Edge10 issue188 December 21, 2017

VOL. 10 ISSUE 188 164 • THURSDAY, FRIDAY-SATURDAY, DECEMBER NOVEMBER 21, 201717-18, 2017

POOR KIDS-BOUND. Globe Telecom executives led by chief commercial officer Albert de Larrazabal and chief human resource officer Renato Jiao turn over 200 toys to Edge Davao general manager Olivia Velasco (2nd from left) and editor-in-chief Antonio Ajero (3rd from right) for less fortunate kids which the newspaper company is tasked to identify during a ceremony held at The Royal Mandaya Hotel on Tuesday night. Lean Daval Jr.

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

www.edgedavao.net

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

INTENSIFYING A

household survey study conducted by the Japan International Cooperation Agency in 2017 found the traffic situation in Davao City to be increasing in duration and intensity.

The study is an assessment of the traf�ic situation on the way to workplace or to school in Davao City.

Citing the survey, Ivan Cortez City Planning Development Of�icer said that traf�ic

speeds are reducing each year with the severity of congestion tending to increase with the city size through unmanaged sprawl development.

The survey said business

“Bumaba tayo sa December 10-17 compared to December 4-10 kasi we have generated 90 crime volume

lahat na ito crime index and non-index. Crime against property, crime against per-

INTENSIFYING,P10

Crime volume dips by 38.8%

By ANGIE SAVERON

C

RIME statistics in Davao City for the period of December 10-17, showed only 55 crimes committed or

a decrease of 38.8% as compared to the same period in 2016 when 90 crimes were committed.

Value for money Japanese gasto hub

CRIME,P10

Sports 16

By JUDIE VEGA

INdulge A1

JICA study says of Davao traffic situation

DOUBLE WHAMMY Pagara misses weight then stopped in 6th

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 188 •THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2017

LANDMARK LEGISLATION. President Rodrigo Duterte is flanked by lawmakers as he leads the ceremonial signing of the 2018 General Appropriations Act (GAA) and Tax Reform Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) at the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

Oplan Biyaheng B Ayos Kapaskuhan

Lanao del Sur execs axed for unremitted premiums

By ANGIE SAVERON

T

he Philippine Coast Guard Station Davao has implemented Oplan Biyaheng Ayos Kapaskuhan 2017 with the putting up of passenger assistance centers in the city’s sea ports, starting December 18, 2017 until January 8, 2018.

“The Phillippine Coast guard has set up passenger assistance in the area od Sta. Ana Warf, Paradise Beach Resort, Davsam, Maewess and every (Coast guard) stations in

Km 11. In Samal Island there is a passenger assistance center in Babak, Kinawitnon and doon naman sa Kaputian District then in Talicud Island,” said Com. George Magano

Coast Guard Davao Station during the AFP-PNP Press Corps Southern Mindanao Media brie�ing on December 20, Wednesday.

He said that there are nine ferry stations implementing the Oplan Biyaheng Ayos Kapaskuhan 2017.

He said that the passenger assistance center is manned by personnel who will be assisting the passengers who and at the same time will also

conduct inspections o cargos brought by the visitors going in and out of Davao City.

“Wala naman po kami na encounter na mga problema so far,” he said.

He said that the coast guard is also conducting the strengthening the maritime patrol in the area of Davao gulf to ensure the security of the area and they also have �loating assets that monitors the sea 24/7.

ACOLOD-KALAWI, Lanao del Sur Vice Mayor Diarangan Dipatuan and treasurer Rasad Dumarpa have been found guilty of grave misconduct and ordered dismissed from service.

They have also been meted the accessory penalties of cancellation of eligibility, forfeiture of retirement bene�its, and perpetual disquali�ication for re-employment in the government service.

Complainant Habib Tarosan narrated that in December 2015, he went to the GSIS of�ice in Iligan City to secure a record of his contributions.

Based on the records, his

She said that any day this week, the city council will convene in a special session to authorize the City Mayor to disburse disaster funds for municipalities and provinces affected by the calamity.

“As of yesterday, ang mga nag declare ug state of calamity is Tacloban City, sa province of Leyte, Eastern Samar, Western Samar and Northern Sa-

mar. Sa Province of Leyte mao ang Barugo, Sta. Fe, San Miguel at Tanauan. Eastern Samar Dolores, Can-avid, Giporlos, Quinapondan, Llorente and Oras,” she added.

The money that will be used will be coming from the P96 Million city disaster fund, a fund intended for any calamity in the city. .

“We have 96Million from

now until December 31 to use simbako na adunay disaster diri sa City but I think we can spare a little para sa mga na apektohan sa Urduja,” she said.

She said that if we don’t use that fund the 96M will go to a trust fund, let us share our disaster fund to help the areas who are affected by the calamity.

DAVAO, P10

LANAO, P10

Palace orders DAP exec to vacate post

Davao to give fund aid to stricken areas P T HE City Government of Davao will be giving �inancial assistance to areas affected of typhoon Urduja in Eastern Visayas during the weekend.

“We were made aware of the areas nga naagian sa bagyong Urduja in Samar ug sa Biliran and duna sila’y declarations of state in calamity,” said Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio.

supposed contributions were under-remitted.

Instead of declaring his actual salary, the respondents underdeclared his salary resulting in lower monthly premium contributions.

Based on the record of 2012 remittances, his declared salary was only PHP14,179 per month instead of his actual salary of P20,367 per month.

“As a result, the monthly premium computed was lower because of the incorrect salary factor. This only proves that there was a failure, refusal, or delay in the payment, turnover, remittance or deliv-

RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has asked Development Academy of the Philippines President Elba Cruz to vacate her post as her term had already expired in June 2017.

The order was given through a letter signed by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea on Monday.

In the letter, Medialdea said that Cruz was appointed by Duterte to the DAP on

March 14, 2017 “to serve the unexpired Term of Of�ice that began 01 July 2016 and ended on June 30 2017.”

“Considering that your Term of Of�ice expired on 30 June 2017 and that you have been serving in the DAP Board in a holdover capacity, we now wish to inform you that, upon instructions of the President, your service in such holdover status is hereby discontinued

PALACE, P10

VOL. 10 ISSUE 188 •THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2017

EDGEDAVAO

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4 NEWS

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VOL. 10 ISSUE 188 •THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2017

Sara echoes ban against ‘paputok’ D

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

avao City Mayor Sara Z. Duterte has reminded the public not to use firecrackers and pyrotechnics in the city during the celebration of Christmas and New Year.

Dutertereminded city residents of an ordinance banning the use of �irecrackers.

She said it would be good for the people to celebrate without the noise of �irecrackers.

“We have seen for several years in Davao City that we celebrated our Christmas and New Year peacefully and orderly, “She said.

She said most of the time, �irecrackers cause a lot of incidents such as �ire and physical injuries.

Duterte said that if there are no �irecrackers there are

no house will be razed, it will be easy for the law enforcers to arrest those people involved in indiscriminate �iring and no �ingers will be decapitated and no one will be blinded due to �irecracker injuries.

“These three reasons alone are already enough deterrent to Dabawenyos to ensure that there will be no �irecrackers within their area, “ she said.

The mayor said that anyone caught violating the ordinance will be penalized based on the ordinance.

Duterte also reminded the �irecracker traders not to

transport their stocks in the city because it will be con�iscated since it is also prohibited by the ordinance.

On their part, the Davao City Police Of�ice (DCPO) has conducted information dissemination on the �irecracker ban ordinance. DCPO spokesperson Sr. Insp. Maria Teresita Gaspan said City Police director Sr. Supt. Alexander Tagum already ordered all police stations to conduct the drive in their area of responsibility.

Gaspan said their Police Community Relations of�ice also include the �irecracker ban ordinance in their advocacy campaign to educate people on harms of using �irecrackers in the community. “Anyone who is found in possession shall be given with appropriate sanctions,” she said.

Australian luxury yacht shipwrecked in Dinagat

NO TO PAPUTOK. Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio reminds the public not to use firecrackers and pyrotechnics during the celebration of Christmas and New Year six days before Christmas Day. Lean Daval Jr.

4 PDEA informants get P4.8-M reward

F

OUR informants received a total of PHP4.83 million in cash rewards from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) on Wednesday.

In a simple ceremony at the PDEA headquarters in Quezon City, the informants

received the incentive, which falls under the PDEA Operation: Private Eye (OPE), a reward and incentive scheme designed to encourage private citizens to report any suspected illegal drug activity in their community.

PDEA Director General

Duterte declares holiday truce with CPP-NPA-NDF

P

RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has declared a unilateral cease�ire with communist rebels this Christmas season, Malacañang said Wednesday.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque Jr. said the President announced the suspension of military operations (SOMO) against the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) Tuesday night.

He said the SOMO would run from December 24, 2017 to January 2, 2018 and the Palace expects the communist rebels to return the favor.

“This unilateral cease�ire would lessen the apprehension of the public this Christ-

mas season. We expect that the CPP-NPA-NDFP would do a similar gesture of goodwill,” Roque said in a statement.

“Christmas holds a special place in the hearts of our countrymen. In the observance of this occasion, we hope that all Filipinos would stand together as one nation and aspire for peace in our beloved Philippines,” he added.

Earlier, Duterte said he was not keen on declaring a Christmas truce with the communist rebels following continued attacks against state security forces.

However, the President said early Wednesday that if ever he declares a holiday truce, it would be out of consideration for the well-being

DUTERTE, P10

Aaron N Aquino commended the civilian informants identi�ied only through their codenames - - Toffee, James, Cold Ice and Basti - for providing information that led to the arrest of several drug personalities, the con�iscation of a huge

4 PDEA, P10

T

HE luxury yacht used by the three Australians rescued off Siargao Island over the weekend was found shipwrecked in Dinagat Islands after its occupants abandoned ship reportedly because of Tropical Storm “Urduja”.

S/V Katerina, an 18-meter long Camper & Nicholson registered in Sydney, was found with no crew aboard on a beach in Loreto, Dinagat Island last Saturday, said Johanne Jake Miranda, of the 1004th Aux Squadron of the Philippine Coast

CDO UPDATE. City Planning and Development Office (CPDO) head Ivan Cortez talks about the city’s plan to update its Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP). Cortez also discussed during Wednesdays

Guard Auxiliary (PCGA) based here. The PCGA is composed of volunteers assisting the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

S/V Katerina was manned by three accomplished sailors – Anthony “Johnny” Mahoney, 73; Laurie Miller, 68; and Lionel Peter Ansselin, 74 – who were rescued by �ishermen off Siargao Island.

