Edge10 issue182 December 13, 2017

VOL. 10 ISSUE 182 164 •WEDNESDAY, • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, DECEMBER NOVEMBER 13, 2017 17-18, 2017

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EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte examines a portrait painting of himself which was presented during the Christmas Party for bloggers at the Malago Clubhouse in Malacañang Park on December 11, 2017. Also in

the photo is Presidential Communications Assistant Secretary Mocha Uson. ALBERT ALCAIN/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

2 soldiers perish in truck mishap

TOURISM F BOOSTER Dad says of martial law extension

By JUDIE VEGA

D

avao City Councilor Al Ryan Alejandre on Tuesday said the extension of martial law is expected to improve further law and order in Mindanao.

“In the end, it will impact on tourism and as more people adopt to martial law, tourism arrivals and investments will increase,” he said.

“As one of the City Councilors I have no opposition with regards to the extension of martial law, we do not have any bad experience on mar-

tial law anyway,” he said.

Alejandre said that the extension of martial law is part of a long-term solution to ending terrorist activities in Mindanao.

Alejandre, who heads the committee on tourism, said the extension of martial law will mean more tourists and investments.

He said that as experienced in Mindanao, martial law in fact is boosting tourism and investments during the �irst six months of 2017.

“I’m happy that people have adopted to martial law judging by the increase of tourism arrivals this year,” he said.

Alejandre said that the proposed one-year extension of martial law in Mindanao is expected to attract more investors, especially in Davao City.

“If they say that extending martial law is a negative

no, because the President wanted to achieve a peaceful living here in Mindanao.

He said that if martial law will be extended in Davao City security measures will be strengthened making the city a good place to travel. .

“There’s no need to be worried and I am appealing to foreign countries and embassies not to issue a travel advisory in Davao, I would reiterate this that the president wanted a long solution for the every-

BATTLE,P10

or saving the life of a child, two soldiers were killed and eight others were wounded in a freak vehicular crash in Antipas, North Cotabato Monday morning.

1Lt. Silver Belvis, speaking for the 39th Infantry Battalion, said the KM-450 military truck loaded with soldiers was traversing part of Antipas-Arakan highway at around 9 a.m. when a child crossed the street, prompting the driver to avoid hitting the kid.

Unfortunately, the truck

fell off a cliff in Crossing Bulwang Spring, Sitio Lukeke, Barangay Malatab, Antipas, North Cotabato. The Army truck overturned and fell about 10 feet at the left side of the highway.

Belvis declined to name the soldiers, both from 39th IB, until their next of kin are of�icially informed.

An Army of�icial said the KM-450 vehicle was speeding along the Antipas section of the highway because the area is a known New People’s Army in�iltrated area.

(PNA)

A show of global skills

INdulge A2

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 182 •WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2017

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte does his signature pose with the bloggers who attended the Christmas Party at the Malago Clubhouse in Malacañang Park on December 11, 2017. Also in the photo are Presidential

SSS retiree pensioners residing in PHL no longer need ACOP

S

ome 1.32 million retiree pensioners of state-run Social Security System (SSS) are no longer required to report for the Annual Con�irmation of Pensioners Program (ACOP) or the yearly reporting to SSS to ensure the continuous payment of their monthly pension.

SSS President and Chief Executive Of�icer Emmanuel F. Dooc said 58.64 percent of the 2.3 million pensioners as of end-September 2017 will bene�it from the removal of the ACOP compliance requirement for retiree pensioners based in the Philippines.

“In ful�illment of our duty to bring better quality services to our dear pensioners, we are glad to announce that retiree pensioners who are residing here in the Philippines are no longer required to go to any SSS branch on their birth month for the ACOP starting October 30 this year,” Dooc said. Instead, SSS is conducting veri�ication procedure to con�irm if the pensioner is still alive and entitled to SSS bene�its.

ACOP requires pensioners to annually report to SSS to ensure the continuous payment of their bene�its. It

was implemented in 2012 to avoid circumstances wherein the rightful recipients are not receiving their monthly bene�it.

All retirees residing outside the country, total disability, survivor pensioners, and dependent children and their guardian, meanwhile, are still required to comply with ACOP. Based on SSS Circular No. 2017-012, the schedule of compliance for retiree pensioners residing abroad and total disability pensioners is on their birth month; survivor pensioners on the birth month of the deceased member; while minor or incapacitated dependent pensioners should comply with their guardian on the birth month of the member or deceased member.

“Compliance six months before the schedule shall be allowed and considered as early compliance if the pensioner complied with the ACOP on the previous year,” the circular read.

Dooc clari�ied however, that ACOP compliance for retiree pensioners based in the Philippines who are 85 years old and above and survivor pensioners who cannot report

SSS,P10

Communications Secretary Martin Andanar and Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque. ROBINSON NIÑAL JR./PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

Suntrust Davao allots P60k for educational assistance

By ANGIE SAVERON

S

untrust Davao has celebrated its 20th Anniversary together with the beneficiaries of Archdiocesan Nourishment Center on Tuesday.

This was attended by Eng. Leonora Gutierrez vice president for regional operations of Suntrust and Jerry R. Rubis Assistant Vice President Sales & Marketing of Suntrust Properties Inc. “This is our Christmas gift giving in line with our celebration of our 20th anniversary

actually, our anniversary is on November 14 but we opted to come since it is almost Christmas,” said Eng. Leonoro Gutierrez vice president for regional operations of Suntrust on the sidelines of the event.

Suntrust has given ANC a total of P60,000 which will be used for the education of 20

children from the center.

Gutierrez said that ANC also sends children to school and that is where they want to give help. The money given to ANC is from the contributions of the employees, brokers and real estate agents of Suntrust Davao and Tagum.

“They gave out of their own pockets, from their commission, incentives they shared a part of their blessings to the less privilege children,” she said.

There are approximately

he Davao City Government will launch the PagbaBAGo program component for women and parents on Thursday.

Last week, the program’s education component was also launched — with bags containing school supplies distributed to children. The responsible parenthood component includes aggressive promotion of family planning methods.

Mayor Inday Sara Duterte said bags containing promotional materials will be distributed to women across the city.

She said the contents of the bags, called as Women’s Health and Wellness Kit, will help couples in planning their families and improve their lives.

“We hope nga maka in�luence sa ila ug makatabang sa ilang pagplano sa ilang pamilya.

Kay duna syay effect sa kaugmaon sa ilahang mga anak.

Mas daghan ang anak, mas low ang chances nga makahuman og eskwela,” she said.

Mayor Inday said aside from family planning, she is also counting on the city’s programs on responsible parent-

hood - along with education - as among the steps in alleviating poverty.

“Dako og impact ang pag anak ug pagplano sa pamilya sa atoang mga ginikanan and duna pod siyay effect sa kalisod nila depending on their capacity as magtianyon nga magpadako mga bata. That’s why duna tay mga project nga ginapakusog nato alang sa mga ginikanan in terms of responsible parenthood,” she said. City Health Of�icer Josephine Villafuerte said that the PagbaBAGo bags for women will have

250-300 children under the ANC’s bene�iciaries. These children are in their community and some are in Bucana, Davao City.

The morning feeding program bene�its 80 -100 children.

“The children undergo screening in order for us to have their record, each kid has their own enveloped which contains their �ile,” said SR. Ma. Felina S.Inting of LGC. The children who will be-

“some instructional materials and a sort of referral slips for them to �ind and avail themselves of reproductive health services in the health centers nearest them.”

Lorna Mandin, head of the Integrated Gender Development, meanwhile, said that to empower women they need to be conscious of their health, including their reproductive roles.

“By giving them proper information, women are given opportunities to make in-

SUNTRUST,P10

PagbaBAGo seeks women component T PAGBAGO,P10

VOL. 10 ISSUE 182 •WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2017

EDGEDAVAO

NEWS 3

RDC holds roadshow on reg’l dev’t plan

T

‘Committing to Sustain Change’is theme

he Regional Development Council (RDC) 11 yesterday presented the Davao Regional Development Plan (DRDP) covering the years 2017 to 2022 to private and basic sector stakeholders during a roadshow at the NEDA –RDC XI Center in Bangkal, Davao City.

Davao del Norte Gov. Anthony G. del Rosario, RDC 11 chairperson, led in Tuesday’s audio-visual presentation, as part of the council’s continuing advocacy for stakeholders awareness and support to the 5-year development plan’s implementation.

Regional Director Ma. Lourdes D. Lim of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) in the Davao Region, who is RDC 11 vice chairperson, welcomed the participants and explained the rationale of the roadshow.

After Governor del Rosario’s presentation, invited representatives from four sectors delivered messages of support to the successful implementation of the regional plan spelled out in a 367-page document. They are lawyer Samuel R. Matunog, president of ICT Davao; Inoriza S. Elento, executive director of the Mindanao Migrants Center for Empowering Actions, Inc. (MMCEAI); Joji Felicitas B. Pantojo, chief operating of�icer of Coffee for Peace, Inc. and Antonio M. Ajero, editor of Edge Davao and convenor-moderator of the four-decade old Kapehan sa Dabaw weekly media forum.

Matunog said the DRDP is a vital document whose content about Davao is “crucial in the decisions taken by boardrooms, councils, committees, and organizations, throughout the world.”

“As the representative of the IT-BPM industry, I take pride that on page 336 of the plan, most of the recommendations of the private sector on ensuring access to high quality and cost-effective communication, internet and broadband technologies, are incorporated in the plan,” he said, adding that “as we have reiterated often enough, we must invest in a robust information superhighway as we transition to a more digital and knowledge-based economy.”

In her message, Ms Elento was grateful that the plan provided space “in reaching out, consulting, convening, and taking meaningful engagement with migrants an families of migrants –our international labor migrants and local migrants, those individuals and communities that are forcibly displaced by conditions of disaster, con�lict

and emergencies.” She said the migrants’ “narratives and positive actions are relevant and equally signi�icant in realizing our determined goals.”

