for the highlights of the fifth and last day of the 19th National Siargao Surfing Cup. Catch up on the other happenings in the Philippine surfing at www. millennialmermaid.com

VOL. 10 ISSUE 146•TUESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2017

UP AND ABOUT

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

AirAsia expands ASEAN connectivity Announces new flights from Manila to Bali, Jakarta, and Ho Chi Minh City STAYING TRUE TO ITS COMMITMENT as a truly Asean airline, AirAsia today announced it will start servicing flights from Manila to Bali, Jakarta in Indonesia and to Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam.

October 18 – 20, 2017 only

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To celebrate the expansion of AirAsia’s ASEAN connectivity, all-in promo fares are available from as low as P2,590 starting today until 22 October 2017 for travel period on 17 November 2017 to 30 April 2018 for Ho Chi Minh City.

AirAsia starts flying to Jakarta on 9 January and to Bali on 19 January. Book your flights at airasia.com and also available via AirAsia’s mobile app or visit our partner travel agents.

AirAsia Philippines CEO Captain Dexter Comendador said, “It is an exciting time for all of us in the Philippines as we continue to bring the country closer to our neighbouring cities within the Asean region and beyond via AirAsia’s inter-Asean connectivity and massive net-

work.”

“AirAsia is the only airline that directly services all ten Asean countries with established operations in the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia. The AirAsia Group carried 13.4 million people within ASEAN last year and we aim to contin-

ue delivering only the best service and widest connectivity.”

AirAsia’s Manila – Denpasar/Bali (IATA CODE: DPS) and Manila – Jakarta (IATA CODE: CGK) will operate daily starting January next year while Manila – Ho Chi Minh City/Saigon (IATA CODE:

SGN) will commence on November 17 with flights every Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday.

Keep updated with AirAsia’s latest promotion and activities via twitter (@AirAsiaFilipino), Facebook (facebook.com/ AirAsiaPH) and on Instagram (@AirAsiaFilipino).

EDGEDAVAO

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VOL. 10 ISSUE 146•TUESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2017

EDGEDAVAO PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS Serving a seamless society

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

11 SUBURBIA RISING

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 10 ISSUE 146• TUESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2017

Taking a break from the heat of the late morning sun, runners seek shelter at the entrance of a shallow cave in Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental on Saturday (21 October 2017). MindaNews photo by BOBBY TIMONERA

Marawi soldiers reunite with families in Eastern Visayas

A

fter five months of fighting terrorists in Marawi City, about 100 soldiers under the Army’s 82nd Reconnaissance Company finally returned to Eastern Visayas Sunday afternoon.

Joined by family members, Col. Alberto Desoyo and 8th Infantry Division staff led in welcoming the soldiers.

Desoyo personally lauded the soldiers for their contribution to free Marawi City from the clutches of the ISIS-inspired Maute group.

“Our debt to our soldiers who made the ultimate sacri�ice for our country to preserve our security and freedom in

Marawi can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude. Eastern Visayas and the entire country will never forget their sacri�ices,” Desoyo said.

The troops will undergo a debrie�ing process, he added.

Most of the family members went to the city’s airport hours before the scheduled troops’ arrival.

Michelle Berongoy, wife of Private First Class

Ronnie Berongoy, said there were many sleepless nights when her husband was in Marawi especially and communicating with him was very hard. All she did was to pray that her husband would return alive.

“I’m happy that he’s again with us and safe. I’m very thankful to God,” Michelle told reporters.

Berongoy said he is happy to see his family almost �ive months after being deployed to the frontline of the battleground.

“We will have to discuss it �irst with the troops what are we going to do, but if we will be given a break, I want to spend it with my family,” the soldier

added.

Mary Joyce Balita, a 33-year-old teacher from Taft, Eastern Samar, took a video recording of the plane’s arrival where Corporal Jome Balita was on board.

“I cried every day, hoping and waiting for my husband to come home safely,” said Mary Joyce, who was accompanied by �ive of their children.

“We have this very nice picture of a very happy moment today, but I couldn’t stop thinking of some families that weren’t reunited because the head of their family perished during the war. We are very lucky,” she told reporters.(PNA)

talan (10 barangays – 3, 112 families); and Mother Kabuntalan (17 barangays – 3, 868 families). Also inundated were Rajah Buayan (10 barangays – 1, 912 families); Buluan (5 barangays – 973 families); Mamasapano (13 barangays – 4, 523 families); Datu Salibo (17 barangays – 3, 281 families); Datu Paglat (3 barangays – 1, 702 families); Datu Paglas (1 barangay – 189 families); Datu Piang (3 barangays – 300 families); and Pandag (8

barangays – 1, 932 families).

