Edge10 issue198 January 8, 2017

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VOL. 10 ISSUE 198 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, JANUARY 7-8, 2018

EDGEDAVAO

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

Serving a seamless society

SPRUCING UP. A religious items dealer cleans up and repaints an old Sto. Niño statue in the hope of attracting interested patrons at his makeshift store inside San Pedro Cathedral compound in Davao City on Saturday.

Lean Daval Jr.

SHOW WINDOW

Diwalwal eyed as mineral processing zone BFP men found liable T

By ANGIE SAVERON

he Philippine Mining Development Corporation has partnered with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) in a bid to convert the 8,100 - hectare Diwalwal Mineral Reservation Area into a mineral processing industry zone.

“This development means sharing the responsibility of the PMDC with PEZA in inviting investors to develop the reservation area as a sustainable show window,” said Alberto B. Sipaco Jr., president and chief executive of�icer of PMDC during the Kapihan sa PIA on Friday.

With the mineral processing industry zone in place, investors can now put up pro-

cessing plants, he said, adding that investors can get their materials from small scale miners.

He said the alliance will create linkages in capital investments that will open �loodgates to more breaks, such as the industrialization of the gold rush, establishment of settlements in safe areas near the mining area, funding housing projects, building in-

frastructures for mineral processing.

All of these is seen to create revenue and tax opportunities both for the government and the investors.

PMDC has already identi�ied more or less 150 hectares of land in Mt. Diwata where

SHOW,P10

Eden Nature Park and Resort’s countdown to 2018

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for NCCC mall blaze

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

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ome personnel of Bureau of Fire Protection in Davao City have been found liable for the huge �ire at the NCCC Mall Davao that took 38 lives on December 23.

This was bared by Inter-Agency Task Force spokesperson Fire Sr. Supt. Jerome Candido who refused to comment, however if the mall owner, SSI Philippines and the contractor will also be held liable for the huge �ire.

“We cannot name names for now,

unless we already completed our documents,” he said.

But he said that the task force has already determined that as of this time some �ire personnel are liable for the �ire. “ But as to what extent, we have yet to determine it speci�ically because we are still on the process of securing the documents that we need,” Candido said.

Candido said the task force wondered why the NCCC Mall and SSI Phil-

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2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 198 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, JANUARY 7-8 , 2018

VICE-MAYOR NO MORE. Former Davao City Vice Mayor Paolo Z. Duterte presides over a regular session of the City Council in this undated photo. President Rodrigo Duterte has finally accepted the resignation of son Paolo on Friday. Lean Daval Jr.

Año welcomed 2 days to control Cebu as DILG OIC sec Mall fire: CCDRRMC

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efense Secretary Del�in Lorenzana welcomed the appointment of former Armed Forces chiefof-staff Eduardo Año as of�icer-in-charge of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, saying he believes the retired military of�icial would bring his dedication and professionalism to the agency.

“I congratulate Ed Año on his designation as OIC DILG. I

am sure that with his dedication to duty, professionalism and experience in the military, he will succeed as the head of DILG,” Lorenzana said.

Año, a member of Philippine Military Academy Class of 1983, retired on Oct. 26 after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56.

Prior to his retirement as Armed Forces chief, the military successfully liberated

AÑO,P10

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he Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office on Saturday projected it would take two days to control the fire which broke out at the toy department’s strockroom on the third floor of Metro Ayala Cebu just as the mall was about to close Friday night.

Employees and customers of the department store, which is within the Ayala Center Cebu mall, safely got out of the establishment when the �ire started.

The Cebu City Fire Department said they received the alarm past 9 p.m. Friday and raised the �ire alarm to Task Force Alpha as thick black smoke continued to

billow from the stockroom.

Task Force Alpha calls for all �ire stations in Metro Cebu to respond to the �ire alarm.

The Metro Ayala Emergency Brigade Team and Ayala Center Cebu Emergency Brigade Team also helped the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in putting out the blaze along with some volunteer �ire�ighters.

As of 11 p.m. Friday, �ire�ighters were still struggling to penetrate the thick black

Puwersa ng Bayaning Atleta Partylist Rep. Jericho Nograles today said that while Commission on Higher Education Chair Patricia Licuanan is living the life of a jetsetter, crisscrossing the globe at taxpayers’ expense, thousands of K-12 Transition Scholars are at loss on why CHED has yet to release their living allowances and the funds needed for their tuitions fees.

Nograles also dismissed

claims made by Licuanan that she was not the one who approved her requests for “Authority to Travel Abroad” because he is in possession of the documents that proves his allegation.

The documents, which Nograles posted in his Facebook page, are copies of Licuanan’s travel requests that were also approved by herself as head of CHED. Nograles said that in Licuanan’s eight trips abroad,

three took place in June where she traveled to the US and then to France and Germany. In her trip to France, she even took business class courtesy of Filipino taxpayers.

“Our president travels economy but our CHED Chair Licuanan takes business class,” Nograles noted.

Even more disappointing, Nograles said, is the fact that while Licuanan was splurging government resources for her globetrotting ways, thou-

smoke engul�ing the building and could not get to the third �loor.

By 3 a.m. Saturday, the fourth �loor of Metro Ayala eventually collapsed.

As of 12 noon Saturday, the �ire had reached the second level, prompting the BFP to raise the �ire alarm further to Task Force Bravo, which calls for the deployment of all BFP personnel and equipment in the entire Cebu Province to the scene. (PNA)

sands of CHED K-12 Transition Scholars have not received their living allowances since 2016.

Thousands of public school teachers were tapped

by CHED as K-12 Transition Scholars purposely to re-tool them to teach under the K-12 system. “ The funds for our Transition scholars have been allotted to CHED. Where did the money go? Napunta ba sa

Ex-PSG member slain in NorthCot CHED exec hit for unpaid allowances

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former member of the Presidential Security Group was shot to death by a still unidenti�ied assailant while on his way home in Magpet, North Cotabato, around 4:30 p.m., Friday, a police of�icial said.

Chief Inspector Rommel Constantino, chief of the Magpet municipal police station, identi�ied the victim as Ronel Galupo, 42.

Galupo, a retired Army man belonging to the 56th In-

fantry Battalion, served as PSG member under the Duterte administration.

He was driving his Honda 150cc motorcycle on his way home to RVM Subdivision in the town proper when the attack happened.

The victim sustained several gunshot wounds in the head and chest.

The gunman and a companion who served as lookout �led to Barangay Binay in

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VOL. 10 ISSUE 198 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, JANUARY 7-8 , 2018

EDGEDAVAO

NEWS 3

Taiwan boat probed over P125-M cocaine T he Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency is looking into the possible involvement of a Taiwanese vessel in the dumping of 24 kg. of cocaine worth PHP125 million in Matnog, Sorsogon province, its regional director said here Saturday.

Christian Frivaldo said they are investigating reports that the cocaine found at the shorelines of Barangay Calintaan in Matnog could have come from the Jin Ming16, which according to the Taiwan Economic and Cultural Of�ice is under its watch list for engaging in illegal activities using nautical routes in the Paci�ic Ocean near the Philippine waters.

“At the moment, we are looking at the possibility that a nearly sunken vessel is responsible for the dumping of the recovered cocaine. Based

on the TECO report, the ship was involved in illegal activities, considering that it was not detected by our naval authorities by intentionally turning off its positioning system to evade detection,” Frivaldo said.

“No local contacts of this ship were established or identi�ied as of the moment,” he added.

Frivaldo said they have been coordinating with other foreign embassies and of�ices since TECO responded to their questions about the vessel on Friday.

Jin Ming16 made a distress call when it tilted off the waters of Northern Samar province on Wednesday.

Its nine crew members -- six Chinese nationals, two from Hong Kong and a Taiwanese -- are in custody and are being investigated by authorities in Samar. (PNA)

he Department of Transportation and the Philippine National Railways began Friday various preparations for the construction of the �irst phase of the PNR Clark railway project that will run from Tutuban in Manila to Malolos in Bulacan province.

Pre-construction activities include site clearing, grading of unleveled surfaces, and demolition of obstructions to the PNR line.

Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said the department is committed to pursuing measures, such as

doing parallel activities, to fast-track the completion of the railway project.

Tugade noted that based on previous practices, site clearing works had to wait after the awarding of a project to a general contractor.

“DOTr understands the need to complete this project faster. That is why we pursued these works parallel with the procurement of the general contractor, which is scheduled to be selected by the second quarter of 2018 for PNR Clark Phase 1,” Tugade said in his address

WORKPLACE ADVOCACY. Jupiter Delda of BPO Industry Employees Network (BIEN) Philippines calls for the passage of the Occupational Health and Safety Bill as well as the scrapping of Philippine Economic

Zone Authority (PEZA) during a news conference held in front of NCCC mall along Ma-a in Davao City on Friday. Lean Daval Jr.

Search, retrieval for Phase 1 of Clark railway bid bared mall fire victims end T PHASE,P10

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he Bureau of Fire Protection has called off the search and retrieval operation for the last missing call center agent who perished in the fire incident on December 23, 2017, at the New City Commercial Center Mall after human bones and personal belongings were positively identified by the family.

Intern-Agency Anti-Arson Task Force spokesman, Supt, Jerry Candido, said the charred human bones were identi�ied by the family through a keychain

and eyeglasses taken among the bones. Alexandra Moreno Castillo was the last of the 36 missing call center agents of the Survey Sampling International (SSI) re-

ported missing.

Candido said all 38, including the NCCC Home Decor section employee, are now accounted for. In one or two weeks the team will complete the investigation report and this will be submitted to each member-agency of the task force.

The soonest the report will be completed will, however, depend on the response of the agencies or the persons to provide the team with documents.

The team is also considering the timeline of the response from the call for assistance to the police.

in front of them along Magallanes Street in Davao City. Lean Daval Jr

SEARCH,P10

Retailers warned v. use of TRAIN act for profit

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ADMIRERS. Young boys watch in amusement as a member of the Davao City Police Office’s Special Weapons and Tactics team walks by

Candido said the task force is also taking all documents from the building permit of the NCCC and the SSI from its original name in 2008. Other supplementary documents as required under the Fire Code of the Philippines have been retrieved.

Candido said the task force will now focus on the investigation of possible persons liable for the violation of the Fire Code particularly on safety lapses such as that could include the NCCC and SSI. Earlier, the task force rec-

epartment of Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez has warned retailers against using the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Act to gain unfair pro�it.

“To those who will take advantage and will increase prices beyond our projected amount, we will ask them to explain and as to the penalty, the amount is from PHP20,000 to PHP1 million per store,” Lopez said during a Bangon Marawi press conference in Malacañang on Friday.

Lopez explained that while oil products and soft drinks are directly affected by a new excise tax, “the percentage increase is very small.”

He added the impact of TRAIN on other products is very negligible, like in canned

goods, which should increase by only �ive centavos.

“It’s hard to imagine because the impact is only �ive cents on canned goods,” he added.

Contrary to the reported four-peso fare hike being asked by some transport groups, Lopez said the increase should not even reach one peso.

“Based on my computation, it should be only 80 cents, but of course, it’s the LTFRB (Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board) that will decide on the petition,” he said.

