Edge Davao 10 Issue 35

VOL. 10 ISSUE 35 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, MAY 21 - 22, 2017

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EDGEDAVAO Sports

Drug supply diminishing

By JECIA ANNE OPIANA

A TRUSTED CONFIDANT. President Rodrigo Duterte listens as Philippine National Police chief Director General Ronald Dela Rosa confides very important matters meant only for the President’ ears during AFAD Defense and Sporting Arms Show Davao at SMX Convention Center in Lanang, Davao City on Friday night. Duterte said he will implement a stricter regulation in the ownership and purchasing of firearms of the civilians in the country. Lean Daval Jr.

LAPANDAY HITS BACK Denounces DAR, MARBAI for forcible entry T

HE Lapanday Foods Corporation maintained that it owns the fruits coming from the San Isidro (Sanid) area despite the

re-entry of former members of the cooperative it is in contract with.

In a statement send to Edge Davao and media outlets

yesterday, the company likewise denounced the Department of Agrarian Reform, led

by Secretary Rafael Mariano, “for forcing the installation by

coercing the Philippine National Police to assist him carry out his highly anomalous action. : Lapanday also blamed

Secretary Mariano “for directly instigating the mob who became violent and unruly as the installation of the breakaway

F LAPANDAY, 10

UTHORITIES have concluded that drug supply in Davao City has decreased considerably based on the results of the ‘one time, big time’ anti-drug operations in ten barangays of Davao on the dawn of May 19.

Police revealed that they have only recovered 131.4 grams of shabu compared to a previous operation when they confiscated more than 300 grams.

“Based on our recoveries karon, obviously this is an indicator nga mao na lamang, gagmay ang drug supply particularly, shabu diri sa Davao because despite our month-long case build up ops conducted in Davao city, mao na gyud ning mga dako-dako nga drug personalities,” Davao City Police Office Chief SSUPT. Alexander Tagum said.

PDEA XI Regional Director Adzhar Albani also pointed out that the low volume of confiscated drugs inside Davao is caused by its expensive value in the city.

“In 2015, the price reaches up to P9,000 per gram but today in Davao, it costs up to P15,000 but you can buy it other provinces for only P2,000 per gram,” Albani revealed.

A total of five people were killed and 65 were arrested during the anti-drug operations conducted by law enforcers in 10 villages of Davao.

34 warrants of arrest and 18 search warrants were served including 11 buy-bust operations were conducted.

F DRUG, 10

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 35 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, MAY 21 - 22, 2017

HOT CONTRABAND. Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio checks out suspected “shabu,” drug paraphernalia and guns confiscated during ‘One Time, Big Time’ operation conducted by the joint security enforcement forces in Davao City’s 10 barangays on Friday. Five suspects were killed and 65 others were arrested in the operation. Lean Daval Jr.

Town scores versus Duterte to implement mining in Palawan stricter firearms policy M P AYOR Jean Feliciano lauded the order of newly-installed Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu for a large scale mining company here to stop its tree cutting operations in its mining tenement.

Feliciano, an anti-mining campaigner, also hailed the DENR’s directive for Ipilan Nickel Corporation “to immediately show cause why it should not be criminally

charged for violation of Section 77 of Presidential Decree No. 705 or the Forestry Code of the Philippines” for cutting down and earth-balling an estimated 15,000 trees despite the cancellation of its environmental compliance certificate (ECC) on December 14, 2016.

The mayor considered these directives as double victory against the mining company. Last week, the INC

F TOWN, 10

89% hike in drug-related cases filed under Duterte administration: PDEA

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HE Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency reported on Friday an 89 percent increase in the number of cases filed against drug personalities in 2016 compared to 2015.

PDEA Director General Isidro Lapeña said there were 47,331 cases filed in 2016 compared to 25,009 cases in 2015.

Lapeña said the spike in the number of cases filed against drug perpetrators was recorded at the start of the Duterte administration with 28,734 cases filed between Ju-

ly-December 2016 compared to 18,597 cases in the first semester of the same year.

“Under the leadership of President Duterte, with the anti-drug program as his number one priority, the overall anti-drug efforts from July 1, 2016 (has) significantly increased, even surpassing the combined efforts in the last three years of the previous administration,” Lapeña said during the May 2 #RealNumbers Forum.

Under the Duterte administration, he said that a total of 35,274 drug cases were filed in

F 89% HIKE, 10

RESIDENT Rodrigo R. Duterte will implement a stricter regulation on owning and purchasing of firearms of the civilians in the country.

This was bared by the president during the 25th Association of Firearms and Ammunition Dealers of the Philippines (AFAD) Defense and Sporting Arms Show Davao at SMX Convention Center on Friday evening.

Duterte said that the loose regulation of owning a firearm

and purchasing ammunition became the way of the enemies of the state to earn firepower in fighting back against the government’s soldiers.

“We have to revise some of the rules here, not to make it hard for you to make money but to protect first and foremost the Republic of the Philippines,” he said.

Duterte said he will create an office who handle the strict implementation of firearms possession in the country.

He said he will give the

guidelines to the new Secretary of Interior and Local Government Gen. Eduardo Año to ensure that there will be no guns and ammunition will go to the rebels.

“The DILG Secretary by June will be Año. So, doon ko ibigay ang guidance sa kanya na (So, by then, I will give the guidelines on) how to check it out that no firearms would ever, ever land in the hands of an enemy of the state,” he said.

Duterte said gun store owners can still do business

but the government just want to make sure that it does not fall into the hands of the enemies.

“Because it could then make it doubly hard for us instead of the maybe investing the life of one soldier in a fight, if you give them the firepower and the firearms, I would need about five soldiers to suppress one enemy. Mahirap ‘yan (That’s hard),” he said.

The president, however, said that there should be a

assistance to the Philippines to 300 million euros (roughly P16.36 billion) until 2020.

“We’re just telling them very respectfully: we believe in our independence, we know our problems better than you, you are welcome here, let’s do business; but we will not accept aid if there are conditions or you will interfere,” Cayetano told reporters.

“But if the aid will help us or you will help us with our present problems and we can

agree on a framework, that can be a different matter,” he added.

Cayetano said countries in the EU believed in the legalization of drugs and possession of drugs for personal use.

“So aanhin mo yung napakalaking pera kung magiging addict naman ang mga tao?

(So what will you do with large sum of money when people become addicted to drugs?),” he asked.

Cayetano cited China and

Japan as examples, which are helping the Philippines a “lot but without condition.”

“So the ball actually is now in the hands of the EU. For the EU to tell us now: one, there’s no strings attached, this is humanitarian help. Number two, that we will not interfere in your internal affairs,” he further said.

Cayetano also hoped that EU would express its support to the administration’s law and order campaign. (PNA)

F DUTERTE, 10

Cayetano: PH has independent foreign policy, can refuse aid

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EPARTMENT of Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano on Friday said the Philippines has an independent foreign policy thus, it will not accept aid from any country with conditions or that donors will interfere in its domestic policies.

The DFA chief stressed this following the country’s rejection of aid from the European Union, which earlier committed to doubling development

VOL. 10 ISSUE 35 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, MAY 21 - 22, 2017

NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

5 dead, 65 nabbed in‘one-time, big-time’anti-drug operation

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AW enforcement and security forces in Davao City launched another “one-time big-time” anti-drug operation Friday dawn in 10 villages here, leaving five suspected drug pushers dead.

Sixty-five others, including women and a minor, were arrested.

Sr. Superintendent Alexander Tagum , Davao City Police Office director, said they conducted the operation to implement 18 search warrants, 34 warrants of arrest and 11 buy-bust operations in separate areas of the city.

The simultaneous operation resulted to the confiscation of 131.4 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated value of P1.9 million, 11 motorcycles, six firearms,

a dynamite, and a hand grenade, Tagum said.

Tagum said the operation was a result of the series of test buys in 10 villages.

The team was composed of units from the Philippine National Police such as the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group and the Highway Patrol Group, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, Task Force Davao, Philippine Coast Guard, and Central 911, among others.

Those killed in the operations were identified as Mark Joseph Gimo-og, 28, of Barangay 76-A; Rolly Arendain of Sagrada Familia, Km 12, Sasa; Alex Cayao of Purok Catigan, Tagakpan, Tugbok; Jonathan LihayLihay Jr of Ilang, Tibungco; and, Louie

TWO DUTERTES, ONE STAGE. President Duterte’s grandson, Stingray, plays around the stage as the President speaks before guests during AFAD Defense and

F 5 DEAD, 10 Sporting Arms Show Davao at SMX Convention Center in Lanang, Davao City on Friday night. Lean Daval Jr.

13 barangays in Davao to be declared drug-free T

Comelec lauds study showing 2016 polls better than 2 stagings

By JECIA ANNE OPIANA

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HIRTEEN out of 180 barangays in Davao city are set to be declared drug-free, according to Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Region XI. On Friday, during the press conference of the One Time, Big Time drug operations conducted by law enforcers, PDEA Regional XI director Adzhar Albani said that soon, they will be declaring few barangays drugfree, because of the absence

of drug-related activities.

Albani did not divulge the names of the villages but said that these are far-flung communities belonging to the three districts of Davao.

“We are just clarifying the new regulations from the Dangerous Drugs Board,” said Albani.

On March, Davao City initially had 31 villages cleared of drugs but due to the new regulations of the DDB, the villages had to be

revisited.

Albani also said that seven signatories must be made before the declaration.

It should be signed by five members of the oversight committee before going to the chief of police and then to the city mayor.

“It’s not just for the sake of clearing a barangay. It’s an honest to goodness clearing.”

Under DDB Regulation No. 3 series of 2017, a ba-

rangay may be declared as “drug-cleared” if there is non-availability of drug supply; absence of drug den, pusher, user; absence of clandestine drug laboratory; active involvement of barangay officials in anti-drug activities; existence of drug awareness, preventive education and information; and existence of voluntary and compulsory drug treatment and rehabilitation processing desk.

HE Commission on Elections (Comelec) welcomed on Friday the positive review of a private think tank showing that the May 2016 National and Local Elections “was far better than the past two automated elections held in 2010 and 2013.”

“We are very pleased and we know that this conclusion is not just made by Stratbase.

This conclusion was also made

by Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting, National Movement for Free Elections (Namfrel), Carter Center... there’s a recently released Comelec Advisory Council report made up of experts from the Department of Science and Technology, Department of Education...international observers also validated this conclusion,” said Comelec Chairman

Juan Andres Bautista.

Bautista was interviewed at the sidelines of the presentation of the research paper of Dr. Francisco Magno, the Philippine Political Science Association, entitled “Technology, Democracy, and Elections in the Philippines” in Makati City on Friday morning.

“Having said that we don’t rest on our laurels and we try to continue to look for ways by which we can improve,” he added.

According to the study, its general assessment of the 2016 Philippine automated elections “is undeniably positive and was far better than the past two automated elections held in 2010 and 2013, nationwide surveys show that the electorate had more confidence in the election system.”

Duterte’s‘Mula sa Masa, Para sa Masa’program debuts on PTV4

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TOEING THE LINE. Vehicles entering Davao City form a queue stretching out nearly a kilometer long due to the stricter security inspection being implemented

by Task Force Davao at the checkpoint in Toril. Lean Daval Jr.

RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte made good on his promise to open a direct line to the general public with the airing of the first episode of his “Mula sa Masa, Para sa Masa” television program on government channel PTV4 on Friday.

The public service program, hosted by veteran TV reporter Rocky Ignacio, enabled the President to convey his position on burning issues of the day. The hour-long program was also watched by an impressive number of online audience.

During the program, President Duterte commented on a number of issues.

For one, he expressed confidence in retired general Roy Cimatu and Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, who have taken

the helm of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Department of Foreign Affairs, respectively.

The President described Cimatu as “a silent guy, (with a) very low-key personality but he does his work very well”.

“I know Cimatu, he is honest, hardworking. He is a graduate of the Philippine Military Academy,” President Duterte said. “The quality that had always been my requirement sa mga (in my) cabinet members is that you serve with honesty and integrity.”

During the program, the Chief Executive also allayed public fears arising from the recent pipe bomb attacks in Quiapo in downtown Manila.

(PNA)

4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 35 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, MAY 21 - 22, 2017

PH to host 7th Asian Golf tourism convention in 2018

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NEW LOOK. A man gets his hair done by a neighborhood barber at a community in Brgy. 23-C, Quezon Boulevard, Davao City. Lean Daval Jr.

