Edge Davao 10 Issue 53, June 15, 2017

VOL. 10 ISSUE 53 • THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2017

www.edgedavao.net

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 53 • THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2017

Serving a seamless society

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES SPEED CHECK. A Land Transportation Office (LTO) 11 traffic operative aims a speed limit machine approaching vehicles during a routine implementation of speed limits ordinance along R. Castillo Street in Davao City on Wednesday. Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte hit several government agencies for their apparent failure to impose discipline on drivers of public utility vehicles plying the city following a road mishap in Bunawan District on Wednesday morning that left 10 people dead and injured eight others. Lean Daval Jr.

Road accidents can be avoided

By HENRYLITO TACIO

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WO days after celebrating Independence Day, Davao City woke up with a sad news of nine people reportedly died on the spot and 13 others critical when a passenger van hit a 6-wheeler forward truck. The accident happened at Kilometer 21 in Budbud, Bunawan district.

The van, coming from Monkayo and going to Davao City, tried to over-take another vehicle.

The driver didn’t see the speeding truck on the same lane that resulted to a collision and caused the sudden death of more than half of the 16 passengers.

“The speed limit ordinance of Davao City is aimed specifically at putting an end to deadly vehicular accidents in the city,” said Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte in a statement issued after the accident.

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SMASH-UP 10 killed, nine injured in Bunawan road mishap

By JECIA ANNE OPIANA

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AVAO City Mayor Inday Sara Duterte-Carpio has directed Davao City Police Office Chief PSSUPT. Alexander Tagum to file appropriate charges against those responsible for the road mishap featuring a passenger van and a cargo truck in Bunawan district that led to the death of 10 people and serious injuries to nine others.

Police investigation showed that the Davao del Norte-bound van driven by one Joey Alcazaren had just overtaken another vehicle when it ran smack into a Davao City-bound cargo truck at around 5’oclock in the morning of Wednesday along K.M. 21 (near crossing Mahayag-Buhisan) the Davao-Agusan national highway.

Killed on the spot were Alcazaren; Richard Maley, helper of the van; Jonard Beldera, Mary May Misa, Jabey Monsales, Rosalinda Subingsubing, Domingo Carmona and other two unidentified van passengers while Reyvens Ravena was dead on arrival at the hospital.

“After investigation, it turned out na kolorum ang van. Na iden-

tify na ang owner on paper sa van and I told the City Director to file appropriate charges as necessary didto sa tag-iya sa van,” Duterte-Carpio told reporters on Wednesday.

The city mayor also said that she has instructed Tagum to sit down with agencies dealing with the operations of passenger vans

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EDGEDAVAO Sports PSC releases Batang Pinoy incentives of Davao

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 53 • THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2017

FULL SUPPORT. Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio delivers her keynote speech during the closing ceremony of Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) Active Auxiliary II Basic Military Training held at Task Force Davao headquarters on Wednesday. Lean Daval Jr.

Cut money supply of Maute: Nograles A

LEADER of the House of Representatives on Tuesday said tracking down and cutting off the money supply line of terrorist groups in Mindanao could bolster the government’s war against terror.

In a statement, House appropriations committee chair and Davao City Rep. Karlo Nograles called for a deeper investigation on the P79 million worth of cash and checks recovered by government forces in Marawi City.

Nograles stressed the need to trace the source of these

funds, which he said could be connected to the “intricate financing network of ISIS-linked terrorist groups” in southern Philippines.

“The discovery of this financial stash is a grim indication that Maute and the other terrorist groups are not only well-armed and well-trained but are also well-financed,” Nograles said.

“Our soldiers particularly the Philippine Marines delivered a major blow on Maute’s ability to move around by seizing a considerable amount of

MID the ongoing conflict in Marawi City in Mindanao, a tourism official on Tuesday said that emphasizing on the Philippines being a “fun” destination might not be “appropriate” at this moment.

“Considering the situation (in Marawi) we cannot detach ourselves to what we see happening and we’re just being sensitive about it,” Department of Tourism (DOT) Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Frederick Alegre said in

a press conference in Makati City.

“Fun is not quite appropriate at this moment but in an area where it is safe, definitely, there is an experience we can get,” he added.

Alegre made this remark a day after the DOT released its new campaign advertisement ““Sights” which featured a blind, elderly retiree from Japan enjoying his stay in various destinations the Philippines.

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85 new CAFGU AA members graduate

By JECIA ANNE OPIANA

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5 NEWLY recruited Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) Active Auxillary graduated from their 45day Basic Military Training conducted by the Task Force Davao on Wednesday.

According to Task Force Davao Deputy Commander Col. George Joel N. Lalaquil, the CAFGU Active Auxiliary will assist Task Force Davao and city government to maintain peace and order within its area of operations, particularly in downtown area.

“The CAs will be employed for security vital facilities, used in information collection, also in public in-

formation drives, communications relations and development and humanitarian activities,” Col. Lalaquil said on his opening remarks.

Col Lalaquil said that last November 2016, 49 CAFCU AAs were enlisted to the regular force, the Philippine Army, under special enlistment program of AFP. This resulted to the unit recruiting 85 more civilian volunteers as replacement for those who were enlisted and others who opted to resign.

“During the training, the recruits were given subjects relative to law enforcement operations and procedures.

They were also given differ-

ent lectures to develop and train them on the basic of military skills and underwent physical fitness program through daily road runs and physical fitness tests to develop their stamina.

Also graced the ceremony was Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio who personally congratulated the graduates and reminded them of their duties as CAFGU AAs. “I hope nga kita nga naa sa gobyerno, therefore, we hold authority. Do not abuse the power and authority given to you. You are not above the law. In fact, kamo dapat ang examples sa pagpatuman sa atong mga balaod nato diri

sa siyudad sa Dabaw.”

Task Force Davao Commander Col. Erwin Bernard Neri said that the new CAFGU AA will be deployed as soon as Monday. According to him, some of the new members will conduct checkpoint operations, while others will conduct area security, particularly in Davao City’s major entry points.

“Yung mga major entry points sa Toril, sa Bunawan, and sa Lacson, doon natin sila idagdag para palakasin pa natin yung mga checkpoints natin.”

The CAFGU AA training started in April 28, 2017 and ended on June 14.

HE Department of Health has said it is keen on reopening the Amai Pakpak Medical Center in Marawi City, weeks after it was shut down following the hostilities between government forces and the terrorist Maute Group.

In a news release issued Tuesday, the DOH said the Armed Forces of the Philip-

pines has already given the green light for the hospital’s medical staff to return to duty.

The department said officials are studying the situation in managing the revival of the medical center’s operations.

It noted that since parts of the hospital were destroyed by the militants, the hospital staff need to conduct an inventory and evaluate the facilities that

can still be used.

According to the release, PHP37.82 million worth of logistics and financial assistance has been given to the hospitals and evacuation centers in conflict-affected areas.

The department further said it is in the process of assessing the evacuation centers to ensure decent and ample shelter for evacuees, and that

it has provided tents, water containers, water disinfecting solutions, and hygiene kits.

The DOH meanwhile said it has ensured that pregnant women are given pre-natal check-ups and multivitamin supplements; and has encouraged lactating women to breastfeed their babies. It also reported that it has conducted

‘Fun’not appropriate at this moment: DOT A DOH says it is keen on reopening Amai Pakpak hospital in Marawi T F FUN, 10

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NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

AFP will not bomb mosques in Marawi T HE Armed Forces of the Philippines on Wednesday assured that it has no plans to bomb mosques being used by ISIS-inspired terrorists as strongholds in Marawi City.

The assurance was made

by AFP spokesperson Brig.

Gen. Resituto Padilla during the Mindanao Hour press briefing in Malacañang, clarifying earlier reports that the military may bomb these areas to flush out the remaining terrorists who continue to hold out particularly in areas of worship.

In a Tuesday press briefing, a military spokesperson in Marawi said that among the problems being encountered by security forces is the continued use of mosques

by the terrorists as safe havens and as defensible areas where they can stash arms or launch armed activities.

Lt. Col. Jo-Ar Herrera, spokesperson of Joint Task Force Marawi, said that the sacredness of the area is decreasing due to these activities and the military may deal with those forces inside through airstrikes.

“I would like to clarify that the Armed Forces will not bomb the mosques in the area,” Padilla said.

He then read the official statement coming from AFP Chief of Staff Eduardo Año assuring the Muslim community of the military establishment’s respect to their places of worship.

ADDED DETERRENT. Newly graduated Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) Active Auxiliary participate in the ceremonial handover of firearms

F AFP, 11 during their Basic Military Training graduation rites held at Task Force Davao headquarters on Wednesday. Lean Daval Jr.

Davao del Norte officials NPA seizes police officer in DavOr endorse Tadeco contract T M

EMBERS of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Davao del Norte expressed full and unconditional support Tuesday, June 13, for the joint venture agreement (JVA) forged between the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) and the Tagum Agricultural Development Company, Inc. (Tadeco) in 1969.

The contract, recently under legislative inquiry, involves a partnership in the development of over 5,000 hectares of Davao Prison and Penal Farm (Dapecol)

by Tadeco.

The lands, which form part of a sprawling banana plantation that economically affects several towns and the

city of Panabo, remain the property of the BuCor. Board Member Ernesto T. Evangelista, Jr., who hails from Santo Tomas, one of the towns hosting the plantation, was up-front in saying that as far as the social and economic impact the JVA has on his town, there’s no reason not to back it up.

On the other hand, Board Member Vicente C. Eliot, Sr. said he will support of the position of Gov. Anthony Rafael G. del Rosario in dealing with the JVA which has been partly instrumental in the transformation of the province into a booming agricultural territory.

For his part, Board Member Roy J. Catalan is siding

with the BuCor-Tadeco deal, citing among its benefits the role it plays in rehabilitating inmates before reintegration into mainstream society, the educational assistance extended to thousands of students, and the employment given to those employed by the company and benefitting from the existence of the plantation.

The Dapecol lands covered by the agreement were literally swamplands, mangrove forests, and unexplored woodlands when these were offered to Tadeco for cultivation, with no government contribution other than the awarded properties.

Tadeco’s first sharing agreement with BuCor

started in 1956 at a time when Tadeco founder Don Antonio Floirendo Sr. was earning huge profits from his car dealership venture in Mindanao and developing into abaca plantation the 1,024 hectares granted to his company under Presidential Proclamation 247, which was issued on April 2, 1951.

The original contract was later expanded to a JVA in 1969 and two decades later, became a consolidated joint venture agreement (CJVA) on the strength of a presidential memorandum dated July 11, 1989 signed

by Executive Secretary Catalino Macaraig, Jr., by authority of President Corazon C. Aquino.

HE New People’s Army abducted a police officer in Davao Oriental on Friday.

In a statement Monday, the NPA identified the captive as SPO2 George Canete Rupinta, 52, whom they seized at around 4:30 p.m. on June 9 in Barangay Tagugpo, Lupon, Davao Oriental.

Rigoberto F. Sanchez, spokesperson of the NPA-Southern Mindanao Regional Operations Command, said the rebel group said Rupinta will undergo investigation for alleged “anti-people activities of his police unit in Lupon.

Rupinta is the municipal executive senior police officer of Lupon.

Sanchez said the NPA seized from his possession a 9mm handgun.

He claimed that the NPA continues to carry out “peace and order campaigns” and hit government forces for alleged-

ly escalating the “atrocious anti-people operations and allout war in both urban centers and the countryside.”

Police Regional Office 11 spokesperson Senior Insp.

Catherine Dela Rey said in a text message Tuesday that Rupinta was declared missing since June 10, 2017.

She said authorities received information on an abandoned motorcycle which turned out to be Rupinta’s.

Sanchez said the NPA has strengthened its battle positions while defending the rights of the people despite being constrained by what they claimed as President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s “adamant dictatorial bluster and the rising fascism of his regime,” following the imposition of martial law effective May 23 and suspension of the writ of habeas corpus in Mindanao.

Government forces and NPA rebels clashed on June 11

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Weight reduction a good goal for cops: PNP chief

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CHEAP BUT RISKY. Elementary students ride a ‘payong-payong’ on their way to Rizal Elementary School along Suazo Street in Davao City on Wednesday.

Overloaded ‘payong-payong’ ferrying students to school is still a common

sight in the city as drivers sometimes endanger the lives of their passengers just to earn more. Lean Daval Jr.

OSING weight is a challenging endeavor but it can be very fulfilling once it succeeds.

This was stressed by Philippine National Police Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa Tuesday during the launching of the “FitFil 1 Million Lbs National Weight Loss Challenge” at Camp Crame in Quezon City.

“I send this challenge to every policeman and policewoman who needs to shed some pounds in order to not only work better but also to look better. We are in the era of change as advocated by the President, and for us in

the PNP, this change not only the way you work and accomplish our goals, but change in lifestyle towards better physical and mental health,” he added.

Dela Rosa added that a fit and healthy PNP is a more productive and successful police force, expressing his commitment for the entire police force to shed 500,000 pounds within the next six months.

