Edge10 issue174 December 1-2, 2017

VOL. 10 ISSUE 174 164 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, DECEMBER NOVEMBER1-2, 17-18, 2017 2017

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Serving a seamless society

CONNECTING ON THE SPOT. Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio takes a groupie photo with high school students after laying a wreath at the monument of Andres Bonifacio during the commemoration of the hero’s 154th birth anniversary on Thursday. Lean Daval Jr.

LIGHTING UP

City Hall to bring Christmas to the IPs

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

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he Davao City government will bring the Christmas celebration to the indigenous peoples of the city in the far-flung districts.

This was the statement of Mayor Sara Z. Duterte-Carpio

in an interview on Thursday morning.

Duterte-Carpio said the city has prepared convergence points in the far-�lung districts where the IPs will be sheltered.

“Didto sila mo naog, didto sila mag-celebrate og didto pud ihatag ilang pinasku-

han (They will go there to celebrate and their gifts will be given also in the shelter areaa),” the mayor said.

She said the city also prepared shelter areas for non-Davao IPs who will come

LIGHTNING, P10

Air Asia’s Red Hot Party INdulgeA2

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 174 •FRIDAY-SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1-2, 2017

PALACE SEND-OFF. President Rodrigo Duterte extends his well wishes to one of the Vietnamese fishermen who were sent off during a ceremony at the Sual Wharf and Causeway in Sual, Pangasinan on Wednesday.

The five Vietnamese fishermen, who were held under the custody of the Philippine government after they were caught poaching in the waters of Bolinao, Pampanga, were given provisions of jackets, hygiene kits,

Davao City National High School bags best film plum

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group of junior high school students from Davao City National High School led this year’s winners of the 2017 Adolescent and Development Film Festival after their entry, “Kadlaw’n” (Dawn), was adjudged best �ilm on Wednesday at the Pinnacle Hotel & Suites here.

The 10-member crew won in the 15-minute category while its shorter version won in the two-minute category, besting 11 other entries produced by students coming from different schools in Davao Region.

Film director Marl Joseph Cabanig, 15, shared he was inspired to create a �ilm about his olescent and Development Film Festival at Pinnacle Hotel & Suites on Wednesday, 29 November. Photo courtesy of PIA-XIgrowing-up years in a community along the Davao River where some people engage in dangerous work to raise their families.

“I grew up in a community near the river where I could see those things, and to create a �ilm you must build up a story close to

DAVAO, P10

and food items. Also in the photo are Department of Social Welfare and Development Officer-in-Charge Emmanuel Leyco, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Director Eduardo Gongona and Vietnamese Ambassador to the Philippines Ly Quoc Tuan. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

Foundation notes 250 cancer patients yearly

By JUDIE VEGA

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he House of Hope Foundation for Kids with Cancer Inc. has noted a total 250 new cancer cases involving children every year.

Cheryl Leilani Gomez, fundraising manager said that every year almost 250 new patients come to seek treatment from all over Mindanao.

“Imagine our patients are from Sultan Kudarat , Cagay-

an de Oro, Gensan all over Mindanao because House of Hope is their only option and most of them came to diagnose for its last stage of the cancer,” said Gomez.

She added that majority of these patients are indigent

with no place or family to stay with in Davao while ongoing treatment.

According to Gomez treatment spans a number of months and even years.

Therefore a major stumbling block in treatment and cure among Filipino children is lack of access to HealthCare Institutions that can provide multispecialty care. Southern Philippines Medical Center is the largest public hospital in

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gent” Memorandum Circular No. 65 dated November 24, Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II ordered the heads of the agency’s attached of�ices and bureaus to disseminate the warning.

Aguirre issued the memorandum after the Of�ice of the President sought

help in informing the public against such schemes.

“There are unscrupulous individuals posing as members of the Cabinet, including the Executive Secretary, or name-dropping the latter in fraudulent schemes to solicit funds from the public,” Aguirre

Mindanao. Currently, it has a Children’s Cancer and Blood Diseases Unit with a dedicated multidisciplinary team which caters to the care of children with cancer.

“We are catering as young as 8months old to 18 years old and every child case for example leukemia the treatment will last for 2 year and treatment for every child cost 1.7M,” she said.

She said that they keep

said in his memorandum.

“The public is also warned that the OP and the Of�ice of the Executive Secretary (OES) have not authorized any person to solicit money or other things of value from the public for the alleged bene�it of Mara-

Public warned anew v. bogus solicitation

The students of Davao City National High School behind “Kadlawn’n”, winner of the Best Film Award in the 2017Population Development

and Adolescent and Development Film Festival at Pinnacle Hotel & Suites on Wednesday, 29 November.

Photo courtesy of PIA-XI

he Department of Justice warned the public anew against unscrupulous individuals using the names of Cabinet members, including Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, in unauthorized solicitation.

In his “extremely ur-

PUBLIC, P10

VOL. 10 ISSUE 174 •FRIDAY-SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1-2, 2017

NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

Joma claim on clash seen as propaganda

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he claim of Communist Party of the Philippines founder Jose Maria “Joma” Sison that no real encounter took place in Nasugbu, Batangas that left 14 New People’s Army rebels dead and another wounded and captured is just a propaganda.

This, according to Army’s 202nd Infantry Brigade commander, Brig. Gen. Arnulfo Burgos, in an interview Thursday.

“Joma Sison’s statement is a mere NPA propaganda against the government forces which are pure and simple lies with the sole intention of salvaging their eroding mass base support and projecting relevance in the region,” he added.

Burgos said what the CPP founder cannot contradict is

that troops applied �irst-aid and evacuated the wounded rebels to the nearest hospital for appropriate medical treatment which is more than enough proof that the military highly values the rights and lives of the people.

“This blatant attempt to weaken our resolve through misinformation and harassment only shows that we are hitting, hurting and disrupting their terroristic plans which inspire us to remain steadfast in pursuing our mandate of protecting the people of Region 4 and securing this part of our land,” the military of�icial added.

In a series of encounters in Barangays Aga and Kaylaway that started 8:20 p.m.

Tuesday, an initial 13 rebels

JOMA, P10

Congress holds bicameral meeting on 2018 budget

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embers of both chambers of Congress on Thursday conducted a bicameral conference to reconcile the differences between their respective versions of the proposed P3.767-trillion national budget for 2018.

The bicameral conference, spearheaded by House appropriations committee chair Karlo Nograles and Senate �inance committee chair Loren Legarda, was held in an executive session at the House of Representatives.

Emerging from the meeting, Senator Pan�ilo Lacson said the bicameral conference committee decided to assign two small groups to discuss and resolve the contentious provisions in the two versions of the proposed 2018 budget.

Lacson said both chairpersons of the House and Senate panels were designated as representatives of the small groups.

“We assigned a small group bicam kasi kung lahat kami magdi-discuss hindi

CONGRESS, P10

PUTTING MESSAGE ACROSS. Hundreds of President Duterte supporters flash their clenched fists during the ‘Revolutionary

Government Now’ rally organized by Hugpong Federal at Freedom Park in Davao City on Thursday. Lean Daval Jr.

Hugpong pushes ‘Rev-gov’ option

By ANGIE SAVERON

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he Hugpong Federal Movement of the Philippines called on Mindanaoans to support the declaration of a revolutionary government in a rally at the Freedom Park on Wednesday.

The rally was held simultaneous with representatives of the Moro National Liber-

ation Front at the Crocodile Park that also expressed support in granting revolu-

tionary powers to President Duterte, to pave the way for federalism and to a parliamentary form of government.

Hugpong leaders said around 10,000 people joined the rally that lasted the entire afternoon.

“We have seen how the President has tried his best to achieve what is for the com-

veteran who will be attending the city’s commemoration of Andres Bonifacio’s 154th birth anniversary on Thursday. Lean Daval Jr

HUGPONG, P11

Student with P2.5-M worth of drugs nabbed

A HELPING HAND. A traffic enforcer from the City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO) pushes the wheelchair of a World War 2

mon good but he cannot by himself bring about change in the face of groups that seek to destabilize government,” said Celso Tizon, a Davao-based revolutionary government convenor. “ Ang sistema sa atong gobyerno na mao’y kanunay nato madungog, nga mao’y

gents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao arrested Wednesday afternoon an illegal drug courier and seized some P2.5 million worth of prohibited drugs.

Raffy Osama, 22, of Barangay Bagua, Cotabato City did not resist arrest when PDEA agents collared him at around 1:30 p.m. in Barangay Capiton, Datu Odin Sinsuat in Maguindanao, according to PDEA-ARMM Director Juvenal Azurin.

Azurin said Osama was arrested after he handed over a sachet of suspected shabu to a PDEA agent who acted as buyer.

“Osama, though a student, is a high value target, we

have been closely monitoring his movements the past two months,” Azurin said of the suspect who was driving a multi-cab vehicle at the time of his arrest.

Osama was in the driver seat when he handed over the stuff to the poseur-buyer and received the marked money.

PDEA agents on board a van waited nearby and quickly arrested Osama who was unarmed and was stunned when PDEA agents showed up.

Anti-narcotics agents recovered about 500 grams of shabu in 10 sachets, estimated to be P2.5 million, and the marked money.

Osama’s arrest came af-

STUDENT, P11

EDGEDAVAO

4 ECONOMY

VOL. 10 ISSUE 174 •FRIDAY-SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1-2, 2017

PH urged to pass law for access to MSMEs

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he World Bank’s corporate arm, the International Finance Corp. , has urged the Philippines to prioritize the passage of legislation that will increase access to �inance micro, small and medium enterprises and make doing business easier for them.

Yuan Xu, IFC Country Manager for the Philippines, said that secured transactions reform could effectively promote greater �inancial inclusion.

“If the Philippines truly wants to increase access to �inance to MSMEs and increase its competitiveness in doing business, this bill needs to be prioritized so that a sound institutional framework will be in place to give �inancial institutions more con�idence to lend to MSMEs,” she said.

Xu was referring to Secured Transactions bill which is now moving towards the second reading in both Senate and Congress.

She cited the example of China where the implementation of comprehensive secured transactions reform mobilized USD 3 trillion initially to MSMEs. Secured transactions reform entails strengthening the legal framework to enable �inancing based on movable assets, establishment of a modern centralized registry

for both movable assets held as collateral and credit information, and institutionalization of systems for dealing with insolvencies.

Gay Santos, Senior Financial Sector Specialist at IFC World Bank Group, said the passage of such legislation could help boost the Philippine ranking in ease of doing business. “(This) aligns well with the 10-point socioeconomic agenda on focus on rural �inance, MSMEs as well as increasing competitiveness in doing business. This is already a priority legislation under the PDP (Philippine Development Plan) but not at NEDA (National Economic and Development Authority) level yet,” she said.

The country on Wednesday hosted the 5th Financial Infrastructure Development Network (FIDN) Conference which tackled on how the region can move forward after setting up foundations for a �inancial environment supportive of MSME and agricultural development.

FIDN is composed of Asia-Paci�ic Economic Cooperation (APEC) member countries, IFC, APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC); SME Finance Forum; and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). (PNA)

GOING STRONG. SilkAir Davao station manager Ravin poses with the company’s anniversary cake on Wednesday at the Pinnacle Hotel.

Christmas Bazaar hosts 70 purveyors

By JUDIE VEGA

M PhilHealth to penalize delinquent employers

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he Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) in Palawan is set to penalize erring business establishments for delinquency in the mandatory enrollment of their workers, and under remitting and non-payment of contributions.

Marian Carlos, PhilHealth-Palawan member services of�icer and spokesperson, said Wednesday morning in a PIA-hosted “Kapihan” that these business employers were discovered by their mapping activities to be negligent of their obligations.

“We will now sanction those who are delinquent or non-compliant. We found out there were many, and there were also inactive accounts, or those that really closed.

What we will do is just ask the City Licensing Of�ice for closure so we can tag them in our system,” Carlos said.