Lopez added that the actual impact of the TRAIN should be more of positive, since wage earners with PHP21,000 and below

RETAILERS,P10

4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 198 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, JANUARY 7-8 , 2018

Globe unveils $850M capex

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lobe Telecom will be allocating $850 million for its capital expenditure this year as it continues to expand its data network amid the rising demand for mobile data services and online streaming content.

The �inancing is in line with its vision to improve internet services in

the country and its goal of having “�irst world connectivity”.

“Majority of the company’s capex for 2018 is geared to meet customer demand for more bandwidth-intensive content, which, in turn, will support the revenue

GLOBE,P10

Business registration in Zambo up by 64% T he Department of Trade and Industry announced that there was sharp increase in new businesses in 2017 in Zamboanga del Sur. DTI Provincial Director Maria Socorro Atay on Friday said the Business Name Registration in 2017 reached 2,962, which is 64 percent higher compared to the 1,812 registered in 2016.

“A comparative analysis on the number of BNRs processed and issued by the agency clearly shows the economic improvement of the province, further emphasizing its potential as a regional

growth center,” she said.

Atay attributed to at least �ive factors that contributed to the sharp increase in the BNR in this province last year.

These are the following: greater economic potential seen in the province; heightened entrepreneurial awareness; full implementation of the Barangay Micro Business Enterprise (BMBE) Law, which grants tax exemption to businesses with less than PhP3 million annual income; implementation of Pondo sa Pagbabago at Pag-asenso or P3 program; and, ease in acquiring permits

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Experts vary on TRAIN’s impact on inflation rate

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conomists are divided on the possible impact of the �irst tax reform package on Philippines’ in�lation rate this 2018, with some saying the effect will be limited while some raised the possibility of breaching of the target.

BPI lead economist Jun Neri, in a Tweet Friday said: “higher excise taxes on oil may not bring us to 4.0 percent headline (in�lation) anytime soon.”

On the other hand, ANZ Research, in a study, said implementation of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion’s (TRAIN) �irst package provides additional upside risks on in�lation this year.

“In our view, the tax adjustments will likely push the in�lation above the central bank’s target range,” it said, referring to the government’s two to four percent target range for 2018 and 2019.

The study explained that even before the tax reform’s �irst package was signed into law, upside risk on in�lation was seen to come from increase in public transport fares.

Since TRAIN’s �irst package increases excise taxes on fuel, among others, it is seen

to result to higher prices of utilities, tobacco and sweetened beverages, with the latter due also to higher taxes of sugary drinks.

Citing estimates by the Department of Finance (DOF), the study said the tax reform’s impact on in�lation is only around 0.4-0.8 percent.

It, however, pointed out that “these estimates take into account the direct and not secondary impact of the tax reforms.”

“Once again, considering the strength of domestic demand, a meaningful secondary impact cannot be ruled out,” it said.

With in�lation seen to rise beyond the government’s target range, ANZ Research projects the BangkoSentralngPilipinas (BSP) to hike its key rates this year, at 25 basis points each in March and May, as it expects credit growth and trade de�icit to increase further.

To date, rate of the BSP’s reverse repurchase (RRP) facility is three percent, the repurchase (RP) facility is 3.5 percent and the special deposit account (SDA) facility, 2.5 percent.(PNA)

SOLAR DRYER. Workers prepare to dry rice under the sun at a rice mill in Davao del Sur. The public expressed hope that the Department

of Agriculture would finally deliver on its promise to make the country rice sufficient by 2018. Lean Daval Jr.

Bukidnon urged to go organic in agriculture B

ukidnon going organic to sustain its agriculture resources was among the key insights shared by leaders from different stakeholders on their outlook for agriculture in the province in 2018.

In his comment for the “Bukidnon 2018: Public Outlook” series, organic farming advocate Junah Bayag said the province should become “an organic backyard garden for health, soil, soul and society.”

Only �ive percent of the farmers in the Philippines have shifted to organic farming, with the country at least 30 years behind the international community in the shift, he said.

“Government agencies should help make the community be aware about learn-

ing sites worthy to be visited and learned from,” he added.

Organic farming policy, practice Republic Act 10068, which became a law in 2010, provided for the development and promotion of organic agriculture in the Philippines.

The Department of Agriculture in Region 10 reported in October 2017 that of the 26,644.47 hectares in the region targetted for organic farming, only 10,034.77 (or 37.7 percent) hectares have gone organic.

The DA, as quoted in media reports, cited that Northern Mindanao’s organic farms are in Misamis Oriental (187 has), Misamis Occidental (7,376 has), Bukidnon (611.17 has), Lanao del Norte (1,820.6), and Camiguin (40 has).

In Bukidnon, the area so far is less than 1 percent of its 349,905 hectares of land used for agriculture. The province passed an organic agriculture code in 2011 patterned after RA 10068 and set an annual allocation of P5 million budget for organic agriculture.

Bayag, tapped by the Agriculture Training Institute as trainer, runs the Jaya Secret Garden, also in Malaybalay City, “where you will experience going, growing and

glowing with nature.”

He said in a telephone interview that no other effort can help the shift except for citizens to visit learning sites for organic farms.

“Let’s show to them how important is the role of farmers to feed millions,” Bayag added.

Reynaldo Gil Lomarda, of Greenminds Inc., a non-government organization committed to the preservation and protection of the environment, said they wished for a “comprehensive and collaborative effort from government agencies for the organic agriculture sector.”

Greenminds Inc. runs Umanika Farm in Malaybalay City, another organic farm

�irst day of the renewal operation last January 3.

This year’s renewal of business permit marks the second implementation of the 3-BOSS system, with high-quality facilities and equipment used in the duration of the renewal-processing to ensure fast and ef�icient services, all the while providing freebies such as snacks and refreshments for the clients.

Business License Of�icer Ms. Noeme Evelyn Y. Cacayorin said that it is their motive

to provide comfortable services to all transacting taxpayers and clients. Ms. Cacayorin also encourages all taxpayers in the city to renew their permits on time to avoid penalty charges.

With the enthusiastic response of taxpayers for being well-treated in their renewal of business permit transaction, the ef�iciency of the 3-BOSS system is a sure way that proves the city’s commendation as a most business-friendly local government. Drex Rafols/CIO Tagum

BUKIDNON,P11

Organized biz permit renewal in Tagum City

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AGUM CITY - Aiming to ef�iciently cater Tagumenyo businessmen in their transactions, this year’s operation of the renewal of business permits and licenses continues to serve clients conveniently with its systematic way of processing documents.

Taxpayers and businessmen from all over Tagum city �illed the New City Hall atrium last January 3, 2018, and will continue to frequent the venue until January 20, in time for the renewal of their busi-

ness permits for this year.

Through Tagum City’s so called 3-Step Business OneStop Shop (3-BOSS), renewal of business permits and licenses has been made easier and faster for clients as it offers only three steps in the process - abbreviated as APR or Assess, Pay, and Release, all to be transacted in one location.

With this quick-pacing process, a greater number of permits are being released per day, and in fact, 220 permits had been released on the

VOL. 10 ISSUE 198 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, JANUARY 7-8 , 2018

EDGEDAVAO

ECONOMY 5

DTI sees less impact of TRAIN on prices D epartment of Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez has dismissed fears of consumers on impact of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Act to prices of basic goods.

Lopez said in a press conference Thursday that the new tax law imposing excise tax on petroleum products has minimal effect on prices of basic commodities.

He said that based on computation of economists

and even the DTI, the excise tax on fuel will hike prices of goods by less than one percent.

From DTI’s computation, the new law only translates 0.4 percent increase in prices of goods.

He explained that the excise tax will only increase transportation cost of about 7 to 8 percent.

The transportation cost, on the other hand, shares less than 5 percent of the production cost. (PNA)

Rice import tariff to help 39 PH provinces - NEDA SECOND LOOK. A Catholic devotee checks out a miniature statue of the Black Nazarene at a makeshift stall inside San Pedro Cathedral in

Davao City three days before the Feast of the Black Nazarene. Lean Daval Jr

he country ended 2017 with steady inflation performance at 3.2 percent, which is well within government’s target for the year, the National Economic and Development Authority said.

ity of food prices. One is by shifting to climate changeready rice varieties,” Pernia said.

The Cabinet of�icial noted that any increases in prices in the �irst few months of 2018 will be tempered by the expected decline in power rates as capacity fees from power generators fell due to fewer power outages.

He added that the timely implementation of the “Build Build Build” Program will also be critical in bringing down electricity and transportation costs over the medium-term.

“We are happy that we have stayed within the in�lation target last year, and that the Development Budget Coordination Committee will likely maintain the 2 to 4 percent target range for this year until 2020,” Pernia said. (NEDA)

pand its growing portfolio to 100 properties worldwide, with focus on Asia.

Okura has already announced to open Okura brand hotels in Cappadocia in 2019, Phnom Penh, Ho Chi Minh City and Yangon in 2020, and Taichung in 2021.

Hotel Okura Macau opened in 2011, followed by the opening of The Okura Prestige Bangkok and The Okura Prestige Taipei in 2012. (PNA)

NEDA says inflation rate within target at 3.2% T Based on a report of the Philippine Statistics Authority headline in�lation rate for December 2017 remained at 3.3 percent, similar to that of November—closing 2017 with a full-year rate of 3.2 percent.

In�lation in December 2017 was due to faster increases in food prices (corn, meat, �ish, fruits, cereals), but tempered by lower nonfood in�lation (transport, housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels).

“We see in�lation over the near-term to remain stable despite pressures that may be brought about by the newly enacted TRAIN

program, weather patterns, and uncertainties in international oil markets,” Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia said.

Pernia added that the moderate full-year in�lation rate of 3.2 percent in 2017 is a good basis for maintaining the government’s in�lation target at 2.0 to 4.0 percent for 2018.

NEDA also said supply conditions, particularly of major agricultural commodities appears favorable within the near term. The crop outlook according to the PSA as of October 2017 indicates increases in harvest areas across regions, at-

tributed mainly to suf�icient water supply and government interventions such as the continued provision of high- yielding seed varieties and fertilizer support.

To relieve the in�lationary effects of TRAIN, Pernia said that the government needs to prioritize amending domestic laws that will end quantitative restrictions on rice and replace them with tariffs.

“This measure will remove the policy uncertainty in rice trade and thus encourage more investments in production and post-production innovation. The revenues from the tariff can be used to fund or subsidize such innovations,” Pernia added.

“Meantime, efforts must be made to strengthen the resiliency of farmers from extreme weather conditions to maintain the stabil-

ravellers International Hotel Group, Inc. (TIHGI), owner and operator of Resorts World Manila (RWM), has sealed a deal with Japanese hospitality chain, Hotel Okura Co., Ltd. (Okura), to operate a 191-room luxury hotel in the Philippines, targeted for soft opening by the fourth quarter of the year.

The Hotel Okura Manila, which is part of the country’s �irst integrated resort, will join the roster

of RWM’s current portfolio of international hotel brands that include Marriott Hotel Manila, along with the soon-to-open Sheraton Manila Hotel and Hilton Manila.

Remington Hotel, RWM’s value for money offering, will soon be rebranded as Holiday Inn Express.

“The Philippines, especially Manila, is a very promising market considering the nation’s gross

domestic product (GDP) and population size, both of which are growing fast.