“This is our contribution to our fit and healthy Philippines. Without much ado, I now lead the PNP in accepting this challenge. Good luck and mabuhay kayo,” the PNP chief concluded. (PNA)

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BOC posts P1.3-B collection surplus T

WINDOW OF OPPORTUNITY. Polyglot Davao language instructor Oussama Mehrzi provides the background of Polyglot, a newly established company eyeing to tie up with universities in Davao City to teach different languages

which include Spanish, French, Mandarin, German and Italian, during Wednesdays @ Habi at Kape at Abreeza Mall. Lean Daval Jr.

DOT offers a more balanced perspective on tourism: exec T

HE Department of Tourism led by Sec. Wanda Corazon T. Teo took exceptions to an accusation that the current DOT “has no vision, no game plan, no clear sense of what tourism is.”

The criticism appeared last June 2, 2017 in an opinion column written by Katrina Stuart Santiago entitled, “A portrait of a Tourism Secretary as failure,” in The Manila Times.

To answer the criticism, assistant secretary Frederick M, Alegre of the DOT Office of Public Affairs, Communications and Special Projects, wrote a letter to the Times.

Asec Alegre said the “while the Department o DOT assistant secretary Tourism, as well as Secretary Wanda Tulfo-Teo, understands the concerns raised by the writer comes with the territory, we take exception to the points raised by Ms. Santiago and now respond to them in detail to give it a more balanced perspective.”

“Our intention in doing so is to state the fact and nothing less.

“Firstly, Ms. Santiago stated that the DOT “has no vision, no game plan, no clear sense of what tourism is.” Such assertion stems perhaps from lack of information.

“We are pleased to inform everyone that the National Tourism Development Plan (NDTP) 2016-2022 – completed during Sec. Teo’s leadership – was approved by President Rodrigo Duterte at a cabinet meeting last 3 April 2017, and this will soon be cascaded to all our stake holders. Prior to the President’s approval, the NDTP was extensively consulted and deliberated with other agencies of government and the tourism industry’s stakeholders.

“The NDTP lays down twelve (12) strategic action programs, which include infrastructure development, where the government will be pouring P677 billion in the next 6 years; travel facilitation initiatives; promotion of private sector investments and development of tourism enterprise zones; implementation of an expanded marketing program that builds

on the “It’s more fun in the Philippines” campaign and focuses and identified new markets and new product offerings, with emphasis on the MICE and cruise sectors; enhancement of our human resources and standards; MSME development; expansion of cultural and eco-tourism offerings; environmental protection and promotion of climate change and adaptation technologies and practices; and implementation of risk and crisis management programs. We will be pleased to provide you a copy of the NDTP for this purpose.

“Secondly, with respect to the matter regarding the qualifications of our Secretary, while she has maintained a quiet, firm and positive attitude to it, this issue questions not just the wisdom of the President but also the Commission on Appointment, which confirmed her last year.

“Sadly, the stinging description of Ms. Santiago of Secretary Teo belittles the hard work and dedication she has displayed in the industry she loves. The

former travel agent whom Ms. Santiago arrogantly described once served as president of the Davao Association of Tour Operations (DATO); President of the Davao Travel Agencies Association (DTAA); Vice President of Davao Regional Tourism Council (DRTC) and at the national level, of the National Association of Independent Travel Agencies or NAITAS, the largest travel agency organization in the country. Further, when the first Tourism Congress of the Philippines was convened, she was elected secretary. All these indicate the trust and confidence that Secretary Teo’s peers in the tourism industry reposed in her.

“Experience grounded on principles and learning has given the Secretary a more holistic perspective on the things that the DOT needs to do to create an enabling environment for tourism.

“In less than a year, the DOT, under Sec. Teo and in partnership with other agencies, was able to accomplish a lot. In the

be ordered to provide service fees, dues, and other charges,” PTAA president Marlene Jante said in a statement.

Jante said that the act contradicts basic principles of labor laws, noting that there is no government in the world that orders international airlines to pay for overtime work of customs officials at airports.

She further said that airline responsibility “starts when passengers and cargoes are boarded and ends when they are disembarked.”

Former PTAA president Aileen Clemente, meanwhile, gave her support to the

PTAA’s current stand, noting that it was “unacceptable” to only provide customs services during working hours.

“It is not right for tourists, investors, and Filipinos coming back into the country to not be cleared by the BOC for entry unless the airlines pay for it,” Clemente said.

Both Jante and Clemente said that the government must ensure that the BOC has internal funding for overtime fees of airport officers.

In 2012, the now defunct Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) eliminated the over-

time fees and went with a 24/7 three-shift system at all international airports wherein the government fully financed the services of customs officials.

The system had a night differential pay for those working from 6:00 pm to 6:00 am.

However, based on a copy of the draft CAO obtained by the PTAA, Customs Services shall not be less than eight hours work per day for five days a week exclusive of lunch time or from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. except Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. (PNA)

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Travel agencies buck plan on customs OT fees

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VERTIME fees of airport officers must be shouldered by the government and not the airlines.

This was the statement made by the Philippine Travel Agencies Association which protested the Customs Administrative Order that will place funding for overtime fees of its airport officers to airline companies.

“If the Bureau of Customs wants to implement an overtime system instead of the 24/7 shifting schedule that was specified under CAO 7-2011, then airlines under any circumstances should not

HE Bureau of Customs recorded a surplus of P1.3 billion in its collection for May. According to the BOC Financial Service, the earnings last month exceeded by 3.4 percent the target revenue ofP38.28 billion when it collected a total of P39.6 billion.

It added that the May collections was 23.5 percent higher, or P7.52 billion more than the figures reported during the same period last year.

In a statement, the BOC attributed the improved collection performance to higher oil prices in 2017, and increase in volume and value of imports by 19.7 percent and 28.3 percent respectively.

Likewise, foreign exchange rate has increased from P47.05 in 2016 to P49.9 in 2017, thereby resulting in higher revenue yields.

The BOC also cited last month’s good revenue performance to improved collections by the bureau’s 11 district ports: The Port of San Fernando collected P248 million, up by 26.8 percent from the P195.8 million target revenue The Port of Manila collected P6.135 billion, up by 0.6 percent from the PHP6.101 billion target revenue.

The Manila International Container Port collected P12.08 billion, up by 2.4 percent from the P11.80 billion target revenue.

The bureau’s office at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport collected P3.35 billion, up by 3.2 percent from the P3.24 billion target revenue.

The Port of Batangas collected P9.05 billion, up by 5.5 percent from the P8.58 billion target The Port of Tacloban collected PP22.8 million, up by 22.5 percent from the P18.6 million target.

The Port of Cagayan de Oro collected P1.46 billion, up by 52.9 percent from the P953.2 million target.

The Port of Zamboanga collected P22.3 million, up by 14.7 percent from the P19.4 million target.

The Port of Davao collected P1.572 billion, up by 37.4 percent from the P1.143 billion target.

The Port of Subic collected P1.370 billion, up by 2.7 percent from the P1.334 billion target.

The Port of Clark collected P128.8 million, up by 16.5 percent from the P110.6 million target.

The report added that the ports of Cebu and Limay, which posted P1.83 billion and P2.28 billion, respectively are also expected to meet their collection targets.

For his part, Customs Commissioner Nicanor Faeldon is confident that the growth in government revenue will continue up to the end of the year. (Ferdinand G. Patinio/PNA)

DOE oversees restoration of power in Marawi City

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HE Department of Energy in coordination with the various generation, transmission and electricity distribution players in Mindanao, is trying to bring back power in some critical parts of Marawi City still affected by the ongoing fighting in the area.

The DOE’s Inter-Agency Task Force on Securing Energy Facilities reported that, as of 12:00 noon Wednesday, Marawi City remains 45% energized with power restored in some major establishments last June 10.

Among the establishments and areas where power has already been restored are the Provincial Capitol, Amai Pakpak Medical Center, Brigade-Campo Ranao-AFP Camp, Barangay Saber and part of Barangay Matampay.

With proper coordination with the AFP and PNP forcers, technical line personnel are en route to restore power in other vital installations in the affected areas.

On the distribution side, the Lanao del Sur Electric Cooperative, Inc. (LASURECO) said that the current power supply for Lanao del Sur is zero percent in the 1st district covering 15 municipalities, and 100% in the 2nd District with 16 municipalities.

For the Mindanao generation facilities, the National Power Corp. reported that the Agus-Pulangi Hydroelectric Complexes are in normal operation, according to a report by the DOE’s IATSEF. Water elevation at Lake Lanao as of 8:00 a.m. stood at 701.210 meters above sea level, while water release is at 160 meters per second, the Task Force said.

The Marawi Lake Regulating Dam (MLRD) gates opening has been maintained at 1.60 in view of the fact that changes entail hazards from sniper fire.

Based on the current report, thetransmission system is operating under normal conditions. (DOE)

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RP into climate adaptation plan F

ON TARGET. Aboitiz Equity Ventures (AEV) adviser for Mindanao Arturo Milan announces that the Davao Investment Conference (Davao ICON) 2017 will push through with confirmed participation of top companies from Manila, Malaysia and Indonesia. Milan made the announcement during Wednesdays @ Habi at Kape at Abreeza Mall. Lean Daval Jr.

OREIGN and local experts are in Metro Manila to share experiences, best practices and ideas that’ll help the Philippines develop its national adaptation plan (NAP) for better enabling the country cope with climate change.

The Philippines aims finishing its NAP within 2017 so government can commence cascading this to the local level since the country is among the most vulnerable to climate change, noted Climate Change Commission (CCC) Vice-Chairperson Vernice Victorio.

“It’s our future that’s at stake here - we must be climate-smart,” she said Tuesday at a briefing on the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) training workshop on NAPs for Asia.

Aside from enhancing adaptation efforts nationwide,

she said developing NAP will better help the Philippines seek funding for its climate initiatives.

Already available for countries’ accessing is about USD10 billion from the Green Climate Fund, she noted.

First introduced at the 2010 climate talks in Mexico, NAPs are a means of identifying medium- and long-term adaptation needs as well as developing and implementing strategies and programs that’ll address these necessities.

The Paris Agreement on climate change established financial support for formulating and implementing NAPs, noted UNFCCC’s Dr. Paul Desanker who’s leading the UN team supporting the workshop.

“Such workshop explains how a country can access funding support,” he also said at the briefing. (PNA)

INANCE Secretary Carlos Dominguez III has raised the possibility of a free trade pact along with bilateral agreements on currency and taxation harmonization between the Philippines and Mexico, which is our 19th largest export market and 28th biggest trading partner.

Dominguez pointed out at a gathering of Filipino and Mexican business persons that there is “much headroom” for improving economies relations between Manila and Mexico City—whose ties date back to centuries past when both were colonies of Spain and the port city of Acapulco was the Philippines’ main trade link to Europe— within the framework of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation.

“Unfortunately, in the years we were independent nations, little was done to expand trade between our two economies,” said Dominguez at the recent dinner reception hosted by Mexican Ambassador to Manila Julio Camarena Villaseñor at the Ambassador’s residence in Dasmarinas Village, Makati City.

“Over the recent years, however, trade between the Philippines and Mexico picked up. In 2016, our exports to Mexico jumped 31 percent over the previous year. By the latest figures, Mexico is our 28th biggest trading partner and our 19th largest export market,” said the finance secretary.

“The world had changed much and I am sure there is much headroom for improving our economic relationship.

We are looking to the possibil-

ity of a free trade agreement between our two countries as well as agreements on other areas of cooperation such as currency and taxation harmonization,” Dominguez said.

“Within the framework of APEC and carried by the wave of free trade agreements among countries who confidently embrace globalization, I am sure there will be more areas of economic cooperation to be opened,” he said.

APEC comprises the Philippines, Mexico and 19 other Pacific Rim economies that promote free trade across the Asia-Pacific region.

“In a few weeks, a forum on East Asia and Latin America cooperation will convene in South Korea,” said Dominguez in reference to the Forum for East Asia and Latin America Cooperation, which will be held this June.

“There we should be able to begin envisioning a road map for our own bilateral relationship,” he said. “As the mature economies begin looking inward, it is for the emerging economies to push the momentum of economic cooperation.”

According to Dominguez, “The relationship of our two countries has deep roots. For over three centuries, Spain administered the Philippines through Mexico. Acapulco was our main trading link to Europe. Through that port passed the agricultural produce we sold to Europe and everything we bought from them in return.”

“Many of our religious practices, such as the dawn masses, were distinctly of Mexican origin,” he said.

(DOF)

Big PH firms to join PH, Mexico exploring free trade, currency pacts: DOF Davao invest gab F S

July 21-22 event a go: Milan

EVERAL of the country’s biggest firms have confirmed their participation in the July 21-22 staging of the 4th Davao Investment Conference (Davao ICon) at the SMX Convention Center at the SM Lanang Premier in Davao City.

According to Arturo M. Milan, trustee of the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (DCCCII) and this year’s chairman of the Davao ICon, the companies will join as participants, resource persons or sponsors.

Milan identified some of the companies during a talk with business reporters attending yesterday’s “Wednes-

days at Habi at Kape” media forum at the Abreeza Mall as Aboitiz Power Corp., BDO, San Miguel Corp., MVP Group of Companies, PLDT –Smart, 8990 Housing Development, Anflocor Management Corp., Metrobank, Security Bank, Land Bank of the Philippines and Globe.