Mahoney, however, did not make it as he was already unconscious at that time.

The three were supposed

to deliver the luxury yacht from North Queensland to its new home but Urduja interfered, causing them to abandon ship last Thursday, said Miranda, a Philippine Military Academy graduate who once served in the Navy.

He said the Coast Guard in Surigao sought the assistance of Research Vessel Petrel, which is currently docked at the Surigao port, to help out.

RV Petrel, the vessel owned by Microsoft billionaire Paul Allen that re-

AUSTRALIAN, P11

@ Habi at Kape at Areeza Mall the agency’s effort to assist the city’s financial sector regarding its issues and concerns such as the lack of financial access for micro and small businesses. Lean Daval Jr.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 188 •THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2017

NEWS 5

Tenor Abdul Candao in homecoming concert

By JUDIE VEGA

A

BDUL Candao, one of the most talented tenors based in Vienna, Austria, returns to the Davao City with a homecoming concert at the Grand Regal Hotel Davao City on Friday, December 22 at 6:00 in the evening entitled ‘Encore: Tenorrific or An Evening of Song.’

The show also features pianist Jude Edgard “Joed” Balsamo as collaborating artist. The show is a presentation of the most signi�icant performances of a Filipino classics interpreted by a tenor.

To celebrate this Yuletide Season, Red Velvet events and productions by Yuki Tan Almazan together with the producer Noel Daquioag came up with the idea of putting up a classical concert came to be when Abdul Candao, who is born in Davao and based in Austria, coming during the holidays entails two things: spend the Yuletide Season with the family and do a series of concerts in his alma mater, the University of Sto. Tomas, several venues in Manila, and in his hometown in Mindanao.

The concert is a fund-raising activity for Davao Lady Lawyers Association by supporting their advocacy about the RA 9262VAWC Davao which known as An Act De�ining Violence against Women and Their Children, Providing for Protective Measures for Victims.

“I will be singing 16 operatic songs and combination of Filipino and international classical music” Candao said during the press conference at Habi at Kape Abreeza Mall Davao on Wednesday Candao was born in Davao. He was �irst prize winner in the National Music Competition for Young Artists in 1982. He graduated with a Bachelor of Music degree from UST under the

late Prof. Kathy Sternberg.

He was a scholar of his teacher Prof. Irma Potenciano, the UST Alumni Association and the Music Promotion Foundation of the Philippines. While at UST, he was a member of the Kayumangging Kaligatan, a six-member vocal ensemble directed by National Artist Prof. Ernani Cuenco.

Candao said that he will bring back to his country all the expertise and experience he gained after many years of studies and performances in Europe. This will be his treat for those who will attend his homecoming concert for which he has prepared a very special program that blends his Filipino roots and some of the best the classical composers of Europe have to offer.

Balsamo is currently a faculty member at the Centro Escolar University Conservatory of Music, the resident music director for Ballet Philippines, and is a member of the Asian Composers’ League Philippines, Philippine Choral Directors Association, Piano Teachers’ Guild of the Philippines Foundation Inc., and of the Executive Music Committee of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (2011-16).

Like Candao, Balsamo has traveled the world and has received a slew of awards for his original compositions, collaborations and performances from national and international award giving bodies.

Tickets to Encore: TenoRRi�ic are priced at P1,500 (Gold) and P1,000 (Silver) are available at Casino Filipino, Skin Doctors, Quinque, J&J Dental Clinic and Music Academy. For inquiries, call 0998-886-8644. Treat yourselves to this one and discover two artists the country can be truly proud of.

Duterte wants entry of 3rd telco by 1st quarter

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RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has instructed the Department of Information and Communications Technology and the National Telecommunications Commission to fast-track the entry of the third player to improve telco services in the country, Malacañang said Tuesday.

In a Palace brie�ing, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said the President

wanted the DICT and the NTC to implement his order during the �irst quarter of 2018, or until March next year.

“The NTC and DICT were tasked to approve all applications and licenses within seven days, but only upon complete submission of requirements.

And that if it is not approved within seven days, it is deemed approved,” he added.

3RD TELCO, P10

WORLD-CLASS. Davao City born award winning tenor Abdul Candao promotes his upcoming concert set on Friday at Grand Regal Hotel in Davao City during Wednesdays @ Habi at Kape at Abreeza Mall. Lean Daval Jr.

Mindanao’s largest theme park sets sight on tourists

S

even Seas Waterpark, the largest of its kind in Mindanao, is setting its sight not only on domestic clients but foreign tourists as well.

Resort operations manager Roselle Machate said they had already seen bookings from Chinese and South Korean tourists as early as next year.

“The whole point of building this theme park is not just for domestic tourists; it’s really intended for the international market,” Machate said during the

grand opening of Seven Seas over the weekend in Barra, Opol, Misamis Oriental.

“We are competing with other water parks in the Asia Paci�ic,” Machate added.

Transforming a seven-hectare marshland less than �ive years ago into what it is today, Seven Seas

now boasts of the The Cyclone, the largest water slide in the country, a vertical aqua loop water slide called Plank Drop, among many other attractions.

May Unchuan, director of Department of Tourism in Region 10 (DOT-10), said the presence of Seven Seas would boost foreign tourism in Mindanao, which she said had been hit by travel advisories from Western countries following the Marawi con�lict.

Unchuan said Russians are also a potential target

for the themepark, whose leisure activities in the region include diving off the waters in Gingoog Bay. “These tourists are the younger ones, they don’t care about the travel advisories. They can certainly boost tourism since they appeal to other adventurous folks like them,” she added.

Seven Seas Waterpark proprietor Elpidio Paras said he is also planning to put up a hotel in the area within the next two years.

(Mark D. Francisco/PNA)

nues to usher in real positive change for the Filipino people, Dominguez said at the signing rites for Republic Act No. 10963 at Malacañan Palace.

Describing the approval of the TRAIN as “an important milestone in our history,” Dominguez noted that this was the �irst time ever that a tax reform bill was passed by the Congress that was not in response to a crisis or to any external pressure.

The TRAIN, which provides for personal income tax (PIT) exemptions for the �irst P250,000 of taxable income, along with other signi�icant PIT cuts for other tax brackets, provides Filipino taxpayers with “much-needed relief” after 20 years of no adjustment

on the rates, he said.

Dominguez said preliminary computations show that the government would be giving “almost P150 billion” back to the people in the form of tax relief under the TRAIN. Hence, he said, “This is the biggest Christmas and New Year’s gift that the Duterte administration is giving to the people.”

At the same time, the TRAIN also raises “signi�icant revenues” to fund the President’s priority and social infra programs to reduce poverty from 21.6 percent to a targeted 14 percent by 2022, Dominguez said.

Seventy percent of the incremental revenues under the TRAIN will help support

the government’s infrastructure modernization program, which will also include strengthening the country’s military and law enforcement capabilities, while 30 percent will go to social services to fund, among other anti-poverty measures, a targeted cash transfer program for the poorest 10 million households.

“I think it’s a sign of maturity for our country. It is also the �irst of �ive packages that will once and for all start �ixing the structural problems of the tax system that has become unfair, complex and inef�icient. This tax reform will also raise the revenues needed to make real positive change for our people,” Dominguez said. (DOF)

TRAIN deemed Digong’s‘best gift’to all Filipinos

P

RESIDENT Duterte’s signing into law of the landmark Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Act is the government’s “biggest Christmas and New year’s gift” to the Filipino people as it will usher in “real positive change” for the nation beginning in 2018, according to Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III. Dominguez said the congressional passage of the �irst package of the TRAIN, which President Duterte signed into law on Tuesday, is a “sign of maturity” for the Philippine economy that is now ready to meet the challenges of �ixing the structural problems and inequities in taxation while generating more reve-

6 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 188 •THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2017

MICC to apprise Duterte on open pit mining study

T

HE inter-agency Mining Industry Coordinating Council is set to submit to President Rodrigo R. Duterte by January 2018 a memorandum regarding the results of its study on open pit mining.

In a brie�ing, Finance Undersecretary Bayani Agabin said the study by MICC’s Technical Working Group (TWG) aims to fully inform the President about the �indings on open pit mining.

The President has earlier decided to stand pat on his decision to ban open pit mining even after the MICC has recommended the lifting of the ban.

He said he would only

scrap the ban if he sees that mining companies are doing something to correct the destruction on environment as a result of mining operations.

Agabin said results of the TWG study is not targeted to immediately make the President change his decision on open pit mining but “to simply inform him of the �indings of the TWG.” He explained that open pit mining is being employed worldwide.

“So the conclusion we had there, as a mining method, is it can be safely done but the recommendation was of course we have to tighten enforce-

MICC, P13 DELUGE. Round shaped fruits start to flood the markets in Davao City as Christmas Day and New Year’s Day is fast approaching. Lean Daval Jr.

Davao taxi hailing app to help cabbies, people M

TRAIN to free Pinoys from income tax load

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. and ANGIE SAVERON

A

homegrown taxi hailing application was launched on Tuesday to help improve taxicab service in Davao City.

The app called HirNa is the new taxi booking application in Davao City that will bene�it both taxi drivers and passengers.

A play of the phrase “here now” to symbolize speed and convenience, HirNa was developed by AVIS Philippines.

The hailing app is different from the existing Uber in the United States and Grab platform developed by Singapore-based technology company.

AVIS Philippines president Francisco Mauricio said HirNa does not require booking fee from passengers. Passengers will pay according to the taxi meter.

HirNa app was borne out

J

of the recognition that the public transport system specially taxis, need to be more ef�icient, convenient, comfortable, fast and secure. This can only be done, Mauricio said, by placing as many taxis as possible operating under one powerful hailing platform such as HirNa. “With HirNa, we deliver premium passenger service with no turn-downs, no booking fees or price surges,” Mauricio said.

Metro Davao Taxi Operator Association (MDTOA) president Rogelio Largo said with the app, taxi drivers will save on fuel since they would minimize moving around the city to solicit passengers.

“We would like to see the

day when drivers will just stay in non-busy areas waiting for online mobile bookings,” he said.

Largo said if all drivers are using it the app, there will be a reduction in the volume of taxi cabs plying the roads thereby easing �low of vehicular traf�ic in the city.

