Edge10 issue171 November 28, 2017

VOL. 10 ISSUE 171 164 • TUESDAY, FRIDAY-SATURDAY, NOVEMBER NOVEMBER 28, 2017 17-18, 2017

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Serving a seamless society

NEW LOOK. Five-year old Jacob Deang, a beneficiary of international children’s charity Smile Train, looks at his photo before his cleft lip corrective surgery during this year’s kick off of Seda Abreeza Hotel’s Holiday

season. Seda Abreeza Hotel pledged its support to Smile Train’s advocacy of providing smiles to children suffering with untreated clefts during the said event. Lean Daval Jr.

BIRTH PAINS Survey says construction worsens traffic People’s opinion %

By JUDIE VEGA

A

spate of ongoing road & building construction work in Davao City is believed by Dabawenyos to be the chief culprit that worsened traffic, a survey conducted by the University of Mindanaobased Institute of Popular Opinion revealed on Monday.

But the same survey said that public behavior towards the cause of traf�ic showed that majority thought “it was normal for a booming city.”

“In effect, Dabawenyos

are saying the situation is similar to birth pains,” Prof.

Adrian Tamayo, head of the IPO told the Kapehan sa Dabaw.

The IPO survey was con-

ducted among 1,200 randomly selected Dabawenyos during the period October 11-27, using a 5% margin of error and 95% con�idence level to determine people’s opinion on the traf�ic situation.

The survey showed that 81% of the respondents considered construction work, both road and building construction, as having worsened traf�ic.

Tamayo said the public was split 50-50 on whether or not public convenience was considered related to the constructions, with half saying the infra work was for their use and that they could bear with the inconvenience.

The survey found out that eight in 10 Dabawenyos consider the construction sprouting around the City to

BIRTH, P10

81 58

Construction worsens traffic

50

Contractors consider the convenience of the public

Contractors consider the security of the public

55

Yes, there is coordination between City and the contractors

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VOL. 10 ISSUE 171• TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2017

ON THE SURFACE. Young residents flash a smile despite the traumatic incident that they experienced brought by a huge fire that gutted their community in Km. 11 Sasa, Davao City. Lean Daval Jr.

Holcim system tapped to burn seized cigarettes

By JUDIE VEGA

A

technology used exclusively by Holcim Philippines for cement co-processing was tapped by the Department of Finance to destroy a total of P142 million worth of Mighty Corporation cigarettes on Sunday.

The incineration method ensured the total thermal destruction of waste materials and reduced toxic gas emissions and land and groundwater pollution.

The cigarettes, consisting of 9,496 mastercases or 4,748,000 packs of cigarettes, were �irst ran over by a roller and then was fed into Holcim’s incineration plant in Barangay Tibungco.

The cigarettes were seized from a warehouse in General Santos City earlier this year in Mindanao for having counterfeit tax stamps and due to excise tax liability.

In an emailed statement, the Department of Finance said that 9,496 mastercases or 4,748,000 packs of cigarettes of Mighty Menthol 100s, Marvels Menthol, Marvels

FK and King Full Flavor brands—all manufactured

by Mighty Corp.

The Department of Finance said that the 4.7 million packs of cigarettes were seized during a joint operation by of�icials of the Bureau of Internal Revenue and Bureau of Customs in Mindanao on March 6 for having counterfeit tax stamps.

DOF added that the destruction of all the 4,748,000 million packs will take place in batches because of their enormous quantity, further underscoring the scale of tax fraud attempted by the erring �irm. About eight tons of cigarettes per day will be destroyed.

“The decision to destroy these con�iscated cigarettes came easily. We imposed sin taxes on these products in part to protect the health of our people.

It would be wrong to release these products to the market,” said Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III in his remarks read for him at the event by Assistant Secretary Kelvin Lee

HOLCIM, P10

PDEA burns P23M worth of drugs in Holcim plant

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

A

total of P23.6 million worth of illegal drugs and expired medicines from Regions 11 and 12 were burned by incineration at the Holcim Philippine Inc. Davao Plant at Barangay Ilang in Davao City, Monday afternoon.

PDEA 11 regional director Antonio Rivera said the burning is part of the mandate spelled out in the implemen-

tation of Republic Act 9165 “The Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.”

“This is to stop the notion

of the people that the seized illegal drugs are being recycled and sold all over again in the streets, “ he said.

Rivera said these commodities came from the evidences presented in the Regional Trial Courts which were already decided.

He said the burning also included expired medicines which were surrendered to their of�ice from the pharma-

ceutical companies.

Of the total amount, Region 11 has a total amount P22. 9 million worth of illegal drugs burned in the facility of Holcim Philippines Inc. This came from 1,765.80 grams of Methamphetamine Hydrochloride known as ‘Shabu’ worth P21.1 million.

Marijuana with 18, 468. 70 grams worth P738,748, four

PDEA, P10

Davao City LGU extends help to fire victims

T

he City Social Services and Development Of�ice (CSSDO) will be releasing more than P5 million in cash assistance to victims of Friday’s �ire in Barangay Sasa.

At least 708 families were displaced by the �ire that started past 10 am.

“We hope to release (the cash assistance) sooner after proper validations are made by the social workers in the area,” CSSDO Chief Maria Luisa Bermudo said.

Bermudo, however, clari�ied that even before any cash assistance could be provided, the CSSDO already distributed non-food assistance like dignity kits, mats and blankets to the affected families.

Hot meals were also served them, which were prepared by two mobile kitchens the city government has dispatched.

The Kusina ng Bayan for the �ire victims would continue until Sunday night. CIO

NEWS

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Japan warship in two-day visit

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emonstrating the growing military relations with the Philippines, a Japanese anti-submarine destroyer, the JS Onami arrived at Pier 15, South Harbor, Manila Sunday.

In a statement Monday, Capt. Lued Lincuna, Philippine Navy (PN) spokesperson, said the arrival of the 4,650-ton JS Onami marks the third time Japan Maritime Self Defense Force ves-

sels visited the country for this year alone.

“The visit aims to strengthen the strong relationship between the PN and JMSDF. It will further enhance and sustain the promotion of peace, stability, and maritime cooperation within the region,” he added.

Lincuna was referring to the visit of the Japanese helicopter carrier, the JS Izumo (DDH-183) and the guided

peratives of the Philippine National Police Anti-Kidnapping Group rescued a South Korean national abducted last Friday inside his residence in Balibago, Angeles City, Pampanga.

PNP-AKG acting director Senior Supt. Glenn Dumlao identi�ied the South Korean as Lee Jung Dae, who was forcibly taken by three other Koreans identi�ied as Cha Jae Young, Cha Dae Sun and Kim Min Kwan and Filipino Raymond Flores.

Lee was rescued by policemen at the parking lot of the Bureau of Immigration in Intramuros, Manila while being guarded by two of the alleged kidnappers, who, on arrest were caught in �lagrante.

Another suspect identied as Kim Min Kwan was arrested by police operatives in a follow-up operation near his

condominium unit in Robinson’s Tower I in Ermita, Manila.

Based on the initial investigation of the PNP-AKG, the suspects had conspired together to spot a target and conducted surveillance on the victim, who reportedly owns a restaurant in Angeles City, Pampanga.

The kidnappers demanded P1.2 million as initial ransom and the negotiation was conducted while the victim was inside an unidenti�ied vehicle.

It was Lee’s girlfriend who delivered the ransom money at Marquee Mall in Angeles City.

However, despite payment of the ransom, the victim was not released and was instead transferred to Intramuros, Manila, as kidnappers asked for another PhP1.2 million payment. (PNA)

South Korean freed from his abductors O

WITH CERTAINTY. Presidential spokesperson Atty. Harry Roque, discussed the substantial growth of the economy for the year 2017

during the press briefing at Panacan, Davao City on Monday. Angie Saveron

PH to achieve 6.5% growth by year-end

By ANGIE SAVERON

P

residential spokesperson Harry Roque expressed confidence on Monday that the Philippine government is on track in achieving the 6.5-7% seven percent growth rate as forecast by experts.

The multi-investor services sector predicted that the economy of the Philippines

will grow by 6.5 percent this year as targeted by the government by year-end.

“We are on track given that we are still in November,” Roque told a press conference in Panacan.

“We achieved a 4.64 percent growth in the agricultural sector from January to September 2017 and 2.3 percent growth in the third quarter of 2017 with a gross value pro-

opinion on the worsening traffic situation in the city. Tamayo discussed the results during the Kapehan sa Dabaw at the Annex of SM City Davao on Monday. Lean Daval Jr.

PH, P10

Duterte to launch pro-poor program in Davao; KP to mobilize nationwide

P

TRAFFIC PERCEPTION. University of Mindanao Institute of Popular Opinion (UM-IPO) executive director Dr. Adrian Tamayo (right) provides the details of its latest survey’s results on Dabawenyos’

duction amounting to P 382.5 billion according to the Philippine Statistics Authority,” he added.

This was attributed to the production gains in the crops, livestock and poultry sub sectors.

“Likewise the Depart-

resident Rodrigo Roa Duterte will launch “Biyaya ng Pagbabago,” an innovative and inclusive pro-poor program, before an expected 100,000 supporters at the Freedom Park in Davao City this December 9, 2017.

The Kilusang Pagbabago, a pro-Duterte mass movement, is mobilizing nationwide to drum up support for a complementary poverty alleviation program that stresses grassroots empowerment and participatory governance, and engaging government to towards accessing and claimtaking of government services especially to the impoverish sectors and communities.

The target turnout of 100,000 shall include members of af�iliate and allied pro-Duterte groups, from the

basic sectors, government sector, private sector, professionals, academe, and other stakeholders, said Undersecretary Penpen Libres of the Of�ice of Participatory Governance (OPG) who is also the lead convenor of Kilusang Pagbabago.

According to Usec Libres, this is the Poverty Alleviation Program of the Of�ice of the Cabinet Secretary under Sec. Leoncio Evasco Jr. dubbed as “Biyaya ng Pagbabago Tungo sa Masagana at Matiwasay na Buhay Pilipino” or in short “Biyaya ng Pagbabago.”

This is aligned with the realization of the objectives of Philippine development plan (PDP) 2017-22 of alleviating poverty in the country from 21.6% to 14% or lifting an equivalent of 6 M poor at the

DUTERTE, P10

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Vietnam firms set to visit PH

F

ifteen Vietnamese companies are visiting the Philippines this week to explore business opportunities.

The business delegation will be led by Ministry of Industry and Trade of Vietnam (MOIT) Deputy Director General for Department of Asia-Africa Markets Do Quoc Hung.

The Vietnamese �irms are in the sectors of rice exports and trade of agricultural products such as coffee, tea, cashew nut, pepper, confectioneries, vinegar, jalapenos, corns, aquatic products, among others.

Among the visiting companies here include Hanoi Trade Corporation, Tan Long Group Joint Stock Company, Vietnam Northern Food Corp., Dong Thap Branch of Food Processing and Exporting, Duong Vu Co. Ltd., Bibica Corp., GOC Food Processing Export JSC, Xuan Khang Enterprise, Nghi Son Aquatic Product Exim Co. Ltd., Phuoc Thuan Import and Export Agricultural Co. Ltd., Thanh Tuan Trading and Services Ltd., Phuoc Thuan Co. Ltd., Hoang Thinh Imex Co. Ltd., Tan Thanh An Co. Ltd., and Vacod One

REDUCED TO ASH. Workers unload cigarettes with counterfeit tax stamps seized from Mighty Corporation earlier this year for incineration at

VIETNAM, P10 the Holcim Philippines plant in Brgy. Ilang, Davao City on Sunday. Lean Daval Jr.