Henry said though affected, most families preferred to stay at home while others sought refuge to houses of relatives living on higher grounds while waiting for the �loodwater to recede.

A Low Pressure Area caused by Tropical Storm Paolo that affected most parts of Visayas and Mindanao last week triggered the heavy rains. (Noel Punzalan/PNA)

Floods submerge 16 towns in Maguindanao

F

loods brought by heavy rains the past several days have immersed 16 of 36 towns in knee-deep waters in Maguindanao, the provincial social welfare of�ice reported Monday.

Myrna Jocelyn Henry, Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao–Humanitarian Emergency Assistance Response Team (ARMM-HEART) information of�icer, said they are currently coordinating with the Maguindanao so-

cial welfare of�ice for the simultaneous distribution of relief goods on Tuesday to the affected areas.

The towns affected included Mangudadatu (8 barangays – 3, 417 families); Shariff Saydona (5 barangays – 1, 812 families); Sultan sa Barongis (5 barangays – 1, 612 families); Sultan Kudarat (16 barangays – 4, 980 families); Ampatuan (3 barangays – 646 families); Sultan Mastura (6 barangays – 1, 014 families); Northern Kabun-

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11TH JUDICIAL REGION OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT-SHERIFF Davao City HOME DEVELOPMENT MUTUAL FUND OR PAG-IBIG FUND, EJF-REM CASE NO. 16,438-17 Mortgagee, -versusJIMYMA M. JOVENAL (SINGLE), Mortgagor/s.

X--------------------------------------------------------------------------------X NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL SALE

Upon extra-judicial petition for sale under Act 3135, as amended filed by HOME DEVELOPMENT MUTUAL FUND OR PAG-IBIG FUND, against JIMYMA M. JOVENAL (SINGLE), with postal address at LOT 28, BLK. 38, DECA HOMES SUBD., BARANGAY CABANTIAN, BUHANGIN, DAVAO CITY, to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness in the total amount of Php=748,402.42, Philippine Currency, inclusive of the interest and penalty charges as of June 15, 2017, plus attorney’s fees equivalent to 10% of the total indebtedness and other legal expenses incident of foreclosure and sale, the undersigned Sheriff IV of the Regional Trial Court, Davao City, will sell at public auction on OCTOBER 26, 2017 at 10:00 A.M., or soon thereafter, at the main entrance of Hall of Justice, Ecoland, Davao City, to the highest bidder to CASH or MANAGER’S CHECK and in Philippine Currency, the following real property mentioned and described below together with all the improvements found thereon, to wit: TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. 146-2011004104 “A PARCEL OF LAND (LOT 28, BLK 38, PCS-11-002129,XXX), SITUATED IN THE BARANGAY OF CABANTIAN, CITY OF DAVAO, ISLAND OF MINDANAO. XXX CONTAINING AN AREA OF EIGHTY ONE (81) SQUARE METERS, MORE OR LESS.”

All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above-stated time and date.

In the event the public auction should not take place on the said date, it shall be held on NOVEMBER 23, 2017, without further notice.

Prospective buyers are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the title of the herein-above described real property/ies and encumbrances thereon, if any there be.

Davao City, Philippines, SEPTEMBER 15, 2017

FOR THE EX.OFFICIO PROV’L SHERIFF: (sgd.)ROBERT M. MEDIALDEA Sheriff IV

NOTED BY: (sgd.)ATTY. FRANSISCO M. CAMPANER Clerk of Court V OIC-Clerk of Court & Ex-Of�icio Prov’l Sheriff

12 ENVIRONMENT EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 146• TUESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2017

Pollution: The world’s leading killer

BY HENRYLITO D. TACIO

O

n the morning of October 27, 1948, Wednesday, a heavy smog settled down over the area surrounding Donora, Pennsylvania in the United States. Weathermen described it as “a temperature inversion” and was so thick that it evoked comments from the residents.

According to the public health bulletin issued by the US Public Health Service, “the streamers of carbon appeared to hang motionless in the air” and “the visibility was so poor that even natives of the area became lost.”