China, PH tackle South China sea issues in friendly dialogue

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HINA and the Philippines on Friday engaged in a candid but friendly discussion where officials from the two countries tackled almost all contentious issues on the South China Sea dispute. ”There was no issue that was left untouched, almost. We touched on several sensitive issues but we didn’t dwell, we don’t impose on the Chinese,” Philippine Ambassador to China Jose Santiago Sta. Romana said in a media interview after the 1st Meeting on the China-Philippines Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China at the New World Hotel in Guiyang, China. ”This is the purpose of this bilateral consultative mechanism: to discuss issues that are contentious while we proceed on the non-contentious issues in other fields that are making progress,” Sta. Romana, head of the Philippines delegation to the meeting, added.

Sta. Romana said the Philippines side raised the issues of arbitration, disputed Spratly islands and the Filipino fishermen’s right to fish in the disputed territory. ”There have been recent incidents in the South China Sea that we raised with them

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because it is a concern: the fishing rights, the behavior of fishermen, the treatment of the Filipino fishermen in the South China Sea and they clarified their position,” Sta. Romana said.

Sta. Romana described the first bilateral meeting under the renewed China-Philippines relations as “excellent meeting.” ”Because it was very candid, it was very frank but at the same time, it was all conducted in a friendly tone,” the Filipino envoy to China said. ”I mean the differences we have with China did not arise in one night, neither can we solve it in one session,” he added.

Although differences were discussed during the threehour meeting, Sta. Romana said the Philippines side and the China delegation headed

by Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Liu Zhenmin, have found ways to discuss maritime cooperation in the South China Sea. ”So what we are trying to do is to create condition that we will create mutual trust and confidence and to build on a better foundation so that even-

F CHINA, 11

UNDREDS of golf enthusiasts worldwide are expected to visit the Philippines in April next year to attend the Asia-Pacific region’s premier golf event, which the country will host.

This after the Department of Tourism and its marketing arm, the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), announced that the Philippines has won the bid to host the 7th Asian Golf Tourism Convention (AGTC).

The DOT said that the winner was announced during the 6th AGTC held last May 7-10 in Da Nang, Vietnam.

Meanwhile, the 7th AGTC to be hosted by the Philippines will take place on April 22-25, 2018.

DOT Assistant Secretary

Frederick Alegre (in photo flanked by TPB COO Cesar Montano and Association for Inbound Golf Tourism Philippine president Connie Mamaril) said the Philippines won the bid to host the AGTC over Japan and Dubai, UAE. ”The Philippines won because of the many golf courses and tourist destinations it has to offer,” Alegre told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) in a text message.

He further said that the DOT also wants to position the Philippines as a top golf destination in Asia.

The AGTC gathers no less than 600 delegates consisting of more than 200 golf tour operators from 36 countries buy-

F PH, 11

PRRD leads groundbreaking of P1.24-B housing project P

RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte and his daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, led Friday’s groundbreaking of the PHP1.4 billion “Biyaya ng Pagbabago” housing project in Los Amigos, Tugbok district here, which will benefit over 900 less fortunate Davaoenos.

The project includes 21 buildings with 840 units and 68 social lots. This will be funded out of the PHP1 billion contribution of San Miguel Foundation (SMB) and the National Housing Authority (NHA), which allocated PHP24 million for the project.

The land is owned by the city government of Davao.

In his speech, President Duterte urged the beneficiaries not to sell their units.

It might be small with a floor area of 42 square meters, but Duterte reminded them that “it is difficult to acquire a house and lot these days.”

He assured that the area will be provided with basic

facilities like water and electricity.

The President recalled that the project site is just adjacent to the area he offered to rebel returnees in the 1990s. The area was also targeted to house police and military personnel, but did not push through because of the rebel returnees who availed of his offer.

“There were 50 of them… gibaligya na siguro ang mga yuta (maybe they already sold the lots),” the President said.

With a target completion of 18 months, Duterte said he hopes to see the house and lot turned over to the beneficiaries by March next year. ”This project is to help Filipinos to have a house and lot,” he said.

For her part, Mayor Duterte thanked the city government’s partners in the realization of the project.

The mayor said the project is a partnership of SMF, NHA, Pilipinong May Puso Foundation and the city government.

”Aside from giving out constituents a safe and decent place to live in, this venture will give the benefi-

ciaries access to educational and livelihood programs.

(Funny Pearl Gajunera/ PNA)

tioned in the EO,” he said, noting that drawing up the IRR will involve public consultations to enlighten the public on the how the order will be carried out.

The order prohibits smoking in enclosed public places and public conveyances, as well as selling and distributing tobacco products to minors, who are not allowed to smoke, sell or buy cigarettes or other tobacco products.

The EO bars anyone from

ordering a minor to use, light up, buy, sell, distribute, deliver, advertise or promote tobacco products, a practice that is very common especially in rural areas.

It bans the sale and distribution of tobacco products, along with their ads and promotional materials, especially in schools, playgrounds, youth hostels, recreational facilities and other areas frequented by minors, or within a 100-meter radius of these places, a dis-

tance roughly equivalent to the length of three basketball courts.

The order also prohibits the placement of tobacco ads outside point-of-sales stores.

Tayag said that under the EO, only one designated smoking area will be allowed in a building.

Under the local government code, LGUs have the responsibility to create ordinances and have the full power to implement them within

the areas of their jurisdiction.

These ordinances will determine the penalties to be imposed on offenders.

Tayag said LGUs that already have ordinances on the ban on smoking in public places might need to amend them to follow the newly signed EO. According to Ubial, if properly implemented, the EO will help reduce the number of deaths from tobacco use, currently estimated at 87,000 per year.

DOH looks forward to creation of ordinances on smoking ban

HE Department of Health expects local government units to create a new ordinance or align existing ones to Executive Order No. 26 on the designation of smoke-free environments in public and enclosed places nationwide that was recently signed by President Rodrigo Duterte.

In a press briefing held at the DOH Media Relations Unit in Tayuman, Sta. Cruz, Manila Friday, health depart-

ment spokesperson Dr. Eric Tayag said Health Secretary Dr. Paulyn Ubial has assured that the department is ready to guide LGUs in creating ordinances that will match the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the executive order.

Tayag said the IRR is expected to be completed on or before the 60th day after the signing of the EO. “The IRR will determine some guidelines not men-

VOL. 10 ISSUE 35 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, MAY 21 - 22, 2017

ECONOMY 5

EDGEDAVAO

PH envoy lauds completion of draft COC for SCS row

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HILIPPINE Ambassador to China Jose Santiago Sta. Romana has welcomed the completion of the draft of the framework of the Code of Conduct (COC) for the South China Sea territorial disputes. ”This is a welcome development. Bilateral and multilateral efforts to address issues of common concerns can be mutually reinforcing for peace, stability and security,” Sta. Romana said in his opening remarks during Friday’s 1st Meeting of the China-Philippines Bilateral Consultative on the South China Sea. Sta. Romana lauded the senior officials of China and member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) for finally endorsing the clean text of the framework to the ASEAN foreign ministers.

The senior officials decided to wrap up negotiations on the draft COC framework during last Thursday’s 14th Senior Officials’ Meeting on the Implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) in Guiyang.

The draft of the framework will be submitted during the China-ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Conference to be held in the Philippines in August this year for the foreign ministers’ consideration.

The Philippines’ Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) also welcomed the finalization of the draft of the framework, reaffirming the Philippines’ commitment to working towards an effective COC. “Many, many countries wanted it to be legally binding. But I’m saying let’s start with it being binding, gentlemen’s agreement. We have a

community of nations which signed,” former senator, now DFA Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano has told reporters in Manila.

Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Liu Zhenmin, co-chair of the 14th Senior Officials’ Meeting on the Implementation of the DOC, commended fellow senior officials from ASEAN for showing the “spirit of mutual respect and cooperation”.

During the meeting, Liu said the parties agreed to continue to advance the full and effective implementation of the DOC in its entirety.

He said the draft of the COC framework was an accumulated outcome of their efforts for the past several years and reflects the basic principles and spirit of the DOC. Based on the DOC adopted in 2012, the parties reaffirm their respect for and commitment to the freedom of navigation in and overflight above the South China Sea as provided for by the universally recognized principles of international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS. The parties concerned will also undertake measures to resolve their territorial and jurisdictional disputes by peaceful means, without resorting to the threat or use of force, through friendly consultations and negotiations by sovereign states directly concerned, in accordance with universally recognized principles of international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS. The parties also have to exercise self-restraint in the conduct of activities that would complicate or escalate disputes and affect peace and stability.

BIG PLAYER. Cebu Landmasters, Inc. chairman and chief executive officer Jose Soberano III provides the details of the company’s upcoming Initial Public Offering during Friday’s Investor Roadshow held at The Marco Polo Davao. Lean Daval Jr.

South central business district eyed for Davao

By JECIA ANNE OPIANA

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EAL estate developer Cebu Landmasters, Inc. has sealed the deal with Yuson, Huang and Tan families for the development of the 18-hectare Matina Golf course into a new central business district.

The signing of the memorandum of understanding was made by Jose Soberano, President and Chief Executive Officer of Cebu Land-

masters and Fred Yuson, CEO of the Yuson Comm Investment at Marco Polo Hotel Davao on Saturday. said that the Matina Golf Township will have mixed use establishments such as mall, hotels, residential condominiums, BPO hubs, civic centers and possibly, a graduate school. He added that they have been looking at De La Salle University for a pos-

sible venture with them.

The Cebu Landmasters CEO expressed that this project will contribute greatly in the development of the city, along with other government and private projects that are now being realized in Davao.

Soberano revealed that they are on their master planning stage and hope to start doing the land devel-

“Today, the amount of funds in the Philippines invested in CIS has reached more than P1.5 trillion. Properly developed, these private funds can be packaged as Private Infrastructure Development Funds which can complement Government Funds for infrastructure investments,” according to Yap. He cited that in Malaysia and Singapore, mature CISL markets are functioning.

“Malaysia’s combined market has raised about 5.3 trillion pesos worth of combined investments while Singapore had significantly more.

Our visit to the regulatory agencies of both nations gave us a close look at their philosophies of how they encouraged people to invest in these funds as a retirement, estate and forced savings tool and how

they are also protecting the rights of their investing publics,” Yap added.

Officials from both countries discussed their system and process of approvals for what instruments can be offered for CIS and Investment Linked Insurance Products, other permissible investments, fees and interest structures, disclosure reports to investors and policy holders, insurance and capital protection systems, restrictions and alike.

“We realized that in Malaysia, different regulatory agencies watched over different investment vehicles while in Singapore, these varying investment products were regulated alone by the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Even so, within the MAS, regulation was done by segregated departments. (PNA)

N a bid to build an advanced version of strategic partnership, China and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) unanimously agreed on Friday to formulate 2030 Vision.

“To make better plans for our future relations, we have agreed to formulate 2030 Vision of China-ASEAN strategic partnership,” Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Liu Zhenmin announced this in a press conference after the 23rd ASEAN-China Senior Officials’ Consultation held in Guiyang, China.

Liu said China and ASEAN senior officials got endorsement from their respective foreign ministers and leaders, vowing to start immediately the drafting of the 2030 Vision “We are confident that 2030 Vision for China-Asean

opment phase of the project before the end of the year. He also said that they are currently exploring other interested developers who could take part of the project.

Cebu Landmasters Inc. is a Cebu-based real estate development company in Cebu. They have launched their first project in Davao city, the MesaTierra Garden Residences, last March.

ASEAN agree to formulate PH tracking Malaysian economic trends: Yap China, 2030 vision to deepen future ties

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HILIPPINES has to underline Collective Investment Scheme (CIS) to be able to catch up with Asian neighbors in the economic trends.

Third District Rep. Arthur Yap, who chairs the House Committee on Economic Affairs, led a delegation of Philippine legislators comprising Reps. Jose Panganiban (Chair, Agriculture Committee), Cesar Sarmiento (Chair, Transportation Committee), Xavier Jose Romualdo (Vice-Chair, Trade and Industry Committee) and Janna S. Olladas (Committee Secretariat), to undertake studies and consultations with officials in Malaysia and Singapore, on relevant topics that they are working on in their respective and joint committees.