This, despite some negative perception due to the recent Martial Law declaration in Mindanao, according to Milan, who added he is confident that the total participants will breach the 700-mark as target.

Among those who have already registered this early are delegates from Japan, and member-countries of the As-

sociate of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Milan said.

Also, foreign business chambers of commerce operating in the Philippines have likewise expressed interest in registering as participants especially in the scheduled business-to-business meetings between companies and businessmen.

A most-awaited highlight of the Davao Investment conference is the confirmed attendance of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, who will keynote the gathering following talks of some department secretaries who are members of the Cabinet’s economic cluster.

The two-day event is joint-

ly organized by the DCCCII under President Ronald C. Go and the city government led

by Mayor Sara D. Carpio.

The conference highlights the business to business (B2B) meetings between companies and business executives.

“This year’s investment conference aims to showcase current investment trends and opportunities in infrastructure and connectivity, tourism, manufacturing and agriculture. It also includes various trade assistance and projects in the Davao Region through various business matching opportunities and industrial site visits,” DCCCII said in a statement.

IANT fruit producer Dole Philippines, Inc. has opened a new production facility worth US million in South Cotabato province that could generate 1,500 additional jobs, officials said Wednesday.

Randolph Fleming, Dole Philippines vice president and managing director, said the new plant is the firm’s largest single investment that could process 250,000 tons of processed fruit annually.

The facility officially opened in Surallah town in South Cotabato over the weekend to service at least 3,000 hectares of pineapple plantation.

“It (can) double the capacity in 2014 and (will) put

Surallah on the map as a major producer of pineapples,” Fleming said.

Dole Philippines maintains its major production plant in Polomolok, South Cotabato, which was put up in the 1960s.

Dole Philippines, which was acquired by Itochu Corp of Japan in 2013, has pineapple plantations in at least 13,000 hectares in the province through lease agreements.

This is the largest pineapple plantation of parent Dole Asia Holdings in Asia.

Fleming thanked Surallah town Mayor Antonio Bendita and other local officials for supporting the the firm’s expansion in the locality.

“Dole Thailand closed one plant to give way to this proj-

ect,” Fleming noted.

Shawn Warren, president of Asia Packaged Foods at Dole Asia Holdings, said that Dole products are built on “quality, quality and quality” to meet the demands of consumers around the world.

“The growth of the business is what we celebrate today. Surallah and Polomolok will be the jewel in the crown as they bring growth in the community. This brings a tremendous breakthrough in the growth of Dole,” he said during the launching of the new facility.

Danko Stambuk, Dole Philippines senior vice president for worldwide manufacturing and business development, lauded the people of South

Cotabato for warmly accepting the company.

“It’s nice to be here in South Cotabato. I arrived in South Cotabato 21 years ago to learn how to plant pineapple.

Dole Philippines envisioned this 20 years ago and am glad to say that you exceed what we are asking you,” he said.

Stambuk noted that Dole started in South Cotabato 54 years ago, describing the province as having a “nice climate and good people.”

South Cotabato Governor Daisy Avance Fuentes lauded the company for its contribution to the province’s economy.

“Dole Philippines, about a decade ago, promised 15,000 jobs but generated double,” she said. (PNA)

Dole opens new production facility in SoCot G

6 SUBURBIA EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 53 • THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2017

Where have all the school ARMM investors aid Marawi IDPs children of Marawi gone? F W

HERE have all the school children of Marawi gone?

Gone to evacuation centers and relatives’ houses in Mindanao, Visayas and Luzon, as families in 95 of 96 barangays fled the besieged city since clashes between government forces and the terrorist Maute Group began on May 23.

The three-week battle has displaced a total of 309,924 persons in Marawi City and 13 barangays in neighboring Marantao town in Lanao del Sur, as of 7 p.m. on June 12, according to the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Disaster Response Operations Monitoring and Information Report No. 36.

Of this number, 283,134 persons were displaced from 95 barangays in the city, the families fleeing to various parts of the country: nine municipalities in Lanao del Sur (Bacolod-Kalawi, Balbagan, Calanogas, Kaptagan, Madalum, Madamba, Malabang, Pagayawan and Saguiaran), neighboring towns of Balo-i, Pantar, Pantao Ragat and Il-

igan City in Lanao del Norte, to Cagayan de Oro in Misamis Oriental.

Citing records from the Department of Education’s Marawi Division, Assemblyman Zia Alonto Adiong, spokesperson of the Provincial Crisis Management Committee (PCMC) said there were 22,222 children enroled in public elementary, high school and senior high school last year.

They are now in various evacuation centers but most are home-based or those who sought refuge in relatives’ houses. Only a few have managed to resume schooling as a result of the Marawi diaspora.

The city has 73 public schools and 45 private schools although that figure will no longer be the same once the areas are cleared and the schools destroyed during the fighting or by aerial bombing are counted.

Adiong said as of June 12, a partial list shows seven schools reported to have been damaged: Raya Madaya 1 Elementary School and Raya Madaya 2 Pilot School

were burned; Dansalan Primary School is “partially damaged,”Banggolo Elementary School is “damaged,” Marawi Central Elementary Pilot School was “bombed / partially damaged,” Mamintal Disomangcop Central Elementary School was “damaged/bombed” and Mambuay Elementary School was “bombed.”

Of the 73 public schools in this city, 61 are elementary schools, eight are secondary schools and four are senior high schools.

The war displaced 22,222 students in public schools and 2,102 public school teachers: 1,676 in elementary, 401 in the secondary and 25 in senior high school.

As of June 9, the DepEd Marawi Division’s report shows that 2,161 elementary students and 378 high school students have been tracked down in Iligan City. They have also tracked down 12 students in faraway Pangasinan under the DepEd’s Urdaneta Division, eight elementary and two high school students in Zambales, 30 in Cebu City

and 30 in North Cotabato.

A total of 674 teachers have also been tracked down.

Initial reports show nine of the teachers lost their homes to fire.

Welcome At the press briefing in Malcanang on June 8, Education Secretary Leonor Briones said “one notable feature” of this year’s school opening is “the welcome accorded to all children-evacuees from Marawi City.”

She said the usual documentary requirements for enrolment have been waived for children evacuees from Marawi, in accordance with Memorandum 98 which she issued on June 2, on emergency measures for the displaced Marawi residents.

“We have waived the usual documentary requirements. After all, children are not involved in any of these activities at this time. .. We have encouraged them to enroll in the school nearest to where they have evacuated,” she said.

F WHERE, 11

OLLOWING request from Regional Gov. Mujiv Hataman, investors in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao donated funds and goods for families displaced by Marawi City crisis.

Lawyer Ishak Mastura, chair of the ARMM Regional Board of Investments (RBOIARMM), said Tuesday businesses donated cash and goods to the region that will cushion the impact of hostilities to Marawi City residents and nearby towns.

Mastura did not disclose the amount raised by the fund drive since more are pledges from traders inside and outside the region.

Earlier, Hataman has called on investors and business leaders in the region to assist in the relief operations “to ease the and sufferings of around 235,580 internally displaced persons (IDPs) caused by the arm conflict between the terrorist Maute Group and government forc-

T

HE city government has allocated some P5 million to augment the relief operations for residents who were displaced by the continuing conflict in Marawi City.

City Mayor Ronnel Rivera said Wednesday the release of the assistance was endorsed in a recent meeting by the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council , which he heads.

He said the local government will provide financial assistance to national government agencies and local governments units that are leading the relief operations in evacuation centers in the

cities of Marawi and Iligan.

Part of the funds will be utilized to assist the needs of evacuees from Marawi who have resettled in the city, he said.

“There are also ongoing campaigns by some offices and the private sector to generate additional assistance for the Marawi evacuees,” the mayor said.

Since June 3, the city government has already documented a total of 330 families or 1,563 individuals from Marawi who have relocated to the area.

Rebecca Magante, chief of the City Social Welfare and Development Office, said

they monitored the arrival of the evacuees through reports from four main checkpoints of the Army-led Joint Task Force GenSan. She said the evacuees, who were mostly accommodated by relatives and friends, are settled in Barangays Bula, Dadiangas South, Labangal, San Isidro, Calumpang, Baluan and Fatima.

Barangay Bula hosts the most number of evacuees with 135 families, followed

by Labangal with 67, and San Isidro with 42.

Magante said the city government, in coordination with the barangays, has

already released relief assistance to the evacuees.

“We’re very grateful because their host families are also making ways to provide some of their basic needs,” she said.

The official said they are working on providing educational cash assistance to the children of the displaced families to ensure that they would continue with their studies.

Citing a directive from the national government, she added they will make sure that all displaced children of school age will be enrolled in local schools. (AVE/ PNA)

”This a crucial time for all Bangsamoro people to unite and help,” Mastura said.

“Our Maranao brothers and sisters are now in their worst situation that is why we asked local companies in the region to share their blessings, show their benevolence and contribute for the early recovery and rehabilitation of Marawi City,” Mastura said, giving priorities to food and non-food supplies that carry the victims throughout their daily routines.

“We are very happy and thankful that these companies have positively responded to our call for humanitarian assistance and be part of the solution,” Mastura added.

RBOI-ARMM employees had earlier raised food and non-food items while cash collected from workers were converted also into goods.

An estimated 1,000 families will receive the relief goods. (PNA)

6 farmers, groups from SoCot vie for Gawad Saka awards

S GenSan sets aside P5M aid for Marawi bakwits

es.”

IX farmers and organizations from South Cotabato province will vie for the top awards in this year’s edition of the national Gawad Saka search.

Justina Navarrete, chief of the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, said Wednesday the six entries were among the 10 that were endorsed by the Department of Agriculture in Region 12 for the annual awards.

She said the province’s nominees earlier won six of the 10 awards in the regional Gawad Saka search.

Topping the list is the family of the 2016 National Gawad Saka winner for outstanding fisherfolk award, Ms. Regina Ruferos of Banga town, who will represent the region for the fisherfolk family category, she said.

She said the other group entries are the Tampakan Municipal Agriculture and Fishery Council (MAFC) and the South Cotabato Provincial AFC for the municipal and provincial AFCs category.

Navarrete said three more farmers from the province will also compete in the individual categories.

These are Berlinda Montaño of Banga for the rice

farmer category; Jose Lorenzo of Tupi for the high value crops farmer category; and, Gerardo Cordero of Koronadal City for the coconut farmer category.

“We’re very optimistic with the chances of our entries in terms of topping their respective categories,” Navarrete said.

Milagros Casis, DA Region 12 director, said they have formally endorsed the region’s 10 nominees, which will undergo evaluation next month.

She said the other regional nominees are the Bulacanon Irrigators’ Association of Makilala, North Cotabato for the irrigators association category; Ivy Carolino of Carmen, North Cotabato for the young farmer category; Dr. Emma Sales, faculty member of the University of Southern Mindanao in Kabacan, North Cotabato, for the outstanding agricultural scientist category.

“They will undergo rigorous evaluation based on the standards and qualifications set for every category,” she said.

The official said they are hoping that the region’s performance will improve in this year’s national search after only bagging two top awards last year. (PNA)

7 COMPETITIVE EDGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 53 • THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2017

Davao iCon go on despite martial law O

RGANIZERS of the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (DCCCII) will push through with the Davao Investment Conference (Davao iCon) on July 21 to 22 wherein some European investors and top executives of the Philippines’s largest companies have committed to participate.

Art Millan, chairperson of the Davao iCon who is also trustee of DCCCII, said the businessmen’s two-day gathering will push through despite the negative perceptions of martial law in Mindanao.

“Amid the negative perceptions about the declaration of martial law, we should be in the forefront of showing that nothing has changed and

business as usual in Davao,” he said.

Millan said delegations from the British Chamber of Commerce and European Union Chamber of Commerce have already committed to participate in the investment conference.

Among the country’s top companies that will participate include San Miguel Corp., Lafarge Holcim, AboitizPower, MVP Group of Companies, BDO, Landbank of the Philippines, Development Bank of the Philippines, Security Bank, Metrobank, Globe Telecommunications, Anflocor, and 8990 Housing Development Corp.

Millan said they are expecting 700 participants during the event.

Different executives of the local government units and top government officials will also participate, he said.

President Rodrigo R. Duterte is expected to grace the second day of the conference.

“So far, we have not received any advice of backing out but we in the organizing committee are pursuing to proceed with the Davao Investment Conference. The one who should allay the fears prevailing in the country with regard to the proclamation of Martial law, it should be us in Davao.

We should not fear to define our lives here,” he said.

Millan, who is consultant for Mindanao of Aboitiz Equity Ventures, said the impact of martial law is short term be-

cause the investor will always look at the long-term opportunities here in Mindanao.

“We do not make investment decision because it’s martial law. We look at opportunity on a longer timeframe,” he said.

For the Davao iCon, Millan said that they would focus on agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, and infrastructure to balance the investment profile in the city that is more focused on the service sector.