The smog continued through Thursday, but there was no still no commotion other than that of conversational comments. On Friday, however, there was a marked increase of illness among the residents.

“By Friday evening, the physicians’ telephone exchange was �looded with calls for medical aid, and the doctors were making calls unceasingly to care for their patients,” the health bulletin reported. “Many persons were sent to nearby hospitals…”

Still there was no alarm. The �irst casualty was reported in the early Saturday morning. More followed in quick succession during the day and by nightfall word of these deaths was racing through the town. By 11:30 that night, 17 persons were dead. Two more died on Sunday, and still another who fell ill during the smog was to die a week later on November 8.

“On Sunday afternoon, rain came to clear away the smog,” the health bulletin said. “But hundreds were still ill, and the rest of the residents were still stunned by the number of deaths that had taken place during the preceding 36 hours.”

The dramatic event may have not happened yet in the Philippines but it may soon occur if Filipinos continue to pollute the air they breathe. “Air pollution is

causing serious health problems and lower productivity, severely impacting the Filipinos’ quality of life,” pointed out Robert Vance Pulley, then World Bank Country director to the Philippines.

A joint study made by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) a couple of years back has identi�ied Metro Manila as one of the 20 cities with more or less 10 million people “where air pollution is posing increasingly serious health problems to its residents.”

“If you remain unconvinced about how serious the problem is, car owners can try an experiment,” Pulley suggested. “Just tape pieces of ‘�iltrete’ available from hardware stores over the air conditioning vents inside your car.

As you watch particulates turn the �ilter black over a few weeks, think of your lungs – and imagine how much worse it is for the majority who ride in jeepneys or tricycles and can least afford the related health costs.”

A recent World Bank study showed that in terms of lost wages, medical treatment, and premature loss of life, the costs of air pollution to urban residents are about US$1.5 billion a year or about two percent of gross domestic product. In the Philippines, it means spending around P2,000 per person for treatment and medication for health-related illnesses brought about by air pollution.

The most common forms of air pollutants are suspended particulate matter (SPM), carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons (which include benzene, xylene, and ethylene dibromide), sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, ozone, and residues of the highly toxic tetraethyl lead, a substance added to gasoline to enhance its octane value or “burning quality.”

A new report published by “The Lancet” said that exposure to

polluted air, water and soil caused more than nine million premature deaths in 2015. The causes of deaths vary – cancer, lung disease, and heart disease – but the report linked these deaths to pollution, “drawing upon previous studies that show how pollution is tied to a wider range of diseases than previously thought,” wrote Susan Brink, who has written a news based on the released report.

“The nine million �igure adds up to 16% of all deaths worldwide, killing three times more people than AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria combined,” Brink noted. “Pollution is responsible for 15 times more deaths than wars and other forms of violence.”

Pollution is even responsible for more deaths compared with the drug use, according to the report. On global scale, only 0.49 million deaths were caused by drug-related incidents. In addition, 1.41 million people died as a result of malnutrition.

Only the combination of tobacco smoking (7.17 million deaths) and alcohol use (2.31 million deaths) surpassed the record caused by pollution: 9.48 million deaths versus 9.19 million deaths.

In 2014, multi-awarded journalist and author Stephen Leahy has already debugged that disease is the biggest killer in the developing world. It’s pollution, he said, as it takes the lives of more than 8.4 million people each year. “However, pollution receives a fraction of the interest from the global community,” the Canadian journalist lamented.

For his news report, his source of information was Dr. Richard Fuller, president of the Pure Earth/Blacksmith Institute, which prepared the analysis as part of The Global Alliance on Health and Pollution (GAHP).

GAHP is a collaborative body of bilateral, multilateral, and international agencies, national governments, academia and civil

society.

“Pollution is sometimes called the invisible killer… its impact is dif�icult to track because health statistics measure disease, not pollution,” Fuller said.

However, he added that “toxic sites along with air and water pollution impose a tremendous burden on the health systems of developing countries.”

The “Lancet”-published report said every country in the world is affected, whether industrialized or developing. But 92% of the reported deaths are from low- and middle-income countries.

“Pollution in rapidly developing countries is just getting worse and worse and worse.

And it isn’t getting attention it deserves. It needed to be rigorously studied,” wrote Dr. Philip Landrigan, pediatrician and professor of environmental medicine and global health at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. He, together with Dr. Fuller, conducted the Lancet Commission on Pollution and Health.