More importantly, the MDTOA president said the app has a feedback mechanism that allows passengers to report the behavior of cab drivers.

“This app will enable people to provide feedback to our regulators like LTFRB and LTO, in order to improve driver discipline and driver behavior,” he said.

Although generally, taxi drivers in Davao are ‘a lot better than their counterparts in the rest of the country,’ there is still a kot of room for improvements , Largo said.

He said that the operators are committed to initially shoulder the operational expenses of the app just to provide comfort to the riding public in the city.

City Mayor Sara D. Carpio graced the app launch, as she thanked the assistance of the Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB), Department of Transportation (DOTs), Avis Philippines, Globe Telecom and MDTOA in the continuing effort to improve transportation service in Davao, the biggest city in the country in area.

LTFRB chairman Martin Delgra III and some LTFRB of�icials were also present during the launch as well as an DOTr assistant secretary and a lady executive of Globe Telecom who are involved in the implementation of the taxi hailing app.

cial system in the country as among the positive factors for the country.

“Anticipated widening of the �iscal de�icit and another current account de�icit will unlikely be a major disturbing factor,” it said.

Among those that boosted the credit raters’ optimism on the domestic economy are the strong private consumption, sustained rise of investments and �iscal discipline.

The debt rater does not

see lots of negative factors for the domestic economy that could provide downward pressure on the country’s creditworthiness.

This, even on the back of the recent strong growth of imports as a result of higher domestic demand, which in turn has resulted in a slight de�icit in the country’s current account position after being in surplus for 13 consecutive years or since 2003.

“R&I does not immediately

take a negative view of the shift from a surplus mainly attributable to remittances from overseas, which tend to be used for consumption, to a de�icit stemming from capital goods imports that can be the seeds of future economic growth,” the report said.

The Duterte administration targets a gross domestic product (GDP) of between 6.5-7.5 percent this 2017 and between 7 and 8 percent from 2018-22. (PNA)

Investment rating for PH is affirmed

APANESE debt rater Rating and Investment Information, Inc. af�irmed its investment grade rating of BBB with Stable outlook on the Philippines’ foreign currency issuer rating.

In a statement, the credit rater expects the domestic economy to remain on solid ground driven by aggressive infrastructure investment under President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration.

It cited the stable �inan-

ALACAÑANG on Tuesday said the tax reform package, or the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) bill that President Rodrigo Duterte signed into law would spare 99 percent of Filipinos from paying income taxes.

In a Palace brie�ing, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said that this is because the priority tax reform bill of the Duterte administration exempts those who have an annual income of not more than PHP250,000 would now be tax-exempt.

Citing salient provisions from the soon-to-be enacted

TRAIN bill, Roque said that among those exempted include minimum wage workers, clerks and call center agents.

Under the present tax scheme, clerks with monthly salary of PHP15,000 pay PHP 7,000 in income taxes while call center agents who earn PHP21,000 monthly pay PHP22,000 in taxes.

Public hospital doctors would also get a tax reduction under TRAIN. Currently, a public hospital doctor with a PHP57,000 monthly salary pay PHP138,000 in taxes.

“Now, he will only pay

TRAIN, P13

Investment pledges rise in first 9 months

A

ROUND 187,748 jobs are expected to be created as investment pledges in the country’s seven major investment promotion agencies (IPAs) rose in the �irst nine months of the year.

Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed that the P626.24 billion investment pledges from both foreign and Filipino companies in January to September this year will create 187,748 jobs in different industries.

Job generation from project registrations in IPAs was higher by 28.7 percent this year from 145,917 expected employment in last year’s pledges worth P411.17 billion.

Largest number of jobs will be created in electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply activities with 51,267 jobs to be generated by the industry.

This was followed by real estate activities which were anticipated to generate 41,835 jobs; manufacturing sector to create 37,039 jobs; administrative and support services with 33,329 jobs; and agriculture, forestry, and �ishing with 7,651 jobs.

Jobs to be generated by investment pledges in IPAs are expected to augment employment rate for the coming quarters as employment rate in October 2017 slightly slid to 95 percent from 95.3 percent in the same month last year.

Unemployment rate for October went up to 5.0 percent this year from 4.7 percent in 2016.

On the other hand, underemployment slowed down to 15.9 percent in October 2017 from 18 percent in the previous year. (PNA)

7 COMMUNITY SENSE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 188 •THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2017

Alquiza re-elected prexy of YMCA-Davao chapter I

DCWD collection centers and offices schedule for the holidays

L

Ongkingco Jr., Javier are 1st, 2nd VPs

ike an uncanny coincidence, while the Duterte administration is pushing its massive infrastructure program called Build! Build! Build! 2018 is the year of the civil engineers of the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA)-Davao City chapter.

Mariano “Marnie” R. Alquiza, former regional director of the Department of Public Works and Highways of Davao Region and now assistant secretary of the department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), was unanimously re-elected president of YMCA-Davao

On the other hand, Fernando “Boie” S. Ongkingco Jr. was re-elected �irst vice president and Isagani “Gani” G. Javier, was elected second vice president, also unanimously. Ongkingko served as YMCA Davao president for two terms. Both civil engineers Ongkingco and Javier are retired DPWH dis-

trict engineers of Davao City.

Another civil engineer elected to the YMCA-Davao board is Erdsan Rene S. Suero, past Davao City president of the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE). Suero was elected assistant treasurer.

Others elected of�icers to serve the YMCA Davao during the 2018 term are Ulysses Y. Solis, corporate secretary; Wenehito “Lito” N. Pepito, assistant secretary; Albor V. Batao, treasurer; and Antonio M. Ajero, PRO. The directors are Russel U. Barrizo, Atty. Antonio B. Partoza Jr., Manuel S. Tagud and Ms. Lourdes Mision. John

Ajing is youth director.

The election process was supervised by Atty. Leoncio “Nonoy” P. Villa-Abrille, past president for two terms.

Chairmen of close to the chapter’s close to 20 standing committees were immediately appointed by President Alquiza.

The newly-elected of�icers decided to schedule its induction ceremonies tentatively on the third week of January with three personalities as possible guest of honor and speaker.

YMCA-Davao has started embarking on renovation of its headquarters and spaces for rent. AMA

N accordance to the holiday declarations for the Christmas and New Year celebrations, Davao City Water District’s collection centers in Victoria Plaza, SM Lanang Premier, and Felcris Centrale will be closed on December 24, 25, 30, and 31, 2017 and on January 1 and 2, 2018. The Bajada and Matina of�ices will also be closed on the mentioned dates including December 26.

However, the collection centers will be open from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM from December 26 to 29 while Bajada and Matina of�ices will be open from 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM and Toril of�ice from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM from December 27 to 29.

Normal operation of all DCWD collection centers

42 barangays in ComVal get P60-M Kalahi-CIDSS funds

M Marawi: Unable to return home, thousands remain dependent on aid 2 months after conflict ends

I

T has been almost two months since armed con�lict ended in Marawi City but thousands of displaced people remain unable to return home and are in need of help and attention. A majority of the displaced people staying in municipalities east of Lake Lanao come from the worst affected parts of Marawi City that have not opened for return yet. They are still dependent on relatives, the authorities and aid organizations.

Coming to their aid, the Red Cross recently distributed food and hygiene supplies to thousands of people still displaced in Lanao del Sur. Among the recipients of this assistance is Aisah Toroganan, a mother of �ive, who is currently seeking refuge in the eastern part of the lake.

Aisah and her family have been living with her aunt in Molundo, Lanao del

Sur, since the �ighting broke out in May. They left their home and everything they had behind once they felt it was too dangerous for them to stay in Marawi. “Where we live now, we are 34 people occupying three small houses in the compound. The place is cramped and we can barely �ind a place to sleep”, she said.

“We try to �ind ways to earn extra cash to support ourselves. I, for example, use my skills as a seamstress by offering sewing services to neighbors, but that is not enough to help us make ends meet. Most of us still rely on the assistance—especially food rations—that the government and other agencies give us”, Aisah added.

Aisah is looking forward to return to their house in Marawi once they will be allowed to do so. She hopes to receive seed capital to restart

her business as well as cash to repair any damages of their house.

From December 13 to 15, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in collaboration with the Philippine Red Cross distributed half-month food rations and hygiene supplies among over 16,500 displaced people in �ive municipalities of Lanao del Sur. Each family received 25 kg of rice, one litre of soy sauce, one litre of oil, 12 tins of sardines, 1 kg of sugar, ½ kg of salt, two 20-litre jerry cans and hygiene items.

“We are in contact with the authorities, armed forces and non-State armed groups at the local level so they understand who we are and allow us to deliver our humanitarian response”, ICRC delegate Meher Khatcherian said. “To optimize available resources, we coordinate the distribution work with

the main government agencies and other organizations.

While they support the displaced people in the west of Lake Lanao, we focus on the eastern part,” he added.

Having continuously helped those affected by the �ighting in this area, the ICRC enjoys a level of acceptance that allows it to deliver aid in hard to reach areas where other organizations have limited access.

The ICRC is a neutral, impartial and independent humanitarian organization whose exclusively humanitarian mission is to protect the lives and dignity of victims of armed con�lict and other situations of violence and to provide them with assistance. The ICRC also endeavours to prevent suffering by promoting and strengthening humanitarian law and universal humanitarian principles.

and of�ices will resume on January 3, 2018.

Despite the closure of collection centers and of�ices on said dates, the DCWD management assures that its technical and Call Center / Central Information Unit (CIU) operations will not be disrupted to ensure continuous water service and offsite customer service support.

Customers may contact DCWD through its 24-hour Call Center / CIU hotlines, 297-DCWD (3293), 09277988966, 0925-5113293 and 0908-4410653 or visit DCWD website (www. davao-water.gov.ph) and of�icial Facebook page (www. facebook.com/davaowater) for queries and updates related to DCWD’s water service. (Shaira Angelica S. Magno)

ONKAYO, Compostela Valley (DSWD XI) – The Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) continues to provide basic social services in poor communities as it pursues operations in three (3) towns in Compostela Valley Province for the Tier 2 implementation of the program.

The municipalities of Monkayo, Nabunturan and Maco recently conducted the Municipal Inter-Barangay Forum for Participatory Resource Allocation (MIBF-PRA), a criteria-based allocation of development investments where all barangays within the municipality decide what community proposals should be approved for funding.