NPA rakes P1B from extortion: Army exec A

PAGCOR privatization on track-Dominguez Council to pay way for privatization

T

he New People’s Army is earning up to P1 billion from money extorted from agricultural and mining operations in the operational area of the Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom).

Eastmincom commander, Lt. Gen. Benjamin Madrigal, said the estimated amount is based on intelligence information gathered by their operational units.

The money collected as revolutionary taxes is from agri-industrial �irms especially the banana plantations, mining operators, transport sector, business �irms and other individuals.

“That is why we need to stop this because with these funds they generate they can

produce more �irearms,” Madrigal said.

Madrigal said the military continues in engaging stakeholders to discourage the business and industry sectors from giving in to the NPA’s extortion demands.

“Ang tawag sa scheme na yan ay revolutionary tax or Rebolusyonaryong Buwis sa Kaaway na Uri (RBK) (That scheme is called revolutionary tax or Revolutionary Tax for the Enemy) which means if the group is collecting mon-

ey from a certain business then they are treating them as the rebels enemy,” he added.

Madrigal said the military is engaging with the business and industry sectors to advise them how to deal with the issue.

He said among the measures that can be taken by these sectors are investing on security of equipment and preparation for their projects as well as active collaboration with law enforcement authorities.

“They should ask for our soldiers help so that the projects will not be delayed kasi may iba hindi nila alam o kung papaano o kanino magsasabi (because some of them do not know how or whom they’ll report to),” he added.

Earlier, President Rodrigo Duterte said the NPA rebels are victimizing the lowly farmers in the rural areas.

The NPA rebels are contributory to the high prices of goods from the farms because of their extortion activities.

It may be recalled that banana growers have called on the government to put an end to the extortion activities of the NPA which have been taking a toll on their livelihood.

Meanwhile, Madrigal said there are about 1,000 to 1,500 NPA rebels within the operational area of the Eastmincom.

“That is why we need to be successful in combating the NPA,” Madrigal said. (PNA)

jobs are threatened in emerging and developing countries where access to technology is unequal.

Pernia, during the 13th World Islamic Economic Forum in Sarawak, Malaysia this week, thus highlighted the need for the country to ensure growth, equitability and cooperation in an economic system.

He said creating a rulesbased investment regime can �irm up long-run expectations.

“This means that the in-

vestment regime of any economy must be credible, must have extensive international support, and must aim at sustainability and inclusiveness.

This can help reduce uncertainty and improve the stability of investment relations,” he said.

The NEDA chief said the country should also create an enabling policy environment for developing the digital economy.

Pernia identi�ied opportunities offered by digital economy, including new for-

eign markets, e-value chain integration, boosting competitiveness and improving government services.

“However, the digital economy is also vulnerable to regulatory issues such as data security, intellectual property protection, consumer protection and safeguarding cultural values. Thus, investment promotion agencies, or IPAs (investment promotion agencies), should be more involved in the formulation of digital development strat-

NEDA backs rules-based investment regime for PH

T

he country’s chief economist is pushing for the establishment of rules-based investment regime and environment conducive to developing the digital economy to ensure robust economic growth bene�its most Filipinos even amid technological change.

Socioeconomic Planning Secretary and National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Director General Ernesto Pernia noted that while technology offers promising opportunities,

NEDA, P11

specialized council is set to be formed for the privatization of Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation , which will push through after the issuance of an Executive Order.

Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III told reporters that the privatization of the government-controlled gaming regulator is on track.

“We are working on it.

We already submitted a draft executive order to the President for the process of privatizing PAGCOR,” he said.

According to the Department of Finance (DOF) chief, a special privatization team, not the Privatization and Management Of�ice (PMO), needs to be created because PAGCOR “is a special case.”

He said the council will be composed of representatives from the Of�ice of the President, the DOF, the Department of Budget and Management, and the Governance Commission for GOCCs. “It is licenses that you are privatizing, and it’s a little

PAGCOR, P11

PMO remits P554M to bureau of treasury

T

he disposition of state properties for privatization along with cash dividends and other forms of revenue raised from still unsold government assets generated a total of P554.442 million in the �irst nine months of 2017, according to a report of the Privatization and Management Of�ice to the Department of Finance.

Gerard Chan, the acting Chief Privatization Of�icer, reported to Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III that the PMO remitted a total of P554, 442,101.69 to the Bureau of Treasury (BTr) as of September 30, 2017 exclusive of authorized retention amounts of P22.8 million.

Recently, the PMO turned over to the BTr Landbank Cheque No. 149416 dated

October 19, 2017 for the amount of P289, 485,684.91.

This is the biggest amount remitted by PMO so far from January-September 2017 collection, which came from the sale of shares in Asean Finance Corporation and special cash dividend from Semirara Mining Corporation.

Besides the proceeds from this sale, PMO remittances for the January-September 2017 period also came from the proceeds of lease, CARP-covered landholdings, interest income and other disposition.

Total PMO remittances to the government reached P286.4 million in July-December 2016 period, or the �irst six months of the Duterte administration. (DOF)

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ECONOMY

5

Real estate firm ventures into 54-ha. tourism resort

R

eal estate developer Century Properties Group is developing a 54-hectare property into an art park and retirement community in Nasugbu, Batangas, as it forays into the leisure and tourism sector.

The Batulao Artscapes, dubbed as the world’s �irst livable art park and “artventure” community, is situated in a 142-hectare lot near the foothills of Mount Batulao.

It covers the �irst phase of the mixed tourism development with an active retirement village component.

“Our vision is to create a design-driven community that celebrates art and adventure in an expansive natural landscape. The launch of this spectacular development also af�irms CPG’s commitment to pursuing its strategic business plan of diversi�ication into allied real estate segments including leisure and tourism,” CPG head of investor relations

Kristina Garcia said.

Batulao Artscapes showcases a �ine collection of livable art – exceptional designer homes with total sales value of Php19 billion and created by some of the most revered names in architecture and design.

As the project targets active retirees, special assistance to secure a Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV) for foreign nationals and former Filipino citizens will be offered, while the public amenities of the development aim to attract art and design enthusiasts and weekend adventure seekers and families.

The development’s worldclass and one-of-a-kind tourism facilities are expected to draw foreign tourists.

This latest project is a ful�illment of its Century 2020 plans that includes the expansion of its portfolio into the leisure and tourism business. (PNA)

TO EARN A LIVING. A teenager from the hinterland of Davao City makes brooms on a makeshift shop along Chavez Street in Davao City

on Monday which he later peddles around the city’s downtown area.

Lean Daval Jr.

P142-M cigarettes Goldilocks hosts destroyed in Davao ‘cake all you can’ As part of National Cake Day celebration

By ANGIE SAVERON

T

o celebrate the National Cake Day last November 26, a simultaneous “CAKE ALL YOU CAN” buffet was organized by Goldilocks.

Being the country’s number one bakeshop, Goldilocks is once again at the forefront of this activity. The proceeds of this event will be given to Bantay Bata 163 foundation and the SOS Children’s Village Davao.

Goldilocks started with one store which eventually grew. This year the simultaneous event was held in Davao City, in Pangasinan , Batangas City, Cebu City, Iloilo city and Cagayan De Oro City.

Cakes were also sent to the various orphanages in key cities around the country.

Earlier in the week, Goldilocks brought an assortment of delightful cakes and an array of fun activities to the residents of the Baseco Compound in Tondo, Manila.

“Those events in other areas nationwide, we are also in partners with them (foundations),” said Clarissa Pacaldo Area Manager of Goldilocks.

This is the second year that Goldilocks has organized this event. The �irst ‘cake all you can’ buffet was held at SM Manila and they are planning

A

uthorities on Sunday led the destruction of the first batch of close to five million packs of Mighty Corp. cigarettes worth P142.44 million which were seized earlier this year in Mindanao for having counterfeit tax stamps.

Some 9,496 master cases equivalent to 4,748,000 cigarette packs of Mighty Menthol 100s, Marvels Menthol, Marvels FK and King Full Flavor brands were destroyed at the Holcim Philippines Incorporated Geocycle compound in Bunawan, Davao City.

The cigarettes were destroyed using the “co-processing” method which ensures

to involve more branched for the next year’s event.

In this event the �irst 50 customers got each a free slice of cake per purchase.

The event was graced by the Goldilocks general manager Agnes Celeste Antioqua.

“We believe that happiness is for everyone therefore cakes are for everyone.

This year we are giving everyone the freedom to indulge and enjoy our delightful cakes on our cake all you can buffet in our keys store and a slice of cake in other Goldilocks store nationwide,” said Antioqua.

total thermal destruction of waste materials, reduces toxic gas emissions and land and groundwater pollution.

Assistant Secretary Kelvin Lee, from the Of�ice of the Executive Secretary, spearheaded the event along with BIR Assistant Commissioner Teresita Angeles, who heads the bureau’s Large Taxpayers’ Service (LTS); BIR Davao Re-

gional Director Nuzar Balatero; BIR Revenue Region No. 18 - Koronadal City Regional Director Esmeralda Tabule; and Jeper Ylagan senior environmental management specialist of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

Also at the event were Alejandro Cenon Paje, senior technical of�icer of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control Alliance Philippines; Cyril Lubaton of Japan Tobacco International and representatives of the soon-to-be defunct Mighty Corp.

“The decision to destroy these con�iscated cigarettes came easily. We imposed sin taxes on these products in

part to protect the health of our people. It would be wrong to release these products to the market,” said Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III in his remarks read by Lee. Dominguez said the destruction of the seized cigarettes “is intended to deliver this message: tax evasion does not pay. We will con�iscate the offending products and destroy them. No one will pro�it from the commission of a crime.”

The destruction of all 4,748,000 million packs will take place in batches because of their enormous quantity, further underscoring the scale of tax fraud attempted

Cabinet Secretary Leoncio Evasco Jr. “Biyaya ng Pagbabago” is aligned with the objectives of the Philippine Development Plan 2 ‎ 017-2022 to reduce poverty in the country from 21.6% to 14%.

“We are targeting to alleviate poverty by 7%, or lift the lives of about six million people listed under the poverty level, before President Duterte’s term ends in 2022,” Libres said.

The program is aimed at making government services more responsive, ad-

equate, effective and timely delivered to those that need them the most.

It also aims to encourage the people to become proactive in participatory governance and help in solving the problems of the country.

According to Libres, at least 100,000 supporters are expected to gather in Davao for the launching of “Biyaya ng Pagbabago” as pro-Duterte mass movement Kilusang Pagbabago (KP) will be staging a caravan from Luzon down to Davao.

Luzon chapters of KP

will start the caravan days before the launching and will meet with the Visayas chapters in Cebu City on December 7.

The group will then proceed to Cagayan de Oro and to Davao the following day.

Libres is also inviting other pro-Duterte groups to join them at the launching of “Biyaya ng Pagbabago” in Davao City.

The KP, meanwhile, is mobilizing nationwide support for a complementary poverty alleviation program

P142-M, P11

Duterte to launch ‘Biyaya’in Davao

P

resident Rodrigo Duterte will launch the “Biyaya ng Pagbabago” poverty alleviation program at the Freedom Park in Davao City on Dec. 9.

This was announced Saturday by Undersecretary Joselito “Penpen” Libres of the Of�ice of Participatory Governance, which is initiating the pro-poor program.

Libres said “Biyaya ng Pagbabago,” short for “Biyaya ng Pagbabago Tungo sa Masagana at Matiwasay na Buhay Pilipino,” is a poverty alleviation program of

DUTERTE, P11

6 ECONOMY

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VOL. 10 ISSUE 171• TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2017

DAMNING EVIDENCE. Chemists of Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) 11 check the seized illegal drugs and expired medicine before these will be burned by incineration at Holcim Philippines Inc., Davao Plant in Barangay Ilang. ARMANDO B. FENQUITO JR.

