Edge10 issue166 November 21, 2017

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VOL. 10 ISSUE 166 • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2017

BRACING UP As Apex eyes to hike gold output to 3,000 tons daily

By ANGIE SAVERON

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He said this was mandathe Apex Mining Company Inc. has shifted its focus in developing ed by the environmental commining areas in preparation for full-blast operation that would be pliance certi�icate issued by able to produce 3,000 tons of ore daily. the Department of Environ-

“We are going full-blast in two to three years,” Atty. Ro-

dolfo Palma, AMCI vice president of legal services AMCI,

PAPERLESS CARGO. Naval Forces of Eastern Mindanao (NFEM) officer in charge Ensign Aileen Jansor shows dozens of sacks of rice which are part of the 5,000 bags of undocumented rice aboard M/B Sunlight that was apprehended by the authorities off the coast of Davao Oriental on Sunday. The vessel is currently under the custody of the Philippine Navy at Naval Station Felix Apolinario in Panacan, Davao City. Lean Daval Jr.

told the Kapehan sa Dabaw on Monday.

ment and Natural Resources.

The Compostela Val-

ley-based AMCI operates in 2200 hectares of land, notably in the eight barangays of Masara, New Leyte, New Barili, Teressa, Mainit And Ilizaldy,Tagbaros in the munic-

ipality of Maco and barangay Golden Valley and in the municipality of Mabini.

At the same time, he said Apex has been forking out an

BRACING, P10

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

Certification of Davao organic farms pushed Cateel’s KUTOO FESTIVAL INdulgeA1

By JUDIE VEGA

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he Davao City-based Interface Development Interventions, Inc. is encouraging farmers to apply for the certi�ication of their organic farms in the region.

Chinkie Pelño Golle IDIS executive director said on

Monday they are currently promoting local Participatory Guarantee System, an alternative certi�ication brandinglocal organic producers.

“PGS is a localized affordable and inclusive certi�ication which guarantees that the produce that consumers

buy is organically grown by local Davao farmer,” said Golle.

Golle said that PGS is based on recognized and international standards for organic production. The International Federation of Organic Agriculture Move-

ments has considered the PGS as especially apt for small farmers who can produce organic foods for the domestic market.

According to IFOAM, PGS is de�ined as a “locally focused quality assurance sys-

CERTIFICATION, P10

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 166• TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2017

DESERVING. President Rodrigo Duterte salutes CAA Eduardo Matambonoy Jr. after he was awarded with the Order of Lapu-Lapu Kampilan Medal during the President’s visit at Camp Panacan Station Hospital in Davao City on Saturday evening. Matambonoy was wounded in an encounter with members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Tagum City

on November 17, 2017. Also in the photo is Special Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence Go. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

2 Davao newsmen cleared in libel raps filed by Nograles

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he Regional Trial Court in Davao City has acquitted two print journalists in libel cases filed by former House Speaker Prospero C. Nograles in 2010, or seven years ago.

In an order dated October 16, 2017, RTC Branch 11 Judge Leo Tolentino Madrazo dismissed two consolidated counts of libel against editor Roger Balanza and publisher Edgar Velez of the Durian Post. The decision was read in court during promulgation

of judgment on November 17, 2017.

The cases stemmed from two news reports written by Balanza and published in the Durian Post, a weekly paper circulated in the Davao Region.

In Criminal Case No.

68,511-2010, Nograles said the article titled “The truth and nothing but the truth,” published in the February 2228 issue of the Durian Post contained the paragraph: “Don’t you know that Benjamin de Guzman and Nograles doctored the COA report to show otherwise?” In his complaint, Nograles said the article was “injurious and defamatory” with the “intention of attacking his honesty, virtue and reputation” and “destroy-

ing his reputation and discrediting and ridiculing him in the bar of public opinion.”

In acquitting Balanza and Velez, Judge Madrazo sustained the view of their defense that the article was based on a Commission on Audit (COA) report “which is a public record available to all.” He described the article as “fair comment”.

In Criminal Case No. 88, 512–2010, Nograles said

of the tourists about the potentials of the city.

Internationally, the tourism of�icial plans to hold roadshows in the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and areas outside the region like Japan, South Korea and Hong Kong.

On Japanese visitors, she said the travel advisory issued by the Japanese Embassy here has made the tour operators in Japan hesitant to come up with Davao tour packages.

This was according to the representatives of the biggest

tour operators and association with whom they met during the four-day Davao City Investment and Tourism Roadshow in Japan held last October 16 to 20, Tecson said.

During the roadshow, the delegates from Davao, composed of representatives from both private and public sectors, visited Osaka, Kyoto, Yokohama and Tokyo where they held business meetings with their counterparts.

Japan was among the countries that issued travel

2, P10

P10-M budget approved for tourism master plan

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he Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority has approved the P10-million budget for the crafting of the tourism master plan of Davao City.

In an interview on Monday, City Tourism Of�ice head Generose Tecson told reporters that they hope they can immediately start working on the tourism master plan by �irst quarter of next year and complete it by second quarter.

She said they want all tourism stakeholders to participate in the drafting to

make the master plan more inclusive that seeks to synergize all efforts of the tourism-related industry.

“We know tourism is a very fragmented industry.

The accommodation sector, by itself, is an industry, tour operators is by itself an industry, transportation the same thing. We need the plan,” she said.

Tecson added they are also planning to intensify the city’s tourism roadshow internationally and domestically to increase the awareness

P10-M, P10

Lifting of ML depends on AFP, PNP-Duterte

As AFP monitored Maguindanao situation

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ifting martial law in Mindanao’s 27 provinces and 33 cities will depend on what the military and police will recommend, President Rodrigo Duterte said in response to a query if he was ready to lift martial law soon given that the Marawi siege, which triggered its declaration, is over.

“You know, declaration of martial law is always dependent to what the Armed Forces and the police recommend. They are the two entities that would be relied upon heavily by a President or Head of State when he entertains something like extreme measures — martial law, state of emergency,” Duterte told reporters after the launching at the Abreeza Mall here of Tienda Farmers and Fisherfolk Outlets, a partnership of the Department of Agriculture with Ayala Malls.

Duterte declared martial law for 60 days effective 10 p.m. on May 23, some eight hours after the �irst clashes between government forces and ISIS-inspired Maute and Abu Sayyaf groups and their allies left two soldiers and a

policeman dead and 12 others injured.

The President asked Congress for an extension until December 31 this year because of the continuing threats of terrorism. “I have to rehabilitate” and prepare for the expected “retaliation” from the ISIS-inspired Maute Group and its allies, he told reporters a day before Congress deliberated on and granted the extension by a vote of 261-18, with only three Mindanawon Representatives voting “No.” The President declared Marawi “liberated from the terrorist in�luence” on October 17. Defense Secretary Del�in Lorenzana announced the termination of all combat operations in Marawi on October 23, exactly �ive months after the siege began.

“Kung ano ang sabihin ng Armed Forces pati police since they are the ones also who would be totally engaged in kung mayroon talagang if there’s an of�ing of trouble there, we should give credence to it actually,” he told reporters on Saturday.

LIFTING, P10

NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 166• TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2017

Specific drug board parameters pressed

By ARMANDO B. FENENQUITO JR.

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avao City Mayor Sara Z. Duterte-Carpio reiterated her call to the Dangerous Drugs Board and Department of Interior and Local Government to specify their parameters in declaring a drug-cleared barangay.

In a media brie�ing on Monday morning, Duterte-Carpio bared that despite the recognition of the national government on the efforts against illegal drugs, none of the 182 barangays in the city are being declared as drugcleared.

She lamented that the DDB and DILG have no specific guidelines on the declara-

tion of drug-cleared barangay.

According to DDB Regulation No. 3, series of 2017, the parameters of the declaration are non-availability of drug supply; absence of transhipment activity; absence of clandestine laboratory, absence of clandestine drug warehouse; absence of clandestine chemical warehouse; absence of marijuana cultivation site; absence of drug den, dive or resort; absence of drug pusher; absence of drug user of drug dependent; absence of drug protector or coddler; active involvement of barangay of�icial in anti-drug

SPECIFIC, P11

Juvenile council helps child offenders via art

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he Juvenile Justice Welfare Council kicked off its 6th JJWC Week on Sunday through an on-thespot poster painting contest emphasizing the importance of promoting restorative justice and giving youth offenders who have gone astray a “second chance” to correct their mistakes.

The contest’s theme was “Mapagkalingang Hustisya, Ugaliin at Pagtibayin” and 29 contestants from different schools in the country showed their artistic skills in a bid to highlight the event’s message.

Topping the contest was Daisy Louise S. Segui from Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng

Valenzuela, who received a PHP10,000 cash prize.

Her artwork depicted the symbol of justice for children.

“Ang bata ay nagkakamali dahil di pa niya alam ang tama sa mali. Nangangailangan siya ng tulong sa magulang. Kung bawat isa sa atin ay gagawin ito, mapapatibay natin ang hustisya. At kung ipaglalaban, ito ay mapagtitibay sa mga susunod na henerasyon (A child errs because he/she is not aware of what is right and what is wrong. There is always a need for parental help. If all of us will help the children, we can strengthen justice. And if we will stand up for this, it can be a strong

JUVENILE, P11

IN THE INTERIM. Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio takes time for a picture taking with City Hall employees while cuddling a teddy bear after the Monday flag ceremony. ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

Custody of 5,000 sacks of smuggled rice to NFA C

ustody of the 5,000 sacks of smuggled rice seized by authorities over the weekend will be transferred to the National Food Authority (NFA) 11, according to an official of the Bureau of Customs in the Port of Davao yesterday.

The M/L Sunlight-V, the vessel that carried the alleged smuggled rice along with the 12 members of the crew are in the custody of the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao (NFEM). Each sack of rice (50kg each) is labeled Super Angelica Premium Grade Super Long Grain White Rice.

BOC-Davao District

Collector Erastus Sandino-Austria said after issuing a Warrant of Seizure and Detention (WSD) covering the vessel and its cargos in favor of the government yesterday, the Philippine Navy will transfer custody of the 5,000 sacks of rice to the BOC-Port of Davao.

Austria said BOC-Davao

will in turn transfer the contraband cargo to the custody of NFA temporarily until such time that its inventory to determine if the 5,000 sacks of rice is the exact number is completed.

He said the 5,000 sacks is equivalent to approximately 250 MT with an estimated total value of P4.6 million, which is the dutiable value of the 250 MT (of about the same quantity of the previous transaction of a legit importer).

After inventory, the sus-

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

CUSTODY, P11

Navy to get missile system by Christmas

I GOING ORGANIC. Interface Development Interventions (IDIS) executive director ChinkiePeliño-Golle provides the schedule of activities for the organic

pected will be sold by the government wherein proceeds will go to the national treasury, according to Austria.

“Or it can be donated for the rehab efforts in Marawi.

It depends on the discretion of the BOC Commissioner,” Austria said, referring to Customs Commissioner Isidro Lapena.

Austria said continues monitoring of the crew of the vessel will be done by the Philippine Navy along with the Customs Police and the

f everything goes as planned, the Philippine Navy will be mounting its �irst-ever missile system on three brand-new multi-purpose attack craft (MPAC) this Christmas season.

This was con�irmed Monday by PN �lag-of�icer-in-command, Vice Admiral Ronald Joseph Mercado, when asked on the delivery and mounting of the Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd’s Spike ER (extended range) missile systems on its three MPACs. The weapons are on anti-ship mode or can engage surface vessel targets. It is capable of penetrating 1,000 mm (39 inches) of rolled homogeneous armor and has a maximum range of �ive miles.

