Edge10 issue199 January 9, 2017

VOL. 10 ISSUE 199 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 9, 2018

www.edgedavao.net

EDGEDAVAO

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

Serving a seamless society

IN THE PUBLIC EYE. Former Davao City Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte is greeted by his mother, Elizabeth, upon his arrival during the golden wedding anniversary of Angel and Thelma Derla at The Royal Mandaya Hotel

over the weekend. It’s the first time that the former vice mayor attended a public gathering after President Duterte accepted his resignation on January 5. Lean Daval Jr.

UP TO THE TASK

Dayanghirang says of Al-ag as vice-mayor Al-ag says he is ready to assume No. 2 post C T

By ANGIE SAVERON

ouncilor Danilo Dayanghirang has expressed confidence that erstwhile city council floor leader Bernard Al-ag, will be able to perform the position of a vice-mayor ably.

He will replace Vice-Mayor Paolo Duterte who resigned on December 25, 2017.

“Being part of the team Duterte I am very sure that Al-ag will be up to the task and can handle the position properly,” Dayanghirang said

during the Kapehan sa Dabaw press conference at SM City Davao, January 8, Monday.

He said that there was a big difference between Bernie Al-ag and Paolo “Pulong” Duterte because Pulong is a Duterte, he is a presidential

son and his younger sister is the Davao city mayor.

“There is that big difference in terms of ascendency of the councilors, in terms of resources and connection to the national of�ice as well as the of�ice of the mayor,” he said.

But he said Al-ag has his support as one of the veteran councilors in the council.

He said the Vice mayor Alag would like to take his oath before Mayor Sara Duterte in the city mayor’s of�ice.

UP,P10

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

he new Vice Mayor of Davao City has expressed readiness to take up the responsibility left by resigned Vice Mayor Paolo Z. Duterte.

City council �loor leader Bernard Al-ag

said he is accepting the challenge to succeed Paolo after President Rodrigo R. Duterte approved the resignation of his son last Friday.

“I am ready to take on the duties and re-

AL-AG,P10

INDULDGE A1

BEADS, BLING AND ALL THINGS MARDI GRAS

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 199 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 9 , 2018

MUCH-NEEDED HELP. Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio turns over financial assistance on Monday to a resident affected by flood brought by tropical storm Vinta. The mayor has extended assistance to the victims in Brgy. Gumalang, Brgy. Lacson, Brgy. Dacudao and Brgy. Pangyan. CIO

Palace elated as PRRD stays most trusted exec

M

alacanang on Monday welcomed as good news a survey showing President Rodrigo Roa Duterte as again the most trusted and approved government of�icial of the land.

According to the last quarter survey conducted

by Pulse Asia from Dec. 1015, 2017, President Duterte got the highest approval at 80 percent and highest trust rating at 82 percent among the country’s top �ive national of�icials.

“His numbers showed that our people are aware of and recognizes the signi�icant strides the President undertook in his one and in half years in of�ice,” Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said in a press brie�ing.

President Duterte was the only of�icial who succeeded in scoring majority approval and trust ratings across geographic areas and socio-economic classes.

He received 72 percent to 93 percent and 77 percent to 85 percent approval rating across geographic areas and in all socio-economic classes, respectively.

On the other hand, the President also got 74 percent to 94 percent and 78 percent to 85 per-

cent trust rating across geographic areas and in socio-economic classes, respectively.

“We show our people that he will continue to discharge his duties with the nation’s interest foremost in his mind,” Roque said.

The Palace has urged the Filipinos to put their appreciation into action by standing us and helping the government as “we continue to address the problem of poverty, illegal drug, criminality and corruption.”

Duterte bested Vice President Leny Robredo who got approval rating of 59 percent; Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III with 57 percent; House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez (42 percent); and, Supreme Court Chief Justice Lourdes Sereno (31 percent).

On the other hand, Robredo is the second most trusted of�icial with 58% followed by Pimentel (53 percent), Alvarez (37 percent) and Sereno (27 percent).

Out of 1,200 respondents, only 7 percent said they disapproved the President’s work while 6 percent distrusted the country’s popular leader. (PNA)

No letting-up for Davao Oriental service caravan T

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

he provincial government of Davao Oriental will continue with its government service caravan in the remote barangays despite the threat posed by the rebel New People’s Army.

This was bared by Davao Oriental Provincial Governor’s chief-of-staff Ednar Dayanghirang on Monday’s Kapehan sa Davao at SM City Annex.

Dayanghirang said that there are 100 remote barangays identi�ied as con�lict affected that will be visited by the caravan dubbed as Nagkakaisang Lingkod bayan ng Davao Oriental - Barangay Outreach Caravan to give different government services to its constituents.

These areas will include the ancestral domain of the

Indigenous People of Davao Oriental and Muslim communities in the province.

He said the security threats on the caravan will not matter because of the strong presence of the soldiers of 701st Brigade and Davao Oriental Police Provincial Of�ice.

“Also, our approach to security is good governance, inclusive good governance,” Dayanghirang added.

He said aside from the services given by the province, different national agencies also lend their services to the

people of remote barangays who cannot afford to visit the provincial of�ices in Mati City to avail themselves of services.

“We believe that the Nagkakaisang Lingkod bayan ng Davao Oriental - Barangay Outreach Caravan has weakened the mass base of the NPAs as shown by the number of NPA combatants surrendering to the government “ he said.

Dayanghirang said the caravan aims to ‘re-introduce’ the government since these areas were already being given the doctrine of the rebels.

He said in 2017, the province made 50 caravans to the conl�ict affected barangays in which different services were availed by its constituents from free birth registration,

ayor Inday has ordered the release of �inancial and food aid to victims of the �lood brought by tropical storm Vinta in Brgy. Gumalang, Brgy. Lacson, Brgy. Dacudao, and Brgy. Pangyan, Monday morning. Recipients of the

assistance received each between P3,000 to P10,000 — depending on the extent of the damages.

The Davao City Social Services and Development Of�ice has listed 22,911 families affected by the �lood brought by Vinta. On Tues-

day, Mayor Sara will also visit other villages severely affected by the December �lood that prompted the local government to declare a state of calamity.

The �lood has left over P80 million in damages in infrastructure and agricul-

medical and dental services and livelihood assistance.

After the barangay caravans the province will formulate sustainability measures so that the efforts will not be wasted.

“Dinhi na nga magpatanom na ta, magpa-scholar na ta’g mga kabataan, maghatag na tag infrastracture projects didto sa mga area to make it sustainable (In this phase, the government will give seedlings for the their till their lands, give shcolarship to the youth and build infrastructure projects in these areas to make it sustainable),” he said.

“We need the democracy of the country will work in these area or else the goverment of the rebels will work there,” he said.

ture in Davao City, of�icials said. On Monday, the Mayor also spoke with students of the said affected barangays, encouraging them to do good in their studies. Education, she says, is the key to ensure a better future for them and their own children. CIO

Sara orders release of financial assistance M

EDGEDAVAO

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NEWS 3

SSI continues support of Davao employees in 2018

P

LANO, Texas and SHELTON, Conn., (January 7, 2018) – Research Now SSI continues to support its Davao employees in the aftermath of the December 23, 2017 �ire at the NCCC Mall in which 37 of the facility’s 500 call center employees perished.

Research Now SSI is continuing to pay the Davao employees despite the loss of the Davao facility and is exploring avenues to provide them with employment.

Efforts continue to reimburse employees for personal effects that were destroyed in the �ire. Additionally, Research Now SSI continues to secure counseling for employees and victims’ families.

These moves are in line with the company’s top priority of ensuring the welfare of the families of the victims and the well-being of employees, while

cooperating fully with authorities in the investigation of the �ire.

In addition to initial �inancial assistance provided to the families of the employees who were lost, the follow up initiative to raise more funds has netted over US$115,000 to date. The company is now making preparations to release those funds to the families.

Gary S. Laben, CEO of Research Now SSI, says, “Our Davao employees have shown incredible resiliency and strength in the wake of the tragedy. We are committed to helping sustain them as members of our global company and as part of the Research Now SSI family.”

The Davao call center operation was founded in July 2008 as part of the company’s market research Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing (CATI) services.

Congress urged to present timetable for federalism

M

ANILA -- Both chambers of the Congress should present a “realistic and workable” timetable to get the push for a shift to a federal form of government, a senator urged Monday.

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian made this call noting that he would personally want to look into details noting that the idea of federalism being �loated over the news is “broad.”

“We need to be clear with the details and not rush the process,” Gatchalian, an ally of President Rodrigo Duterte, said.

Gatchalian, meanwhile, stressed that he is against the proposal to postpone or cancel the scheduled May 2019 national and local elections.

House Speaker Pantaleon

Alvarez earlier �loated the idea of a no-election scenario should federalism pushes through.

“The democratic functions of our government should not be put on hold for any reason, not even for a charter change.

The May 2019 elections must go ahead as scheduled,” Gatchalian said.

“We should observe checks and balances as coequal chambers of Congress, and therefore separate voting on the draft Constitution should no longer be put into question,” Gatchalian said.

He also urged both chambers of the Congress to respect each other’s independence and separately start with their own deliberations on the proposed amendments.(PNA)

UPBEAT. Councilor Danilo Dayanghirang expresses confidence that City Council floor leader Bernard Al-ag will be up to the task and can handle the vice mayoral position properly as he will replace Vice May-

or Paolo Duterte who resigned on December 25, 2017. Dayanghirang made the statement during the Kapehan sa Dabaw at the Annex of SM City Davao on Monday. Lean Daval Jr.

WTE plant not viable option for Davao City

By ANGIE SAVERON

T

he Waste-to-Energy plant is not viable in the city according to Interface Development Interventions based on its visit to observe the implementation of the WTE at Kitakyushu Japan on November 26, 2017.

“According to Dr. Jorge Emmanuel, the one presented during their tour is an old technology and he is not recommending the technology to be placed here in the city,” said

Chinkie Peliño-Golle, executive director of IDIS during the Kapehan sa Davao press conference on January 8, Monday.

She said that in terms of environmental measures, the

WTE plant it does not follow the Stockholm Convention guidelines.

“The City government should really consider the 42 page report of Dr. Emmanuel,” she said.

IDIS is still waiting for the comments of Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio regarding that report.

She said that the Kitakyushu City of Japan did not promise to do the monthly monitoring which is needed.

during the Kapehan sa Dabaw at the Annex of SM City Davao on Monday that she is hopeful that Davao City’s Land use Plan and Zoning Ordinance will be fully implemented. Lean Daval Jr.

WTE,P10

Probe of Zambo cop killing bared

T PRESSING CALL. Interface Development Interventions (IDIS) executive director Chinkie Golle reiterates her call to the City Council for the immediate passage of the city’s Environment Code. Golle also said

“All they promised is the once a year monitoring and it does not guarantee that emissions from that plant is safe,” she added.

If the city government will pursue it then it is up to the city government to shoulder the expenses of the monthly monitoring with is expensive.

On September 26, 2017, Dr. Emmanuel presented to the council the effects of having a WTE plant here in the region

he police are conducting an in-depth probe to identify and arrest the gunmen behind the killing of a policeman in Zamboanga City, an of�icial said Monday.

Chief Insp. Helen Galvez, Police Regional Of�ice-9 (PRO9) information of�icer, identi�ied the slain policeman as PO3 Michael Tan, 39, of the Police Station 7.

Galvez said the incident happened at around 12:15 a.m.

Monday at the vicinity of the Chinese Community Cemetery on Veterans Avenue, this city.