“We need to balance our investment profile [and go into] agriculture and manufacturing where income is generated to support the service sector in terms of spending,” he said. (Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)

Operation Smile volunteer Arleen Antolo (left) takes a photo of a 7-monthold cleft patient using the Operation Smile app in Barangay Bago, Salvador Benedicto, Negros Occidental.

A boost from Smart-initiated Operation Smile app

F

INDING cleft patients has always been one of the biggest challenges for Operation Smile. Most of them are either located in impoverished, remote areas, or some of them are just not confident enough to seek treatment due to their physical appearance.

An initiative by PLDT wireless subsidiary Smart Communications, however, seeks to address this problem. The Operation Smile patient-mapping mobile application, which was conceptualized by Smart for Operation Smile Philippines

(OSP), was deployed during a recent medical mission in Bacolod City.

“Most patients are in the provinces. The challenge is how to find them. Another challenge is that when you have a facial deformity, you don’t go out,” said Wiggy Fontanilla, OSP president. “This mapping and tracking system changes the whole endeavor by coming up with a heat map of patients.”

At the Bacolod medical mission, volunteers have re-

F A BOOST, 14

Water service interruptions in some city parts June 16, 17, and 23, 2017

Julie’s Balik Eswela program in Alambijud I T’S back to school for the students of Alambijud Elementary School.

These children have to climb a mountain, cross a river and go through forest, under the heat of the sun or heavy rain, to learn from their teachers.

President and CEO, Mr. Joseph Gandionco says “On the first day of school, we welcomed the students and

teachers with bags, notebooks and sliced breads.

We have been supporting Alambijud Elementary School since 2011 to help improve the school. This community building project aims to promote a successful collaboration between Julie’s and the adopted community.”

Alambijud is a mountain barangay about 20 kilome-

ters away from Argao proper.

The bakeshop started helping the public elementary school in 2011 when it donated cash for the construction of a 300foot deep well and water system.

In 2014, Julie’s initiated the construction of a three-classroom building through cooperation of the Department of Agrarian Re-

form (DAR), the Municipality of Argao, Barangay Alambijud, the Department of Education, Alambijud Elem School -PTA, Society of Divine Word, People’s Action for Sustainable Development, Inc. and Alambijud Elementary School – PTA. Visit and like us on Julie’s Bakeshop Official Fan Page on Facebook for more updates.

Dole Philippines maintains its major production plant in Polomolok, South Cotabato, which was put up in the 1960s.

Dole Philippines, which was acquired by Itochu Corp of Japan in 2013, has pineapple plantations in at least 13,000 hectares in the province through lease agreements. This is the largest pineapple plantation of parent Dole Asia Holdings in Asia.

Fleming thanked Surallah town Mayor Antonio Bendita and other local officials for supporting the firm’s expansion in the locality.

“Dole Thailand closed one plant to give way to this project,” Fleming noted.

Shawn Warren, president of Asia Packaged Foods at Dole

Asia Holdings, said that Dole products are built on “quality, quality and quality” to meet the demands of consumers around the world.

“The growth of the business is what we celebrate today. Surallah and Polomolok will be the jewel in the crown as they bring growth in the community. This brings a tremendous breakthrough in the growth of Dole,” he said during the launching of the new facility.

Danko Stambuk, Dole Philippines senior vice president for worldwide manufacturing and business development, lauded the people of South Cotabato for warmly accepting the company.

“It’s nice to be here in South Cotabato. I arrived in South Cotabato 21 years ago to learn

how to plant pineapple. Dole Philippines envisioned this 20 years ago and am glad to say that you exceed what we are asking you,” he said.

Stambuk noted that Dole started in South Cotabato 54 years ago, describing the province as having a “nice climate and good people.”

South Cotabato Governor Daisy Avance Fuentes lauded the company for its contribution to the province’s economy.

“Dole Philippines, about a decade ago, promised 15,000 jobs but generated double,” she said.

Ibrahim Guiamadel, Department of Trade and Industry Region 12 director, relayed Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez’s

Dole fil opens $20-M plant in South Cotabato

G

IANT fruit producer Dole Philippines, Inc. has opened a new production facility worth US$20 million that could generate 1,500 additional jobs, officials said Wednesday.

Randolph Fleming, Dole Philippines vice president and managing director, said the new plant is the firm’s largest single investment that could process 250,000 tons of processed fruit annually.

The facility officially opened in Surallah town, South Cotabato over the weekend to service at least 3,000 hectares of pineapple plantation.

Fleming said the new plant can double its capacity and will “Surallah on the map as a major producer of pineapples.”

F DOLE, 14

D

AVAO City Water District advises of two separate sets of water service interruption.

First set with two schedules will be on June 16, 2017 from 12:01 AM to 1:30 AM and June 23, 2017 from 12:01 AM to 1:30 AM affecting all areas served by Dumoy Water Supply System (WSS), specifically the entire Talomo, Ulas, portion of Diversion Road (from junction of Bangkal to corner Catalunan Grande Road) Bangkal, Matina, Matina Aplaya, Ecoland, Ma-a, Langub, Bucana, Downtown, Bo. Obrero, Cabaguio Avenue, Agdao, Madapo, Marfori, San Rafael, Circumferential Road, Bacaca, J.P. Laurel Avenue, Lanang, Bo. Pampanga, Anglionto/Mamay Road, and Sasa until Km. 12; some Bago Aplaya areas: Gulf View Executive Homes, Versari Village, Castro Village, and Sto. Niño Village; some Buhangin areas: From J.P. Laurel to DDF Subd.

Mandug, from crossing Milan to Villa Park Subd., and from Ma-a bridge to DPWH Panacan including Dumoy WSS connections in Ciudad de Esperanza, Camp Catitipan, AFP Mutual Homes, and Davao International Airport; and, some Panacan areas: ICSAMA, Crystal Meadows, Tierra Verde Village, EMI Ville Homes, Empress Subd., Tierra Niño Village, PMPC Village, Landmark II and III, San Juan Village, and Vista Verde I & II. DCWD’s Talomo Booster Station will be affected by Davao Light and Power Company’s power interruption on said dates which is needed

to facilitate the installation of statistical meters to DLPC metering points, thus, the water service interruption.

Second set will be from 9:00 PM of June 16, 2017 until 5:00 AM of June 17, 2017 affecting portion of Malagamot Road (from corner Purok Sta. Cruz to Purok San Isidro Indangan), Purok San Ignacio, Sto. Niño Village, and Nagkahiusa Village).

This water service interruption will give way for the tapping of pipes along Malagamot Road from Indangan Production Well (PW) No. 1 to Panacan PW No. 6. Once completed, the project will increase water pressure and add water supply for Cabantian WSS. On behalf of the DCWD management, general manager Engr. Edwin V. Regalado asks for the understanding and cooperation of would-be affected customers. They are also advised to store enough water prior to the scheduled water interruption. Water supply may be restored earlier if work goes smoothly or later if unforeseen problems arise.

The general public may visit DCWD website (www. davao-water.gov.ph) and official Facebook page (www. facebook.com/davaowater) or call the Central Information Unit / Call Center through the 24-hour hotline 297-DCWD (3293) and press “1” on their phone dial for the latest daily water updates. Contact 09277988966, 0925-5113293, and 0908-4410653 for other updates, complaints, queries, and matters pertaining to DCWD services. (Winston Ajero)

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

EDITORIAL

S

Incomprehensible

INCE the terror attacks mounted by the extremist Maute Group in Marawi City and the succeeding declaration of Martial Law in Mindanao, self-confessed pundits have raised the question on the constitutionality of the measure.

There were also questions on how the government conducted military operations in pursuit of the Maute Group.

Some of the issues raised havee been brought to court for adjudication. Other than those legal actions are the storm of statements questioning the President’s declaration and the military operations.

What is so baffling is that these lawmakers and political leaders are questioning what something that did not even

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hurt, but never questioned the terror attacks that claimed many lives and property.

When civilians dies from the heartless attacks by the Maute warriors, did they even curse at all? When brave soldiers wasted their lives in Marawi City, did they even cry at all?

It just does not make sense why people are barking at things that do not hurt, and not doing anything at things that already did so much hurt and damage.

The Maute issue is not to be sidelined amidst all these politicking. It’s the issue first and foremost. We need to deal with the problem first things first. Reacting to it adversely simply because people are in the opposite side of the political fence is far worse than a hundred Maute terrorists.

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

JIMMY K. LAKING Associate Editor PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE

JECIA ANNE OPIANA KENNETH IRVING K. ONG Reporters BAI FAUZIAH FATIMA SINSUAT AMBOLODTO 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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C

ALL it coincidence, but the first martial law declared in the Philippines, which was in 1944, fell on a date that coincided with the proclamation of military rule twenty-seven years later.

On September 21, 1944, Japanese-installed President Jose P. Laurel declared martial law through the country and suspended the writ of habeas corpus by issuing Proclamation No. 29 titled “Proclaiming Martial Law Throughout The Philippines,” after returning Allied forces bombed Davao three days earlier. The declaration took effect a day later, at 9:00 AM of September 22, 1944.

By design, on September 23, 1972, President Ferdinand E. Marcos, over national TV, announced the announcement of military rule effective September 21, 1972, in deference to the president’s superstitious belief about No. 7 or any figure that’s divisible by seven.

Laurel, who was under pressure from Japanese Premier Hideki Tojo for years, also signed Proclamation No. 30 on September 22, 1944 declaring a state of war existed between the Philippines and the United States and Great Britain. He also mandated that “no Filipino would be conscripted in the Japanese army.”

Any lover of history must not forget this is the same Laurel, then former

“C

LIMATE change is more disastrous to the agricultural industry of the Philippines and its neighboring countries than in other parts of the world.”

Those were the words of Dr. David Streets of the US Argonne National Laboratory. He specializes in the impact of human activities on the atmospheric environment, particularly the generation and use of energy.

Water resources are especially vulnerable to climate change.

“In a warmer world, we will need more water – to drink and to irrigate crops,” said the London-based Panos Institute.

“Water for agriculture is critical for food security,” points out Mark W. Rosegrant, a senior research fellow at the Washington-based International Food Policy Research Institute.

“The link between water and food is strong,” says Lester R. Brown, president of Earth Policy Institute, also based in Washington, D.C. “We drink, in one form or another, nearly 4 liters of water per day. But the food we consume each day requires at least 2,000 liters to produce, 500 times as much.”

Agriculture is by far the biggest consumer of water worldwide.

“Worldwide, agriculture accounts for 70 percent of freshwater consumption while household and industry split the remaining 30 percent,” wrote Dr. William D. Dar in his column which appeared in “Manila Times.”

For instance, a farmer needs a thousand gallons of water just to raise a ton of rice, according to the Laguna-based International Rice Research Institute.

Aside from fresh water coming from rivers, lakes and streams, the Philippines is blessed with a good

VOL. 10 ISSUE 48 • THURSDAY, JUNE 8, 2017

VANTAGE POINTS

9

Davao’s role in 1944 Martial Law chief justice of the Supreme Court, who acquitted Marcos in the killing of Rep. Julio Nalundasan, an Ilocano lawmaker who defeated Mariano Marcos, the president’s father, in a political election.

Proclamation No. 29 commences, saying: “The danger of invasion being imminent and the public safety so requiring, I, Jose P. Laurel, President of the Republic of the Philippines, pursuant to the authority conferred upon me by section 9, article II, of the Constitution, do hereby place the Philippines and all parts thereof under martial law and suspend the privileges of the writ of habeas corpus therein.

“For the purpose of carrying this Proclamation into effect, the President of the Republic of the Philippines hereby assumes all powers of government essential to or incident in the establishments and maintenance of martial law all over the Philippines, and to that extent, will exercise such powers and functions personally or by delegation by him to the presently organized and existing civil authorities, or to such new agencies or instrumentalities as he may, from time to time, create, in accordance with the exigencies of the situation.”

Under the Laurel martial rule, the country was divided into nine military districts, seven of these corresponded

FAST BACKWARD Antonio V. Figueroa to the administrative districts created under Ordinance No. 31, dated August 26, 1944. The eighth district, meanwhile, comprised the city of Manila, and the ninth, the city of Cavite and the provinces of Bulacan, Rizal, Cavite, and Palawan.

Each administrative district was assigned a commissioner with the title of “military governor,” with the mayors and provincial governors given the position of “deputy military governor.”

Similarly, the city mayor of Manila was also known as military governor, while those areas under the ninth district

were placed under the vice-minister of Home Affairs who acted a military governor in addition to his other duties.

The military governors were also given the power “to suppress treason, sedition, disorder and violence; and to cause to be punished all disturbances of public peace and all offenders against the criminal laws; and also to protect persons in their legitimate rights.”

The Japanese-era military rule also stipulated the “respective Ministers of State shall, subject to the authority of the President, exercise direct supervision and control over all district, provincial, and other local governmental agencies in the Philippines when performing functions or discharging duties affecting matters within the jurisdiction of his Ministry and may, subject to revocation by the President, issue such orders as may be necessary therefor.”

Unlike in the 1972 Martial Law, the Laurel military declaration did not resort to issuing decrees or exercising a self-imposed law-making power but allowed all existing laws to continue in force and effect unless the President amended or repealed them.