Ms Pantoja, the third speaker, explained the relationship of livelihood pursuits like propagating coffee and peace-building to the core themes of the DRDP which

RDC,P10

REGIONAL PLAN ROADSHOW. Davao del Norte Gov. Anthony G. del Rosario, chairperson of the Regional Development Council XI (third from left), poses with sectoral representatives at the end of a roadshow on the Davao Regional Development Plan (DRDP) 2017-

2022 yesterday at the NEDA-RDC XI Center in Bangkal, Davao City. From left: NEDA Regional Director Ma. Lourdes D. Lim, RDC XI vice chairperson; Joji Felicitas B. Pantoja, CEO of Coffee for Peace, Inc.; Governor del Rosario; Inoriza S. Elento, executive director of

Mindanao Migrants Center for Empowering Actions, Inc. (MMCEAI); Antonio M. Ajero, EDGE DAVAO editor; and Atty. Samuel R. Matunog, president of ICT Davao. Photo by Joan Prantilla, NEDA XI.

4 NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 182 •WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2017

Pakistani frigate in 3-day PH visit

A

Pakistani Sword-class missile guided frigate, the PNS Saif (FFG-253), will be paying a three-day goodwill visit to the Philippines from December 14 to 17.

Navy spokesperson Capt.

Lued Lincuna said the Pakistani ship would be arriving at Pier 15, South Harbor, Manila on Thursday.

The Sword-class frigate also known as the Zul�iquar is designed for air defense, inter-

diction and exclusive economic zone patrol.

He added that the ship, equipped with a helicopter, is commanded by Capt. Shahzad Iqbal.

Lincuna said the visit aims to strengthen the Pakistan-Philippines relations.

The PN spokesperson said PNS Saif would be given the customary meeting point procedure by BRP Rajah Humabon (PS-11) off Corregidor Island. (PNA)

Duterte leads destruction of seized Maute firearms

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resident Rodrigo Duterte will lead the destruction of around 400 weapons captured and recovered during the �ive-month battle to liberate Marawi City from the clutches of the Maute Group terrorists.

This will take place 2 p.m.

Wednesday at the Philippine Army grandstand in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, PA spokesperson Lt. Col. Ray Tiongson said.

The battle for Marawi City started when Maute Group terrorists staged multiple attacks following government efforts to arrest Abu Sayyaf leader and ISIS Emir in Southeast Asia, Isnilon Hapilon, and his cohorts last May 23.

Fighting was declared

over October 23 after authorities con�irmed the death of Hapilon and Maute Group co-founder, Omar Maute.

Captured weapons consist of heavy machineguns, sniper ri�les, rocket-propelled grenade launchers, and pistols.

He added the weapons would be crushed by a “pison” (road roller) and afterwards cut into smaller pieces by a “metal-bound circular saw”.

After the weapons are cut into tiny bits, Tiongson said the debris would be burned.

Initially, 652 �irearms were scheduled for destruction but subsequent inspections and checks found out that 252 of these are too badly damaged, Tiongson stressed. (PNA)

PRRD boots out PCUP executives

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resident Rodrigo Duterte has ordered the �iring of all commissioners of the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor , Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque announced Tuesday.

“The President stated two grounds -- number one, it is, according to him, a collegial body, and they have not met as a collegial body, and number two, the commissioners are notorious for junkets abroad,” Roque said in a press brie�ing.

He reiterated that the Duterte administration is serious on its drive against corruption.

Roque initially said that the chief executive was set to “abolish” the urban poor commission.

An hour later, Roque clari�ied that Duterte will “�ire all commissioners of PCUP and not abolish it.”

In his speech delivered during the 84th anniversary celebration of the Department of Labor and Employment in Malolos, Bulacan on December 9, Duterte hinted he will �ire an entire commission over corruption issues.

PCUP is currently chaired by former Kabataan party-list representative Terry Ridon.

For his part, Ridon thanked Duterte for the opportunity to serve the country, but said the agency’s record “can speak for itself.”

Pursuant to Executive Order No. 82 dated Dec. 8, 1986, PCUP was established to serve as the “direct link” of the urban poor to the government in policy formulation and program implementation.

One of its functions is to set up a consultative mechanism to provide a forum for

PRRD,P10

Peddlers, including some Badjao children, hawk Christmas paper bags outside the entrance of a mall in Digos City on Sunday (10 Dec 2017).

MindaNews photo by ERIC S.B. LIBRE

Fireworks display pushed for LGUs

By JUDIE VEGA

T

he Department of Health has launched a campaign dubbed as “OPLAN: IwasPaputok, Fireworks Display angPatok! Maki-isasa Fireworks Display saInyong Lugar” in compliance with Executive Order 28 issued by President Rodrigo Duterte that regulates and controls the use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices.

Yasuy Avila, DOH XI health education and promotion of�icer, said that the goal of this program is to lessen, or possibly reduce to zero, �irecracker-related injuries during the Christmas and New Year’s Eve revelry.

Avila said this is to encourage the other local government units to stage com-

munity �ireworks display on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve in compliance to EO 28 of the President.

“EO 28 is signed by President Duterte stipulates that these �irecrackers shall con�ined to the community �ireworks display to minimize the risk of injuries and casualties,” said Avila.

Avila said the conduct of community �ireworks display will be of big help in reducing �irecracker-related injuries since it will be handled by trained professionals and in accordance to national standards.

“Part of the standards is that the �ireworks display area must be 100 square meters and with safety space between the �iring area and spectators.

The place should be well-lighted with ready �ire extinguisher, public address system and a �irst aid station,” she said.

She said that spectators should also be properly briefed on the conduct of the �ireworks display and encourages the use of safer noise-makers to prevent �ire-

cracker-related injuries.

She also reminded the public that those �irecrackers and all types of pyrotechnics are prohibited in the city due to the ordinance banning �irecrackers and pyrotechnics in all their forms through City Ordinance 060-02 approved by then Mayor Rodrigo Duterte.

Avila revealed a data obtained from DOH XI Fireworks/�irecrackers cases and injuries from December 21, 2016 – January 5, 2017 total of 24 males cases with the youngest of 7 years old and oldest is 52 years old.

“We are 79% lower than last year 20015-2016 I hope this will be continuing,” she said.

in accordance with the request of the President is a foregone conclusion,” Drilon told reporters in an interview.

“Congress is a political body and the President has the supermajority in both houses. It is expected that notwithstanding our reservations and opposition, the Congress will authorize the extension of martial for one year in the entire Mindanao, as requested by the President,” he added.

Drilon said both chambers will go through the same

motions it did the last time it convened to tackle the issue of martial law extension.

It may be recalled that the Congress extended martial law in July until yearend.

He, meanwhile, said the Supreme Court will eventually have to decide whether or not there is, in fact, a factual basis for the extension of martial law in the entire Mindanao.

“I think Congress will heed the President’s request and ultimately, the Supreme Court will have to decide on the va-

lidity of the extension,” Drilon said.

The senator also said that the Senate minority will, however, still put on record their objection.

“We will raise constitutional issues. There is no armed uprising or actual rebellion, which is a requirement under the constitution for an extension,” the senator added.

Asked if the minority also planned to question the exten-

FIREWORKS,P10

Drilon says Congress keen on ML extension

S

enate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon on Tuesday said he expects Congress to approve the extension of martial law extension in Mindanao for another year despite possible opposition by the minority.

Drilon said that it is “expected” because President Rodrigo Duterte has the supermajority in both the Senate and the House of Representatives.

“I think the authorization of Congress to extend martial

DRILON,P10

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 10 ISSUE 182 •WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2017

5 ECONOMY

Economic link to sustain PH trade growth-NEDA

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he National Economic and Development Authority says continued exports growth, economic cooperation, and trade facilitation initiatives will sustain trade gains, as total trade records double-digit growth in October 2017.

NEDA-attached agency Philippine Statistics Authority reported that the country’s total trade grew by 10.4 percent year-on-year in October 2017, a pickup from September’s 4.6-percent growth.

Exports recorded its eleventh consecutive month of positive growth at 6.6 percent, while imports posted a double-digit growth of 13.1 percent.

“We are encouraged by the performance of Philippine trade in recent months, especially with the consistent positive performance of exports.

Cooperation and trade initiatives are integral to sustaining these gains,” Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia said.

Total merchandise trade grew by 11.2 percent for the �irst six months of 2017 compared to the �irst half last year.

“For 2018, we are looking at improved performances in exports of agricultural prod-

ucts and semiconductors, which continue to comprise a huge portion of Philippine exports,” the Cabinet of�icial said.

This follows the expected rise in global prices of agricultural exports and World Semiconductor Trade Statistics’ expected 7-percent growth in global sales.

Pernia noted that these gains and positive outlook will be accompanied by initiatives such as ASEAN Seamless Trade Facilitation Indicators (ASTFI) that could help in reducing trade transaction costs by 10 percent by 2020.

The ASEAN-Hong Kong, China Free Trade Agreement (AHKFTA) and ASEAN–HKC Investment Agreement (AHKIA) signed last month will also increase and facilitate trade in goods and services within the region.

The AHKFTA broadens market access, promotes trade con�idence and cooperation while AHKIA covers protection, promotion and facilitation of investment.

“Against this backdrop, Philippine exports will likely remain in the positive territory and should pick up due to higher demand during the holiday season,” said Pernia.

RUNNING THIN. Davao based architect Florencio Gavino discusses the options confronting the Filipino people en route to federalism, which he says is now shifting to a choice between federalism through

a revolutionary government and an outright independence for Mindanao. Angie Saveron

Bill allows workers 100% access to service charges

Freeport eyes major Addresses injustice in the service industry investments from US

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he Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority is now aiming to get fresh key investment packages from Filipino-American companies and private groups in the United States for the industrial and maritime sectors in this Freeport.

SBMA chairman and administrator Wilma T. Eisma, who joined a trade mission organized by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), said on Monday that she has met with several prospective investors from the Federation of Philippine American Chambers of Commerce (FPACC) during a week-long swing among key business centers from the East Coast to the West Coast last month.