Galvez said initial investigation showed that Tan was driving motorcycle on his way home to Barangay Zone IV coming from Tumaga when

repeatedly shot by one of two men riding in tandem in another motorcycle that tailed the victim.

She said the suspects sped off upon seeing Tan’s motorcycle crashed on the pavement.

She said Tan, who succumbed to 10 gunshot wounds, was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician when rushed to the hospital.

She said all possible motives are being looked into in a bid to establish the identities of the suspects behind the incident.

Tan was a former member of the police anti-illegal drug unit and designated as a warrant server of the Police Station 7 at the time of his death. (PNA)

4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 199 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 9 , 2018

Reporters get first hand look into Surigao mine

As IPs complain of royalty mishandling

By JUDIE VEGA

T

he selected reporters f r o m Philippine Press Institute member publications from Mindanao visited mining sites in Surigao Del Norte on Friday for their four-day seminar workshop on how to cover and report extractive industry in the country.

PPI executive director Ariel Sebellino said that the site visit on a mine op-

BCDA remits P5.22 billion to Treasury

T

he Bases Conversion and Development Authority has remitted to the national treasury a total of P5.220 billion, including guarantee fees and dividends, from January to December 2017, the highest amount generated by the agency so far compared with its previous full-year remittances since 2012.

Of this amount, P4.839 billion—representing the revenues generated from assets disposed by the BCDA from January to date—will go to the Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program and other bene�iciary agencies as provided under the law.

In a report to Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) said the BCDA’s remittances for the January-December

BCDA,P10

VANTAGE VIEW. Selected Media practitioners in Mindanao enjoy the 360 degree view of the Taganito Mining Corporation, overlook-

ing both active and rehabilitated mine areas through the Mines View Deck. Judie Vega

erated by Nickel Asia Corporation , one of the biggest nickel miners in the country, in Claver town, Surigao del Norte is to orient journalists on recent

as the de facto mining capital of the Philippines.

The Tagnito Mining Corporation kicked off a brief welcome at their site and followed by a safety

brie�ing prior to deployment to the mine site.

The group was shown the physical conditions of the mines and was presented with actual data of

ollowing the upgrading of facilities at the Laoag International Airport, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) has granted the release of about P128 million for the airport’s expansion and improvement.

Provincial Legal Of�icer Atty. Herme Labayog con�irmed this on Monday as a four-page memorandum of agreement was signed between the Ilocos Norte government represented by Governor Ma. Imelda “Imee”

efforts of both government and non-government organizations to establish transparency in the country’s extractive industry.

Claver also prides itself

couraged to take advantage of the annual event which will see them enjoying a free massage, �ilm showing and refreshments while waiting for their documents to be processed.

Tokens like umbrellas and clocks are also provided to the �irst 100 attendees.

“Taxes are the lifeblood of the city’s programs and social services,” Business Permit and Licensing Of�ice (BPLO)

REPORTERS,P10

P128-M Laoag airport development approved

Taguig opens annual Biz One-Stop Shop F T he city government of Taguig is already poised to run its annual Business One-Stop Shop (BOSS) scheduled from January 3 to 20, including weekends.

BOSS, which allows streamlining of processes for renewing business licenses and registrations, is held simultaneously at the Taguig City Hall Auditorium and at the 9th �loor of the City Hall Satellite Of�ice at SM Aura.

Business owners are en-

how the mine operations are impacting its host communities.

The local mining industry is proud about its role in the development of the town. Ronald Asignacion, community relations manager of TMC, said every month, their �irm �lows in P11.2 million to the local economy from the salaries and wages alone.

He said banks are starting to put up local branches as a sign of the town’s progress. But how it redounds to the welfare of the indigenous peoples has remained a question even to the mining industry players.

Based on the gathered information during the seminar and site visit the tribe receives millions of pesos every three months

Marcos and the DOTr represented by Undersecretary for Legal Affairs and Procurement, Atty. Reinier Paul Yebra.

After the MOA signing, Labayog reported at least 15

128-M,P11

TAGUIG,P10

New DCCCII president bullish on Davao City

T

he newly elected president of the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (DCCCII) is optimistic that the city will sustain its growth in 2018 and that it will be a favorable year for the business community.

“I’m optimistic that business will be favorable in Davao for 2018,” DCCCII president Arturo Milan said in a text

message on Sunday.

Milan said the growth will be triggered by strong tourism, expansion of the Information Communications Technology (ICT), and the Duterte administration’s “Build, Build, Build” program, a 2017-2022 massive infrastructure initiative worth P8 trillion to P9 trillion.

Under this program, the

NEW,P10

UPDATES. Ednar Dayanghirang provides updates in Davao Oriental and discloses that investors from Japan are willing to buy trash for its waste to ener-

gy program. Dayanghirang graced this week’s edition of Kapehan sa Dabaw at the Annex of SM City Davao. Lean Daval Jr.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 199 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 9 , 2018

ECONOMY 5

Investors’confidence high despite TRAIN law: Lopez

T

rade Secretary Ramon Lopez said con�idence of investors in the country remains high even with the implementation of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Act this year.

In an interview on Radyo Pilipinas’ Cabinet Report sa Teleradyo with Presidential Communications Operations Of�ice Secretary Martin Andanar on Saturday, Lopez cited that the sustained strength of the Philippine Stock Exchange index during the last trading days in the stock market in 2017 until the �irst of 2018 re�lected investors’ con�idence in the country despite the new law already took effect.

He added that the PSE has kicked off the year with a record-level index.

During the last trading day of 2017, PSEi closed to an all-time high 8,558.42 points compared to its previous year’s index of 6,840.64.

On Friday, it sustained its rally ending the day with 8,770.00 points.

This is despite the TRAIN Act hiking stock transaction tax in the PSE to 0.6 percent from 0.5 percent.

“The con�idence of our investors is sustained,” Lopez noted in Filipino.

He added that with

more investors buying more stocks in listed companies, these �irms are also expected to boost their businesses that will buoy the economy.

The trade chief said investors remain con�ident putting in investments here with the country’s strong economic growth.

He added that the robust manufacturing sector has pushed for expansion of production capacity of factories which means companies have to increase their employment. As more Filipinos become employed, consumer activity increases, which is one of the main drivers of the country’s strong economic expansion.

“You have consumer activity, you are attracting investments, you are creating job. So, it’s a virtuous cycle,” Lopez noted in Filipino.

Meanwhile, the DTI chief also dismissed claims of the Makabayan bloc at the House of Representatives that the TRAIN law is anti-poor and will cause burden with the increase in prices of goods and services brought by additional excise tax on petroleum products.

“Those remarks -- I would say, rhetoric -- have no basis,” Lopez said noting that the TRAIN law was being carefully studied by the government.(PNA)

Bukidnon power coops unfazed by coal tax hike

T

wo power cooperatives in Bukidnon, the First Bukidnon Electric Cooperative (Fibeco) and the Bukidnon Second Electric Cooperative (Buseco), are unfazed by the recent imposition of higher taxes on coal.

The National Electri�ication Administration observed that investing in a sub-transmission consortium works wonders for both Fibeco and Buseco in the Northern Mindanao province.

Fibeco credits its calm demeanor to its procurement of a 69,000-volt (69kV) sub-transmission line, which it shares with Buseco, making them client-owners of the said facility.

Representatives from both Fibeco and Buseco acquired it through a lease-purchase agreement with the National Transmission Corporation (Transco) in 2015, after a long and winding legal dispute that lasted several years over who should get the majority stake.

When the two groups �inally agreed to a 50-50 deal, Fibeco and Buseco thought it was best to use the high-voltage power line under a consortium, which then led to the creation of Bukidnon

Subtransmission Corporation (BSTC).

The NEA noted that prudence had dictated its acquisition at the time, as both coops feared that if they lose control over the 69kV sub-transmission asset, a bigger company might pursue its own interests in it, affecting the welfare of their member-consumer-owners (MCOs).

“In order to cordon Bukidnon and in order to protect the market, they have to buy the line. That’s practically the concept,” said engineer Artis Nikki Tortola, Deputy Administrator for Technical Services of the NEA and erstwhile chief operating of�icer of BSTC. Investing on a sub-transmission facility turned out to be a smart move for both electric cooperatives (ECs), the NEA said, as it helped mitigate the impact of potentially adverse policies they would be forced to adopt under the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (Epira).

BSTC operates the 69kV sub-transmission line that spans over the areas of Tagoloan to Lunocan at 14.4 kilometers (km), Kibawe-Maramag-Aglayan at 79.05 km, and the one-kilometer Mara-

BUKIDNON,P13

DRESSING UP. A religious items trader changes the dress of a miniature replica of the Black Nazarene at her makeshift stall inside San Pedro Cathedral compound on Monday. Millions of Catholic devotees

are expected to join in today’s translacion, a highlight of the Feast of the Black Nazarene, in Manila. Lean Daval Jr.

Mining equipment site transfer backed Seen to boost Comval small-scale mining

A

fter many years in doldrums, the small-scale miners in Mt. Diwata and Sitio Depot area are paving the way for the transfer of the batch-type mini CIP (Carbon in pulp) and ball mills to the Mineral Processing Zone in Mabatas area in Monkayo, Compostela Valley province.

Lawyer Felix Alicer, regional coordinator of the Philippine Mining Development Corporation (PMDC), said it had been years since the transfer of the CIP and ball mill plants was planned until last year when the provincial government of Compostela Valley took the cudgels to fund the

land preparation and develop the road network.

PMDC spearheads the government’s initiative to develop the 8,100 hectares Diwalwal Mineral Reservation, including Diwalwal gold rush area in Mt. Diwata, Compostela Valley.

From PHP1.5 million

funds for land preparation of the Mabatas area, Alicer said the expenses of the provincial government already reached PHP4 million, including fuel, labor, and rental of equipment.

Alicer said the graveling of the road is already 50 percent complete. The development should have been handled by the national government through the Natural Reservation Development Corporation , which was in charge of collecting and allocating of mining share and the issuance of service contracts for miners operating 600 feet above within the 729-hectare area.

Alicer said the province’s initiative was the only way

to operate the ball mill. The transfer of the CIP and ball mill plants could take for a year.

There is also the transfer of the 92 settlers who will be affected while 40 of them have been transferred.

The transfer of the batchtype mini CIP and ball/rod mills operated by the smallscale miners to the Mineral Processing Zone at Mabatas area had been recommended by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) to the Program Monitoring and Coordinating Center (PMCC) in early 2000 because of high mercury contamination levels in Naboc River.(PNA)

Better year for PH seen with TRAIN G

Fueled by infra modernization program

lobal multilateral institutions and credit rating agencies see an even better year for the Philippines in 2018 on the back of a continuously strong economy fueled by an unprecedented infrastructure modernization program and a game-changing tax reform law.

According to Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, the National Economic and Development Authority has so far approved over P1 trillion-worth

of big-ticket infrastructure projects that would be rolled out in 2018. The government is planning to spend some P8.4 trillion for its “Build, Build, Build” infra program during the term of President Duterte.

A newly enacted Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Act, the �irst tax reform program approved after two decades, will �inance about a fourth of the funding requirement for the government’s “Build, Build, Build” program,

while the rest would be sourced mostly from Of�icial Development Assistance Dominguez said.

Dominguez said the TRAIN, the �irst package under the Duterte administration’s Comprehensive Tax Reform Program, will signi�icantly lower personal income taxes, providing most taxpayers with increased purchasing power that would help further rev up the economy.

An infra buildup, mean-

while, will have an “impressive multiplier effect” on the economy, creating jobs, drawing in more investments and improving production and transport ef�iciency throughout the country, Dominguez noted.