Moreover, all existing civil agencies under the Executive continued to exercise their powers and perform their functions and duties, except if these were contrary to the edict “or incompatible with the expeditions and effec-

tive enforcement of the martial law.”

Again, in contrast to the Marcos iron-fist declaration, the Laurel proclamation allowed the courts, unless decreed otherwise, to “assume jurisdiction and try offenders without unnecessary delay and in a summary manner, in accordance with such procedural rules as may be prescribed by the Minister of Justice.”

Court decisions, meanwhile, in criminal cases within the tribunal’s original jurisdiction were “final and unappealable,” save when the verdict was a death sentence, which required presidential approval before this could be executed. In addition, the courts exercised “the same jurisdiction in civil actions and special proceedings” except when the President said otherwise.

The final provision of the Laurel decree stipulated “several [state] agencies” which not specifically mentioned, were authorized to call on the Armed Forces “to give such aid, protection, and assistance as may be necessary to enable them safely and efficiently to exercise their powers and discharge their duties,” with an order for them to honor the request.

Laurel made it clear his proclamation was just “an emergency measure demanded by imperative necessity” but could be terminated by him if there was already no need for it.

dro-geological profiling must be conducted to identify aquifers that are suited for rainwater storage, which should result in areas where tributaries and SWIPs should be built.

“If more SWIPs, small irrigation systems, and other rainwater storage systems are established nationwide,” he believed, “more smallholder farmers can increase their productivity, particularly high value crops, because they would have water during the dry season. Also, flooding of farms will be greatly reduced.”

According to him, harnessing the potential of rainwater harvesting is actually a very good solution to address the impact of climate change, “because it softens the impact of El Niño, super typhoons, destructive downstream flooding, and problems caused by excessive subsurface water extraction.”

His second recommendation: accelerate the coverage under the national irrigation system. So far, only 1.3 million hectares of land have already been identified as “irrigable.”

Currently, 1.7 million hectares of farmlands are covered by national irrigation systems.

Dr. Dar observed: “The National Irrigation Administration (NIA), which should be returned to the fold of the Department of Agriculture, however, has programmed each year the coverage of additional 32,000 hectares of farmlands under the national irrigation system with an annual budget of P20 billion. That means it will take 40 years before the NIA completes the building irrigation systems in the 1.3 million hectares of irrigable land.”

He suggested that NIA has to triple its effort so at least 96,000 hectares of the irrigable lands can be placed under the national irrigation systems.

“That will also mean tripling the agency’s annual budget for that to P60 billion from P20 billion. And maybe if the NIA has more funds, it could even quadruple its efforts to 128,000 hectares with an annual budget of P80 billion so in 10 years, the 1.3 million hectares of irrigable lands will be covered by national irrigation systems,” he wrote.

A massive reforestation program that is wider in coverage than the current National Greening Program (NGP) must be undertaken. That is his third recommendation. Currently, NGP covers only 1.5 million hectares all over the country.

“The massive reforestation should cover the 18 major watersheds in the country and should include the establishment of agroforestry projects that will benefit small stakeholders like farmers, indigenous peoples and upland communities,” Dr. Dar wrote.

His fourth recommendation is to increase research and development (R&D) to 1% of gross domestic product (GDP) for agriculture to include water research issues, as recommended by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. In 2013, the country’s spending for R&D was only 0.14 percent of GDP. “However, much of the spending and effort for R&D and even extension should be relative to climate change that will have a significant impact on local farm production in the next decades,” Dr. Dar wrote.

In conclusion, he wrote: “Whether climate change will result in more or less rainfall should prompt the country to invest more on R&D, because either way, much of the current agricultural technologies we have will no longer be sustainable or applicable with climactic changes in the next decades.”

Water must be harnessed for food production

rainfall: 2,300 millimeters per year, according to Dr. Dar. In comparison, India has only 700 millimeters per year of rainfall in dryland areas. But still India manages to export rice and wheat “while the Philippines still has to import rice and many other commodities,” the former director of International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) deplored.

He said that during his stint as ICRISAT head for 14 years, he witnessed “how smallholder farmer communities in India adopt very simple water impounding technologies which help rejuvenate soil health and increase yields by as much as 100%.”

Filipinos are not adapting those simple water impounding schemes.

“In the Philippines, a lot of water goes to waste simply because there is still no widespread adoption of technologies to save water during the rainy season for eventual use in the dry season,” Dr. Dar wrote.

“Compounding this problem is the development of climate smart technologies is rather slow, while available or matured technologies to deal with climate change are not reaching the tillers of the soil fast enough,” he added.

Dr. Dar feared that the problems related to water availability and scarcity may soon become too big to handle.

Based on some studies he conducted, he found out that 80% of fresh water in the Philippines are consumed by agriculture. “Households account for 12% and industry 8%,” he surmised.

In his column, Dr. Dar wrote four recommendations in order to fully utilize the water for food production.

“My first recommendation is to harness the potential of rainwater harvesting, which falls on the shoulders of

THINK ON THESE!

Henrylito D. Tacio

the BSWM that only has P2 billion this year to establish small water impounding areas (SWIPs) and small-scale irrigation systems, among others,” he wrote.

The BSWM stands for Bureau of Soil and Water Management, the lead government agency tasked to manage the country’s water resources for farming. It is under the Department of Agriculture.

“My proposal is to increase by 1,000% or ten times the annual funding of BWSM to put into place more rainwater harvesting technologies, to P20 billion a year,” Dr. Dar explained.

“Besides establishing more SWIPs and small irrigation systems, BWSM can or take the lead in establishing secondary and tertiary tributaries and water catchment systems that will impound water that overflows from major dams, which are mostly located in Luzon.”

He also suggested that a hy-

10 NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 53 • THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2017

SMASH-UP... FROM 1 like the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board and the Land Transportation Office and others.

“It has to be the LTFRB kasi sila yung agency in charge of these franchises. Dapat meron silang record kung sino yung mga illegal (PUVs) at saan ang mga illegal terminals.”

The city mayor’s office committed to provide assistance to the victims as well as those currently being treated in the hospital.

In a separate statement, Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte slammed LTO, LTFRB and CTTMO for failing to discipline public utility vehicles especially vans entering Davao City.

“Wa nako kabalo kung buta mo o bungol. Karon nga naa napod nangamatay mag

atik atik napod mo og dakop.

Mao di madakpan ni mga van kay naay under the table sa mga traffic officers. Yes that is an accusation because I have informants.”

At around 5’oclock in the morning of Wednesday, a passenger van from Compostela Valley collided with a truck bound to Davao del Norte in Bunawan District, Davao City.

Among the injured and are currently undergoing treatment at the Southern Philippines Medical Center are Juanito Burgos Labriga, the truck driver, Jarren Cabale, truck helper Maryvie Castillo, John Philip Navaro Lara and Cristobal Custodio Anda. Four unidentified van passengers are currently in the intensive care unit.

GOTCHA. A traffic enforcer from Land Transportation Office (LTO) issues a Temporary Operators Permit (TOP) to a motorist after a traffic violation along R. Castillo Street in Davao City on Wednesday. Lean Daval Jr.

“When it was first implemented four years ago, we saw a remarkable decrease on deaths from vehicular accidents,” the eldest son of President Rodrigo Duterte pointed out. “This year though, we again observed an increase on incidents of vehicular mishaps.”

To think, they can be avoided. “(Road accidents) are not random acts of God,” declared Dr. Jeffrey Runge, head of the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

“They’re predictable, and therefore they’re preventable.”

“Vehicular accidents are the biggest manmade killers in the Philippines,” wrote Cai Ordinario in an article published inBusiness Mirror. Quoting data released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), he reported that some 532 vehicular accidents nationwide caused the death of 1,240 Filipinos between 2003 and 2013.

“That means annually, 53 vehicle accidents kill an average of 124 people a year,” Ordinario surmised, adding that with such high stakes in vehicular accidents, those commonly perceived “killers” such as structural fires and sea mishaps “pale in comparison.”

According to the PSA data, there were 662 Filipinos who died in structural fires and an

additional 635 people perished in sea mishaps during the same 10-year period.

“Road injuries in the country have been consistently among the leading causes of premature deaths among Filipinos from 15-44 years of age,” wrote Gelyka Ruth R. Dumaraos in The DOH Files of the Department of Health.

Unknowingly, vehicular accident is the fourth leading cause of death. Most hospital records revealed that vehicular accidents contribute about 40 percent of all types of accidents. “There’s no accurate figure on the number of deaths caused by vehicular accidents in the Philippines,” writes Atty. Romeo Pefianco in a national daily. “We only read the usual death count repeated after a television or radio report.”

A study done by the Asian Development Bank found out that driver error (25.72 percent), speeding (17.71 percent), and overtaking (12.44 percent) were the major causes of road accidents in the country. Drunk driving was a measly 0.57 percent while mechanical defects scored 12.20 percent.

Other causes cited: turning (9.40 percent), overloading (7.15 percent), self-accidents (4.91 percent), road de-

fects (4.77 percent), hit and run (4.10 percent), and using cellular phones (0.29 percent).

“Drivers under the influence of alcohol and those taking dangerous drugs are considered as impaired drivers – a major contributing factor to road mishaps,” noted Dumaraos.

In Davao City, due to the alarming steady increase in traffic accidents on the highways, thoroughfares, streets, and roads, then Mayor Duterte signed Executive Order No. 39, which set the speed limits for all kinds of motor vehicles within the territorial jurisdiction of the city.

The order, which was implemented starting October 28, 2013, sets a 30 kilometer per hour (kph) speed limit within the downtown area, and 40 kph from Panacan Crossing to JP Laurel Avenue, from Ulas to Bolton Bridge, and from Ma-a Road to McArthur Highway.

A 60 kph maximum speed is set from Sirawan to Ulas Crossing, from Lasang to Panacan, from Calinan to Ulas Crossing, and from CP Garcia Highway-McArthur Highway to Panacan.

Violators can be fined or arrested, if warranted, and their vehicle impounder under the provisions of Republic Act 4136 (the governing traffic

law of the Philippines) and the city’s traffic ordinance.

As a result of the implementation of Speed Limit Law, there was a significant drop in road crashes from January to December in 2014.

Meanwhile, the Geneva-based World Health Organization (WHO) said road crashes kill more than 1.2 million people and seriously injure or disable as many as 50 million worldwide every year. And the situation is getting worse.

“If significant steps are not taken, the crash death rate in low- and middle-income countries – which already experience more than 85 percent of road deaths and injuries – will increase by 80 percent by 2020,” the UN health agency warns.

Globally, it is estimated that there are now roughly 100 million families coping with the deaths or disabilities of family members who were injured in a road traffic collision, recently or in the past.

“They are coping with grief for the dead and care for the disabled,” the UN health agency said. “Often, they are also living with reduced incomes, increased expenses and the burden of dealing with police, courts, insurers, medical systems, and other bureaucracies.”

psychosocial support sessions in Iligan City for 811 individuals.

Health Secretary Dr. Paulyn Ubial assured that the DOH will deliver essential health services to the evacuees. ”We commit to stay on top of the situation to continually ensure the health and welfare of all our countrymen in Mindanao, Christians and Muslims alike, until this crisis is finally

resolved,” Ubial said.

According to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the clashes in Marawi City have displaced 4,317 families or 20,754 persons, who are currently staying in 64 evacuation centers, and another 42,672 families or 207,622 persons, who are staying with relatives or friends in nearby regions.

(DOH-PR)

The ad became controversial for two reasons -- replacing the hit slogan “It’s more fun in the Philippines” with “Experience the Philippines” and allegedly copying a South

African campaign ad in 2014.

Alegre also clarified that it was not replacing “It’s More Fun” and that “Experience the Philippines” was merely a “call to action.” (PNA)

the terror group’s money,” he added.

Nograles, primary author of the Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act (Republic Act 10168), said the law allows the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) to freeze the financial assets of those perceived to be involved in providing financial aid to suspected terrorists.

The House leader urged the Philippine National Police and the National Bureau of Investigation to immediately trace the money trail and determine if the source is linked to terrorist operations, particularly of the Maute group.

“The next step should be to trace the money trail and im-

mediately freeze all financial assets that are tied up with the money seized in Marawi. We can debilitate these terrorists if we destroy their money pot,” Nograles said.

Furthermore, the PNP and the Armed Forces of the Philippines can also use the extraordinary powers of martial law to crush terror financing in Mindanao, the lawmaker noted.

“The government’s job of neutralizing these terrorists will be made be easier if we can deny them financial support. Without money, they will be helpless, and that makes it easier for government to track them down and neutralize them,” Nograles said. (PNA)

Road... FROM 1

DOH... FROM 2

Fun... FROM 2

Cut... FROM 2

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 PUJ Dual Ordinary Regular Service.

Case No. R11-EV-PJ2017-E-1752 (2002-XI-01752)

PABLO D. PERIN, Petitioner

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

NOTICE OF HEARING Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of a PUJ Dual Ordinary service on theroute: CIRCULATION ROUTE 6 and for cargoes as dual service from said route to any point in Region XI with the use of ONE (1) unit, which Certificate will expire on September 22, 2017. In the petition filed on May 31, 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 JULY 10, 2017 at 09:10 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 1st day of June 2017 at Davao City.