She added that the num-

ber of delinquent employers had actually decreased in Palawan, but those who remain delinquent had been identi�ied and would be placed under dispute.

“Last July, we had a forum, and there were really employers who have not remitted payments for years. Some were able to settle, but some actually refused to comply,” she said.

“Based on the guidance of our collection of�ice in the region, we will now give sanction to delinquent employers.

In those I am handling, there is one in Coron, and for legal action, around seven employers. In my estimate, they’re less than 50,” she added.

Seeking legal action means the blundering business establishments will be called by PhilHealth to explain their failure to comply.

After this, a period will be agreed on when they can settle their arrears.

The airline celebrated its 20 years anniversary in Davao City with an appreciation party for its valued agents. Lean Daval Jr.

anic Nightnings Productions will hold its annual Christmas Bazaar on December 1-3 with the theme ‘Winter Fair at Tent’ in Azuela Cove, Lanang Davao City featuring 70 purveyors offering food and non-food items .

Manic Nightnings Productions is responsible for the different events conducted in the Davao Region and neighboring areas including Carte Blanche, Arcadia, SM Lanang Weekend Night Market, President Duterte Thanksgiving Party, Kaondayawan and KaanDabaw food festival that they have successfully launched along Palma

Gil St., in partnership with the Davao City Government.

In an email statement, the Manic Nightnings Productions said it has opened its doors for the three day bazaar offering a range of food, clothes, travel sale, and gift items for Christmas. The bazaar is now on its 18th year. There is also lot of surprises in the

bazaar under Food, Travel, Shop and enjoy Trivia Nights PINAS’ #Gameofthrones edition, #Arrows away with Gandiva Archery Range Davao and #Wallclimb with Edge Outdoors at Azuela Cove.

The Bazaar will be open to all developers, marketers and startup enthusiasts and help individuals open to new brands and to try out new things in business.

“At least 70 tenants will also be invited, whether big establishments or not, or those that are just starting up primarily to sell food and to showcase the taste and their skills, and advertising had been easy

as the �irst customers can always do the promotion by way of posting in their social media account as well,” said Kat Dalisay, founder of Manic Nightnings Production.

There is an also different food booth, options for Christmas gifts are a lot from personalized items to those you cannot �ind at the malls. They have best deals and varieties of mouth-watering foods, desserts, and refreshments, and a selection of shop and gift items perfect for your Christmas list.

There are open tomorrow Friday 4PM to 12MN, on Saturday 2PM to 12AM and Sunday 2PM to 10PM.

Quezon Provincial Administrator Romulo Edaño Jr. said.

Edaño said that the coco R&D center is considered a “legacy project” of Governor David Suarez, whose governance thrust is to improve the coconut industry in the province, which is the country’s leading coconut producer.

“Because of this coconut center, we could also enhance the coconut agriculture sector and improve the marketing network of the coconut products, which would be given priority by the research

and development facility,” he added.

He said the governor had directed the setting up of the coconut center project as proof of the provincial government’s thrust to help coconut farmers and further boost the coconut and agriculture sector for inclusive development.

Edaño also announced other calendared activities such as the formal “graduation” of the drug surrenderers under the “Yakap Bayan” program on Dec. 11 after the

rehabilitation program that included training courses on livelihood, disaster preparedness and other capacity and skills-building projects.

He also informed of the provincial government’s formal turnover of vehicles and equipment to the Quezon police force.

The provincial administrator also said that 11 more Quezonian soldiers would be honored during �itting rites after their deployment to Marawi City. (Gideon Belen/ PNA)

Coco research center underway in Quezon

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lans are afoot to put up a Coconut Industry Research and Development Center in Quezon province’s Bondoc Peninsula following the support of various government agencies, a provincial of�icial disclosed on Wednesday.

The concept for the establishment of the coco center is being crafted through the support and assistance of the departments of agriculture, trade and industry, and science and technology, and other government agencies,

VOL. 10 ISSUE 174 •FRIDAY-SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1-2, 2017

EDGEDAVAO

ECONOMY 5

BSP cuts 28-day TDF offering

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he Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas has cut to PHP40 billion the offering for its 28-day Term Deposit Facility (TDF) for the Dec. 6, 2017 auction from the previous PHP90 billion offering after the government was able to sell more than PHP100 billion worth of retail treasury bond (RTB) last week alone.

During the rate setting auction for the RTB last Nov. 20, the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) auction committee accepted PHP130 billion worth of tenders, way higher than the PHP30 billion initial offering due to strong demand.

Offering for the debt paper, intended for small investors since minimum placement is PHP5,000, is until Wednesday this week, Nov. 29.

BSP Deputy Governor Diwa Guinigundo clari�ied that the cut in the 28-day TDF offering next week has been “on the table” and does not mean that monetary of�icials now consider that domestic liquidity is tightening.

“It’s something that we consider moving forward,” he said.

Guinigundo said that while the BTr was able to get more

BSP, P11

Alsons-GBP team up to set up power plants

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isted Alsons Consolidated Resources Inc. on Wednesday said it has formally started its partnership with Global Business Power Corporation to undertake energy and power projects through Mindanao power generation holding company, Alsons Thermal Energy Corp..

The two companies signed a shareholders’ agreement this month wherein GBP, the leading power producer in the Visayas, will have a 50-per-

cent stake in ATEC, the holding company for ACR’s baseload coal-�ired power plant assets.

An investment agreement between the two parties was signed last June and the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) subsequently gave its approval to the partnership in September.

“We believe that this partnership will greatly bene�it power consumers particularly in light of the planned inter-

ALSONS, P11

Ilocos Norte to revive water buffalo industry

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he water buffalo used to be a farmer’s best friend in Ilocos Norte. Farming families highly depended on it for draft. But as heavy infrastructure developments and agricultural modernization take place, the carabao industry has waned over the years.

In Piddig town, the local government unit is making an effort to save the water buffalo from extinction. Recognizing its potential as a local source of milk and meat, town Mayor Georgina Guillen believes the water buffalo production should be conserved.

“We need carabaos, not just to help farmers to plow the land but they also give us milk and meat. They exist to balance our ecosystem,” Guillen said in a radio interview on Wednesday.

As a baby step to revive the industry, the Piddig local government is conducting an inventory of the remaining water buffalo in every rural village here.

Under the animal health program of Piddig town, the local government unit here will focus on the health and welfare of water buffalo by ensuring

that they get proper nutrition.

Based on the carabao situation report published by the Philippine Carabao Center in its website, the Philippine carabao has a total of 2.88 million heads as of July 1, 2017.

Compared with the stocks of the same period in previous year, it decreased by 0.18 percent. Commercial stocks also decreased by 5.50 percent while inventory in backyard farms decreased by 0.16 percent.

Guillen has also urged local farmers here to help in revitalizing the carabao industry and increase production with the right mix of technology.

Water buffalo, according to the PCC, have inherently longer gestation period than any other domesticated farm animal.

The average gestation length is 310 to 315 days. Given a post-partum service period of 60 to 90 days, yearly production of calf is not achievable even under the best conditions. This characteristic has a major effect on the measure of the overall reproduction ef�iciency over a given period.

(PNA)

STREET FAVORITE. A sidewalk vendor grills banana, a popular Filipino snack known as ‘ginanggang’, along Jacinto Extension in Davao City on Thursday. Lean Daval Jr

BOC to form regional anti-smuggling groups I n compliance with the directive of Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, Commissioner Isidro Lapeña of the Bureau of Customs has issued a memorandum to all district directors of the agency to coordinate with the regional offices of the Bureau of Internal Revenue in forming Joint Anti-Smuggling Units in their respective areas.

Lapeña said these regional anti-smuggling units will go after “erring importers, brokers and BOC personnel” in customs districts outside Metro Manila..

“In line with the instruction of the secretary to strengthen anti-smuggling efforts and establish anti-smuggling units in the provinces or regions, I issued a memorandum directing all these district collectors to coordinate with BIR regional directors

for the establishment of Joint Anti-Smuggling Units,” Lapeña said in his report during a recent Department of Finance Executive Committee (Execom) meeting.

Lapeña’s directive was in swift response to Dominguez’s earlier order for the BOC to spearhead the creation of joint regional task forces with the BIR to unify and beef up anti-smuggling operations in the provinces.

Dominguez said he wants

the BOC and BIR to strengthen their cooperation at the regional level against anti-smuggling activities, considering that most of the illicitly traded goods entering the country are being sold outside Metro Manila.

The �inance chief has also directed Lapeña and BIR Commissioner Caesar Dulay to focus on rice, fuel, steel, cigarettes and other food and agricultural product such as chicken, onions and garlic in intensifying the government’s efforts to combat smuggling.

On top of creating BOCBIR anti-smuggling units, Lapeña reported to Dominguez that the bureau had also recently intercepted P25 million-worth of smuggled goods from several shipments loaded with agricultural products, liquor, auto and aircraft parts and other merchandise and

he Philippine automotive industry is expected to breach the one-million annual unit sales starting 2025, a trade of�icial said Wednesday.

“The growth of the industry has continued to increase with sales reaching 400,000 units in 2016, four times the sales a decade ago, while growth rate is at 24 percent,” Department of Trade and

Industry (DTI) Assistant Secretary Rafaelita Aldaba said during the Manufacturing Summit 2017.

“By 2025, 2026, 2027, forecasts show that the Philippines will be reaching one million units (in sales),” Aldaba added.

Among the policies introduced by the DTI to support the local manufacture of vehicles is the Comprehensive

Automotive Resurgence Strategy (CARS) Program, which targets to revive automotive manufacturing, increase employment in the sector, attract investments, make the country a regional car production hub, and build domestic scale.

The government is allocating PHP27 billion over a period of six years to support the local production of vehicles and the manufacture of strategic parts,

seized 18 luxury vehicles collectively worth P103 million but were grossly undervalued at only P32 million, both at the Manila International Container Port.

On curbing corruption at the BOC, Lapeña reported that he has instituted measures to help eliminate opportunities for illegal practices, among them, the one assessment/no sectioning policy to eliminate the “palakasan” and “suki” system and avoid delays in the processing of shipments. This measure does away with the previous practice of dividing the bureaus Assessment Division into 15 sections per commodity, he said.

Lapeña is also implementing the “anti-�ixer” campaign at the BOC’s Accounts Management Of�ice.

Under his one-strike poli-

particularly those that are not yet produced in the country.

Two major car companies have joined the program -Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP), for the manufacture of its Vios model, and Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. (MMPC), for the production of its Mirage cars.

Industry players aim to sell 450,000 units by the end of the year. (PNA)

BOC, P11

Annual car sales seen to hit 1-M target T

6 SUBURBIA RISING EDGEDAVAO

MindaNews photojournalist Froilan Gallardo and artist Nicolas Aca stand beside Gallardo’s photo of two soldiers walking amid the devastation in Marawi City. The photo was among the images presented during

VOL. 10 ISSUE 174 •FRIDAY-SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1-2, 2017

the “Handuraw Marawi” multi-media exhibit held at the Museo de Oro, Xavier University in Cagayan de Oro. The exhibit will run until February 2018. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Cardinal backs S. Cotabato to establish own BBL passage drug rehab, treatment center T C OTABATO CITY -- Cotabato Archbishop Orlando Cardinal Quevedo, OMI, DD on Thursday reiterated his commitment to continuously support and work for the passage of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) that will hopefully bring peace to Mindanao.

“I strongly support the inclusive Bangsamoro Basic Law,” Quevedo said in an

interview of the BBL that was drafted by the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC).

The BBL, an enabling law, will complete the government peace process with the Moro Islamic Liberaion Front (MILF) aimed at ending decades-old Moro issue and the right to self-determination claimed by Muslims in Mind-

CARDINAL, P11

Zamboanga City receives good governance award

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he Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) has conferred the city government the 2017 Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) or the Pagkilala sa Katapatan at Kahusayan ng Pamahalaang Lokal.