PSA provides updates on rice, corn prices

By JUDIEE VEGA

T

he Philippine Statistics Authority issued a special released on November 22 providing updates on palay, rice and corn prices for second week of November 2017.

Data obtained from PSADavao showed that farm gate price of palay during the week at P18.47/kg went up by 0.35 percent from a week ago quotation.

Relative to the same week in previous year it was likewise higher by 7.18 percent.

Prices of both yellow and white corn grains continued to climb upward, the average farmgate price of yellow corn grain inching up to P12.06/kg from a week ago quotation of 0.70percent.

According to Romeo Recide, assistant secretary of Deputy National Statistician, SSO study shows that compared to the same period in the previous year, it also went up by 10.12 percent.

Similarly the average farmgate price of white corn grain at P16.18 kg posted a 0.86 percent growth from previous week’s level. The same period in the previous year showed it accelerated

by 49.60 percent.

Wholesale and Retail Prices of Well Milled Rice price previous week’s level of P39.13/kg the average wholesale price of well milled rice at P 39.15/kg picked up by 0.05 percent during the week. On an annual basis, it rose by 2.65 percent.

Likewise, the average retail price of well milled rice at P42.18/kg recorded price gains of 0.03 percent from previous week’s level of P42.17/kg and 1.93 percent from a year ago price level of P41.38/kg Wholesale trade of regular milled rice continues while retail trade drops this week.

Average whole sale price of regular milled registered price hike from previous week’s level by 0.11 percent. This week’s average price of P 35.64/kg was also higher by 3.72 percent compared to previous month of P35.58/kg .

Retail trade at P37.97/ kg dropped by 0.12 percent from P38.03/kg price in the previous month. On the contrary, it increased by 2.36 percent from previous year’s level.

DO execs want strict rein on STL operation T

he local chief executives of Davao Oriental have asked the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office to strictly regulate the operation of the Small Town Lottery (STL), voicing concerns that it is building a culture of gambling, spike theft and other petty crimes.

Davao Oriental saw the mushrooming of STL operations in Mati City and munic-

ipalities that alarmed barangay of�icials because of indiscriminate placement of STL

booths near schools, churches and along the highways.

Karen Lou Deloso, provincial information of�icer, said a meeting was already held between Governor Nelson Dayanghirang, city and municipal mayors and PCSO-Davao Oriental to air the sentiments of the barangay of�icials regarding the prevalence of theft and petty crimes

since STL started operating last October.

Deloso said the STL operation has been the subject of complaints from the barangay, church and schools.

The of�icials are worried STL has adversely affected the image of the province, Deloso said. Though thankful of the PCSO’s assistance for medi-

and Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSAS 18001:2007) in line with its target to obtain IMS certi�ication.

AboitizPower’s oil-�ired power plants that are strategically located in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao provide reliable peaking power to the grid. Its adherence to international standards give con�idence to the customers of AboitizPower Energy Trading and Sales (ETS) that the plants, its systems, and its personnel are ready to respond and deliver power when needed.

The certi�ication audit was conducted by TÜV Rheinland Philippines, an af�iliate of leading global testing service

organization for quality, ef�iciency, and safety, TÜV Rheinland.

DO, P11

Aboitiz oil business unit passes QMS certification audit

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he Oil Business Unit (BU) of AboitizPower recently passed the certi�ication audit for Quality Management System (ISO 9001:2015), making it internationally certi�ied on three Management Systems such as Safety, Environment, and Quality, with zero non-conformance.

The certi�ication applies to 100% of AboitizPower’s oil-�ired power plants all over the Philippines. In December last year, the Oil BU earned the �irst two certi�ications, Environmental Management System (ISO 14001:2004)

ABOITIZ, P11

7 SUBURBIA RISING EDGEDAVAO

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MSAAG holds meeting in Davao Oriental

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u r t h e r pushing for s u s t a i n a ble peace and development in Southern Mindanao, the members of the Multi-Sector Advisory and Action Group (MSAAG) of the Philippine Army’s 10th Infantry Division have converged on Tuesday, November 22, at the Davao Oriental Provincial Capitol for an indepth discussion on concerns surrounding peace and development in this side of Mindanao.

10th Infantry Division Commander Major General Noel Clement

Presided over by MSAAG Chairman, Ednar G. Dayanghirang, the regular meeting tackled updates on peace and order situation in the division’s areas of responsibility.

It also highlighted inclusive partnerships of various stake-

holders to address gaps and concerns in peace and development through complementation of efforts.

Among the meeting’s highlight agenda is the identi�ication of strategies on how stakeholders can prevent

and counter violent extremism. The members agree to drum-up programs and advocacy campaign especially in schools as one of the strategies of preventing radicalization among the youth who are the most vulnerable sector in

violent extremism.

Meanwhile, Dayanghirang, who is a former member of the government’s peace panel, pointed out that good governance remains to be the best way to combat insurgency and to counter vi-

he provincial government of South Cotabato has launched a review of its program and strategy against the deadly rabies virus in a bid to effectively address the rising cases of infection in the area.

Dr. Flora Bigot, acting head of the Provincial Veterinary Of�ice, said Monday the move is in line with the recent activation of the Provincial Rabies Prevention and Control Committee.

She said the committee is mainly tasked to lead interventions and ensure the proper implementation of the Anti-Rabies Act. Bigot said the review is

mainly aimed to draw fresh strategies that will enhance the province’s comprehensive plan for rabies elimination.

She said the plan will serve as a guide for key stakeholders in eventually achieving a “rabies-free South Cotabato.”

Bigot, who chairs the committee, said they already conducted a series of initial meetings and consultations for their action plan as well as upcoming programs and activities.

She said they are targeting to start the actual interventions and “make a difference” by early next year.

The Integrated Provincial Health Of�ice’s (IPHO) epidemiology and surveillance unit has reported an “alarming increase” this year in rabies cases in the province.

As of the end of October, the con�irmed rabies infection and deaths cases in the province already reached 17 or 750 percent higher when compared to the same period last year.

Lake Sebu town recorded the most number of rabies deaths with �ive, followed by T’boli town with four.

IPHO said most of the victims were children but it noted that �ive cases were recorded in the 31 to 40 years-

old age group.

It said 13 cases involved unvaccinated dogs, of which eight turned out positive of the rabies virus. The rabid dogs were found in Koronadal City and the municipalities of Lake Sebu, Banga, Norala, Sto. Nino and Polomolok.

Dr.Alah Baby Vingno, assistant provincial health of�icer, said the lack of operational Animal Bite and Treatment Centers (ABTCs) at the municipal level has compounded the problem with rabies.

She said the lack of access by residents to accredited ABTCs has hampered immediate interventions on animal bite cases.(AC/PNA)

Pamisa of the City Social Welfare and Development Of�ice (CSWD).

The evacuees who remained so far are residents of the so-called “main battle area” in Marawi that has yet to be cleared by the government for unexploded ordnance and debris, Pamisa said.

The remaining evacuees are currently enrolled in a 10-day cash for work program of the city government, doing work for an urban container gardening for a salary of P2,000.

Some 500 other evacuees are enrolled in a similar program offered by the Department of Labor and Em-

ployment (DOLE).

Pamisa said the returning evacuees received P4,000 allowance as part of their starter kit upon reaching Iligan City before they proceeded home. Other items in the starter kit are hygiene kit and kitchen kit all provided by the national government.

(Mark Francisco/PNA)

olent extremism.

“The innate nature of insurgency is a political problem. Insurgency is not a military problem,” he said. “Our way to peace is good governance supported by a strong military support and that is

what is happening in Davao Oriental. And the proof of that is that Davao Oriental is the only province that passed the Seal of Good Local Governance in Davao Region. You can see the consistency of the peace and order in the ground here and Davao Oriental being recognized by the Department of Interior and Local Government,” he added.

He said Davao Oriental’s framework of good governance being strongly supported by its partners has effectively worked here. He cited the impacts of the local programs Nagkakaisang Lingkod-Bayan ng Davao Oriental Barangay Outreach Caravan and the operation of the Happy Home for former rebels as testaments to this strategy. “Good governance complemented by good military performance will result in peace.”

The MSAAG consists of military commanders of the different brigades and battalions covered by the 10th Infantry Division under the command of Major General Noel Clement. The group also includes civilian stakeholders composed of national agencies, the academe, and non-government organization, among others. By Karen Lou Deloso/Photo by Brema Aldeguer

Mindanao schools told S. Cotabato reviews strategy vs rabies N.to ditch Christmas parties T I nstead of the traditional classroom Christmas party, public schools in the region have been encouraged to hold community outreach, especially for displaced residents of Marawi City.

Allan Farnazo, Department of Education (DepEd-10) director, said public schools should try to opt for an “alternative Christmas celebration” where

O

N, P11

Moro leaders vow support for PRRD peace program

Close to 10,000 Marawi evacuees in CDO return home O ver half of the 19,464 displaced persons from Marawi City have already returned home.

Only around 9,000 individuals have remained in the different temporary shelters in the city after the rest returned a week ago in 17 Marawi barangays cleared by the government, said Jong

students, their parents and teachers are to conduct an outreach for Marawi children whose families are temporarily seeking temporary shelter across the region.

In a memorandum issued to all school divisions, Farnazo said it is time to break away from the usual classroom parties, in which students would exchange gifts

f�icials in Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) have vowed all-out support for President Duterte’s peace program in southern Philippines to solve the decades-old Moro issue.

Their support was aired as thousands of Moro people from across Mindanao gathered in Simuay, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao, on Monday for the grand Bangsamoro General Assembly.

Organized by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, the gathering aims to show their solidarity to the passing of a basic law that will create new political entity that will give the Bangsamoro the right to govern themselves according to their culture, traditions and beliefs.

The proposed bill is for the implementation of the two peace accords between the government and the

MORO, P11

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 171• TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2017

EDITORIAL

Only themselves to blame

I

t’s sad that the road to peace has come to an end without even reaching there. The dream of peace remains elusive.

After President Duterte signed Proclamation No. 360 formally terminating the peace talks with Communist rebels, we can only surmise what went wrong and who is to blame. Certainly, not one from either the government and the rebels will admit to taking fault over the failure of the peace talks. Each one will point blaming �inger at the other.

The peace talks between the rebels and the government began way back in 1986 after the ouster of former President Marcos. Past administrations have tried and failed to convince the rebels to sign a �inal peace agreement. Then came President Duterte, known for his cordial relationship with the reds. With him, hopes seem to have rekindled that his presidency could end the NPA rebellion.

But those hopes banished now. There had been four rounds of talks held between the government and the NDF in 2016 which further raised hopes about the prospect of �inally achieving peace.

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When the NPA ended the unilateral ceas�ire early this year, Duterte suspended the peace talks in February. The one �inal nail on the cof�in was when he learned that an infant was killed during an NPA ambush. That was the last straw that led him to formally end the peace talks and branded the NPAs as terrorists.

In Davao City, Mayor Inday Sara Duterte-Carpio remains faithful to the commitment to talk to the rebels until a document will fall on her hands declaring the NPA as terrorists.

Amidst all these, it cannot be asked from the government to submit to the whims of the rebels. That is not the position it must take. The NPA must understand that. If they are indeed sincere to end the war, they must take one step back, take in some concessions and accede to what is lawfully right. The rebels simply cannot impose their will on the discussion table. And while they are negotiating with government, the rule is pretty simple: their men should hold back from aggression. Peace cannot be achieved with either force or deception.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 171 •TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2017

VANTAGE POINTS

9

Quo vadis federalism?

