Edge10 issue153 November 2, 2017

VOL. 10 ISSUE 153 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2017

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

www.edgedavao.net

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

BEYOND FORGETTING. Sadness is written on the face of an elderly woman as she offers a prayer to the tomb of a departed loved one at the Roman Catholic cemetery in Madapo Hills, Davao City on All Saints’ Day. Thousands of Dabawenyos have visited their departed relatives in the city’s cemeteries during the observance of Undas. Lean Daval Jr.

ROAD WORTHY

Buses issued stickers declaring them fit to travel NEWS

By ANGIE SAVERON

R

EGIONAL of�icials of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board and the Land Transportation Of�ice declared road worthy more than 100 units inspected at the Davao City Overland Transport Terminal.

The inspection, that started on October 27 will end on November 5, 2017 to ensure that the buses are safe for travel.

The on-going is based on memorandum circular issued

by Secretary Arthur Tugade of Department of Transportation.

“Actually we have of�icers

in all terminals who are checking all units, said Neil Cañedo, assistant regional director of the LTO XI. “We are inspecting the buses before they are being dispatched. We check their documents and we see to it that they are road worthy,”said Teresita D.P. Yñiguez, regional director of LTFRB. The inspection is also being conducted to ensure safe travel in line with the the Oplan Ligtas Byahe Undas 2017.

Bus drivers have been reminded to be careful in driving and their speed should be within the speed limit.

As of November 1, Wednesday, the inspection teams recorded no violations committed by 100 bus drivers inside the terminal.

Bus units are required to undergo one inspection each.

Passenger vans are covered by the inspection. .

“If we see any violations we will not permit the bus to travel, we will tell them to return to their garage to �ix busted lights or change worn tires among several issues,” said Cañedo.

LTFRB issues stickers that will indicate that the unit has been inspected and is safe for

travel.

“The bus should have the orange sticker it implies that the unit has been inspected and it is a road worthy,” he said.

They allow the drivers to travel given that the issues of the unit are �ixed.

“We understand the drivers are looking for income so our efforts are corrective,” said Cañedo.

Meanwhile, the LTO has impounded several colorum buses and two passenger vans along Tulip drive on November 1 as part of its drive against buses and vans operating without permits.

‘Most productive, most engaging’

Says Duterte on 2nd trip to Japan PG2

DND says army soldiers investigated for looting PG3

Davao landmark celebrates 20th year

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 153 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2017

CAUCUS UP IN THE CLOUDS. President Rodrigo Duterte shares a light moment with Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, Quezon City 4th District Representative Feliciano Belmonte Jr. and Special Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence Go while on-board the Philippine Airlines chartered flight as they head back to the Philippines following a successful two-day official visit to Japan that ended on Tuesday. SIMEON CELI JR./PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

Buses issued permits to ply across routes

By JUDIEE VEGA

T

HE Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board has issued special permits to allow more than 900 units of buses to operate temporarily to be able to transport passengers across regional routes.

The special permits are valid from Oct. 28 to Nov. 3, as more buses will be needed to transport those who will be traveling to their respective provinces.

The LTFRB chairman Martin Delgra III, says special permits in Davao City were approved by the Central Of�ice.

The total issued permits covered 1,043 companies all over the country and good only for

one week for this particular season.

“Special Permits will allow bus operators at least take as much as maximum of 25% of the units from original routes to rerouting to Inter-regional routes, routes that could pass across regions,” he said.

The LTFRB has reminded operators and drivers of public utility vehicles to practice and exercise extra caution to ensure security and safety of passengers.

Drivers were also advised to check the condition of their buses for roadworthiness, as well as the condition of their drivers for All Souls and All Saints Day.

‘Most productive, most engaging’

P

Says Duterte on 2nd trip to Japan

RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte arrived here on Tuesday from his Of�icial Visit to Japan, describing it as “most productive and engaging.”

In his arrival statement, President Duterte said that he met Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and discussed concrete, time-bound and speci�ic ways to further intensify bilateral cooperation between Phil-

ippines and Japan.

“On top of our agenda is vital support for the centerpiece projects under the Philippines’ Build, Build, Build program,” President Duterte said.

The said program will cover a signi�icant impact social infrastructure projects that the Philippines need to sustain economic growth and improve the quality of life of the Filipino

people.

The Chief Executive added that more projects would be rolled off under Japan’s trillion yen or close to nine billion US dollars pledge of assistance.

He said that the Japanese Prime Minister has committed to “give �lesh” to Japan’s special assistance program.

“I am committed to [working] closely with him to ensure

that projects proceed soonest and it will be Done, Done, Done,” President Duterte said.

According to President Duterte, Philippines and Japan will intensify defense and security cooperation to combat terrorism, violent extremism and transnational crimes.

“We will strive to make our waters free and open to our

of peace” for the country.

Mayor Duterte recently created the Davao City Peace Committee that will negotiate with NPA, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines .

The President told a media brie�ing upon arrival from his two-day working visit in Japan Tuesday evening that he encouraged Mayor Duterte to pursue negotiations with the

communist guerillas while he encouraged the NPA rebels to return to the fold.

“To the NPA, do not take it so badly. You are not compelled to do this but this is for those who want to take a rest. If you are tired of killing another human being, you are always invited to go back to mainstream, come back here and I will take care of you, and eventually just to prepare you

for the entry into the mainstream society,” he said.

The President said the government is willing to take in the rebel returnees and even assured they will get a share of the 5,000 housing units of the National Housing Authority and job opportunities “but you have to work.

This is not an honorarium thing. You have to work for it.”

MOST,10

Navy played key role PRRD backs local peace talks in Davao v. Maute Group threat

P

HILIPPINE Navy operatives played a key role in thwarting Maute Group’s design to create a caliphate in Marawi City.

This was emphasized by PN �lag-of�icer-in-command Vice Admiral Ronald Joseph Mercado who added that Marine Battalion Landing Teams, Marine Special Oper-

ation Groups, and Naval Special Operations Group were among the �irst military units to respond when �ighting started last May 23.

“Our Marine Battalion Landing Teams, the Marine Special Operations Group and Naval Special Operations Group were among the �irst

NAVY,10

D

ESPITE the peace talks with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines being put on hold for �ive months already, President Rodrigo R. Duterte said he supports the localized peace efforts of his daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte, with the New People’s Army, as he said he is “not about ready to give up everything and anything in the altar

PRRD,10

NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 153 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2017

Drunk cop chief who went amok relieved

T

HE Davao del Sur Provincial Of�ice relieved this city’s acting chief of police after he went amok at a refreshment store in Digos City, Davao del Sur. Davao del Sur Police Provincial Of�ice deputy director for administration Supt.

Deozar Almasa said Sr. Insp.

Florante Retes is now under their custody to pave way for the investigation.

“If found guilty with the case, the of�icer has committed misconduct that could be grounds for suspension or if grave misconduct he might be removed from the service,” he said.

He said the DSPPO is now conducting pre-charge investigation to get evidence and also to hear the side of Retes.

Retes , who was reportedly drunk last Friday night, went to Sunshine 24/7 Mini Mart and Bibingka Specialty in Digos City and harassed the employees there after he was refused liquor.

One of the employees in the said establishment, who asked not to be named for security purposes, told Davao reporters that Retes allegedly shouted at them when she refused to sell him liquor.

“Nigawas ko kay naglubo naman gud kay gibunal na niya ang isa ka case sa Red Horse. Tapos tong akong gipangutana, iya kung gidukol tapos giingnan ko nga ngano palag ka (I went out of the store because I heard a thud because he banged a case

SAFETY NET. Prohibited items inside the cemetery are deposited for safekeeping and are placed atop a table by police officers at the entrance of San Pedro Memorial Park in Madapo Hills, Davao City on Wednesday. Lean Daval Jr.

DND says army soldiers No Filipino among investigated for looting NY truck casualties

T

HE Department of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday said no Filipino has been reported as among the casualties when a suspect using a rented truck ran over pedestrians in downtown Manhattan.

The attack, which left at least eight people dead and 11 others injured in New York on Tuesday was described as an “act of terror” prompting the international community to denounce the dastardly deed.

“The Philippines extends its deepest sympathies and is one with the United States Government and the American people in condemning this unspeakable act of terror,”

DRUNK,10

Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano said in a statement.

“Our hearts reach out to the families of those who lost their lives in this tragic incident in Manhattan,” he said.

“We also pray for the swift recovery of those who were injured.”

The Philippine Consulate General in New York immediately issued an advisory for members of the Filipino Community to stay away from the scene of the incident at Chamber and West Streets in lower Manhattan.

Consul General Maria Theresa Dizon-De Vega reported

NO,10

In first week of fighting in Marawi City

By ARMANDO FENEQUITO JR.

D

EPARTMENT of National Defense secretary Del�in Lornezana warned that several soldiers who were allegedly involved in looting in Marawi City will suffer punishments if proven guilty.

Lorenzana said that he will order the Armed Forces of the Philippines to apply the “full force of the law.”

“Hindi pwedeng, law enforcement agent ka diyan, ikaw ang inaasahan na poprotekta sa kanila, ikaw pa ang mag-aa-

no sa kanila parang bantay salakay, ba (This should not be tolerated because you are expected to protect the civilians because you are the law enforcement agent but you are the one who perpetrated the looting),” Lorenzana said in an interview at the Francisco Bangiy International Airport in Davao City, Tuesday night.

He said that there will be thorough investigation that will be conducted on the allegations of the residents of Marawi City who went home

after President Rodrigo R. Duterte declared its liberation from ISIS inspired Maute Group.

“Ayon naman sa mga nakausap kung mga sundalo noon, nung pumasok sila gulong-gulo na ang mga bahay (According to the soldiers that I talked before, the houses were already chaotic when they gained entry),” he said.

Lorenzana said that if it turned out the soldiers really did the looting, the government will give reparations to

DND,10

Lorenzana, del Rosario to lead Marawi rehab

P INSURANCE. Police officers, together with members of Police Auxiliary, conduct a thorough inspection at the entrance of San Pedro Memorial Park in Madapo Hills, Davao City on Wednesday. Lean Daval Jr.

the owners of the house.

Joint Task Group Ranao deputy commander Col. Romeo Brawner earlier revealed that there is a military of�icer and �ive personnel of the Philippine Army who are being investigated for looting in the war-torn city.

The looting allegedly took place during the �irst weeks of the war.

Among the recovered items were cash, jewelry, appliances and even exercise

RESIDENT Rodrigo R. Duterte has assigned Defense secretary Del�in Lorenzana and Housing Secretary Eduardo del Rosario to lead the rehabilitation of Marawi City, which was destroyed by nearly �ive months of �ighting between the military and Islamic State-inspired Maute Group.

In a media brie�ing held upon his arrival from a twoday working visit in Japan Tuesday evening, he said the Department of National Defense is the “overall entity” that will supervise the rehabilitation program in the war-ravaged city. Lorenzana heads Task Force Bangon Marawi, a multi-agency

charge with the recovery, rehabilitation and rebuilding of Marawi.

“It should be Defense Secretary Del�in Lorenzana. He has a lot of undersecretaries that can work out something for Marawi, then it goes to one single person,” Duterte said.

The President said he recently turned down proposals from his cabinet members how they would proceed with rehabilitation because he does not like creation of different committees, as these will only drain government funds.

He said from Lorenzana’s table, all proposals should go straight to Del Rosario, a retired Army General who

LORENZANA,11

4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 153 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2017

PHL, France to sign Eur100-M loan deal

T TWO-WAY DEAL. A man tries to negotiate for a discount with flower vendors near the entrance of San Pedro Memorial Park in Madapo Hills, Davao City during the observance of All Saints’ Day. Lean Daval Jr.

Bill creating ‘judges-at-large’ gets appropriations approval T

HE House Committee on Appropriations chaired

by Davao City Representative Karlo Nograles has moved to address the huge backlog hounding the country’s lower courts, especially amid the gains law enforcers have made in the ongoing war on drugs.

“Speci�ically, the Appropriations panel has approved the funding requirements of the substitute bill for House measures seeking the creation of positions for ‘judgesat-large,’” Nograles said.

Covered by the substitute bill are House Bills (HB) �iled

by Marinduque Rep. Lord Allan Jay Velasco (HB Nos. 5215, 2308), MATA Party-List Rep. Tricia Nicole Velasco-Catera (HB No. 167) and Cavite Rep. Roy Loyola (HB No. 2308).

Nograles said these bills were consolidated and given the appropriations approval.

“The criminal justice system in the Philippines is perceived to be slow given the sheer volume of docketed cases. Human rights lawyer Jose Manuel Diokno once said that a trial in the country usually lasts six to 10 years. This measure presents a solution that aims to decongest court dockets in an ef�icient manner,” noted the Davao solon.