Fitch Ratings, for the �irst time since 2013, upgraded the Philippines’ credit rating from “BBB-“ to “BBB” with a stable outlook last December, amid favorable economic conditions and a tax reform program..

(DOF)

6 SUBURBIA RISING EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 199 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 9 , 2018

Located on the western part of Mindanao, Sulu has the most breathtakingly lovely sunsets such as this, viewed from Panglima Estino town. Photo by AMIR MAWALLIL / ARMM BPI

Hataman leads opening of ARMM‘5S Week 2018’

C

OTABATO CITY -- Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Governor Mujiv Hataman today led the formal opening of the ARMM “5S Week 2018” in front of the regional executive building here with cabinet secretaries and other of�icials in attendance.

After the launch of the Japan-inspired workplace routine, Hataman and other of�icials led regional employees in a Clean-Up Day at the ARMM compound here.

The “5S” or good housekeeping system is a workplace organization method adopted from the Japanese concept that is embodied in these �ive words: “Seiri”, “Seiton”, “Seiso”, “Seiketsu”, and “Shitsuke” which mean sort, set in order, shine, standardize, and sustain, respectively.

Hataman urged all employees to utilize the “5S” method in order for them to be more ef�icient, organized and productive.

HATMAN,P11

6 BIFF men, soldier killed in Maguindanao clashes DATU ODIN SINSUAT, Maguindanao - Six ISIS-inspired terrorists and a soldier were killed in clashes that erupted Saturday night in the mountain village of Maguindanao, the Army here said.

Maj. Gen. Arnel dela Vega, 6th Infantry Division commander, said �ire�ight erupted at about 7 p.m. Saturday when about 80 members of Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) harassed elements of the 64th Reconnaissance Company of the 6th ID stationed in Mt. Firis (Sitio Firis), Barangay Maytumaig, Datu Unsay, Maguindanao.

This prompted the mili-

tary to launch airstrikes and artillery offensives against the armed men led by Commander Bungos that lasted until about 3 a.m. Sunday.

“The remains of slain terrorists were recovered by government forces and turned over to local of�icials for immediate burial rites,” Dela Vega said in a statement.

A soldier was killed and another was wounded when the BIFF, coming from three different positions, simultaneously �ired rockets and shoulder-�ired M203 grenades toward the Army station.

Capt. Arvin John Encinas,

6,P11

3 killed, 8 injured in Kidapawan mishap K

IDAPAWAN CITY – Three people died while eight others were injured when a passenger Multicab vehicle fell into a ravine at the foot of Mount Apo Sunday, police said.

Chief Insp. Ramel Hojilla, Kidapawan City police director, identi�ied those slain as Panda Pacatua, 62; Jalilah Salim Ibrahim, 16; and Jonaisa Salim Ibrahim,

18, all residents of Barangay Indangan in Makilala, North Cotabato. Jonaisa and Jalilah were both senior high school students at the Indangan National High

School here.

Injured were Monjer Ibrahim, 18; Samdil Linao, 19; Merlin Marohom, 15; Javere Salim, 10; Melody Noveno, 18; Tarhata Lumna, 19; Jalil Ibrahim, 20; at Jane Noveno, 47.

Hojilla said the incident happened past 4 p.m. at Purok-Tres in Barangay Ilomavis here.

Monjer Ibrahim, one of those injured, said the Mul-

ticab, which he said was overloaded with passengers and cargo, went wayward after it maneuvered a blind curve. The driver, he said, could no longer control the vehicle as it sped away and minutes later fell into a 20foot ravine.

The driver, identi�ied as Moises Oclarit Ladra, 54, reportedly sustained only minor injuries. The rest, ac-

members who underwent the tests late last month.

She said the drug tests were conducted by PDEA12 personnel during a PCL chapter gathering held at the Sun City Suites here.

At least 18 councilors from the province’s seven municipalities have yet to undergo the tests, she said.

Abad said the PCL Sarangani Federation is the �irst of four provincial and �ive city chapters in Region 12 that requested for the drug tests.

Also known as Soccsksargen, the region comprises the provinces of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and North Cotabato, and the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong, Kidapawan and Cotabato.

She said the group speci�ically passed a resolution requesting the PDEA-12 to conduct drug tests for its members.

It adopted guidelines assuring that the group will

abide by the rules and policies set by the Dangerous Drug Board and the Civil Service Commission (CSC) in case any of its members would test positive of using drugs, she said.

Malungon councilor Joseph Calanao, PCL Sarangani Federation president, their members pushed for the move to address speculations that there are elected councilors in the province who are drug dependents.

3,P11

51 Sarangani councilors found negative for drug use

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ENERAL SANTOS CITY -- A total of 51 elected municipal councilors in Sarangani Province have yielded negative for illegal drug use based on the results of drug tests commissioned by the Philippine Councilors League (PCL) provincial federation.

Kath Abad, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-Region 12 public information of�icer, said Monday the 51 councilors comprise the initial batch of PCL

51,P11

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 10 ISSUE 199 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 9 , 2018

COMPETITIVE EDGE

7

Sharing a gift of hope to Marawi

Dan Drave Afasan oversees the 24/7 operations of the Department of Health center and the health clinic van. He also ensures to dispense the medicines to the aid workers accordingly.

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s Marawi City gets back on its feet, Hedcor Bukidnon, a subsidiary of Aboitiz Power Corporation, shares in giving hope to those who were displaced by the armed conflict. Through the Department of Health (DOH), Hedcor handed over a recycled container shipping van converted to a health clinic for the locals of Marawi.

Dr. Dave A. Mendoza, Cluster head of DOH for Research Epidemiology Surveillance & Disaster Response Unit R10 said, “the health clinic van is utilized as a depot for dispensing medicines to medical aid workers then to the families who are

prescribed to take medicines.”

This container van was used last year in shipping the electro-mechanical parts of the hydropower turbines for the 68.8-MW Manolo Fortich Hydropower Plant in the province of Bukidnon.

The container van now being used as a health clinic for the locals in Marawi.

Security Bank Foundation Supports Victims of Typhoon Urduja As a response to the devastation brought about by Typhoon Urduja, Security Bank turned over 250 bags of rice to the LGU of Eastern Samar on 22 December 2017. The said resources will be distributed to the residents of Eastern Samar through a relief operation that will be led by the LGU together with Security Bankers from Eastern Samar.

Through the project, Security Bank hopes to provide relief assistance to the families badly affected by Typhoon Urduja.

Leading the turnover were SBC Tacloban-Rizal branch Business Manager Bonifacio Tordillo and SAVP & Area Head for Eastern/Western Visayas Proceso Berino along with Congressman Ben Evardone (District Representative Eastern Samar) and Provincial Manager of NFA Borongan Martina Lodero

Megawide partners with UEM on P2-B water reclamation facility

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ANILA -- Engineering and infrastructure conglomerate Megawide Construction Corp.

(Megawide) has partnered with Toshiba Group’s UEM India Pvt. Ltd. and a local �irm to design and build its �irst PHP2-billion water reclamation engineering project.

Megawide told the

local bourse the design and other pre-construction work on its �irst project with Maynilad Water Services Inc. will begin this January.

Once completed, the Las Piñas Water Reclamation Facility will allow the water company to recover some 88 million liters per day (MLD) of potable water,

MEGAWAIDE,P11

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 199 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 9 , 2018

EDITORIAL

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A different battle for athletes

his is truly unprecedented and laudable. After a long while of keeping the proverbial “line that divides”, the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) is acting on reports of corruption and abuse by the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC).

It started when PSC Commissioner Ramon Fernandez revealed an incident where national athletes went to train in Germany and did not receive their full allowances as allocated by the PSC. Among the mandate of the government sports agency is to fund the training and competition expenses of national athletes. The POC, under which are the various national sports associations (NSAs) select and train national athletes.

The revelation sparked some athletes to come out in the open and speak up over the alleged corruption and abuses.

While some had the courage to tell their stories, most athletes

EDGEDAVAO

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kept mum for fear of reprisals.

Being a national athlete is not simply competing and winning medals. It is also about respect and courage to stand up for the truth. Boxing great Muhammad Ali stood up against the war in Vietnam. Our athletes should �ind the same courage within themselves and speak up for whatever horrible experience tthey had to go through.

The PSC, in a recent memo, promised to provide protection and legal support for athletes who stand forward and decide to speak.

Our athletes, most of them from impoverished families in the provinces whose chance at a better life rests on their exceptional athletic talents, must take that leap of faith. It’s not just medals that are at stake here. It is their very own welfare and the future of Philippine sports.

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

JIMMY K. LAKING Associate Editor PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE

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VANTAGE POINTS 9 VOL. 10 ISSUE 199 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 9 , 2018 EDGEDAVAO Do we need Duterte’s Federalism and Revolutionary Government?’

“The last time I was here, on October 14, 2017, you asked me to talk about Charter Change and the threats to our democracy. Today we are still on the same subject, with added context (1) the video you have just seen of Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Assistant Secretary Epimacio Densing III advocating a revolutionary government (RevGov) as a political transition to a federal- parliamentary system; and (2) the PDP-Laban Federal Constitution brie�ly mentioned last October 14, in relation to the justi�ication for that shift.” ( Atty. Christian S. Monsod, “Democracy and Duterte”, John J. Caroll Institute on Church and Social Issues, Atene de Manila University, Quezon City, November 18, 2017) The quoted title for this article was from that forum of the John J. Carroll Institute on Church and Social Issues, Ateneo de Manila University, Quezon City last November 18, 2017. Atty.

Monsod was the speaker during that event.

Atty. Monsod’s Proposition in said forum was that “we have so far failed in human development not because of the (1987) Constitution, but because we have not fully implemented speci�ically its provisions on social justice and human rights and on local autonomy. The (1987) Constitution is not the problem, it is part of the solution.” Oh come on Sir, while Congress is

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n “unconsciousness from which the person can be aroused by sensory or other stimuli.” That’s how science de�ines sleep.

A night’s sleep consists of four or �ive cycles, each of which progresses through several stages. During the night, a person alternatives between slow-wave sleep, also called nonrapid eye movement (NREM) sleep, and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. The entire cycle of slow-wave sleep and REM takes about 90 minutes. The entire cycle of slowwave sleep and REM takes about 90 minutes.

“Sleep is a natural period within every 24 hours when the body repairs itself, tests its systems, consolidates memory, purges itself of cellular waste, and stockpiles energy for the day ahead,” explain Charles B. Inlander and Cynthia K. Moran in their book, 67 Ways to Good Sleep. “On average, humans spend about a third of their lives asleep, or about 205,000 hours in a 70-year lifetime.”

Diane Hales, author of How to Sleep Like a Baby, explains that when you sleep, “you are not motionless like a car in a garage. (Sleep) is an altered form of consciousness, when muscles tense and relax, your pulse, like the temperature and blood pressure, rises and falls, the brain works, and chemicals course through the bloodstream.”

According to sleep experts, approximately a third of a person’s lifetime is spent in the Land of Nod. Because of this, they urge that more attention should be given to this matter of sleep. “Between the ages of 20 and 70,” writes Don Hawley, author of Smell a Few Flowers, “you will likely spend more than 15 full years in bed! If you’re one of those who never quite rested, the statistic may be hard to

indeed remised in its duty to implement many of the good provisions of our present Constitution, you must admit that our 1987 Fundamental Law is really �lawed, unresponsive and oppressive that badly needs revision soonest.

Furthermore, President Corazon C. Aquino and her son Pnoy ruled our country for more than a decade with Atty. Monsod as one of their trusted advisers. Why did not they during that time in�luence Congress to fully implement speci�ically Cory Constitution’s “provision on social justice and human rights and on local autonomy” as Monsod wanted it done? Clearly the three of them were equally remised to do their duty to our country. Di ba?