“If the federalism system is not established, Mr. Duterte doubted that the people of Mindanao particularly the Moros, would accept” (Philippine Daily Inquirer, October 24, 2017) A growing number of Filipinos in the country are very worried today because they perceive that the road to a federal system in the country is getting narrower every passing day. They fear that the Congress sitting as a Constituent Assembly to revise our 1987 Constitution will fail to pass a �inal draft of a Federal Parliamentary Constitution in time for the approval of our people in a plebiscite. The two valid reasons for their anxiety are: 1. The erroneous provision in our 1987 Constitution that “the Congress, upon a vote of three fourths of all its members” can amend or revise this constitution. The dif�icult question

A

nd so it came to pass that two �ive-year-old boys were playing “follow the leader” on top of an old doddering city wall, which was 18 feet above the ground.

Each dared the other to harder and harder challenges. They tiptoed across very narrow spots to prove that they would not get giddy or dizzy. Then they came to where the wall had crumbled completely. As they stood there looking down, the part behind them broke off. So, now they were stranded on a little island 18 feet above the ground.

They shouted and called for help. Up came a man, stood at the foot of the wall, stretched out his arms and yelled to them, “Jump down. I’ll catch you.”

Well, if you were one of the kids, will you do it? The two lads were so alike, as almost to be twins, but each reacted to the invitation in opposite ways.

One jumped off the edge of the wall without hesitation. The other sank to his knees, cried in panic and waited for the �iremen to come with their long ladders.

The question now is: why did one boy have the courage to jump and the other hesitated? The answer is easy: the man down below was the �irst boy’s father.

I picked this anecdote from the book, The Next 500 Stories

here is that whether Congress will vote as one or separately.

If Congress, having two Houses, vote separately, it will be next to impossible to get the required three fourths in the Upper House or Senate to amend or revise our present Constitution.

2. If Congress decides to vote as one, as sure as the sun rises in the east, this issue will be brought to the Supreme Court by those who are against Charter Change or “Cha-Cha”.

Thus, much delay that might go beyond the term of President Duterte is feared.

There was a time when then Senator Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel Jr. spoke in a Federal Forum, in Davao City wherein this writer was one of the members of the panel of reactors. I asked the good senator how will they resolve the tough issue of voting as one or separately (mentioned

by Frank Mihalic, SVD. It’s a good story to start on the subject trust, which is essential in any relationship, whether it is personal or professional.

“Trust is the glue of life. It’s the most essential ingredient in effective communication. It’s the foundational principle that holds all relationships,” said Stephen R. Covey.

In Tuesdays with Morrie, Mitch Albom pointed out: “You see, you closed your eyes. That was the difference. Sometimes you cannot believe what you see; you have to believe what you feel.

And if you are ever going to have other people trust you, you must feel that you can trust them, too-even when you’re in the dark.

Even when you’re falling.”

Oscar-winning actress Goldie Hawn has the same view when she said, “If we can just let go and trust that things will work out the way they’re supposed to, without trying to control the outcome, then we can begin to enjoy the moment more fully. The joy of the freedom it brings becomes more pleasurable than the experience itself.”

“Trust is like a beautiful glass,” said Tony Oposa Jr., an environmental lawyer who received a Ramon Magsaysay Award a few years back. “Used well, it will quench the thirst of life. If broken,

earlier in this article). To my surprise, he did not answer my query. What do you think this means?

Hence, as NO Constitutional Reform or a NO Federal-Parliamentary scenario looms in the horizon. And this is the main cause of the restlessness of the Filipinos, especially Mindana-

ons, now-a-days. Constitution Reform or shift to Federal- Parliamentary government is the “Mother” of all the changes (Mga Pagbabago) promised by our beloved President Duterte to our people during the last elections.

What will our people do and what will President Duterte do in a NO Constitutional Reform or No Federal Parliamentary situation? These remain to be seen.

One suggestion that grows louder and louder each day from many sectors in our society is for President Duterte to declare a Revolutionary Government (as former Pres. Cory Aquino did) to fast-track all “Pagbabago” reforms he envisions for the good of our people and our country. A group rightly stresses that such declaration must be done in a DEMOCRATIC WAY meaning “of the people, by the people and for

the people.”

To a great majority of Mindanaons, the issue of Federalism is a matter of life and death. A No Federal System scenario will spell very serious consequences to our nation and people. Undoubtedly President Duterte is very much aware of this.

Who are the Senators, we think, are against Constitutional Reform of Charter Change? They are Drilon, Aquino, Pangilinan, De Lima, Trillanes, Hontiveros. Recto, Villanueva, Binay, Angara and Escudero.

Three fourths of 23 senators equals say 17 senators needed to pass a draft Constitution.

Since there are already 11 senators against Cha-Cha, 23 -11 equals 12 senators only for ChaCha which is short of the needed 17 votes. Do you see what we mean?

can be trusted. If he can account for small change, or do what he says he will do, and tell you things honestly, then he can be trusted.

When he does not exaggerate, he can be trusted. Lastly, if he can admit mistakes and apologize, that is a quality of a trustworthy person.”

There was this story about the great American inventor Thomas Alva Edison which was narrated by James Newton. It “was quite typical of Edison,” he wrote. The story goes this way: Edison was in the middle of his 12,000 experiments to develop the �irst electric bulb when he handed a �inished bulb to a young helper. The lad carried it nervously up the stairs step by step. At the very last moment, he dropped it.

The entire factory team had to work another 24 hours to make another bulb. When it was �inished, Edison looked around and then handed it to the same boy.

“That con�idence probably changed the boy’s life,” Newton wrote. “Edison knew that more than the bulb was at stake.”

“The best way to �ind out if you can trust somebody is to trust them,” said Pulitzer prize-winning American author Ernest Hemingway.

That was what Jesus did it to

his twelve disciples. “Jesus had to believe in his staff or he never would have slept nights,” wrote Laurie Beth Jones, author of Jesus, CEO: Using Ancient Wisdom for Visionary Leadership. “Their backgrounds were not glorious, and they did not grasp what he was saying most of the time.

They were constantly arguing over who would get to sit where in the kingdom, and they dozed off and forgot him when he needed them most.

“Yet these were the people he chose to work with, and he visualized the best in each of them, even when there was evidence to the contrary. He poured a mold of greatness for them to �ill, and ultimately they went on to �ill it.”

Jones’ conclusion: “People tend to rise to the occasion when they have someone who truly believes in them. Perhaps we just need someone to show us who we really are inside. Perhaps that is what we are so desperately searching for -- someone to acknowledge the goodness that we each sense about ourselves but are so hesitant to share.”

To end this piece, allow me to quote the words of Timothy Zahn, the man behind Vision of the Future: “Without trust, there can be no genuine peace. Neither in politics, nor in the quiet individuality of the heart and spirit.”

A matter of trust

THINK ON THESE!

Henrylito D. Tacio

it cannot be put back.”

Atty. Oposa was one of the 12 prominent Filipinos who was asked by Reader’s Digest what trust means to them.

Colonel Bartolome Vicente O. Bacarro of the Armed Forces of the Philippines shared this thought: “I look at trust from two points of view: one is about non-betrayal and the other is about one’s level of con�idence in another person. Non-betrayal -- that they won’t turn their backs on you nor take advantage of you, and con�idence that they will deliver.”

On what makes a person trustworthy, singer Jim Paredes replied: “If the person keeps his word even in the small things, he

10 NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 171• TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2017

BIRTH... FROM 1

BALL IN THEIR COURT. Mindanao Migrants Center for Empowering Action, Inc. executive director Inorisa Elento (left) urges the City Council to create an ordinance for the welfare of children left behind

PDEA... FROM 2

pieces of ecstasy worth P18, 000 and expired medicines worth P976, 986.

On the other hand, Region 12 has P761, 434 worth of illegal drugs and expires medicines were burned.

This came from 58.4 grams of Shani worth P700, 800, Marijuana with 0.2 grams worth P8 and expires

medicines worth P60, 626.

Rivera said the PDEA asked Holcim Philippines Inc. to use their facility to ensure that there will be no harm to environment.

He said the facility of Holcim is really environment friendly. Rivera added that the company did not charge on the use of the said facility

missile destroyer JS Sazanami (DDG-113) in Subic Bay, Zambales for a four-day goodwill visit June this year.

The JS Izumo is the biggest ship in the JMSDF and it weighs around 27,000 tons and measures 248 meters long.

Early January this year, the JS Inazuma (DDG-105) and JS Suzutsuki (DD-117) also docked in Subic Bay for a six-day goodwill visit.

Lincuna said the JS Ona-

mi is in the Philippines for a two-day visit. The ship is commanded by Cmdr. Hirotaka Okumura.

She is equipped with a variety of anti-submarine weaponry and sensors.

He added that the BRP Rajah Humabon (PF-11) rendered customary meeting point procedures off Corregidor Island and escorted the Japanese ship to her mooring area in Manila South Harbor. (PNA)

ment of Agriculture reported that farmers’ income increased by 3.68 percent from July to September and 4.19 percent increase in the �irst 9 months of the year 2017,” he said.

He said that the Board of Investments reported that the government has maintained its momentum in attracting investors and generating jobs for the Filipinos. “The BOI reported that the investment approval for the month October alone recorded 187 percent increase in foreign investments amounting to P27.6 billion, this is higher than the 9.6 billion October 2016,” he said.

In addition January to October 2017 period showed a

signi�icant growth in overall investments approvals, approved projects and employment generations.

“Speci�ically 408.7 billion worth of overall investments were gained which is 38.1 percent higher than the P296 billion of the same period last year,” he said.

The approved projects also increased to 30 percent with 369 projects compared to 283 projects last year.

“With this additional investments, there are additional 69,862 new jobs were created on the �irst ten months which is 35.1 percent higher than last year’s 51,732,” he added.

He said according to Social Weather Station a private

JAPAN... FROM 3

PH... FROM 3

by their parents working overseas. Elento, together with Yumi Enderes, made the appeal during the Kapehan sa Dabaw at the Annex of SM City Davao on Monday. Lean Daval Jr. non-stock, nonpro�it social research institution, 77 percent of Filipinos are also supportive of the government’s effort in rebuilding Marawi.

“The recovery, the reconstruction and rehabilitation of Marawi is no easy task, it is for this season that the president a month after the rebellion broke out signed admin order number three, creating an inter-agency task force Bangon Marawi not only as a means to organize and deploy quick response team to attend to the immediate needs of the affected areas but also to de-

velop and implement a comprehensive rehabilitation and recovery program for the city of Marawi,” he said.

He said during their press brie�ing last week, retired military general and now head of the Task Force Bangon Marawi Eduardo del Rosario that the plan was no longer to rebuild the most affected area, They will �latten out the most affected area which consist of 200-250 houses,.

They will build it from scratch along with a four-lane highways along the length of Agus River.

end of the term of President Duterte.

It aims for the following outcomes: 1) Government services that are more responsive, adequate, effective and timely delivered to those that need it most; 2) Raised capacity and empowered communities in participatory governance; and 3) An implemented “whole-government”, sector and area- speci�ic poverty alleviation strategy.

The KP national leadership is calling on members from Luzon and the Visayas to send delegations to Davao City.

Stressing the principle

of self-reliance and active citizenship, KP chapters are urged to rely on their own resources to travel to Davao City in groups. This means bring your own provisions.

Luzon chapters will ride a boat at the Port of Manila and sail to Cagayan de Oro. Visayas chapters will likewise meet in Cebu City and ride a boat to Cagayan de Oro. They will all travel in a caravan from Cagayan de Oro to Davao City, Libres said.

Those who can’t travel are urged to organize mass meetings and interact with the main program in Davao online.