The local hotel business is bene�iting from these and other favorable trends,” said Okura President Toshihiro Ogita.

“We will leverage the group’s expertise in traditional Japanese hospitality to make Hotel Okura Manila a much-beloved hotel among both local and foreign visitors,” he said.

Okura intends to ex-

Japan’s Hotel Okura to open luxury hotel T

35% tariff levy sought for rice imports

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t least 39 rice-producing provinces will have competitive advantage over Thailand and Vietnam in rice production should the 35 percent tariff be levied on rice imports and the quantitative restrictions be lifted.

Results of the preliminary analysis conducted by the National Economic and Development Authority’s Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment Staff (ANRES) show that the rice production in at least 39 provinces will remain competitive with a PhP4.00 per kilogram cost advantage over rice imports tariffed at 35 percent.

“Rice per kilogram in these provinces will be P4 cheaper compared with Thai and Vietnamese rice. And these provinces can produce about 73 percent of the total food requirement of the country,” Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia said.

The provinces deemed competitive are: Nueva Ecija, Kalinga, Pampanga, Bataan, Biliran, Bulacan, Zamboanga del Sur, Isabela, Bukidnon, Nueva Vizcaya, Laguna, Pangasinan, Lanao del Norte, Aurora, Compostela Valley, Albay, Leyte, Zamboanga Sibugay, Negros Occidental, South Cotabato, Camarines Sur, Zamboanga City, Sultan Kudarat, Sorsogon, Cavite, Palawan, Antique, Iloilo, Aklan, Surigao del Sur, Capiz, Masbate, Catanduanes, Eastern Samar, Basilan, Western Samar, Guimaras, and Maguindanao.

Among these 39 provinces, however, 14 have an average yield of 3.5 metric tons per hectare (mt/ha), which is below the national average of 4 mt/ha. These provinces are Palawan, Antique, Iloilo, Aklan, Surigao del Sur, Capiz, Masbate, Catanduanes, Eastern Samar, Northern Samar, Basilan, Samar, Guimaras, and Maguindanao.

Producing rice at lower costs, these provinces can still further increase their yield levels by using certi�ied inbred and hybrid seeds, proper management of input application and suf�icient irrigation.

The study of ANRES also shows that seven provinces which were not included in the 39 competitive ones have an average yield higher than the national level (4 mt/ha).

These high-yielding provinces, however, are producing at relatively higher costs.

NEDA said that in order to be competitive, rice-producing provinces should reduce the cost of rice production by mechanizing labor-intensive farm activities, using new and appropriate technologies and applying farm management practices.

Apart from these, NEDA suggested measures to boost competitiveness, including constructing more irrigation systems, addressing gaps in infrastructure connectivity, improving farmers’ access to affordable credit insurance, and adopting measures to enhance agriculture’s resilience to climate change, among others.

The QR on rice imports is a special privilege granted by the World Trade Organization (WTO), which has been extended three times since it was �irst imposed in 1995. Last April 2017, before the termination of the WTO Special Treatment on rice, President Duterte issued Executive Order No. 23 retaining the MAV level of 805,200 MT and extending the lower tariff rates imposed on some commodities for three years or until the Agricultural Tarif�ication Law is amended.

NEDA is pushing for the amendment of the Republic Act No. 8178 or the Agricultural Tarif�ication Act of 1996 to pave the way for the re-

RICE,P11

6 SUBURBIA RISING EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 198 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, JANUARY 7-8 , 2018

DavOr okays P 2.1-B road projects

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ATI CITY -Davao Oriental’s newly approved plan for big-ticket road projects, set for implementation within the next �ive years, is touted to spur massive economic activities and bring in waves of business opportunities.

The Local Road Network Development Plan costing P2.1. billion is programmed by the Provincial Government for the year 2018-2022, It is designed to further improve the province’s socio-economic development by giving a boost to the province’s agricultural industry and tourism.

The plan, which was recently approved by the Provincial Development Council, involves the concreting, rehabilitation, and improvement of 16 provincial road sections here stretching to a total of 129.6 kilometers.

This requires a total budget of P1.8 billion plus P300 million for capacity development and procurement of equipment.

While the provincial government is looking at tapping funds from external sources, particularly from the national government to �inance these road projects, the Department of Interior and Local Government is already set to bankroll a sizeable funding through its Conditional Matching Grant for Provinces (CMGP) as it will also provide technical assistance to build these much-needed roads.

The members of the Provincial Development Council (PDC) have approved the P2.1 billion Local Road Network Development Plan, programmed by the Provincial Government for the year 2018-2022. This plan aims to further improve the province’s socio-economic Recognizing agriculture as the major driver of the province’s economy, this new connectivity is poised to transform large swathes of agricultural areas into economically booming communities as these roads are anticipated to increase farm production by at least 10 percent and would further increase revenues while reducing underemployment.

Based on the value-chain analysis conducted by the provincial government’s technical team, these roads will provide an immense advantage in agriculture as Davao Oriental has a total of

195,000 hectares of arable lands, equivalent to 97% of the province’s total alienable and disposable land area per data of the Philippine Statistics Authority.

These roads are also targeted to enable Davao Oriental’s eco-tourism industry.

Experiencing a huge turnout of tourists in the recent years, the provincial government has been pushing for the improvement of roads leading to tourism sites.

Since 2016, Davao Oriental has been host to more than 200 tourist destinations—the most number in the region, recorded an all-

development by specifically aiming to give a boost to the province’s agri-industry and tourism.

time high of tourist arrivals of more than 700,000 steadily increasing in the following year.

Aside from the economic bene�its that would result from the enhanced road system, the provincial government also strongly feels the necessity to invest more on connectivity since Davao Oriental is the farthest among all provinces in Davao Region, giving it the disadvantage in terms of travel time and transportation cost. Situated at the southeasternmost tip of the region and surrounded by extensive mountain ranges,

the province is not included in the soon-to-be-implemented Mindanao Railway System, prompting the local government to further explore schemes to improve connectivity.

Governor Nelson L. Dayanghirang, whose leadership strongly pushes for enhanced connectivity especially in hinterland areas, says “the construction of roads is a worthy investment as they provide easy access to basic social services, connect farmers to markets, help save lives in times of emergencies and disasters, aid students in going to

school, and help the police and soldiers keep the peace, among others,” adding that enhanced connectivity leads to many socio-economic bene�its.

The LRNDP supports the Provincial Development Physical Framework Plan (PDPFP) 2018-2022 which speci�ically targets �ive-development agenda of defeating poverty, safeguarding the environment, expand access to infrastructure utilities and social services, sustain public order and security, and strengthen effective governance. By Karen Lou Deloso/ Photo by Eden Jhan Licayan

Military pounds BIFF positions in Maguindanao Sayyaf beheads

C

OTABATO CITY - Military 105 howitzer cannons, backed by helicopter gunships, pounded on positions of the Bangsamoro Islamic Liberation Front (BIFF) overnight at the boundaries of three towns in Maguindanao, which caused the swelling of evacuation to safer grounds of Teduray families in the area.

Capt. John Encinas, Army’s 6th Infantry Division, pointed to Mt. Firis as the site of battle, an ancestral land of the Teduray na-

tives situated at the boundaries of Datu Unsay, Datu Hofer and Datu Saudi Ampatuan towns.

“The BIFF harassed our troops from the Army’s 57th Infantry Battalion in the area so we initiated artillery and airstrike maneuvers from 5 p.m.

Thursday to 4 a.m. Friday in a bid to �lush them out,” Encinas said.

Jobel Tenorio, an evacuee from Sitio Bagong, Datu Saudi town said over 100 BIFF militants occupied their community

Friday, prompting them to leave behind their houses and personal belongings in no time.

“Gun�ire could be heard overnight from three sides of Mt. Firis, so we decided to leave home,” Tenorio said in vernacular.

Since Dec. 25, intermittent gunbattles erupted between state forces and IS-linked BIFF terrorists in Mt. Firis, sending in trickles Teduray villagers to evacuation centers currently numbering close to 400 families.

Encinas said the BIFF torched houses at Teduray communities that they occupy in battling government forces at Mt. Firis, considered as a scared ground among the Tedurays.

“With this, our orders is there would be no let up on �inishing off the BIFF terrorists in Mt. Firis,” Encinas stressed.

The provincial government of Maguindanao has attended to needs of the Teduray natives at designated evacuation centers in the affected towns. (PNA)

a crime triggered by jealousy and disgust.

Freno said two people died and 16 others sustained injuries when an explosive device went off a few meters away from the entrance of Happy Videoke Bar, a crude shanty located along the national highway in Barangay Buena�lor at around 11:05 p.m. on December 31.

Dominador Datahan, 51-yearold barangay civilian volunteer, was declared dead on arrival at the hospital while 19-year-old Suharto Ali from Maguindanao, died in the morning of January 1.

Freno said the Scene of the Crime Operatives and Explosive

Ordnance Division had recovered two safety levers of hand grenades, “thus negating earlier report that an improvised explosive device or IED caused the explosion.”

Quoting Aggabao, Freno said prior to the blast, a heated argument inside the bar ensued when a male customer forced a lady entertainer seated at the other customers’ table to sit with them.

An eyewitness, according to Freno, said that Datahan tried to pacify the parties involved. The same witness added that one of the involved parties went out of the bar leaving with the threat, “Babalikan ko kayo” (I will return

for you).

Less than an hour later, a loud explosion occurred in front of the bar, particularly at a parked tricycle.

“Based on the circumstances, the incident was an offshoot of a heated confrontation between individuals quarreling over a female entertainer,” Freno said.

Senior Supt. Raul Supiter, Sultan Kudarat police director and head of Special Investigation Task Group (SITG), said three suspects are in police custody and charges for multiple murder, multiple frustrated murder and illegal possession of explosives are being prepared against them. (PNA)

Tacurong New Year blast caused by quarrel over entertainer

T

ACURONG CITY - The New Year’s Eve explosion here that left two dead and 16 others injured was not an act of terror, but due to a quarrel between two groups of males over a lady KTV guest relations entertainer, police said.

Quoting a police of�icer, Allan S. Freno, LGU-Tacurong information of�icer, said that the explosion was “rooted from an altercation between two groups of bar customers quarreling over a female entertainer.”

Freno quoted Supt. John Patrick Aggabao, Tacurong City police chief, as saying that the incident was no terror act but rather

couple in Basilan Z AMBOANGA CITY -- A member of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) executed a couple by beheading in a remote area of Basilan province, a top police of�icial disclosed Friday.

Senior Supt. Nickson Muksan, Basilan police director, identi�ied the victims as Abdurahim Kitoh and his wife, Na-

dzwa Bahitla, whose decapitated remains were found one after the other.

Muksan said the remains of Nadzwa was found by militiaman Ibrahim Wahab at around 4:30 p.m. Thursday at Sitio Diangan, Barangay Mahatalang, Sumisip.

SAYAF,P11

Murder suspect in NorthCot nabbed

K

IDAPAWAN CITY Authorities nabbed on Thursday a murder suspect who hid for a decade after he allegedly killed a relative in Magpet, North Cotabato.

Arrested was Romeo Quino Apang, 41.

Senior Police Of�icer 1 Jose Marie Catulong Dusaban, of the Magpet

municipal police station, claimed that the suspect was the most wanted person in North Cotabato.