For the information of our reading public, Atty. Monsod was one of the Commissioners of the 1986 Constitutional Commission of President Cory which drafted our 1987 Charter. If I’m not mistaken, he once said that “we can only change Cory’s Constitution over his dead body.

Let’s tackle the �irst issue of that forum which is whether we need Duterte’s Federalism.

To us Federalists, this question was already resolved last 2016 Presidential elections.

Candidate Duterte whose main platform was Change , the mother of which is the shift to a Federal System, won the Presidency with a very wide margin. No other presidential candidate

believe.”

Perhaps the most common question is: “How much sleep do I need each night?”

Well, no one can provide a pat answer as each person differs in needs. Some people function on �ive hours’ sleep a night; others just can’t make it on less than nine or 10. The average seems to be about seven to eight hours.

Some people don’t care whether they sleep much or little. American actress Cloris Leachman sleeps only three or four hours a night because she has “so many things to do.” The only performer to win an Oscar for playing an actress of not getting the top prize often starts her day at 4:30 a.m., works until 8:00 to 9:00 p.m., then goes out. When she �inally gets home, she plays the piano or reads before bed.

Japanese philosopher George Ohsawa, the founder of macrobiotics, slept no more than four hours a night. There was a time that he slept only two hours. Said one of his students, explaining why Ohsawa died at age 74 of a heart attack, “That’s stressful, and stress, as we know, is not good for the heart.”

Napoleon Bonaparte, emperor of France, was said to get by on only three or four hours of sleep. Sometimes, he would wake at three in the morning and would dictate to his secretary until dawn, snapping impatiently at the sleepy aide, “What’s the matter with you?

You’re sleeping on your feet.”

Insomnia is how the medical science calls the problem of sleeplessness. Insomnia is a symptom – “not a disease,” declares Dr. Isadore Rosenfeld, bestselling author of The Best Treatment. “No one is born destined to become an insomniac,” he explains.

Like any other symptom (pain, itch,

then was for Federalism. Thus, Yes to Duterte means Yes to Federalism to liberate our people and save our nation.

Admittedly, as of this writing per info, only about 40 percent of the Filipinos know the basics of Federalism. That’s why President Duterte ordered his cabinet members tasked to educate our people on this issue to triple their efforts on this regard. Volunteer Federalism advocates are also doing the same so that by 2019 much more Filipinos will be given basic information on what is a Federal System and the bene�its it can offer

And so to sleep

THINK ON THESE!

Henrylito D. Tacio

cough, fever), there’s always a reason of your inability to fall asleep, the most common being something psychological – you’re either worried, anxious, fearful, depressed, or excited. Or, you may be perfectly content, but your sleep environment is at fault – your bedroom is too hot, too cold, or poorly ventilated; your bed is too short the mattress is bad for your back.

Or, you may have developed bad bedtime habits, like trying to catch up on your un�inished of�ice correspondence before turning out the lights; working out on your rowing machine; smoking that last cigarette of the day (the nicotine will keep you awake); even your sex habits can cause insomnia – it soothes most of us, but overstimulates others.

Can’t sleep? Then don’t go to bed. “If there’s one recommendation I would make for insomnia, it’s to delay bedtime by an hour, maybe two hours,” says Dr. Edward Stepanski,

to our people especially those in our countryside.

Lend me your eyes on this. Per Atty.

Monsod,” THERE IS PERSUASIVE IGNORANCE OF IT (Cory’s Constitution). ABOUT 73 PERCENT OF OUR PEOPLE ADMIT NOT KNOWING ANYTING ABOUT THE (1987) CONBSTITUTION.” And yet this was rushed by them for our people’s approval. On the other hand, if about 51 percent of our people by 2019 will know the basics of a federal System, then DAPAT GO NA TAYO RITO! DI BA? President Corazon C. Aquino pushed her Unitary- Presidential Constitution with only 27 percent knowing about it. Obviously, logic dictates that with 51 percent (or even a little lesser) of our people knowing about that Federal Parliamentary Government then LET’S GO FOR IT! No more ifs or buts on this. Kaya Kilos Kapatid!

KKK tayo!

Sana hindi na nga natin kailangan ang isang Revolutionary Government established in a DEMOCRATIC WAY to have a FederalParliamentary Constitution. But if our Congress will sit as a Constituent-Assembly to draft our Federal-Parliamentary Constitution, it will be facing two formidable problems.

These are: 1. The Senate cannot get the needed three-fourths votes to pass a draft Charter for the approval of our people in say May,2019;

and Congress Federal-Parliamentary Model seems wanting. Atty. Monsod clearly observed “that the PDP-Laban draft federal constitution, which does not contemplate such a transition, but may be a more serious problem than a RevGov because it changes the central theme of our social justice to the agenda of business interests. (Thus, this will not) correct centuries of injustice to the poor, much of it from the business sector – a task which has yet to be completed…..” The right thing to do is to balance social and economic concerns. In addition to this, we are also frightened how our country will be fragmentized by so many proposed poor Federal States/ Regions which will be subsidized, hence, promoting mendicancy and even “political �iefdoms”.

It is for this very reason that a RevGov in a democratic way becomes imperative or very necessary mainly for honest to goodness Constitutional Reform to be drafted by carefully selected 50 wise Filipinos with known integrity.

They should compose the Constitutional Commission to be created by President Duterte to do that task. No politician here please.

Back to the query: Do we need Duterte’s Federalism and Revolutionary Government?”

After pondering on the pros and cons of this issue, we say: “A big YES for the good of our nation and our people.”

director of the Insomnia Clinic at the Henry Ford Hospital’s Sleep Disorders and Research Center in Detroit, Michigan.

One of the worst practices people follow is to go to bed when they’re really not tired.

“They don’t even feel sleepy, but they think it’s time they should go to bed,” he says. And few events can tighten the tension like lying in the dark, listening to the bathroom faucet drip and wondering why you can’t sleep.

Once you snuggle under the covers, if you don’t fall asleep within 20 minutes, get up, leave the bedroom and muddle through something mundane. “Don’t sweat it. Go ahead and watch the late show and ride it out,” Dr. Stepanski advises.

Practice good sleep habits. Sleep experts like to rattle off a list of what they call sleep hygiene tips: Don’t use the bedroom for anything but sleep or sex; get up at the same time every morning regardless of when you retire; don’t take naps; exercise in the late afternoon or early evening; don’t go to bed hungry. Most people trying to banish insomnia go down the list, trying each item for a day or two, then discarding it and returning to the old habit.

“They end up concluding that none of these things works, but you really have to try them all simultaneously and give them a chance,” Dr. Stepanski says. “Instant sleep won’t come the very �irst night you skip an evening cup of coffee or go to bed at 1:00 a.m. rather than midnight.”

Learn and practice relaxation techniques.

The harder you try to sleep, the greater the chances are that you’ll end up gnashing your teeth all night rather than stacking some z’s.

That’s why it is important to relax once you’re

in bed. “The one problem with insomnia is that people often concentrate too much on their sleep, and they press too hard,” Dr. Michael Stevenson, clinical director of the North Valley Sleep Disorders Center in California. “The key to successfully falling asleep is to reduce your focus and avoid working yourself into a frenzy.”

Biofeedback exercises, deep breathing, muscle stretches, or yoga may help. Special audiotapes can teach you how to progressively relax your muscles. It may not come easy at �irst, but as Dr. David Neubauer, of the Johns Hopkins University Sleep Disorders Center, “It’s like dieting; you must work on it all the time. It will take time to get results, but if you stick with it, it will pay off.”

What about sleeping pills?

Sleep physicians are extremely reluctant to prescribe sedatives, says Dr. Suzanne Jaffee, clinical director of the Sleep Program at Hollywood Medical Center in Florida, except in the event of an obvious trauma, such as the death of a spouse, and even then only for a very temporary period. Improper withdrawal from sleeping pills can cause the insomnia the prescription was designed to treat, she says.

What about the occasional use of overthe-counter sleeping pills? “Don’t routinely take them,” Dr. Jaffe advises. “We don’t know the long-term effects of them. But they’re absolutely not benign. They contain ingredients that can cause addiction.”

Now, if the above still won’t “cure” your sleeplessness, nothing will! But men like Mark Twain could dismiss insomnia humorously: “If you can’t sleep, try lying on the end of the bed – then you might drop off.” Of course, he was just joking.

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZ.

10 NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 199 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 9 , 2018

UP... FROM 1 He said that he was sad that the previous Davao city vice mayor resigned because he had a good performance in conducting his duties as vice mayor.

“We didn’t want him to resign but whatever his (Paolo Duterte’s) decisions will be respected,” he said.

Al-ag will be replaced by the assistant �loor leader Victorio Advincula Jr. as part of the re-organization in the council.

He said that based on the rules the top three councilors in different districts will be the choices in determining who will replace the vice mayor.

The formula revolves around

who got the average number votes over the number of voters and the one with the highest percentage will assume the position.

The Davao City vice mayor has announced his resignation on December 25 during the special session at the council for the approval to use the remaining budget for the 2017 Disaster Risk Reduction and Management fund amounting to 83.4 million.

Duterte cited delicadeza as his reason for resigning after his named was dragged in a drug deal and after his spat with his eldest daughter went viral.

sponsibilities as the new Vice Mayor of Davao City,” Al-ag said in an online interview.

Al-ag said he will continue the programs instituted by Vice Mayor Paolo in the City council.

“I will also reaf�irm our support to the leadership of Mayor Sara Z. Duterte by supporting her 10-point agenda of the city through legislative actions,” he said.

He said the leaders in the city council are helping each other to make a right decision to whatever proposed ordinance the body will approve.

“Right now we are trying to regroup,” he said. Al-ag also assured the public that the city council is still ‘intact’ despite Paolo’s resignation.

He said although he is not new with the function of the position because he was always designated as acting-vice mayor while the presidential son was on leave on several occassions.

“I usually took over the administrative roles of a vice mayor before,” he said. However, Al-ag said he is still sad

with the former vice mayor’s resignation.

During the time the former vice mayor expressed his resignation last December 25, he said they were shocked with his decision. “Although we did not agree with his decision on his resignation, but we still respect it,” he said.

Meanwhile, Al-ag bared the �irst council session for this year will discuss some of the items that were deferred last year.

One of the agenda that will be discussed is the proposed ordinance giving tax incentives to businessmen who will build a parking building. Al-ag said this proposal will give a �ive-year exemption from the local taxes to the people who will venture to this kind business.

This because the city already have many vehicles but there were no enough parking spaces. He said the ordinance aims to lessen the traf�ic congestion that caused by vehicles illegally parked on the roadside.

and he presented what other options the city has aside from WTE. In his speech he mentioned that before the city should consider the WTE, it must have operational track record, adding that the city as well as the country has no capacity to constantly monitor the WTE’s operation thus

it might cause environmental and public health concern and operating cost of one thermal WTE is high.

IDIS recommends that a strict implementation of Republic Act 9003 or Ecological Solid Waste Management Program and the zero waste principles.

2017 period are broken down as follows: dividends worth P130 million; guarantee fees worth P250 million; and disposed assets worth P4.839 billion.

BTr data show that remittances of the BCDA to the Treasury amounted to P3.93 billion in 2016, of which P3.39 billion was contributed to the AFP Modernization Program.

This sum was higher than the BCDA’s 2015 remittances of P3.201 billion, of which P1.5 billion went to the AFP Modernization Program.

