Edge Davao 10 Issue 28

VOL. 10 ISSUE 28 • THURSDAY, MAY 11, 2017

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Serving a seamless society

EXCLUSIVE DOMAIN. Young boys make the wooden structure where a dilapidated fishing boat owned by a Badjao fisherman is placed their playing area in Barangay 23-C, Isla Verde, Davao City on Wednesday. Lean Daval Jr.

NEWS

Cops clueless on woman’s killing

By JECIA ANNE OPIANA

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OLICE investigators were still facing a blank wall behind the suspected killing of a woman inside an inn along San Pedro St. in Davao City Tuesday morning.

“The motive behind her killing has yet to be established,” said Davao City Police office spokesperson PSI Ma. Teresita Gaspan.

The victim, identified as one Rubinaire Ibara Rabara, 37, from Urdaneta City in Pangasinan was discovered dead inside a room of an inn at San Pedro St., Davao City on Tuesday morning.

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IN CAHOOTS! Senate asked to look into links of LGU execs to ASG T

HE Save Sulu Movement called on the Senate to investigate the links of local government unit officials in Sulu province to the terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG).

SSM leader Professor Octavio Dinampo told reporters in a press conference at Habi at Kape in Abreeza Mall in Davao City on Wednesday that it is high time for the

government to seriously look into the connections of some officials to the ASG. “The people of Sulu have been hostaged by ASG for the past 10 years now,” Dinampo, who is a professor at the Mindanao State University in Sulu said.

He added that terrorism is a menace that is threatening the people in the country, not only in Sulu.

Dinampo was also kidnapped by the ASG in 2008 and was held by the group for a period of 10 days.

“We want the Senate to investigate the backers of ASG, that include politicians and businessmen in our area,” he said, emphasizing that Sulu, at present, is being controlled by one political clan.

He also urged the other agencies of the government

and private groups to support their call.

“ASG cannot be defeated by military actions alone. The national government must have the will with the backings of various sectors. This is the best way to fight the ASG and terrorism in the country,” he stressed.

The group also provided the media with their official

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DEADLOCK

Duterte hoopsters held to 108-all standoff by IBP SPORTS P15

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 28 • THURSDAY, MAY 11, 2017

Lapanday backs Duterte’s call to uphold rule of law

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HE Lapanday Foods Corporation has expressed support to the call of President Duterte to ensure that justice and the rule of law prevails in the current dispute that pits the company against members of an agrarian reform beneficiary association.

“We also share in his dream that opportunities for all be a lasting legacy of his administration as he addressed farmer groups gathered at Mendiola, in Manila on 9 May,” Lapanday added.

The company said it also agrees with President Duterte in his observation that when parties understand each other and are willing to discuss the resolution of issues, the best solution is attained with no need to resort to the courts.

Duterte appealed for time to fully resolve this case when he said, “Ganito na lang. Tutal sadya na talagang pinili ninyo ako, bigyan niyo ako ng kaunting panahon” (It’s like this, since you really chose me, I ask that you give me more time.).

Lapanday appreciates the reminder of President Duterte to Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Secretary Rafael Mariano that, “Basta makum-

pleto ang requirements ng batas (So long as the requirements of the law are complied with), go ahead” and implement the law.

As a good corporate citizen, Lapanday has always stood by what is just and fair.

The company is steadfast in exercising only what is legal and lawful, which President Duterte said is part of his legacy, to uphold “justice for all.”

The President is a lawyer, and Lapanday believes that as chief law enforcer who is also trained in the law, he understands that a final and executory judgment on a case is the ultimate proof that justice and fairness prevailed.

Lapanday obtained a final and executory Order as early as September 2011 that “put to finish” to the controversy by approving the compromise agreement of the company and the Hijo Employees Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Cooperative-1 (HEARBCO-1), where the members of Madaum Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Association Inc. (MARBAI) were originally part of. It is this Order, restated in further subsequent Orders, that must be respected by all parties as

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DFA: No Pinoy casualty in Thailand bomb blasts

N

O Filipino was reported dead or injured in Tuesday’s bomb blasts in Thailand’s southern town of Pattani that injured over 50 people, said the Department of Foreign Affairs.

It said the Philippine Embassy in Bangkok is coordinating closely with the Thai authorities to ensure the continued safety of Filipinos in the area.

“The Embassy is coordinating with the members of

the Filipino community in Pattani and Narathiwat who have already contacted each other to check on each other’s safety and welfare,” the DFA said in a statement.

The Embassy will continue to monitor the situation and report further developments, it added.

Initial reports indicate there were over 50 people injured after a double explosion at a shopping center in downtown Pattani. (PNA)

STATE OF THE ART FACILITY. Davao City Jail warden Jail Superintendent Grace Taculin holds the blueprint of the proposed new Davao City Jail in Wangan, Calinan which can house up to 5,000 detainees during the AFP-PNP Press Corps media forum at The Royal Mandaya Hotel on Wednesday. Lean Daval Jr.

P1-B city jail to start construction this year

By JECIA ANNE OPIANA

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HE construction of the new P1Billion Davao City Jail facility in Barangay Wangan, Calinan is expected to commence on the last quarter of this year.

J/Supt. Grace Taculin,

Davao City jail warden revealed that by next week, a memorandum of agreement between the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology and the Department of Public Works and Highways will

Neri also said during the AFP-PNP Press Corps media forum at The Royal Mandaya Hotel on Wednesday that TF Davao and other security agencies are prepared to any untoward incidents in the city. Lean Daval Jr.

cilities while another P 49 million has been allocated for the construction of its perimeter fence.

Out of the eight-hectare lot in Wangan, Calinan donat-

Princesa Subterranean River National Park.

“We should take it seriously. Past experience would tell us that if they have an advisory like that, it’s not just plucked from thin air, they have basis. They have intelligence,” Lacson told reporters in an interview.

Lacson, however, said that he was confident that the AFP has been taking the necessary precautions. “...I trust the AFP and the PNP are already doing something about that advisory,” he added.

AFP Public Affairs Office Chief Col. Edgard Arevalo earlier said that the AFP respects

the US government’s decision to issue a travel advisory warning but has yet to detect any threat that could compromise the safety of tourists.

Despite not having monitored threats in Palawan, Arevalo said that the AFP is not taking the report lightly.

He said that whether this is a threat or not, the AFP takes all reports seriously and they will continue their monitoring activities and remain vigilant of all eventualities.

Lacson said the AFP does not want to unnecessarily cause alarm because it has an impact to tourism.

Asked if it was proper for

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PNP, AFP urged to take terror threats in Palawan seriously S

NO LETTING-UP. Task Force Davao commander Colonel Erwin Bernard Neri bares that Davao City is under threat level 3 due to terrorist threats and currently on the lookout after reports that eight foreign terrorists are in the country.

be signed so that the bidding for the project will start next month.

Warden Taculin said that a total of P 236 million worth of initial funding is readily available for the new jail’s fa-

EN. Panfilo Lacson on Wednesday urged both the Philippine National Police and Armed Forces of the Philippines to take terror threats in Palawan seriously and learn from past experiences.

Lacson, former PNP chief, made this remark after the US Embassy, on its website, warned its citizens against traveling to Palawan as it has received information that some terrorist groups are planning to abduct foreign nationals in the province.

Threatened by purported terrorist activities in Palawan are Puerto Princesa City and areas surrounding the Puerto

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VOL. 10 ISSUE 28 • THURSDAY, MAY 11, 2017

EDGEDAVAO

NEWS 3

Davao’s college in jail opens classes in August

By JECIA ANNE OPIANA

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HE first tertiary school behind bars inside the Davao City Jail will be launched on July 29 with classes to start August this year.

Designed after the curriculum of the University of Southeastern Philippines, “College Education behind Bars” was initiated by Dr. Aland Mizell, Social Entrepreneurship Institute president and lawyer Atty.

Susan Cariaga.

“Students at the jail will enroll in USEP. Inmate students will read the same university-assigned textbooks.

Once the inmates graduate, they will receive a diploma from USEP,” Grace Taculin, Davao City Jail Warden said during a press conference on Wednesday.

According to Taculin, the

Forget it says minority bloc on bid to impeach Duterte

T

HE minority bloc of the House of Representatives on Wednesday said that it will not support the impeachment proceedings against President Rodrigo Duterte.

In a press conference, House minority leader and Quezon Rep. Danilo Suarez said the 18-member bloc will go by a united vote over the impeachment complaints lodged against Duterte.

“Digong’s impeachment?

Forget it,” Suarez said, noting that it is highly unlikely that a President with a lot of political capital like Duterte will be impeached.

“You’ll impeach someone with an 80 percent acceptance rating? That is political suicide. You don’t criticize

someone with an 80 percent acceptance rating… Plus the fact that he’s doing good,” Suarez added.

Suarez said he is impressed with the performance of the President after almost a year since his assumption.

For his part, ACTS OFW Partylist Rep. Aniceto “John” Bertiz said apart from the stand of the House minority, the sector of overseas Filipino workers (OFW) will also not throw support to any impeach move against Duterte.

“Hindi namin ito susuportahan kasi sa dami ng administrasyon na nagdaan, ngayon lang kami nakaramdam talaga ng presidenteng may puso at malasakit sa mga OFW, (We will not support it because

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program will offer several components like basic education, vocational training, life skills development, and substance abuse intervention with weekly sessions of Celebrate Recovery steps.

“After a semester of ongoing evaluation, courses in entrepreneurship, languages, computer skills, health-care and agriculture, anger man-

agement General Education Equivalence Diploma (GED) will be added.”

Taculin also noted that the only difference in this school is that USEP teachers will travel to Ma-a jail to teach course there, instead of the inmates going to the campus.

The schedule of classes will be on a daily basis, morning schedule will be for the

IMPASSIONED CALL. Save Sulu Movement leader Professor Octavio Dinampo reiterates his call for the Senate to investigate the alleged links of some local government unit officials in Sulu province to the terrorist Abu

female inmates and the afternoon and evening sessions will be for males.

Taculin said that currently, they are doing profiling for the qualified inmates who could enroll in the program.

Earlier this year, a two-storey building was built inside Davao City jail, funded by SEI. The memorandum of agreement for college behind

bars was signed by Dr. Mizell, lawyer Cariaga, USEP President Dr. Lourdes Generalao, and the Chief of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology Dir. Serafin Petronio Barretto Jr., CESO IV for a Program on Prison Rehabilitation and College Education behind Bars last September 28, 2016, at the House of Representatives.

Sayyaf Group (ASG). Dinampo made the statement during Wednesdays @ Habi at Kape at Abreeza Mall on Wednesday. Lean Daval Jr.

4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 28 • THURSDAY, MAY 11, 2017

Duterte to meet with top business leaders, CEOs

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RESIDENT Rodrigo Roa Duterte will meet with business leaders and chief executive officers during separate sessions at the World Economic Forum for Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN) 2017.

“What is in it for the Philippines? He will be meeting with the top business leaders in one session as well as with the top 50 CEOs in another session,” Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Manuel Teehankee told reporters in an interview here on Wednesday, May 10, 2017.

There will be a separate session where President Duterte, together with other heads of state, will exchange ideas on economic development, improving technology, and addressing youth concerns with a group of 25 business leaders.

President Duterte and other heads of state and ministers will also discuss in another session, with 30 regional stakeholders group, ideas on suggestions for improving good governance and economic ideas.