Member Co. A business forum between Filipino and Vietnamese companies will also be held on Tuesday in Manila and will be hosted by MOIT and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry .

The delegation will be in the country until Wednesday.

Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed that two-way trade between

the Philippines and Vietnam in January to September this year stood at USD2.5 billion.

Philippine exports to Vietnam in the said period grew by 20 percent to USD639 million this year from USD531 million last year, while imports from Vietnam rose 27 percent to USD1.9 billion in 2017 from USD1.5 billion in 2016. (PNA)

DUTERTE... FROM 3

VIETNAM... FROM 4

contribute to worsening traf�ic. This suggests that the infrastructure developments happening around, though indicative of growth seem like more than the ability of the city to assimilate. In effect, it affected road use and worsen the traf�ic situation. Along this note, the Dabawenyos were asked on how they perceive the implementation of the projects relating to their convenience and security.

According to Tamayo the public is divided on this impression: 50% of Dabawenyos believe that the public’s convenience is considered related to the constructions happening around, while the other half believed it to be otherwise. This means that half of Dabawenyos deemed that the infrastructures are for their use, and that their inconvenience is one thing that they can personally absorb.

Data obtained from IPO, the account of public security & safety relating to implementation of the project, a

little higher than half of the Dabawenyos revealed that the contractors consider the security and safety of the public (58%), while only 9% believed that the contractors put aside the security of the public.

Tamayo added that more than half are impressed with the coordination between the City Government and the private contractors; a manifest of public trust that the government is on top of the situation amidst increasing infrastructure growth.

Tamayo said that the given impressions on how do the public relate to the traf�ic situation, nine in 10 Dabawenyos accept the fact that this is a normal occurrence of a growing City; thus eight in 10 Dabawenyos need to do necessary sacri�ice. It was even noted that the public consider that ballooning number of vehicles and the behavior of the riding public as the cause of the traf�ic and not the constructions sprouting around (75%).

of the Of�ice of the Executive Secretary.

“We will incinerate 9,496 cases of Mighty cigarettes con�iscated in General Santos City. Each case contains 500 packs of cigarettes. In this lot, we have 4,748,000 packs to burn” said Dominguez.

Dominguez stressed that the destruction of the seized cigarettes “is intended to deliver this message: tax evasion does not pay. We will con�iscate the offending products and destroy them.

No one will pro�it from the commission of a crime.”

Aside from Lee, among those also present at the event were BIR Assistant Commissioner Teresita Angeles who heads the bureau’s Large Taxpayers’ Service (LTS); BIR Davao Regional Director Nuzar Balatero; BIR Revenue Region No. 18 - Koronadal City Regional Director Esmeralda Tabule; and Jeper Ylagan senior environmental management specialist of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

According to the BIR, the estimated de�iciency excise tax liability of the seized cigarettes, including penalties, would have amounted to P1.39 billion.

The BIR said the warehouse where the seized cigarettes belonged to Sunshine Cornmill Corp. managed by Rosie and Alicia Liang.

On its press released, the con�iscated tobacco products constituted the evidence in one of the three complaints �iled by the BIR last May against Mighty Corp. before

the Department of Justice for the use of fake tax stamps.

The government is also set to destroy 66,245 cases of Mighty cigarettes con�iscated in San Simon, Pampanga, another 163,183 cases in San Ildefonso, Bulacan and other smaller stockpiles con�iscated in Tacloban and Cebu.

These seized cigarettes were also used as evidence in the complaints �iled before the DOJ. The complaints against Mighty had since been withdrawn after the company, with main headquarters in Bulacan, offered last July to settle its tax liabilities with the government for P25 billion and shut down its operations.

Mighty Corp. subsequently sold its assets to JTI to help pay off its tax arrears.

Dominguez has said the government stands to gain over P30 billion in additional revenues from Mighty’s tax settlement once the value-added tax from the sale and other fees are paid. He said this makes the tax settlement the largest sum ever paid by a single corporate entity in the country’s history. “ I would like to emphasize that this is not the last incineration that will happen.

All tobacco products found to have been produced without its manufacturer paying the corresponding amount of taxes will be promptly con�iscated and destroyed.

The men and women of our revenue agencies are dedicated to do their work and to do the job right,” he said.

HOLCIM... FROM 2

INdulge!

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EVENT

EDGEDAVAO

HM Ken Kapulong and Smile Train Country Manager Kimmy Flaviano do the ceremonial exchange gift with the beneficiaries of the charity.

Hon. Bernie Al-ag, HM Ken Kapulong, Kimmy Flaviano (Smile Train), MGen. Victor Bayani (HERO), & CTOO Generose Tecson.

Ken Kapulong and HERO Foundation Exec. Director MGen. Victor Bayani do the ceremonial exchange gift with the scholars of the foundation .

Lighting up the holiday by sharing

The Christmas season is a time of plenty as well as a time of sharing, which is why I love holiday events that go beyond the glitz and fun of the holidays and give back to people in need of help.

This year, Seda Abreeza brings in a more significant and relevant celebration of the holiday season by having not only one, but two CSR partners. Attended by the highly respected executives of the ANFLO Group, the consular corps in Davao City, Department of Tourism, City Tourism Office, City Council, Davao Chamber of Commerce, friends from the press, and top business partners in the industry, the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony endeavors to share the bright and prosperous season through the hotel’s chosen symbol: lights.

In his welcome speech, Seda Abreeza hotel manager Kennedy Kapulong further elaborates this concept saying, “The hotel’s decorations and accents are highlighted by symbols of light – candles, lamps, Christmas lights – to signify hope, faith, and peace. A simple

message to everyone that if we ought to unite and share all good things, we will be each other’s light and get through anything – even the hardest battles. As we partner with HERO Foundation and Smile Train, we hope to be the light they need and share this endeavor with everyone.”

Smile Train is an international children’s charity with a sustainable approach to a single, solvable problem: cleft lip and palate. Children born with clefts need more than just surgery. The kids may also need dental care, orthodontic treatment, and speech therapy and where these services are available, Smile Train does everything they can to make them available to their patients. Guests and partners who wish to help Smile Train may buy our Christmas Tree ornaments for sale from Php100 to Php300. All

proceeds will go to the said charity.

Help Educate and Rear Orphans (HERO) Foundation is an organization that aims to give assistance to the children of fallen and incapacitated soldiers. The support comes in the form of stipends that are directly given to the families to help them with the cost of books, uniform, meals, transportation, school supplies and sometimes, even their tuition fees. To give the highest salute and gratefulness to real-life heroes, part of the revenues for December and January shall be donated to HERO Foundation.

The partnership was sealed and made official through a ceremonial gift giving with Smile Train and HERO Foundation representatives, patients, and scholars last November 21 during the lighting ceremony.

The ceremonial lighting was initiated by Damosa Land VP Cary Lagdameo, Councilor Bernie Alag, CTOO Generose Tecson, Consul Tomoko Dodo, Consul Berlian Napitupulu, Seda Abreeza’s HM Ken Kapulong, Smile Train’s Country Manager Kimmy Coseteng-Flaviano, and HERO Foundation’s Executive Director MGen. Victor Bayani.

Guests enjoyed a sumtous buffet prepared by Seda Abreeza.

Ken Kapulong, Bernie Al-ag and Damosa Land’s Cary Lagdameo.

Japanese consul director Tomoko Dodo and Indonesian consul general Berlian Napitupulu.

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TRAVEL

VOL. 10 ISSUE 171•TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2017

CONTINUING OFF FROM LAST WEEK’S HIGHLIGHTS during the opening and first rounds of the different divisions during the 15th Lanuza Surfing Festival, let’s see how the third day went for the qualifying rounds.

High tide and good surf conditions at the Doot Poktoy river mouth greeted the surfers on the third day of the competition as they continued to fight for the 15th Lanuza Surfing Festival championship titles.

Jefferson Dela Torre (La Union) showcased his high performance longboarding during the first heat of the Men’s Longboard Open throwing huge combinations of cut backs and nose rides. Dela Torre finished strong with an 8.0 score which earned him the best heat points so far in the Longboard division.

“The waves were good and consistent today that’s why I was so excited to surf. I’ll just focus on my performance in the upcoming Quarterfinal heat. I hope I win.”

Mark Aguila (Baler) gave an impressive performance during his heat against fellow surfers from Luzon- Buboy Palad (Laguna) and Reynald “Kulot” Liwarin (Zambales) by capitalizing on his classic surf style, owning much of the waves, despite being in Lanuza for the first time.

“We have beautiful waves today. Aside from surfing during low tide, the waves also had a lengthy wall and they’re fast. Lanuza has great vibes. This is my first time to experience this kind of event- there’s plenty of food! Thank you also to PSCT for organizing a professional surfing event here in our country. It makes a difference when you hear your points at the lineup.

You know how much points you need and can plan your next move accordingly. I’m planning to join all the remaining legs of PSCT and if ever there will be a ranking for the Longboard division, I will continue to focus on my professional surfing career.”, Aguila said.

The judges were impressed with Benito Nerida’s (La Union) combined classic and high performance maneuvers and awarded him with a total of 14.95 score during their heat, the highest average score of Round 1.

The Women’s Shortboard division has also commenced with a total of 12 female surf athletes. 2016 Asian Surfing Championship (ASC)

Women’s overall champion Nilbie Blancada (Siargao) once again showed her dominance and prowess over other female surfers, elevating the standards of women’s surfing in the Philippines.

Nilbie is the younger sister of the first female surf champion in the Philippines Nildie Blancada. Nilbie considers her elder sister as her inspiration and her coach whenever she competes internationally.

MEN’S LONGBOARD FINALISTS DETERMINED Doot Poktoy, Lanuza, Surigao Del Sur Philippines- The Men’s Longboard Division Semi-finals was run yesterday on a waist to shoulder high waves.

Two of the best longboarders in the country, Benito Nerida from La Union and Mark Aguila from Baler battled toe-totoe, using every inch of their surfboards and giving an exciting match-up during the Semi-finals.

Nerida, who’s known for his combined high performance and classic style of surfing, proved his mastery of righthander waves, impressing the judges with his variant cross-stepping, hang-fives and cutbacks.

“It was hard catching waves. The wave intervals were quite long and it was almost high tide,” said Nerida. During the final minute of Heat 2, Semifinals, Nerida spotted the incoming sets and didn’t hesitate to paddle for a wave, which got him a 6.5 heat score and earning him a spot in the Finals.

Lanuza local Loynex Ruina knew exactly what he wanted and patiently waited for the perfect sets to come in. Ruina was rewarded with two quality head high waves and the judges gave him a 4.75 score on his first one and 6 on the second one, securing his spot in

Gabriel Lerog from Siargao.

Breaking down the 15th Lanuza Surf Fest PART II

Men’s Longboard winners.

L-R_ Dahican’s Bayogyog, this writer, Lanuza local surfers Soysoy Roluna and Olin Orillaneda watching the competition from Lanuza’s Boulevard.

Debie Gumanoy from Lanuza. the finals together with Jeff Dela Torre from La Union.

In the next heat, crowd favorite and first time competitor Rafael Nogalo from Siargao failed to proceed to the finals.

Nogalo was lined up against well-experienced competitive surfers but he didn’t back out and continued to perform his best. “I was so nervous.

Good thing my fellow competitors encouraged me to relax and just enjoy the waves. They were all excellent surfers. It’s my

first time to compete so I was really pressured. I tried my best but fell short during the last minute of my heat.” said Nogalo.