Tier 2 is LGU-implemented incentive round for well-performing municipalities using the process of Kalahi-CIDSS and funded by foreign exchange gains from Asian Development Bank (ADB) emergency loan.

Joel B. Quiňo, Kalahi-CIDSS Regional Community Development Specialist, said the funds shall be used as an incentive grant to well-performing municipalities to address their pressing needs.

During MIBF-PRA, community proposals are presented during the prioritization

activity where community volunteers, municipal and national governments, non-government organizations (NGOs), community-based organizations (CBOs), and other groups and individuals in the municipality are gathered.

“People living in the communities know more about their current local conditions and making them identify their priorities is important in the formulation of development plans,” Quiňo said.

The top projects prioritized are access road, community activity center, potable water system, solar light and multi-purpose building.

The three municipalities in Region XI obtained a total grant allocation of Php 20 million each.

“That is the essence of the Community Driven Development (CDD) program --the responsibility of decision making for the use of resources are crowdsourced, not based on a select few,” shared Judy Damasin, Gender and Development (GAD) Focal.

Kalahi-CIDSS is one of the programs of DSWD that uses the CDD approach to empower local communities to undertake their own development projects by actively and directly partaking in local governance in identifying their community needs as well as taking part of implementing projects that will address these needs.

(DSWD)

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 188 •THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2017

EDITORIAL

A hailing app like no other

T

HERE ‘S so much promise in the homegrown taxi hailing application that the city government of Davao, in collaboration with the local taxi operators association and other stakeholders of�icially launched at City Hall last Tuesday.

In general, the app will improve tremendously the city’s taxicab service which, at it is, has been commendable in many respects, thanks to the discipline that the city government, through the help of concerned local and national agencies, had been able to instill in Dabawenyo cabbies. Our taxi drivers are generally honest, known for their respectful and polite demeanor and other admirable behavior compared to their scheming, thieving and crime-prone counterparts in the rest of the country, specially Metro Manila.

The app called HirNa is the new taxi booking application in Davao City that will bene�it both taxi drivers and passengers.

A play of the phrase “here now” to symbolize speed and convenience, HirNa was developed by AVIS Philippines. The app is different from the existing Uber in the United States and the Grab platform developed by a Singapore-based technology company. Both hailing platforms are now used in the Philippines and other parts of the world.

HirNa app was borne out of the recognition that the public transport system

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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

specially taxis, need to be more ef�icient, convenient, comfortable, fast and secure.

This can only be done by placing as many taxis as possible operating under one powerful hailing platform, according to AVIS Philippines president Francisco Mauricio.

“With HirNa, we deliver premium passenger service with no turn-downs, no booking fees or price surges,” he said.

Metro Davao Taxi Operator Association (MDTOA) president Rogelio Largo said with the app, taxi drivers will save on fuel since they would minimize moving around the city to solicit passengers.

“We would like to see the day when drivers will just stay in non-busy areas waiting for online mobile bookings,” he said.

Largo said if all drivers are using the app, there will be a reduction in the volume of taxi cabs plying the roads thereby easing �low of vehicular traf�ic in the city.

More importantly, the MDTOA president said the app has a feedback mechanism that allows passengers to report the behavior of cab drivers.

“This app will enable people to provide feedback to our regulators like LTFRB and LTO, in order to improve driver discipline and driver behavior,” he said.

This is, so far, the most desirable feature of the app.

EDGEDAVAO

A

S the new Tax Reform Package becomes law, it ful�ills the long quest for a more equitable tax system, one that puts the bigger burden upon those who can better afford, and correct the long error that placed the onus of collecting taxes on employee compensation (witheld taxes), rather than on economic sectors like industries that can better afford to shoulder the burden.

Hopefully, the new Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) packages will correct that.

In particular, TRAIN brings a bene�it to Small and Medium Scale Entrepreneurs that

V

ERY recently, following the signing of the 2018 budget, it was revealed that twenty-four ‘undesirable’ (‘anti-Speaker’) lawmakers had their pork barrel allotments removed or slashed.

Contrary to the House leadership claim there is no hidden appropriations in next year’s �inancial plan, nothing is further from the truth than a legislative lie.

Deprived of infrastructure funding, partly or in full, are the Magni�icent Seven, namely Reps. Edcel Lagman (Albay), Teddy Baguilat Jr. (Ifugao), Gary Alejano (Magdalo), Edgar Erice (Caloocan), Tom Villarin (Akbayan), Raul Daza (Northern Samar) and Emmanuel Billones (Capiz), and the Makabayan bloc of Reps. Carlos Zarate (Bayan Muna), Emmi de Jesus (Gabriela), Arlene Brosas (Gabriela), Antonio Tinio (Act Teachers) and France Castro (Act Teachers), Ariel Casilao (Anakpawis) and Sarah Elago (Kabataan).

Completing the list are LP standouts Reps. Kaka Bag-ao (Dinagat Island), Jose Christopher Belmonte (Quezon City), Jorge Banal (Quezon City), Vicente Alcala (Quezon Province), Francis Gerald Abaya (Cavite), Imelda R. Marcos (Ilocos Norte), Antonio R. Floirendo (Davao del Norte), Milagrosa Tan (Samar),

VOL. 10 ISSUE 188 •THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2017

VANTAGE POINTS

9

TRAIN’s higher VAT threshold and flat tax good for employees, small businesses do not like it is the confusing and sometimes redundant tax requirements under past tax regimes.

These confusions expose them to the risk of violations and penalties over errors in paperwork and an inability to �ile documents despite not being required to do so, or having complied substantively with requirements.

We all know that the income tax thresholds for employees have been increased to 250,000, causing a reduction in the income taxes of millions.

These saved funds can now go into spending for necessary items such as food, clothing and home improvement which Aurora Cerilles (Zamboanga del Sur), and Maria Valentina Plaza (Agusan del Sur).

In general, the term ‘pork barrel’ is de�ined as “the use of government funds for projects designed to please voters or legislators and win votes” or “a government appropriation, bill, or policy that supplies funds for local improvements designed to ingratiate legislators with their constituents.”

Pork barrel in the Philippines, always in form of infra funding, the Proceedings of the First Independence Congress (1930) reported, started in 1927 when the legislative assembly “initiated the apportionment of the ‘pork barrel’, [with] a total of �ifty-one approved projects, the cost of which was calculated to be P12,847,543.”

Over a four-year period (1927-1930), the pork barrel in general appropriations acts totalled P32,069,205 but the funds assigned “each year were not suf�icient to �inish it, the great majority of the work was abandoned with the consequent loss of money already invested in it.”

Setting aside funds for infra used to be an executive function under early American practice.

But this was later delegated to the legislative committees in both houses of Congress, which later evolved into ‘logrolling’

MY TWO CENTS’ John Carlo B. Tria can boost consumption and help build the economy.

In addition, TRAINs new

A barrel of pork

FAST BACKWARD Antonio V. Figueroa and ‘pro barrel.’ ‘Logrolling’ is de�ined as “the practice of exchanging favors, especially in politics by reciprocal voting for each other’s proposed legislation.”

There were instances in prewar times when pork barrel was clearly mentioned. For instances, in 1931, Filemon Perez, then secretary of Commerce and Communications, recommended a uni�ied program of public works that would do away with the pork barrel and retain government control of electric systems of communication.

In ‘The Legislative Session’ of the Philippines Magazine (12.1932), Cipriano D. Cid cited the pork barrel legislation as among the seven tariff bills approved, which was deemed of

provisions on an 8% �lat tax on gross income, and a raising of the VAT threshold from 1.9 million gross annual income to 3 million pesos annual income.

It gives professionals and small business owners a respite from the often complex, voluminous and redundant paper requirements of the current tax regime.

In particular, it frees up those earning less than 3 million from the VAT requirements, which include tedious monthly and quarterly �ilings. it also gives professionals the opportunity to pay a �lat tax on gross income, addressing the clamor of hundreds of thousands of entrepreneurs for simpler ways of computing and paying taxes.

Of all small and medium enterprises, it is the businesses earning less than 1.9 million and professionals who cannot pay the services of experienced bookkeepers and accountants.

Let the larger ones hire these professionals as they can better afford them. In doing so, these simpli�ied procedures make it easier to pay the right taxes.

Like the lower income taxes for the employed, this frees up more funds that can be used by entrepreneurs to expand their businesses, employ more people and achieve greater ef�iciency and competititveness.

For reactions: facebook. com/johntriapage

“major importance” and part of what he termed as “can be justly regarded as a feat in lawmaking worthy of any parliament in the world.”

In the post-war period, similar legislative undertakings placed the pork barrel at the forefront. In the 1951 budget, among the money bills okayed

by Congress was the PhP51-million public works legislation, which was identi�ied as “pork barrel.”

The issue of infra funding was also a focus of controversy in 1959 when Press Secretary Jose C. Nable publicly denied reports President Carlos P. Garcia offered “’pork barrel’ allocations to members of Congress in exchange for the approval of the various measures sponsored by the Administration. Obviously irked, he stated: “This is a canard which has been spread to discredit the President and members of the majority party; the administration bills will be discussed purely on their merits.”

But a more telling query into the import of pork barrel scheme was made in 1961, which surfaced in a form of a bladed question: “Can people’s congresses and legislatures protect the people against predatory government when their members become virtually one with such a government

through sharing in the appointive power and in the direction of local spending through the ‘pork barrel’, and in assurance of re-election through central government support?”

That year, according to the second-quarter Philippine Economic Report, Congress passed a bill totally PhP1.1 billion, which the President approved.

On top of this Act was “a public works bill totalling P431 million… appropriate[ing] P2 million for each Senator and 160,000 for each Congressman for individual public works projects, the so-called ‘pork barrel funds.’”

Historically, pork barrel allocations have evolved into discretionary funds assigned to lawmakers. During �irst Aquino administration, it was called Countrywide Development Fund (CDF), allowing the lawmakers “to fund small-scale infrastructure or community projects which fell outside the scope of the national infrastructure program.”

Under the Estrada leadership, it was renamed to Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF). Since 2008, each member of the House got PhP70 million in annual PDAF allocation.

During the second Aquino leadership, it became the center of a �iscal scandal that involved Cabinet of�icials.

10 NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 188 •THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2017

INTENSIFYING... FROM 1 and individuals waste much valuable time in traf�ic.