According to Teehankee, the two-day regional conference will also provide the Philippines the

opportunity to showcase the advance of the ASEAN during its 50th year.

The Foreign Affairs official said it will also be the international launch of the Build, Build, Build program and DuterteNomics.

He said Cabinet officials will explain how the national budget-funded infrastructure program will take place in partnership and providing opportunities to the private sector.

Asked on the selling point of DuterteNomics for the international leaders, Teenhankee said the ASEAN master plan includes improving connectivity or infrastructure and logistics connectivity throughout the ASEAN region.

“This complements very well with the President’s 10-point socioeconomic agenda, as well as the federal regionalism and sub-economic regions program in the Philippines, which is also to improve connectivity through logistics improvement and infrastructure improvement,” he said.

Teehankee said Duterte will also showcase the “very important connectivity launch” two weeks ago or the Davao-General Santos-Bitung Ro-Ro Shipping Network.

ASEAN, Canada agree to enhance role of SMEs

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EMBER countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and Canada agreed to enhance the role of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the regions economic development during the 14th ASEAN-Canada Dialogue Meeting.

Director General of ASEAN Cooperation of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Indonesia Jose Tavares stated in a press release received here on Tuesday that the role of SMEs is important to boost economic development in ASEAN member countries.

Tavares, who represented the Indonesian government at the meeting held in Ottawa, Canada, on May 8, also invited Canada to intensify digital innovation for SMEs in the ASEAN. Meanwhile, Canada will continue to help empower SMEs in ASEAN member countries through the Canada-Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Project on

ASEAN SMEs worth USD 12 million.

Through the project, Canada will also help formulate conducive policies and programs to encourage ASEAN SMEs to enter the global supply chain.

During the meeting, the Indonesian government, representing the ASEAN, also welcomed the Canadian governments initiative to explore the potential of establishing the ASEAN-Canada Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in future, as ASEAN was the sixth-largest trading partner of Canada.

“The Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia, along with Canadian experts, are currently conducting a preliminary feasibility study of the ASEAN-Canada FTA,” Tavares revealed.

“The results of the study will be presented at a meeting of the ASEAN-Canada senior economic officers in early July 2017 and are expected to be agreed upon this year,” he added. (PNA)

TAKING TIME OUT FOR FARMERS. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, outside of his schedule, listens to the concerns being raised by more than 200 farmers and farmworkers belonging to the Madaum Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Association Incorporated (MARBAI) occupying Mendiola at the foot of Malacañang Palace on May 9, 2017. The farmers seek a demand

that the President will enforce an installation order in their lands held by Lapanday Foods Corporation in Tagum City. Pres. Duterte, accompanied by Agrarian Reform Secretary Rafael Mariano, invited the farmers to a dinner at the Manila Hotel shortly after and provided a free ride going home for each.

PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

Duterte vows genuine land reform for the Davao region P

RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte had a dialogue with picketing farmers at the foot of Mendiola bridge Tuesday.

The farmers, who belonged to peasant organizations from Tagum, Davao del Norte and other parts of the Davao region, wanted to reclaim the lands that had already been awarded to them but are still controlled by wealthy landowners.

The President expressed his disappointment over the courts’ usual practice of issuing temporary restraining orders (TROs) that affect the

government’s administrative powers.

“Nandiyan iyan palagi iyang TRO, TRO ninyo, hindi nakagalaw ang gobyerno.

‘Wag ninyo gawin ‘yan, kasi mabaho na style ‘yan (These TROs are always there, restraining the government),” he said.

He said he is against exerting undue influence that oppresses poor people, stressing he won the presidency through the support of the masses.

“Ibalik ninyo sa tao ‘yung lupa nila. Ipagbili ko kasi kailangan ko pang magpagawa

ng ospital, magpagawa ng eskwelahan, magpagawa ng bahay kasi nag-agawan na nga itong mga sundalo natin (Return the land to the people. I still need to build hospitals, schools, housing for the military),” he said, referring to controversial properties that remain in the hands of the rich and influential.

The President instructed the Department of Agrarian Reform to distribute lands intended for farmers, so long as the properties comply with the requirements of the law.

On May 1, 200 banana plantation farm workers be-

longing to the Madaum Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Inc. (MARBAI) in Tagum, Davao del Norte set up a picket in Mendiola, demanding the return of land previously awarded to them.

They want President Duterte to intervene and direct Lapanday Food Corp. to turn over the lands to agrarian reform beneficiaries, end violent attacks against the farmers, and implement a genuine land reform program.

The farmers of MARBAI became the beneficiaries of the government’s land reform program in 1996. (PND/PNA)

Mecca, Saudi Arabia, to become a hajj, the fifth pillar of Islam. The other four pillars are declaration of faith, obligatory faith, compulsory giving, and fasting in the month of Ramadan.

“We are hoping the private sector airlines will push through with the plans. The air industry is always private sector. The government is more on the regulation only,” he said.

He said even weekly flights would already do.

He said the tourism agency can sell Mindanao’s ecotourism destinations, in particular the “beach, culture, and food”.

“If we are going to focus on natural resources, it’s going to be ecotourism. In Middle East, what they have

there are deserts and oases.

Here, we have the jungles. So, it’s a different experience for them. We would like to encourage them to come here but at the same time, there is a requirement – that requirement is halal. I think Mindanao and Davao are very much ready for this because we have already restaurants, halal hotel. We can accommodate them if they come here,” he said.

Middle East comprises Bahrain, Cyprus, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.

Alabado noted that only a few Middle Easterners visit the city. “Very negligible,” he said.

He urged the private sector to invest more on hotels to be more prepared if the number of visitors here would pick up.

He said more tourism infrastructure projects like roads and bridges, and improved transport systems are needed for a more seamless mobility.

In Davao City, tourist arrivals surged to 459,104 in the first quarter of 2017, higher by 13 percent compared to 405,576 tourists during the same period last year, records from the City Tourism Office showed.

It added that bulk of the visitors were domestic at 423,714, followed by foreign visitors at 29,889, and “balikbayans” at 5,501. (Antonio L. Colina IV/MindaNews)

DOT eyes direct flights from Davao City to ME

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HE Department of Tourism in Region 11 on Monday said Davao City is ready to host direct flights to and from the Middle East due to Mindanao’s thriving halal industry and other things that Muslim visitors would need.

“All over the Philippines, Mindanao is the only region ready for Middle Eastern market because we have the halal, we have the mosques. Everything that they need for their practice of Islam we have it already here in Mindanao,” DOT-11 director Roberto Alabado III told reporters in an interview.

Alabado said Muslims in Mindanao alone need a direct flight for their yearly month-long pilgrimage to

VOL. 10 ISSUE 28 • THURSDAY, MAY 11, 2017

ECONOMY 5

EDGEDAVAO

New enterprise fund launched to spur farmers, business growth

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PICKING UP MOMENTUM. Damosa Land, Inc. (DLI) vice president Ricardo ‘Cary’ Lagdameo provides updates on DLI’s projects in Davao City and the upcoming groundbreaking and project announcement of Agriya, a modern

agricultural metropolis project in Panabo City, during this week’s edition of Wednesdays @ Habi at Kape at Abreeza Mall on Wednesday. Lean Daval Jr.

NEW ENTITY aimed at creating a sustainable rural livelihood through private sector led initiative was launched in Nairobi on Tuesday.

The Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund (AECF) launched

by Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), an agricultural development organization, is expected to unlock the potential of rural Africa by increasing its productivity and job creation.

“We plan to empower young people and women by giving them relevant skills to the market place,” AECF’s Board chair, Lord Paul Boateng said at the launch.

Boateng said the fund is set to redouble efforts in agriculture, agribusiness and renewable energy in Africa’s

development plan.

“We plan to increase the funding base to 500 million U.S. dollars from 256 million dollars within the next three to five years in the next phase, with special attention to gender issues and youth employment,” he added.

AGRA President Agnes Kalibata said that agriculture remains Africa’s surest path to prosperity and the AECF’s work in scaling-up investments in agribusinesses and related sectors will be critical in realizing this potential.

“We will continue to partner closely with the fund as it moves into this new era by ensuring that African farmers get better service,” Kalibata added.

AECF is currently visible in a number of countries includ-

the banana industry and other related sectors.

Tadeco president and CEO Alex Valoria stressed these key points as he explained before lawmakers the constitutionality and legality of the BuCor-Tadeco JVA during

the joint hearing Tuesday of the House of Representatives’ Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability and the Committee on Justice on the issue.

Valoria also submitted

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Only PRRD can nullify Tadeco deal: DOJ D

EPARTMENT of Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre told a joint hearing of the House of Representatives on Tuesday it is only President Duterte who can cancel the joint venture agreement (JVA) between the

Bureau of Prisons and the Davao-based Tagum Agricultural Development Company.

“The DOJ can only recommend that the deal be rescinded,” Aguirre explained. “It is not within our powers to nullify the JVA.”

He admitted that Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez had asked the DOJ to declare the JVA between Tadeco and Bucor as illegal but that he could not accede to the request because it was not within his powers to issue such a declaration.

HE non-adjustment of fuel excise taxes for the past two decades has cost the government an estimated P145 billion annually in foregone revenues (in 2016 prices) or about 1 percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), an amount that could have otherwise been spent on education, health and other social services that benefit the poor the most.

Finance Undersecretary Karl Kendrick Chua said at Wednesday’s public hearing of the House committee on appropriations that the government has proposed to correct this by adjusting fuel excise tax rates, along with the proposal to significantly lower personal income taxes to offset such impact of the higher taxes on petroleum products.

Chua said that contrary to the erroneous perception being foisted upon the public

by certain quarters, higher oil taxes will be absorbed mainly by affluent families, and not by the poor and low-income ones, because the wealthy, or the country’s top 10 percent, consume 51 percent of oil products, while the top 1 percent use up 13 percent, or the same share as those in the bottom 50 percent of the population.

“The extra income from higher fuel taxes, which will be collected mainly from rich consumers, will be used for targeted transfer programs and other social welfare benefits for the poor, including a modernization program for public utility drivers,” Chua said.

He further said that public utility operators and drivers will benefit from the proposed modernization program as they will get to earn more by shifting to better, environment-friendly engines that uti-

lize less fuel.

Chua said studies by Clean Air Asia and the GIZ show that PU vehicles shifting to the more fuel-efficient Euro4 engines will have 77 percent better fuel economy and raise driver take-home pay by 69 percent and driver-operator pay by 35 percent.

Moreover, cumulative savings from lower fuel use as consumers conserve fuel can reach P935 billion between 2018 and 2027, more than fully offsetting the tax, Chua said, citing data from another Clean Air Asia study.

He said the cheap cost of gasoline and diesel contributes to wasteful use of fuel that aggravates traffic congestion, which costs an estimated P2 billion in business losses daily and a 33 percent drop in productivity in Metro Manila alone as most commuters

tract closed 0.25 percent lower at 96.98 yuan. The December 2017 contract closed 0.25 percent lower at 96.75 yuan.

The contracts are agreements to buy or sell treasury bonds at a predetermined price and set date. They allow

investors to bet on and profit from the movements in the value of the bonds.

The treasury bond futures were launched at the Shanghai-based China Financial Futures Exchange and started trading on Sept. 6, 2013. (PNA)

Gov’t losing P145B revenues from fixed fuel excise taxes T

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China treasury bond futures close lower Wednesday

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HINA’S treasury bond futures closed lower on Wednesday, with the contract for settlement in June 2017 closing 0.45 percent lower at 96.97 yuan (about USD14.05).