The FPACC, which has 42 chapters in the United States and around 5,000 member-companies, bridges U.S.-Philippines trade and commerce, and promotes goodwill and mutually bene�icial projects between the two countries.

It renewed its memorandum of understanding with

the PCCI on Nov. 11 in a ceremony in Scottsdale, Arizona.

“It’s a very promising situation as far as the FPACC members are concerned, and we have at least two major investment prospects and two port agreements as a result of the trip,” Eisma said.

“We are looking forward to more engagement with these interested parties so that we can �inally clinch a business deal with them,” she added.

Eisma said that an estimated USD1-billion investment is being considered by an American-Chinese venture to develop a portion of the Redondo Peninsula in Subic for a possible industrial, maritime and mixed-use complex that will generate more jobs and economic opportunities for the country.

Aside from this, Eisma said that a company based in California is also planning a USD20-million investment for a waste-to-energy project and related renewable energy projects in the Subic Bay Freeport.

FREEPORT,P10

T

he Senate on Monday approved on third and final reading a measure that would allow restaurant and hotel employees 100 percent access to service charges collected from customers.

Once Senate Bill No. 1299 is enacted into law, restaurant and hotel workers, whether regular, contractual, or agency-hired, would be entitled to a 100 percent service charge as long as they would directly deliver the service to their customers.

Senator Joel Villanueva, principal author, and sponsor of Senate Bill No. 1299, said the proposed measure seeks to “address the injus-

tice brought upon our hardworking workers in the service industry who provide the actual service but rarely get their proper share in the collection.”

At present, restaurant and hotel workers are given only 85 percent of the total tips collected from customers while management retained the remaining 15 percent.

Management gets 15 percent of the service charge

proceeds to answer for losses or breakages. However, if there were no losses or breakages, the 15 percent was the management’s prerogative for disposition or distribution among managerial employees.

Villanueva, chairman of the Senate Committee on Labor, Employment and Human Resources Development, �iled his measure saying sharing distribution had not changed since it became law in 1975.

“The bill does not make the collection of service charge mandatory to avoid interference with the right to management to exercise

discretion in the operation of their business. The proposed 100 percent service charge for our workers would bene�it both the workers and the employers,” Villanueva said in his sponsorship speech.

Philippine Quali�ications Framework Act of 2017 Also approved on third and �inal reading is Senate Bill No. 1456, or the Philippine Quali�ications Framework Act of 2017, which was also authored and sponsored

by Villanueva.

This bill seeks to institutionalize the Philippine Quali�ications Framework (PQF) to address job mismatch and

son because oil prices in the world market continue to go down.

There were no movement on prices of canned goods, processed foods and other grocery items based on their recent monitoring, Ponce said.

“Prices of ‘Noche Buena’ items such spaghetti pasta, ham, macaroni, sauce, fruit cocktail, all-purpose cream,

milk and others did not increase, however we continue with our monitoring activity of business establishments,” Ponce added.

Meanwhile, Department of Agriculture-Region 2 information of�icer Hector Tabbon also said there are no reasons for any price increase on agricultural products this season and until the �irst quarter of

next year because of oil price rollbacks.

“Only prices of local products such as lowlands vegetables which were affected by the recent �lood and typhoon have increased,” Tabbon said.

He urged the consumers to remain vigilant on price manipulation and learn to choose quality and safe products at lesser prices. (PNA)

BILL,P10

No price hike for‘Noche Buena’items this season

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here would be no price hike for “Noche Buena” items and other commodities this Christmas and New Year in Cagayan Valley, said the Department of Trade and Industry-Region 2 on Monday.

DTI-02 information of�icer Manilyn Ponce said there are no indications and reasons for price hikes this sea-

6 ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 182 •WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2017

Survey:underemployment rate seen lowest in 10 years

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he country’s decent work agenda is moving forward as re�lected in underemployment recording its lowest rate in more than a decade, despite the decrease in total employment in October 2017, according to the National Economic and Development Authority.

In the October 2017 Labor Force Survey of the Philippine Statistics Authority, a NEDA-attached agency, underemployment rate, or the proportion of employed wanting additional work hours, declined to or was recorded at 15.9 percent in October 2017.

This is lower by 2.1 percentage points from the 18.0 percent recorded in 2016.

The said rate represents approximately 893,000 less underemployed workers.

This is so despite the decrease in total employment to 41.6 million in October 2017, lower by 0.3 percentage points from a year ago, and employment rate also being down to 95 percent from 95.3 percent in 2016.

Also, the number of remunerative and stable wage and salaried workers increased by about 624,000, while vulnerable employment (proportion of self-employed and unpaid family workers to total employment) further decreased to

33.9 percent in October 2017, an improvement from 36.3 percent a year ago.

“The lower underemployment rate and the higher proportion of wage and salary workers indicate improvement in the quality of employment in the country,” Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia said.

“Regular conduct of job fairs and provision of livelihood assistance have contributed to the improvement of underemployment especially in areas outside of the National Capital Region. This is a good indicator that our efforts in the lagging regions are starting to take effect,” the Cabinet of�icial said.

Underemployment in Areas outside the NCR (AONCR) registered 17 percent, lower by 2.6 points from the 19.6 percent in 2016.

However, total employment decreased to 41.6 million in October 2017, lower by 0.3 points from a year ago. Employment rate also fell to 95 percent from 95.3 percent in 2016.

Agriculture, accounting for 25 percent of the country’s total employment, shed around 1.4 million employment (-12.1%). The said sector contributed to the setback in the overall employment rate in

R

been quite active in media, accusing everybody but itself” regarding the stolen money.

“BB had blamed the New York Fed for releasing the funds but never mentioned that ‘someone’ in BB helped clear the withdrawal. BB also targets RCBC every now and then, asking it to return the whole amount which is factually and legally baseless,” he said.

The lawyer pointed out that Bangladesh’s former �inance chief had dubbed the incident an “inside job”, thus, it had no right to ask other entities to return the stolen funds.

He said both the Philippine government and the New York Fed have asked BB to release the results of its investigation ”to no avail”.

“For as long as BB refuses to cooperate with global efforts to �ind out what happened, this suspicion will linger. Unfortunately, BB’s refusal to cooperate victimizes truth since there are critical questions based on reports that only BB can respond to and clarify,” he said. (PNA)

Surigao del Sur last Friday, Dec. 26, 2014. MindaNews file photo by Froilan Gallardo

No shortage of highland vegies this holiday season

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he country’s top producer of highland vegetables has assured that there will be no shortage of semi-temperate vegetables for “chopsuey” SURVEY,P10 and “pancit” which are among the favorite menu items for the holiday season.

BB asked: show results of cyber heist inquiry izal Commercial Banking Corp. has again called on of�icials of Bangladesh Bank to make public the results of its own investigation on the 2016 bank heist, wherein it lost a substantial amount, instead of blaming other entities.

In a statement Tuesday, lawyer George dela Cuesta, RCBC Legal Affairs head and �irst senior vice president, said RCBC had been used as a scapegoat for BB’s inef�iciency to ensure that its funds with the New York Federal Reserve were fully secured.

In February last year, about USD81 million of the stolen funds ended in four dollar accounts opened with the RCBC Makati branch in May 2015.

The Philippine government exerted efforts to recover the funds, part of which ended in the hands of casino operator Kim Wong, who returned a total of USD4.63 million and PHP488 million worth of cash to the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC).

Dela Cuesta said BB “has

SHOW OF FORCE. New Peoples Army rebels stand with their AK 47 rifles during a formation during the Communist Party of the Philippines 46th anniversary held in a small rural village in Marihatag,

Buguias, Benguet Mayor Ruben Tindaan on Monday said “usually, during Christmas, there is a high production because of the high demand for the commodity.”

He added that aside from the suf�icient supply, the farmers are encouraged to produce more due to the good prices of vegetables compared to the

regular days.

He also said that aside from the outdoor farms, there were also farmers who have established their greenhouses to prevent damage to the plants in cases of heavy rains.

Other farmers have also shifted to organic vegetable production to add to the commercial vegetables produc-

tion. “There are also organic greenhouses providing continuous supply,” Tindaan said.

He said that aside from Buguias, other adjacent towns in Benguet, including those in Mountain Province have also established vegetable farms.

“Actually, there are new farms opening,” converting other lands into vegetable farms, the mayor said.

He also talked about the programs of the local government balancing deforestation to prevent the balding of the mountains. He assured, “there is no fear of shortage of vegetables.”

Benguet province produces over 80 percent of the highland vegetable requirement of the country and over 70 percent of them are grown in Buguias.

“We produce a high volume and percentage of carrots, potatoes, cabbage, cauli�lower, broccoli and other upland vegetables,” Tindaan said.

The mayor said Buguias was the �irst town developed as a chopsuey-growing area in Benguet and the country, with most of its land area being used in producing vegetables for the dish. (PNA)

ry came from barangay Pagsabangan, 28 from barangay Liboganon, 25 graduates of plumbing were from barangay Visayan Village, and 19 graduates for Electrical came from barangay New Balamban.

The skills training program is part of the many assistance package it promised to drug dependents who surrendered to the folds of the government during the kickoff of the national government’s massive anti-illegal drugs campaign.

Meanwhile, the absorption of Tagumenyos in the labor force is making waves, thanks to JobStart Philippines Program which is a joint venture by the Department of Labor and Employment and the City Government of Tagum

funded by the Government of Canada.

The total graduates for the wave 2 is 105 of which, 69 received the certi�icate of completion. 18 graduates completed the full cycle and absorbed by partner employers, 15 of them completed the full cycle and found jobs in another companies, 28 are for referral and 8 of them shall proceed to the other programs of DOLE. 36 graduates also received certi�icate of participation, of which 23 found jobs after the life skills training, 12 found jobs after the technical training, and 1 graduate is for referral under the DOLE program. With this, Jobstart got 96.33% placement rate and 100% performance rate.