Based on the data obtained from the Japan International Cooperation Agency regarding the assessment of traf�ic situation on the way to workplace/ school �inds that 84.5 percent of the household respondents acknowledged that the situation in Agdao district has high scores to be either bad to very bad.

This is followed by Talomo district with 70. 8 percent, Toril district with 55.8%, Buhangin district with 49.2 percent, while the Poblacion area got 49.0 percent.

“It indicates that the worst traf�ic situations takes place in highly populated residential districts which have also high commercial densities,” said Cortez during the press conference at Habi at Kape on Wednesday.

He added that inef�iciency in controlling the worsening traf�ic situation in Davao City can be characterized by several key factors which the Asian Development Bank 2012 has identi�ied.

“First is the ineffective traf�ic management, secondly are the inadequate and poor road networks, increasing traf�ic volume, high incidence of traf�ic, not enough good quality public transport and lastly is vehicle overloading.

Cortez said that it can be noted that the results of the survey corresponds that the

empirical observation that all the key entry points of Davao City such as Toril in the south, Bunawan and Buhangin in the north, Agdao in the northeast, and Tugbok and Calinan in the west are areas where major traf�ic gridlock starts.

“These areas have developed road arteries yet the traf�ic situations are considered to be bad to very bad, “he said.

According to Cortez that the conditions eventually create an induce congestion in the Poblacion or the Central Business District which also been considered as bad to very bad situation.

Meanwhile, on the same data it reveals that Paquibato and Marliog were assessed to have a good to very good traf�ic situation.

“Both district relatively enjoy free-traf�ic congestion due to its characteristics being located in the rural area and with lightly built-up areas,” he said.

Cortez said that the city government of Davao , on its efforts to meet urbanization requirement, seeks to deliver locally high-impact road projects designed to mitigate the worsening road congestion, including pedestrian sidewalks in main thoroughfares will be upgraded to ensure road ef�iciency and connectivity and to ensure economic growth across many industries while stimulating towards a livable city.

son and special laws while in in December 10-17 we only have 55 na crime volume so 38.8 percent ang decrease,” said PSI. Maria Teresita Gaspan, Davao City Police Of�ice spokesperson during the AFP-PNP Press Corps Southern Mindanao Media Brie�ing on December 20, Wednesday.

She said that on focused crimes this week recorded eight incidents one physical injury and seven thefts compared to last week’s 20 incidents. It decreased 47 percent from 70 percent last week.

“Bumaba talaga siya dahil sa non-index crime natin yung mga special laws natin like the violation of 4136, this is a result of our intensi�ied road clearing operation sa road so bumaba talaga yung violations ng 4136,” Gaspan said.

The decrease can also be attributed to advocacy child abuse and Violation Against Women and Children which led to decrease in cases.

Theft cases and robbery were considered as a season crime from the onset of Christmas celebration.

“Medyo malakas po yung theft and robbery dahil sa matinding pangangailangan but we have already added deployment the Static in our residences. Kay mostly napanghitabo ang nahitabo sa panimalay sa Subdivision,” she said.

The police also has controlled over the theft inside the malls in considering that there are security guards in the mall.

“Meron tayong pulis near the entrance ng mall at meron rin tayong mobile sa labas ng mall,” she said.

amount of methamphetamine hydrochloride, or shabu, and the dismantling of a largescale clandestine laboratory used in manufacturing shabu.

“The informants wore masks during the ceremony in order to protect their anonymity. All information we receive through OPE are being handled with utmost con-

�identiality,” Aquino said.

He added that the OPE Rewards Committee, whose members are from the academe, non-governmental organizations, law enforcement, religious and business sectors, has approved a resolution granting the rewards to the informants following careful deliberation.

Crime... FROM 1

4 PDEA... FROM 4

SLOW DEMAND. A vendor waits for customers inside a makeshift store as Christmas lanterns and decors business has experienced a slow down this year. Lean Daval Jr.

Davao... FROM 2

The lady mayor said that they are still computing the amount to be given to the affected areas that declared state of calamity.

She said that the assistance will be per municipality that declared state of calamity so that the access of the money will be easier compared if it will be given it directly to the province.

“What we do is depending on the population and the people affected. We are computing the percentage on how much we will be giving

to them. Population of the municipality and the people affected depending on the reports by the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council and Department of Social Welfare and Development. Mao na among mga gina basehan na mga data para pag hatag sa assistance,” she added.

Meanwhile, in a few days the mayor will be visiting Biliran to condole with the family of the 25 people who died because of the landslide during the typhoon. Angie Saveron

effective immediately,” Medialdea said.

“To ensure uninterrupted delivery, you are hereby directed to turn over all of�icial documents, papers and properties in your possession to the proper of�ice of the DAP,” the Executive Secretary added.

The order came more than a week after DAP employees submitted a petition to President Duterte to sack Cruz for what they said were “transgressions detrimental to the interest of the DAP and its employees.”

In the letter sent by the DAP Personnel Association (DAPPER) dated December 8 to the President, DAP employees called for Cruz’s removal citing allegations of mismanagement, untoward attitude

toward employees and frequent foreign travels.

They also accused her of gross violation of civil service rules and regulations, designation of employees with questionable background and civil standards, displacement of plantilla personnel, procedural and administrative lapses, and unclear leadership directions among others.

Cruz’s ouster from the DAP was met with rejoicing from the employees of the government’s premier research and training institution.

In a statement released Wednesday, DAP employees thanked President Duterte for “�inally terminating” Cruz, saying her termination is the “best Christmas gift” they can receive. (PNA)

Among the informants, “Toffee” received the biggest reward of PHP1,806,846.60.

The information he relayed resulted in the dismantling of a clandestine shabu laboratory and the seizure of 248,413.11 liters of liquid shabu, 21 liters of hydrochloric acid, and 3.79 liters of acetone during the implemen-

tation of a search warrant conducted by combined elements of PDEA-Central Luzon and the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) Anti-Illegal Drugs Group (AIDG) Special Operations Unit (SOU) 2 in Villa Dolores Subdivision, Barangay Sto. Domingo, Angeles City, Pampanga on May 31, 2016. (PNA)

Palace... FROM 2

Lanao... FROM 2

ery of the correct premium contributions to the GSIS using the formula provided in the GSIS Act,” the Of�ice of the Ombudsman said in a statement.

The Ombudsman said the respondents “are the accountable of�icers for the collection and remittance of the correct premiums to the GSIS. Clearly, they must be held liable for the manifest under-remittance of complainant’s GSIS contributions for January to December 2012.”

In the event of separation from the service, the penalty is

convertible to a �ine equivalent to respondents’ salary for one year.

A check with the PAGIBIG Fund in Iligan City also revealed that Bacolod-Kalawi failed to remit the municipality’s contributions.

The Ombudsman has directed the Commission on Audit’s Fraud Audit Of�ice to conduct an investigation “due to the enormity of the accusation of under-remittance of GSIS contributions and non-remittance of PAG-IBIG contributions by the municipality.” (PNA)

of the Filipino people.

“Look, if I declare a cease�ire, it is not addressed to the NPAs. Rather, I would want to celebrate Christmas with the rest of humankind or Filipinos na walang stress,» he said in a media interview at the wake of Police Of�icer 3 Wilfredo Gueta.

“Baka sabihin nila walang cease�ire ngayon, baka magkaputukan. Then you put

a lot of strain on the people. I will think about it. That would be my primary consideration,” Duterte said.

The President added that “the cease�ire is a unilateral action of government to refrain from attacking.”

This was seconded by the Department of National Defense (DND) which said that the SOMO pertains only to combat operations. (PNA)

Duterte’s instructions to the NTC and the DICT on the issuance of permits to telcos also apply to all national and regional government agencies and should also be the case for permits of incumbent telecom players.

“That’s how serious the President is on the entry of a third telecoms player. It is being rushed because we need desperately to have better telecoms in this country,” Roque said.

He said DICT acting Secretary Eliseo Rio Jr. has informed him that he (Rio) and NTC Commissioner Gamaliel

Cordoba can have a third telco player operational by early March 2018 to compete with Globe and Smart, as per the desire of President Duterte.

He likewise assured that Constitutional restrictions on foreign ownership of public utilities will be observed and the selection process would be transparent.

The third telco slot was offered by President Duterte to China at the conclusion of the ASEAN Summit last November and the Chinese government has selected China Telecoms to invest in the Philippines.

(PNA)

Duterte... FROM 4

3rd telco... FROM 4

INdulge!

Value for money Japanese gasto hub YOU SEE, there really need not be a reason. The mere fact that we are alive is enough to give us an infinite love and respect for food.

The fact that we feel hungry is enough for us to understand that, one way or another, food is always, always a part of our life.

With the holidays just around the corner, celebrations, nowadays, need not have a reason. From simple get togethers to planned parties, the search for a place to cater to all our needs is inevitable. And the increase of Japanese restaurants in the city, we certainly have an infinite array of choices when it comes to Japanese food.

True, Japanese cuisine is more than just a culinary masterpiece; it is a form of art that makes eating more enjoyable.

Every dish is made with gusto, effort and love for the culture, ingredient and person eating the dish. From the smallest of dishes to the grandest, everything is done with precision. Presentation is also always on their repertoire to make one’s dining experience something to remember. Oh the charm of Japanese cuisine.

Japanese cuisine is indeed one of the most naked cuisines in the world -- nakedly delicious, that is.

Omotenashi Japanese Hub serves an array of delectably affordable Japanese dishes in the city. This big and spacious restaurant at the Matina Town Square makes your visit one to remember.

From the outside, you’d be intrigued of the many tables and chairs made readily available to the dining public.

Once inside, you’d be treated to numerous food choices made with that signature Japanese flare.

At present, there are three restaurants operating inside — Yakiniku Kojima, Takoyaki Samurai and Ninja Dining Group. Each having their own distinctively addicting Japanese dishes on the menu.

A recent visit gave me a more insightful look at their rich menu of Japanese classics that’ll whet your appetite in an instant. It reminded me even of the pic-

THE ROYAL CHEF A4

VOL. 10 ISSUE 188 •THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2017

FOOD

EDGEDAVAO

A2 INdulge!

FOOD

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 188 •THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2017

Having a taste of Mouton Cadet.

Presented with a bottle of Vignerons Ardeche Pinot Nior.