The September 2017 con-

Aguirre made this admission even as Tadeco president and CEO Alex Valoria made it clear that not only is the JVA valid and legal, adding it is also highly beneficial to the government and to some 30,000 direct and indirect workers in

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6 SUBURBIA EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 28 • THURSDAY, MAY 11, 2017

Davao City Mayor Inday Sara Duterte graces the blessing and inauguration of the new Toril District Hall, Toril Police Station, Toril Fire Station, and Toril multi-purpose gym Monday morning. CIO

Climate change, plantations threaten Liguasan Marsh

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IGUASAN Marsh in Southwestern Mindanao is facing threats caused by climate change and chemical pollution owing to the growing number of pineapple, banana and oil palm plantations, a retired general turned environment advocate said.

On Tuesday, the first day of the “Climate Resilience and Green Growth in Mindanao: A Roadmap for Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Development” at the Grand Regal here, Climate Smart Network convener retired general Victor Corpus said the threats, if not addressed at once, will affect the rich biodiversity and the communities that depend on the marsh for livelihood.

He said the marsh can provide livelihood opportunities for the people if the right development programs are put in place.

He said the marsh is surrounded by nine watersheds with 16 rivers flowing to it.

“Almost no forest left in the nine watersheds.

When it rains all top soil in uplands are washed to different 16 rivers causing heavy siltation of the rivers. When rivers are silted, it easily overflows, flooding the nearby communities and cause misery to the people living in the marsh land,” he said.

These threats, Corpuz said, will drive away even the migratory birds that use the marshland as a habitat.

“Some plantations even use planes to spray chemical pesticides on crops that end in the river,” he said.

To address the social and economic needs of the people, Corpus said the marsh can be developed into an ecotourism destination.

“The marshland itself will be good for bird watching while manufacturing can be done elsewhere so we can protect the marshland proper, and

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Mayor Sara inaugurates 4 infra projects in Toril M

AYOR Inday Sara Duterte-Carpio on Monday led the inauguration and blessing of at least infrastructure projects in Toril district that the city and the national governments had funded to the tune of P200 million.

National government funding was reportedly secured during the incumbency

of former congressman Isidro T. Ungab as chairman of the House appropriations committee, who had funded several projects mostly in the 3rd congressional district, some of which are still being constructed.

The projects, vertical structures, include a new Toril gymnasium with a capacity to accommodate 5,000 people

and is equipped with amenities. Also inaugurated were the Toril Police Station, the Toril Fire Station, and the newly renovated Toril District Hall.

The inauguration photos of which carried in Facebook posts was attended by the Ungab brothers –Sid and incumbent Rep. Alberto T. Ungab, some city councilors in the 3rd Congressional District.

Mayor Inday thanked and credited the people of Toril for their continued support for the programs of the city government and its collaborators.

“Thank you so much sa inyohang pag-paningkamot nga maing-ani ka nindot ang atong gym, fire station ug atong mga facilities para sa pang-gobyero,” she said. (With a report from CIO)

Dr. Candido Cabrido Jr., ADB Technical Assistance (TA) team leader and a specialist of the National Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Management, said the nine LGUs now have their green houses gases (GHG) reduction plans, environment resources accounting for green economy as well as investment plans.

The nine pilot LGUs are

Baganga, Boston and Cateel in Davao Oriental ; Naga, Milaor and San Fernando in Camarines Sur; and Quezon City, Marikina City and Cainta, Rizal.

The project is funded by the Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction (JFPR). It aims to assist the Climate Change Commission (CCC) in demonstrating green growth and climate

resilience alternatives in LGUs within critical watersheds.

During the study, Cabrido said they found out that these LGUs needed capacity building to develop a roadmap to address climate change issues.

He said the beneficiaries, especially those in Davao Oriental, have no updated Comprehensive Land Use

ADB lauds 9 LGUs for starting climate change plans

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HE Asian Development Bank has lauded the commitment of nine pilot local government units to scale up their climate change adaptation and mitigation plans.

The pilot LGUs underwent a 36-month capacity building under the Climate Resilience and Green Growth in Critical Watersheds project.

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Kids in DavOr village get digital library platform LGU, Kidapawan City diocese join

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DIGITAL library platform called “Starbooks” has been turned over to one of the remotest villages in Davao Oriental province.

Karen Deloso, Davao Oriental provincial information officer, said Wednesday that the solar-powered digital library was donated by the Department of Science and Technology to Sitio Patong Elementary School in Barangay Malibago, Cateel town.

Sitio Patong is situated 33 kilometers away from the town proper, she said.

The provision of Starbooks is being implemented by the Community Enhancement through Science and Technology program of DOST, which aims to give elementary students in remote areas ac-

cess to a wealth of science and technology information right at their fingertips.

“Solar-powered Starbooks will serve as an offline library with tons of readily accessible and up-to-date information related to science and technology,” Deloso said.

Starbooks also contains

thousands of digitized science and technology resources in various formats such as text, video and audio placed in specially designed pods set in a user-friendly interface.

Its special feature is a standalone information kiosk with information access available even without internet

connection. It is a compendium of science and technology information gathered from all over the world, making it a one-stop science and technology information source.

According to DOST provincial director Sharon Mendoza, the distribution of Starbooks in schools is aimed to increase the interests among students to science subjects.

“Starbooks will encourage young minds to develop ideas and inspire them on entrepreneurship and research,” Mendoza added.

DOST also provided the school kids of Sitio Patong with one week supply of nutritional foods and ceramic water filters. The Starbooks’ turnover was held on Tuesday.

(PNA)

hands to help drug personalities

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O help rehabilitate drug personalities, the local government unit of Kidapawan City has partnered with the Diocese of Kidapawan to rehabilitate self-confessed drug dependents under the “Parish Renewal Experience” (PREX) program, officials said today.

Fr. Decederio Balatero, Diocesan Clergy of Kidapawan, said the diocese is more than willing to help the government correct the misdeeds of drug personalities by providing them the opportunity to reform.

The priest said the plan is already in the pipeline and will be implemented within the month.

The idea of Church-LGU partnership was anchored on the common belief that persons involved in illegal drugs should be given the opportunity to change, and change for good.

Supt. Leo Ajero, Kidapawan City police director, lauded the partnership and vowed to provide the necessary assistance to the Church and the local government.

Balatero said the Church understands the predicament drug personalities are facing now with the government’s relentless campaign against illegal drugs in the country.

“These people experiences deep problems and desires

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7 COMPETITIVE EDGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 28 • THURSDAY, MAY 11, 2017

Tagum opens first tribal store

Mr. Joseph Ang, the Founding Chairman of Worldbex Services International (Organizer of PHILBEX Davao and TLEX Davao)

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HE city’s first-ever OneTown-One Product (OTOP) Tribal Display Center opens recently at the Stall 39-B, Tagum Trade and Cultural Center, Tagum City, Davao del Norte.

This project which is also named Balay Sang Pamilyanan is a partnership initiative of Department of Trade and Industry – Davao del Norte Provincial Office and the City Government of Tagum to promote, preserve and market local tribal products. Prominent items showcased at the store include male and female hand-sewn tribal dresses, headdress, beaded accessories, shawls and other hand-woven items.

Native musical instruments are also available such as the rain-maker and flute. They also boast of their tribal wine, a native recipe brewed from rice and a local variety of ginger.

The store is wholly managed and run by Tagum City Federation of Barangay Tribal Councils. Products showcased at the store are also sourced from among their members and beneficiaries of several livelihood training activities.

Tagum City Mayor Allan L. Rellon revealed during the

opening ceremonies that the city is now working on a plan to create tour packages of the city’s known tourist destinations which itinerary will include the tribal store for the guests to buy souvenir items.

He also encouraged Tagumeños who are in need of tribal costumes and accessories to buy from the store.

Romeo L. Castañaga, Provincial Director of DTI-Davao del Norte, said that aside from the initial fundings the agency had provided to bring the store into operation, it is also willing to assist the tribal group in terms of product development and any other technical assistance the group may need.

“We expect for this project to generate more employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for the members of the tribal community”, Castañaga added.

A total of Php500,000.00 of the agency’s Bottom-up Budgetting (BuB) program was allocated for the project for entrepreneurship trainings and capability building activities of tribal members, development of packaging and labeling for tribal products and printing of marketing collaterals.

TRADE CHIEF, JAPANESE SENATOR EXPLORE WAYS TO REVIVE MARIKINA SHOE INDUSTRY. Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez (right) recently (2 May) discussed with Japanese Senator Teruhiko Mashiko (left) more possible ventures for trade and investment cooperation between the Philippines and Japan. Specifically, as Senator Mashiko talked about prospects in the shoe manufacturing industry in the Philippines, Sec. Lopez mentioned opportunity for Japanese investors to touch base with the stakeholders of Marikina City, the shoe capital of the Philippines. Also discussed were the complementary demographics between the two sides with Japan having silvering populace and with the Philippines enjoying a sweet spot of younger workforce. In view of its human capital advantage, the Philippines has become one of the most attractive markets for human resources globally. According to Sec. Lopez, President Rodrigo Duterte is very keen in bringing back the glory of Marikina’s robust shoe making industry.

PHILBEX, TLEX open with a bang

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ODAY, Davao City marks a groundbreaking step towards progress as Worldbex Services Services International – the country’s leading events and expositions organizer – opens the doors to the 3rd Philippine Building and Construction Expo Davao (PHILBEX Davao) and the 1st Travel and Leisure Expo Davao today. Offering free admissions, the co-located trade shows will run until May 14, from 11:00am to 7:00pm at SMX Convention Center, SM Lanang Premier.

To officiate the grand launch, a ribbon cutting ceremony will be held at the venue lobby. Expected to attend the momentous event are VIP guests including Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte and Vice Mayor Paolo Zimmerman Duterte; Ms. Regina Rosa Tecson of City Tourism Operation Office, DPWH Region XI Director Allan Borromeo along with Worldbex Services International’s key officers, WSI Founding Chairman Joseph Ang, WSI Co-Founder Levi Ang, WSI Executive Director Ar. Francisco Flameño, WSI

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Managing Director Jill Aithnie Ang, and WSI Marketing Director JR Ang. Also anticipated to grace the affair are key personalities such as Domestic Promotion Dept. OIC Susana Del Mundo, DOT Regional Director Robbie Alabado, VDFS Chairman Benjamin Lizada, Cathay Pacific Regional Manager Cecil Marcelo, Engr. Gloria Lumapan of the Structural Engineers Association of Davao, Joel Lao of the Chamber of Real Estate & Builders Associations, Capt. Ronald Go of the Davao City Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Inc., Engr. Leonardo Apalisoc of the Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers, Ar. Alrey Jane Tancio of the Philippine Institute of Architects - Greater Davao Section, Engr. Cary Beatisula of the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers, IDr. Rosette Yabut - Arnaldo of the PIID Mindanao Chapter, PIID National Board Member IDr. Mike Suqui, PIID Mindanao Chapter Past President IDr. Hazel Resari, Ar. Evan Glece Casas of the United Architects of the Philippines, and last but

not the least, SHDA Chairman Southern Mindanao Chapter Ar. Kristin Lu. With WSI’s longstanding reputation for delivering world-class and premium trade shows that consistently generate near-perfect visitor satisfaction rates, PHILBEX and TLEX Davao are expected to yield unprecedented economic stimulation in its respective fields.

their Pasay 230kV Substation Project allegedly aimed at improving its power quality and system reliability.