Judges-at-large are basically deployable judges who have no permanent salas. This means they can be detailed by the Supreme Court (SC) to any court in the country, depending on the need.

The substitute bill provides for the creation of 50 Regional Trial Judges-at-Large

and another 50 Municipal Trial Judges-at-Large. It amends sections of Batas Pambansa (BP) Bilang 129 for this purpose.

Nograles underscored how timely the measure is in the light of President Rodrigo Duterte’s no-nonsense anti-illegal drug campaign, which has led to the arrest of thousands of suspected drug offenders.

Since Duterte assumed the Palace seat on June 30, 2016, some 96,700 drug suspects have been jailed, bared an Agence France Presse report last September.

“Delaying the resolution of these cases is unfair to the defendant as well as the lawmen who risked their lives in the conduct of anti-drug operations. That’s why the

speedy delivery of justice is so important--nobody has a monopoly over it,” explained Nograles.

The salary level of the 100 judges-at-large will be equal to those received by Regional Trial Judges, Metropolitan Trial Judges, Municipal Circuit Trial Judges, and Intermediate Appelate Justices.

These new magistrates will also receive displacement allowances, which will cover their housing, food, transportation, and other necessary expenses incurred during their detail to courts which are outside their places of residence.

The displacement allowances shall be determined by the SC upon the recommendation of the Court Administrator and the Plantilla Committee, the measure said.

ay galing pa sa mga matatanda namin. Kada pamilya, may iba-ibang sahog at paraan ng pagluluto sa Pansit Malabon kaya siya nagiging special (We have learned the recipe from our elders. Every family has a unique ingredient that they use as well as the way of cooking Pansit Malabon which makes it special.),” Alejo said.

Alejo added that through this, they are able to relive the memories of their departed elders.

Basically, the dish is cooked by sauteing crushed garlic and onions together.

After a few minutes, put in the ground pork and let it stew in its in own juice.

Let the meat simmer until the garlic, onions and ground pork get an oily consistency. Mix in salt or any other spice depending to your taste.

Some Malabon residents prefer to use patis (�ish sauce) as seasoning.

After this, put in the atsuete mix which will give the unique reddish color of the dish.

When the sauce is done, soak the luglug (rice noddles) in hot water until it grows soft and big.

While waiting for the “luglug” to grow, start dicing your toppings (hard boiled eggs, squid, cabbages, fried liempo and shrimp)

and crushed chicharon (pork cracklings) into a mealy consistency.

Those who are fond of vegetables can also add pechay Baguio, spring onions, celery and toasted garlic.

When all of this is done, drain the luglug and mix it with the sauteed garlic, onions and ground pork until it gets its reddish mixture and place the toppings.

Pansit Malabon is usually mistaken for another Filipino noodle dish palabok. However, the difference between the two is in the type of noodles used as the former has thick noodles while the latter has thin ones. (PNA)

Pansit Malabon: A treat for‘Undas’ W

ITH the All Saints and Souls’ holiday now in full swing, some families in Malabon are now busy cooking “Pansit Malabon”, the signature noodle dish of the locality.

This will be table fare for families holding mini-reunions in the cemeteries during the “Undas” holidays.

Cooking “Pansit Malabon” is quite a task and has many variations depending on the taste, inclinations and budget of person cooking it.

Eva Alejo, 55, a Malabon resident, said every family has its own recipe of the dish which was passed on from generation to generation.

“Yung recipe namin dyan

HE Philippines will soon ink an agreement with Agence Française de Développement of France for a EUR 100 million (equivalent to around USD115 million) loan to support the Local Government Finance and Fiscal Decentralization Reform Program, Sub-program 2 (LGFFDR2).

The LGFFDR2 is a program loan that is part of the National Government’s external �inancing program to partially support the general budgetary requirements of the NG for the same year.

It is being co-�inanced by AFD and the Asian Development Bank, with the latter providing USD250 million.

In a report to Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III during a recent Department of Finance (DOF) Executive Committee (Execom) meeting, the DOF-International Finance Group said the EUR100 million program loan from AFD is proposed to be extended to the NG in recognition of the latter’s efforts to achieve inclusive growth and reduce poverty by (i) creating a conducive �iscal framework for inclusive growth; (ii) developing an adequate and equitable resource framework

for �iscal sustainability; (iii) strengthening public �inancial management to assist ef�icient local government unit service delivery; and (iv) fostering good local governance, transparency and accountability.

As such, all activities/ policy actions/indicators necessary to facilitate the disbursement of the LGFFDR2 had already been successfully achieved by the NG. The IFG said the target disbursement for the AFDloan, if it is signed on schedule, is either in the fourth quarter of this year or the �irst quarter of 2018.

It reported to Dominguez that the LGFFDR2 aims to achieve inclusive growth and reduce poverty via improved service delivery by local governments units through (i) proposed revision of the 1991 local government code and the creation of a conducive �iscal framework for inclusive growth, the development of an adequate and equitable resource framework;(ii) strengthening of public �inancial management for ef�icient LGU service delivery; and (iii) reinforcement of good local governance, transparency and accountability. (DOF)

DFA resets passport schedule for ASEAN

I

N light of the upcoming ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings, the Department of Foreign Affairs rescheduled passport appointment dated November 13 to 15 for accommodation at any date until Nov. 29, 2017.

This in accordance with Presidential Proclamation No. 332 declaring November 13 to 15 as special non-working days for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit.

Affected of�ices are the DFA-ASEANA in Paranaque City and consular of�ices in the National Capital Region and the province of Pampanga, which will be closed for the event.

Consular of�ices in NCR include DFA-NCR West in SM Manila, DFA-NCR East in SM Megamall, DFA-NCR South in Metro Gaisano Al-

abang, DFA-NCR Northeast in Ali Mall and DFA-NCR North in Robinson’s Novaliches.

Applicants with con�irmed passport appointments on said dates are rescheduled any day until November 29 at their original time slot without the need for an appointment.

Except in Pampanga, said applicants from DFANCR and DFA-ASEANA may also be accommodated at the latter on Saturday, November 18, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Meanwhile, the DFA advised walk-in applicants (senior citizens, PWD, pregnant women, solo parents, minors who are seven years and below, and OFWs) that mall-based consular of�ices may set limits on the numbers of applicants from November 16 to 22. (PNA)

ECONOMY 5

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 153 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2017

NBI, PSE told to probe self-dealing SSS execs T

BOC adopts queuing system in FED setup

M

AKATI City Rep. Luis Campos Jr. on Wednesday urged the National Bureau of Investigation, the Of�ice of the Ombudsman and the Capital Markets Integrity Corp. to investigate the alleged self-dealing by four senior executives of the Social Security System in the stock market.

“We are astounded at the manner in which the SSS’s second-highest ranking executive of�icer and three subordinates allegedly took advantage of their positions in transactions and acted for their own interests, rather than for the interests of the pension fund,” Campos, a deputy minority leader, said.

“They may have committed prohibited dealings under the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Of�icials and Employees and the Ant-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. This is why the NBI and the Ombudsman should get involved,” Campos said.

Campos urged the NBI to perform a “forensic accounting” on the private stock trades of the executives who are now facing an administrative complaint for “serious dishonesty and grave misconduct” before the Social Security Commission, the pension fund’s governing board.

Those named in the complaint were SSS executive vice president Rizaldy Capulong,

Infra, disaster prevention among Japan-RP tie ups

J

APAN and the Philippines have committed to cooperate on infrastructure development in Metro Manila and the country’s regions, as stated under their major �ields of cooperation.

The Japanese government af�irmed it will “strongly support” the sustainable economic development of the country by extending quality infrastructure assistance, utilizing its funding and technology to the maximum extent.

Japan, in a joint statement released by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Tuesday night, said this is to address issues arising from urbanization in Metro Manila, especially the serious traf�ic congestion and to vitalize other areas outside of Metro Manila expected to become hubs in the regions.

The two governments are set to cooperate on the implementation of several development programs, such as railway projects, and improvement of roads and bridges.

Japan will assist in the development and implementation of the Metro Manila Subway Project and the NorthSouth Commuter Railway Project.

The Japanese government will consider “in good faith” extending a loan amounting to approximately Y600 billion (around PHP271 billion), in proportion to the actual demand for funding of the subway project with an estimated total cost of Y800 billion (around PHP362 billion).

Japan said it plans to fur-

ther extend support for the integral development plan of the North-South Commuter Railway covering about 180 km between Clark, Pampanga and Los Baños, Laguna, with the understanding that yenloan would also be extended for this project.

Moreover, the two governments will �inalize the basic concept for the establishment of the Philippine railway institute, including assistance for its physical construction as well as operational needs.

For regional development including improvement of roads and bridges, Japan said it would “swiftly support” the implementation of the Arterial Road Bypass Project (Plaridel Bypass).

The two states will be formulating concrete projects for vitalization of regional areas based on the review of the “Roadmap for Transport Infrastructure Development for Metro Manila and its Surrounding Areas”, as well as the results of studies on the “Master Plan on High Standard Highway Network Development, ”the “Master Plan Study and Institutional Development on Urban Transport System Development in Metro Cebu Project,” and the “Davao City Infrastructure Development Plan and Capacity Building Project,” among others.

‘Enhancing resilience’ Meanwhile, in order to enhance the country’s resilience against natural disasters, Manila and Tokyo agreed to implement the Cavite Industrial Area Flood Risk Management

INFRA,10

the second most senior executive after the president and chief executive of�icer; senior vice president and chief actuary George Ongkeko Jr.; vice president Reginald Candelaria, OIC of equities investment division/capital markets group; and Ernesto Francisco Jr., equities product development head.

There may have been several ways by which the executives conducted personal trades using information that was available only to them as managers of the SSS’s stock market investments, according to Campos.

“They may have been front-running and tailgating. It is possible they bought shares

for their personal accounts at a lower price before they sent out large buy orders for the SSS’s portfolio. And then they may have sold their shares once prices were driven up by the buy orders for the pension fund’s account,” Campos said.

Under the law, Campos said public of�icials and employees are forbidden from having a �inancial or material interest in any transaction requiring the approval of their of�ice, and from misusing for their private interests classi�ied information known to them by reason of their of�ice.

The complaint alleged that Candelaria and Francisco in particular used infor-

NBI,10

HE Bureau of Customs will soon be implementing a queuing system instead of the current 15 sections in the formal entry division (FED).

Commissioner Isidro Lapena said the new system, which is set to be implemented at the Port of Manila and Manila International Container Port, aims to eliminate collusion between and among the stakeholders and customs employees as there would be lesser face-to-face transaction.

“There will be no more “suki” system, the broker will not know the assigned examiner removing the possibility of conspiracy between both parties,” he explained.

The BOC chief added: “We are still studying what operational procedure we can use to replace the FED section, “the

memorandum will follow next week once the testing is done.”

Lapena said that the bureau can test the competence and ef�iciency of the examiners to the new customs law and regulations under RA 10863.

It can be recalled that customs examiners and brokers conspire to “facilitate” the shipment through benchmarking and “tara” system.

With this, the BOC also introduced the Status Veri�ication System (SVS), where stakeholders transacting with Port of Manila can now monitor the status of entry documents submitted to the FED. POM District Collector lawyer Ernelito Aquino said the SVS had a tracking system that could identify the current status of the entry documents

BOC,10

SEASON FARE. A vendor takes advantage of the large foot traffic and the warm weather to sell hats and native fans outside a cemetery along Circumferential Road in Davao City on Tuesday. Lean Daval Jr.

PH to present add’l projects for Korean funding

T

HE Philippine government will propose additional projects for funding by Korean development assistance.

“We are scheduled to have a meeting with them to strengthen the pipeline, making sure that it is actually aligned with the priorities of the government,” Finance Undersecretary Didith Tan said.

The Export-Import Bank of Korea (KEXIM) has offered to fund up to USD 1 billion-worth of infrastructure projects under concessional

loans for implementation until 2020.

The Duterte administration’s economic team has already submitted several projects for �inancing and these include the PHP4.86-billion Panguil Bay Bridge Project.

Tan said the Finance department is considering to increase the number of projects for KEXIM funding.

“We are going to have a discussion with them. Right now, we have identi�ied two projects that are actually part of the �lagship program of the

government. One of them is actually the new Cebu international container port and the other one is the Metro Manila bus rapid transit,” she said.

The Duterte administration vows to put in place necessary infrastructure, especially in Mindanao, citing that these will ensure the sustained growth of the domestic economy.