Atty. CATTLEYA B. ACAYLAR Attorney IV

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 PUJ DUAL Ordinary Regular Service Case No. R11-EV-PJ2017-E-566 (2012-XI-00566)

CATAGRANDE TRANSPORT SERVICE COOP., Petitioner x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - --x

NOTICE OF HEARING Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of a PUJ Dual Ordinary Regular service on the route: CATALUNAN GRANDE and for cargoes as dual service from said route to any point in Region XI with the use of FOUR (4) units, which Certificate will expire on November 23, 2017.

In the petition filed on May 30, 2017, petitioner requests authority to extend the validity of said Certificate to operate along the same route with the use of the same units previously authorized.

NOTICE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on JULY 4, 2017 at 9:00 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 submitted by the parties, unless the Board deems it necessary to receive additional documentaryand/or oral evidence.

WITNESS the Atty. TERESITA DELA PEÑA-YÑIGUEZ, Regional Director, this 31st day of May 2017 at Davao City.

Atty. CATTLEYA B. ACAYLAR Attorney IV

INdulge!

VOL. 10 ISSUE 53 • THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2017

FOOD

EDGEDAVAO

A celebration of

Filipino flavours

WORLD FOOD WRITERS ARE CALLING IT THE NEXT BIG CUISINE, and with so many new developments and a renewed passion in discovering the different techniques and flavour profiles, Filipino cuisine is indeed taking the world by storm.

Locally in Durianburg, you see many young chefs opening new restaurant concepts, marrying various traditional and new culinary techniques with Filipino ingredients and sensibilities to discover, invent and reinvent the flavours of the islands.

To celebrate this newfound fervour and interest for all things Filipino, the

“

Stuffed fried sili.

World food writers are calling it the next big cuisine, and with so many new developments and a renewed passion in discovering the different techniques and flavour profiles, Filipino cuisine is indeed taking the world by storm.

Marco Polo Davao introduced a festive buffet of Filipino culinary delights at Café Marco. Launched last Independence Day, June 12, the buffet is a cornucopia of various regional Filipino dishes spanning north to south of the archipelago.

In a switch of roles, Executive Chef Alex Destriza took the back seat as Restaurants, Bars and Events Manager Chel Yabut, who so happens to also be a food historian, blogger, recipe and culinary director, doned the toque and took over the kitchen to bring authentic recipes to the Heart of Davao kitchen.

Chel also demonstrated the preparation of Tagalog Ensaladang Talong, a tra-

ditional roasted eggplant salad, and Pancit Pusit ni Asiong’s, a glass-noodle dish blacked with squid ink and topped with pork chicharon and sour kamias fruit.

“Celebrating our country’s national day or Araw ng Kalayaan is very timely and important in our times today. Food is a representation of our freedom and culture as Filipino from where you can taste the influence of Spanish, American, Japanese and Southeast Asian countries. Filipino not becoming globally recognised to be truly appetising and sumptuous,” says General Manager Dottie Wurgler-Cronin. The opening night of the buffet featured traditional

Clay pots take center stage at the buffet station.

Deep fried tawilis.

RBE Manager Chel Galang cooks up a bowl of Pancit Pusit able assisted

by Executive Chef Alex Destriza.

Salted egg ensaimada.

The sisig station.

Filipino dishes like Karekare, Kaldereta, Mechado, Pochero, Sinigang, Afriatada, Pinakbet, and Adobo all served in traditional clay pots. There was also a Sisig station where the famous dish from Pampanga is freshly made and served sizzling hot.

Aside from various pastries, the dessert station featured traditional ‘kakanin’ or rice cakes, flans, and native confections. My favourite dessert though would be the mini salted egg ensaymadas, super buttery brioche

bread topped with cheese and a slice of savoury salted egg. The salty yolk added a nice pop of flavour that balances out the richness of the bread.

Not to be forgotten were Davao’s very own Malagos Cheeses which are also a highlight of the buffet.

You can still catch Cafe Marco’s Filipino buffet at The Marco Polo Davao up to the 17th of June. The buffet is priced at Php799nett for lunch and Php1,100nett for dinner. Reservations can be made by calling (82) 221-0888.

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FOOD

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 53 • THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2017

PANalo pizza moments at Pizza Hut

By BAI FAUZIAH FATIMA SINSUAT AMBOLODTO THE NEXT TIME YOU FEEL A FOOD CRAVING, head on to the nearest Pizza Hut and be amazed on how fast and inexpensive you can curb your appetite. Introducing Pizza Hut’s PANalo Pizza any time, any day!

At Pizza Hut, you only need to remember three numbers -- 59, 109, 159!

Pizza Hut’s PANalo Pizza comes in threes: three sizes you can choose from and three delectable variants you can munch on all day long. Be it Personal, Regular or Large pan, you are sure to have the most satisfying and #RealPANaloMoment with your family and friends.

Available for dine-in, take out and delivery, Pizza Hut now allows you to enjoy your favourite pizza minus the expensive cost!

At Php59 (personal pan pizza), Php109 (regular pan pizza) and Php159 (large pan pizza), talagang #PANalo ka sa sarap!

Are you a hardcore cheese lover? Or a devote hawaiian supreme lover

at heart? Or better yet, a cheesy trio pepperoni and bacon kind of pizza lover?

Whatever your cup of tea may be, you can satisfy your cravings at Pizza Hut. Available everyday. Now, you don’t have any reason to have a Pizza Hut #RealPANaloMoment every day of the week.

Not only that, Pizza Hut knows how tight our lunch breaks can be. Introducing Pizza Hut Lunch Express -- quick and deliciously satisfying bundle of lunch perfection served on time!

Choose your meals for as low as P99 and you’d

never look at lunch the same way again. Exclusively for dine-in and for a limited number of Pizza Hut branches, Lunch Express is available Mondays to Fridays, 10:00am to 2:00pm excluding holidays.

So what’s your Pizza Hut #RealPANaloMoment?

In Davao City, Pizza Hut is located at SM City Davao, Gaisano Mall of Davao, and at SM Lanang Premier. In General Santos City, Pizza Hut is located at SM City General Santos and at KCC Mall.

VOL. 10 ISSUE 53 • THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2017

FOOD

EDGEDAVAO

An elevated bagoong experience NOW SHOWING

June 14 – 20, 2017

CAN WE STILL BE FRIENDS Gerald Anderson, Arci Muñoz Guaranteed Seating & One Tim e Viewing Only

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12:45 | 3:00 | 5:15 | 7:30 | 9:45 LFS

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DESPICABLE ME 3 Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig Guaranteed Seating & One Time Viewing Only

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BAGOONG. Fermented shrimp paste. It’s always a love and hate relationship -- to the olfactory, yes -- but love, love, love for the gustatory. It might not be as pleasant smelling as a freshly baked Baked Wellington but any dish cooked with fermented paste is always one for the hungry juan.

Opening their first branch outside Manila, Bagoong Club Restaurant is one of Davao’s newest gastro hub that will have you asking for another cup of rice unconsciously. Located south and just a few stone’s throw away from a university, it’s no wonder this place has slowly becoming a favourite amongst locals and visitors alike.

A recent trip to the restaurant made me love bagoong even more. Their menu is filled with Pinoy favourites elevated with a few splashes of bagoong.

From their appetisers to their mains, you’d know that they love the bagoong to a tee.

Bagoong Rice Often served at home on a cold, rainy day, it would be a shame if Bagoong Club

won’t have their version of bagoong rice on board. As it turned out, theirs is very moist compared to what we are used to. Though one to favour a dried bagoong rice (of course, perfectly made with day old rice), their version is one for a dried ulam on your repertoire of flavours. Would have loved it even more if they included some chilly, paprika and tons of fried shallots and garlic pieces.

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Grilled Chicken Inasal This is definitely lit. Opposite of their bagoong garlic chicken, this dish is grilled, juicy and very moist. Yup. Moist to the core. Not only that. This dish is topped with a hefty serving of cooked bagoong that seeps right into the chicken tenders. Oh the melody it creates with every bite. This goes well with plain or flavoured rice.

Bagoong Garlic Chicken Crunchy, juicy and very Pinoy. Though dry, this dish is one for the road. Why? Because Bagoong Club provides for a hefty plate of bagoong as appetizer, you can create your own flavour without having to order a new dish. Make it sweet with their minatamis na bagoong or chilly with their kicking bagoong variety. Either or, you’d surely love the play on flavours.

Talong and Tofu Torta A new fave on my list. It’s packed and very magulay.

On the outside, it looks like a typical lumpia or omelette. But once you dig in, you’d be surprised of the

crunchy and delish filling it has. From cubed tofu to strands of crunchy bean sprouts and talong slices, it felt like Christmas in my palate. Can be eaten with or without rice, the gravy on top makes for a perfect coat of additional depth with every bite. Best paired with their in-house bagoong.

Leche Flan with Ube Halaya and Macapuno Considered a special dessert on their menu, their leche flan is packed and, as a friend said, sturdy. Unlike our usual leche flan, theirs is considerably sweet and not umay. I loved that you can verily eat a spoonful with some ube halaya and macapuno without the umay taste. Their leche flan is good for sharing.

Bagoong Club Davao is located at 123 University avenue, corner Talisay street, Juna subdivision, Matina, Davao City.

Want to know my latest food finds? Follow me on Instagram @iamleebai and Facebook @RoyalChefEats Happy munching, Royalistas!.

EDGEDAVAO

A4 INdulge!

VOL. 10 ISSUE 53 • THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 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

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 53 • THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2017

AFP... FROM 3

“We categorically state that we have not bombed and will not bomb mosque in Marawi. The Armed Forces leadership is firm in its commitment to use other options that would flush out this Maute/Daesh-inspired group from these places of worship that they have converted into machine gun and sniper nest, defensive position, and arsenals for their war activities,” the AFP statement said.

“The AFP assures our Muslim brothers and Islamic faithful that it will not go down to the level of these terrorists who desecrate places of worship to lure gov-

ernment security forces into responding to their violent activities in a similar manner.”

“We are confident that through other options available to the Armed Forces, we will be able to retake the remaining portion of Marawi occupied by these terrorists, neutralize the remaining members who continue to hold out and begin the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the city,” the statement said.

In the meantime, Padilla said that after 22 days of fighting, only four out of 96 barangays remain as areas of resistance in Marawi. (PNA)

in Barangay Paradise Embac in Paquibato District, Davao City.

Sanchez lambasted the military for saying that they were responding to reported atrocities in the area and said it was a “shameless propaganda blitz to cover up the fascist acts perpetuated by members of the Joint Task Force Haribon, especially in the last 19 days of Martial Law.” In a military press release issued on June 11, Major Ezra L. Balagtey, communications media officer of Joint Task Force Haribon, said two soldiers were killed while six others were wounded during the clash.

He also said that a young NPA fighter was killed in Sun-

day’s encounter. His exact age was not known.

He said the suspected rebel’s cousin, Arden Gallardo Garcia of Barangay Malabog in Paquibato confirmed he was an NPA member.

MGen Noel Clement, Commander of Joint Task Haribon, said they condemned the NPA’s alleged use of minors as combatants.

“We condemn the NPAs of using minors in their struggle. It is contradiction to their claim as human rights protector. We challenge them to spare the children and allow them to explore their potentials in school not in the terrorist armed group that encourages violence,” he said. (Antonio L. Colina IV/MindaNews)

1st quarter of 2017, we saw an 11.40% jump in visitor arrivals to 1.78 million from 1.60 million in the same period last year.

Also this year, around 160,000 airline seats have been added with new direct flights connecting secondary airports in China and South Korea, namely; Kalibo to Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Chengdu, Cebu to Wuhan, Chongqing, Chengdu, and Clark to Incheon. In addition, we were able to ink deals with China, Cambodia, Thailand, Turkey, and Russia in order to boost arrivals from these countries.

“Thirdly, the writer said that the DOT is focused only in doing pageantry and nothing else. While we do take pride in the successful conduct of the recent pageant which prompted the Ms. Universe Organization to offer us the privilege to host it again this November, we are continuously undertaking other activities lined up for this year as part of our efforts to establish the country as a premier MICE destination. Recently, we held the Madrid Fusion Manila and World Street Food Congress to promote Filipino cuisine to the world. Also, we will be hosting the UN World Tourism Organization Conference this month with other Ministers of Tourism and of course, the ASEAN 50th Anniversary whole year round.

“Fourthly, Ms. Santiago implied on the Secretary’s lack of understanding on tourism development to the environment,

highlighting the case of Coral Park in Coron, Palawan.

“Let us be clear that while the DOT will always be welcoming of investments, we are not for haphazard or inappropriate ones that will compromise our environment and endanger the lives of our fellow Filipinos.

“Finally, on the matter of preserving our cultural heritage, we are pleased to inform you that our Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) and the Intramuros Administration are in that direction already as well.

TIEZA has in fact executed an agreement with the National Commission on Culture and the Arts that calls for the rehabilitation of the 5 baroque churches in the Philippines and the Rice Terraces. On the other hand, our Intramuros Administration is now leading the preparation of Conservation Management Plan with the various stakeholders as well, based on UNESCO’s Urban Heritage framework.