“A pre-delivery inspection is already scheduled. Then an Air Force plane (from the Philippines) will go Israel to transport the missiles to the Philippines, all expenses paid by the proponent,” Mercado said. Tentative �itting out date is within December, the PN chief added.

The three MPACs, with hull number BA-488, BA-489, and BA-490, were activated last May 22.

These MPACs are the Mark III models and considerably more advanced that the six Mark I and IIs currently in the Navy inventory that was constructed by Subic Bay-based Propmech Corporation.

NAVY, P11

EDGEDAVAO

4 ECONOMY

VOL. 10 ISSUE 166• TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2017

DOT sees 7M tourist arrivals by year-end T he Department of Tourism on Saturday said the government is optimistic tourist arrivals in the country will reach its 7-million mark by end of the year.

According to DOT spokesperson Frederick Alegre, arrivals already hiked 11 percent per month compared to 2016. As of August 2017, he said, recorded arrivals went over 4.5 million.

The of�icial attributed most of the increase to the recently concluded hosting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summits and related meetings.

“Malaking tulong sa bilang ng mga turistang dumating ngayon sa Pilipinas yung ASEAN summit, yung hosting ng Philippines. Yung 11 percent increase, constant increase, per month from

last year to this year, dala na rin yan ng pagdala ng ASEAN visitors sa Pilipinas (The Philippines’ hosting of the ASEAN summit signi�icantly increased the number of tourist arrivals. The 11-percent-increase, constant increase, it’s due to ASEAN that brought in visitors to the Philippines.),” he said.

He added that despite its conclusion, some delegates extended their visit to the country, particularly in Baguio City, Pampanga and Bohol.

Aside from ASEAN visitors, Alegre noted consistency in South Korean tourists arrivals along with Chinese visitors, which he described are nearing 1 million for 2017.

To recall, tourist arrivals to the Philippines closed at 5.97 million in 2016. (PNA)

FULL BLAST. Apex Mining Company, Inc. assistant vice president for legal services lawyer Rodulfo Palma (right) says the firm has shifted its focus in developing mining areas in preparation for full-blast operation that would be able to produce 3,000 tons of ore daily in two to three years time. Palma

made the statement while promoting the company’s medical mission on November 25 in Brgy. Masara, Maco, Compostela Valley Province with community relations manager Ferdinand Dobli (left) during the Kapehan sa Dabaw at the Annex of SM City Davao on Monday. Lean Daval Jr.

City offers livelihood PDIS backs inclusive PH digital economy know-how to Marawi

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he Philippines needs to improve adoption of digital and �inancial services to reap the bene�its of digital economy and make it inclusive.

Philippine Institute for Development Studies President Gilberto Llanto said governments are using digital infrastructure to improve the delivery of public services such as health and education, among others, making these more inclusive.

“The business sector, such as �inancial technology �irms, are also taking advantage of digital tools and systems in competing with traditional brick-and-mortar private lending institutions to provide �inancial products and services to those who have been �inancially excluded, especially those in the rural areas,” he said during this week’s launch of the Regional Inclusive Growth Project Consumer Unity and Trust Society [CUTS], a joint project of PIDS and CUTS International.

Llanto said the digital economy is “arguably changing the landscapes of a job, product, and service markets”.

Lito Villanueva, managing director of PLDT’s �inancial-technology arm FINTQ, underscored the need for the country to provide Filipinos with easier access to formal �inancial services.

“Having no access to formal �inancial services would

make them susceptible to tapping their families, relatives, and friends for a loan, pawnshops or usurious money lenders,” he said in a seminar on the digital economy.

Capitalizing on the digital era, Villanueva also introduced their lending program, “Kasama Ka Community & Income Builder”.

The program, which uses digital platforms like computers and mobile phones, aims to encourage “underserved” Filipinos to avail of the different �inancing services provided by Lendr. com.ph -- a one-stop shop for loans. It also provides additional income to those who can refer others to avail of its various loan products.

“These efforts must be on the ground, scalable and targeted,” he said.

Meanwhile, the advantages of adopting a digital economy should also be considered in the health sector.

Director of UP-Manila National Telehealth Center Raymond Sarmiento emphasized the need for the government to strengthen its efforts in shifting to more digitized systems to be able to provide ef�icient health services to Filipinos.

Sarmiento said the government should invest in big data and analytics to improve the access to quality healthcare and decision-making, which partly could be done

PDIS, P11

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

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Duterte-Carpio said the the standards of City Coophe Davao City government will provide city is willing to provide the erative Of�ice given to cooptechnical assistance on livelihood projects ‘technical know-how’ to the eratives. for the people in Marawi City. city government of Marawi.

“It’s a best practice coop

Mayor Sara Z. Duterte-Carpio bared in a press brie�ing on Monday morning, the city gave a proposal letter along to Mayor Majul Gandamra with regards to budgeting and planning on the creation of livelihood programs, , during the ceremonial turn-over of P5 mil-

lion assistance to the area last week.

“Speci�ically, kanang pahulam gani sa mga livelihood groups. Duna tay nindot nga models ana diri sa Davao City (the loan the will be given to the livelihood groups.

We have good models here in Davao City),” she said.

“We offered technical assistance to them if they want us to share our know-how on how they will use the money but it will depend on them on how they will spend the money and donations given to them,” she said.

She said the program proposal might pattern on

projects in Davao City and it is already recognized nationally,” she said.

The mayor said the Marawi City government could also duplicate the Mag-Negosyo ta Day project of the city which she considered as a ‘very good livelihood project.’

inance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III has cited the looming economic integration of the member-states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations plus China’s plan to invest heavily in its trading partners› infrastructure via its Belt and Road Initiative as key factors that will shape the development of the region’s economies as they blaze a trail through this Asian Century.

This convergence of decisive actions by China and the ASEAN designed to ensure the seamless �low of trade in the region is “most fortuitous for the Philippines,” said Dominguez, given the Duterte administration’s economic strategy to similarly invest in an infrastructure modern-

ization program to attract investments, sustain high growth and make its bene�its inclusive for all Filipinos.

“The nations of Southeast Asia stand to bene�it hugely from the Belt and Road initiative. That complements our own efforts at regionalization.

It will help make regional integration and economic cooperation more intensive,” Dominguez said at the 7th Executive Board Meeting of the China-ASEAN Bank Association (CAIBA) held recently at the Shangrila at the Fort in Taguig City.

Banco de Oro and the China Development Bank organized this year’s CAIBA executive meeting to offer top of�icials of leading banks in the region a platform to exchange ideas on �inancial coopera-

tion. This year’s theme for the CAIBA event is “Enhancing Financial Cooperation Between China and the ASEAN within the context of the Belt and Road Initiative.”

“The convergence is perhaps most fortuitous for the Philippines. The economic strategy of the Duterte administration aims precisely to achieve high and equitable growth for its people through the modernization of infrastructure,” Dominguez said. “The ‘Build, Build, Build’ program looks precisely at easing the movement of people and goods to encourage more investments. A shift to investment-led growth is the key to achieving inclusive economic growth.”

Dominguez said CAIBA’s aptly chosen theme for this

year’s event “accurately addresses the convergence between ASEAN’s intensive efforts towards the regional integration of its member economies and China’s historic decision to invest heavily in infrastructure to strengthen our trade relationships.”

“This convergence is the central dynamic that will shape the development of the region’s economy through the length of this Asian Century,” Dominguez said. “The Belt and Road initiative is the most signi�icant enterprise since the construction of the Great Wall. Unlike the Great Wall, however, this initiative enhances cooperation instead of repelling interaction.”

In lauding CAIBA for organizing the event, Domin-

ASEAN integration to shape PH’s future F

ASEAN, P11

VOL. 10 ISSUE 166• TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2017

EDGEDAVAO

ECONOMY 5

Region 12 tops in good housekeeping R

Ties with Ilocos region for fiscal criteria

egion 12, comprising the provinces of South Cotabato, North Cotabato, Sarangani, Sultan Kudarat, their 45 towns and the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Kidapawan, Tacurong and Cotabato, tied nationwide with Region 1 (Ilocos region) and topped Mindanao’s six regions by passing, 100%, the 2017 Good Financial Housekeeping criteria of the Department of Interior and Local Government as of October 31, records from the DILG show.

Second placer in Mindanao is Region 13 or Caraga with 99% passing rate. Caraga is also the second placer among the country’s 17 regions.

Region 11 or the Davao provinces in Southeastern Mindanao placed third with 98% followed by Region 9 or Western Mindanao with

Analysts see high economic growth

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he higher-than-expected 6.9 percent output of the Philippine economy in the third quarter of 2017, which is still among the highest in Asia, made some analysts consider an increase, while some even hiked, their full year growth projection.

Market consensus is 6.6 percent while average growth in the �irst three quarters this year is 6.7 percent, within the government’s 6.5 to 7.5 percent growth target for the year.

In a research note, ANZ economists Eugenia F. Victorino and Khoon Goh cited the unexpected upward revision of the second quarter output, from 6.5 percent to 6.7 percent, as a contributor to the

92%, Region 10 or Northern Mindanao with 91% and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao at 51%. ARMM posted the lowest in the en-

tire country.

The Good Financial Housekeeping is a component of the Seal of Good Local Governance. To earn a GFH, a local government unit must have an Unquali�ied or Quali�ied Commission on Audit opinion for the previous year and full compliance with the Full Disclosure Policy Caraga comprises the provinces of Agusan del Norte. Agusan del Sur, Surigao

del Sur, Surigao del Norte, and Dinagat Islands, and the cities of Butuan, Cabadbaran, Bayugan, Bislig, Surigao and Tandag, all of which passed the criteria. Sixty-six of the region’s 67 towns also passed.

Region 11 comprises the provinces of the four Davao provinces — del Norte, del Sur, Occidental, Oriental and Compostela Valley and the cities of Davao, Panabo, Tagum, Samal, Digos and Mati. All six

cities and 43 towns passed.

But Davao del Sur province was not among the passers.

Region 9 comprises the three Zamboanga provinces — del Norte, del Sur, Sibugay — and the cities of Zamboanga, Dipolog, Dapitan, Pagadian and Isabela. Pagadian and Isabela are not on the list of passers. The region’s 63 of 67 towns passed.

Region 10 has �ive prov-

REGION, P11

positive report.

It, however, said that “net exports provided an offset to the moderation in domestic demand.”

Data released by the National Economic and Development Authority showed that household expenditure rose by 4.5 percent, slower than the 7.2 percent growth same period last year.

Also, real estate, renting, and other business activities registered a slower growth in the third quarter this year at 7.7 percent from year-ago’s 8.9 percent.

Total exports of goods, meanwhile, rose by 17.7 percent during the quarter from year-ago’s 8.1 percent.

ANALYSTS, P11

Duterte graces launching of agri marketing project

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s the government bolsters its vision to provide available and affordable food for Filipinos, President Rodrigo Duterte graced the launching of a marketing project here Saturday, aimed at ensuring that farmers’ produce would be made available to consumers directly.

Duterte urged Filipinos to patronize local products to help the industry a�loat during the launch of TienDA Farmers and Fisherfolks Outlet, a partnership project between the Department of Agriculture and Ayala Malls held at the Asian Food Market in Abreeza Mall Davao.

“Well, at the expense of the disers (merchandisers), ‘yung mga middle men, that’s not how it is because we are trying to come up with our decision to, I said, provide the people affordable and always,

their food for all,” Duterte explained, adding that the imports and exports have to be balanced with the trade all over the world.

While the local agriculture industry still thrives amid the entry of similar imported products, Duterte said the marketing project will open doors of greater opportunities for all Filipinos.

Duterte stressed that production is still the secret to level the playing �ield to all companies operating in the country.