In his travel report, Yap

said the CIS Law was a critical measure being passed by the House of Representatives in the Economic Affairs Committee.

He explained that a Collective Investment Scheme is any arrangement whereby funds are solicited from the investing public and pooled together for the purpose of investing, re-investing and/or trading in securities or other investment assets.

These are investment products such as Unit Investment Trust Funds, Mutual Funds, Investment Linked Insurance Plans, Money Market Funds, Hedge Funds, Capital Guaranteed Funds, Index Funds, Property Funds and such other investment instruments being offered by banks, securities and insurance companies.

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strategic partnership will make brand new plans cooperation going forward with a more comprehensive and higher level manner,” Liu, co-chair of the 23rd ASEAN-China Senior Officials’ Consultation, said.

“We are hoping to release it next year before the 15th anniversary of China-ASEAN strategic partnership,” he added.

Liu said China is committed to elevate its strategic partnership with ASEAN by synergizing ASEAN region with China’s Belt and Road Initiative “to deepen connectivity and production capacity.”

He said ASEAN member states are among the priorities under the Belt and Road Initiative as China expressed support to ASEAN’s own regional integration called ASEAN Economic Community.

6 SUBURBIA EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 35 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, MAY 21 - 22, 2017

New Mindanao ecozone High profile jail-breaker recaptured in NCotabato sought for China investors A S

URIGAO del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel has called for establishment of a new state-run special economic zone in Mindanao to help bring in fresh foreign investments, including those from the People’s Republic of China.

“We need new investors, especially in highly labor-intensive industries, to provide thousands of good-paying jobs and raise the living standards of a greater number of families in Mindanao,” Pimentel said.

In House Bill 2672, Pimentel has sought the creation of the Bislig City Special Economic Zone “to drive employment

and consumption growth and overall economic expansion” in Mindanao in general and in Caraga in particular.

“We are hoping to attract Chinese investors to build factories in the economic zone, considering our government-to-government as well as people-to-people relations with China have warmed up owing to President Duterte’s independent foreign policy track,” Pimentel said.

Located some 208 kilometers northeast of Davao City, Bislig is one of the two component cities of Surigao del Sur – the other being the provincial capital Tandag.

The Paper Industries Corp. (PICOP) used to operate from Bislig until the country’s only integrated forest and paper manufacturer folded up.

Caraga groups the provinces of Surigao del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Agusan del Norte and Dinagat.

In pushing for the swift passage of his bill, Pimentel invoked the mandates of the 1987 Constitution for the State “to give all regions of the country optimum opportunity to develop, and to promote comprehensive rural development.”

“We have to put up new economic zones, particularly

in Mindanao and the Visayas, to assure the more equitable distribution of opportunities, income and wealth through balanced economic growth,” Pimentel said.

Locators at the economic zone shall enjoy income tax holidays and waiver of taxes and duties on imported capital equipment and machinery, among other financial incentives.

Foreigners who invest at least $150,000 (P7.4 million) in cash or equipment in any enterprise located in the economic zone shall also enjoy visa and residency privileges, along with their immediate family members.

NOTHER escapee from the North Cotabato Distrit Jail was recaptured by police operatives during a raid on his safehouse here Friday dawn, police said on Saturday.

Melvin Casangyao, charged for murder and illegal drug pushing, was arrested almost five months after he and 157 others bolted the provincial jail facility here after gunmen attacked the compound and “rescued” high profile inmates in January 4.

In a report received by Supt. Emmanuel Peralta, North Cotabato police provincial director, the operating units said the recapture of Casangyao was bloodless and he did not resist arrest.

There’s a PP1 million reward for his arrest.

Casangyao is now back at the North Cotabato District jail under heavy guard.

Casangyao, who allegedly financed the January 4 attack at the provincial jail in Barangay Amas here, was arrested in his safe house in Barangay Onica after a resident tipped off authorities

about his presence.

Then-acting North Cotabato Governor Shirley Macasarte-Villanueva, citing a report from a special task force formed to probe the jail attack, said Casangyao allegedly financed the attempt to free him and other inmates.

According to the police, Omar Sultan alias Commander Derby, former member of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, led the attack to free Casangyao and his colleagues.

While in jail, Casangyao and Commander Derby developed friendship and the plot was hatched, police said. The plan was for Commander Derby to escape and once outside the jail facility would form a team to rescue Casangyao for PP1 million and another P1 million once he was out of jail.

More than 90 other escapees remained at large.

The provincial government of North Cotabato offered P10,000 for any information for each escapee that could lead to their recapture.

(PNA)

PRO-9 anti-drug drive ComVal execs attend Cebu investment tour marks 60% success rate

T

HE provincial government of Compostela Valley has embarked on an investment exposure at major economic zones in Cebu City.

The investment exposure, headed by Governor Jayvee Tyron Uy, started on May 16 and will end May 20.

Fe Maestre, head of the provincial information office, on Friday said in a statement the study tour was aimed to help the economic growth and development of Compostela Valley.

Gov. Uy was joined during the exposure trip by Sangguniang Panlalawigan members Joanna Aileen Gentugaya and Vivencia Secuya; Department of Trade and Industry provincial director Lucky Siegfred Balleque; Department of In-

terior and Local Government provincial director Noel Duarte, and Compostela Valley Tourism Officer Christine Dompor.

Maestre added that mayors from the towns of Nabunturan, Maco, Compostela, Mawab, New Bataan and Mabini, along with their business permits and licensing officers (BPLOs) and local economic and investments officers (LEIPOs), also joined the study tour.

“The pursuit for the establishment of economic zones in Compostela Valley is among the key strategies of the Compostela Valley Investment Board to promote and generate more investments in the province,” Balleque said in the same statement.

Compostela Valley, he

pointed out, is the only province in Davao region that has still no economic zone.

“If economic zones will be established, it would give an advantageous position for a province competing for business and investments,” he added.

For her part, tourism officer Dompor cited the previous business gatherings conducted in Compostela Valley as manifestations of the province’s capability to establish and develop an economic zone.

Among the business gatherings she enumerated were the Banana Congress held in 2015 and the 1st Compostela Valley Investment Conference in 2016, which featured the “ABCs” of Compostela Valley – the aquaculture, banana,

dy as support system.

The increase of farm gate price of palay is expected to help 1.1 million rice farmers belonging who NCIP should their approved resolution was granted.

In a chance interview with

reporters, Silvestre Bonto, NCIP president said the subsidy was intended to increase the prevailing farm gate price of Php17 for palay to protect local farmers.

He said the subsidy in the farm gate prices of palay

cacao, coconut, and coffee.

“We also conducted the 1st Business Leaders’ Forum last March 6 where we gathered 250 top business leaders and motivated them to organize themselves as a body to represent the most important sector in the community,” Dompor said.

The provincial government added that they opted to conduct the study in Cebu given that the place is among the major economic zones in the country and home to world-class export quality products.

Cebu also has its Information Technology parks, the Mactan Export Processing Zone 1 and II, West Cebu Industrial Parks and 355 more ecozones, the statement said.

(Alexander Lopez/PNA)

Irrigators’group asks for P5-hike in subsidy

T

HE National Confederation of Irrigators of the Philippines (on Friday called on the Duterte administration, particularly the Department of Agriculture, to provide the farmer-irrigators with a Php20 to Php22 subsi-

was being backed by Cabinet Secretary Leoncio Evasco Jr., National Food Authority chairperson. The government will dictate how much they can give to farmers.

“Evasco supports the sub-

F IRRIGATORS, 11

T

HE Police Regional Office-9 has declared that 60 percent of illegal drugs operations have been destroyed with the neutralization of 80 big-time drug dealers and more than 1,000 of their members across Zamboanga Peninsula.

“The remaining leaders couldn’t be located [here] in Zamboanga Peninsula. But we are going after them. We need to account [all of] them,” Chief Supt.

Billy Beltran, PRO-9 director, said.

“We still have remaining 40 percent and we will not stop to run after them,” Chief Supt. Billy Beltran, PRO-9 director, told the Philippine News Agency.

He said that 80 of the 136 criminal gang leaders into illegal drug trade in the region had been neutralized.

“The remaining leaders couldn’t be located [here] in Zamboanga Peninsula. But we are going after them.

We need to account [all of] them,” Beltran added.

Of the 80 neutralized drug dealers, 33 were based in the province of Zamboanga del Norte; 22 in Zamboanga del Sur; 15 in

Zamboanga City; and, 10 in Zamboanga Sibugay. Some of them were either arrested, killed, and surrendered.

The surrender of 58,163 drug users and peddlers have helped the police to effectively neutralize the drug operations region, he said.

“Their revelations helped us in determining their [drug dealers] operations,” he said. Region 9 is one of the regions that recorded the highest number of drug surrenderers in the country.

Sr. Supt. Noel Flores, chief of the Regional Investigation and Detective Management Division, said the drug dealers get supply from other areas since their was no illegal drug factory here in Region 9.

Flores said that most of the illegal drugs, especially methamphetamine, were being sourced from the neighboring province such as Lanao and Tawi-Tawi.

“Our mission is to destroy the drug apparatus.

This is based on the pronouncement of President [Rodrigo] Duterte,” Flores said. (TPGJR/Darwin Wally T. Wee/PNA)

7 COMPETITIVE EDGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 35 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, MAY 21 - 22, 2017

Surigao hosts 4th Dragon Boat Race for Mindanao

T

HE Surigao City government through its Tourism Office is all set for the 4th Mindanao Dragon Boat Race, a paddle for peace contest, on Sunday, May 21, in Barangay Mabua.

“This is the first time that the city will host such event,” city tourism officer Roselyn B. Merlin said.

City Mayor Ernesto T. Matugas expressed full support to the race hoping to make it an international event like surfing and game-fishing in Siargao Island.

Merlin said the Surigao Dragon Boat Challenge 2017 is expected to draw nine dragon boat teams from all over Mindanao, and will be joined by the homegrown team Bugsay Marajaw Surigao.

The teams will vie for a total prize of 200,000 pesos in the race’s two categories — 2000 meters mixed men and women, and 200 meters mixed men and women.

Bugsay Pilipinas Equipment & Services will handle

the technical operation of the race.

The City Tourism Office and City Sports Development Office are the lead agencies of this year’s dragon boat race.

The event aims to promote water sports in Surigao, being a coastal city.

Merlin said dragon boat races are excellent team building activities that foster fitness and good health, and develop friendly competition among the participants.

“It may not be for everyone, but for the crowd or audience watching, dragon boat races are colorful and visually spectacular, and the power, harmony and synchronicity of purpose and movement can be exciting and exhilarating,” she said.

Dragon boat racing is one of the oldest paddling races that started in China as a festival 2,000 years ago. Now, it is one of the fastest growing and most recognized water sports held in countries all over the world, including the Philippines. (Roel N. Catoto/ MindaNews)

Parents cautioned vs. fidget spinners A QUEZON City-based watch group promoting safe toys today cautioned parents and their kids against choking hazards posed by fidget spinners, the latest toy craze.

The EcoWaste Coalition aired the precautionary warning to prevent children from ingesting the small parts of the addictive fidget spinner toys that can cause choking.

“Fidget spinners are fun to play with. But, their small parts, particularly the bearings and bushings, may not be tightly secured, can come off and get ingested by kids,” warned Thony Dizon, Coordinator, EcoWaste Coalition’s Project Protect.

“To be on the safe side, we advise parents not let their kids play with toys with small parts, which, if swallowed, may obstruct the flow of air into the lungs and prevent breathing,” he said.

The group issued the toy choking hazard warning after Briton Joniec, a 10-year old girl from Houston, Texas, accidentally swallowed one of the bearings from her fidget spinner, which got lodged in her esophagus.

Her mother Kelly Rose shared the incident through a Facebook post to warn other

parents about the choking hazards of the popular finger toy. ”Fidget spinners are the current craze so they are widely distributed. Kids of all ages may be getting them, but not all spinners come with age-appropriate warnings. The bushings pop out easily, so if you have young kids keep in mind that these present a potential choking hazard,” she said in her Facebook post.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, “choking is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among children, especially those aged 3 years or younger (with) food, coins, and toys (as) the primary causes of choking-related injury and death.”

To prevent choking incidents, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the Philippines has repeatedly reminded consumers “not to give toys with small parts to children under the age of three years as children have a tendency to put toys in their mouths.”