So far, Zamboanga City is the only city and local government unit (LGU) in the Zamboanga Peninsula that received the seal, which is a DILG performance-based assessment for LGUs nationwide.

The criteria is focused on

four core areas — �inancial administration, disaster preparedness, social protection, peace and order as well as business friendliness and competitiveness, environmental protection and tourism, culture and arts.

A total of 448 provinces, cities and municipalities were recipients of the SGLG. The awarding was held November 27 to 29.

Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar received the award on Wednesday, November 29 in Manila.

ZAMBOANGA, P11

Discussions are underway between the local government and a group of businessmen for the implementation of the project, she said.

“I know our budget is not enough but I am thankful that a private partner has signi�ied to help us complete its construction,” Fuentes said.

The governor said a team from a national busi-

ness group, which she did not disclose, earlier visited the area to evaluate the needs of the provincial government, among them the planned establishment of a drug rehabilitation and treatment center.

The group, with assistance from South Cotabato second district Rep. Ferdinand Hernandez, offered to help fund the construction of the facility, she said.

Fuentes said that the province needs to have its own drug rehabilitation and treatment center to cater to the needs of local drug dependents.

Since last year, the pro-

vincial government documented around 9,000 Surfacing Personalities Involved in Illegal Drugs (SPIDs) within the province’s 10 towns and lone city.

She said it would complement with ongoing efforts by the national government against illegal drugs and criminality.

The of�icial said studies showed that there is a connection between substance abuse and various crimes such as domestic violence, drunk driving, robbery, assaults, among others.

Agnes Pondo, 37; Cherry Manalibang, 29; Jimboy Pondo, 18; Rolando Balugay, 53; and, Abdal Mabol, 42.

Aspacio said all suspects except Mabol were arrested at around 8:45 p.m. Monday in Purok Reservoir, Barangay Don Andres, Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay that also resulted to the dismantling of a drug den.

Aspacio said seized from the susoects were 10 grams

of suspected shabu packed in four heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets worth PhP50,000, PhP500 marked money and several illegal-drug paraphernalia.

He said that cases for violations of Section 5 (Selling of Illegal Drugs), Section 6 (Maintenance of Den, Dive or Resort), Section 7 (Employees and Visitors of Den, Dive or Resort), Section 11

(Possession of Dangerous Drugs), Section 12 (Possession of Equipment and Drug Paraphernalia) and Section 15 (Use of Dangerous Drugs) of Article II of the Republic Act 9165 otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 will be �iled against them.

He said Mabol was arrested in a separate buy-bust

he provincial government of South Cotabato is targeting to start early next year the construction of its planned provincial drug rehabilitation and treatment center.

South Cotabato Gov. Daisy Avance-Fuentes said they started the preparatory works for the establishment of the facility, which had an initial budget of P4.8 million.

She said the center would be constructed inside the compound of the Upper Valley Community Hospital in Surallah town through public-private partnership.

S, P11

Drug den dismantled; 5 arrested in Zamboanga

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nti-drug operatives, backed by policemen, have dismantled a drug den and arrested �ive suspected drug personalities in separate buy-bust operations in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay, an of�icial reported Wednesday.

Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Regional Director Lyndon Aspacio identi�ied those arrested as

DRUG, P11

VOL. 10 ISSUE 174 •FRIDAY-SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1-2, 2017

NEWS 7

EDGEDAVAO

Ralph Mattew Dilan, 5, and his group Kagten:The Beauty of Blaan Performing Arts from Malungon, perform at the 4th Indigenous Peoples Congress on IP Day adn Munato Festival celebration at the Capitol Grounds on November 29 in Alabel, Sarangani. The children learn the dance steps from their parents and pass on

this tradition to the next generation. Photo by Jake Narte-Donna Mahusay/Sarangani Communications Service

Filipinos must emulate T heroism of A. Bonifacio M

Chinese bizman in P6.4-B shabu smuggle barred from leaving PH

ANILA -- Filipinos should emulate the heroism and bravery of Andres Bonifacio as the country commemorates the 154th birth anniversary of the Father of the Revolution.

It is important that the public should unite in building a peaceful and progressive nation according to “If Bonifacio was still alive today, he could have said this to all of us: We laid down our lives for the country’s freedom, what

fate awaits all our sacri�ices today?,” Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Deputy Chairman Frisco San Juan Jr. said in his address during the �lagraising ceremony Thursday at the Bonifacio Monument in Balintawak, Quezon City.

“In this modern times, our country is facing challenges such as increasing poverty, spread of illegal drugs, environmental degradation, corruption in the government as well as the private sector, among others. These are some of the things that we should unite to reject and eradicate just as Bonifacio and the members of the Katipunan tore their cedulas as a symbol of their �ight for independence against the Spanish colonialism,” he added.

he Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has reaf�irmed its commitment to push for a rightsbased approach within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) after convening the �inal meeting of the bloc’s human rights commission.

The United Nations (UN) de�ines human rights-based approach as a conceptual

framework for the process of human development that is based on international human rights standards and operationally directed to promoting and protecting human rights.

“It seeks to analyze inequalities that lie at the heart of development problems and redress discriminatory practices and unjust distributions of power that impede development progress,” the UN’s

HRBA Portal online said.

“The Philippines has always been at the forefront of strengthening a rights-based approach in ASEAN,” Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano said. “While the promotion and protection of human rights should not be politicized, it is essential that we continue to work to make human rights central to the ASEAN agenda.”

The MMDA of�icial also urged Filipinos to empathize with the concerns of the common people as he cited that Bonifacio has emerged from the ranks of the lower classes and led the �ight for Philippine independence.

“We must show our concern and contribute in alleviating the plight of our less fortunate countrymen to the best of our ability in honor of Andres Bonifacio.”

Chaired by Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Leo Herrera-Lim, the 25th meeting of the ASEAN Inter-Governmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) was held in Bohol on November 26-27, with 10 ASEAN Member State representatives and the ASEAN Secretariat attending and reviewing the progress of the implementation of the bloc’s

he Bureau of Immigration (BI) prevented a Chinese businessman from leaving the country after he was placed on an immigration lookout bulletin order (ILBO) over his involvement in the PHP6.4-billion shabu shipment seized last May. BI Spokesperson Antonette Mangrobang, said Chen Ju Long, a.k.a. Richard Tan, was about to leave the country for Shanghai Pudong via China Eastern Air Flight No. 5046 at the Clark International Airport in Pampanga early Thursday.

“At about 3 a.m. today (Thursday), BI personnel in Clark intercepted Richard Tan @ Chen Ju Long, subject of ILBO, in connection with the 604 kilos of shabu,” she said in a statement.

An ILBO will not automatically prevent the subjects from leaving the country -- unlike a hold departure order issued by trial courts -- but it will require them to ask permission �irst from the Department of Justice before they can be allowed to leave the country.(PNA)

overnment security forces have arrested an alleged explosive expert of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) with P1.3 million reward in the province of Basilan, top military of�icials announced Thursday.

Newly-promoted Brig.

Gen. Juvymax Uy, Joint Task Force Basilan commander, identi�ied the arrested ASG “bomber” as Rahim Abdul alias Aman Kabalu.

Uy said Abdul was arrested in a joint military and police law enforcement operation at around 3:40 p.m. Tuesday in Barangay Kaumpurnah Zone I, Isabela City, Basilan province.

He said the arresting team seized from Abdul’s possession a fragmentation grenade.

“Abdul was positive-

Abu Sayyaf bomb PH vows to promote human rights in ASEAN expert captured G T FILIPINOS, P11

PH, P11

ABU, P13

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

EDITORIAL

A

Beware of solicitations

s Christmas is just around the corner, the season of giving is on.

There are, however, restrictions to giving and receiving especially when it involves public of�icials and government employees and everyone must keep watch.

First and foremost, the public must be aware that in this period, there are going to be some solicitation notes being passed around with intended bene�iciaries for those who give money or presents in kind including food and clothing. Be wary about this as some scheming individuals exploit people’s “Christmas generosity” for charity bene�iciaries like orphanages, the sick, the poor and even lumads. Expect too that people will use the Marawi victims supposed bene�iciaries. However, it is clear that no one in government will make letters of

EDGEDAVAO

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solicitations for any gift-giving activity this Christmas.

Presidential Decree 46 prohibits solicitation involving public of�icial and employees and a corresponding action will be imposed who will be found committing such violation.

What is likewise prohibited by law is the act of receiving any gift “from a person other than a member of the public of�icer’s immediate family… even on the occasion of a family celebration or national festivity like Christmas, if the value of the gift is under the circumstances manifestly excessive.” Penalties may range from one to �ive years in prison, perpetual disquali�ication from public of�ice, and other accessory penalties.

Any suspected solicitations that goes the public’s way this Christmas should be veri�ied if not reported to the appropriate agency.

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor JIMMY K. LAKING Associate Editor

PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE

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

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

VOL. 10 ISSUE 174 •FRIDAY-SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1-2, 2017

EDGEDAVAO

S

ix years after the Americans arrived in Davao region, nothing very little, if any, had changed when it comes to Davao’s town proper, which was a mesh of blocks and streets.

A 1904 map of Davao sketched

by Rev. Robert Franklin Black, the �irst Protestant minister in the region, showed only three major thoroughfares, namely: Claveria (now C.M. Recto), San Pedro, and Magallanes (then unnamed but now known as Antonio Pichon Sr.).

Except for San Pedro Street, which is named after a patron saint, all the other roads, including Legaspi and Anda, were named after Spanish personalities. Only Nueva Street (later Bolton and now Paciano Bangoy) was not; given its name, it was a newly-opened road, i.e. nueva.

Two unnamed roads are visible in the map and they correspond to today’s Rizal and Bonifacio streets, both names after the two famous national heroes. Oyanguren Street (now Magsaysay) was already in existence at the time as a trail but still without a name.

Some of the details in the Rev. Frank’s map rectify the accepted information we know today. For instance, the original City Hall (cited as city even if Davao was still a town) was built on

I

really never dreamed of becoming a writer or a journalist. What I wanted, when I was still a kid, was to become an illustrator – just like my idols (Mar T. Santana, Vincent Kua, Jr. and Karl Commendador).

But then, I lived in a far, far away place somewhere in Davao del Sur. I assumed at that time that I won’t go far if I pursued a career on being an illustrator. So, I decided to change my lifetime vision: a writer.

I was in high school when I started reading books, the Holy Bible, some novels (because we had to submit a home reading report every month), and magazines. At the library, my classmates would �ind me reading “Reader’s Digest.”

Among my favorites were “Laughter, the best medicine,” “Life in these islands,” and those true-to-life stories.

There was time when I tried sending some contributions to “Reader’s Digest.” They were never published but still wishing that someday I would say my byline in the prestigious publication.

(Not knowing that several years later, I would be writing for “Reader’s Digest.” And not just anecdotes but full-length features about health. The very �irst article, published in 2000, was about dengue fever.)

I was already in college when my �irst article was published in “Mod,” a

VOL. 10 ISSUE 174 •FRIDAY-SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1-2, 2017

VANTAGE POINTS

9

Plan of Davao, circa 1904 the lot where the Sangguniang Panlungsod stands, which is just across San Pedro Cathedral.

The present Rizal Park and City Hall premises were then used as parade ground. Across it, just beside the Crooked Road where the Unitop supermarket thrives, was Rev. Black’s residence. Decades later, the �irst Protestant Church in the city was built in an adjacent area.

Curiously, the City Hall Drive, as we call it, was already opened as short route. Nobody knows who conceived the idea but this former trail remains to this day.

At the back of the parade grounds, across Magallanes Street, was the Post Of�ice and beside it the new Burch�ield House where Rev. Brown �irst resided as a lease. This area is at corer Bolton-Magallanes where a library hub and Magallanes Elementary School are situated. Capt. James L. Burch�ield was a retired U.S. Army volunteer who became a plantation owner.