“While we do recognize that there is so much that needs to be done in order for us to fully transform our tourism industry into a vehicle for inclusive growth, rest assured that the DOT family remains committed to do our best to attain this goal. We call on everyone to continue working with us – voice out any concern or suggestion – because after all, tourism is the business of every Filipino.”

NPA... FROM 3

DOT... FROM 4

NEWS 11

STATIC DISPLAY. As part of the 119th Celebration of Philippine Independence Day of Compostela Valley Province, the static display of the Philippine Army and the Philippine National Police equipment was held in front of Gaisano Grand Mall of Nabunturan on June 12, 2017. (M. Lasaca, ids comval)

CBCP opposes installation of free wifi inside churches A

N official of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines-Public Affairs Committee said it is not advisable to put up free wifi inside churches.

Fr. Jerome Secillano, CBCP-PAC executive secretary, noted that while it can help the faithful in praying, the parish will not be able to monitor if the people will use it for other purposes.

“The intention to install wifi in churches to aid people in praying is good but the irre-

sponsible use of it is certainly beyond the church’s control,” he said.

The Catholic priest added that the free internet access in parishes might be used to browse the internet instead of using it for spiritual purposes.

“The danger with installing wifi in churches is this might be used for purposes other than the spiritual,” Secillano said.

He added that people can download apps (prayer and other spiritual-related) some-

where else either in their homes or other places where there is free wifi prior to their visit to church.

“Even without wifi, there are apps that they can download before going to churches and use them for praying,” the Manila priest said.

“While we want to take advantage of what communications technology can offer, we would rather be prudent in their use than let people utilize them possibly for facebook, instagram, and internet

browsing,” he furthered.

Some malls, restaurants, coffee shops in the country are offering free internet access as part of their marketing strategies to entice customers.

On Monday, the government launched the free wifi access along EDSA and also at MRT stations.

With this, the public will have access to information such as weather, education and online jobs. (Ferdinand G. Patinio/PNA)

“Basta sasabihin lang taga-Marawi sila, tatanggapin sila. Saka na lang ‘yung mga requirements later” (They only need to say they’re from Marawi and they will be accepted.

The requirements can come in later,” the Education Secretary added.

Briones noted that Marawi students have enrolled in “as far as Tarlac.” That was on June 8. But the DepEd’s Marawi Division has tracked down Marawi students who have enrolled in places farther away — in Pangasinan and Zambales in Luzon.

Briones cited initial records showing how many displaced Marawi students have enrolled in other parts of the country: “1,391 children from Marawi City who are now enrolled in our schools outside of Marawi City.”

Of this number, 1,147 en-

roled in Region 10 (Northern Mindanao): 705 in Lanao del Norte, 338 in Iligan City and 104 in Misamis Oriental, 169 in Region 12’s General Santos City, Cotabato City, 50, Cotabato province, Tacurong City, Koronadal City, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Saranggani, Kidapawan City.

“We also a significant number in Region VII in Cebu because we have a large Muslim community. We have 34 new learners just in two divisions alone,” she said, and in Manila, at least 35.

Briones said they are still ” waiting for the advice of our military advisers on when Marawi will finally be ready for the opening of schools.”

Classes in all public schools in the country started on June 5.

Briones called on displaced Marawi families to “please enroll your children in the nearest school because they can always return (to the Marawi schools) if they wish to” later.

She explained that National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. had proposed that classes in Marawi open on June 19, two weeks after June 5 offical start of the schoolyear.

She said Esperon suggested that the school opening in Marawi not be held on June 5.

He quoted Esperson as saying in Filipino that “even if we take over, we recover Marawi, we

still need to do clearing operations. For all you know, they might leave something in the buildings as well as other surprises.”

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana had earlier said the Marawi Crisis would be over by June 2.

Citing the developments in Marawi, Briones said they cannot say if classes could open by June 19. “The way things are, baka the extension might be longer,” he said.

Briones said that as of June 6, “at least six big business organizations have already expressed .. interest… in the repair of the school buildings that .. are .. damaged (and would require) financial assistance, etc.”

She said the military’s Engineering Brigade “will move in and do the repair work” once the fighting ends. (Carolyn O. Arguillas / MindaNews)

Where... FROM 6

Enroll your children Briones said they continue to encourage the displaced families “to enroll their children wherever they are in the nearest school,” Briones said, adding that “originally, we thought that classes can open within two weeks.”

12 PROPERTY EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 53 • THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2017

Aeon Towers stirs excitement over property market

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO njb@edgedavao.net

D

AVAO City’s property market is abuzz and continues to draw new investments into the city’s vast available real estate.

More developers are now training its sights towards the city from the already crowded Metro Manila, thanks to the ones which likely have stirred the excitement.

Leading those who pioneered the mushrooming high-rise developments is the 33-level Aeon Towers, soon to be Mindanao’s tallest skyscraper.

Aeon Towers, which topped off last February, now hovers over the city’s growing metropolis.

Passing through J.P. Laurel Avenue these days, one cannot help but marvel in awe at how the busy city landscape will look like once the building is completed late this year or by January next year.

The Aeon Towers is already being compared to the majestic Marina Bay Sands of Singapore and FTC Group of Companies president and CEO Ian Cruz cannot help but be very proud of his brainchild.

Now nearing 80 percent completion, the Aeon Towers project is the future iconic structure of Davao City.

The J.P. Laurel section will have by then a number of high-rise buildings but nothing compares to the state-ofthe-art architectural masterpiece that’s Aeon Towers.

That is why it is not surprising that the Aeon Towers is down to its last remaining units.

“These are the prime units and we have just a few left,” said marketing manager Gen Marchan.

With just a handful few units are left in the inventory, the remaining ones are quite naturally, by the dictates of the market, the cost is way higher than when sales opened two years back.

“The value has pretty much increased since. Those who came in early to purchase their own units are re-

ally lucky,” said Marchan.

Long before the current property sales boom in Davao City, the market has already started to come in droves for what now stands as the most curiously interesting piece of real estate down South.

As it was, the past months have seen homeseekers and investors chasing a piece of Aeon Towers.

Of late, the property market in Davao City is going through brisk sales with the high demand for property ever since President Rodrigo Duterte became President.

Aeon Towers is the initial

venture into real estate development by the FTC Group of Companies, a Davao-born firm with highly successful track record in business.

Aeon Towers, located at JP Laurel Avenue in Davao’s CBD, will have residential units of varying sizes and features in several floors, a luxury hotel, fitness gym, jogging lane, shops, BPO offices, skydeck pool, and offices.

The Aeon Towers building is cast in glass and will have a clear look at the majestic environs of Davao and the nearby Island Garden City of Samal.

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 Clerk 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

13 AGRITRENDS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 53 • THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2017

Philippines now 101% corn sufficient Text and Photos by HENRYLITO D. TACIO

“W

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

Dr. Mamaril bared the information during the recent launching of “Global Status of Commercialized Biotech/GM Crops in 2016,” published by the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA).

Thanks to Bt corn, a genetically modified (GM) corn. In 2003, less than 50,000 hectares of Bt corn were planted all over the country. By 2014, the hectare went up to around 700,000, or about 54% of the total 1.3 million hectares planted to corn. Last year, more than 800,000 hectares were planted to Bt corn.

The increase signified farmer and market acceptance, according to Dr. Mamaril. “The mere fact that planting area grew to 800,000 hectares

is proof that it is a successful crop and farmers believed in it,” he pointed out.

Although production went down in 2015 due to drought brought about by El Niño, it rebounded the following year, according to the ISAAA report.

“Around 812,000 hectares of biotech corn was planted in the Philippines in 2016, a remarkable 16% increase from the 702,000 hectares planted in 2015 which is equivalent to 110,000 hectares,” ISAAA said in a statement.

Notwithstanding the slump, the Philippines still managed to become the 12th producer of biotech corn in the world and the top grower in Southeast Asia in 2016. “The increase is due to favorable weather conditions and high local demand for livestock and feed stocks,” the report said.

Bt corn is a variant of corn that has been genetically altered to express one or more proteins from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt).

Bt, which has been found in Philippine soils, was discovered to have an insecticidal

property in 1901. By the 1950s, Bt became a well-known biological insecticide.

The Bt protein is expressed throughout the plant. “When a vulnerable insect eats the Bt-containing plant, the protein is activated in its gut, which is

alkaline,” explained W.S. Cranshaw in a fact sheet published by the Colorado State University Extension Office.

“In the alkaline environment,” Cranshaw continued, “the protein partially unfolds and is cut by other proteins, forming a toxin that paralyzes the insect’s digestive system and forms holes in the gut wall. The insect stops eating within a few hours and eventually starves.”

In the Philippines, the average landholding of 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.

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

One of those farmers who believed in Bt corn is Lydia Lapastora of barangay Yeban Norte in Benito Soliven, Isabela. According to her, she planted Bt corn in

F AGRITRENDS, 14

14 MOTORING EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 53 • THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2017

Chevrolet PH dealers awarded in NY Dole T

... FROM 7

dealers in the region for their excellence. Winners were selected based on vehicle and parts sales, service, customer satisfaction and facility standards. They were judged on both the quantity and the quality of their operations.

This year’s participants included the highest-performing dealers from Australia and New Zealand, the Middle East, Korea, Israel, Japan and Southeast Asia.

They engaged in a series of business meetings and team-building activities.

GM Executive Vice President and President of GM International Stefan Jacoby said, “Over the past year, our dealers have done an outstanding job putting the customer at the center and strengthening their commitment to the I Care Culture. They have been a critical part of our team.”

This year’s Grandmasters program began on May 7 with a welcome reception at Cadillac House, the new home of GM’s American luxury brand. The

dealers were able to view Cadillac’s award-winning lineup, including the CT6, XT5, CTS and ATS. The following day they got down to business, as the Grandmasters received a company update from Jacoby. GMI Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Aftersales Mike Devereux talked about the exciting new technology coming to dealers’ showrooms, while highlighting the ongoing importance of customer care.

A special speaker was GM Vice President of Global Design Mike Simcoe, who came from Detroit to personally show the dealers the cutting-edge Chevrolet Bolt EV, new Chevrolet Cruze, GMC Terrain, and new Chevrolet Traverse. Simcoe also introduced Maven, GM’s flexible mobility platform that is offering multiple car-sharing products for consumers and businesses.

A tech talk followed, with dealers learning more about

Google and Facebook, and the growing connection between the automotive industry and global technology companies.

According to Jacoby, “The future for GM will be about technology and innovation, as we strive to create a safer and more enjoyable driving experience while taking the lead in connectivity, ridesharing, alternative propulsion and autonomous driving.”

This year’s program closed on May 9 with a gala awards dinner, during which the dealers were officially declared Grandmasters.

Speaking at the awards dinner, General Directors SEA Distributor Sales Operations, Gary Player said: “Congratulations to our dealers from Philippines. You have been instrumental in the growth of GM and Chevrolet in Philippines. You have set a great example for your fellow dealers, and we are proud to have each of you as a partner.”

corded cleft patients’ details using the app, as Operation Smile aims to store patient information on the Web for better access and monitoring.

Arleen Antolo, 24, a speech teacher at Hope Foundation and volunteer for Operation Smile, travels for at least two hours from Bacolod to farflung rural health units and barangay health centers in Negros Occidental to meet with other volunteers and cleft patients for possible inclusion in succeeding medical missions.

Antolo, who has been a volunteer for three years now, said her love for teaching and

for children were what drove her to help in Operation Smile.

“It feels good to help cleft patients, and see them smile. Being treated will definitely help them have a better future,” she said.

She expressed appreciation for the app, which she used to record patient details during the Bacolod mission.

“This will help lessen paperwork—we won’t need to carry folders of patient records, which may get lost or even get wet when the rain comes,” Antolo said.

The Operation Smile app is available as a free download

for iOS and Android devices.

Anyone can download and use the app—just open an account and follow the instructions on uploading patient information.

Patient details gathered through the app will be uploaded to the central server of Operation Smile, which will use the information to monitor patients’ treatment and plan for the locations of succeeding medical missions.

“In our efforts to use technology for good, we partner with institutions such as Operation Smile, which seeks to bring healthcare closer to com-

munities. We support Operation Smile as it aims to eradicate the backlog of cleft conditions worldwide,” said Ramon R. Isberto, public affairs group head for PLDT and Smart.

For its part, Operation Smile has expressed its appreciation for Smart’s efforts.

“We sincerely appreciate all that [Smart has] done to help us give people with cleft conditions new smiles,” the global Operation Smile unit said on its Twitter account.# To support Operation Smile, Smart subscribers may also donate by texting SMILE (space) (amount) to 4483.

When asked if he wants to participate in the White House visit, Iguodala said: “Hell nah”.

Fired up teammate David West told The Undefeated he would consider snubbing the visit even if his teammates do end up being received at the White House.

“I don’t know. I probably won’t,” West said “But I’m going to enjoy this. They’re going to have to get me down from this cloud.

I can’t describe it.”

West has previously been outspoken about his lack of support for the new US President.