As pollution is described as an “invisible killer,” it is often misrepresented as a minor health issue, according to Dr. Fuller. In the new report, it was stated that “the health-related costs of pollution are hidden in hospital budgets.”

Brink, who authored “The Fourth Trimester,” asked what “hidden costs” means.

Dr. Landrigan replied: “Say a person comes into the hospital with cardiac arythmia. Nobody makes the connection that it happened a day when air pollution was extremely high. Rates of heart disease and stroke are kicked up by air pollution.”

The American Heart Association reported that inhaled nanoparticles of pollution can play a role in rupturing plaque build-up in arteries, causing a heart attack or stroke.

When people talk about

(Photos taken from the internet)

pollution, they only mean air pollution. But there is also such thing as water pollution and soil pollution. When pollutants are released to water bodies (lakes, rivers, oceans, aquifers and groundwater) without adequate treatment to remove harmful compounds, water pollution occurs.

Greenpeace, in its website, reported that water pollution in the Philippines is mostly wastewater from the following sources: industrial (lead, mercury, chromium, cadmium and cyanide), agriculture (decayed plants, dead animals, livestock manure, soil runoff, pesticides and fertilizers), domestic sewage, oil factories, mining companies and chemical spills.

The Water Environmental Partnership in Asia reported that water pollution’s effects cost the Philippines approximately US$1.3 billion annually. The government monitoring data found out that “58% of the groundwater tested was contaminated with coliform.” In addition, “approximately one-third of illnesses monitored during a �ive-year period were caused by water-borne sources.”

Soil pollution occurs “when soil contains chemicals that are toxic or otherwise dangerous for humans and other living things.”

Toxins in waste materials like anti-freeze and chemicals seep into the ground where they remain for years.

“Many modern-day chemicals and materials either do not biodegrade or break down, or if they do, then break down into smaller chemical particles,” one environmentalist wrote. “These particles poison the ground itself.”

Fil V. Elefante, in a recent feature, wrote that the Filipinos generating solid waste by bulk, which end up in bodies of water or lands.

Based on the data released by the National Solid Waste Manage-

ment Commission, about 38,757 tons of solid waste were generated in 2014. The �igure went up to 39,422 tons in 2015. By 2016, it has been projected that the number of solid waste to be generated will be 40,087 tons.

A 2012 study by Blacksmith, quoted by the Inter Press Service, estimated that mining waste, lead smelters, industrial dumps and other toxic sites affect the health of 125 million people in 49 developing countries.

“We have identi�ied over 200 places with contaminated air, soil or water that are putting at risk some six million people,” said John Pwamang of the Ghana Environment Protection Agency was quoted as saying. “These include places with lead poisoning from recycling used lead-acid or car batteries, and e-waste dismantling areas, where cables are burnt in the open air and the toxic smoke poisons whole neighborhoods.”

Meanwhile, a growing body of scienti�ic evidence is revealing an astonishing array of illness including cancers, heart disease, diabetes, obesity, attention-de�icit/hyperactivity disorder, autism, Alzheimer’s and depression, with links to the ever-increasing amount of toxic chemicals in human’s bodies, said Julian Cribb, author of the new book “Poisoned Planet: how constant exposure to man-made chemicals is putting your life at risk.”

“There are at least 143,000 man-made chemicals plus an equally vast number of unintentional chemicals liberated by mining, burning fossil fuels, waste disposal,” Cribb said in a press release.

“The global health burden from pollution is astonishing, and mainly affects women and children,” Dr. Fuller told IPS. “The world community needs to wake up to this fact.”

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 146• TUESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2017

PASTOR... FROM 4

3... FROM 4

The suspect said his child was hospitalized at Davao Regional Medical Center in Tagum City, Davao Del Norte and he just entered the city to go to his elder sibling in Digos City, Davao del Sur to get things needed.

“Pagbalik namog Tagum naay checkpoint, mao to gi abrihan nako akong bag kay kabalo man ko nga naay baril

sulod around (When we were about to return to Tagum City we were caught by the checkpoint and I opened my bag because I know that my gun was placed inside. ), “ Rodriguez said.

He added that he has no bad intention with the gun, but he just brought it accidentally. Rodriguez is now detained at Sasa Police Statio

October 23, Monday.

The committed budget to �inish the project amounted to P160 million. The facility can train 550 personnel which is not limited to the Mindanao.