It has set a strong infrastructure program called Build, Build, Build and aims to spend at least PHP8 tril-

lion until the end of its term in 2020.

It has secured �inancing of some of its major infrastructure projects from both the Chinese and Japanese governments.

The Chinese government has committed to extend USD9 billion-worth of soft loans and other economic deals amounting to around USD15 billion while Japan has pledged a 1 trillion yen (USD 9 billion) investment and development aid to the Philippines.

(PNA)

6 SUBURBIA RISING EDGEDAVAO

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INDONESIAN NAVY ON GOODWILL VISIT. Indonesian Navy officers take a photo opportunity with City Mayor Ronnel Rivera and Vice Mayor Shirlyn Banas Nograles during their goodwill visit in General Santos City on October 30. (GENSAN CPIO/Russell Delvo)

‘We will rise like the Philippine Classes resume in 12 Marawi schools flag’ – Lanao youth leader Z M ARAWI City – Chants of “Allahu Akbar” can be heard through sobs as the Darul Iftah led the prayers at this morning’s �lag-raising ceremony in front of the Marawi City Hall – the �irst since the siege began �ive months ago.

Looking back at history, he said it is the �irst time that Marawi experienced a con�lict of such magnitude for “our (Maranao) forefathers never allowed colonizers to occupy this land.”

Nowaim Ampuan, president of the Lanao Youth Congress, likened the �lag-raising event to the catchphrase, ‘Bangon Marawi.’ “It signi�ies hope for us, the youth: Despite our city’s fall, we will rise like the Philippine �lag.”

Salim Abdulgafur, 19, and Hidayah Tinganun, 21, are

two of so many young men and women who were directly affected by the con�lict.

Both are students of Mindanao State University-Main Campus in Marawi.

Both of them could still remember hearing the �irst explosion in the afternoon of May 23.

Salim was at home with his family. He did not panic at �irst, since random shootouts occurred in the city every now and then. It was later that day, when he saw men in black shirts with their faces covered, that he realized that the situation was different.

In the case of Hidayah, she was at the Marawi City Hall processing her internship papers when the siege began.

When she realized it was an armed attack, she wanted to go home right away, but trans-

portation was so dif�icult.

After negotiating with a tricycle driver who was willing to drive her home, she immediately left the city hall.

Both heard the sound of gun�ire from their respective homes.

Salim’s and Hidayah’s lives were greatly affected by the siege that lasted more than 150 days. Both were displaced, and have had to depend on relief goods provided by various government agencies and non-government organizations.

Salim said he felt dismayed that his college education was disrupted by the incident, a feeling that Hidayah shared. During the �irst few days of the siege, they had hoped the con�lict would end soon since they wanted to go back to school as soon as pos-

Z

gional Of�ice-9 (PRO-9) information of�icer.

Galvez said Manahan was arrested at around 5:25 p.m.

Tuesday in Barangay Timbabauan, Tungawan on complaints of alarm and scandal through indiscriminate �iring.

Galvez said the responding team of policemen recovered

from the possession and control of Manahan a caliber .45 pistol with three live ammunition and four empty shells; an empty bottle of liquor; and, a half-empty bottle of liquor.

She said Manahan was taken to the police headquarters of Tungawan for appropriate action. (PNA)

with an 86-seater Q4 Newgen Bombardier aircraft.

PAL �lies the route four times a week -- Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday -- on the following �light schedules: Tagbilaran-Davao at 12:25 pm and Davao-Tagbilaran at 10:40 am.

Chatto said the new routes signify a new milestone in Bohol air travel as locals have long clamored for a direct �light to Davao.

Tagbilaran Mayor John Geesnell Yap and some PAL and government of�icials also witnessed the arrival of the inaugural �light from Davao.

The direct �lights will surely help spur the tourism industry of both cities, local of�icials said.

Direct �lights between Davao and Tagbilaran are among the additional �lights at the old airport. (Dave Albarado/PNA)

Teacher arrested for indiscriminate firing

AMBOANGA CITY -- Police arrested a public school teacher for indiscriminate �iring in Tungawan, Zamboanga Sibugay, an of�icial disclosed Wednesday.

Arrested was Abdul Manahan, 53, an elementary school teacher, according to Chief Insp. Helen Galvez, Police Re-

sible.

And they still want to go back to school.

When the ‘liberation’ of Marawi was declared, Hidayah said the feeling was “unexplainable, but in a positive way.” Believing that Marawi will bounce back soon, she expressed hope that the rebuilt city would be “more organized, policy-wise,” so that there will be no repeats of the siege that interrupted their daily lives.

A smiling Salim is hopeful that as soon as he �inishes his studies and he then becomes a civil engineer, he would be given the chance to help rebuild Marawi.

Together with Nowaim, Hidayah, and Salim were 60 other youth leaders from Lanao del Sur. (Bureau of Public Information)

AMBOANGA CITY -Twelve public schools have resumed classes after government troops �inally “liberated from terrorist in�luence” the Islamic City of Marawi.

The liberation of Marawi City came after government troops killed in an intense gunbattle Oman Maute, the leader of the Maute group, and Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon.

The Bureau of Public Information in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BPI-ARMM) said the students returned on Monday to their respective schools after missing months of classes brought about by the crisis.

The schools that resumed classes are Sultan Conding Elementary School; Sikap El-

ementary School; Cabingan Primary School; Banga Elementary School; Datu Tambak Elementary School; Rorogagus Elementary School; Bito Elementary School; Pendolonan Elementary School; Abdulazis Elementary School; Camp Bagong Amai Pakpak Central Elementary School; Sugod Elementary School; and, Mipaga Elementary School.

The BPI said that the Department of Education in ARMM (DepEd-ARMM) has drafted recovery plans and programs for the school children displaced by the almost �ive-month Marawi crisis.

The DepEd-ARMM will also work on giving assistance to students and school employees in terms of psychological and social needs. (PNA)

Tagbilaran-Davao direct flights start

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AGBILARAN CITY -- Boholanos and Davaoeños can now easily visit Davao City or Tagbilaran as direct �lights between the two cities started on Wednesday.

Cabinet Secretary Leoncio Evasco Jr. and Bohol Governor Edgar Chatto welcomed the passengers of the inaugural �light.

The Philippine Airlines (PAL) is plying its Tagbilaran-Davao-Tagbilaran route

LOVE FOREVER. Julita Ramos, 88, visits the grave of her husband Eugenio at the Davao Memorial Park on All Saints’ Day, November 1, 2017. Her husband passed away ten years ago. She thanks neighbors and strangers who helped her cross the street and ride the jeep from her residence in Matina Aplaya to the memorial park, carrying her cane and a small plastic chair. MindaNews photo by GG BUENO

7 COMPETITIVE EDGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 153 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2017

Int’l Public Relations Association recognizes two Smart programs

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WO programs of PLDT wireless unit Smart Communications recently received awards from the International Public Relations Association (IPRA) for meeting global standards of excellence.

At the Golden World Awards (GWA) ceremony held recently in Bulgaria, Smart won in the healthcare category for SHINE OS+ (Secured Health Information Network and Exchange), and in the event management category for TNT Super Panalo Day. Other GWA awardees included companies from the United Kingdom, Japan, Germany, Australia, and the United States. Established in 1990, the GWA is organized annually by the IPRA, a professional association for senior interna-

tional PR executives.

SHINE OS+ is an electronic medical record and referral system run by Smart and the Ateneo Java Wireless Competency Center. Launched in 2011, it enables public health facilities in Cebu, Iloilo, and Quezon City to retrieve patient records with a few clicks on a laptop, refer patients to better-equipped health facilities electronically, and remind patients of appointments and medication via SMS. Furthermore, SHINE OS+ allows these health facilities to submit relevant patient information to the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. for faster processing of claims and health statistics.

Being an open-source platform, SHINE OS+ allows developers from anywhere

Airlines vow to work with govt, seek regulatory, infra support

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HE historic �irst Philippine Aviation Day – put together by the Air Carriers Association of the Philippines (ACAP) – recently gathered key aviation stakeholders who saw the opportunity for local aviation to gain from the ongoing regional air travel boom.

ACAP charter chairman (and Philippine Airlines President) Jaime J. Bautista said the air transport sector makes a major impact on the local economy. “Local air travel continues to connect people around the world while providing ease of travel and cost competitiveness.”

While ACAP members - Philippine Airlines, Cebu Paci�ic, PAL Express, CEBGo, Philippines AirAsia – are rival airlines, “we compete aggressively in a healthy contest where there can be only one winner: the �lying public.

The result is one of the fastest growing and most dynamic domestic aviation networks in the world,” added Bautista.

At the summit’s conclusion, ACAP member airlines passed two key resolutions: 1. ACAP pledges to work in partnership with Philippine government agencies and concerned stakeholders for the ad-

vancement of Philippine civil aviation; and 2. ACAP endorses the urgent recommendations adopted recently by the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) calling for Asia/Paci�ic governments to invest in aviation infrastructure and air traf�ic management systems “to meet the projected growth in demand for air transport” and “to avoid unnecessary congestion, delays and inconvenience to the traveling public”; to refrain from increasing the taxation burden on airlines

and “avoid unjusti�ied or discriminatory taxes” affecting aviation; to strengthen multilateral cooperation on aviation security and coordinate with all stakeholders before implementing new border control measures; and to support the CORSIA (Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation) measures to control aviation emissions.

AAPA issued these recommendations during its Assembly of Presidents meeting last October 25, 2017.

AIRLINES,11

INT’L,11

AirAsia Group CEO launches memoirs Tan Sri Tony Fernandes launches Flying High autobiography at gala event

K

UALA LUMPUR, 2 November 2017 - AirAsia Group CEO Tan Sri Tony Fernandes today launched his memoirs, Flying High, a look back at his journey from music man to airline man.

The book was unveiled at a star-studded affair at Marini’s On 57 in Kuala Lumpur today, in the shadow of the Petronas Twin Towers.

The launch was attended

by AirAsia Co-Founder and AirAsia Malaysia Executive Chairman Datuk Kamarudin Meranun, AirAsia Malaysia Independent Director Dato’ Fam Lee Ee, AirAsia Malaysia CEO Aireen Omar, AirAsia X Malaysia CEO Benyamin Ismail, AirAsia Thailand CEO Tassapon Bijleveld, AirAsia Group CEO for Indonesia Dendy Kurniawan, and AirAsia India CEO Amar Abrol.

AirAsia Group CEO Tan Sri Tony Fernandes said, “Flying High is a story about the power of dreams. When I �irst started AirAsia with Datuk Kamarudin, everyone thought we were crazy. They said we had no business running an airline and it wouldn’t work. If we had listened to them, we would have given up before we even started and this book wouldn’t exist.

“This book is proof that dreams do come true, and I hope it will encourage others to pursue their true passion.

Believe the unbelievable, dream the impossible and nev-

er take no for an answer. Even if you fail, it doesn’t matter because at least you’ve tried and you can do it again, so trust in your gut feeling, don’t listen to anyone else’s advice and go ahead - write your own incredible story.”

Flying High recounts Tan Sri Tony Fernandes’ journey from a young boy growing in Malaysia to a homesick British boarding school student with a tuck box full of dreams, all the way to his time at Warner Music and �inally as AirAsia chief - with plenty of stops along memory lane in between.

Learn about what drives Tan Sri Tony Fernandes and the moments that shaped him, including a chance encounter with Virgin Group founder, Sir Richard Branson that eventually led to Fernandes’ �irst job out of university.

Published as Tan Sri Tony Fernandes returns as the face of the second series of Apprentice Asia, the book is an inspiring personal story of an exceptional business leader who created Asia’s �irst budget airline and democratised air travel in Asia, building AirAsia into a multi-billion-dollar company in the process.

Retailing at RM86.95 (inclusive of GST), Flying High is available now at all major bookstores, pre-book on bigdutyfree.com and on board AirAsia �lights and on bigdutyfree.com from 6 November 2017.

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte bids farewell to Japanese officials during his send-off at the Haneda International Airport in Tokyo following his two-day official visit. Photo courtesy of Simeon Celi Jr. / Malacañang photo

EMV shift is 1st step to wider protection of accounts

S

HIFTING to EMV-chip debit card is the �irst step to ensuring wider protection to clients against fraudulent activities usually carried out in electronic banking channels.

It is for this reason that BDO Unibank is reiterating its call to clients who have yet to make the shift to immediately obtain their debit card with embedded EMV chip from their branch of account.

“The bank’s objective over time is to effect a holistic approach to protecting the clients’ accounts from

fraud. But to achieve this, clients must obtain their EMV chip debit card which is now available at their branch of account free of charge,” explained BDO executive vice president and transaction banking head Edwin G. Reyes.