The BCDA’s remittances in 2014 slightly dipped

to P2.207 billion, of which P1.588 billion was for military modernization. In 2013, the BCDA generated P2.389 billion and contributed P1.692 billion to the AFP Modernization Program.

For 2012, which was prior to the enactment into law of Republic Act No. 10349, or the Revised AFP Modernization Act, BCDA’s remittances reached P348 million, of which P245 million went to the military’s modernization efforts.

In a report posted on its website, the BCDA said that under “Republic Act No.

AL-AG... FROM 1

WTE... FROM 2

BCDA... FROM 4

OF THEIR FREE WILL. Residents voluntarily dismantle their houses as the city government of Davao ordered the City Engineer’s Office

(CEO) to demolish all the houses erected along the riverbank of the Davao River as it is along the identified danger zone. Lean Daval Jr

10349, or the Revised AFP Modernization Act of 2012,” the agency has the authority “as the corporate arm of the AFP and the Department of National Defense (DND), in the disposition and development of camps not covered by RA 7227 (the BCDA charter).”

RA 10349 also extends the AFP’s modernization program for another 15 years, aimed to boost the country’s external defense capability, according to the BCDA website.

In its statement, the BCDA said its recent remittance of P1.2 billion was in in addition to the P3.6 billion contribution remitted earlier this year for the AFP Modernization Program, for a total of P4.8 billion to date, which “accounts for a 300 percent increase from the average con-

tribution of Php1.5 billion for the period 2006 to 2015. The amount also increased signi�icantly from the 2015 remittance of Php2.2 billion.”

“To date, the BCDA has raised a total of Php36.6 billion for the AFP modernization program which is allocated for the purchase of military equipment to ensure sustained capability upgrade of the Armed Forces. Of the amount, P25.2 billion accounts for the AFP share while Php11.4 billion is earmarked for the replication of military facilities such as housing units, hospitals, churches, and museums, among others.

This is in line with BCDA’s mandate to strengthen the Armed Forces while building great cities,” the BCDA said in its statement. (DOF)

government “lists down high impact projects that envision to increase the productive capacity of the economy, create jobs, increase incomes, and strengthen the investment climate leading to sustained inclusive growth.”

Lemuel Ortonio, chief of the Davao City Investment Promotions Center (DCIPIC) said the local economy remained bullish in 2017 despite the proclamation of martial law and suspension of writ of habeas corpus all over Mindanao on May 23, its extension until December 31, 2017 and yet another extension until December 31, 2018.

President Rodrigo Duterte declared martial law on May 23, 2017, Day 1 of what turned out to be a �ive-month siege.

The President declared Marawi City “liberated from the terrorist in�luence” on October 17, 2017.

Records from DCIPC showed that investments that entered the city after the May 23declaration of martial law totaled P493.14 million coming from real estate and agri-industrial projects. The amount is twice higher compared with the total capital-

ization worth P230.83 million recorded for the entire 2016.

These new investments came from Urbaneast Developments, Inc., developer of Altezza Grande worth P166.887 million; Davao South Feedmill Corp. for the development of Animal Fedmill Plant worth P181.250 million; and, Davao Thermo Biotech Corporation, developer of a P145-million Biodegradable Waste to Fertilizer project.

Ortonio added they are getting numerous inquiries from potential investors, which show that the “con�idence in the peace and order situation of Davao City and its viability as an investment location has gained ground again.”

The local investment chief admitted the peace and order situation and the martial law declaration initially put investors on a “wait-and-see mode” during the �irst few weeks.

He added they address those concerns by providing prospective investors with a “picture on how martial law is implemented” and that its implementation is “far from being abusive.”

“Also, we tell them that the crime rate in Davao City re-

mains to be among the lowest in the country and has actually decreased since the declaration of Martial Law,” he said.

Ortonio added investments in the city might have been bigger if Mindanao was not placed under Martial law but the city government “will always support and uphold directives set by the national government to ensure the safety and security of the general public.”

President Duterte served as mayor of Davao City for 22 years. The incumbent mayor is his daughter Sara, who was Vice Mayor from 2007 to 2010 and mayor from 2010 to 2013.

Ortonio said they envision the city to be “keeping up with the global trends” and a city that has more convenient business districts and industrial estates.

“But beyond becoming a highly progressive city, we envision a city that maintains a balanced mix of both rural and urban amenities — a characteristic that Davao City has been proud of and known for,” he said.

Ortonio added there are a number of big-ticket projects in the city from private and public sectors, and even foreign investors.

Upcoming private investments include Azuela Cove, a 25-hectare waterside mixed-

use development; MesaTierra Garden Residences, a condominium project of Cebu Landmasters, Inc. in partnership with Davao based Plaza De Luisa Development Corp.; Peak Parksuites, a high-rise twin-tower condominium project of Anchor Land Holdings, Inc. (ALHI), in partnership with Plaza De Luisa Development Corp.; Obsidian Suites and Ivory Residences, a project of Santos Land Development Corp; and, Dusit Thani Residences.

The upcoming government projects include school building worth P25 million for the Bolton Elem. School; New Museo Dabawenyo Building worth P100 million; four-story Davao City Investment and Tourism Building worth P50 million; and Davao City Coastal Road project.

An undisclosed Japanese investor is planning to put up a chocolate manufacturing plant while Bio Actives Japan Corp., a fruit/vegetable processing plant in Toril; Otooro, a South Korean �irm also plans to set up a manufacturing plant for air-conditioning systems in the city; and, South Korean and Chinese investors want to put up a Light Rail Transit/ Mono Rail Transit in the urban center of the city. (Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)

of�icer-in-charge lawyer Fanella Joy Panga-Cruz said.

She also highlighted that taxes translate to social services that include doorto-door delivery of medicines, scholarship assistance, among others.

“The more taxes we collect from the business community, the more we can provide services to Taguigeños,” she said.

Taguig has received a Blue Certi�ication Award from the Of�ice of the Ombudsman for its streamlined frontline services, and an excellent rating from the Civil Service Commission (CSC) for its compliance with the Anti-Red Tape

Act (ARTA).

Taguig is currently home to top corporations, embassies and government of�ices.

New hotels, educational institutions and shopping malls have also sprung up in recent years within the fast-growing business districts of Bonifacio Global City (BGC) and ARCA South.

Despite being one of the youngest cities in the country, Taguig was also recognized last August 2017 by the National Competitiveness Council of the Philippines as one of the Most Improved Local Government Units in the category of Highly Urbanized Cities. (PNA)

NEW... FROM 4

TAGUIG... FROM 4

INdulge!

VOL. 10 ISSUE 199 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 9, 2017

EVENT

BEADS, BLING AND ALL THINGS MARDI GRAS WATERFRONT INSULAR HOTEL DAVAO was an ideal venue to celebrate the year that was and ring in 2018 with its festive countdown party themed ‘Beads and Bling, it’s a Mardi Gras thing’ on New Year’s Eve.

The anticipated New Year celebration held at the Garden Pavilion went full swing at nine o’clock with all-around performances by The Mainstream Jazz Band – from the traditional New Orleans jazz music to a mix of blues, contemporary and even some arrangements on popular children’s songs – to make it enjoyable for guests from all generations. Right in the middle of the program, children and families alike participated in a number of fun games and activities where winners received Waterfront merch items – tee shirts, stuffed toys, pillows, tumblers, calendars – as prizes. Two best dressed males and females also bagged awards for dressing up the part and coming in style.

The highlight of the show at the 45-minute mark before midnight was an aerial silk acrobatic performance as high as 25 feet. While this left guests in awe, the excitement did not stop there with more dancers, more music and everyone were up on their feet as resident DJ, Torch Gacuma, took over and rocked his fifth New Year’s Eve set at Waterfront. Came midnight – horns blew, confetti popped, good cheer filled the air as thousands of balloons dropped and everyone welcomed the first minutes of 2018 in revelry.

For a price of Php2,018 nett, a guest was entitled to the foolproof countdown party, a souvenir photo printed and magnet-framed, flowing heavy cocktails crafted by Executive Chef Bien Chavez and his team, a glass of mulled wine, a bottle of beer and access to the mobile bar for a full bar menu. The bar highlighted red and white wine, whiskey, vodka and a variety of beers.

Prior to the party, a thanksgiving mass was hosted at the garden area at seven o’clock in the evening while Café Uno was open until ten to offer a sumptuous Media Noche.

Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao would like to thank the following sponsors and suppliers: Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino, Waterfront Manila Pavilion Hotel and Casino, Waterfront Airport Hotel and Casino, Eden Nature Park and Resort, Ad & Promo Management, Forth & Tay, MGCP Steelworks & Allied Services, Infinity Still & Motion Studio, INVEX Phils., A Touch of Pink Events, Golden Touch by Noel Tanza, Allure Events by Lee Beltran, Event Essentials by Jeremy and Kath Sarmiento and Fotofun Digital Express.

EDGEDAVAO

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TRAVEL

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 199 •TUESDAY, JANUARY 9, 2017

Presenting the Dirty Horchata.

Photo from El Union.

When you take your coffee to go, you get them in these paper cups Look for them when you visit La Union! Photo from El that would make Mother Earth smile. Also in the photo are El Union’s friendly baristas!

Union.

Mermaid Drinks in La Union:

El Union Coffee

This is the view you get at the beach front of El Union’s. The sun was just about to set and only around two people out surfing, perfect.

I’M SO PUMPED it’s a brand new year already!

I can’t wait to share with you the best of 2017 in a few weeks time but before that, I just have to get out this story that I promised a few weeks ago.

La Union is more than a surfer’s paradise, it’s a foodie place and a coffee haven! As I went through my collection of photos from my trip last month, I couldn’t help but crave for these to be in my mouth again.

Being a morning person, I value my magic mornings.

Whether I’m out to surf a dawn session or set to write in my journal, my mornings are when I’m most awake and it’s the peak of my creative hours.

Even in the water, I’m not mindlessly floating waiting for a wave to come my way. I think! Or you could say I’m already crafting what I’d want to write about later in my mind.

I try to observe things around me, the water, the people, the view and yes, the waves!

Before everything though, there’s nothing like a great cup of coffee to watch the sun rise while doing a wave check.

What’s so beautiful about La Union is that there are a lot of coffee shops that front the beach, my favorites being Clean Beach Coffee and El Union Coffee.

Again, this is where the supposedly ‘photographer’ in me scolds me for not taking enough facade shots of the

places because these two coffee shops have the best views in surf town!

It came no surprise that I’ve mentally pinned these two coffee shops upon arriving in La Union. These were marketed quite well on Instagram where I’ve been following them for quite sometime. From where we stayed, the Circle Hostel, it was around a five to 10 minute walk to El Union Coffee.

It was late afternoon and we had just finished surfing an hour ago. I begged my food buddies, Josh and Connor, to walk with me and look for coffee. El Union Coffee’s signage could easily be spotted if you’re walking along the

highway. It was quite a long walk for thirsty surfers and one needing her daily dosage of caffeine.

El Union Coffee’s facade was tastefully done and looked very modern, and yes, hip.

There weren’t much seats right in front of the bar counter but this wasn’t where you’d want to enjoy your cup of hot coffee or glass of iced dirty horchata (this was my favorite, hot or cold).

The best view in this area was right out the back, with gabions constructed to look like seats in arena. It was a great job of landscaping since it looked perfect along the backdrop of La Union’s setting

with the silhouette of more than a dozen surfers.

In my whole stay in La Union, I went here twice and both times ordering the dirty horchata. It’s ‘dirty’ because there’s espresso in it. If you don’t like coffee but love the sweet taste of this originally Mexican rice milk drink, order the horchata plain.