“So much is out there

for you to explore, [for your] challenges, for you to achieve.

Go for it. Ayaw lang pag settle diri, (Don’t settle here] go for the highest that you could achieve with the talents and abilities that have been given to you. I’m sure that the life skills training taught you how to be ready before entering the workforce.”, welcomes Atty. Evelyn Ramos, the Assistant Regional Director of the Department of Labor and Employment Region XI during the wave 2 of Jobstart graduation last Tuesday, December 5, 2017 at the New City Hall Atrium.

Ms. Rogeneth P. Llanos, the Public Education and Employment Services Of�ice manager thanked the four major partners of the pro-

92 former drug users obtain technical skills

F

ormer drug dependents here who are graduates of the City Government of Tagum’s Seryosong Tagumenyos Ayaw ng Droga (STAND) are now equipped to unleash a new chapter in their lives as they recently completed technical skills training of the local government through the City Literacy Coordinating Council.

A total of 92 former drug dependents are now holding mastery certi�icates on masonry, plumbing and electrical skills after hurdling the rigorous training conducted by the city government under the leadership of Mayor Allan L. Rellon, with funding grants from the National Literacy Coordinating Council of the Department of Education.

20 graduates for mason-

92,P11

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 10 ISSUE 182 •WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2017

COMPETITIVE EDGE

MUCH-NEEDED AID. Jerry R. Rubis (2nd from the left) Assistant Vice President Sales & Marketing and Eng. Leonora Gutierrez (1st from the left) vice president for regional operations of Suntrust Properties Inc. turns

7

over the P60,000 educational assistance to Msgr.Paul A. Cuison (2nd from the right) and Sr. SR. Ma. Felina S.Inting (1st from the right) of Archdiocesan Nourishment Center on Tuesday. Angie Saveron

partners ink IT-BPM resurgence seen in 2018 AboitizPower, MOA for Fly Ash Brick Project M A ANILA -- The office property market is expected to continue expanding next year with a resurgence of the information technologybusiness process management (IT-BPM) and growth of the offshore online gaming industry.

David Leechiu, chief executive of�icer of Leechiu Property Consultants (LPC), antici-

pates a “dramatic resurgence” of the IT-BPM industry in 2018 resulting from reaf�irmed re-

Bridging the infrastructure gap in Asia and beyond. Delegates at the 7th Executive Board Meeting of China-ASEAN Inter-Bank Association (CAIBA) recently met to share their views on the different topics underpinning the Meeting’s overall theme, titled “Enhancing Financing Cooperation between China and ASEAN within the context of Belt and Road Initiative.” BDO Unibank, Inc., the country’s largest bank, co-hosted the event. Among the delegates include (from left to right) Syed Alwi Alkaff, Senior Executive Officer and Acting Head of the International Banking Group of Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam Berhad (Middle East) Ltd. of Brunei; Charles Chuon Vann, Executive Board Member for the Board of Directors, Executive Vice President and Head, Corporate Affairs, Canadia Bank PLC of Cambodia; Kartini Sally, Member of the Board of Directors, PT Bank Mandiri (Persero) Tbk of Indonesia; Nalinh Silavongsith, Deputy Managing Director of Lao Development Bank of Laos; Thomas Tan Kok Kiong, Senior

lations with the United States (US) and the bicameral version of the comprehensive tax reform law which is friendly to the IT-BPM industry.

Leechiu noted the recent upgrade of the Philippines’ credit rating is also a positive development.

“Handful of the world’s largest companies by market capitalization are in �inal stag-

es of setting up shared services operations that will be employing tens of thousands of Filipinos, which will assure the world that all is well in the Philippines,” he said in a press brie�ing on Tuesday.

Leechiu said there is a “very good chance” that Metro Manila of�ice take-up would reach 800,000 to 850,000

IT,P11

Managing Director and Global Head for Treasury Sales and FX, CIMB Group SDN BHD of Malaysia; Hu Huaibang, Chairman of China Development Bank of the People’s Republic of China; Ke Yousheng, Counsellor of the Mission of the People’s Republic of China to ASEAN; Hon. Carlos Dominguez III, Secretary of Finance of the Republic of the Philippines; Teresita Sy-Coson, Chairperson of BDO Unibank, Inc. of the Republic of the Philippines; Khin Ommar Aye, General Manager of the International Banking Department, Myanma Foreign Trade Bank of Myanmar; Soh Kian Tiong, Managing Director and Global Head, Financial Institutions Group, Institutional Banking Group of DBS Bank, Ltd. of Singapore; Kin Chong Choi, Senior Vice President, World Business Group, Kasikornbank Public Company Limited of Thailand; and Le Thi Kim Khuyen, Member of the Board of Directors, Joint Stock Commercial Bank for Investment and Development of Vietnam.

boitizPower subsidiary Therma South, Inc. (TSI) has successfully formalized a partnership that will help realize its Fly Ash Brick Project during a memorandum of agreement signing with its project collaborators Green Antz Builders, Inc., United Kaibigan Cooperative (UKC), and Income Credit Cooperative last 1 December, 2017.

The Fly Ash Brick Project aims to create a community-based cooperative that will produce high-value construction products made of the

plant’s by-product, �ly ash, as well as plastic wastes from the community.

“The Philippines is the 3rd biggest source of plastics in the ocean. We wanted to create something useful out of these wastes, and that’s where these bricks come in. Each brick contains up to 100 sachets.” said Rommel B. Benig, President of Green Antz Builders, Inc. Using the technology from Green Antz, the bricks produced from the �ly ash and plastics are around six times stronger than the typical hol-

SOLIDIFYING PARTNERSHIPS. Key project proponents sign the memorandum of agreement for the Fly Ash Brick Project last 1 December 2017. (Front row L-R: Jasper Gelacio, Income Credit Cooperative Chairman; Valentin Saludes III, TSI VP and Plant Manager; Rommel Benig, Green Antz Builders, Inc., President and CEO; Charlo Deniega, United Kaibigan Cooperative Chairman. Back row L-R: Ed Tan,

UKC and Income Credit General Manager; Jason Magnaye, TSI Manager for Reputation and Stakeholder Management; Atty. Marvin Pulido, Sta. Cruz Municipal Administrator; Hon. Romulo Elula, Brgy. Inawayan Punong Barangay; Mark Yulores, Green Antz Chief Innovation Officer; Ronaldo Ramos, AP AVP for Corporate Services; Kishler Pascual, TSI SHEQ Manager).

ABOITIZ,P11

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 182 •WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2017

EDITORIAL

Expressio unius est exclusio alterius

T

he principle of “expressio unius est exclusio alterius” is a legal doctrine which means the express mention of one or more things of a particular class may be regarded as impliedly excluding others. Although the doctrine is useful in determining the extents of contracts, it is also an important principle in the construction of statutes.

So what if the critics of the administration’s drugwar insisting that deaths related to it are extrajudicial killings are actually signatories of a law that excludes such under the de�inition?

So there is Administrative Order No. 35 (AO 35) adopted during the term of former president Benigno Aquino III which de�ined extra-legal killings or extra-judicial killings and under such de�inition omits drug pushers, drug users and other common criminals as probable victims of EJKs. According to AO 35, extra-legal killings (ELKs) or extra-judicial killings (EJKs) are de�ined as killings wherein the victim was a member of, or af�iliated with an organization, to include political, environmental, agrarian, labor, or similar causes; or an advocate of these causes; or a media practitioner; or person(s) apparently mistaken or identi�ied to be so. The order also states that the victim was targeted and killed because of the actual or perceived membership, advocacy, or profession. Further, the person/s re-

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GENERAL SANTOS CITY OFFICE MANILA MARKETING OFFICE CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING MARKETING OFFICE Richard C. Ebona | Product Development officer LEIZEL A. DELOSO | Marketing Manager EDMUND D. RENDON Unit 6, SouthbankMarketing Plaza Velez-Yacapin Sts.Address: 04 Orilla St. Purok 4B Lower Bicutan, Taguig City Specialist Cellphone number: 09472652969 General Santos City Cagayan de Oro City JAMILA C. CANONIGO AGUSTIN V. MIAGAN JR Email Address: edgedavao@gmail.com Mobile: (Smart) 09101864939 Tel: (088) 852-4894 Circulation Marketing Specialist

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

sponsible for the killing is a state agent or non-state agent; and the method and circumstances of attack reveal a deliberate intent to kill.

In addition to the de�inition, the order likewise speci�ically states that for purposes of the focused mandate of AO No. 35, killings related to common criminals and/or the perpetration of their crimes shall be addressed by other appropriate, mechanisms within the justice system. Which means, killings not falling under the province of AO 35 should me dealt with elsewhere in our jurisprudence.

AO 35, as revealed by Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque included such signatories as Senator Leila de Lima and Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Chair Chito Gascon---two of the more vocal critics of EJKs related to the drug war under the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte. De Lima was then secretary of Justice while Gascon was undersecretary for political affairs of the Of�ice of the Presidential Adviser on Political Affairs.

So why do Senator de Lima and Gascon insist now that those drugs users and pushers who died under the government’s drug war were victims of EJKs? The two need some time to re�lect on this as blind political obedience may have corrupted their memory.

VANTAGE POINTS 9 VOL. 10 ISSUE 182 •WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2017 EDGEDAVAO Why the fitch ratings upgrade is politically significant

T

he Credit ratings of a country are are a measure of its ability to pay debts as they fall due.

In a largely volatile global economy, a high rating represents a unique stability, and therefore, attracts investment. We are now in the league of Italy and Indonesia.

While it is not a direct indicator of economic growth, it indicates a strong potential for growth because it can attract private capital.

This makes attracting foreign direct investment

E

lection time is always a period for euphoria not so much for the signi�icance it carries for those who win, but also because it’s the time when politicians malign and defame each other’s reputation.

And when the victor makes it to the winning podium by a slim margin, chances are the contest will be raised to the judicial arena.