“Some of the �ire �ighters coming from Luzon and Visayas will be training here but majority will come from here (Mindanao),” said Abutante.

The facility is built on the 1.2 hectare of land given to the BFP situated in Capitol Compound of ComVal. This comprised of the 14 simulators namely Rappelling Tower, Burn Building, Center for Disease Control Building, Mountain Search and Rescue Station, Vehicle Extraction station, Emergency Medical Services Station, Lanslide POD, Con�ined Space Rescue Station, Hazmat/ CBRNE Building, Trench Rescue Station, Collapse Structure Station, Water Search and Rescue (WASAR) pool and Arson Scenario Station. In the training center, there are dormito-

ries available for the trainees.

FED... FROM 4

The dormitory will be built in support of the four congressman and the simulators will be constructed in support of the 11 mayors of Compostella Valley.

The Street light, pavement and Drainage will be built in support of Gov. Uy and the administration building and the of�ice of the provincial �ire marshal will be built in support of the BFP. “Fire �ighters will be training there and will be supervised by the Public Safety College we will relocate our training area there and of course the emergency responders from the provincial municipal, city and the barangay will also be training in that area,” said Abutante The public is also welcome in the facility where in they could purchase souvenirs and it will also be open to educational tours.BFP is looking forward to the project with the support of the local government.

tance (ACDI VOCA) As of September 2017, the PCA said it was only able to plant coconut trees on 5,000 hectares of land out of the 20,000 hectares on target per year. “We have 447,000 hectares of coconut in our region and we that very limited target we cannot give what the farmers needed for a higher productivity of coconut,” said Recla.

Trimmel said that the trees that should be planted are those kind of trees that bares a high number of nuts.

“Even if Philippines is the 2nd largest producer of coconut in the world there is still a need to grow and improve the productivity of the coconut,” He said.

The PCA is hoping for the Coco Levy Fund to be ap-

proved so that they could do what is needed to be done.

“We are hoping for the Coco Levy money para maka full blown jud ang coconut industry from the �inancial assistance of the farmers hangtud na jud sa processing (until the processing),” said Recla.

Based on the evaluation and monitoring of the PCA in the area there are still 180,000 hectares potential areas to be planted with coconut trees.

Meanwhile, PCA supports the Inter-cropping in order to increase the income of the farmers. PCA gives banana saplings, coffee beans, cacao seeds vegetable seedlings and livestock to farmers. “ Inter-cropping is good because once you fertilize those crops the coconut will also bene�it from it,” said Recla.

make them marketable in other countries? For us here, we are satis�ied with fresh harvests. In other countries, they are value-adding,” he said.

He acceded to observations that Davao del Norte had levelled up its competitiveness, having risen to 7th place in ranking of LGUs in the Philippines by the National Competitiveness Council. However, he said that “much still need to be done” to position the province as highly ready for ASEAN competition.

The Governor saw the need

to level up product quality, intensify product development and push simple value-adding towards product manufacturing.

Meanwhile, Del Rosario called on the youths to prepare for the demands for employment in the next �ive to 10 years.

“You need to know the opportunities in ASEAN and prepare for that; learn new skills and make yourself marketable,” he said.

He cited the way Singapore provides ways for its workers to go back school to learn new

DN... FROM 6

NEWS 13 skills to match with market demands, and the way it organizes information to project labor market needs and what industries need certain types of skills.

“It is about matching,” he said while noting that “agencies government can help”.

On the other hand, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Provincial Director Romeo Castañaga pointed out

the necessity to develop “entrepreneurial mind-set”, a kind of thinking which can pick up opportunities to do business and to help others.

Castañaga also af�irmed Del Rosario’s thoughts to highly consider product quality, good packaging and long shelf life of products to level up competitiveness especially in markets abroad. (PIA)

She said less than 10 of these economic zones applied during the Aquino administration but were not approved due to leadership transition.

Moreover, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) has also called for the presidential proclamation of these economic zones pending in the OP, adding that this has

caused concern among PEZA investors.

PCCI added that companies are also delaying their investments as they wait for their projects to be PEZA-registered.

For IT alone, data from Leechiu Property showed that some 1.63 million square meters of of�ice spaces are still under application for PEZA nationwide. (PNA)

of the Armed Forces of the Philippines as discussants.

(See separate story).