Rev. Black also owned a lot at corner San Pedro and Legaspi streets, in an area where the old Men Seng Hotel and Red Ribbon branch stand.

The original Davao Mission Hospital, which all along we through to have been built on the site where the Grand

FAST BACKWARD Antonio V. Figueroa Men Seng now exists, was actually in the area across the old Philippine Constabulary headquarters (now Camp Domingo Leonor). It was the bigger and more improved sickbay that was actually constructed at Magallanes Street.

The areas where the Land Transportation Of�ice (LTO) and Felcris Centrale are found were “cocoa palms.”

Cocoa refers to cocoanuts, which was how coconuts were then called by the early American settlers in town.

On the other hand, the town’s slaughterhouse, now at Ma-a, was

originally built at an area at the Mabini Street area, which was accessed by the sea during high tide. The street was then a marsh that was linked to a tributary that opened to the gulf.

Beyond the site of the abattoir was the designated pier, which not too far away from the delta of the Davao River; it was later moved to the upper section where Santa Ana pier now exists. The new wharf was developed into a concrete quay in 1908.

As Rev. Brown’s map suggested, there were already residences and bodegas lined up at the original anchorage that was facing Davao Gulf before the transfer was made.

Interestingly, areas on the northern side of San Pedro Street between Legaspi, Ilustre, and Quirino streets, were all rice lands, and the areas where University of Mindanao and People’s Park were entered in the map as “public lands.”

There are interesting details in the map worth citing. For instance, along Claveria Street, from the area where the Philippine National Bank now stands to the road’s end on the right, there were fourteen buildings, while on the other side there were �ifteen residences.

San Pedro area, like Magallanes

and Legaspi, were then sparsely populated with structures. The number of houses at Anda Street was only six.

There were already small settlements at Bankerohan long before the Gov. Generoso Bridge was even planned.

The town’s Roman Catholic cemetery was situated at the end of Magallanes Street in an area peripheral to where the University of Immaculate Conception (UIC) now stands.

Beyond the school was a “hill” which �its the description of Madapo Hills at Wireless, where the �lourishing Brokenshire Integrated Health Ministries, Inc. (the forerunner of Rev. Brown’s Davao Mission Hospital) buildings stand.

Now as a bustling highly-urbanized city, Davao’s geographical landscape has completely changed. The areas along the riverbanks and the coastlines, which were pristine and unpopulated, have now become informal settlement hubs.

Surely, Rev. Brown’s sketched map, which is a legacy, has afforded us a historical appreciation on how the city’s central business district look liked over a century ago.

(Sketch copy courtesy of Dr. Evelyn Tan-Requiza who got it from Houghton Library in Harvard University.)

During a break, he asked me if I had already a Philippine passport. (Five months earlier, I decided to get a passport even though there was no plan of going abroad.) “Yes, I have,” I replied.

“Next month, you will be going Bangkok to attend a training on food security for Asian journalists.”

That was my �irst trip abroad. I was in my early 20s.

The 1990s saw me venturing into the national dailies. First, I joined Today, where Elmer Cato was my editor. Then after winning the Hall of Fame in science reporting in 1998, I transferred to “Philippine Daily Inquirer” through the invitation of Isagani Yambot.

In 1999, I got the surprise of my life when I won the Journalist of the Year from the Rotary Club of Manila. Journalists from the three big islands (Mindanao, Visayas and Luzon) were given recognition and so were three journalists from Metro Manila.

It was also at this time that I got an e-mail from Peter Dockrill. He asked me to meet him in Manila as he was interested to talk with me and for a possible story to write. I really didn’t know who he was and so I told him to come to Davao City if he wanted.

He did. We were talking at the lobby of the Marco Polo when he inquired if I was interested to write for “Reader’s

Digest.” I was stunned; I never expected that he would an offer that I could not answer negatively. The rest was history.

Being an environmentalist, I wrote for a London-based publication called “People and the Planet.” One of its contributors, Don Hinrichsen, became a friend. Then, one time, he asked me if I was interested to co-author a paper on water and population for Washington, D.C.-based Woodrow Wilson Institute for Scholars.

“You can either come to the United States or I go to the Philippines,” he suggested. Since I had never been to the US yet, I asked him if I can go there instead of him coming to the country.

And that was how I was able to come to the US, a country which I used to dream to visit when I was still a little kid.

Yes, writing is easy but it is also hard. To those who write, it seems easier but to those who don’t, writing is such a herculean task.

So, how will you become a writer?

Well, listen to the suggestion of Uzodinma Iweala: “Write. Write. Write. Don’t worry so much about being published or discovered. Worry about writing what you have to write – what you need to say, and how you’re going to say it.

The rest will come.”

Iweala is damned right!

The way to writing

national magazine. First, there were few paragraph articles until I �inally wrote in-depth stories. Some of those even won me recognition in Science and Technology Journalism Awards. My article on HIV/AIDS, entitled, “Who says AIDS doesn’t matter?” earned me an award in the AIDS Media Contest – that led me a travel grant to attend AIDS international conferences in Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), Melbourne (Australia) and Durban (South Africa).

Aside from “Mod,” I also wrote for other magazines like “Woman’s Home Companion,” “Women’s Journal,” “Woman Today,” “Panorama” (the Sunday magazine of then “Bulletin Today”) and “Expressweek” (of “The Daily Express”).

I had already graduated from college when I started writing for newspapers. Actually, I started writing for a local daily called “Ang Peryodiko Dabaw.” I wrote mostly agricultural stories since I was working at that time for a non-government organization. This led me to write a regular column, “Agribiz Jottings.” In addition, I wrote another column entitled “Regarding Henry,” which I took from a movie starring Harrison Ford.

Antonio M. Ajero, then the editor-in-chief of the local daily, saw my potential as a journalist. “Why don’t you write for Press Foundation of Asia?” he

THINK ON THESE!

Henrylito D. Tacio

told me. I found out later that PFA released a weekly dispatch (DEPTHnews) which was circulated not only in the Philippines but throughout Asia.

It was through PFA that I was able to join the trainings it conducted every now and then. The �irst training I attended was on business and economics which were held in Laguna, Cebu and Bacolod.

I also attended another seminar on agricultural reporting, where I had the pleasure of meeting the famous Juan Mercado. “So, you are the Henrylito Tacio they are talking about,” he told me during our �irst encounter.

10 NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 174 •FRIDAY-SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1-2, 2017

LIGHTNING... FROM 1

CONFIRMED VOTER. A Commission on Elections (Comelec) 11 employee takes the biometrics of an applicant during the last day of registration on Thursday. Lean Daval Jr

DAVAO... FROM 2 what you see and feel,” he said.

As a �ilmmaker, Cabanig expressed concern over the condition of his fellow youth who engage in premarital sex and are lured into �inding work at an early age due to poverty.

“I began to think how teenagers experience their life today. They used to work at an early age and sometimes are engaged in sex as young as us, students,” said Cabanig, a Grade 10 student at the DCNHS. “Kadlaw’n” tells the story of Kaloy, who became a father at a young age with close friend, Lily. While growing up, Kaloy suffered emotional neglect by his father, Lando, who mines black sand to earn income for the family.

The �ilm’s synopsis reads: “Kaloy impregnates his close friend, Lily, who panicked and did not seem to know what to do and later con�ided her condition to her older brother who burst into anger and mauled Kaloy resulting to his permanent paralysis” rendering him un�it to work.

It adds, “Soon after Lily gave birth, she left their child to Kaloy.”

Tailing behind is MeetUp (Nabuntaran National Comprehensive High School) who placed second in the 15-minute category while its two-minute version placed third.

“Pagkahigmata” (Awakening) of Tagum City National High School placed third in the 15-minute category but �inished second in the two-minute category.

The 1st placer in 15-minute Best Film took home P15,000 while the second and third placers received P9,000 and P6,000, respectively.

The best �ilm in the in

2-minute category won P7,000 while P3,000 and P2,000 went to the 2nd and 3rd placers, respectively.

“Pagkahimagta’s” James Llenado and Joseph Brianne Ventures won Best Director and Best Actor, respectively.

The �ilm also won the Best Trailer Award.

The Best Actress Award went to Mia Masanguid of “Mia” (Mati National Comprehensive High School) and the Best Actor Award to Dennis Philip Jay Coronel of “Dibuho” (Mambago-B National High School).

Endria Silva of “La Esperanza” (Digos National High School) bagged the Best Supporting Actress Award. The �ilm took home the Best Poster award.

“Meet-Up” bagged the Best Cinematography, Best Screenplay, Best Editing, Best Production Design and Best Musical Scoring Awards.

The festival, organized by the Commission on Population (Popcom) in Davao Region, is held annually to “strengthen the public awareness on Adolescent Health and Development and various issues affecting the Filipino youth.”

A briefer released by Popcom said, “Young people make up one �ifth of the country’s population. That means, 19.2 million youth, half of which are adolescents aged 15 to 19 sailing for adulthood in the next few years.”

“Many critical concerns affect adolescents that make a great impact on the society such as early marriage, maternal health limiting access to education and employment, poverty, domestic violence, the threat to STI/HIV and AIDS, and many others,” it added. (MINDANEWS)

FOUNDATION... FROM 2 the cancer kids because it is highly curative.

“Way back to 2004 the survival rate is 2 out of ten, so we lose 8 of them, now its six out of ten, so it means that we are doing something good,” said Gomez.

Gomez added that HoH has created a signi�icant impact in the improved survival of most and cure for some children with cancer by promoting compliance to therapy and decreasing treatment abandonment. It has enhanced the quality of life of many children af�licted with this unfortunate disease.

She also mentioned that they have upcoming event this December 2 a ball for Hope at Grand Regal Hotel , Davao City at 6pm and the proceeds for the Dinner for a cause will bene�its the Children with Cancer for their diagnostic test, treatment and medication.

House of Hope ongoing projects the “Pera Mo, Dugtong ng Buhay Ko” coin bank project is up and running and all proceeds will help support our kids’ diagnostic tests, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and physical rehabilitation.

wi soldiers, senior citizens, illegal drug campaign, or any other cause for that matter,” he added.

Earlier, Aguirre also warned the public against groups or individuals using his name to make solicitations.

“Anyone who will be the subject of such unauthorized solicitation should immediately report to my of�ice at the Of�ice of the Secretary,” the Justice Secretary said in a statement.

Aguirre said that he holds outreach programs for some chosen bene�iciaries, particularly in his hometown in Mulanay or my province in Quezon.

“The costs of such programs are personally borne by me and my family with the help of some well meaning friends who directly offer to me their assistance or contributions,” he said in statement.

“I have not authorized any representative or intermediary to solicit on my

behalf for whatever project or activity,” he added.

Aguirre urged the public to report these activities to his of�ice at DOJ for appropriate and immediate action at landline number 02-526-2618.

Solicitation involving public of�icial and employees is prohibited under Presidential Decree 46 and a corresponding action will be imposed who will be found committing such violation.

Prohibited by law is the act of receiving any gift “from a person other than a member of the public of�icer’s immediate family… even on the occasion of a family celebration or national festivity like Christmas, if the value of the gift is under the circumstances manifestly excessive.”

Penalties may range from one to �ive years in prison, perpetual disquali�ication from public of�ice, and other accessory penalties. (PNA)

PUBLIC... FROM 2

here in the city to celebrate the yuletide season.

The City Social Services and Development Of�ice is now �inalizing a master list of the IP groups for the celebration.

CSSDO head Malu Bermudo said the social workers are now assessing these IP people from different barangays since the convergence will start on December 7 and end on December 20.

“We do it (assessment) simultaneously since last week so that we can execute it smoothly,” she said.

Bermudo said the city will have nine shelter areas in in Marilog and Paquibato, also, the CSSDO opened a shelter in Baguio district located at Barangay Tambobong.

“We have nine shelters area, last year we have seven,” he said.