“All the tactics that he used to get elected are the

very things that someone like me, who works with youth on a consistent basis, are the things that we try to talk our young folks out of being,” West said earlier this season.

“We try to talk our young people out of being bullies. We try to talk our young men out of disrespecting women. We try to talk our young people into being accepting of other people’s opinions and other people’s walks of life.”

“He is the complete opposite of all of that,” West added.

Warriors star Curry has also previously insinuated Trump is an “ass”.

Curry was put in an awkward position when the chief

executive of his shoe partner Under Armour came out and described Trump as “a great asset”.

Curry responded by saying: “I agree with that description if you remove the ‘et’” from asset.”

Warriors coach Steve Kerr has also been critical of Trump.

He last month labelled Trump a “blowhard” and declared he is “ill-suited” to be President.

“Has anyone ever thought that Donald Trump was a great leader?” Kerr questioned at the time.

Despite the Warriors players strong statements in the

past, a precedent has been set that outstanding performers in sport would continue to be honoured at the White House despite Trump winning office.

Super Bowl champions New England made the trip to the White House earlier this year and the newly crowned NHL champions Pittsburgh have already declared they would be honoured to be offered the chance to meet the President if an offer comes their way.

For now the party continues in Oakland with the team to be honoured with a street parade on Friday (AEDT), but this is a story that won’t be going away any time soon.

HE top dealers from Philippines were among the 116 dealers from 13 markets recently named GM International (GMI) Grandmasters during the annual program in New York City.

The winners from the Philippines were Chevrolet Alabang, named Metro Manila Dealer of the Year and was represented

by Mr. Felix K. Limcaoco, Mr. Rene K. Limcaoco, Mr. Tey Sornet, and Mr. Carlo Montemayor, and Chevrolet Iloilo, awarded with Regional Dealer of the Year and was represented by Mr. Jan Andrew Po and Ms. Iris Chua Po. Chevrolet Philippines – The Covenant Car Company, Inc. (TCCCI), the exclusive distributor of Chevrolet automobiles and parts in the country, was represented by Ms. Lyn Buena, Senior Vice President and Director for Marketing Services of TCCCI. Now in its 14th year, the GMI Grandmasters was created to reward GM’s best of the best

A boost... FROM 7

TRUMP... FROM 15

congratulatory message to the company.

“This event reflects the continued confidence of Dole in investing in the Philippines, particularly in Mindanao. The certainty and conviction of Dole to invest in Mindanao is a testament to the country’s sound

macro-economic fundamentals, sustained investor confidence and good governance, which bode well for the agency’s thrust to strengthen the country’s position as preferred global investment destination,” Lopez said in his message. (Bong S. Sarmiento/MindaNews)

2005 and was surprised to harvest seven metric tons per hectare which was way higher than the 5.5 metric tons per hectare average for nonconventional corn.

Her net income for the Bt corn increased to P45,215 per hectare, up from P34,194 per hectare using the conventional corn. Now a millionaire, she was named Magsasaka Siyentista in 2008.

Another successful Bt corn farmer is Maitum S. Salendab, who is from Datu Paglas in Maguindanao. The uneducated man who only knew how to use gun before until he learned corn farming related his story to James Konstantin Galvez, a reporter of Manila Times.

Speaking in vernacular, Salendab recounted: “In the past I carried a gun, but when I learned how to plant corn, I slowly realized that this was better.” From the initial P10,000 he earned after harvesting Bt corn, he studied and finished high school.

Now married, he was able to build his own home and a small sari-sari store for his growing family. He is still into farming – planting Bt corn.

Currently, biotech corn is planted in 16 countries. In Asia, aside from the Philippines, it is also planted in India, China, Pakistan, Myanmar, Vietnam and Bangladesh. In North America, Bt corn is grown in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

More countries in South America grow Bt corn: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Honduras, Paraguay and Uruguay. Only two countries in Africa join the bandwagon: South Africa and Sudan. In Europe, the following countries grow biotech corn: Czech Republic, Slovakia and Spain.

So far, Bt corn is the only biotech crop planted in the Philippines. In the near future, other biotech crops may also be grown. Current research and development efforts on biotech or genetically modified crops 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.

“Unless there are no problems along the way,” Dr. Mamaril said, golden rice and Bt eggplant might be produced commercially in the Philippines “within two years.”

“All of the strong teams are in our bracket, so there will be little adjustment for us in Round 2,” said Pascua, whose wards downed competitive teams like Petron, Sta. Lucia and the reigning champions in Cargo Movers.

“The chemistry of our team, especially our setter (Chie Saet), is starting to take place. They already know what to do by just observing the body language of each other. We also had a (training) camp (in Japan) so we had a little bonding. I think that’s our biggest advantage.”

But against F2 Logistics, a squad bannered by reigning University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) champion De La Salle University, Cignal was at its best.

The HD Spiker jumped the gun early to win the first two sets in impressive fashion before slowing down in the third after committing seven service errors.

They, however, reemerged in the fourth set as Daquis and Saet did damage from the service box that threw the Cargo Movers out of their comfort zone.

“I told them to minimize those errors in the fourth set,” Pascua said, noting that their four aces in the fourth set spelled doom for the Cargo Movers.

“They had substitution. So we target whoever is fresh off the bench like Cha Cruz and (Ara) Galang.”

UAAP Most Valuable Player Majoy Baron tallied 14 points while Kim Dy had nine markers to lead the Cargo Movers, who suffered their second straight setback.

They still have a chance to avert a complete shutout when they tangle with Sta. Lucia Realty tomorrow (Thursday) in the first out-of-town game of this league that also has Senoh, Mueller, Mikasa, Asics and Grand Sport as tech-

AGRITRENDS... FROM 13

Cignal... FROM 15

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. VOL.10 10ISSUE ISSUE53 53••THURSDAY, THURSDAY,JUNE JUNE15, 15,2017 2017

SPORTS 15

CHAMP AT LAST. Kevon Durant celebrates his first NBA title.

TRUMP SNUB Warriors might skip White House visit

T

HE Golden State Warriors got to enjoy their championship celebrations for all of an hour before the team was forced to confront its next controversy.

The team, guided by a reported unanimous decision from the playing group, will snub any offer to be received

by US President Donald Trump at the White House.

The Warriors on Tuesday (AEDT) became the most celebrated team in America after proving their might to overthrow the Cleveland Cavaliers 4-1 in the NBA Finals series.

Reports emerged soon after their stunning victory

over LeBron James’ team in Game 5 that Warriors players had already decided not to participate in the honour of meeting the US President in a formal reception at the White House — as they did in 2015 when Barack Obama was in his second term as President and the team again defeated the Cavaliers to be crowned champions of the NBA. However, as the controversial snub was building into a political storm, the Warriors released a statement refuting the reports that a final decision had been made by the team to skip any invitation to meet Trump in Washington.

The Warriors statement

uodala said before his team’s victory in Game 5 that it is likely the situation will play out behind closed doors before both the White House and Warriors agree to a position that spares blushes on both sides.

“Maybe (Trump) doesn’t (invite us) and we don’t go, or we don’t say anything and make a big deal of it, and he doesn’t make a big deal of it and we go our separate ways,” Iguodala told USA Today.

“Y’all might write about it. I might call him and say, ‘If they ask, just say our schedules conflicted.’ And then if y’all write something, we’ll

say ‘Fake News.’”

“We’re going to do what our leader (Stephen Curry) does. I think we handle (the White House situation) when it gets there. I mean, it may

HE Philippine Sports Commission, through Chairman William Ramirez’s Sr. Executive Assistant, Ronnel Abrenica released the P150,000 incentive of Davao City for winning 3rd over-all place in the Batang Pinoy 2016 National Championships.

Atty. Zuleika Lopez City Administrator and Michael

Denton Aportadera Officer-in-Charge of City Sports Development Division and City Anti-Drug Abuse Council received the award on behalf of Mayor Sara Duterte Carpio.

“The incentives offered to winners are not a lot but it shows the PSC’s recognition for the LGU’s efforts to becoming partners for sports development and most im-

portantly it shows appreciation for the hard work the children put into preparing and participating in the Games,” said Abrenica of the cash award.

It would be recalled that the PSC offered cash incentives for the top winning LGUs in the said games. The Cities of Baguio and Cebu took first and second over-all place re-

spectively in said event which was held in Tagum City.

Batang Pinoy is a national multi-sports event for children 17 years old and below.

The 2016 edition gathered around 14,000 children from across the nation. This year, the games will have its Luzvimin legs before the national championship in February 2018.

Games Thursday (Bacoor City Strike Gym)

to pull off a 27-25, 25-21, 2125, 25-19 victory yesterday in the Philippine Superliga (PSL) All-Filipino Conference at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

The HD Spikers uncorked four of their nine service aces in the deciding set to seal their third straight win and enter the second round as the un-

beaten top seed in Pool A of this prestigious club league bankrolled by Belo, Rebisco and Gold’s Gym with TV5 as official broadcast partner.

Jovelyn Gonzaga spearheaded the assault with 17 kills for a total of 18 points, but it was Rachel Anne Daquis and Royse Tubino who carried the fight in the fourth

set as they torched the Cargo Movers’ defense from the open position.

Daquis emerged with 16 points while Tubino submitted 15 markers for Cignal, who will join the top two finishers in Pool B composed of Foton, Generika-Ayala, Cocolife and Cherrylume in Round 2.

did not address the reports that the Warriors playing group has already made up its mind and stated simply that the franchise will “will make those decisions when and if necessary”.

“Today is all about celebrating our championship,” the statement claimed.

“We have not received an invitation to the White House, but will make those decisions when and if necessary.”

While most players refused to discuss their reported decision to shun the White House, some players provided hints the playing group isn’t interested.

Star guard Andrew Ig-

be different. There might be somebody different in (office).

That’s a realistic thing to say though, right? So you don’t know what’s going to happen.”

F TRUMP, 14

CHOMPING THE CIGAR. Steph Curry chomps the championship cigar.

PSC releases Batang Pinoy incentives of Davao

T

Cignal spikers topple F2 Logistics

(L-R) Michael Denton Aportadera, OIC of Davao City Sports Development Division and City Administrator, Atty. Zuleika Lopez receives the check for the 2016 Batang Pinoy cash incentive from PSC’s Sr. Exec. Asst. Ronnel Abrenica.

5 pm – Generika-Ayala vs Cherrylume 7 pm – F2 Logistics vs Sta. Lucia Realty

C

IGNAL took advantage of F2 Logistics’ faulty reception in the fourth set

F CIGNAL, 14

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

TOO MUCH FIREPOWER Former Davao Eagles coach breaks down keys to GSW NBA title win

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO

H

njb@edgedavao.net

AVING too may weapons is just u n fo r g ive a b l e .

But that’s what you need to be invincible, or close to it.

A day after the Golden State Warriors clinched their second NBA title in three years, Chicago-based veteran mentor Ronel Leuterio broke down the keys to the Warriors’ victory over the deposed champions Cleveland Cavaliers in five games.

Leuterio, who also serves as the liaison officer of the Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas (SBP) in Region 11 headed by sports patron-businessman Glenn Escandor, gave Edge Davao his insights on the series on the parameters of offense, defense, coaching, talent, and team play.

Did he foresee how the series is going?”After the first game, yes I believed Golden State will go all the way,” the ace bench tactician who has coached the Davao Eagles in the MBA and St. Benilde in the NCAA said.

Before going down to details, Leuterio gave his overview: “There are few absolute truths in basketball and one of them is you win championships with talent and hard work. Another is good coaching is having your players bought in to how you wanted them to play. Last year, Cleveland barely beat Golden State

and it has gone until Game 7, and that’s without KD (Kevin Durant).

Can’t really be that complicated, GSW has just to many weapons in their arsenal.”

In the offense side, Leuterio pointed out the key players on both sides.

“KD + Curry +Thompson + Green is better than James + Irving + Love.”

On defense: “It’s much much easier to defend against one on one plays (Lebron James) than having to guard plays that make extra passes.”

On coaching, Leuterio gives credit to Steve Kerr’s “unselfish” mentality.

“His strength is his ability to delegate to his assistant coaches the load of the work, and testament to that is even on his absence, the team doesn’t feel it. For me, that’s good leadership and I don’t think (Cleveland coach Tyronn) Lue can do that.” Leuterio said.

Gauging the talent of both squads, Leuterio gives it to GSW but has a few insight on how Cleveland can counterpunch in the free agency market and prepare for a rematcch next year.

“Talent wise Cleveland perhaps will need (future free agent) Paul George (Indiana) to compete against Golden State. Good teams will always punch and counterpunch.”

FACILITATOR. Steph Curry was the main facilitator of a teamoriented Golden State Warriors against Lebron James and his gang of Cleveland Cavaliers.

And then there’s team play.

Which team played smarter?

“Losing has always been a good motivator. Perhaps that has galvanized GSW desire for vengeance. Everyone seems to play like one cohesive unit,” he said.

It’s going to be a rivalry between these two great teams and Leuterio thinks there will be more of GSW-CLE finals in the future because that’s how great franchises deal with victories and react to defeats.

VOL. 10 ISSUE 53 • THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2017

RONEL LEUTERIO. “You win championships with talent and hadwork.”