Aside from Go and dela Cruz, the DCCCII of�icers who attended the PBCE were past president now executive vice president Sofronio “BJ” M. Jucutan; corporate treasurer Alvin M. Pinpin, corporate secretary Yvonne F. Cabada, past president and now trustee Bonifacio T. Tan, VP for agribusiness Teresita M. Pascual, VP for professional and service ventures Belinda

L. Torres, VP for trade and commerce Luciano Frederick P. Puyod III, and board trustees Jennifer V. Sazon, Jocelyn A. Romero, Juanito Ricky M. Tagabucba and Antonio M. Ajero. Only VP for industry Wilfred “Eboy” T. Teves and trustee Arturo M. Milan were not around.

However, former board chairman John S. Gaisano Jr., Frances, wife of VP Puyod, and newly inducted executive director Marc Faith A. Wales were present.

PEZA... FROM 6

CHAMBER... FROM 7

14 MOTORING EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 146• TUESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2017

Hyundai Tucson: Car that fits

S

port Utility Vehicles or SUVs are sought after because they’re practical and great value-for-money. And while buying one may be left to the moms or dad, everyone has a say. It can be dif�icult to get a consensus among the family members if each has his or her own priorities or needs, and even more so, when the car is shared by everyone. Thankfully, there’s one SUV that meets the needs of everyone in the family and that’s the all-new Hyundai Tucson. # 1. For the hard-working Dad Going through the daily rush hour traf�ic to and from work is no joke – it literally takes a toll, mentally and physically. Add a long day at work and hard-working Dad just needs a stress-free ride. The Hyundai Tucson provides Dads with a commanding view of traf�ic, top-notch NVH, and a

plush ride great for unwinding, despite Manila’s constant traf�ic jams. Oh, and the smooth Tucson also comes with a worry-free ownership experience as well, thanks to an unbeatable 5-year warranty. # 2. For the busy Mom A Mom’s day is always buzzing with activities and the Hyundai Tucson can be a big help. Its spacious interior and standard rear air vents makes sure her precious passengers are comfy as she drops them off at school. And since Mom’s got to make sure the household is running smoothly, the Tucson can be her best partner by swallowing a week’s worth of groceries. The shopping bag hook on the rear seatback is perfect for holding up the grocery or shopping bags, meaning spills could be a thing of the past. And if she decides to take a short coffee break with the girl friends, a cargo screen keeps

things out of prying eyes. # 3. For the fashionista Daughter Stylish and eye-catching – no wonder the fashionista in the family is always eager to borrow the Hyundai Tucson for a night out with friends. The Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 styling and available palette of colors to choose from (Ara Blue, Milk Tea, Phantom Black, Platinum Silver, Pure White, Ruby Wine) make it a standout among compact crossovers. Plus, everyone can enjoy the airy and sophisticated interior as well. Mom and Dad can also sleep peacefully, knowing that the Tucson ensures a safe journey for everyone on-board with its long list of standard safety features including SRS airbags, anti-lock brakes with EBD, brake assist, and even electronic stability control or ESC. # 4. For the sporty Son Hitching the bike onto the Tucson easily, the Son goes off for an early morning workout session. As he drives down the highway, the Tucson’s powerful

gasoline or diesel engine makes his drive more dynamic and responsive. As the straight highways turn into gentle sweeping curves, the Tucson’s all-around independent suspension and 17- or 18-inch alloy wheels can make canyon carving fun but safe. Even before he hits the trails, the Son’s adrenaline’s already been pumping. # 5. For the Little Ones Finally, for the family’s fur babies, the Tucson is low enough for them to jump in for a nice drive. Plus, it’s spacious and comfortable for them, no matter how far the journey will be. # 6. For the whole Family And when the whole family wants to go out for that weekend road trip—with hard-working Dad, busy Mom, fashionista Daughter, sporty Son, and the Little Ones, everyone will love the Tucson for being their all-in-one ride. It’s comfortable, safe, ef�icient, spacious, and just plain fun. It’s the only vehicle a Filipino family could ever need.

5 reasons to buy a car GPS than use a smartphone

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our smartphone can run a variety of navigation apps, which may make a car GPS seem like a redundant gadget. But smartphones are not yet ready to replace the navigation GPS. Here are �ive reasons to buy a dedicated navigation GPS. 1. Battery. GPS apps use a tremendous amount of battery power, which means your phone might not even make it all the way through the day if you’re doing a lot of navigating. A dedicated car GPS uses your car’s cigarette lighter outlet for power, so battery will never be an issue. Plus, the best navigation GPS units have a built-in battery that lasts for

a couple of hours, in case all the charging ports in your car are in use. Preserving battery power is a big deal for heavy smartphone users, and a dedicated car GPS can help keep your phone’s battery fresh.