Apang, court records show, is charged with murder at the Regional Trial Court branch 23 in Kidapawan City, under criminal case number 534-

MURDER,P11

7 COMMUNITY SENSE

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 10 ISSUE 198 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, JANUARY 7-8 , 2018

EECOP: Touching more lives

By NEILWIN JOSEPH BRAVO It was another time to reach out to more communities and what better time it is than right before Christmas.

The Emilio Escandor Community Outreach Program spearheaded by the Royal Mandaya Hotel conducted two more community outreach programs to cap a year of gift-giving.

On December 22, the EECOP TRMH team provided feeding, livelihood, education and health services at the Archdiocesan Nourishment Center (ANC) in honor of Blessed Theresa of Calcutta.

The ANC is a project of Archdiocese Council of Lay and Integrated Movements (ACLaIM) which started three years ago on May 19, 2014.

The mission was made possible with the support of Mon-

signor Paul Quizon, Spiritual Director of ACLaIM. Some 200 children aged 3 to 13 years old were the bene�iciaries of EECOP at the ANC. EECOP TRMH conducted feeding program (lunch and dinner) covering bene�iciaries from four barangays as well as education services, livelihood program for parents with 47 attendees, and medical services.

For its second mission of the day, TRMH EECOP conducted another program at the Missionaries of Charity in Agdao.

TRMH EECOP was joined by the Royal Mandaya Employees Credit Cooperative (RoMECCo) team in the feeding program and gift-giving to 53 elderly bene�iciaries.

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

EDITORIAL

B

A demanding life

eing a very demanding job that requires one’s time and attention, public service cannot be compromised.

Holding a public of�ice is not simply owning the title to a public position and giving it a face. Or worse, merely accepting the remunerations and other perks of the of�ice. Power, un�luence and entitlements of public of�ice could drive many people to politics, but that is not the real meaning and importance of a life in government.

Vice Mayor Paolo Z. Duterte grew up in a life that revolved around politics. For over two decades, his father President Rodrigo Duterte dedicated his life to the welfare of Dabawenyos.

He knew the family had to share their father with other people.

In those years seeing his older man, Paolo must have measured the demands of public service.

When it was his time to render public service, he understood the complexities of the profession. However, no matter how

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VOL. 10 ISSUE 198 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, JANUARY 7-8 , 2018

much you have dedicated your life to the task and understood its dynamics, one has to deal with his innermost feelings which could involve both public and private affairs.

When he felt his mind was not totally in it after a spat with his daughter, and his heart was hurting with accusations, he �inally surrendered to the standards he himself has set when he entered politics.

On Friday, Paolo Duterte was of�icially resigned as vice mayor of the City of Davao. His resignation was formally accepted by no less than his father who could have stopped him from letting go of the post and continue working. President Duterte did not do that as he respected his son’s decision to let it go.

The younger Duterte served the city well as vice mayor. He is a big loss, but he did it for the people whom he does not want to be getting less than 100 percent of his time and attention.

And that is what real public service is all about.

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

JIMMY K. LAKING Associate Editor PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE

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

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

EDGEDAVAO

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VOL. 10 ISSUE 198 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, JANUARY 7-8 , 2018

VANTAGE POINTS

9

Counting our blessings

t is often said that amidst the trials, the dif�iculties, the hardships and all, life is still worth living.

Some people have given up the battle before it even started. This is bad because this is a defeatist view of life.

On the other hand, average people have a subjective take on what is true happiness and satisfaction. Surveys taken on this matter record respondents as Very Happy, Somewhat Happy, Somewhat Unhappy or Very Unhappy.

I have read of books chronicling the successful journeys of people who have helped made America what it is today – the Rothschilds, Rockefellers, Carnegies, etc. – and this has led the world to believe that anybody who has the guts and a dream can make it big in the US of A. In our country of more than one hundred million, however, not much literature has been written

about this aspect of existence.

The heroes that we acknowledge as patriots and nationalists have only been noted for their �ight for independence. Which is more political in nature than anything one will see on the surface.

The economic development and growth of our nation have not been ascribed to this same group of men and women because they were focused on liberating the people from foreign oppression and colonization.

This is the principal reason why Jose Rizal did not agree to an armed revolution because the Filipino people were not ready to stand on their own and operationally run an ef�icient and effective government.

And wasn’t the man damn right?

The Philippines today is struggling to rise out of the ashes of despair and the ruins of corruption.

There is a great divide – a chasm if you must – that separates the haves from the have nots, the privileged and the underprivileged, the

When a car a�icionado talks about a successful Asian utility vehicle (AUV) that really swept the country and created myths as to where it got its name, the Fiera, produced by Ford, which traces its history to 1913 when the iconic Ford Model T originally introduced in the US, was being assembled in the Philippines.

Contrary to political conjecture that Fiera stands for so-so Marcos-connected auto label, the term, in Spanish, actually means beast, in reference to the adaptability of the vehicle to tough and rugged Asian roads. It was �irst commercially produced in 1971.

But the Fiera was not the �irst AUV to be produced in the country. A decade earlier, Mitsubishi introduced Cimmaron (which means ‘wild’ in Spanish), followed by Mitsubishi L300 FB when Fiera and Tamaraw, known abroad as Kijang, became the league-leading AUVs. The Tamaraw, after the endemic buffalo found in Mindoro, was produced by Delta Motor Corporation and powered by a 1.2 liter Toyota 3K motor.

Actually, there are three generations of Fiera, which was popularized in Mindanao by Ford distributor Davao Motor Sales (DAMOSA). The �irst-generation AUV was powered by an OHV

engine used in Ford Escort, followed by a Perkins for the next group and the last.

Given the Fiera’s strong market presence, other automotive producers covered by the government’s Progressive Car Manufacturing Program followed suit. The DMG-VW label introduced Trakbayan, while General Motors was proud of its Harabas, the smallest AUV species.

A limited edition of Ford Fiera crew cab was introduced in 1982.

Although the Ford AUV was one of the most sought-after utility vehicle produced in the Philippines, some auto historians claimed it was “one of the world’s greatest marketing �lop ever pushed by Ford Motors.” In the Latin Americas, it did not click because of supposed poor safety standards but, through time, it had earned the moniker as “one of the toughest cars ever built.”

An interesting trivia about Fiera, is that it saved Don Antonio O. Floirendo Sr., the late Davao banana mogul, from �inancial disaster after its 2,000-hectare farm was ravaged and �lattened by strong winds in the 1970’s.

Pro�its from the sales of the utility vehicle saved his day.

Anton Andres, in “The AUV: In the service of the Filipino” (2015), wrote that the AUV mania

SPECKS OF LIFE Fred C. Lumba powerful and the powerless, the connected and the disconnected.

Much of the country’s wealth is held by less than one percent of the nation’s old, landed elite families that have mushroomed into clans of nouveau riche’ heirs and heiresses who now hold the scepter of economic authority in the current millennial times.

The men who masqueraded as patriots during Rizal and Bonifacio’s era were men subsequently exposed to have selfserving interests and manifested only a nationalistic stance then because it was politically convenient.

Thus, these shrewd opportunists rose up the ladder of prominence and success from the Spanish stranglehold to the new wave of American imperialism because they knew how to ride piggyback. And they got handsomely paid.

But realistically speaking, the traditional Chinese traders and businessmen and their scions of Chinoys are the ones �inancially in-charge. Majority of them are among the top �ifty richest Filipinos listed among Forbes’ magazines elite club.

I fear that should they suddenly just close shop and bring their wealth elsewhere, the country and this government

would go crashing down and become bankrupt.

I therefore cannot imagine how the poor millions of our countrymen living under the poverty line can survive the harsh economic realities. Coping with the ever-increasing prices of staple food and commodities, unemployment, in�lation, rising school fees and educational costs will drive daily wage earners crazy in making both ends meet; so how much more grievous impact will these do to them who are just utterly poor and helpless?

Encouragingly, somewhere above the horizon there is a silver lining.

One who is down deep in the mire cannot but climb out and go upwards. (Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.) Psalm 19:14. “May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing in your sight O Lord, my Rock and Redeemer.”

GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!

corruption of “delivery cargo”, as an AUV cargo. In later years, new models that included the Versa Van started to show up in primary streets.

The return of the Toyota brand in the 1990’s under new investors also marked the revival of the Tamaraw, now rechristened as Tamaraw FX, which was more of a wagon than a Fiera. Its rebirth gave rise to a new public transport scheme known as Garage Service, later known as FX, which required the unit to wait at terminals to be loaded.

After staying on the side lines for quite a time, Isuzu relived its presence in the AUV challenge by introducing the Hi-Lander, known abroad as the Panther.

Unlike the Fiera, the new vehicle had new features that included air-conditioning and power windows.

The article (www. autoindustriya.com) also highlighted the fact that in the 1990’s Mitsubishi upgraded its AUV entry through the Adventure, which shared components with the Isuzu Hi-Lander. It possessed a wide variety of variants and two engine selections.

“As time progressed,” Andres explained, “there were soon less utility oriented models such as the GLS Sport and Super Sport

variants but the Adventure stuck to its people carrier roots and can still carry 10 passengers for base and mid-level trims.”

Toyota also introduced improvement in Tamaraw FX and named the new specimen Revo, short for “revolution.” The unit “was a quantum leap in terms of design, re�inement and driving dynamics compared to the old Tamaraw FX. The gas engine �inally received electronic fuel injection which helped reduce noise, vibration and harshness levels. [It] didn’t leave its AUV roots behind. It still sat 10 passengers but with more car-like levels of comfort [and] was such a popular model that it overtook the sales of Toyota’s own popular sedan, the Corolla.”

In later years, new road runners were introduced, carrying features of luxury, sportiness, and speed. Mitsubishi modernized its Adventure, which outlived the Fuzion, while Isuzu brought out the Crosswind.

Toyota, which also owns the popular Innova, introduced the XUVi and Sportivo variants after retiring the Revo in 2005.

Today, however, the line that divides AUVs from sports utility vehicles (SUVs) with the introduction of new models that carry prevalent themes popular among car buyers and collectors.

The iconic Ford Fiera

FAST BACKWARD Antonio V. Figueroa spawned other models produced locally. For instance, Francisco Motors Corp. (FMC) had its FMC Pinoy AUV inspired by the Mazda pickup. Soon, it was producing the larger Anfra, which was also inspired by the Mazda pickup, also known as Ford Courier and later became the Ranger.

This frenetic market trend to cash in on the Fiera phenomenon did not stop with the departure of Ford from the country in 1984. Pilipinas Nissan bought the rights to produce Fiera IV, which became the Nissan Bida.

After martial law in 1986, fourthgeneration Fiera competed with FMC’s Anfra and Mitsubishi’s L300, the Cimarron’s successor.

In 1983, Mitsubishi introduced the Delica, a

10 NEWS SHOW... FROM 1

the gold re�inery, gold processing plants and resorts (where it could attract of tourist) be situated.

“We will make this project a sustainable one, so this will become a mining legacy for the area, Diwalwal being known to be the gold �ind of the century,” said Sipaco. “So it is here where responsible mining hinges on as a show window of the government’s policy to responsibly mine and to sustain development.”

He said PMDC will spearhead the operation of mining in the area of Diwalwal, which is in Mt. Diwata, in the town of Monkayo, Compostella Valley Province.