“The thing there is maintain the supply para pareho mura. Then kung ikaw Pilipino, kung pareho ‘yung ano mo, ‘di sa Pilipino ka na bumili. Makatulong ka pa,” he added.

Duterte also thanked the Ayalas for their social and corporate conscience to help the

DUTERTE, P13

CAUGHT IN TRANSIT. Bureau of Customs (BOC)-Port of Davao district collector lawyer Erastus Sandino Austria gives the details of the apprehension of a vessel loaded with 5,000 sacks of undocumented rice which was apprehend-

ed by the authorities on Sunday off the vicinity of Arena Point in Davao Oriental during an interview at the BOC Davao office on Monday. Lean Daval Jr.

6 ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 166• TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2017

IMF cites overheating of economy A

Once sustained growth of loan continues

n increase in the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ key rates is needed ed in very high credit growth, “so they won’t lend out that credit boom - meaning cred- much,” he said. if, indeed, signs of overheating in the domestic economy is present. it growth is excessive - you BSP data shows that com-

This was pointed out by IMF Resident Representative to the Philippines Yongzheng Yang, who raised the possibil-

Taiwanese firm offers ‘cyanidefree’ technology for ore extraction

ity of overheating if the sustained strong growth of loans continues.

“You need to, if there is

indeed overheating, you need to tighten monetary policy, by raising interest rates. And if the overheating is also re�lect-

could also take various macroprudential policy,” he said.

These macroprudential measures include raising capital requirements for banks

mercial banks’ outstanding loans, excluding placements in the central bank’s reverse repurchase facility, expanded by 21.1 percent last Septem-

ber, higher than the 20.4 percent in the previous month.

Including RRP placements, bank lending rose by 20.1 percent, up from the 17.9 percent last August.

Yang said the IMF fore-

IMF, P13

T

aiwanese �irm Xin Ye Industry, Ltd. is offering mining companies operating in the Philippines with a “green” technology as it is set to build a second of its about PHP20 million ore stripping facility in the country.

A subsidiary of Taiwan Xinye Precious Metal Technology Co., Ltd., the �irm has locally patented a cyanide-free gold stripping method called GP-860, which is expected to see its �irst commercial run next year after the completion of its facility in Valenzuela.

Xin Ye Executive Vice President Steven Liao said initial tests in various laboratories showed that the process yielded an average extraction rate at over 98 percent of the gold in the ore.

“This entire ore to gold process takes a maximum of eight hours. It is also environmentally friendly, non-toxic, harmless, has high ef�iciency, and high productivity,” Liad said in a press conference over the weekend, stressing that the technology does not make use of cyanide or mercury, among other toxic chemicals.

This compares with the two to nearly eightday dissolution period in the traditional extraction process which usually involves the

TAIWANESE, P13

A faint sound of a ukulele fills the parking lot of a fast food shop in Valencia City, Bukidnon, as an old man hums Christmas songs to unmindful customers and churchgoers on Sunday, Nov. 19,

2017. The ukulele man appears to be waiting for someone or something for the fast approaching holidays. Mindanews photo by ROMMEL G. REBOLLIDO

Food supply chain‘perfected’in 3rd year of Duterte’s term

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resident Rodrigo Duterte is committed to perfect the food supply chain in the country by the third year of his administration.

This as the President lauded the Department of Agriculture and the Ayala Corporation for initiating a partnership that would help farmers and �isherfolk freed from middlemen or cartels and provide market access to sell products at fair price.

This also results in cheaper food products for consumers. “For after all, it’s the Department of Agriculture

l

longgos are encouraged to take advantage of jobs being offered by various business process outsourcing companies based in Iloilo.

Iloilo City mayor Jose Espinosa III on Monday announced that the industry is in need of 5,000 workers.

who’s responsible if we go hungry or we have full stomach,” Duterte said, adding that Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Pinol is responsible for the sustainability of the food supply.

“So ‘yung food chain talaga ng Pilipinas (So the food chain in the Philippines) must be at least perfected by - on the third year of my administration,” he said.

Republic Act 10611 refers to food supply chain as the stages in the production of food from primary production, post-harvest handling distribution, processing and

preparation for human consumption. RA 10611 also sets the guidelines for facilitating market access of local foods and food products.

In his message following the media interview, Duterte cited the Ayala Corporation for its corporate social responsibility of providing space free of charge for the farmers at the Abreeza Mall that is similar to a food terminal. Ayala will also buy farmers’ products.

Duterte said farmers and �isherfolk would no longer deal with middlemen, who earn more than the farmers.

“The less people dipping their �ingers in the movement of the merchandisers -- food, the lesser, tapos wala ‘yung taxation ng NPA, mas mabuti.

Medyo mababa. Pag nandyan ‘yung NPA, mas mahal ‘yung gulay kasi akala nila gobyerno rin sila (then if the taxation from NPA (New People’s Army) is gone, better.

At least its (price) lower. If the NPA is there vegetables are more expensive because they thought they are also the government),” Duterte said.

The President thanked the Ayalas for sponsoring

activities such as the TienDA as a corporate conscience to help the Filipino people.

Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, chairman and CEO of Ayala Corporation, said the idea of TienDA was decided early on although he admitted that agriculture is not part of the world of the Ayala.

He said the Ayala Foundation and the Ayala Corporation saw the need to help farmers and end users.

Ayala was grateful for the government in accepting the opportunity and hoped to continue with the initiative.

(PNA)

“They will employ them immediately,” he said as the city hall will host the one-day job fair of BPOs this November 28.

Espinosa said that despite the high turnout of graduates every year, they still unable to cope with the increasing demand of BPOs.

They still recruit from as far as Negros Occidental.

To better prepare city residents for BPO jobs, Espinosa said that he wanted to prioritize the establishment of speech laboratories.

He already instructed Ma. Mathilde Octavio, administrator of the Iloilo City

College, to get in touch with the technician of the Colegio del Sagrado Corazon de Jesus, a private school here, and ask details on how to establish a speech laboratory.

“Our BPOs do not need college graduates. They are only after those with good communication skills,” he

said.

Iloilo City hosts 52 voice and non-voice BPO �irms and more are coming in, according to Local Economic and Investment Promotion Of�ice (LEIPO) head Ritchel Gavan.

The job fair will be held at the third �loor of the Iloilo City hall. (PNA)

BPOs in Iloilo City need 5,000 workers

7 SUBURBIA RISING EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 166• TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2017

Governor Nelson L. Dayanghirang receives a plaque of recognition for being an active partner of the AFP in peace and development.

DavOr cheer for new AFP Chief, EMC D

the past.

AVAO ORIENTAL’s top leaders say they are proud of the achievements of two highest-ranking officials of the Armed Forces of the Philippines whom they had the opportunity to work with in

Davao Oriental Governor Nelson L. Dayanghirang and First District Representative Corazon N. Malanyaon, who are among the peace and development stakeholders given recognition by the AFP during the Change of Command Ceremony at the Eastern Mindanao Command (EMC), say they are inspired and happy with the successes of the two military of�icials who greatly contributed to Davao Oriental’s transformative change, especially in terms of peace and development.

On Wednesday’s ceremo-

A

ny held at the Naval Forces of Eastmincom (NFEM) covered court in Camp Panacan in Davao City, AFP chief of staff General Rey Leonardo Guerrero welcomed Eastmincom’s new commander Lt. Gen. Benjamin Madrigal, Jr. General Guerrero said he is con�ident that the Eastmincom is in the right direction with the new leadership.

Lt. Gen. Madrigal said he is honored to accept the responsibility of taking the helm of EastMinCom. In his assumption speech, he acknowledged the long line of distinguished

commanders before him, including the present AFP chief.

“I am overwhelmed with humility and pride to stand and be counted among you, sir,” he said.

“For those who are not in the know, I am very fortunate to have taken over positions vacated by our Chief of Staff in the past. I replaced him in a number of instances during our lieutenant days at 3/2 Brigade in Bondoc Peninsula, as aide-de-camp to the 2ID and SOLCOM commander (though we had different bosses). I also replaced him

as commander of 701st Brigade in Davao Oriental, after he has led the declaration of the province as Con�lict-manageable and ready for further development. And in these instances, l consider myself very lucky, because he has always very well prepared the unit for me (Sigurado po ako na plantsado na lahat ng plano, that I am taking over an ef�icient and motivated workforce, and that all I have to do is follow through and continue on with what he has started. Maraming salamat po, sir),” he said.

Lt. Gen. Madrigal and General Guerrero both served as commander of the 701st Brigade based in Davao Oriental between 2011 and 2014

ARMM marks 28th anniversary

ll is set for the celebration of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao’s 28th founding anniversary on Nov. 20 that would be highlighted by ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman’s second State of the Region Address (SORA).

Hataman, in an interview by newsmen, said his Monday’s SORA could be his last as the region moves

with optimism to the proposed establishment of the Bangsamoro entity aimed to replace and expand the old ARMM political setup.

The Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), which sought to establish the new autonomous political entity known as Bangsamoro Autonomous Region to replace the ARMM, is still pending approval by Congress.

The BBL provides the ba-

sic structure of government for the Bangsamoro entity, enacting agreements in the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro in 2014 between the national government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

“I believe that will take place soon,” Hataman said referring to the impending passage of the BBL into law.

The governor said Monday’s celebration would be

simple in respect to the sufferings experienced by residents of Marawi City following the �ive-month atrocities caused by Abu Sayyaf and Maute terror groups.

Though not part of the ARMM, this city plays host to the region’s seat of government situated at a 32-hectare government land along Gov. Gutierrez Avenue here. (Noel Punzalan/PNA)

during the term of then Former Governor Malanyaon as local chief executive.

Madrigal was known in Davao Oriental not only for his efforts in peace and development but also in his role in the rehabilitation and rebuilding of Supertyphoon Pablo-hit areas and those devastated by Low-Pressure Agaton. He also initiated the Oversight Advisory Committee of the Peace and Development Outreach Program which enjoins the full and active participation of all development stakeholders in the efforts towards peace and development.

His predecessor, now the present AFP Chief Gen. Guerrero, was known for his “bold” leadership that led to the dec-

laration of Davao Oriental as a con�lict-manageable area in 2013. He was also noted for his tireless efforts in the emergency response and fast coordination with other agencies at the height of Supertyphoon Pablo that hit Davao Oriental in 2012.

These two high-ranking military of�icials continue to become a source of inspiration and awe not only to the military of�icials after them and government of�icials they have worked with but also to the common people believing in their capacity to pursue excellence in leadership in the pursuit of long-lasting and sustainable peace. By Karen Lou Deloso/Photo by Eden Jhan Licayan

Police nabs Cotabato fugitive

A

fugitive considered one of the most wanted in North Cotabato was arrested after being on the run for almost a year.

Police operatives in Pikit, North Cotabato over the weekend, apprehended Rolly Plang Anok, 33, who was slapped with several traf�icking charges.

Anok, one of the most trusted security aides of the late Commander Derby, was considered armed and dangerous due to his extensive

criminal history, according to Supt. Bernard Tayong, spokesperson for the Cotabato Police Provincial Of�ice (CPPO).

Anok, reports said, was among those tasked by Commander Derby to execute the jailbreak last January 4.

Tayong said Derby, also a fugitive, masterminded the worst jail attack in the history of North Cotabato where 158 inmates escaped and at least 10 people, one of them

POLICE, P11

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

EDITORIAL

D

HIV-AIDS cases up

avao City’s Reproductive Health and Wellness Center (RHWC) has reported a total of 26 full-blown HIV-AIDS cases in the city from January to June, 2017. Based on the center’s record, 191 of the new cases are asymptomatic, or those with HIV virus but have not yet shown symptoms. The new recorded cases brought to 1,850 asymptomatic and 230 HIV/AIDS fully-developed cases from 1984 to the present.