To recap, the 15th Lanuza Surfing Festival announces the following as winners of the second leg of the Philippine Surfing Championship Tour: 19-year-old Neil Sanchez from Baler for the Men’s Shortboard title, Mark Aguila of Baler for the Men’s Longboard Division, undisputed champ for the Women’s Longboard Division Dai-

sy Valdez from La Union, 2016 Asian Champion Nilbie Blancada from Siargao for the Women’s Shortboard Division, and WSL qualifier Gabriel Lerog from Siargao for the Grommets (16 and under).

Congratulations to all the winners and to the organizers of the 15th Lanuza Surfing Festival and to PSCT for such a great week of surfing and!

The next stop of the tour is up in Baler on November 29 and the last stop at La Union on December 5.

The municipality of Lanuza hosts the surfing festival annually and so if you want to experience what it’s like being part of a national surfing competition that’s patterned after international standards then mark your calendars for the 16th Lanuza Surfing Festival next November 2018. Stay tuned next week as I share the best places to stay, eat and surf in Lanuza. Don’t forget out my Instagram (@ferina.millennialmermaid) to see snaps from my stay there.

VOL. 10 ISSUE 171•TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2017

ENTERTAINMENT

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

Kris Bernal, Atom Araullo and Solenn Heussaff get Walk of Fame stars KAPUSO CELEBRITIES were among the media personalities who were honored yesterday, November 21 at the Eastwood’s Walk of Fame.

This year, the three honorees from GMA Network were Kris Bernal, Atom Araullo and Solenn Heussaff.

GMA Artist Center prime star Kris Bernal, who plays a dual role in the top-rating afternoon program Impostora, was inducted in the TV category.

In her Instagram account, she expressed her appreciation to all the people behind the Walk of Fame event. “God heard me and He responded.

Another answered prayer.

This is the 12th year of the Walk of Fame as propagated by Kuya Germs. Thank you to the Walk of Fame members. I feel important and more inspired to do more great things in showbiz. I am greatly honored to be part of it. Thank you GMA Network and GMA Artist Center for making this dream a reality. I dedicate this to my family, friends, and supporters.”

Well-loved broadcast journalist and documentarist Atom Araullo was also inducted as part of

the Walk of Fame, joining other news and public affairs personalities. As the newest addition to GMA Network’s News and Public Affairs group, Atom will be part of the topnotch and multi-awarded documentary program IWitness.

“The award itself is a big honor and I’m very happy to be part of an industrious group of awardees. It gives you a little bit of extra energy but we have a lot of work to do,” he shared.

Multi-talented artist Solenn Heussaff was also one of the celebrity inductees for the TV category. Re-

cently, she played two important roles in GMA primetime programs Encantadia and Alyas Robin Hood Book 2. She’s currently hosting the lifestyle program Taste Buddies on GMA News TV. After receiving the recognition, Solenn looks forward to doing more of what she loves. “So honored to have my own star in the Walk of Fame!

Thank you so much to all the people behind this! I’m inspired to work harder.”

Meanwhile, President of the Walk of Fame Foundation Federico Moreno congratulates the induct-

ees this year who made an invaluable contribution in their respective fields. “To be inducted in the Walk of Fame, you have really reached that epitome of success. It’s all about how you made an impact on the industry. So, congratulations to all the inductees this year.”

“The Walk of Fame Foundation of our beloved Kuya Germs is our own way of continuing his legacy and this is one of the best contribution my family and close friends of my father can contribute to the Philippine Entertainment Industry,” he added.

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VOL. 10 ISSUE 171•TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2017

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VOL. 10 ISSUE 171• TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2017

PAGCOR... FROM 4 more technical. Quite frankly, we admit it’s a little more technical than what the PMO can handle. So we said we will make a special privatization of�ice, separate from PMO, so we have to have a specialized team,” he said.

Dominguez said PAGCOR of�icials have been consulted for the privatization of the institution.

He said the draft EO was submitted to the OP last September.

“Yes (we are on track).

We just need the authority from the President,” he said.

Dominguez declined to estimate a timeline when the EO would be issued but said

that “generally it will come out (in) about 60 to 90 days” once it the draft have been submitted“.

Domiguez is pushing for PAGCOR’s privatization for the agency to focus on regulations instead of manning even the revenue-generation aspect of its casinos.

PAGCOR owns and controls around 46 casinos nationwide.

He earlier estimated the valuation process of these casinos to start in the last quarter of this year.

The Duterte administration wants to privatize PAGCOR to raise revenues for the government. (PNA)

egies,” he said.

Pernia said it is also imperative for the country to sustain �inancial inclusion initiatives which are key ingredients in achieving an inclusive economy.

“Access to basic �inancial services like savings, payments, credit and investments can help individuals

and families build �inancial and material assets,” he said.

The NEDA chief likewise called on the need to strengthen global cooperation.

“Any action undertaken by any individual economy can be more effective if supported by multilateral cooperation,” he added. (PNA)

by the erring �irm. About eight tons of cigarettes per day will be destroyed.

The cigarettes were seized on March 6 this year in a joint operation conducted

by a composite team from the Bureau of Internal Revenue and Bureau of Customs at a warehouse leased to Mighty Corp. in General Santos City.

(PNA)

that stresses grassroots empowerment and participatory governance, and engaging government towards access-

ing and claim-taking of government services especially to the impoverish sectors and communities. (PNA)

cal of the province’s residents sourced from STL operations, the of�icials are worried gambling paves way for more poverty.

According to Dayanghirang, instead of buying food for their families, people are being tempted to place bets for the game thus, affecting spending behaviors of the people in the province especially the 4Ps bene�iciaries.

“We have been trying hard in our anti-poverty efforts and yet we are allowing an operation that further pushes our constituents to poverty,” he said, emphasizing that it also defeats the purpose of lessening illegal

gambling.

Deloso said PCSO has already promised to make necessary adjustments on the matter. These include the transfer of STL booths in less conspicuous places and dialogues between PCSO personnel and local chief executives.

Deloso said that from January to August this year, the PCSO has already released PHP6.6 million assistance funds for 1,915 indigent patients in Davao Oriental.

In an earlier interview, PCSO Deputy Manager in Mindanao Gloria Ybanez said Mindanao has 75 STL operators of the 92 approved by PCSO. (PNA)

In the audit report from TÜV Rheinland, the auditors said that the framework of AP Gen Internal Audit team is “very professional and uses very mature risk-based tool

sets for their engagement with the Oil Business Unit.”

“These certi�ications re�lect that quality, safety, and environmental management have always been at the fore-

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EDGEDAVAO front of our business operations. In line with AboitizPower’s balanced mix strategy, we ensure that all our energy sources, both conventional and renewable, adhere to globally recognized standards as we gear up towards becoming a worldclass organization,” AboitizPower Oil BU President and COO Danel Aboitiz said.

The ISO 9001:2015 is a testament to the company’s misison and solid business framework to ensure the quality and cost-effectiveness of power for its cus-

tomers in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

With this certi�ication, the Oil BU aims to sustain the ef�iciency of its operations, further improve customer satisfaction, promote a culture of improvement in its processes, and encourage an engaged workforce.

For 2018, the Oil BU of AboitizPower will be launching the Asset Management System and Information Security Management System and will also be vying for the certi�ication.

to celebrate the spirit of the Yuletide season.

Students can also pool their resources and forward the gifts intended for their classmates to Marawi children, Farnazo said.

To motivate the schools, Farnazo said DepEd-10 has organized a Search for the Best Alternative Christmas celebration. Winners will be

announced on January 9 next year.

At the height of the �ivemonth-long Marawi crisis, schoolchildren in the region have already donated 3,000 gift boxes to soldiers and displaced children consisting of toiletries, canned goods, bottled water and letters of encouragement. (Mark D. Francisco/PNA)

MILF, primarily aimed at ending the armed con�lict in southern Philippines brought about by historical injustices.

Maguindanao Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu said his administration is determined to provide all support to the efforts to establish the political entity “for this will empower Muslims who have been deprived of their rights in the past.”

His contribution to the development of the Moro people was his scholarship program for poor but deserving young Muslims.

He said he would end his term as governor but whoever succeeds him “will continue what we have started. This program already produced hundreds of Moro professionals,” Mangudadatu said.

Mangudadatu gave his assurance that all the town mayors of Maguindanao are behind all programs of President Duterte because “we all believe our people are the end bene�iciaries of all his

programs.”

ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman also reaf�irmed an earlier commitment for a smooth transition of the ARMM government to the new political entity to be created by the Bangsamoro Basic Law. “My administration will never be an obstacle to the attainment of peace in the Bangsamoro homeland. We are one with the participants of the assembly,” Hataman said.

House Deputy Speaker Sandra Sema, who represents the �irst congressional district of Maguindanao, said that as a Muslim lawmaker, she will be present in the assembly.

“By being there, I shall be giving honor to the history of the Bangsamoro people and the Bangsamoro heritage,” Sema said.

The ARMM comprises the cities of Marawi and Lamitan and the provinces of Maguindanao, Sulu, Tawi-tawi, Sulu and Basilan. (PNA)

shrimps, prawns, mollusks, crabs, and sea cucumbers,” a World Bank report on environment adds. “Fry that gather in mangrove areas are very important for aquaculture.”

From its original area of approximately 450,000 hectares in 1918, the mangrove areas went down to 140,000 hectares in 1991. It decreased further in 1994 to 120,000 hectares, according to Dr. Carmelita I. Villamor, of the Ecosystems Research and Development (ERDB).

Dr. Angel C. Alcala, the environment secretary during the administration of Fidel V. Ramos, claimed that where mangroves are cut, �ishery production declines. Fishermen in Bulacan af�irmed this theory saying that their �ish catch has been falling since the mangroves were cleared in the nearby areas.

The destruction of coral reefs can also greatly reduce �ish production. “Once destroyed, they produce less than four tons per square

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kilometers per year,” a document from the Cebu-based Coastal Resource Management Project (CRMP) said.

The sustainable catch from a good reef over 10 years is about 200 tons of �ish while from a destroyed reef is only 72 tons, it added. Dr. Al Licuanan, one of the country’s leading coral scientists, said the entire country only has average coral cover.

Newsweek, in its special report, cited dynamite and cyanide �ishing as the cause of the destruction of the country’s coral reefs. “For an estimated 150,000 kilograms of sodium cyanide that is used in coral reefs each year, around $80 million is lost,” Cinches said.

Meanwhile, seagrasses in the country covers an area of 27,282 square kilometers.

They are widely distributed throughout the country – from Bolinao Bay (Pangasinan) in the north, Palawan and the Cebu-Bohol-Siquijor area to the center, and Zamboanga and Davao in the South.

Among the diversi�ied

species found in the seagrass beds are �ishes, sea cucumbers, sea urchins, crabs, scallops, mussels and snails.

Shrimps spend the early stages of their lives in seagrass areas. A study done in �ive seagrass sites in the country identi�ied a total of 1,384 individuals and 55 species from 25 �ish families.

In recent years, scientists have identi�ied one more blatant threat: climate change.

Some sea �isheries will collapse as the world warms, while others boom, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change pointed out.

Some species are most likely to move polewards as waters warm.

In inland waters, pollution has contributed to plunging �ish harvest. “The increasing use of feed and chemicals in milk�ish, tilapia and shrimp culture is not only polluting inland waters, but also reduces �ish catch and endangers public health,” commented Dr. Flor Lacanilao, a retired marine science professor. (To be continued)

kar of Malaysia were tied in third to fourth place with 5.0 points apiece.

Subramaniam, mean-

time remains at 4.5 points, the same output of National Master Roberto Suelo Jr. of the Philippines.

sayo. Although he seemed to lose steam in the ninth round, Magsayo again bounced back and connected his punches on the volatile Japanese �ighter.

Magsayo, who fought for the �irst time in Tagbilaran City since 2014, won the nod of all three judges Edward Ligas, Edgar Olalo and Tony Pesons who all scored the 12-round bout 116-112 in favor of Magsayo.