“We will not relegate this to foreign investors although we will be dependent on funding from foreign investors that is the condition I have given to the Investors when they try to signify their intent to develop this area,” he said.

He said that it will not be anybody else but PMDC because PMDC is the only mining corporation of the government.

“Very soon PMDC will showcase state mining and will be the show window for responsible mining and sustainability of development,” he said.

He mentioned that there is one mining �irm from Australia showed interest in the project. He said that they have conducted negotiations and out of those negotiations, the mining �irm is willing to give them commitment fee.

“They even doubled the commitment fee, and they said that with the Victory tunnel to be developed and explored, they would even build a tunnel that is six meters by six meters and connect it to the municipality of Boston in Davao Oriental,” he said.

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ippines were given �ire safety inspection certi�icates despite violations.

He pointed out the violation on the malfunctioned �ire alarm system and the lack of doors at the �ire exits.

Candido said the water sprinklers in the third �loor of the mall did not function for lack of sprinkler heads. It was also determined that at the fourth �loor, the sprinklers were already condemned since the SSI Philippines has its own structure.

“The problem is, the SSI Philippines has no �ire suppression system because you cannot apply the water sprinkler there because there were computers. Their �ire suppressant should be chemical based and not water based,” he said.

He said that the BFP always recommend to the Business Processing and Outsourcing of�ices to install chemical based �ire suppressant and not water sprinklers.

Candido stressed that if there is one portion of the building has not follow the

He said that the focus of exploitation and development of the gold-rush area is still the major obligation of the national government and this responsibility encompasses many engagements crucial to the protection of many stakeholders, particularly the indigenous people (IP) settlers affected by the transfer of existing processing plants, resettlement of squatters and the delivery of the basic services to the community and affected families.

He said that the policy direction of the Philippine government in mining is divided into two �irst is responsible mining and sustainable development.

Responsible mining points to the conscientious exploitation and use of mineral resources with an intention to embrace legal, right, ethical, moral, economically and socially acceptable practices while sustainable development is ensuring the productivity of the mineral hub is not sacri�iced where the interest and safety of nature and its people-dependents are more important than gains.

“Responsible mining, which is largely the campaign to follow legal guidelines, adopt ethically correct practices and infuse a sense of moral obligation in the exploration, exploitation and development is mineral resources. The second aspect is what we call sustainable development, which is anchored on certain percepts and concepts, mostly global orientation. The sustainable development includes the concerns and issues on social corporate responsibility, bene�its for host communities, revenues for government, and post-mining opportunities,” he said. �ire safety compliance the whole structure will not be given a �ire safety inspection certi�icate.

Earlier, the IATF recommended the relief of Davao City �ire Marshall Supt. Honee Fritz Alagano, Talomo �ire station commander Insp. Renero Jimenez, Senior Fire Of�icer 1 Leo Lauzon, Fire Of�icer 2 Joel Quizmundo, and and Senior Fire Of�icer 1 Roger Dumag due to some doubts on the compliance of the mall.

Candido said Lauzon was the one responsible in inspecting the SSI of�ice.

He said when the said inspector accomplished the after inspection report, he noted that SSI has no violation except the conduct of �ire exit drill however, the task force seen many violations.

Also, Quizmundo was the one inspected the NCCC mall who noted that there was no violation except the conduct of �ire exit drill but the task force has noted several violations in the fourth �loor, the third �loor as well as in the whole mall.

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VOL. 10 ISSUE 198 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, JANUARY 7-8 , 2018

PRO-VICTIMS. A progressive group member holds a placard written with slogan in support of the families of NCCC fire victims during a news conference on Friday. Lean Daval Jr.

AÑO... FROM 2

Marawi City from the hands of the Maute Group terrorists who controlled the area for �ive months.

During Año’s retirement ceremony, President Rodrigo Duterte named him as DILG’s incoming chief.

“I am sure we will have an excellent work(ing rela-

tionship). It would have been better if he is now full-time Secretary but the law does not allow it until after one year from retirement date,” Lorenzana added.

Año’s appointment as DILG of�icer-in-charge was signed by Duterte on January 4. (PNA)

Magpet, the usual exit route for criminals, said Constantino.

The Magpet Police is following the lead that Galupo engaged a neighbor in a heated altercation on Thursday, just hours after arriving from Davao City.

But police refused to di-

vulge what the altercation was all about.

After leaving the PSG member, the victim worked for a private security �irm based in Davao City. He would visit his family in Magpet once in a month, reports said. (Malu Cadelina Manar/ MindaNews)

paglalamyerda ni Chair Licuanan?” Nograles said.

Apart from not releasing the living allowances due for CHED K-12 Transition Scholars, Nograles said that CHED under Chair Licuanan has also withheld the release of the funds needed to pay the tuition fees of CHED Scholars, most of them teachers pursuing masteral and doctorate degrees in various universities and colleges.

“According to complaints relayed to my of�ice, CHED has only paid the tuition fee of their scholars on the �irst semester of 2016 and nothing after that. Again, the question is: where did the money go? These funds have been allotted to CHED so why can’t Chair Licuanan release the funds?” Nograles asked.

“This is demeaning and very demoralizing to our government scholars. CHED has reduced the country’s best and the brightest into beggars,” Nograles added.

Nograles said that these CHED malpractices must be put to a stop especially now that Congress and President Duterte has approved the law which would provide free college education to all state and local universities and colleges and all TESDA-run schools nationwide. “ Congress barely managed to raise the needed funds for our free college education law. Every single centavo of this fund should be used judiciously,” Nograles said.

“Congress should investigate this.” Nograles added.

during the commencement of works for the railway project in Barangay Tabing-Ilog in Marilao, Bulacan.

Tugade also appealed to Bulacan’s local government of�icials to assist the depart-

ment in right-of-way issues by informing their constituents of the bene�its of the railway system.

“Tulungan ninyo kami sa right of way. Hindi namin kakayanin mag-isa yan. Tulun-

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gan ninyo kami na masabihan ang ating mga kababayan na tatamaan ng proyekto para ito sa ikabubuti ng sambayanang Pilipino (We seek your help in settling right-of-way issues.

We cannot do this alone. Help us inform those who might be affected by the construction of the railway project that this is for the bene�it of our coun-

trymen,” Tugade said.

Meanwhile, Senators Joel Villanueva and JV Ejercito, who both attended the event, lauded the efforts of the DOTr and other government agencies in ensuring the completion of transportation projects that would bring the country inclusive economic growth. (PNA)

ommended the relief of �ive of�icials of the BFP-Davao who were signatories of the �ire certi�icates for both the NCCC and the SSI. The team is also eyeing criminal, civil and administrative charges against of�icials of the BFPDavao, the NCCC, and the SSI. Candido said the team can announce what would be the liabilities and charges will be �iled against liable people. In the �indings of the task force, the �ire was caused by an electric short circuit based on the Arson Laboratory results.

“Our short circuit theory

is now con�irmed through a scienti�ic proof which was conducted by our Arson Laboratory,” Candido said.

“From the physical evidence that we brought to Manila, an electrical arcing traces were found on the galvanized tray which means that there was short circuit happened on the electrical wirings placed on the tray,” he said.

Electric arc or arcing is an electrical breakdown that produces an ongoing electrical discharge. Unwanted arcs in electrical circuits can cause �ire. (PNA)

monthly salary will no longer be deducted with personal income tax.

“Imagine, they will no longer pay P6,000 tax because they are exempted already.

That’s additional budget or

possible saving for them,” he said.

Lopez said the DTI is accelerating its campaign to explain to the public the positive impact of the TRAIN on the majority of Filipinos. (PNA)

momentum of our data-related services”, Globe President and CEO Ernest Cu said in a statement Friday.

Globe’s capital spending for the year will be utilized for the expansion of its LTE network through deployment of MIMO technology, which enables a mobile network to multiply the capacity of a wireless connection ensuring reliable data connection as more subscribers use video streaming services.

“We continue to be ef�icient in our network build, evidenced by the superiority of

our mobile network, in terms of higher 3G and LTE availability both on a regional and nationwide basis,” Cu said.

From January to September last year, Globe Telecom’s data-related revenues accounted for more than 53 percent of the company’s topline for the period.

Data-related revenues totaled nearly PHP51 billion against total service revenues of PHP95.1 billion, a 6 percent increase from a year earlier, backed by the robust growth in its mobile data revenues. (Globe PR)

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INdulge!

EDEN NATURE PARK AND RESORT once again staged a grand countdown celebration to welcome 2018!

With a magnificent setting at the lower veranda of Vista Restaurant overlooking the city, families and friends came together at one of the biggest celebrations in Davao City and enjoyed a lavish holiday feast of international buffet dinner.

Adding sparkle to the evening was an exceptional live entertainment by various performers.

The resort featured a local school-based performing group, Kultura Edeng together with Kalumon Performing Ensemble, and the women-led world musical band, The Mebuyan. The members of Kultura Edeng are all students of Elias B. Lopez Memorial National High School in which the group’s extracurricular school activities are supported by Eden Nature Park and Resort and the Kauswagan sa Timogang Mindanaw Foundation as part of the resort’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts.

A show of this scale allowed the resort to bring together Davao’s pride to entertain the guests throughout the spectacular evening to enjoy live music of mesmerizing sounds and high energy.

Lucky guests won an overnight accommodation in Park Inn by Radisson Davao, Seda Abreeza Hotel, Red Planet Hotel and Waterfront Insular Hotel. Game winners won a day pass and one (1) month gym membership at Holiday Gym &

VOL. 10 ISSUE 198 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, DECEMBER 7-8, 2017

EVENT

EDGEDAVAO

Eden Nature Park and Resort’s countdown to 2018

Spa, gift certificates for one (1) hour whole body massage at Elysia Wellness Spa, gift certificates for any services at David’s Salon, as well as gift certificates from Felcris and Tyrechamp Autocenter Unlimited. Moreover, appliances have been raffled off along with a Casio watch. A Samsung phone was also given to the guest who was able to guess the last digit of the phone’s number. Furthermore, Eden Nature Park and Resort has given away gift certificates for an overnight stay in their property, including

buffet lunch and snack packages.

As the clock stroke midnight, awe-inspiring

performers, confetti and balloon showers, and wine toasts surrounded guests as they created

their most memorable start to 2018.

Guests celebrated all night long singing and

dancing their favorite songs with Music Authority.

The event was hosted

by Brandy Fuentes. The over-all production was directed by Richard Vilar. After the band, DJ Mike Mayer took the center stage to play music.

Spending New Year’s Eve at Eden Nature Park and Resort has become a tradition not only to Dabawenyos but for both local and foreign tourists who would like to experience a stellar celebration of welcoming the New Year.

A2 INdulge!

UP AND ABOUT

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 198 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, DECEMBER 7-8, 2017

A year of food, fun and more at SM Supermalls

THE YEAR 2017 was bright and colorful in SM Supermalls in Davao—every day was filled with wonderful shopping experiences and memorable events that made the year a good time to always remember.

• Uniqlo stores opened in Mindanao in SM Lanang Premier and SM City Davao.

• Youth, education and talent were in focus in SM City Davao’s University Fair and Art for Everyone in SM Lanang Premier.