The EcoWaste Coalition warned that some fidget spinners, particularly those sold by unlicensed retailers, may have not gone through the verification process of the FDA, the lead regulatory agency for toys and childcare articles (TCCAs).

DTI sets 2-day ‘Diskwento Bonanza’ in Zambo City T

HE Department of Trade and Industry has scheduled the conduct of a two-day “Balik Eskwela Diskwento Bonanza” from May 30 to 31 in this city.

Ceferino Rubio, DTI provincial director, on Friday said school supplies, bags, uniforms and shoes will be

sold at discounted prices ranging from 10 to 50 percent.

Rubio said around 25 local business establishments are set to participate in the Balik Eskwela Diskwento Bonanza.

It will be held at the historic Plaza Pershing located

within the commercial center of this city.

The conduct of the diskwento bonanza is a regular program of DTI to help parents and students lessen the expenses in time for the opening of classes in June.

Meanwhile, Rubio disclosed they are closely moni-

toring the prices of basic and prime commodities, including school supplies, to ensure these are sold based on the suggested retail price.

He said so far they have not monitored any price movement of basic and prime commodities.

(PNA)

PLEDGE OF COMMITMENT. DepEd Sarangani Schools Division Superintendent Isagani dela Cruz (left) and Sarangani Energy Corporation HR – Admin & Project Assurance Head Joel Aton sign the pledge of commitment during the Brigada Eskwela kickoff ceremony at Mangelen Integrated School on May 16.

Board fast-tracks IRR formulation on halal law

T

HE Philippine Halal Export Development Board is fast-tracking the formulation of the implementing rules and regulations of the country’s halal law.

“Right now, we are finalizing the implementing rules and regulations of the Halal Act. Hopefully, before the end of May the IRR can already be released,” Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) regional director Sitti Amina Jain on Friday told the Philippines News Agency.

The PHEDB is co-chaired by the DTI secretary and the chairperson of the Commission of Muslim Filipinos (NCMF).

The other members of PHEDB are the Mindanao Development Authority, Department of Tourism, Department of Agriculture, Department of Science and Technology, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Department of Health, and Department of Foreign Affairs.

Jain said the board, during a recent meeting, also dis-

cussed the development of a comprehensive set of strategies and programs, targets and policies, specifically on halal promotion.

Republic Act No. 10817, otherwise known as the Philippine Halal Export Development and Promotion Act, which aims to “develop and promote halal industries as a mode of achieving equity and justice” among local farmers and producers, was enacted in May last year.

Jain, who was the DTI’s former national point person on halal issues, said Zamboanga City is being positioned as the halal trading center with the development of the Asian Halal Center inside the Zamboanga City Special Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (Zamboecozone).

“The Zamboecozone allocated at least 100 hectares that will be dedicated for the Asian Halal Center,” Jain said.

The center, which was established in October last year, aims to be the center of Halal

industries in the Philippines and in the Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines - East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA).

Jain, who chairs the Sub-Committee on BIMP-EAGA and ASEAN Concerns of the Regional Development Council here, said the establishment of the halal center is in line with the policy of the government to tap the lucrative global halal market.

“Our responsibility is to promote the economic zone by inviting foreign investors as well as encouraging local businessmen to invest in halal production and locate in the Zamboecozone,” Jain said.

Jain recently attended the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) held in Kuala Lumpur, where they showcased local halal products and the Zamboecozone.

She said the halal development board will initially concentrate on halal food productions and will “branch out to wellness and beauty prod-

ucts” later.

A series of campaign is expected to be launched for local manufacturers to certify their products as halal. Among the plan is to conduct a halal regional conference in October.

“We have already started the awareness campaign among consumers. We are encouraging SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises) in food processing to venture into halal production and target the local market. We are not just talking about the Muslim market in Zamboanga Peninsula but also Muslims in the neighboring island provinces who are making Zamboanga City as their grocery area,” she said.

The Philippines has at least 10 million Muslims, who are largely concentrated in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

“We want them to have an easier access on halal products,” she added.

(PNA)

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 35 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, MAY 21 - 22, 2017

EDITORIAL

Nationwide smoking ban

I

T’S official. What was Davao’s exclusive limiting ordinance on smoking in public places is now in effect in the entire country.

President Duterte signed Executive Order 26 on Friday making true his campaign promise of implementing a nationwide smoking ban.

The new measure, of course, comes with opposition from the smoking community and the tobacco industry. Nevertheless, the President pushed through with it with the mindset that the interest of the general welfare is paramount to any business or industry.

EO No. 26 titled “Providing for the establishment of smoke-free environments in public and enclosed spaces,” listed as a prohibited act smoking in “enclosed public spaces and public conveyances, whether stationary or in motion, except in DSA (designated smoking areas).”

The EO provides standards for a spot to be considered a designated smoking area (DSA), which may either be an open space or a separate area with proper ventilation. For a DSA inside an enclose space, there shall be no opening that would allow air to escape into smoke-free area of a building or conveyance, except for a single door equipped with an automatic door closer. A DSA shall also have a non-smoking buffer zone. The combined area for a DSA and its buffer zone should not be larger than 20 percent of the total floor area of the building or conveyance and is also barred from being located within 10 meters from entrances, exits, or any place where people pass or congregate, or in front of air intake ducts. There shall be no more than one DSA in a building, and the chosen area should bear proper signage. Minors are prohibited from DSAs. No DSAs shall be established in DSAs in schools, hospitals, clinics, food preparation areas, and locations in which fire hazards are present.

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ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

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

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It is aso important to know other salient features of the EO. -It prohibits “persons-in-charge” to allow, abet or tolerate smoking in public places.

Persons-in-charge refers to a president or manager in case of a company, corporation, partnership or association, or the administrator in case of government or private property, facility, office or building, and the city/municipal schools superintendent, school president, dean or principal in case of schools.

-Selling, distributing, or purchasing tobacco products to and from minors are also prohibited. Ordering, instructing, or compelling a minor to use, light up, buy, sell, distribute, deliver, advertise or promote tobacco products are prohibited.

-Placing tobacco advertisements and other promotional materials within 100 meters from the perimeter of a school, public playground, and other facilities frequented by minors are prohibited.

-Persons-in-charge are mandated to establish internal procedure and measures through which the EO shall be implemented and enforced within the area of which he is in charge.

For the penalties, those who will be found to have violated the EO shall be punished in accordance with applicable penalties under Republic Act 9211 or the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003.

Local government implementation is enjoined where LGUs shall develop, promote and implement their respective Local Smoking Cessation Programs.

Whether or not the implementation of the nationwide smoking ban will be as successful as its Davao City model depends largely on the implementing agencies and authorities.

That remains to be seen.

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EDGEDAVAO

T

HE invitation could not have come at a better time.

First, it has been a while since when lawyer Douglas Cagas pulled the rag from under his opponent in winning as governor despite having had to campaign from jail.

Against all odds, he swamped his opponent by more than 30,000 votes.

Second, the last time I really saw him was in the 1990s when he began to dominate politics in Davao del Sur. So I was anxious how he would look like in 2017.

Except for having shrunk some or slimmed compared to the ‘Dodo’ I knew from the 1980 onwards, it was the same Douglas Cagas all right. His eyes remain sharp and the voice that once helped galvanize opposition against Marcos rule in the tumultuous days of Martial Law did not sputter a bit. There seemed

N

OW nearly devoid of its once verdant forests, Davao used to be a botanical garden, drawing scientists into its fold and inspiring adventurers to write travelogues and books that have become important sources of information of flora that then thrived in the region.

Dr. William Henry Brown, an American plant physiologist teaching Botany at the University of the Philippines, was one of those who extensively documented Davao’s plants.

In an article titled Minor Products of the Philippine Forests, published in the Bureau of Forestry’s Bulletin No. 22 in 1920, he cited the characteristics of plants found in Davao, including species that grew in mangrove swamplands and the variety of palms endemic to the region.

Known to Davao natives as bangkau or bakhau among Visayans, the Rhizophora candelaria is described as “leathery in texture green and shiny, and oblong-elliptic in shape. The apex is pointed or ends in a thornlike prolongation of the midrib. The stalks of inflorescences are found in the axils of fallen leaves and are shorter than the peoples of the leaves.”

Another mangrove species is the Avicennia officinalis Linn., locally known as the api-api or piapi.

Found mostly on the outer sector of

VOL. 10 ISSUE 35 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, MAY 21 - 22, 2017

VANTAGE POINTS

9

‘Dodo’ Cagas in a new light nothing wrong with his memory as he recalled for instance how he passed the bar in 1967 with a passing rate of 86.85, placing 4th overall in a field of 1,083 that took the examination with only 411 making it to the list of attorneys.

Back in the mid-1980s when I was then adding pieces to my craft as a journalist, Cagas was a member of the United Opposition of Region XI opposed to Marcos rule.

He was one of the opposition’s most articulate speakers along with lawyers Larry Ilagan, Gregorio Andolana, Silvestre Bello III, Zafiro Respicio, Prospero Nograles and the likes of Ismael Sueno, Rey Magno Teves, Nanay Soling Duterte, Alexander Orcullo, and Luis T. Santos.

He was also friendly and easy to go along with as Rene B. Lumawag and I found out. His wife then (now Davao del Sur Rep. Mercedes ‘Didi’ Cagas) was

REVERSED PUNCH (GYAKU ZUKI)

Jimmy K.Laking

simply a housewife, content to watch by the sides.

It did not come as a surprise, therefore, that when Marcos fled the palace Cagas and his contemporaries assumed responsible positions in government.

From the 1990s onwards, Cagas solidified his hold on the province of Davao del Sur and served as governor for 23 years.

He is now in his fourth term.

Yet it was not all smooth sailing. His serving a prison term for more than year after he was linked to the 2010 murder of journalist Nestor Bedolido remains a bitter memory he would rather not talk about.

It also visibly pained him that his opponents could be as vicious as to cause the destruction of the multi-million state of the art swimming pool when he was in jail.

He lamented that what took government a lot of money to fund and to realize could be pulverized to smithereens and cannibalized beyond redemption---without anyone being held accountable.

Despite this, Cagas said he was not closing the door to any-

body in joining the celebration of the province’ golden anniversary “because it is not every year that we get to celebrate a 50th golden anniversary.”

He said it is also occasion to honor the province’s outstanding citizens who contributed in making the province what it is today.

He added no less than President Duterte himself has agreed to speak during the celebrations, which would commence this June.

Cagas said he was backing President Duterte’s policy on illegal drugs. He explained: “The President is correct in his appreciation and understanding of the illegal drug situation.

The problem of illegal drugs has really become pervasive it does any spare any kind of family. Hence, there is need for drastic action. But as to whether or not he is right or wrong, let history be the judge.” (30)

than average and having a tensile strength of 231 kilos per square centimeter.

Brown also identified Artocarpus elastica Reinw., known locally as the tugup, as endemic to Davao region and was exported to Java and Europe. In 1902, the bast of the plant was sold at 60-70 cents in Holland and some were later exported to Rotterdam. The plant “is a stately tree [whose] leaves are alternate, crowded, obtuse a both ends, occasionally lobed towards the apex... The seeds are embedded in a whitish, more or less gummy pulp of a delicious tart flavor. They are about the size of peanuts, are eaten roasted, and in flavor almost resemble peanuts.”

The malibago, known scientifically as Hibiscus Tiliaceus Linn, is a much-branched tree with fibrous materials made into fairly strong ropes. Farmers used its fiber for tying cattle or making hog traps. It is easily propagated by means of cuttings, has leaves that are alternate, hairy, and somewhat rounded, and flowers that are yellow with a purple center.

Known as the silk cotton tree, the kapok, or Ceiba Pentandra (L.), has seed pod fibers that “are very extensively used for stuffing pillows and mattresses… and are employed in making life preserves.”

From 1917 to 1199, Davao exported 56,632 kilos of kapok valued at

PhP20,194.

Kleinhovia Hospita L., known in Davao as tamanag or bitan-ag to Cebuano migrants, is best known for use in tying bundles, tethering carabaos and horses, or making halters. It is a “medium-sized tree with large, alternate, heart-shaped leaves which have toothed margins,” with “flowers that are small, pink, and are borne in panicles terminating in the branches… The young leaves are eaten as greens.”