“There are technicalities in that issue, however, for the benefit of the elders, there should be a consideration that the land should remain a property of SSS. It is only fair that SSS pursues its plan in developing the area because it will provide a lifetime of assistance to its pensioners and members,” said FESCAP President Jorge Banal during a meeting with Social Security Commission (SSC) Chairman Amado D. Valdez.

The disputed SSS property located at the Financial Center Area (FCA) along Dio-

kno Ave. in Pasay City is earmarked for the construction of the SSS Corporate Center of the South, adjacent to the office of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) that houses the Senate of the Philippines.

The property sought for expropriation is also currently leased by the Senate for its fire station, parking space and lodging space for its personnel.

The SSS legal team pointed out that the expropriation of the land by the NGCP was unintended as it was not included in the long-term development plan of the latter.

“It was not clearly shown why it was chosen considering there are other private-

Discover the joys of travel TLEX Davao may be the first-ever travel expo to be mounted by WSI in the region but it is already generating quite the buzz among the region’s travel savvy bunch and aspiring jetsetters. Envisioned to empower the tourism and hospitality industry of Mindanao, TLEX Davao will bring within reach the widest array of premium travel and leisure products. And through its theme of “Excite. Explore.

Experience.”, TLEX Davao hopes to foster a strong and sustained sense of adventure among the community.

Taking over a total of 1,263 sqm of exhibition space, TLEX

Davao boasts of over 40 exhibitors from all over the country; all intent on helping attendees plan and organize their best trip yet. From premium and accredited travel agencies and tour operators, the exhibitor profile of TLEX Davao includes national tourist offices and organizations, airline companies, cruise liners and shipping firms, as well as countless hotels and resorts.

Aside from showcasing an extensive range of exhibitors, also highlighting the first-ever TLEX Davao are exciting pocket events that are geared towards all things travel and leisure-related. These include the Visit Davao Fun Sale 3-Day Seminar and a compelling panel discussion to be hosted by the Davao Bloggers Society.

From the best travel promos and remarkable discounts to fun and relevant activities, the first-ever TLEX Davao is a must-see travel expo that will surely spark one’s wanderlust!

Build a bolder future Determined to make a bold comeback, PHILBEX

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SSS members fear loss of property

EMBERS of the Social Security System (SSS) expressed their indignation on the possible loss of the 7.5-ha property of the state-run pension fund in Pasay City following an unexpected court order for SSS to vacate the area.

During the celebration of the nationwide Pensioners’ Day on Friday, the Federation of Senior Citizens Associations of the Philippines (FESCAP) reacted strongly in opposition to the move of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) to sequester a part of the SSS property in Pasay City.

Of the total property area, NGCP eyed the 6.08 ha part of the land for the construction of

ly-owned vacant lots in the area,” Valdez said.

“They [NGCP] did not even submit a feasibility study as to the construction of their Pasay Substation Project in that area.

Their complaint for expropriation was highly irregular considering that the property sought to be sequestered is owned by government,” Valdez added.

SSS also noted that the project’s associated transmission line in the FCA is likely to have a negative aesthetic effect on existing government offices and on most people working in the area.

SSS bought the property from Public Estate Authority for P1.12 billion in 1993.

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 28 • THURSDAY, MAY 11, 2017

EDITORIAL

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At last, reparation for Marcos’ HR victims

HEY may represent a tiny bit of the mass of victims of human rights violations during the Marcos dictatorship, but it was a good start.

Of the thousands of claimants, 317 were awarded monetary compensation by the Human Rights Victims’ Claims Board (HRVCB) on Tuesday, May 10.

The claimants constitute the first batch of 4,000 victims approved under Republic Act 10368 or the Human Rights Victims Reparation and Recognition Act of 2013.

According to RA 10368, the available remedies of victims of human rights violations during the Martial Law period are recognition and reparation. The partial compensation received by eligible claimants is just one of the remedies provided for under the law. Apart from that, they are also entitled to non-mon-

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etary reparation to be delivered by other agencies of government. This monetary compensation is sourced out from the ill-gotten wealth of the Marcoses recovered by the Philippine government from Swiss banks. A total amount of P300 million has been released for the monetary reparation phase.

The compensation may have satisfied somewhat the economic needs of the Martial Law victims, most of them poor, but this will always remain symbolical. The real recognition and reparation comes from honoring the sacrifices of these victims during a dreaded period of our history.

It will never conceal the scars, numb the pain nor erase the bitter memory of their sufferings. That will always be in the subconscious, like a nightmare. The pain will always be there as well, like wounds that never heal.

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HIS corner cannot understand VP Leni.

At one time, she badmouthed the Philippines before a foreign group through an amateurishly recorded message, criticizing the Duterte administration’s campaign against criminality and illegal drugs.

In the next moment, she would espouse that drugs be legalized and follow the Portugal example as if mimicking a foreign pattern and concept would magically shoo away the disease like a pesky insect.

Wow, don’t we have a sense of originality? Why do we always have to look at foreign examples when we have more than 100 million geniuses in our midst?

This is exactly what makes the President blow his top.

Every time the government needed to implement something, somehow, somewhere, some smart aleck would suggest or introduce a foreign idea to make it somewhat palatable. This mindset makes us

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HE story so far: In the early discovery of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), it was highly identified only with a single group – male homosexuals.

“But each year, as the proportion of cases due to heterosexual transmission increases, more and more women have already been infected,” said a report released by the Department of Health (DOH).

So, people thought that female offering sex to men spread human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the microorganism that causes the disease. “For two decades beginning in 1984, HIV was mostly seen among female sex workers,” observed then assistant health secretary Enrique Tayag. “The ‘shift’ began in 2007. We saw more ‘males who have sex with males’ or MSM driving the HIV epidemic in the country.”

Now, the update: If in the past, AIDS was common among older folks. But in recent years, more and more young people are infected. “The HIV epidemic in our country has a new face and it is the face of a young person,” Aiza Seguerra, the chief of the National Youth Commission (NYC), recently admitted.

According to official statistics, 62% of new HIV cases in the country last year was among young people between 15 and 24 years

VOL. 10 ISSUE 23 • THURSDAY, MAY 4, 2017

VANTAGE POINTS

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Copy the Portugal program? nothing but mere copycats.

Our “stateside” mentality has drawn us away from patronizing our locally-made products in favor of imported goods from the US, Europe and elsewhere but the Philippines.

Haven’t you notice why there is a dearth of Filipino businessmen investing in the areas of manufacturing, assembly and other trendy products?

Look, we copied the CCT (Cash Conditional Transfer) from Brazil and Mexico where reports say they were a success in bringing about a social turnaround among the poor folks. (Latest reports say this “pampering” has had a negative impact on the country and their government because the beneficiaries became all the more mendicant in their approach to life.)

The just-concluded PNoy administration extended and expanded the CCT into a full-blown welfare program, transforming it into a the sweet-sounding 4Ps (Pamilyang Pilipino Pantawid Program) that cost

SPECKS OF LIFE Fred C. Lumba taxpayers money to balloon from a measly P5B during the GMA regime to a gargantuan P70B in the PNoy government.

Now, going back to VP Leni’s espousal that the Duterte administration copy the Portugal way of combatting illegal drugs: is that a surefire cure to the ills we are facing today?

The answer is a big NO. Why? Because we are an entirely different people. We have an innate ethical and cultural heritage that are starkly in contrast to the Portuguese and other peoples of this planet.

What is food for the gander may be poison for the goose.

Forgive me if I have to say that “matigas ang ulo ng mga Pinoy.”

This is exactly what we are. We do not obey simple rules like using the pedestrian lanes when crossing streets and thus avoid jaywalking violations. We squeeze ourselves ahead of the long queue because we want to get ahead. We bribe the traffic enforcer even if our inner self is protesting because we do not want the ugly situation to hinder our way to a business meeting or appointment. Don’t we need a slap on the nape (batok) to waken us up from this stupor?

So, why did VP Leni even remotely suggest we copy the Portugal experience? Would that spell success because Portugal achieved a

measure of success?

Because it is a subtle way of “condemning” in negative terms the intensified Duterte anti-drugs campaign without a bit being suspected of criticizing the same in a somewhat political manner.

VP Leni wants to be heard, that’s all.

But by doing so, she has exposed her inexperience in public service and governance. She wants to put in her two cents worth but they seem not to be worth Digong’s time.

How can Pres. Digong even lend an ear when His Excellency has long been in government service even before she gave birth to her eldest daughter?

How can a tyro – a neophyte – like the Honorable Vice President muster the nerve to suggest copying the Portugal concept?

I’m really at my wit’s end.

Believe me, Pres. Digong is not a copycat. (Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.) GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!

tion to those who oppose: If you have better ideas in reducing STIs among the youth, then let’s hear it.

Give us your options!”

Now, let’s take a closer look at the disease. After all, Hollywood actress Elizabeth Taylor said it bluntly: “It is bad enough that people are dying of AIDS, but no one should die of ignorance.”

AIDS is a disease caused by a deficiency in the body’s immune system. “It is acquired because AIDS is an infectious disease caused by a virus which is spread from person to person through a variety of routes,” explains Dr. John Hubley, author of The AIDS Handbook. “This makes it different from immune deficiency from other causes such as treatment with anti-cancer drugs or immune system-suppressing drugs given to persons receiving transplant operations.”

It’s called a syndrome “because there are a range of different symptoms which are not always found in each case,” Dr. Hubley adds.

In the Philippines, a health department report cited sexual intercourse as the leading mode of transmission. Vaginal intercourse, where the penis of the male penetrates the vagina of the female, is the usual route of transmission. Anal intercourse, where the penis penetrates the anus of

the other person, can also be a route of transmission.

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

Injection or infusion of contaminated blood, as occurs with blood transfusions, the sharing of needles or syringes, or an accidental prick from an HIV-contaminated needle is another mode of HIV transmission.

Transfer of HIV is also possible from an infected mother to a child before birth, during birth, or after birth through the mother’s milk. “A few children contract HIV infection through sexual abuse,” points out The Merck Manual of Medical Information.

Unlike other infectious disease, AIDS can be prevented by ABCDE. “It’s not just ABC but ABCDE,” explains Dr. Jordana Ramiterre of CHO’s Reproductive Health and Wellness Center. “It means Abstinence from sex, Be faithful, Condom use, Do not use drugs, and Education.”

HIV/AIDS now rampant among teenagers

old.

NYC commissioner Percival Cendaña further explained: “Out of the 29 Filipinos who get infected every day in the Philippines, more than half or 19 are 15 to 24 years old. Twenty-five out of the 29 are 15 to 30 years old.”

Last year, the Davao Region was listed by the health department as among the areas in the country that have high number of new HIV infections. The data showed that at least three cases were from the age bracket of 15 years old. From 15 up to 24 years old, the cases reported were 719.

Some 893 cases came from those ages 24 to 34.

Because of this recent development, Seguerra suggested that minors as young as 15 years be allowed to be tested for HIV – without consent from their parents.

“It’s already difficult asking permission from our parents to have a night out,” she was quoted as saying by Philippine Daily Inquirer.

“What more if you tell your parents, ‘I’m sexually active. I might have HIV. Please go with me.’ So, it’s very hard.”