The RHWC has blamed “risky sex behaviors” to be behind the admittedly high statistics for the �irst six months of the year.

“An ounce of prevention remains the best defense against HIV-AIDs,” said Patrick Albit, program of�icer of the RHWC. Albit said that cases are higher among males because of their riskier sexual behavior than females.

In the Davao region, the age group with the biggest proportion of cases was noted among those aged 25 to 34 with 135 new cases. Next is the 15-24 age group with 103 cases, 35-49 with 38, and 50 older with 2 cases.

Data showed there were 401 cases last year, with 345 were asymptomatic while 56 were AIDS. Still, cases among males were higher with 381 compared to 20 among females.

Based on the HIV/AIDS and ART Registry of the Philippines (HARP),

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four percent of the cases were reported from January to June 2017 in Region XI (247 were asymptomatic and 32 were AIDS). Total of 279 cases by both males and females.

The increase could be attributed to several factors. People who engage in risky sexual behavior, or those who have multiple sex partners, to have themselves tested because HIV develops into AIDS in 5 to 10 years.

Everyone is encouraged to access free services on HIV-AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections (STI) offered by the government, because right to health is a basic universal right of all children and people. We offer free STI, HIV and AIDS services including counseling, testing and treatment,” according to the heath of�icial.

The RHWC holds clinic-based consultations. In a month, hundreds of patients visit the clinic to have themselves tested for HIV-AIDS, although there are patients who are afraid to come out for fear of stigma, if not self-perceived discrimination.

One serious implication of the rising cases of this deadly health malady is that the remedies tried so far are not so effective. Government and the private sector must look for more aggressive ways to arrest the spread of the disease. Unless this is done, we can expect the cases to continue to rise.

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

JIMMY K. LAKING Associate Editor PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE

KENNETH IRVING K. ONG ANGELIE SAVERON BAI FAUZIAH FATIMA SINSUAT AMBOLODTO JUDELYN VEGA MEGHANN STA. INES Reporters ARMANDO B. FENENQUITO JR. 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

VOL. 10 ISSUE 166• TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2017

EDGEDAVAO

T

he “tremendous success” of the ASEAN summit has no precedent. When the dust settled after the event, the 10 out of 11 ASEAN agreements achieved were a milestone, and the “restoration” of relationships in the South China Sea proved valuable outcomes for a regional grouping that has grown anxious about tensions along these vital sea lanes.

For the country, the numerous bilateral agreements between the Philippines and other major countries, including New Zealand show how valuable

D

igging for historical dirt in old �iles is an interesting as seeing long-declared extinct animal species for the �irst time. The discovery of rare facts does not only shed a new twist to the conventional knowledge we have, but they also provide us with a better appreciation of the involvement of Davao leaders in the part.

The name Gaudencio E. Antonino may not a ring bell to the present generation. To old-timers, the landmark that reminds him and his wife, Magnolia Welborn, is the long-standing edi�ice, now rented to a Chinese trader, right across Magsaysay Park, the Antwel Building.

In the 1952 Davao Culture and Progress, Antonino went on to become senator in 1961, was listed as a director of the Davao Auto Calesa Operators Association (DACOA).

He was joined in the Board by Ambrosio S. Yuvienco, Agustin Osorio, Eustaquio Arieta, and Alfredo Aledia.

The executive of�icers of the group include Dr. Crisogono Lopez, as president; Juan B. Mercao, vice-president; Asher H. Murillo, secretary-treasurer; and Roque Yulo, auditor and public relations of�icer. Overall, excluding the directors and of�icers, the organization had 52 members.

Born in Jaen, Nueva Ecija, on February 9, 1909, Antonino obtained his civil engi-

VOL. 10 ISSUE 166 •TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2017

VANTAGE POINTS

9

ASEAN Engages the world the relationship with the Philippines has become. A higher level of cooperation has come upon us.

Of course, there were the sel�ies that were ubiquitous spread the event beyond the corridors of policymakers and entered the daily consciousness of hundreds of thousands through their cellphones and computer screens.

After the event, government morale and business MY TWO CENTS’ sentiment is buoyed by the John Carlo B. Tria event, as new contacts to bring business were made, and numerous tourists Many have noted that as �locked to Metro Manila. chairman of ASEAN, Pres-

ident Duterte brought his trademark straight talk and pragmatic, results oriented leadership honed in decades of �ixing a tumultuous Davao.

His being from Mindanao may have given him that added credibility among movers Indonesia and Malaysia, which have always rooted for a bigger role for Mindanao in Philipine affairs.

He not only engaged ASEAN and the world, he engaged many common Filipinos for whom the regional grouping, much less its political and economic sig-

ni�icance in an “Asianizing” world was barely known.

Nonetheless, there were those who chose to criticize.

This being the Philippines, their dissents were heard.

However, not many listened. But this being a democracy, people have the freedom to choose who they want to listen to, believe and support. They have exercised their choice.

With this, an engaged public awaits the bene�its of these diplomatic milestones. Driven by their near constant presence online, expect more vigilance and engagement.

neering degree at the University of the Philippines. He landed 7th in the board exams. Professionally, he started work as assistant engineer in the Bureau of Public Works (1933-36).

When war broke out, he was enlisted as second lieutenant of 101st Engineer Battalion, served the United States Armed Forces in the Far East (USAFFE), and later with the as �irst lieutenant with the United States Armed Forces in the Philippines (USAFIP).

After the liberation, he ventured in logging such that in 1954, the Business Writers’ Association of the Philippines (BWAP) honoured him as the “Lumberman of the Year.” The same union accorded gave him a separate award for his contribution to export and production.

On September 19, 1957, President Carlos P. Garcia appointed him as member of the Incentives Committee. He was at the time president of the Producers and Exporters Association and the following year was installed a member of the Board of Trustees of the Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement (PRRM).

As ad interim member of the Monetary Board, he was credited for telling the Central Bank of�icials and members of the Presidential Committee on Administration Performance Ef�iciency (PCAPE) in 1959 of the plan to secure the

Defense and Security; he served two terms.

Antonino is remembered for his fearless opposition to the congressional allowances which spawned a national controversy. As a result, the bill appropriating gargantuan allowances to congressmen was vetoed in 1965.

Two years later, he died while campaigning, when his helicopter crashed. His wife, Magnolia, substituted for him a day before the elections and won.

As a �iscalizer, Antonino was an independent as he was brave to tread uncharted political territories. Upon his recommendation chairman of the Senate committee on public works, President Diosdado Macapagal cancelled the P8-million road sign contract, deemed as irregular. By doing that, the senator said the government would save P7 million.

In 1963, he divulged the anomaly in the Civil Aeronautics Administration, which involved the negotiated purchase for P190,000 of insulating transformers.

On the side, he crossed legislative swords with Sen. Alejandro Almendras, another Davao senator, on certain issues.

Angered by the failure of the Commission on Appointments to con�irm a protégé, he moved to depose Senate President Ferdinand Marcos after the Senate. And for

the Senate failing to pass the general appropriations and the public works bills, he demanded Marcos’ resignation.

When there was a plan to reorganize the Senate, Antonino, as part of the Liberal Party ‘four rebels’ that included Camilo Osias, Raul Manglapus, and Manuel Manahan, supported the status quo but still resigned from their chairmanships.

His continuing political rift with public works secretary Brigido Valencia, a migrant in Davao, and Almendras resulted in his resignation as LP vice-president for Mindanao and chairman of the Davao provincial committee.

In 1965, Antonino, who had a heart ailment, stood on the �loor and warned that any move toward reorganize the Senate on the simple reason that Marcos was to be involved in the reopening of the Stonehill investigation would re�lect badly on the senators. Later, he yielded to the reorganization of the upper chamber.

The Antonino couple used to own investments in logging, education, buildings, and commercial lots in Davao City. They later moved to Gen. Santos City where they established political authority and opened new business ventures. They were blessed with �ive children, two of whom became successful politicians.

The politico as auto calesa operator

FAST BACKWARD Antonio V. Figueroa services of Lloyds of London to check the malpractice of over-shipping and undervaluing of exports.

Before he became a senator, Antonino, a former president of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce, was a business executive. He was president of Western Mindanao Lumber Co., Inc. and G.E. Antonino, Incorporated; and chair of the Board of Directors of Industrial Mutual Fund Inc., Munoz Motors, Inc., Apayao Mining and Oil Co., Inc., and United Finance Corp.. He was also director of Bataan Pulp and Paper Mill Co., Reinsurance Co. of the Orient Music Corp. of the Philippines, Philippine Engineers Syndicate, and Rico Finance Corp.

In 1961, he was elected to the Senate and became the chairman of the Committee on Public Works and Communications and National

10 NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 166• TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2017

BRACING... FROM 1 average of three to �ive million pesos monthly to the indigenous Mansaka populations through IP organization.

The amount represents the IP’s share from the production milling monthly. This is one of the royalty fees the company has been obligated to pay in agreement with the IPs who hold a certi�icate of ancestral domain title over the mining areas.

“The National Commission of Indigenous People is supposed to guide them in using this royalty, we cannot fully say for them but I think they have procedures to guide the members of the IP on proper usage of the royalty that they receive,” he said.

“As far as I know, the payment will not be released to them if they haven’t developed an Ancestral Domain Sustainable Development Protection Program (ADSPP) in addition to a community royalty development plan ,” he added.

The company has approximately 2,000 workers directly hired by the company, some

of them IPs. Considering that the company operates in an area covered by ancestral domain title, it is obligated to give one percent of the gross income to the host communities.

The royal fees from the production milling is another obligation. The third obligation is compensation for damages incurred by the mining company’s operations on the livelihood of the host communities.

“The crop damage compensation is given immediately to the individual who tills the land and the basis for that are the approved assessed schedules of the municipal and provincial assessor,” said Ferdinand Dobli, Community Relations Manager of AMCI. The two Apex of�icials that since 2006, the release of royalty fees have not been regular.

But with the assumption of Dr. Walter Brown as president, the release of royalty fees for surface rights have been regular.

tems,” She said the PGS certify producers based on active participation of stakeholders and build on a foundation of trust, social networks and knowledge exchange.

“Under the City ordinance 0384-10 or the Davao City Organic Agriculture Ordinance, The city shall adopt the existing national standards for the accreditation of organic agriculture practitioners which may take into account system, in order to mainstream organic agriculture,” said Golle.

Golle said, PGS logo means that the farmer genuinely produces organic products and meets the strict standards set forth by the National Standards for Organic Agriculture. It also means one can participate in the growing affordable organically grown

crops without spending very expensive certi�ication fees.

According to Golle, the advantages of a PGS certi�ied means the farmer is a recognized as a city Organic Farming practitioner who has the important role of ensuring regular organic food production to help the city attain food security.

Golle said that the OCCP and PGS branding is both valid certi�ication and recognized by international certifying bodies such as the IFOAM. OCCP certi�ication is expensive than PGS branding for small organic famers eying the international export market. PGS system levels the playing �ield among organic producers and ultimately bene�its the local consumers because the organic crop are affordable than OCCP.

CERTIFICATION... FROM 1

2... FROM 2

the article “Does he deserve your vote? Nograles shaming city before world, nation,” written by Balanza and published in the February 1521 issue of the Durian Post, was likewise “injurious and defamatory.” Nograles cited portion of the article which stated: “In another move that brought insult to the city and the Dabawenyos to international level, Nograles, tagging with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, used the presidential of�icial visit last year to the United States to bring up the case of summary executions in Davao City before the American and United Na-

tions of�icials.”