Such was the case (GR No. L-23827) of Santiago A. Silverio and Pedro Castro, who contested the mayoralty of Cateel, Davao Oriental on Nov. 12, 1963, with the former winning in the Board of Canvassers tally. Silverio, who was the protestant, got 1,754, while his rival, Pedro Castro, the protestee, obtained 1,769, or a plurality of only �ifteen votes.

As expected, Castro was proclaimed elected and took of�ice. His rival, though, �iled a protest before the Court of First Instance on Nov. 23, 1963, but Castro also �iled a counter-protest. While the case was heard, Castro died on May 6, 1964; in which case vice mayor Misael Clamor succeeded as new mayor.

On July 6, 1964, the court started deliberating on the electoral protest

(FDI) a less tedious afffair. This will normally be folllowed through by higher levels of foreign direct investment and even higher levels of domestic investment in the form of business expansions.

With this, we may expect more future money in�lows that can bolster the �inancial system, broaden and push the stock market higher, keep interest rates low and the MY TWO CENTS’ John Carlo B. Tria peso dollar exchange rates stable. That is, if more investment is attracted.

In a statement, Fitch consistent macroeconomic ratings said: “Strong and performance has

continued, underpinned by sound policies that are supporting high and sustainable growth rates.”

As the Philippines GDP growth is likely to hit 6.8 percent next year and in 2019, we are expected to remain among the fastest growing economies in Asia Paci�ic.

The challenge is how we use this potential to keep our growth rates high, and how we spread this growth to other poorer regions will determine how this growth is sustained. It also But what is most signi�icant is the other

thing that Fitch said.

As reported by Reuters yesterday: “There is no evidence so far that incidents of violence associated with the administration’s campaign against the illegal drug trade have undermined investor con�idence.”

and two months later handed down a decision on Sept. 14, 1964, reversing proclamation of the the Board of Canvassers and declaring Silverio winner by seven votes. Overall, Silverio got 1,740 votes while Castro had 1,733 votes. An appeal was �iled directly with the Supreme Court.

In the plea, the Court resolved that vice-mayor Clamor would intervene in favor of Castro, who died, as contained the court’s resolution dated July 22, 1965. For review were 119 ballots. The ballots were then grouped into four. Based on the �inding of the high tribunal, they commented on the ballots as follows: In the �irst group, the court found no error, saying “[it] properly followed the rule that desistance from completely �illing the spaces in the ballot does not render the ballot marked.

For here there admittedly is no evidence aliunde of a purpose to identify the ballots through said means, nor is said purpose clearly discernible upon the face of said ballots.”

In the second group, the Court dissected the CFI decision on the issues covering identifying marks

As ruled by this Court in Tajanlangit v. Cazeñas, G.R. No. L-18894, June 30, 1962, which states that “a vote for a non-candidate of the respective of�ice is to be deemed merely a stray vote and not a sign of marking in the absence, as herein, of evidence aliunde to the contrary.”

“An examination of said ballot,” it explained, “reveals nothing irregular to constitute marking; the size of the writing—maintained uniformly throughout— simply conforms to the space provided for in the ballot itself… the writing could well be the voter’s habitual one, there being no evidence to show otherwise. Said ballot was erroneously deemed marked.”

In �ine, the high tribunal rules in its February 28, 1967 verdict that the CFI ruling was reversed and “Castro, whose interest is succeeded to and represented herein by intervenor cum appellant Clamor, is declared winner by a plurality of seven (7) votes.”

In short, Clamor became mayor because the true winner had already died and as ie mayor he was required under the law to succeed.

This case is not only interesting because of the quirks that come with the

whole electoral protest.

Five features may be cited as something unique in the annals of Davao politics.

First, the eventual winner got only a margin of seven votes, which is arguably the smallest in local politics. Second, the vice-mayor, who succeeded the protestee while the case was being heard, eventually succeeded as mayor as a result. Third, the SC, instead of the Commission on Elections, authoritatively discussed the validity of the ballots presented. Fourth, it was the high tribunal that decided with �inality on the result of the election. And, �ifth, the true winner died even before the electoral case could be heard.

In recent memory, a similar small-margin electoral contest took place in Davao City between Prospero Nograles and Jesus Dureza both congressional candidates for the �irst district. The latter won by a margin of only fourteen votes but eventually lost in the recount conducted by the House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal (HRET).

As a result, Dureza served two years (1988-90) while Nograles also served the same number of years (1990-92).

Cateel poll: Winner by seven votes!

FAST BACKWARD Antonio V. Figueroa that would nullify a ballot.

“In the absence of clear and convincing proof that these nicknames were used to identify the voters,” the high court said, “the rule is that the use of nicknames of the candidates, accompanied by their name or surname, does not annul the ballot.”

In the third group, the SC, in appreciating eleven of the ballots presented under the cluster, said “the [CFI] a quo erred in not applying the rule of liberality in the appreciation of the ballots, and in arriving at the conclusion that said ballots are invalid upon the unacceptable premise that general appearance or pictorial effect is a reliable index of handwriting identity.”

In the fourth group, the SC cited its ruling

As the economic numbers continue to rise, and in�lation stays within managed bands, we can be assured that growth will continue. Politically, we expect more stability as investments �low in as 2018 comes in.

10 NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 182 •WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2017

TOURISM... FROM 1 one, he knows pretty well what would be good here

in Mindanao since this is his home,” he said.

calls for “committing to sustain change.” She also related the various activities of the multi-awarded Coffee for Peace, Inc. which had changed the lives of many people in places of con�lict.

Ajero, the last speaker, lauded the role of the RDC 11 in the region’s development performance through the years.

“Lately, the region’s economic performance has been unprecedented, in many respects even more impressive that the country’s growth that, in itself, outperforms most other economies in Asia,” the veteran community

journalist said.

“There is no need to rhapsodize the performance in glowing editorial terms,” he said. “ The numbers are all there, laid to bare for everybody to see and marvel at.”

He said the numbers indicate growth in almost all economic activities translating to more money in circulation, more food on the table, better housing facilities, more jobs, and reduced poverty, among a myriad other bene�its.

An open forum, facilitated by professor Aurelia Luzviminda V. Gomez of UP-Mindanao, followed.

personally due to sickness, illness, or injury will still be checked through a mandatory home visit by SSS employees.

Medical Fieldwork Service (MFS) or the home visit by SSS doctors may also be provided for total disability pensioners.

SSS reminded its pensioners that non-compliance with ACOP will result in the automatic suspension of their pension on the month after the birth month of the pensioner

or SSS member.

“Resumption of pension shall be within two months from the date of the compliance of the pensioner.

All recalled pensions from the pensioner’s depository bank, if any, and all accrued pensioner shall be remitted to the pensioner’s depository bank for crediting to the pensioner’s account,” SSS said.

As of end-September this year, total number of SSS pensioners stood at 2.31 million.

come a bene�iciary must belong in the indigent sector, threes old to nine and half years old will be assigned in the morning schedule 10 years old and beyond will be assigned in the afternoon.

Aside from the feeding program, ANC sends some of its bene�iciaries to school and they also offer medical and dental program services.

“When you say malnutrition, there some children that has other illnesses, we also conduct deworming, there is also livelihood for parents and education for the children,” she said.

Even if there are children who come to their institution that is not their bene�iciary they will help them in terms of dental and medical services.

The doctor is from SPMC who is scheduled to come in their vicinity on Monday and Friday.

The children are the bene�iciaries who belong in the marginalized sector and Sun-

trust wants to contribute to the feeding and educational project of the government and ANC. Each child has a budget of P 3,000 which will be used on the child’s school needs and food.

“This is symbolic because we are celebrating our 20th year anniversary, we would like to send 20 students to school at P 3,000 each so we contributed in order to reach P60,000 so that’s what we will give,” she added.

Suntrust is hoping to sustain the yearly Christmas celebration at ANC and they wish to give more.

The �irst corporate social responsibility of Suntrust at ANC happened last June 2017 where-in they have given out school supplies to the children.

“We are very happy that even in our small ways we are able to share a little for those people who are less fortunate, we are not rich but we can afford to share a part of our blessing to others,” Gutierrez said.

formed choices,” Mandin said.

Mandin said men can also be active players in family planning and parenting.

Earlier this month, Mayor Inday launhed the PagbaBAGo program, during which, she distributed around 500 bags �illed with

school supplies to various school children with the aim of inspiring them to study harder for a better future.

“Education and planned responsible parenthood are our keys to overcome poverty,” she said. CIO

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President Rodrigo Roa Duterte does his signature pose with the bloggers who attended the Christmas Party at the Malago Clubhouse in Malacañang Park on December 11, 2017. Also in the photo is

Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar. ROBINSON NIÑAL JR./PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

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continuing dialogue between the government and the urban poor.

It is also tasked to accredit legitimate urban poor

organizations for purposes of representation and to review existing legislations, policies and programs relating to the urban poor. (PNA)

An email statement sent

by Avila, message for the public that for the children do not use any �irecrackers and for the parents do not allow your children to use any �irecrackers, safety of the children must start from you “Firecrackers may cause injuries like burns, blast wounds, Amputation, eye in-

jury which may causes blindness, poisoning, tetanus, ect.

That may lead to disability or death and seek immediate medical treatment,” Avail said.

Avila added that be safe during the holidays and let us welcome the coming new year and prosperously and injury –free.

sion of martial law before the Supreme Court, Drilon said that that the bloc has not decided yet.

“No, we’re not decided on that. I am sure there are groups who will bring it up to the Supreme Court,” he added.

The Senate, Palace, and security of�icials are currently in

a closed-door meeting to discuss the proposed extension.

Senate President Aquilino Pimentel earlier said that the Congress will be holding a joint session on Wednesday (December 13) to discuss the proposed one-year extension of martial law in Mindanao. (PNA)

During the trade mission, Eisma also signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Virginia Port Authority CEO and Executive Director John Reinhart

to facilitate Subic’s strategic objective of expanding its global network and promote the growth of trade and commerce between the two ports.

(PNA)

align training and education of Filipino workers with actual industry standards and needs.