Food and wine INTERTWINED CHRISTMAS IS ALWAYS A SEASON FOR FOOD and we Dabawenyo urbanites are clearly willing to celebrate with much gusto and growing waistlines. One thing that I don’t see too much of yet is the appreciation of the drinks that go with the food. Though one can say that we do love our food with beer and soda but nothing quite enhances the dining experience and the taste of food more than with a glass or two of wine.

To prove their point that food definitely tastes A selection of Malagos cheeses. better with wine, Marco Polo Davao together with Titania Wines recently held a one-night-only wine pairing dinner at the Polo Bistro. The event which was attended by food lovers as well as hotel guests featured a 5-course menu expertly prepared by Marco Polo Davao’s executive chef Alex Destriza and paired with five wines from France and Chile.

Dinner started with Seared Fellow Fin Tuna Carpaccio paired with Pouring a glass of Escudo Rojo.

Mapu Sauvignon Blanc / Chardonnay. The clean fattiness of the tuna pared well with the bright citrus and peach aroma of the wine. The Mapu Sauvignon Blanc / Chardonnay was not a typical new world wine as it blends and balances the qualities of two different grapes into one fantastic wine which I would gladly drink on its own by the beach or paired with kiniliaw or grilled chicken.

The second course featured an uncommon pairing of a Cognac Beef Consomme paired with a Vingerons Ardeche Pinot TItania Wine’s Paige Meneses together with Marco Polo Davao executive Noir. Normally a Pinot Noir is paired with a fatty chef Alex Destriza.

fish such as salmon but in this case the slightly buttery sweet consomme had the help of the cognac to bridge the slight berry and smoky tannins of the wine.

Titana Wine’s Paige Meneses explains that there really is no right or wrong when it comes to pairing wine “It really depends on one’s own personal preference when it comes to food and wine.”

One of the highlights of the evening for me was the entree which was a perfectly cooked and seasoned US Flank Steak served with sweet potato mash and grilled carrots.

The steak was tender and juicy, its flavor enhanced by the rich red berry bouquet and velvety finish of the Mouton Cadet Rouge it was paired with.

This assault of flavors was followed by a selection of cheeses from Malagos paired with Es-

US Flank Steak.

Marco Polo Davao communications officer Jeline Gison presents lifestyle writer, Marilyn Roque a bottle of Mapu Sauvignon Blanc / Chardonnay. cudo Rojo from Chile.

The richness of the cheeses paired well with the bright ruby red Escudo Rojo which has blackberry and raspberry notes on the top with a punchy yet velvety finish.

The evening ended with a simple yet beautiful and bright Lemon Curd Tart Meringue. The

slightly sour and sweet pastry was paired with the aromatic and floral Muscador Rose which carries a hint of lychee.

The blend of sour and sweet plus the clean flavors on the tongue made for an unforgettable ending to a wonderful night when food danced with wine.

VOL. 10 ISSUE 188 •THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2017

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

Inside a Bohemian-themed

BY JUDIE VEGA

Christmas Party Editorial team rendering an intermission

Production team 1

Production team 2

Johna Ajero renders a dance number Jimmy K. Laking delivered his closing remarks

Last December 17, the staff and employees of EDGE Davao and Zion Accuprint Publishing, Inc threw the most adorable Coachella-themed party to its 10th Christmas party celebration coincided with the famed Christmas songs, employees and guests were decked out in their boho best and the house was beautifully decorated to a Hawaiian festival inspired design of whirl of colors, flowers, dream catcher and flower crowns.

It was held on a Sunday night which is made extra special because it was celebrated at North point in Bajada away from the madding crowd.

The event, hosted by radio personality Skip-O-Jack, started around 7PM with a prayer followed by opening remarks from Jasper Bacsal. Dinner was then served and enjoyed and keeps coming back for second helpings and thirds.

During the dinner, EDGE Davao Editor-in-Chief Antontio M. Ajero delivered his Christmas message of unity, a message of meeting different generations, and a message of understanding.

It is also this time of the year when employees showcased their talents in singing, dancing, acting, creativity and hilarious ideas presenting their hidden talents.

Serving judges of the contest were the three columnists who attended the party: businessman John Carlo Tria, historian Antonio V. Figueroa, and Henrylito D. Tacio.

Declared winners were Production Team 1, first place; Editorial Team, second place; Production Team 2, third place; and Accounting/Marketing Team, fourth place. The winners received cash prizes.

As a Christmas tradition, gifts for our manitos and manitas and a lavish prizes were raffled off during the Christmas party.

But on the night of the party, only three lucky ladies won the major prizes namely Christine Samonte with the 1st major prize of the flat screen TV, followed by Joselyn Panes who won a gas stove and lastly Lani Marats with her stand electric fan.

Before the party ended, EDGE Davao Associate Editor Jimmy K. Laking delivered his closing remarks and thanked everyone for coming to the party and looking forward for a better year in 2018!

2nd Place

1st Place

4th Place

Editor-in-chief Antonio Ajero opted to ask the oldest and youngest of those attending the party to meet

WELCOME to A Christmas Party like no other Part 2 ‘a party with a definition of priceless’

EDGEDAVAO

A4 INdulge!

THE ROYAL CHEF A1

turesque Japan reminiscent of quaint restaurants I’ve seen in postcards. To be in the same room with these Japanese chef’s is truly magical -- an awestruck moment that I will always treasure.

Yakiniku Kojima offers the best wagyu and kobe meats in town. Delicately sliced, each is guaranteed a melt-in-your-mouth experience. Best thing? You get to cook them.

T a koyaki Samurai is more just their plate of awesome takoyaki — which, by the way, is a must whenever visiting the place. On a takoyaki spree? Grab the 20 pieces platter and enjoy a plethora of different toppings.

T h e y a l s o serve an array of Japanese dishes that you’ll end up loving in an instant — ebi tempura, gyoza, okonomi yaki and yaki soba.

Ninja Dining Group has a collective repertoire of dishes all cooked to make your dining special.

From california maki to fresh slices of cottony textured seafood to broths of simmered beef, expect an

explosion of flavours with every bite.

Omotenashi means a deep rooted cultural practice focused on anticipating customer wishes. It means hospitality. And this beautiful Japanese restaurant at the MTS is most certainly nothing short or lacking in this area.

Omotenashi Japanese Hub is located at the Matina Town Square.

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

VOL. 10 ISSUE 188 •THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2017

EDGEDAVAO

11 HEALTH

VOL. 10 ISSUE 188 •THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2017

Australian... FROM 4

cently found World War II warships that sank in the Surigao Strait, then served as communications coordinator to link the Littoral Observatory Station (LOS) Surigao, the MT Dang Peng Wan transiting Surigao Strait and the Loreto local government unit.

Katerina, said Miranda, was still in high seas and battered by the strong winds as “Urduja” passed by.

He said that on Dec. 14, Australian Rescue had alerted Philippine authorities after picking up a signal from an Emergency position-indicating radiobeacon (EPIRB) transmitting from south of Homonhon Island, which is less than 30 kilometers north of Loreto in Dinagat.

The next day, another signal was picked up which located the EPIRB north of Siargao Island.

Miranda said the EPIRB must have been brought by the crew when they abandoned ship.

He said that a relative of one of the crew told authorities that the yacht had three passengers and two dogs aboard.

Loreto Mayor Nena Ladaga-Quijano has reportedly posted sentries to secure the wreck while waiting for relatives of crew.

Last Sunday, the three Australian crew of Katerina were rescued by two local �ishermen off Siargao Island and brought the sailors on their way home to Tandag City in Surigao del Sur. Fishermen Junifer Piosang and Albert Murillo saw the Australians clinging on to an in�latable boat and waving their hands with cloths when the �ishermen passed by.

“They were extremely exhausted, thirsty and shivering,” Piosang told MindaNews in a mobile phone interview. The Australians asked the �ishermen to give them water and food.

The 28-year-old Piosang, who hails from Claver in Surigao del Norte, said they rushed back to Tandag City when he noticed that one of the foreigners was unconscious.

“I put him on my chest to warm him as we dashed to Tandag,” he said.

Piosang, who was the �irst to spot the sailors, thought the blob from afar was a �ish aggregating device locally called “payaw.”

It took them six and a half hours to reach Tandag aboard their twin engine pumpboat. By then, it was already too late to save Mahoney, Piosang said.

It was learned that the wife of Mahoney also died in a freak sailing accident in Malaysia over three years ago.

Shannon Grasso, a stepdaughter of Mahoney, posted a message on her Facebook wall on Monday evening: “Our darling Johnny is back with Mum. We are just devastated. He died living and doing what he loves but it still doesn’t feel right. To Johnny….Thanks for joining our family and being a beautiful man throughout. You loved us like your own and we did likewise. You grieved right next to us only 3.5 years ago when all our lives got turned upside down and will we love you and will miss you so much.”

The Queensland-based newspaper The Courier-Mail said in its website that Katerina refuelled in Davao before proceeding to the yacht’s new owner in Subic in Zambales.

Katerina, the newspaper said, was previously owned

by American television broadcaster Walter Cronkite, who had sailed around the world, regularly crossing the Atlantic and Paci�ic oceans.

Ansselin, the yacht’s latest owner, is an Australian national living in the province of La Union. (Roel N. Catoto / MindaNews)

EXTRA JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE OF THE LATE ALEXANDER G.GRAVADOR

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late ALEXANDER G.GRAVADOR who died on November 21,2017 at Davao City, Philippines has been the subject of an EXTRA JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE executed among his heirs, per Doc. No.195; PageNo.39; Book No.21; Series of 2017, of the NOTARY PUBLIC ATTY. JANIS LOUIS H. ESPARCIA. 12/21,28,2017, 01/2,2018

Beating dengue without a vaccine

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

(Last of Three Parts)

E

VERY year, more than 36 million symptomatic cases of dengue occur, the majority in developing countries. “Up to 500,000 of these cases are severe enough to require hospitalization,” says Professor Donald Shepard of the Heller School’s Schneider Institutes for Health Policy.

It’s the deadly form, called dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF), that worries health experts. Up to �ive percent of DHF cases are fatal; without proper treatment, the rate increases to 15%. Most of those who die are children under the age of 15, but adults are at real risk, too.

Dr. Dante Comedido has seen �irsthand the devastating effects of DHF. An 18-yearold construction worker was brought in the hospital where he was working at that time; the patient was suffering from recurring fevers for seven days.