The health department, on the other hand, is promoting the distribution of condoms among senior students in high schools as a way to prevent the proliferation of HIV/AIDS and teenage pregnancy. According to some AIDS activ-

THINK ON THESE!

Henrylito D. Tacio

ists, condoms give people “10,000 times more protection than not using condom at all.”

Condoms are to be distributed in school clinics, guidance centers, or health centers. For their part, teachers will undergo training on how to impart lessons on sex education. “In that way, the students are alerted that there are ways of preventing unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs),” Jeff Fuentes, the chief of the Population Division of the City Health Office in Davao City, was quoted as saying by media.

But the Catholic Church is against it because it believes the strategy would promote promiscuity among the youth. In her Tweeter account, Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial wrote: “My ques-

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statement, saying that the administration of President Duterte is yet to demonstrate and implement new and effective strategies to wipe out the ASG in Sulu and prevent its menace from spreading into other parts of the country.

“Despite the declaration of State of Lawlessness and the augmentation of military and police forces to reach 10,000 in Sulu, the ASG is still on kidnapping rampage and even expanding its target to as far as the peaceful and tourist-rich island of Bohol,” the SSM statement said.

The group added that statements against ASG are not enough to neutralize the terrorist group.

“The real situation in Sulu unfolds a totally different sto-

ry of kidnapping becoming a cottage industry with local officials acting as promoters, brokers, and protectors,” the group said.

Aside from the call for a probe, SMM also asked the Congress to criminalize the giving and payment of ransom and the receipt of ransom in the guise of negotiation.

“It is sickening to keep on hearing the NO-ransom policy when everyone knows too well that ransom is actually being paid and brokered by the local government officials thus perpetuating the business of ASG,” the group said.

SSM is also encouraging the kidnap victims to cooperate with the authorities to bring to the bar of justice ASG members. Alexander D. Lopez

Based on police blotter from San Pedro Police Station, the victim’s identify was established through her passport which was found along with her personal belongings at room no. 76, Second floor of D’Morvie Inn, San Pedro Branch.

The victim was found by room boy Junte Pelayo underneath the bed with swelling and reddish head at about 7:45 in the morning.

The investigation quoted front desk personnel as saying that two men checked in at the room at about 7:56 in the evening of May 8 and one Junaid M. Macadatar filled-out a customer’s form. At about 10:00 PM, the woman victim arrived at the inn and inquired from the front desk where room no. 76

was.

Gaspan said a broken toilet water tank cover believed to be the murder weapon was found in the crime scene. Also, there was writing on the mirror of the comfort room saying “MAO NAI MAAYO SA MANGILAD DILI MOTUMAN SA SABOT.” “We are looking at misunderstanding between the suspects and the victim as the motive of the incident based on the writing at the mirror of the comfort room,” Gaspan told reporters in a press conference on Wednesday.

Gaspan also said that other angles, like love triangle, is also being considered while investigation is still going on.

Currently, no relative has claimed the cadaver of the victim at Angel Funeral Parlor, Davao City.

the US Embassy to issue travel warnings before AFP confirms possible terror threats, Lacson said that the AFP withheld information for “obvious reasons.” “(The embassies) are concerned about the safety of their citizens. We have the same information but we’re not sharing it for obvious reasons. Because while we are checking the information, we don’t want to necessarily alarm the international community, specifically tourists that visit our country,” he added.

On April, several foreign travel warnings were issued against Central Visayas due to the encounter between secu-

rity forces and a terror group in Bohol.

The Department of Tourism earlier called on embassies to issue “fair” travel advisories against countries that were dependent on tourism.

Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo, meanwhile, assured that despite some cancelled bookings, this would not affect the target of achieving the 7-million foreign tourist arrivals by yearend.

“Every time there are travel advisories, tourism numbers lie low for a while. But after a month, tourists return.

Cancellations are minimal,” Teo said. (Azer N. Parrocha and May A. Altavano-OJT/ PNA)

which only God can answer,” Fr. Balatero said in a Mass at the Mediatrix Cathedral.

“Drug dependents will be merged with the lay people to broaden their comprehension of life and faith,” he added.

PREX, a regular spiritual formation usually given to church leaders and lay workers, will soon include the

“Balik-pangarap” program of the city government.

Currently, the program is taking care of some 400 drug dependents undergoing rehabilitation.

Launched last year, the program is in support to the national government’s campaign against illegal drugs.

(PNA)

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COMPARING NOTES. Police Regional Office (PRO) 11 spokesperson Chief Inspector Andrea Dela Cerna (left) discusses important matters with Davao City Police Office (DCPO) spokesperson Senior Inspector Teresit Gaspan. Dela

Cerna gave updates on the current security situations in the region during the AFP-PNP Press Corps media forum at The Royal Mandaya Hotel on Wednesday. Lean Daval Jr.

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ed by Louella Garcia, three hectares will be intended for the jail building and five hectares for the organic farming land including a proposed sports dome.

“We will have a state of the art facility intended for inmates na gusto gyud ug kabag-ohan sa ilahang kinabuhi,” Taculin told the PNP-AFP press conference on Wednesday.

The new jail facility will accommodate up to 5,000 inmates, addressing the over-

crowding problem of the present Davao City Jail in Ma-a.

According to Taculin, the present Davao City Jail houses 3,907 inmates but the ideal capacity of the facility could only cater 300 people, constituting a 1,006% congestion.

High-risk prisoners, elderly and those with health problem will remain at the Ma-a City Jail.

She also said that among the total number of inmates, 2,037 are detained for drug-related cases.

spend an average of 3 hours on the road instead of doing more productive things.

Curbing this wasteful use of fuel would thus reduce air pollution and other health hazards, especially among PUJ drivers, spawned by the continued use of fossil fuel in the transport system.

Chua said reducing air pollution from vehicle emissions by modernizing public utility vehicles will lead to savings on health care of P16.7 billion and environmental savings of P1.1 billion per year.

“After 15 years of operation, each public utility jeepney, for instance, will

save P3 million in fuel, health, and environmental costs.

Minibus and bus savings are higher at P8 million and 12.7 million, respectively,” he said, citing the above-mentioned studies.

“The entire program can generate P750 billion in fuel, health, and environmental savings in present value terms,” he added.

Adjusting fuel excise tax rates is among the provisions of House Bill 4774 or the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Act filed by Quirino Rep. Dakila Carlo Cua, who chairs the House committee on ways and means. (PNA)

ing Kenya, Somalia, Burundi, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Uganda, Rwanda, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Malawi, Sierra Leone, Mali, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Liberia, Ghana, DR Congo, South Sudan, Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Zambia and Gambia.

“It has contributed to growth and transformation in the lives of rural communities in Africa,” said Paul Greener, AECF CEO. Greener said that that the organization provides catalytic funding as grants or zero interest loans to private sector

businesses that have a positive impact on rural poor in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Boateng said the organization that funds businesses in agribusiness, rural financial services, communications systems, renewable energy and adaptation of innovative technologies to combat climate change will endeavor to expand its operations to new geographies in Africa.

So far 57 percent of the funds have been invested in agriculture and there are plans to expand to other sectors in the near future. (PNA)

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a sign of compliance with the requirements of the law.

The company shall faithfully adhere to the spirit and letter of law and calls on all parties to discuss a settle-

ment anchored on good faith, fairness and a final mutually acceptable resolution of this problem so we can then continue to contribute to the well-being of the country.

it is only now that we have a president who has a heart and compassion for OFWs compared with any previous administration),” Bertiz said.

The lower chamber is set to tackle next week the two impeachment complaints filed by Magdalo Partylist Rep. Gary Alejano against President Duterte.

On Tuesday’s plenary session, the two impeachment complaints were referred to the House justice committee, which is tasked to determine the complaints’ form and substance are sufficient.

Alejano sought the ouster of Duterte for his state policy on drugs which resulted in alleged spate of summary executions and extrajudicial killings; his links in the vigilante killings by the Davao Death Squad; and his alleged PHP2.2 billion hidden wealth.

Alejano then filed a supplemental complaint regarding Duterte’s failure to assert the country’s sovereign and maritime rights over disputed territories with China including Benham Rise, Panatag Shoal and the rest of the West Philippine Sea. (PNA)

give additional livelihood for the people,” he said.

He suggested to the government and its development partners to empower the communities in recycling the water hyacinths because “it clogs the rivers” and causes flooding.

He said the farmers can profit from water hyacinths by converting the plants into organic fertilizers.

He said the local government units may rehabilitate the marsh, including the surrounding nine watersheds as “carbon sink”, “This involves rehabilitation of nine denuded watersheds using assisted natural regeneration in the upper portion while agro-forestry development in the lower portion. We can use bamboo and moringa to prevent soil erosion along riverbanks, which

can give livelihood to the people. The reforested areas can serve as carbon sink in a combating climate change, de-silt the rivers and make the rivers deep enough to serve as source of irrigation,” he said.

The farmers, he said, can benefit from the marsh by tapping the 16 rivers for irrigation canals.

“If we do that we can free more than then 200,000 hectares of very rich organic farmlands that are favorable for organic farming. This can be converted into organic farming area, which can become the biggest area devoted for organic farming,” he said.

He said about 4 million jobs can be generated for organic farming alone and can eventually encourage use of organic fertilizers instead of chemicals. (Antonio L. Colina IV/MindaNews)

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INdulge!

VOL. 10 ISSUE 28 • THURSDAY, MAY 11, 2017

FOOD

EDGEDAVAO

Beachside bliss SOMETIMES, YOU NEED TO BREAKAWAY to be able to experience anew. Most often, we long to travel and embrace the fact that, though we all have our boundaries, life, in general, has none. So, instead of trying to figure out life, let us just live the life that we have always wanted. Extend an arm and reach for the sun, embrace the wilderness and sleep under the night sky or better yet, indulge in the many flavours of the world.

Like me. I indulge. All the time.

Isla Jardin Del Mar is one of the many beach resorts found in Glan, Sarangani. Dubbed as ‘mini Boracay’ or ‘high-end resort’ because of its kilometre long curve of sandy shoreline, Isla Jardin has been a favourite amongst locals and visitors alike.

Although not as powdery white as Boracay, the resort paradise is a great peaceful getaway if you are looking to avoid the crowds.

Opening its doors in 2010, Isla Jardin has 63 rooms, 35 cottages and a Sulyan trail perfect for trekking. Aside from the usual, the resort also has scuba diving and banana boat for all to enjoy. Nevertheless, Isla Jardin is truly more than their amenities – they too have a menu that will surely have you craving for more.

From their menu, their best seller is their steamed Pompano topped with crispy fried garlic bits and chives. Served with a bed of rich flavoured oil, you’d never want to stop when you have this on the table.

Not only is this dish rich in vitamins and protein, it is also very fresh thus

allowing your palates to taste the freshness of the sea and the sweetness of the fish altogether.

Another from the menu is their plate of sweet and sour Lapu-lapu. Served crispy, this dish is bursting with colours and of course, flavours. Not to mention, textures that makes this dish finger licking good. One setback though: Maybe a bigger plate next time lol!

Another definite must try from their menu is their plate of sizzling shrimps with decadent sauce to satisfy all your cravings. I personally love the juicy shrimps and sauce together – something that other sizzling shrimp dishes are not able to fulfil. More so, the shrimps were cooked just

“

Isla Jardin Del Mar in Glan is truly more than their amenities – they too have a menu that will surely have you craving for more.

right – not raw and not gummy. With or without rice, you’d love this dish.