• Foodies were treated to brand new experiences in SM Lanang Premier’s Food Hall and buffet concepts in SM City Davao: Tong Yang and Cabalen.

• The arts were also celebrated all year round with various exhibitions and displays: the Mid-autumn art festival of the Chan Lim family of artists

and students; Art MADE Public; and the Kadayawan Mural Painting Contest.

• Film lovers enjoyed an array of movie offerings during the Korean Film Festival and the German Film Festival.

• Disney movie premieres also delighted kids and kids at heart during the screenings of Beauty and the Beast, Guardians of the Galaxy and Coco.

• The Kadayawan Trade Fair in SM City Davao and the Durian Festival in SM Lanang Premier highlighted local products and produce that celebrated bounty in the city.

• The Davao Chocolate Festi-

val also showcased the region’s most delectable chocolate creations made from locally grown and processed cacao beans.

• Designers also slayed the runway in Moda Mindanao and Habi Kadayawan—fashion shows that featured top notch Mindanao talent.

• The highly anticipated 3-Day Sale in both malls caused a shopping frenzy in Davao, giving sweet deals to shopaholics in the city.

The year 2018 ahead is exciting—and it starts fresh with the ongoing End of Season sale. Enjoy up to 70 percent off on selected finds in SM Lanang Premier and in SM City Davao.

Follow @smlanangpremier and @smcitydavao in social media to view exciting promos and upcoming events.

GMA Network clinches victory anew in 2017 nationwide TV ratings GMA Network, Inc. (GMA) cemented its status as the number one broadcast network in the country after successfully concluding 2017 with remarkable nationwide television ratings performance based on Nielsen TV Audience Measurement’s full year data.

Throughout January to December 2017 (with December 24 to 31 based on overnight data), GMA registered a winning average of 42.5 percent total day people audience share in the National Urban Television Audience Measurement (NUTAM), ahead of ABS-CBN’s 36.8 percent.

The Network was able to significantly widen its margin over competition in full year 2017 to an impressive 5.7 NUTAM people share points from its

0.2-share point lead in full year 2016. Moreover, GMA grabbed the total primetime lead in average 2017, expanding its leadership across all day parts.

Overall, the Network dominated NUTAM’s list of top programs for 2017 with 20 out of 30 programs coming from GMA. Reigning supreme in the list is the well-loved Kapuso primetime series Encantadia, which became the number one program for two consecutive years.

Award-winning magazine program Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho grabbed the second spot as the most-watched Kapuso program for the year followed by the Alden Richards and Maine Mendozastarrer Destined To Be Yours.

Joining them in the list of most watched Kapuso shows were

Pepito Manaloto, Magpakailanman, 24 Oras, Super Ma’am, Mulawin vs Ravena, Alyas Robin Hood, Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko, and

All-Star Videoke.

Also included were My Love From the Star, Kambal Karibal, Meant To Be, Kapuso Movie Night, 24 Oras Weekend, Someone To Watch Over Me, Hay Bahay!, Ika-6 Na Utos, and Tsuperhero.

Notably, GMA’s exclusive free TV telecast of Manny Pacquiao’s last fight, dubbed the “Battle of Brisbane: Pacquiao vs Horn”, was the most watched TV special for the year.

Meanwhile, the Kapuso Network kick-starts the New Year with an exciting line-up of programs set to launch within the first quarter of 2018. First off is the romantic-comedy series The One That Got Away, which features Lovi Poe, Max Collins, and Rhian Ramos who are all at-

tracted to the character played by Dennis Trillo. Returning to the small screen as well are the love team of Gabbi Garcia and Ruru Madrid in Sherlock Jr.; Glaiza de Castro in Contessa; and Megan Young and Katrina Halili in The Stepdaughters. Kapuso viewers should also watch out for GMA’s first “advocaserye” starring Yasmien Kurdi as a mother/wife diagnosed as HIV-positive in Hindi Ko Kayang Iwan Ka. Lastly, a new world of magic and mystery comes to Philippine television as GMA Public Affairs launches the adventure-filled fantasy series Sirkus featuring Mikee Quintos and Mikoy Morales, together with Gardo Versoza, Andre Paras, Sef Cadayona, Chariz Solomon, Klea Pineda, and Ms. Cherie Gil.

VOL. 10 ISSUE 198 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, DECEMBER 7-8, 2017

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VOL. 10 ISSUE 198 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, JANUARY 7-8 , 2018

EDGEDAVAO

ECONOMY 11

BUSINESS... FROM 4 through the implementation of the Business Permits Licensing System (BPLS) coupled with the accessibility of the Negosyo Centers in growth areas outside in this city.

There are 11 Negosyo Centers across this province.

Of the total, �ive were established last year and these are in the towns of Bayog, Tabina, Kumalarang, Jose�ina and Dumingag.

Meanwhile, Atay said that 4,200 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) have availed of the agency’s

assistance through the conduct 160 entrepreneurship training in 2017.

She said they also spearheaded the implementation of the BMBE as well as link interested MSMEs to partner Financial Institutions (FIs) that handled the P3 project.

She said these form part of the government’s efforts to strengthen MSMEs, which is aimed at improving the national economy and further contributing to the country’s vision of making socio-economic growth and development inclusive. (PNA)

learning site.

“It would be better if government agencies will complement each other rather than repeat what is being done,” he said. Lomarda suggested that if one talks about training, then the ATI should attend to it. If machineries, then it should be the DA. “What is happening now is every agency is doing other stuff, thus losing their focus,” he pointed out.

Lomarda said there is no strict on-the-ground monitoring if those claiming to be organic are really such.

“Certi�ication is easy and affordable if we work as one, both private and government,” he added.

Ma. Eloisa Akut, rural organizer of ATI in Northern Mindanao, said the way to go is through the youth and the rural-based groups because they are in the forefront of farming in the communities.

ATI noted that the youth have become less interested in farming so government must have projects that would help reverse the trend.

(MINDANEWS)

moval of the QR on rice imports and the imposition of the 35 percent tariff rate instead.

“The revenue from the 35 percent tariff can be used

to supplement available government funds to develop the agriculture sector and bring it at par with our Asean counterparts,” Pernia said.

Muksan said Wahab, who was off-duty, heard �ive successive gunshots in the vicinity of Ismael Elementary School in Diangan that prompted the militiaman to verify.

“Upon veri�ication, he found out a lifeless female body lying and decapitated,” Muksan added.

He said that the decapitated remains of Nadzwa’s husband, Abdurahim, was recovered also near the school at around 7 p.m. Thursday.

He said investigation showed that the suspect behind the couple’s beheading

was Mahim Mustalim, an ASG member and half-brother of Abdurahim.

Mustalim belongs to the group of Usop Sandalan, a sub-leader of ASG leader Rhadsmil Janatul.

Muksan said information gathered that the motive of the incident was to sabotage the plan of other ASG members to surrender to the local government of Sumisip.

Almost a hundred members of the ASG have already surrendered to government authorities last year in Basilan province. (PNA)

employability skills. This project was carried out in partnership with the Davao City Water District (DCWD).

The bene�iciaries were chosen from RCWWD’s adopted areas in Davao City. Their board, lodging, and other expenses were shouldered by the RCWWD, which made the completion of the vocational training possible.

Meanwhile, DCWD subsidized the fees for the training that was provided by the Technical Education

and Skills Development Authority.

All the scholars were very thankful for being chosen to become part of the training program. With the �inancial support given

by RCWWD and DCWD, they were given a chance to improve their way of life as they have already been equipped with the technical skills to look for decent employment. DCWD also ensured that it will monitor and extend assistance to the graduates as they seek employment.

BUKIDNON... FROM 4

RICE... FROM 5

SAYAFF... FROM 6

RCWWD... FROM 12

Mamanwa kids play in Punta Naga Mamanwa Village in Cagdianao, Claver in Surigao del Norte on Friday afternoon (January 5, 2018).

Mamanwas have remained poor despite being entitled to royalties from mining firms in the province, according to Bantay Kita, a

non-government organization advocating for transparency and accountability in the extractive industry. MindaNews photo by ROEL N. CATOTO

MURDER... FROM 6

MURDER... FROM 6

but opposite untested Mexican Israel Rodriguez (21-1, 8 knockouts). Rodriguez, who still �igured in two eightround �ights last year, is a soft touch tipped to give Ancajas a rousing introduction before American �ight fans.

The junior bantamweight division emerged as one of the hottest divisions last year, with formidable champions like WBC champ Sriksaket Sor Rungvisai (44-4, 40 knockouts) of Thailand and WBO champ Naoya Inoue (15-0, 13 knockouts) shining alongside Ancajas. With Ancajas joining Top Rank, he will get the exposure he badly needs.

Ancajas leads a pack of young, gloved wolves that include featherweight ‘Magnifico’ Mark Magsayo (22 years old, 18-0, 13 knockouts),

lightweight Romero ‘Ruthless’ Duno (22 years old, 15-1, 13 knockouts) and junior bantamweight Aliston Palicte Jr. (26 years old, 24-2, 20 knockouts). Not to be crossed out is Tapales (25 years old, 30-2, 13 knockouts) who �igures to return to action this year, and Genesis Servania (26 years old, 30-1, 13 knockouts) who revived his career after he rumbled with gusto opposite WBO featherweight king Oscar Valdez in September.

Pacquiao, Nietes and Nonito Donaire Jr. (who is poised to take on slugger Carl Frampton on April 7) are just about ready to take their place in the pantheon of Philippine boxing greats. Still, the future of Philippine boxing looks pretty good, just ask ‘Pretty Boy’ Jerwin. (SPIN.ph)

dedicated personnel of the Port of Davao. Throughout the 2017 collection year, CD XII has invested in extensive trainings, seminars, and conferences for the professional development of its personnel.

Atty. Austria also recognizes the cooperation of the Port’s importers and exporters, and the assistance of its partners as additional reason for the Port’s success.

He adds that the Port of Davao will continue the same level of excellence into this year’s collection efforts.

In 2012, the Port collected a total of 5,910,175,341.42 with a surplus of 531,594,341.42 or 9.88 percent of its target.

In 2013, it collected a total of 6,184,838,548.82 with a surplus of 459,770,548.82

or 8.03 percent of its target.

In 2014, it collected a total of 8,925,540,000.00 with an excess of 1,238,710,000.00 or 16.11 percent of its target.

In, 2015 it collected a total of 11,663,520,000.00 with a surplus of 962,350,000.00 or 8.99 percent of its target.

And in 2016, it collected a total of 11,886,534,630.46 with a surplus of 511,863,613.07 or 4.50 percent of its target.

The Port of Davao strongly supports the Duterte administration’s campaign against corruption, and strongly focuses on increasing its revenue collection to support the 3.6-trillion-peso budget for the Build, Build, Build Infrastructure Program of the government.

COLLECTION... FROM 12

2007.

Police said Apang transferred from one place to another somewhere in North Cotabato after he killed in 2007 an aunt identi�ied as Erlinda Ajao of Poblacion, Magpet.

Dusaban said that Apang, believing that family or relatives of Ajao have already forgotten his case, went home during the Christmas break.

But relatives informed Magpet PNP about Apang’s presence in the community.

The Magpet police, according to Dusaban, immediately sent operatives to arrest the suspect.