When blood tests con�irmed the teenager had DHF, Dr. Comedido administered blood and plasma transfusions. On his third day in hospital, the patient’s condition deteriorated sharply – he commenced gasping for breath, bleeding heavily from his nose and vomiting blood.

The doctor performed an emergency transfusion, but within three hours, the teenager was dead.

One of the most cost-effective ways to reduce the fatality of dengue is through a vaccine.

“Many biotechnological approaches have been used in attempts to develop dengue vaccines candidates, including live attenuated vaccines, infectious clone-derived vaccines, recombinant live vector systems, subunit vaccines, and nucleic acid vaccines,” pointed out the “State of the World’s Vaccines and Immunization” in 2002.

There are several reasons why dengue vaccine is very hard to produce. Doctors said that patients who recover from dengue develop antibodies that provide immunity. But there are four distinct viruses, so a person can develop four infections in a lifetime. Often, infection with a subsequent strain results in a more serious illness, though experts are unsure why this happens.

It is for this reason why dengue vaccine is elusive. “The dengue vaccine must cover for all four strains because if there is a strain not included, it can become a dangerous vaccine that may give potential harm than good,” explained Dr. Richard T. Mata, a pediatrician from Panabo City.

Although there is now a dengue vaccine available, its potency is still in question.

As such, the best way to fight dengue is still to get rid of the host of the virus – the mosquitoes.

“Mosquitoes generally acquire the virus while feeding on the blood of an infected person,” explains the World Health Organization (WHO).

“After virus incubation for eight to 10 days, an infected mosquito is capable, during probing and blood feeding, of transmitting the virus for the rest of its life.”

And it looks the dengue-carrying mosquito has found its match in the ovicidal/larvicidal trap (oltrap) – a simple yet lethal device recently introduced by the Department of Science and Technology and the Department of Health.

The device is used to control the population of the Aedes mosquitoes. The oltrap has three important parts: a black container, a paddle measuring 1” by 5” for mosquitoes to lay their eggs on, and a larvicide solution to kill the mosquito larvae that will hatch in the strip of wood in the solution.

What makes the oltrap work is the solution. Its scent invites female mosquitoes to the trap where they lay eggs on the stick and on the solution itself. The stick, moistened by

the solution through capillary action, is highly attractive for mosquitoes to lay eggs on.

As the eggs and the hatched larvae (also called “wrigglers”) get exposed to the solution, they die. The oltrap’s ovicidal and larvicidal effects prevent the next generation of mosquitoes from reaching adulthood, thus curbing the Aedes mosquito population.

“The technology is simple and effective, safe, cheap and makes use of a natural plant material,” the DOST said in a statement. More importantly, the larvicide solution is not poisonous to humans and pets.

Meanwhile, the health department is still promoting the 4 o’clock habit to control dengue. The website of the DOH gives the following pointers on how to undertake the 4 o’clock habit: “It is the back-to basics STOP, LOOK & LISTEN approach. The preliminaries include mapping out high risk areas in a locality, organizing teams that will undertake critical response activities and establishing a system of communications for better coordination and sustained cooperation.

“STOP means ‘dropping’ everything and shifting current task for mosquito control.

LOOK means that around 4 o’clock and until next hour, assigned teams carry out systematic ‘search and destroy’ activities that will identify and eliminate mosquito-breeding sites.

“LISTEN entails heeding the instructions from local authorities, community leaders, or work supervisors for

synchronous implementation of the 4 o’clock habit. This can be done on a daily basis, or at least on a weekly basis based on institutional capacity and prevailing resources.”

Meanwhile, there are several things a person can do to avoid being bitten by dengue-carrying mosquitoes.

These are: Eliminate breeding sites.

The breeding places of dengue-carrying mosquitoes are never far from habitation.

Keep containers outside the home and gutters dry. Discard items that collect rain or runoff water, especially old tires.

Change the water in outdoor birdbaths and pet and animal water containers once a week.

Avoid hanging clothes in dark corners as these serve as hiding places for mosquitoes.

Control wrigglers in ponds by keeping larvae-eating �ish like gold�ish. Insist that public health of�icials safeguard your community by eliminating stagnant water sites in construction and wastewater treatment areas.

Protect yourself from bites. When outdoors, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants. When indoors, stay in air-conditioned or screened areas. Attach screens to all windows and doors. Warn children not to play near still water. Use mosquito nets to protect children, old people and others who may rest during the day.

Now, if you think you are beaten, seek immediate treatment. See a doctor if you have any �lu-like symptoms accompanied by fever and a rash.

Encourage anyone suspected of having dengue to contact the nearest health center.

12 COMPETITIVE EDGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 188 •THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2017

Pupils get Christmas gifts from JEWM E ven before the Christmas rush, Grade 1 pupils of Binugao Central Elementary School and Felipe Calderon Elementary School in Davao City were already in high spirits after receiving gifts of school kits and storybooks from JEWM Agro-Industrial Corporation.

As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), the company adopted the two schools situated near its livestock and poultry farms and provided the immediate needs of students coming from less fortunate families.

In fact, the schoolbags they received are not even the ordinary ones as these have been equipped with safety features.

“We put safety features in your bags. There are re�lectorized stickers to keep you away

BOITIZPOWER subsidiary Therma South, Inc. (TSI) donated Information Communication Technology (ICT) kits to Binugao Central Elementary School (BCES) last November 22, 2017. The turnover ceremony was attended by representatives from BCES, TSI, the Department of Education, and the Barangay Council of Binugao.

“The teachers of BCES are now e-teachers. I am expecting an increase of performance and a decrease in absenteeism and dropout rate. Students will be eager to come into the classroom because of these ICT kits,” said Jonas Piore, Department of Education Senior Education Program Supervisor.

The ICT kit included one desktop computer unit, one projector, and one projector screen. All 24 classrooms of BCES received one kit each.

The ICT integration began in May 2017 when TSI part-

nered with the University of Mindanao to conduct basic Microsoft Of�ice skills training with 24 BCES homeroom teachers.

“This donation has made teaching easier. Children are more attentive and behaved.

BCES is one of the �irst public schools to acclimate to ICT integration,” said Jayreen Pabi, former Principal III of BCES. “Mas naganahan ang mga estudyante musulod sa klase.

Dili gusto mag-absent. Halos dili na gani mugawas pag recess kay gusto mutan-aw ug videos (The students are more interested in going to class.

They don’t want to be absent.

Even during recess, they hardly go out because they want to stay inside to watch videos),” said Adela Gajeras, a mother of two students in BCES. “Dako kaayo ang inyong natabang diri kay dako kaayo ang improvement sa among school tungod sa mga gamit na inyong gipanghatag para gamiton namo sa among pagskwe-

from road accidents. There are transparent pockets where you can insert name tags and other information in case of emergency. There are side pocket nets where you can carry bottled water and foldable umbrella. I hope you will take good care of your bags so they will last long,” said JEWM Agro-Industrial Corporation representative Aileen Tan. The company, through Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), also gave storybooks to help improve the pupils’ reading skills and give them easier access to

AboitizPower brings digital learning to host school A

la (Your help has gone a long way with the improvement of our school because of this donation that we’ll use in our learning),” said Grade 5 student Maria Althea Abis as she observed the changes in her school snce it began its Information and Communication Technology (ICT) integration.

TSI hopes that with this ICT turnover, the young, and usually impoverished, students of its community will be given a chance for a better future through modernizing teaching techniques and encouraging them to stay in school.

“Public schools have always been close to my heart because I am a product of a public school myself. I wouldn’t be a plant manager if it weren’t for my public school teachers. We need to be updated because this is a new age. These students are our future,” said TSI Vice President and Plant Manager Valentin S. Saludes III.

books in their classrooms.

Many students in public schools have poor reading skills because they lack books that are age-appropriate and relevant to their curriculum.

In some schools, students do not have access to a library because it has either been converted into a classroom to accommodate its large population or there are no resources to build a library.

JEWM has been a staunch supporter of PBSP’s off-theshelf programs like “Give a Gift of Change” packages on reading nooks, scholarship

support and supplemental feeding. It helped several other schools in Davao in previous years.

“These kids are lucky because during my time we had no opportunities like these.

But now Binugao is already an industrial zone surrounded by business establishments like JEWM that give support to schools and communities through their CSR initiatives,” said Arlinda Daro, Education Committee chairperson of Barangay Binugao. She is also an alumna of Binugao Central Elementary School.

After the turnover ceremony, a storytelling activity was also conducted to selected Grade 1 pupils. Big books with colorful illustrations coupled with the enthusiasm of teachers captivated the attention of students. The recipient schools vowed to make storytelling a regular activity to help pupils develop a love for reading and keep them in school.

The interventions are part of the company’s 40th anniversary celebration themed “A vision of faith, a mission of service, together with others.”

GOING DIGITAL. Students and teachers of Binugao Central Elementary now enjoy a more modern classroom setting through the ICT kits donated by AboitizPower subsidiary Therma South, Inc. EMPOWERED COMMUNITIES. TSI Vice President and Plant Manager Valentin S. Saludes III joins Grade 1 elementary students in a classroom activity.

Back L-R: Jayreen Pabi, former BCES Principal III; Jonas Piore, Department of Education Senior Education Program Supervisor.

VOL. 10 ISSUE 188 •THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2017

15-minute power interruption on Dec. 22 in Panabo and Sto. Tomas

D

AVAO Light and Power Co., Inc. will conduct a 15-minute power interruption on December 22, from 6:45 a.m. to 7:00 a.m., affecting customers connected to Tadeco and Sto. Tomas Substations.

This service disruption will be necessary to facilitate normalization of the National Grid Corporation of the

Philippines’ 69 kV line after it has experienced sustained line faults.

Speci�ically affected are customers from Sitio Tubod going to Tadeco central, DAPECOL, Sto. Tomas proper up to Brgy. Luna in Kapalong.

Davao Light apologizes for the inconvenience brought about by this scheduled power interruption. But it will

exert all efforts to restore electric service as scheduled or earlier. However, there may be instances where restoration may extend beyond the schedule due to unavoidable circumstances.

Please contact our 24/7 Call Center Service at 2293572 for any power interruption that will fall outside the given indicated schedule.

PHP90,000 or a savings of PHP 48,000,” Roque said.

In the meantime, there is also a provision for simpli�ied taxes for small and micro taxpayers.