However, the CSSDO head said that for IPs who are not from the city, there will be only contingency plan in case these people will converge in the city proper.

“Naa tay contingency, naa tay gi andam ng mga areas nga gi-identify nato. Pero kani siya, for short lang ni nga period (We contingency, we have prepared and identi�ied possible areas for them but

only for a short period),” she said.

She said there is no schedule for these non-Davao IP group on their stay in the city but they will be only given short period.

Bermudo said the CSSDO will encourage these nonDavao IP group to go back to their places and the city will refer them to their respective local governments.

She said her of�ice already monitored IP groups from other places who are already in the city.

“Naa na tay makita sa may Buhangin, sa atoang lugar sa Agdao. Naga-conduct mig rescue sa ilaha og gina ingnan nga mo balik usa sa ilang lugar kay wala pa may December. Delikado man pud gud especially, they have children og naa sila sa mga risky nga lugar labaw na pag maghunong ang mga skayanan sa traf�ic, so delikado kaayo sa ilang mga bata (We see some of them in Buhangin and Agdao. We rescue them and told to go back to their place since it was not yet December. It is dangerous for them especially to their children because they are in the risky place and their children will go to the vehicles during traf�ic stops),” she said.

and three security troops were wounded in the gun battles that lasted for 20 to 40 minutes.

Also wounded were two NPA rebels whom troops provided with �irst aid and brought to the nearest hospital.

One of the wounded rebels later died, bringing the death toll of the NPAs to 14.

The encounter was “intelligence driven” and stemmed from the November 20 operation in Barangay Utod that earlier resulted in the capture

of a NPA base and undetermined rebel casualties.

The seized NPA encampment is capable of housing and training a signi�icant number of rebels.

All bodies of the dead NPA were recovered by troops along with 12 high-powered �irearms consisting of 10 M-16 automatic ri�les, an M-16 automatic ri�le �itted with a M-203 grenade launcher and an M-79.

Nine of the slain rebels were male while �ive were female. (PNA)

matatapos, kasi ang daming issues involved,” Lacson said.

Lacson said the members of the bicameral conference committee have at least 24 hours to study and scrutinize the output of the small groups.

In a separate interview, Nograles said the Senate and House have until December 13 to ratify the 2018 budget in order to meet the December 19 deadline for President Rodrigo Duterte’s signing into law.

“Ideally, we have to ratify this before Congress goes into a break on December 13. So, ideally by December 12, rati�ied na ito by both Houses of Congress.

That way, (by) December 19, as scheduled, pirmado na ni President Duterte ito,” Nograles said.

The Senate approved on �inal reading the proposed 2018 national budget last Wednesday, while the House passed its own version last September.

Legarda, for her part, highlighted the salient features on the Senate’s version of the bill, including the PHP1.8 billion for cash allowance of teachers; PHP6.5 billion to fund the health insurance of government employees under PhilHealth’s Universal Healthcare Program; and the PHP10 billion for Marawi rehabilitation, among others. (PNA)

JOMA... FROM 3

CONGRESS... FROM 3

INdulge!

VOL. 10 ISSUE 174•FRIDAY-SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1-2, 2017

ARTS AND CULTUE

EDGEDAVAO

By KENNETH IRVING ONG THE CINEMATHEQUE DAVAO together with Dakila Philippine Collective of Modern Heroism held a special screening of one of the most anticipated films of 2017 last November 28, Dabawenyos at the event were some of the first to finally see “Smaller and Smaller Circles” on the big screen more than 15 years after the book was first published.

Breaking the mould, “Smaller and Smaller Circles” dares the Filipino viewers to look closer. A crime thriller directed by award-winning filmmaker Raya Martin, “Smaller and Smaller Circles” is the much-awaited film adaptation of the best-selling novel by Filipina author F.H. Batacan.

“Smaller and Smaller Circles” tells the story of Father Gus Saenz and Father Jerome Lucero, two Jesuit priests tasked to solve the murder of young boys who were eviscerated and thrown in the teeming slums of Payatas. To solve the murders, they have to explore the cramped urban landscape of 1990s Manila — a trap where there is no way out for a killer and his victims.

“Smaller and Smaller Circles” is considered as the first Filipino crime novel.

It won the Grand Prize for the Novel in English at the 1999 Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature. The University of the Philippines Press first published it as a novella in 2002. New York-based publisher Soho Press published an expanded edition internationally in 2015.

With its intriguing characters, thrilling plot, and cinematic feel, producer and writer Ria Limjap felt that “Smaller and Smaller Circles” deserves to be made into film. Even more so now that the themes and images presented in the film remain familiar. “‘Smaller and Smaller Circles’ was written in 1997, but the themes and images from the book are eerily relevant today,” Limjap shares, alluding to recent events that involved the series of deaths of young boys around Metro Manila.

For Martin, the film invites the viewers to delve deeper and find out why “we [always] end up with the same issues almost two decades later”.

“The American journalist James Fallows calls it ‘a damaged culture’. We’ve never really confronted our issues, we just simply repeat a cycle of violence and denial,” says Martin.

Limjap and Martin hope that “Smaller and Smaller Circles” will spark a conversation among viewers on how the problems that plagued the country during the 1990s are still the same problems the country is dealing with today.

“Filipino audiences deserve to see all kinds of cinema. While certain forms will always be more popular, films that provoke critical thinking and raise awareness — at the same providing entertainment — should also be enjoyed by the audience. ‘Smaller and Smaller Circles’ is that kind of movie, a movie which tells a unique story that they might find entirely familiar,” says Limjap.

“Smaller and Smaller Circles” is led by acclaimed actors Nonie Buencamino as

‘Smaller and Smaller Circles’ urges viewers to look closer the forensic scientist Father Gus Saenz and Sid Lucero as Saenz’ protégé, Father Jerome Lucero.

Assisting them to solve the case are investigative journalist Joanna Bonifacio, in a breakthrough performance by Carla Humphries, and Francisco Lastimosa, the director of the National Bureau of Investigation, played by awardwinning actor Bembol Roco.

Completing the film’s stellar cast are some of the biggest and most celebrated names in the industry: Christopher de Leon, Ricky Davao, TJ Trinidad, Raff y Tejada, Jess Mendoza, Gladys Reyes, Junjun Quintana, Alex Medina, Cholo Barretto, Ross Pesigan, Tessie Tomas, and the late Joy Viado.

The film recently made its world premiere at the 22nd Busan International Film Festival, where it was nominated for the inaugural Kim Ji-seok Award.

Despite international attention, Martin believes that nothing beats the excitement of bringing “a great story to the Filipino people”.

He adds: “Watching the audience with so much excitement and having an active conversation about the story and what they’ve just seen is an experience I’m looking forward to because ‘Smaller and Smaller Circles’ is a story that has an important dialogue that needs to happen in crucial times like today”.

“Smaller and Smaller Circles” is produced by TBA Studios, the indie outfit behind acclaimed films such as “Heneral Luna,” “Sunday Beauty Queen,” “Bliss,” and “Birdshot”. It is distributed

by Columbia Pictures.

“Smaller and Smaller Circles” is Graded A by the Cinema Evaluation Board. It opens in cinemas nationwide on December 6, 2017.

A2INdulge!

EVENT

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 174•FRIDAY-SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1-2, 2017

Air Asia’s Red Hot Party AIR ASIA, the World’s Best Low-Cost Airline

by Skytrax for nine years running gave Dabawenyos a celebration to remember as it held its very first Air Asia Red Hot Party in Davao last November 18 at JJ’s Commune.

A collaboration with STRE3TS Urban Lifestyle Pub, Blah blah blah Kitchen and Bar, and The Bright Side, the celebration featured the beats of DJ Niel Recinto and DJ Julian Rodriguez, along with Davao’s favorite bands Anne Mendoza, Thea, and Nairud Sa Wabad. In addition to these local acts is a once in a lifetime performance from Manila DJ, Patty Tiu who riled up the energetic crowd.

All the party-goers had a funfilled night as they played at the Balloon Burst Game Booth with lucky players winning Air Aisa merchandise and free flights to Manila, Cebu, Clark, Puerto Princessa and Kalibo. There was

also free face painting and photo booth where guests can pose for photos they can post on their social media.

The party got more exciting as Air Asia gave away freebies to the game winners and free round-

trip domestic and international flights to the lucky Dabawenyos.

The Air Asia Red Hot Party is just the beginning of a good relationship between Air Asia and the City of Davao as the airline eyes Davao as one of their next main points of business in the Philippines. Enabling everyone to create wonders while travelling the world.

As of today, Air Asia has five domestic flights from Davao.

They now fly from Davao to Kalibo, Puerto Princesa, Cebu, Clark and Manila. I am also excited with the addition of Air Asia’s first international flight from Davao to Kuala Lumpur which will be launched this coming December 2017, connecting Dabawenyos to more destinations across ASEAN.

VOL. 10 ISSUE 174•FRIDAY-SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1-2, 2017

ENTERTAINMENT

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

Mclisse releases debut album MCCOY DE LEON AND ELISSE JOSON will level up their young love feels on television and chime it in through music as they release their debut album dubbed “McLisse” under Star Pop at the SM City North EDSA Skydome on last November 26.

November 22 – 26, 2017 Only

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Elisse and McCoy are the newest artists of Star Pop, Star Music’s newest sublabel for the younger market, and together they will entertain the crowd with kilig duets from their new album.

Their latest offering follows the successful release of their “If We Fall In Love” cover, composed

by RJ Jimenez, in June. The single is now part of the

loveteam’s new collaboration.

Other covers included in this exciting album are “Opposites Attract” by Jungee Marcelo, “Chinito”

by Jed Dumawal, “Para Lang Sa’yo” by Jonathan Manalo, and “Yakap” by George Canseco. Rox Santos serves as the album’s overall producer.

Catch “The Good Son” stars Elisse and McCoy at their grand album launch

this Sunday (Nov. 26), at the SM Skydome. The “McLisse” album will be out in physical and digital copies during the show for only P199.

For more details, visit

Starmusic.ph or follow Star Music’s official social media accounts at Facebook.com/starrecordsphil, Twitter.com/starrecordsph and Instagram.com/ Starmusicph.

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CHRISTMAS CAME EARLY FOR HAIDE RATONEL, a resident of Mango Hill Drive in Camp Catitipan, as she won shopping money from The SM Store’s “Shop. Win. Enjoy. P100,000 Shopping Spree” promotion. Ratonel, who shopped in SM Lanang Premier, is one of the first 59 lucky winners of the promo run by The SM Store and Mastercard. Every P3,000 single-receipt transaction using a Philippine-issued Mastercard at The SM Store entitles shoppers to an electronic raffle entry and a chance to win a P100,000 shopping spree. Promo runs until December 31, 2017 and more winners will be announced in the final draw on January 5, 2018.

A4 INdulge!

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VOL. 10 ISSUE 174•FRIDAY-SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1-2, 2017

EDGEDAVAO PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS Serving a seamless society

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

VOL. 10 ISSUE 174 •FRIDAY-SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1-2, 2017

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EDGEDAVAO

HUGPONG... FROM 3

ALSONS... FROM 5

CARDINAL... FROM 6

muhatag ug lasting and genuine change diri sa atong nasud,” he said.

He said that there is a need to declare a revolutionary government to fast track the process of federalism in our country, to make it easier for the President to give and implement the project he wants for the people.

The people’s initiative to look for a leader from the people and for the people started during the election 2016.

“Mao kini gipadayun tun-

god kay atong Presidente nag saad ug nag commit na kinahanglan iyang mahatag ang tabang sa amga katawhan ining nasud sa Pilipinas, he said.