The Philippine Quali�ications Framework (PQF) is de�ined by the bill as “the national policy which describes the levels of educational quali�ications and set the standards for quali�ication outcomes.”

Villanueva said that

under SBN 1456, the PQF would “adopt national standards and levels of learning outcomes of education, and as well as support the development and maintenance of pathways and equivalencies that enable access to quali�ications and assist individuals to move easily between the different education and training sectors and the labor market.”(PNA)

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October 2017.

Pernia emphasized the need to closely monitor the agriculture sector to ensure that those engaged in agriculture are highly productive and resilient and are increasingly linked to the industry and services sectors.

“Agriculture sector is very vulnerable to risks including natural and man-made hazards. The government should strengthen early warning systems and social protection programs for the sector to ensure resiliency of agricultural communities,” he said.

He added that the sector requires sustainable productivity improvements by promoting value addition, product diversi�ication, and accelerating local infrastructure provision like irrigation systems and farm-to-market roads.

On the other hand, industry and services, which accounted to 75.1 percent of the total employment, increased by 5.2 percent and 4 percent,

respectively.

NEDA also emphasized the need to pursue policies to increase labor force participation of women, including: (a) the full implementation of the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health (RPRH) Law; (b) improved access and affordability of child care services; (c) policies that promote work-life balance, including a regulatory framework to allow part-time work and workfrom-home even in the formal sector; (d) the provision of re-training services for women returning to the workforce; (e) enhancing maternal and paternal bene�its; and (f) improved access of women to entrepreneurial opportunities.

The LFS is a nationwide quarterly survey of households to gather data on the demographic and socio-economic characteristics of the population and provide statistics on levels and trends of employment, unemployment, and underemployment in the country. (NEDA)

INdulge!

VOL. 10 ISSUE 182 •WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2017

EVENT

EDGEDAVAO

A show of global skills CULINARY SKILLS are honed through practice and experience especially for the students taking up the culinary arts.

This is idea behind the Institute of International Culinary and Hospitality Entrepreneurship (IChef)’s Global Skills competition.

Held at the Activity Center of the Abreeza Mall last December 7, the annual competition is IChef’s way for the students to apply what they learned as well as get more real world experience.

“This is our 8th year of holding this Global Skills competition and it is a way for all our students to participate in friendly competition through culinary skills,” shared Joji Ilagan Bian, chairperson of the Joji Ilagan International Schools. “We have students in the fouryear Bachelor of Science in Culinary Management competing with each other. Even the Grade 11 and Grade 12 students are participating.”

The day-long event had competitions in Mixology, Marketing Pitch, Market Basket, Edible Centerpieces, Plated

Lighting the ceremonial toque.

Desserts, Bread and Bakery Showcase, Gingerbread Displays, and Cake Decorating. There was also an inspirational talk by Mr. Gatchi Gatchalian of the Davao Tourism Association.

Joji Ilagan Bian (third from left) and Nicole Bian (second from left together with IChef alumni.

IChef’s Chef instructors.

EDGEDAVAO

A2 INdulge!

WOMEN

VOL. 10 ISSUE 182 •WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2017

THE SEASON FOR GIVING Chef’s suggestions-food picks for tea lovers.

Pastry Chef Booboo Maramba shares her top 20 M&S Christmas food gift ideas LEAVE IT TO MOM to have the Christmas list completed long before the Yuletide mood kicks in, get the gifts and delivered even before the recipients can set up the Christmas trees.

The chef’s preferred Holiday food gift place- the M&S store.

Kids will love these chocolates in attractive wrapping.

Chef’s suggestions-food selections adults will enjoy.

“Food is the wisest gift to give with desserts and chocolates the most popular. It can be enjoyed by many plus the sweet treats can double the happy feelings this season,” says Booboo Maramba, Davao’s pastry queen and the first Wilton Method Instructor of the Philippines.

Chef Booboo is renowned for her beautiful, classy and meticulously decorated cakes specifically for milestone celebrations. She may have set the spatula aside waiting for her successor, her daughter, to take over, but if she does pick it up, the client must really be close to her heart, or extremely lucky.

On special occasions like Christmas she would concoct something special for her closest friends and family. But as much as she wants to customize each gift, the long list will make it a very challenging task. For this reason, she goes to shop food for gifting at her preferred food and fashion brand—Marks & Spencer.

“I am assured of the high quality of their food products.”

The pastry chef is on a 20/20 mission. On Marks & Spencer’s 20th year in the Philippines, the brand is filling the shelves with more than 80 assortments of delectable indulgences exclusive to the holiday season. From these selections, the pastry expert selects 20 of her best food gifts to give.

“Just like the cakes I bake for gifts, the food item choice will depend on the like and dislikes of the

Chef Booboo Maramba and her M&S food picks for Holiday gifting. recipient, and must of course be age-appropriate.”

For the whole family to enjoy, Chef Booboo suggests the Operetta, Praline and Nut Selection Box, Belgian Collection, Six Month Matured Frosted Snowflakes Christmas Cake, Nine Month Matured Intensely Fruity Christmas Pudding and Biscuits for Cheese.

For tea lovers and their after dinner treats, the chef recommends the Festive Classic Tea, Cranberry & Clementine Jaffa Cakes, Short Bread and Assorted Biscuits in decorative, reusable tin cans.

Kids love chocolates and M&S made it doubly irresistible. The milk chocolates wrapped in shimmering tin foils are quite attractive as it is delicious, and the Paddington Bear bonus stick on will delight the young souls.

The adults tend to have mature taste buds and most favor the less sweet treats. Chef Booboo suggests the Swiss Dark Chocolate Truffles, Viennese Biscuit Selection, Turkish Delight, Brandy Snaps, Pudding Selection, Orange Golden Caramels and After Dinner Mints and for variety, the Milk, Dark and White Selection Box. “I have always been a fan of the M&S food selection. I have my personal favorites like the shortbread cookies because it’s not too sweet and the unique packaging is a bonus, especially the Christmas tree tin can. I also love the Turkish Delights as it pair well with coffee or tea. The assorted chocolates, which are not too sweet as well, are divine and truly melt-in-your-mouth treats.”

This pastry chef-mom knows best. Trust her.

Chef’s suggestions - food picks the whole family will love.

Closer to home is the M&S Gift Shop at the SM City Davao in Matina .

Fashion: Marks & Spencer 2017 Holiday Collection available at M&S Abreeza and SM Lanang Premier.

Photography: Kethley Uy & Tats Naval Make-up & Styling: Otoy Mercado Venues: T’nalak Home, Abreeza Mall; M&S Abreeza; M&S Gift Shop at SM City Davao.

VOL. 10 ISSUE 182 •WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2017

ENTERTAINMENT

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INdulge! A3

Kim Chiu stuns on the cover of Metro Mag KIM CHIU has been Metro’s muse with over 13 covers and counting, and the country’s authority in style has witnessed her many transformations particularly in its latest cover that is one step into a more mature territory as the Kapamilya actress dazzles in the season’s textures of glitter, shine, and fur.

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As everyone heads off in the last hurrah for the holidays, be inspired by Metro’s feature on chic jetsetters and the no-nonsense guide to the newest gastronomical haunts in the city. Also, make sure to read the last minute gift guide to help you find something novel and trendy for your loved ones.

Check out all these and more in the Metro December-January 2018, now out in major bookstores.

Metro is available in bookstores and on newsstands for P150. Like Metro on Facebook (www.facebook.com/Metro.Magazine) and follow Metro on Twitter and Instagram (@MetroMagPH).

Likewise, Metro’s fashion and beauty stories tether between finding the right way to wing holiday glamour and looking ahead for the hot trends of 2018. Readers will see this in the fashion editorial “Party Girl Glam” and beauty editorial “Lady Luster,” two new ways to bring on the cheer without overdoing it.

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MISS UNIVERSE 2015 AND SMART WORLD ENDORSER PIA WURTZBACH TOASTS TO THE LAUNCH OF SMART’S ROAMFREE APP. Downloadable on Google Play Store and iTunes, the app offers free access to up to 21 travel apps in 26 destinations abroad, allowing overseas travelers to book transportation and accommodations, navigate the city, sign up for tours, and get food and travel recommendations, among others, for a travel experience like never before. Joining Pia are (from left) celebrity host and blogger Nicole Andersson; PLDT Global Corp. CEO and President Kat LunaAbelarde; and PLDT Global Corp Head for Business Development Alice Ramos.

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EVENT

VOL. 10 ISSUE 182 •WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2017

Samsung opens newest showroom

By BAI FAUZIAH FATIMA SINSUAT AMBOLODTO SAMSUNG helps you discover what you want in life.

With a bigger and global outlook, consumers are guaranteed with the best of what today’s technology can offer. A foremost leader in telecommunication and electronic devices, Samsung never fails to exceed one’s expectation with a single, gentle touch.

With much anticipation, a new Samsung Showroom opened at the 3rd floor of the Gaisano Mall of Davao.

As expected, the showroom is packed with all the best things Samsung offers to its fast growing clientele. Inside, you’d be treated to a plethora of techie choices suited for your every need.

In time for the holidays, Samsung offers the best deals you can give your friends, family or significant other.

Or better yet, yourself.

Introducing Samsung’s Christmas Cheers — with up to Php2,000 off or 0% interest for up to 24 months. Every purchase comes with amazing deals and freebies that will surely have you smiling in an instant.

Promo runs from November 10 to December 31, 2017.

Samsung’s early

Christmas Bundles include the best Samsung smartphones in the market. Upon purchase of a Galaxy J1 Mini Prime, Galaxy J1 2016 and Galaxy J2 Prime, you’ll receive a free phone holder plus three *amazing coupons. (*includes Free passes in some of the city’s best attractions) A Galaxy J5 Prime comes with a free 5000mAh power bank plus three amazing coupons. While a Galaxy J7 Core comes with a free 6000mAh power bank plus threeamazing coupons.