For the squid lovers, their plate of sizzling squid is a sure hit at the dining table. Like their sizzling shrimps, their squid is cooked just right. The combination of flavours (for the marinade) is what makes this dish different from the rest. As soon as you take a bite, you’d know that this plate of sizzling goodness is something that cannot be replicated.

Self-confessed beef lover, I love to taste any beef dish on the menu. At Isla Jardin, it was recommended to try and taste their

plate of Beef ribs. Sceptic at first, I realised that the ribs were so juicy and fork tender. Though with a bit of a bite, still the ribs were beautifully cooked thus enabling you to taste the marriage of flavours without anything in between.

Isla Jardin truly is more than just a destination – they too is a must visit gastronomic place for you to love over and over again. A 411 on their seafood: Their supplier is from General Santos City – a few minutes away from the resort.

Many a celebrities have visited Isla Jardin – the likes of boxing champion turned politician Sen. Manny Pacquiao, Internally acclaimed boxing coach, Freddy Roach and GMA Kapuso star, Bea Binene.

In the coming months, Isla Jardin is set to become a waterpark with swimming pool with slide (located at the lake), 4 ft. tide pool with slide, dive site (will drop two boats; 6070 ft deep), wakeboarding, zipline/zip-pipe and additional hidden high-end cottages for overnighters.

These yummy food photos were taken with my trusty Fujifilm X-A3.

Isla Jardin del Mar is located at Manando, Gumasa, Gla, Sarangani Province.

Want to know my latest food finds? Follow me on Instagram @iamleebai and my blog theroyalchefeats.wordpress.com.

Happy munching, #royalistas!

EDGEDAVAO

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FOOD

VOL. 10 ISSUE 28 • THURSDAY, MAY 11, 2017

THE MODERN GRIND CAN GET STRESSFUL FOR URBANITES, with deadly deadlines ever looming above our heads, sometimes we just need a break just to rest our weary souls.

One way for me to destress is to eat some good old-fashioned Filipino comfort food, though sometimes it can get difficult as many Filipino comfort dishes are usually served family-style.

Try to imagine finishing an entire pot of Kare-kare or an entire Crispy Pata.

Yes, you may get thoroughly satisfied but eating too much can cause pain on the weighing scales as well as further pain in the wallet. Good thing our friends at Max’s Restaurant came up with a wonderful idea, creating single serve bowls of Max’s classic Crispy Pata and Kare-kare which they introduced starting last May 1.

“We wanted to satisfy the individual cravings of our diners,” said Max’s Arianne Pombo, “Individual diners find it difficult to order an entire family portion of Kare-kare or an entire

Crispy Pata which is why we came up with our rice bowls.”

Much like Japanese Donburi, Max’s rice bowls are a complete meal in itself and is made for the solo diner in mind. The Crispy Pata bowl comes with slices of crispy boneless pork shank, fried banana, crispy garlic bits and its signature dipping sauce.

The Kare-kare bowl comes complete with big chunks of beef, oxtripe, native pechay and

Filipino comfort food for the

SOLO SOUL

string beans, and served with thick peanut sauce, ground peanut, spring onion and Max’s bagoong alamang. For people who do not want too much bagoong in their bowl, you can ask the server to separate the punget yet flavourful paste. Max’s rice

bowls are truly a godsend for those who need some comfort food loving and with an affordable price of Php199 with a complimentary glass of Pepsi, it is a good deal.

For those who find that a bowl is not enough to cheer them up however,

Max’s also announces their Chicken All You Can promo which you can still catch on May 12.

For only Php249, one can have all the Max’s fried chicken they can eat. The price includes a glass of Pepsi but you will need to pay extra for rice.

Max’s Rice Bowls are available in all Max’s Restaurants nationwide for dine-in, take-out, and delivery. Max’s Restaurant Davao’s delivery number is 285-0558 and they deliver as Panacan, Sasa, Buhangin, Matina, and Maa.

EDGEDAVAO PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS Serving a seamless society

VOL. 10 ISSUE 28 • THURSDAY, MAY 11, 2017

ENTERTAINMENT

EDGEDAVAO

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GMA unveils cast of Mulawin vs. Ravena AFTER MUCH ANTICIPATION, GMA Network proudly unveils the star-studded and powerhouse cast of Mulawin vs.

Ravena.

Headlining the biggest telefantasya of GMA this 2017 is none other than Kapuso Drama King Dennis Trillo who returns as Gabriel, Alwina’s childhood friend who is in love with her and becomes the King of Halconia.

And multi-talented Kapuso actress Carla Abellana will be portraying the role of Aviona, the wife of Rodrigo and one of the most loved and recognized Mulawin in Avila.

Kapuso Premier Actress Lovi Poe is Magindara, a mermaid guarding Lake Venado. She is the one and only daughter of Sandawa and known to be the goddess of the sea.

And joining her first-ever full length telefantasya, Asia’s Songbird, Regine Velasquez-Alcasid as Sandawa, the immortal goddess of nature.

Playing very special roles are: Philippine TV’s Sweetheart, Heart Evangelista-Escudero Breathing life to the iconic character of Alwina, sugo ng mga Mulawin. It can be recalled that Alwina gave birth to a child destined to once again be the saviour of their race and the human world.

And versatile Kapuso actor Tom Rodriguez as Rodrigo, Aviona’s husband and Anya’s father.

Seasoned actor Ariel Rivera joins the cast as Panabon, a member of the Council of Elders in Avila and the representative of the Tabon (Mulawin half-

bloods).

Featuring in this primetime masterpiece are the hottest young Kapuso love teams: Bea Binene is Anya, the half-blood daughter of Aviona banished from Avila, Derrick Monasterio is tapped to play Almiro, the son of Alwina and Aguiluz, Bianca Umali is Lawiswis, the love of Pagaspas’ life who, after 12 years, has blossomed into a beautiful young Avian and Miguel Tanfelix once again spawns life to Pagaspas, a former owl who transitioned into a young Mulawin.

One of GMA’s talented actors Kiko Estrada is tapped to play the role of Rafael, the mortal enemy of Almiro.

Completing the cast are the following: Mga Mulawin: Valerie Concepcion as Tuka, the adoptive mother of Lawiswis; David Licauco as Malik; and Roi Vinzon as Daragit, the de facto

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ruler of the Mulawin after the death of Aguiluz.

Mga Ravena: Chynna Or-

taleza as Reyna Rashana, sister of the former Ravena King Rasmus; Dion Ignacio as Siklab, the

clandestine crown prince of the Ravena; Winwyn Marquez as Ribay; and TJ Trinidad as Greco, a soldier and Gabriel’s righthand man.

The actors who will play equally important roles in the mortal world: Angelu De Leon as Lourdes, the adoptive mother of Pagaspas, Bobby Andrews as Dionisio, Anya’s adoptive father, Joko Diaz as Antonio, Charee Pineda as Savana, Rafael’s mother and ruthless owner of Hacienda Montenegro and Nova Villa as Lola Elo, mother of Rodrigo and adoptive grandmother of Almiro.

Mulawin vs. Ravena is helmed by two of GMA’s acclaimed directors Dominic Zapata and Don Michael Perez who is also the concept creator and head writer of the series.

Catch Mulawin vs. Ravena soon on GMA Telababad.

GIMME5 MOVES UP FOR MUCHAWAITED “SOPHOMORE” ALBUM AFTER MANY SOLDOUT AND JAMPACKED TOURS FOR THEIR HIT DEBUT ALBUM, ABS-CBN’s energetic teen boyband Gimme5, featuring Nash Aguas, Joaquin Reyes, Grae Fernandez, Brace Arquiza and John Bermundo, finally returns to the music scene with the launch of their muchawaited second album under Star Music entitled “Sophomore.”

Fans of the five heartthrobs will surely be revved up as the new album features five original songs including compositions from Gimme5 members such as “First Love” by Nash and “Hindi Ko Alam” by Joaquin.

The album’s carrier single, “Walang Dahilan,” is composed

by Jay Sule and this feelgood song highlights the boyband’s teen vibe as it talks about the first stages of having a crush.

Other exciting tracks, “Napapangiti” composed by Rox Santos and “Hanggang Tingin Na Lang” composed by Miles Blue Sy, are also set to swoon and inspire

the youth in upping their “ligaw” game.

Malou Santos and Roxy Liquigan are the executive producers of this album, Jonathan Manalo as the supervising producer, and DJ and songwriter RB Kidwolf serves as the over-all album producer.

“Sophomore” follows

the success of Gimme5’s first self-titled album which gained waves in the local music industry with hit songs “Pag Kasama Ka,” “Hatid Sundo,” and “Aking Prinsesa.”

The album also received a gold award from the Philippine Association of the Record Industry (PARI).

The album is now available on all digital stores worldwide and record bars nationwide for only P199. For more information, visit Starmusic.ph or follow Star Music’s official social media accounts at Facebook.com/starmusicph, Twitter.com/starrecordsph and Instagram.com/ starmusicph. Watch the latest music videos at Star Music’s YouTube channel @ABS-CBN Star Music.

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 28 • THURSDAY, MAY 11, 2017

VOL. 10 ISSUE 28 • THURSDAY, MAY 11, 2017

EDGEDAVAO

NEWS 11

DENR-LGU linkage vital to saving the environment A

N eco-crusader sees need for Department of Environment and Natural Resources and local government units nationwide to increasingly collaborate

on improving environmental protection.

“LGUs’ involvement is essential in helping address environmental problems,” said eco-crusader and former

Puerto Princesa City mayor Edward Hagedorn after Malacanang this week announced special Middle East envoy and ex-armed forces chief Roy Cimatu’s appointment as DENR

head.

He noted LGUs are at the forefront of government’s campaign for a healthy environment, being duty-bound to implement Philippine envi-

TADECO’s position paper to the two committees to answer point by point the erroneous allegations made against the company.

At the hearing conducted by the two committees, Aguirre said it is only the President who can declare the JVA between BuCor and TADECO as cancelled. The DOJ can only recommend that the deal be rescinded.

“Actually in the letter which we received from Speaker Alvarez they are asking us to declare more or less the contract as illegal. I believe that we could not do it. The DOJ, the Secretary of Justice cannot do it,” Aguirre told lawmakers at the hearing.

“I believe it is the President who could declare this as illegal and cancel the contract immediately. However, if the President would not tackle this, then we are going to make a recommendation to BuCor that they should institute appropriate action for the declaration of nullity of this particular contract since it is the BuCor which is the party with Tadeco in the execution of this contract,” he added.

Aguirre also acknowledged that TADECO employs thousands of workers, and its positive impact extends beyond its direct employees, because “thousands of families” benefit as well from TADECO’s operations. He also said that TADECO pays hundreds of millions of pesos in taxes to the government.

The JVA forged between BuCor and Tadeco primarily aims to help rehabilitate inmates at the Davao Prison and Penal Farm (DPPF) and prepare them for their eventual reintegration to society by providing them with a decent means of livelihood while serving their sentences. Tadeco has developed a banana plantation inside the DPPF Reservation to realize these goals.

“We respectfully would like to point out to our honorable lawmakers that the JVA is not only about money; the more important aspect to it is its core purpose of the rehabilitation of the inmates which has been a proven success,” Valoria said. “The benefits to thousands of ex-inmates, their spouses and children, and finally to the communities they eventually settled into are immeasurable.”