Accompanying this initial step are the upgrade of Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) and Point-of-Sale (PoS) terminals into EMV, and the eventual deactivation of the magnetic stripe-only debit card.

Last month, BDO’s near-

ly 4,000 ATMs nationwide became EMV-certi�ied, making it the �irst bank to fully retro�it its ATM network to allow EMV chip debit card transactions. Other enhancements are targeted for completion within the �irst half of 2018.

BDO started to make the EMV-chip debit card available to its clients as early as the third quarter of 2016. For corporate or payroll clients, BDO will make the EMV-chip debit cards available at their respective HR of�ices by December 31, 2017.

An EMV chip card has enhanced security features, which include among others, encryption locks and keys to authenticate the card and the cardholder’s transaction, protecting card data from being compromised.

The regulatory requirement to shift to EMV or the Europay MasterCard Visa is part of the banking industry’s move to produce a more effective way of signi�icantly reducing counterfeit fraud, skimming and other related attacks perpetrated in magnetic stripe payment cards.

T

(Let us also bring) garbage bag,” said DOH Spokesperson Dr. Lyndon Lee Suy in an interview.

Lee Suy made the call as cemeteries usually turn into dumpsites as tons of garbage are collected from these areas after the Undas

holidays.

“Every year na lang ipinapakita sa TV na trucktruck na basura ang naiwanan,” Lee Suy added.

He added that bringing garbage bags for left-over foods and food packaging and disposing them prop-

erly is important to avoid health problems.

The DOH spokesperson added that the public could also help contribute to the cleanliness of cemeteries through throwing their trash at designated garbage bins. (PNA)

DOH to public: Keep cemeteries clean

HE Department of Health (DOH) is urging the public �locking to cemeteries to bring garbage bags as they visit and remember their departed loved ones in observance of All Saints’ and All Souls’ Day. “Magdala din tayo ng

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 153 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2017

EDITORIAL

What’s next after BOC’s legal defeat?

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HE Bureau of Customs (BOC) has just been dealt a big blow when the Court recently dismissed with �inality its case against Sasa businessman Rodolfo C. Reta in the form of a Petition for Judicial Con�irmation of Just Cause for Revocation of Agreement.

This refers to a contract signed in 2009 by Reta and then Customs Commissioner Napoleon Morales authorizing the use of the businessman’s container yard in Sasa Port as Designated Examination Area, or DEA, wherein containers suspected to carry contraband goods will be scanned by a sophisticated x-ray machine worth about P250 million.

However, sometime in February 2010, then OIC Davao Port Customs Collector Anju Nereo Castigador ordered the closure of the DEA alleging that Reta had refused to do his function as DEA operator.

Reta denied Castigador’s allegation and �iled with the Regional Trial Court of Davao a “Complaint for Injunction, Breach of Contract, Speci�ic Performance, Damages and Attorney’s Fees with Application for Preliminary Injunction and Prayer for Temporary Restraining Order. “ The BOC retaliated with the petition for judicial con�irmation of just cause for revocation of agreement �iled with RTC Branch 25 in Manila, National Capital Region.

The legal skirmishes between the BOC and Reta on this particular case continued for years in the RTC, the Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court until the recent �inal order of RTC Branch 25 Manila dismissing the BOC petition.

RTC Manila Branch 25 Presiding Judge Marlina M. Manuel ordered on February 18, 2016 the dismissal of the BOC revocation case “in compliance with the decision Court of Appeals dated July 31, 2014 and Supreme Court Resolution dated March 11, 2015.” The ruling which has become �inal and executory means that the contract between Reta and the BOC is still in effect and that the DEA inside the Aquarius Container Yard of Reta should continue operating.

It is now for the BOC, now under the leadership of Commissioner Isidro Lapena, to make a move to make the DEA and the very costly x-ray machine operational and useful again after being a white elephant for the last seven years.

EDGEDAVAO

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ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

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

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GENERAL SANTOS CITY OFFICE MANILA MARKETING OFFICE CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING MARKETING OFFICE Richard C. Ebona | Product Development officer LEIZEL A. DELOSO | Marketing Manager EDMUND D. RENDON Unit 6, SouthbankMarketing Plaza Velez-Yacapin Sts.Address: 04 Orilla St. Purok 4B Lower Bicutan, Taguig City Specialist Cellphone number: 09472652969 General Santos City Cagayan de Oro City JAMILA C. CANONIGO AGUSTIN V. MIAGAN JR Email Address: edgedavao@gmail.com Mobile: (Smart) 09104501042 Tel: (088) 852-4894 Circulation Marketing Specialist

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

The reopening of the DEA and the resumption of the x-ray machine operation have become even more signi�icant and necessary with the urgent request of the city government of Davao through Mayor Sara D. Carpio that the x-ray machine be reopened and made part of the security system of the city.

Mayor Sara has openly complained over the reluctance of the current Davao customs collector to heed the urgent request expressed through resolutions of both the City Peace and Order Council and City Tourism Council. Customs Collector Sandino Erastus Austria has cited as reason for his reluctance al old opinion of a former Solicitor General which has become irrelevant after the Court dismissed the BOC’s petition to revoke the contract between Reta and the BOC. It looks like the hope of City Mayor Sara to have the x-ray machine reopened is now rests in Commissioner Lapena, who is so far doing very well in introducing reforms in the admittedly very corrupt bureau.

It is no surprise though that the resumption of the x-ray machine will meet strong resistance from smugglers and corrupt customs people who would rather prefer that all port cargoes, legitimate or contraband, be allowed to pass unhampered.

On the other hand, with the court ruling in his favor, Reta can choose to continue his court cases against the BOC and its of�icials that have yet to be tried. These include breach of contract, and petition for multi-million peso damages and attorney’s fees.

As of now, he has already caused the dismissal of a former customs collector, and an assistant whar�inger and the suspension of two examiners in collusion. He has stopped through the court twice, the illegal removal of the x-ray machine. Because of the court ruling, at least four containers containing chop-chop cars could not be removed from the DEA since 2010.

On the other hand, there is a win-win solution in the statement of Reta, made through his legal team, that the businessman, despite the travails that he has suffered due to the sudden illegal closure of his container yard as DEA seven years ago, is open to an amicable settlement.

Commissioner Lapena should explore this possible settlement to stop the hemorrhage of valuable government resource or taxpayers money.

EDGEDAVAO

F

EW Filipinos are aware that Halloween, as introduced by Americans and gleefully being observed in many countries contaminated by the macabre costume culture, is in truth, a literally masked celebration of Satan’s holiday.

Notice that millions of unsuspecting innocent children are being inveigled by even their elders (and parents) to join the masked parade in malls and elsewhere in gated rich conclaves, wearing witches and ghostly attires and terrifying zombie-like make up to appear deathly real even in the hope of creating fun and pleasure.

Here in our country, I made this verbal assertion among family and friends and what did I get?

A quizzical look and several squirms and who-do-you-think you are roars.

But surely, I deserve to make a few lines of explanation in a logical manner without sounding religiously dogmatic. I aim not to alienate myself but to crystallize

W

HEN people know that I have been to the United States several times, they usually ask, “What is the difference between the Philippines and the United States?” My usual reply is, “Plenty.” With their eye wide open, they inquire, “Can you name some?”

In the Philippines, we have the smorgasbord called “Eat All You Can.” You can’t call that way in the United States. If you tell that to Americans, they will probably think otherwise. The reason: That’s gluttony in the highest order.

But those four words are still there, only scrambled. Instead, Americans name it “All You Can Eat.” It’s a restrained way of saying the same thing. You can eat anything you want and as long as you want.

Unlike in the Philippines, the Americans have lots of choices. In our country, if we order soft drink, the waiter usually gives you the kind of soft drink we want. When I was in New York in 2000, I ordered the soft drink I wanted. All of a sudden, I was bombarded with questions: “Classic or diet?” “In can or in bottle?” “With ice or without ice?”

Out there, you have to really tell what you want since, as I stated earlier, there are lots of choices.

When you order a beef steak, be sure to tell the waiter how you would

VOL. 10 ISSUE 153 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2017

VANTAGE POINTS

9

Halloween is Satan’s holiday celebration the topic.

First, there are always two sides to consider: the good and the evil Halloween celebrators never ever whisper the word “God” during the entire night that they go around for a trick or treat. They are only motivated by the thought of having fun and enjoyment Second, notice the costumes.

Have you ever seen one wearing the costume of an angel?

Third, the more gruesome your costume is, the better its effect in in�licting scary terror and driving the wits out of your targets.

Thus, the whole night of Halloween is like watching a bloody killing spree engineered by Freddie and his ilk, like it was happening on Friday the 13th at Elms street.

The more terrifying, the more horrible, the more spectral it is, the more Halloween becomes effectively celebrated. In fact, Halloween has become a productive and profitable business venture.

Yes, Halloween is an invention of Satan and it is aimed at taking

SPECKS OF LIFE Fred C. Lumba away the great attention that is heaped on Jesus as the long Christmas season approaches.

Pardon me but I have not heard the CBCP make a clear stand on this issue as most revelers of Halloween are mostly Catholics.

Born-again Christians do not gloat on Halloween. They know that Satan is behind this seemingly-innocent celebration on the eve

of what Mexico calls “Dia delos Muertos.”

The trick is that some parents, who are oblivious to the devil’s schemes and machinations, tolerate their young children because they think that the smiles and laughter that Halloween appears to generate, give them enjoyment and fun.

By wearing the blackest of the black costumes resembling dead skeletons that personify Death itself armed with a scythe, the horned demon and beast, “aswang or manananggal” and any creature out of this world’s dimension, the celebration of Satan’s holiday becomes complete.

Again, this warped observance of the eve of All Saints Day was transported to our land by means of Western media, thru printed matter like best-selling books, the cinema, television and other electronic technology.

Have you observed that everytime Halloween nears, an avalanche of fearful, terrifying movies with gruesome scenes about the dev-

il and his minions are always on schedule, whether local or foreign �ilms?

Will movie producers agree to �inance wholesome movies and have them shown on a Halloween date and expect them to make money? Of course, not.

The more bizarre subjects are now being tackled and talked about these days. People are no longer afraid to chat about things that were taboo during the previous years.

But let me just make this advice: Let us be careful about getting snared by the other side.

As parents, we want our children to enjoy their formative years and their innocent exuberance.

However, there is always a price to pay when we overstep the limits of parental tolerance. (Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo. com.) Mt. 7:21. “Not everyone who says to me ‘Lord, Lord’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!

on top of the counter. The pictures look seem smaller. Don’t ever dare to order two or more since one order, for a Filipino, may mean good for two or three persons.

Here in the Philippines, the pictures of food displayed are so huge that you think it is enough to satisfy your hunger. But that is not the case; you will �ind the food too small for your stomach to be �illed.

Talking about children again, only children are supposed to be present in a children’s party. When my nephew celebrated his 8th birthday, and his parents threw him a party, he invited his friends and classmates. At 7 p.m., his friends and classmates arrived. The parents who brought them asked, “When do we need to pick our kids?”

This is not the case in the Philippines. Parents usually accompany their kids who attend a children’s party. The grown-ups (including the yayas) end up joining the party and the fun intended supposed for the children only.

Our usual greeting among male friends and acquaintances is a handshake or “beso-beso” among women. Out there in the US, they hug each other, whether male, female, or children. The �irst time I was there, I was having some problems hugging a male friend in front of so many

people.

I have observed that Americans may not have the best traf�ic rules but they follow them strictly. In fact, even if there are no cars around if there is a stop sign, the drivers usually stop. The Philippines may have the best traf�ic regulations but Filipinos don’t follow them. It’s no wonder why kotong cops are wellknown in this country.

It was only there that I was able to learn to read maps. When my uncle Carl, aunt Aida, and myself traveled from Columbus, Ohio to Alpharetta, Georgia, all we had was an address and a map. “Where are we now?” my aunt, who drove the car, inquired as I looked at the map. There, you don’t get lost because signs abound.

United States is a very big country. Texas, for instance, is almost four times the size of the Philippines. That is why a car is a necessity for them and not a luxury. They don’t have jeepneys, pedicabs, skylabs and trisikads out there. Imagine walking 10-15 kilometers from your home to the nearest shopping center.

These are just some of my observations on my travels and visit to the United States in recent years. I am sure other Filipinos who have the pleasure of going there have also different stories to tell.

Filipinos and Americans: The difference

like it to be cooked: rare (cooked with blood still present), medium rare (half-cooked), and well-done (cooked the way most Filipinos like or “just like charcoal,” as Americans tells us).