Popular among the natives as kabislak, the Pterospermum diversifolium Bl. has a bark that can be used for dyeing, and its bast is colored pinkish cinnamon. Its “leaves are alternate, hairy, oblong, heart-shaped at the base, abruptly pointed at the tip… The flowers are white… and occur either singly or in pairs in the axils of the leaves. The fruit is a woody, five-angled capsule about 15 centimeters long.”

On the other hand, the Sterculia Foetida Linn., known in Davao as kurumpang, has seeds that are edible and can be eaten as purgative.

The oil it produces can be used for lighting and culinary purposes. Its seeds are found in large, red capsules; the wood is colored gray; and the flowers dull yellowish or purplish. Rounding up the count is Davao’s aligpagi, scientifically known as Phaleria Perrottetiana, a small tree with bright red fruits, and a bark that’s good for ties

Davao as botanical garden

the swamp, the tree’s “bark is usually light or brown and rather smooth but finely checked by small cracks…

The wood is hard, heavy, brittle, but difficult to split, having an exceedingly crossed spiral grain.”

In the 1960’s, this plant thrived in a mangrove area separating Soliman Street, Davao City, from the secondary road known to old-timers as Rosemarie, named after a popular hair salon. Usually, it grew alongside the ubiquitous pagatpat, scientifically known as Sonneratia apetala.

Known to botanists as Actinorhytis calappaia Wendl., the Bagobos call this palm plant as tangalo.

The tree has “a handsome, tall slender, pinnate-leafed palm, widely distributed in the Malay archipelago.”

It was first introduced in Davao, then a district.

The Bagobo tribe calls this palm species ungang. Scientifically known as Plectocomia Elmeri Becc., the plant is a large climbing palm with yellowish green matured stems and found in the dense woods on the southeast part of Mount Apo at an elevation of 1,000 meters.

The Guadua Philippinensis Gamble, a rare bamboo species with culms that are thin-walled. The kuman of the Bagobos, meanwhile, is known scientifically as Gnetum Gnemon L., a tree with a height of 10 meters, has a bark that can made into a rope, and has fruits that are edible when cooked, in the same

FAST BACKWARD Antonio V. Figueroa way that its cooked young leaves are eaten as vegetable.

Known in Davao region as the pandan or Pandanus tectorius Soland, the plant is abundantly found along the seashore and adjacent areas but not very far inland. It is comparatively of little economic value save for its leaves that can be split into strips and made into mats and baskets, and, when bleached, for weaving mats.

The natives called it liba, but botanists call it scientifically as Allaenthus Glaber Warb. It is a medium-sized tree with a height of 30 meters, and has rounded leaves at the base. The young leaves and flowers are cooked for food while its fibrous materials are made into ropes that are more durable

10 NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 35 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, MAY 21 - 22, 2017

LAPANDAY... FROM 1 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) was proceeding in Madaum, Tagum City on May 18. “ Lapanday claimed that the Philippine National Police (PNP) Regional Civil Security Unit, which the DAR itself requested to assist it during the installation, took to task the DAR team, with Undersecretary David Erro, Sheriff Adelaido Caminade, as well as the leaders of the Madaum Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Association Inc. (MARBAI) for their failure to control the proceeding and their supporters who started throwing stones behind the Sanid gate.

“Their provocative action ironically rained instead on the DAR team members and the PNP. They even attempt-

ed to break open the gate but they failed, “ it said.

The company insisted that its contract with the Hijo Employees Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Cooperative (HEARBCO-1) shall continue. The reentry of its former members into the farm does not modify the existing agreement where HEARBCO1 is obligated to deliver and sell the fruits from the whole plantation to Lapanday.

Lapanday said that it shall take all necessary steps for its contract with HEARBCO-1 to be strictly enforced and complied with.

The company warned that it shall file criminal and civil cases against any person or entity who shall interfere with the agreement.

Among recovered items are 11 motorcycles, six low-powered firearms and two explosives.

Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio commended the security and law enforcement groups for the successful conduct of their operations.

“Zero criminality and zero any incident of crime, that’s a Utopian dream. Wala kay

makita nga naay zero nga ingana. Especially diri sa atoa sa Davao, dako atong land area, naa gyud mahitabo, naa gyud mag take advantage sa communities nato. Ang importante ang atoang PNP, AFP og PDEA nagabuhat sila ug mga operations sama niani. This will not be the first and the last time nga mag conduct ug operation nga ing-ani ka dako.”

reasonable ground in implementing the stricter regulation so that no one will lose their sales.

“So with that I congratulate you for this-- Last buy na ito (this is your last buy), kay next month wala na, bawal na lahat pati ‘yung mga collection’ (because next month there will be no more, I will prohibit the purchase even the collector’s item gun),” he said.

The president advised the gun store owners to tell their clients to follow the proper procedure before they can purchase ammunition.

“I will no longer allow yung mga tindahan (gun stores) to sell bullets over the counter, that cannot be done… we’re just supplying ammunition to the enemy,” he said.

This because, Duterte said that “some of those ammunitions that are purchased are on the hands of the New People’s Army (NPA)”.

“If you want to take orders, advise your client or your clients that you have to work on the papers … make it early because it would be hard for you not to get the bullets,”

Duterte said.

The president said that the rebels can really afford to buy bullets and guns because they earn money from their “extortion” activities.

‘Yung high-powered hindi na talaga dapat ipagbili ‘yan.

No more. Ang security guard is there in the mountain shotgun, okay naman ‘yang shotgun (High-powered firearms shoud not be sold in the market. No more. The security guards in the mountain should on possess shotgun because it is still good),” he said.

Duterte explained that the security agencies purchase high-powered guns to give to their security guards in the mountain areas securing mining sites or plantations, however, these firearms are usually being stolen by the rebels in their raids.

“Kung nakawin ‘yan wala rin eh, kung malaman nila kung sino ‘yung maraming armas, eh tapos ire-raid nila (Once they will learn where the high-powered firearms, they will raid it and steal the guns )” Duterte said. ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

became controversial after Feliciano discovered that it continued to operate its tree cutting activities despite orders cancelling its ECC. Cimatu visited the municipality on Friday and together with the mayor tried to see the extent of the tree

cutting operations in an area of Barangay Mambalot.

Undersecretary Marlon Mendoza, DENR-MIMAROPA Regional Director Naty Bernardino, and other officials of the DENR were also with the secretary to inspect the area.

Drug... FROM 1

Duterte... FROM 2

Town... FROM 2

NONE EXEMPTED. A member of the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary undergoes strict full body pat-down search upon entering the venue of the 33rd PCGA National Convention held at SMX Convention Center on Friday afternoon where President Duterte was the keynote speaker. Lean Daval Jr.

89% hike... FROM 2 court from July 1, 2016 to May 17, 2017. From January to May 17, 2017, there were 6,540 cases filed in court.

The number of drug-related cases filed was steady in 2011 and 2012, with 12,627 and 12,534, respectively. The number dropped to 10,923 in 2013 before rising to 17,619 in 2014; 25,009 in 2015; and 47,331 in 2016.

According to the PDEA Legal and Prosecution Service, of the 8,444 drug cases resolved nationwide from 2014 to October 2016, a total of 1,697 (20.1 percent) resulted in conviction; 2,059 (24.4 percent) in dismissal; and 4,688 (55.5 percent) in acquittal.

“These figures show the low conviction rate of the drug cases filed in the last three years. Internal support mechanisms have been institution-

alized in PDEA, including the strengthened relationship among the different pillars of the criminal justice system.

These should ensure the filing of airtight drug cases, paving the way for the conviction of arrested drug personalities,” the PDEA chief said.

Lawyers from PDEA recently met with legal practitioners from across the nation to discuss ways to speed up the conviction of arrested drug offenders, Lapena said.

Meanwhile, Prosecutor General Victor Sepulveda said the process of filing drug cases begins with an inquest, during which evidence is validated.

Once evidence is found to be sufficient, a case is filed before the local court.

“An inquest ideally takes 72 office hours,” Sepulveda told PNA.

Francis Reta of Sasa.

Tagum said they were killed when they tried to engage the police during the implementation of the warrants.

Of the 66 arrested persons, 55 are males and 10 are females. A 14-year-old was also among those rescued.

According to Tagum, minors have been used as drug couriers.

PDEA director Adhzar Albani, however, noted the

volume of suspected shabu seized during the operation is smaller than the last “onetime big-time” operation, which netted at least 300 grams of shabu.

But, according to Albani, there are more persons arrested this time compared to the last operation. ”It (supply) decreased by more than half. This means supply is smaller,” Albani told reporters in a press conference on Friday noon. (PNA)

5 dead... FROM 3

NOTICE OF LOSS

Notice is hereby given by LOYOLA PLANS CONSOLIDATED INC. that CERTIFICATE OF FULL PAYMENT No.(s) under LOYOLA PLAN ISSUED TO THE FOLLOWING PLANHOLDERS, TO WIT: PH NAME

1.DOMINGUITO V. TURTUGO

2. FLORO AGUNOD

CFP NO.

21043720 008440

CONTRACT NO.

130006236 967379-9

were lost. Any transaction entered into shall be null and void.

5/21-22,28-29,6/4-5

Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation and Communication LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD Regional Office No. XI Davao City

Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation and Communication LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD Regional Office No. XI Davao City

Petition for Extension of Validity of a Certificate of Public Convenience to Operate a TH FREIGHT TRUCK Service with Dropping of Unit.

Petition for Extension of Validity of a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate an AIRCONDITIONED UV EXPRESS Service

SULPICIO L. SALES, Petitioner

BUTCH L. FUENTES, Petitioner

Case No.R11-EV-TH2017-E-807 (2011-XI-00807/2012-1060) (with Dropping of Unit) x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - --x

Case No. R11-EV-UV2017-E-982 (2011-XI-00982/12-0796)

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

NOTICE OF HEARING

NOTICE OF HEARING

Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of a TH FREIGHT TRUCK service on the route: WITHIN DAVAO CITY and from said place to any point in MINDANAO accessible to motor vehicle traffic and vice versa with the use of TWO (2) units, which Certificate will expire on May 10, 2017. In the petition filed on May 8, 2017, petitioner requests authority to extend the validity of said Certificate as well as to Drop One (1) of the authorized units particularly the unit bearing Plate No. LXD 296.

Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of an AIRCONDITIONED UV EXPRESS service on the route: DAVAO CITY – MANGAGOY (BISLIG CITY) AND VICE VERSA with the use of ONE (1) unit, which Certificate will expire on May 10, 2017. In the petition filed on May 5, 2017, petitioner requests authority to extend the validity of said Certificate to operate along the same route with the use of the same unit previously authorized.

NOTICE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on June 5, 2017 at 09:40 a.m. at this office at the above address.

At least, TEN (10) days prior to the above date petitioner shall publish this Notice once in a one (1) daily newspaper of general circulation in Mindanao Parties opposed to the granting of the petition must file their written opposition supported by documentary evidence on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same to the petitioner, and may if they so, desire appear on said date and time.

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

WITNESS the Atty. TERESITA DELA PEÑA-YÑIGUEZ, Regional Director, this 9th day of May 2017 at Davao City.

Atty. CATTLEYA B. ACAYLAR Attorney IV

NOTICE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on JUNE 7, 2017 at 9:40 a.m. at this office at the above address.

At least, TEN (10) days prior to the above date petitioner shall publish this Notice once in a one (1) daily newspaper of general circulation in Mindanao Parties opposed to the granting of the petition must file their written opposition supported by documentary evidence on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same to the petitioner, and may if they so, desire appear on said date and time.

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

WITNESS the Atty. TERESITA DELA PEÑA-YÑIGUEZ, Regional Director, this 8th day of May 2017 at Davao City.

Atty. CATLEYA B. ACAYLAR Attorney IV

INdulge!

VOL. 10 ISSUE 35 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, MAY 21 - 22, 2017

TRAVEL

EDGEDAVAO

TACURONG BIRD FESTIVAL A celebration of wildlife conservation

By OLAN EMBOSCADO ONE OF SOX’S PREMIER TOURIST DESTINATIONS is the center of the 3rd Tacurong Bird Festival, the first and the only bird festival in South Central Mindanao. This is the Baras Bird Sanctuary, home to tens of thousands of cageless wonders of SocCSkSarGen Region.

Baras Bird Sanctuary in the City of Tacurong covers about two hectares of land that is home to more than 20,000 beautiful birds of different types. The area is situated beside a river and very close to swamplands, wetlands, and marshes. In 2002, Baras was declared a bird sanctuary by the city government.