Purchase of a Galaxy J7 Prime comes with a free phone holder and 5000mAh power bank plus three amazing coupons. Galaxy J7 Pro comes with a free monopod & soft jacket plus three amazing coupons. A Galaxy J7 Plus comes with a free 10000mAh power bank & monopod plus three amazing coupons.

Galaxy A5 2017 comes with a free phone holder & monopod plus three amazing coupons while a Galaxy A7 2017 comes with a free neon case & monopod plus three amazing coupons.

Galaxy Note, anyone? Upon purchase of a Galaxy Note FE or a Galaxy Note 8, it comes with a free bluetooth headset plus three

amazing coupons.

The opening was well attended by the and management staff of Wiltelcom and high officials of Samsung. Together with them were family, friends and invitees from the local media. Providing entertainment was Neil Rey Garcia Llanes -- Asia’s Got Talent finalist.

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VOL. 10 ISSUE 182 •WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2017

92... FROM6 gram which are ASM Foods who absorbed 5 trainees; Hijo Resources Corporation got 10 trainees, Nadela Business Center with 4, and LTS Pinnacle Holdings with 61 absorbed trainees, and the other partner employers for making the program a success.

A memorandum of

agreement between the companies and the City Government of Tagum took place to strengthen the commitment of the participating companies in contributing to the improvement of employment rate in Tagum and to also contribute through their social corporate responsibilities. Ziyarah Manalo/CIO Tagum

square meters in 2018.

Metro Manila of�ice takeup rate is forecast in 2017 to register at an all-time high of 750,000. As of end-November, take-up was at 728,305 sqm.

“Exponential growth from the offshore online gaming industry fuelled robust of�ice demand and more than made up for a slack from the IT-business process manufacturing Industry,” he said.

Leechiu further said online gaming expanded by 306 percent from only 56,700 sqm in 2016 to 230,102 sqm as of

the end of November.

IT-BPM takeup, on the other hand, was 28 percent less at 347,660 sqm as of November from 485,100 sqm in 2016.

Online gaming �irms took up spaces mostly in Bay City, the business districts rising along Manila Bay. Bay City accounted for 67 percent of all online gaming takeup as of last month.

Meanwhile, vacancy rate across Metro Manila registered at a manageable 6.62 percent. (PNA)

low block. TSI’s �lyash has cementitious properties which makes it a durable material while the shredded plastics act as a thermal insulation.

Aside from being more durable and insulated, �ly ash bricks also cost less than hollow blocks per square meter.

Average construction cost using the traditional hollow blocks is around Php 1,300 per square meter while �ly ash bricks cost only around Php 900.

“The realization of this project is a delivered promise.

We have made this commitment to our community back during our pre-construction days. This project will not only create livelihood for the community. It will also support the company’s thrust towards environmental stewardship,” said TSI Vice President and Plant Manager Valentin S. Saludes III. Under the partnership,

TSI will be providing the facilities, �ly ash, and training support to the communities.

Social enterprise Green Antz will be providing the technology on how to produce the bricks. For workforce, UKC will be recruiting members solely from TSI’s host communities Barangay Binugao and Inawayan and manage day to day operations. Income Credit Cooperative will be providing �inancial support to set up the business.

Therma South, Inc. is the owner and operator of the 300-megawatt Davao Baseload Power Plant situated in the borders of Davao City and Davao del Sur. Its partner for the project, Green Antz Builders, Inc. is a social enterprise that has been made eco bricks for various sites in the Philippines, including NET Park and the De La Salle University Campus at Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City.

fore delivering a competitive stand. In August, Mayweather won by TKO in the 10th round.

The cross combat showdown drew 6.7 million payper-view buys around the world, breaking the record set

by Mayweather vs. Pacquiao in 2015, according to UFC President Dana White. McGregor received a smashing $100 million payday in his �irst pro boxing match.

There is another hitch the proposed �ight could see up ahead. UFC President Dana White denied Pacquiao’s assertion of any conversation occurring between the senator’s team and that of McGregor. But he also made a very stern legal warning, clarifying that he will �ile a lawsuit if Pacquiao’s handlers will bypass the UFC to go directly to negotiate with McGregor.

in the clash, including a spot in next year’s Asian Football Confederation (AFP) Cup, which depends on how far

the winner of the Negros-Cebu showdown would go in its AFC Champions League bid.

(PNA)

IT... FROM7

ABOITIZ... FROM7

NONSENSE... FROM15

NEGROS... FROM15

ECONOMY 11

Cebu Landmasters, 4 Davao companies sign joint venture Matina Business Park to rise soon

M

IXED USE development of a 20-hectare area in Matina into what is being called “true Central Business Park (CBD)” is expected to begin in 2018 as Cebu Landmasters, Inc. signed a joint venture agreement (JVA) with Davao City-based companies last Monday.

The area which is the current Davao City (Matina) golf club will be converted into a world-class business and lifestyle township.

Cebu Landmasters Inc. (CLI) led by CLI chairman and chief executive of�icer Jose Soberano II signed signing the JVAa joint venture agreement with four Davaobased companies to develop Davao Matina Business Park in a 17.1-hectare lot in Matina, Davao City.

CLI chairman and chief executive of�icer Jose Soberano III led the signing of the agreement with Plaza De Luisa Development represented by Jason P. Huang, Yuson

Newtown Corporation and Yuson Strategic Holdings Inc. represented by Frederick H. Yuson, and Davao Primeland Properties Corporation represented by Frederick H. Yuson.

“The property has been utilized as a golf course since the 1960s and this is the best time to transform it into a business park to be able to contribute to the economic and social development of the city,” Fred Yuson said.

CLI is also acquiring a 2.2-hectare lot adjacent to the property, bringing the total project area to almost 20 hectares. The Cebu-based developer is likewise in the

process of negotiating acquisition of more adjacent lots to further increase the park’s footprint.

“Cebu Landmasters is bullish to invest in the Davao market and we are happy to serve the growing property requirements of the Dabawenyos and of those coming from neighboring provinces,” Soberano explained.

Concept studies for the Davao Matina Business Park show a development of 7 of�ice buildings, 4 retail buildings (indoor mall, cineplex mall, standalone, retain podium, 29 residential condominium buildings, 6 townhome-style building, 1 hotel, 1 convention center, 1 medical building and a civic/ community center.

“We pay close attention to the needs of the market and we design and build our developments with the market in mind,” Soberano added.

Phase 1 and site development of the 20-hectare project is expected to start in 2018 and �inish by 2021.

This includes construction of an of�ice building, a retail building (indoor mall, cineplex mall, standalone, retail podium), a residential condominium and a civic/community center.

Davao Matina Business Park is CLI’s third development in Davao City. The �irst is MesaTierra Garden Residences, a residential condominium in Emilio Jacinto Extension whose construction is ongoing and expected to be completed in 2020. The second is Project Riverside, a mixed-use development in a 1.9-hectare land along McArthur Highway in Matina and expected to be completed in 2021.

Davao Matina Business Park is 30 minutes’ drive from the Davao International Airport and 2 kilometers away from Project Riverside.

of Marawi which will tackle key investment areas. The talk will be led by PRIME Philippines Managing Director and CEO Jettson Yu. Invited guests for the event are National Defense Secretary Del�in Lorenzana, Marawi City Mayor Majul Usman Gandamra, HUDCC Secretary General Falconi Millar, and Mindanao Development Authority Secretary Datu Abhul Khayr Alonto. Also invited are leaders of different chambers and business organizations in the Philippines, and other key groups.

PRIME Philippines had the opportunity to witness �irsthand the effects of the unfortunate event that claimed the lives of many when they visited the Marawi war zone last November 28-30. The �irm was personally invited by DND Secretary Lorenzana to assist and contribute to the urban plan of this key city in the ARMM Region.

As the �lag carrier in the �ield of commercial real estate, PRIME Philippines is committed to its vision in providing the highest standard for real

estate services as well as its pursuit in improving the country through its �ield. Being a recognized city-enabler, PRIME Philippines aims to bridge investors with the untapped business potential of Mindanao. PRIME Philippines invites all interested investors, media, and business organizations for this exclusive business forum.

For more details and con�irmation of attendance, you may contact Jen Namis at +63 917 530 3942 or jen.namis@primephilippines.com.

PRIME Phils. invites investors to Mindanao business forum

P

RIME Philippines, the fastest-growing and leading commercial real estate consultancy �irm in the country, will hold the �irst Mindanao Business Forum in Seda Vertis North, Quezon City, Philippines on January 12, 2018. The forum will focus on the Mindanao business landscape, highlighting the current state of Marawi City after the siege and the available investment opportunities for its restoration.

The program includes an in-depth discussion on the current business setting

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VOL. 10 ISSUE 182 •WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2017

Big prospects for Philippine mangoes (Second of Two Parts)

Text and Photos by Henrylito D. Tacio

M

ango, known in the science world as “Mangifera indica,” is the country’s national fruit.

“The delicate balance between sweetness and acidic taste is one reason that makes the Philippine mango world famous,” says Roy C, Alimoane, the director of the Mindanao Baptist Rural Life Center in Kinuskusan, Bansalan, Davao del Sur.

But it’s not only Filipinos who love this fruit – even foreigners. Larry Stoffel, an American who is married to a Filipino, con�irmed this.

“The rich juicy �lavored mango from the Philippines is the most fantastic fruit I have ever tasted,” he revealed. “It’s true that we import mangoes from other countries but those imports cannot duplicate the mangoes I have eaten in Bohol. I miss the mangoes and can’t wait until I can have some more when I go back there.”

Mango is very popular around the world because it is a vitamin powerhouse.

“One small mango provides a quarter of your recommended daily allowance for vitamin C, nearly two thirds of your daily quota for vitamin A, good amounts of vitamin E and �iber. They also contain vitamin K, phosphorus and magnesium. Mangoes are particularly rich in potassium,” wrote Fiona Wilkinson, author of “Health Bene�its of Mangoes.”