Americans have speci�ied meals to eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner. So, whatever left you have for breakfast could not be eaten for lunch since that food was intended for breakfast only. At one time, I ate my breakfast leftover and when my nephew saw it, he told me: “That’s for breakfast and not for lunch.”

Breakfast is usually light, lunch is not too heavy, but you can eat like a king when it comes to dinner. This is the reason why most restaurants are fully-packed at night.

In the Philippines, we can always �ind a table when we go to a restaurant. But that’s not case in the US; don’t immediately occupy a vacant table. Instead, go to a waiting area.

A waiter will come and ask you if you have reservation. If you haven’t, he will ask you how many people are there in the group. Once he gets this information, he will bring you to a table where the group can settle.

If you go out for dinner with your American friends, be sure not to open the bill which the waiter usually place in the table upside down after eating. Don’t even peep

THINK ON THESE!

Henrylito D. Tacio

if how much is the total bill. If you do so, it means you are paying for the whole bill. Wait for the whole group to �inish eating and then when the time comes to pay the bill, someone may way, “How much do we need to pay?”

If you are going out with your family, don’t worry about the kids running inside the restaurant. Generally, children are given crayons and coloring book in order for them to have something to do while waiting for the food. Grown-up children are given some puzzles or toys.

Fast foods are a different story. When you enter, pictures of the food they are serving are displayed

10 NEWS Most... FROM 2

peoples so that they can enjoy our rich natural maritime resources,” President Duterte said.

The President also thanked Japan for reaf�irming its commitment to the Philippines’ pursuit of a just and lasting peace in Mindanao.

He said Japan would be the nation’s partner in rebuilding Marawi as “the center of moderation and tolerance.”

President Duterte also mentioned that he and the Japanese Prime Minister discussed the perils of a nuclear war and other incidentals, particularly on the miscalculation of the atomic threat to any of the neighboring countries, notably China, South Korea and the peripheral neighboring nations.

He also said that the industry leaders in Tokyo signed business agreements valued at six billion dollars, more than thrice the amount sealed business agreements during his �irst visit to Japan in 2016.

“We encouraged Japan to explore more opportunities to invest in the Philippines, including in steel manufacturing, agribusiness and IT and creative services,” he added.

President Duterte also said he looks forward to welcoming Prime Minister Abe and other leaders to the Philippines in the upcoming 31st ASEAN Summit and Related Summits.

Meanwhile, the President said that he was humbled by the singular honor of meeting with Emperor Akihito in Tokyo and conveyed the Philippines’ deep appreciation, gratitude for Japan’s continuing friendship and support for the peace and development goals of the country.

“We want our relations with Japan to grow even more.

Japan is our friend closer than a brother; Japan treats us as a sovereign equal,” he said, adding that the Philippines would work with Japan in building the “golden age” for the strategic partnership. (PNA)

The supposed �ifth round of peace talks between the government (GRP) and the National Democratic Front (NDF) in the Netherlands was cancelled last May supposedly for lack of an environment “conducive for peace negotiations” that President Duterte had asked from the NPA. Citing the reasons for the cancellation of the peace talks, Presidential Adviser on Peace Process Jesus Dureza pointed to the noticeable upscale of incidents of offensive attacks by the NPAs throughout the country; the seeming perception of the bigger public that these NPA operations are in open and public de�iance of President Duterte who has consistently accommodated them in unprecedented ways; the renewed surfacing of public apprehension questioning the sincerity of the CPP/NPA/ NDF in the peace talks; the public admissions of some panel members of the CPP/ NPA/NDF leaders that they have no control over their forces on the ground; the sudden and perceptible erosion of public support to the peace talks with strong messages received from the public to altogether stop peace negotiations; the clamor now to pursue instead localized peace

talks; and the latest and recent President’s public statements that he will no longer sign agreements with the CPP/ NPA/NDF if all of these will continue and not addressed.

Duterte said “nothing is really happening” after 50 years of the Leftist movement.

“We can talk continuously with the Left,” Duterte said.

In a statement issued on February 26, NPA-Southern Mindanao spokesperson Rigoberto F. Sanchez said they were open to hold talks with Mayor Duterte, saying these are “auspicious” in light of a series of gun�ights between communist rebels and government troops in Paquibato and Calinan Districts early this year.

“The NPA would gladly discuss any matter that she would like to take up with the revolutionary movement, the duties and responsibilities of the people’s democratic government, the role of the NPA, the ongoing all-out war of the AFP, and the GRP-NDFP peace negotiations,” he said.

Sanchez added they recognize the mayor’s willingness to talk to the NPA as a group and not as individuals to achieve substantial gains in the peace process. (Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)

Project.

In addition, latter assured it would accelerate project formulation for the Project for Developing Flood Forecasting and Warning System for Cagayan de Oro River Basin, the Project for Pasig-Marikina River Channel Improvement, and would study the possibility of project formulation for

Paranaque Spillway Project in Metro Manila by conducting basic research.

Among others, it guaranteed swift formulation of its latest technical assistance, the Project for Master Plan and Feasibility Study on Flood Control and Drainage in Davao City in Mindanao. (PNA)

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VOL. 10 ISSUE 153 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2017

Task Force Davao personnel conduct routine foot patrol inside the Roman Catholic cemetery to ensure a safe, peaceful and orderly observance of All Saints’ Day on Wednesday. Lean Daval Jr.

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responders to thwart the execution of the Maute Grand plan of establishing a caliphate in Marawi City,” he said.

Marines units deployed in Marawi �ighting include Marine Battalion Landing Team 10 and 7.

Incidentally, Marine Battalion Landing Team 7 is the unit responsible for the recapture of three vital bridges in Marawi City -Mapandi, Banggolo and Masiu - and allowed quick deployment of government troops and vehicles in the Main Battle Area and contributed to the eventual defeat of the Maute Group.

Not to be outdone, naval intelligence operatives were also in the thick of the �ight as they provided the critical information on the whereabouts of the terrorist leaders at the very start and up to the end of the Marawi Siege, Mercado pointed out.

“On the other hand, our pilots aboard of our Agusta helicopters (AgustaWestland AW-109s) provided the aerial intelligence surveillance

and (recon) operations and the air strikes day and night to support the operating ground troops,” the PN chief added.

He also said Navy “Seal” teams helped in preventing the terrorists from getting resupply and reinforcements by providing by providing continuous maritime patrols and interdiction operations in Lake Lanao “These (tactics) prevented the use of the lake as the logistics highway and an entrance for reinforcement and an escape route from the Main Battle Area,” the PN chief pointed out.

Around 920 Maute Group terrorists were killed in the �ive-month campaign that started last May 23 when government troops tried to arrest Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon and his cohorts.

In the �ierce �ighting that followed, around 165 government troops were killed and this includes 35 marines. (PNA)

as well as the timeframe to complete the processing.

“Operational testing is being done for one week at the Port of Manila to check if we can use it once FED sections are removed,” he added.

The stakeholder needs to log in to the system to access

the data in the system.

Under the SVS, valuation of imported goods can be monitored once the examiners or appraisers input the data in the system, whether the particular shipment was benchmarked or grossly undervalued. (Ferdinand G. Patinio/PNA)

that police have already taken into custody the driver of the vehicle after shooting and wounding him following the incident that took place near the World Trade Center.

“We are in touch with the New York Police Department and so far, we have not received reports of any Filipino

among the dead or injured,” De Vega said.

Meanwhile, she again reminded Filipinos in the area to exercise caution if they would still want to participate in the annual Halloween Parade that would be held on Tuesday evening near the scene of the incident. (PNA)

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equipment.

Reportedly, the commander of the soldiers involved immediately ordered them to return the alleged stolen items.

Administrative cases will be slapped against these soldiers whose names are still withheld by the AFP, if found guilty.

of bottles of Red Horse and when I asked him what is happening to him, he slapped me on my nape)? ” the employee said.

She explained that their establishment stop serving liquor around 9:30 p.m because the store does not want to cause disturbance to the residents in the area.

She said Retes was not satis�ied on what he had done and he showed his pistol tucked on his waste and threatened them.

“Niingon pa siya nga

balikan tamo ah, inig balik nako dapat sarado nami (He told us that we must close our store when he returns),” she said.

The employee said because of the incident, they took video of the incident and uploaded it to Facebook and that video became viral with 3,000 shares. However, she concealed it later on because the wife of Retes went to their store and appealed to delete the video because it will ruin the reputation of his family.

(PNA)

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mation they obtained from an accredited SSS broker to “pro�it” from the initial public offerings (IPOs) of �ive companies, instead of recommending them to the Social Security Commission.

Companies use IPOs to list at the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) for the �irst time so that their shares may be freely bought and sold in the open market.

“Nalaman nila yan dahil yung stock broker ng SSS, every month nagbi-brie�ing yun sa amin kung ano magandang stock, ano magandang mga IPO na darating.

So itong impormasyon na to na pwede silang kumita ng pera, nakuha nila dahil sa position nila,” SSS Commissioner Jose Gabriel La Viña told ANC’s Early Edition.

Campos wants the CMIC to get involved be-

cause of allegations that the executives conducted personal trades using the same brokers accredited to buy and sell shares for the SSS’s account, and that the brokers may have known that the executives directing the pension fund’s trades were also trading for themselves.

Campos also urged the CMIC to �ind out whether the accredited brokers gave the SSS executives margin or loan accounts that may have enabled them to conduct large trades and rake in huge pro�its for themselves without putting up a lot of their own cash.

The CMIC is the PSE’s primary and independent regulator of stockbrokers, who are duty-bound to live up to the highest ethical standards. (HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES)

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VOL. 10 ISSUE 153 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2017

FOOD

EVEN ROYALTY GETS MESSY WHETHER FRIED, STEAMED OR COOKED WITH SAVOURY SAUCES, a shrimp dish is but the perfect excuse to forget about a diet and eat. Really eat. And when in Davao, Blue Posts Boiling Crabs and Shrimps is the best place is you are craving for anything seafood on your dining table.

For almost four years, Blue Posts Boiling Crabs and Shrimps has been satisfying our cravings with their uber-amazing seafood dishes that’s always perfect on an any day munching.

Blue Posts Boiling Crabs and Shrimps is Davao’s most sought-after seafood restaurant. With its “Fun to be Messy” tagline, you’d definitely end up eating with your bare hands every time you dine. And yes, at Blue Posts Boiling Crabs and Shrimps, it really is fun to be messy!

Before 2017 comes to an end, prepare to be enthralled as Blue Posts Boiling Crabs and Shrimps introduces the newest addition to their menu. Introducing the 911 Shrimps Fever -- unlimited shrimps, good for two, for only P911!

Not only is this unlimited, you also get three bags of perfectly cooked shrimps in three delectable sauces you’d not find elsewhere. Yup, that’s three different sauces -Sambal, Boiled and Garlic Lemon Butter.

“It’s always fun to be messy with Blue Posts”, shared the dynamic owners, Anthony and Jennifer Ang. “Dining with bare hands is the norm. Once the foodgrade wax paper is set and accompanied by a Blue Posts bib, prepare for a messy but satisfying gastronomic adventure”, they added. And yes, at Blue Posts, it’s always fun to be messy!

The 911 Shrimps Fever can be likened to a revolutionary culinary adventure that only Blue Posts Boiling Crabs and Shrimps is capable of. With pieces of freshly cooked shrimps, the sauces make for a most unforgettable dining experience. Yes, they vary in taste and texture. Nevertheless, it is the variation that makes it interestingly exciting to the

palate.

With some Malaysian influence, the bag of shrimps with sambal sauce has a certain zing that urges you to eat more without realising it. With a bit of spice, you’d love this with some rice on the side.

Garlic, lemon and butter in one bag is more than enough reason to celebrate.

Each piece is coated with delectable flavours that blends perfectly well with each other. This, on the other hand, is best eaten on its own.

Considered their signature taste, the boiled sauce is something that awakens your palate like never before. The combination of spices is enough to have you salivating in an instant. This, like the sambal, is perfect with rice. Pour some sauce on your rice and let the feast begin.

“The secret behind our success is not just those flavours we match our crabs and shrimps with. It’s the overall experience we bring to every diner that enters our restaurants.”, shared Anthony and Jennifer.

Take note that refills will only be allowed once the three bags are fully consumed. Refills with the preferred sauce will be served one at a time.

The 911 Shrimps Fever is available for dine-in only from 10am to 2pm and 2pm to 5pm, Mondays to Fridays. The Promo Period is from October 30 to December 8, 2017 in all Blue Posts branches.

In Davao, Blue Posts Boiling Crabs and Shrimps Branches are located at Davao: Bajada, Lanang Business Park, and at SM City Davao.