Developed as eco-tourism site, the sanctuary is the most popular tourist spot in Tacurong City and considered as one of the most significant tourist destinations in Region 12. Year after year, these cageless flying wonders of the city attract various local and foreign tourists to come to the area and enjoy the wonderful sights and hear the melodies of some of the world’s most beloved birds including the great egret, the intermediate egret and the Rufus night heron. It has also become one of the most favorite birding sites of

Wildlife Enthusiasts and Wildlife Photographers in the country.

Among the bird species that can be found in Baras Bird Sanctuary are the Great Egret, Cattle Egret, Intermediate Egret, Whitecollared King-

fisher, Emerald Dove, Hawk, Eurasian Sparrow, Javan Pond Heron, Black-crowned Night Heron, Variable Dwarfkingfisher, Juvenile Black-

crowned Night Heron, Yellow-vented Bulbul, Rusty-breasted Cuckoo, Magpie Robin, Pied Fantail, Glossy Ibis, Blacknaped Monarch, Rofous Night Heron and Ruddy Kingfisher.

In line with city’s advocacy of wildlife preservation, the city government in partnership with different line agencies and private sectors has led the annual celebration of Tacurong Bird Festival for three years now.

The Festival is designed as

a celebration of wildlife c on s er v at ion and hopes to make locals and tourists aware about the importance of birds in the environment, encouraging them to take the pledge of conserving

natural habitats such as the Baras Bird Sanctuary.

The bird festival featured various activities such as conservation forum on Philippine Birds where speakers come from Wild Bird Club of the Phil-

ippines. The forum was held outside of Baras Bird Sanctuary to accommodate more participants. The talks centered on eco-tourism and biodiversity conservation and the role of Birds in

ou r environment.

At Baras Bird Sanctuary, where the center of the 3rd Bird Festival was held, highlights included bird watching with a license tour guide.

A bird mural art stroke was also made available at the reception area. Other

environmentfriendly art activities include bottle recycling, keyholder/refmagnet painting, face painting, coloring and jigsaw puzzle and other activities that make the event more fun and exciting.

The 3rd Tacurong Bird Festival was spearheaded by the City Government of Tacurong in partnership with Department of Tourism (DOT) XII, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and the Wild Bird Club of the Philippines and other stakeholders.

Congratulations to all the Tacurongnons for your undying efforts for the conservation of these baras Birds. Kudos to Tacurong City Mayor Lina Montilla and Tourism Officer Emelie Jamorabon!

A2 INdulge!

ENTERTAINMENT

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 35 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, MAY 21 - 22, 2017

Mulawin vs. Ravena takes flight on May 22 IT HAS BEEN 12 LONG YEARS since GMA Network marked history with its highly-successful and ground-breaking telefantasya, Mulawin, which captivated the hearts of many Filipinos all over the country. This May, GMA raises the bar even higher and takes flight again with the much-anticipated sequel to the highlyacclaimed saga, Mulawin vs. Ravena.

Following previous events, Aguiluz and Alwina, the saviours of the human and Mulawin race, successfully defeated the Ravena tribe in their quest to annihilate the human race.

In Mulawin vs. Ravena, the sequel will continue the fight between good and evil as both tribes strive to defeat each other.

Kapuso Drama King Dennis Trillo returns as Gabriel and embraces his fate as a Ravena and is now the King of Halconia. With a new ruler, the Ravena tribe strengthens its forces. While no major battles spawned among the Mulawins and Ravenas over the years, some believe that this is merely the calm before the storm and war is imminent.

Joining the powerhouse ensemble are Kapuso Premier Actress Lovi Poe as Magindara, the goddess of the sea and daughter of Sandawa; versatile Kapuso actress Carla Abellana as Aviona, one of the most respected and well-loved Mulawin; and Asia’s Songbird herself in her first fulllength telefantasya, Regine Velasquez-Alcasid as Sandawa, the immortal goddess of nature and keeper of Mt. Apo. Adding glimmer to the

show and playing very special roles are Philippine TV’s Sweetheart Heart Evangelista-Escudero as Alwina, saviour of the Mulawin and humans; multitalented Kapuso actor Tom Rodriguez as Rodrigo, a human who falls in love with and marries Aviona; and seasoned actor Ariel Rivera as Panabon, representative of the Tabon or Mulawin half-bloods.

The hottest young Kapuso love teams also put their wings on in this primetime masterpiece. Bea Binene is Anya, the halfblood daughter of Aviona; Derrick Monasterio breathes life to Almiro, the noble son of Aguiluz and Alwina destined to be the ruler of Avila; one of the network’s most soughtafter actors, Kiko Estrada, also steps in as Rafael, Almiro’s best friend turned mortal enemy; Bianca Umali is Lawiswis, a beautiful young Avian and the love of Pagaspas’ life; and Miguel Tanfelix soars once again as Pagaspas, a former owl that transi-

tioned into a Mulawin and has now come at the right age to declare his love for Lawiswis.

Completing the starstudded cast are the following: Mga mortal: Angelu De Leon as Lourdes, Bobby Andrews as Dionisio, Joko Diaz as Antonio, Martin del Rosario as Aramis, Charee Pineda as Savanna, and Nova Villa as Lola Elo; Mga Mulawin: Roi Vinzon as Daragit, Valerie Concepcion as Tuka, JC Tiuseco as Tangos, David Licauco as Malik; Mga Ravena: Chynna Ortaleza as Reyna Rashana, Dion Ignacio as Siklab, Winwyn Marquez as Ribay and TJ Trinidad as Greco.

At the helm of Mulawin vs. Ravena are two of GMA’s most acclaimed directors, Dominic Zapata and Don Michael Perez who is also the show’s concept creator and head writer.

Don’t miss the muchawaited flight of Mulawin vs. Ravena beginning May 22 only on GMA Telababad.

VOL. 10 ISSUE 35 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, MAY 21 - 22, 2017

UP AND ABOUT

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

Maximizing your new Huawei P10 with Globe Staying connected and in the loop is now what everyone needs, and topnotch smartphones like the new Huawei P10 are best enjoyed with a postpaid plan that gives just that.

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May 17 – 22, 2017

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12:40 | 3:00 | 5:20 | 7:40 | 10:00 LFS

Huawei P10, with its innovative features, is poised to set the bar for one of the most exciting smartphones in the market.

With the right postpaid plan, here’s a rundown on how you can have an awesome connected experience: 1. Get it with Globe Postpaid’s ThePLAN What better way to enjoy the allnew Huawei P10 than with larger than life data to fully maximize its features? Now, it is exclusively available through Globe, powered by its newest postpaid offer - ThePLAN. The new P10 is free starting at ThePLAN 1799 and customers can enjoy big benefits starting with 11GB of data, unlimited calls to Globe and TM, unlimited texts to other networks, six-month free access to Netflix and HOOQ, and three-month free access to Spotify. All the data plus the entertainment you need right on your mobile!

2. Up your Instagram game Up your Instagram game with Huawei P10’s unique cameras! The device has the Leica Dual Camera 2.0, which combines two photos to enhance detail and contrast. The 12MP and 20MP cameras also lets you quickly adjust the exposure, white balance, ISO, and aperture to let you take studio-like photos that will guarantee likes on your social media page.

On top of that, the device will offer the never-before-seen Leica Portrait mode, which will combine the Bokeh effect and Beauty Mode effects. It’s a great selfie partner!

5. Watch the latest movies and shows on Netflix and HOOQ A smartphone is meant to do a lot of things, and one of them is to watch movies and TV shows on the go. The Huawei P10 delivers on this, with its full HD feature that brings you right in the action of what you’re watching. This means more vibrant scenes and crisp colors. The 5.1-inch screen is big enough for you to appreciate what’s going on, and yet light enough to be enjoyed anywhere. Make sure to catch upcoming shows on Netflix and HOOQ!

3. Start a vlog Huawei P10 photos are cool, but you know what’s cooler? Videos. Take the best quality videos using the Leica-engineered cameras. This will work best on your travel videos, but you can record ordinary scenes and watch it become a work of art. This might be the start of your vlogging career!

4. Play games with zero lag Enjoy your favorite games and experience zero lags! Apart from its gorgeous visuals and expandable memory, the device runs on 4GB of RAM and a powerful processor that lets you shift from one app to another without delay.

May we recommend the popular Mobile Legends?

6. Listen to Spotify If music is your thing, you can listen to the thousands of playlists available on Spotify, or create your own. The Huawei P10 has storage space of 64GB, which can be expanded up to 256GB, so that means you can download your playlists for offline listening!

7. Catch up on the Playoff with NBA League Pass Basketball fans can enhance their viewing experience with the NBA League Pass, a subscription service that lets you watch NBA games live, complete with multi-game views and high-definition quality. You can also watch replays and in-game highlights on-demand, as well as have access to the NBA archives, which has over 60 hours of worth of replays from recent seasons, classic games, special features, interviews, and documentaries.

It’s perfect for Huawei P10’s vivid display!

EDGEDAVAO KORONADAL PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS Serving a seamless society

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EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

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

EDGEDAVAO

A4 INdulge!

VOL. 10 ISSUE 35 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, MAY 21 - 22, 2017

EDGEDAVAO PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS Serving a seamless society

Advertise with

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

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

VOL. 10 ISSUE 35 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, MAY 21 - 22, 2017

China... FROM 4

tually we can resolve these issues although it will take sometime,” Sta. Romana said.

Sta. Romana said the Philippines and China will pursue possible areas of maritime cooperation in the South China Sea “without prejudice to our respective claims.” ”So this is the significance of this bilateral consultative mechanism that we can discuss contentious issues, we can discuss sensitive issues but we can do it in a candid, frank and friendly way. And at the same time, explore areas of maritime cooperation.

He said the first bilateral meeting since President Rodrigo Duterte revived the Philippines-China relations was a big step in building a better foundation for the relations between two countries.

In a joint press statement, Liu and Sta. Romana initialed the Term of References (TOR) that was reached during the diplomatic consultations between the two states’ Foreign Ministries in January this year to establish the Bilateral Consultation Mechanism (BCM).

Both sides agreed the BCM should be a platform for confidence-building measures and for promoting maritime cooperation and maritime security.

The BCM will comprise equivalent officials from the respective foreign ministries and relevant maritime affairs

agencies.

The delegates agreed to hold the BCM once in every six months with the next meeting to be held in Manila later this year.

The two sides also agreed to address concerns, to handle incidents and disputes in the South China Sea “in an appropriate manner.” ”Such discussions are consistent with the October 2016 Joint Statement where both sides reaffirmed the importance of maintaining and promoting peace and stability, freedom of navigation in, and overflight above the South China Sea,” the press statement said.

The two sides agreed to address the territorial and jurisdictional disputes by peaceful means, without resorting to the threat or use of force, through friendly consultations and negotiations by sovereign states directly involved on the issue.

It added that disputes will be resolved “in accordance with universally recognized principles of international law” including the Charter of the United Nations and the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

The Philippines-China relations has been rejuvenated following President Duterte’s four-day state visit in Beijing in October last year upon the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping. (PNA)

NEWS 11

EDGEDAVAO

DOLE: students must choose their academic courses wisely S

TUDENTS have been advised to choose academic courses they excel in and sought after by employers “so they will have bright future.”

Zamboanga-based Department of Labor Employment Regional Director Ofelia Domingo issued the advice, especially to senior high schools and college stu-

dents, as opening of classes for school year 2017-2018 nears.

Those who can easily be employed are graduates of technical vocational courses, Hotel and Restaurant Management (HRM), education, and agriculture and fisheries, she said.

“For those who will enroll, do not just think of se-

ing golf and leisure packages within Asia and the Pacific.

The department said that prior to the convention proper, pre and post fam tour ac-

tivities will be conducted to showcase golf courses in Metro Manila, Tagaytay, Clark and Boracay. (Azer N. Parrocha/ PNA)

sidy. He knows about it 100 percent,” he told reporters.

A one kilogram of palay is anticipated to go up from Php17 to Php20 to Php22, he said.

“The increase to Php 20 a kilo is acceptable for dry palay, and not for newly harvest palay,” he said.

Dry palay are preferred because its moisture content for milling is only 14 percent, while fresh grains contain 22

percent moisture content.