Meanwhile, another rally was organized by Moro National Liberation Front at Crocodile Park with the objective; to support the revolutionary government and hoped to grant President Duterte ‘revolutionary powers’ in a bid to pave the way for federalism and a shift to a parliamentary form of government.

ter PDEA arrested two men and a woman in nearby Pigcawayan, North Cotabato on Tuesday following a buy bust operation. Seized from Mohammad Tuankali Macalimpas, 47 a member of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), and companions Samsodin Kato, 30; and Noraida Samaon Alamada, 20; were illegal drugs with a

market value of about PhP2.5 million, a handgun and mobile phones.

The PDEA–ARMM is now preparing charges for violations of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 against Osama who is currently detained at the PDEA-ARMM lock up cell in Cotabato City.

(PNA)

“If they do not settle within the agreed period of time, then there will be �ines and penalties that PhilHealth will impose,” Carlos said.

She also con�irmed that PhilHealth is poised to increase its monthly premium in January 2018 to scale up its health programs.

The increase is based on the government health

insurance company’s Circular No. 2‎ 017-0024 dated last September 11.

Carlos said an increase of 2.75 percent would be imposed, or from PHP250 to PHP275 for employees receiving a PHP10,000 basic salary.

The increase will be shared by both employer and employee. (PNA)

connection of the Mindanao and Visayas grids which we strongly support,” ACR Chairman and President Tomas Alcantara told the local bourse.

Alcantara said the two organizations hoped to bring their technical expertise and strengths in ensuring power security in Mindanao.

He noted the partnership will provide ACR the opportunity to pursue its other energy-based projects outside of the ATEC umbrella, particularly its renewable power generating plants in Mindanao and Western Visayas.

“It will likewise allow ACR to accelerate its foray and entry in other energy-related enterprises in Southern Philippines, including the smaller islands with promising growth in power demand,” he added.

ACR currently holds a 75-percent stake in the 210-megawatt (MW) Sarangani Energy Corporation (SEC) baseload coal-�ired plant in Maasim, Sarangani Province.

ACR’s Japanese partner Toyota Tsusho Corporation (TTC) will still hold 25-percent equity in SEC. The largest power investment in Sarangani province and the entire Region 12, the USD600-million SEC power

plant is expected to reach its full capacity in the �irst half of 2019.

The power plant will be servicing over six million people in key population centers of Mindanao, such as General Santos, Cagayan de Oro, Iligan and Butuan.

ATEC at present holds 100-percent equity in San Ramon Power Inc. (SRPI), which is developing a 105-MW baseload coal-�ired plant in Zamboanga City. It is scheduled to commence commercial operations in 2021.

Outside of the ATEC umbrella, ACR operates three diesel plants with an aggregate capacity of 258 MW in different parts of Mindanao to provide peaking and backup power.

ACR will start next month construction of the PHP3.7-billion 15.1-MW runof-river hydroelectric power project at the Siguil River basin in Maasim, Sarangani Province, marking its entry into the renewable energy sphere.

By 2021, ACR af�iliated power facilities will have around 588 MW of generating capacity, about 25 percent of Mindanao’s projected peak power demand for that year. (PNA)

anao.

“For me, the new BBL answers the centuries-old aspirations of the Bangsamoro for self-determination and it addresses the historical injustices against the Bangsamoro,” he said.

The cardinal was one of the speakers of Bangsamoro General Assembly in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao early this week.

Quevedo, the country’s second cardinal and Mindanao’s �irst and only, said the new BBL “clearly recognizes and supports the fundamental rights of minorities in the Bangsamoro territory, especially Christians and Indigenous Peoples and it declares freedom of religion and freedom of worship.”

Quevedo has been in the forefront of peace advocacy in his diocese and the country having experienced the cruelties of war and the destruction it brought to communities.

He heads the “Friends of Peace,” an umbrella organization of peace advocates in Mindanao composed of leaders from various organizations that worked hard for the success of the government and MILF peace process.

“Friends of Peace” which was convened by the cardinal dreamed of a Mindanao where the universal rights of every Mindanaon are protected and promoted with no discrimination in relation to gender, religious belief or ethnic af�iliation.

In one of his speaking engagement as Friends of Peace convenor, Cardinal Quevedo said “We look at the future with hope, we cannot look at the past only with dismay.

And see the future with confusion. But we need, as peacemakers, to look the future with hope.”

He repeatedly brought his peace advocacy in many of his homilies when celebrating the Holy Eucharist in Mindanao and elsewhere in the country.

Cardinal Quevedo spent most of his 50 year priesthood serving the people of the Archdiocese of Cotabato, mostly in con�lict affected parishes and communities where his advocacies for peace was born.

He also heads the Bishop Ulama Conference, an organization of Muslim, Christians, Lumads and other faith that worked for inter-religious dialogues in con�lict communities of Mindanao. (PNA)

The city government also received the SGLG in 2016 with a Performance Challenge Fund of PhP3.4 million, which was used for certain projects based on the criteria set by the DILG. (PNA)

the government starts funding its various projects or even to settle some of their payables.

There will be liquidity going around the system,” he said.

“Changes in the volume offering either for the seven days or 28 days is something that can be announced one week before the actual offering.

We need to be market-based depending on the liquidity forecast of the BSP,” he added. (PNA)

its highest collection rates during this period. He said the September 2017 collection of P40.26 billion is also higher than the BOC’s monthly average collection of P35 billion.

The BOC’s October 2017 collection is higher by 26.4 percent from last year’s collection of P33.22 billion for the same period. (DOF)

DILG Regional Director Paisal Abutazil and Executive Assistant Antonio Orendain Jr., head of the LGU SGLG technical working group, accompanied Salazar in receiving the award.

than PHP100 billion from the RTB sale “that will be deposited with the BSP and depending on their needs, that will have to be disbursed which means that liquidity will also move out of the BSP and that can be used again by the system.”

“One should be very careful when we say that because the Treasury was able to get more than PHP30 billion, the market becomes tight. It will still move out of the BSP once

cy, Lapeña has already relieved or reassigned 116 customs personnel including 10 district collectors.

As a result of these efforts, Lapeña said the BOC’s October 2017 collection of P42 billion has emerged as the highest in the bureau’s history with the Ports of Manila, Batangas and the MICP also reaching

AICHR �irst met with ASEAN Senior Economic Of�icials to discuss initiatives to promote corporate social responsibility and strengthen human rights practices in the private sector.

“We hope that our interface with the ASEAN’s Economic Community can be held regularly and we can have concrete collaboration with them on how to apply the rights-based approach in the business sector,” Herrera-Lim said. (PNA)

provide services to increase their self-reliance and integration into society through educational, vocational, and social programs; enable them to identify and alleviate high risk factors of drug use problem; and, assist them to develop positive social support system.

The facility will spearhead the development and introduction of skills training for service providers and families of the SPIDS in dealing with high risk factors; development of community-based treatment services for accessible facilities with quality services and support groups to assist them in the recovery process and maintenance of abstinence; and, coordinate and collaborate with partner agencies to sustain and improve its services.

(AC/PNA)

Aspacio said Mabol would be charged for violations of Section 5 (Selling of Illegal Drugs), Section 11 (Possession of Dangerous Drugs) and Section 12 (Possession of Equipment and Drug Paraphernalia) of Article II of R.A. 9165.

He said all the �ive arrested suspects are now detained in Ipil. (PNA)

human rights priority programs and activities for 2‎ 0142017.

“I commend the AICHR for the excellent work it has done throughout the Philippine Chairmanship in promoting and integrating a rights-based approach in the political-security, economic, and socio-cultural pillars of ASEAN,” Cayetano said.

Assistant Secretary Herrera-Lim informed Cayetano that it was under the Philippine Chairmanship that the

“So having rehabilitation available is going to be really helpful for us,” Fuentes said.

The local government had signi�ied to replicate the Department of Health’s (DOH) outpatient treatment and after care program in Davao City for the rehabilitation and treatment of the province’s SPIDs. The planned facility will mainly handle the counseling of residents with drug use problems to enable them to cope and manage with their cravings for prohibited drugs and relapses.

It will teach and instruct the SPIDs in the prevention and management of relapses; develop new social networks and peer-group programs that will operate in a selfhelp orientation under professional supervision;

operation at around 6:20 p.m.

Monday in Purok Neptune, Barangay Bangkerohan, Ipil.

Con�iscated from Mabol’s possession were a gram of suspected shabu packed in �ive heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets worth PhP4,000, PhP300 marked money, and illegal drug paraphernalia.

San Juan was the guest of honor in the event which was highlighted by the laying of wreaths in front of the Bonifacio Monument by the Quezon City (QC) local government led

by Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte and civic organizations, recitation of the Decalogue of Bonifacio and musical numbers to pay tribute to the national hero.

The monument was built as part of efforts of the city government to revitalize the Katipunan

Freedom Trail which spans from Barangay Bahay Toro in Project 8 up to the stretch of Unang Sigaw and Balumbato going to Caloocan City.

The trail traverses the path that the Katipuneros took to evade pursuing Spanish troops following the Cry of Pugad Lawin which sparked the 1896 Philippine Revolution against Spain, according to the QC Tourism Department. (With reports from Paolo Cruz-OJT/PNA)

STUDENT... FROM 3

PHILHEALTH... FROM 4

BSP... FROM 5

PH... FROM 7

BOC... FROM 5

S... FROM 6

ZAMBOANGA... FROM 6

DRUG... FROM 6

FILIPINOS... FROM 7

12 HEALTH EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 174 •FRIDAY-SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1-2, 2017

The rise and rise of HIV/AIDS

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

W

illiam, who grew up in Davao City, was only 18 when he went to Metro Manila to study in one of the country’s most prestigious schools. His parents wanted him to be a lawyer. He was an outstanding student during his first year. But after meeting some friends, everything changed.

His friends brought William to a pub one evening. There, the young man was introduced to a beautiful guest relation of�icer.

And the rest, as they say, is history.

Since then, William was picking up girls here and there.

Lately, however, he started suffering from a chronic cough that lasted for more than a month.

He also experienced itching in several parts of his body, aside from having swollen lymph. William decided to see a doctor and told him his problem. After hearing his woes, the doctor asked William about his sexual lifestyle.

Quite surprised at the question, the young man told his story just the same. After conducting several blood tests on William, he was asked to return a week later.

“I am sorry to tell you this William,” the doctor told him when he returned, “but you are positive of HIV.” The doctor is referring to human immunode�iciency virus, an infectious particle that is too small to be seen with the naked eye or even a conventional light microscope. Bacteria are 1/1000 of a millimeter and can be seen with a light microscope. But with its HIV, it is 1/10000 of a millimeter in diameter and can only be seen with an electron microscope.

The �irst case of HIV infection in the Philippines was reported in January 1984. In July 2000, three agencies – the Health Action Information Network (HAIN), the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) – came up with a publication entitled, “A Matter of Time: HIV/AIDS Development in the Philippines.”

According to the book, with only 13,000 infected Filipinos, the status of HIV/AIDS in the country was described as “low and slow.”

Most of these infected, at that time, believed that AIDS is a foreigners’ disease. “It’s not a Filipino disease,” one of those infected said. “I thought that since I had no foreign partners, just Filipinos, it’s impossible for me to get infected.”

Filipinos in the far-�lung areas likewise believed HIV/AIDS was common only in Metro Manila, where most foreigners are living. “They said there’s no AIDS here in Davao, only in Manila,” commented a teenager who’s HIV-positive.

In 2015, Davao City was listed by the Department of Health (DOH) as one of �ive cities outside of Metro Manila with “high prevalence” of HIV/AIDS. The other four were the cities of Angeles, Bacolod, Cagayan de Oro and Zamboanga.

Sixteen cities and municipalities in National Capital Region were listed as “high risk areas.”

Also included were Bulacan (particularly San Jose Del Monte), Antipolo, Cainta, Bacoor, Imus, Dasmariñas and Laguna (speci�ically Santa Rosa).

From “low and slow,” there is now “a full-blown AIDS crisis” in the country, as seen in the growing statistics. A report released by the DOH’s Epidemiology Bureau in January this year said that 27 Filipinos are infected with HIV each day. This is a big leap from one new case of HIV infection per day in 2008.