The first time we went here, my friends and I just enjoyed watching the sun set and the surfers at the pointbreak practice for the competition the following day. The second time we visited was when I had my face all swollen from the minor injury the day before.

All my friends left me

watching their belongings because they all ran back to get their surfboards. I was fuming with envy because the waves were perfect. Glassy, just the right size for maneuvers and there weren’t a million people out in the line up.

What keeps me going back (and wishing I could if it weren’t for the distance) was the people behind El Union (and the baristas) were the most hospitable people ever.

They would ask you were you’re from, intentional questions that would start interesting conversations. Most of the baristas were surfers, and if you’re one, you can tell if you’re talking to one. These surfer-baristas were my sources of local surf information, I’m so grateful!

If you’re with your special someone or with someone you just met that you want to melt away with La Union’s romantic sunset, bring them here to El Union Coffee’s beach front view. Don’t forget to order just one cup of coffee since you’ll need your other hand to either take photos of the sunset or hold somebody else’s hand. *wink*

VOL. 10 ISSUE 199 •TUESDAY, JANUARY 9, 2017

UP AND ABOUT

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

IVolunteer: Making a sustainable impact in volunteerism BUILDING A BETTER PHILIPPINES takes a collective effort and not just a one-man team. But volunteering towards nation building takes a whole lot of education and understanding before one can truly grasp the whole concept of volunteerism and create a sustainable impact. Often, there are also mismatches for demand for volunteers and availability of volunteers.

These are the pain points shared by JB Tan and Bel Padlan, the people behind iVolunteer, one of the five startups which won the Globe Future Makers social innovation competition participated in by 135 individuals and groups. Tan not-

ed the difficulties in finding volunteering opportunities even during the onslaught of Typhoon Ondoy in 2009 which opened up the floodgates for more volunteers.

People want to volunteer but they didn’t know how and where to go.

This situation prompted Tan and Padlan to come up with iVolunteer where they partnered with many nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) to help develop volunteer engagement facilities, make a sustainable impact on the community and create a holistic program for the beneficiaries. iVolunteer also helps volunteers find opportunities as well as encourages people to sign up as volunteers. IVolunteer is not just a website but a venue for education on how to become a volunteer.

“There was really a mismatch when it comes to demand for volunteers and the available volunteers. But there are problems every day that necessitates the need for volunteers, so why don’t people volunteer every day?

With our website, we want

people to become conscious first and educated enough on how to become a volunteer, and to realize that everyone regardless of status in life can be a volunteer,” shared Tan. “Volunteers are your so-called every day heroes, often unheralded, always in the background, never mentioned often, but are the ones most adamant in helping build a nation.”

With their vision about volunteering and leveraging technology in furthering their cause, Tan said the benefits they received from winning the Globe Future Makers Program could help them reach out to more people.

“With access to Globe, we have a big marketing channel through SMS, Data or Internet to promote volunteerism. Technology can re-

ally help us elevate the level of understanding and professionalism among volunteers, remind them that they signed up for this to show their commitment, and probably institute a rewards system, though we should be careful about this. We want to delight them as well but be cautious against making it a livelihood. So that’s about using technology, facilitate volunteerism and provide Volunteer Delight.”

Chelle Gray, Globe Citizenship Director said: “Globe always espouses volunteerism even among its employees so this is something dear to our hearts.

Hopefully, through Globe Future Makers, we can help iVolunteer further their cause and encourage more people to participate in this worthy undertaking.”

The Globe Future Makers program which Globe introduced early this year seeks to influence and build a whole ecosystem of social innovators with the help of technology. Globe teamed up with Ashoka, the world’s largest professional network of social innovators as well as venture capital firm Kickstart Ventures to give the winning teams an oppor-

tunity to receive coaching and mentorship from some of the best social innovators around the world as well as meet possible investors.

At present, the people that run iVolunteer are 100-percent volunteers and no one gets paid. The organization has more 200 partners inside and outside of Metro Manila and is still looking at expandings its operations to Cebu, Davao and other regions.

Volunteer work which people may sign up with include tutorials particularly for out-of-school youth, soup kitchens, tree planting, relief operations, medical missions, among others.

Tan said their goal is to grow non-volunteers to become one-time volunteers and eventually transform them to become committed ones. The benefit of volunteerism is really two-fold: immediate output to the community and the intrinsic transformation to the volunteer himself in terms of perspective and maturity.

“We want to move people eventually to higher levels of commitment that creates longer term impact; this is what we call ‘volunteer evolution.’”

EDGEDAVAO

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VOL. 10 ISSUE 199 •TUESDAY, JANUARY 9, 2017

EDGEDAVAO PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS Serving a seamless society

Advertise with

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

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

P128-M... FROM 4 percent of the total amount is expected to be released the soonest time possible to kick-off the Laoag expansion project.

As cited in the MOA, the DOTr shall fund the acquisition of of affected lots and the improvements found in the area including administrative costs, disturbance compensation, assistance to displaced people, transfer and registration of land titles, procurement of the services of an independent property appraiser or a government �inancial institution and for purposes of property appraisal.

Meanwhile, the Ilocos Norte government shall facilitate the acquisition of affected lots and resettlement with the affected persons in support of the national government project.

To conform with the International Civil Aviation Organization Standards and Recommendation Practices and with the Civil Aviation

Authority of the Philippines Manual of Standards for Aerodromes, Laoag airport’s development has been included among the priority projects of the national government.

Two years ago, rental fees of stall occupants at the Laoag airport had also increased to have more funds for various improvement projects of the airport.

Ronald Estabillo, Civil Aviation Authority Terminal Manager for Laoag airport earlier said the existing rates for the developed and undeveloped portions being occupied by stall owners here were very minimal considering that the last increase was during the later part of 1990s.

From a rental fee of PHP20 per square meter for undeveloped parts outside the Laoag airport and PHP30 per square meter for stalls occupying inside the airport, the rental fees increased to more than a hundred percent. (PNA)

as royalty payments and as share of the national wealth from three companies which are currently mining in their ancestral domain in parts of the municipality of Claver.

This is aside from free hospitalization, education, livelihood opportunities and even housing provided by the mining companies.

“Sa una, nakadawatkoug P50,000, but now I only receive less than P4,000 kadatulokabulan” (Before, I received P50,000, but now, I only get less than P4,000 every three months),” said Virgilio Danapa, a 60-year old Mamanwa in Punta Naga, Claver. Danapa is one of the hundreds of IPs who lived in a village built for them by TMC. According to �igures from Philippine Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative that the Mamanwa, the indigenous peoples of Surigao del Norte, receive millions of royalty, a minimum of 1 percent from the �irms’ gross production. In 2016 alone, they received a total of P188.81 million from TMC and Platinum Group Metals Corporation, Danapa hinted that their present economic condition is getting worse because their supposed share of the national

wealth is almost uncertain owing to their tribal chieftain’s non remittance to most of the tribal families.

The problem is not if the �irms gave to the tribes but if their tribal leaders share it equitably with their members.

Danapa, said there are many things they could not understand about the distribution of the royalties and now there are back to the forest to hunt for wild boar and as wood gatherer for fuel to make ends meet.

As members of the Mamanwa community who own the ancestral lands rich in nickel and copper ore, each of them receive a portion of the windfall.

Ronald Asignacion, Community relations of�icer of TMC laments that despite their prodding for the tribe to be cohesive in planning towards the attainment of a sustainable economic existence, the tribe refused to take heed and instead its members have factionalized.

“They could have been well off, considering that we gave them millions of royalties but we couldn’t do anything more about it, we remit the payment through their chieftains because it is according to the agreement we signed,” Asignacion said.

Army’s 6ID spokesman, said troops on the ground monitored “rebels’ communication” indicating they suffered more casualties than what the Army had recovered.

“We will sustain our focused military operation that gains substantial result,” Dela

Vega said as he directed his men to always think one step ahead of the enemy.

With the possibility of retaliatory offensives from lawless groups, government forces have remained on high alert status in Maguindanao. (PNA)

REPORTERS... FROM 4

6... FROM 6

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 199 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 9 , 2018

HATMAN... FROM 6 During the program, Hataman, with the assistance of ARMM Executive Secretary Laisa Alamia, also led the unveiling of the new 5S character named Walee that will

promote safety and security in workplaces.

This year’s 5S week carries the theme: “Safe and Secured Workplace for Quality Governance in ARMM.” (PNA)

cording to Hojilla, suffered head contusions and injuries in different parts of their bodies. Five of those injured, according to reports, are still in critical condition.

Monjer said they came from a birthday party of his niece at the Mahomanay Hot Spring and Resort at Lake Agko and were headed back to the city when the accident happened.

He never thought the party could end in tragedy.

The three who died in the accident were his relatives.

Hojilla said charges of reckless imprudence resulting to multiple homicide and multiple frustrated homicide are being prepared against the driver. (Malu Cadelina Manar / MindaNews)

He said it was also aimed to erase possible suspicions that some of them could be involved in illegal drug-related activities.

Calanao cited that they were all mandated to undergo drug tests based on the provisions of Section 36 (d) of Republic Act 9165 or the Dangerous Drugs Act and

CSC Resolution 101359.

They speci�ically called for all public of�icials to undergo drug test to ensure a drug-free government service, he said.

“Rest assured that other members who were not able to undergo the initial tests will also take them soon,” he added.(PNA)

which according to them will be enough to supply 88,000 households.

“The Megawide construction business will continue its expansion this year, starting with Maynilad’s 88 MLD Las Piñas facility,” said group chairman Edgar Saavedra.

“We are actively seeking more projects outside the residential and commercial types to expand our portfolio.”

Megawide partnered with UEM and local company LinkENERGIE Industries Co., Inc. to deliver the project’s design and construction components.

“We partnered with UEM and LinkENERGIE to ensure delivery of the highest quality standards.

UEM brings solid international experience in creating water treatment facilities and we are looking forward applying their

world-class standards to this project,” Saavedra said.

UEM is an international environmental services company that specializes in water and wastewater collection, treatment, and disposal. It has a solid presence in the United States, Trinidad & Tobago and India. It was acquired by the Toshiba Group in 2015.

Saavedra said they are consciously looking into projects that have a big impact on nation building following its multi-year diversi�ication plan.

“This is a project that will greatly bene�it Greater Manila and adjacent provinces,” he said. “We are proud to be a partner of Maynilad in this endeavor and we are looking forward to pursuing more projects in this industry.”

(PNA)

3... FROM 6

51... FROM 6

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late ALEXANDER G.GRAVADOR who died on November 21,2017 at Davao City, Philippines has been the subject of an EXTRA JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE WITH WAIVER OF RIGHTS executed among his heirs, per Doc. No.195; PageNo.39; Book No.21; Series of 2017, of the NOTARY PUBLIC ATTY. JANIS LOUIS H. ESPARCIA. 01/9,16,23

MEGAWIDE... FROM 7

BRINGING... FROM 12 And that’s all contained in a water-tight package that helped it spread across the globe’s tropical regions from the Philippines to the Caribbean.”

Coconut has been dubbed as the “Swiss Army Knife” of plants. For one, they can be made into musical instruments. In the �ilm, “Monty Python and the Holy Grail,” half coconut shells were used to make sound effects of a horse’s hoof beats when banged together. The coconut shells are also used to make the base of musical instruments such as the Chinese “ban-hu” and “yea-hu.”

EXTRA JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE OF THE LATE ALEXANDER G.GRAVADOR WITH WAIVER OF RIGHTS

The coconut shell can also be carved out to make fashion accessories like necklaces, bangles, pendants, earrings and so on. In fact, the Hawaiians use coconut shell to make the buttons for their Hawaiian shirts.