For my latest food finds, follow me on Instagram @iamleebai and Facebook @ theroyalchefeats. Happy munching, royalistas!

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EVENT

VOL. 10 ISSUE 153 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2017

Davao landmark celebrates

20TH YEAR

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO IF YOU WILL BUILD, they will come, so goes a line of the movie, “Field of Dreams,” starring Kevin Costner. Jesus “Chito” V. Ayala (JVA) and his wife, Fe, may not have heard the statement when they converted what used to be a banana plantation into a mountain resort. Now, after 20 years, people still come to the place.

The couple called it Eden Nature Park and Resort, named after the barangay. But just like the Garden of Eden stated in the Bible, this beautiful man-made resort nestled at the foot of Mount Talomo in Toril is “truly a testament to how man’s ingenuity and concern for the environment can create a paradise on earth.”

At 2,650 feet above sea level, Eden offers breath taking views of Davao City and the Davao Gulf. Although the place was remnant of logging concessionaires in the 1970s and covered only by a blanket of wild grass, Chito saw its potential.

He instructed his people to make terraces carved out of the mountain slope. As this developed, thousands of pine trees seedlings were planted to revitalize the area. Bamboos, which are native to the place, were left to flourish.

Growing pine trees created canopies, allowing other trees and plants to grow and create secondary forest. Today, there are over 100,000 pine trees spread in about 80 hectares, making the resort 95-percent man-made. Today, the oncebarren piece of land provides a relaxing alternative to the bustling city life with its cool weather and unpolluted air. “(My parents) saw the long-

term potential of this place when they bought this barren and logged over property in the 1970s,” said Miguel M. Ayala, the resort’s chairman and group chairman of the JVA Group of Companies, during Eden’s 20th anniversary. “They planted pine trees and established a forest to preserve the natural habitat and restore the crisp and cool climate typical of this elevation.”

The couple planted an orchard – mostly to mangosteen – and organically-grown vegetables to provide the local and export markets. They also planted various flowers and ferns and developed a garden that becomes an attraction in itself.

“And they didn’t stop there,” Miguel said in his message.

“Aside from providing employment, they also provided land for the workers’ housing, and for the children’s education, and built a chapel for communal worship. They built a community here in Eden.”

While his father was the instrument in creating Eden, it was his mother who provided “the artistic touch to the transformation of the Eden landscape.” Together, the couple “saw their vision for Eden take shape, they passed on the business management affairs to the company’s executives.”

Miguel considered Eden as “the living legacy that my parents left behind.”

Perhaps the man who really saw the transformation of Eden into what it is now is Rafael T. Ayala, a member of the board of directors. “I first started working here in my late teens, doing part time work in the summer of 1999,” he recalled. “I worked as a busboy, waiter, tour guide, etc. Years later, I was formally

employed by the company, and I have been with them ever since.”

If it was his coming of age, it was also Eden’s coming of age.

“I grew up with Eden, and I have personally witnessed the growth, the changes, the challenges, and the triumphs of our company with the greater context of the growth, changes, challenges, and triumphs of our local tourism and hospitality in-

dustries in Davao,” Rafael said.

So, with son’s pride, Rafael is a testament of how Eden “as a community and as a community have proven to be not just resilient, but also thriving in the midst of it all.” He added: “It is with a son’s gratitude that I express my appreciation for the loyalty you have shown us over the past two decades.”

Rafael was referring to government agencies, business corporations, travel agencies and media which have been helping Eden to become what it is now.

As a gratitude, all of them were given plaque of appreciation.

“Friends, we have climbed this mountain called Eden over the last twenty years,” Miguel said in his message. “With your continued support and with you by our side, we will continue to scale it with renewed fervor and enthusiasm.”

In behalf of “EDGE Davao,” lifestyle editor Kenneth Ong received the plaque. Other media given recognition were “Sun Star Davao,” “Mindanao Times,” and “Mindanao Daily Mirror.

VOL. 10 ISSUE 153 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2017

UP AND ABOUT

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

WATERFRONT PEERS GET AHLEI CERTIFIED WAT E R F RO N T INSULAR HOTEL DAVAO’S OFFICERS AND SUPERVISORS were awarded Certified Guest Service Professionals by the American Hotel and Lodging Educational Institute or AHLEI. November 1 – 5, 2017

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Property Head Trainer Fritzie Gay Dulla, Marketing Communications Officer Eva Ces Gamalong, Sales Account Manager Christina Sothrea Boukos and F&B Management Trainee Maria Fe Isidor all attended the Guest Service Gold Program held in Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino last July 27 to 28 along with 27 others from the Waterfront group. “This batch of 31 participants achieved higher scores compared to previous batches, and it’s also the first time in the Philippine Hotel Industry for a participant to achieve a perfect score,” says Shyrra Lou Martina Jadulco,

Group Peers’ Training and Development Manager.

One’s status as Certified Guest Service Professional comes with a certificate and a lapel pin and entitles bearers to use the nominal letters, CGSP, after their names on business cards and all correspondence. More importantly, this shows that they are both com-

mitted and capable of providing utmost guest satisfaction – a significant trait that gets you far in the hospitality business.

Waterfront Hotels and Casinos believe that you need well qualified people to deliver quality standards and, hence, continue to strengthen their quality of service by enhancing their hu-

man resources. Leading in hospitality training around the world, AHLEI is globally recognized with about 15,000 member associations.

Through Asia World Hospitality, its global partner in the Philippines, the institute offers extensive trainings and certifications to hotel professionals in the country year-round.

EDGEDAVAO

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VOL. 10 ISSUE 153 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2017

EDGEDAVAO PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS Serving a seamless society

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

VOL. 10 ISSUE 153 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2017

EDGEDAVAO

NEWS 11 Airlines... FROM 7

Buildings lay in ruins after the five-month battle to retake Marawi City from ISIS-inspired terrorists. Photo taken Tuesday (24 October 2017). MindaNews photo

by MANMAN DEJETO

Lorenzana... FROM 3 replaced Vice President Leni Robredo as the chair of the Housing and Urban Coordinating Council.

Duterte said all cabinet secretaries will directly send reports to Del Rosario on matters concerning Marawi rehabilitation. If the rehabilitation goes awry, he said it is either Del Rosario or Lorenzana who will answer for it.

He said the creation of committees is not necessary if the assistant secretaries and undersecretaries can just directly communicate with cabinet secretaries.

During the Mindanao Hour at Malacañan Palace last week, Civil Defense Assistant Secretary Kristoffer James Purisima said there is a budget of at least P5 billion for relief efforts this year and another P10 billion for next year.

Purisima added site development for shelter in Barangay Sagonsongan in Marawi continues under the Department of Public Works and Highways while a private company has volunteered to develop and deliver a water distribution system.

Del Rosario told MindaNews on October 25 at

New military camp in Marawi Duterte also disclosed the plan of putting up a military camp in Marawi.

“It’s a huge tract of land.

The military is ready. Just give them a little bit of space where they can conduct everything they should know about soldiering. Palagay ko naman they are not ready to claim as so many areas there.

And Marawi proper, we have to concede it to the Moro. The Moro will have to clean up the place and they can have it,” he said, referring to the Maranao residents of the area.

“But just about in front

in the country and the world to create additional features that can �ill more gaps in the health sector. It does this while keeping patient records private.

Among the relatively new features created are an electronic prescription module, a disease-tracking and monitoring plug-in, an of�line version of the program for those with limited internet access, and Android and iOS+ apps for use of health workers on the �ield.

Meanwhile, TNT Super Panalo Day was a thanksgiving event held in February 2016 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena for loyal and new customers of TNT, the value brand of Smart. It was meant to celebrate two TNT milestones – its 15-year legacy

of empowering Filipinos with affordable call and text promos; and its digital shift into offering mobile internet services.

Thousands of customers attended the TNT Super Panalo Day, which brought together the brand’s biggest endorsers and ambassadors. The stellar lineup was led by the phenomenal AlDub tandem of Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza, and Tropang TNT basketball players.

Aside from entertaining the crowd, the event delivered “panalo” (winning) moments for them via exciting games and prizes. TNT also used the event to introduce its budget-friendly Tropa Apps offers. These allow customers to access their favorite apps at affordable rates.

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transitional shelter site in Sagonsongan that 500 to 600 houses out of the initial 1,175 temporary shelters they are building will be �inished by mid-December, with President Duterte handing over the certi�icates of award to bene�iciaries, particularly those who have no more homes to return to at Ground Zero in Marawi.

At least 6,000 families from nine villages outside the war zone have started returning home since October 29.

of Marawi, I will create a new camp, maybe one regiment or one division there within the vicinity of greater Marawi area,” he said.

Welcomes investigation Duterte earlier said he welcomes any investigation on the possible abuses committed by the military in trying to eliminate the Maute Group.

He said he holds himself solely responsible for what happened.

Duterte was reacting to a question raised concerning the plan of some residents from Marawi who are planning to �ile a class suit against him for turning the Islamic City into a wasteland.

“I agree with you that if you have a gripe, and you think that justice should be done, and if they think that the Philippine courts would be prejudiced or biased, they can always go to the International Criminal Court,” he added.

The President said martial law was declared last May 23 following the Maute Group’s siege to “answer the challenges of the moment and I take full legal, criminal, and civil liability.”

Duterte said the military and the police will study how “it evolved and how to �ight a new war” should another threat of urban terrorism arise.

Citing the experience of some countries in the Middle East, he said the concrete highrise buildings made it dif�icult for government forces to eliminate the terrorists.

Duterte noted that it took Middle East countries a long time in subduing urban terrorist attacks “because there is always a high-rise building, where you can position yourself comfortably while waiting for the kill.”

The deaths of Abu Sayyaf Group leader Isnilon Hapilon, the so-called emir of ISIS in Southeast Asia, and Omar Maute on October 16 marked the end of the nearly �ive months of military operations in Marawi.

“Now that combat operations have been terminated, we are rebuilding Marawi to its former glory. From its ruins, Marawi shall once again rise as the center of moderation and tolerance in Muslim Mindanao,” he said. (Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)

MAYOR RIVERA WELCOMES INDONESIAN NAVY. City Mayor Ronnel Rivera welcomes officers of the Indonesian Navy who paid a courtesy call

The ACAP carriers recognize that the local air travel industry faces serious challenges. “We no longer enjoy the bene�its of low fuel prices.

Our ability to grow and generate revenues and jobs for the country continues to be susceptible to the fallout from external events, political turbulence, global terrorism and burdensome regulations,” said Bautista. “We wrestle with infrastructure limitations, starting with serious limitations of our primary airport in Manila, and constraints in airports north and south of the capital.”

ACAP is seeking the support of government to provide a regulatory environment that gives airlines the �lexibility and latitude needed to do business and respond to market conditions.

Despite all the challenges, Bautista said, “We see an expanding market, and a healthy demand for tourist travel due to intensive promotions and the government’s push for better tourism infrastructure and a more enriching tourism experience. We expect a more sophisticated and comprehensively improved air transport infrastructure under the government’s build-build-build program. A number of airport terminals have been upgraded, with more terminals and even green�ield airports in the pipeline”.

At the Aviation Day summit, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) called on the Philippine government to maximize the economic and social bene�its that aviation can bring to the country by (1) addressing airport infrastructure de�iciencies in Manila, (2) abandoning proposals for increased taxation on aviation and (3) adopting Smarter Regulation Principles.

“Aviation is vital to the Philippines. It supports 1.2 million jobs and $9.2 billion in GDP. The domestic network binds the country across 7,000 islands. International links keep families and businesses con-

nected, and bring in tourists.

But the social and economic bene�its of air transport are at risk if the key issues of airport infrastructure, excessive regulation and taxation are not addressed,” said Alexandre de Juniac, IATA’s Director General and CEO. IATA recommends either to urgently enhance the runway and terminal capacities of NAIA or build a new airport near Manila (closer than Clark).

De Juniac added “Excessively onerous regulation can be a huge burden on the ability of aviation to deliver its social and economic bene�its.”

He cited new consumer protection legislation being studied in the Philippines that would cap air fares, prohibit overbooking and impose onerous consumer protections extra-territorially.

“Introducing government-imposed fare caps would likely have the unintended consequence of reducing deeply discounted fares. If airlines cannot charge a premium for ultimate �lexibility, then covering costs will likely lead to a rise in average fares,” said de Juniac.

He urged authorities to adopt smarter regulation principles.

He called on the Philippine government to avoid implementing a tourism tax and to abandon a proposed Green Fee. “The proposed Green Fee is misguided and should be abandoned.