The article, according to Nograles, transmitted “maliciously and intentionally to the public, the impression that (he) in the guise of of�icial business, shamed Davao City and its constituents…. with the object of destroying his reputation and discrediting and ridiculing him in the bar of public opinion.”

“This Court �inds that the above-quoted words/phrases do not fall under the ambit of defamatory remarks and may be considered as ‘just criticisms’ or ‘fair comments’ on actuations of public of�icials,” said Judge Madrazo in his de-

SUBSTANTIAL LOAD. Naval Forces of Eastern Mindanao (NFEM) officer in charge Ensign Aileen Jansor inspects the quality of the undocumented rice

seized by the authorities from a boat off the coast of Davao Oriental on Sunday. Lean Daval Jr.

cision.

Judge Madrazo in acquitting the journalists in the seven-year old case, capped his decision with a Supreme Court ruling on “fair comments”: “Comment and criticism of the public acts of public of�icials, and of the mental , moral and physical �itness of candidates for elective of�ices, when made in good faith and with justi�iable motives, are usually privileged. They are an incident of liberty of speech and press freedom.

The interests of society require that immunity should be granted to the discussion of public affairs, and that all acts and matters of a public nature may be freely published with �itting comments and strictures. But they do not require that the right to criticize the public acts of public of�icers should be based upon false statement of facts. Nor do they justify an attack on the private character of the of�icer, or the right to falsely impute to him malfeasance or misconduct in of�ice.” Nograles initially �iled four counts of libel against the journalists but the court

dropped two of the cases and consolidated the remaining two counts. Nograles �iled the cases shortly after the May 2010 elections where he lost in the mayoral contest to then Vice Mayor Sara Duterte, whose media campaign involved Balanza as he himself admitted in a press statement .

When asked to comment on the court verdict, Balanza who continues to publish Durian Post, said“it was the call of the hour when I wrote the articles: I did my job as a journalist. It was the call of the hour when former House Speaker Nograles �iled the case: He had all the right to seek redress if he was offended. Those were bad hours: Political season.

“The call of the hour now is healing,” he said.”Am looking forward to working with the honorable former Speaker: the call of the hour today is for all Dabawenyos to work together for the success of our Mayor Rodrigo Duterte and the peace and progress of the country under our President Duterte.”

Marawi press brie�ing in Malacanang that they are working towards the lifting of martial law. “We’re hoping to be able to address and normalize everything by the end of the year because that was the deadline given to us,” he said.

“Be that as it may, the network of the local terrorist groups still continues and this is the subject of our efforts. So if we are able to address that by the whole of month — the remaining days of November as well as the whole month of December, then we will report that to you and give justi�ication for the lifting of martial law. If not, we will have to request an extension to be able to address the remaining threats in area,” Padilla said.

In the same press briefing, Padilla announced that “the last �ire�ight” between government forces and stragglers in Marawi was on November 5 “when we reported

nine Maute members killed in the last stronghold that they had in the main battle area.”

Since then, he said, “we no longer sensed or monitored any sign of life in the last main battle areas.”

But clearing operations for unexploded ordnance and improvised explosive devices will continue “until we are fully convinced that all the IEDs, all the traps, all the unexploded ordnance that may remain in the area have been found and addressed.”

Padilla also said that in Maguindanao, the target of “focused military operations” during the early morning air strikes on the boundary of Shariff Aguak and Datu Unsay towns on November 14 were the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) factions under Abu Toray�ie and Ismael Abubakar alias Bungos. (MINDANEWS)

advisories immediately after government forces thwarted the planned attack of the terrorist group Abu Sayyaf in Bohol.

Tecson said Davao was placed under level 1, the same as Manila, Cebu and Palawan.

Despite this, she said they are inviting representatives from the Japan Tourism Association (JATA) and Overseas Tour Operator Association

of Japan to visit the city to explore its potential tourism attractions.

“They are very happy about this because they are given the chance to see Davao better than just the place of the President. It goes to show there is a need to market Davao,” Tecson added.

“We are more than bananas and more than eagles,” she said. (Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)

guez said the Association “has proven itself a valuable partner in the effort to facilitate regional cooperation in support of economic development of the region.”

Established in October 2010 during the 13th ASEAN-China Leaders’ Meeting,

the CAIBA has for its members the major �inancial institutions of China and the ASEAN countries.

Dominguez said the banking system will play a central role in the emerging processes of ASEAN integration. (PNA)

“I do not think that they’d fabricate events. It’s all for us to say it’s evolving everyday, especially in that corridor of Maguindanao and Marawi,”

Duterte added.

Last Friday, Maj. Gen. Restituto Padilla, spokesperson of the Armed Forces of the Philippines told the Bangon

inces — Bukidnon, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental and Camiguin — and the cities of Malaybalay, Valencia, Iligan, Tangub, Ozamiz, Oroquieta, Cagayan de Oro and Gingoog.

Iligan is not on the list of passers. Seventy six of the region’s 84 towns passed.

ARMM has �ive provinces — Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Sulu and Tawi-tawi – and the cities of Marawi and Lamitan. Isabela, a city located in Basilan, is under Region 9.

Fifty-eight of the region’s 116 towns passed. (MindaNews)

The research note said growth of the real estate “was undeterred, making us

increasingly cautious about the quality of over-all growth.

(PNA)

P10-M... FROM 2

LIFTING... FROM 2

ASEAN... FROM 4

REGION... FROM 5

ANALYSTS... FROM 5

INdulge!

VOL. 10 ISSUE 166 • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2017

EDGEDAVAO

TRAVEL

Cateel’s

KUTOO FESTIVAL

IT WAS IN 2011 that I was given the chance to sit as the Chairman of the Board of Judges for the Kutoo Festival, one of the highlights of the Araw ng Cateel celebration.

It was a great opportunity for me to not only witness the colorful event but also to choose the best performing group that best represent the culture and tradition of Cateelenos’s practice of Kutoo.

Kutoo is a form of ritual or prayer done during a pre-harvesting process of agricultural crops, particularly palay (rice plants) which is considered the main agriculture produce of the town. Cateel is considered as the rice granary of the Eastcoast of Davao Oriental and this practice of Kutoo traces back even the olden times.

The celebration of Kutoo Festival has become our town’s tribute to the honor this tradition and has become a festival of thanksgiving for the abundance of agricultural products of our hometown. When Typhoon Pablo hit Cateel in 2012, the celebration was put on halt. But this year the Local Government Unit of Cateel initiated the “comeback” of this festival with the participation of the private sectors, public and private

schools of all levels. This year, I was again given the opportunity to sit as the Chairman of the Board of Judges.

In the olden days, Kutoo is said to be typically performed by an old woman by way of harvesting a few stalks of palay while saying a prayer during the ritual. The pre-harvesting process involves showing respect and submission to the gods or anitos, specifically Tagamaling and Dagaw, the stewards of crops. This is intended so that the landowner/farmer will be blessed with a bountiful harvest. In the recent days, Kutoo is still practiced by some farmers but the offerings and prayers for the anitos and gods of the crops are no longer performed.

Today, the celebration of Kutoo Festival features a Street Dancing Competition participated by different schools in Cateel. Participating groups are dressed up wearing Mandaya attire and accessories mostly made of cloth known as dagmay dancing along the major streets to the beat of our Mandaya culture. Cateel is home to Mandaya and Mandaya culture and traditions are still practiced to this day - that includes Kutoo. The choreographed performances of the street-dancing and street showdown are patterned after the rituals of Kutoo. Adding to the

By OLAN EMBOSCADO

colors of the festival, palay takes centerstage as the main props.

Kutoo Festival showcases not only our customary harvest ritual but it displays Cateel’s artistic, cultural and historical heritage. Being a festival fanatic who’s been around the country covering different festivals, witnessing our own festival is heartwarming. It is heartwarming because it is my own heritage and it speaks our own culture - the culture and tradition of my peo-

ple. As I say it before and I say it again, Kutoo Festival is an eye opener for me to know that there is more to discover and more to be proud of of our town - something that the new generation can learn from.

Together with my fellow Cateeleños, I pray that this festival will flourish and this culture will be preserved. For it is a true heritage worthy to be proud of!

CONGRATULATIONS dearest CATEEL!

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VOL. 10 ISSUE 166 • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2017

Doot Poktoy’s Twin Towers.

Lanuza grommet JohnLloyd Casano after his heat during the first round.

THE SECOND LEG of Philippine Surfing Championship Tour officially opened on November 5, 2017 at the surfing gateway of the Philippines- Lanuza, Surigao del Sur. and was graced by the presence of government officials and sponsors who showed their full support to one of the longest running surfing competitions in the country.

For the past 15th years, the Lanuza Surfing Festival has become a forefront in promoting the municipality of Lanuza, Surigao Del Sur as one of the top surfing destinations in the Philippines. A record breaking 160 surfers from La Union, Zambales, Pampanga, Baler, Laguna, Catanduanes, Cabugao, Cebu, Siargao, and Davao registered for this event.

In addition to the Men’s Open Shortboard category, which was the lone division during the first leg held in Siargao, this PSCT-leg will also highlight the Grommets (16 year old and under), Men’s Open Longboard, and the Women’s Longboard and Shortboard categories.

Lanuza Municipal Mayor Salvacion Azarcon pointed out in her speech that the Lanuza Surfing Festival has gained national media recognition and she’s grateful for hosting the second leg of Philippine Surfing Championship Tour. Mayor Azarcon also said the she will continue to promote the province of Lanuza as one of the key surfing destinations in the Philippines.

Lanuza is a one-anda-half hour plane ride from Manila and a threehour bus ride from Surigao City. Lanuza’s iconic long right-hander waves at Doot Poktoy’s river mouth will be the arena for Filipino surf athletes

who are vying to take the top spot and earn points for the national surf rankings. With a whopping prize purse of PHP 570,000, this year’s Lanuza Surfing Festival is definitely the biggest in history.

GROMMETS AND WOMEN’S LONGBOARD DIVISIONS The first day of the Philippine Surfing Championship Tour (PSCT) Leg 2, the 15th Lanuza Surfing Festival, got off to an exciting waist to shoulder high waves at Doot Poktoy river mouth with the Grommets and Women’s Longboard Open divisions, kicking off the start of competition.

Crowd favorite 8-yearold Kaikai Alcala, the youngest competitor, was able to advance to the Quarter Finals, dominating his Round 1 heat against grom surfers twice his size. “I’m so happy and proud of Kaikai. We saw his improvement since the first leg,” said Kaikai’s mother Manette Alcala with confidence. “It was cold! I’m happy to be out there with my friends. We just enjoyed our surf session,” Kaikai said.

14-year-old Gabriel Lerog from Siargao Island posted the highest wave score during the first round of the Grommets division with a 9.90, showing his dominance

Breaking down the 15th lanuza surf fest Daisy Valdez from La Union.

against other groms. The spectators were ecstatic during the Groms Quarter-finals when four of the best young surf athletes battled out to advance to the Semi-finals.

Ivan Nogalo, nephew and trainee of Siargao surf legend Carlito Nogalo, put up an amazing performance against his fellow Siargaonon competitors.

“I’m happy because I made it to the Semi- Finals”, said Nogalo with a huge smile on his face.

Another promising Siargao grom Benjomar Canon heats up and showed everyone that he can compete in tough conditions with occasional wind and intermittent swell. Canon took the second spot during the second heat of the Quarterfinals, the best grom surf battle in the contest we’ve seen so far.

In the women’s Longboard division, La Union pride Daisy Valdez took the top spot as she claimed every set wave that came right through her path.

Valdez, who posted an 11.25 score during her Quarter-finals heat, exemplified her dominance and vast surfing experience in the Doot Poktoy surf arena.