2. Data. Smartphone GPS apps use a lot of data, which is a drawback for smartphone users. If you’re using a navigation app every day, you could easily use up a large chunk of a 2GB or 3GB cellular data plan. You could even accidentally cause expensive overage charges.

Dedicated navigation devices don’t have a subscription fee, so you can navigate as much as you want for free. If you do a lot of driving, you might be purchasing more monthly cell

data than you need in order to cover your GPS uses. In this case, a dedicated GPS might actually be cheaper than switching to a cell phone plan with more data.

3. Service. Navigation GPS units work in areas where there is no cell coverage. The GPS system is based on satellites, not cell phone towers, so GPS has more thorough coverage than cellular providers do, especially in rural areas where cell service is spotty.

Smartphones have GPS chips in them that allow them to connect to the satellite system, but they don’t have the maps of North America stored in them, so without cellular ser-

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SPORTS 15

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 146• TUESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2017

AAK bets win 3 golds in Vietnam

By NEILWIN JOSEPH BRAVO

T

he lean squad from the Association for the Advancement of Karatedo (AAK) Davao struck for three gold medals in their �irst ever appearance in the tough 7th Vietnam Open Karatedo Champioships at the Cau Guiay Indoor Stadium in Hanoi, Vietnam over the weekend.

The 3-man crew assembled by veteran mentor Rommel Tan did not disappoint despite losing two of its top bets in the �inal minute.

WINNING POSE. AAK Davao’s Sofia Aguo, John Paul Ponce and Atsuko Kaiyel Tan with head coach Rommel Tan after winning five medals in the 7th Vietnam Open.

I

n business parlance, mergers and alliances are the cooperative endeavors sought by smaller �irms with giant counterparts to prevent the closure of the former when it is in dire straits.

In short, the productive existence of a crumbling organization is saved because a stable one, acting as big brother, comes in to rescue the former from drowning.

Today, there are attempts by the chair of the Philippine Sports Commission to unite collegiate sports groups into one solid body.

This is a very commendable move and I hope it is not the ningas kugon type.

I must tell you that there were previous moves in the past (I think in the late 70s and early 80s) when some sports leaders thought about merging the NCAA and the UAAP into one.

For a time, the talks started like wild�ire simply because the idea at that time looked very attractive aside from the fact that the institutions belonging to both sectors were not as stable and strong as they are today.

FOUR AGAINST ONE. Ateneo de Davao University’s Ivan San Diego goes up against STI defenders Jackie Avenido (13), Van Bardillas (27) and two others in this

Mergers and alliances

If anyone can recall, the NBA did not become the top sports body if the competing American Basketball Association (ABA where the famous DR. J sprung from) did not agree to subsume itself with the NBA. At the moment, the Philippine sports terrain is dotted with just about any sports acronym one can muster. Actually, this just shows that sports leaders are surfacing from every nook and cranny of the archipelago which spells inspiration and motivation among young, aspiring athletes of the country.

However, I believe that mergers and alliances produce more thematic effect because the union of groups advocating the same sports tenets make them more stable and more competitive.

As a clear example, the US NCAA is the spawning ground and source of fresh talents who move up to the professional ranks – be it in athletics, baseball, football, hockey, swimming, gymnastics, basketball, golf, tennis, etc., etc.

Because the Philippines has been

So�ia Agulo swept her class with two golds in the 15-17 years old girls kata and kumite while John Paul Ponce took the 14-16 boys kata gold.

Promising 7-year old karateka Atsuko Kaiyel Tan, Tan’s daughter who has already a wealth of international experience accross her name, settled for the silver in the girls under-10 kata as she had to compete against older and bigger entries.

Ponce also added a bronze

SPORTS KEN Fred C. Lumba the ‘kulelat’ even just in the least regional competitions like the SEAG, it becomes imperative to unite the various sports bodies in the collegiate levels now.

Foremost, we need to have a yearround sports calendar to ensure aspiring athletes, particularly the grassroots, of a busy sports sked to channel

in the kumite for a 3-1-1 output for the Dabawenyos in the 8-nation event.