Upon questioning, Aguirre also admitted that he has

not yet conducted any on-site inspection nor survey of the land involved in the BuCor-TADECO JVA. Rep. Antonio Floirendo Jr., whose family owns TADECO, recused himself from attending the hearing as a member of the House justice committee “to obviate any perception of personal interference or influence on the outcome.”

The hearing, however, was attended by Alvarez who had filed a House resolution calling for an investigation into the BuCor-TADECO JVA after he figured in a personal quarrel with Floirendo.

Valoria said that aside from the benefiting inmates inside the Davao penal farm, the banana operations under the JVA “create 30,000 jobs in direct, indirect and ancillary roles,” which translates to the secure livelihood and future of at least 181,000 Filipinos.”

Tadeco also said that Tadeco paid P438 Million in taxes and fees to the Philippine government in 2016 alone.

BuCor, on the other hand, gets more than P26,900 per hectare in profits and other payments from Tadeco, contrary to erroneous claims that BuCor was at the losing end of the deal, Valoria noted.

“Last year 2016, Tadeco actually paid the BuCor a total of P142,719,662. This equates to P26,900 per hectare. We must emphasize that Tadeco paid to BuCor not only the Guaranteed Annual Production and Profit Share but also the Inmates Farm Training Support, Stipend and Support Program, and Training Subsidy. The financial benefits paid

by Tadeco from 2004 to 2016 amounted P 1,620,549,230,” Valoria said.

The Tadeco president also clarified before lawmakers that the contract between BuCor and the government is a JVA, and not a lease and tenancy agreement, which is the main basis for the erroneous arguments against the deal.

SAGIP Partylist Rep. Rodante Marcoleta said he also believes the contract between BuCor and TADECO is not a tenancy agreement, as erroneously pointed out by Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre III at the hearing and the COA findings on the deal.

“I don’t think TADECO is cultivating and tilling the land as tenant,” Marcoleta said. “I don’t think the appreciation of the Commission on Audit is accurate,” he added.

Alvarez, however, still insisted that the agreement between BuCor and TADECO involves a “rental” and not a JVA, despite repeated explanations from Valoria.

COOP NATCCO Partylist Rep. Anthony Bravo, on his part, pointed out that TADECO provides jobs not only for the inmates but also for other workers.

Valoria and the other Tadeco officials pointed out that Tadeco workers enjoy the “highest salaries and benefits in the agricultural sector,” belying erroneous reports that they are supposedly ill treated and exploited.

“Tadeco has about 12,000 employees inclusive of a rolling average of 800 inmates that are enrolled in the DPPF’s rehabilitation program. Last year 2016, Tadeco paid out to its workers Php 2.8 Billion in wages, benefits and incentives,” Valoria said.

Tadeco workers, besides receiving above-industry standard wages, also enjoy medical coverage for them and their families, and have free access to elementary and secondary schools, chapels, a hospital, and recreation center and facilities, Valoria said.

Valoria invited the chairpersons and members of the two committees to visit the banana plantation and facilities set up by Tadeco in Tagum City so that they can “see for themselves the successes that the JVA between BuCor and Tadeco have obtained in the field of rehabilitation of prisoners.”

“We likewise would like you to see the productive, healthy and happy communities of Tadeco. It is a glimpse of what the Philippine rural communities should be,” Valoria said.

As for the legality and constitutionality of the contracts forged between BuCor and Tadeco, Valoria noted that as early as the 1970s, the Senate blue ribbon committee have already found such deals to be valid and aboveboard, with even then Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. saying that the rates benefiting the government at that time were “extremely good and beyond competitive.”

Valoria noted that besides the Senate, the various agreements between Tadeco and BuCor from 1969 up to the present passed through 14 Secretaries of the Department of Justice who all upheld their validity and was also examined

in 2012 by the House Committee on Agrarian Reform, which found the JVA “beneficial to the government and to the community.”

“In fact, the Department of Agrarian Reform uses Tadeco as the showcase of success of its Agrarian Reform Program.

The Agrarian Reform Cooperatives in Tadeco have today assets in the hundreds of millions of pesos; whereas we understand the Agrarian Reform Cooperatives in other banana farms have quite the opposite – debt levels going into the billions of pesos,” Valoria said.

At the hearing, Valria also disputed the other flawed claims against the BuCor-Tadeco JVA, by pointing out the following: • On the claim that the JVA is illegal because the land involved is “an inalienable land of the public domain,” the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee in 1970 already resolved this issue and upheld the validity of the agreement. The Senate panel pointed out then that the BuCor is prohibited under the law, from entering into a lease deal, and thus “we would not have approved the Bureau of Prisons-Tadeco contract if it did not clearly create a joint venture relationship between the parties.”

Under both the 1935 and 1973 Constitutions, no prohibition exists barring the government from entering into joint venture arrangements involving inalienable lands like the DPPF. In the 1987 Philippine Constitution, “there is now an express provision allowing joint venture arrangement involving exploration, development, and utilization of natural resources” and there is no limitation as to the area to be developed.

• The agreement between the two parties is not a lease but a joint venture and the 25-year term is allowed under Section 2, Article XII of the Constitution. “There is no such thing as a prevailing practice in land leases of ‘just 10 years’.

There are leases that go up to 75 years.”

Valoria said that besides receiving multiple awards here and abroad for its good agricultural and labor management practices, Tadeco’s model in rehabilitating inmates has also been recognized as a successful one that the BuCor even asked Tadeco to replicate the same program in the Iwahig Penal Colony in Palawan.

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ronmental regulations.

“If all LGUs and DENR collaborate, there’ll be no illegal logging, irresponsible mining and other environmental ills in the country,” he said.

Hagedorn’s implementation of environmental regulations helped Puerto Princesa gain recognition as the cleanest and greenest Philippine city.

It was also during his incumbency as mayor there that Puerto Princesa Underground River landed in the international list of new seven wonders of nature.

Such accomplishments and other environmental feats led to his inclusion in previous

searches for DENR’s top post.

Hagedorn expressed disinterest in further pursuing his political career after losing in the 2013 senatorial race.

He prefers focusing instead on helping address local concerns particularly the environment.

“The environment can do without us but we can’t do without the environment,” he said.

Cimatu replaced DENR Secretary Gina Lopez who Commission on Appointments (CA) rejected on technical and non-technical grounds amidst mining issues and other concerns raised against her.

Plan (CLUP), no local climate change action plans, no inventories of GHG, lack natural resources accounting, no identification of environment resources potential and lack capacity to develop their resiliency plans.

Although the LGUs’ physical framework plan and the economic framework plan have high consistency with the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and provincial governments, the lack of updated CLUP, climate change action plans and inventories of resources hindered them to access fund sources for their big ticket climate change adaptation and mitigation initiatives, as well as disaster risk management projects, with national government and international partners. ”But we now capacitate them through joint planning, training, workshops and preparation of knowledge products so that they will have deeper involvement in terms of climate change adaptation and mitigation and disaster risk reduction management,” Cabrido said yesterday.

The workshop ended today, Wednesday.

According to Cabrido, they follow the “ecotown framework” of the CCC, a proactive approach to climate change that analyzes vulnerabilities and identifies appropriate adaptation measures based on science, expert advice and local knowledge of the community’s unique conditions. ”We follow the ecotown approach and policy to converge climate change and disaster risk because somehow they are inseparable,” Cabrido said.

Dr. Srinivasan Ancha, ADB principal climate change specialist, said that holding the workshop in Davao City is significant because Mindanao is highly vulnerable to climate change.

Ancha noted that Mindanao, which contributes 40 percent of the nation’s food supply, is also home to 11 of the 20 poorest provinces in the country. ”This workshop helps catalyze what can be done in terms of food poverty alleviation and climate change. This is a challenge not only for the national government but also for provincial and local government units,” he added. (PNA)

Davao returns this season for its third installment. As the regional counterpart of WORLDBEX, the country’s biggest annual construction trade show, PHILBEX Davao 2017 positions itself as the most significant trade event for Mindanao’s construction and design community.

Headlining the theme of “Building Bolder Perspectives”, this year’s PHILBEX Davao is committed to facilitate bold new insights and far-reaching perspectives that are foreseen to elevate industry standards to greater heights. As such, attendees can expect to find event highlights that will reflect the show’s profound objective. Not to be

missed are the Architects Gallery; the WORLDBEX Lab, the PHILBEX Davao Seminars, the Philippine Institute of Interior Designers’ Mini Talk Show, and the 2nd Projeto Furniture Design Competition.

Apart from championing inclusive growth and development in Mindanao, at the heart of PHILBEX Davao and TLEX Davao is its aim of providing hope, inspiration, and opportunities for the region.

For more information, go to www.worldbex.com or follow @worldbex and @TLEX.ph on Facebook and Instagram. Attendees are also encouraged to use the following hashtags during the event: #PhilbexDavao, #TLEX.

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PHILBEX... FROM 7

12 HEALTH EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 28 • THURSDAY, MAY 11, 2017

The importance of herbal medicine

Text and photos by HENRYLITO D. TACIO

T

HE PHILIPPINES loses billions of pesos from the importation of drugs, some of which are not only nonessential but also even extremely dangerous. But unknown to most Filipinos, the country has various plants and herbs which can cure a number of ailments.

ing the stems and petioles) over a fire, then pound and apply on the affected joints while still warm.

Apply bandage to keep the leaves in place. Change the dressing every four hours, as needed.

To relieve toothache using yerba buena, wet a small piece of cotton ball with juice extracted from pounded fresh leaves and then place on the aching tooth.

For asthma and other ailments Garlic, for instance, is an ancient surefire remedy for asthma, bronchitis and other ailments of the respiratory tract. It is a medication that has been used for centuries

by Chinese, Hindus, Greeks and even Egyptians.

Science has proven garlic’s antiseptic, germicidal powers. Grated garlic was placed near murderous germs or bacteria that cause typhoid, cholera, polio and even gonorrhea. What happened? These were all killed in a few minutes.

For kidney trouble Corn grows everywhere, but few Filipinos ever take advantage of cornsilk as medicine for kidney trouble.

Suppose farmer Monching wakes up one morning with his sides and back aching all over. When he bends, he can’t straighten up. His bladder is full because he has urinary problems, like burning upon urination. Of course, it is best to see a doctor immediately to get rid of the pains.

What if there’s no doctor around in the town? Physicians, after all, don’t live in barangays and small towns.

Their families must eat, too, so physicians always establish themselves in prospering towns.

Without medical help, Monching can prepare his own homemade remedy.

But how? By just gathering dried cornsilk from his ripening corn and boiling a fistful of it in four cups of water for 15 minutes. “Let it cool and when just warm, drink the water at mealtimes and between meals,”› an expert tells us. “The pain will steadily clear up in two to three days.”

Our herbs doctor (herbolarios) know this, only they make a big hocus-pocus of it, leading you to believe that they have added other ingredients for effectiveness. Nothing there at all; it is just plain boiled cornsilk, the water to be drank.

In a related development, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)

through the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) has been promoting the medicinal powers of lagundi, yerba buena and tsaang-gubat. The efficacy and safety of these three plants have been proven through scientific research and clinical tests.

For cough and fever Among the medicinal uses of lagundi are to stop coughing, relieve asthma, facilitate the discharge of phlegm and to lower fever due to colds or flu. It is also a pain reliever for headache and toothache.

For cough, asthma and fever, lagundi leaves--either dried or fresh--are boiled in two glasses of water for at least 15 minutes. This boiled mixture is called among experts as “decoction.”