Mango is also considered a ‘high volume’ food; it means you get a lot of food for a relatively small amount of calories. “One mango contains around 135 calories,” wrote Wilkinson. “However, they are quite high in natural sugar with one mango containing around 30 grams.”

Mango, being high in calories and carbohydrates, is good for those who are trying to gain. As it is high in iron, mango is said to be very good for pregnant women as well as for people suffering from anemia.

“Mango has three times the vitamin C of a single orange or apple and important minerals essential to prevent cancer and other diseases,” said Dr. Martin Hirte, a German health food researcher and pediatrician.

The Philippine mango – also known as the carabao variety – is one of the world’s most famous fruits. And no other country can produce it the way the Philippines does. “The taste of our man-

go will be dif�icult to achieve elsewhere,” the late national scientist Benito S. Vergara explained. “Certain fruits or plant products are uniquely of high quality when grown in a certain location and �lowering at a certain time of the year. For instance, the aromatic, extra-long rice balled ‘basmati’ is best from Pakistan. Since it is the most expensive rice in the market, Thailand, India, United States and other countries have tried to produce it but the aroma and cooking quality of the basmati rice from Pakistan could not be duplicated. The right combination of environment is needed to produce the aroma and taste.

In the same way, Taiwan, Thailand, Mexico and other countries have tried to grow the Philippine mango – but only the best quality comes from the Philippines. We have the unique advantage in the world market.”

In the past, Philippine mangoes were available only during certain months of the year. Today, Filipinos can now enjoy mango fruits throughout the year. This was made possible by the research of Dr. Ramon C. Barba. His discovery of using potassium nitrate in �lower induction of mango has been hailed by many scientists around the world, as there was no such thing recorded in the past.

In 1978, “Reader’s Digest” tagged Dr. Barba’s work as the most signi�icant breakthrough in mango research.

Dr. Vergara of Dr. Barba’s research: “Agricultural technologies usually take more than 10 years from discovery to �ield use, whereas the mango �lower induction technology became accepted nationwide within two years. In comparison, it took 40 years before our farmers accepted hybrid corn.”

Karina Fernandez-Stark, Vivian Couto and Gary Geref�i, authors of “The Philippines in the Mango Global Value Chain,” said the Philippines is now one of the world’s leading mango pro-

ogy use is far below that of competitor countries such as Mexico and Peru.” · Poor post-harvest management and SPS control: Compounding the effect of poor production practices is the lack of capacity to comply with quality and SPS standards due to shortcomings in the cold chain system, poor SFS management and lack of packing skills. Cold chain management is almost non-existent or de�icient across the agricultural sector.

ducers and exporters. They wrote: “The Philippines has been an important player in the global market since the 1980, with exports taking off in the 1990s. By 2015, the Philippines ranked seventh in exports of fresh and dried mango, with US$91 million in fresh and dried mango exports for a 4% share of the global market.”

Indeed, there is big prospects for mango production in the Philippines. However, the three authors pointed out that it can never be an important mango exporting country unless it also addresses several constraints, particularly those at the farm level. “It also needs to address issues of post-harvest and certi�ications,” they added. “Finally, coordination among value chain actors is essential to strengthen the competitiveness of the industry.”

Among the challenges the three authors stressed in their papers were the following: · Lack of scale economies at the production level: The dependence on small-scale,

non-commercial production fails to create the scale economies required to supply processors with suf�icient raw material to deliver to their clients abroad. Global buyers tend to favor suppliers that can consistently and reliably deliver on time, price and quality. Repeated failure to do so generally results in exclusion from their supply chains. · Lack of modern production and harvesting techniques: Due to limited knowledge on available technologies, little formal training/education and lack of �inancing, farmers continue to produce mango with outdated agricultural techniques and poor management.

A case in point: “From 2010 to 2014, the farmgate price of Philippine mango increased by roughly 8%, while the cash cost of inputs (that is, fertilizers, �lower inducers) increased by 23%, thereby signi�icantly deteriorating the pro�itability of mango production. Even in large-scale and technically sophisticated agribusiness �irms, technol-

· Lack of coordination between industry stakeholders and high levels of bureaucracy: The public sector is characterized by multiple government agencies offering similar services. The Department of Agriculture and the Department of Trade and Industry have both issued separated roadmaps and planning documents for the mango industry. The implementation of these national strategies is uneven due to the autonomy of local governments to select which recommended initiatives to undertake. In addition, high costs of bureaucracy are often mentioned as constraints for accessing information, training and �inancial resources.

Recently, there were reports that the Philippines may export mangoes to Sweden. This was after Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol talked Sweden’s Ambassador to the Philippines Harald Fries.

When Roberto C. Amores, president of the

Philippine Mango Exporters Foundation, Inc., heard about it, he urged the government to “help local mango producers ramp up their production and go into value adding” so it may be able to increase their share in export receipts.

“We cannot compete with other (Asian) countries due to air freight cost and transit time,” Amores was quoted as saying. As such, he suggested, “We should focus on processed mango products as local production is not even enough to supply the requirements of Asian markets.”

Meanwhile, during the recent mango forum in Davao City, Piñol said that while the price of mangoes these days seem to be �luctuating, improved productivity and increased in yield could still boost farmers income.

“I want to address this problem because we have taken for granted the God-given gift which is the Philippine mango,” Piñol pointed out.

For its part, the regional of�ice of the agriculture department is doing some intervention for the mango industry in Davao region. It is doing some rehabilitation of existing mango trees through provision of the following: fertilizers, �lower inducers and chemicals (fungicides and insecticides).

“Only mango who has 10 years old and above unproductive mango trees are given such set of inputs,” points out Arlene Seguiro, the focal person of the department’s mango commodity.

VOL. 10 ISSUE 182 •WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2017

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SPORTS

15

NONSENSE

MAN IN PINK. Seniors campaigner Ting Castillo blasts out of the bunker during the Monthly Medal tournament of the Apo Golf and Country Club on Sunday. Boy Lim

Jr. Volcanoes to host U19 Asia Rugby

T

HE U19 national rugby team — called the Jr. Philippine Volcanoes -- aims for a promotion to the premier division of the U19 Asia Rugby Championships as it hosts the Division 1 of the tournament ladder at the International School Manila Athletic Field in Taguig starting Wednesday.

However, they are in for a tough grind as they take on South Korea, which drubbed them in last year’s semi�inals at the ISM Field.

“Come Wednesday we will be ready for Korea,” said Stroem, team captain for the Volcanoes last year.

Among the key players for the Jr. Volcanoes include Ryan Santos and Rhys Mack-

ley, who has been with the senior Volcanoes like Stroem.

Jakey Letts, Seniors team captain and director of the Philippine Rugby Football Union, said the tournament is part of their preparation for the 2019 SEA Games.

“It’s important to invest in our youth, provide them a pathway into international competition. With the SEA Games being hosted in the Philippines in 2019, we want to be able to identify a few players from this program so we can invest in their future,” he said.

The winners of Wednesday’s games will slug it out in the �inals on Saturday still at the ISM Field. (PNA)

Negros, Cebu clash in PFL Finals in Iloilo

T

he Philippines Football League (PFL) of�icially announced Monday that the Panaad Stadium in Bacolod City will host Saturday night’s PFL showdown between Ceres Negros and Global Cebu for all the marbles.

In a statement, the PFL cited Article 2.11 of its tournament regulations, under which the selection of the host stadium for the �inal match is based not just on the availability of the stadium, but also on a variety of factors, among them commercial, marketing, and �inancial considerations.

With the announcement,

Negros will now have a chance to clinch the title in the knockout game in front of excited fans.

The decision was made hours after Cebu made public its intent to host the �inal match.

In a meeting with of�icials of the Final Four teams last Nov. 29, the league said the Cebu City Sports Complex is unavailable due to lighting and pitch conditions, contrary to the club’s statement that it is available.

Despite being a consolation match, much is at stake

NEGROS,P11

Arum dismisses talks of Pacquiao-McGregor fight

I

t’s pretty obvious, Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao and his promoter Bob Arum are not on the same page with this one.

While Manny Pacquiao’s handlers have approached UFC superstar Conor McGregor for a �ight in April, the time when the �ighting senator takes a break from his legislative work, the veteran boxing promoter has laughed it off.

“It’s total nonsense,” said Arum as quoted by BoxingScene.com. “If there is such a �ight, Pacquiao or any other boxer would give McGregor a beating. But there are no negotiations right now.

McGregor is still spending the money that he earned from the �ight with (Floyd) Mayweather.”

T h e mixed martial artist r e portedly

earned around $100 million from the bout with Mayweather.

Pacquiao, however, is insistent. “ I f we can negotiate it, I have n o problem. It is OK w i t h

both of us,” Pacquiao said con�irming reports that he was seeking a match with McGregor who engage and lost in a multimillion dollar boxing match in August against the undefeated former pound-for-pound king Mayweather.

Asked if he had already approached McGregor’s handlers for such a �ight, Pacquiao told Agence France Presse that initially, he had talked with M c Gregor’s

camp regarding the match, but they have not yet made any follow-up conversations. But Pacquiao said he heard that McGregor was willing to �ight him after the encounter with Mayweather.

Last month, Pacquiao posted a message to McGregor on Twitter and Instagram, saying: “Happy Thanksgiving! Stay �it my friend. #realboxingmatch #2018 @thenotoriousmma.”

Pacquiao stated that McGregor will just be one of the many possible options he faces when he makes a comeback since his loss to Jeff Horn.

“It depends who they can �inalize as my opponent by April,” Pacquiao said, emphasizing that

I S IT LEGIT? Manny Pacquiao is reportedly talking to the Conor McGregor camp for a fight with the UFC star.

the schedule coincides with the Senate break. Other possibility will be a rematch with Horn or an encounter with Keith Thurman for his WBA Super welterweight title and the WBC welterweight title.

Pacquiao also said his next �ight might be held in Malaysia, Dubai or Macau.

McGregor (21-3 MMA, 0-1 boxing) lost in his boxing debut to Mayweather but not be-

NONSENSE,P11

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