“And that is a payment of a �lat tax of eight percent on gross sales in lieu of income and percentage tax,” he said.

The Palace spokesperson

said that value-added tax was also modi�ied to make it fairer to everyone.

The TRAIN bill exempts small businesses with total annual sales of PHP3 million and below from value-added tax or VAT. This provision is vital for the growth of small businesses as small and micro enter-

prises represent 98 percent of all registered businesses in the country.

Prescription drugs for diabetes, high cholesterol, and hypertension will be also VAT-free starting 2019 while purchases of senior citizens and people with disability continue to be exempted from VAT. (PNA)

ment,” he said.

Agabin, who represents Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III in some of the MICC meetings, explained that tighter enforcement has been part of their earlier discussions but pointed out that “apparently it has not reached

the President.”

He said the President would always have the last say on mining regulations but noted that with the planned submission of the �indings of MICC’s TWG study they hope to inform the President some more.

Part of the planned memorandum is setting of standards for open pit mining.

Agabin said there are existing rules on open pit mining but current rules did not include standards on certain items similar to building code rules. (PNA)

TRAIN... FROM 6

MICC... FROM 6

13

EDGEDAVAO

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

is in need of

3 ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Qualifications: • BS Marketing Graduate • Male/Female • With Pleasing Personality

DRIVER Qualifications: • at least 21 years old, male • with Driver’s License • physically and mentally fit Submit application letter and resume to: ELLA P. TINGZON HR/Admin Supervisor Edge Davao Review Publishing Inc. Door 14 ALCREJ Bldg., E. Quirino Avenue, Davao City Or email at edgedavao@gmail.com or ella_tingzon@yahoo.com

14

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 188 •THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2017

EDGEDAVAO PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS Serving a seamless society

Advertise with

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

Tel No. 082.221.3601/224.1413 Email: edgedavao@gmail.com marketing@edgedavao.net

VOL. 10 ISSUE 188 •THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2017

SPORTS 15

EDGEDAVAO

Bucks hold off Cavaliers T

HE Milwaukee Bucks have blown big fourth-quarter leads far too many times this season, leading to disheartening losses.

HOT NIGHT. Giannis Antotekounmpo of Milwaukee muscles his way past Cleveland forward Kevin Love.

PH rowers bags bronze in China

N

ATIONAL team member Edgar Ilas has won the bronze medal in the Asian Coastal Rowing Championships held from Dec. 15-17 in Shenzhen, Guangdong province in China.

In an interview with Radyo Pilipinas 2 (DZSR Sports Radio) on Tuesday, coach Edgardo Maerina said Ilas placed third behind entries from China and Thailand in the men’s lightweight single sculls event.

Z

Ilas won the bronze medal in the lightweight double event with Benjamin Tolentino in the 2015 Southeast Asian Games in Singapore.

He has competed in the 2016 Asian Beach Games in Danang, Vietnam and the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea.

Ilas is one of the three veterans left in the national rowing team following the retirement of 2000 Sydney Olympics campaigner Tolentino and

Asian Games and SEA Games medalist Alvin Amposta.

Ilas and newcomers Melcah Jen Caballero and Zuriel Sumintac, together with coach Maricon Fornea, are poised to attend a three-month camp training in China under the World Rowing Federation and the Asian Rowing Federation program.

The camp is part of the athletes’ preparation for the Asian Games in Indonesia next year.

Maerina said that the Philippine Rowing Association, headed by Quintin Pastrana, plans to send the national team to two international tournaments next year to meet the requirements set by the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) for athletes wanting to compete in the Asian Games.

The two tournaments are the Asian Cup in Singapore in April and the Asian Championships in South Korea in June.

(PNA)

and Frank Mason III �inished with 16 for Sacramento, which came back from a 16-point second-half de�icit. ‘’Zach started us out and really carried us for a while,’’ Kings coach Dave Joerger said. ‘’He was really, really terri�ic.’’

The 36-year-old Randolph was rejuvenated after he rested during Sunday’s 108-93 loss at Toronto. He made 12 of 19 shots and grabbed �ive rebounds. ‘’He’s an amazing low-post threat, for a long period of

time,’’ Philadelphia coach Brett Brown said.

Besides putting up solid numbers - Randolph entered leading the team in scoring and rebounding at 15.2 points and 7 boards per game - he is enjoying his role as veteran leader. ‘’We get along well,’’ he said. ‘’These kids are working, they’re playing hard, and it’s showing on the court. We believe in them.’’

Ben Simmons had 13 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists for Philadelphia, which

lost for the seventh time in eight games while playing without center Joel Embiid for the second straight night due to a back injury. Robert Covington led the 76ers with 17 points.

Philadelphia looked out of sync without Embiid and Sacramento took advantage.

Hield gave the Kings a 7978 lead with a 3-pointer with 9:48 remaining. Carter made a full-court outlet pass to Garrett Temple for a layup that made it 92-86 Sacramento with 4:18 left.

The Bucks wasted another sizeable advantage in the �inal period Tuesday night against the Cleveland Cavaliers, but fought back this time to capture a 119116 win. ‘’It was a big step for our team. It shows maturity,’’ said Giannis Antetokounmpo, who led the Bucks with 27 points. ‘’Usually, in a situation like that, we give the game away.’’

Eric Bledsoe scored 26 points for Milwaukee, which ended a �ive-game losing streak to Cleveland.

Khris Middleton had 18 points and 10 assists, and Malcolm Brogdon �inished with 16 points. ‘’We kind of bent but we didn’t break,’’ Bucks coach Jason Kidd said. ‘’Giannis made plays down the stretch. We stayed together.

We are playing against one of the best teams in the world.’’

LeBron James scored 39 points for Cleveland, which lost for just the second time in its last 20 games. James had seven assists but grabbed just one

rebound in the waning seconds. Kevin Love �inished with 21 points.

After a slow start, the Bucks got to the Cavaliers for 39 second-quarter points. Milwaukee cracked the 100-point barrier early in the fourth, but then stalled.

Milwaukee led 103-83 when Cleveland launched a furious comeback with James on the bench. Backto-back 3-pointers by Dwyane Wade put the Cavaliers up 107-105, capping a 24-3 run and giving the visitors their �irst lead since the second quarter. ‘’Obviously, tonight (Wade) showed what he’s capable of still doing,’’ James said. ‘’It’s a luxury having a guy like that coming off the bench.’’

A 3-pointer by Brogdon put the Bucks back in front with 3:38 remaining. A traditional three-point play

by James put the Cavaliers ahead 113-112 with about two minutes left.

Tony Snell responded with a 3-pointer for Milwaukee with 58.9 seconds remaining. After a Cleveland miss, Antetokounmpo grabbed a loose ball, hit a short shot and was fouled.

His free throw gave the Bucks a 117-113 lead with 5.9 seconds to go.

Kings beat slumping Sixers

ACH Randolph and Vince Carter have been playing for so long that some of their teammates were toddlers when they broke into the NBA. That double dose of experience worked out quite well for Sacramento on Tuesday night.

Randolph scored 27 points and Carter had two key plays late in the game, helping the Kings to a 101-95 victory over the slumping Philadelphia 76ers.

Buddy Hield had 24 points

FINE FORM. Dabawenya golf phenom Ella Nagayo hits her tee shot on no. 7 of the Barwon Heads Golf Club on the third round of the Victoria Junior Open. She is running second in the girls 14 years old category.

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. 10 ISSUE 188 •THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2017

DOUBLE WHAMMY

Pagara misses weight then stopped in 6th

L

IGHTNING struck twice for promising Filipino �ighter Jason Pagara.

The ALA Gym standout failed to make the weight lomit and then got badly beaten up on Tuesday night.

After missing weight by two and-a-half pounds, Pagara lost by sixth-round technical knockout to Hiroki Okada at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, Japan.

Pagara (40-3-1, 25 knockouts) was trailing 5045 on all 3 cards when the �ight was stopped 59 seconds into the sixth round, sending the 25-year-old boxer from the ALA Boxing stable to his �irst defeat in 6 years. It is a devastating setback for Pagara, who was pummeled in a split-decision draw against James Onyango 3 months ago after 10 months out of the ring.

Okada (17-0, 12 KOs) earned the vacant WBO Asia Paci�ic junior welterweight title with the victory.

Inactivity had cost Pagara his No. 1 ranking with the World Boxing Organization for their 140-pound title, and saw him slide to the 8th rank in November’s rankings.

Now with the loss he’ll likely slide further out of contention.

“It’s about discipline to get the weight,” said Pagara’s trainer Edito Villamor, who

said Pagara knew of this �ight right after the Onyango draw.

Pagara’s promoter Michael Aldeguer told Rappler that Pagara was supposed to �ight in July but the �ight didn’t go through because he wasn’t in shape.

“If he’s going to be �ighting the world top rated ones, it’s going to be a disaster for him,” Aldeguer said in September.

Duno returns on Linares-Gesta card Lightweight prospect Romero Duno will be in action on the undercard of WBA lightweight titleholder Jorge Linares’ title defense against Mercito Gesta. Duno (15-1, 13 KOs) of Tagum, Davao del Norte has been �ighting under Golden Boy since knocking out their prospect Christian “Chimpa” Gonzalez in March, and has won two straight since then.

He’ll �ight an opponent to be named in a 10-rounder on the January 27 card at The Forum in Inglewood, California.

Servania returns with 37-second KO win Genesis Servania fought for the �irst time since his competitive loss to WBO featherweight titleholder Oscar Valdez, stopping a still unknown Thai on Sunday, December 17 at Sangyo Hall in Kanazawa, Japan.

Curry to miss a week more

G

OLDEN State Warriors guard Stephen Curry will miss at least one more week with a sprained right ankle.

Curry was evaluated by the team’s training staff Tuesday. The team says the ankle is healing well and Curry has been cleared to do modi�ied on-court workouts. Curry will be evaluated again in one week when the team expects to have more clarity on when he can return to play.

Golden State has won all

�ive games since Curry injured the ankle on Dec. 4 at New Orleans.

Curry will miss three games remaining this week, as well as the Christmas Day showdown against Cleveland before getting evaluated again.

In other injury news, forward Draymond Green (right shoulder), guard Shaun Livingston (right knee) and center Zaza Pachulia (left shoulder) are questionable for Wednesday’s game against Memphis.

END OF THE ROAD. Jason Pagara (left) in file.photo.