He explained that National Food Authority only buy dried palay for Php17.

He, however, admitted while the rice farmers would enjoy higher farm gate prices of rice, the consumer price would be affected.

“Just like in Cagayan and Nueva Ecija, a kilo of newly harvest palay is at Php22 to Php23,” he said. (Sammy F. Martin/PNA)

PH... FROM 4

Irrigators... FROM 6

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

is in need of Lay-out Artist Qualifications: • Male / Female • Knowledgeable in Adobe Photoshop and Indesign application • Willing to work under pressure

Accounting Clerks (2) Qualifications: • BS Accountancy Graduate • Female • Can work with minimum supervision • Experience of at least one year

Account Executive Qualifications: • BS Marketing Graduate • Male/Female • With pleasing personality Send your application letter and resume to: Ella P. Tingzon HR/Admin Supervisor Edge Davao Review Publishing Inc. Door 14 ALCREJ Bldg., E. Quirino Avenue, Davao City Or email at edgedavao@gmail.com or ella_tingzon@yahoo.com

curing diploma. You should have future plans to determine what course you need to study,” Domingo said.

Domingo said they should also take into consideration the financial capability of their parents as well as the standing of the school where they intend to enroll.

“Parents can advice their

children but they should not dictate on what courses the child will take,” she said.

The aim of Domingo in issuing the advice is to further increase the region’s employment rate currently at 95.4 percent.

The unemployment rate is 4.6 percent while the underemployment rate is 15.4 percent. (PNA)

Duterte to disallow sale of guns and ammos over-the-counter

P

RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte will seek a revision of the firearms law in the Philippines to regulate strictly the sale of bullets, ammunition and firearms to ensure these do not end up in the hands of the enemies. ”I will no longer allow ‘yung mga tindahan (those stores) to sell bullets over the counter that cannot be done.

Hindi tayo matatapos nito (We will not finish this [rebellion]). We’re just supplying ammunition to the enemy,” the President said during the 25th Association of Firearms and Ammunition Dealers of the

Philippines (AFAD) Defense and Sporting Arms Show at the SMX Convention Center here Friday evening.

Referring to the New People’s Army (NPA), President Duterte said the armed group of the Communist Party of the Philippines and the National Democratic Front can afford to buy bullets and ammunition because they are earning money from extortion or the revolutionary tax. ”Most of the plantation owners and the miners are really paying, ‘yan ang totoo talaga (that’s really the truth),” he said. (PNA)

12 PROPERTY EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 35 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, MAY 21 - 22, 2017

Aeon Towers: The new benchmark of modern living

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO

T

njb@edgedavao.net

HERE is no denying Davao City’s push towards becoming the country’s fastest growing metropolis. For one, there is still a wide expanse of real estate available for development.

That makes Davao the most attractive investment area for property development watchers.

At the moment, developers wrestle to make their presence felt in the Davao market with the hope of cementing a niche and creating a lasting impact.

It’s not just a competition to sell a property out there for these property market players.

More than mere structures, they are selling a lifestyle— something Dabawenyos and would-be Davao residents will have to embrace in the future.

So one can always choose from among many condominium projects mushrooming about town, but if one wants real value for the hard-earned money and live in a premium state-of-the-art residential space in the scenic skylines of Davao, then there is no place for compromise.

It’s not that hard though.

Whether one consults a real estate agent or do the scouting by himself, make comparisons and arrive at a wise decision.

The variables most likely in consideration are location, amenities, security and safety.

This is where it becomes a no-brainer. All that is already

found in the Aeon Towers.

The initial venture of a certified local firm FTC Group of Companies, the 33-level skyscraper is destined to become not only the city’s tallest but also its next iconic structure.

First test, location. Most condominium buildings are constructed in premium locations such as at the heart of the metropolis. This certainly means you are situated right at the center of the cosmopolitan near all the important establishments and buildings in the metro. You have the privilege of easy access to everything such as public and business establishments and transportation. Those who have work in the city do not have to wrestle with the traffic problem and time constraints since they can choose buildings strategically located near their workplaces.

Going to the department stores where you can avail your groceries and other important items is also done with great comfort and convenience.

Aeon Towers is located at JP Laurel Avenue in Davao’s newest CBD. These area is lined with shopping malls and condo buildings as well as major businesses and offices, hospitals and schools.

Next test, amenities. There are provided amenities and common facilities in most condo buildings that residents can rightfully use and enjoy. You have the privilege to use sever-

ONGOING CONSTRUCTION. Construction is moving round the clock for the iconic Aeon Towers. al recreational services exclusively provided for members and residents such as swimming pools, tennis courts, lobbies, elevators and gyms.

Aeon Towers has a luxury hotel, fitness gym, jogging lane, shops, BPO offices, skydeck pool, and offices. It is also the first to use Smarthome technology where you can control your unit even from thousands

of miles away through internet.

Finally, safety and security.

The Smarthome technology and the state-of-the-art security devices are available 24/7.

You are definitely ensured that you are well protected and safe within your condo units with a round-the-clock security.

Overall, Aeon Towers is an embodiment of the aspirations

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11th Judicial region BRANCH 17, Davao City

IN RE: PETITION FOR THE CANCELLATION OF THE MARRIAGE CONTRACT REGISTERED, ETC., Case No. R-DVO-17-01441-SP HEIRS OF THE LATE SPS. RYOICHI TONEGAWA and TIMOTEA NACION-TONEGAWA, rep. by CARMENCITA C. NUÑEZ and VIRGINIA C. VENTURADA, Petitioners, - versus THE LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRY OF DAVAO CITY, PHILIPPINES, ETC., Respondent, x---------------------------------------x ORDER Petitioners, filed a Petition, praying that after due notice and hearing, a judgment be rendered, ordering the Office of the City Civil Registry of Davao City, Philippines to cancel the marriage contract between spouses Ryoichi Tonegawa and Timotea Nacion-Tonegawa for the marriage they contracted on May 19, 1943 from its records, after payment of the required fees.

Finding the Petition to be sufficient in form and substance, set hearing of the Petition on August 7, 2017 at 8:30 o’clock in the morning, ordering all interested persons to appear on the said date and show cause, why this Petition should not be granted.

Petitioner is directed to publish this Order, at least once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks, prior to the date of hearing in a designated qualified newspaper of general circulation, pursuant to Presidential Decree No. 1079.

Furnish a copy of this Order to the Clerk of the Court, Regional Trial Court, Davao City, for raffling of the publication.

SO ORDERED Given this 9th day of May, 2017 at Davao City, Philippines.

EVALYN M. ARELLANO-MORALES Presiding Judge

of Dabawenyos—modern lifestyle in a highly liveable metropolis.

It has the look of the future with an encasement of UV-protecting glass and will have a clear look at the majestic environs of Davao and the nearby Island Garden City of Samal.

The top floors of the stateof-the-art skyscraper are the premium residential units and

the skydeck infinity pool and offices.

The Aeon Towers recently inked a partnership investment deal with a global investment firm which bought in 288 units for operations of lease apartments and luxury hotel.

The project is set for turnover anytime between December this year or January next year.

VOL. 10 ISSUE 35 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, MAY 21 - 22, 2017

EDGEDAVAO

Matina Enclaves construction updates: Bldg B 96%, Bldg C 30%

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO

E

njb@edgedavao.net

SCANDOR Development Corporation recently released its latest construction updates for the two ongoing condominium building construction work of its maiden venture Matina Enclaves.

Building B is now at 96 percent and is on track for a turnover tentatively set next month.

The latest update was released based on May 15 report.

The elevator is now fully functional while completion is being done on the Lobby and Atrium (Common Area). Units are likewise undergoing finishing prior to turnover.

The second condominium, Building C, has now an overall accomplishment of 30 percent. At the moment, the concreting of the fourth level is underway while the two-level parking and first residential floor is is already complete.

Four other fully sold condominium buildings of the signature project of homegrown developer Escandor Develop-

ment Corporation (Esdevco) are set for construction.

Homebuyers of the sprawling complex will be waking up with the majestic view of the picturesque Mt. Apo virtually framed on their windows.

Matina Enclaves, built with an environment-friendly mindset, is a virtual patch of nature where a community thrives amidst a metropolitan setting.

A few steps away is the Davao City Golf Club, a vast ground of lush greenery for one enamoured with the sport.

Around the complex are pathways dotted with trees where one can walk, jog or bike. The amenities too are family-oriented--a clubhouse with recreational facilities for both the young and old, lap pool, and soon, the Arcadia which is a modern gaming complex right across the road.

To top it, Matina Enclaves is a gated complex which only means that exclusivity is mixed with leisurely condo living.

PROPERTY 13 Building C installation of precas

Building C lifting of table form Building C east view

Building C preparation table form Building C structural column

Building B 6th floor view and alley

Building B Atrium View at 6th floor

Building B Atrium ceiling

Building B elevator

14 SCIENCE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 35 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, MAY 21 - 22, 2017

Philippines now ranks 12th in biotech corn production Text and Photos by HENRYLITO D. TACIO

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HE Philippines is now the 12th producer of biotech or genetically modified (GM) corn in the world and the top grower in Southeast Asia, according to the latest report released by the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA).

Production of biotech corn rebounds in 2016 after a slump the previous year, added the report, which was launched recently in Muntinlupa City.

“Despite a temporary decline in biotech corn area in 2015, the Philippines has quickly rebounded production in 2016, when adoption rates for the crops increased due to the enormous benefits enjoyed by Filipino consumers, farmers and their families,” said a press statement released during the launching.

A biotech or GM crop is a plant that has a novel combination of genetic material obtained through the use of modern biotechnology, according to a previous ISAAA fact sheet.

“GM technology can address problems that cannot be solved through conventional crop improvement methods,” the fact sheet explained. “It enables plant breeders to bring together in one plant useful genes from a wide range of sourc-

es, not just from within the crop species or closely related plants.”

In terms of biotechnology research and crop commercialization, the Philippines continues to be at the forefront in Southeast Asia. This is especially true in biotech corn, which was approved for commercial planting in 2002.

The area planted to biotech corn increased by a remarkable 16% increase of hectarage (an equivalent of 110,000 hectares) in 2016 from the 702,000 hectares planted in 2015. “The increase is due to favorable weather conditions and high local demand for livestock and feed stocks,” the report said.

The average landholding of Filipino biotech corn farmers is two hectares.

Most of the farmers preferred stacked traits corn (84%) over single trait corn (16%).

“Area planted to stacked traits corn is 679,000 hectares and 133,000 hectares to single trait corn,” the report said.

The farm level economic benefit of planting biotech corn in the country from 2003, the year when it was commercially planted, up to 2015 is estimated to have reached US$642 million.

“For the 2015 alone, the net national impact on biotech corn on farm income

Dr. Vivencio Mamaril

Prof Paul Teng was estimated at US$82 million,” the report said.

So far, only biotech corn is planted commercially in the country today.

“We are 101% sufficient in corn today,” declared Dr. Vivencio R. Mamaril, officer-in-charge as director of the Bureau of Plant Industry and director of the Philippine Agriculture and Fisheries Biotechnology Program of the Department of Agriculture.

Current research and development efforts on biotech/GM crops in the Philippines include products from the public sector, particularly fruit and shoot borer resistant Bt eggplant, biotech papaya with delayed ripening and papaya ring spot virus resistance, which the Institute of Plant Breeding of the University of the Philippines at Los Baños have developed.

The other two biotech products also in development stage are Bt cotton (developed by the Philippine Fiber Development Authority and golden rice (developed by the Philippine Rice Research Institute and the International Rice Research Institute).

Golden rice is a biotech rice biofortified with provitamin A beta-carotene. Bt

refers to Bacillus thuringiensis,” a common soil bacterium.

Biotech crops are now grown in 185.1 million hectares by 18 million farmers in 26 countries. In 2016, 19 developing countries (about 99.6 million hectares) were growing biotech crops compared to only 7 industrial countries (85.5 million hectares).

In Asia, aside from the Philippines, biotech crops are also grown in Bangladesh, China, India, Myanmar, Pakistan, and Vietnam.

“Biotech crops have become a vital agricultural resource for farmers around the world because of immense benefits for improved productivity and profitability, as well as conservation efforts,” said Prof.

Paul S. Teng, ISAAA Chair of the Board.