Jam and Jana Ramirez, two bright prospects of AAK Davao, were pulled out at the last minute after the death of a family member.

“We could have gained more with Jam and Jana in the team but winning three golds was the target with only three entries we brought here,” Tan told Edge Davao from Vietnam.

bit of action during the Ateneo-STI opener of the 2017 PCCL Davao Tournament last Saturday at the Davao City Recreation Center. Lean Daval Jr.

their inexhaustible energies on.

For instance, during the summer months when there is so much sun and rarely rains, outdoor sports should be played by the youths in possibly all parts of the country.

Thus, baseball, softball, athletics, football, cycling et al take center stage.

During the rainy season, indoor sports become the order of the day.

Copying the US NCAA format is not bad. As you might have noted, the Americans are always top contenders in any sports contest they participate in.

For the record, sports excellence has been the trademark of any US athlete and this has been their country’s selling point.

Ergo, I urge the collegiate sports bodies to seriously consider the idea of coming together to the negotiating table and thresh out the whys and the wherefores.

This may require tact and diplomacy on Ramirez’ part because both the NCAA and the UAAP have something to give up and something to gain.

Compromise is not the soul of the matter.

It is about nationalism or love of country.

The �irst attempt to unite these two did not materialize for reasons of pride, security of tenure, leadership and �inancing.

We realize how much money the NCAA and UAAP make out of their basketball tournaments. Coliseums are �illed up with students from their respective schools and from thousands of alumni and paying basketball fanatics.

They earn millions during the semi�inal and �inal matches.

These issues will be the source of headaches and migraines for Ramirez.

But more than this, he can appeal to the patriotic sense of the management committees of these twin collegiate groups to consider the idea.

It may look tough initially but the task is do-able. (Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.) Rom.4:7: “Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. GOD BLESS THE PHLIPPINES!

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. 10 ISSUE 146• TUESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2017

DOMINATION Favorites Miranda, Memoracion, Arbois rule Milo race

By ATHENA JILLIAN BRAVO

S

ame faces, same results.

Veteran road race queen Judelyn Miranda, Diana Mae Memoracion and Arlan Arbois came up with classic performance to regain their places on the podium on Sunday’s 41st National Milo Marathon Davao Leg. Miranda ran in vintage form to rule the 21-kilometer women’s race with a fast time of 1:32.07 leaving behind Vivian Avergonzado (1:41.38), Lalaine Payricio (1:42.22) and Emely Avergonzado (1:47.07), who second to fourth in that order.

Miranda’s win brought her record to 7 local race titles--four in Davao and three in Butuan City.

The reigning champion Memoracion of Emar Human and Environmental College (EHEC) was also dominant in keeping her 10k title for the fourth time while Arbois of Rizal Memorial Colleges (RMC) also retained his 10k crown in the race that attracted

some 9,800 runners.

The only new champion was Richiel Languido of Bukidnon who exploited the absence of 21k ruler Sonny Wagdos. Languido negotited the distance at 1:15.14 besting Davao’s Michael Echalico (1:18.29), Arnie Macañeras of Panabao Runners Club (PRC) (1:20.19) and Edwin Zapanta (1:26.24).

Memoracion timed 43 minutes, 25 seconds in the treacherous up and down course. Crisselyn Jaro (47:37) and Joylyn Quirante (56:54) of the 10th Infantry Division (ID), and Alemie Tenajora (58:09) brought up the second to third runner-up places.

The former 21-K champion Arbois clocked 34:50 to outrun Dante Baay of South Cotabato (35:17), Germar Marcelo (35:49) and fellow Spectrum Runners bet Agustin Ychon (35:51).

In other races, Andrea Deguia ruled the 5-K women’s event in 17:20,

WINNERS ALL. Winners in the recent 41st National Milo Marathon Davao Leg race last Sunday pose with their medals. VANTAGE SPORTS photo

outclassing Julia Laranjo and Analyn Perales who timed 19:00 and 19:29.

Daryl Mark timed 14:18 to rule the men’s 5k race

over Fritz Lantaco (14:35) and Reymark Sorianosos (14:42).

The top three �inishers in the women’s 3k

class were Danica Ambal (13:45), Crisanto Jay Bondoc (14:30), Gernabel Tabog (15:04) and Banilyn Nagal (15:17) while Aaron

Gumban (11:06), Jerick Juyo (11:41) and Dominic Jhon Gorre (11:53) were the top three in the men’s race.