Dahican local Connor Bautista takes a moment before paddling out for his heat.

A multi-awarded surf athlete and mother of two, Daisy has been competing in Lanuza for almost a decade. She’s the undisputed and reigning Women’s Longboard champion,

dominating every national surfing competition in this municipality.

Local wahine Debie Gumanoy immediately gained home-court advantage as she’s been surf-

ing Doot Poktoy since her grommet years, knowing t by heart, enabling her to catch quality waves at her home break.

Meanwhile, the stylish wahine longboarders of Siargao Island Maricel Pajares, Aping Agudo, and Ikit Agudo showcased their classic style and were able to slide and glide to the Semi-finals. “I was so nervous during my heat because this is my first time to compete in a professional level.” said Maricel.

Watch out for the story next week as we continue reliving the action of the 15th Lanuza Surfing Festival and the places you need to see while you’re here. Don’t forget to drop by www.millennialmermaid.com for more stories!

VOL. 10 ISSUE 166• TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2017

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VOL. 10 ISSUE 166 • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2017

I-Witness, One Mindanao hold DocuForum GMA Network’s top-notch and award-winning documentary program I-Witness and local newscast One Mindanao held a docuforum in Davao City last November 17.

November 16 – 17, 2017 Only

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As part of I-Witness’ 18th anniversary celebration, the GMA Public Affairs program, the event featured a special screening of two of its most moving stories this year— “Isla ng mga Pangarap” and “Sundalong Aso”.

Gracing the docuforum at the Cinema 2 of Gaisano Mall Davao are I-Witness hosts Sandra Aguinaldo and Atom Araullo.

Sandra shared the story behind her documentary“Isla ng mga Pangarap” and discussed how she writes and produces her documentaries for I-Witness. “Isla ng mga Pangarap” tells the story of Albert and Jovanne—two teachers who cross the sea to reach their students in Halian Island.

Meanwhile, Kara David’s “Sundalong Aso”

takes a look at the life of military working dogs (MWDs) of the Philippine Army K9 Battalion after they retire or are no longer capable to serve as MWDs. Atom, who is the newest addition to the roster of I-Witness hosts showed some snippets of his firstever documentary for I-Witness. Afterwards, Atom will talked about his experience in doing this documentary and how the process differs from other forms of media work.

Prior to the I-Witness film screening, a “Best of One Mindanao segments” were shown. Last August

28, GMA Network made history when its regional arm, GMA Regional TV, launched One Mindanao.

The local news program is anchored by seasoned TV journalist Tek Ocampo, reputable TV host and news presenter Sarah Hilomen-Velasco, and experienced news correspondent Real Sarroche.

The “Best of One Mindanao segments” included Tek’s “Diretsahan”, Sarah’s “D Best Ka Mom”, and Real’s “Usapang Real”. The One Mindanao anchors will also had a short talk after the screening.

“We hope our Kapusong Dabawenyo, spe-

cifically the students and members of the academe, will have a meaningful time as they watch the I-Witness documentaries and One Mindanao segments,” said GMA Regional TV Vice President and Head Oliver Victor Amoroso. “We are honored to be part of I-Witness’ 18th anniversary. This is an extraordinary feat for the country’s longest-running documentary program. At the same time, we are excited to share One Mindanao’s best segments. We look forward to having a fruitful discussion with the I-Witness hosts and One Mindanao anchors.”

SPECIFIC... FROM 3 activities; active involvement of Sangguniang Kabataan to help maintain drug-liberated status of the barangay; existence of drug awareness, preventive education and information, and other related programs and existence of compulsory and voluntary drug treatment and rehabilitation processing desk.

Duterte-Carpio said these parameters by the DDB are not speci�ic on her part because there are no required numbers set on each guideline.

“Ginapangayo nako na sa ilaha pero walay makatubag sa ako ana. So giingnan nako sila nga dili ko mo pirma og something og dili ko sigurado. Nganong mo hatag ko sa akong signature nga something not sure nga mo-certify ko as mayor nga drug-cleared na ang barangays nga wala man tay basehan (I asked it from them but no one can answer it. So, I told them that I will not sign if I am not sure.

Why should I af�ix my signature and certify as mayor, a baranagay as drug-cleared which I am not sure and with-

out any basis),” she said.

“I am afraid that if I will sign because I depend my declaration on the certi�ication of the station commander and barangay of�icial and then suddenly the police will operate in the area and someone will be arrested in their place,” Duterte-Carpio added.

She said she already sent this concern last June to the DILG because this agency is the one who urged her to declare a barangay as drugcleared. The declaration is also one of the requirements for the Seal of Good Governance.

“I wrote them, telling them not to give us the award because I do not want to certify a barangay as drug-cleared since I am not sure with the parameters and I will just depend my judgements on the certi�ication of the barangay of�icials and station commander of police station,” she said.

However, the DILG sent the City Government of Davao a Seal of Good Governance despite the absence of drugcleared barangay in the city.

foundation for the next generation.),» Segui said.

Rolly Santiava placed second through his artwork which implied that justice should be based not on status in society, but rather on the kind of offense. He received PHP 7,000 as cash prize.

Kathya Marea Palles bagged the third place through her artwork titled “Hustisya.” She received PHP 5,000 pesos.

The activity also featured the success story of a child in con�lict with the law through the showing of an advoca-

cy video. It showed how Jerry Adkin, a former CICL from Zamboanga del Norte, turned a new leaf through the intervention of the “Bahay Pag-Asa” program.

Adkin is now a teacher at the Pange Elementary School in Siayan District of Zamboanga del Norte.

“They (advocacy video) are proof that with proper intervention and rehabilitation programs and support of the commuynity, we are able to affect change in the lives of the children,” said JJWC executive director Atty.

Tricia Clare Oco.(PNA)

Contract for the three ships are worth PHP270 million which was sourced from the Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Act Trust Fund of 2000.

The contract includes

mission essential equipment which includes day/night electronic navigation systems, communication suites, safety-of-life-at-sea, propulsion system and seamanship and ship-handling gears. (PNA)

PNP Maritime Group.

“We’re just very glad that �inally we have veri�ied the intelligence report since this has been circulating in the intelligence community of the different law enforcement agencies that there is this problem here and we have been deploying our personnel and assets repeatedly but dili jud nato ma pinpoint, �inally they are apprehended,” he said.

Austria said members of the crew have asserted that they are doing local trans-

shipment from Zamboanga area particularly Sulu. However, the crew has no permits from the NFA as transporters or wholesalers.

“Tama ang atong intel that this is an illegal importation of rice wala man sila’y mga papeles. It is illegal because there are no rice �ields in Tawi-Tawi, Sulu, Basilan provinces,” he said.

Austria said the Marina is also present to verify if the vessel is allowed for international trade. He said when they checked their “booklet”

JUVENILE... FROM 3

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Efforts to reach out to rebs continue, says Mayor Sara

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

D

avao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio will continue to reach out to the New People’s Army (NPA) despite the pronouncement of her father, President Duterte, that he might declare NPA as terrorists.

The lady mayor said in a media brie�ing on Monday, the city government will continue to offer a localized peace negotiation with the rebels since there is no of�icial statement by the President declaring the communist rebels terrorists.

The mayor said she has constituted the Local Peace Committee (DC-PEACE) whose members are authorized to talk with the NPA, saying that these people

it was marked from Malaysia.

“Presumably, gikan sila sa Malaysia according to the intelligence. All countries neighboring the Philippines that grow rice are potential sources of smuggled rice not just Malaysia. Ang Bureau of Customs and other agencies dugay na nay intelligence on alleged rice smuggling in the areas particularly in the borders of Compostela Province and Davao Oriental,” he said.

The vessel was intercepted by the navy night on November 18. Austria said he issued a mission order on Nov. 7 directing customs intelligence personnel and the personnel of the sub-port of Mati to monitor their area between the borders and to conduct surveillance and investigation on the reported rice shipment of a boat/ vessel that is scheduled to arrive at the general vicinity of the coast areas alongside the border of Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental provinces including the municipality of Banay-banay.

“When I assumed in April this year I was briefed by the Customs Police and Customs Intelligence about the matter, initially during that time I issued mission order to the deploy our personnel to verify the said Intel,” he said.

He said upon coordination with other law enforcement agencies and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) they were receiving same Intel about rice smuggling.

“Kabalo man ta nga atong coatlines taas kayo kami sa Customs ang bantay namo is pantalan pagkabalo mi nga nay incoming atangan na namo. Ang nahitabo anis a mga niaging bulan suguro

(DC-PEACE members) are not known to be siding with any group –government or rebels.

Duterte-Carpio said that the committee has made its initial recommendations the recommendations during their last meeting on November 17.

She said the committee has recommended for a cease�ire between government troops and the rebel forces during the Christmas

makabalo sila nga naa mi sa particular area dili madayon an gpag abot sa lantsa,” he said.

Last Saturday (November 18), informant of BOC announced there is an incoming and BOC personnel were deployed again at 9 pm.

“Initially the word was the vessel was apprehended by the navy intercepted the vessel off the coast of Samal as early as 10 a.m of Saturday the vessel was spotted at the coasts of Davao Occidental and Sarangani Province,” he said.

Some 12 crew, including the captain of a motorboat carrying 5,000 sacks of rice, were apprehended by the Naval Forces of Eastern Mindanao (NFEM) in a joint Counter-Action operation conducted off Arena Point, Davao Oriental on Saturday night.

Ensign Aileens Jansor, spokesperson of the Philippine Navy in Eastern Mindanao, said NFEM personnel led

by Captain Hadun Hamil apprehended the 12 boat crew aboard M/L Sunlight motorboat off the waters of Davao Oriental after they failed to present documents for their goods.

The Naval forces also con�iscated the 5,000 sacks of rice.

The arrested crew are now in the custody of NFEM since Monday morning for further investigation.

Janson said the crew could not present authentic NFA (National Food Authority) shipping permits/transport documents.

The vessel was also apprehended after the Naval forces noted some violations.

“The BUCOS, PNP (Phil-

season.

The mayor said the DCPEACE has requested her to talk with the high of�icials of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) about the matter. She said the PNP and AFP are not represented in the DCPEACE. “I told them, I’ll think about it,”she said, adding that a cease�ire is very possible during Christmas because it is a season of peace and of giving and forgiving.”

Mayor Carpio said there will be no problem for her to ask AFP and PNP to declare a suspension of military operations (SOMO) as long ippine National Police) Maritime and NFA were already informed,” she said.

Jansor said the boat was traveling from Zamboanga City to Compostela Valley.

“Initially they are supposed to bring the rice to a certain family in Maco, Comval,” she added.

PDIS... FROM 4

there will be sincerity on the part of the rebels to talk with the government.

“Makita lang namo nga naa gyud sila’y effort makig-istorya about sa kalinaw sa atoang siyudad (As long as we see that they are willing to talk peace for our city),” she said.

The mayor also said the peace committee will go the area of NPA in the city, which she did not divulge, between December 7 and 9, to talk with the rebels.

However, she said that only the members will go there because the dialogue might be disrupted if she will go with the committee.

She did not elaborate.

A joint operation was conducted by the Naval Task Group 71 along with BRP Magat Salamat (Patrol Ship/ PS20) and BRP Heracleo Allano (Patrol Craft 376) of Joint Task Force Haribon and two teams of Naval Special Operations Unit 7. (Rhoda Grace Saron/PNA)

by using electronic medical records for health facilities and by investing in surveys and administrative data which could be used as the basis for improving delivery of services.

He said the government has already started its digitization efforts by establishing the national e-health steering

committee that oversees the implementations and strategies on e-health initiatives.