The police held Apang in their custody while waiting for his commitment order from RTC Branch 23. (Malu Cadelina Manar / MindaNews)

problems besetting the coconut industry, it may just be a matter of time that the Philippines will again be taken over by other coconut-producing countries from its ranking as the second-biggest producer

of coconut in the world.

“The timely intervention by the government on the issues now confronting the local coconut industry would be very crucial for its survival,” Arranza stressed.

win, will also be a win for the Philippines.)

Ringstar Boxing Founder & CEO Scott Farrel on the other hand says, “This is potentially one of the �ight of the year nominees for 2018.

Michael Dasmarinas WBC ranked 12 vs. Karim Guerif WBC ranked 4, will be a real war which both the Philippine and French boxing fans would love to see. Ringstar is all about a neutral �ight platform, giving a genuine unbiased opportunity for both these great �ighters to lift the IBO world title.”

Farrel continues, “If Dasmarinas is successful in this �ight, he will be catapulted into the top 10, and in line to face the current great champions of the bantamweight division. He has the chance now to move forward

and aim for greatness, like what his country’s very own hero Manny Pacquiao has achieved. I wish both �ighters the best of luck, and I look forward to promoting this �ight.

This �ight is a must-watch for all boxing fans, we have a Filipino boxer vs. a French boxer headlining a Singapore event, going head-to-head for the biggest �ight night of their lives, with the IBO world title at stake.”

For 2018, Ringstar is set to bring its live events across Asia - China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Philippines included. While for 2019, Ringstar plans to do a minimum of ten shows per year and have a combined viewing audience of over 1 billion viewers, making it Asia’s top �ight media property.

BRINGING... FROM 14

DASMARIÑAS... FROM 15

12

EDGEDAVAO

COMPETITIVE EDGE

VOL. 10 ISSUE 198 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, JANUARY 7-8 , 2018

D

avao Light and Power Company (Davao Light) recorded the highest number of pawikan hatchlings released in 2017 at the Aboitiz Cleanergy Park in Punta Dumalag, Davao City.

A total of 1,450 pawikan hatchlings from 11 nests had been released by Davao Light, a subsidiary of Aboitiz Power Corporation, last year at the eight-hectare Aboitiz-owned park in Davao City which serves as nesting sanctuary for the critically endangered Hawksbill Sea Turtle.

This surpassed the park’s record of 1,301 pawikan hatchlings released from 10 nests when it was developed in 2014.

More than 3,000 sea turtle hatchlings were already released by Cleanergy Park team and supporters from at least 28 discovered nests since 2014. In 2015, 575 hatchlings were released, while there could be nests in 2016 but

FOR A BETTER FUTURE. Children gathered around to see the batch of pawikan hatchlings to be released back to the sea at the Aboitiz Cleanergy Park. none was discovered and recorded.

“We are very happy with the increase in number of pawikan hatchlings found and released in 2017. From zero in 2016 to 1,450 in 2017, this is a manifestation that our efforts in the protection and preservation of our environment espe-

RCWWD helps 15 OSYs complete Plumbing NC II training Fifteen out-of-school youths (OSY) completed the Plumbing NC II course through the project of the Rotary Club of Waling-Waling Davao dubbed “Training on Plumbing: Skills That Make a Difference (Plumbing NC II Training)”.

The graduation rites was held on December 21, 2017 at the Korea-Philippines Vocational Training Center in Buhisan, Tibungco.

The plumbing skills training is among the many community service projects sponsored by RCWWD that embody the Rotary Year 2017-2018 theme “Rotary: Making a Difference”. It was chaired by past president Remedios

Calaguas.

RCWWD members graced the event that marked the success of the club’s endeavor. On behalf of RCWWD president Elisa Lapiña, president-elect Marilou Baarde congratulated all of the graduates for their determination to �inish the program. Also present was club past president and DCWD director Ma. Luisa Jacinto who assured that RCWWD will continue to help more OSYs in the city.

The 20-day training program was designed to equip the bene�iciaries with the basic know-how on plumbing to boost their

The Port of Davao has recorded its highest annual collection surplus in its 90year history during its 2017 collection year.

The Collection District XII (CD XII)—which includes the Port of Davao; and the Sub-Ports of Dadiangas, Parang and Mati—collected a total of 16,426,949,494.00 pesos.

With its annual Budget of Expenditures and Sources of Funding (BESF) target set at 13,593,589,000.00 pesos, it has collected a surplus of 2,833,360,494.00 pesos or 20.84 percent of its target.

CD XII doubled its pre-

vious, highest surplus in the past �ive years which was in 2014 at 1,238,710,000.00 pesos. And compared to its collection in 2016, CD XII increased its surplus by �ivefold. Its 2016’s annual surplus was 511,863,613.07 or 4.50 percent of its 11,374,671,017.00 pesos target.

Historically, the Port of Davao has been meeting and exceeding its target. And, District Collector Atty. Erastus Sandino B. Austria attributes the top-notch performance of the Port during the 2017 collection year to the

RCWWD,P11

Collection District XII records historic 2.8 billion collection surplus

COLLECTION,P10

cially our marine biodiversity through the Cleanergy Park is starting to pay off. ” said Rodger S. Velasco, Davao Light’s EVP and COO. The global population of marine animals, including the critically endangered Hawksbill Sea Turtle is still at risk due to poaching, destruction of the

marine ecosystem, ocean pollution, among others.

“Pawikans are now endangered that is why Davao Light together with our partners, the community and supporters will continue to do our part in taking care of our ecosystem” Velasco added.

The Cleanergy Park, a

partnership project of Davao Light and the Aboitiz Foundation, is an Aboitiz Better World initiative that models an urban-based habitat conservation and biodiversity management.

In addition to being a turtle sanctuary, it has become a bird sanctuary with more than 70 discovered species, a haven for

different species of trees, �ish thriving in its mangrove forest, a �ish sanctuary, seagrass beds and coral reefs.

In 2017, the Aboitiz Cleanergy Park was recognized by the city government of Davao City for its contribution to environment protection and conservation.

VOL. 10 ISSUE 198 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, JANUARY 7-8 , 2018

EDGEDAVAO

NEWS13

ASEAN vows support to PH after deadly typhoons

T

he Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) said the regional bloc’s mechanism to send humanitarian and relief assistance to member states will be operational, particularly after the typhoons that hit the Philippines recently.

In a statement on Thursday, ASEAN Secretary-General Dato Lim Jock Hoi said the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance (AHA Centre) has reaf�irmed its commitment to ensure the safety and well-being of the people during “times of suffering”, saying the bloc’s support is stamped in the ASEAN Declaration on One ASEAN One Response.

“We will continue to monitor the situation, avail ourselves the opportunity to support the ongoing humanitarian and disaster-relief efforts, and help expedite the recovery work undertaken by the Government of the Philippines,” he said.

According to Lim, the vulnerability of the ASEAN region is once again aggravated by “Vinta’s” landfall in Mindanao last month.

“In my capacity as the Secretary General of ASEAN, I wish to convey our heartfelt sympathy for the loss of lives, the displacement of families

and the severe damages to agriculture as well as infrastructure experienced by the affected communities in the Philippines,” he added.

For his part, Lim commended the government’s disaster preparedness strategy, immediate response efforts, as well as prompt humanitarian assistance and evacuation measures to assist people in affected areas.

“The landfall of tropical storm (“Vinta”) is one of many reminders of how development in the region remains susceptible to unprecedented risks,” he said.

He urged all ASEAN member states “to enhance the resilience” of their respective communities through disaster risk reduction interventions, climate change adaptation strategies, as well as conservation and sustainable management of biodiversity and natural resources.

Landslides and �lash �loods unleashed by “Vinta” have killed at least 160 people in the Philippines.

According to the latest report of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, a total of 168,129 families in 1,153 barangays were affected by the typhoon. (PNA)

Young girls walk underneath the umbrellas, part of the Christmas Village at the town plaza of Pikit in North Cotabato, on Thursday (4 January 2018). MINDANEWS PHOTO

EDGEDAVAO

14 AGRITRENDS

VOL. 10 ISSUE 198 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, JANUARY 7-8 , 2018

Bringing back the golden days of coconut industry (First of Three Parts) TEXT AND PHOTOS By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

W

hen he inherited the 5-hectare farm in Eman, Bansalan, Davao del Sur from his mother, Benjamin R. Lao was a little bit apprehensive of its future since the area was barren. But the good thing was: coconut trees were growing. Every three months, he harvested from as low as 400 nuts to as high as 600 nuts.

Then a government employee, Lao considered himself a weekend farmer. So every Saturdays and Sunday, he went home to his farm and tried to develop it. At one time, he attended an agricultural training conducted by the Mindanao Baptist Rural Life Center (MBRLC) Foundation, Inc., just a few kilometers away from his farm.

After the training, he went home and brought with him seeds of various nitrogen-�ixing legumes like Desmodium rensonii, Flemingia macrophylla, and Indigofera anil. Some few months later, he observed that his coconut trees were producing more nuts. In fact, he was able to harvest about 15,000 nuts per quarter.

However, Lao felt he was not maximizing income opportunities from his coconuts. So, instead of focusing only on copra (the dried coconut meat), he explored some ways to process the crop into other goods. “Coconut farmers only think of copra,” he said. “I had the notion that it wasn’t enough. I had to �ind a way to add value to the product.”

He consulted the Philippine Coconut Authority who advised him to �ind some healthy products from and how to produce them. Believing there was an untapped opportunity to produce and market coconut sugar and coconut syrup, he hired more people and started produc-

ing the healthier alternative sweeteners.

With the help from the Department of Science and Technology, he was able to do so. “As a farmer and sort of a scientist, I was able to focus on researching about coconut sap products,” he recalled. “It took me eight months to study on how to make export-quality coconut syrup.”

Lao registered his coconut products with the Department of Trade and Industry under the name “Donna Belle” (a combination of the names of his two daughters).

He also explored generating high-quality charcoal and white copra using charcoal kilns to diversity his products.

Today, he is known as the man behind the company to export coconut syrup to the United States. He also developed a coconut sapbased teriyaki sauce which is exported to Germany and Australia.

Despite competition from Indonesian coco products exporters, who can sell their products at a much lower prices because of lower labor costs, Lao says buyers still prefer his products because of quality, particularly in terms of taste. Being certi�ied by the United States Department of Agriculture and Europe also gives him an edge over competitors.

“Have a businessman’s mindset and always think of

the future,” advised Lao, who has already received various awards and recognitions for his efforts. “Don’t be content with small things. Even if you’re from a small town, you can dream big things.”

Although not a native of the Philippines, coconut is considered as God’s gift to Filipinos. As one historian puts it: “A man sleeps in the shade of the tree. He is awakened when a nut falls, drinks the water, and eats some of the meat. He then feeds the rest of the meat to the chickens, which produce eggs, milk, and meat. The leaves provide thatch for the roof and walls of his coconut hut, and are also woven into hats, baskets, and mats.”

The Philippines used to be the world’s largest producer of coconuts until it was dislodged by Indonesia.

Currently, about 3.565 million hectares – or 26% of the country’s total agricultural lands – are planted to coconut. Out of 81 provinces, 68 of these are considered as coconut-growing areas. About 339 million bearing coconuts can be found throughout the country.