In a post-�ight interview, he said he thinks of his family and his belt that he would not it give up and that keeps his �ighting spirit stronger. Magsayo improved his record to 18-0 with 13 KOs, while Hayashi’s record dropped to 30-7-1 with 8 KOs, in which is possibly the Japanese’s �inal boxing match.

“He was very tough. It was my hardest �ight thus far. He had a very tough chin. I felt that I hurt him,” Magsayo said to the media after the �ight. “I was not thinking of a knockout because I felt that he was a formidable opponent.”

He learned some lessons too in that match in which he was a heavy favorite to win. “I learned that I should pace myself, not be too overcon�ident and stick to the plan,” added Magsayo.

“We expected Hayashi to be tough,” said ALA Gym head trainer Edito Villamor.

Hayashi had previously declared before the reporters that a loss to Magsayo would mean his retirement from his 12-year career.

While Magsayo had earlier announced his intent to challenge Oscar Valdez for the WBO world featherweight title and the victory could lead him closer to that dream. But he will have to face a dangerous �ighter in Joseph Diaz Jr. of the United States in a title eliminator. Diaz also has an unblemished record of 250, 13 KOs with a 52% KO rate.

Prince Albert Pagara (29-1-0, 20KOs) dropped Mohammed Kambaluta (16-4-0, 5KOs) of Tanzania to the canvas twice which resulted in a KO win at 2:29 of the second round in the undercard of the “Battle in Bohol” at the Bohol Wisdom Gymnasium.

Pagara has piled up his third straight victory after his only loss to Cesar Juarez in July 2016. Jeo “Santino” Santisima (15-0, 13KOs) was simply too dominant for his Indonesian opponent Kinchang Kim (8-5-1, 2KOs) by stopping him at 36 seconds of the very �irst round.

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VOL. 10 ISSUE 171• TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2017

Empty Nets: No more fish soon?

(First of 3 parts)

TEXT AND PHOTOS BY HENRYLITO D. TACIO

I

t’s noon time and 63-year-old fisherman Ronnie Estrera already docked his banca. He had no catch even though he started out dawn going to Bago Aplaya, which used to be haven of fish in Davao City. “It’s not only now. For several times, I went home without fish,” he deplored.

His son, 19-year-old Dondon, was fortunate – he was able to bring one ice box of �ish catch. But he said the �ish were getting smaller and fewer. He had to �ish farther south into the waters of Sta. Cruz in Davao del Sur. “Fishers are already scarce in Bago Aplaya,” he sighed.

It’s not only happening in Bago Aplaya but in almost all �ishing grounds in the country. “We are running out of �ish and running out of time.

For a country known for marine biodiversity, there are very few �ish left to catch,” deplored Vince Cinches, oceans and political campaigner for Greenpeace Southeast Asia.

Roy C. Alimoane, the director of Mindanao Baptist Rural Life Center (MBRLC), a non-government organization based in Davao del Sur, agreed. “Like the other vital resources such as forests, Philippine �isheries are about to collapse,” he pointed out.

This is bad news, indeed.

Fish, after all, provides more than half of the protein requirement of almost all Filipinos. But in recent years, the average annual consumption has declined from 37 kilos to just 30 kilos. “Unless we look for other sources of protein, the food intake of Filipinos will be greatly affected,” Ali-

moane said.

Majority of �ishing grounds in the Philippines are over�ished. In fact, 10 out of 13 of these are under intense �ishing pressure. Davao Gulf, the 10th major �ishing ground in the country, is a critical resource supporting the economies of six coastal cities and 24 coastal municipalities in Davao region.

Since 2000, the volume and quality of the �ish in the Davao Gulf have been found to be in constant decline, according to a study conducted by Kuala Lumpur-based World Fish Center.

Except for maya-maya, the harvest numbers for other nine species have been falling.

At the current rate of decline, the caraballas, bilong-bilong, molmol, and danggit may all disappear completely from Davao Gulf within a decade, the study said. The matambaka, tamban and moro-moro are more resilient, but even they may disappear within a generation, it added.

To save the �ish from disappearing the waters of Davao Gulf, a close season is implemented every June to August of each year. “A lot of our �isherfolks like the close season at the Davao Gulf to allow more species of �ishes to thrive,” Regional Director

Fatma Idris of Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) was quoted as saying.

The declining �ish stocks over the years, however, have signi�icantly affected the standard of living of most �ishermen, whose number totaled 1.7 million. Those who try to �ish in other �ishing grounds are bound to incur most costs.

Not only that, they even court for troubles as they sail far to those unfamiliar areas.

There are also those who risk their lives from sea bandits. “These groups would force the �ishers to give them their �ish catch,” Buenafe Olarte, national �isherfolk director of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), told Philippine Panorama. “Sometimes, they just threaten to kill, but others would not hesitate to kill our �ishermen in exchange for food or banca.”

But the big problem is still over�ishing. Newsweek, in a cover story years ago, pointed this out: “The oceans are awash with too many �ishing vessels, and the result is big trouble for �ish and the �ishermen.”

Although �ish stocks are a renewable resource, many of them are strained to the limit, the BFAR claims. “Over the years, they have suffered from

a widespread notion that the seas are inexhaustible and economic pressures that have encourage over-exploitation,” it says.

Cinches reports that commercial �ishing vessels continue to encroach and raid the 15-kil o -

countries in the world, has resorted to importation to �ill an ever-increasing �ish supply gap, because much of the country’s potential �ish catch is being openly stolen from Filipinos by foreign �ishing boats.”

There are several other reasons, too. “Our �ishery resources are beset with problems,” it says. Fishery resources refers to inland (lakes, rivers, freshwater swamps, and �ishponds), coastal and offshore waters.

Fishery experts claim that �ishing activities depend on a fragile resource base which, if mismanaged and overex-

meter municipal waters that is exclusively reserved for artisanal �ishermen. “For a day of commercial �ishing operation inside

ploited, can easily collapse.

“We cannot deny the fact that �ish catch is declining because of over�ishing and illegal �ishing activities. Chemical runoff from farm has affected the bodies of water as well,” Olarte said.

The national of�ice of BFAR attributes the decline of �ish catch in the country to destruction of the coastal zones, which encompasses approximately 17,000 kilometers of coastline. It includes mangrove forests, tidal �lats, estu-

the municipal waters, artisanal �isherfolk are deprived of two-month �ish catch,” he writes.

This made one Filipino �ishery expert to say these words: “The Philippines, which in the 1980s ranked among the top 15 �ishing

aries, i s l a n d ecosystems, seagrasses, coral reefs and beaches.

Mangroves are very important to marine life, says Dr. Rafael D. Guerrero III, former head of the Philippine Council for Aquatic and Marine Research and Development.

They serve as sanctuaries and feeding grounds for �ish that nibble on detritus (fallen and decaying leaves) trapped in the vegetation, and on the bark and leaves of living trees. “(Mangroves) are important feeding sites for many commercially important �ish species (mullet, tilapia, eel, and especially milk�ish),

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VOL. 10 ISSUE 171• TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2017

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‘’Whatever the game plan is offensively, I try to go out there and execute as best as possible,’’ Towns said. ‘’Whether it is shoot 30-plus shots, or shoot �ive shots.’’

The Wolves probably prefer the former, as long as he shoots the way he did Sunday. Towns went 12 of 26 from the �loor, including two 3-pointers, and hit all six of his free-throw attempts.

Coach Tom Thibodeau criticized Towns for not moving without the ball on Friday night, when his star big man got rolling too late.

On Sunday, he scored 30 points for the third time this season and recorded his league-leading 16th double-double. ‘’I thought Karl had great activity today, so that was good,’’ Thibodeau said. ‘’We need that from him.’’

The Suns announced shortly before the game that Booker - who scored 35 points in Phoenix’s home victory over Minnesota on Nov. 11 - would sit out because of an injured big right toe.

With Booker out, the Suns got another big game from their bench, led by Mike James with a career-high 26 points. But

which in�luence color trends, the type of car plays a part too. Large sedans are associated with business and luxury, so developing a hot pink, for instance, would be a waste of time. Smaller sedans are family cars, so fresh and inviting whites appeal. SUVs nod to the outdoors lifestyle, so natural bronzes and coppers have been performing well. Pickup trucks have traditionally been seen as rugged workhorses, so bright shades haven’t sold as well, though that has begun to change with the recent trend for higher-end lifestyle targeted pickup trucks, evidenced by the popularity of the Ford Ranger Wildtrak in Pride Orange.

“Ford’s vehicle lineup in Asia Paci�ic is very diverse, and a color that performs well on one vehicle in one market won’t necessarily perform as well in a different country,” said Lai. “It’s a challenge that keeps us on our toes.”

Across most vehicle types, there are staple colors that don’t often change. These include whites, blacks, and solid

Minnesota started the third quarter with a 22-11 run, and Phoenix couldn’t �ind an offensive spark to seriously threaten the rest of the way. ‘’He’s one of our best scorers, so it’s a big chunk offensively,’’ Suns interim coach Jay Triano said about Booker. ‘’But at the same time we shot 50 percent.

I thought our movement was pretty good. We shared the basketball, so I’m not disappointed with how we played at the offensive end without him. We weren’t very good defensively.’’

The Wolves outscored the Suns 66-50 in the paint, and had 32 second-chance points to Phoenix’s 12.

T.J. Warren - who also had 35 points in the �irst meeting with the Timberwolves - had 18 points for the Suns, and Phoenix started its six-game trip with its third straight loss.

Minnesota built an early 14-point lead before Phoenix’s bench pulled the Suns back into it. James had eight second-quarter points to help spark a 25-15 run that gave the Suns a brief fourpoint lead before Wiggins got hot with three straight buckets to put the Wolves back in front.

NEWS 13

EDGEDAVAO colors like reds. These colors perform consistently so aren’t often updated.

But periodically, advances in paint technology make changing the color worthwhile. Changes in car design also have an impact.

“The shapes of cars and ways of using materials change, and different paints respond differently to that,” said Lai. This means as car shapes become more dynamic and sporty, expressive colors will be popular for their ability to complement the exciting vehicle forms.

Staying on the pulse of design trends across multiple different cultures is a real juggling act, but that just makes the success stories even sweeter. One particular success story took Lai by surprise: Archon Bronze, a color she helped create for the China-only Escort. “My biggest surprise was that Archon Bronze became the second highest selling color on the Escort,” said Lai. “I think it hit the mark for a family car because it’s not as dark as black or gray, and it has a gold highlight.” Lai also helped to develop a second new color for the Escort called

Shadow Gold, which went on to become the thirdbest-selling color for the car; an unusually good result for two newly developed shades.

Lai and her colleagues are constantly working on what’s next. Happily, it seems like the gloom of the �inancial crisis might �inally be a thing of the past. “We’re noticing with

the younger generation there is a sign of optimism that comes from a faith in technology, and that will bring in a lot more bright colors,” said Lai. “There will be bright colors for sportier vehicles, and there will be a trend coming through with accents too, where one or more parts of the car are a different.

NOTICE OF LOSS Notice is hereby given by LOYOLA PLANS CONSOLIDATED INC. that CERTIFICATE OF FULL PAYMENT No.(s) under LOYOLA PLAN ISSUED TO THE FOLLOWING PLANHOLDERS, TO WIT:

were lost. Any transaction entered into shall be null and void.

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China to go 100% e-cars in 2030

C

hina is requiring automakers (making over 30,000 cars per year) to make zero- and low-emission vehicles- of at least 10 percent starting in 2019, rising to 12 percent in 2020 and possibly 100 percent in 2030.