To stop coughing, take ½ glass of decoction three times a day. In addition, drink at least eight glasses of water a day to further help loosen phlegm.

If you’re suffering from asthma, take 1/3 glass of decoction three times a day.

However, if your asthma does not improve after one dose of the decoction or when the attack is severe, consult your physician right away.

For fever, take ½ glass of decoction every three hours, or as needed. To relieve head-

ache, h e a t enough fresh lag u n di leaves over a fire until slightly wilted.

Then crush the leaves and apply on forehead and temples. Bandage the leaves in place. Change the dressing every four hours when needed.

For toothache If your brother or sister complains of toothache, give him/her ½ glass of lagundi decoction every three hours.

On the other hand, yerba buena--known in the science world as Mentha cordifolia or peppermint among Englishspeaking countries--can be used in relieving pain. As analgesic, it is effective for headache, toothache and pains caused by arthritis.

For arthritis Yerba buena for arthritis?

You must be kidding! But you read it right, folks. There is yet no cure for arthritis, but it can be made less painful by resting, and placing hot compress on the affected joints.

Or, you can use yerba buena leaves to relieve the pain.

But how? Simply heat enough fresh leaves (includ-

Also a mouthwash Aside from being medicinal, yerba buena is also a mouthwash. Now, here›s a more natural way to keep your breath fresh and your mouth clean. To prepare a yerba buenamouthwash, soak two tablespoonfuls of chopped fresh leaves in a glass of water for 30 minutes. Strain and use as mouthwash.

A friend of ours once told us that she used tsaang-gubat--also called kalabonog, maramara, semente and buyo-buyo--to treat diarrhea or LBM (loose bowel movement, that is). You will know a person has diarrhea when h i s stool is soft to watery a n d when he has to move his bowels more often than two times in one day.

To treat LBM using tsaang-gubat, boil dried or fresh leaves in two glasses of water for 15 minutes. Let

cool, then strain and divide into four parts. Drink one part every two hours (until stool becomes solid).

In addition to taking tsaang-gubat, remember also that a person with diarrhea should take in nutritious solid and liquid foods to replace those that he discharges. Fatty foods and dairy products must, however, be avoided as they will worsen the diarrhea. Instead, the patient must eat foods that promote the hardening of stools, like banana (particularly the latundan variety), guava, star apple, etc.

On the other hand, parsley is considered a miracle herb. It is reportedly an effective medicine for several illnesses, among them, inflammation of the kidneys and bladder trouble. Eat parsley with your vegetables.

There are hundreds of home remedies, thousands maybe from our grasses, plants, bushes, shrubs and trees. Sometime ago, we read that a Chinese scientist compiled herbal plants in China and his list ran close to 6,000 to 7,700. Our very own, the late Filipino scientist Eduardo Quisumbing, had a book on medicinal plants and trees. It has been reprinted and is now sold in bookstores.

By the way, in treating ailments with herbs and medicinal plants, use only one herb or medicinal plant at a time. It is best to use one already recognized and prescribed by the Department of Health or experts.

Here’s another caution: herbal medicines have specific uses.

Do not use them for other than what is called for.

And that’s a health thought for the day!

VOL. 10 ISSUE 28 • THURSDAY, MAY 11, 2017

EDGEDAVAO

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

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NEWS 13

Ethics complaint filed versus Sotto

A

N ethics complaint against Senate Majority Leader Vicente Sotto III was filed in the Senate on Wednesday after his controversial remark about single parents in a previous hearing with the Commission on Appointments last week.

During the hearing on the confirmation of Social Welfare Secretary Judy Taguiwalo last May 3, Sotto cracked a joke about her admitting to being a single mother which caused a public stir.

A coalition of women’s groups filed the five-page complaint before the Senate

Committee on Ethics, which Sotto chairs, at around 2:30 p.m.

These groups include the Coalition Against Trafficking in Women-Asia Pacific (CATW-AP), the World March of Women–Pilipinas (WMW), Pambansang Koalisyon ng Kababaihan sa Kanayunan (PKKK) among others.

The complaint said Sotto “undermined national policies that have underpinned laws such as The Solo Parents Welfare Act (Republic Act 8972) and the Magna Carta of Women (Republic Act 9710).”

It also said that he “man-

ifested that he views single/ solo mothers as less-than others; demeaning and disparaging women in the same position and making them easy targets of jokes and ridicule.”

It noted that he “epitomizes the segment of the misogynist and macho sector of the society that considers women who are without men as less of value” and that “his language normalized the patriarchal view that men has sexual privilege over women and trivialized abandonment of responsibility over children.”

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EDGEDAVAO Sports 15

VOL. 10 ISSUE 28 • THURSDAY, MAY 11, 2017

DEADLOCK

HOT NIGHT. Spitfirish Sec. Bong Go fired 50 points for Team Duterte.

Duterte hoopsters held to 108-all standoff by IBP

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FIGHTING Integrated Bar of the Philippines side matched Team Duterte’s firepower en route to forcing a 108-108 draw in Game 10 of their basketball friendly series over the weekend at the Genesis 88 Gym. IBP and Team Duterte engaged each other in a see-saw battle from start to finish to cap the high scoring game in a deadlock for the second time in three games.

The outcome though kept Team Duterte undefeated

after winning the first seven outings of the series and took Game 9 by storm to cop a 8-0 lead.

Sec. Christopher “Bong” Go dazzled with 50 points to lead the charge for Team Duterte which dominated Game 9, 101-89.

Go, the sweet-shooting special assistant to President Duterte, hit eight booming triples to pace Team Duterte against the fast plays of IBP. Armand Dioso scored 34 points for IBP as Adrian Pagui-

can made 25.

IBP appeared to be on its way to secure its first win in the series behind a more flexible and balance offense.

But it was staved off as Team Duterte came through with great resolve anchored on Go’s timely baskets down the stretch.

Three players backstopped Go with double digit performance led by Joel Aberilla who made 18.

Eugene Labor made 14 and Warren Cloribel had 12

for Team Duterte.

Go put the team on his broad shoulder in the series averaging close to 45 points and shot 7 triples per game.

IBP was on the threshold of tasting its first victory in Game 7, dictating the game most of the time.

But Team Duterte pulled off an unprecendented fight back, clawing back from 17 points down midway to finish the game to a 93-all.

ABF title fight in Davao May 12

U

NDEFEATED Ryan “The Fire Fist” Lumacad of MP Highland Gym will take on Renoel Pael of Wacky Salud Gym for the vacant Asian Boxing Federation (ABF) super bantamweight title on May 12 at the Waterfront Insular Hotel Pavilion here.

ABF president Naris Singwancha from Thailand is arriving to supervise the championship fight which is part

of the “Davao Boxing Showdown” boxing presentation of the Games and Amusements Board (GAB) coinciding with the 3rd Philippine Boxing Convention.

The 25-year old Lumacad, current Philippine Boxing Federation (PBF) super bantamweight champion is undefeated in 12 fights punctuated with seven knockouts. Three of his pro fights ended in draw.

Pael, 26, also PBF super

flyweight king is toting 21 wins with five losses and one draw.

“Magandang laban ito dahil pareho silang magaling,” said promoter Brico Santig.

Lumacad previously settled a split draw with Go Onaga in Okinawa, Japan last January 8. The native of General Santos City won the PBF super bantamweight title by knocking out Juan Purisima in the second round last Novem-

ber 27 in Mandaluyong City.

Pael, a native of Leyte captured the vacant PBF super flyweight crown via a 4th round TKO win over Rogen Flores last September 11, 2016 in Claver, Surigao del Norte.

Pael then stopped Jherom Tuyor last December 17 in Iligan City before bowing to unbeaten Andrew Moloney by a unanimous decision last Feb. 3 in Australia.

VYING FOR THE TITLE. Rey Lumacad (left) and Renoel Pael (right).

Pivotal Game 5 awaits Boston

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FTER four games, the Eastern Conference semifinal matchup between the Celtics and Wizards is exactly back where it began.

Following back-to-back comeback wins by the East’s top seed in the first two games in Boston, Washington returned the favor with a pair of dominant wins on its home court.

The series now shifts back to the Garden for a pivotal Game 5 matchup on Wednesday night.

The winner of Game 5 in an NBA best-of-7 series tied at 2-2 has gone on to win the series 83% of the time (162-34), according to ESPN Stats & Info.

While happy to return to friendlier confines, the Celtics say they aren’t feeling any added pressure despite being unable to recover from game-changing runs by the Wizards in Games 3 and 4. ‘’That’s the playoffs for you,’’ Celtics point guard Isaiah Thomas said. ‘’We said it before the playoffs started, you lose a couple and you might get swept. I mean, that’s what the world is gonna say. ‘You’re not good enough to be here,’ or you win a couple and everybody loves you.’’

Meanwhile, Washington may have found the anecdote to containing Boston’s leading scorer - making the game as physical as possible.

Thomas has managed just 13 and 19 points, respectively, over the last two games, while being held to 22 field goal attempts. That comes after his 53-point night in Game 2’s overtime win.

Despite having to win at least one game at the Garden over the next three games to advance, Wizards point guard John Wall said their confidence is higher than it was at the start of the series. ‘’We have a lot of confidence, understanding that we had a chance to win all four games,’’ said Wall, who is coming off a 27-point, 12-assist effort in Game 4. ‘’Even though we only won two, and they won two at their place, we had an opportunity to win those games even though we didn’t shoot the ball well or we didn’t play great defense.’’

HEADY BATTLE. Manu Ginobili (20) of San Antonio goes one on one with James Harden (13) of Houston.

Araneta elected to FIFA Asia Council P

HILIPPINE Football Federation president Mariano Araneta Jr. was among four officials elected to the International Football Federation (FIFA) Council during the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Congress in Manama, Bahrain on Monday.

Also elected were Mahfuza Kiron of Bangladesh, Zhang Jian of China, and Chung Mong Gyu of the Republic of Korea.

“I’d like to thank everyone for having supported us and we promise not to let them down.

We will do our best when representing Asia at the FIFA Council,” Araneta (second from left in photo) was quoted as saying in a report on AFC’s official website.

According to the report, the addition of three more AFC officials to the FIFA Council is part of the reforms being implemented by the world governing body in football.

FIFA also wants to increase the role of women in football governance by having one female representative from each confederation.

The FIFA Council members will serve until 2019.

“I’m grateful to have been elected. It is an honor. I will always look to further develop women’s football in Asia and I

am fully committed to that,” said Mahfuza Kiron.

“Thank you so much and thanks for your support. I will be the voice of the AFC whilst at FIFA. We have our Vision and Mission, so I will try my best to work with the AFC member associations and raise the level of football throughout Asia,” said Zhang Jian.

“I feel very privileged and humbled to be elected to the FIFA Council. I think I’ve been working to be elected throughout the last two years and now that I have been elected, I feel a lot of responsibilities to represent Asia and FIFA well, so I will do my best,” said Chung Mong Gyu, who also won by acclamation as AFC vice president for the East.

AFC president Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa congratulated the four officials, saying he looks forward to working with them “to elevate Asian football on the world stage”.

“This result is a testament to their dedication and passion towards the development of football in Asia. I am confident that Asia will provide four extremely capable and trustworthy members to represent the interests of our great game in the years to come,” he added.

FIFA COUNCIL. The Philippines’ Mariano Araneta (ssecond from left) was elected to the powerful FIFA Asia Council.

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