“About 26 million Filipinos depend on coconut trees for their livelihood,” said Dr. Jesus Lim Arranza, chairman

of the Federation of Philippine Industries. “For the marginal coconut farmers, they depend mostly, if not entirely, on coconut for their need for food, clothing, shelter and education for their children.”

The coconut is one of the country’s dollar earners.

“While coconut is one of the two agricultural commodities that earns the country more than a billion dollars in export revenues every year, its vast potential to earn even more has never been tapped because of numerous issues bugging the industry,” deplored Dr. William D. Dar, a former international administrator and now the president of Inang Lupa Movement which actively pursues urgent, collective, and cohesive action towards poverty alleviation, food and nutrition security, and economic prosperity.

For one, there’s an issue of low production. Nut production on the average was 13.8 million or 46 nuts per tree per year, according to Dar said. For another, most of the coconut trees grown in the country are now very old. In fact, 15 out of every 100 coconut trees are “past retirement age.” More than 44 million coconut trees are

at least 60 years old.

Besides low yield per tree and aging trees, “the supply chain is largely unorganized and made up to dispersed small holdings that affects economies of scale in input supply, primary processing and marketing,” Dar noted.

The small production lots and high transport means “high costs of logistics, which affect both farmers and processors.” And in the global scene, he said, there are market threats from tariff and non-tariff barriers such as minimum residue levels and labeling regulations.

“Addressing low yields at the farm level can be an excellent move to helping realize the coconut industry’s potential as a bigger generator of export dollars,” Dar pointed out in his column appearing in a national daily.

He considered the 46 nuts per tree per year as “ridiculously low.” In comparison, India gets an average of 250 nuts per tree per year while in Mexico it goes up to 300 nuts and 400 nuts in Brazil.

“Obviously, the low yields are caused by poor genetics, nil fertilization, and limited replanting of tree stocks,” he said. “Also, 20% of coconut trees are already senile while

most trees are planted in marginal lands that also affect yield. Meanwhile, large lands planted to the crop have low genetic potential.”

Dar recommended ramping up research and development efforts to improve the productivity of coconut trees. “In short, we need science-based solutions,” he said.

According to Dar, it is possible to increase productivity of coconut trees from 46 nuts per year to 150 nuts per year by using the hybrids developed by the Philippine Coconut Authority. “Also, 300 nuts can be achieved in well-managed plantations by augmenting hybrid technology with good agricultural practices,” he said.

Efforts on research and development must address not only low productivity but also pests and diseases, the establishment of post-harvest and processing facilities, value addition, crop diversi�ication (crops and livestock integration) and soil mapping.

He also wanted agribusiness development to be pursued. “This will also include provision for credit and other risk management tools (like insurance and subsidy), so farmers and processors can pursue innovations that have potentials to improve the coconut industry,” he said.

For coconut farmers, Dar suggested that capacity development that are in sync with the changing dynamics of the coconut industry sector due to climate change, budget crunch, and earth of an effective and ef�icient extension education service be relentlessly pursued.

The coconut industry badly needs government support as the global demand for coconut is expected to grow in the future. With the

BRINGING,P11

VOL. 10 ISSUE 198 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, JANUARY 7-8 , 2018

SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO

15

NEW SENSATION Ancajas is new PH boxing poster boy

O

UT with the old, in with the new.

The New Year credo perfectly captures the impending changing of the guard in Philippine pro boxing. The popular opinion is that the ‘passing of the baton’ will take place this year, with International Boxing Federation (IBF) junior bantamweight (115 lbs.) champion Jerwin ‘Pretty Boy’ Ancajas leading the charge, It is a natural progression in sports; the young blood comes in, learns from the master and down the road takes the master’s place. After lording it over the �ight scene for over a decade, the career of boxing icon Manny Pacquiao is clearly winding down, paving the way for Ancajas and other promising beak-busters to take over.

Last year was not really a good one for Philippine pro boxing and the young guns arguably cannot wait to make up for the subpar showing.

By the end of 2017, only Ancajas and �lyweight Donnie Nietes remained entrenched in their thrones. In April, slugger Marlon Tapales showed up overweight in his title defense against Japanese Shohei Omori and was stripped of his WBO bantamweight (118 lbs.) title. In May, Milan Melindo knocked out Japanese Akira Yaegashi to win the IBF junior �lyweight (108 lbs.) plum, but he was an ex-world champ before 2017 could end, dropping a decision to WBA champion Ryoichi Taguchi on December 31.

A jaded Pacquiao yield-

ed the WBO welterweight (147 lbs.) title to Australian Jeff Horn in July and shelved a proposed December rematch. Nietes, the country’s longest-reigning world champ, became a three-division champion by collaring the vacant IBF �lyweight (112 lbs.) title in September, but ‘Ahas’ only remained a champion because he opted to take the remainder of the year off. Nietes is already 35 years old and has not really looked good since moving up to the 112-pound class.

He is booked to defend the title against Argentina’s Juan Carlos Reveco but regardless of the result, the proud son of Murcia, Negros Occidental is likely to pack up his bags this year.

Throughout the year, the most consistent performer was Ancajas. The 26-year-old native of Panabo City, Davao del Norte made three successful defenses of the IBF junior bantamweight title, stopping Jose Alfredo Rodriguez in Macau, Teiru Kinoshita in Brisbane and Jamie Conlan in Belfast. So good was Ancajas that by the end of the year, Top Rank Promotions inked him to a six-�ight deal.

Ancajas (28-1-1, 19 knockouts), who won the IBF title in September 2016, has won his last 15 �ights, 14 within the distance.

“He is a very exciting �ighter, all action,” mused Top Rank head honcho Bob Arum.

Ancajas’ deal with Top Rank kicks off on February 3, when he makes his US de-

NEW,P11

NEW POSTER BOY. Jerwin Ancajas (left) punishes Teiru Kinoshita of Japan.

Dasmarinas braces for IBO title fight

F

ilipino boxer Michael “Hot & Spicy” Dasmarinas, gears up for the biggest �ight of his life, as he goes for an IBO world championship title on April 20, 2018, at Ringstar Boxing’s ‘Roar of Singapore IV - The Night of Champions’, to be held at the 10,000-seater Singapore Indoor Stadium.

Dasmarinas currently ranked 12th best boxer in the world by WBC, will go up

against French boxer Karim Guer�i, who is currently ranked 4th by WBC. The �ight is also touted by the Singapore promoter as the main event of the evening and will draw much international attention to the Camarines Sur-native.

Dasmarinas had an impressive win and KO’d his Thai opponent Phupha Por Nobnom, during the 2nd round of his match, at Ringstar’s ‘Roar

of Singapore III - The Chosen Wan’, last October 20, 2017, at the Suntec Convention Center, a win which gave way for this world title match.

Michael Dasmarinas says, “Nakakagalak po at nabigyan tayo ng Ringstar ng ganitong pagkakataong mapakita ang ating galing bilang Pilipino.

Ngayon po ay puspusan ang aking paghahanda. Tuloy-tuloy po ang ating ensayo dahil nais ko po makamit ang IBO

world title na ito. Samahan niyo po ako magdasal na makuha natin ang panalong ito. Ang panalo ko po ay pagkapanalo rin ng Pilipinas.”

(I am happy that I am being given this opportunity by Ringstar to show my talent as a Filipino boxer. I am now training continuously, so that I can win this IBO world title bout. Please join me in praying, so that we can win. My

DASMARIÑAS,P11

More Children’s Games in Mindanao, great! But what happened to the Sports for Peace kids in Midsayap?

T

he Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) is eyeing to hold more Children’s Games in Mindanao this year.

That is a welcome development after seeing Professor Henry Daut’s posts on his FB account of the various Children’s Games conducted in Marawi, Iligan and Basilan which he spearheaded on behalf of the PSC and the Philippine Sports Institute (PSI) with the help of kind-hearted sponsors.

I would like to see the Children’s Games in Jolo, Sulu where our good friend Fr.Romeo Saniel, O.M.I., president of the Notre Dame of Jolo College, is currently assigned as its president.

Fr.Saniel, when he was president of Notre Dame of Midsayap College, along with Father Colin Bagaforo partnered with PSC chairman William “Butch” Ramirez to conduct the Sports for Peace activities in 2008.

Children from Libongan, Aleosan, Pikit, Kabantalan, Baliki and other con�lict-areas in Cotabato and Maguindanao areas successfully competed in the various try-outs in basketball, volleyball, football, softball and baseball and after the try-outs in their local areas, the players were brought to the Notre Dame campus where psychologists, guidance counselors and sports experts trained them and helped them adjust

CLEAN SLATE

By MOSES P. BILLACURA

after being affected by the �ighting between rebels and government troops in their area.

I wonder what happened to the kids who took part in that event after nine years.

For sure, just a phone call

by Fr.Saniel to his contacts in

Midsayap will give us information as to whereabouts of the participants and follow up on them what happened to them after that.

And if it’s possible that PSC Commissioner Charles Maxey can revisit those kids and checked on them. Did they still keep their shoes wrapped on plastics to preserve it all these years? Are the equipment still there or gone? Did the volunteers in Midsayap kept a sports data on the effects of the Sports for Peace activities?

These are just a few questions that should be answered.

You see, when we envisioned the Sports for Peace for Mindanao program, it was not

designed to be a piecemeal program.

I can perfectly understand that without funding, the program will stop. But hey guys, while President Rodrigo Roa Duterte is still in power, why don’t you follow up on this noble project that took place in 2008.

I’m not saying don’t travel abroad for the government-funded sports events but don’t you think it would be more effective if we focus our resources for the children of Mindanao?

Just asking my friends, nangutana lang ko.

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. 10 ISSUE 198 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, JANUARY 7-8 , 2018

GIVE AND GO Team Duterte posts second straight win vs PAF

W

hen the game is on the line, you got to give it a go. To be precise, you got to give it to Go. Secretary Christopher “Bong” Go, aside from being the President’s “right hand”, has his right hand shooting arm squared up for

sweet-shooting special assistant to President Rodrigo Duterte nailed �ive three pointers and 11 shots within the arc on a great shooting night.

Eugene Labor and Joel Aberilla chipped in 13 and 12 baskets respectively for Team Duterte which erased an double digit lead of PAF in the second period.

Go was at the forefront of the

shooting hoops.

On Thursday, he ri�led home 37 points, not a surprise for one who norms in the near 40s each outing.

With that burst of �irepower again, Go led Team Dutertet to a heart-poundng 83-80 come-from-

scoring run with baskets coming at all fronts.

PAF was on target early behind its run and gun type of play that visibly left Team Duterte trailing the entire �irst half.

The Airmen took a 10 point lead, 37 - 27, at the winding minutes of the second period and seemed on the right track to revenge their �irst game loss.

behind win over Philippine Air Force in their basketball friendly series at the Genesis 88 Gym. T h e win was Team Duterte’s second straight win against the Airmen.

T h e

But the tide turned around in the �inal half as Go was sensational once again to propel Team Duterte to a dramatic victory.

Belleza scored 16 points as Hernandez and Yambing had 12 and 10 in that order for PAF. Go exploded for 56 points with 12 treys in the �irst outing.

ON TARGET. Sec. Bong Go fired 37 points including 5 triples against PAF on Thursday night’s win.