“This is actually a continuation of the ongoing upward trend in the number of Filipinos getting infected with the HIV,” wrote Outragemag.com. “On a daily basis, the number of Filipinos infected has increased to: four in 2010, nine in 2014, and 17 in 2014.”

More than a decade ago, some media personalities from Davao and other provinces were invited to attend an immersion on HIV/AIDS reporting in Cebu City.

Part of the seminar-workshop was interviewing people who were engaged in sex industry.

The �irst stopover was a bar with women dancing in clad bikinis. After their performance, some of them came to talk with the invited journalists.

“My parents thought I am working in a restaurant here,” said Carol, who asked not to mention her complete name because she’s afraid they would �ind out. Only

18, she could be the next Myrna Castillo or Sarsi Emmanuelle.

“I didn’t �inish high school,” continued Carol, who was from Agusan del Sur. “I have a twomonth old daughter who’s living with my parents. I have to work since my boyfriend left me three months before I delivered the baby.”

She said that “if the price is right,” she sometimes went out with her customers. “I had to since I have to support my child.

I don’t know of any work.” When asked if she used condom before sex, she replied that she wanted but most of her customers didn’t like the idea.

“I used to quarrel with some of my customers who don’t want to use condom,” Carol said. “But you can’t do anything if they don’t want to. They’d force you, you’d just be hurt.”

The following night, the journalists went to a casa, where “sex for hire” ladies were housed. One of those interviewed was Alma, a namesake of a famous starlet. She was beautiful and a good talker.

When asked why she worked in the world’s oldest profession, she answered without hesitation.

“Actually, I don’t work for money although that’s a bonus,” she said.

“I like my job here because I can actually try different sizes (referring to man’s sexual organ); the bigger, the better.

“I also select my partner,” she continued. “He may not be that handsome but he should be cleaned and doesn’t smell bad.”

On condom, she said, “I usually recommend but if my partner is handsome, it’s okay if he won’t use.”

On their last day, the journalists visited a house where homosexual boys were living. “We try to suggest to our customers to use condom, but there are those who won’t,” said Rafael, the oldest among the group who is already 25 years old.

Condom is cited as one of those that can help curb the spread of HIV/AIDS. But many Filipinos don’t like using condoms

when doing sex. There are those who think that condoms are not necessary.

A study conducted by the health department showed that 37.82% of Filipinos don’t use condoms because they “are unavailable.” About 26.39% said they “don’t like condoms” while 20.15% commented “condoms are unnecessary.”

Other reasons included: “their partner objected” (8.07%), “forgot to use condom” (2.92%), “don’t know how to use condom (1.7%) and “condoms are expensive” (1.18%).

Meanwhile, the AIDS Institute suggests that you use correct condom and do it consistently.

“Latex condoms are highly effective at preventing transmission of HIV and some other sexually transmitted diseases,” it explains.

The Mayo Clinic adds this information: “Use only water-based lubricants. Oil-based lubricants can weaken condoms and cause them to break. During oral sex, use a non-lubricated, cut-open condom or a dental dam – a piece of medical-grade latex.”

Carlos H. Conde, of the Human Right Watch, commented: “Raising awareness is a key part of tackling the Philippines HIV epidemic, now the fastest-growing in the world. But by omitting HIV prevention measures for men-who-have-sex-with-men (MSMs) and the people who inject drugs (PWIDs), the AIDS Hour is the government’s latest missed opportunity to educate and assist people at highest risk of contracting the virus.”

In Davao City, most of the HIV cases come from MSMs, according to Alma Mondragon, the Mindanao executive director of Alliance Against AIDS in Mindanao. The latest AIDS update from the health department said that 89% of HIV cases were transmitted through sexual contact among MSMs. Conde reported that HIV epidemic among PWIDs is concentrated in Cebu City. Quoting a report from the Philippine National AIDS Council’s report, he said that

“a staggering 52% of people who inject drugs were infected with HIV” in 2013, up from 0.4% in 2007.

Iris Gonzales, in a blog, New Internationalist, wrote: “Dr. Joven Cuanang, neurologist and chair of a private hospital in the Philippines, said that because of the growing incidence of HIV in the Philippines, the medical community feels the urgent need to raise the public’s awareness of the issue, adding that ‘It’s already an epidemic.’”

HIV is a stage where there are no physical symptoms visible. In AIDS, the disease is manifested with malignancies and infections.

“Between HIV and AIDS, there is a window period of as much as �ive years,” said Dr. Jordana P. Ramiterre, chief of the Reproductive Health and Wellness Center of the Davao City Health Of�ice.

AIDS is caused by a de�iciency in the body’s immune system. “It is a syndrome because there are a range of different symptoms which are not always found in each case,” explains Dr. John Hubley, author of The AIDS Handbook.

“It is acquired because AIDS is an infectious disease caused by a virus which is spread from person to person through a variety of routes. This makes it different from immune de�iciency from other causes such as treatment with anti-cancer drugs or immune system suppressing drugs given to persons receiving transplant operations.”

The origin of HIV and AIDS is still a mystery until now. There have been many theories but none so far have been proven.

During the early stages of the AIDS epidemic, the �limsiest evidence was used to blame AIDS on certain groups, countries, or animals. Kenneth Kaunda, former president of Zambia, urged: “It is not important to know where it came from but rather where it is going!”

HIV is present in all body �luids of an infected person but is concentrated in blood, semen and vaginal �luids. Virtually, it is pres-

ent in all body tissues and organs including the brain and spinal cord. It can be found in tears, saliva and breast milk although these last three are not considered signi�icant routes of infection.

“A single sexual encounter can be suf�icient to transmit HIV,” Dr. Hubley wrote. “Although the risk from an individual sexual act may be low, the more times a person has sex, the greater the likelihood that transmission will take place. Women appear to be more at risk than men from heterosexual sex. The transmission of HIV from man to woman is believed to take place more easily than from woman to man.”

“The great majority of reason how it is acquired however is really through unprotected sex and drug use,” Dr. Ramiterre pointed out. “We again say that it is not who you are but what you do which poses you the risk of having AIDS.” Dr. Willie T. Ong, an internist-cardiologist and author of several health books, said there are four stages of HIV/AIDS. In Stage 1, known as primary infection, the person experiences “�lu-like” symptoms and will test positive for HIV. In Stage 2 (called asymptomatic illness), the person is HIV-positive and yet doesn’t have any symptoms of the disease (last around 3-10 years).

As the immune system weakens because of HIV, the person now develops symptoms such as fever, fatigue, night sweats and weight loss. This is Stage 3 or symptomatic illness. It goes to Stage 4 or advanced disease when “the disease takes a turn for the worse and the person develops so-called opportunistic infections from bacteria, viruses and fungi.”

The question is: how will you know that you are an HIV carrier?

It can only be answered by testing for HIV. “The HIV test works by detecting antibodies produced by a person after exposure to the virus,” Dr. Ong explained. “A common problem here is when to do the HIV test. If a person has become infected with the HIV virus, how long is the lag time before the person test positive?”

According to studies, most persons will develop a positive HIV test within 2-8 weeks after exposure. “Around 97% will develop these antibodies within 3 months of exposure,” Dr. Ong said. “A few rare cases (less than 3%) will take 6 months to become positive. Because of this, experts recommend that a person gets an HIV test at 6 weeks and at 3 months after exposure. It is optional to take another test at 6 months after exposure.”

Like most diseases, HIV can be prevented – as easy as ABC: abstain from sex, be faithful to your partner, use condoms, especially if you have multiple partners, don’t share needles, and be educated on HIV, Dr. Ong reiterated.

VOL. 10 ISSUE 174 •FRIDAY-SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1-2, 2017

OPTIMISM... FROM 16 sure he’ll excuse himself,” the managing director and CEO of Hong Kong-based First Paci�ic Company Limited said with a big smile on his face.

“More importantly, the Pope (Pope Francis) is Argentinian right? So God must be on their side,” he added.

“So we might have to invoke Allah.”

But kidding aside, Pangilinan said the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) is very serious in its hosting campaign, even doubling its effort from the bid for the 2019 edition of the quadrennial meet which it lost to China.

If ever, he added winning the hosting bid would be a good Christmas gift not only to himself but for the entire

basketball-loving Filipinos.

If ever too, Pangilinan said it could serve as the legacy he’ll leave as the country’s basketball leader.

“It would be a good Christmas gift for the country. It’s a great honor,” he proudly said.

“If there is any legacy that I’d like to leave in the sport of basketball, it’s that the Philippines will, after so many years, have the center of attention in the world in the sport of basketball.”

Right now, all we can do is wait, according to Pangilinan.

“We’ll keep our �ingers crossed. We put in a very good bid, so let’s see,” he said. “Let’s show the world the Philippine brand of basketball.” (SPIN.ph)

not play. . Coach Luke Walton said he wasn’t overly concerned about the team’s tepid start: ‘’We’re a lot further ahead right now than we were last year. And I anticipate with the players we have and the way they work, we’ll be further ahead next year.’’

BRUISING GAME After scoring �ive con-

secutive points in the third quarter, Lakers rookie Lonzo Ball was in a scrape on the �loor for a loose ball when his head slammed against the court. It opened up a small cut above his left eye. The Lakers closed it with a Steri-Strip and Ball returned to the game. He �inished with 15 points and 10 assists.

CRUNCH... FROM 15

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ALAB... FROM 15

TEAM... FROM 15

Mandani 17, Goh 11, Oh 0, Low 0, Lim 0 Alab 83-Okosa 24, Johnson 19, Parks 14, Urbiztondo 11, Sumalinog 7, Domingo 5, Hontiveros

2, Raymundo 1, Maierhofer 0, Celiz 0, Alabama 0 Quarterscores: 2315, 50-38, 74-71, 97-83 (PNA)

to return, but they later ruled out a return in the third quarter. There was no need by then the way they were playing. ‘’He’s a big part of our family, but when he goes down everybody just stepped up,’’ Kanter said. ‘’Not just me.

Everybody stepped up.’’

Courtney Lee added 17 points for the Knicks.

Kelly Olynyk had 18 for the Heat, who lost in Cleveland on Tuesday and �inished their trip 2-2. They had won six straight at Madison Square Garden. Point guard Goran Dragic said energy, especially defensively, was the team’s biggest problem.

‘’I mean, the last two games we couldn’t stop nobody,’’ Dragic said. ‘’I feel like they’re playing 5 on 0 right now. They can score at will.’’

New York made nearly 64 percent of its shots in taking a 33-22 lead after one, then extended it to 65-44 at halftime on one of their prettiest baskets of the season. Jarrett Jack got the ball after a Heat miss, �ired it all the way down from the free throw line to the other end of the court, where Tim Hardaway Jr. leaped and threw it in in one motion from 21 feet to beat the buzzer.

The lead ballooned to 8454 in the third quarter.

ly identi�ied by a civilian, leading to his arrest without his resistance,” Uy said.

He said Abdul is listed under the Department of

National Defense-Department of Interior and Local Government (DND-DILG) Joint Order of Rewards with PhP1.3 million on his head. (PNA)

PORZINGIS... FROM 15

ABU... FROM 7

Team Villalba headed by Engr. Edgar L. Villalba, placed third in the event with an 87-78 lead to Team Bitangga headed by Engr. Angelito W. Bitangga. The other competing teams for this season were led by Engr. Vicente C. Trangia (Team Trangia), Engr. Ernie A. Malnegro (Team Malnegro), Alvin F. Alcantara (Team Alcantara), Engr. Marloue S. Castillo (Team Castillo), Engr.

Hanford V. Menchavez (Team Menchavez) and Engr. Eric C. Barcelo (Team Barcelo).

Cash incentives, medals and trophies were awarded to the winners, while Mark R. Ranara was awarded as the Most Valuable Player (MVP) during the culmination of the said event.