Governments through the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) have agreed a global approach to climate change based on improvements in technology, infrastructure and operations. There is an agreed Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA). The cause of sustainability is best served by the Philippines supporting this global approach and volunteering to participate in CORSIA,” said de Juniac.

on October 30 at City Hall. Two Indonesian Navy warships arrived in General Santos City for a goodwill visit. (GENSAN CPIO/Russell Delvo)

12 ENVIRONMENT EDGEDAVAO

VOL. VOL.10 10ISSUE ISSUE153 153••THURSDAY, THURSDAY,NOVEMBER NOVEMBER2,2,2017 2017

Lands: Going, going, gone?

Text and Photos by HENRYLITO D. TACIO

A

FEW years back, the United States Department of Agriculture stated that land degradation was a major global issue during the 20th century and will remain high on the international agenda in the 21st century. “The importance of land degradation among global issues is enhanced because of its impact on world food security and quality of the environment,” it said.

Last September, during the 13th United Nations Convention to Combat Deserti�ication (UNCCD), land degradation has been placed as one of the most pressing problems the world is facing.

“Land degradation and drought are global challenges and intimately linked to most, if not all, aspects of human security and well-being – food security, employment and migration, in particularly,” pointed out UNCCD Executive Director Secretary Monique Barbut, as quoted

by Inter Press Service.

Man’s survival hinges on land. “Land is the foundation of all life-sustaining process on the planet,” explained the Global Environment Facility (GEF), which was established on the eve of the 1992 Rio Earth Summit to help tackle the world’s most important pressing environmental problems. “It provides us with food and water.”

In addition, land “helps us manage environmental risks such as �loods and drought,” the GEF stated. “It supports natural processes such as soil formation and nutrient cycling. And it offers opportunities for social and cultural activities.”

There’s more. “In economic terms, land bene�its billions of people, including a large proportion that depends entirely on farming

and forest products for their livelihood,” the GEF said, adding that “it’s imperative to maintain sustained and productive use of land.”

But human beings are not doing so. The latest United Nations report, “The Global Land Outlook” (GLO), said that pressures on global land resources “are now greater than ever.” Consumption of the earth’s natural reserves has doubled in the last 30 years, “with a third of the planet’s land now severely degraded,” it deplored.

Statistics provides some insights: in a matter of �ive years (from 1998 to 2013), about 20% of the world’s vegetated land surface showed persistent declining trends in productivity, apparent in 20% of cropland, 16% of forestland, 19% of grassland and 27% of rangeland.

“Over 1.3 billion people, mostly in developing countries, are trapped on degrading agricultural land, exposed to climate stress, and, therefore, excluded from wider infrastructure and economic development,” the GLO said.

In the Philippines, the Global Assessment of Land Degradation and Improvement showed some 33,064,628 Filipinos affected by land degradation. “The total degraded land is es-

Contour farming

timated at 132,275 square kilometers,” the study said, explaining that one square kilometer is equivalent to 100 hectares. As such, roughly 1.3 million hectares in the country’s total land area of 30 million hectares, are already degraded.

Land degradation is a broad term that can be applied differently across a wide range of scenarios.

But as a global problem, it is largely related to agricultural use. Among those cited as causes are land clearance (deforestation is an example), agricultural depletion of soil nutrients through poor farming practices (“kaingin” farming or slash-and-burning agriculture comes to mind), livestock raising (overgrazing, for one), in-

appropriate irrigation, urban sprawl and commercial development, and vehicle off-roading.

Other causes include quarrying (sand, stone, ore and minerals), monoculture (planting of a single crop like pineapple, banana or corn), dumping of non-biodegradable trash such as plastics, and soil degradation.

Deserti�ication, a term applied to the severe degradation of land to the point where it resembles a desert, is the ultimate human insult to land and soil resources.

It results from overuse by humans, sometimes in combination with variations in climate such as droughts.

In the Philippines, a report published by the Department of Agriculture in

2010 cited inadequate and inef�icient irrigation systems, increasing population and rural poverty, poor land and watershed management as those that contribute to land degradation.

In Laguna and Benguet, a recent study showed chemical pollution of soil and water bodies as the main land degradation issue. “This is mainly due to the continuous and indiscriminate use of chemical inputs in farming,” said Lucille Elna Parreno-de Guzman, who conducted the study.

More often than not, the ever-increasing number of people are the cause of land degradation. The new UN report said it so, too: “Populations abruptly gained access to what seemed to be

an unlimited stock of natural capital, where land was seen as a free gift of nature.”

That’s where the problem lies. Take the case of the Philippines. “The quality and management of land resources in the country has become of serious concern because of exponentially increasing population and the need to expand agricultural production to marginal areas while ironically converting prime agricultural lands to non-agricultural uses,” one author noted.

Two hectares of soil are converted every minute due to rapid urbanization at the global level. But in the Philippines, about 38% or 11.4 million hectares of soil are already moderately to severely degraded, the DA report said.

Gary Gardner, of the Washington-based Worldwatch Institute, said that in the past, civilizations could simply leave one piece of land for another when the soil nutrients had been depleted. Today, we no longer have this luxury; the world has, for all intents and purposes, run out of available cropland.

“If the soil on which all agriculture and all human life depends is wasted away, then the battle to free mankind from want cannot be won,” said Lord John Boyd Orr of the most important compo-

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VOL. 10 ISSUE 153 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2017

Urban planners’ convention up on November 8-9

Lands... FROM 12 nent of crop production – the topsoil.

Soil erosion is the most pervasive form of land degradation. “In the developing world, erosion and poverty interact in a destructive cycle: erosion is often rooted in poverty and crowding, while poverty and crowding are often the harvest of erosion,” wrote Gardner in a Worldwatch paper.

Soil formation takes time: only one inch of topsoil for every 100 to 1,000 years.

About 6 inches of topsoil is usually cultivated in modern agriculture, according to Penelope ReVelle and Charles ReVelle, authors of “The Environment: Issues and Choices for Society.” “If soil erodes at about 33 tons per hectare per year, about 0.10 inch of soil is lost each year and the whole plow layer in 60-70 years,” they wrote.

Humans cause erosion at a rate 10 to 15 times faster than any natural process, according to Bruce Wilkinson, a sedimentary geologist working with the Syracuse University in New York City. Global erosion, he pointed out, is occurring at a rate of about 75 gigatons a year – a gigaton is equal to a billion tons.

“To put that into context,” Wilkinson explained, “current annual amounts of

13

EDGEDAVAO

rock and soil moved over the Earth’s surface in response to human activities are an amount of material that would �ill the Grand Canyon of Arizona in about 50 years.”

“Soil erosion is an enemy to any nation – far worse than any outside enemy coming into a country and conquering it because it is an enemy you cannot see vividly,” said Rev. Harold R. Watson, who received the 1985 Ramon Magsaysay Award for peace and international understanding. “It’s a slow creeping enemy that soon possesses the land. We must consider ourselves in a state of emergency; our topsoil is all going…”

“No other soil phenomenon is more destructive than is soil erosion,” reminded Dr. Nyle C. Brady, author of “The Nature and Properties of Soils.” “It involves losing water and plant nutrients at

rates far higher than those occurring through leaching.

More tragically, however, it can result in the loss of the entire soil.”

Without topsoil, farming suffers. Lester R. Brown and Edward C. Wolf, authors of a Worldwatch paper entitled “Soil Erosion: Quiet Crisis in the World Economy,” say the erosion affects crop production in two ways. They explain: “The loss of topsoil reduces the inherent productivity of land, both through the loss of nutrients and degradation of the physical structure. It also increases the costs of production.

“When farmers lose topsoil,” the authors continue, “they may increase land productivity by substituting energy in the form of fertilizer. Hence, farmers losing topsoil may experience either a loss in land productivity or

T

HE Philippine Institute of Environmental Planners (PIEP) will hold its 26th National Convention on November 8-9, 2017 at Seda Vertis North, Quezon City to raise awareness on the importance of environmental urban planning from local to national governance perspectives to a broader spectrum of decision-makers, The two-day event carries the theme, “Sustainable Cities and Communities for the Urban Century”— highlighting the nation’s need for sound urban planning that balances considerations for socio-political, cultural, economic, and environmental issues contributing to a more sustainable development.

About half of the country’s population lives in urban areas as a result of decades of real estate development.

However, concrete and steel infrastructure has distanced people from the natural world, causing problems related to health and sanitation, the threat of natural calamities such as typhoons and earthquakes remains a serious concern, while the worsening traf�ic situation, �looding, and garbage problems continue to escalate.

Building resilient cities require sustainable urban planning—the kind that envisions and promotes ample green space, multi-modal transport system, and mixeduse development that protects cultural, historic, and

biodiversity resources.

Sustainable urban planning ultimately creates a balance between man-made infrastructure and the natural environment.

Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista is set to deliver a keynote speech in line with “World Town Planning Day” which kicks off on November 8.

All Environmental Planner members of PIEP are encouraged to join, as well as national and local government units, agencies, non-government organizations, private enterprises, developers, architects, contractors, educators, the academe, and all parties interested in creating sustainable cities and communities. (PR)

a rise in costs of agricultural inputs. And if productivity drops too low or agricultural costs rise too high, farmers are forced to abandon their land.”

Brown, who is now with the Earth Policy Institute, points out that the immediate effects of soil erosion are economic but in the long run its ultimate effects are

social. “When soils are depleted and crops are poorly nourished, people are often undernourished as well. Failure to respond to the erosion threat will lead not only to the degradation of land, but to the degradation of life itself.”

Something must be done now to turn the tide of land degradation. “Soil erosion,

deserti�ication, and water scarcity all contribute to societal stress and breakdown,” UNCCD’s GLO said. “In this regard, land degradation can be considered a ‘threat ampli�ier,’ especially when it slowly reduces people’s ability to use the land for food production and water storage or undermines other vital ecosystem services.”

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Woods’5th comeback in Cebuano netter to compete 3 years resonates with hope in ITF-Phinma tournaments T

C

EBUANO netter Arthur Craig Pantino has remained optimistic about his campaign in the International Tennis Federation (ITF) Juniors Circuit.

Pantino is one of the players to watch in the twoweek ITF-Phinma International Juniors Championships at the Manila Polo Club indoor clay courts in Makati City. The �irst leg will be from November 14 to 19 while the second leg will be from November 21 to 26.

After winning the doubles title in the 1st Perlis Junior Championships in Malaysia three weeks ago, Pantino has failed to reach the podium in the next three tournaments he joined.

“It is quite disappointing and also a waste because I lost early in those three tournaments. But I lost to better players so it’s okay,” said Pantino in an interview on Wednesday.

Pantino and Kazakhstan’s Beibit Zhukayev won the doubles title in Perlis af-

P

ter beating Malaysians Christian Didier Chin and Naufal Siddig Kamaruzzaman, 6-2, 6-1 in the �inal.

From Perlis, Pantino headed to the Sarawak Chief Minister’s Cup where he lost to Indian Digvijay Pratep Singh of India (1-6, 4-6) in the second round. He teamed up with Chinese Lu Pengyu in the doubles but they were eliminated in the second round by fourth seeds Yu Bongyu and Zhou Xinmu of China, 6-4, 6-7 (3), [8-10].

After Sarawak, Pantino proceeded to Thailand for the two-leg PTT-ITF Juniors Championships in Nonthaburi province.

The �irst leg saw the Filipino sent packing in the �irst round of both singles and doubles categories. In the singles, he lost to New Zealand’s Isaac Becroft, 2-6, 6-2, 1-6. He teamed up with Taiwanese Lin Han-Chih in the doubles and they were beaten by Korean Kim Dongju and Kazakhstan’s Beibit Zhukayev, 3-6, 5-7.

In the second leg, Pantino defeated Thai quali�ier Pawit Sornlaksup (6-1, 6-4) but surrendered to Vietnamese Phuong Van Nguyen in the next round. He also made it to the doubles semi�inal with Lin but they lost to Swedish pair Oliver Anderson and Hugo Regner, 1-6, 6-3 [9-11].

Pantino hopes to improve his game during his two remaining years on the juniors circuit.

“I will try to be better and be able to win a couple of ITF’s. But the main goal is to play in the grand slam tournaments,” said 16-yearold Pantino, who is currently No. 384 in world juniors rankings.

“My ambition is to play in the grand slams as soon as possible but in order to do that, I should perform well on lower grade tournaments to raise my ranking,” he added.

Helping Pantino achieve his goal is former national athlete Jun Toledo, who is the head coach of the Philippine

Tennis Academy in Alabang, Muntinlupa. Also working at PTA is Coach Kenneth Salvo.