Car makers that do not meet those targets must buy credits or face �ines.

The targets look achievable for the industry as a

W

hen creating a new car color, designers have to look at a diverse range of societies and predict how changing moods will affect color preferences. The designers then combine that with knowledge of how trends in design disciplines are changing to create colors that look on-trend, nearly half a decade after they were developed.

The design process typically starts four years ahead of a vehicle going on sale, with designers researching trends across the major

whole, McKerracher said.

Considering the credit structure, 12 percent in 2020 would translate to about 4 percent to 5 percent of actual vehicle sales.

A spokeswoman for France’s PSA Group said the delay was good news but that the company was fully prepared to meet the quotas regardless. Obtaining an energy score of at least 10 percent in 2019

can be achieved if 2.5 percent of PSA’s Chinese production is electric.

China going from 2% electric cars last month to 20% in 2025 to possibly 100% in 2030 In October 2017, 2% of cars sold in China were electric cars.

Volkswagen, which has a large footprint in the market and sells more vehicles in China than in Europe,

has said it will offer 30 electric models by 2025, but the �irst of those won’t hit the market until 2020.

China is calling for the production of 2 million electric vehicles (EVs) a year by 2020, and 7 million a year by 2025. By 2025, electric vehicles would be 20% of total car production for China.

China’s government said it was working on a

timetable to phase out fossil-fuel powered vehicles. It is probable that China will pick 2030.

China Leading Electric Car maker BAIC will export electric cars to USA and Canada in 2018 Chinese car-maker BAIC, which assembles cars in the Mexican state of Veracruz, said on Friday that it plans to export cars from Mexico to the United

How do carmakers pick a car color?

design disciplines. “Our designers regularly get together and we look at what’s happening in architecture, products and interiors,” said Emily Lai, Design Manager, Color and Materials Design for Ford in Asia Paci�ic.

Once the design team has a feel for where design trends are heading, they must become social scientists. “Color choice doesn’t just re�lect your personality, it also acts as a re�lection of the circumstances around you,” explained Lai. “If you’re amongst a lot

of pressure and stress for example, it will affect your choices and moods.”

A clear example of this came after the 2008 �inancial crisis, when economic concerns drove people to worry more about the resale value of cars. As a result, conservative colors dominated vehicle sales, as buyers tended to prioritize appeal to future owners over self-expression.

The �inancial crisis also drove ‘safe’ color choices as a re�lection of the mood of the time.

Ostentatious colors

would be confronting, even disrespectful to your fellow citizens While the �inancial crisis affected much of the globe, every year brings unique shifts and changes in the cultures that make up Asia Paci�ic. China in particular, is a country where people’s attitudes and values are changing fast along with the pace of development, in the last couple of years this has meant white becoming less popular as car owners become more con�ident, expressing themselves with different colors. In

India, the hot climate makes lighter colors more popular.

In Thailand, white shows signi�icant growth during the past �ive years, but black is still the most popular one.

Religion, politics, and

States and Canada starting in 2018.

Yang Nanhua, director general of BAIC in Mexico, said the plan would go into action “unless something drastic happens with the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).”

BAIC would bring four new models into Mexico in 2018, including an electric vehicle with a range of up to 200 kilometers.

values are different in each country, making the job of people who predict car color trends especially tricky.

Additionally, it’s not just socioeconomic conditions

HOW, P13

SPORTS 15

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 171• TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2017

Magsayo decisions tough Japanese foe M

ark “Magni�ico” Magsayo showed his fellow Boholanos why he is the No. 2 contender in his division and a prospective challenger for a world title showdown.

True to his nickname, he showed magni�icent display of tenacity and willpower to endure a debilitating battle against the sturdy Japanese challenger Shota Hayashi in Pinoy Pride 43 “Battle in Bohol” last night.

Hayashi is indestructible as he survived the Boholano boxer’s unyielding blows and took the solid punches which Magsayo pummeled him.

Magsayo’s dynamic left hooks and agile upper cuts on Hayashi piled up points for the champ even if the Japanese bounced back and snagged with his own

vigorous right hooks and jabs during their WBO international featherweight title �ight.

Magsayo connected a power punch to the torso of Hayashi in the ninth and made the Japanese grimace in pain, but Hayashi easily recovered and engaged the Filipino in a toe-to-toe battle. The unanimous decision win could earn a possible shot against Oscar Valdez.

The Japanese stood up with a robust defense at the start of the match. Magsayo started to get stronger in the third round connecting with solid blows to the head and body of Hayashi as his defense weakens.

Hayashi recovered in the �ifth and sixth rounds retaliating with several blows to the head and body of Mag-

MAGSAYO, P11

TOUGH CUSTOMER. Mark Magsayo of the Philippines digs deep into the body of Japanese foe Shota Hayashi.

IM Senador co-champ in Asean Rapid chess Wolves beat

Final Standings: (Six Round swiss-system) 5.5 points---IM Dede Lioe (Indonesia), IM Emmanuel Senador (Philippines) 5.0 points---Muhd Syakir Shazmeer Azhar (Malaysia), Ruzenan Abu Bakar (Malaysia) 4.5 points---Sumant Subramaniam (Malaysia), NM Roberto Suelo Jr. (Philippines)

I

NTERNATIONAL Master Emmanuel Senador of the Philippines and IM Dede Lioe of Indonesia defeated their respective opponents in the sixth and �inal round to create a two-way tie for

A

�irst place at the conclusion of the 2017 ASEAN Rapid Chess Open at Grand Darul Makmur Hotel, Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia on Sunday, November 26, 2017.

The Iloilo City native

teneo averted a monumental collapse in the dying minutes to claim a 76-70 opening win versus archrival La Salle that gave the Loyola-based squad the momentum in the UAAP best of three championship series Saturday.

Both teams are equally balanced. Each has strengths and weaknesses that the respective bench strategist must continue to exploit.

For the Eagles, it is easier for them to diagnose the Archers’ offensive plan because it is already a give-away. Why? It is because of Ben Mbala, the herculean, two-time league MVP who has been so dominating in the middle that his presence intimidates the opposition.

The Archers have been exploiting this titanic edge, making Mbala the �irst offensive priority in much the same manner that Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was during the Lakers’ heydays in the NBA.

Senador toppled Tick Hong Jax Tham of Malaysia while Lioe subdued Sumant Subramaniam of Malaysia.

Thus, Senador and Lioe , both collected �ive wins and a draw in six rounds.

However, after the tie break points was applied, Lioe took the title and the gold medal via superior quotient while Senador received the silver medal for the runneup place.

The Filipino co-cham-

pion routed Suwardi Andri Sidek of Malaysia in the �irst round, Abdul Rahim Ramli of Malaysia in the second round, Abdul Haq Mohd of Malaysia in the third round, Mohd Ezmi Mahmoodof Malaysia in the fourth round then halved the point with Lioe in the �ifth round before beating Tham in teh sixth round.

Muhd Syakir Shazmeer Azhar and Ruzenan Abu Ba-

IM, P11

Eagles soar, one up

You can’t defend straight up against Mbala on a one-on-one.

He’s gonna eat you up or you foul him.

In focusing plays on his tall masculine center, coach Aldin Ayo might have overlooked that his squad has other talented players on which to switch his offensive designs and confuse his opponent.

Thus, a double team crowds Mbala everytime he gets the spheroid at low post and is forced to kick the ball. Meantime, the 24-second clock has ticked away precious seconds and the receiver is forced to take a challenged outside shot.

The predictable Archers lean on Melecio, Montalbo and the Rivero brothers for outside sniping. Outside of these four, the rest are role players whose contribution to bench scoring is not expected as with their Ateneo counterparts.

Coach Tab Baldwin has made his tactical defense simple.

Put Ikeh on Mbala and a

SPORTS KEN Fred C. Lumba chaser when the latter gets the pass and attempts to �ind a shot. Ikeh fouled out in the last three minutes but Ateneo was still up.

Here’s Ateneo’s bench contributors: Mike Nieto, 11; Asistio, 10; Black, 7; Verano, 5; Tio, 2 for 35 points.

For La Salle: Tratter,7; Rivero, P, 7; Baltazar, 4; Curacut, Go, Tero, Paraiso, 0 for only 18 markers. Mbala put in a very

Booker-less Suns

M

INNEAPOLIS (AP) -Karl-Anthony Towns’ scoring actually meant something this time.

Two days after his coach characterized his late points as ‘’meaningless’’ in a listless loss to Miami, Towns led a balanced offensive attack for Minnesota with 32 points

disappointing 8.

Surely Melecio poured in 24 points but his �irst �ive teammates (Mbala, 8; Rivero, R, 10; Santillan, 7; and Montalbo, 3) accounted only for 28 for a total output of 52 points.

Total this with the bench 38 equals 70.

Ateneo’s starting �ive had 41 (Ravena, 12; Nieto, Matt, 11; Tolentino, 9; Go, 5; and Ikeh 4 for 41. Add this to the 35 and totals 76.

It is a coaching philosophy I have heard for many years.

From outstanding mentors in the NBA and the PBA, they agree you can’t put a good man down.

You may not be able to limit Michael Jordan from producing 50 points but because basketball involves a �ive-man team, just don’t let the comrades join in the fray.

So, Baldwin succeeded in minimizing the ef�iciency of Mbala by denying him space near the hoop, thereby forcing him to issue outside passes.

and 12 rebounds and the Timberwolves beat Phoenix 119-108 on Sunday.

Alongside Jimmy Butler with 25 points and Andrew Wiggins with 21, Towns kept the Wolves from another bad loss, this one against a Phoenix team missing top scorer Devin Booker.

WOLVES, P13

Even if his teammates were scoring, the pro-La Salle crowd waiting for the Mbala explosion did not spark a ten-decibel, ear-piercing cheer from the stands.

Ateneo played a smart allaround team effort.

Unless Ayo alters his offensive designs and adjusts his defensive plans, he will �ind himself trapped by his own inadequacies.

Baldwin is employing his decades of experience in international play in the FIBA amateur arena. Sometimes I would like to believe that he can second-guess what his opponent will be doing next.

I would like to see La Salle launch a surprise this Wednesday when the Archers seek to level the series in Game 2.

(Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.)

Lam. 3:23. “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.” GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. 10 ISSUE 171• TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2017

THE SLAYER Daniel Nagayo wins Junior Primary schools regional title

By NEILWIN JOSEPH BRAVO

M

ELBOURNE – The little lion slayer is at it

again.

11-year old Dabawenyo gol�ing phenom Daniel Nagayo played �lawless golf on his way to a runaway win in the 2017 Victoria

Junior Primary Schools Regional Finals in Melbourne recently.

Nagayo, on a golfing scholarship in Melbourne, �ired a bogey-free three under par 33 to take his biggest title to date in Australian soil and quali�ied to the

Nationals set at the Koringal Golf Club in Altona, Victoria.

The son of former city councilor Rachel Zozobrado-Nagayo and Melbourne-based businessman-nurse Danny started hot off the �irst two holes with birdies

on holes 4 and 7 and dropping another one on no. 1.

He had a perfect drive to left on the par 3 4th leaving him 10 yards to the pin. He calmly sank the long putt for a birdie.

In the par 4 7th,

Nagayo tried to get a little aggressive and gambled his tee shot for a lob over two bunkers. His drive carried 190 yards and landed in front of the green leaving him with 15 yards to the pin.

His pitch left him three feet to the cup giving

DEEP HOLE. Daniel Nagayo peeps at the green from a deep bunker.

him a gimme birdie.

Nagayo’s win followed up his big win at the Stuart Appleby Rookie Series.

He plays out of Park Ridge Primary in Victoria and is now ranked among the tops in his bracket in Australia.