Engr. Jimwell L. Bonguyan, PDBC/ DEBC over all tournament chairman, in his speech said, players will expect a 2nd DEBC tournament season before “Araw ng Dabaw” next year. (Engr. Sharon Angelica Gilla- Bonguyan, MPA)

ExtraJudicial Settlement Of Estate With Deed of Absolute Sale

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late AQUILINA O. JOSOL has been the subject of an Extra Judicial Settlement With Deed of Absolute Sale executed among her heirs, per Doc. No.34; Page No.7; Book No. 4; Series of 2017, of the NOTARY PUBLIC ROLAND A. REYES 11/17,24,12/7

14 MOTORING EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 174 •FRIDAY-SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1-2, 2017

Search for ‘Most Seasoned Subaru’

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ith a reputation centered around long-term durability and longevity, the country’s exclusive distributor of Subaru vehicles is on the hunt for the country’s “Most Seasoned Subaru.” From today until January 31, 2018, Motor Image Pilipinas is looking for the car that ultimately shows the superior quality and build of Subaru.

In order to be eligible, Motor Image Pilipinas has set some baseline requirements: Subaru Vehicle At least 100,000 kilometers on the odometer Name registered in OR / CR must match name of Owner who submits entry Currently registered in LTO / Road Legal In Good Running Condition No aesthetic / exterior

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he Car Awards Group, Inc., the organization made of around 50 motoring journalists and bloggers has �inally revealed the 2017 Car of the Year – Philippines and 2017 Truck of the Year – Philippines.

This year, Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. made it a two-fortwo as their 7-seater diesel compact SUV, the Honda CR-V SX Diesel bagged the Car of the Year – Philippines award. This is the second in a series of wins for the Japanese carmaker which won the same award last year for the Civic RS Turbo.

The same can be said about Mitsub-

physical damage 100 percent stock with No Tolerance on Minor Modi�ications If all requirements are met, aspiring contestants should log on to this microsite and enter some basic information such as: Make / Model Model Year Actual Mileage of Car (must be 100,000-km or more) Name of Owner (must match name in OR / CR) Scanned Copy of OR / CR Scanned Copy of Owner’s ID Photos of Vehicle (Front, Left Side, Right Side, Rear, Engine, Interior) U p o n completion

of the entry, all details will be submitted to the After Sales Department of Motor Image Pilipinas for screening.

The contestant will receive an acknowledgement e-mail if all requirements are met and received.

The �inal criteria will be as follows: 40 percent Truthfulness of Submitted Information 60 percent Exterior, Interior, and Running Condition Judging and deliberation will commence from

February 1 to 8, and the winner will then be invited to an awarding ceremony by the 2nd week of February.

The winner will be entitled to the following prizes: Authentication Certificate from Motor Image Enterprises Travel GC worth P 30,000 A half-page Testimonial Advertisement featuring the winner and his Subaru vehicle A year’s supply of V Power Racing Fuel from Shell So, do you think you own the Most-Seasoned Subaru in the country?

It’s time to introduce your car to the world.

Honda CR-V is CAGI Car of the Year ishi Motors Philippines Corporation who once again returned into the winner’s circle with the Strada pick-up truck.

This time, it won the Truck of the Year – Philippines award.

The other winners announced are: Basic Subcompact Car – Chevrolet Spark LTZ Subcompact Car – Mazda2 Compact Car – Volkswagen Jetta Business Edition+ Wagon – Volkswagen Golf GTS Business Edition+ Sport Compact – Honda Civic Type R Sportscar – Mazda MX-5 RF Subcompact Crossover – Suzuki

Vitara GLX Compact Crossover 2WD – Honda BR-V 1.5 Compact Crossover AWD – Subaru XV 2.0i-S Crossover AWD – Honda CR-V SX Diesel Crossover FWD – Honda CR-V V Diesel Large Crossover AWD – Mazda CX-9 Minibus – Hyundai H350 Large Van / MPV – Nissan Urvan Premium Luxury Subcompact – Mini Cooper 3-door Luxury Compact Crossover – Audi Q2 1.0 TFSI Ultra-luxury Crossover – Maserati Levante S Mid-sized SUV

2WD – Isuzu mu-X 3.0 LS-A Blue Power Mid-sized SUV 4WD – Mitsubishi Montero Sport GT Compact Commer-

cial Utility Vehicle (Double Cab) – BAIC Freedom DC Compact Commercial Utility Vehicle (Single Cab) – Foton Gratour

Midi Truck Pick-Up 4x2 – Isuzu D-Max 3.0 LS Blue Power Pick-Up 4x4 – Mitsubishi Strada GLS M/T

VOL. 10 ISSUE 174 •FRIDAY-SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1-2, 2017

SPORTS 15

EDGEDAVAO

CRUNCH TIME Curry carries Warriors past Lakers in OT

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OS ANGELES (AP) -- After struggling from long range all night, Stephen Curry hit two quick 3-pointers to open overtime and the Golden State Warriors outlasted the Los Angeles Lakers 127-123 on Wednesday.

The victory prevented the Warriors from losing two straight games for the �irst time this season.

Kevin Durant led Golden State with 29 points, while Curry added 28 and Klay Thompson 20. Curry had 13 points in overtime.

Brandon Ingram scored a career-high 32 to lead the Lakers. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Jordan Clark-

son had 21 each, and Julius Randle scored 20.

Curry was 1 for 7 on 3-point attempts in regulation.

Los Angeles had a chance to win at the end of regulation when Randle rebounded Durant’s miss with 5.3 seconds to play. The Lakers set up a play for Ingram, but he missed a driving 8-footer.

The Lakers trailed by 10 at the end of the �irst quarter, but charged back by shooting 71 percent in the second to take a 54-50 lead at halftime.

TIP-INS Warriors: Coach Steve Kerr said he’s not currently concerned about the team’s

occasionally passive play: ‘’I think going to the Finals three years in a row and then trying to do it again a fourth time, you’re just naturally not going to have quite as much of that killer instinct. It’s just human nature. I know it’s in there, so I’m not worried. It’s still November. If this were happening in March, I’d be pretty concerned. But I understand what we’re dealing with and going through. I went through this as a player in Chicago and understand it’s a long race.’’

Lakers: F Kyle Kuzma experienced back spasms during warmups and did

CRUNCH, P13

Alab suffers second straight loss

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avier Alexander put up a brilliant performance on the road, while AJ Mandani sizzled in his Philippine homecoming as Singapore blasted Alab, 97-83, in their ABL midweek clash at the Sta. Rosa Multi-Purpose Sports Complex on Wednesday night.

The Slingers whipped Alab in the fourth period as they scored their second straight win in the ongoing season.

Singapore actually was poised to pull a blowout in the second quarter

after opening the period on an 11-4 run to lead by 15, 34-19. The visiting side kept the double-digit spread for the remainder of the second and most of the third.

Alab, however, threatened to take the lead after going on a 16-4 run of its own to draw to within one, 71-72.

The Slingers started the fourth on a 12-0 to �inally break away for good.

Xavier Alexander led Singapore with a triple-double of 27 points, 11 rebounds, and 12

assists with four steals, while Mandani added 17 markers, one board, four dimes, and three steals.

Ryan Wright imposed his will inside and �inished with 24 points, 18 rebounds, and a block, while Ng Han Bin collected 18 points on four triples.

Reggie Okosa tallied 24 points, 10 rebounds, two assists, two blocks, and two steals for Alab.

Box Scores: Singapore 97-Alexander 27, Wright 24, Ng 18,

2017.

Mark R. Ranara, sizzled with 19 points to lead the scoring for Team Palban while teammate Saher Distancia added the 14 points.

The team was also composed Engr. Leonard S. Palban, Engr.

Rolando Ebad, Julius Dan M. Abule, Rey Salvaleon, Raymond Adolfo, Anthony Asna, Raffy R. Aquino, Jonee L. Ba-

gaslao, Reneboy Ariola, Juvan Matuguinas and Juliefer M. Arellano.

Lawyer, engineer Joseph Dominic S. Felizarta (13 points) led Team Felizarta and was bannered by Engr.

Rodel B. Pingol, Engr. Federico U. Perez III, Engr. Buenaventura M. Mamac, Engr. Jan Kevin G. Masicampo, Engr. Noel Pascual, Eustac Ian Mangao,

AERIAL MOVE. Lonzo Ball of the Los Angeles Lakers changes his shot in midair.

Porzingis injured in Team Palban is 1st Season DEBC Cage Champion Knicks win over Heat

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eam Palban demolished Team Felizarta, 66-54, in the championship game of the 1st Davies – Engineers Basketball Club (DEBC) Tournament �inals held at Davao City Recreation Center, Quimpo Boulevard, Davao City, after the 10 teams with 130 members, competed almost eight months battle from April 8 to November 21,

Some members out of the 130 Davies- Engineers Basketball Club basketball enthusiasts, pose with Davies Paints Philippines Inc. representatives Alvin F. Alcantara and Chris Librando, during the 1st

ALAB, P13

Jose Marie Almasa, Antonio E. Pardillo, Oriel A. Siangco, Ruel Jasme, Jojie F. Garcia and Ryan Gapusan.

Top Five leading scorers were as follows: Mark R. Ranara- 19pts, Saher Distancia14pts, Atty. Joseph Dominic S. Felizarta- 13pts, Jiboy Aquino- 13pts and Engr. Federico U. Perez III- 12pts.

TEAM, P13

Season DEBC Basketball Tournament culmination held at Davao City Recreation Center, Quimpo Boulevard, Davao City on November 21, 2017

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EW YORK (AP) -- Enes Kanter was so good after coming back that it didn’t matter that Kristaps Porzingis went out.

Kanter had 22 points and 14 rebounds, and the New York Knicks beat the Miami Heat 115-86 on Wednesday night despite losing their leading scorer to a sprained right ankle after 2 1/2 minutes.

Back after missing three games with back spasms, Kanter had his way against a Heat team missing starting center Hassan Whiteside because of left knee soreness, going 7 of 9 from the �ield. ‘’Enes was a monster today,’’ Porzingis said.

The Knicks lost all three games Kanter missed, their

longest skid since starting 0-3, but shot 60 percent and led by as much as 30 points with their center back. ‘’I just didn’t play three games. I was like so excited, just like so hungry,’’ Kanter said. ‘’I just wanted to go out there and bite somebody’s ear off.’’

Porzingis had started quickly, making his �irst two shots before he was hurt chasing the ball near the baseline by the Miami bench.

Justise Winslow stepped on his foot, causing Porzingis’ ankle to turn awkwardly, and he was helped to the locker room during a timeout.

The Knicks said X-rays were negative and that their leading scorer was available

PORZINGIS, P13

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. 10 ISSUE 174 •FRIDAY-SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1-2, 2017

OPTIMISM MVP optimistic on 2023 World Cup bid 2023 BID. President Rodrigo Duterte and basketball patron Manny V. Pangilinan show their support for the ccountry’s bid to co-host the 2023 Fiba World Cup.

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he country’s chief backer of the national basketball team Manny V. Pangilinan expressed guarded optimism to the ambitious bid of bringing home the 2023 Fiba World

Cup. SPIN.ph reported on Thursday Pangilinan’s wish now that the battle for the hosting of the world basketball championship has been reduced into a two-way race

between Argentina/Uruguay and the Philippine-Japan-Indonesia joint bids following the late withdrawal of Russia and Turkey.

While that may have increased the chance to bring

the world’s biggest basketball event to the country for the �irst time since 1973, Pangilinan is still keeping his �ingers crossed.

“I’m guardedly optimistic, cautiously optimistic,”

said the country’s longtime basketball patron.

The Fiba will announce the winner of the hosting bid on Dec. 9.

Pangilinan kidded everything seems to be going

Argentina’s way as far as bidding for the hosting rights is concerned.

“Siyempre, the president of Fiba is Argentinian (Horacio Muratore), although, I’m

OPTIMISM, P13