The PTA is headed by long-time tennis patron Romeo Chan, who has supported many former national players such as Bobbie Angelo and Camoy Palahang.

“Coach Jun is a really good coach and he handles the training really well,” said Pantino, who has been training with Toledo for the past six years.

“The PTA is really a good training ground and junior players will learn a lot of things in tennis. The academy doesn’t only teach tennis but also teaches us good manners and discipline,” said Pantino.

The PTA’s other students are Khim Iglupas, Bryan Otico, Shaira Hope Rivera, Bliss Bayking and Sydney Ezra Enriquez.

Because of his frequent traveling, Pantino has enrolled in a home-based study program at Seibo College in Malabon. He is now in Grade 9. (PNA)

state’s regulation for mixed martial arts (MMA) bouts.

Previously, MMA competitions in the state of Western Australia were required to be conducted in boxing rings, which were never designed for MMA competitions. UFC uses a unique octagon-shaped fenced-in enclosure, now sanctioned in Western Australia, which prevents athletes from falling out of the structure or becoming entangled in the ropes as could occur with a boxing ring.

UFC interim middleweight champion and Australia’s �irst ever UFC champion Robert Whittaker was on-hand for today’s announcement in Perth, adding: “This isn’t just huge news for UFC, but for the sport of MMA in Western Australia. Finally, MMA can be competed nation-wide in the �ield of play speci�ically designed for the sport.

“Anything can happen between

middleweight title here in Australia. My next stop is New York City to be Octagon side for UFC 217 – let’s see what happens in that main event between Michael Bisping and Georges St-Pierre.

Since 2010, UFC has presented 10 live events in Australia including sold out shows at Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena, Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena, Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Adelaide Entertainment Centre and Gold Coast Convention Centre. Australia holds the record for the largest MMA event in history, with 56,214 in attendance at UFC 193 at Melbourne’s Etihad Stadium on November 15, 2015, featuring women’s MMA pioneer Ronda Rousey. Collectively these events have seen more t h a n

UFC® 221, presented by TAB, will be available in Australia live on Pay-Per-View at 11am AWDT / 2pm AEDT on UFC.TV, MAIN EVENT and Fetch. Additionally, the event will broadcast live on Pay-Per-View in North America at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT on UFC.TV, iN DEMAND, D i r e c T V, D I S H N e t work, Vubiqu i t y, and in Canada on BellTV, S h a w Communica-

Perth hosts UFC 221

ERTH, Australia – After years of anticipation, Australia’s west coast will welcome the Octagon® for the very �irst time, as UFC® 221 , presented by TAB, �inds a home in Perth, Western Australia. Perth Arena will host the PayPer-View (PPV) event on Sunday, February 11 with a to be determined �ight card featuring the best local and international mixed martial artists.

A special UFC® 221, presented by TAB, microsite – www.ufc.com/perth - launches today, providing registering fans with presale access to tickets and event related information.

“I’ve always loved Australia.” UFC President Dana White said, “The fans and energy are fantastic but most importantly we seem to have some of the greatest �ights there. My job is to put on the best �ights in the world and this is a place that never disappoints. I look forward to our �irst UFC event in Perth next year and hope to entertain the fans once again.”

UFC’s �irst event in Perth, Western Australia is made possible by the support of the Government of Western Australia, which is sponsoring the event after recently overhauling the

n o w and Sunday, February 11.

With that said, �ighting on home soil is always a dream come true and I’d love to unify the UFC

170,000 fans in attendance and millions worldwide watching on PPV and broadcast television. The �ive host cities to date – Sydney, Gold Coast, Brisbane, Adelaide and Melbourne – have had a cumulative gross gate of more than $23 million and millions more in economic impact.

tions, Sasktel, Rogers and Canal Indigo for a suggested retail price of $49.99 US/ CAN for Standard De�inition and $59.99 US/CAN for High-De�inition.

IGER Woods still has more majors than comebacks.

But the gap is narrowing.

Woods said he will return to competition at the Hero World Challenge the week after Thanksgiving — an 18-man �ield in the Bahamas with no cut — just over seven months after fusion surgery. That was his fourth back surgery in a little more than two years, and that alone should be enough to temper expectations.

This will be the 10th time that Woods has returned from an unscheduled break of two months or more, eight of them since winning his 14th major at Torrey Pines in the 2008 US Open. And it will be the �ifth time he returns since his last victory in August 2013 at the Bridgestone Invitational.

Should it be cause for celebration?

Of course.

A popular phrase in recent years is that golf needs Woods, but this is only true as it relates to his performance.

Otherwise, it becomes a nostalgia tour, and the question facing Woods is whether he can handle being a ceremonial golfer. If that’s what this is about, there would be no need for him to play.

This will be the second straight year that Woods makes a celebrated comeback from back surgery in the Bahamas.

He had gone 15 months and two microdiscectomy surgeries when he played the Hero World Challenge last year and �inished 15th against a �ield of 18 (Justin Rose withdrew after the opening round with back pain). Woods made 24 birdies that week but �inished at 4-under par and was 14 shots behind the winner, Hideki Matsuyama.

He was held to a different

standard. He was measured by the freedom of his swing more than his score in relation to the �ield. That began to change when he missed the cut at Torrey Pines in his �irst start against a full �ield, and then �lew across eight time zones to Dubai and lasted one round — a 77 — before withdrawing the next day because of back spasms.

Different about this return is the nature of the surgery, which carried a higher risk and was geared more toward his quality of life.

Golf is a bonus.

Woods made headlines at the Presidents Cup during a news conference for assistant captains when he was asked if he could see a scenario where he would not return to competition. “Yeah, de�initely,” he responded. “I don’t know what my future holds for me. As I’ve told you guys, I’m hitting 60-yard shots.”

It was a leading question that was more about the uncertainty of his health than his desire to play, and the outlook changed quickly.

Within a week, he posted a slow-motion video of a full swing. Then another one of Woods hitting driver, a third video hitting a stinger with a long iron, and news amid this tease that doctors had cleared him to play and practice without restrictions.

So what next?

For one holiday tournament, at least, Woods will be taking on a short �ield that is long on power and talent.

Does anyone really think he can dominate the likes of Dustin Johnson, Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas and Brooks Koepka the way he once ruled his sport? The numbers suggest otherwise.

Woods turns 42 at the end of the year and he has gone through eight surgeries — four on his left knee, four on his back.

Can he win again?

It would be foolish to declare that he can’t by measuring Woods against the entirety of the PGA Tour.

Even without winning over the last four years while suffering from back problems, Tiger Woods has built up an enormous mystique from the previous 18 years that produced 79 victories on the PGA Tour. AP

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SPORTS 15 Steph Curry knew the breakout game for the Warriors was coming after an odd start. AP

Steve Kerr not surprised with slow start

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HERE’S still no reason to think that a fourth consecutive NBA Finals matchup between Golden State and Cleveland cannot happen, even though both teams have been often less than razor-sharp to start this season.

Warriors coach Steve Kerr, frankly, isn’t surprised by some early struggles.

Golden State has had uncharacteristic issues with turnovers and defense to start this season — though the Warriors started to look like themselves again in a 141-113 romp past the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday night (Tuesday, Manila time). Cleveland has dealt with defensive lapses as well, and the Cavaliers went into LeBron James’ annual Halloween party this week on a three-game losing streak.

Kerr has seen this before. He played for the Chicago Bulls in 1997-98, part of a team that was coming off two straight titles but started just 8-7.

“Everybody was fried,” Kerr said.

Those Bulls �igured things out, eventually �inishing off a repeat threepeat by getting their sixth title in eight seasons. And Kerr has no doubt that whatever’s been plaguing the Warriors and Cavaliers in October will be long forgotten when the playoffs start in April.

“It’s not easy,” Kerr said.

“I think that’s the hardest thing probably for people to understand, fans, media, whoever — whomever, my mom would want me to say — is the fatigue, the emotional and spiritual fatigue that sets in when you’ve been going to The Finals.

That’s why LeBron going to The Finals seven years in a row, to me, is one of the most amazing accomplishments ever for a player in this league.”

For all the talent in the Warriors’ lineup, players still take their cues from Kerr.

And since he wasn’t panicking after a 4-3 start to this season, neither were they.

Scoring 141 points on the Clippers’ home �loor Monday night was the clear reminder that the Warriors are still the

Warriors.

“Not to sound arrogant, but we knew it was c o m i n g ,” two-time M V P Stephen Curry said of the breakout night by the reigning champions. ___ ODD START Parity, anyone?

For the �irst time since 1968-69, no team started 6-1 or 7-0. The best seven-game start in the NBA this season was 5-2.

The last time that happened, the league’s 14 teams included ones in Cincinnati, Baltimore, San Diego and Seattle — and Bill Russell was busy leading the Boston Celtics to their 11th championship in 13 years.

So while plans of going 82-0 went out the window early this season, so did fears of going 0-82: For the �irst time since 2010-11, no team started 0-7.

who beat Argentina’s Juan Martin del Potro in Basel to claim his 95th career title, said of his decision to give up the chase of Nadal.

“Basel takes a lot out of me emotionally. I had �ive matches in six days. I feel sorry and sad for Paris.

“I’d like to be fully �it for London (the World Tour Finals) and for 2018.

“I did think about the ranking, but I’m so far back in the points race that it was almost out of the question.”

Nadal, who shared this year’s grand slam titles with Federer, winning a 10th French Open and third U.S. Open title while the Swiss took the Australian and Wimbledon

titles, starts his Paris campaign against either German serve-and-volleyer Mischa Zverev or young South Korean Hyeon Chung.

Nadal virtually assured year-end top ranking

A

HOPED-FOR �ight to the �inish for the year-end number one ranking at next month’s ATP World Tour Finals in London will likely be a coronation for Rafa Nadal, who is virtually guaranteed ending 2017 top of the pile.

Roger Federer’s eighth Swiss Indoors title on Sunday reduced the points gap on the Spaniard to 1,460 points, but his subsequent withdrawal from this week’s Paris Masters means Nadal is poised to �inish top for the fourth time in his career.

With 1,500 points available in London for winning the title, having won all three round-robin matches, the 31-year-old Nadal needs to win just one round in Paris to put himself out of reach of the 19-times grand slam champion.

It is a far cry from last year when the year-end ranking was decided in the last match of the season at London’s O2 Arena when Andy Murray beat Novak Djokovic to seal it.

“My body is asking for a break,” 36-year-old Federer,

Georges St-Pierre, Freddie Roach hoping to forge unique UFC super team

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REDDIE Roach has done it all as a boxing trainer. He has taken young �ighters and turned them into stars. He’s squeezed every last ounce out of veterans whose best days were seemingly behind them.

He’s won when he was supposed to win and w o n when h e

wasn’t.

I f Roach isn’t the greatest trainer in boxing, it’s a very short list ahead of him.

But o n

Saturday at Madison Square Garden in New York, Roach will �ind himself in the center of a spotlight he may not be equipped to handle. In many ways, it’s his biggest professional challenge.

Roach will be in Georges St-Pierre’s corner when the former welterweight champion returns to mixed martial arts after a four-year retirement to challenge Michael Bisping for the middleweight title in the main event of UFC 217.

The card is a fascinating one headlined by three title �ights, but one of the most intriguing stories is what Roach is doing in St-Pierre’s corner.

On the surface, it seems like it’s bringing in Bill Belichick to manage the Red Sox or Butch Harmon to �ine-tune Roger Federer’s backhand.

St-Pierre is one of the greatest �ighters in the history of the sport, and the primary reason for his success has been his ability to pinpoint an opponent’s weakness and exploit it.

When he fought elite grapplers, St-Pierre used good takedown defense to keep the �ight standing and win with solid MMA striking. When he faced lethal

strikers, St-Pierre repeatedly took his opponents down and worked them over on the mat.

The bout with Bisping, though, might be his most dif�icult test. Bisping is the UFC’s all-time leader in wins, and while he doesn’t get the kind of respect his record suggests he deserves, even St-Pierre knows it won’t be an easy night as he bids to become just the fourth man in UFC history to hold titles in two different weight classes.

B.J. Penn (welterweight and lightweight), Randy Couture (light heavyweight and heavyweight) and Conor McGregor (featherweight and lightweight) are the others.

Bisping is also bigger than St-Pierre and correctly notes that St-Pierre will be by far the smallest man he’s ever faced.

While St-Pierre is con�ident he’ll make history, he is not among those underestimating Bisping.

“People who say he’s overrated don’t really understand what this guy can do,” St-Pierre said. “I respect him and I’ve trained so hard because I know how good he is.”

One of the things that StPierre did in order to make sure he had all of his boxes checked was to bring Roach into his corner on more of a full-time basis.

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