Unknown to many, coconut oil is used as a basic ingredient in some of the cosmetic soap products. Coconut oil is also used as a basic ingredient to make toothpaste for sensitive teeth. In addition, coconut oil can also be applied to skin to treat minor irritations like insect bites and sunburn. – (To be concluded)

Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD Regional Of�ice No. XI Davao City

Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD Regional Of�ice No. XI Davao City

Petition for Extension of Validity of a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate an AIRCONDITIONED TAXI Service.

Petition for Extension of Validity of a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate a PUJ DUAL Ordinary Regular Service.

MARGARITA T. ALCANTARA Petitioner.

BENJAMIN D. RUGUIAN Petitioner.

Case No. R11-EVTX-2017-12-156 (2007-XI-00156-2)

x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - --x

Case No. R11-EVPJ-2017-12-022 (2003-XI-00022-DS)

x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - --x

NOTICE OF HEARING

NOTICE OF HEARING

Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of an AIRCONDITIONED TAXI service on the route: WITHIN DAVAO CITY to any point in Region XI with the use of ONE (1) unit, which Certificate will expire on December 31, 2017. In the petition filed on December 29, 2017, petitioner requests authority to extend the validity of the said Certificate to operate along the same route with the use of the same unit previously authorized.

Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of a PUJ Ordinary Regular service on the route: DIGOS CITY – MALALAG (DAVAO DEL SUR) AND VICE VERSA and for cargoes as dual service from said route to any point in Region XI with the use of ONE (1) unit, which Certificate will expire on April 8, 2018. In the petition filed on December 29, 2017, petitioner requests authority to extend the validity of the said Certificate to operate along the same route with the use of the same unit previously authorized.

NOTICE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on JANUARY 22, 2018 at 8:30 a.m. at this office at the above address.

At least, TEN (10) days prior to the above date petitioner shall publish this Notice once in a newspaper of local circulation.

Parties opposed to the granting of the petition must file their written opposition supported by documentary evidence on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same to the petitioner, and may if they so, desire appear on said date and time.

This petition will be acted upon by this Board on the basis of its records and the documentary evidence submitted by the parties, unless the Board deems it necessary to receive additional documentary and/or oral evidence.

WITNESS the Atty. TERESITA DELA PEÑA-YÑIGUEZ , Regional Director, this 3rd day of January 2018 at Davao City.

Atty. CATTLEYA B. ACAYLAR Attorney IV

Petitioner, Margarita T. Alcantara Counsel, Atty. Ernesto Raphael V. Robillo

NOTICE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on JANUARY 24, 2018 at 8:30 a.m. at this office at the above address.

At least, TEN (10) days prior to the above date petitioner shall publish this Notice once in a newspaper of local circulation.

Parties opposed to the granting of the petition must file their written opposition supported by documentary evidence on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same to the petitioner, and may if they so, desire appear on said date and time.

This petition will be acted upon by this Board on the basis of its records and the documentary evidence submitted by the parties, unless the Board deems it necessary to receive additional documentary and/or oral evidence.

WITNESS the Atty. TERESITA DELA PEÑA-YÑIGUEZ , Regional Director, this 3rd day of January 2018 at Davao City.

Atty. CATTLEYA B. ACAYLAR Attorney IV Petitioner, Benjamin D. Ruguian Counsel, Atty. Placido A. Garde

12

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AGRITRENDS

VOL. 10 ISSUE 199 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 9 , 2018

Bringing back the golden days of coconut industry (Second of Three Parts)

Coconut trees

TEXT AND PHOTOS BY HENRYLITO D. TACIO

W

hile the coconut industry is touted as “the lifeblood of the Philippine agriculture,” it is not given much attention in recent years. In fact, the country’s coconut production and productivity are both declining.

In 2016, the coconut production settled at 12.59 million metric tons, 15% lower than the 14.81 metric tons produced the previous year, the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) reports.

Aside from the usual weather problems – droughts and typhoons – another cause of lower production is that 15% to 20% (about 52 million to 70 million) of the country’s 350 million coconut trees are old, thus producing fewer nuts.

One possible solution is to plant more coconut trees.

Early this year, the PCA announced that it will plant at least 20 million seedlings and the same number of seedlings in the coming years.

It takes about four years for a seedling to mature. As such, the �igure is still suf�icient to replace the aging coconut trees, according to PCA Administrator Avelino Andal.

“In 2018, we will ask for a bigger budget in order for us to plant more coconut seedlings,” Andal was quoted as saying. “Our budget should not go down below P5 billion, which will allow us to plant at least 40 million seedlings per year.”

As demand continues to grow around the world, the Philippines expects revenues from coconut export to increase 10% to 20% over the next two years.

Andal said the exports will grow exponentially as the country wasn’t able to meet even 50% of the demand for coco �iber alone. It is also not meeting 50% of the coco sugar demand.

Europe is currently the biggest importer of the coconut products from the Philippines. Russia and China have been tapped as new markets in the coming years.

Instead of copra, Filipino coconut farmers are now

switching to other coconut by-products. Benjamin R. Lao, of barangay Eman, in Bansalan, Davao del Sur, is now exporting coconut syrup to the United States. He also sells coconut sap products to organic food brands in Australia, Germany, and the United Kingdom.

“About 80% of our products are exported,” said Lao, who has been named Outstanding Farmer twice by the Department of Agriculture.

Coconuts are not only healthy and planting them can also be environment-friendly. As the country is fast depleting its forest cover, coconuts can be used to reforest the denuded areas. The coconut tree meets the criteria of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization as “forest.”

In November 17, 2005, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has already included coconut as a reforestation crop through Administrative Order No. 2005-25.

By planting more coconuts, the Philippines can help stave off the effects of climate change. “Our coconut areas could be developed for income generating carbon sequestration projects and carbon credit market,” pointed out Severino S. Magat, agricultural scientist at PCA. Carbon sequestration describes long-term storage of carbon dioxide or other forms of carbon to either mitigate or defer global warming and avoid dangerous climate change. Carbon dioxide, in the form of gas, can be sequestered out of the atmosphere through photosynthesis. The carbon dioxide is converted into sugar by the plant or emitted back to the air through perspiration.

Carbon stored in plant

Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD Regional Of�ice No. XI Davao City

Petition for Extension of Validity of a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate a PUJ DUAL Ordinary Regular Service.

Case No. R11-EVPJ-2017-12-871 (2003-XI-00871)

PURIZA M. LUZON, Petitioner.

x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - --x

NOTICE OF HEARING Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of a PUJ Ordinary Regular service on the route: LASANG VIA SASA and for cargoes as dual service from said route to any point in Region XI with the use of ONE (1) unit, which Certificate will expire on June 17, 2018. In the petition filed on December 29, 2017, petitioner requests authority to extend the validity of the said Certificate to operate along the same route with the use of the same unit previously authorized.

NOTICE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on JANUARY 29, 2018 at 8:30 a.m. at this office at the above address.

At least, TEN (10) days prior to the above date petitioner shall publish this Notice once in a newspaper of local circulation.

parts other than the stem wood or trunk are generally decomposable biomass which eventually becomes a part of the soil organic matter of which the more stable component is the 50% soil organic carbon.

In his paper, “Productive and Sustainable Coconut Farming Ecosystems as Potential Carbon Sinks in Climate Change Minimization: A Review and Advisory Notes,” Magat explained the important role of the coconut lands against the negative impacts of climate change.

In coconut, as in most tree crops, carbon is stored

or sequestered both by the biomass and the soil of the ecosystem, indicating that the biomass and the soil are the main carbon sinks of atmospheric carbon dioxide.

These “carbon sinks” could be regulated and managed to a great extent by following proper cropping practices, according to Magat.

A two-year study conducted by PCA showed the annual rate of carbon sequestration in local tall variety coconut crop is 4.78 tons carbon per hectare. That is equivalent to 17.54 tons of carbon dioxide per hectare, Magat claimed.

Coconuts are referred to

as “Man’s most useful tree,” “King of the tropical �lora,” “Tree of abundance,” “Tree of heaven,” and “Tree of life.”

Known in the science world as Cocos nucifera, it is the most important of cultivated palms and the most widely distributed of all palms.

Bloomberg, in a news feature, pointed out: “The key to the coconut’s popularity comes from the many products tat a single nut produces. One package offers a high-energy food, a versatile oil, a nutrient-rich water, and coir – a �iber that’s used to make rope and bedding.

BRINGING,P11

Parties opposed to the granting of the petition must file their written opposition supported by documentary evidence on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same to the petitioner, and may if they so, desire appear on said date and time.

This petition will be acted upon by this Board on the basis of its records and the documentary evidence submitted by the parties, unless the Board deems it necessary to receive additional documentary and/or oral evidence.

WITNESS the Atty. TERESITA DELA PEÑA-YÑIGUEZ , Regional Director, this 3rd day of January 2018 at Davao City.

Atty. CATTLEYA B. ACAYLAR Attorney IV

Petitioner, Puriza M. Luzon Counsel, Atty. Placido A. Garde

VOL. 10 ISSUE 199 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 9 , 2018

NEWS13

EDGEDAVAO

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

is in need of

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

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

Mother and child walk past shelves that had been emptied of sliced loaf bread over the holidays in a mall supermarket in Digos City Monday (8 January

2018). Sliced bread features prominently during the Filipinos’ media noche meal on New Year’s Eve. MindaNews photo by ERIC S.B. LIBRE

BUKIDNON... FROM 5 mag-Pulangi lateral line.

Tortola described it as “just like a superhighway where electricity passes through the line” and collects a corresponding toll fee from

its clients, Fibeco and Buseco, which are tasked to distribute energy to the end-users.

“In essence, whatever income BSTC derives from its operations eventually

redounds to ECs because it could be plowed back either as a form of a reduction of rates or of their capital expenditures,” Tortola explained.

(PNA)

Booker’s 3-pointer gave Phoenix a 74-60 lead with 7:56 left in the third, but the Thunder responded with a 15-2 run.

Westbrook made one of two free throws to cap the outburst and cut the lead to 76-75 with 5:03 left in the period.

Bender’s 3 ignited a 14-4 Suns surge, Jackson’s 3-pointer

boosting the lead to 90-79 with 32 seconds left in the quarter.

Carmelo Anthony’s three-point play cut the lead to 90-82 entering the fourth.

Bender sank two more 3s to start a 14-2 outburst that put Phoenix up 107-89 after Tyler Ulis’ 3-pointer with 6:42 remaining.

TIP-INS Thunder: Westbrook missed four of seven free throws. The Thunder were 12 of 21 at the line. ... Terrance Ferguson fouled out with 7:42 to play. ... George and Westbrook are 1-2 in the NBA in steals.

George had one, Westbrook two in the game.

SUNS... FROM 15

EDGEDAVAO

14 MOTORING

VOL. 10 ISSUE 199 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 9 , 2018

Non-roadworthy jeepneys weeded out

T

he i-ACT or Inter-Agency Council on Traffic, collectively made up of the Land Transportation Franchising & Regulatory Board (LTFRB), Land Transportation Office (LTO), Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), and the Philippine National Police – Highway Patrol Group (PNP – HPG) has started to weed out decrepit and polluting passenger jeepneys under the Tanggal Bulok, Tanggal Usok program.

Supporting the government’s PUV Modernization Program, this campaign will entail a “360-degree check of PUVs’ road worthiness.”

According to i-ACT, they will not be issuing tickets yet, rather it will serve as a warning to PUV drivers and operators to comply with road worthiness standards.

Although the Department of Transportation (DOTr) has clari�ied that jeepneys are not

being phased out under the PUV Modernization program, they seek to transition today’s PUVs into “high-quality public transit vehicles” that can be more comfortable, clean, and safe.