In terms of economics, biotech crops have helped increased crop productivity. From 1996 to 2015, about US$167.8 billion was generated by biotech crops.

As such, farmers have also increased their farm income.

In addition, biotech crops helped conserve biodiversity. From 1996 to 2016, it saved 174 million hectares of land from

ploughing and cultivation.

“Biotechnology is one of the tools necessary in helping farmers grow more food on less land,” pointed out Dr. Randy Hautea, the ISAAA global coordinator.

Dr. Mamaril seems to agree when he said: “It is one of possible solutions to the problem of the looming food crisis.”

Growing biotech crop also provides a better environment, according to Prof.

Teng. For one, it reduced pesticide spraying. From 1996 to 2015, about 620 million kilograms of active ingredient of pesticides were saved, the report said.

For another, biotechnology reduces emissions of greenhouse gases and helps mitigate climate change.

“The adoption of biotech crops has reduced carbon dioxide emissions equal to removing approximately 12 million cars from the road annually,” the report said.

More importantly, adoption of biotech crops would help alleviate hunger. It is accomplished through the increased incomes “for 18 million small farmers and their families, bringing improved financial stability to more than 65 million people.”

With all these benefits, Dr. Hautea urged for planting more biotech crops.

“The promises of biotech crops can only be unlocked if farmers are able to buy and plant these crops, following a scientific approach to regulatory reviews and approvals,” he said.

Currently, only 13 biotech corn events have been approved for cultivation in the Philippines, with the last approval given in 2014.

However, there have been 88 biotech crop event approvals for food, feed and processing cultivation in the country, including alfalfa (2 events), rapeseed (2), cotton (8), corn (52), potato (8), rice (1), soybean (14) and sugar beet (1).

The ISAAA report said that biotechnology is here to stay and cooperation is needed to become more relevant in the changing times.

“Only through partnerships can we be assured that nutritious and sufficient food will be readily available on the table, stable supply of feed for our poultry and livestock, and accessible clothing and shelter for everyone,” the report pointed out.

Meanwhile, a new report, The Future of Food and Agriculture: Trends and Challenges, released by the UN Food and Agriculture, predicted that there would be 50% increase in food demand by 2050.

With the continued population growth and less land for cultivation, where will the world get the food to feed the hungry mouths?

VOL. 10 ISSUE 35 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, MAY 21 - 22, 2017

EDGEDAVAO

SPORTS15

Manny begins sparring F

IGHTING Senator Manny Pacquiao began sparring on Saturday at the Elorde Gym at Mall of Asia in Pasay City for his fight with Jeff Horn of Australia on July 2nd in Brisbane.

His sparring partner was welterweight Sonny Katiandagho from Cebu who stands at 5 feet 8 inches nicknamed ‘Pinoy Hearns’. Katiandago has a 11-2 win-loss record who recently fought Darragh Foley in Australia.

Another sparring partner will also be available for Saturday.

It was learned that Katiandagho has the same style as Jeff Horn and is of the same build and is a perfect partner to start sparring for Pacquiao.

The 38-year old boxing legend trained Thursday at the Elorde MOA Gym for 4 hours doing mitt work, plyometrics, speed ball, floor to ceiling ball and sit ups and he also ran road work at 8:30 in the morning.

“At the moment I am at only 60%,” the eight-division world champ said of his current condition.

What Crawford should be worried about is how much Diaz would love to derail any of his future plans. Diaz has a professional record of 19-1 with nine knockouts after winning a gold medal in the 2008 Beijing Games.

Arum suggested Crawford might have his hands full.

“Felix Diaz is an Olympic gold medalist and that means something,” Arum said. “A gold medalist has a lot of confidence and a lot of credentials and ability.”

Crawford (30-0, 21 KOs) also seems to respect Diaz, 33.

“I never underestimate any opponent,” he said. “I just go in there and make sure I don’t get caught with anything. I don’t want to go in there and be careless.”

Heck, Diaz asked for this fight.

“I called out Terence because Terence is the best in

the division,” Diaz said.

He’s confident he can hand Crawford his first loss.

“With his style, I know I can beat Terence Crawford,” said Diaz, the No. 3 contender to one of Crawford’s titles.

“Crawford has fought no one like me. Stylistically, I can beat him.”

For further motivation, Diaz believes he is being taken lightly, in spite of what Arum and Crawford say to the contrary. He believes proof of that is the talk about Crawford fighting Pacquiao, or fellow junior welterweight champion Julius Indogo, who is expected to be on hand Saturday.

NEXT IN LINE... FROM 16

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HIS was the very candid, in-your-face message of Manila Rep. Manuel “Manny” Lopez to all the overstaying NSA presidents and officials occupying top positions in the Philippine Olympic Committee and the National Sports Associations who attended the congressional hearing called by the Committee on Youth and Sports Development at the Batasan complex.

“What is it in there (NSA) that attracts you to stay even when you cannot deliver anymore? There are many young sports leaders today who are more than qualified and creative to take over. You should resign and let them take over.”

Lopez did not mince words. Know what? You could hear a pin drop. No one, yes, no one opened his mouth to register a protest. The truth muted them all.

For the record, majority

“I am definitely motivated that I am being overlooked and that I am the underdog,” Diaz said. “But I have my own plans. I am going to destroy Top Rank’s plans.”

DEAD SERIOUS. Although he is highly fancied to beat Australian contender Jeff Hrn, Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao trains hard under the watchful eyes of Buboy Fernandez.

Cavs smother Celtics by 44 in Game 2 A

N NBA playoff-record, 41-point halftime lead.

A franchise record for total points. A 13th consecutive playoff win, tying another league record.

And LeBron James says the Cleveland Cavaliers can still do better. ‘’I believe we’ve got another level, as well,’’ he said after Cleveland steamrolled the Boston Celtics with 130-86 on Friday night to take a 2-0 lead in the Eastern Conference finals. ‘’As well as we played tonight, we’ve got a couple of things we can do better.

There’s no complacency for us now. But we like where we’re headed.’’

Minutes after the NBA announced the three finalists for

the MVP award - and James wasn’t among them - the Cavaliers star scored 30 points before resting in the fourth quarter. Kevin Love had 21 points and 12 rebounds for Cleveland, which led by 14 points after one quarter, by 72-31 at the half and by 46 after three.

Even with all of the starters sitting out the fourth, the 130 points was the most ever scored by the Cavaliers in a playoff game.

Kyrie Irving had 23 points for the Cavaliers, who return home with a chance to finish off the Celtics in Cleveland. It would be the third straight sweep this postseason for the defending NBA champions, who also won the last three games of last year’s finals.

Game 3 is Sunday night. ‘’It’s one game. I don’t care if you win by 200 points,’’ Cavaliers coach Tyronn Lue said. ‘’We’re going back home, we’re not going to get comfortable.

We understand that this is a good team. They’re not No. 1 in the East for no reason.’’

The Celtics played the second half without Isaiah Thomas, who had a strained right hip. Celtics coach Brad Stevens said the star point guard had a nagging injury that he aggravated a week ago during the second-round series against Washington.

Asked how much that hurt his team, Stevens said, ‘’Not 44 points worth.’’ ‘’I don’t want to put that on any one guy,’’ he said. ‘’Ulti-

mately, they were terrific. We were poor. You’ve got to be able to pick up the slack, certainly, when other guys aren’t available.’’

With both teams going to their benches in the fourth, the only suspense was whether the Celtics could avoid the worst playoff loss in franchise history. The Orlando Magic beat them by 47 points in the first round of the 1995 postseason.

Still, it was the worst home playoff loss ever for the most-decorated franchise in NBA history. ‘’It is embarrassing,’’ guard Avery Bradley said. ‘’As a man, as a basketball team, it will say a lot about us how we respond.’’

helped in the election of a reluctant candidate to the top post of the Philippine Olympic Committee.

Manny Lopez was in fact reacting to a plaint by Cojuangco et al that the PSC has not been adequately funding the needs of national athletes gearing up for the SEAG. Ramirez, for his part, echoed a long-time rationale that the POC and the NSAs have not been promptly liquidating the monies given them by the government sports agency.

Ramirez stressed that RA 6847, the law that gave birth to the PSC, grants unto it visitorial (and scrutiny) powers to ensure that the millions of taxpayers’ money funded to the POC and the NSAs are properly accounted for.

I fully agree with Ramirez.

People just probably don’t realize how much corruption there is in sports. The NSAs

and their long-sitting officials are “thriving” because they are in collusion with some unscrupulous sports officials where they plot schemes to defraud the government by “overpricing” their needs. Follow the drift?

Ramirez’ action is not government intervention as some smart-alecks interject which might lead to a suspension by the International Olympic Committee.

The Chinese government we all know subsidizes and fully spends for its athletes who compete in the Olympics, World Championships and other IOC-organized sports competitions. The IOC has not suspended it. Why should we be threatened with suspension then?

My position is that the PSC is not, per se, a funding agency. If this is so, it would be at the mercy (beck and call) of the POC and the NSAs.

The visitorial powers granted unto it by RA 6847 meant that it can check the abuses of the latter and appropriately mete out accruing penalties.

If the POC and its member-NSAs fail to liquidate taxpayers’ money given them, the PSC has every right to withhold funding until the former complies with government auditing and accounting regulations.

Otherwise, what’s the use of having a PSC if it is merely a funder?

The PSC, for this matter, is the top government agency that rules and regulates amateur sports.

In conclusion, I find this quote from Edmund Hillary, the first man to successfully scale Mt. Everest, very apt: “It is not the mountain we conquer but ourselves.” (Email your feedback to fredlumba@ yahoo.com.) GOD BLESS THE PHLIPPINES!

Resign and let young progressive minds take over of NSA chiefs have been there for more than twenty years.

I’ve known them since the early 90s and they are still there.

I was there at the committee hearing chaired by Hon. Conrado Estrella III, sports being my first journalistic love for more than three decades of coverage.

PSC chair Butch Ramirez and POC chief Jose “Peping” Cojuangco tangled in a civil but unmistakably intense debate, moving away clearly from the principal topic affecting the country’s participation in the forthcoming SEA Games in August in Malaysia.

Lopez is the son of the late former Manila Mayor and ABAP president Mel Lopez.

The father and son tandem came into ABAP in 1987 until 2005 where they led the country’s surge into international fame that included an Olympic silver medal performance

SPORTS KEN

By RED C. LUMBA

of Mansueto “Onyok” Velasco (1996 Atlanta), 3 Asian gold medal (1994 Hiroshima) harvest and consistently ruling the SEAG boxing competitions season after season.

The Lopezes gave up the ABAP helm when they realized it was time to cede it to someone better. MVP (Manuel V. Pangilinan), the business tycoon who is always everywhere has, sadly, not even come close to duplicating the Lopezes’ boxing record since.

I should know. I was a POC insider. For the record, I even

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. 10 ISSUE 35 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, MAY 21 - 22, 2017

NEXT PACQUIAO FOE? Terence Crawford, seen after defeating John Molina Jr. in December, defends his junior welterweight titles Saturday at Madison Square Garden against 2008 Olympic gold medalist Felix Diaz.

(Nati Harnik/The Associated Press)

NEXT IN LINE Crawford a win away from Pacquiao fight

M

ANNY Pacquiao is 38, but in November he took the welterweight title from Jessie Vargas via a wide decision at Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas.

Junior welterweight champion Terence Crawford is in his prime, and looking for bigger and better fights. Bob Arum, who promotes Pacquiao and Crawford, would love for them to duke it out.

Crawford first has to successfully defend his two titles Saturday against Felix Diaz of the Dominican Republic at Madison Square Garden in New York City (on HBO). Pacquiao must get

by Jeff Horn in a July 2 title defense in Horn’s native Australia.

Then, we might have something.

“Would Pacquiao and Crawford be a good fight, a big fight, a big attraction? You bet your ass it will and we will, all things being equal, we will do our best to make that fight,” Arum said this week. “I think the public wants to see it and the public will support it.

“Manny Pacquiao has been a great fighter and a great attraction. ... Manny Pacquiao is the kind of guy who is not afraid to step up and fight anybody. Terence Crawford is the rising star in boxing.”

Crawford, 29, is all for it. But he intimated he doesn’t like looking ahead when he’s about to fight.

“No question, Pacquiao is someone I would like to fight,” he said. “But if it’s not in front of me, then I am not really worried about it.”

F NEXT IN LINE, 15