The plans for having the Philippine Health Information Exchange, which aims to integrate health records and other related data for continuity, accuracy, and ef�iciency, are also ongoing, he added. (PNA)

put pressure on the defense to kind of honor your scoring threat and open up the �loor for everyone else.’’

Allen Crabbe scored 25 points, and Spencer Dinwiddie had 21 points and eight assists for the Nets. ‘’I thought we were taken by the moment a little bit,’’ Nets coach Kenny

Atkinson said. ‘’You know, these guys play a lot of big games, but I felt like were frozen for some reason.’’

It was 64-42 at halftime and the Warriors extended the lead to 28 in the third, though the Nets cut that in half by period’s end, scoring 42 points to trim it to 98-84.

nal won’t be an easy opponent.

Bannered by a pair of strong middle blockers in Beth Carey of Australia and Alexis Matthews of United States with Japanese libero Mami Miyashita at the backline, the HD Spikers have the height, talent and power to contend.

Unfortunately, they suffered a pair of setbacks to Petron and Cocolife before recovering with a straight-

set conquest of Iriga City last week to tally a 2-3 win-loss card as the tourney enters the crucial stretch of the eliminations.

In that game against the Lady Oragons, star spiker Rachel Anne Daquis sat out, but Jovelyn Gonzaga, Paneng Mercado and Royse Tubino stepped up to help Carey and Matthews in asserting their dominance.

CURRY... FROM 15

F2... FROM 15

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12 COMPETITIVE EDGE

VOL. 10 ISSUE 166• TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2017

Monsanto joins Davao City DepEd library hub in celebrating National Reading Month

N

ovember is reading month and Monsanto Philippines participates in the efforts of the Department of Education Library Hub in Davao City to encourage young students to spend time reading books that interest them.

The DepEd Library Hub has been using Monsanto’s children’s book titled “Lina’s Town Rises Again” as material for its story-telling sessions along with other books which teach values to elementary school children.

Chat Ocampo, Monsanto’s Corporate Affairs Head and author of the aforementioned Monsanto’s children’s book said that by using the book as material, “not only are we providing ways for children to get interested in agriculture but we are also teaching values such as perseverance, hard work, making sacri�ices for the family and faith in God.” “Lina’s Town Rises Again” is based on the true story of a successful lady farmer, Aling Conching Reyes, who managed to rise above the devastation of her community caused by Typhoon Pablo.

Aling Conching planted Bt corn and worked very hard. Soon after, her hard work and perseverance paid off so that she eventually recovered all her losses and started enjoying a much better life. She was able to also help her neighbors improve their lives.

Meanwhile, Rose Antipuesto, Division Librarian II, said that students react positively whenever she reads to them the story of Aling Conching. “The story inspires them. There are not so many children’s

books on agriculture so this book is de�initely a great take off point to discuss agriculture, how it is to grow crops and how farmers help feed our world. We also get to discuss many other related matters after the said story is read to them,” Antipuesto added.

Antipuesto also underscored that encouraging students to read was made easier by the fact that they were able to distribute copies of the books whenever the story is read so that everyone could read together. “They really read-along as I read the story to them and that gets them excited to get hold of and read other books,” Antipuesto said.

Apart from the story-telling sessions, the Davao DepEd Library Hub will also hold a poster-making contest at the end of November. They are also doing an inventory of all the books donated to them through the years so they can send some copies to the libraries of public elementary schools.

About Monsanto Philippines Monsanto Philippines is a local unit of Monsanto, a Fortune 500 global power company with a diverse portfolio of advanced biotechnology products produced in 404 facilities in 66 countries. To date, Monsanto Philippines has four facilities spread out

Monsanto Philippines Corporate Affairs Head Chat Ocampo turns over more copies of Monsanto’s children’s book for the Davao City DepEd Library Hub’s Readalong activities

across the country, which includes its head of�ice in Alabang, a Refuge-in-a-Bag (RIB) Plant and cold warehouse located in Bulacan, and an R&D station in Mindanao. The company also has partnerships with the Philippine government through the Department of Agriculture as well as the local scienti�ic and ac-

ademic communities in the promotion of modern agricultural biotechnology.

To learn more, please visit www.monsanto.ph.

About Monsanto Monsanto is committed to bringing a broad range of solutions to help nourish our growing world. We produce seeds for fruits, vegetables and

date the collection list and invalid entries of employees and presence of employers with unbalanced transactions.

“There are cases that the loan dates indicated by employers in the date granted portion of our SSS forms do not match the SSS records of an individual, thus unposted and unmatched payments occurred,” he added.

SSS said it has done initiatives to address the issue such as regular reconciliation and clean-up of unpostables to resolve the errors. He said that posting of loan payments will soon be based on the

Cash Collection System instead of the current manual encoding.

Social Security Commission (SSC) Chairman Amado D. Valdez, likewise, said that the real-time posting of contributions and loan payments of members will be implemented by �irst quarter of 2018 to lessen or fully wipe out the unposted collections.

“The Commission’s priority is to enhance the contribution collection process to improve the turn-around time for processing bene�its and to eventually allow pre-approved salary loans for quali�ied members,” Valdez added.

key crops – such as corn, soybeans, sorghum, canola, and cotton – that help farmers have better harvests while using water and other important resources more ef�iciently.

We work to �ind sustainable solutions for soil health, help farmers use data to improve farming practices and conserve

natural resources, and provide crop protection products to minimize damage from pests and disease. Through programs and partnerships, we collaborate with farmers, researchers, nonpro�it organizations, universities and others to help tackle some of the world’s biggest challenges.

SSS undistributed collections drop to P817M Peso, share prices

S

tate-run Social Security System (SSS) on Friday said its undistributed collections stood at P817 million as of the end of the �irst quarter period of 2017, a 28.-2-percent drop from the P1.135 billion recorded at the end of 2016 period.

SSS President and Chief Executive Of�icer Emmanuel F. Dooc also clari�ied that the undistributed collections were member loan payments and not contribution payment of members.

“There has been a substantial reduction of undistributed or unposted member loan payments from the

recorded P1.8 billion in 2015 and P1.135 billion in 2016 to P817 million as of the end of March 2017,” Dooc said.

Earlier the Commission on Audit called the attention of SSS in its 2016 Annual Financial Reports on Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations (GOCCs) for the P1.135 worth of undistributed collections under its “other current liability-member loans (OCL-ML) Dooc explained that there are various reasons of the failure to post the member loan collections in member’s ledger such as the failure of employers to submit or up-

start week with gains

B

oth the Philippine peso and the Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) displayed a stiff stance on Monday.

The local currency �inished the week’s �irst trading day up by 16 centavos to 50.79 against the US dollar from 50.95 close Friday last week.

This improvement did not show when the currency trading opened for the day since the local unit started the trade at 50.88

from 50.80 in the previous session.

The peso ranged between its closing level and 51.03, resulting in an average of 50.94.

Volume for the day amounted to USD577.10 million, lower than the USD719.6 million in the previous auction.

PSEi gained 0.13 percent, or 10.90 points, to 8,321.98 points.

It was, however, a mix among the other indices,

VOL. 10 ISSUE 166• TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2017

DUTERTE... FROM 5 Filipino people.

“Anyway, sila man din ‘yung prime movers talaga ng ating gobyerno and it would be good if they would accommodate us, bagsakan libre.

And they will buy your products diretso. Wala na ‘yung diser,” he said.

In his speech, the President also reiterated his promise to eradicate corruption in his administration, reiterating his warning against government of�icials who went on unof�icial trips and unauthorized or unimportant meetings using public funds.

“All those guys who have

been using money of the government, just easily going in and out of travel upon the invitation of maski sinong mga seminar-seminar and they are easy really just to, some of them without getting a permit and wasting the money of the people, I have to ask them to resign,” Duterte said.

“If at all, kung gusto ko man, kokonti lang and those important meeting. But like just ‘yung basta na lang na there’s a seminar about whatever --- about farming, about corruption, about business, eh hindi natin pera ‘yan eh,” he added. (PND)

casts a 19 percent bank lending growth for the Philippines this year and 17.4 percent next year.

He explained that there is no ideal loan growth rate for any country at any time but said that if domestic loans continue to rise faster than projections then risks of overheating may occur.

“Right now, what we’re saying is baseline credit growth will moderate.

There’ll be no overheating. If credit growth, as forecasts, keep going up then we have to look at whether there’s a possibility of (overheating),”

he said.

Yang added that IMF economist discounts overheating in the Philippine economy thus, the lower growth projection for next year.

“We expect that the growth would start to converge to potential level. And with very strong growth over the last couple of years, there should be normalization because... on the technical part, on the bottom line is we don’t see the credit growth would continue on the uptrend. It will be normalizing,” he added. (PNA)

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use of the banned chemical mercury, widely used by small-scale miners in the Philippines that produce about 70 percent of the country’s annual gold production.

Xin Ye expects to commercially operate with the GP-860 process upon the completion of its plant in Valenzuela next month.

But as early as now, the �irm is discussing the outlook for a second facility, with its construction expected in full-swing next year. “(We’ll) also put one in Baguio, with a small scale mining company. It’s a big cooperative,” Liao said, noting that the plant may cost “a little higher” with the addition of a machine that will not be installed in its Valenzuela facility.

He divulged that a large-scale gold company has contacted Xin Ye requesting more details on the GP-860 process but the executive declined to name the �irm with talks still at an early stage.

Aside from gold stripping, the company has made new progress in nickel leaching.

“The company developed environmentally-friendly nickel-leaching

technology that takes only two hours to extract nickel from laterite ores and the nickel recovery rate exceeds 80 percent,” Liao said, comparing the technology with the current process which takes about eight hours and results in a 40 percent recovery rate.

After a series of experiments, a large number of rare earth elements and radioactive elements were detected in the reacted laterite ores, according to Liao, all of which are important raw materials used in the high-tech, defense and energy industries.

At present, the Philippines has only two operational processing plants, namely the Coral Bay and Taganito processing plants for nickel, in which Nickel Asia Corp., the country’s largest nickel supplier, has a 10 percent equity in each.

Liao said the �irm is looking to collaborate with the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), which has tested the �irm’s technology, and key universities through production, learning and research cooperation in order to pave the way for Philippine mining to become one of the global leaders in the industry.

(PNA)

NEWS 13 POLICE... FROM 7 a village councilor here, died during hot pursuit operations.

Anok was an alleged member of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) where Derby was believed one of their leaders operating in North Cotabato and Maguindanao.

Derby, who had a P1-million bounty on his head, was killed late September this year by a still unidenti�ied gunman somewhere in Paga-

lungan, Maguindanao.

Anok was arrested in his hideout at Barangay Batulawan in Pikit past 2 p.m. last Saturday.

The arresting of�icers, led by the Pikit municipal station head, Chief Insp. Bryan Placer, went to the village after they received tips of Anok’s presence from residents.

Anok, according to Placer, did not resist arrest. (Malu Cadelina Manar / MindaNews)

with the broader All Shares ending on the red after it declined by 0.04 percent, or 2.07 points, to 4,871.75 points.

The sectors that also dropped during the day include the Services, 0.81 percent; Industrial, 0.52 percent; and Property, 0.03 percent.

On the other hand, Financials, Holding Firms, and Min-

ing and Oil rose 0.74 percent, 0.18 percent, and 0.01 percent, respectively.

Volume during the day reached 3.65 billion shares amounting to PHP5.6 billion.

Losers led gainers at 122 to 80 while 42 shares were unchanged. (PNA)

super�lyweight division.

“We were very afraid,” Ancajas’ trainer and manager Joven Jimenez was quoted by Rappler about the point deduction. “I gave the instruction: no more body punches.”