Tanggal Bulok, Tanggal Usok has chosen three major thoroughfares: EDSA, Commonwealth Avenue, and Marcos Highway for its pilot implementation. If successful, they plan to deploy this to more areas nationwide.

OUT OF THE ROAD. The government has started to weed out non-roadworthy and polluting jeepneys.

China bans sale of 553 cars

F BAN. The Chinese ban included a Audi sedan, Mercedes Benz sedan and Chevrolet sedan.

Toyota to merge 3 aftermarket versions

T

oyota Motor Corporation is merging three of its vehicle customization companies: Toyota Technocraft Co., Ltd., J-TACS Corporation, and Toyota Modellista International Corporation into one entity starting April 1 of this year.

In order to maintain global competitiveness, Toyota aims to reduce overlapping �ields of business to streamline its operations. Furthermore, this move is said to better serve their customers’ diversi�ied needs, especially in the �ield of vehicle

customization.

Among the three brands, Toyota Technocraft is the most known because of its brand Toyota Racing Development or TRD. Meanwhile, Toyota Modellista, which sells parts under the Modellista brand is known more in the Japanese Domestic Market offering parts for several Toyota and even Lexus models.

J-TACS does modi�ication and conversion of Japanese vehicles for export such as ambulances.

With a capital of 1.7 billion yen (~ P 850 million) the new

company’s name will be announced at a later time. What is known is that the new company will deal in the “strengthening of product development capability and cost competitiveness in the conversion and accessories �ield.” It will also be responsible for supporting various motorsports programs and provide aftermarket parts and accessories to Toyota customers.

Toyota Motor Corporation hasn’t made an announcement yet if this merger will mean the end of its TRD brand.

rom one of the worst polluters in the world, to a strong voice in the �ight against air pollution. As the world greeted the new year, China has banned the production and sale of 553 car models because it does not meet the government’s tough new fuel consumption and emissions standards.

Although the complete list of 553 vehicles isn’t available, a report by Bloomberg News says that at least one Audi, one Mercedes-Benz, and one Chevrolet model are included.

Identi�ied in the list are the Audi FV7145LCDBG, Chevrolet SGM7161DAA2 sedan, and Mercedes-Benz BJ7302ETAL2 sedan. These are internal code

names for the Audi Q3, Chevrolet Cruze, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. In China, these vehicles use older powertrains that don’t meet the new emissions regulations.

China’s hardline stance against air pollution has meant that its capital, Beijing, has seen the biggest improvement in air quality in at least 9 years. It’s actually netted a 20 percent change for the better in 2017.

In fact, pollution in India is now deemed worse according to risk consultancy group Verisk Maplecroft. This is followed by Bangladesh and Thailand.

Still, analysts say there is still a lot of work that needs to be done since Beijing and the rest of Northern China sees

bouts of smog regularly.

To that end, China has set goals for electric and plug-in hybrid cars to make up at least one �ifth (20 percent) of total Chinese auto sales by 2025.

They have done so by extending incentives until 2020 for EV and hybrid vehicle buyers. The government is also looking to ban conventional gasoline and diesel-powered cars from plying major cities and roads in the near future.

In the Philippines, the government has taken more concrete steps to address air pollution as well. This includes the full implementation of the Euro 4 emissions standards as well as a revised excise tax system that favors electri�ied vehicles.

EDGEDAVAO

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SPORTS

Veguillas Cup set Jan. 26-28 T

he Philippine Karatedo Federation (PKF) has announced on Sunday the staging of the Manuel Veguillas Memorial Cup from January 26 to 28 at the Mall of Asia’s Music Hall.

According to national coach Richard Lim, the three-day event is in honor of Association for the Advancement of Karatedo (AAK) founder Manuel “Pocholo” Veguillas III, who passed away last year.

Lim, a former national athlete who has won medals for the country, said Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Brunei, Malaysia and India con�irmed their participa-

tion in the tournament.

Lim said PKF members are joining the tournament, which is open to all karate clubs. Registration is ongoing and will end on January 14.

A training camp for advance kumite wll be conducted by Shin Tsukii Sense on January 26.

The competition for all events in Cadets, Juniors, Seniors and Veterans will be on January 27 while the

events in the 13-under category will be held on January 28.

According to the AAK website, Veguillas was considered as the father of Philippine karate. He founded the PKF after the Southeast Asian Games in 1987 and served as its president until 2000. Under his leadership, the Philippines won 72 medals, including 41 golds, in various international tournaments.

In 2004, Veguillas established the Philippine Skating Union (PSU).

Under his leadership, PSU has produced �igure skater Michael Christian Martinez, the �irst Filipino to compete in the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics.

(PNA)

FUTILE EFFORT. Oklahoma City Thunder forward Paul George (13) drives on Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker in the first half.

Suns turn back Thunder 114-100

Spurs’Leonard has shoulder injury P

P

ORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich says forward Kawhi Leonard has a partial tear in his left shoulder.

Popovich revealed the injury Sunday before San Antonio’s game against the Trail Blazers. It was not immediately known how

E

serious or extensive the tear is.

Leonard sustained the injury during the Spurs’ 103-89 win Friday over the Phoenix Suns. ‘’It’s too bad because he was starting to get back into form a little bit after playing a couple of games,’’ Popovich told reporters

lections for the highest post in the Philippine Olympic Committee have been nulli�ied by a recent decision handed down by a regional trial court.

This is how I understand it. The decision cited the lack of democratic process in the conduct of the POC elections.

This means that incumbent POC president Peping Cojuangco will face anew his rival, Ricky Vargas, who challenged the former in November 2016 but whom he defeated via technical disquali�ication.

It is a vindication of sorts for Vargas, president of the Alliance of Boxing Associations of the Philippines (ABAP) and his partner, Cong. Bambol Tolentino of cycling, who aspired for the chairmanship of the POC board and was similarly disquali�ied.

Vargas was disquali�ied by the POC Comelec for his “inactive” participation in POC assemblies and meetings.

gathered.

The game against the Suns was just Leonard’s eighth appearance of the season after missing the �irst 27 games with right quadriceps tendinopathy.

Leonard had 21 points and three rebounds in 29 minutes against Phoenix.

15

HOENIX (AP) -- Dragan Bender scored 17 of his career-high 20 points in the second half, rookie Josh Jackson had 17 points and 10 rebounds in his �irst career double-double, and the Phoenix reserves helped the Suns beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 114-100 on Sunday night.

Bender made a career-best six 3-pointers, going 5 of 6 in the second half. The Suns beat the Thunder for the third straight time dating to last season, with all three wins coming in Phoenix.

Russell Westbrook had his 14th tri-

ple-double of the season and second in a row with 26 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds, but Oklahoma City never led after the �irst quarter. Paul George added 19 points and Steven Adams 18 for the Thunder.

Devin Booker scored 26 and T.J. Warren 23 for Phoenix.

The Suns took the lead for good in the �irst quarter and were up by nine at the half.

The Thunder cut it to one in the third quarter before Bender’s sharpshooting lifted Phoenix back in control.

SUNS,P13

New POC polls

The POC charter states that the president or chairperson of a national sports association can qualify to run for the POC presidency “provided that he/ she has been actively taking part in POC deliberations and affairs, assemblies and meetings.

“Active participation” is translated as “personal and physical attendance” by Vargas which he has not been, as alleged by the Cojuangco camp during the election proceedings.

Because Vargas had allegedly not been showing himself physically in POC meetings and merely sends a representative (the ABAP executive director or sec-gen), this was translated to mean his disinterest in the affairs of the POC and was thus deemed “inactive” and disquali�ied to run for the post.

This is the accepted traditional practice by NSAs in the POC organization.

The POC constitution

SPECKS OF LIFE Fred C. Lumba and by-laws were effectively amended following the assumption of Cojuangco of the POC helm in 2000.

Many NSA of�icials have been loudly objecting to this amendment because they observed that the provision would serve only vested interests of those at the POC helm who wanted to stay longer in of�ice.

In sum, all threats – perceived or real - to the

Cojuangco leadership were disabled and gotten rid of that enabled the former to wear the all-embracing mantle of autocratic power.

The sports community had, in fact, observed how the then authority seated at the Philippine Sports Commission had kowtowed to all the wishes of the POC bigwigs especially when it comes to granting of �inancial subsidies.

Vargas is backed by business tycoon Manuel V. Pangilinan or MVP to his hordes of supporters and fans.

Pangilinan, who also presides over the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, was even earlier buzzed to be the one running for the POC top post but for some reasons pushed his protégé Vargas instead.

Cojuangco may yet �ile an MR to appeal the RTC decision but I don’t think it will be overturned by the appellate court or whichever forum he may seek to secure a redress.

In fact, if Malacanang wills it, it can persuade the 83-year old former Tarlac congressman to accede to the court authority by facing a new round of balloting.

Or he may, in delicadeza, completely relinquish the POC throne.

The failure of Cojuangco to provide the ideal leadership in sixteen years as POC chief is the principal reason for NSAs led by ABAP to launch a reform-the-POC movement.

Cojuangco has ignored pleas for him to step down despite failures to produce the country’s �irst Olympic gold medal in four consecutive Olympic stints.

There is a silver lining in the sports horizon after all. (Email your feedback to fredlumba@ yahoo.com.) Isaiah 30:18. “Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him.” GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

INTENSE

Ancajas steadily progressing in camp

GETTING THERE. World champion Jerwin Ancajas of Panabo City has intensified his training fot the February 3 defense of his title in the United States.

D

abawenyo world champion Jerwin Ancajas is not taking any chances.

With less than a month before his much anticipated �irst appearance on US soil, the Panabo City native and former Almendras Gym rat has been nothing but dead serious in training.

Manila Bulletin boxing writer Nick Giongco reported that Ancajas is steadily racking up quality sparring rounds

VOL. 10 ISSUE 199 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 9 , 2018

against the best talent available in his remote training camp in the rugged terrain of Magallanes, Cavite.

Ancajas has logged about 60 sparring rounds mostly against Daniel Lim, Pete Penitente, Alan Alberca and John Mark Alimani from the time he kicked off his training for the Feb. 3 fourth title defense of the International Boxing Federation (IBF) super-�lyweight title

against Mexican Israel Gonzalez in Corpus Christi, Texas.

The report also said there is a plan to beef up the battery of sparmates with the addition of Ernesto Saulong, according to Ancajas’ chief handler and lead trainer Joven Jimenez.

Ancajas’ American debut will be promoted by Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum, whose Top Rank Inc. is bringing the world title �ight at the

10,000-capacity American Bank Center.

Owing to the magnitude of the �ight, an event Ancajas believes will catapult him to prominence in the US, he has decided not to leave his training headquarters until his team departs for Los Angeles on Jan. 25.

Jimenez readily agrees, saying “an opportunity to �ight in the US doesn’t come every day.”

“We’ve gone used to the

weather conditions here (in Magallanes, Cavite) and I feel that he might get sick or his mindset gets messed up if we transfer somewhere else,” said Jimenez.

“So, we’ll be staying here until we leave for the US,” added Jimenez.

After three days in Los Angeles, Ancajas will �ly to Corpus Christi on Jan. 28 where Top rank has laid out grand plans

for the Filipino �ighter being groomed to assume the role of Philippine boxing’s �lag-carrier with the imminent retirement of Manny Pacquiao.

Ancajas, who turned 26 on New Year’s Day, defended the IBF 115-lb crown thrice in 2017, packing his bags and staking his title in Macau, Australia and Northern Ireland after winning it in Manila in September 2016.