MP Promotions matchmaker Sean Gibbons

hinted before the �ight that Ancajas will be heading to the United States for his next �ight. Jimenez says he expects Ancajas’ next �ight to be in February, and is hoping for a uni�ication bout with WBO champion Naoya Inoue.

PESO... FROM 12

STILL... FROM 15

EDGEDAVAO

14 GAME CHANGER

VOL. 10 ISSUE 166• TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2017

Sarihay Awards: Raising biodiversity conservation Edge Davao series by Tacio wins

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

T

he two-part series on “Saving Davao’s endangered species” was declared as one of the only two reports recognized during the Third Sarihay Media Awards given by the Foundation of Philippine Environment (FPE) at Talisay City in Negros Occidental.

The series, which tackled the issue of vanishing Philippine Eagle and waling-waling (both Philippine icons as bird and �lower, respectively), came out on April 7 and April 8-9 issues of EDGE Davao.

As the author of the series, I had to �ly all the way from Davao to Talisay via Cebu. I personally received the award from the organizers. Aside from the beautifully-crafted trophy, the recognition also included a cash prize.

In the past, several jour-

nalists from print, television and radio were recognized for their efforts in raising awareness on the country’s status of environment. But this year, only two were given the coveted award as most entries “were not able to cut off the score.”

The award given to me was Best Print Special Report. The other winner was Reporter’s Notebook of GMA 7. The highly sensitive yet powerful report on mining, entitled “Bayan ng Mina,” was adjudged Best TV Special Re-

The two recipients

Receiving the Sarihay Award port.

Ian Carlos Simbulan, who graduated from the New Era University in Quezon City, received the trophy during the awarding ceremony. In the Facebook account, I wrote this bit of information about him: “A self-effacing person, he gave credits to his team for coming up with award-winning reports. Brilliant, inquisitive and down-to-earth, he has already received more

than two dozen of awards, including those that were given in New York and Japan.

To think, this journalist who could also be an actor never dreamed of becoming a broadcast journalist.”

The Sarihay Award is my fourth this year. Last April, the Philippine Agricultural Journalists, Inc and San Miguel Corporation had bestowed me two awards: as third recipients of Environ-

Sarihay Award mental Journalist of the Year and Agricultural Journalist of the Year.

During the 50th Anniversary of Davao del Sur, the award-giving body also named me as one its special awardees in �ield of journalism.

The Sarihay Award is my very �irst. I considered as one of the most prestigious as it is given by a “dynamic, relevant, and growing organization leading actions in biodiversity conservation and sustainable development toward healthy ecosystems and resilient communities.”

In its website, the FPE said it is committed “to build constituencies and capacities for the environment, promote responsive policies and actions for biodiversity conservation and sustainable.”

FPE came into existence 25 years ago. This year’s theme was: “Celebrating Connectedness Through Conservation.”

Aside from the Sarihay Media Awards (the word Sarihay came from “sari-saring buhay”), partners, grantees, fund managers and environment protectors were also recognized.

In Mindanao, the recipients for partners/grantees were Mahintana Foundation,

Inc., Tapian Development Alliance, Inc., and Bukidnon Higaonon Tribal Association.

The Naawan Foundation for Science Technology and Development of Mindanao State University was named as research partner from the academe. The environmental champions were Cantilan CSO Network: CarCanMadCarLan Baywatch Foundation, Inc., Hotchkiss Foundation, TUPEDO Irrigators Association, and BALAOD Mindanaw, Inc. In the Visayas, the project partners/grantees winners were Ecological and Agricultural Development Foundation, Inc., and Philippine Reef and Rainforest Foundation, Inc. From the academe, the Siliman University-Institute of Environmental and Marince Sciences was recognized. The environmental protector was Balinsasayaw Twin-Lakes Farmers Association.

Aside from the Siliman University, other special awardees were Leo G. Mamicpic and the provincial government of Negros Occidental.

From Luzon, the recipients were Tanggol Kalikasan, Inc., Buklod Unlad ng Dalitang Umaasa sa Kalikasan, Inc., Kalahan Educational Foundation, Inc., Miriam College, and Prudencio R. Obispo.

Ian Carlos Simbulan

Some awardees

SPORTS 15

STILL CHAMP VOL. 10 ISSUE 166• TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2017

EDGEDAVAO

Ancajas retains world title with 6th round KO DOWN AND OUT. Jamie Conlan (R) of Northern Ireland punches the canvas in frustration after he was knocked down repeatedly by Jerwin Ancajas of the Philippines during their IBF world title fight Saturday night in Belfast.

Photo by Sumio Yamada.

D

abawenyo IBF super �lyweight champion Jerwin Ancajas (28-1-1, 19 KOs) successfully defended his title with a sixth round stoppage of Jamie Conlan (19-1, 11 KOs), who was dropped four times before he suffered his �irst career loss.

Just two minutes into the �irst round, the Panabo City titleholder �loored

STILL CHAMP. Dabawenyo IBF world champion Jerwin Ancajas tags challenger Jamie Conlan in the body. Sumio Yamada

Conlan, as he seemed to be suffering a leg injury, he got up and continued �ighting. In the second round, Conlan suffered a severe cut around his left eye from the collision of heads.

In the third round, Ancajas threw strong head and body punches on the Irishman, as Conlan went down again in pain. He was able to make it to his

feet. He was battered some more to the body and managed to survive the round.

Near the end of the fourth round, Conlan was �loored for a third time with punches unleashed

by Ancajas to the body. In the �ifth, Ancajas was deducted a point for an alleged low blow that sent Conlan down to his knees.

Near the end of the round, Conlan again almost went

down from another hard shot.

In the sixth, Conlan was dropped for a fourth time from a right hand to the side of the head. And this time referee Steve Gray stopped the contest to prevent further punishment of the “Irish Gatti” before thousands of home fans.

Both Ancajas and Conlan weighed in at 115 pounds for the �ight.

Ancajas has never been down, Conlan went down at least �ive times, but one was ruled out due to a low blow. Both �ighters have been 12 rounds just once before the match.

The only loss in Ancajas’ eight-year pro career was handed by an unknown Mark Anthony Geraldo of Bukidnon in March 2012. Ancajas would likely easily defeat him if they

face each other now.

During the time Ancajas fought Geraldo, he was only 20-years-old and still very far from the quality of a �ighter he is at present. Ancajas is the second best �ighter in their division right now behind only WBO champion Naoya Inoue. Ancajas might target Srisaket Sor Rungvisai or Khalid Yafai to unify the

Durant’s absence, scoring 13 points while playing all 12 minutes in the �irst quarter. ‘’For sure,’’ Curry said. ‘’It’s 25, 26 points that are missing and you’ve got to try to

Team Standings:

when it collides with lowly Victoria Sports-UST in the 4:15 pm curtain-raiser of this explosive double-header that also has Gold’s Gym and Ger�lor as technical sponsors and ESPN5 as broadcast partner.

After racing to a 5-0 start, the Cargo Movers are de�initely the league’s hottest team.

They kicked off their campaign with an earth-shaking victory over giant Petron in four sets before crushing Sta. Lucia, Cocolife, Generika-Ayala and Victoria Sports-UST in straight sets, sparking speculations that the Cargo Movers are capable of sweeping the elimination round.

But still, head coach Ramil de Jesus opts to remain grounded.

“It’s still a long way to go,” said the 10-time champion coach in the UAAP, adding that their upcoming battles against Cignal and reigning champion Foton will be a major test to their character.

“While sweeping the eliminations is our main goal, we know that we still have a lot of things to work on and improve. This is a tough league.

You really have to work hard if you want to win.”

De Jesus stressed that Cig-

Curry on fire as Warriors trip Nets

N

EW YORK (AP) -Stephen Curry knew he needed to start aggressively to make up for the absence of Kevin Durant.

Then the Warriors had to �inish the job without Curry after foul trouble ended his best game of the season.

Curry had season highs with 39 points and 11 rebounds, and Golden State held on after he fouled out to beat the Brooklyn Nets 118111 on Sunday night.

Curry also had seven assists but committed seven turnovers and his last two fouls came on charging calls. ‘’Obviously, he was brilliant I mean in terms of his scoring and shot-making but I thought in the second half he got a little wild,’’ Warriors coach Steve Kerr said. ‘’He kind of had his way out there for a while and he got so excited that he probably went over the top and started making some mistakes.’’

A night after erasing a 22-point halftime de�icit in Philadelphia, the Warriors built a 22-point cushion after two quarters behind 22 points from Curry. Playing without Durant, they led by 28 in the third quarter but Brooklyn cut it all the way

to four after Curry picked up his sixth foul with three minutes remaining.

Klay Thompson then scored seven of his 23 points in the �inal t w o minutes. ‘ ’ Yo u like to see those guys out there,’’ D raym o n d Green said of Durant and Curry. ‘’But obviously we have other guys that can step up.’’

Durant was out with a sprained left ankle, giving him extra rest before Golden State wraps up its fourgame trip at Oklahoma City on Wednesday night in his former home arena. Omri Casspi started in his place and had 12 points and eight rebounds.

The Warriors trailed 74-52 at halftime in Philadelphia on Saturday before scoring 47 points in the third quarter and winning 124-116.

Curry appeared determined to get Golden State going quickly in

CURRY, P11

ON FIRE. Steph Curry fired 39 points for the Warriors.

STILL, P13

F2 stakes clean slate

F2 Logistics 5-0 Petron 5-1 Foton 5-1 Cocolife 3-3 Cignal 2-3 Generika-Ayala 2-4 Sta. Lucia Realty 1-4 Iriga City 1-4 Victoria Sports-UST 0-4

Games Today: (Filoil Flying V Centre) 4:15 pm – Generika-Ayala vs Victoria SportsUST 7:00 pm – Cignal vs F2 Logistics Leader F2 Logistics stakes its immaculate card when it battles another heavy contender in Cignal in the Chooks to Go-Philippine Superliga (PSL) Grand Prix today (Tuesday) at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

Tiff starts at 7 pm with the Cargo Movers looking to stretch its �ive-game winning run to remain on top of this prestigious club tourney sponsored by Mikasa, Grand Sport, Senoh, Mueller, Island Rose, Cloudfone and UCPB Gen. Meanwhile, Generika-Ayala seeks to improve its standing

F2, P11

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. 10 ISSUE 166• TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2017

ON POINT Davao Aguilas turn back Kaya FC Makati

A

way team Davao Aguilas FC stayed focused and on point on Saturday evening’s match against Kaya FC Makati, held in Makati City, as they scored a 3-1 win in the Philippines Football League.

Angel Guirado was the �irst one who went for the goal on the 26th minute, with a very good assist from Enzo Cheng. An equalizer however took place on the 58th minute from Kaya FC Makati’s Alfred Osei. But Davao Aguilas went all out again and gained two more goals, courtesy of Australian Harrison Sawyer on the 65th minute, and Angel Guirado once more on the 74th minute.

Head Coach Marlon Maro says, “Happy and satis�ied and I think it is because the

players really wanted to win tonight. The delivery and the process made us score a lot of goals tonight, and also the players responded well to each other.”

Angel Guirado, who was named Man of the Match says, “For me the team is more important because, the team worked good tonight.

I’m happy because I scored, but more importantly, the team has 3 points more and I’m also looking forward to our next season. This boosts the con�idence of the team.”

Davao Aguilas FC’s next matches will be on November 21 against JPV Marikina at 7 p.m., and on November 25 at 4 p.m., to be held at Rizal Memorial Stadium (RMS), against JPV Marikina as well.

BRACE. Davao Aguilas FC’s Angel Guirado got two goals for the team and was named Man of The Match.